19 April 2009
Ahem, What Was That Again About Recycling Costs?
25/04/2009 08:37
Hi Don,
Just visited “Town of Morinville” web site and the following information was readily available:
*******************
Residential Garbage:
• Is collected Tuesday – Friday
• Must be out by 7:30 a.m. the day of collection
• Maximum limit of 4 bags per household; anything exceeding this limit requires a tag which can be purchased at the Town Office at a cost of $1.00 per tag
• Bags/containers can not weigh more than 23 kg or 50 lbs
Please be aware that in the event your collection day falls on a Statutory Holiday, we will accept double the limit up to a maximum of eight bags the following week.
******************
Maybe I am missing something but it sure looks as if someone at city hall fed Neil Korotash with some false information!!
Excerpt from Neil Korotash’s letter to you on yesterday:
“I ran into Leah Jackson of the city's office of the environment last week and she let me know that Morinville's garbage fees are already significantly higher than St. Albert's. So even though it is a $2-$3 increase, their fees are still going to be more overall. At least that is my understanding”.
The plot thickens.
Regards,
Robert Hartley
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
An interesting observation Robert and it does indeed look like some of the information was spoon fed, doesn’t it?
Readers can see Korotash's original letter at the bottom of today's issue.
Curbside Recycling Cost Debate Continues . . .
25/04/2009 01:40
Well Don,
I'm definitely not lazy, and I'm definitely not rich . . . my wife and I are on a single income with two kids. And it's the income of a fourth year teacher.
The four of us are also under 1 bag a week and currently recycle everything we can. Previous studies however have shown our level of recycling to be far below those with curbside recycling not to mention the additional greenhouse gases emitted by driving back and forth to the recycle depot (particularly when I have to make several trips in my fuel efficient toyota corolla).
And as for Harry . . . I'm pretty sure I'm not spending anybody's money but my own.
Don, perhaps you were away for the last municipal election - I can't recall. It was very clear that the majority of residents supported curbside recycling even if it meant a marginal increase. Then again, I have been in the minority before and I know how frustrating it is when the majority of the community doesn't agree with you. And you've been on the losing end for years, so I guess I can't blame you for the negative attitude.
You know Don, we haven't agreed very often in the past and I'm not so sure that is going to change anytime soon, but I do appreciate your blog and no matter how frustrated I get with some of your commentary, I can never seem to turn away. Besides, the increase in my heart rate and blood pressure might just burn a few extra calories each day and I know I could use to lose a few pounds.
Neil Korotash
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
The bottom line Neil, is that someone has to defend the little guy against the relentless attack on taxpayers’ wallets, especially when neighbouring communities can institute a similar program at half the cost. Whether they pay more for other garbage services is irrelevant to the issue.
As for your comment, "Previous studies however have shown our level of recycling to be far below those with curbside recycling", I submit that is the exact example of the laziness I refered to in my comments.
Successive councils have done nothing but spend for the past three terms and much of that spending was done with very little community support. Need I even mention that white elephant called $ervu$ Place that 49 percent of residents did not want that will continue to bleed us dry for another 18 years or so?
And when the track
record of administration is so very poor and
council continues to allow this bunch of
spenders to manage our city, someone has to
step up and cry foul. As one who was part of
that process to get us where we are today as
the highest taxed municipality in the nation,
I’m surprised you have forgotten some things
so quickly.
The sheer numbers
of local residents who visit this web site
are testament to the fact that many think
there is something rotten going on at city
hall and it needs to be quelled. And soon.
But you do have to admit Neil, that I give
anyone with differing viewpoints the
opportunity to disagree,
unedited.
Next Taxpayers Meeting Set For Tuesday
25/04/2009 01:40
Hello
all,
Dean Screpnek, Corporate Manager with the City of St. Albert will be speaking with us this Tuesday, April 28th, at 7:00pm. He will provide an overview on budget, market value assessment, mill rates and how they intertwine. This will be followed by a question and answer period, so bring your questions.
Our new meeting place is the Community League Hall, 17 Perron Street (between the post office and Profiles Gallery). Bring along a new member!
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
SINC SAYS:
Good luck with the idea to increase membership Lynda. Bringing along a new member is a great idea.
Dean Screpnek, Corporate Manager with the City of St. Albert will be speaking with us this Tuesday, April 28th, at 7:00pm. He will provide an overview on budget, market value assessment, mill rates and how they intertwine. This will be followed by a question and answer period, so bring your questions.
Our new meeting place is the Community League Hall, 17 Perron Street (between the post office and Profiles Gallery). Bring along a new member!
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
SINC SAYS:
Good luck with the idea to increase membership Lynda. Bringing along a new member is a great idea.
Eh, What's Up Duck?
25/04/2009 01:39
Pregnant Woman Hit By Car
25/04/2009 01:39
While running from
bearAshley Swendsen had a really bad day. The pregnant woman, 26, was chased by a bear and then struck by a car as she fled across a road. The driver checked on Swendsen and then left the scene before Colorado Springs Police officers arrived.
Swendsen, who is five months pregnant, did not suffer serious injuries, but was taken to Memorial Hospital as a precaution, police said. She was treated and released.
The bear was not so lucky. Colorado Division of Wildlife officials tranquilized and captured a female, 230-pound black bear in the area.
After Swendsen identified her as the attacker - noting its cinnamon color - the bear was destroyed.
Swendsen was headed down a trail next to Cottonwood Creek - just east of I-25 and south of Woodmen Road - at about noon Thursday when she saw a bear in the creek, said Division of Wildlife spokesman Michael Seraphin. She walked away and the bear began to follow her; she began to run but the bear quickly gained on her, getting within 10 feet.
Swendsen scrambled up an embankment and onto Vincent Road, and that's where she was struck. An elderly woman in a black car hit her, stopped to talk with Swendsen to make sure she was OK, and then left, according to police and DOW.
SINC SAYS:
You just know you’re having a bad day when you bearly survive.
The Tracks Of History . . .
25/04/2009 01:39
CNR 6402 was doing the honours on Toronto-Hamilton commuter train #79. A far cry from the expresses it was built for, but at least it was still in steam. A couple of weeks earlier it was in Stratford MP shop for minor throttle repair, as condemned steamers were being scrapped all around. Sad days.
CN number 18 at Burlington Ont. Photo by Richard Vincent taken June 18, 1958
C.N.R. 6057 Passenger Train stopped at Red Pass Junction, BC around 1944. Station building west of the station. It was a Canadian Northern Station. It had been moved to Red Pass Jct. from Resplendent, which was two miles west of Red Pass Jct. The first building west of the station was moved from Rainbow to Red Pass Jct. It was also a Canadian Northern Station.
SINC SAYS:
Thanks to St. Albert Place reader George Proulx for rounding up these shots for our readers.
Getting Faster Was His Answer
25/04/2009 01:39
Speedster is about to
make draft more
interestingThe value of an impressive stat line on a football resume has always been obvious to Jamall Lee.
The same goes for one which doesn't look so good, and one rushing carry resulting in a loss of one yard doesn't exactly appear dazzling, especially when it's your first chance against similar competition.
There was only one thing the Port Coquitlam running back could do when he failed to get a decent look in an all-star game featuring U.S. college seniors in El Paso, Tex., in January. Lee could only win a battle against a stopwatch.
And by being measured in a manner that can't be controlled by an offensive coordinator unwilling to give him another run or two, the Terry Fox graduate who dominated CIS play for four seasons at Bishop's University is about to make this weekend's NFL draft a bit more interesting.
Lee ran a 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds and recorded a 44-inch vertical leap at a CFL evaluation camp in March, and the NFL noticed. Eight teams called to request game tape, and while that would hardly ensure he'll even be signed as a priority free agent after the draft it does prove some stats are more valuable than others.
Speed, after all, can't be coached, and Lee's 40-yard time beat every running back tested at this year's NFL combine.
"At the time it hurt," Lee said of being ignored in the invitation-only all-star contest, which resulted in 18 players being drafted by NFL clubs after the 2008 game.
"But after about 20 minutes I was thinking that a lot of other Canadians aren't ever even in that position. I just went back and started working harder."
He may have been treated like an outsider in the U.S. but Lee had piled up big numbers at Bishop's, a smallish school in Lennoxville, Que. The 6'1", 225-pounder twice led all CIS schools during his career in rushing, averaging 6.6 yards per carry last season.
The knock, familiar to anyone with an inferiority complex, is that the numbers weren't recorded against NCAA competition.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It will indeed be interesting to see if Lee is selected in the NFL draft or not.
Pyatt Thanks Team, Fans For Support After Fiancee's Death
25/04/2009 01:39
VANCOUVER --
Vancouver Canuck forward Taylor Pyatt says he
appreciates the support he has received from
the NHL team and its fans following the death
of his fiance in a car accident.
Carly Bragnalo died April 2 while on vacation in Jamaica. Pyatt and Bragnalo were to be married this summer.
"I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and the entire Canucks organization for their tremendous compassion and support during this very difficult time for myself, my family and the entire Bragnalo family," Pyatt said in a release Friday.
"I would also like to thank the passionate fans of the Canucks for their support and the media who have given us the respect and time to grieve in private. I loved Carly very much. My family and I will forever miss her. At this difficult time for our families it is my wish to not speak about our loss publicly."
Pyatt has returned from his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ont. He missed the final five games of the regular season and did not play during the Canucks four-game sweep of the St. Louis Blues in the opening round of the playoffs.
In an interview on Vancouver radio station TEAM 1040, Canucks' general manager Mike Gillis gave Pyatt his full support.
"I had a chance to speak with Taylor yesterday and I think he's dealing with a lot of emotion and what everyone would deal with, after going through what he went through," Gillis told the TEAM. "But it's nice we have this break because we're hoping he can get back on the ice with our team and have a nice period of time to get back in the swing of things. Hopefully he'll feel better when he's occupied and around all our guys and has their support."
Pyatt had 10 goals and nine assists in 69 regular season games.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This is a very tragic story, indeed.
Gainey Blasts Bolts GM Lawton
25/04/2009 01:39
Montreal Canadiens
general manager Bob Gainey offered an excuse of
his own yesterday at the team's press
conference when he accused the Tampa Bay
Lightning of leaking the names of Montreal
players being discussed in a possible trade for
Tampa Bay captain Vinny Lecavalier in January.
Gainey said the distraction was one reason why his team collapsed during the second half of the season.
"We had discussions with Tampa Bay. We had an agreement with them (to keep the names private). I got a call in January from them with a list of names they wanted to talk about, and those players ended up in public because they used those names to take them to other teams to see if they could create a different trade for Vinny Lecavalier. I think it was disgraceful that Josh Gorges, Tomas Plekanec and Christopher Higgins had had to read that stuff."
Tampa Bay general manager Brian Lawton told the St. Petersburg Times that Gainey's assertion is "absolutely false. The NHL is a very tight community. There's only 28 other GMs, and I can assure you there's not one who will confirm it, because it has never happened. It's preposterous and simply not true."
What makes this exchange interesting is that there are rumblings the Canadiens might make a run at acquiring Lecavalier and possibly Marty St. Louis.
But that would require Gainey and Lawton to mend some fences before they can sit down and talk.
More from faceoff.com
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
So, Bob Gainey doesn’t bake bread very well. Who’d have ever thunk it?
‘Strong’ CFL More Fragile Than Commish Thinks
25/04/2009 01:39
To hear CFL
commissioner Mark Cohon talk, the league "is as
strong as it's ever been, right now," and if
you don't look too closely you'd likely agree.
They're building a new stadium in Winnipeg to house the Blue Bombers.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have commitments from 23,000 fans in their 26,000-seat stadium and are debating whether they should renovate or build new.
Cohon was making his comments Monday in support of the ownership group in Ottawa that wants to rebuild Frank Clair Stadium as part of a revitalization plan called Lansdowne Live that would include the return to the country's capital of a CFL team.
Last year's Grey Cup game at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal drew 66,803 and another 3.65 million watched it on TSN. The regular-season attendance topped two million, for an average across the league of 28,000, which Cohon compared to the "glory days of the 1980s" or when B.C. Place was new.
Speaking of B.C. Place, it too is undergoing an expensive reno that will include a retractable roof that will only help the Lions as they get ready to play host to the 2011 Grey Cup game.
And the bedrock of the league has always been its strength in Alberta with the Edmonton Eskimos and 2008 Grey Cup-champion Stampeders in Calgary.
So bring on more of the Buffalo Bills at the Rogers Centre in Toronto as Rogers Communications vice- chairman Phil Lind has suggested they'd like to see happen, right?
That seemed to be the message Cohon was sending as he promoted the Ottawa ownership group of Jeff Hunt, Roger Greenberg, John Ruddy and William Shenkman, who want to bring the CFL back to Ottawa.
Cohon has been the commissioner of the CFL going on three years now, and seems a bit naive if he thinks that just because he hasn't had to negotiate any rough seas there haven't been any. Somebody should tell him to examine his hole card closer.
CFL fortunes can change very quickly. While it all looks good now, what would happen if, say, David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, the very patient owners of the Toronto Argonauts, decided they'd lost enough money and walked? And if Bob Young in Hamilton decided to join them?
The Ticats especially haven't provided their rich owner with what anyone would describe as satisfying entertainment since Young acquired them at the end of the 2003 season. One winning season is all the Ticats have given Young and that was a 9-8-1 record way back in 2004.
The Argos won a Grey Cup for Cynamon and Sokolowski (they beat the Lions 27-19 in 2004) and finished first in the East in 2007 at 11-7.
But they were so bad last year they made even the Ticats look good. First they fired rookie head coach Rich Stubler, then tried to save the season by bringing Don Matthews out of mothballs -- and he went 0-8.
The CFL has been very lucky that a search committee was able to find blue chip owners for Hamilton and Toronto three years before Cohon succeeded Tom Wright as commissioner in 2007.
For the record, the Bills will play the New York Jets at the Rogers Centre on Dec. 3, four days after the Grey Cup game is played there and the Rogers people learned from last year and have priced the house better. About one-fifth of the tickets for the game can be had for $99.
It would behoove the CFL to make certain the Grey Cup show is a good one, and that would be helped if either or both the Argos and Ticats were competitive.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Yes, it would certainly be great and it would beehove the CFL to ensure that Hamilton and Toronto are competitive all right, but I wonder if that is ever going to happen?
Canada Advances To Semis At Mixed Doubles Curling
25/04/2009 01:39
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO,
Italy - Canada earned a pair of victories
Thursday to remain unbeaten and secure a
semifinal berth at the world mixed doubles
curling championship.
Sean Grassie of Winnipeg and Allison Nimik of Calgary beat Australia 9-5 in early action and followed with a 6-4 victory over New Zealand to clinch first place in the Red Group with an 8-0 record. The Canadians will take on the winner of the qualification round in a semifinal game Friday night.
Faced with playing in the toughest of the three groups, Grassie was relieved that he and Nimik reached the semifinal in the fewest number of games.
"We're in the playoffs, that was our first goal," said Grassie. "That's actually a big advantage for the semis, not having to play all those qualifying games."
The Canadians held a slim 6-5 lead over Australia after seven ends, but scored three in the eighth to clinch the victory.
In the afternoon match, the Canadians broke a 3-3 tie with a deuce in the fifth end and then forced New Zealand to their second single point of the match in the seventh, effectively ending things.
"We always felt we had real good control of the game," said Nimik. "When they took one that's all they really had. I'm really happy with the way we're forcing teams to take one."
Finland thumped Bulgaria 10-4 to finish second in the Red Group at 7-1, meaning they'll need to win a qualifying game to reach the semifinal. The Finns' only round-robin loss came to Canada.
