26 April 2009
Travelogue Day 1
02/05/2009 05:57
475 km later and here we are in Fort McLeod, Alberta in the Daisy Mae Campground which opened for the season today. Departed 8:50 a.m., arrived 3:05 p.m.
As you can see, it looks a bit barren, but the buds on the trees are all quite swollen and there were dozens of Robins, hop, hop, hopping on the lawns pausing to listen for worms and the sound of their songs were springlike indeed.
Regular St. Albert’s Place reader Kim from Calgary will appreciate the fact we saw Robins doing their thing today.
This morning we are off to Kalispell, Montana and will file a report from there later today.
Prince Harry 'Hasn’t Washed His Hair In Two Years'
02/05/2009 05:57
Prince Harry has not
washed his hair for two years, it has been
claimed.The third in line to the throne apparently revealed his secret during a trip to the pub with friends from the Army.
They were celebrating the end of their first phase of Army Air Corps training at RAF Barkston Heath in Lincolnshire when the prince let it slip, according to The Sun.
"It's two years since I washed my hair," he was quoted as saying in the Tally Ho pub in Sleaford.
Many people believe in the benefits of not using shampoo as hair will self-clean itself if left alone for at least a week.
The 24-year-old prince, who flew solo for the first time in March, is due to move to RAF Shawbury in Shropshire next week to train as a helicopter pilot.
Until he qualifies, he will formally remain a lieutenant in the Household Cavalry regiment (Blues and Royals).
In February last year, the prince spent 10 weeks serving in Afghanistan.
Later this month, he is due to make his first official visit to America as he participates in a charity polo match in New York, as well as other engagements.
The match is designed to raise money for Sentebale, the charity supporting African Aids orphans which he set up in memory of his late mother.
SINC SAYS:
I always wondered why his hair looked like a pile of straw.
Holy Cow, Er, Hen?
02/05/2009 05:57
A FARMER was left shell-shocked when he discovered why one of his hens laid twice as many eggs as others — it has TWO rears.
Mao Rui’an thought he had cracked when he noticed his hen’s astonishing egg-laying rate.
But then he discovered her secret in a routine health check.
The broody bird was born with two backsides — or vents — which can reproduce and lay eggs independently of each other.
Mao of Qingdao, eastern China, said: “She is now very special to us and I have built a coop just for her and while the other chickens graze on the grass, she gets wheat."
SINC SAYS:
I’ve been called an egghole before, but this chick has me beat. They ought to call that bird Egg Fool Mao.
A Doggone Funny Yarn . . .
02/05/2009 05:56
Yesterday I was at my
local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina
dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder
Dog and was in the checkout line when woman
behind me asked if I had a dog.
What did she think I had, an elephant?
So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both.
I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.
SINC SAYS:
Thanks to St. Albert's Place reader Madeline Diaz for sending this chuckle along to us.
Aussie Jailed For Flipping The Bird At Driver In Dubai
02/05/2009 05:56
IT was a gesture many
Australians have been guilty of making at the
end of a long, frustrating
day.But "flipping the bird" to another driver landed Australian nurse Darren O'Mullane 24 days in jail and a life ban from the United Arab Emirates.
Mr O'Mullane was deported from Dubai last Thursday after being convicted of making a rude gesture to another motorist, who happened to be a UAE official, last October.
Now he is back living at his parents' NSW North Coast home.
He told The Daily Telegraph his wife Marie had been forced to leave her job in Dubai, along with the couple's home, cars and pet cat, following his sentence.
While he admitted he had done the wrong thing, Mr O'Mullane said he had been tired and stressed out after a 13-hour shift in the intensive care unit of Dubai's American Hospital.
"We'd had a local Emirate man suffering alcohol withdrawal who was aggressive and violent and a schizophrenic woman who was in quite a bad state when she arrived," he said.
"I just wanted to get home and there was a clown in front of me who was all over the road, talking on his mobile and I ended up having to overtake him to get past him.
"Out of frustration I flipped him the bird. I know it was wrong but it was completely impulsive. I was just like, 'You idiot'."
Mr O'Mullane said the other driver then tailgated him, overtook his car, slammed on his brakes and followed him to his apartment where a short altercation took place, with the other driver then reporting him to police.
Despite making a full confession and offering several apologies to the Dubai man, he spent 24 days in jail and was then immediately deported.
SINC SAYS:
My Little Birdie has seen lotsa drivers flippin’ the bird on Edmonton streets.
Organizers Still Take Pride In ’83 Games
02/05/2009 05:56
Edmonton's first Universiade turned profit, produced lasting benefits for city sports
Ask Edmontonians for their most vivid memory of the 1983 World University Games, and many will recall a Friday evening in July at the newly built Universiade Pavilion.
