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Well, it's time to give thanks. Thanks for all that we have in life -- prosperity, our homes, our health, our families. And last but not least, thank heavens this federal election campaign is almost over!

This campaign has had more dips than the TSX and Dow combined. First Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion was trailing with a self-imposed Green Shift anchor around his neck. In recent days Stephen Harper was dipping thanks to the economic turbulence.

Who will come out on top Tuesday? Sleuth's sources in low-lying political circles say it's still too close to call. A week ago he would have been confident to predict a Harper majority, but is a majority still there?

On the local scene, candidates Brian Not-so-Smilin' Murphy and Daniel Allain are in a heated battle for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe. This debate has turned a little nasty; Sleuth saw both candidates campaigning at the Moncton Farmers Market a few weeks ago and they passed each other in an aisle without even a sideways glance.

Allain held a highly-political meeting with Crossman Community Centre-Kay Arena supporters early in the campaign. He came close -- but didn't quite -- promise federal funding for Phase 2 of the project. His tag-along cabinet minister, Stockwell Day, also wasn't opening the chequebook. Murphy's people were upset with how their candidate and party was portrayed by some Lewisville organizers of that Allain campaign appearance. So Brian organized his own meeting with the Kay crowd last weekend. He brought along Moncton East MLA Chris Collins as support.

Murphy's message to the Lewisville folks was this: he supports and has always supported Phase 2 of the Kay; instead of just talking about it, he brought the province to the table with a commitment and also brought a commitment from the mayor to look at funding the project. As a parting message, Murphy suggested politics should be left out of kids' sports.

Should be interesting to see the poll results from Lewisville on Tuesday night!

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Speaking of the election, Sleuth hears his share of political jokes but one that crossed his desk this week is just too good not to share.

It seems one day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, "I cannot accept money. I'm doing community service this week." The florist is pleased and leaves the shop.

When the barber opens his shop the next morning there is a "thank you" card and a dozen roses waiting.

Later, a cop visits for a haircut, and when he tries to pay, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money. I'm doing community service this week." The cop leaves happy and the next morning when the barber opens up there is a "thank you" card and a dozen donuts at his door.

Later that day, a college professor goes in for a haircut and encounters the same routine. The professor is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber opens, there is a "thank you" card and a dozen different books, such as "How to Improve Your Business" and "Becoming More Successful."

Then, an MP comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The MP is very happy and leaves.

The next morning when the barber opens up, there are a dozen MPs lined up waiting for a free haircut.

***

Sleuth had to chuckle at the story this week quoting Canada's foremost gas expert, M.J. Ervin of Alberta, debunking a report which suggested New Brunswickers should pay more for gas and home heating oil. Ervin is probably the most quoted individual in Canada when it comes to energy matters. So imagine Sleuth's surprise when he discovered not so long ago that M.J.'s twin brother, Patrick, is New Brunswick Energy Minister Jack Keir's right hand man. Patrick Ervin is director of pipelines, petroleum and natural gas for the province. He's the go-to guy for Keir on gas regulation, pricing and other matters. Sleuth wonders if the twins ever get together to swap secrets, forecasts and rumours. At least it's nice to know N.B. has a pipeline -- so to speak -- to an industry expert.

***

From the coming and going file . . .

H and M Department Stores, a high-end fashion store for women, men and kids, is moving to the former Fairweather and Brass Decor locations in Champlain Place. Sleuth hears this will be the first H and M location in Atlantic Canada.

Just down the mall, Troy Page, long-time manager at the Eddie Bauer outlet, has accepted the manager's job at Eddie Bauer's Ottawa outlet. Page must have done his job well; the Ottawa location is the country's biggest volume store.

And this old gumshoe wonders what's in store for Susan LeBlanc-Robichaud. The long-time manager at the Memramcook Resort has stepped down.

Rumour has it she's about to accept a political plum somewhere. Susan was right-hand person to Georgio Gaudet, a long-time deputy minister in the provincial government.

***

And finally . . .

Those who know Metro Moncton's hotel industry will remember the name Martin Leclerc. Martin was the much-loved general manager of the Delta Beauséjour from 2002 to 2006. Martin left Moncton two years ago to take over Fairmont's prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.

An e-mail landed in Sleuth's in-box this week announcing Martin has just been named manager of another famous Fairmont property, The Empress in Victoria, B.C.

* Heard any good rumours or gossip? Sleuth wants to know what you know. Send all your best scuttlebutt to Sleuth via e-mail at sleuth@timestranscript.com or fax him at 859-4904. He'll check it out and report back here next Saturday with all the best tidbits.