Defending-champion Switzerland ran the table in the Blue Group, downing Austria 8-5 to finish the round-robin 8-0. China topped the Green Group with a 7-1 record and will face the Swiss in the semifinal.
In tiebreaker action, Hungary beat Sweden 9-4 to earn a spot in the qualification round. The Hungarians will face the Czech Republic, which advanced with an 11-3 rout of Poland.
The winner of the Hungary-Czech Republic game early Friday will face the Finns later in the day for the final berth in the semifinal.
The bronze- and gold-medal games are set for Saturday.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Sean Grassies and Allison Nimik. Let’s do Canada proud and bring home the gold.
Lanny Wadkins Elected To World Golf Hall Of Fame
25/04/2009 01:39
St. Augustine, FL
(Sports Network) - Lanny Wadkins was elected to
the World Golf Hall of Fame through the PGA
Tour ballot and will be enshrined as part of
the Class of 2009, it was announced on
Thursday.
"I am honored and pleased to be a part of such a prestigious group," said Wadkins. "I never expected to wind up in the Hall of Fame when I started playing golf. I played for the love of the game and to compete to win. This honor is the culmination of a lot of fun, which I had throughout my career."
Wadkins was named on 61 percent of returned ballots. Doug Ford, Mark O'Meara, Davis Love III and Ken Venturi finished behind Wadkins in the returned ballots.
Wadkins won 21 PGA Tour titles, including his only major, the 1977 PGA Championship. He defeated Gene Littler in a playoff at Pebble Beach for the Wanamaker Trophy.
He also captured the 1970 U.S. Amateur Championship, the 1979 Players Championship and won his first Champions Tour start at the 2000 ACE Group Classic.
But to many, Wadkins was best known as a fierce competitor and that trait manifested itself best in the Ryder Cup.
Wadkins was a member of eight American Ryder Cup teams, which is a record he shares with Raymond Floyd and Billy Casper. Wadkins amassed a 20-11-3 record in those eight Ryder Cup appearances, then lost as the U.S. captain in 1995.
"Lanny Wadkins has enjoyed tremendous success at every turn of his career, from his days as an amateur, to his PGA Tour career to his position as one of the finest Ryder Cup players this country has ever produced," said Jack Peter, Senior Vice President and COO of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on November 2. More inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I never, ever liked Lanny Wadkins as a golfer.
Canada Trounces Belarus To Open Worlds
25/04/2009 01:39
Bringing along the
young guns paid off for Team Canada in their
opening game at the Men's World Hockey
Championship Friday in Kloten, Switzerland.
Steven Stamkos scored a pair of goals in his first World Championship game - one a converted pass from fellow 19-year-old Drew Doughty - and was named Player of the Game as Canada escaped from penalty trouble in the second period and routed Belarus 6-1.
Dany Heatley added a two goals and an assist that tied him with Steve Yzerman for most all-time assists for Canada (21) at the World Championships. Heatley, last year's tournament MVP, already is Canada's most prolific goal scorer since professionals started playing in the tournament in 1977.
With a minute into the game, the 2008 silver medallists seemed on their way to an early rout when Stamkos - last year's No. 1 NHL draft pick - drove to the net and banged in a pass from his Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Martin St Louis for his goal on his first shift in his Worlds debut.
But then Canada racked up four penalties in the second period, including killing off a 5-on-3, before ripping the game wide open in the third with goals by Heatley, his Ottawa Senators teammate Jason Spezza, and Mike Fisher, who converted a 2-on-1 pass from James Neal.
Elsewhere Friday, Ilya Bryzgalov earned a shutout as Russia blanked Germany 5-0. The defending gold medallists had five goals from five different people, including Ilya Kovalchuk.
The Kloten Arena was roughly two-thirds full for Canada's tournament opener, but there was plenty of atmosphere. Canadian flags, shirts and jerseys were sprinkled throughout the arena and a group of local schoolchildren spent most of the afternoon chanting: "Canada! Canada!''
It was the kind of experience coach Lindy Ruff was hoping for in his first ever international assignment. He got a taste of the tournament while scouting last year's event in Quebec and Halifax.
"When I saw what the fans from other countries would do with the singing and chanting and how much they get into it, I thought it was pretty cool,'' Ruff said Thursday.
More from ctvolympics.ca
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, there’s a long way to go yet, folks, but at least Team Canada is off on the right foot.
Former Councillor Supports Curbside Recycling
24/04/2009 03:58
Hi Don,
I also inquired as to the apparent discrepancy in fees between St. Albert and Morinville a few weeks ago when these stories started to surface. I was a little surprised that Morinville could add the service for cheaper than St. Albert.
As usual, Mayor Crouse got back to me almost immediately and informed me that he too was interested, and that he would have staff follow up. White I await their "formal" explanation, I ran into Leah Jackson of the city's office of the environment last week and she let me know that Morinville's garbage fees are already significantly higher than St. Albert's. So even though it is a $2-$3 increase, their fees are still going to be more overall. At least that is my understanding.
I would also like to see the organic program implemented sooner in St. Albert. I think it is currently being proposed for 2010, whereas Morinville will be implementing it almost immediately.
Notwithstanding the cost issue, I am thrilled that we will finally be getting curbside recycling. This was probably Mayor Crouse's most specific campaign promise, and it is good to see he is following through very quickly.
Neil Korotash
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
You may well be thrilled Neil, but there are thousands of us who recycled everything and had our garbage reduced to under a bag per week. We will now be forced to pay for curbside when we had no use for the service. If everyone had followed the example those thousands of St. Albertans set, we would not be stuck with yet another added tax when we can least afford it. It is nothing more than a service for the lazy rich. Robert Hartley said it best. If we don’t get rid of this Robbing Hood and His Merry Band of Men administration, even the rich will not be able to afford to live in St. Albert. Administration is at the very core of all our over taxation and problems.
READER RESPONSE:
"You may well be thrilled Neil, but there are thousands of us who recycled everything and had our garbage reduced to under a bag per week. We will now be forced to pay for curbside when we had no use for the service. If everyone had followed the example those thousands of St. Albertans set, we would not be stuck with yet another added tax when we can least afford it. It is nothing more than a service for the lazy rich."
Amen to that Don. As for Korotash, he's another one who likes to spend other people's money.
Cheers,
Harry
St. Albert
More Questions On Curbside Recycling
24/04/2009 03:58
Don,
I have some questions for Mayor Crouse.
Effective July 1, 2009, the PAYT program will be “simplified” from six volume levels to three volume levels:
* 1 bag bi-weekly
* 1 bag weekly
* 2 bags weekly
And, curbside recycling will be implemented for those residences that currently have curbside garbage pickup. The City of St. Albert website says to simply place your recyclables in a clear “blue” bag and place it on the curbside (no need to sort recyclables). What the website doesn’t say is this: Is that bag of recyclables considered to be one of the bags in your weekly or bi-weekly PAYT subscription, or is that bag of recyclables separate? If it is separate, how many bags of recyclables are residents allowed to put out on the curbside for pickup each week? What size of blue bag can be used? Does the blue bag have to be tagged?
Also, if you currently have a 2 can subscription per week, which will be automatically decreased to 2 bags or 1 can per week, will you still be allowed to use your garbage can, or will you be forced to purchase bags and city garbage tags?
The information on this program on the city website is sorely lacking.
Jim Starko
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Good questions all Jim. You would think that administration would be savvy enough to have that information up on the city’s web site though.
This Weekend At LB's Pub . . .
24/04/2009 03:57
Good day to ya all.
If you haven't made plans for this Saturday evening, you can bring in your instruments and come join us for a jam that will run from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. this Saturday April 25th.
From 5:00 p.m. enjoy the hosting dutys of Andrew White and his jolly fabulous players til 9:00 p.m.
And the at 9:30 p.m. the slot will be taken over by Noel "Big Cat" Mackenzie, Darrell Kitlitz, Kenny Skoreyko, and myself.
Come play with us.
Mark Ammar
Lord, They Are Finally Together
24/04/2009 03:57
Judy got married and
had 13 children. Her first husband,Ted, died of
cancer.
She married again, and she & Bob had 7 more children. Bob was killed in a car accident, 12 years later.
Judy again, remarried and this time, she and John had 5 more children. Judy finally died, after having 25 children.
Standing before her coffin, the preacher prayed for her. He thanked the Lord for this very loving woman and said, "Lord, they are finally together."
Ethel leaned over and quietly asked her best friend, Margaret:
"Do you think he means her first, second, or third husband?"
Margaret replied, Ethel dear, "I think he means her
legs.
SINC SAYS:
Yet another great story courtesy of St. Albert’s Place reader Jeff Young. Keep ‘em comin’, Jeff!
Men Can Indeed Multi-Task . . .
24/04/2009 03:57
Fox Stands On Hind Legs Like A Dog
24/04/2009 03:57
A retired GP has
trained a group of foxes to stand up on their
hind legs like dogs and beg for
food.Richard Lavelle is visited by the family of foxes every night and feeds them scraps of turkey and ham.
He has managed to train up to seven of them, amazing animal behaviourists.
They are now so used to the meal that if he is out for the day they will sit and wait patiently on his drive until he returns home.
Dr Lavelle, from Littleover, Derby, explained that the foxes began to visit about five years ago.
"A mother fox had some cubs on some allotments at the bottom of my neighbour's garden, so I started to offer them food," he said. "When the mother died, the cubs kept coming, and now I am seeing the second generation."
Grandfather and widower Dr Lavelle, 80, said he tried to teach them to sit initially but when that failed he began waving the food above their heads until they learned to stand.
He added: "They cost me a fortune in food but I just love them, love being able to help them."
Neighbours are also happy as the foxes no longer dig up their allotments.
Nick Brown, of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: "The foxes are getting regular food and it seems to be stopping them destroying the local environment."
The RSPCA warned however against people training foxes. A spokesman said: "They could easily become dependent on you, then what happens when you move away?"
SINC SAYS:
What the fox going on here?
Lawsuit Could Jeopardize Future Games In Canada
24/04/2009 03:57
A victory for women's ski jumpers who are trying to get into the 2010 Olympics could spell the end of the Games in Canada, warned a lawyer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee.
"It is very unlikely the Games would be held in Canada again in the foreseeable future" if VANOC departed from its signed contract with the International Olympic Committee, said George Macintosh in a written argument.
VANOC's lawyers on Wednesday opened their rebuttal argument to a lawsuit by 15 elite women athletes who say VANOC is in breach of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Macintosh said Vancouver's committee sympathizes with the athletes, but that they're going after the wrong defendants.
"Frankly, VANOC feels caught a little bit in the middle," Macintosh said in remarks to Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon.
VANOC spokeswoman Renee Smith-Valade said they "truly understand how disappointed the women ski jumpers are that they are not on the program for the 2010 Winter Games."
"If anyone understands Olympic dreams, we do.
"Unfortunately for them, the reality is the decision is made by the (IOC)," she said.
VANOC also acknowledged Wednesday the committee's financial and logistical help to the female ski jumpers who are suing them.
The money and assistance, including the use of company vehicles and accommodation services, were delivered over the 2008-09 winter season to help the athletes prepare for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, said Smith-Valade.
She said VANOC also gave the women free access to training jumps at Whistler Olympic Park. The women were the first to use the new jump.
But Macintosh said that effort doesn't equate to a responsibility to put on a women's event in 2010. He rejected the women's argument that VANOC is controlled by several Canadian governments, or is carrying out government policy by organizing and staging the Olympic Games.
Such a finding, as the women want Fenlon to make, would mean VANOC is violating the Charter and would either have to hold ski jump events for both men and women, or none at all.
Macintosh said the IOC owns and organizes the Games. It directs VANOC as its agent, even though many of the members of VANOC's board of directors are appointed by governments.
The women's lawyer, Ross Clark, wrapped up two days of argument on Tuesday by saying VANOC had on nearly 200 occasions argued in trademark applications that it is controlled by government.
Macintosh said that argument doesn't apply because VANOC was applying under legislation that also applies to a variety of non-government agencies.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The moral of this story is, “Thou shalt not argue with whatever it is the IOC decrees.”
Mike Kelly A Big Hit At Bomber Fan Forum
24/04/2009 03:57
He was, admittedly, preaching mostly to the converted and the diehards, those that are with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad.
But if there was a star at the Bombers' annual fan forum Tuesday night -- an event that featured the release of a healthy financial statement and hinted at a spiffy new marketing campaign -- it was new head coach Mike Kelly.
He spoke first about restoring the pride in the CFL team and, in a Q&A session with the flock, challenged fans who were critical about the extreme makeover of the roster, wowed others with his answers and tiptoed around a few questions with the skill of a polished politician.
And in the course of an hour he may have momentarily stepped out of the crosshairs after an off-season that has been all about change.
Asked afterward if he was at all nervous about facing the Bomber faithful, Kelly continued to stand true to his convictions and his belief in his blueprint.
"I feel good about what we're doing in my heart and in my head," Kelly said. "I know we're doing the right things for this football club. It's not a single person that's making these decisions, it's a group effort and we try to gather as much information as we can on all aspects of it. We don't want to be verbose in what we're doing, but we're confident in what we're doing."
Playing to a packed house at the Blue and Gold Room that featured a number of Bombers alumni and a handful of current players, Kelly kept the audience on the edge of their seats with his answers.
Among the highlights from Kelly's performance:
* On free-agent quarterback Casey Printers, who was invited to attend the club's camp in Florida last weekend: "Casey who? Casey isn't a member of the Blue Bomber organization, so for me to comment on Casey I don't think is appropriate. It was a private workout and we're going to keep it private. We have our evaluations, we looked at players we wanted to look at. We sat down as a staff and we'll make a determination on what we saw."
* On the massive personnel changes: "That's what people in leadership roles have to do. You have to make decisions that are best for your organization. The quarterback position? That's all I heard about when I first got the job: 'What are you going to do about the quarterback? What about Kevin Glenn? What's going on?' I did something about it and then everybody is, 'Ohhh, you got rid of Kevin Glenn!' We're going to continue to get better all the time. In this business you can't attach yourself to a player, no matter how much you love him."
* On the comparisons to Jeff Reinbold's reign of error: "I got rid of all my earrings and the tattoo removal is going very well. All those things are in the past. I had nothing to do with it. I wasn't here."
* And finally, as is customary at these kind of gatherings, there were also the usual shots at the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Regina, referred to by one fan as 'the crotch of Canada.' Later, Kelly spoke of taking talent from the Edmonton Eskimos and Riders: "We kind of raided the toothless, green, watermelon-helmet-wearing people from the crotch of Canada." That brought down the house.
On Wednesday, Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson declined to comment on Kelly's words.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I have been very unimpressed by some of the things I have seen and heard from Mike Kelly since he was appointed head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. By some of his words and actions, some might actually think Kelly is a bit of a “dork.”
CFL A Step Closer To Returning To Ottawa
24/04/2009 03:57
City council votes to proceed with redevelopment of former home of Rough Riders, Renegades
The return of CFL football to Ottawa took another small step forward with city council's decision Wednesday to proceed with the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, the former home of the Rough Riders and Renegades.
The agreement includes a 60-day window for negotiations with a group of local developers, known as Lansdowne Live.
The negotiations are designed to produce a tentative agreement between the developers and the city on what will be done at the park, including a refurbishment of Frank Clair Stadium and the Civic Centre, and how the project will be financed.
CFL commissioner Mark Cohon was pleased by the decision.
"Today represents an important step forward for the Canadian Football League's successful return to Ottawa,'' Cohon said in a statement. "On behalf of our league, I want to thank Ottawa City Council for its ongoing consideration of the proposal brought forward by our local ownership group, and the many supporters of that proposal, including CFL fans and alumni who spoke to council.
