13 July 2008
The Photography Of Al Popil . . .
19/07/2008 05:50
Hi Don,
Here is a picture from last night's Poundmaker Powwow.
Al Popil
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Wow Al, the colours in that shot are just amazing.
Don't forget to click on the photo to see a larger image folks.
Here is a picture from last night's Poundmaker Powwow.
Al Popil
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Wow Al, the colours in that shot are just amazing.
Don't forget to click on the photo to see a larger image folks.
Fun Facts . . .
19/07/2008 05:47
A snail can sleep for three years. (I know some people that could do this too.!)
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that also)
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
Council Scraps Speed Cameras
19/07/2008 05:43
Because they are 'a
blatant tax on the
motorist'A Tory council plans to pull £400,000 out of a speed camera project, claiming the devices are a 'blatant tax on the motorist'.
Swindon Borough Council in Wiltshire wants to spend the money on local safety measures, such as vehicle-activated speed signs.
Its proposal is believed to be the first time a council has publicly accused the Government of installing speed cameras to make money rather than prevent accidents.
Ring in this story here.
SINC SAYS:
You don’t suppose we should all e-mail a copy of this story to our city council, do you?
'Lucky' Koala Survives Being Dragged 12 Km
19/07/2008 05:37
From CBC News
SYDNEY, Australia - Austrialian media say a koala has survived being struck by a car and dragged for about 12 kilometres with its head and arm wedged through the vehicle's front grill.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation says the three-year-old male koala was not badly hurt. Staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Queensland state told ABC they have dubbed the koala "Lucky Grills."
Hospital manager Gail Gipp says Lucky was limp and unresponsive when he was brought to the animal hospital, but after "a bit of TLC" and some painkillers, he was up and around and eating food.
SINC SAYS:
Koalas just have to be the cutest little things on the planet.
Queen Victoria's Bloomers Had A 50-Inch Waist
19/07/2008 05:32
A pair of Queen
Victoria's bloomers have been discovered which
show that Britain's longest-reigning monarch
had a 50-inch
waist.The size of the underwear supports the theory that the Queen had become morbidly obese towards the end of her life.
The drawers - which dwarf the average British woman's 33 inch waist today - will be auctioned along with a selection of other Royal undergarments.
These include a nightdress and a chemise with an impressive 66 inch bust - nearly double the average chest size in Britain today.
The nightdress is also 50 inch from shoulder to hem, since Victoria was barely five feet tall in her later years.
Big story is here.
SINC SAYS:
In the old days we were polite enough to only say, the lady wore large dresses.
Fisherman Hooks Drowning Man In River
19/07/2008 05:32
HALLOWELL — Bob Greene saved a man's life with his fishing pole early Thursday.
Greene, 42, of Hallowell, said he was drinking a cup of coffee and waiting for the sun to rise over the Kennebec River around 4:30 a.m. when he heard what he thought was a bird making noise in the distance.
He assumed it was a cormorant, and hoped it didn't mean a day of battling birds while he tried to fish for stripers from the dock at the Hallowell boat landing.
"From the first time I heard (the noise) to when I actually got him, I had enough time to drink a large cup of coffee and start reading the paper," he said.
He figures about 20 minutes passed. Then he saw what he first thought was a log.
A second later, he realized it was a man bobbing down the river, and heard a faint call of "help."
More from the Portland Press Herald.
SWIVEL HIP SAYS:
Holy Beluga Whale, Batman! Let me see . . . this is the fishing story about the big one that didn’t get away, right?
Favre To Pack: It’s Your Move
19/07/2008 05:31
With Brett Favre potentially headed back to an even chillier reception than the below-zero conditions at his last game at Lambeau Field, the next step in the quarterback's plan to manoeuvre his way out of Green Bay is unclear.
Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told ESPN on Wednesday that he and Favre had "no definite plans to ask for reinstatement," and it was up to the Packers to decide what to do next.
"It's their move," Cook said.
Packers spokesman Jeff Blumb said Wednesday evening that the team had no response.
Meanwhile, Foxsports.com, citing an anonymous source, said the Packers have filed tampering charges with the NFL against the Minnesota Vikings, alleging "inappropriate dialogue" with offensive co-ordinator Darrell Bevell, a close friend of Favre and a former Packers assistant.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league had no comment on the report.
More from CBC Sports.
Packer’s President backs GM, coach in Favre standoff.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Enough, already.
Choi Takes One Stroke Lead Over ‘Shark’ At Open
19/07/2008 05:30
K.J. Choi is the new clubhouse leader at one-under par at the British Open after a sparkling round of 67.
Choi stole the headlines from two-time Open champion Greg Norman who was able to turn back the clock with back-to-back rounds of even par.
Coming in to the day two-over par, Choi got hot on the back nine at the Royal Birkhead with three birdies to grab the outright lead from Norman.
Although Choi is in search of his first major championship, he feels he is ready to take that next step.
"In majors, it's the middle of the greens," said Choi. "Hitting the greens is very important. I've got good experience in 10 years."
More from TSN.
Greg Norman, David Duval turn back the clock at British Open.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It is great to see the ‘Shark’ playing so well, defying “Father Time” and turning back the clock this week. If Norman is able to win, he would be the oldest player (53) to ever win a major championship.
Catch all of the live third round action this morning at 5:00 a.m. local time on TSN or TSN.ca.
1,200 Entries Received For Hockey ‘Anthem’
19/07/2008 05:29
In less than a month, Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge has received an overwhelming response.
Since the contest to choose new theme music for Hockey Night in Canadawas launched on June 19, CBC Sports has received a total of 1,200 entries from across Canada.
It's been music to the ears of CBC Sports executive director Scott Moore.
"The response from Canadians has been extraordinary. We couldn't be more pleased," said Moore. "As of this morning, the fact that we've received 1,200 submissions from coast to coast in such a short period of time exemplifies that this is truly a national competition and Canadians are thrilled about the opportunity to be a part of hockey history."
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It will certainly be interesting to watch what CBC comes up with as the new ‘anthem’ for Hockey Night In Canada. May I suggest, “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen?”
Pistorius Not Named To Olympic Team
19/07/2008 05:28
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius was not named to South Africa's Olympic team Friday.
Besides failing to meet the qualifying standard to run in the 400 metres, Pistorius was left off the 4x400-metre relay team. Athletics South Africa president Leonard Chuene said four other South Africans had faster times, and two others were chosen as alternates.
Pistorius has battled with authorities for months, ultimately winning an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in May that allowed him to compete against able-bodied athletes and more recently facing concerns that he could pose a danger to other athletes.
But Pistorius fell short of the 400 qualifying time of 45.55 seconds. On Wednesday, he recorded a personal best of 46.25. He said in May that his legal battles had prevented him from focusing on training, and that it might be more realistic to aim at qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, I take back yesterday’s comments. I guess there isn’t any reward for grit and determination after all.
From St. Albert's Place Reader's Photo Libraries
18/07/2008 03:44
Click on photos to see larger image.
City resident Art Dack was out in his back yard with his trusty camera watching the insects at feeding time. These two photos are the result of his efforts. Top photo is a spider eating an ant and the bottom photo is a Cannibal Dragon Fly. Thanks for sending them along Art. Anyone else have an interesting shot of their back yard?
Mayor Clarifies City's Position On Pesticide Use
18/07/2008 03:44
Don
I need to add some information to the pesticide matter.
I am on a committee for the Capital Region to provide direction to the 25 municipalities in the region relative to GIS information. What this is intended to do is to set direction for the region for many matters of public interest.
Let me explain.
I anticipate in the future that there will be numerous public safety and service issues that will be better accessed by the internet. Imagine "Global Earth" or local or regional "GIS" with all information loaded on it of pesticide location application, location of ambulances, location of buses, snow plow work, or simple matters as to where the road closures are. We are bombarded with ideas (and requests) to post information on everything from fire hydrant location to street pothole locations. Our website is averaging 1,100 hits per day with one of the highest hit categories bus service.
So, we are setting direction for these GIS related matters and are working with all the municipalities on direction, priorities, staffing, funding, technical stuff etc. What is being asked for a lot is public safety information (this is when the pesticide question comes up). But the question is also broader than just St. Albert. Now, I do not want to miss the point being made by the letters to you- "we need something for St. Albert", but I must also say that there are many many requests for posting of public safety information and public service requests requested to be posted. We are getting to these requests.
In the mean time, we are also reducing the pesticide use and are down to about 10-20% of the usage some 5 years ago or so. I dont have the exact data with me but I scanned that chart and emailed it to you the other day.
There is lots to do in the public health and safety arena that can be done,
Regards,
Nolan Crouse
Mayor
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for the additional information Mr. Mayor. The chart the mayor refers to is pictured to the left.
