15 March 2009
Don't Cut Seniors Out!
21/03/2009 06:10
Rally!
Saturday, March 21 - 12 Noon
Outside Raj Sherman's Office - 8944 182 St, Edmonton
For More information call 780.423.4581
Take Action NOW for Universal Pharmacare & Public Continuing Care!
Friends of Medicare are conducting this rally at Raj Sherman's office, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Ron Liepert.
We are looking to raise awareness about, oppose, and reverse the new Seniors Pharmaceutical Strategy that has been proposed for 2010.
Everyone is welcome!
Hiring More $ervu$ Place Staff: New Business Manager
21/03/2009 04:45
Hang onto your
wallets folks, Robbing Hood And His Merry Band
Of Men are about to spend another nearly $100
grand to hire a saviour for $ervu$ Place.
Check out the ad below the city is circulating, spending still more of your hard earned tax dollars. I pity the poor schmuck that takes on this impossible task.
Here is the "opportunity":
----------------------------------------------------------------
OPPORTUNITY:
Business & Marketing Manager - Competition #09/61CP
EMPLOYER:
City of St. Albert
LOCATION:
St. Albert
TYPE / TERM:
Full time
SALARY:
$81,339 – $98,958
CLOSING DATE:
March 30, 2009
DETAILS:
Reporting to the Facility Director, the Business & Marketing Manager is responsible for the overall management, direction, planning and supervision of the marketing, fundraising and advertising initiatives for Servus Place. The Manager is also involved with elements of strategic and business planning, budgeting and long term sustainability planning for the facility.
The Person: The person we seek will have a high level of interpersonal skill and diplomacy to interact with stakeholders, sponsors, public inquiries, and internal guests in addition to the incumbent’s own staff. The incumbent must have strong oral and written communication skills. The position requires political sensitivity, conflict resolution abilities and negotiating skills.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a related undergraduate degree in Commerce, Recreation Management or a related field. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of previous experience in developing advertising strategies, marketing, fundraising, contract negotiation and staff management.
Hours of work: Standard hours of work are 72 hours bi-weekly.
Salary: $81,339 – 98,958 (under review) per annum. In addition there is a generous and comprehensive benefit package. Security Clearance will be required for this position.
Qualified candidates are invited to forward their resume, quoting
Competition #09/61CP, by March 30, 2009 to:
Human Resource Services
The City of St. Albert
216, 7 St. Anne Street
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 2X4
fax: (780) 459-1729
on-line applications: www.stalbert.ca/employment
We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
OPPORTUNITY:
Business & Marketing Manager - Competition #09/61CP
EMPLOYER:
City of St. Albert
LOCATION:
St. Albert
TYPE / TERM:
Full time
SALARY:
$81,339 – $98,958
CLOSING DATE:
March 30, 2009
DETAILS:
Reporting to the Facility Director, the Business & Marketing Manager is responsible for the overall management, direction, planning and supervision of the marketing, fundraising and advertising initiatives for Servus Place. The Manager is also involved with elements of strategic and business planning, budgeting and long term sustainability planning for the facility.
The Person: The person we seek will have a high level of interpersonal skill and diplomacy to interact with stakeholders, sponsors, public inquiries, and internal guests in addition to the incumbent’s own staff. The incumbent must have strong oral and written communication skills. The position requires political sensitivity, conflict resolution abilities and negotiating skills.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a related undergraduate degree in Commerce, Recreation Management or a related field. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of previous experience in developing advertising strategies, marketing, fundraising, contract negotiation and staff management.
Hours of work: Standard hours of work are 72 hours bi-weekly.
Salary: $81,339 – 98,958 (under review) per annum. In addition there is a generous and comprehensive benefit package. Security Clearance will be required for this position.
Qualified candidates are invited to forward their resume, quoting
Competition #09/61CP, by March 30, 2009 to:
Human Resource Services
The City of St. Albert
216, 7 St. Anne Street
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 2X4
fax: (780) 459-1729
on-line applications: www.stalbert.ca/employment
We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
---------------------------------------------------------
Did you note
the current salary isn't high enough and
is under review? Brilliant thinking in
tough economic times is it not? More tax
dollars down the drain on this perpetual
white elephant.
The Things That People Send Me . . .
21/03/2009 04:45
1957, 1958 & 1959 All Rolled Into One!
21/03/2009 04:45
This little Chevy is just too cool!
This car was built by N2A motors (No Two Alike).
Cost $40,000 over cost of new Corvette C6 (MSRP $44,000).
Unbelievable! The company is planning a production run of about 100 vehicles. It sits on a Corvette C6 chassis, front styled like a 57 Chevy, side like a 58, rear like a 59. Hence the designation '789'.
SINC
SAYS:
If I had the
do-rae-me, this baby would be sitting in my
garage right now. Thanks to Bill Heron of
Winnipeg for sending in this
item.
Blue Collar Boys: Here's Your Sign . . .
21/03/2009 04:45
A man in Adelaide was
ticketed and his car impounded after he
performed repeated burnouts in the parking lot
of a police academy during their graduation
ceremony.
Dumb.A police officer on the way to the graduation ceremonies at Fort Largs noticed a man doing a sustained burnout on a road near the police academy. The officer pulled the man over and let him off with a warning only to spot him later in the day, during the ceremony, doing burnouts in the parking lot of the academy.
Needless to say officers were not amused and following the ceremony went to the mans house where they ticketed him and impounded his car under the hoon laws. Police also found the man was cultivating three cannabis plants.
To borrow a phrase: "Here's your sign."
SINC
SAYS:
Step right up for
your Darwin Award please
sir.
21/03/2009 04:45
I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.
Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead.
Life is sexually transmitted.
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, 'I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?'
Who was the first person to say, 'See that chicken there? I'm going to eat the next thing that comes out of its butt.'
Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?
If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?
Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?
Countdown To The 2009 Masters . . .
21/03/2009 04:45
Countdown To The 2009
Masters . . .In an ongoing daily series leading up to the 2009 Masters, which will take place at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club from April 6-12, 2009, St. Albert’s Place brings you Countdown to the 2009 Masters . . . We'll reprise classic reporting and articles from earlier Masters, photo galleries, daily updates of current qualifiers, press releases from Augusta National and coverage of significant Masters 2009 anniversaries.
We hope you enjoy.
Countdown To The Masters – Part 3 – Jack Nicklaus’ Improbable Win At The 1986 Masters
In 1986, Jack Nicklaus capped his career by recording his sixth Masters victory under incredible circumstances, posting a six-under 30 on the back nine at Augusta for a final round of seven-under 65. At the 17th hole, Nicklaus hit it to within 18 feet and rolled it in for birdie, raising his putter in celebration and completing an eagle-birdie-birdie run. Nicklaus made a victory-sealing par-4 at the 72nd hole, and waited for the succeeding players to falter. At age 46, Nicklaus became the oldest Masters winner in history, a record which still stands. On the feat, sports columnist Thomas Boswell remarked,
"Some things cannot possibly happen, because they are both too improbable and too imperfect. The US hockey team cannot beat the Russians in the 1980 Olympics. Jack Nicklaus cannot shoot 65 to win the Masters at age 46. Nothing else comes immediately to mind."
This victory was his 18th major title as a professional.
Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters using the Response ZT putter. Its manufacturer, MacGregor Golf, received 5,000 orders the next day; it had planned to sell only 6,000 copies of this model for the entire year. Before the tournament, Tom McCollister, writing in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, said that Nicklaus was "done, washed up, through," and this spurred him on, as he says:
"I kept thinking all week, 'Through, washed up, huh?' I sizzled for a while. But then I said to myself, 'I'm not going to quit now, playing the way I'm playing. I've played too well, too long to let a shorter period of bad golf be my last."
This victory was to be his last in his long career on the PGA Tour. At the age of 58, Nicklaus made another valiant run at the 1998 Masters, where he tied for sixth.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Sitting in front of my television set that Sunday in April 1986, there were tears running down my cheeks as the Golden Bear, with son Jackie on the bag, walked up the 18th fairway at Augusta National with the lead in the Masters for the last time in his storied career. St. Albert’s Place has dug out the videotape highlights of that final round and we have posted them below. Enjoy the trip down memory lane!
Lumsden To Jump In Bobsleigh With Leuders
21/03/2009 04:45
Pierre Lueders will get an extra boost at the Canadian National Bobsleigh championships this weekend from an unlikely source.
Edmonton Eskimos' running back Jesse Lumsden will be pushing Lueders' sled in the two-man and four-man events at the competition.
The 26-year-old has been training with Lueders' team in the off season and has been impressive. His times have been on par with some of team's veterans, prompting some speculation he could find a spot on the Olympic team for the 2010 games in Vancouver.
"He has all the tools to be a good bobsledder, for sure. I think he could be as good as he wanted to be," Bobsleigh Canada program director Matt Hindle told Sun Media earlier in March.
The jump from football to bobsleigh has been made before and Lueders' brakeman, David Bissett, played for the University of Alberta. Canadian pilot Lyndon Rush played football for the University of Saskatchewan.
Former NFL running back Herschel Walker trained with the United States bobsleigh team and participated in the Albertville Winter Olympics in 1992. He finished seventh.
For Lumsden, he feels the bobsleigh training could help him prepare for the CFL season.
"There's a lot of crossover in the training and I could see how much benefit it could be. It's just excellent crossover training for football," the running back told Sun Media earlier this month.
The Eskimos agreed with Lumsden's assessment as far as the training side of the sports are concerned.
"There's a lot of benefits pushing a 400-pound bobsled. It has a lot to do with the position he has to play. It teaches you to run low and down," Eskimos general manager Danny Maciocia said to Sun Media in March.
The Eskimos might have been fine with Lumsden training, but it remains to be seen if they will still approve of their player competing in what can be a dangerous sport. The former star for the McMaster Mauraders has a history of injury.
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Personally, I wish Jesse would just stick to football. But, if he has to bobsleigh, let’s just hope he doesn’t get injured.
Bombers Can't Bring QBs To Off-Season Camp: CFL
21/03/2009 04:44
WINNIPEG - New Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike Kelly has had his knuckles rapped by the CFL for a planned get-together with his trio of quarterbacks.
Stefan LeFors, Ryan Dinwiddie and Bryan Randall were set to attend one of the teams U.S. free-agent camps next month, but the league contacted the club to remind it that the collective bargaining agreement doesn't allow CFL players under contract to take part in any off-season workouts.
That was news to Kelly.
"I was always under the impression that three veterans were allowed to be at an off-season workout," he said this week from his Philadelphia home. "I'm extremely disappointed. I think this affects the product that can be put on the field all across the CFL by not allowing this type of activity."
The Bombers are holding four camps beginning this weekend in Long Beach, Calif. They also have camps planned for San Diego, Monroe, La., and Deland, Fla.
Dinwiddie, Randall and LeFors had voluntarily agreed to throw the ball to hopefuls at the final Florida camp next month.
"I wanted to have all of our three quarterbacks there to get a jump-start on learning our terminology and our schemes and see how they operate and be able to work with them one-on-one," Kelly said. "I think its a huge injustice to the quality of play that could be in the CFL by not allowing veterans to voluntarily come to these types of workouts."
He plans to bring up the issue when the CFL Players Association and the league negotiate a new contract. The current deal expires in May 2010.
The NFL allows a certain number of off-season workouts, he noted.
"I would like to see that every team is allowed one voluntary, organized team activity between January and June, and if you are a new head coach you get two," said Kelly, who coached Edmonton's receivers last year and was Winnipeg's offensive co-ordinator from 1992-96. "(A new coach), you're putting in a whole new system, it's a whole new coaching staff.
"You want to meet your players, you want to see how they assimilate the information, you want to get a better feel for some of these guys rather than just seeing them on film or having played against them."
Players under contract to a CFL team can't report to off-season workouts prior to the start of training camp, which is June 7 this year. Punishment is at the commissioner's discretion and could include fines.
"Reported incidents are investigated by the CFL and handled internally," said a league spokesperson. "They remain confidential between the league, the CFLPA and its clubs."
Kelly mentioned his quarterback get-together in a media story last week.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I really don’t like much of anything I’ve seen or heard from Mike Kelly since he became the head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Seems that Kelly is the kind of ‘jerk’ who believes that rules were made for everybody except him. You know the kind of guy, don’t you, folks? The guy that’s going to do everything his way – and the heck with what anyone else thinks. The “my way or the highway” kind of guy. You didn’t know about the rule? C’mon, Mike, the playing stupid routine doesn’t look good on you!
Woods To Get $4.54 Million U.S. To Play Aussie Masters
21/03/2009 04:44
MELBOURNE, Australia - Tiger Woods will play at the Australian Masters in November, his first tournament appearance Down Under since 1998.
A government spokesman confirmed premier John Brumby's comments in a Melbourne newspaper that Woods would play in the event at Kingston Heath, scheduled for Nov. 12-15.
"We are delighted Tiger Woods has chosen to come to Melbourne, further cementing our position as the major events capital of the world," Brumby told the Herald Sun newspaper.
Melbourne also hosts the Australian Open, the first of four majors each year on the international tennis circuit, and the season-opening Formula One Grand Prix.
Brumby predicted the visit by the world's top golfer would earn Victoria state US$19 million in economic benefits, which would offset Woods' US$4.54 million appearance fee.
Woods has recently returned from an eight-month layoff following season-ending knee surgery last year after winning the U.S. Open, his 14th career major.
Stuart Appleby, among the Australians who regularly compete against Woods on the PGA Tour, said it was a coup for golf Down Under, even in the economic climate.
"It will be great for the game and bring out a lot of people who haven't seen him before - in person, not on a video game," Appleby told The Associated Press.
"There's a lot of people hurting in Australia, and they might look negatively that one guy is paid ($4.54 million) just to turn up.
"The common man won't understand the business model because the government is paying for it. They might not see the money he brings in."
But he predicted huge galleries for Woods at Kingston Heath.
"He not been down here since the Presidents Cup," Appleby said. "He's been to Asia multiple times. He's been to Europe multiple times. I think it's good that he's bringing his game to Australia."
Woods, who wasn't immediately available for comment, is very selective about his appearances outside of the United States.
It will be Woods' fourth tournament appearance Down Under and first since the 1998 Presidents Cup, when the U.S. lost to the International team at Royal Melbourne.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Can you believe the Aussies are going to pay Woods $4.54 million U.S. just to show up? I guess you can command that kind of cash when you’re the greatest golfer that ever lived. The Aussies are saying that Woods' appearance alone is going to result in an influx of about $19 million into their economy.
Canadians Divided Over Fighting Change
21/03/2009 04:44
OTTAWA - A new poll suggests that Canadians are divided over proposed rules to curb fighting in the NHL, just as many are split on the issue in general.
The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey found that 42 per cent of respondents believe NHL general managers didn't go far enough with a new 10-minute penalty designed to cut down on "staged fights."
However, 39 per cent of people said the change was about right.
The league's 30 general managers proposed the rule change during their annual meetings last week in Naples, Fla. It must be approved by the competition committee and NHL's board of governors.
The proposed change was more popular among respondents who identified themselves as hockey fans - with 50 per cent of those people saying the changes were about right.
"The NHL's GMs clearly have a keen awareness of how core hockey fans feel about fighting and the severity of penalties that ought to be levied against those that engage in fights, and this proposal appears to be seen among most of that group as striking an appropriate balance," said Jeff Walker of Harris-Decima. "Unfortunately, across society as a whole, expectations in terms of the severity of penalties for fighting are higher, and for them, this proposal is not meeting that test."
The phone poll of 1,000 Canadians was conducted from March 12 to 15. The sample size has a margin of error of 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I said when this change was initially proposed, the discussion and debate is going to go on for quite some time.
NFL Considering Instant Replay Rule Changes
21/03/2009 04:44
NEW YORK - The NFL will look into changing instant replay rules in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the blown call by referee Ed Hochuli that helped cost San Diego a game last season.
The competition committee will propose at the league meetings next week that when the ball comes loose when a quarterback is throwing, replay can be used to determine if it's a fumble or an incomplete pass.