"We remain excited about bringing the CFL back to the national capital, along with the Grey Cup, and the tremendous economic activity it delivers for a city and province.'' City council's decision, made by a vote of 14 to nine Wednesday, came after two attempts to scuttle the approach were voted down by city council, and it could spell the end for Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk's plan for a soccer-specific stadium near Scotiabank Place in West Ottawa.
The developers, Roger Greenberg of Minto, John Ruddy of Trinity, and Bill Shenkman of the Shenkman Corp., want the city to fix the crumbling Frank Clair Stadium for a conditional CFL franchise they have won.
They estimate this will cost $97 million. The city estimates $125 million.
They also want the city to build a roughly $25-million parking garage for the site, and the city to pay for any community spaces to be included in the park.
They also propose a mixed-use development at Lansdowne Park that would include retail and entertainment space, a hotel, office space, and some residential buildings at a cost of $120 million to them.
A city report on the two plans said that going with either proposal could cost taxpayers big -- $150 million over 30 years, including borrowing costs for just a stadium, and up to $300 million over the same period if extras aimed at public use are added.
The report said with repairs at Lansdowne, the Civic Centre and stadium can last another 28 years with the proposal upgrades. A new rink-stadium complex would cost about $185 million and last 70 years, the report said.
Ottawa opts for Lansdowne Park redevelopment.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, let’s just hope they get all of the logistics ironed-out soon, folks, so that we can get on with the job of playing some football!
TSN To Broadcast First Two Rounds Of CFL Draft
24/04/2009 03:57
Get ready to be introduced to the next generation of Canadian football stars as TSN will be airing live coverage of the first two rounds of the 2009 CFL Canadian draft on Saturday, May 2nd starting at 11am et. The broadcast will also be available on TSNHD.
In addition on-demand coverage will be available on TSN.ca while football fans will also be able to follow the final four rounds through live updates on CFL.ca.
CFL commissioner Mark Cohon will be on hand in the CFL on TSN studio to announce each selection during the first and second round of the draft.
"For the second year in a row, TSN is proud to shine a spotlight on some of the most impressive, young football players in Canada, as they follow their dreams of making it in the CFL. The talent that is showcased during the CFL Canadian Draft is a testament to grassroots football programs across the country, and the coaches and communities that support the goals of these athletes,” said Phil King, President, TSN.
"The CFL Canadian Draft is a tremendously exciting day for our league and our fans, an opportunity for us to feature superb, young talent, and a sure sign that a new season is just around the corner," said Canadian Football League Commissioner Mark Cohon.
"Now, there is yet another reason for our fans to celebrate: our partners at TSN are broadcasting the first two rounds of the draft, which speaks to Canadians' interest in our game, and TSN's commitment to it. It has been gratifying to see how quickly our draft has grown into a full-fledged national telecast, and I know our fans can't wait to see how their favourite teams fare on Draft Day."
The two-hour production will be hosted by Rod Black, who will be joined in studio by CFL on TSN analysts Chris Schultz, Matt Dunigan and Glen Suitor, who will analyze the needs of each of the individual needs of the eight teams while providing analysis of each pick as it happens.
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This is certainly a positive step forward for the CFL. Catch all of the action of the 2009 CFL Canadian college draft at 9:00 a.m. local time next Saturday on TSN and TSN-HD.
Canada Improves To 6-0 At Mixed Doubles Curling
24/04/2009 03:57
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy -- Canada improved to 6-0 Wednesday with a 9-6 win over England at the world mixed doubles curling championship.
Sean Grassie of Winnipeg and Allison Nimik of Calgary used a trio of three-point ends to open up an early 9-1 advantage. England's John Sharp and Jane Clark replied with a deuce in the fifth, a steal of two in the sixth and a single in the seventh but were run out of rocks in the eighth.
The victory moved Canada closer to clinching top spot in the Red Group, which includes world powers Finland and Scotland.
"I think our group is really tough," said Grassie. "Finland won the silver last year, and we knew Scotland would be tough. New Zealand, you don't think of them as a curling power, but they're playing well. And the Italians played well against us."
Finland beat New Zealand 9-8 and downed Scotland 8-5 to improve to 6-1. The Scots and New Zealand are next at 4-2, followed by Russia at 3-3, Italy at 2-5, Australia at 2-4, England at 1-6 and Bulgaria at 0-6.
Switzerland (7-0) downed Japan 8-6 to clinch top spot in the Blue Group standings.
In the Green Group, China moved to 6-1 with a 10-6 win over the U.S., and a 9-5 triumph over Estonia. Hungary and Sweden are next at 5-2.
The top team in each of the Red, Blue and Green groups will advance to Friday's semifinals, where they will be joined by the winner of a tiebreaker between second-place teams. The bronze- and gold-medal games go Saturday.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Sean Grassie and Allison Nimik. Mixed doubles curling is something that we’re not all that familiar with in Canada. In fact, I think the only time I’ve ever seen it is during the Continental Cup of Curling matches.
Ryan, Kiprusoff Battle It Out For Play Of The Year
24/04/2009 03:57
And then there were two.
We began with 20 plays and thanks to thousands of votes, we have boiled the 2008-09 Play of the Year down to one classic question: the save vs. the goal. Some believe that goals should always trump saves. Others champion the athleticism and quick-reacting instincts of the netminder. This is your chance to weigh in on the great debate.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
To provide your comments or view the complete picture and/or video, click here.
Fully-Clothed Stenson Hopes To Wow Fans
24/04/2009 03:57
JEJU, South Korea - Sweden's Henrik Stenson is hoping South Korean fans will get to know him for his golf rather than his striptease act by the end of this week's Ballantine's Championship.
The world No. 9 made headlines last month when he stripped down to his underpants to play a shot out of a muddy hollow at a tournament in the United States.
"I would like just to have them get to know me a little better. Hopefully, I can show off some good golf and win over a few fans here with my clothes on," said the 33-year-old.
Stenson, who had nine top-10 finishes in 2008 including a share of third place at the British Open, performed his striptease at the WGC-CA Championship in Florida.
The Ryder Cup star, one of the leading contenders at the Ballantine's Championship, endured an arduous journey to reach the South Korean holiday island of Jeju but said he was confident he would be ready for Thursday's start.
"It took a good 60 hours to get here from Orlando. I left Saturday morning early and got into Jeju lunchtime on Tuesday," he said.
"But we will be all right . . . and should be up and ready for Thursday."
The $2.7-million tournament at the Pinx Golf Club features a strong field including South Africa's Ernie Els and former Masters champion Fred Couples.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Stenson’s striptease is still the most bizarre thing I have ever seen in golf.
NFL's Stallworth To Be Arraigned For DUI-Manslaughter
24/04/2009 03:57
MIAMI -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth is set to be arraigned on DUI
manslaughter charges.
Stallworth does not have to be present at Thursday morning's hearing. He is expected to enter a written plea of not guilty, and a trial date will be set.
Authorities say Stallworth was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian while returning from a night of partying in Miami Beach on March 14. The 28-year-old Stallworth was released by Miami authorities after posting US$200,000 bail.
If convicted of DUI manslaughter, Stallworth faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Another promising young career down the drain.
Are We Being Overcharged For Curbside Recycling?
23/04/2009 04:08
Hi Don,
Did you read the article in Wednesdays Gazette “Morinville rolls out curbside recycling”?
The cost to the Morinville taxpayer will be $2.87 per month and that includes a $2.00 fee that may be eliminated next year. The contractor that provides the service will even supply the totes (worth $115 each) at no extra cost.
Quite a different story in St. Albert. Here our “illustrious” administration manages to negotiate a contract that has the St. Albert taxpayer paying almost 100% more per month for waste recycling, yes, you read that right, our cost per month will be $5.26 (without kitchen waste or garden organics) , and this with no tote.
I wonder, did our administration even consult with surrounding municipalities regarding “their recycling programs”, the opportunity for cost sharing, or are they so arrogant as to believe it not deserving of the effort?
Also did council (our representatives) pose these kinds of questions before giving final approval? If something isn’t done, and soon, about the management of this city, even the rich will have to leave.
Regards,
Robert Hartley
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Why am I not surprised Robert? Robbing Hood And His Merry Band of Men continue to bleed taxapayers dry. Unless council wakes up and fires this inefficient bunch of administrators, we will go broke.
READER RESPONSE:
Hi Don:
In reference to Robert Hartley's statement re the cost difference to the recycling issue, it would be interesting to hear just what the Mayor has to say re this subject and in particular the wide variance in rates.
G. Proulx
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for the question George. I will forward this item to Mayor Crouse for comment.
SINC SAYS:
As usual, it did not take long to get a response from Mayor Crouse. Here is his reply, so you can anticipate an answer to your questions raised in the letter and the reader response question soon:
Don
I will review this weekend and be back to you.
Regards,
Mayor Nolan Crouse
City of St. Albert
Kingsford The Piglet Video At The Beach . . .
23/04/2009 04:07
CHILDREN IN CHURCH . . .
23/04/2009 04:07
* A little boy was
attending his first wedding. After the service,
his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man
marry?" "Sixteen," the boy responded. His
cousin was amazed that he had an answer so
quickly.
"How do you know that?" "Easy," the little boy said.
"All you have to do is add it up, like the pastor said,
4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."
* After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."
*A 6-year-old was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at a church service, "And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
* A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me." "Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
* A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"
* Ms. Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent. "The Flight to Egypt ," was his reply. Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?" "Oh, that's Pontius - the pilot!"
* The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?" "No sir," little Johnny replies, I don't have to. My mom is a good cook."
* A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago." "Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he ?"
It's All About That Wascally Wabbit . . .
23/04/2009 04:07
A lady opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves.
"What are you doing in there?" She asked.
The rabbit replied: "This is a Westinghouse, isn't it?",
To which the lady replied "Yes."
"Well," the rabbit said,
"I'm westing."
SINC SAYS:
Thanks to Kim in Calgary for that one folks! I still think it should have been Elmer Fudd telling that story.
Tiger Trades Sand Wedge For Sandwich
23/04/2009 04:07
Woods relishes his couch-potato down time after majors
The world sees the laser look in Tiger Woods's eyes, especially when he is riveted, whole soul, on a major championship such as this month's Masters. So, we don't get to see much of the other Tiger, though he actually exists.
We've barely glimpsed the Woods who loves to lounge on his couch for a solid week, barely leaving the house. We don't see the Eldrick who dotes on his kids, never touches a golf club, takes in an Orlando Magic playoff game, roots for his beloved Yankees or, because he describes himself as "addicted" to baseball, even knows details of the Nationals' horrid season.
The reason we don't know this Woods is because he exists for just four weeks out of the entire golf season.
For decades, great golfers have analyzed the perfect preparation for the Masters, U.S. and British Opens, and PGA Championship. How much do you practice and play? What shots do you polish? Seldom mentioned: What should a great golfer do the week after a major? Like a black-ops commando, should he get debriefed, pick apart the mission while it's fresh in mind? Or work on the shots that failed you?
So, Tiger, master golf thinker of your time, what do you do?
"Nothing. I usually do nothing at all for a week," said Woods, who left Augusta National tied for sixth, steam coming from ears. "I don't touch a club. I barely leave the house. The last thing I want to do is go to a restaurant. I sit on the couch and watch TV. I used to play video games. Now I play with the kids. I chase Sam around, and Elin and I alternate with [baby] Charlie," said Woods, whose post-Masters hiatus ended Monday with a trip to Washington to promote his AT&T National at Congressional Country Club on July 4 weekend. "It just feels so good to come home.
"And I eat. You wouldn't believe how much. My metabolism is ridiculous anyway. I lose a lot of weight at a major. So I probably eat six meals a day for most people."
More from the Washington Post.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I wish I had Woods’ “high metabolism” problem. If I ate six meals a day, I be 400 pounds.
B.C. Lions’ Simon Receptive To Golf Guru’s Tee-Off Tips
23/04/2009 04:07
Renowned instructor impressed with football star's swing
Geroy Simon is no Charles Barkley and that must have come as huge relief to renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter, who gave the B.C. Lions receiver a quick and very public lesson on Tuesday in downtown Vancouver.
Simon, like the former NBA star Barkley, has a deep passion for golf, but has not yet been able to master the sport.
He has already played 22 rounds this year and his low score is a 92. That came as a surprise to Leadbetter, who after working with him on Tuesday, seemed convinced Simon could soon be going much lower than that.
Simon's swing is absolutely Tiger-esque compared to the herky-jerky, X-rated version Barkley is displaying on his Golf Channel reality series with instructor Hank Haney.
"That's fantastic man. Just keep it that simple, you have got a good swing," Leadbetter told Simon after their 10-minute session.
"With your athleticism, you should be able to get (your handicap) down easily to single digits. You just have to work on your chipping and putting."
Simon received so many compliments from Leadbetter during their Callaway Golf-sponsored session that you half-expected him to launch into his classic Superman touchdown pose.
"I think maybe he was just being nice to me in front of all the people here," Simon said with a laugh afterwards.
Leadbetter was in Vancouver to help promote a Callaway partnership with the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association that offers golfers a free 30-minute lesson with a CPGA pro with the purchase of any driver or set of irons from the company's 2009 product line.
Leadbetter's current roster of top pros includes Trevor Immelman, Michelle Wie, Peter Lonard, Ian Poulter, Fredrik Jacobson and Suzann Pettersen.
Leadbetter seemed genuinely impressed with Simon's golf swing. During their brief session, he tried to get Simon to keep more of his weight on his left foot during his backswing.
"You've got a little bit of a sway happening here," he said.
"But I like your swing, you could definitely be a player."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Simon says, “I want to be a professional golfer.”
VANOC’s Image Takes A Hit
23/04/2009 04:07
Olympic committee could have shown sympathy to women's ski jumping
The immortal Red Smith once sized up all the schussing and sliding at the Winter Olympics this way: "Thus do ants conquer drainpipes." That seems like an appropriately humble assessment of the Games of snow and ice that will unfold in Vancouver and Whistler in February 2010.
But then, Smith was afflicted with an unshakeable common sense, something that seems in short supply lately all over the world of sports, particularly among the members of the International Olympic Committee and VANOC, the Vancouver Olympic organizers.
Smith's words come to mind amid the court case in which 15 women are suing VANOC because men will be competing in ski jump events in 2010, while women are excluded from that particular drainpipe.
The women have taken their case to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, claiming their exclusion is discrimination and a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Since ski jumping is the only event on the Winter Olympic program which does not include women, the optics of are highly dubious.
The IOC voted not to include female ski jumping back in 2006 in Turin, Italy, on the grounds that there were insufficient elite athletes in too few countries to warrant its inclusion.
Fair enough. It was a sport on the competitive bubble, waiting its turn to join the Olympic family.
Since then, its practitioners note, the universe of elite female ski jumpers has grown from the 83 athletes in 14 countries that were competing in '06.
Besides, they say, the IOC chose to include the hip, but niche sport of snowboard-cross in '06, when it had less bench strength than women's ski jumping.
However Judge Laurie Ann Fenlon rules -- and the case hinges on whether the Charter applies to the IOC, the loser in all this could be VANOC, whose image as a progressive force in sport has taken a couple of major hits.
Rather than champion the inclusion of women's ski jumping for 2010, or at least demonstrate sympathy to the cause, VANOC opted to hide behind the IOC's stuffy process, much as it did in excluding the charity sports group Right to Play from the Olympic Village, in a sop to General Motors of Canada, one of VANOC's major sponsors.