More than 10,000 raucous fans cheered on the underdog Canadian men's basketball team to an 85-77 victory over the heavily favored Americans.
That the Canadians, led by current Toronto Raptors head coach Jay Triano, went on to win the gold medal was almost anticlimactic. It was upsetting the powerful U.S. squad, which featured future NBA stars Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, that sticks in the memory banks.
That was one of many memorable moments -- some good, some bad -- created over the two weeks when Edmonton welcomed the world, put on a show for the ages, and further cemented its growing reputation as a city that knows how to host major international sporting events.
The Universiade came to Edmonton five years after the hugely successful Commonwealth Games, so Ed Zemrau meant it when he promised the International University Sports Federation (FISU) that if it awarded the city the 1983 Games, it would see the best Universiade yet.
The president of the local organizing committee was confident Edmontonians would back him up, and that was just enough temptation for FISU to send the Summer Universiade to North America for the first time.
"First of all, I'm an Edmontonian and I know what we can do and what we have done," Zemrau says of the confidence he had back in 1983.
"One of the things we always counted on was the people in Edmonton coming forward."
And indeed they did. So many volunteers stepped forward, Zemrau and his organizing committee couldn't create enough jobs for everyone.
"At the time ... at that stage, it was by far the most modernized and well-organized Games we had ever had," says Zemrau, who is back on the committee bidding to host the 2015 Summer Universiade. "It sort of turned a new page for FISU, set the bar a little higher and, from there on, things improved dramatically for future hosts."
The Edmonton Games produced a $1-million profit and left a legacy of facilities and scholarships that still benefit the city and the province today.
"The success of the Games was huge," says Dale Schulha, director of athletics at the University of Alberta and the manager of sports for the 1983 Games.
"There was a financial success. We were one of the first Universiades to make money ... and obviously the facilities' legacy. Our Universiade Pavilion, or Butterdome as we commonly refer to it, the university tennis centre, the Garneau residences -- there were great legacies we still use on a daily basis."
Facilities are the usual legacies of major international athletic games, but the '83 Universiade left behind even more important, far-reaching benefits that are still evident 26 years later.
The Games created a scholarship program that has helped more than 850 U of A athletes and fine arts students, and resulted in a significant impact to the sports delivery system in Alberta and the development of officials and coaches.
"All of those were human legacies that really helped our sports development model in Edmonton and in Alberta and in Canada," says Schulha, who is also a member of the 2015 bid committee.
"Facilities are one thing, but it's the human legacy and it's volunteerism and then the impact it's had on our campus and our student athletes," he adds.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The legacy of the ’83 games is huge and is still front and centre today in Edmonton. Let’s hope in a few years we can talk of the legacy of the 2015 Edmonton Universiade Games.
Simeon Rottier Groomed For Early Selection
02/05/2009 05:56
Draft beckons after recent nuptials
Simeon Rottier professed his love to his new bride Jennifer two Saturdays ago. He'll begin an entirely different relationship come Saturday.
The University of Alberta Golden Bears left offensive tackle is still rated the No. 1 choice heading into the Canadian Football League draft.
The 25-year-old Westlock native's phone is likely to ring early as proceedings get underway at 9 a.m. MDT. He couldn't afford to be late for the altar at City Centre Church, but he's not in so much of a rush for the outcome of the draft.
"It actually might wake him up," chuckled Golden Bears teammate Gord Hinse, of the expected call.
Hinse, one of Rottier's groomsmen, is also expected to be drafted Saturday, but in a later round. Both are clients of agent Darren Gill.
"Yeah, I'm thinking he may get called a little earlier than me," laughed Hinse, a right offensive tackle who moved over from guard.
No. 1 or not, Rottier will likely sleep well.
"I'm not too bad," said Rottier, when asked of his anxiousness. "I'd say I'm more excited than anything, just to see where I'm going."
All signs point to Hamilton as the Tiger-Cats have the first and third overall picks. The Toronto Argonauts are sandwiched in between before the B.C. Lions go fourth, fifth and sixth overall. The Montreal Alouettes select seventh and the Calgary Stampeders complete Round 1. The Eskimos don't select until No. 11 and also have the 12th choice.
There are whispers that the Green and Gold may make a play for Rottier, as Canadian offensive linemen are a valuable commodity.
"In order to do something, it's always going to cost you something. There has been some consideration," said Esks head coach Richie Hall. "Will we do it? We'll see Saturday."
If a deal was to be worked out. it would be costly.
"I've heard rumours like that, too," admitted Rottier. "They don't have a first-round pick and I really don't know what the chances of that happening are."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s really interesting and heartening, folks, for Head Coach Richie Hall to say that the Green and Gold may try to do something today to make a play for Rottier. Landing him for the Eskimos’ offensive line would be absolutely huge.
Catch the first two rounds of the CFL draft live this morning at 9:00 a.m. local time on TSN and TSN-HD.