READER RESPONSE:
Mr. Mayor, we can not afford to wait for the region to get their act together on herbicides which are currently poisoning local edible, healthy, "organic" foods within our community. They are abundant right now. Today! Is there nobody in Public Works who could sit down with me for 5 minutes and help me mark my own city map with the most dangerous "spot" sprayed areas which we should avoid? I would consider those 5 minutes part of the superior service my high taxes entitle me to.
Our current problem has nothing to do with what the entire region intends to come up with eventually to deal with all kinds of safety issues. Some people actually supplement their food supply by gathering what grows "wild", like they have done for ever and ever. But no longer in the City of St.Albert which according to your website "is committed to the maintenance of a clean, healthy environment"!
I would like to see the pesticide use chart for this year!
Elke Blodgett
St. Albert
Police Answer Call Of Family Fight, Find Marital Bliss Instead
18/07/2008 03:36
From the BBC
NEW CASTLE — A report of a family fight Wednesday afternoon in New Castle didn't turn out to be what police expected.
A nine-year-old girl called 911 after she awoke from a nap and heard her mother screaming. She went to her mother's bedroom and thought her mother was being attacked.
Turns out, her parents were just enjoying marital relations.
But the New Castle Police Department responded to the little girl's call, and even filed a report, noting "Mom and Daddy were involved in a romantic moment and daughter mistook them as fighting."
SINC SAYS:
You can hardly blame the little girl if Mommy was screaming, can you?
He's Been Named The Ugliest Dog In The World
18/07/2008 03:29
But after battling
skin cancer Gus shows why he is a REAL
winnerHe's got a face only an adopted mother could love - and far more problems besides.
With only one eye, a withered ear, three legs and skin ravaged by cancer, nine-year-old Gus has been crowned the world's ugliest dog.
The nine-year-old Chinese Crested dog has spent the last eight years, since being rescued by owner Jeanenne Teed from a crate in a garage, battling all manner of illnesses.
Despite a series of operations costing Jeanenne more than £2,500, Gus is still battling cancer, but his loving family claim he is "so ugly he's cute".
Doggone details here.
SINC SAYS:
Oh man, is this guy ever ugly. But once you read about him and see the rest of the pictures, he kinda grows on you.
NASA Seeking Urine Samples From Employees
18/07/2008 03:26
Tells workers in
Houston to go boldly (in cup) for
scienceWASHINGTON - The No. 1 need right now for some of the builders of the United States' next spaceship: Lots of No. 1.
Space program contractor Hamilton Sundstrand is seeking urine from workers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston as part of its work on the new Orion space capsule that would eventually take astronauts to the moon.
This according to an internal memo posted on the website Nasawatch.com.
The need is voluminous - 30 litres a day, even on weekends.
Sample story here.
SINC SAYS:
I’ve got a suggestion. They could give the workers a couple of beers a day to speed up the process. You know that old saying, “drink a quart, pee a gallon”?
Afraid Of Laundry?
18/07/2008 03:24
You will be after
reading this story of a
snakeFrom CBC News
GORHAM, Maine - Mara Ranger will be a little paranoid doing laundry now.
When she was removing clothes from the washing machine at her Maine farmhouse Wednesday, the clothes moved.
She told WMTW-TV: "I jumped back" and saw a snake. She quickly shut the lid and called for help.
Maine Animal Damage Control operator Richard Burton reached into the machine and pulled and pulled - all 2432 centimetres of a reticulated python.
Burton guesses the snake got into Ranger's washing machine through water pipes. The snake's future home will be York Animal Kingdom in York.
Ranger is going to start looking into every corner of her washing machine.
She says: "I'm going to be looking in the tub first - before and after, maybe even during, the rinse cycle."
SINC SAYS:
Makes me wonder how photographer Al Popil made out hunting rattlesnakes last weekend.
New NHL Schedule Heightens Canadian Rivalries
18/07/2008 03:15
The puck will drop to begin the NHL season in Europe for the second consecutive year, as the league announced its full 2008-09 slate on Thursday.
Daniel Alfredsson will return to his native Sweden as the Ottawa Senators open in Stockholm on Saturday, Oct. 4, against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The New York Rangers will play the same day in Prague against Vincent Lecavalier and the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose roster includes No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos and a host of new players the team has acquired in the off-season.
For the first time since before the 2005 lockout, every team in the league will play all others at least once next season. The teams had been meeting inter-conference foes once every three seasons.
Canadian teams in opposing conferences will face each other twice, once in each club's rink.
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
While the new NHL schedule is certainly an improvement, it’s still a long way from a full-interlocking schedule SWIVEL HIPS has been advocating for a couple of years now. Why should Oiler fans be robbed of the opportunity and pleasure of seeing Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin in Edmonton this coming season?
Vikings Decline Comments On Favre-Tampering Charges
18/07/2008 03:14
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Vikings took a different stance on Thursday in what has become the story of the summer in the NFL: They decided NOT to talk about Brett Favre.
The Vikings said Thursday they would not comment on allegations by the Green Bay Packers that they made inappropriate contact with Favre before or during the three-time MVP's effort to un-retire.
''The Vikings are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league,'' said a statement read by a team spokesman.
The Favre saga has overridden everything else going on in the NFL, turning the NFL off-season into a one-story league. Another chapter was added Wednesday night when a person familiar with the Packers' complaint told The Associated Press that Green Bay has filed tampering charges against the Vikings.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Brett Favre as a Minnesota Viking? It’s really too bad, folks, but this story and this issue is getting completely out of hand. Please pass the remote, will you?
Weir Two Shots Off Lead At Open
18/07/2008 03:13
Rocco Mediate, Robert Allenby and Graeme McDowell all share the first round lead at 1-under at the British Open but Bright's Grove's Mike Weir is right on their heels.
With Tiger Woods watching at home, the biggest adversary the World's best golfers had to face on Thursday were the windy conditions at the Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
The course chewed up and spit out some of the game's biggest names on a blustery day in Lancashire as chilly temperatures and driving winds made play extremely challenging.
Coming off a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, Mediate was able to take advantage of a later tee time after the weather died down slightly to allow better scoring opportunities.
"Agreed the guys in the morning got it worse because it was much easier without the rain but you still had to get it done," said Mediate.
"It was fun, it was insane and great to finish like I did. It was a great putting round. I made everything."
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
With Tiger Woods at home, the biggest adversary the world’s best golfers have had to face at The Open Championship so far has been the absolutely brutal weather in Southport England. Wind, rain and very cold – and it’s not supposed to get any better in the near future. Put on your parkas and toques and just hunker down and ride ‘er out, folks!
Catch all of the round two action at 5:00 a.m. local time this morning on TSN and TSN.ca.
Daly Takes Issue With Ex-Coach’s Remarks
18/07/2008 03:12
SOUTHPORT, England - It took John Daly less than 24 hours to make his presence felt at the British Open, where he challenged former coach Butch Harmon to "be a man" following a row about his lifestyle.
Daly, the 1995 British Open winner, continues to have issues with Harmon after the coach dropped him and said in an interview with the Golf Channel that the "most important thing in his life is getting drunk."
"His lies kind of destroyed my life for a little bit," Daly said in a press conference at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, site of this week's British Open, golf's oldest event. "I don't know what his problem is, but he needs to stay as far away from me as he possibly can."
Harmon, after working on the driving range with Phil Mickelson, said he had said "hi" to Daly on Tuesday and was surprised by his comments. Daly, 42, said Harmon cost him sponsors' exemptions in tournaments and had offered to retract his statements.
More from Canwest News Service.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Just another chapter in the sad downward spiral of ex-PGA and British Open Champion “Big” John Daly. And, with his 10-over-par 80 in the first round of the British Open yesterday, it's not getting any better, either.
Pistorius Falls Short In Last-Chance Run
18/07/2008 03:11
Oscar Pistorius's best wasn't good enough.
The double-amputee sprinter fell short of the 400-metre qualifying time for the Beijing Olympics, despite running a personal best Wednesday in his final chance to impress South African track officials.
Pistorius, 21, finished third in 46.25 seconds at a meet in Lucerne, Switzerland. That's quicker than he'd ever run before, but still well outside the Olympic qualifying standard of 45.55.
Pistorius, though, may yet make it to the Aug. 8-24 Beijing Games. South Africa's selectors can still add him to the six-man roster for the country's 1,600-metre relay team to be announced Thursday or Friday.
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Alright, already – South Africa – after what this guy has gone through trying to qualify for the Olympics, why don’t you do the “right” thing and add him to the six-man roster? Somewhere, someplace there’s got to be a reward for grit and determination, right?
Weather In Area Well Covered By Global TV
17/07/2008 10:02
It seems everywhere I
go the topic of conversation concerns the
weather.
While that in itself is not unusual for we humans, it has been the topic more often than not due to the extreme conditions so far this spring and summer.