Both are complicated issues, but VANOC apparently lacks the finesse to hew to the common-sensical principal that inclusion should trump exclusion in the Olympic context, let alone the marketing acumen to sell a brand, new event the public might well fall in love with.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Sounds like VANOC is fitting in quite well with the IOC to me.
Gainey To Habs Fans - Don't Boo American Anthem
23/04/2009 04:07
BROSSARD, Que -- Bob Gainey has appealed to Montreal Canadiens fans to stop booing the U.S. national anthem.
The Canadiens coach and general manager said fans who booed during "The Star Spangled Banner" ahead of Game 3 of their playoff series against the Boston Bruins should find other ways to voice their support.
"I feel like there's a confusion there with our fans," Gainey said Tuesday. "They feel like booing the anthem is supporting our team, in that the anthem represents the Boston team.
"And I think if they could separate those two things, then we could respect the anthem of the United States of America and they could still participate loudly in whatever way they want to disrupt the Bruins."
Many fans booed the U.S. anthem at the Bell Centre on Monday night, even though others tried to drown them out with chants of Go Habs Go.
The same booing has been heard during the playoffs annually in recent years. In the past, the Canadiens responded with a taped appeal on the scoreboard of Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau asking fans to respect both national anthems, and there would be less booing at subsequent games.
Instead of playing the tape again, the team is counting on Gainey's appeal to stop it, a team official said.
When told of Gainey's statement, Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas said "that sounds like a very classy thing he did."
Thomas, a native of Flint, Mich., said he was not put off by the booing
"No, because I've heard it before," he said "The same thing happened last year and it happened just about every time I've played here.
"I was prepared for it. I knew what was going to happen and I just ignored it."
Boston leads the best-of-seven NHL Eastern Conference series 3-0 and can complete a sweep with a victory on Wednesday night.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
For a change, maybe the “Frenchies” in Montreal could boo the part of the Canadian National Anthem that is sung in French? Just wondering . . .
Goodell Says Vick’s Ticket Back Is Genuine Remorse
23/04/2009 04:07
LEXINGTON, Va. - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Michael Vick has paid a significant price for his "egregious mistake" and will have to show genuine remorse and that the experience has changed him to get a chance at resuming his career in the league.
Goodell appeared Tuesday night at Washington and Lee University, engaging in a panel discussion about leadership in sports and taking questions from the audience.
Afterward, Goodell said he has not kept up with Vick's legal issues since suspending him from the league after his conviction in a federal dogfighting case.
Vick is serving a 23-month prison term and has a team of lawyers trying to settle his finances in bankruptcy court.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I do think that Michael Vick is genuinely remorseful. I think he’s just not a very bright guy who got mixed up with the wrong group of “users.”
William “The Refrigerator” Perry In Serious Condition
23/04/2009 04:07
AIKEN, S.C. -- Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman William (The Refrigerator) Perry remains in hospital in South Carolina.
Aiken Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Melissa Summer said Wednesday that Perry is in serious condition. The 46-year-old has been in hospital to deal with complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a chronic inflammation disorder of the peripheral nerves.
Perry's nephew, Purnell Perry, said Tuesday his uncle was admitted more than a week ago but was expected to recover. A man who answered the phone Wednesday at Purnell Perry's home in Aiken said he couldn't comment on the former football player's condition.
The 300-pound plus defensive tackle played for the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl team, and helped lead Clemson to the 1981 NCAA title.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Our best wishes go out to Perry for a full and speedy recovery.
Turnberry Lengthened 247 Yards For Open
23/04/2009 04:06
TURNBERRY, Scotland -- Organizers of the British Open at Turnberry have lengthened the course by 247 yards since it was last played there 15 years ago.
The new layout features six new tees, including a spectacular 200-yard drive over the bay near the famous Lighthouse at the 10th hole.
The changes, which have been made gradually over the years, were announced at a news conference at the course Tuesday.
The yardage changes for the July 16-19 championship include 135 added to the final three holes, with the par-5 17th stretched from 498 to 559 and the 16th changing from a 410-yard straight hole to a 455-yard dogleg right.
The course on the west coast of Scotland, which held the tournament in 1977, '86 and '94, now has an overall length of 7,204 yards from 6,957.
Tiger Woods, who has won the Open three times, plays the course for the first time. Padraig Harrington, winner at Carnoustie in 2007 and Royal Birkdale last year, is trying to become the first player to win the championship three years in a row since Peter Thomson in 1956.
Turnberry made its debut on the Open rota of links courses in 1977 when Tom Watson, who went on to win the Open five times, edged Jack Nicklaus in what became known as the "Duel in the Sun" over the last 36 holes. Although Nicklaus finished 65-66, Watson made 65-65 and third-place Hubert Green finished 10 shots back.
Greg Norman won his first Open title in '86, helped by a second round 63, and Nick Price won in '94 after he eagled the 17th with a 50-foot putt and overtook Jesper Parnevik.
Organizers dismissed speculation that nearby Royal Troon, which also hosts Open championships, is on standby to stage this year's tournament because of delayed renovation of the five-star Turnberry Hotel, which overlooks the links.
"We are quite satisfied that the hotel will be ready to serve as the headquarters for competitors," said David Hill, the Royal & Ancient's director of championships. "We are in constant touch with (Turnberry owners) Leisurecorp and are assured it will be ready in time."
Prize money for the Open has not yet been announced and there have been reports that it will not change much from last year's 4.2 million pounds (C$7.65 million). But because of the weakened British pound, that would be just over US$6 million, compared to almost US$8.4 million last year in a tournament where Americans have dominated.
"The Open has been the most lucrative of all the four majors in dollar terms for some years now, but with the dollar exchange rate having swung back that's a position that is probably going to be difficult for us to maintain this year," said R&A chief executive Peter Dawson.
"We will be taking judgments about that in the weeks ahead. The Masters made no increase this year and we are aware of the pressures upon us and will make an appropriate decision."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
You know, I wish they’d just leave these golf courses alone, especially the traditional golf courses, and just let the players play golf.
Umpire Struck In Head By Broken Bat In Jays Game
23/04/2009 04:06
TORONTO - The hockey-style facemask worn by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley might have saved him from a more serious injury when the barrel of Hank Blalock's broken bat struck him in the head during Texas' 5-4 win over Toronto on Tuesday night.
Danley was taken off the field on a stretcher and right to hospital for an examination after the frightening incident in the sixth inning. While there was no immediate word on the severity of his injury, Danley never lost consciousness on the field, had feeling in all his extremities and was able to answer questions through the severe pain.
"The bat got all helmet and that's a good helmet to have for it because a lot of us don't wear stuff where the protection is (over the side and back of the head) and I believe that's where it hit him," crew chief Dana DeMuth said after the game.
"That's a very good helmet to have, it's just very uncomfortable, but when you got a delicate head and you've had head injuries before, it's one of the best things to have."
Danley has certainly had some bad luck in the past year. The 47-year-old was briefly knocked unconscious when a Brad Penny fastball hit him right in the face mask during a game last April 26.
This time, Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay sawed the Rangers DH off at the hands, and as Blalock followed through on his swing, the barrel separated from the handle and flew full speed into Danley's helmet.
"I heard something happen behind home plate and I figured the barrel hit somebody," said Blalock. "It was a freak thing. ... When you hurt somebody like that you feel terrible."
Danley immediately collapsed and Jays catcher Rob Barajas motioned to the dugout for help as Blalock's soft infield popper was caught by shortstop Marco Scutaro. Halladay and a few other players huddled around as both trainers came to attend to Danley. All players cleared the field shortly after.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Let’s just hope that Danley is going to be okay. It sounds like everything is alright.
More Photos From Readers On Vacation
22/04/2009 04:46
St. Albert's Place
regular reader Kelly Boyd and his wife Mel of
Entwistle were in Sedona AZ this week and sent
along some interesting shots:
Fractured Fairy Tale . . .
22/04/2009 04:46
Please Help Fight Breast Cancer . . .
22/04/2009 04:46
Aerial Flood Pictures From Manitoba
22/04/2009 04:45
The Man And The Eagle . . .
22/04/2009 04:45
Not many people get a picture of this proud bird snuggled up next to them.
Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer. She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn't open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places . She's my baby.
When Freedom came in she could not stand and both wings were broken. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vets office. From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks.
This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn't stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to euthanize her if she couldn't stand in a week. You know you don't want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn't want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn't bear the
thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle. She was ready
to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.
We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to Jesse's, and we started doing education programs for schools in western Washington . We wound up in the
newspapers, radio (believe it or not) and some TV . Miracle Pets even did a show about us.
In the spring of 2000, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I had stage 3, which is not good (one major organ plus everywhere), so I wound up doing eight months of chemo. Lost the hair ~ the whole bit. I missed a lot of
work. When I felt good enough, I would go to Sarvey and take Freedom out for walks. Freedom would also come to me in my dreams and help me fight the cancer. This happened time and time again.
Fast forward to November 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, I went in for my last checkup. I was told that if the cancer was not all gone after eight rounds of chemo, then my last option was a stem cell transplant. Anyway, they did the tests; and I had to come back Monday for the results. I went in Monday, and I was told that all the cancer was gone.
So the first thing I did was get up to Sarvey and take the big girl out for a walk. It was misty and cold. I went to her flight and jessed her up, and we went out front to the top of the hill. I hadn't said a word to Freedom, but somehow she knew. She looked at me and wrapped both her wings around me to where I could feel them pressing in on my back (I was engulfed in eagle wings), and she touched my nose with her beak and stared into my eyes, and we just stood there like that for I don't know how long. That was a magic moment. We have been soul mates ever since she came in. This is a very special bird.
On a side note: I have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled
and he swore he could feel her power coarse through his body. I have so many stories like that.
I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedom’s.
Hope you enjoy this.
Jeff
SINC SAYS:
This story is true according to snopes.com.
Ferbey Fab Four Goes Back To The Future . . .
22/04/2009 04:45
Four-time Canadian champions, three-time world champs rediscover their old magic in Players' Championship
The Ferbey Four did a little time travelling for curling fans in Grande Prairie during the last week.
Randy Ferbey and teammates Dave Nedohin, Scott Pfeifer and Marcel Rocque looked like the powerhouse team of a few years ago, showing flashes of how they won four Briers (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005) and three world championships ('02, '03 and '05).
Ferbey's rink swept undefeated through a star-studded field at the season-ending Players' Championship and gained a berth in December's Canadian Olympic Curling Trials in Edmonton.
Four of those wins, including two against two-time defending Canadian champion Kevin Martin, came against teams that had already qualified for the Roar of the Rings, set for Dec. 6-13 at Rexall Place.
"It's more rewarding, almost, to do it the hard way," said Ferbey, who also downed Kevin Koe and Glenn Howard.
"Not to take anything away from the other curlers who qualified a lot earlier like the Martins or the Howards. But this is rewarding because this is our first (Grand Slam) win in the last couple of years. We know we can compete with these guys, and they know we can compete with these guys, and that's important."
Nedohin and Pfeifer, in particular, were sharp throughout the week.
"This is the best I've played all year, consistently," admitted Nedohin, who curled 89 per cent through the week, second only to Howard's 92 per cent among last-rock throwers.
"As a team we've had moments where we've played this well, then we'd come back with a stinker of a game. From start to finish, this was definitely the best week for me and the best week for the team."
Pfeifer led all seconds by shooting 90 per cent in Grande Prairie.
The Ferbey rink controlled every outing against Martin, Howard and Koe, which is easier said than done.
"For us beating Koe, Martin and then Howard, the three teams that are already in (the Trials), was in a way a fitting end to it all," said Nedohin. "It just justifies us being there after beating those teams."
"I'm proud of how we've bounced back the last couple of months," said Rocque. "It's always a tough go against these teams.
"But, out of eight games, we're 4-4 against Martin after Christmas. It's a matter of that not-getting-back-to-the-Brier thing, and maybe not having that little bit of confidence of beating them at the right time," continued Rocque, who was a solid 87 per cent through the week, identical to Ferbey's percentage.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I have said in this space before, ‘The Roar Of The Rings,’ Canadian Olympic Trials to be held in Edmonton this December will be one hell of an event – unquestionably the best curling the world has ever seen and definitely much better than the Olympic curling itself.
Who’s Heading To ‘The Roar Of The Rings’
22/04/2009 04:45
The list of Canadian curling rinks heading to the Olympic trial events has been finalized with the completion of the Players' Championship Sunday.
Heading directly to the Roar of the Rings, the Olympic qualifying event, are Glenn Howard, Kevin Martin, Kevin Koe and Randy Ferbey. Howard is the only curler from Ontario, while the rest are from Alberta.
For the women's competition, Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, Shannon Kleibrink of Calgary, Cheryl Bernard of Calgary and Stefanie Lawton of Saskatoon each earned a direct berth as well.
The top four men and women earned their berths based on the Canadian Team Ranking System point total and major victories such as the Brier, Tournament of Hearts and World Championship over the past three years.
Ferbey grabbed the fourth and final direct spot after winning the Players' Championship, the last event to earn points for the Olympic trials. If Ferbey lost to Howard, Wayne Middaugh would have taken his place.
Bernard and Lawton clinched their spots by virtue of their finish this weekend, too.
The four remaining spots available for both men and women at the trials will be determined at the Road to the Roar, the Olympic pre-trial event that will take place November 10 to 14 in Prince George, B.C.
There, the top four out of 12 finishers of each gender will fill the remaining spots for the Roar the Rings, which takes place December 6 to 13 in Edmonton.
The final list of competitors for the Olympic pre-trial event is below:
Men:
1. Jeff Stoughton
2. Wayne Middaugh
3. Brad Gushue
4. Mike McEwen
5. Kerry Burtnyk
6. Joel Jordison
7. Jean-Michel Ménard
8. Ted Appelman
9. Bob Ursel
10. Pat Simmons
11. Greg McAulay
12. Daley Peters
Women:
1. Kelly Scott
2. Sherry Middaugh
3. Marie-France Larouche
4. Michelle Englot
5. Heather Rankin
6. Rachel Homan
7. Crystal Webster
8. Cathy King (of St. Albert)
9. Krista McCarville
10. Amber Holland
11. Sherry Anderson
12. Eve Bélisle
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
There’s going to be such great line-ups for both the men’s and women’s draws of 'The Roar,' it’s almost enough to make you rush out and buy some tickets, isn’t it folks? We’re seriously considering it – although the best place, by far, to watch curling is still on TV.
Edmonton Council Not Sure About Budget Cuts
22/04/2009 04:45
More discussion wanted on Scona Pool
Some city councillors want to take a second look at major budget changes they approved last week to stave off a potential $35.1-million deficit caused by the global economic downturn.
A wide-ranging motion to deal with Edmonton's looming financial problems featured $11.7-million worth of fee hikes and spending cuts, including reduced hours at most leisure centres, a temporary hiring freeze, shutting the Scona pool and charging commuters to park at LRT stations.
But Coun. Don Iveson and Coun. Bryan Anderson asked city staff Monday to provide more details on the impact and reasoning behind closing the pool, located in their ward at 10450 72nd Ave.
"I think we need to have more discussion based on a business case for closure and a full year 2010 operating set of numbers, so those people who value the pool can see if there's something they can do about it," Anderson told reporters.
Mothballing the structure, built in 1957, is expected to save $80,000 for the last half of 2009 -- and $350,000 to $400,000 annually in future.
Anderson said the pool could be kept open until the end of December with money from a council contingency fund while swim clubs, community leagues and other groups look at their options.
However, he acknowledged the four-lane facility only attracts 36,000 visits a year, far less than the average 140,000 users at other indoor pools, and requires a larger subsidy per customer.
He hopes the various organizations involved can see the figures in a couple of weeks and then decide their next step.