Such a change would resemble the rules alteration made for down-by-contact plays two years ago.
In the final minute of a game at Denver in Week 2, Hochuli ruled a ball that slipped from Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler's grasp was an incomplete pass instead of a fumble.
The ball was recovered by the Chargers and Hochuli later acknowledged his decision was wrong.
Under league rules, the play was not reviewable.
The competition committee believes it's an area that should fall under instant replay reviews.
"We thought when we watched the plays happen, basically it happened the same as the down-by-contact, and it should be reviewable in the same context," Rich McKay, co-chairman of the committee, said Wednesday.
Hochuli's mistake could have cost the Chargers a playoff spot.
The Broncos went on to win that September game with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, and they built a three-game lead in the AFC West.
But San Diego rallied to win the division.
McKay said replay reviews for loose balls that are out of bounds when they are recovered also will be proposed.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I’m in favor of changing anything – as long as it will improve the game.
Annika Sorenstam Expecting First Child
21/03/2009 04:44
Annika Sorenstam, one of the most successful female golfers of all-time, announced Thursday she is pregnant with her first child.
"(Husband) Mike (McGee) and I are very pleased to announce that we are expecting our first child," Sorenstam reported on her blog.
The announcement comes just three months after the 38-year-old Swede competed in her final tournament. In January, she married American Mike McGee, who is the son of former PGA Tour player Jerry McGee.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, that didn’t take long, did it, folks? Let's see . . . almost nine months exactly to the day she retired . . .
Why Does City Remove Snow From Football Fields?
20/03/2009 05:19
Don,
It's good to see the City has its priorities in order about snow removal.
But why have they have been keeping the snow off the new football fields on Riel Drive?
No Name Please
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
One thing the city of St. Albert does right every single time is their snow removal effort. They go to great lengths to get down to bare pavement and the scooping out of private driveways with the skidster is a real bonus and for that they deserve applause.
As to why they would keep a football field clean all winter long is beyond me. Any readers have any thoughts about that kind of policy which has to cost taxpayers money?
READER RESPONSE:
Hi Don,
The only reason I can think of why the city is clearing the football field is for the spring football season.
The Midget players are in training now and need to use the field. So by keeping it clear all year it the process does not allow snow and ice to build up and will therefore be ready to go when the season starts.
That is fine I suppose, however it is a cost to taxpayers. This cost should be borne by the football association if they insist on having the field clear and ready to go.
Why should the rest of the majority have to pay for a small minority’s special convenience?
Mark Fraser
St. Albert
Student, 15, Suspended For Passing Gas
20/03/2009 05:19
Boy's Father Says
Punishment Too
SteepLAKELAND, Fla. -- A Polk County teenage student has been suspended from school because he intentionally passed gas, according to school officials.
The Lakeland Ledger reported that 15-year-old Jonathon Locked Jr. was suspended from Bill Duncan Opportunity School under a school district rule against disruptive behavior.
School officials said the teen repeatedly passed gas to make other children laugh. They said the smell also made it difficult to breathe.
Locked's father said his son isn't perfect and they're appealing the suspension, saying the district went too far with its punishment.
SINC SAYS:
What is it with boys and men and farts. The outbreak of laughter is automatic, isn’t it?
Ahem, About That Saskatchewan Cow Joke
20/03/2009 05:19
Sinc,
This will even things up for that story on your site about the Saskatchewan cow.
O. Robison
Nipawin, Saskatchewan
SINC SAYS:
Well, I guess one good turn deserves another, so let’s bury the hatchet after this one, shall we?
Never choke in a pub in Alberta
Two backwoods Albertans walk into a pub. While having a shot of whiskey, they talk about their moonshine operation.
Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a sandwich, begins to cough. And, after a minute or so, it becomes apparent that she is in real distress.
One of the good-ole-boys looks at her and says, 'Kin ya swallar?' The woman shakes her head no. Then he asks, 'Kin ya breathe?' The woman begins to turn blue and shakes her head no.
He walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress, yanks down her drawers and quickly gives her right butt cheek a lick with his tongue.
The woman is so shocked that she has a violent spasm and the obstruction flies out of her mouth. As she begins to breathe again, the Albertan walks slowly back to the bar.
His partner says, 'Ya know, I'd herd of that there 'Hind Lick Maneuver' but I ain't niver seen nobody do it!'
109 'Have Been Killed By Viagra'
20/03/2009 05:19
VIAGRA has caused 109
deaths, it was claimed
yesterday.The anti-impotence drug was said to have led to 44 fatal heart attacks and 29 other sudden deaths.
Watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency added that seven people claimed it turned them blind.
Two patients said it made them deaf and another two men claimed it left them with bent willies.
SINC SAYS:
And speaking of Willies, I am reminded of those simple, yet so profound words of wisdom from that famous philosopher, country music star Willie Nelson, who on his 75th birthday said: “I have outlived my dick.”
Pub Closed By Monty Python Grenade
20/03/2009 05:18
BUILDINGS were
evacuated, a street was cordoned off and a bomb
disposal team called in after workmen spotted a
suspicious
object.But the dangerous-looking weapon turned out to be the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, made famous in the 1975 film Monty Python And The Holy Grail.
Police and a fire crew were first on the scene in Shoreditch, east London, when water company workers found a copy of the film prop under a fire hydrant cover.
They evacuated a pub and another building in Tabernacle Street, while office staff in another building were stopped from leaving.
But when the bomb squad arrived, they quickly established there was no danger and the street was declared safe. In the film, the grenade was used to slaughter a killer rabbit. Python actor Eric Idle had filmgoers in stitches as he said: "Oh Lord. Bless this hand grenade, that with it thou mayest blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy."
Alberto Romanelli, who owns the Windmill pub nearby, said the police action in ordering his pub to be evacuated had been as ridiculous as the film scene. "They evacuated the pub while they were doing X-rays and stuff," he said.
"It all lasted about 45 minutes before they decided it was nothing - which I thought was pretty obvious from the start. I lost a good hour's worth of business."
Emma Eve, a training centre receptionist, said: "It was scary. They wouldn't let us out of the building." Office worker Graham White said: "The situation was nearly as crazy as the film."
Former Python Michael Palin, who appeared in the film, said: "Our Holy Hand Grenade was fictional and there were no plans for creating one. We don't want to add to the armaments of the world."
An Islington police spokeswoman said: "There was no danger to the public. The device is believed to be an object known as a Holy Hand Grenade." Copies of the prop can be bought on the internet for £14 or you can make your own by following the instructions in a five-minute video on YouTube.
In the film, before the grenade is used, Idle says: "And the Lord spake, saying, 'First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin, then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out.
"'Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it. Amen.'"
SINC SAYS:
Seems only fitting that Monty Python continues to reach out and provide comic relief.
Countdown To The 2009 Masters . . .
20/03/2009 05:18
Countdown To The 2009 Masters . . .
In an ongoing daily series leading up to the 2009 Masters, which will take place at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club from April 6-12, 2009, St. Albert’s Place brings you Countdown to the 2009 Masters . . . We'll reprise classic reporting and articles from earlier Masters, photo galleries, daily updates of current qualifiers, press releases from Augusta National and coverage of significant Masters 2009 anniversaries.
We hope you enjoy.
Countdown To The Masters – Part 2 - Ike And The Gang
His pals at Augusta National not only played golf and bridge with him, they managed his money and helped make him President
He was Dwight David Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, which hammered the life out of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was the 34th President of the United States, and for the eight years of his Presidency he was the undisputed leader of what was known as the Free World. If you want to get a measure of the man, combine President Ronald Reagan with General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and multiply by 10 and you won't be far off the mark. His campaign slogan was "I like Ike," and for once there was no political hyperbole involved. Not everybody voted for Eisenhower, but he was probably the most genuinely liked President we ever had.
At Augusta National Golf Club, where he was a member for almost 20 years, Eisenhower is remembered mostly as a good man to play golf with. If it were not for the team of secret servicemen dressed in sports shirts and side arms, who shadowed him 200 yards away in a golf cart, Ike could have been taken for just another member out on the course for a day of golf. That was the way the President wanted it. One of the first things he did on leaving the White House was to plead with his fellow members at Augusta to start calling him by his first name again.
"He never acted like a President," remembers Hord Hardin, himself a former chief executive of Augusta. "There was no ceremony. At the first tee, we'd throw up four balls and the two closest were partners, the way we did with everyone else."
Make no mistake about it, Dwight Eisenhower was passionate about the game of golf. It has been calculated that during his eight-year Presidency, he managed to get in 800 rounds. He played 221 of them at Augusta. One hundred rounds a year is a lot of golf by anyone's standards, and it is unlikely any other President could have indulged himself to such a degree. One of the enduring images of the 1950s was Eisenhower playing on the putting green he'd installed on the south lawn of the White House. And when he wasn't working on his short game, Eisenhower was hitting long irons into a net in the basement.
Every President is criticized to some degree for his choice of hobby no matter what it is. Thomas Jefferson had rather too many French vintages in his wine cellar. Franklin Roosevelt was forever fiddling with his stamp collection. And whenever you needed Harry Truman, he was out on his damned boat. Ike came in for some satiric commentary about his golf.
It could not entirely escape editorial notice that national policy sometimes seemed to be forged in a small room over the golf shop at Augusta National -- indeed, the famous "Eisenhower Doctrine," outlining America's willingness to use force in the Middle East, was announced within a fairway wood of the first tee. There was a popular bumper sticker of the time that read, "BEN HOGAN FOR PRESIDENT. IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A GOLFER, LET'S HAVE A GOOD ONE."
More from Golf Digest.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
One thing’s for sure - Ike loved his golf. So much so that he has a couple of trees at Augusta National named after him. The most famous, the "Eisenhower Pine," is a loblolly pine located on the 17th hole, approximately 210 yards (192 m) from the Master's tee. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, an Augusta National member, hit the tree so many times that, at a 1956 club meeting, he proposed that it be cut down. Not wanting to offend the President, the club's chairman, Clifford Roberts, immediately adjourned the meeting rather than reject the request outright.
Road To Vancouver 2010 Goes Through Yorkton
20/03/2009 05:18
Olympic trial berths, $150,000 up for grabs at bonspiel
It took 11 ends but Regina's Michelle Englot was able to take advantage of her extra life in the Canada Cup of Curling in Yorkton, Sask.
Englot defeated Kelly Scott of Kelowna, B.C., 7-6 with a steal of one in the 11th end to open the Canada Cup on Wednesday with a win. The opening-draw victory completed what has turned out to be an interesting journey to Yorkton for Englot, who wasn't among the original 10 women's teams taking part in the bonspiel.
Englot, who is curling with Deanna Doig, Roberta Materi and Cindy Simmons, was awarded a berth in the Canada Cup after Winnipeg's Jennifer Jones was forced to withdraw. Jones successfully defended her Canadian women's curling championship and withdrew because she starts the women's world championship in Gangneung, South Korea on Saturday.
Some of the teams for the Canada Cup were selected based on their standings in the Canadian Team Ranking System, which is being used to determine representatives for the Canadian Olympic team trials. Englot missed qualifying for the event through that route by a point when the numbers were totalled on Dec. 17. Englot was informed that she was in the Canada Cup on March 2, the day after Jones clinched the Canadian title.
"Because we missed it by one point, it was a little disappointing," Englot said Wednesday from Yorkton. "But we also knew that there was a conflict (with the women's world championship) and there were actually four teams at the Scotties who could have won for us to get a spot. We knew that we had a pretty good chance of making it."
Englot never got going in the night draw, falling 9-3 to Calgary's Shannon Kleibrink. Englot, Scott and Kleibrink are all 1-1 and trail Pool A leader, Halifax's Mary-Anne Arsenault who sports a 2-0 record. Arsenault scored a 5-3 win over Kleibrink and beat winless Sherry Middaugh of Coldwater, Ont. 9-3.
In the other pool, Quebec's Marie-France Laroche and Regina's Amber Holland both finished the opening day at 2-0. Holland rallied to beat Saskatoon's Stefanie Lawton 10-8 in the night draw. She needed to score three in the 10th to tie and stole two in the extra end for the win. Holland also beat Cheryl Bernard of Calgary 8-5. Larouche beat Middaugh 8-5 and Bernard 12-9.
On the men's side, Edmonton's Kevin Martin, who was unbeaten en route to his second straight Canadian men's curling championship in Calgary on Sunday, continued his hot streak in Yorkton. Martin stole two in the ninth and another in the 10th to beat Russ Howard of Moncton, N.B., 8-6. He thieved his way to victory again in the night draw, stealing two in the 10th to beat Brad Gushue of St. John's, N.L., 9-7.
Martin is alone with a 3-0 record in Pool A, followed by Wayne Middaugh of Coldwater, Ont., at 2-1, Brad Gushue of St. John’s, Nfld. and Mike McEwan of Winnipeg are 1-2. Howard is 0-3.
Winnipeg's Jeff Stoughton leads Pool B at 2-0. He beat Edmonton's Kevin Koe 7-5 and defeated Middaugh 5-2. Kevin Koe of Edmonton sits at 2-1, while Edmonton’s Randy Ferbey is 1-1. Another Winnipegger, Kerry Burtnyk, and Ted Appelman of Edmonton are at 1-2.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Although I’m not surprised that Edmonton’s Kevin Martin is 3-0, I am surprised that he was in trouble late in both of his games Wednesday and his first game yesterday, and had to steal all three victories. Best of luck to some of the other competing teams, like St. Albert’s Cathy King, for example.
Ten men's and 10 women's team are vying for a total purse of $150,000. The winners receive $25,000 each and earn berths in the Canadian Olympic team pre-trials or the trials, depending in their past results. Both the men’s and women’s semi-finals (Saturday) and finals (Sunday) will be broadcast live this weekend on TSN and TSN-HD.
Canada’s Jones Prepares To Defend World Curling Title
20/03/2009 05:18
Jennifer Jones is used to a hectic existence.
Thanks to an incredible comeback at this year's Scotties Tournament of Hearts, things are about to get a whole lot crazier.
Jones, third Cathy Overton-Clapham, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn Askin look to defend their title at the world women's curling championship, which gets underway Saturday in Gangneung, South Korea.
Jones will try to become the first Canadian skip to repeat as world champ since Sandra Peterson -- later Schmirler -- won back-to-back titles in 1993 and 1994.
It's been a whirlwind 13 months for Jones, who stormed back from near-elimination to win the 2008 Scotties in Regina and followed that up by capturing the world championship in Vernon, B.C. She found herself in a similar situation at this year's Scotties in Victoria, sitting at 6-4 before reeling off five straight wins to defend her Canadian title.
In between, Jones found time to curl in an exhibition against male counterparts, take part in a number of fundraisers and charity events, do a little public speaking and even appear in a nationally televised Capital One credit card commercial.
Add in her regular job as an in-house legal counsel for Wellington West Capital, and it's a small wonder that Jones isn't completely exhausted. But Jones says she wouldn't have it any other way.
"I don't know what enough sleep is," Jones joked in a recent telephone interview. "I think it's mind over matter, really. I've always been busy, I'm used to being busy. I don't allow myself to feel tired.
"My friends all say I'm the busiest person they know, but that's life as I know it. Maybe I'll slow down one day . . . but right now, I'm living the dream."
This year's world championship will present a major challenge for the Jones foursome, which has enjoyed the majority of its success on home soil. It's a 9,268-kilometre trek from the team's home base at Winnipeg's St. Vital Curling Club to the city of Gangneung, a popular tourist locale located on the east coast of South Korea.
A 12-hour time difference is enough of a nuisance for the average traveller. For athletes, such a shock to the system could have an adverse effect on preparation -- not to mention sleeping and eating patterns.
"We've never done it (like this)," said Jones, who arrived in South Korea on Sunday. "We've been to Europe before, but that's not nearly as far, and the time change is not nearly as severe.
"The biggest thing is to try and get on the clock right away, and sleep when you can. We don't have a choice."