I find that Global TV is my best source for weather information. Now that they have instituted their "Ground Force" team of local reporters, we get much more timely information on weather in our area. Our nearest Ground Force member for the St. Albert area is Chris Hancock from Alcomdale.
(Click on image to
left to enlarge.)
We also get much better updates when severe weather is a concern.
If you combine the on air coverage and use their personal weather e-mail service like I do, one is kept posted all day long on any dangerous weather in the area. Visit Global TV's website here.
We also get much better updates when severe weather is a concern.
If you combine the on air coverage and use their personal weather e-mail service like I do, one is kept posted all day long on any dangerous weather in the area. Visit Global TV's website here.
City Of St. Albert To Consider Pesticide Policy
17/07/2008 06:55
Don,
This is an alert to St. Albert residents not to gather any wild mushrooms, berries or greens anywhere within St. Albert city limits.
Extensive "spot spraying" with herbicides makes anything that growns on our wondeful green spaces unsafe for consumption.
Those green spaces include boudlevards, roadsides, parks, schoolgrounds, playgrounds, Riel Drive area, etc.
So no matter how tempting the ripening Saskatoons, raspberries and mushroom patches are this year, do not touch them unless the City confirms exactly which "spots" have been sprayed on our public grounds. I have asked for that information, but it has been refused.
Edmonton has a dedicated phone line which is updated daily and makes pesticide use information available.
Elke Blodgett
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
I sent this question off to Mayor Nolan Crouse. It seems to me to be a public health issue and I could not believe the city would not give residents fair warning to avoid consuming chemicals. Here is what the mayor had to say:
Don,
"We have given the direction to administration as per the previous email, we have asked our Environmental Advisory Committee for community input. The committee includes highly technical people on these types of matters and the attached trend is an indication of progress.
Lots to do and lots done."
Regards,
Nolan Crouse
The "previous e-mail" the mayor referred to read:
"Prior to a briefing on the issue at a regular Council meeting, staff was asked to provide a report on pesticide use by the City of St. Albert, to include specifics on the chemicals currently in use, frequency of use, information on options/alternatives, what methods are being used by municipalities which have banned cosmetic pesticides and whether GIS maps of treatment areas could be posted on the website."
'Lucky' Koala Survives Being Dragged 12 Km
17/07/2008 06:46
From CBC News
SYDNEY, Australia - Austrialian media say a koala has survived being struck by a car and dragged for about 12 kilometres with its head and arm wedged through the vehicle's front grill.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation says the three-year-old male koala was not badly hurt. Staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Queensland state told ABC they have dubbed the koala "Lucky Grills."
Hospital manager Gail Gipp says Lucky was limp and unresponsive when he was brought to the animal hospital, but after "a bit of TLC" and some painkillers, he was up and around and eating food.
SINC SAYS:
Koalas just have to be the cutest little things on the planet.
UK 'Almost The Worst Area To Live In Europe'
17/07/2008 06:43
The UK offers among
the lowest quality of life in Europe despite
residents earning the highest incomes,
according to research released
today.The price of fuel and other essential goods, below-average spending on health and education, short holidays and late retirement, place Britain just above Ireland at the bottom of the uSwitch.com European quality of life index.
Although British families earn more than £10,000 over the European average, they pay the highest prices for diesel, 18% above the average, and the second-highest price for unleaded petrol, 6% more than average.
They also pay 49% more for gas and 5% more for electricity - third-highest in Europe.
UK spending on healthcare and education is below the average, while life expectancy is the third-lowest at 78.9 years, compared to 80.9 in France or 80.7 in Sweden.
Details here.
SINC SAYS:
How’s that old song go? Hail Britannia was it? Not likely any more.
Dogs That Look Like Their Masters . . .
17/07/2008 06:32
Hi Don,
I've had these for a while, don't remember where I got them but thought you might like them. The idea is a take off on the "dogs looking like their masters".
Hope you enjoy.
Regards,
Diane Koke
Calgary
SINC SAYS:
Why thank you Diane. It’s nice to see a new name as a contributor too. Welcome aboard.
I've had these for a while, don't remember where I got them but thought you might like them. The idea is a take off on the "dogs looking like their masters".
Hope you enjoy.
Regards,
Diane Koke
Calgary
SINC SAYS:
Why thank you Diane. It’s nice to see a new name as a contributor too. Welcome aboard.
Bee Blamed For Causing Minor Helicopter Crash
17/07/2008 06:30
WISCONSIN RAPIDS —
Wood County authorities say the pilot of a
crop-dusting helicopter crashed after a bee got
sucked into the cockpit and stung
him.Deputy Ted Ashbeck says the chopper was only four feet off the ground, and the pilot was unhurt when the tail rotor smashed into the ground Friday.
Ashbeck says the pilot was spraying a cranberry marsh, where beehives are set up to promote pollination. As the helicopter flew above the hives, at least one bee was sucked inside.
Sixty-five-year-old Terry Solf of Aline, Oklahoma told investigators the bee stung him, diverting his attention just long enough for him to crash. No one else was aboard.
Solf says he’s flown helicopters for more than 30 years.
Ashbeck says the chopper was “pretty banged up.”
SINC SAYS:
Well, I’ll bee damned!
Last Night's Winning Lotto 649 Numbers
17/07/2008 06:29
Lotto 6/49 :
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
3, 10, 16, 17, 25, 39, Bonus 19
Western Extra : 4700203
__________________
*Lottery numbers are unofficial, check lottery retailer for official numbers*
SINC SAYS:
Not even one lousy number. Sigh. Oh well, I won $10 last draw. How'd you do?
ACLU Defends Amish Men In Buggy Case
17/07/2008 06:19
Defense: Lights
violate religious
beliefsMAYFIELD, Ky. - The American Civil Liberties Union will defend a group of Amish men in Kentucky charged with not displaying slow-moving vehicle emblems on their horse-drawn buggies.
The trial scheduled for Monday in Graves County has been delayed to September to give ACLU attorney William Sharp of Louisville time to prepare.
Sharp will defend seven Amish men who were charged with not displaying state-mandated flashing lights and an orange triangular symbol.
The men contend using the emblems and lights would violate their religious beliefs that prohibit possessions that are too worldly.
SINC SAYS:
They ought to borrow our city council. They would be quick to pass a bylaw to force the signs to be used. Oh wait, that’s bike helmets and idling, isn’t it?
Pistorius Fails To Qualify For Olympics
17/07/2008 06:18
LUCERNE, Switzerland - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius fell short of the 400-metre qualifying time for the Beijing Olympics despite running a personal best Wednesday.
The 21-year-old South African finished third in 46.25 seconds. That is 11 hundredths faster than he ever ran before, but still outside the Olympic qualifying standard of 45.55.
It was the final chance for Pistorius to impress the South African selectors, but they can still choose to invite him on a six-man roster for the 1,600-metre relay.
The South African team for the Aug. 8-24 Beijing Games will be named on Thursday or Friday.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Don’t fret, folks, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Oscar Pistorius just quite yet.
Blue Bomber Cheerleaders In Photo Flap
17/07/2008 06:18
Salacious photographs of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers cheerleaders were posted Monday on the internet, leaving the team scrambling to protect its reputation.
The photographs showed members of the Blue Lightning squad posing provocatively in various stages of undress — some of them in their cheerleading outfits.
In one photo, a cheerleader is mooning the camera on Parliament Hill in Ottawa; several others depict the cheerleaders in playful, often suggestive poses.
Blue Bombers spokesman Arash Madani said Monday that no current cheerleaders appear in the photos, which he said were taken in "2005 at the latest."
"Each member puts in countless hours of training, volunteering, mentoring and making a positive impact in the community," he told the Winnipeg Free Press. "A small number of isolated photos from a member without any affiliation to the organization for quite some time is not a reflection of what the Blue Lightning team or the franchise is about."
Winnipeg is winless in three games this season, and ranks last in the CFL in points scored (64) and points allowed (103).
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I don’t understand what the fuss is all about? C’mon, they have to have something to cheer about in Winnipeg, don’t they?
Push To Make Golf Olympic Sport
17/07/2008 06:17
Major golf governing bodies have joined forces to lobby the International Olympic Committee to include the sport in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
The PGA Tour, Royal & Ancient, European PGA Tour, LPGA, U.S Golf Association, PGA of American and Augusta National are all involved in the effort to convince the IOC to include golf in the Olympic program.
The IOC meets in October 2009 to pick a host city for the 2016 Games, between finalists Chicago, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid. At the meeting, the committee will also decide on changes to the program.
In May, leaders of the European and U.S. golf tours met with Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, to discuss bringing golf back to the Games for 2016.
According to George O'Grady, chief executive for the European tour, nothing was agreed upon at the meeting.
There have been talks off and on for 25 years but nothing has come of it so far.
Golf was first featured at the 1900 Games with men's and women's events, but was dropped from the Olympic roster following the 1904 Games in St. Louis.