Universiade ’83 Left Impression On City
02/05/2009 05:56
13-year-old volunteer Tony Williams got a whole new perspective on international relations during a backyard barbecue
For the Williams clan, volunteering for international sporting events has developed into a family affair.
Back in 1983, 13-year-old Tony Williams' parents, Pam and Peter, were volunteers at the cycling veledrome during the World University Games. And, says Tony, "the rest of the family was volunteered by our parents" so they also spent most of the summer there.
Fast-forward to today, and Tony is the president of his own company as Edmonton bids to hold the same university games in 2015.
If Edmonton's bid is successful, Tony will eagerly donate his time again.
"Oh yeah, for sure," Tony said last week when asked if he'd volunteer in 2015.
"I think that (1983) experience led to what I do. I'm a member of the Rotary Club, helping organizations like Norquest College with fundraising ... I spent five years as director of international recruitment at the U of A, travelling around the world ... a lot of those things go back to these types of experiences I had."
Back in 1983, a young Tony got a personal taste of the Cold War, got introduced to a new sport he still enjoys and had his career path influenced by that summer's activities.
He remembers vividly when his parents invited all the cycling teams to their home for a barbecue and a few hours of relaxation and socializing.
"It was over two nights ... because it was alphabetically, we had the USA and the USSR on the same night," recalls Williams. "I clearly remember these two vans showing up. The U.S. team getting out and the Soviet team getting out and both sort of avoiding each other. There was a little tension, a little nervousness."
That was to expected. The U.S. had boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the Soviets and other Eastern Bloc countries would boycott the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
All it took to break the ice was a little round Frisbee.
"My mother started playing Frisbee with everybody. They were standing around in groups ... and all of a sudden you've got the Frisbee flying back and forth, people jumping around and joking around and soon you're got teams talking to each other ... at the end of the night they were taking group pictures, and hugging, the tension was gone and it was a totally different atmosphere.
"It's that sort of Edmonton thing, you have a barbecue, you invite people over. You don't worry about having the Soviets one day and the Americans the next. ...
"Generally it was just young university students wanting to do their best, have a good time and meet as many people as they could."
At the end of the evening there was one huge group picture taken on the front lawn.
"I was 13 at the time. When I went back to school in the fall and you're doing social studies, talking about the Soviet Union, talking about Russia, talking about the Second World War, all these things, you have a total different perspective on it when you've met people who are living it."
For Williams and hundreds of Edmontonians like him, Universiade '83 was an opportunity to interact with the world, to find ways to communicate when a common language wasn't available, to show off their city to foreign visitors.
"That's one of the big things for me, that the Universiade brought to the city, a real opportunity to meet people you don't get to meet every day ... people who maybe don't speak the language or maybe haven't ever experienced North America and you get to experience a little bit of that with them."
Just as Williams is ready to volunteer for 2015, so too are many others willing to reprise their 1983 experience. Organizers like Dale Schulha and Ed Zemrau, president of the 1983 committee, are actively involved in the 2015 bid, for starters.
"There's a number of us who had such a great experience and felt it was so beneficial for our local community and for Alberta and nationally, that we felt very fortunate to be involved again," said Schulha.
"Edmonton is known for volunteerism. It started in 1978 really with the Commonwealth Games and continued five years later with the Universiade.
"I still run into people who volunteered with the Games who still think it was a great experience. As we put our bid together those people are coming out and already wanting to volunteer again, so it just shows the kind of commitment there."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
One of the things Councillor Carol Watamaniuk is constantly babbling about, when she can get past Arts and Heritage, is the tremendous “volunteerism” in St. Albert, as one of the city’s greatest assets and one of the reasons she keeps running for council, although I honestly don't see the relationship.
Looks like a lot of that (the volunteerism) has rubbed off from our friends and neighbors in Edmonton, quite frankly.
Sutter Won’t Talk About Future As Devils Head Coach
02/05/2009 05:56
NEWARK, N.J. - Brent Sutter refused to talk about his future as the Devils' coach, instead calling New Jersey's last-minute loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 of the playoffs the most devastating he's experienced as a player or coach.
"I'm not trying to be disrespectful to anybody or anything. It's just that it's not something that I've given it much time at this point," Sutter said Thursday, after the Devils had their final meeting, took exit physicals and a team photograph.
Sutter has a year left on his contract, but there have been reports that he's homesick after two seasons in New Jersey and that he might want to return to his farm in western Canada.
"You guys have heard a bunch of stuff out there that are rumours, and I told you at that time and I'm saying it again: I evaluate myself at the end of the year and there's a process I go through to do that," he said.
"It takes time and I'm going to use time to my advantage."
Sutter said he has followed the same routine since becoming a coach in 1999.