Jones will open the tournament Saturday against Bingyu Wang of China in a rematch of last year's final, won 7-4 by Canada. Wang, who beat Canada in last year's round robin and again in the 1-versus-2 Page playoff game, is widely considered Jones's top threat.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s an extremely strong field for the Women’s Worlds this year, with eight teams that competed in 2008 returning. However, when it gets down to the playoffs and the championship game, don’t bet against Jennifer Jones and Team Canada. Good luck, Jennifer and the rest of Team Canada. Let’s do Canada proud and bring home the gold!
Sales ‘Roaring’ For Olympic Qualifier
20/03/2009 05:18
Nine months before event, over half of tickets gone
Already halfway to their target of 200,000 tickets, the organizers of the 2009 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings tournament took the next step towards reaching that goal with a number of announcements on Wednesday.
Ticket sales have surpassed the 100,000 mark and Jackie-Rae Greening, chair of the organizing committee, said there'll be another big jump on Friday.
"Why do I know that? Because our mini-packs go on sale Friday morning," Greening told a news conference at the Granite Club.
"The packs will offer seven different ways to enjoy the Roar of the Rings. When you think we're still nine months away and 50 per cent of the tickets have already been sold, that's a really comfortable position to be in." She also announced the Shannon Kleibrink rink of Calgary has joined the small ranks of those already qualified for the event that will determine Canada's men's and women's entries for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Kleibrink joins defending Canadian champion Jennifer Jones on the women's side with Kevin Martin, who last week successfully defended his Brier title, and Glenn Howard as the two men's teams already qualified. Greening said two more men's and two more women's rinks will be named in early April.
"Another women's team really helps because a lot of the public were confused because we kept promoting two men's teams and only one women's team and then it's difficult to explain the whole points thing. And the fact we have a team from Calgary should help our full event packages.
"It's huge that teams are being named because if you think of the people who have bought the full event packages right now, they're just buying on spec. They don't know who's going to be there, they just know we're going to have the top teams in the country. But if somebody likes a particular team and that team is in there they're going to buy tickets so it helps our promotional efforts." There seems to be little doubt the Edmonton event will surpass the 159,235 fans who took in the tournament in Halifax prior to the 2006 Games, but Greening said there's no immediate plans to increase their target from the 200,000 tickets. At least not at this time.
"If the ticket sales keep going the way they are, I think we could hit 220,000," he did say.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Why shouldn’t this surprise any of us, folks? After all, the Roar of the Rings is being held in Edmonton. And, it will be the best curling the world has ever seen – bar none. And, St. Albert's own Jackie-Rae Greening has done an outstanding job so far as the event organizing committee chair, who it seems is also in charge of ticket sales.
‘Capitals’ Ready To Throw First Pitch
20/03/2009 05:18
Golden Baseball League franchise bought by NHL's Oilers renamed
Ding dong the Cracker-Cats are dead.
Edmonton's franchise in the Golden Baseball League was renamed the Edmonton Capitals on Wednesday.
"I think the name will be quickly adopted," said Patrick LaForge, who, in addition to being the president and CEO of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, is also the Capitals governor.
"Capital city. Oil capital. We finally have a pro sports team in this city that we can call the Capitals.
"The name symbolizes all that makes this city stand out above the rest." One name that never stood out was Cracker-Cats.
"Twenty-eight out of every 29 games someone would ask me what is a Cracker-Cat," said Capitals manager Brent Bowers. "I shook my head and told them I didn't know.
"It was like Jeopardy. All I knew was it had something to do with oil." While it seemed like many people were hoping for a return to the name 'Trappers' -- the highly successful Triple-A team that played in Edmonton, LaForge said "The Trappers had a great run. It was a wonderful era, but it also conjured up a lot of things we didn't care for." While LaForge would not elaborate, he did say the Trappers "left in a huff and people had very strong feelings about that," a reference to the way the Trappers were bought and then sold by the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos -- almost overnight and with little public discussion.
The Trappers were also started by ex-Oilers owner Peter Pocklington.
"This is a new start to a new idea," said LaForge, adding that the Trappers name did not come up very often in a re-name the team contest. The promotion drew over 2,000 suggestions.
Miranda Diakiw was selected in a random draw from a pool of those who also chose the Capitals name.
"This is a new game, a new kid, a new family." And LaForge said that the Edmonton Capitals are not the Triple-A Trappers.
"Nobody wanted to live with that never-ending comparison with Ron Kittle," he said.
Whatever the name, the biggest change is clearly the new ownership, with Edmonton Oilers staff now running the team after it was purchased from Dan Orlich by Daryl Katz and the Rexall Sports Corporation a few months ago.
"I know this city wasn't too fond of (last year's) owners," said Bowers. "It's going to be a baseball city. It's going to be nice." "It got to be a distraction on a daily basis," said Mark Randall, who was introduced as the team's pitching coach.
LaForge said there is a still a lot of passion for baseball in Edmonton. "I didn't get as many phone calls when the Oil Kings returned as when we bought the baseball team. People were constantly phoning saying 'Thank God.' " The Cracker-Cats, LaForge said, "became a black eye." Someone suggested that perhaps the best thing the Capitals could do is put up a big sign around Telus Field that said "Under new management."
STOCK REPORT -- The Capitals will maintain a year-round pub in what is currently the Home Plate Lounge. The team has now launched a 'Design Our Logo' contest. Fans can submit their entries at the new team website www.capsbaseball.ca.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, folks, it really took a helluva lot of thought and a real genius to come up with the name ‘Capitals,’ didn’t it? Why did the Oilers even bother having the naming contest? I can hardly wait to see the logo – oh, oh, wait a minute – how about a baseball against a black background?
Winnipeg To Host CFL HOF Induction Weekend
20/03/2009 05:18
WINNIPEG - The Canadian Football Hall of Fame is taking its show on the road for only the second time in 39 years.
Organizers of the induction weekend announced Wednesday that this year's events will be held in Winnipeg from Sept. 24-26. The only other time it wasn't held at the Hall's home in Hamilton was 2003 in Calgary.
Hall executives were reluctant to move the festivities. But organizing committee chair Paul Bennett believes it will help fans across the country share in the weekend.
"If you can create the energy that I think that were going to create here, it only makes sense to move it around," said Bennett, who was inducted into the Hall in 2002. "When you see the event, its cool. Yeah, I was a part of it so for me it's a little bit more emotionally, but fans have huge emotion and they're going to be able to make that connection.
"Just move it around, move it around. The Hall will always be in Hamilton for the foreseeable future and that's fine by me, but I think we need to share all the things you're going to experience here in September."
He'd like to see the event held in Saskatchewan next year, when the Roughriders will be celebrating their 100th year.
This year's inductees will be announced April 7. There are more than 200 members of the Hall, including last year's class of players -- John Bonk, Mike (Pinball) Clemons, Doug Flutie, Mike Pringle and builder Tom Shepherd.
The events in Winnipeg will begin Sept. 24 with a golf tournament featuring the new inductees and Blue Bombers alumni such as receivers Joe Poplawski and James Murphy, who were on hand for Wednesday's announcement.
A breakfast the next day will be followed up by the unveiling of the busts of the new inductees in the afternoon and a dinner in the evening.
The tribute game is Sept. 26 between the Bombers and Toronto Argonauts.
"The Canadian Football Hall of Fame belongs to Canadians and this is a great initiative by the Hall to reach out to Canadians and the people that haven't experienced it," said Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer. "This initiative is part of a new direction for the Hall and I think it is part of the new mandate to have the Hall become important to all Canadians."
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
That ought to be a real thrill for everyone involved – having the CFL Hall of Fame weekend held in Winnipeg. Personally, I can’t thing of anything more exciting than spending Hall of Fame weekend on Milt Stegall Drive. Z z z . . .
IMG To Manage Michelle Wie’s Career
20/03/2009 05:18
CLEVELAND - Michelle Wie has a new agent.
The 19-year-old from Hawaii has signed a contract with IMG to manage her career. It was not immediately clear who from IMG would handle her business affairs.
Wie signed with the William Morris Agency when she turned pro before her 16th birthday, in part because of the agency's low commission on marketing deals. Wie recently announced she had left William Morris.
Wie, a runner-up in her LPGA Tour debut this year, is to play next week in Phoenix.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
For Wie’s sake, let’s hope IMG does a heck of a lot better job than the William Morris Agency did for her.
Citizen Asks Mayor For Answers On Recent Develpments
19/03/2009 04:36
SINC SAYS:
I received a letter yesterday from reader Robert Hartley with some questions for Mayor Crouse. The Mayor chose to respond in point form embedded within the letter. Here, for the benefit of our readers, are those questions posed by Mr. Harley and the responses by Mayor Crouse:
Hi Don,
“The Mayor’s Task Force on St. Albert’s Downtown Revitalization recommends 16 key changes to inject life into the city’s core” - St. Albert Gazette Wednesday, March 18, 2009.
After reading the article and then the full report posted on your web site “St. Albert’s Place”, many questions come to mind, so through you to the Mayor:
1. How were the Task Force participants selected?
Mayor Crouse responds:
There were likely about 10 ads in the Gazette and everyone who asked to attend one was scheduled. In total about 105 were in attendance at the 11 groups. The individuals all were on their own to come forward and attend - mostly Saturdays, a couple week nights and one or 2 daytime ones.
2. Who selected them?
Mayor Crouse responds:
People registered on their own.
3. What percentage of residents do you imagine would support closing St. Anne Street?
Mayor Crouse responds:
Without a total traffic plan and parking vision, it would be unwise to close any downtown street. I can’t speculate on % but it would likely be low until a lot of other changes were made.
4. What percentage of residents do you imagine would support development of a multi story parkade?
Mayor Crouse responds:
One of the larger complaints is downtown parking for all the festivals, markets, Arden performances, library etc., so some day we will have to add parking of some magnitude. Hard to speculate on %.
5. What percentage of residents do you imagine would support moving civic employee’s out of St. Albert Place?
Mayor Crouse responds:
We already have staff renting in Campbell Park, on Perron Street (FCSS), and on the second floor (HR) above Cajun House. So, people support moving people when it makes sense. Most don't know where all our offices are in the city. City Hall has few offices relative to all the offices around the city. RCMP, Fire Hall, Servus, Public Works, Fountain Park Pool, Akinsdale, Campbell Park, Business Center, City Hall, Perron Street are all offices today. My guess is that City Hall may only have 20% of the City staff within it and the other 80% are dispersed through many other offices already.
6. What Percentage of residents do you imagine would support a St. Albert Place take-over by Arts & Crafts?
Mayor Crouse responds:
Likely not a large number but it already is a significant % today. When City Hall was opened 25 years ago, the ribbon cutting video showed it as "The Arts, Crafts, and Cultural" Center of St. Albert. Literary arts (Library), Performing Arts (Arden), the Children's Festival, the Studios, etc, are all part of that and likely will remain for years.
7. What percentage of residents do you imagine would support building a new City Hall?
Mayor Crouse responds:
Few, unless there was a significant need or interest or drive for a City Hall with a Museum or other such community space.
8. What percentage of residents do you imagine would be prepared to pay higher taxes to support your Task Force recommendations?
Mayor Crouse responds:
No one likes higher taxes so my guess is it would be a small percentage.
9. If council approves the recommendations put forth by the Task Force, will the residents of St. Albert be granted the opportunity to voice their approval via plebiscite?
Mayor Crouse responds:
The focus groups was one input. We need public input through the bylaw changes that may occur in 2010 or beyond. We need to hear from traffic people, library board, museum people, Arts and Heritage foundation, experts on parking, experts on flood plain, river study experts etc. Lots and lots of experts and residents to hear from over the next year.
Looking forward to your usual prompt reply.
Regards,
Robert Hartley
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
St. Albert’s Place would like to thank Mayor Crouse for his prompt response to Mr. Harley’s questions via this web site.
Mayor's Views On New City Hall, St. Anne Street
19/03/2009 04:36
SINC SAYS:
When I sent Mayor Crouse the questions posed by Mr. Hartley, I included a question of my own. Here is what I asked the mayor in that same e-mail:
"I have one of my own as well:
How do you respond to the poll on St. Albert's Place that ran 92% against closing St. Anne St. and building a new city hall, from taxpayers?
Seems to me that council and the Mayor's task force is severely out of step with the reality of how local residents expect council to act on the matter. I would appreciate any comments you might have on the poll issue in addition to Mr. Hartley's queries."
Mayor Crouse responded:
“I have not seen the poll and simply closing St. Anne Street by itself would likely fail as a measure. Realistically there are several changes that have to take place for that to be feasible and they include the final phase of Ray Gibbon Drive has to be opened to take traffic around downtown instead of through it, the access from Riel to Ray Gibbon would have to open, there would have to be changes to parking and other matters. So simply closing St. Anne Street has no merit; it may be able to be done in the years ahead if other measures were put in place but certainly not in the short term.
A new City hall is not on our 10 year capital plan. Civic space may become on the plan some day as we look at museum needs, library needs, to name a couple civic needs. The Arts and Heritage Foundation as an example are looking at a Children's Museum some day, the Library of course has been under space pressures for several years. As the city grows to its limit of 105,000 (annexed lands), we will have to have a vision so that we don't do anything short term to take away long term options.
Having a 20-30 year plan is the role of Council in this regard and we will establish a vision so that there are actions that over the years can be taken both by business, and by government that are consistent with a vision."
SINC SAYS:
I must say I am surprised that the mayor would overlook a daily check on St. Albert’s Place to see what his own constituents are writing and the opinions they express. When over 12,000 residents each month (fully 20 percent of the population) take the time to visit the site, should not the mayor do so as well to remain informed on local issues?
Bill 19 - Mounting Opposition To Draconian Measures
19/03/2009 04:36
SINC SAYS:
I’ve received a mountain of material on Bill 19 and the more I read, the more ominous the bill becomes. Here is a sample of what has appeared in my mail box. You can judge for yourselves the impact this bill may have on you in the future.
Don,
The seniors at SUN and those who went to the legislature recently are very upset about this latest powertrip--and all seniors who own anything better be nice to their kid and kin or will find themselves dispossessed... possibly shut up. ....this reminds far too much of Germany in the thirties/forties. Combine it with the landgrab proposed by bill 19.
No Name Please
St. Albert
OVERVIEW
The introduction of Bill 19, on March 2, 2009, is a draconian attempt to streamline the expropriation process of private property under the guise of acquiring land for Utility Corridors. While we agree Utility Corridors can be a good thing if well planned, this Bill 19 is a very bad Bill and only serves to remove existing rights. If Bill 19 is passed in its current form, any cabinet Minister of the Alberta Legislature can design and plan a project, apply as the applicant for approval of the project, adjudicate the approval process of their own project; and enforce their own decision.
What constitutes a project? Section 2(d) of the Act states that a project is defined as anything they so determine.
Bill 19 makes it legal for any Cabinet Minister to take away anyone’s business, home, land or private property for pretty much any reason they so desire. The Bill streamlines the expropriation process by removing certain due-process rights, guaranteed under the Expropriations Act. Section 13, of Bill 19, eliminates the applicability of the Expropriation Act, just in case anyone wants to use or invoke any provision under the Expropriations Act.
No public notice is required of any project under this act, and although notice is required to be given to the registered owner of a property, notice only has to be sent to the last known address – and a registered letter is not required. If a person never receives notice that the government is taking their property or home, Section 4(4) makes that perfectly legal. If an individual wants to appeal the Minister’s decision, they have seven days to appeal to the Minister’s self-appointed appeals Board. Most farmers and rural property owners will not even get their notification letters within seven days: never mind organize an appeal.
The worst part of this Bill is reserved for any Albertan who would interfere with, object to, or resist, an order from the Minister to vacate their property, or sign on the dotted line at a price determined by the Minister. Sec 3(f) states the Surface Rights Act does not apply, so even [arguably] a fair process to determine a fair price is eliminated. Under section 7 and 12 of the Act, if in the Minister’s opinion a person is doing something, or the Minister thinks a person is going to do something, the Minister can order a person to stop, or do something else. This has to be one of the most bizarre wordings found in legislation, in the history of democracy. Failure to comply with a Minister’s order can result in a $100,000 fine and/or two years in jail.