Putting golf into the Games would open the possibility of having Tiger Woods of the United States, Sergio Garcia of Spain or Australia's Adam Scott compete at the Olympics.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I think this is a no-brainer. However, the IOC may have other ideas. As SWIVEL HIPS has said many times before, the whole process of determining what is and what is not an Olympic sport needs to be reviewed, again.
NHL Awards Winter Classic 2009 To Chicago
17/07/2008 06:17
The NHL has award the 2009 Winter Classic to the Chicago Blackhawks, who will play host to the Detroit Red Wings on January 1, 2009 at Wrigley Field.
Wrigley Field was chosen over early favourite Yankee Stadium.
"We expect interest to be on an international level for this once-in-a-lifetime event," Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said.
Last season's Winter Classic between the Penguins and Sabres on January 1st drew an NHL record 71, 217 fans to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo.
"The NHL is delighted to bring its most historic rivalry to one of the most historic venues in sports," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated.
The meeting between the two clubs will be the 701st all time. No NHL opponents has played more regular season games against each other.
The Red Wings are also looking forward to being a part of history, even if they are not the hosts.
"We've been a candidate to play in this for a long time and everybody in our organization is excited about being a part of what is becoming an annual outdoor classic," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "It's a tremendous opportunity to promote our game, our league and our team and have a one-in-a-lifetime experience at the same time."
NHL to hold Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
After the novelty of the first one, this is becoming just a bit passe, isn’t it folks?
Dealer Gives Feds Evidence Against Clemens
17/07/2008 06:16
NEW YORK - Convicted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski handed over shipping receipts to federal investigators for a package of human growth hormone that he claims he sent to Roger Clemens' home in Texas in 2002 or 2003, The Daily News reported late Tuesday night on its website.
Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner, is under investigation for perjury after telling Congress he never used steroids or human growth hormone. Brian McNamee, Clemens' personal trainer, told Congress that Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs and that he provided them to the 300-game winner.
The Daily News reported, according to sources with close knowledge of the investigation, that Radomski is also believed to have provided the government with new information and receipts for drug shipments to other players.
Radomski is a former New York Mets clubhouse employee whose allegations formed much of former Senate majority leader George Mitchell's report on steroid use in major league baseball. Radomski was sentenced to five years of probation in February after co-operating with government investigators.
McNamee's allegations about Clemens in the Mitchell Report led to Senate hearings with Clemens.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Despite “Rocket” Roger’s indignation and his denials, I’m a feared where there’s smoke like this, there’s usually fire folks.
Big Lottery Jackpot For Southern Alberta Workers
16/07/2008 08:17
From CBC News
INNISFAIL, Alta. - Early retirement could be an option for some workers at a southern Alberta insulation plant who have won a $15 million lottery jackpot.
The workers at the Johns Manville Cda. facility in Innisfail belong to a 26-member ticket pool which saw its lucky numbers come up in last Friday's Super 7 lottery. The windfall works out to more than $576,000 per member.
Cam Beaton, who is one of the winners, says the experience is "surreal."
The 50-year-old man says he was numb after hearing about their fantastic luck.
Beaton says he plans to keep working as a production manager at the plant, but will think about buying some property in Arizona.
SINC SAYS:
It’s getting closer to us here in St. Albert folks. It could head north during today’s draw. Got your ticket yet?
N.H. Station Prices Gas By Half-Gallons
16/07/2008 08:14
HUDSON — Drivers
may think they've won the gas lottery when they
pull up to Tate's Garage and see the price on
the
pump.But the sign above the pump quickly brings them back to reality.
The garage's pumps have old-fashioned spinning mechanical dials that date back more than 50 years and don't go above $3.99 per unit, which until recently was always a gallon. But with gas now above $4.00 a gallon, the owners had to change the units to half gallons.
Customers must pay double the total on the register.
The Petroleum Equipment Institute of Tulsa, Okla., estimates that 8,000 of the nation's 170,000 service stations have old mechanical meters that need to be upgraded. That can cost about $650 per pump. Replacing the entire pump can cost $10,000 to $15,000.
Trying to fool you here.
SINC SAYS:
If you think this type of marketing is stupid, let me tell you a story about another city. Seems they actually post the price of gas 3.5 cents high intentionally and reduce it at the pump. Guess where that happens?
16/07/2008 08:12
When you are dissatisfied and would Like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. First you forget names, and then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. It's worse when you forget to pull it down.
Second Near Collision At JFK In A Week
16/07/2008 08:10
NEW YORK (CNN) --
An incident involving two airborne passenger
jets has raised questions of a second possible
near collision within a week at New York's John
F. Kennedy International
Airport.Delta Flight 123, a Boeing 757, missed a landing approach and had to "go around," the path of Comair Flight 1520, which was taking off on a perpendicular runway, according to Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura Brown.
Brown said the two aircraft were more than a half mile away from each other and weren't at the same altitude. Air traffic controllers safely separated the two aircraft, she said.
National Air Traffic Controllers Association JFK Tower Facility representative Barrett Byrnes, however, said the two planes came within 600 feet of each other.
The FAA ordered changes to the way takeoffs and landings on perpendicular runways are sequenced so "aircraft of one runway clear out of the path of the other runway before the second flight comes down," Brown told The Associated Press.
On Saturday night, Linea Aerea Nacional de Chile Flight 533, which was departing the airport, came close to Cayman Airways Flight 792 as it was landing, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is conducting an investigation.
There were conflicting reports of how close the planes were in that incident as well.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said that although the flights crossed paths, there was a vertical distance of 100 feet between them. The FAA said the planes were 300 vertical feet apart and half a mile apart horizontally.
SINC SAYS:
Anything under a thousand feet apart is much too close for jets that big.
Mormons Make Missionary Position Clear
16/07/2008 08:07
THE creator of a
calendar featuring buff Mormon missionaries has
been excommunicated as punishment by local
church
leaders.Chad Hardy said he bore no ill will toward the council of elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over his punishment.
"I felt like I spoke my truth,'' the 31-year-old entertainment entrepreneur said after the disciplinary meeting in Las Vegas.
"Bottom-line, they still felt the calendar is inappropriate and not the image that the church wants to have,'' the Associated Press reported.
Men on a Mission, which has sold nearly 10,000 copies, features pictures of 12 returned missionaries wearing trousers but not their trademark white shirts.
The men are photographed in traditional missionary garb and share their religious beliefs in biographical sketches.
Some of the 12 featured have also been called to disciplinary meetings but have been punished.
Frank Davie, the senior leader of a group of Mormon congregations in the Las Vegas area, confirmed the 12-member council's decision to the AP.
Mr Hardy said the purpose of the 2008 calendar was not to tear down the church or its 13 million members.
"The project is about stepping outside the stereotypes and stepping outside of the image,'' he said.
"Not everybody fits the image and I let them know we're not trying to portray an image for the entire church.''
SINC SAYS:
This item is not about the story folks. I am still howling with laughter at the headline the editor chose. I mean talk about the best pun of the year.
$400,000 In 1930s-Era Bills Found In Derelict Deli
16/07/2008 08:05
Junk haulers in
Vancouver got quite a surprise while clearing
out the apartment above a derelict deli --
turning up close to $1,000 in bills dating back
to the
1930s.The cash, found hidden under a rug, was only a small fraction of the treasure that was stashed in the building.
Shortly afterwards, the caretaker for the building found a paper bag stuffed with $400,000 in dusty bills, also dating back 70 years. By today's standards, the Depression-era nest egg would be worth an estimated $50 million.
Brendan Fuss, who was working on the 1-800-Got-Junk crew that found the initial $1,000, said the discovery was unexpected.
You're in the money here.
SINC SAYS:
I can clearly remember those types of bills from my childhood.
READER RESPONSE:
Don,
Re: $400,000 In 1930s-Era Bills Found In Derelict Deli
I didn’t realize they had paper money when you were a child. In fact, I didn’t realize they even had currency when you were a kid!
Cheers,
Jim
SINC
SAYS:
Ya, ya, sure,
sure.
Norcross Station Cuts Gas Price To $1.99/Gallon
16/07/2008 06:55
Promotion backs up
traffic for nearly a
mileRegular unleaded gasoline sold for $1.99 a gallon at the Citgo on Jimmy Carter Boulevard and N. Norcross-Tucker Road in Norcross, part of a mid-morning insurance company promotion that had vehicles lined up for nearly a mile for the cheap fuel.
The unreal deal ended about 2 p.m. when the convenience store was projected to sell 3,000 gallons in gas, said Dan Davis, division manager of sales and marketing with Infinity Insurance Co., which financed the sale that began at 11 a.m.
"We're acknowledging we're all affected by high gas prices," Davis said. "But, sure, you can't escape the branding and marketing side either."
Customers, however, were limited to 10 gallons, or $20 maximum.