"This is not a time to discuss that whatsoever," Sutter said. "To be quite honest, I'm still thinking about what transpired to us here less than 48 hours ago. There's a process you go through with that. Like I said, it's been the most difficult thing that's ever happened to me in my hockey career as a player or a coach."
Sutter still can't explain how the Devils lost Game 7. They led 3-2 with less than 90 seconds to play and the Hurricanes scored twice to win.
"I said to Lou this morning this was like a 100-yard dash for our first race," Sutter said, referring to Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello. "I felt we got to the 99-yard mark and we fell down when we had the lead. There is no way to explain it."
Lamoriello balked about discussing Sutter's future.
"I really don't want to get into any of that here," he said. "You had a conversation with Brent. I don't think this is the time to get into anything that's personal."
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
There are rumors that Sutter is home-sick for his farm near Red Deer and that he will resign as the Head Coach of the New Jersey Devils to be closer to the farm. If he resigns, he’d certainly look good behind the Edmonton Oilers’ bench, wouldn’t he folks? And, he wouldn’t be all that far away from the farm, either.
Stampeders To Add Dickenson As Offensive Assistant
02/05/2009 05:56
The Calgary Stampeders will add a familiar face to their coaching staff on Friday.
The team has scheduled a news conference at McMahon Stadium where it is expected they will introduce former Stampeders quarterback Dave Dickenson as an offensive assistant under head coach John Hufnagel. George Cortez is the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Dickenson announced his retirement at the end of last season after suffering another in a long line of concussions.
Over his 10-year CFL career with the Stampeders and B.C. Lions, Dickenson made it to five Grey Cups and won three championships, including last year's triumph by the Stampeders.
Prior to last season, Dickenson was signed by the Stampeders to play the back-up role to starter Henry Burris. His last game turned out to be the Labour Day Classic in Edmonton, when he suffered post-concussion symptoms.
The Montana native began his career with the Stampeders in 1997 and played back-up to Jeff Garcia in the Stampeders' Grey Cup victory in 1998. He was named the league's Most Outstanding Player in 2000 and decided to ply his trade in the NFL for the next two seasons, spending time with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.
Upon his return to the CFL in 2003, he signed with the B.C. Lions and led the team to victory in the 2006 Grey Cup game. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the title game.
Dickenson holds league records for highest single-season completion rate, highest quarterback rating in a single season and all-time highest completion percentage.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I think this is a great move by the Stamps. Dickenson has one of the brightest offensive minds in the CFL.
Jaromir Jagr Grateful For Oilers Interest In Him
02/05/2009 05:56
Says Edmonton will top his list after current contract expires in 2010
Jaromir Jagr says he could see himself in Edmonton Oilers colors ... maybe.
"That was really exciting when I heard Edmonton pushed really hard to get me; I really appreciate it," Jagr, 37, said after his Czech Republic team lost 5-1 to Canada in IIHF world hockey championship action on Thursday night.
Asked an open-ended question about a possible return to the National Hockey League, the iconic hockey figure said he would play out his 2009-10 contract in Omsk of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, and then would think about the NHL -- beginning with the Oilers team he believes gave him the best offer as a free agent. The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers also showed interest.
"I want to thank those guys (in Edmonton)," Jagr said. "And if I ever got there (back to the NHL), they would be my No. 1 pick, because they showed me the interest first. I never forget that. I respect that and they would be my first pick."
Jagr has been known to follow through on these whims. Years ago, he said he would return to play in Russia, and he did.
"I'm going to finish my contract in Omsk this year, I've got one year left, and then I'm going to make a decision," Jagr said.
"I love the game, no problem. I work harder than I ever did in my life. This is no problem."
The KHL has been a breath of fresh air, Jagr said -- more room to skate, less contact, less pressure to be an NHL superstar in a big city like New York.
"For 17 years, 18 years, day by day there was so much pressure," Jagr said. "I don't know how to describe it. If I was on a third or fourth line I would probably be in the NHL, because you don't have to produce every night. After a while, you just need a rest. You know, clear your head.
"During the lockout I was pissed off, but on the other side it helped me a lot to clear my head. And when I came back I was playing my best hockey in a while.
"It's tough in the NHL; you have to produce on a high level. And everybody expects to do it because you make a lot of money. And I never minded it. I always want to be that guy.
"But it's not easy to play in the NHL for 82 games plus playoffs under such pressure."
While being interviewed, Jagr was wearing one of his Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup rings.
"I've still got it for luck," he said.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
That’s just great, folks, just what the Oilers need – a 40-year-old superstar. I might have been interested in Jagr - about 10 years ago.
Guy Lafleur Convicted Of Giving Contradictory Evidence
02/05/2009 05:56
MONTREAL -- Hockey legend Guy Lafleur will be sentenced next month after his conviction today on a charge of giving contradictory evidence at his son's bail hearing.