Conceivably, and it is not to far a stretch, if the Minister thinks you are going to contravene his or her orders, they can order you to stop what they think you are going to do, and if you don’t stop what they think you might do – they can put you in jail or fine you $100,000.
Joe Anglin
(403) 843-3279
RIGHTS LOST UNDER BILL 19
1. The right to question the project, or the expropriation of your property for that purpose
2. The right of notification
3. The public’s right of notification
4. The right to have compensation determined by a Board
5. The right to an inquiry if the expropriating authority is not a Crown Corporation
6. The right to have a reasonable opportunity to present evidence
7. The right to be represented by counsel at an Inquiry
8. The right to be compensated immediately
9. The right to be reimbursed for legal costs
10. The right to have the first the option to buy the property back if the project is cancelled
11. The right to have the property appraised
12. The right to be reimbursed for relocation and moving costs
13. The right to be compensated for business losses
14. The rights protecting “Mineral Rights Owners” from expropriation
OTHER PENALTIES ADDED UNDER BILL 19
If an appeal of the expropriation could delay the project the Minister can require the property owner to provide security in the form and amount the appeal body considers necessary to cover the Minister’s costs. Those costs can be anything the Minister determines.
A property owner can be held liable for any costs associated with the application, if it is determined that the property owner is not complying with the Minister’s order. This also applies to delays caused by stay orders and appeals.
Under Bill 19 mineral rights can be expropriated.
Newspapers: A Dying Industry In Trouble
19/03/2009 04:36
Newspapers are
falling right, left and centre in North
America, most recently the Seattle Post
Intelligencer after about 150 years of
publishing.
Many Alberta
weeklies are being closed in these tough
economic times.
Large corporations
who take over small community papers have
absolutely no allegiance to the communities
they serve and are folding their tents and
skulking out of town with their tail between
their legs.
All many of them
did was take profits when times were good and
abandon those same communities when times are
bad.
I leave it to
readers to be the judge of the morality of
those corporations who do just that to small
communities.
Meanwhile, this photo taken in March 13, 2009 in southern California speaks volumes about the slow death of the print media.
Meanwhile, this photo taken in March 13, 2009 in southern California speaks volumes about the slow death of the print media.
Will the effect be
felt right here in St. Albert? Only time will
tell.
Dog Leaves Family's Cash In His Deposits
19/03/2009 04:36
APEX -- Kelley Davis
and her family are in savings mode. The Apex
mother works extra hours as a physical
therapist, and she clipped coupons to save $70
during a recent trip to the grocery
store.So Davis was excited Friday to put $400 cash in her account. But when she reached into her pocket, the bills were missing;
unbeknownst to her, the money was already inside a variety of Swiss bank account.
Specifically, it was inside Augie, the family's 2-year-old greater Swiss mountain dog.
Before her errands, Davis, 42, set the cash on her bedroom bureau. Augie apparently helped himself.
On Saturday, Davis took Augie for a long walk. Augie did not disappoint.
Davis saw in his leavings pieces of the three $100 bills and five twenties. She took up a garden hose.
"Kids, get the colander!," she said, remembering the moment. "I'm out there panning for gold."
The cash shouldn't endanger Augie, said Dr. Steve Marks, an associate professor of internal medicine and critical care at the N.C. State University Veterinary School.
"Dogs will ingest almost anything if given the chance," Marks said.
By Monday night, Davis had the remnants of $160. If she can find enough pieces, she hopes the government will exchange them.
Federal regulations say mutilated currency can be replaced if more than 50 percent of a bill is identifiable or if "the method of mutilation and supporting evidence demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Treasury" that the rest of the bill has been destroyed.
"Who knows if there's more coming or not," she said. "We're anxiously awaiting."
Tuesday morning came a miracle: Augie produced an intact $20 bill.
Just pray you're not the cashier who receives it.
SINC SAYS:
It’s easy to see this is definately a case of doggy doo.
Countdown To The 2009 Masters . . .
19/03/2009 04:36
Countdown To The 2009 Masters . . .
In an ongoing daily series leading up to the 2009 Masters, which will take place at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club from April 6-12, 2009, St. Albert’s Place brings you Countdown to the 2009 Masters . . . We'll reprise classic reporting and articles from earlier Masters, photo galleries, daily updates of current qualifiers, press releases from Augusta National and coverage of significant Masters 2009 anniversaries.
We hope you enjoy.
Countdown to the Masters – Part 1 - A Champion’s Last Hurrah
Forty-two years ago, in his final Masters, an aging Ben Hogan turned back the clock for nine historic holes that stirred echoes of glory past
As was his custom, Ben Hogan arrived early for the 1967 Masters, more than a week before he would suffuse the emerald stage with uncommon drama. It had been years since Hogan was a favorite -- Jack Nicklaus would be shooting for his third straight green jacket -- but he was still Hogan, not quite a man in full but full of intrigue. He came with his flat linen caps and his cigarettes, his shoes with their extra spike, a suitcase full of gray and a golf bag clanking with the extra-stiff-shafted clubs he still commanded like a drill sergeant barking to a hapless private.
"It's hard to remember specifics of playing with Hogan because he always hit it perfectly," says Deane Beman, who was paired with him in the first round at Augusta National GC that week. "He hit almost every fairway, put it right where he wanted to. He played to the middle of the greens and always left himself uphill putts. He seldom hit a shot that short-sided himself. There wasn't anything remarkable about the way he played, except he played remarkably."
Hogan was a bit thicker through the middle than the Hawk of peak flight, the gritty bantam who ruled the sport in the late 1940s and early '50s, his slightly relaxed waistline befitting a 54-year-old man who spent as much time behind a desk as on a golf course. Having subsisted on oranges when he was a poor young golfer hooking his way to nowhere, the graying icon liked to lunch on fruit plates to try and drop a few pounds in preparation for Augusta's sharp hills, slopes that could wear out a younger man, much less someone north of 50 with suspect wheels.
He tuned up for the Masters, as he had forever, at Seminole GC in North Palm Beach, but this spring training wasn't as vigorous owing to a bothersome left shoulder, one of the residuals from the horrific 1949 car crash that nearly killed him. "An indication of the Hogan sharpness for the 1967 Masters is given by his suntan," reporter Jim Martin observed in a pre-tournament story for The Augusta Chronicle. "It isn't as deep as last year."
In fact Hogan's shoulder, plagued with bursitis, scar tissue and calcium deposits, had nearly kept him away from the major championship he had won in 1951 and 1953. "I developed some trouble last year, and it [hurt] all year," Hogan told reporters in Augusta. "So I decided it needed some work. But I got two shots of cortisone two consecutive mornings and have had 15 shots since then that helped it."
The injections, more of them than a doctor likely would allow today, lessened the inflammation and quieted the pain. Hogan knew another surgery would be necessary, but the scalpel could wait. He had competed in every Masters but two ('49 because of the crash and '63 after a shoulder operation) since his first appearance in 1938. Bobby Jones wanted him in Augusta, and Hogan wanted to be there. The Masters was golf, and Hogan was a golfer.
Hogan was the antithesis of tournament-tough when he got to Georgia, his last competition being the 1966 U.S. Open at Olympic Club where, playing on a special exemption from the USGA, he finished 12th. But inactivity didn't equal rust for Hogan. "He hits the irons so good, he's cheating," one of his protégés, Gardner Dickinson, told the Chronicle after a Sunday practice round. "He hits it three feet from the hole at No. 6 and the pin was right on top of Old Smokey [the right knoll]."
More from Golf Digest.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The 6-under par 66 that Ben Hogan fashioned on that Saturday in 1967, and particularly the 30 (-6) he shot on the back nine of the fabled Augusta National GC, shall be forever etched in my memory.
St. Albert Woman Makes World Championship Roster
19/03/2009 04:36
Mikkelson, Szabados, MacLeod to Finland
Canada's national women's hockey team includes three Albertans as it gears up for the 2009 IIHF world women's championship.
Goaltender Shannon Szabados of Edmonton, forward Meaghan Mikkelson of St. Albert and defenceman Carla MacLeod of Calgary were named on Tuesday to the 21-member team that will compete next month in Hameenlinna, Finland, as the Canadians look for their 10th gold medal at the world women's showdown.
The roster of three goaltenders, six defencemen and 12 forwards -- plus one alternate -- includes 16 players who were on the Canadian team that won the silver medal at last year's worlds in Harbin, China.
Leading the forwards are veterans Hayley Wickenheiser, Jennifer Botterill, Gina Kingsbury and Jayna Hefford. Three-time Olympian Becky Kellar and two-time Olympian Colleen Sostorics will anchor the defence, while Kim St-Pierre, Charline Labonte and Szabados will take care of goaltending duties.
Four players will make their worlds debut: blue-liners Catherin Ward and Tessa Bonhomme, and forwards Haley Irwin and Marie-Philip Poulin.
"Obviously we wanted the most talented players we can get for our program," Canadian head coach Melody Davidson said on a conference call Tuesday. "We feel on the back end, we have a nice mix of defensive defencemen and offensive defencemen. Shannon brings a realm of experience and a solid former under-22 player that can definitely challenge Charline and Kim (in goal).
"Up front, we've had a lot of the younger players as a part of Turin (2006 Olympics), and through our under-18 and under-22 programs, some others have blossomed and we are excited to see how they'll come about."
Canada's roster includes eight players from the Western Women's Hockey League and seven from the Canadian Women's Hockey League.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
Canadian Women’s hockey team looks to youth.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congratulations to St. Albert forward Meaghan Mikkelson, who was named to the 21-member team that will compete next month in Hameenlinna, Finland, as the Canadians look for their 10th gold medal at the 2009 IIHF world women's championship.
Pocklington’s California Fraud Trial Likely To Be Delayed
19/03/2009 04:36
Former Oilers owner Peter Pocklington's trial on bankruptcy fraud charges has been set for May 5, but California court officials say it's more likely to be held at a later date to give the defence more time to prepare.
U.S. assistant attorney Sean Lokey says California law requires the state to set trial dates within 70 days in most cases, but more often than not a hearing is put off at the request of the accused.
"As a matter of common federal court practice, it's not unusual for that to change," Lokey said. "It's fairly common for them to ask for more time."
Sometimes cases are postponed for months as defence lawyers review documents and evidence, and conduct additional investigations, Lokey said. He plans to call up to 10 witnesses at a trial that has been set for four days.
Pocklington, who declared bankruptcy last August in U.S. bankruptcy court in Riverside, Calif., was arrested March 11 on two charges of concealing assets during a bankruptcy.
He was released last Friday on a $1-million bond provided by Glen Sather, his former Oilers general manager and now president and general manager of the New York Rangers.
Lokey said courts have given Sather five weeks to have the Minnesota property put up for bond appraised "to make sure it has the proper amount of equity or value."
Court documents show Pocklington, 67, has been fitted with an electronic monitoring device and placed under home detention or house arrest. He is restricted to his residence at all times except for medical needs, education, religious services, medical treatment, attorney visits, court-ordered obligations or other pre-approved activities.
The bond order, filed with the United States District Court in Riverside, Calif., also required Pocklington to surrender his passport and restrict his travel to the court district as well as the District of Arizona, where Lokey said the accused has a business meeting.
Pocklington is also banned from entering airports, seaports and railroad or bus terminals that permit exit from the continental U.S. or areas of restricted travel unless he receives the approval of the court.
He was directed to maintain or actively seek employment and provide proof of those efforts.
The flamboyant entrepreneur still owes the Alberta government $12 million for non-repayment of a loan to his meat-packing business, Gainers.
The province and other creditors claim in court documents that Pocklington, who has declared bankruptcy in both Canada and the U.S., continues to live a lavish lifestyle on funds from offshore accounts.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It would appear that Peter is sporting a new piece of jewelry, that looks something like the above picture, around his ankle these days. I think the soap opera that is the story of Peter Pocklington will drag on longer than any of us would like.
Aussie Bowler Strikes Down Convention
19/03/2009 04:36
Young pro Jason Belmonte’s strange two-handed style could revolutionize and revive waning interest in sport
LAS VEGAS - Some bowlers call him the "Chosen One."
Jason Belmonte, the flashy Australian tenpin bowler with the radical two-handed delivery, smiles at the thought.
"That's probably not the correct words," says Belmonte, 25. "I just think there's an opportunity within me that this industry needs."
In the early 1980s, the tail end of the glory days for the Professional Bowlers Association, the PBA outrated the Masters, and the NBA Finals weren't even televised live.
But then the PBA was abandoned by the networks and almost went bankrupt. Now it is looking for a superstar to bring back ratings and sponsors.
And it may have found the man.
"They talk about the power of what Tiger Woods did for TV ratings of golf," says Peter Tredwell, vice president of media for the US Bowling Congress. "Or what David Beckham has done for Major League Soccer. Could Jason Belmonte potentially do that for bowling in America? It's possible."
Belmonte has been the amateur World Bowler of the Year twice (2004 and '07). He has bowled 34 perfect games and competed in 19 countries. His average is 230.
At the recent USBC Masters Championship here, Belmonte was treated more like Elvis than Ralph Kramden.
Camera crews and still photographers trailed him everywhere.
"I feel like a groupie," said Le-Ane Houan of Dayton, Ohio, after watching Belmonte in the Masters tournament. "I had to see it to believe it. It was impressive. I was amazed."
Belmonte's unorthodox style, simply, is power bowling. He slips two fingers in the ball, never using his thumb. He rears back from the right side with both hands and slingshots the ball toward the pins. Only at the very last moment does he release the left hand. It's all about spin; most pros get 400 revolutions per minute on the ball, but Belmonte can hit 630. Consequently, more energy hits the pins.
"I just let it rip," he said.
The ball goes from near the gutter on the right side into a pocket of exploding pins. When it does, Belmonte usually gives a little fist pump. When it doesn't, he's capable of air-kicking the ball return.
More from the Boston Globe.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Before I saw the video, I couldn’t even imagine a two-handed bowling delivery. Who knows, maybe Jason will be the Tiger Woods of bowling and SWIVEL HIPS will become a bowling fan yet.
To watch Belmonte, click below:
Oil Kings Make Playoffs In Second Season
19/03/2009 04:35
Rachinski's OT goal the difference in tiebreaker
Get ready for the Battle of Alberta, Western Hockey League style.
The Edmonton Oil Kings upset the Raiders 2-1 in overtime in Tuesday night's tiebreaker at Prince Albert, Sask., qualifying the second-year expansion team for the playoffs.
They will open their first post- season series in modern-day history on Thursday in Calgary against the heavily-favored Hitmen.
The best-of-seven Eastern Conference series will continue Sunday afternoon before returning to Edmonton for Games 3, 4 and 5, if necessary, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week.
Fittingly, it was Edmonton native Rhett Rachinski who scored the winning goal at 8:54 of the extra session to provide Edmonton-area fans their first look at major junior playoffs in 30 years.
"Unbelievable," Rachinski said of the feeling. "We kind of felt like we let our fans down.
"This was one we couldn't afford to lose," he added, over the phone amongst the chaos of the Oil Kings locker-room at Art Hauser Centre.
Edmonton head coach Steve Pleau didn't see the winning goal.
"We just kept jamming the net with pucks and it finally went in. I saw the red light come on, the ref point to centre ice and then Rocky threw me up against the glass. What a great feeling," Pleau said about assistant coach Rocky Thompson's reaction.
Brent Raedeke put the Oil Kings on top 1-0 with a snapshot 9:24 into the first period on an Edmonton power play as the visitors outshot the Raiders 9-3 in the first 10 minutes.
Bryce Lamb tied it at 1-1 at 10:46 of the second period on a tip-in of Patrick Kozyra's point shot.
It was the only goal to elude Oil Kings netminder Torrie Jung, who stopped 35 shots. Edmonton fired 42 at Garrett Zemlak and outshot the Raiders 10-2 in overtime.