One frequent user is the Strathcona Lords swim team from adjoining Strathcona high school, city champions for the last 23 years.
While Anderson wondered whether Edmonton Public Schools would be willing to help fund Scona, a board official said that's unlikely because the money it receives from the province is aimed at school structures.
"If it does close, we would move to another pool," said Lorne Parker, managing director of planning and student transportation.
Meanwhile, Coun. Kim Krushell would like to stop implementation of a new $3 daily peak-hour fee for commuters using LRT park-and-ride lots, which is expected to put an extra $440,000 into city coffers this year.
"I think it's counter-intuitive ... if we want people to use the system, we have to make it as convenient as possible."
She only plans to introduce the motion if she has backing from her colleagues, however, and so far says she hasn't found much support.
Councillors are scheduled to set the final 2009 tax rates April 29. The average municipal tax increase approved during December's budget debate was 7.3 per cent, though the rise in the provincial school levy that makes up almost half the total property tax bill was higher.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Why does this Scona Pool debate remind me exactly of the Grosvenor Outdoor Swimming Pool fiasco that happened right here in St. Albert in 2000/2001? In the St. Albert outdoor pool debate, some very good and astute former St. Albert Aldermen of the day were able to save that pool from the wrath of City of St. Albert administration and administration’s wrecking ball, if I remember correctly.
Tiger Lightens Up During Stop At Congressional
22/04/2009 04:45
BETHESDA, Md. -- Tiger Woods' knee is fine. The family's fine. The preparations for his tournament are fine and this time he is actually set to play.
With no drama about him for a change, it was a good day for Woods to pop off some one-liners on a rainy Monday at Congressional Country Club while doing his promotional bit as host of the AT&T National.
So, what about Charles Barkley's swing?
"Charles' swing, it certainly is interesting. It's like a speech impediment," said Woods, whose coach, Hank Haney, has been working with Barkley on Haney's Golf Channel show. "It can't get any worse. It can only get better."
Another probing question: Does Woods speak Swedish around the house? (It's the native tongue of his wife, Elin.)
"I speak a little. It's not very good," Woods said. "I'm better at reading than I am anything else. Or 'Take out the trash' or 'Clean the house,' 'Wash dishes,' I understand those."
And what about Michael Jordan's game?
"Better than Charles'," Woods said with a laugh. "When I first played MJ at Chicago, his first round wasn't very good. Shot 88. His next round, 73. So obviously I got suckered in. Learned my lesson. It all depends where I put the wager on the number, what he's going to shoot."
Woods was soaking in the sights and sounds at Congressional as he promoted the third edition of his tournament that will take place July 2-5. Woods will be back in the field after staying home last year while recuperating from knee surgery.
"I was on the couch. I was watching it, blowing up everyone's phone," Woods said. "I wanted to find out everything that was going on, I missed it so much."
The tournament's two previous champions, K.J. Choi (2007) and Anthony Kim (2008) have also committed to play this year, along with Ernie Els, who won the U.S. Open at Congressional in 1997.
The legendary Blue Course will host the Open again in 2011 and will need at least a year of preparation, so Woods' tournament will take a hiatus from the Washington area for the next two years. It will be played at Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia in 2010 and 2011.
Still, Woods' hope is that Congressional eventually becomes the permanent home of his tournament.
"We want to come back and play here as long as Congressional wants us," he said.
Sitting next to Woods at a packed, camera-filled news conference can be a daunting experience. Congressional president Tim Sullivan totally lost his train of thought during his introductory remarks, called the experience "nerve-racking" and tried to recover by saying, "Just like missing a putt, Tiger."
"Done a lot of that lately," Woods said with another laugh.
Later, Woods elaborated on the state of his game. His nine-month layoff had a greater effect on his ability to practise the long game, but everything was just a little off during the first three rounds of the Masters earlier this month. Woods' final-round comeback wasn't enough and he finished in a tie for sixth.
"I was just a fraction off," Wood said. "I didn't putt well until Sunday. Being a fraction off, I do mean a fraction. How many times did I hit a shot that was one yard off? And one yard is 30, 40 feet at Augusta, it just takes the wrong side of the slope. It just seemed to be happening all week. ... Hopefully the next tournament I play I'll be a little sharper."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
So, he’s still a fraction off, eh? May the good lord help all of the other professional golfers in the world when he’s finally on!
‘Riders GM Tillman Pleads Not Guilty To Sex Assault
22/04/2009 04:44
REGINA - The general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault.
Eric Tillman was not at the provincial courthouse in Regina, but his lawyer, Aaron Fox, entered the plea on his behalf.
Tillman, 51, has been on paid administrative leave from the Canadian Football League club.
He was charged earlier this year after a complaint by a 16-year-old girl who alleges he sexually assaulted her last summer.
Tillman helped lead the Riders to the Grey Cup championship in 2007.
The Crown has opted to proceed summarily against him, meaning the allegations are considered less serious.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This is very surprising, indeed, to SWIVEL HIPS. I could have sworn an out-of-court settlement would be reached in this case. Tillman must really be adamant that he is not guilty.
President Obama Greets Tiger Woods, White Sox
22/04/2009 04:44
WASHINGTON - On a day when he met with his Cabinet and visited CIA headquarters, President Barack Obama made room for a favourite pastime: talking sports with top professionals.
Golf star Tiger Woods dropped by the White House on Monday, as did members of the Chicago White Sox baseball team.
Obama, an occasional golfer, greeted Woods in the Oval Office, presidential staffers said. Woods got a tour of the White House from Marvin Nicholson, an Obama aide who once caddied at the Augusta golf course, where Woods tied for sixth place in this year's Master's tournament.
Obama also chatted with members of his favourite baseball team, the White Sox, from his home town. The Sox were in the Washington area to play the Baltimore Orioles.
White House aides said Woods happened to be in Washington and was invited to stop by. He and Obama had met in January at an inaugural event, they said.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Seems like Tiger has just got the world by the tail right now, eh folks?
Economy Ends LPGA’s Corning Classic After 31 Years
22/04/2009 04:44
CORNING, N.Y. - The LPGA Corning Classic, the longest-running event on the ladies tour with the same title sponsor and played at the same venue since its inception in 1979, will end in May.
Tournament president Jack Benjamin made the announcement Monday, a day after the board of directors came to the painful conclusion after discussing it for six months.
"This is a most difficult decision for all of us," Benjamin said during a news conference at Corning Country Club, home of the tournament. "Everyone involved with the event is passionate about it and the LPGA players who have been a part of it for more than three decades."
The tournament had an option for 2010, but Benjamin said the loss of over US$500,000 in sponsorship revenue made it economically unfeasible to sustain it beyond this year in these depressed economic times. Title sponsor Corning Inc., has done restructuring since January, laying off 13 per cent (3,500 workers) of its global work force and letting go 1,400 contractors.
"It was an emotional and difficult decision for our leadership," said Kirk Gregg, executive vice-president and chief administrative officer of Corning Inc. "We are proud to be the longest-running title sponsor on the LPGA Tour. We have had an incredible run."
The specialty glass and ceramics company, the world's largest maker of liquid-crystal-display glass, saw its fourth-quarter profit plunge 65 per cent in January. Gregg said the continuing falloff in revenue and sponsorship and the rising costs of the tournament in the future made it clear the event was no longer sustainable.
The Corning Classic, which has a purse of $1.5 million, has raised over $5 million for local charities, and Gregg said the company would help area charities transition over a two-year period.
"Just cutting it off is not our idea of a good time," Gregg said. "They'll be receiving something. We'll have to figure out what that is. This is about doing the right thing on the way out."
Corning's demise is just another sign of the times in golf.
Earlier this year, FBR decided not to renew its contract with the PGA after 2010 for its popular tournament outside Phoenix. U.S. Bank said it was pulling out of the Milwaukee tournament after this year. Ginn Resorts ended all golf sponsorships, including the LPGA's Ginn Open and the Champions Tour Ginn Championship.
The LPGA Tour also lost three tournaments from its 2008 schedule before this year began.
Another contributing factor to Corning's demise was declining attendance and a lack of volunteers. And the friendly small-town atmosphere often was not enough to attract many of the game's top players, in part because of Corning's spot on the schedule just ahead of the McDonald's Championship.
"We understand the challenges of this difficult economic environment, and we respect the decision to do the right thing for Corning and the community," LPGA deputy commissioner Libba Galloway said. "Corning has been a special stop on the tour. The community has been so welcoming to our players, our caddies, to our staff."
Two-time Corning Classic champion Rosie Jones, a crowd favourite and the tournament's all-time leading money winner, was slated to be at the news conference, but her flight from Atlanta was cancelled. She e-mailed a message from the airport.
"This event represented an icon of the LPGA tournament model, but more importantly provided us with a flash of much-needed stability and comfort in our chaotic schedules on tour," Jones wrote. "The feeling of coming home and being part of the Corning community gave us much more than playing in another LPGA golf tournament. It was an experience not to be outdone by any other event, regardless of its stature or the dollar amount behind its title. You made us feel special and more like your family when we were away from ours."
Added longtime tournament media director Al Donnelly: "It's a sad day for us. It's going to be a melancholy tournament in four weeks."
Leta Lindley, who beat Jeong Jang in a one-hole, sudden-death playoff a year ago for her first LPGA victory, will return to defend her Corning title in May. The tournament also has received commitments from Brittany Lincicome, winner of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, Cristie Kerr, Kristy McPherson and Natalie Gulbis.
The goal is to make the final Corning Classic something to remember.
"We don't want to do something subpar," tournament director Dawn Marie Castellana said. "We want to make this a celebration."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I have said in this space before, anyone who thinks the current economic climate in which we find ourselves is not affecting absolutely everything needs to give their head a shake. I mean a 31-year association over - just like that!?
Former NHL Referee Art Skov Dead At 80
22/04/2009 04:44
WINDSOR, Ont. - No one likes someone who blows the whistle, but it was pretty difficult not to like former National Hockey League referee Art Skov.
The genial Skov, whose health had declined in recent years, died Sunday at the age of 80.
"He was a real players' referee," said retired NHL linesman Matt Pavelich.
"He did his job well and he was well-respected by everyone in the game. I don't know if I've ever heard someone say anything bad about Art."
Skov broke into the NHL in 1956 and officiated 1,023 NHL games before retiring in 1975, having established himself as the league's top referee.
His philosophy of officiating, which was heavily influenced by the legendary Red Storey, was a simple one.
"A referee's job is to stay in the background," Skov said in an interview with the Windsor Star in the early 1990s.
"The best thing you can say about a referee is when the game's over, the players have to think twice to remember who worked it. As long as they have to think about it a bit, then you know you've done a good job."
After retiring, Skov ran a Windsor trophy store and was involved with many charities. However, hockey was Skov's first love.
After his playing career, which included a year with the Windsor Spitfires in 1946-47, Skov began honing his skills as a linesman in the International Hockey League.
But there was always a lot of player left in Skov, whose younger brother Glen played in the NHL with Detroit, Chicago and Montreal.
Pavelich worked several Stanley Cup final games with his friend Skov and said the secret to his ability to handle the big occasion was his personality.
"He was always so calm," Pavelich said. "He had such an understanding of the game and the players. I think his maturity had something to do with it.
"A lot of officials, myself included, could be hotheads. He had a way of talking to the players and cooling things down. That's why he had such a great career."
Skov also had the rare experience of being a fan favorite in Philadelphia, much to the dismay of the league office.
The championship-starved Flyers fans viewed Skov as a good luck symbol just as important as Kate Smith's God Bless America that spring after Philadelphia won 12 straight games in which he'd officiated.
When he skated out for Game 6, which proved to be the series clincher for the Flyers' first cup, Skov got a standing ovation from the home crowd.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
That’s quite the story about Skov being a Philadelphia Flyers’ good luck charm back in the early 1970s, just as was the iconic singer Kate Smith. I had never heard that story.
However, I notice the Flyers pulled Smith’s rendition of ‘God Bless America’ out of the mothballs and played it on the Jumbotron before their game against Pittsburgh this past weekend. And guess what? They won!
Fatal Bus-Wheelchair Accident Probed
21/04/2009 03:46
Philadelphia police
and SEPTA officials continued their
investigation yesterday into the death of a man
in a wheelchair who was struck by a Route 47
bus at Eighth Street and Girard Avenue on
Friday
afternoon.Milton Boneta, 61, was crossing Eighth Street in his motorized wheelchair when the bus hit him while making a left turn, police said.
In a tragic twist of fate, police said, Boneta lost a leg in September when a SEPTA bus hit him near the same location. "That's why he was in a wheelchair," said Sgt. Lawrence Ritchie of the Accident Investigation Division.
Police were trying to sort out the details of the accident and were interviewing about 35 witnesses, Ritchie said.
The investigation is "far from being over," he said.
No charges have been filed.
The driver, a 16-year veteran whose name authorities have not released, has been taken off his route but remains at work, SEPTA spokeswoman Jerri Williams said.
"This is a terrible event for everyone," Williams said yesterday.
She said that SEPTA had not confirmed reports of the earlier accident and that she had no details about it.
About two dozen passengers were on the bus when Boneta was hit shortly after 4 p.m. No one else was injured.
Witnesses said the wheelchair had gotten lodged under the bus and dragged about 100 feet before the bus veered onto the curbless sidewalk and came to a halt.
Boneta was pronounced dead at the scene.
SINC SAYS:
I keep tellin’ ya folks, ya can’t make this kind of stuff up.
100 And Still As Cute As A Kewpie
21/04/2009 03:46
The wide-eyed,
cherub-faced babies with blue wings and
topknots turn 100 years old this year, but
Kewpie is not showing her -- or his --
age.It is appropriate that Taney County, the birthplace of the Kewpie, hosts the big birthday celebration during the annual Kewpiesta on Wednesday-Sunday, April 22-26.
Kewpiesta, a celebration of all things Kewpie and the annual meeting of the International Rose O'Neill Club, has been an annual event in Branson since 1968. O'Neill is the creator of Kewpie.
This year, the public is invited to an open house, tea and refreshments and free tours of Bonniebrook, Kewpie's home, 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
On hand will also be some of the 45 or so students from Hickman High School in Columbia, where the Kewpie has been the mascot since 1913. They will perform music, including Kewpie songs, recite O'Neill's poetry and even bring along their mascot to help with the celebration.
SINC SAYS:
To think just a few weeks back people were celebrating Barbie’s 50th.
Jasmine: Mamma To All
21/04/2009 03:46
In 2003, police in
Warwickshire , England, opened a garden shed
and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had
been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was
dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been
abused.
In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need.
Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.
They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.
But Jasmine had other ideas. No-one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all Animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting Animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.
Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."
"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.
"She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."
Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.
And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.
"They are inseparable," says Geoff "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.
It's a real treat to see them."
Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next Orphan or victim of abuse.
From left, Toby, a stray Lakeland dog; Bramble, orphaned Roe deer; Buster, a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; Sky, an injured barn owl; and Jasmine with a Mothers heart doing best what a caring Mother would do... Such is the order of God's Creation.
SINC SAYS:
Just one more "you read it here first" story for you folks!
Janitor Camps By Thieving ATM
21/04/2009 03:46
When Mr. Mao, a
janitor from Shenzhen, China deposited 7,000
yuan (about $1000) of his earnings in an ATM
and was met with an error message he became
proactive.First, he checked at the neighboring ATM to see if his funds had been deposited in his account, they had not.
Rather than leave anything to chance, he called his family and requested a portable bed and table. He then camped out by the ATM until the bank opened and returned his money.
SINC SAYS:
I use the darn things all the time and have never had one steal anything. He musta been worried someone would sweep up his dough.