Infinity, based in Birmingham, Ala. with a regional office in Alpharetta, spent about $6,000 for the gas, which usually sells at Citgo for more than $4 per gallon. "Customers pay $1.99 and we pay (Citgo) the difference," Davis said.
Fill 'er up here.
SINC SAYS:
Uh, I’ll be right back. I gotta run talk to my insurance agent about a promotion.
‘Bad Boy’ Tracy To Race In Edmonton Indy
16/07/2008 06:54
There will be some Canadian flavour when the IndyCar Series stops in Edmonton later this month.
Paul Tracy has been entered into the event, driving the No. 22 Subway sponsored car for Vision Racing.
Derrick Walker will run the team and call race strategy for Tracy, who will be making his first competitive open-wheel start since the Champ Car farewell race at Long Beach back in April. Tracy last raced in an IRL event in 2002 in the hotly disputed Indianapolis 500.
"I've been away for a little while, but I want to be back in a car and this is the first step to getting back," said Tracy. "We have a big job ahead of us but everyone is giving it their best try."
Vision Racing, which is co-owned by IRL founder Tony George, currently fields cars for its regular drivers, Ed Carpenter and A.J. Foyt IV.
More from TSN.
Canadian Paul Tracy will compete in Edmonton's IndyCar race on July 26.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s nice to have Canada’s most well-known race car driver, Paul Tracy, participating in the Edmonton Indy on July 26.
Quest For Claret Jug On TSN And TSN.CA
16/07/2008 06:54
TSN heads overseas for live coverage of all four rounds of golf's third - and oldest - major of the year, The Open Championship, taking place at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England from July 17 to 20.
Coverage of the first three rounds begins at 7 a.m. ET, while the Final Round on Sunday (July 20) begins at 6 a.m. ET. TSN's Open Championship lineup also includes a 30-minute preview show on July 17 at 6:30 a.m. ET, leading into live First Round action.
In addition, TSN.ca will provide exclusive live coverage in Canada of every shot from holes 16, 17 and 18 for all four rounds. The online coverage also includes daily highlights and interviews available on-demand and a link to the real-time Open Championship leaderboard throughout the four-day tournament. Last month, TSN.ca provided exclusive live Canadian online coverage of the U.S. Open.
Last year, Padraig Harrington captured the Claret Jug after defeating Sergio Garcia in a four-hole playoff, recording his first major victory and becoming the first Irishman to win The Open Championship since 1947. Both Harrington and Garcia are part of this year's talent-laden field, which includes Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, and Canadians Mike Weir and Stephen Ames.
Garcia favorite to capture British Open.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
For the entire TSN and TSN.ca British Open broadcast schedule, click here.
All-Stars Bid Goodbye To Yankee Stadium
16/07/2008 06:53
Baseball's biggest stars will gather at Yankee Stadium for the 79th all-star game Tuesday night, many of them to say their final goodbye to the game's most famous ballpark.
"The house that Ruth built" will be demolished in 2009 when the Yankees move to their new stadium across the street in the Bronx, which means Tuesday's mid-summer classic could be the last marquee game to be played at the famous stadium — provided the Yankees don't make the playoffs.
Yankee Stadium hosted all-star games in 1939, 1960 and 1977, but this one is special, because it will be the last to take place in the 85-year-old monument to baseball history.
"It is a museum. It's a baseball museum," said Clint Hurdle, who will manage the National League team.
"They're dripping with the historic ambiance of the game — the individuals that have played the game, the world [championships] that have been won there, the monuments in the outfield. I mean, the Pope. Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't he speak at Yankee Stadium? It is a venue that holds its own amongst all venues."
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Another one of professional sports’ most famous “shrines” bites the dust.
Canadian Morneau Wins Home Run Derby
16/07/2008 06:52
NEW YORK - You've heard those criticisms that the Home Run Derby is boring and drags on for far too long? Here's an easy way to change that - just bring Josh Hamilton back every year.
The Texas Rangers outfielder put on a must-see display of jaw-dropping power Monday night, making 500-foot home runs seem routine. He finished with a record-setting 28 bombs in the first-round and ripped four more for fun in the second round before he faded in a 5-3 loss to Canadian Justin Morneau in the final.
Make no mistake, however, this was Hamilton's night.
Just how impressive was he? Even Babe Ruth would have tipped his cap.
The 53,716 at Yankee Stadium chanted Hamilton's name over and over. Fellow players cheered in awe. Teammate Milton Bradley put an arm around him at home plate and snapped a picture.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congratulations to New Westminster native Justin Morneau on winning this unique event!
Two Canadians Reach World Series Of Poker Finals
16/07/2008 06:52
LAS VEGAS - The final table in the main event of the World Series of Poker will feature a pair of Canadians.
Scott Montgomery of Perth, Ont., and Darus Suharto of Toronto outlasted 6,835 other players to reach the final nine-man table that will compete Nov. 9-10 for one of the richest prizes in poker history. The tournament champion will take home US$9.12 million, while each of the nine players is guaranteed no less than $900,000 simply for reaching the final table.
Montgomery, who has four cashes at this year's World Series of Poker, sits third with 19.7 million chips, behind only Dennis Phillips (26.3 million) and Ivan Demidov (24.4 million). Suharto is sixth at 12.5 million.
"It was good," Montgomery told Pokernews.com after Monday's gruelling 15 1/2-hour session. "It wasn't a breeze, I needed to get lucky a couple of times, but overall it went well. I'm still here".
The 26-year-old University of Waterloo graduate said he won't be doing much between now and the final table in November.
"Just keep playing poker," he said.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I’ve never quite understood why Poker is classified as a “sport?”
AltaLink Transmission Line Update
15/07/2008 04:23
Those of you who
have followed the long saga of the relocation
of the AltaLink Transmission Line at the portal
to the Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park in
St. Albert (Big Lake) may be interested in the
agenda item on this issue at the
forthcoming meeting of the St. Albert
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to
Council on Wednesday, July 16, 6:00 p.m., at
the RCMP Boardroom.
The EAC has been asked by Council to look into this and provide a background report before Council makes a decision as to which--if any--realignment Council would support. As far as I know, both, the Province and AltaLink, are fully in support of a relocation.
The City's Engineering staff is expected to inform the EAC of the technical details of a potential relocation and address the City's preferred route.
I am going to say a few words based on many years of observation of the migratory bird kill at this high-risk location.
Due to a change in the regular meeting schedule, the Environmental Advisor from AltaLink will not be present at this time but is expected to speak to the EAC at a later date.
It would really help to have a show of public concern.
Thanks, Elke Blodgett 780 458-3445
SINC SAYS:
One thing about Elke, she never says never. Onward and upward!
15/07/2008 04:20
If parents say, "Never take candy from strangers" then why do we celebrate Halloween?
Do the minutes on the movie boxes include the previews, credits, and special features, or just the movie itself?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
What does PU stand for (as in "PU, that stinks!")?
Why do we put suits in a garment bag and put garments in a suitcase?
What is the stage of a reptile when it has eggs in it but they haven't been laid. Are they pregnant?
Woman Finds Truck Driver Living In Her Shed
15/07/2008 04:18
Home sweet home:
Kelly Dudley in her shed, which the man turned
into his abode for five
daysAt first, Kelly Dudley thought the man in overalls in her garden had been sent by her landlord to clear the weeds.
But when she saw him emerge from the shed the next morning, looking well-rested, she suspected something was up.
The 25-year-old took a look inside and, to her amazement, found a scene of domestic tidiness.
Her unexpected guest had made himself at home by fitting a bed, two (yes, two) TVs and a chest of drawers – as well as a makeshift kitchen, complete with camping stove, pots and pans and crockery.
Police were called to the address in Banbury, Oxfordshire, where it was revealed the man was a Lithuanian lorry driver who had lost his job and become homeless.
'All he could say was his name was John,' said Miss Dudley 'He'd been there five days.'
He had moved into the shed thinking it was abandoned, and then proceeded to tidy up the garden.
Miss Dudley said: 'Once I'd finished being scared I actually felt a bit sorry for him – he's clearly very house-proud.'
Officers who questioned the man said he had not committed any criminal offences, and was asked to move on.
'It beggars belief,' said Miss Dudley. 'I've been on maternity leave while he's been there, so he did it right under my nose.'
SINC SAYS:
Reminds me of the vagrants that used to stop by our home near the railway tracks and ask for food during the 1950s. I always felt sorry for them.
'White Pride' Mother Draws Swastika On Child's Arm
15/07/2008 04:13
A Winnipeg mother
whose children were seized by authorities after
she sent her daughter to school with a swastika
on her arm says she regrets redrawing the Nazi
symbol after a teacher scrubbed it
off.The mother, who considers herself a white nationalist, is fighting the child welfare system to regain custody of her daughter, 7, and son, 2. They were taken away after the girl was sent to school with the swastika drawn on her arm.