It was the fourth time in WHL history that a tiebreaker was required to determine the final playoff position. All four were decided by one goal, two in overtime.
GAME NOTES: The Oil Kings were 1-5 against the Hitmen this season. Their only win came early when many of Calgary's players were still at pro camps. The Oil Kings were outscored 31-11 in the six games.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to the Oil Kings. This was the first tie-breaker game played in the WHL in some 20 years. Now it’s about getting on to the business of taking out the Calgary Hitmen in the playoffs. I'll bet you long-time former Oil Kings' owner Vic Mah, of Blue Willow Restaurant fame, has a big smile on his face today.
Brodeur Becomes Winningest Goalie In NHL History
19/03/2009 04:35
Records 552nd win
NEWARK, N.J. - Martin Brodeur stands alone among NHL goaltenders.
Brodeur posted his 552nd win and passed childhood idol and Hall of Famer Patrick Roy for the most career victories in league history. He made 30 saves in the New Jersey Devils' 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
The victory came in Brodeur's 987th game in a 15-year career played entirely with the Devils.
During that tenure, the likable Brodeur has led the Devils to three Stanley Cups and won four Vezina trophies as the league's top goaltender.
Now he holds the wins record, and others could soon fall. He is within four shutouts of passing Terry Sawchuk (103) for the league record, and at 36 he has a chance to push his win total well beyond 600.
"If this continues being fun, I'll stick around for a long time," Brodeur said during an on-ice interview after the game.
Brodeur tied the mark in an emotional setting, his hometown of Montreal on Saturday night with Roy in attendance.
With family in the crowd in Newark, Brodeur took the ice in front of a full house that cheered him from the warmup to the final buzzer, mostly with the echoing chant of "Mart-tee, Mart-tee, Mart-tee."
Those cheers turned to "Thank you, Marty" as the clock ticked down. Brodeur preserved the win with one last save in the closing seconds.
"Martin Brodeur is the gold standard of goaltending - the model of character, consistency and commitment to the craft," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a prepared statement. "A champion. A winner above all.
"It is difficult to imagine any player who is more universally, and deservedly, respected," Bettman added. "The National Hockey League is extremely proud of Martin, his historic achievement and his enduring contribution to our game."
Brodeur wasn't the only record-setter on the night for New Jersey. Patrik Elias became the Devils' career leading scorer when he recorded his 702nd point with a perfect pass to set up a short-handed goal by Brian Gionta late in the second period for a 3-0 lead.
The Devils took the pressure off Brodeur early with two goals against Nikolai Khabibulin in the opening 6:01 in extending their record for home wins to 10. Zach Parise set up both, finding Jamie Langenbrunner in the slot 38 seconds after the opening faceoff and then threading a pass through the crease to Travis Zajac at 6:01.
After that it was up to Brodeur to protect the lead and he looked extraordinarily focused in winning for the eighth time in nine games since returning from elbow surgery late in February.
More from Canadian Press.
Brodeur surpasses Roy.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Marty Brodeur on number 552. I guess the immortal, legendary Terry Sawchuk’s 103 career shutouts is the next record squarely in Marty’s sights.
Nona Beats Woods’ Isleworth In Tavistock Cup
19/03/2009 04:35
Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Tiger Woods is still winless in his comeback.
His Lake Isleworth squad got trounced in Tuesday's session, 13 - 7 to give Lake Nona the victory in the Tavistock Cup on its home course. The final margin was 17 - 13 in favor of Lake Nona.
Tuesday's action featured a fourball singles medal match play format. That means that each player in the pairing plays an 18-hole stroke-play match against both of his opponents. Essentially, each player is competing in two singles matches, so one golfer can win two points in a match.
"It's a great event," said Nona captain Ernie Els. "It was about time we won this thing again. We might have had to get a club out of Phoenix to play this. We don't want that."
Lake Nona won for the second time and first time since 2007. It ran the club's record to 2-3-1 all-time in the match-up of two of Florida's most-exclusive country clubs.
Woods shot a three-under 69 for Isleworth on Tuesday. That was enough to halve Lake Nona's Ian Poulter and easily defeat Henrik Stenson, who shot a 76. Charles Howell III teamed with Woods and also shot 69 to grab 1 1/2 points.
Woods, who returned this year after knee surgery after his win at the 2008 U.S. Open, was eliminated in the second round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and tied for ninth last week at Doral.
Graeme McDowell of Lake Nona won the Payne Stewart Salver Award for medalist honors on Tuesday. He fired a six-under 66 and won two points for his country club.
"I love this golf club," said McDowell. "I love this event. It's a lot of fun. It's nice to play well in front of the home crowd."
In the first match out, former British Open champion Ben Curtis of Lake Nona shot a four-under 68 to defeat both Mark O'Meara and John Cook of Isleworth. Reigning Masters winner Trevor Immelman managed a three-under 69, which was good for a point over Cook and O'Meara. Cook only managed a 71 on Tuesday, while O'Meara, the Isleworth captain, shot a 70.
McDowell beat both Stuart Appleby and Nick O'Hern from Lake Isleworth. Retief Goosen of Nona bettered O'Hern thanks to his two-under 70. Appleby's 69 was enough to claim victory over Goosen.
Justin Rose of Lake Nona holed a 40-foot birdie putt for a four-under 68. That was good for a pair of wins over Robert Allenby and J.B. Holmes. Chris DiMarco was Rose's partner and his 70 halved Holmes and beat Allenby, who only managed a 73 on Tuesday.
In match four, Darren Clarke of Isleworth posted a four-under 68 for wins against Els and Mark McNulty. Els shot a 69 and got a victory over Daniel Chopra, who shot a 71, which was good for a halve against McNulty.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
These is a neat annual competition between the pros that belong to Florida’s two most-exclusive country clubs.
Readers Incensed Council Considering New City Hall
18/03/2009 05:29
Along with closing
St. Anne Street
Well folks the results are in and the outlook is not good for this council and administration with their hair brained idea to close St. Anne Street and build a new city hall in downtown St. Albert. A whopping 92% of respondents oppose the idea. That's overwhelming.
When all of Canada is surveyed on a question, they commonly use 1200 people to take the pulse of the nation.
With 23 respondents in tiny St. Albert, that is a far higher percentage than 1200 across Canada so the poll is as valid as any survey you will find.
Council along with Robbing Hood and His Merry Band of Men would do well to scrap this nonsense and get on with more important issues. Like tax reduction for instance. Perhaps readers should forward this item to their favourite council member.
You can see the "other" responses, both negative, by going to yesterday's archives and clicking on that option.
Well folks the results are in and the outlook is not good for this council and administration with their hair brained idea to close St. Anne Street and build a new city hall in downtown St. Albert. A whopping 92% of respondents oppose the idea. That's overwhelming.
When all of Canada is surveyed on a question, they commonly use 1200 people to take the pulse of the nation.
With 23 respondents in tiny St. Albert, that is a far higher percentage than 1200 across Canada so the poll is as valid as any survey you will find.
Council along with Robbing Hood and His Merry Band of Men would do well to scrap this nonsense and get on with more important issues. Like tax reduction for instance. Perhaps readers should forward this item to their favourite council member.
You can see the "other" responses, both negative, by going to yesterday's archives and clicking on that option.
Big Boy Tricks By NFL Players . . .
18/03/2009 05:29
St. Albert’s Place
reader Jeff Young pointed us to this video on
the off field skills of NFL football players.
Thanks Jeff!
Pretty amazing tricks, don’tcha think?
Pretty amazing tricks, don’tcha think?
'Tis A Solemn, Satisfying Job For This Leprechaun
18/03/2009 05:29
He's 5 feet 5, wears
a green cap and carries a shovel to his
job.
Folks who see him
often ask, have you found any gold yet?
If you drive down the back roads, you might just catch a glimpse of him, leaning into a shovel, tipping up the black dirt below the shadow of a church steeple. He works the plots of small churches in towns such as Heartland and Hayward, opening the earth for the Catholics and Lutherans a good half-hour before the devil knows they're dead.
For 22 years, Tom Donnelly has dug graves in tiny towns and off rural roads, a man on-call for sickness and sudden death, burying neighbors, friends and family with tender solemnity.
He's 5 feet tall and 5 feet under, the leprechaun grave digger of southern Minnesota.
If you are Irish at any time other than today -- when all are Irish -- you know of that country's embrace of both merriment and sorrow. Donnelly, who was born in Doneghal and ran a restaurant in Dublin before moving to Minnesota with his now former wife, has seen plenty of both.
He came to the United States at age 2. His dad was in the military and they traveled a lot, landing for a while in Boston, where he met his wife. They moved back to Ireland, where his son now lives, but returned to Minnesota when his wife got lonesome. He tried college twice, but decided he'd rather work.
He took over the grave-digging job from a guy he calls "Grandpa," actually Bob O'Leary, his ex's dad.
"That's usually how it's done," said Donnelly, who weighs 85 pounds, with hair as red as a barn and a thick beard to match.
Donnelly's predecessor started with the small cemetery where he is now buried, Church of St. Mary. Today, Donnelly digs graves for 19 cemeteries, whether under a blazing August sun or in the brittle bite of February when the frost reaches down nearly 4 feet and he has to use torches to soften the earth.
On weekends during the local roller derby season, Donnelly dresses like an Irish imp as mascot of the Garda Belts. He runs through the arena with a raised shillelagh, pumping the crowd into a frenzy.
SINC SAYS:
Apparently he hasn’t found that pot of gold if he’s still diggin’ graves.
If you drive down the back roads, you might just catch a glimpse of him, leaning into a shovel, tipping up the black dirt below the shadow of a church steeple. He works the plots of small churches in towns such as Heartland and Hayward, opening the earth for the Catholics and Lutherans a good half-hour before the devil knows they're dead.
For 22 years, Tom Donnelly has dug graves in tiny towns and off rural roads, a man on-call for sickness and sudden death, burying neighbors, friends and family with tender solemnity.
He's 5 feet tall and 5 feet under, the leprechaun grave digger of southern Minnesota.
If you are Irish at any time other than today -- when all are Irish -- you know of that country's embrace of both merriment and sorrow. Donnelly, who was born in Doneghal and ran a restaurant in Dublin before moving to Minnesota with his now former wife, has seen plenty of both.
He came to the United States at age 2. His dad was in the military and they traveled a lot, landing for a while in Boston, where he met his wife. They moved back to Ireland, where his son now lives, but returned to Minnesota when his wife got lonesome. He tried college twice, but decided he'd rather work.
He took over the grave-digging job from a guy he calls "Grandpa," actually Bob O'Leary, his ex's dad.
"That's usually how it's done," said Donnelly, who weighs 85 pounds, with hair as red as a barn and a thick beard to match.
Donnelly's predecessor started with the small cemetery where he is now buried, Church of St. Mary. Today, Donnelly digs graves for 19 cemeteries, whether under a blazing August sun or in the brittle bite of February when the frost reaches down nearly 4 feet and he has to use torches to soften the earth.
On weekends during the local roller derby season, Donnelly dresses like an Irish imp as mascot of the Garda Belts. He runs through the arena with a raised shillelagh, pumping the crowd into a frenzy.
SINC SAYS:
Apparently he hasn’t found that pot of gold if he’s still diggin’ graves.
Bra Maker Has An Eye For Breasts
18/03/2009 05:29
CHENGDU, China, March
16 (UPI) -- A 90-year-old tailor coming out of
retirement in China says he can make a
hand-made bra that fits perfectly just by
looking at a woman's
breasts.Ran Yusheng, 90, who retired from bra making last year, said in the run-up to the opening of his new online store that he learned the art of bra making when he was 20 years old and soon discovered that he had a knack for it, China Daily reported Friday.
"I just looked at her breasts and then I could make a bra suitable for her," Ran said.
He told China Daily his skills at bra making helped him to win the affections of customer Wang Huiying, who later became his wife and seamstress. Ran retired after Wang's death last year.
SINC SAYS:
I ran this story because I just knew that somehow there was a joke in their somewhere. I mean think about it folks, There’s this Wang and a bra and . . . aw, never mind.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro . . .
18/03/2009 05:29
Teens Capture Images Of Space
18/03/2009 05:29
With £56 camera and
balloonTeenagers armed with only a £56 camera and latex balloon have managed to take stunning pictures of space from 20-miles above Earth.
Proving that you don't need Google's billions or the BBC weather centre's resources, the four Spanish students managed to send a camera-operated weather balloon into the stratosphere.
Taking atmospheric readings and photographs 20 miles above the ground, the Meteotek team of IES La Bisbal school in Catalonia completed their incredible experiment at the end of February this year.
Building the electronic sensor components from scratch, Gerard Marull Paretas, Sergi Saballs Vila, Marta? Gasull Morcillo and Jaume Puigmiquel Casamort managed to send their heavy duty £43 latex balloon to the edge of space and take readings of its ascent.
Created by the four students under the guidance of teacher Jordi Fanals Oriol, the budding scientists, all aged 18-19, followed the progress of their balloon using high tech sensors communicating with Google Earth.
Team leader Gerard Marull, 18, said: "We were overwhelmed at our results, especially the photographs, to send our handmade craft to the edge of space is incredible."
Completing their landmark experiment on February, the Meteotek team had to account for a wide variety of variables and rely on a lot of luck.
"The balloon we chose was inflated with helium to just over two metres and weighed just 1500 grams," said Gerard. "It was able to carry the sensor equipment and digital Nikon camera which weighed 1.5kg.
"However, when we launched at 9.10am on that morning the critical point for the experiment was to see if the balloon would make it past 10,000m, or 30,000ft, which is the altitude that commercial airliners fly at."
Due to the changing atmospheric pressures, the helium weather balloon carrying the meteorological equipment was expected to inflate to a maximum of nine and a half metres as it travelled upwards at 270 metres-per-minute.
"We took readings as the balloon rose and mapped its progress using Google Earth and the onboard radio receiver," said Gerard.
"At over 100,000ft the balloon lost its inflation and the equipment was returned to the earth.
"We travelled 10km to find the sensors and photographic card, which was still emitting its signal, even though it had been exposed to the most extreme conditions."
The pupils' incredible school science project has already caught the attention of the University of Wyoming in the US, and the Meteotek team keep those interested updated with regular blogs and updates to their Twitter feed.
SINC SAYS:
I bet those guys over at NASA are kickin’ their butts thinking how much money they coulda saved.
Case Against Eric Tillman Put Off Until Next Month
18/03/2009 05:29
REGINA - A sexual assault case against Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman has been put over to next month.
Tillman's lawyer, Aaron Fox, appeared very briefly in a Regina courtroom before the case was adjourned to April 7.
Tillman, 51, has yet to enter a plea and did not appear in court.
He has been on paid administrative leave from the Canadian Football League club.
The general manager who helped lead the Riders to a Grey Cup in 2007 was charged in January after a complaint by a 16-year-old girl that he sexually assaulted her last summer.
The Crown has opted to proceed summarily against Tillman, meaning the allegations are considered less serious.
Taman could be in Roughriders’ plans.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Sometimes our justice system really peeves me off, folks. Why do they keep putting this case off? Let’s just deal with it and get it over with, okay? He hasn't even entered a plea yet? That's absolutely ridiculous.
Tiger: More Intriguing As He Ages, Adjusts
18/03/2009 05:29
By Sally Jenkins
Washington Post
Pre- injury, watching Tiger Woods play golf was like going to a James Bond movie: You knew exactly what would happen, but it didn't spoil your enjoyment of the boat chases, torpedos, avalanches and, of course, the ritual dive into a large body of water in a tuxedo. Seeing Woods hoist a trophy was like seeing the same fireball explode, over and over. The plotline never changed, but you couldn't help but be overawed by the scale and technical brilliance of the stunts.
But so far, Woods's comeback has been a relatively humdrum event. The player who appeared in the CA Championship at Doral yesterday was a less epic and explosive performer than we're used to, and he suffered from the same nagging problem any weekend golfer does, namely, the lip out. As commentator Johnny Miller said, he putted "like normal people." After an eight-month layoff to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Woods missed dozens of putts and seemed frustrated by the slow pace of the whole affair. All of which was a reminder that the injury is a clear demarcation in his competitive life: He's now 33 years old and in the last third of his career, and while he surely has a lot of greatness left, the game may no longer come so easily.