10 Latest Recession Updates . . .
21/04/2009 03:46
1. Ali Baba and the
forty thieves are now Ali Baba and the thirty
thieves. Ten were laid off
2. Batman and Robin are now Batman and Pedro. Batman fired Robin and hired Pedro because Pedro was willing to work twice the hours at the same rate
3. Iron man now "air-pooling" with Superman to save fuel costs.
4. Women finally marrying for love, and not money
5. Q: With the current market turmoil, what's the easiest way to make a small fortune?
A: Start off with a large one.
6. The credit crunch is getting bad isn't it? I mean, I let my brother borrow $10 a couple of weeks back, it turns out I'm now America’s third biggest lender.
7. Q: Why have Dubai real estate agents stopped looking out of the window in the morning?
A: Because otherwise they'd have nothing to do in the afternoon.
8. Q: What's the difference between an American and a Zimbabwean?
A: In a few weeks, nothing.
9. Dow Jones is re-branded as "Down Jones".
THE BEST
10. Quote from a Wall Street banker: This is worse than divorce. I’ve lost half of my assets and I still have my wife.
Fantastic Finish For Ferbey Four
21/04/2009 03:45
Edmonton rink completes near impossible mission to earn berth in Olympic Trials
Randy Ferbey doesn't know what's better -- having earned the fourth and final direct berth to the 2009 Canadian Olympic Trials or not having to answer to it anymore.
The relief in his eyes and smile on his worn face said it all Sunday afternoon after Ferbey defeated Glenn Howard 10-7 in the final of the Grey Power Players' Championship at the Crystal Centre.
The win gives Ferbey's team of last-rock thrower Dave Nedohin, second Scott Pfeifer and lead Marcel Rocque a berth in the Olympic trials -- dubbed the Roar of the Rings -- set for Rexall Place from Dec. 6-13.
"Whoever thought that after three years of trying to get to the Trials it would come down to the last shot of the last game of the year to secure that, that's unbelievable," said Ferbey, who joins fellow Edmonton-based skips Kevin Martin and Kevin Koe, and Howard, of Coldwater, Ont., as the first four teams in the Trials.
It's an incredible story, considering that Ferbey's team was almost left for dead two months ago and was likely going to have to attempt to qualify for Edmonton through the pre-Trials, scheduled for Nov. 10-14 in Prince George, B.C.
What ended up happening was a fairy-tale -- or Ferbey-tale, of sorts.
"What's impressive about it is, about a month ago, they were out of this thing and they came back with some great curling. Kudos to them," Howard said of the Ferbey Four.
"They had to win this and they came out and played like they used to. They're a phenomenal team and kudos to them." Ferbey's crew did it the hard way. They had to win the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling championship event and needed some help along the way. The team's route included must-wins against all three previous Olympic Trials qualifiers in Howard, Koe and Martin.
Ferbey actually beat Martin twice, once in the A Event qualifier and again in the semifinals. Both were 6-5 victories.
"He didn't have any free spaces on the bingo card," said Howard, who watched Nedohin deliver a last-shot takeout to score three in the eighth end on Sunday.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
One could say that the Ferbey Four got a little bit lucky over the weekend, but you have to give them credit – they had to beat Martin, Howard and Koe, the three teams already qualified for the Olympic trials, to do what they did. It should be one hell of an event in Edmonton this December.
Edmonton Rinks A Promoter’s Dream
21/04/2009 03:45
Organizers for the 2009 Canadian Olympic Trials couldn't have asked for much better publicity.
With three of four direct berths to the Roar of the Rings, set for Dec. 6-13 at Rexall Place, going to Edmonton-based rinks, it should ratchet the interest of the eight-team men's event that much further.
"If someone would have told me when we started this whole thing that we would have a chance to have Kevin Martin, Kevin Koe and Randy Ferbey in it this many months ahead, I probably would have kissed them right on the lips," said Roar of the Rings chairperson Jackie-Rae Greening.
Ferbey clinched the final spot with his 10-7 win over Glenn Howard in Sunday's Grey Power Players' Championship final in Grande Prairie.
Howard had previously earned his berth to Edmonton.
The four direct berths for what will eventually be a women's eight-team field even looks good for Greening and Co.
"With Stefanie Lawton from Saskatchewan drawing in, that's starting to generate some interest and the two Calgary girls, that will be great for the province," said Greening.
Lawton joins Calgarians Shannon Kleibrink and Cheryl Bernard plus two-time defending Canadian champ Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg.
"We're getting some good packages sold out of Ontario as well with Glenn Howard," said Greening, who hopes to take advantage of the promotional aspects of Ferbey's win.
"Of course this might be our last kick at the cat here with curling winding down," Greening said with a laugh.
Rivals to the end Ferbey defeated Martin for the second time in the Players' Championship in Saturday's semifinal.
After venting about the disappointment of the loss, Martin's second Marc Kennedy knew how important a Ferbey win on Sunday would be for Edmonton.
"It doesn't really affect us because we've been in (the Trials) for a long time. But that would be great, great for Rexall, a full building if Koe, Ferbey and us are there six months in advance. I think that would be fantastic," said Kennedy, who knows how big the sport is in Edmonton.
"Credit to (Ferbey) if he does it. It's great for the event and wonderful for the city and it shows you the strength and how wonderful it is playing in the province." Kennedy's skip wasn't showing as much enthusiasm after the 6-5 loss to Ferbey, however "It doesn't matter to me," shrugged Martin, showing some disdain for his nemesis.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Hmm . . . Jackie-Rae Greening kissing Randy Ferbey on the lips. What an absolutely frightening visual, but I’d pay to see it.
Cohon To City Councillors: CFL Is Right For Ottawa
21/04/2009 03:45
While city councillors continue to debate the pros and cons of a stadium proposal that would ensure the return of football to Ottawa, CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon took the opportunity to extol the virtues of the league.
Trumpeting strong attendance numbers and solid television ratings on TSN and RDS, Cohon expressed his opinion that, although the league has failed in the nation's capital before, there is a possibility of success in Ottawa.
Using the city of Montreal as an example of a success after failure, Cohon pointed to the importance of strong ownership and a good stadium.
"What has made the difference in Montreal? Ownership. And a fabulous game day experience in a centrally located, updated, open air stadium." Cohon said. "I know these are the things that will make the difference in Ottawa, too.
The ownership group of Roger Greenberg, Jeff Hunt, John Ruddy, and William Shenkman was granted a CFL franchise last year on the condition that a suitable stadium be available for the team to play in.
The group is proposing a redevelopment of Lansdowne Park near downtown Ottawa, including a refurbished Frank Clair Stadium. And Cohon explained a new stadium would allow the team to host future Grey Cup games, producing an economic winfall for the city.
"I read a lot about what a stadium could cost Ottawa. What about what it will do for Ottawa?" Cohon said.
Attendance at CFL games surpassed two million last season, averaging 28,000 fans per game, and television ratings increased 31 per cent among young adults with an average of close to 400,000 viewers for each contest.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Hopefully those lame-brain councillors in Ottawa will pass the stadium proposal and not scuttle Ottawa’s newest CFL bid.
Ovechkin Sits In On Rangers’ Practice; Asked To Leave
21/04/2009 03:45
There was someone doing some "scouting" at the New York Rangers' practice on Monday, but the team wasn't very keen on the idea. And who can blame them?
After all, it was Capitals' winger Alex Ovechkin who decided to observe his opposition from the visitor's bench at Madison Square Garden, just hours before tonight's Game 3 of the Caps/Rangers playoff series. Underdog New York leads the series 2-0.
One of the Rangers' trainers complained to the Capitals, who had a public relations staff member ask Ovechkin to exit the rink. According to the PR man, Ovechkin was just looking for a place to relax.
That wasn't the story from Ovechkin himself, though, who joked that he sat in on Rangers practice to "tick off" head coach John Tortorella.
According to espn.com, Tortorella said afterwards he didn't even know Ovechkin was at the practice, saying, "Ask me a question about the game, not that [expletive]."
Ovechkin was asked why the Rangers wanted his removal, joking, "Because they're afraid of me."
Caps' coach Bruce Boudreau playfully dismissed the idea that there was anything mischievous behind the sit-in.
"I don't think he had a pen and paper and was writing down line combinations," Boudreau kidded. "I can understand (the Rangers asking him to leave). I've gotten into the same arguments with people when I've wanted privacy in my practice, so I can understand what John was going through."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, folks, you’ve got to give Ovechkin an ‘A’ for effort, don’t you?
Franzen Vs. Kiprusoff In Play Of The Year Semifinal
21/04/2009 03:45
The NHL Play of the Year Showdown is down to its last semi-final.
The first semi-final ended in a bit of a shocker as the upstart Bobby Ryan beat the favoured Alex Ovechkin. Ryan will face the winner of the second semi-final which pits Red Wings forward Johan Franzen against Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff. Will it be a fantastic save? Or sweet goal? You decide.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
To provide input, see the complete picture or video, click here.
Women Ski Jumpers Issue Plea For Their Sport
21/04/2009 03:45
VANCOUVER -- Women ski jumpers issued a heartfelt plea for their sport, as they prepared for today's landmark court hearing on their exclusion from the 2010 Winter Olympics.
"It's very disappointing [to be left out]," said world champion women's ski jumper Lindsey Van of the United States, as she stood on the courthouse steps here.
"We train beside our men counterparts, and they are allowed in. It just hurts that we don't have the same opportunity."
The women ski jumpers are suing 2010 Games organizers to be included in the Olympics, arguing that their exclusion violates the Canadian charter.
Canadian ski jumper Zoya Lynch said she never imagined she would not have a shot at competing in the Olympics.
"Canada prides itself on gender equality, so when I heard that we were left out, it was really surprising and disappointing. It's really frustrating."
Van said she was excited that the group of elite women ski jumpers from around the world are finally getting their day in court.
"We don't feel we are fighting against the Olympics. We feel we are fighting for the Olympics."
Deedee Corradini, head of the U.S. Women Ski Jumpers Association, said a court victory would set a precedent for all women athletes at the Olympics.
It would also force the inclusion of women boxers at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
VANOC argues that the decision to leave women's ski jumping out of the 2010 Games was made by the International Olympic Committee, which is not covered by Canadian law.
In his opening remarks, Ross Clark, lawyer for the women athletes, said VANOC organizes and stages the Games, and cannot hide behind the IOC.
The women's equality rights under the Canadian Charter have been violated because they have been told they can't compete in 2010, he argued.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Arguing women’s equality rights under the Canadian Charter make this case one that will be tough to win. However, it will be very interesting to sit back and watch what happens.
Kenya, Ethiopia Runners Win In Boston Marathon
21/04/2009 03:45
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Ethiopia's Deriba Merga captured the men's title at the Boston Marathon, while Kenya's Salina Kosgei won the women's crown in a dramatic finish.
Kosgei, defending champion Dire Tune of Ethiopia and American Kara Goucher were running side-by-side in the final mile, but Goucher dropped behind the other two who battled to the wire. Kosgei, though, had the final kick and moved in front just moments before the finish line and crossed in a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 16 seconds.
Tune was a second behind and collapsed after crossing the line. She was up and around soon after.
Goucher was third, nine seconds off the winning time, and her finish was the best for an American woman since Kim Jones was the runner-up in 1993. An American woman has not won the Boston Marathon since Lisa Larsen Weidenbach in 1985.
Kosgei's win gave Kenya its seventh women's Boston Marathon title the past 10 years. Catherine Ndereba has five of those victories and Rita Jeptoo the other.
The men's finish was not nearly as close, with Merga finishing in a time of two hours, eight minutes and 42 seconds. Kenya's Daniel Rono was second at 2:09:32 and American Ryan Hall finished another eight seconds behind in third.
Three-time defending men's champion Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya was fifth at 2:10:06. He was bidding to become the first man to win the race four straight times.
Hall, trying to become the first American to win the men's title since Greg Meyer in 1983, took the lead at the start and stayed in the lead pack for the first 10 miles. Merga was also part of the lead at the 10-mile mark and was alone in front with six miles to go. He was never seriously threatened after clearing Heartbreak Hill.
Rono and Hall tried to stay close in the final miles, but were never within 30 seconds of the leader.
Merga won the Houston Marathon in January. He became the third Ethiopian man to win in Boston, joining Hailu Negussie in 2005 and Abebe Mekonnen in 1989.
It marked just the third time in the past 19 years that a Kenyan man failed to win.
Goucher and fellow American Colleen De Reuck held the women's lead with six miles remaining, but De Reuck soon fell behind and with two miles left it was just Goucher, Tune, Kosgei and Bezunesh Bekele of Ethiopia. Bekele quickly lost the pace and the three others were neck-and-neck heading into Kenmore Square.
Kosgei and Tune left Goucher behind turning onto Boylston Street, setting up the dramatic finish.
Bekele finished fourth, while De Reuck was eighth.
Both winners received a first prize of $150,000.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Just try competing against the Kenyans and Ethiopians in marathon running – good luck!
People Still Objecting To New City Hall
20/04/2009 02:45
SINC SAYS:
This letter was sent to the St. Albert Gazette and forwarded to St. Albert's Place:
To whom it may concern:
The taxpayers of St. Albert. This morning I received my copy of the St. Albert Gazette only to read a letter from the Taxpayers Association of St Albert, whom I support wholeheartedly.
Well, it is going to be quite a shock for this city if all off a sudden we are confronted with a plan to build a new city hall on the badger site, in the new annexed land on Villeneuve Rd.
About six years ago a group of people who were fed up with all the traffic on Boudreau Rd got together, thinking as taxpayers of this community, our council should know how we all felt.
So we got in touch with James Burrows, who was on council then as he is now. James came out to talk with us at the St. Albert Inn maybe thinking we would understand the direction the city was going. I can tell you that people were very surprised as this meant that they were trying to move the heart of St. Albert into the surrounding area which in our opinion was destroying a historical site.
So I do hope that the people of St. Albert pay attention to what is going on at city hall.
From the one who cannot read or write,
Frances Badrock
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Seems to me you can write very well Frances. The thing is though, can council read?
AMA Road Reports Suspended Due To Labour Issue?
20/04/2009 02:45
Don,
Looks like some provincial contract dispute has pulled all AMA Road Report information off the web sites.
Nothing available anywhere effective 2009 April 15th.
I'm not an AMA member, so I don't know if only they can get it thru a secure log-on.
Some how I doubt that, way to many non-computer friendly types would be members.
Even the Toll Free Line has a mixed up message running on it. All the menu layers are there, but all of them lead to a dead end for reports.
Members are probably miffed to know the $71 / year brings them less than they bargained for.
BIXMAN
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Hey, I’m and AMA member. What’s going on here?
Bogus Waiter Tricks Customers At Restaurants
20/04/2009 02:45
HOBOKEN, N.J. -Police
say a man posing as a waiter collected $186 in
cash from diners at two restaurants in New
Jersey and walked out with the money in his
pocket.
Diners described the bogus waiter as a spikey-haired 20-something wearing a dark blue or black button-down shirt, yellow tie and khaki pants.
Police say he approached two women dining at Hobson's Choice in Hoboken, N.J. around 7:20 p.m. on Thursday. He asked if they needed anything else before paying. They said no and handed him $90 in cash.
About two hours later he approached three women dining at Margherita's Pizza and Cafe. He asked if they were ready to pay, took $96 and never returned with their change.
SINC SAYS:
Well, that’s certainly a novel way to make ends meet during a recession.
Flower Puppies For A Smile . . .
20/04/2009 02:45
Brian Gay Wins Verizon Heritage By 10 Shots
20/04/2009 02:44
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Brian Gay shot a 64 to win the Verizon Heritage by a record 10 strokes and break the tournament's scoring mark.