Four months ago, her daughter drew a swastika on her arm and went to school, where her teacher scrubbed it off. The mother helped her daughter draw it on her arm again, an act she regrets.
Details here.
SINC SAYS:
It sounds to me like it’s not the child who needs an education. Mom could do with a bit as well.
Prickly Pack Of Hedgehogs Arrives At The Zoo
15/07/2008 04:10
SAN DIEGO – Looking
sharp – and
cute.That's how you could describe these baby African hedgehogs that can now be seen at the Children's Zoo at the San Diego Zoo.
The five hedgehogs were born June 18. They had been staying pretty close to mom, but are now venturing a bit more away from her, said Jenny Mehlow, a spokeswoman for the zoo.
In the wild, they use their sharp spines to protect themselves from predators. They roll into a ball, tucking in their noses, with only the spines showing.
The zoo babies, which weigh 1.1 to 1.4 ounces, have not yet been named.
SINC SAYS:
Now if they can only come up with five names that start with the same letter.
Fun Facts . . .
15/07/2008 04:10
In the last 4,000
years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
Car Hit by Lightning On I-694 In Minnesota
15/07/2008 04:08
WHITE BEAR LAKE,
Minn. -- If you hear a new-found respect for
Minnesota weather in Angie Kucera’s voice, it’s
understandable. She was struck by
lightning during Thursday’s
storm.Actually, her car was hit while she was driving it westbound on Interstate 694 in White Bear Lake.
"I felt something hit the car and a bang…just a huge bang,” Kucera said. "The car took the brunt of it.”
Details and video report here.
Zap full story here.
SINC SAYS:
I was in a plane flying from Kelowna to Calgary that was hit by lightening years ago. That was close enough for me.
Favre Wanted To Wait On Retirement Decision
15/07/2008 04:04
New York, NY (Sports Network) - In his first interview since his intent to return to the Green Bay Packers became public knowledge, record-setting quarterback Brett Favre admitted that he pulled the trigger on retirement too early and that he's ready to play in Green Bay this season, though his relationship with Packers management has become fractured.
Speaking with Greta Van Susteren on FOX News, Favre said that when Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson approached him about retirement in the offseason, the surefire Hall of Famer told them he'd prefer to wait until training camp in July to make his decision.
"It'd be nice if I could wait until training camp," Favre said.
However, Favre said that the Packers cited a need to know their position moving forward, specifically with Favre's backup, Aaron Rodgers, and wanted him to decide before the free agency period and the draft.
"I was not totally ready to commit," Favre said of his feelings on March 3, when he announced his retirement in a tear-filled press conference. "March 3, when I got in front of the podium, did I want to play? Yes. 100 percent? No.
"I sort of left the door open, but they wanted an answer. Am I mad at them for that? No. But, they wanted an answer."
More from TSN.
Packer fans rally, call for Favre’s return.
Favre: Packers should let me play elsewhere.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The soap opera that is, “The Brett Favre Story,” continues.
Young Guns Have Golden Chance At “Tiger-less” Open
15/07/2008 04:03
The youth movement in golf was going strong in the summer of 1997.
Tiger Woods was coming off his first major championship, a 12-shot victory at the Masters to become its youngest champion at 21. Two months later at Congressional, 27-year-old Ernie Els won his second U.S. Open. A month after that, 25-year-old Justin Leonard captured the British Open at Royal Troon.
But that was the last time two players in their 20s not named Woods won a major in the same year.
And that's what makes these next two majors so intriguing. The British Open will be the first major without Woods in the lineup since the 1996 PGA Championship, the final weeks of Woods' amateur career.
Rarely has youth had such an opportunity.
More from Canadian Press.
Without Woods, the British Open is wide-open.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Yes, with Tiger on the injury reserve list, SWIVEL HIPS says the British Open now becomes the “Wide-Open.” Catch all the first round action Thursday starting at 5:00 a.m. local time on TSN or TSN.ca.
Security Measures Getting Tougher In Beijing
15/07/2008 04:03
BEIJING - For any Olympic fans wanting to make like Robin Hood, know this: Crossbows will be banned at venues.
The Chinese government will be taking tough security measures when the Olympics begin in 3 1/2 weeks. It issued another reminder Monday about fan behaviour and what not to bring into Olympic sites.
Hoping to stage-manage a perfect show, Beijing organizers have been preaching "civilized behaviour" for several years as the Aug. 8 games approach: no spitting, stand in line, and be polite to other nationalities.
Zhang Zhenliang, a Beijing organizing committee official, said Monday the rules were aimed at "maintaining an orderly, civilized and peaceful environment at competition venues."
Zhang ran off a list of restricted articles, which he said was similar to other Olympics. The difference with these Olympics is the repeated emphasis on order, security and decorum for the Chinese.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
How about the Chinese – banning items such as guns, ammunition, crossbows, daggers, fireworks, flammable materials, corrosive chemicals and radioactive materials? Do you think?
Donaghy Makes 134 Calls To Fellow Referee
15/07/2008 04:02
NEW YORK - Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy made more than 100 phone calls to a fellow official at the same time he was providing information to gamblers during the 2006-07 season, Fox News reported Monday.
Citing court documents and phone records it obtained, Fox reported Donaghy placed 134 calls to referee Scott Foster between October 2006 and April 2007, the period during which he has confessed to betting on games or passing on game information to gamblers.
It's not known what information was exchanged during the calls between Foster and Donaghy, who is awaiting sentencing later this month in federal court.
The 41-year-old Donaghy pleaded guilty last year to felony charges of taking cash payoffs from gamblers in the 2006-07 season. He faces up to 33 months in prison.
According to a story published Monday on Fox News' website, the majority of the phone calls lasted no more than two minutes and occurred before and after games Donaghy officiated and on which he admits wagering.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I must admit I’m a little curious as to why Donaghy made all those calls?
Canada Loses Possible Gold Medalist To Injury
15/07/2008 04:02
TORONTO - Star hurdler Perdita Felicien has had her eye on Beijing since she crashed at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens.
But it looks like her Olympic dream will have to wait until 2012. According to a report on the Toronto Star website, Felicien has pulled the plug on her comeback attempt.
The 27-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., who has yet to race this season due to a foot injury, is expected to make the announcement Tuesday.
In a brief release Monday, Athletics Canada said that Felicien will make an official statement during a conference call with reporters. Felicien went into the 2004 Olympics as the defending world champion but tripped over the first hurdle in the final. She captured a silver medal at the 2007 world championships in Osaka, Japan, finally turning the corner after suffering lingering injuries in her crash at Athens.
Last winter, Felicien felt she was more fit and focused than ever. However, she suffered a small break in her left foot in a practice in February, and has been off the competitive track ever since.
She was recently granted an extension to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard in the 100-metre hurdles of 13.11 seconds by July 22. Her Canadian record is 12.46.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I feel really bad for Felicien. Never mind the heartbreak of the stumble four years ago in Athens, but can you imagine training your rear off for four years only to injure yourself six months before the Olympics and not be able to compete?
Bald Squirrel Has Vets Scratching Their Heads
14/07/2008 16:29
The appearance of a
completely bald squirrel has got staff at a
wildlife centre scratching their heads in
confusion.Vets at St. Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Aylesbury are trying to establish how and why the critter, who was found in Amersham, lost all his fur.
Bald squirrels are not that uncommon but the hair loss is usually because the animal is suffering from mange, an illness caused by mites.
SINC SAYS:
We’ve got a couple of these critters in our back yard, except of course they are polite enough to wear their fur.
Woman Pleads For Return Of Stolen Prosthetic Limb
14/07/2008 16:27
From CBC News
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - An Arizona woman is pleading for the return of her prosthetic leg.
It's the extra one she uses for yard work and other outside activities so her good leg isn't ruined.
She says she keeps the 11-year-old spare in the driveway near her car so she can easily reach it.
But this week, someone grabbed it.
She says she won't press charges, she just wants her leg back.
It's valued at only about $2,000, but could cost as much as $15,000 to replace.
The 47-year-old woman was born with a birth defect and has used a prosthetic since she was a year old.
SINC SAYS:
Whoever took her leg obviously has a prosthetic brain.
Residents In Fear Of Vicious Gulls
14/07/2008 16:24
Gull war: Joyce
Pitt mows her lawn armed with a “windmill” on a
stick. RESIDENTS OF an upmarket Perth street have told how they live in constant fear of aerial attack.
Locals in Beechgrove Drive find they have regularly to dive for cover as “vicious seagulls” swoop on them.
Postmen have also been attacked and residents are now being warned to be “aware of the threat.”
Meanwhile, Perth and Kinross Council have pledged to “see if anything can be done” about the aggressive seabirds.
Pensioner Joyce Pitt (83) is among those scared to venture outdoors.
“It is an extremely frightening situation,” she told The Courier last night.