For the first time in a decade, Woods will enter the Masters at Augusta National as something less than the clear-cut favorite. Though he'll certainly be on the short list of contenders, he has some rehab to do if he intends to win the first major championship of the season, judging by how he's performed in the past two weeks. He was beaten by Tim Clark in the second round of a match play tournament in Arizona, and at Doral he was all but out of contention by the weekend as eventual winner Phil Mickelson played as well as he ever has and finished at 19-under-par 269.
More from Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post.
‘Surprised’ Woods extends top-10 streak.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Don’t count Tiger out just quite yet. I think it’s perfectly understandable that any athlete that hasn’t competed in his or her sport for nearly nine months should be a little “rusty,” don’t you?
CCA To Discuss Number Of Teams, Ends At Brier
18/03/2009 05:28
The Tim Hortons Brier is a storied Canadian sporting event but it appears it could undergo some significant changes in the near future.
According to the Globe and Mail, the Canadian Curling Association has created a committee to discuss possible changes to which teams should contend for the national men's title and how many ends the teams should play.
Whether Northern Ontario should receive its own berth at the Brier has been ongoing debate among Canadian curling fans. And the territorial associations from the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, which currently compete for one berth, have requested separate entries in future events.
These are some of the ideas which will be presented at the Canadian Curling Association's board of governors meeting in June but it may take some convincing before changes are made to the 81-year-old event.
"You better think long and hard about changing things because you could wake up tomorrow and wonder what happened," CCA director of event operations and media Warren Hansen told the Globe and Mail.
The current field of ten teams from every province as well as a rink from Northern Ontario and a single entry from the Northwest Territories and Yukon has been in existence since 1931.
And then there is the concept used in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts where the defending champion returns as Team Canada.
"I'd love to see Team Canada," current Brier champion Kevin Martin told the newspaper. "I just think it makes so much sense. If you win the title, you always want to beat the current champion and sometimes the current champion doesn't make it to the Brier."
Martin would be in favour of dropping Northern Ontario to make room for the defending champions.
"That's what I'd do," Martin told the Globe and Mail. "I understand why they had Northern Ontario back when they started, but I don't think it makes much sense anymore."
Prior to this year's Brier, Alberta third John Morris made the same suggestion to the Calgary Herald, adding that the marketing possibilities would make it easier for organizers to sell the event.
"I know the Northern Ontario fans out there will not be a big fan of this, but the Scotties Tournament of Hearts has it right," Morris told the Herald. "You bring the winning team back, it's like Marketing 101. You can market the heck out of the team, and to be the best, you have to beat the best, and that's very true when it comes to a major event like the Brier. And this year, you add a Ferbey or (Kevin) Koe to the mix (along with Martin), it adds a whole new great element to the Brier."
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
While I wholeheartedly support bringing back the defending Brier champions as Team Canada the next year and dropping Team Northern Ontario, I think the CCA has to be really careful when considering other rule changes. I think it is absolutely ludicrous to imagine the Territories – Nunavut, NWT and the Yukon - each having their own teams, for example. The number of curlers in those territories does not justify individual teams.
As far as decreasing the length of the games from 10 to eight ends, I think the CCA has to be very careful that it is not doing something that will be detrimental to Canada on the world or Olympic levels. If the rest of the world is still playing 10-end games, and that’s what they’re doing at the Olympics, we should still be playing 10-end games here in Canada.
This is the same asinine thinking the CCA adopted when the rest of the world was playing the four rock rule, and the CCA refused to adopt it. Then they finally went to the three rock rule and, eventually, capitulated and adopted the four rock rule. Refusing to adopt the four rock rule put our Canadian representatives at a severe disadvantage on the world and Olympic stages. Don't do it again CCA!
Are you starting to get the hint that I don't have much time for the old fogies, like Warren Hansen, that run the CCA?
Marty Brodeur Poised To Set NHL Record For Wins
18/03/2009 05:28
The question is no longer if, but when Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils will become the winningest goaltender in NHL history.
Brodeur, 36, equalled Hall of Famer Patrick Roy's record of 551 wins with a 3-1 victory at Montreal last Saturday night, and will aim to set the new standard when the Devils host the Chicago Blackhawks at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET).
"I will just put myself in a class of my own — for now," Brodeur told reporters Monday. "When people look at stats now, there are two names at 551.
"There will be one name at 552 when I get there. After that, it is 553 and I will just try to raise the bar as high as I can."
"It is all about winning," Brodeur continued. "I will say it again, 'It is not just about the goaltender, it is about the team.'
"The team, in 15 years we have won that many games and more, with other guys chipping in along the way. It is a lot of wins."
Brodeur acknowledged the advent of overtime and shootouts hastened his assault on the record set by Roy, who played his entire career in the pre-shootout era — when teams still settled for ties.
But that hasn't cheapened Brodeur's sense of accomplishment.
"You have to appreciate what you have just accomplished or what you are about to accomplish," he said. "That is part of doing some great things."
More from CBC Sports.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s hard enough to imagine that Martin Brodeur will set the record for most wins by an NHL goaltender at 552, which is just a mind-boggling number of wins for a goaltender. However, the next record that he has in his sites – that held by the immortal, legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk – of 103 career shutouts, is a record all the pundits claimed would never be broken. Brodeur presently sits with 100 career shutouts.
Swimmer’s World Record Erased For Wearing Two Suits
18/03/2009 05:28
SYDNEY - Sweden's Therese Alshammar broke her own 50-metre butterfly world record at the Australian swimming trials Tuesday but was later disqualified by Swimming Australia for wearing two swimsuits.
The world champion clocked 25.44 seconds in the morning qualifying heats to take 0.02 of a second off the record 25.46 she set at Barcelona, Spain, on June 13, 2007.
But officials later discovered that Alshammar was wearing two suits in the race and ruled that the time would not stand. Swimming Australia said that under swimming governing body FINA's new rules that were ratified last weekend, and Swimming Australia's rules instituted last year, Alshammar had been disqualified because the regulations say swimmers can only wear one suit.
Alshammar had initially planned to appeal the decision, which came after a five-hour meeting. But later Tuesday, Swimming Australia spokesman Ian Hanson said Alshammar had withdrawn her appeal.
Alshammar told Swedish national broadcaster SVT that she wore two swimsuits because it makes her feel more comfortable.
"In case your swimsuit bursts, it's nice to have a double," she said. "I have a regular swimsuit under my performance suit because it makes me feel more secure and it covers more of my chest."
Alshammar said the extra swimsuit didn't help her performance. The main reason the limit was introduced was because of concerns that new technology was increasing buoyancy for some swimmers.
"It's not something that makes you swim faster. If anything it makes you slower to have such a swimsuit underneath," she said.
She said she knew about the new FINA rules but wasn't sure whether they had already come into effect.
Australia head coach Alan Thompson was blunt when asked if he felt Alshammar was cheating.
"Well obviously, I guess in general terms any breach of the rules is cheating," he said. "The main point to be made is that she wore two swimsuits and it was quite clear on the video and it was noticed by quite a large number of people around the pool this morning."
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Competitive swimming is all about reducing resistance between the water and the body as much as possible to increase the swimmer’s speed as they cut through the water, right? If that’s the case, why do swimmers wear suits at all? Just asking.
Asian-Aussie Golf Tour - More Big Money Tourneys
18/03/2009 05:28
MELBOURNE, Australia - Australian golf officials support a new OneAsia Super Series, which has divided opinion in the region, because the schedule will likely involve about 20 tournaments by 2011, each offering at least US$1.5 million in prize money.
"This . . . is just the first step in creating an elite platform of golf that runs from Delhi through to Auckland," commissioner Ben Sellenger of the Australian PGA Tour said Tuesday in a tour newsletter.
"It's a platform that will sit above and complement the regional tours ... and give the players from all the bodies involved the chance to compete on a tour that's a genuine alternative to the (U.S.) PGA and European tours."
Sellenger said he was confident the 2011 OneAsia schedule, which would take in tournaments from the Australasian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese tours and become the world's third-largest golf tour, would involve at least 20 tournaments.
He said it would allow players from each country the chance to remain active on their respective home tours. At least 16 Australasian PGA Tour players will be eligible as part of a minimum 76-strong Asia-Pacific contingent in a field of 156.
Sellenger, who has moved to Singapore to co-ordinate the new program, said he hoped to add to the six tournaments announced this year.
The Asian Tour, which sanctions golf on the continent, opposes the OneAsia series and has been critical of the Australasian PGA's motives in establishing it.
The Japanese tour backed away from joining the OneAsia series this year but plans to join next year, potentially increasing the number of events to 12 or 14 for 2010.
The six tournaments announced for 2009 are scheduled to start with the US$2.9-million China Open next month, and include the Australian Open and Australian PGA, two other events in China and the Korean Open.
Golf Australia chief executive officer Stephen Pitt reaffirmed his support for the OneAsia series.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Any way you slice it, this is very good news indeed for professional golfers and golf fans everywhere.
Pistorius Recovers From Injuries, To Compete Again
18/03/2009 05:28
MANCHESTER, England - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius will compete at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester after recovering from injuries sustained in a boating accident in South Africa.
Organizers said Tuesday that Pistorius will run the 100 and 400 metres at the Manchester event May 24.
The 22-year-old South African sustained head and facial injuries in a boating accident near Johannesburg on Feb. 21 and underwent surgery. He was released from a hospital on Feb. 26.
"I am recovering very well from the accident, better than anticipated," Pistorius said. "If everything keeps on going at this rate . . . I will be at full strength at the BT Paralympic World Cup.
"This competition is vital in my preparation and it gives me that vital indication as to where I am lying in my season and my ranking amongst other top athletes."
Pistorius won three gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing last year. He had his legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old because he had no calf bones.
Last year, an appeals court overturned a ban by the IAAF, athletics' governing body which had ruled that his carbon-filbre prosthetic racing blades gave him an unfair advantage.
The ban was overturned in time for the Beijing Olympics, but Pistorius failed to make the qualifying time for the 400 metres.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s nice to know that Oscar Pistorius has made a full recovery from injuries sustained in a boating accident and is back in competition.
Teens Show Kindness To Local Residents
16/03/2009 16:37
Don,
Just a little note that I hope will reach the young men who were acting as custodians at the Cineplex Theatre North Edmonton location: Thank you for your kindness!
Friday the 13th in February was a special anniversary date for my husband and I. We went to the theatre to take in a movie, but unfortunately when we entered into the room and wandered throughout, it was obvious the clip that we chose was too full to seat any other guests. And, so, we returned to the lobby and opted to settle on another choice, but had to wait half an hour for the program to begin.
Two young men came to clean up the recently emptied room and we chatted about our little misadventure. Those young men returned with bags of candy and pop and told us that the treats were on them, wishing us "happy anniversary"!
You know, a lot of teens get a bad rap for the actions of others, yet I think it is important to point out that there are, indeed, a lot of good youth out there. Thank you fellows... you made our evening!!
(Parents be proud, you have raised some nice young men!)
Velvet Martin
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Yep, there are a ton of good kids out there. It’s too bad people judge them all by one or two rotten apples. Thanks for the upbeat note. We need more of this in today’s world.
'Fat Controller' Is The Key To Staying Slim
16/03/2009 16:33
A 'fat controller' in
the gut could be the key to preventing obesity,
diabetes and heart disease, research
suggests.
Scientists have pinpointed an enzyme that determines whether the fat we eat is burnt off as energy or stored in the body.
The breakthrough raises the prospect of a pill being developed which targets the enzyme in people, allowing them to eat without worrying about putting on weight.
Research at the University of California focused on MGAT2, an enzyme found in the intestines of mice and humans.
Mice without the protein were able to eat a high-fat diet while remaining slim and healthy.
The fat they absorbed was burnt off as energy, rather than stored, the journal Nature Medicine reports.
The mice in the experiment also seemed better at processing sugar, cutting their risk of diabetes, and had lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol in their blood.
A pill that targets the enzyme in people could provide a new weapon in the battle of the bulge.
The researchers said: 'Our studies identify MGAT2 as a key determinant of energy metabolism in response to dietary fat and suggest that the inhibition of this enzyme may prove to be a useful strategy for treating obesity and other metabolic diseases associated with excessive fat intake.'
With almost a quarter of men and women obese and children faring little better, such a drug is likely to have mass appeal.
Even more appealing is the prospect of a pill that makes the body fit, as well as keeping it slim.
Last year, US scientists unveiled an experimental drug which fools the muscles into thinking they have worked long and hard, boosting fitness as well as burning off fat.
Mice treated with AICAR for four weeks burned more calories and had less fat than untreated mice and when tested on a treadmill, they could run almost 50 per cent longer.
Researcher Professor Ronald Evans, of the Salk Institute in California, said: 'We have exercise in a pill.
'It is tricking the muscle into "believing" it's been exercised daily.
'It proves you can have a pharmacological equivalent to exercise.'
But obesity experts say such pills are years from the market, and most people would benefit from eating less and exercising more.
SINC SAYS:
I can see it all now. Guy walks into a pharmacy and says, “Gimme 10 treadmills, 10 stationery bikes, 15 hundred yard dashes and a couple of marathons to go please.”
Squirrels Chomp On Their Chums
16/03/2009 16:28
CANNABALISTIC
squirrels are going nuts for Walkers SQUIRREL
flavoured
crisps.The furry creatures just couldn't stop themselves making a dive for the Cajun squirrel snacks as soon as wildlife lovers Nigel and Camilla Cullum put a packet on their bird table.
Greedy for a snack, the little peanut thieves hung upside down and even crawled inside the bag to get every single crumb.
"They can't seem to get enough of the squirrel-flavoured crisps," said Camilla, 54, of Milton Keynes, Bucks.
"I bought a packet of them but I didn't like them as they were quite spicy so I put them on the bird table.
"I was so surprised when I saw the squirrels tucking in, they seem to love them."
The Cajun Squirrel crisps are one of six new Walkers flavours, which include Chilli and Chocolate, Builder's Breakfast, Fish and Chips, Onion Bhaji and Crispy Duck.
They are inspired by the taste in parts of the United States for grey squirrel, which is served up in Louisiana, Kentucky and West Virginia in Brunswick stew.
It is also now on the menu in restaurants and farmers' markets across the UK.
SINC SAYS:
Get a load of those chip flavours would ya folks? I mean what the hell are “Builder’s Breakfast” chips anyway?
Women's Breasts Getting Bigger
16/03/2009 16:14
New Zealand women are
getting bigger breasts, with D cups and bigger
accounting for nearly half of Bendon bras sold
in New Zealand last
year.Though the C cup is still the most popular bra cup size, sales of D to J cup sizes have increased by 53 percent over the past three years, compared to a 2 percent increase in the sales figures of AA to C-cupped bras, according to Bendon figures.
The figures were calculated based on sales of Bendon, Fayreform and Elle Macpherson Intimate ranges of bras.
Fayreform "braologist" Carol Rashleigh had seen steady growth in breasts over more than two decades of helping women into fitting bras.
"More than 70 percent of women in New Zealand wear the wrong bra size or style, which can affect posture, cause back pain and lead to sagging breasts," she said.
SINC SAYS:
Kind of leaves the guys out don’tcha think? Nothing seems to be getting bigger for them.
Alberta Advantage
16/03/2009 16:01
Martin rink compiles another perfect 13-0 record to defend its Canadian championship
Will anybody be able to beat these guys at the Tim Hortons Brier? Ever? It's a question worth asking in light of Kevin Martin completing another unblemished performance at the Canadian men's curling championship Sunday night at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
Two straight years, two consecutive unbeaten Brier crowns, 26 victories in a row. Take your pick of historic footnotes.