The Crown is asking that Lafleur be given a conditional sentence while the defence is seeking just a fine for the former Montreal Canadiens superstar.
The maximum prison sentence Lafleur could face is 14 years.
It was not immediately known whether defence lawyers would appeal the verdict which was handed down in Montreal by Quebec court Judge Claude Parent.
Lafleur agreed in September 2007 to ensure his son Mark abided by a court-ordered curfew if he were granted bail pending his trial on various criminal charges.
But at a hearing the following month, it was revealed the elder Lafleur had driven his son to a hotel so he could spend time with a girlfriend on two occasions.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This conviction sort of surprises me, given Lafleur’s “demi-God” status in Montreal. It will be really interesting to see what kind of a sentence he gets on June 8.
Lawrence Phillips To Go To Trial For 2005 Attack
02/05/2009 05:56
SAN DIEGO -- Former CFL and NFL running back Lawrence Phillips will go to trial on charges that he attacked his girlfriend in 2005.
A San Diego judge ruled Wednesday that the 33-year-old Phillips must stand trial on eight felony charges for two alleged assaults.
He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
A call to his public defender on Thursday was not immediately returned.
Phillips already is serving a 10-year sentence for hitting three teenagers with his car in Los Angeles.
Phillips was once one of the top U.S. college football players at Nebraska. The St. Louis Rams released him in 1997 and he went on to play for a number of teams, including the Montreal Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Lawrence Phillips – another pampered, overpaid, prima donna professional sports athlete who just never learned how to behave properly. Far from it, actually.
One Travelogue Coming Up . . .
01/05/2009 07:15
NOTE TO READERS:
Beginning today, we are on a trip with our motor home throughout the western USA for a month.
Technology will allow me to keep this site running and updated for most of the days I will be gone, so keep those e-mails coming please.
If I do run into a situation where there is no internet connection available, please be patient as the site may not be updated until later in the day instead of early mornings like readers are used to now.
I will try to keep readers posted on our travels and any interesting sights we may stumble upon.
Thanks for your patience.
City To Waste More Tax Dollars On Birthday Party
01/05/2009 05:37
SINC SAYS:
This copy of a letter to a local paper was sent to St. Albert’s Place by the writer:
Dear Editor;
Once again, I have been reading your paper and once again I find that I must question what city council thinks they are doing with our hard earned money?
I just cannot believe that they want to spend over half a million dollars plus on a party.
May I suggest that a certain someone should take her sewing machine out as one of her passions is sewing so she can make table cloths and party outfits.
Plus our member of council whose passion is hats can get working on making lots of party hats in bright colors, and as for council they can make all the cakes and jello, they can also blow the ballons up as they have cornered the market on hot air.
Council can rely on the Arts and Heritage Foundation to decorate the car park in front of city hall.
We will make it a green event by asking every one to bring there own plates and cups.
So as you can see my solution is not as pricey, plus it's only over a weekend and they meet the people who voted for them.
Frances Badrock
St. Albert
Hydraulics, Guts, And A Good Operator . . .
01/05/2009 05:37
Woman Says Neighbor's Window Cause Of Melting Vinyl
01/05/2009 05:37
MOUNT PLEASANT —
Intense heat from sun reflected off a
neighbor's window has disfigured a large
section of vinyl siding on one side of Sally
Redden's Park West home, she said
Tuesday."It's literally melting the vinyl siding. It's like a 100-degree laser beam," Redden said.
Redden has been renting the home. A tenant, Crystal Carrier, said heat from sunlight reflected off the second story window affects sunbathing. "If you stand in a certain spot in the backyard, it will burn you. It's so excruciatingly bright," Carrier said.
A neighbor on the unaffected side of Redden's house said he is aware of the situation. "I know exactly what she (Redden) is talking about. I think it happens when you put the reflective tint on the window," said Jack Wright. "It's intense heat. It's like you take a magnifying glass to focus the sun," Wright said.
Redden said that she first noticed the problem about five years ago, but it didn't become a major issue until recently. "I came over here six months ago and just about fell out," she said.
SINC SAYS:
She should buy a mirror and send that beam right back.
Lost in Nova Scotia . . .
01/05/2009 05:37
Only a Canadian would
get
this:Two American tourists were driving through Nova Scotia.
As they were approaching Shubenacadde (shoe-been-aack-id-dee), they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town's name.
They argued back and forth until they stopped for lunch.
As they stood at the counter, one tourist asked the employee, "Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us?
Would you please pronounce where we are... ver-r-ry slo-o-owly?"
The waitress leaned over the counter and says:
"Tiiimmmmm Hoorrrrttoooonnns......."