It was Gay's second PGA Tour title, his first coming last year at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico.
But that event was played opposite the World Golf Championships Match Play event -- won by Tiger Woods, no less -- so Gay's achievement got shuffled to the background.
This time, Gay put on a show no-one would forget.
Gay's total of 20-under 264 surpassed Loren Roberts' scoring mark of 19-under set in 1996. Gay finished 10 shots ahead, also a Harbour Town Golf Links record, of Luke Donald (66) and Briny Baird (68).
The victory earned Gay more than US$1.026 million and a spot in next year's Masters.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I notice that Davis Love III did well at Hilton Head again. What’s he won that tournament – five times? It’s just like Slammin’ Sammy Snead winning the Greater Greensboro Classic eight times. Certain golfers just love certain courses, I guess.
Ferbey Wins Players’ And Trip To Olympic Trials
20/04/2009 02:44
Skip Randy Ferbey led his rink to a win over defending tournament champion skip Glenn Howard during final draw action at the Players' Championship in Grande Prairie, Alta., with a final score of 10-7.
Ferbey opened with a one point first end, and was immediately countered by Howard in the second with two points.
A massive third end saw the house packed with rocks, and a skilled final shot saw the Ferbey rink take four points, moving back into the lead. Howard struck back with three points in the fourth end, and teams blanked the fifth end.
Heading into the sixth end, teams were tied at 5-5, and Ferbey led his rink through another two points. Howard immediately recovered with another two points in the seventh to tie the match going into the final end.
The Ferbey rink had the hammer for the final end, and used it tap out the Howard shot rock and take a three point final end. The Ferbey rink won the match 10-7 and secured a spot for the Olympic trials.
The Ferbey rink faced a long road to a spot at the Olympic trials, including facing off against the three best teams in Canada. Yesterday, the Ferbey rink had to beat the rinks of Kevin Koe and Kevin Martin, and the Glenn Howard rink today.
For their performance, the Ferbey rink earned $25,000 for winning the Players' Championship, and another $25,000 for a second place in the Capital One Cup. Glenn Howard and his rink took home top honours in the Capital One Cup, earning $50,000, and Kevin Martin's rink finished third, earning a $10,000 cheque.
More from ctvolympics.ca
Ferbey’s bid still alive.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Let’s see now . . . the four direct berths to the ‘Roar Of The Rings’ Canadian Men’s Olympic Trials go to Glenn Howard, Kevin Martin, Kevin Koe and Randy Ferbey. There are already three Edmonton rinks qualified out of a field of eight teams.
With Howard, Martin, Koe and Ferbey already confirmed, is there any doubt this event, to be held in Edmonton this December, is going to be the greatest curling spectacle of all time, folks? None. Absolutely none. The sad part is that this event will be better than the Olympic curling itself.
Jones Skips To Victory With ‘Ho Hum’ Double
20/04/2009 02:44
$75,000 payday for Winnipeg champion
Jennifer Jones not only grabbed the prestige, she snagged all the loot to go with it.
Jones, the two-time Canadian curling champion, defeated Shannon Kleibrink 9-7 Saturday afternoon in the Grey Power Players' Championship at Grande Prairie's Crystal Centre.
The victory, coupled with her morning 8-4 semifinal win over Cheryl Bernard that clinched the Capital One Cup, earned the Winnipeg skip a whopping $75,000 payday.
Oh yeah, it was also her third Players' Championship title in four years.
"It definitely is a big payday. Absolutely, definitely the most (made in one day)," said a smiling Jones, who actually fell behind 2-0 to Kleibrink before scoring one in the second end, then stealing two in the third and one more in the fourth.
"The steals were big early, but we gave them a cheap three in five and they were right back in it. It was big to get the two in six, that was the turning point," Jones said about the game that see-sawed after the midway point.
It was ultimately another ho-hum double she made with her first stone in the eighth and final end that got her out of trouble, trailing 7-6 going in.
In the semifinal, she made a clutch double-takeout that scored four in the seventh and ended Bernard's tournament and earned Jones the top $50,000 Capital One Cup bonus prize. Her third, Cathy Overton-Clapham, held the broom as Jones settled into the hack. Overton-Clapham may as well have been holding a giant cheque.
"I knew it was a $50,000 shot when I went to throw it. I wanted to make sure of our two, but the double looked too good," said Jones. "It was the game-winning shot. If I hit it a little fat, we probably get two, anyway. We went for it and it worked out well."
The 2008 and '09 Scotties champ nailed it perfectly and the two teams shook hands.
"That's what we curl for, those are all the big-game moments, whether you're playing it to win a Canadian championship or for the Capital One Cup. That's what makes it fun," said Jones.
In the final, Kleibrink settled for the runner-up cheque of $16,000, but also added $10,000 for finishing third in the Capital One Cup standings.
"It's a little disappointing, but we have to keep it in perspective, we were in the final of the last two events of the year ... 50 grand in the last two spiels is not too bad," said the Calgarian, who snuck her way into the Cup points race.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I have said before, don’t bet against Team Jennifer Jones respresenting Canada in women’s curling at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
Universiade Bid Enters Home Stretch
20/04/2009 02:44
Committee chairman Eric Newell admits to feeling nervous as decision day nears
Eric Newell, the veteran CEO of oilsands megaprojects, is hardly the type to get the jitters. But the former University of Alberta chancellor confesses he's a tad nervous these days in the final countdown to Edmonton's bid for the 2015 summer Universiade games.
The bid committee's dream to put Edmonton and the university on the international stage again has been five years in the making, and it faces the ultimate test in the next few weeks.
So, yes, says chairman Newell, "I'm a bit nervous." Outside Newell's office on the U of A campus, photographs of the 27 members of the Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) are taped on the wall. Edmonton has to win over a majority of these people and, on April 30, five of them will arrive here for an all-important site visit.
They'll inspect the city's sports facilities and assess the depth of community support for the games, says Newell, noting that some facilities were built when Edmonton hosted the 1983 Universiade.
This is a key opportunity for the bid committee to impress the FISU delegates before the final decision is made in Brussels on May 23.
Newell is determined to show the city at its best. "We have to do a first-class job," he says. But that won't be hard.
The city's stock of great pools, stadiums and field houses from previous sporting events is a key plank in its bid, says Newell -- and that's not counting an ambitious, $400-million plan for a new pool, a new sports centre and an athletes village on the university's South Campus.
But the competition is tough, especially from the Korean city Gwangju, which also bid for the 2013 games but lost to Kazan, Russia. Also bidding is Taipei, Taiwan.
Edmonton has to break a 20-year tradition of alternating between Asia and Europe as a site for the games, which are the world's second-largest sporting event after the Olympics.
But Edmonton has been there before.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Good luck to Eric Newell and his ‘bid’ committee. It would be really nice to see Edmonton get the 2015 world university games (Universiade). The city hosted the 1983 games, which are widely considered second only to the Olympic games.
Beloved Broadcasters Delivered Passion
20/04/2009 02:44
Truly special ones were tellers of tales
So the Edmonton Oilers need a new voice and perhaps sooner than later, depending upon how comfortably play-by-play man Rod Phillips settles into his golf groove at his spread down there in Phoenix.
Now to suggest that if Phillips permanently leaves the broadcast booth "pandamanium" will ensue might be overcooking it just a little. When it's time, it's time, after all, for players, coaches and broadcasters.
Lately, though, a goodly number of familiar voices -- from the NFL's John Madden to the Edmonton Eskimos' Bryan Hall to Hockey Night in Canada's Bob Cole -- are either retiring or headed in that direction. Hall, for example, already has announced he will step away from Eskimos play-by-play at the end of this season.
So what resonates in the meantime is a palpable sense of loss.
It's not just that the only play-by-play voices many Edmontonians have ever heard on the soundtrack of the games of their lives was either Hall or Phillips, although that is something special.
The appeal of play-by-play is largely a matter of taste, finally. What is poetry to some ears is chalk scraping the blackboard to others.
But the common thread among men like Hall and Phillips and Madden is their ability to consistently convey their love of sport to an audience that shares that passion.
The most beloved broadcasters have been wordsmiths, storytellers, genial companions who enhance the fans' enjoyment of their favourite team or sport, while never losing sight of the fact that the exercise, fundamentally, is not about themselves.
For me, the truly special ones have not been know-it-all wannabe coaches or GMs but tellers of tales.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I don’t know about you, folks, but for me with Bryan Hall it was time 50 years ago. For Rod Phillips, it’s now time.
Kelly Scores 2OT Winner As Generals Take Allan Cup
20/04/2009 02:43
STEINBACH, Man. — Finally, the march to the Canadian Senior AAA championship is complete.
Diarmuid Kelly scored in the second overtime to give the Bentley Generals a 4-3 victory over the hometown South East Prairie Thunder, the Cinderella squad of the Allan Cup tournament, in the final before 1,450 fans yesterday at the T.G. Smith Centre.
“It felt great,” said Kelly, after taking his turn carrying the Cup over his head on the ice. “I haven’t scored
a goal in a while, so it felt really good. I was lucky to get it. I kept chopping away at it and finally got it.”
Thunder goalie Brent Zelenewich actually made the first save.
“I knew (Kurt Bensmiller) was going to pass it out in front,” Zelenewich said. “I just went paddle down, and it hit my chest, and unfortunately, it went off my chest up in the air. He got a second bat at it and knocked it into an empty net.”
Generals captain Kent Beagle scored a shorthanded goal on a breakaway in the third period to tie the score 3-3, sending it into OT and spoiling the pending upset.
“We were like Cinderella — the underdog — and we had a lot of confidence,” said Thunder coach Rob Friesen, whose squad had eliminated the Steinbach North Stars, led by ex-NHLer Theoren Fleury, in a semifinal.
“We know we’re a fast team, and we can take the body, too. We thought we’d match up pretty well with (the Generals), and it was pretty close.”
South East captain Ryan Smith opened the scoring on a first-period power play, but Bentley’s Ryan Manitowich tied it up early in the second period. Tim Skarperud then gave the Thunder a 2-1 lead on a second-period powerplay. But Manitowich knotted the score at 2-2 before the period ended.
Thunder forward Matt Ulwelling gave South East a 3-2 lead with a third power-play marker early in the third period, setting the stage for Bentley’s heroics.
“I’ve been to three Allan Cups, and this is my third one and my first win,” Kelly said.
“It feels unbelievable, right now.”
The Generals lost last year’s Allan Cup final.
“It shows you have to pay a price to win,” said Bentley head coach Brian Sutter. “We beat a good team, and that makes it even better.
“We played our hearts out.”
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Ah, this story sure brings back a flood of memories of the good old St. Albert Comets. For any of you who remember, quite coincidentally I ran into Ritchie Perreault delivering flyers on my crescent yesterday morning. Ritchie was the captain of the Comets and one of the toughest defencemen to ever lace them up.
Congratulations to the Bentley Generals, and Viking's own coach Brian Sutter, on their Allan Cup victory, emblematic of Senior AAA hockey supremacy in Canada.
Argos Owners Unhappy With More Bills Games
20/04/2009 02:43
It appears the owners of the Toronto Argonauts were not aware of the possibility of more Bills games coming to Toronto and they're not happy about it.
According to the Globe and Mail, Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon are unhappy with Rogers Communications vice-chairman Phil Lind, who said he wants to bring more Bills game to the Rogers Centre. The current plan calls for eight games over five seasons at a cost of $78.5 million.
"Phil told us that a limit of eight Bills games would be played over five years," Sokolowski told the Globe and Mail. "So I'm more than surprised to learn that Phil is now saying that he - or the Bills with his co-operation - are contemplating more games without talking to us. I'm surprised to hear it because we had a gentlemen's agreement."
Sokolowski and Cynamon are concerned that should the Bills play more games in Toronto, they may have to be played during the CFL season, which runs until late November. This year's regular season game between the Bills and New York Jets will be played on December 3rd. The Grey Cup will be played November 29 at Calgary's McMahon Stadium.
"[Bringing more games to Toronto] is their business operation and that's their strategy," Cynamon told the newspaper. "We're hurt by it financially, and in all aspects, but that's another battle."
Lind told a Toronto radio station that surveys show more fans under the age of 50 in Southern Ontario follow the NFL than the CFL. But Cynamon doesn't understand why Lind continues to pit fans of the two leagues against each other.
"The CFL isn't taking shots at the NFL for coming here, so why is he taking shots at the Argos and the CFL?," Cynamon told the Globe and Mail. "That's what upsets me as a Canadian, not a CFL owner, a Canadian. I won't ask him to endorse it, but to take shots at it?"
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
If I were Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon, I’d be peeved off too that Rogers vice-chairman Phil Lind is trying to show how cosmopolitan he and the city of Toronto are by holding more NFL games in the centre of the universe. Toronto has spent the better part of its lifetime trying to show that it’s too good for the CFL.
Female Ski Jumpers Must Clear Legal Hurdle
20/04/2009 02:43
VANCOUVER - Female ski jumpers suing for a chance to compete at the 2010 Games may have a solid moral argument, but a legal one will be much tougher to prove, Olympic and legal experts say.
The case between fifteen former and current ski jumpers and the Olympic organizing committee, known as VANOC, begins on Monday in B.C. Supreme Court.
The women argue the fact that men are allowed to compete in ski jumping and they aren't violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
While on that basis it may seem like a clear-cut case of discrimination, the women must prove that VANOC is subject to the Charter, which requires proving the committee is controlled by the government.
Or, they must argue that putting on the Olympics is carrying out a government function and thus it should be subject to the Charter.
"They are tough arguments to make," said Margot Young, associate professor of the University of British Columbia's school of law.
"It really depends on how skilfully the argument is presented and who sits on the bench."
The women point to the fact the federal, provincial and municipal governments contribute more than $600 million to the operation of the Olympics and appoint half of VANOC's board, among other things.
But previous decisions have ruled money and the presence of government-appointed overseers doesn't mean government control.
More from ctvolympics.ca
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
To tell you the truth, folks, I don’t like their chances. But, many stranger things have happened with our legal system, so you just never know for sure.
Bits ‘N Pieces From Our Readers . . .
19/04/2009 04:32
* Thanks for
including that clip of Louis Armstrong and
Johnny Cash. Louis' laughter and smile
are both infectious! My husband and I both love
Louis - in fact, his rendition of What a
Wonderful World is our wedding song! All the
photos are great, as usual. Keep 'em coming!
TTYL - Kim In Calgary
* G'day Sinc, I was intrigued by the "Patriotic retirement" item on your site today. If taxpayers' money in the U.S. and Canada must prime the pump for economic recovery, how much sweeter it would be to see that money used to assist "real people" instead of as direct bailouts to the banks, the shameless auto industry, the high rollers and the corporate bonus bums. If it was intended as a joke, we definitely need more comedians. - Just Sayin' In Saskatchewan
* Don: Again, I need to break with the reading because I'm still laughing at so many of your quips. Good one about the fallen arches! I have a couple of serious questions however: 1) How the heck do you get your pictures to look so crystalline? They simply exhilarate the viewer. 2) Where are those gorgeous waterfalls? 3) What train line is that traveling right beside the ocean? I'm back on your April 12 edition but I think it contains a few others in addition to the April 12 ed proper. The clarity and intensity of your pics almost, (ALMOST) transport me within the picture. Thanks for the funnies. I love the idiosyncratics of the English language! They are hilarious. Now, back to reading and incidentally, I appreciate whatever font it is that you're using. I'm always having difficulty reading print. I've never had to enlarge your mybirdie.ca editions. Oh, and that 'spot the +25 known people? Superb!! - Your loyal Toronto fan!