To put it as plainly as possible, the quartet of Martin, third John Morris, second Marc Kennedy and lead Ben Hebert has put together the most dominant two-year run in Brier history, and they did it this year against a field considered one of the top two or three in the championship's history.
"It's hard to believe," said the 42-year-old Martin after his fourth Brier triumph. "That's a lot of wins, against really tough teams without dropping one, having one bad morning, you know what I mean? One bad end and you lose. The consistency is amazing." Martin and Co. finished things off Sunday night with a typically spectacular performance against no less a skip than two-time Brier champ Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba.
Officially, it took eight ends to complete Alberta's 10-4 triumph, but for all intents and purposes, Martin's fourth Canadian title was complete after four ends, two of which resulted in three-enders.
In the second, Martin -- known as the most precise big-weight hitter in the game -- showed off his soft touch, making a hack-weight raise takeout that left both the shooter and promoted stone partially buried. Stoughton attemped to answer with a freeze to shot stone, but wrecked and left Martin the open hit for three.
"We got caught on a straight piece of ice there in the second end, he got his three points on us and that was it," said Manitoba third Kevin Park. "After that, you're done. Well, not done, but against a team like that, that hits so well and doesn't make any mistakes ... and you start at a big disadvantage when you're without the hammer to begin with. It's an uphill battle." Two ends later, another delicate shot saw Martin chip off a Manitoba stone to put two of his rocks buried in the four-foot. Stoughton answered with an angle-raise to sit shot, but Martin then used his power game, throwing a runback nose-hit takeout to remove the Manitoba stone and sit for three.
The rout was on.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
What more can I add, folks? They are without question the greatest team in the history of curling.
No Surer Thing Than A Martin Win
16/03/2009 16:00
No one has a solution for the Alberta powerhouse, not even Glenn Howard and Stoughton
Kevin Martin is the best, most influential and important curler of our time.
Admittedly, that is not akin to universal renown as the world's finest brain surgeon, philanthropist or inventor. But it is a fine legacy nonetheless for the 42-year-old from Killam, and it was cemented in ice bowling history by virtue of Sunday's 10-4 Brier championship cakewalk over the sadly overmatched Jeff Stoughton of Manitoba.
There is no surer thing in winter sport now than a Martin win. He has carefully assembled three like-minded teammates who are willing to work as hard as he does year-round and are capable of maintaining a level of execution that is almost as high as his on almost every shot.
Because they are so good, and because they always have the hammer, the little things they do to get ahead early and stay ahead late make the big picture one of them holding up every trophy that matters to them: the province, the Brier, the world championship, and yes, in time, the OIympic gold medals.
When it happens, all those misguided fools who decided long ago that Martin was a money player, in the least flattering sense of the phrase, will be forced to admit they were dead wrong. All those who criticized him for walking away from the Brier path to drag his fellow curlers kicking and screaming into the professional ranks they all enjoy and benefit from today should be forced to pay homage.
Martin took too many hits for leading the charge and received nowhere near enough credit. Those days are well behind him and the game now, and both are better for it.
On the ice, Martin is better for having worked so hard at his craft and for having his eye on the prize, not just the cheques on the pro tour. He wants to win every title, every game and he has the team capable of doing it.
On Sunday, the TSN broadcast crew knew what we all knew, it was over in the fifth. By the eighth, they were regaling him as the best ever, the Tiger Woods of golf. It was 10-4. It was over and they should have been out. But we were treated to a superfluous final end, notable only for Stoughton's trademark spinarama delivery on the final shot before the handshake.
Stoughton had owned the performance record for a skip in a Brier final at 92 per cent in 1999. Martin bettered it on Sunday with 97 per cent in his 97th Brier victory. That, for all intents and purposes, is the perfect game.
Nobody in Canada, save for the ousted Glenn Howard, can even hope to play with Martin anymore. Not Randy Ferbey nor Russ Howard, Brad Gushue nor Mark Dacey.
Certainly not Stoughton, and he's a two-time Brier champ. That undeniable fact provides the perfect encapsulation of how much Martin has advanced at the expense of every single rink in Canada over the last little while, fixated as he is on the Olympics. It was Stoughton who last beat Martin at a Brier, two years, 26 victories and two championships ago now. Martin had a day he'd rather forget in a 2007 playoff game and Stoughton beat him with something approaching ease.
But Martin has been on a mission since, erasing every challenger in his path, and Stoughton wasn't even in Sunday's final. Not really. Given that Martin, lead Ben Hebert and second Marc Kennedy were all on the Brier all-star team, the lopsided final comes as little surprise.
And even when the Alberta team appeared briefly mortal, as in the fourth end when Hebert and third John Morris both missed a shot, Martin cleaned it up. He threw a runback hit and stick for three to take a commanding 6-1 lead.
Through five ends, the Martin foursome curled 91 per cent, a number dragged down, if that's even an appropriate term, by the offerings of Hebert and Morris, who were decidedly up and down to start.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Don’t bet against these guys taking a second-straight Worlds, later this month, either – or the 2010 Olympic Gold Medal in curling.
Eva Pocklington Key To Bankruptcy Fraud Case
16/03/2009 15:59
Peter Pocklington's state-appointed lawyer will be busy this week building a defence against charges the former millionaire Oilers owner committed bankruptcy fraud.
Lawyers for the flamboyant entrepreneur have already laid the groundwork in the media with claims that assets Pocklington failed to disclose in his bankruptcy filing last August belong to Eva, his wife of 35 years.
Eva has already demanded the return of thousands of dollars worth of artworks seized from their home by creditors last summer.
But the creditors, who include the Alberta government, claim Pocklington uses his wife to avoid paying his liabilities to them, saying in court documents that he "concocted several fraudulent transfers, most notably involving valuable art, expressly to avoid collection efforts by plaintiffs." They also claim he continues to transfer money to her from his offshore accounts in the Bahamas.
"According to the testimony of Mrs. Pocklington, she has never worked a day in her life," the creditors claim in documents filed with the U.S. Federal bankruptcy court.
Pocklington declared bankruptcy last August, claiming debts of $19,696,042 against assets of only $2,900. He claimed he had $200 cash, memorabilia, trophies and pictures worth $500 and clothing and shoes valued at $300. His most valuable assets appeared to be his watch, which he valued at $500, and his golf clubs, which he said were also $500.
But it was the huge gap between Pocklington's debts and assets that set off alarm bells at the office of the public trustee. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was called in to investigate. How can you spend $20 million and not own anything?
Eva, who married Pocklington in 1974 at the age of 19, testified in previous hearings that her husband puts money into her account each month to pay living expenses. The creditors say in court documents that those expenses include the $2,000-a-month rent on their home in an exclusive, gated community, the $2,000-a-month lease on their two luxury vehicles "and the additional expenses necessary to support their lavish lifestyle.
"While Mrs. Pocklington testified she doesn't know where the money comes from, plaintiffs are informed and believe the money is wired in monthly from undisclosed offshore accounts," the documents say.
Pocklington was asked under oath why his wife was not listed on the bankruptcy petition as a co-debtor. "She's not going bankrupt," he responded.
The documents allege Pocklington purchased a million-dollar Vintage Property in 1990 and transferred title of the property six times back and forth between his wife and three investment companies between 1998 and 2007.
But Eva told a court hearing last September that she has never owned property. "I have never been involved in any business part of our life," she testified. She said she had never been asked to be part of any property transfers and didn't remember ever signing any paperwork "related to business stuff."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Hmm . . . Eva Pocklington . . . why am I getting this overwhelming desire to say, “dumber than a sack of hammers?”
If Peter’s depending on her testimony, he’d better prepare himself to spend a very long time in the crowbar hotel.
Curlers Unofficially Break Guinness World Record
16/03/2009 15:53
10 curlers hurl nearly 3,000 rocks, walking or sliding a total of 43.7 kilometres
For a little more than 50 hours, culminating just after midnight on March 15, 10 curlers from Nipigon, Ont., hurled rocks non-stop and unofficially set a new Guinness world record for the longest continual match.
The two teams of five began playing at 10 p.m. on March 12 and finally reached their goal at 12:03 a.m. on Sunday, 50 hours three minutes and 33 seconds after they first hit the ice.
The record-breaking game ended with Team Yellow ahead of Team Red 159-150. Organizers estimate 2,880 rocks were thrown in the match.
Players raised more than $2,400 for the Nipigon Curling Club as part of the event.
Before the Nipigon team attempt, the longest game officially on record was 40 hours and 23 minutes.
But organizer Stephen Mangoff said the curlers aimed to play for at least 50 hours since another group from London, Ont., had set an unofficial record of 48 hours. Guinness has still been in the process of recognizing the attempt.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I always knew they didn’t have enough to do in Nipigon.
Mickelson Overcomes Virus To Win At Doral
16/03/2009 15:52
DORAL, Fla. - With his best chance at winning a World Golf Championship title, Phil Mickelson broke into a cold sweat and couldn't stop shaking. And this was 18 hours before his tee time.
Once he got onto the Blue Monster, Mickelson looked better than ever.
Weakened and dehydrated by a stomach virus that sent him to the hospital on the eve of the final round, Mickelson closed with seven straight pars for a 3-under 69 to win the CA Championship after a dynamic duel at Doral against Nick Watney.
"It took a lot out of me," said Mickelson, who sipped on energy drinks throughout the round. "I haven't eaten much in three days. I fought hard. I've been playing some of my best golf, and I'm very excited to have finished it off."
No longer the best player without a World Golf Championship, Mickelson now can set his sights on No. 1 in the world.
His second victory in his last three starts moved him to No. 2 in the world, closer than he has ever been to Tiger Woods. Depending on how Woods fares at Bay Hill, Mickelson could have a chance to replace him when he next plays at the Shell Houston Open.
"He's the greatest player of all time. I don't want to go there with the world ranking," Mickelson said. "What I'm excited about is I'm playing some of my best golf."
He finished at 19-under 269 and earned US$1.4 million, the biggest cheque of his career.
Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., shot 1-over 73 to finish tied for 35th. Calgary's Stephen Ames (71) was 40th.
This one-shot victory might have been as impressive as any.
Mickelson had to conserve all his energy for every shot. Watney made sure every shot mattered. There already were seven lead changes when they walked off the 11th green, and then they matched scores the rest of the way.
The finish was familiar to Mickelson, only this one had a happy ending.
Four years ago in another frantic final round on the Blue Monster, he had a chance to force a playoff on the 18th hole and doubled over in shock when his 30-foot chip caught the lip of the cup.
This time, Watney had a 30-foot putt that looked good all the way until it stopped one turn from dropping. Watney, who closed with a 70, pulled his cap over his face in disbelief.
"It looked like it was going in," Mickelson said. "I've been there, man. I know that feeling. It's not a great one."
Watney made all three of his bogeys from the bunker in the final round, the last one on the par-5 12th that cost him his best chance at catching Mickelson.
"I'll get over this," Watney said. "It's a positive week. I played really well. Beat 78 of the best players in the world. Beat Tiger, which is always good. I'm very pleased with the way I'm playing."
Woods, in his first stroke-play event since winning the U.S. Open, closed with another 68 to finish eight shots behind in a tie for ninth, but at least kept one streak alive. He has never finished out of the top 10 on the Blue Monster.
"I didn't get anything out of my rounds," Woods said. "I hit the ball a lot better than my scoring indicates."
More from Canadian Press.
Mickelson treated for heat-related illness at Doral.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Tiger Woods, playing in just his second tournament in eight months, finished in a tie for ninth place at -11. Tiger has never finished out of the top ten at Doral. Heck, if he could putt, he would have won the darned tournament.
Stallworth Expected To Be Charged In Driving Death
16/03/2009 15:51
Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth is reportedly expected to be charged after he was the driver in an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on Saturday morning.
According to Yahoo! Sports, driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving are among the possible charges.
A Miami Herald report stated that 59-year-old Mario Reyes was the victim involved and that Stallworth appeared to drive his Bentley around a stopped vehicle to beat a red light.
Reyes was apparently on his way home from work as an overnight crane operator and was walking to a bus stop.
Stallworth joined the Browns for the 2008 season as a free agent and caught a career-low 17 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown in just 11 games. He was hampered by a quadriceps injury for much of the season.
The seven-year veteran from Tennessee has also played for New Orleans, Philadelphia and New England. He was selected by the Saints with the 13th overall selection of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Stallworth has 296 receptions for 4,383 yards with 32 touchdowns in his career. His best season came in 2005 with New Orleans when he caught 70 passes for 945 yards and seven touchdowns, the year before he signed with the Eagles as a free agent.
Stallworth’s toxicology report could take a week.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Why is it that these professional sports stars, with seemingly the world at their feet, always manage to screw things up?
Colts To Play Bills In TO Next Season
16/03/2009 15:51
TORONTO - It seems Terrell Owens won't be the only NFL marquee player on display when the Buffalo Bills head north to play at Toronto's Rogers Centre later this year.
Both NFL.com and The NFL Network reported Sunday that the Indianapolis Colts - led by star quarterback Peyton Manning - are the top choice to be Buffalo's opponent for the game.
Buffalo made headlines March 7 when it signed the controversial Owens to a US$6.5-million, one-year contract just two days after the 35-year-old was released by the Dallas Cowboys.
But the Bills figure Owens is the right complement to their top receiver, Lee Evans. The six-foot-three, 218-pound Owens has registered 1,000-yard seasons in nine of his 13 NFL campaigns and finished with double-digit touchdown grabs on eight occasions.
And then there's Manning, who turns 33 later this month and is a three-time winner of the NFL MVP award. He's a nine-time Pro Bowl player and was the MVP of the Colts' 2006 Super Bowl victory. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and older brother of Eli Manning, the MVP of the New York Giants '07 Super Bowl season.
Having two such marquee players would certainly be a boon for the Toronto-based group that last year agreed to pay the Bills $78 million - more than double Buffalo's calculated 2006 operating income - to play eight games at Rogers Centre. The Bills Toronto Series consists of five regular-season and three exhibition contests to be played in Canada through the 2012 season.
Last year, the Bills played twice in Toronto, an exhibition game in August against Pittsburgh and a regular-season contest last December against Miami. This year, Buffalo is scheduled to play just once in the regular season but neither the opponent nor the date have yet been established.
NFL.com reported those announcements could come during the March 22-25 owners' meetings in Dana Point, Calif.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I have a question. Who really cares?
Salamander Love-In Means Spring Is On The Way
15/03/2009 22:14
SUGARCREEK TWP.,
Greene County — Under a nearly full moon and
amid a full-throated chorus of chirping peeper
frogs, about 30 Centerville and Bellbrook high
school students caught salamanders in the act
of mating at Sugarcreek MetroPark this
week.The educational program, hosted by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency scientists, is in its third year.
The once-a-year salamander love-in is one of nature's most reliable indicators that spring is on the way. It takes wet and warm weather to coax salamanders out of their forest burrows and to the vernal pool that is for salamanders the closest thing to a singles bar.
The insect-eating salamanders, who can live up to 20 years, return to breed in the pool where they began their lives.
Vernal pools are special. They can't contain fish, which eat salamander eggs. They're wet in the spring and dry up in summer. Only one is known in the MetroParks that host spotted salamanders, said Tom Schneider, an OEPA scientist.
Nico Avila-John, 17, from Bellbrook high, was out Wednesday night, March 11, for a class assignment on vernal pools.
"I thought it would be sweet," he said. He wasn't disappointed.
Brian Imhoff, 17, also of Bellbrook, said he "didn't know vernal pools were this big. It's a nice setup."
Schneider is also helping out with federal research on how to preserve salamander genetic material, known as spermatophores. He won't be using the population at the MetroPark because of the rarity of the spotted salamanders in the parks system.
Schneider said he's looking at other locations to collect.
The research is being coordinated by Chester Figiel Jr., supervisory fish biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Warm Springs, Ga.
Figiel said he's experimenting with deep freezing the salamander spermatophores because 13 species of salamanders are endangered or threatened.
Without a reliable artificial way to keep populations going, it's possible some species might become extinct.