‘If You Want Facilities, You Need To Host Games’
01/05/2009 05:37
$318 million worth of sports infrastructure attached to city's Universiade bid
Anyone wanting to parse the full meaning of Edmonton's bid to play host to the 2015 Summer Universiade should consider swimmer Alex Baumann's career arc.
"He's kind of the poster boy, right?" said Dr. Mike Mahon, the University of Alberta's dean of physical education and recreation and vice-chair of Edmonton's 2015 Universiade bid committee.
Baumann competed in the 1983 Universiade in Edmonton, then went on to win two gold medals in the '84 Olympics.
"Now he's one of the pre-eminent leaders of sport in Canada."
The projected legacy from a successful Edmonton bid includes $318 million (in 2015 dollars, adjusted for inflation) in new and upgraded community-accessible sports facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports precinct on the University of Alberta's south campus.
The idea is to house a summer sports centre of excellence in that hub, analogous to the winter sports centre in Calgary.
Understand that and you begin to grasp what's at stake this weekend as five Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) delegates tour the city, its sports facilities and infrastructure.
Baumann, now executive director for the Canadian Olympic Committee's Road to Excellence program, won't be here this weekend, actually.
But he'll play a key role in Brussels on May 22-23, when the bid committee makes its final pitch and when FISU announces the winner from among Edmonton; Gwangju, Korea; and Tapei, Taiwan.
For Baumann, the '83 Universiade not only helped put Edmonton on the sporting map, it was a key stop on his own athletic journey.
Then a 19-year-old swimmer and student at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Baumann carried Canada's flag into a jam-packed Commonwealth Stadium that July 1.
He went on to win his country's first gold medal of the games in the 400-metre individual medley, a flick of an eyelash shy of world-record time.
Double gold.
He also won the 200-metre IM, previewing his double-gold performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
"I've always believed these kinds of games (Universiade, Commonwealth, Pan American) are great development exercises for our athletes, getting up that ladder to the Olympic competition," Baumann said in a telephone interview. "The legacy piece (of the bid) is critical.
"As we know in this country, if you want facilities, you need to host games.
"I know with the infrastructure program, it's starting to change, but it's still the best way to get (facilities) and try to get a legacy."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Unfortunately, Alex Baumann is spot on. In this country, if you want facilities you have to host events.
First Stanley Cup Ring Nets $60,000
01/05/2009 05:37
116-year-old gold band found in Vancouver attic belonged to player who won first trophy
Call it a good omen for Vancouver, the only Canadian city with a team still in the hunt for this year's Stanley Cup.
A 116-year-old gold ring -- presented in 1893 to a member of the Montreal hockey club that won the first Stanley Cup championship -- was discovered in the attic of a Vancouver home and has been sold for more than $60,000 through a sports memorabilia auction site.
Hailed by Quebec-based Classic Auctions as "without a doubt, the earliest and most significant piece of Stanley Cup history ever offered" for sale, the ring given to Montreal Hockey Club sharpshooter George Lowe is described as one of only two still in existence from the Cup's inaugural season.
The "simplistic ring," the auction firm states, is "identical to the only other known example, presented to player Billy Barlow, on permanent display in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto."
That ring is in a vault off the museum's "Great Hall," where the original bowl of the Stanley Cup and other priceless treasures from the sport's early history are kept.
Hall of Fame curator and Stanley Cup caretaker Phil Pritchard has described the Barlow ring as his favourite artifact because of its personal connection to the first time the trophy was presented.
The Lowe ring "looks very similar to the Billy Barlow ring that we have," Hall of Fame spokesperson Kelly Masse told Canwest News Service on Wednesday.
Classic Auctions did not reveal the name of the ring's buyer or its Vancouver discoverer. The auction company's owner, Marc Juteau, could not immediately be reached.
But in a pre-sale description of the ring, Classic said the "immensely important gold band" was "unearthed along with other jewel pieces and watches in the attic of an older home in Vancouver" and had been authenticated prior to auction.
The ring was sold in late February for $55,612. By the time the buyer's premium, a share that goes to the auction house, was paid, the final price was well beyond $60,000.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Some of this sports memorabilia is really priceless, isn’t it folks? I mean, it has tremendous sentimental value to whoever worked so hard to earn it, but you can't ever put a price tag on it because it can never be replaced.
Tiger Shoots Seven Under To Lead Quail Hollow
01/05/2009 05:36
Shoots record tying 30 on back nine
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tiger Woods shot a 30 on his back nine Thursday in the Quail Hollow Championship, taking advantage of a sharp short game on his way to a 7-under 65 and a three-shot lead among the early starters.
Woods, who started his round on No. 10, didn't catch the leaders until a simple up-and-down for birdie on the par-5 fifth hole. He pulled away by closing with three straight birdies, the last one with a six-iron from the rough into 12 feet.
Such a shot might not have been possible in recent years at Quail Hollow, a championship course with thick rough lining the fairways.