“The gulls are quite vicious and have very long beaks so it is most alarming when they aim for your head or back.”
SINC SAYS:
I think if it was me, the stick I would be holding would have a trigger.
Fun Facts . . .
14/07/2008 16:21
The cruise liner, QE
2, moves only six inches for each gallon of
diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Good thing he did that.)
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
There are more chickens than people in the world.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Cat Shipped Across Germany In Box Survives
14/07/2008 16:19
A house cat that
climbed unnoticed into an open box took a trip
he wasn’t expecting. He was shipped 700
kilometers in the parcel across Germany but
emerged from the journey
unscathed.
The unintended voyage of one-year-old "Janosch“ began when he snuck unnoticed into a neighbor’s apartment and crawled into the open box containing a child’s safety seat the woman was about to ship from Rottach-Egern in Bavaria, Germany daily Bild reported on Thursday.
Evidently, the black cat had made himself so comfortable that he didn’t complain when the box was sealed shut.
It was only when the parcel arrived at its destination in the town of Dorsten, in the northern Ruhr Valley, that a post office employee noticed the box moving on its own accord and freed the peripatetic feline.
According to Bild, Janosch’s owner, Gitti Rauch, got a call from her neighbor soon afterwards who’d just been informed of the unexpected delivery.
"Hey, I mailed your cat," the neighbor told her.
Rauch, 44, had not been alarmed at her pet's absence, since according to her, he occasionally spent a day away from home.
Janosch was housed for a few weeks in an animal shelter until Rauch could make the long trip to pick him up. She said that since the experience, her cat is showing less interest in sneaking into neighbors' homes.
SINC SAYS:
Cats are amazing animals. They seem to be able to survive against all odds. Maybe that nine lives stuff is true.
Roller Derby Girls Mock ‘Running Of The Bulls’
14/07/2008 15:58
NEW ORLEANS - It's the running of the bulls, New Orleans style.
Hundreds of men, women and children, most in white with red scarves around their waists and red bandannas around their necks, gathered outside a French Quarter bar Saturday morning to be chased down Bourbon Street by members of New Orleans' roller derby league.
"Roller skates and a stampede through the Quarter - what could possibly go wrong?" said accountant Jason Medonia.
The run, in its second year, featured 33 roller girls in horned helmets from teams with names like Confederacy of Punches and Crescent Wenches.
A few minutes after the runners started, the skaters whacked their plastic bats on the street and took off. Behind them putted Elvis impersonators on motorized scooters.
More from CBC News.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Believe me, only in New Orleans!
Andretti’s Attempt At Two Races In A Day Goes Badly
14/07/2008 15:58
GLADEVILLE, Tenn. - Marco Andretti's attempt to drive in races in different states Saturday didn't start or end anywhere close to how he hoped.
Andretti qualified 11th Friday for the Firestone Indy 200 at Nashville Superspeedway, then flew to Connecticut so he could compete at Lime Rock. He got to the Connecticut track by 8 a.m. but had to start last. By the time he handed the car over at 3:10 p.m. EDT to Franck Montagny, Andretti was running eighth, a lap off the pace, after 73 laps.
He then flew back to Tennessee and was at the superspeedway in time for driver introductions that started at 7:30 p.m. EDT. On the third lap, Andretti wiggled coming out of Turn 2 and couldn't save the car before sliding into Ryan Briscoe, sending both cars up into the wall.
Briscoe slid backward into the wall, while Andretti flipped around with the left side crashing into the wall. Andretti said he simply got loose.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
What will they try next folks? C’mon, two races in different states in one day? In trying to pull off this little stunt, Andretti is lucky he didn’t end up getting seriously injured or worse, folks – and/or seriously injuring another driver.
A-Rod Passes Mickey Mantle With 537th Homer
14/07/2008 15:57
TORONTO - Alex Rodriguez hit his 537th career home run Saturday, moving New York's third baseman past former Yankee great Mickey Mantle into sole possession of 13th place on the career list.
Rodriguez drove a 3-2 pitch off the left field foul pole leading off the fourth inning against Blue Jays left-hander Brian Tallet. His 19th homer of the season gave the Yankees a 9-4 lead.
The home run was Rodriguez's 192nd as a Yankee, tying him with Tino Martinez for 15th place on the team's career list.
Rodriguez tied Mantle last Sunday with a solo home run in New York's 5-4, 10-inning victory over Boston.
Rodriguez has 47 career home runs against Toronto, his second highest total against any opponent. He has hit 58 homers against the Los Angeles Angels.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Like him, or lump him, you have to give A-Rod this – he’s a great hitter, having just passed the Yankees’ legendary Mickey Mantle with his 537th career home run.
Morneau To Participate In Home Run Derby
14/07/2008 15:57
Justin Morneau will be trying to hit some balls out to Monument Park on Monday, as Major League Baseball announced Sunday that the New Westminster, BC native will take part in the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.
It will mark the second straight year that he has participated in the mid-season skills contest.
Last year, Morneau was knocked out of the first round in a tiebreaker by St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols. The Minnesota Twins first baseman became just the third Canadian to take part in the derby.
Morneau is hitting .323 with 14 home runs so far this season. He batted .295 with 24 homers before the All-Star Break last season, with seven home runs in the second half.
Morneau will join Tampa Bay's Even Longoria, the Rangers' Josh Hamilton and Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore as AL representatives. The Astros' Lance Berkman, the Brewers' Ryan Braun, the Marlins' Dan Uggla and the Phillies' Chase Utley will compete for the National League.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Good luck to New Westminster native Justin Morneau in this rather unique event!
Chang Inducted Into Tennis Hall Of Fame
14/07/2008 15:56
Newport, RI (Sports Network) - Former French Open champion Michael Chang was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Chang, one of only three American men to capture the French Open singles title in the Open Era, burst onto the tennis scene by winning the 1989 singles title at Roland Garros, a title that hadn't been claimed by an American male in 34 years. His two-week run was highlighted by defeating world No. 1 Ivan Lendl in five sets in the fourth round and Stefan Edberg in five more sets in the final.
After turning pro in 1988, Chang won his lone major title at a mere 17 years, 3 months, as he still holds the record as youngest male singles champion to prevail at Roland Garros.
"I think any generation that follows our generation its tough to compete," Chang said. "As an athlete, I used my speed, agility and quickness to go out and play against the big guys."
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
A well deserved honor. Chang was a gritty - very, very good tennis player. Congratulations, Michael!
$ervu$ Place, The Issue That Just Won't Die
13/07/2008 06:08
OH, no! Guess what?
- Surprise, surprise! They actually found
"garbage" in an old garbage dump! Who could
ever have envisioned and expected that
one?The extra costs for the minor football field in the newly created Riel Recreation Park should be added onto the $ervu$ Place - Leisure Centre deficit. Those two figures should not be reported separately from each other! After all that football field was promised and supposed to be a part of the newly constructed Leisure Centre. That is what the young folks of voting age were told when they were being hauled to the voting stations on that unfortunate election day in order to inflate the "Yes" votes for that dubious "Leisure Centre Plebiscite".
Do all these young people supporting that plebiscite help carry the burden of our inflated property taxes and the ever increasing cost of living in St. Albert nowadays? Oh, I forgot. They are too young to pay any taxes in this community , and I hear a lot of them don't even live in St. Albert any more. They've moved on, leaving us behind to clear up all that mess that has been created for by the unaccountability of our "St. Albert City Brass". A lot of them have moved on to colleges and universities and have long forgotten all about that "splendid" St. Albert Leisure Centre and that football field that never was.
Greetings to all of you
From your friendly neighbourhood taxpayer,
Liselotte Engler
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Is that just a touch of bitterness I detect there Lilo? It is now known as the issue that just won’t die and probably never will. It has left a black mark on this city.
The Photography Of Al Popil
13/07/2008 06:05
Hi Don,
Here's a shot of Damsel Flies taken at Big Lake.
I'm off to photograph Rattlesnakes this weekend.
Al Popil
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for this picture Al and please make sure you use a telephoto lens to take pics of those snakes. Anything closer is a risk.
California Cow Thinks She's Human
13/07/2008 06:04
CALIFORNIA (NBC) --
A group of animal rescuers are helping a young
cow through her identity crisis. Milkshake the
cow spent the first two years of her life
confined to a small, filthy pen before being
rescued by the Grace Foundation in El Dorado
Hills, California. During the two years spent
in confinement, Milkshake never learned to
become a cow. "She doesn't know she's a cow.
She doesn't know where she fits," caretaker
Beth DeCaprio explained. Milkshake got her name
from a young boy who thought she looked like a
milkshake before the
blending.Since arriving at the Grace Foundation Milkshake has spent most of her time inside and around people. The bovine even attends classes with children. DeCaprio said that the reason Milkshake became attached to people was because she was taken from her mother at only two weeks of age. During her two years cooped up in a small pen, Milkshake never even learned to graze.