Salamanders are an important part of the natural food chain, keeping insect populations in check and providing food for birds, mammals and fish, Figiel said.
SINC SAYS:
So, does this mean our ground hogs are toast? Must be that global warming thing.
Couple In Car Hit By Train Were Having Sex
15/03/2009 21:54
A man was arrested
for trespassing early Saturday morning near
Minot after his car was hit by a train, and
that`s not the most bizarre
part.Police say two people were in the car having sex, and they say the couple was still having sex when police arrived after the Amtrak train hit.
Neither person was hurt.
Brennan Cunningham was arrested for trespassing on B.N.S.F. property.
Police are testing his blood to see if he was drunk.
SINC SAYS:
All I can say is way to go, BC!
O'Neill's Has Beer Taps At Tables
15/03/2009 21:07
"It's every guy's
dream," says Jason Bailey, a partner in
O'Neill's Irish Pub. "We are in Guy
Heaven."The topic was Table Tap, an innovative way to get cold beer from the refrigerator to the table at O'Neill's on Richmond Road in Lexington.
Instead of a server carrying pitchers, a beer tap connected by plastic tubing to a keg in the bar's walk-in refrigerator is at the customer's table.
As each fresh glass of beer is poured, a meter embedded in the table registers the amount and the charge for each ounce, which depends on the brand of beer.
The going price for Budweiser is 17 cents an ounce.
"It's just like paying for gasoline, except we charge by the ounce instead of the gallon," Bailey said.
The tab can later be divided among the people at the table.
Four domestic beers are currently available on Table Tap, he said, but "we are going to start working in some craft beers and some imports this summer, and constantly keep changing things around."
In time for St. Patrick's Day, the taps were installed two weeks ago at four tables and in two couch areas at O'Neill's, which was undergoing a remodeling that coincided with an exterior renovation of the Idle Hour Center, where the bar is located.
The computerized tap system was developed by Table Tap Products in Atlanta. O'Neill's is only the sixth bar in the nation to have it, Bailey said. No other Kentucky bar will get Table Tap for at least a year, under O'Neill's agreement.
Bailey said he saw the system at the Stats sports bar in Atlanta, the first place it was installed, when he was attending a Southeastern Conference tournament.
"It was just so super-neat, we had to try it here," he said. "Every guy has thought of (inventing) this."
At O'Neill's, each beer-drinker is initially allotted 32 ounces — two average glasses, or half a pitcher — by Table Tap. Beer can be added by telling the server who brings chilled glasses to the table periodically. The server also makes sure no one at the table is drinking too much.
"We can control how much people drink and make sure they are safe," Bailey said. "All you have to do is push a button in the back and they are shut off," he added, which beats having to take a pitcher away from a customer who might not want to give it up.
"There's a lot more pluses than minuses," he added. "It's a really cool system.'
SINC SAYS:
First pub to try this in St. Albert wins!
Can't Put A Price On This
15/03/2009 21:00
Acts of kindness move
auctioneer Kaye to
tearsAndy Kaye of Kaye's Auctions was literally brought to tears yesterday talking about the kindness of some of the good hearts and gentle people attending Kaye's weekly Thursday night auction.
The contents of a storage locker (being sold off due to unpaid storage fees) were on the block when the little boy whose toys were in the lot (about three years old, there with his mom) asked Andy if he could "have some of my toys".
"Sure," says Andy, seen here in picture No. 1. "Go ahead."
The little guy gathered a pile of toys, then when the auction got underway, a 20-year regular of Kaye's, Karen, bought a couple of boxes, immediately donating them back to the family.
Other bidders followed suit, till at the end of the sale mom and her little guy had a fair amount of their stuff back.
"I've been in this business a long time," says Andy, "and I have to tell you, that was really something. The little guy's mom certainly had tears in her eyes."
SINC SAYS:
What a wonderful display of the milk of human kindness. Three cheers for the buyers.
Unbeaten Alberta Rink Tries To Stay Grounded
15/03/2009 20:05
Martin and Co. avoid news reports throughout annual tournament
For all Kevin Martin knows, the past eight days of media coverage about his team have focused on its arrogance, its maltreatment of fans, the various restraining orders that had to be lifted in order for it to attempt to defend its Tim Hortons Brier championship at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
Let the record show that none of those stories was written, nor was one true, of course, but the fact remains that the 42-year-old world champ is blissfully unaware that his team -- third John Morris, second Marc Kennedy and lead Ben Hebert -- will head into today's Brier final as favourites to put together unprecedented back-to-back unbeaten records at the world's biggest bonspiel.
"I don't watch any Canadian news during the Brier, I don't listen to any radio and I don't read any papers," said Martin, before an early-afternoon practice at the 'Dome. "So I've heard nothing. And I don't go to the Patch. Much. So I don't hear or see much of it, and I try to keep the guys away from it. And if there is any of that pressure stuff, I hope they allow it to just kind of run off of me."
So far so good, based on 12 straight victories this year and 13 in a row last year in Winnipeg to set a Brier record for consecutive wins at 25.
But it's meaningless, suggested Hebert, without No. 26.
"Well, we've won nothing yet," he said. "We don't care if we finish 11th or second. Same thing. No different. That's how we keep ourselves grounded. Either we win it, or we're not satisfied. So far, we've done what we wanted, we got into the final. And I imagine we still have another tough game ahead of us. But all that best team ever nonsense? It's just something for you guys to talk about.
"We're playing well, and if the breaks go our way like they did the last two nights, yeah, we'll be the champs. If we don't? Eleven and 0 (in the round-robin) means nothing."
That little dose of reality has played a major role in keeping the Alberta champs' heads from getting too swollen, despite attempts from the media and fans to do just that. In fact, said Kennedy, the team is remarkably grounded despite being on the verge of Brier history.
"I think we are, and the only reason is that we went through this last year," he said. "We might get our tires pumped a little more (this year), but really, it's the same thing: undefeated last year, win the one-two, get a day off. To be completely honest, I don't think it affects us very much.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
BRIER UPDATE:
In an absolute curling clinic last night, Edmonton's Kevin Martin, with St. Albert's own Marc Kennedy playing second, destroyed Manitoba's Jeff Stoughton 10-4 in eight ends to win his fourth Brier title and second in-a-row. Amazingly, the Martin rink has now gone through the last two Briers undefeated, winning 26 games in-a-row.
Good luck to Team Martin as they now represent Canada at the World Curling Championships next month in Moncton, N.B.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Don’t bet against Team Martin winning their 26th game-in-a-row and second consecutive Brier.
Park Returns To Brier Final For First Time Since 1995
15/03/2009 20:04
Edmonton curler plays third for Manitoba
Kevin Park waited 14 years to get another shot in the limelight.
Sunday night at the Pengrowth Saddledome, the man considered one of the all-time purest throwers of a curling rock will finally attempt to grab a brass ring that has eluded him since 1995.
The Edmonton native -- on temporary assignment to Manitoba in order to bolster Jeff Stoughton's run for a berth in the Tim Hortons Olympic Trials -- will line up at third for Stoughton's provincial champs in the Tim Hortons Brier Canadian men's curling championship final.
It's only fitting that Park will face off against a man with whom he won this same event 18 years ago, Alberta's Kevin Martin.
"They don't come along very often, do they?" said a grinning Park. "We really haven't won anything yet, but it sure feels good to be back in that final. We'll have to come up with an effort like we had tonight and we'll be close." Stoughton, a two-time Brier winner himself, put the brakes on an anticipated third showdown between Alberta and Ontario's Glenn Howard when he upset the top-ranked team in the world 8-6 Saturday night in the Brier semifinal.
Park, 44, parted ways with Martin following a 1995 appearance in the Brier, and then set off on an unpredictable journey that saw him land with teams throughout Western Canada, sometimes two or three in a single season, looking for the right combination.
In addition, he battled off-ice demons that he says have been overcome, having not had any kind of alcohol for three-plus years.
Stoughton, finally, was willing to take a leap of faith with the man Martin once said was "brilliant ... one of the best I've ever seen play the game." "A little bit (of redemption)," nodded Park. "For me, personally, I haven't been here since 1995, I haven't won it since 1991.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Park’s story just goes to show you that, when you have the chance, you better win, folks, because you never know if or when you might be back.
Time For Pocklington To Pay?
15/03/2009 20:04
Former Oilers owner left bad taste in mouth of many from business dealings over past few decades
Had Peter Pocklington charmed his way to my life savings or run my company into bankruptcy, even the fondest memories of the man would be buried beneath court documents, legal bills and the bitterness such pieces of paper generate.
So I sympathize with hundreds of creditors looking for a piece of his assets, whatever and wherever they may be, and it is not hard to justify the actions of a grand jury and American district attorney who view him as a criminal.
Officially, he is not one of those until and unless the government makes its case for bankruptcy fraud.
Those who have known him, done business with him or simply watched him in action are allowed suspicions. Though my dealings with him were largely pleasant, I would not have trusted Pocklington with my first or last dollar. Long after he left Edmonton for the California desert in 2000, during a conversation about hockey, he suggested I buy stock in one of his entrepreneurial ventures, Golfgear International, because it was undervalued at 17 cents and guaranteed to double. Today the stock is worthless, the company bankrupt. I missed my big chance.
But what if Pocklington helped make you rich? What if you formed a profitable partnership and a convenient friendship? What if he took care of you, even as the wolves staked out his front and back doors, licking their chops?
Would you put up his bail? Glen Sather did. With Pocklington's wife Eva in a California courthouse on the phone soliciting bail money from anyone who would listen, Sather listened. The New York Rangers GM ponied up the deed to some land in Minnesota, apparently valued at $1 million, and Pocklington was handed his get out of jail free card on Friday. Sather also asked Oilers owner Daryl Katz to arrange a lawyer for Pocklington and Katz obliged.
"Slats is one loyal bastard," said a former Oiler employee who wished to remain anonymous. "When I read that this morning, I said you have got to be kidding."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I will always have a certain amount of respect for Peter Pocklington, for the way he personally treated me in a season ticket issue when the Coliseum was refurbished a number of years ago. During this process, the Oilers’ marketing department severely downgraded my tickets from what I had prior to the building renovations.
After a telephone conversation with Pocklington, he upgraded my tickets to similar tickets I had before the refurbishment and sent Dave Semenko to my workplace to personally deliver the new, upgraded tickets, as Semenko was working in marketing with the Oilers at the time.
Young Speedster Does Papa Pless Proud
15/03/2009 20:02
Daughter of former Eskimos linebacker shows off family lineage
Shamelle Pless has sports in her blood.
The Grade 10 student at Jasper Place High School, who participated in Saturday's annual Edmonton Journal Indoor Games at the University of Alberta Butterdome, has some pretty good lineage as far as athletics are concerned.
Pless is the daughter of Hall of Fame former Edmonton Eskimos linebacker Willie Pless, who is considered by many to be one of the best defensive players to ever play the game.
Shamelle was only seven years old when her father retired, but she can still remember seeing her dad during his CFL playing days.
"That probably got me into running," said the 15-year-old.
"Just being around and going to practices when my dad was playing." Her mother, Rhonda, who was an athlete as well, playing baseball and volleyball in high school, thinks that Shamelle's athletic upbringing in the Pless household has contributed to her success on the track.
"Both Willie and I were always sports-minded, she was definitely born with that in her," said Rhonda.
"She watched her dad play football and I think that influenced her a bit," she continued.
"But she has always been very competitive." The young track star, who competes in the senior girls 200-metre sprint and the 4x100-metre relay, is not a one-dimensional athlete.
She also plays on the Jasper Place basketball and volleyball teams as well.
"I love track the most though," she said. "I think I've just been doing it longer and it's the sport I started with." But the biggest thrill for Shamelle comes not from actually running the race, but when the race is over.
"Track is more exciting to me," she said. "I love the feeling after a race when you are just totally dead tired, but you know you ran such a good race.
"That's the best part."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Shamalle certainly has what it takes to be a force in amateur sport in Edmonton for years to come. Might we see her one day representing Canada at the Olympics? Don’t be surprised.
Teacher Hired As CFL Official
15/03/2009 20:01
Rick Berezowski's eagle eyes will earn him an extra paycheque this summer.
The Rosetown schoolteacher, who officiates everything from six-man high school football to Canadina university, has been hired by the CFL. He'll work six games this season as a back judge or side judge, with the possibility of two more.
"I've been working at it and hoping it would happen, but not expecting it would," says Berezowski, who has officiated football for 22 years. "It's a matter of doing the best you can, and a little help along the way doesn't hurt."
Berezowski has been on CFL radar for several years. He worked the 2004 Vanier Cup university final and has also officiated one Mitchell Bowl and several Canada West conference title games.
Saskatoon's Tim Kroeker is slated to be one of Berezowski's crew mates this year. The two have a lengthy working relationship at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport level.
Berezowski noted he'll continue to maintain as normal an officiating regimen as he can this year. He'll likely continue to work CIS and high school games, including the six-man variety.
His inaugural CFL stint ends with the Labour Day weekend.
"I'm excited about making that step; I'm curious to see what it's like up there," Berezowski said. "Every step I've make along the way, from bantam to high school, high school to junior, junior to university, it's always been another step up. The nerves are there a little, but it's just another game, really."
Berezowski, who is a member of the Saskatoon Football Officials Association, says he's already started conditioning work for the CFL season. He'll also attend a pre-season officials training camp in Toronto.
He said he doesn't know at this point if he'll work a Saskatchewan Roughriders game. But if he does, he has a ready response for his many town-mates who cheer for the Roughriders.
"I'll tell them don't yell at the ref, because I'm going to be one of them now," Berezowski said.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Hmm . . . I wonder if he’s any relation to Mike Berezowski? Let’s all hope that Berezowski is a big improvement over what the CFL has had for officials the last many years.
Both Canadian Rinks Fall At World Juniors Curling
15/03/2009 20:01
VANCOUVER - Turnabout was fair play for Denmark's Rasmus Stjerne as he used a steal of three in the eighth to defeat Canada's Brett Gallant 9-6 on Sunday and win the men's gold medal at the world junior curling championships.
With Denmark leading 6-4, Gallant was forced to draw against five Danish rocks. His last shot was heavy, sliding to the back of the 12-foot.
The play was sort of deja vu. Stjerne lost a tough game to Gallant in Saturday's 1-versus-2 Page playoff game when the Danish skip gave up a steal of six in the sixth end to lose 11-5 in eight ends.
There also was anguish for Canada in the women's final when Winnipeg's Kaitlyn Lawes missed her final shot, allowing Scotland's Eve Muirhead to steal a point for an 8-6 victory.
It was Muirhead's third consecutive world junior gold medal and second as a skip.
Switzerland defeated Russia 5-4 to win the women's bronze medal. American Chris Plys, last year's champion, defeated Sweden's Oskar Eriksson 9-4 in eight ends to win the men's bronze.
Canadian men had won nine of the previous 11 world junior championships.
The win was Denmark's first-ever gold at the world juniors. The Danish men won silver in 2001.
Two Danish steals put Canada behind 4-2 after five ends.
In the fourth, with the score tied 2-2, Gallant wanted to hit and roll out to blank the end. Instead his final rock was wide, giving Stjerne the point. In the fifth, Gallant was heavy on an attempted tap-back, giving Denmark another point.
Canada climbed back into a tie when Gallant made a takeout to score two in the sixth.
This was the first world junior appearance for Gallant and his rink of third Adam Casey, second Anson Carmody and lead Jamie Danbrook. Gallant had played in five Canadian championships, finishing third last year and losing the 2007 final.
Stjerne's best finish in his previous five world juniors was a fourth. Also on his rink was third Mikkel Krause, second Oliver Dupont and lead Troels Harry.
The 2,000-seat Vancouver Olympic Centre, the venue which will be used for curling during next winter's 2010 Games, was about half full for the men's final. Canadian flags waved and a pro-Canada crowd stomped and cheered for each of Gallant's shots.
A much smaller crowd watched the women's final.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congratulations to Canada’s Teams Kaitlyn Lawes and Brett Gallant. Worlds' silver medals are certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