This year, the rough has been shaved to a uniform two inches, and there is virtually no penalty for errant tee shots unless a player gets stuck behind a tree.
The test came from firm, fast greens, and Woods simply shined.
He only came close to making bogey twice, but escaped with tap-in pars. He hit a pitch from a deep swale right of the par-3 second green to within a foot, then hit a longer flop to a tight pin on the fourth hole, and the ball checked up a few inches beyond the cup.
"I hit a couple of loose shots here and there, but I really putted well," Woods said. "I had a couple of key saves -- made a nice little up-and-down at two and just a really good save at four that kept the round going. It's always nice when you birdie the last three."
It was quite a turnaround from his last tournament -- the Masters -- when he bogeyed the last two holes to kill any hopes of a rally.
Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen was at 68, along with Jeff Maggert, Hunter Mahan and Lucas Glover. Masters champion Angel Cabrera opened with a 70.
Defending champion Anthony Kim, Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington were among the late starters.
"It's definitely set up to favour the longer hitters," Goosen said. "I hit four fairways and shot 68."
Even after playing a practice round or pro-am round earlier in the week, it still took players by surprise to miss a fairway, get to their next shot and see the ball sitting up nicely.
Woods missed his drive well to the right on the 18th, hung his head, but found no problem from the rough, what little there was. He hit a medium iron just left of the flag for a routine par.
"Normally, you don't have an opportunity there," Woods said. "Usually, it's four- or five-inch rough over there in that little hollow. So it plays differently. You can play different shots. But you're going at some of those flags you probably shouldn't."
He started his back nine with a sand wedge into a foot, and made a 12-foot birdie at the third. Woods closed with four birdies over the final five holes, the lone par coming on the par-three sixth when a 50-foot birdie putt hit the back of the cup and spun out.
For all the concern over his play at the Masters, he appeared to be right back on track.
"I putted the same as I did at Augusta," he said. "But this time they went in instead of lipping out."
If no one catches him from the afternoon, it will be the first time since the third round of the U.S. Open last summer that Woods was in the lead after any round.
It's only the first round, but it still can be a jarring sight.
"If you want to win, you've got to be on top when it's done," Glover said. "And it just got a lot harder since he decided to play good on a Thursday."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Anybody want to bet against Woods this week?
Canadian Sportscaster Ted Reynolds Dead At 83
01/05/2009 05:36
Canadian sports broadcaster and CBC Television veteran Ted Reynolds died, the network reported Wednesday.
Reynolds died early Tuesday according to the CBC report. He was 83.
The Vancouver resident leaves behind his wife and four children.
Reynolds' career spanned more than 50 years, 35 of them with CBC Television. It included radio and television play-by-play for 23 sports during 10 Olympic Games.
He also did freelance broadcasting and retired from the business two years ago at the age of 81.
In the five decades of his career, Reynolds worked for three different media outlets in British Columbia, but is best known for his time with the CBC.
Reynolds joined the network in 1956 and covered his first Grey Cup that year.
He was the broadcaster when Nancy Greene skied to Olympic gold for Canada at the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble.
Reynolds may best be remembered for his coverage of the Games' aquatic events.
He called all seven gold medal races for legendary American swimmer Mark Spitz at the 1972 Summer Olympics. He was also the voice describing Alex Baumann's two Olympic gold medals in the pool in 1984, the first swimming gold for Canada since 1912.
He took Canadians along for the ride in show jumping with Ian Millar and Big Ben. When the Vancouver Canucks broke into the NHL, Reynolds called the games for CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
He was twice recognized with the Doug Gilbert Media Award from the Sports Federation of Canada, in 1972 and 1985. In 2007, he was among six sports journalists inducted into the CBC Sports Hall of Fame.
"There are so many memories and so many friends and companions from all around the globe -- all because I was part of the greatest era in TV broadcasting," he told a reporter upon receiving a 2003 Achievement Award from Sports Media Canada
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Canada has lost another sports broadcasting legend, folks. That’s Reynolds, Don Wittman and Don Chevrier in a very short period of time.
Slimmer John Daly Pursues Comeback
01/05/2009 05:36
Twice major winner John Daly's latest bid to resurrect his career is for his benefit and not to prove his detractors wrong, the American said on Wednesday.
Daly, 43, is rehabilitating by losing weight and trying to give up a diet and lifestyle that saw him balloon to nearly 280 pounds less than three months ago.
A surgical implant to prevent him binge eating has enabled him to slim down to 220 pounds, around the weight he was when he won the 1991 U.S. PGA Championship and 1995 British Open.
A desire to get his major-winning form back after being banned from playing on the U.S. PGA Tour for six months last November for bringing the tour into disrepute has been the driving force behind his weight loss, Daly said.