The 1,200-pound Hereford is trying to make up for lost time of socializing by playing with a rescued puppy named Riley at the foundation. "I have been teaching Riley to ride on her back, and they both seem to like it," DeCaprio said.
SINC SAYS:
It’s refreshing to read a story like this and have a moooving experience.
Man On Mower Charged With Drunk Driving
13/07/2008 05:57
Canwest News Service
TORONTO - There are plenty of messages about not drinking and driving this summer but now police in Ontario are warning people not to drink and get on a lawn mower.
In a bizarre case of impaired driving, police have charged a Toronto-area man with three offences in relation to operating a motor vehicle under the influence, York Regional Police said in a news release Thursday.
Investigators received a call on Sunday that a man was heading downtown drinking a beer and driving his lawn mower on the sidewalk.
Police said when officers spoke to the man he showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. Officers said they also seized a small amount of pot.
Richard Skupien, 47, of Richmond Hill faces three impairment charges.
York Regional Police also are reminding people that operating any motorized vehicle under the influence is dangerous and illegal.
That includes all-terrain vehicles, jet skis and scooters, which police say are all subject to the same alcohol and drug restrictions as cars, trucks and boats.
SINC SAYS:
I knew a guy in Grande Prairie who got nabbed for impaired and drove his snowmobile to work for six months.
Signs Of The Times . . .
13/07/2008 05:54
At the Electric
Company "We would be delighted if you send in
your payment. However, if you don't, you will
be."
**************************
In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up."
**************************
In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait."
**************************
At a Propane Filling Station: "Thank heaven for little grills."
**************************
At a Radiator Repair Shop: "Best place in town to take a leak."
On A Septic Tank Truck: "Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"
Town Hopes Pennies Saved Are Records Earned
13/07/2008 05:51
From CBC News
FORT SCOTT, Kan. - Hundreds of people in Kansas are hoping their pennies go a long way.
Residents of Fort Scott, just west of the Missouri line, are spending the week trying to break two world records: the longest line of pennies and assembling a mile of pennies in the fastest time.
Members of the Fort Scott Youth Activities Teams and hundreds of volunteers are trying to create a 64-kilometre chain of pennies - nearly four million - in the parking lot of Fort Scott Middle School. The effort started Tuesday and will be judged by Guinness World Records on Friday.
The record for laying the fastest mile of pennies is two hours, 24 minutes, 15 seconds, set in February by teachers and pupils in the United Kingdom, said Kaoru Ishikawa, a records manager with Guinness.
The mark for the longest line of pennies is 55.63 kilometres, set Aug. 6, 1995, in Malaysia.
The stunt is part of an effort to raise money for about $4 million in improvements at Ellis Park in Fort Scott.
SINC SAYS:
I’ve got a whole jar of ‘em, but the bank insists I roll them before I can deposit them.
13/07/2008 05:51
Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?
Do Jewish vampires avoid crosses or Stars of David?
If London Bridge is standing why is there a song about it falling down?
Who was Sadie Hawkins?
If a stripper gets breast implants can she write it off on her taxes as a business expense?
Why do we sing "Rock a bye baby" to lull a baby to sleep when the song is about putting your baby in a tree and letting the wind crash the cradle on the ground?
Stripper To Appear At Edinburgh Fringe
13/07/2008 05:48
False teeth,
sagging breasts and varicose veins might not
combine in a conventional image of the body
beautiful, but a 75-year-old stripper from San
Francisco believes that she can storm the
Edinburgh Fringe with a show that will explode
society's obsession with youthful good
looks.Lynn Ruth Miller, a former journalist who has only been stripping for three years, said that she was “living the dream” in an act that celebrates every fold and crease of her body, “revelling in the disasters” that the aging process wreaks.
“If you want to feel old and inadequate, that's up to you, but there is a choice. I look like an old lady, I know I do, but I never suffer pain, I never get tired and it is so exhilarating to communicate with people. When I'm on stage, I'm talking to the world, saying, ‘Don't sit in your rocking chair - get out there and live',” she said.
Revealing details here.
SINC SAYS:
You just have to give this lady and A+ in courage. Either that or call it comedy and be done with it.
Pele Rejects ‘Slavery’ Comment By Sepp Blatter
13/07/2008 05:26
Pele dismissed FIFA president Sepp Blatter's comment that soccer players are often bound to teams in a form of "modern slavery."
Blatter spoke in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's standoff with Manchester United over a move to Real Madrid, saying players seeking a transfer should be allowed to leave.
Blatter told Sky News that "in football there is too much modern slavery."
"You are a slave if you work without a contract or you don't get paid," said Pele, a three-time World Cup winner with Brazil. "If you have a contract then in any job you have to finish the contract. I think that when he finishes his contract, then he should be free to go wherever he wants to go."
Ronaldo has almost four years left on his contract. While no transfer request has been submitted, the 23-year-old player of the year in England has said he would like a transfer to Madrid.
Pele was in England on Saturday for a charity game in support of a foundation by former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks. At the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Banks stopped a shot by Pele that is considered one of the greatest saves in soccer history.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well said, Pele! It’s nice to see a former professional athlete, with some integrity, who believes athletes should be bound to honor the contracts they have signed.
Pistorius’ Latest Bid For Beijing Falls Short
13/07/2008 05:25
Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius improved his time in the 400 metres by more than a second in a race on Friday, but he still fell short of the time needed to qualify for the Beijing Games.
Pistorius, 21, ran the 400-metre B race in a time of 46.62 seconds at the Golden Gala meet in Rome to finish seventh. He needs a time of 45.55 to qualify for the Olympics.
Last week in Milan, the South African participated in his first race among able-bodied competitors in over a year and finished in a time of 47.78.
"I felt this race was awesome, but I can still improve," said Pistorius, whose personal best in the event is 46.36. "After last week's race in Milan I was really worried and I was very nervous going in tonight."
On May 16, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) gave Pistorius the green light to compete in able-bodied races, overturning a previous ruling by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
The IAAF had initially ruled in January that Pistorius should be banned from the Olympics or any other able-bodied race because the carbon-fibre prosthetics he uses give him an unfair advantage.
While the ruling from the CAS vindicated Pistorius, it may have come too late. By focusing his efforts on fighting the ban, the runner was forced to spend most of 2008 away from training and he has struggled to regain his top form.
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
You have to give Pistorius “A” for effort, don’t you? There’s absolutely no quit in the guy.
Favre Can Return As Rodger’s Backup
13/07/2008 05:25
GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers' general manager and coach don't plan to grant Brett Favre's request for his release. If he does rejoin the team, they told The Associated Press, it won't be as the starting quarterback.
And Favre is unlikely to accept a backup role, GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged Saturday in their first public comments since the 38-year-old Favre demanded his release this week.
A trade may be the best resolution, but Thompson and McCarthy declined to discuss that possibility. Thompson said he had not received any inquiries from other teams as of Saturday morning.
''We've communicated that to Brett, that we have since moved forward,'' Thompson said. ''At the same time, we've never said that there couldn't be some role that he might play here. But I would understand his point that he would want to play.''
When asked whether that role might be as a backup or coach, Thompson said: ''not a coach.''
Added McCarthy: ''He did ask about that, though.''
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Unfortunately, this story just keeps getting sillier and sillier. Sadly, folks, it’s turning out to be another story of a professional athlete who didn’t know when to quit. For all that is football, Brett, for the good of the game, but, more importantly, yourself, your legend and your legacy, please, please stay retired!
Beijing Holds Opening Dress Rehersal
13/07/2008 05:24
Organizers of next month's summer Olympic Games in Beijing have staged a full dress rehearsal of the lavish opening ceremony under conditions of strict secrecy, Chinese state media reported Friday.
A run-through of the 3 1/2-hour event was held overnight Thursday at the newly built National Stadium, with security guards manning three concentric rings of checkpoints, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Thousands of participants and stadium workers were required to sign confidentiality agreements, the news report said.
There was no mention of whether problems were encountered during the rehearsal.
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Again, a cloak of secrecy seems to surround everything that is Beijing.
Last Call For Carberry, ‘And . . . Theyrrrrrre Off!’
13/07/2008 05:19
As the Calgary Stampede rodeo winds down on Sunday, one of the event's best-known personalities will mark the end of a long and colourful career.
Joe Carbury, 79, is retiring after 45 years of calling the chuckwagon races.
He's known for belting out his famous announcement at the start of each race: "There's the horn ... and they'rrrre off!" Occasionally, he also urges the crowd to join him in a celebratory "Yahoo!"
Over the years, his methods haven't changed. He calls the races using just a pair of binoculars and a microphone, with no assistants or instant replays, and fans hanging on his every word.
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The “Chucks” at the Calgary Stampede will not be the same without Joe Carberry. Have a greeeeeeeeat retirement, Joe!