* Jeez Don, Maybe this picture below is how our city council could raise funds for a "new" city hall! - George In St. Albert
Questions On My Mind This Week . . .
19/04/2009 04:21
* Why does my phone
keep ringing with calls from California,
Virginia and Michigan? I don’t know anyone in
those states and I know they are telemarketers.
I never answer them and erase any messages they
leave. But I wonder why they keep trying? Do
people actually buy things from these scum
bags?
* So few people are upset by the government’s delisting of sex change operations, I wonder why is our MLA is championing the cause to save the benefit? He should be working on more important things that affect thousands of his constituents, not one or two. One is born either male or female. If you can’t deal with it, don't you have a mental issue, not a physical one that requires surgery?
* Do drivers even plan where they are going any longer? When on 170th street last week, time and again I saw cars in the extreme left lane try to cross to make a right turn or vice versa a half dozen time between here and WEM. I try to get into the proper lane blocks before I need to turn.
The Continuing Reach Of St. Albert’s Place
19/04/2009 04:21
Each week that passes brings more and more diverse and exotic locales that visit this web page.
It is hard to believe that so many people around the Globe have dropped by to visit this little old site.
We’re spreading St. Albert to places it has never been before.
It still boggles my mind the countries in the current hit list.
The 'Royal Wee' For Sale On eBay
19/04/2009 04:21
A PUB landlady is
auctioning off a toilet seat from her bar —
after the Duchess of Cornwall popped in to use
her LOO.Pint-puller Chris Azerkane is hoping the throne seat will raise a bog profit from Royal fanatics after placing it on eBay.
Chris, 52, said she was busy washing up in the kitchen of the Hare and Hounds in Framfield, East Sussex, when her noble guest arrived to pay a visit.
She said: “I was in my white rags - I must have looked a real state.
“The first I knew about it was when a load of posh cars started turning up in our car park - they were big Audis and Land Rovers.
“Then I just saw her hair and I knew it was her - I rushed to the front door and unlatched it.
“I said 'why didn’t you tell me you were coming?' - I thought that was what you were supposed to do. I said do I bow or curtsey?
"She started giggling and said: 'Hello, we’ve just come down from Gloucester do you think I could use your loo?'"
The mum-of-three said her legs turned to “jelly” before she ushered her VIP guest into the saloon bar and showed her the way to the ladies'.
But she warned her that the toilet hadn’t been decorated in a while.
She said: “I don’t know why I said it but she didn’t seem to mind. I said June our cleaner had been in and done a good job, though.
“I asked what she was doing here and she explained she was attending the funeral of a family at the village church.”
The Duchess then returned to the bar and asked whether she could have a sloe gin.
Mrs Azerkane said: “Unfortunately I didn’t have that but she had a Stone’s ginger wine instead.
“She was in the village for the funeral of a friend - Lady Mary Askew.
“There were around 200 mourners attending the church in the village - most of them lords and ladies.
“But Camilla definitely stood out from the rest.
“She wasn’t with Charles but she looked beautiful - she was immaculately dressed in a lovely midnight blue coat with a velvet collar.
“And she was so lovely - very humble and sweet. And she kept giggling.”
The Duchess and her entourage — including a special branch team — then sat in the saloon bar and drank their drinks by a log fire before heading to a nearby church.
Mrs Azerkane — who runs the pub with her husband Rafai, also 52 — are now auctioning the toilet seat to raise money for the Royal Brompton and Kings College Hospitals in London where their 16-month-old grandson Omar is being treated for lung disease.
She added: “My grandson’s life was saved by them so it was only fitting.”
SINC SAYS:
Butt, but why would anyone want a seat that’s been sat upon by Camilla?
Butt, but why would anyone want a seat that’s been sat upon by Camilla?
Food: What You See And What Your Get . . .
19/04/2009 04:21
Have you ever seen a
McDonald’s or Wendy’s advertisement and
really appreciated how delicious a sandwich or
burger looked. You were so impressed that
you went to said fast food restaurant and
ordered yourself one.
You fork over your hard earned white collar cash expecting to receive the same beautiful masterpiece shown in the ads just to be let down by a sloppy disgusting looking sandwich that was probably made by an ex inmate.
Sure, you can’t expect that much for a burger that is delivered in less than three minutes but give me a break people, false advertisement is false advertisement. If you are going to advertise sexy full figured burgers don’t give me a squashed beef patty with some sort of material that is supposed to pass as cheese.
Think I’m just trash talking fast food restaurants? Naaa, I can appreciate a two cheeseburger meal from McDonald’s when nursing a hangover as much as the next guy, but seriously, quit advertising your food as designer foods and start advertising it like it is. Cheap, fast and greasy.
Take a look at these, TV versus real item purchased:
McDonald's Big Mac
VS
McDonald's Filet O Fish
VS
You fork over your hard earned white collar cash expecting to receive the same beautiful masterpiece shown in the ads just to be let down by a sloppy disgusting looking sandwich that was probably made by an ex inmate.
Sure, you can’t expect that much for a burger that is delivered in less than three minutes but give me a break people, false advertisement is false advertisement. If you are going to advertise sexy full figured burgers don’t give me a squashed beef patty with some sort of material that is supposed to pass as cheese.
Think I’m just trash talking fast food restaurants? Naaa, I can appreciate a two cheeseburger meal from McDonald’s when nursing a hangover as much as the next guy, but seriously, quit advertising your food as designer foods and start advertising it like it is. Cheap, fast and greasy.
Take a look at these, TV versus real item purchased:
McDonald's Big Mac
VS
McDonald's Filet O Fish
VS
Jennifer Jones Threepeats At Players’ Championship
19/04/2009 04:20
A close battle was fought during the women's finals at the Players' Championship between the rinks of Jennifer Jones and Shannon Kleibrink.
Kleibrink drew first blood with a two point first end. Jones was able to return with a one point second end, followed by a two point steal in the third and a one point steal in the fourth.
Kleibrink retaliated with a three point end, and the two rinks traded scoring over the next few ends.
Heading into the final end, Kleibrink and her teammates from Calgary held a one point lead over the Jennifer Jones rink.
With her second last rock, Jones managed a double take out, and left her rock well guarded on the button. Kleibrink was unable to match the fine touch needed to remove the Jones shot rock, and Jones knocked the Kleibrink stone out to win her third straight Players' Championship by scoring a three point final end with the hammer. The final score was 9-7.
"We tried to control the game, and the girls played an awesome last end," said Jones during an interview with CBC.
First place in the points standings goes to the Jennifer Jones rink, with 47 points. Cheryl Bernard and her Alberta based rink finished second in the overall standings with 37 points. Though Kleibrink advanced to the finals, she finished with 34 points, finishing in third overall.
The Jones rink took home $25,000 in prize money from the Grey Power Players' Championship for winning the tournament.
This year was the inaugural year for the Capital One Cup, and the Jones rink earned another $50,000, with $25,000 going to the Bernard rink, and $10,000 to the Kleibrink rink.
The men take to the ice next for the quarter finals. The rinks that advance will regroup and play in another draw immediately following to determine which rinks will advance to the finals.
In the quarter finals, Kevin Martin is up against Jeff Stoughton.
UPDATE: MEN’S PLAYERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP
Late last night, Edmonton's Randy Ferbey beat his arch-rival Kevin Martin 6-5, while Coldwater, Ontario's Glenn Howard dispatched Winnipeg's Mike McEwen 7-1 in the men's semi-finals.
Ferbey and Howard now advance to this morning's final. If Ferbey wins, he gets the fourth and final men's berth directly into the Olympic Trials' "Roar of the Rings" in Edmonton this December. It is also interesting to note that Ferbey beat his nemesis, Martin, twice in the same event - although Team Martin does look both physically and mentally exhausted. It's been a long time since that has happened.
Catch all of the action of the men's final at 10:00 a.m. this morning on CBC and CBC-HD TV.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, folks, if the Players’ Championship is any indication, it sure wouldn’t surprise me to see Teams Jennifer Jones and Kevin Martin representing Canada in curling at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Bernard Earns Trials Berth, Lawton Close
19/04/2009 04:20
Rankin, King among skips whose teams have qualified for Pre-Trials in November
A third women's berth in the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials in Edmonton has been established, with a fourth to be determined soon.
Joining the two initial qualifiers -- Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg and Shannon Kleibrink of Calgary -- are fellow Calgarian Cheryl Bernard and either Stefanie Lawton or Kelly Scott.
Bernard clinched her spot Friday morning without having to throw a single rock at the Grey Power Players' Championship. Lawton's 7-5 morning loss to Barb Spencer of Winnipeg clinched Bernard's berth.
"It's nice. It's not the most exciting way to do it, but all the hard work paid off and it's worth it," smiled Bernard, who got word from coach Dennis Balderston.
"He let us know. We got a good talking to from the coach, though, saying we can't let down now. There's lots of money on the line here," she said of the Players' Championship, which carries a $25,000 top prize as well as $85,000 in Capital One Cup bonus money.
The direct berth to Edmonton was the goal from the start of the year for Bernard and her team of third Susan O'Connor, second Carolyn Darbyshire and lead Cori Bartel.
"It'll be great -- in your home province with all that support. We're really looking forward to Edmonton. That was our biggest goal, for sure," said Bernard.
Lawton, of Saskatoon, will secure the fourth and final direct berth provided Scott does not win the Players' Championship. Should Scott, of Kelowna, B.C., win this Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event, Lawton will instead compete in the Pre-Trials bonspiel.
Olympic Trials are slated for Dec. 6-13 at Rexall Place, while Pre-Trials go Nov. 10-14 in Prince George, B.C. The latter field is also established and includes either Lawton (Saskatoon) or Scott (Kelowna, B.C.) along with Sherry Middaugh (Coldwater, Ont.), Sherry Anderson (Saskatoon), Amber Holland (Regina), Marie-France Larouche (Quebec City), Michelle Englot (Regina), Heather Rankin (Calgary), young upstart Rachel Homan (Ottawa), Cathy King (Edmonton), Krista McCarville (Thunder Bay), Eve Belisle (Montreal) and Crystal Webster (Calgary).
The Canadian Curling Association was not confirming the berths Friday, but is expected to at some point this weekend.
Of the 12 to compete in Prince George, four will advance to Edmonton for the weeklong event, dubbed the Roar of the Rings.
On the men's side, Edmonton's Kevin Martin and Kevin Koe are joined by Coldwater, Ont.'s, Glenn Howard as three of the four direct entrants to the Roar of the Rings. The remaining team will be determined this weekend.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Team Cheryl Bernard, although I would not be comfortable with them representing Canada in women’s curling at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They haven’t won anything “major” and it seems to me they just can’t get over that proverbial “hump.”
In short, they haven't won anything "big" yet and haven't proven they can win consistently on the national or international level.
Lord Stanley Astonished At Hoopla He Created
19/04/2009 04:20
The two-month dash/slog to the Stanley Cup began Wednesday night with the Montreal Canadiens among 16 playoff teams aiming to win 16 games between now and perhaps mid-June. To the one club achieving this goal will go a historic, priceless trophy, recognizing the National Hockey League's 89th champion.
The 2008-09 winner will, in fact, be the Stanley Cup's 121st recipient. Hockey's most cherished prize has been awarded since 1893, 24 years before the birth of the NHL, and on five occasions twice in a single year.
To the champion goes the trophy that was first known as the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup. It was a gift to this country from Frederick Arthur Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby, Lord Stanley of Preston. From 1888 until his return to England five years later -- before seeing a Stanley Cup game -- he was the sixth governor-general of Canada.
So there in my mind last Saturday was this stately gentleman from a gentler time, sitting high in the raucous Bell Centre during the Canadiens' 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh, Montreal's final game of the regular season. He stood out for his heavy beard, old-world manners and because he was among the very few spectators not wearing CH-logo'd merchandise.
Who better to chat with as the two-month playoffs for his iconic trophy are fully underway?
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
To read more Stanley Cup facts, click here.
Juniors Do Some Damage
19/04/2009 04:20
Homan rink wins three straight
They look like they should be back home in Ottawa at high school -- heck, maybe even junior high.
In fact, the rest of the Grey Power Players' Championship field wishes they were back at home in school, just so they wouldn't have to face them.
To say Rachel Homan's crew is young and fearless would be a gross understatement.
Homan's lead, Lynn Kreviazuk, is a high school student and will only turn 18 on May 2. The rest of the crew are fresh-faced 20-year-old university students quickly making a name for themselves on the World Curling Tour.
Skip Homan just turned 20 on April 5, third Emma Miskew celebrated her birthday on Valentine's Day and second Alison Kreviazuk is the old lady of the bunch, hitting the big two-oh last September.
"They make shots and they're not afraid to have rocks in play, and know what to do with them," said Regina skip Amber Holland, whose quick and painful 7-2 loss in five ends to Homan eliminated her from this Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event. Homan pounced on the defending champion, scoring five in a critical second end.
Homan came back and defeated Crystal Webster of Calgary 7-4 in the afternoon draw to qualify for quarter-finals. It was a third straight win after starting with back-to-back losses.
"We've beaten some of these teams for a while now and I think they
respect us more for that; at least I hope they do," said Homan, whose rink finished second at the Canadian junior championships this year. Outside of Alison Kreviazuk, all are eligible for junior next year as well.
But that's just scratching the surface.
The Homan rink is 10th on the World Curling Tour money list with $24,200 in earnings, ahead of Edmonton's Cathy King ($20,300) and just behind Kelowna's Kelly Scott ($24,500).
"It's always a good time with the ladies and the ice is usually really good, better than if you're playing a junior spiel," said Homan, whose rink was named the WCT rookie team of the year on Thursday.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
One thing about kids – it seems they have no nerves at all and they’re fearless.
Brent Burns’ Agent Accuses Wild Of Negligence
19/04/2009 04:20
It appears the agent for defenceman Brent Burns is not happy with the medical staff of the Minnesota Wild.
According to the Star Tribune, Ron Salcer is accusing the Wild of negligence for allowing his client to play with a concussion for six weeks.
"They said he had sinusitis. I mean, come on," Salcer told the Star Tribune. "I'm not a doctor, but I've been around the game for over 30 years. It took me three minutes to know that he had a concussion. How they cannot know for six weeks is amazing."
Acting Wild general manager Tom Lynn, who has stepped in after the team decided not to renew Doug Risebrough's contract earlier this week, disputed Salcer's claims.
Burns was injured in practice on January 26 but continued to play until early March.
"I met with Brent in L.A. [March 6]," Salcer told the newspaper. "We're having lunch with him and [fellow client Derek Boogaard] and he's telling me about when he hit his head six weeks earlier. So I'm listening to him, and I'm incredulous listening to him."
The following day, Burns was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Despite being poised for a breakthrough season, the Ajax, Ontario native only managed eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points in 59 games in a season where the Wild missed the playoffs.
"He's telling me how, 'Ronny, I'm an avid reader and I'm not able to read on the bus anymore. I get headaches that go all around my head. I can't sleep. During the game, I'm not focusing. I feel like everything is happening, but I'm reacting slow. I go, 'Brent, are you kidding me? You've got a concussion. You cannot play. You cannot play anymore!'"
"He's so loyal to the team, he was afraid," Salcer told the Star Tribune. "He said, 'I don't want to tell them that. I don't want to burn a bridge.' I said, 'Burn a bridge? They just exploded one on you. You cannot play.'"
Salcer is also the agent for Wild sniper Marian Gaborik, who has missed 86 games because of upper-leg injuries since the lockout. He underwent hip surgery this season which caused him to miss 10 weeks of action. Gaborik is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I’m sorry, but this story sounds like more typical agent “shenanigans” to me, folks.