"I don't have any points to prove to anyone," Daly, who has committed to several European Tour events before his American ban ends in June, told reporters at the Spanish Open.
"I'm doing this for myself. I want the consistency I've not had since 2004. To win again is the most important thing to me, not what people think about me."
Daly's U.S. tour ban came after he was accused of being found drunk and incapable outside a bar, the last of a litany of indiscretions, including playing without a shirt and hitting balls off a beer-bottle top in pro-ams.
He called his drunk offence "a case of mistaken identity" but decided to "stand up for a couple of buddies" and turn the ban into a positive.
"I've been able to work on my game. I had nine hours' putting one day and two days hitting a lot of balls, for instance. I've actually enjoyed the time off. I was going nowhere."
Dubbed the "Wild Thing" early in his career, Daly is prepared to handle his latest comeback attempt quietly.
"I don't expect too much this week, I can't force it," he said. "The only guy who can do that is Tiger (Woods)."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
‘Big’ John Daly looks absolutely svelte, doesn’t he folks? It’s encouraging to see that he might finally be getting his life together.
Feds Announce Funding For 2010 Torch Relay
01/05/2009 05:36
TORONTO - The federal government has announced how it plans to spend the $24.5 million earmarked for the torch relay for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Minister for Sport Gary Lunn was joined by some of Vancouver's Olympic organizers for today's announcement at a square in downtown Toronto.
Lunn says $12 million of the money announced in the federal budget will go towards organizing the relay, while the other $12.5 million will be spent on local initiatives to support community celebrations.
The torch relay begins in October in Victoria and will travel 45,000 kilometres around Canada.
Twelve-thousand Canadians will have a chance to carry the torch, which will run the longest domestic route in Games history.
The Olympics will be held from Feb. 12 to 28 in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., followed by the Paralympics from March 12 to 21.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
On January 13, 2010, day 76 of its 106 day journey, the torch will pass through St. Albert before stopping for an evening celebration in Edmonton. I wonder what our city fathers have in store for this event, or whether they'll still be too busy blowing our tax dollars on other frivolous nonsense, as usual?
John Tortorella Regrets Throwing Water Bottle
01/05/2009 05:36
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- New York Rangers coach John Tortorella says he embarrassed the organization by throwing a water bottle into the crowd during a playoff game in Washington.
In his season-ending sitdown with reporters, Tortorella showed contrition for his actions that earned him a suspension for Game 6 of New York's seven-game loss to the Capitals.
"It's a bad mistake by me," Tortorella said. "I regret it. I put the New York Rangers organization in an embarrassing situation. I'm embarrassed by it. I am an intense person, which is a positive, but it also turns into a negative sometimes."
At 6:33 of the third period of Friday's 4-0 loss in Game 5, Tortorella got into a verbal confrontation with a fan behind the bench.
A video replay showed the coach heaving a water bottle into the crowd. Tortorella then grabbed forward Aaron Voros' stick and held it high, waving it in the fan's direction.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
This apology is the most “class” Tortorella has shown in a long time.
Maggie The Monkey Makes Second Round Picks
01/05/2009 05:36
After stumbling out of the gate in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Maggie the Macaque is back and hoping for a 'wheel alignment.'
Finishing the first round with a dismal 2-6 mark, the furry, crab-eating monkey returned to the TSN studios on Wednesday to spin her playoff prediction wheel.
Vancouver fans will be happy to learn that Maggie is sticking by the lone Canadian representative in these playoffs, taking the Canucks to get past the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference semifinals. The Canucks were one of two correct predictions by Maggie in the opening round and it appears she's sticking with a winner.
In the other Western Conference series, Maggie's looking at a match-up that includes two teams that hoisted the Stanley Cup in the last two seasons - the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks.
Maggie's first round selections included a surprising Blue Jackets upset of the Red Wings but the monkey won't make that same mistake again. She selected Detroit to come out victorious in their Conference semifinal series against Anaheim.
In the East, Maggie turned her back on the Boston Bruins in the second round, a team that easily handled the Montreal Canadiens in the Conference quarterfinals. Boston was Maggie's other correct selection in the first round, but her lucky wheel feels the Hurricanes will come out on top.
With her final spin of the wheel, Maggie selected the high-flying Washington Capitals to get past Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to Maggie's first round selections, neither club was expected to get past their respective opponents but the monkey's leaning toward a victory by the Capitals.
Maggie the Monkey has been a playoff fixture for TSN since 2003, when she picked the underdog Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to reach the Stanley Cup Final with the spin of a wheel. The Ducks did just that, and Maggie's fame grew.
However, this will be Maggie's last season making NHL playoff picks as she is slated to retire after the Stanley Cup is won.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Let’s see, SWIVEL HIPS picks Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and his upset special is Anaheim. Who’s gonna get more right – me or Maggie?