08 August 2010
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
14/08/2010 06:06
A Smile To Start Your Weekend
The first little boy says, "Alligator."
"Very good, that's a big word."
The second boy says, "Predator."
"Yes, that's another big word. Well done."
Little Johnny says, "Vibrator, Miss."
After nearly falling off her chair, she says, "That is a big word, but it doesn't eat anything."
"Well my sister has one and she says it eats batteries like there's no tomorrow!"
Don’t Blame Me When Your Eyes Cross
Blame our intrepid reader Bixman who found this gem:
WEBBITS
14/08/2010 06:06
* Reading Playboy to an unusual audience.
* Male (bank robbery suspect) or female (bank robbery suspect)? You decide.
* Fish Kill Mystery on NJ’s Delaware Bay Beach.
* Albino python on cocaine confronts police.
* Experts warn of new superbug coming from Pakistan, India.
Words You Didn't Know You Were Mispronouncing
14/08/2010 06:06
So, it's with great humility that we present to you a list of words we reeeeeeeeally wish everybody would quit mispronouncing.
You can click on each to hear audio of how it's actually supposed to sound in English.
What Really Makes Something Funny?
14/08/2010 06:06
Have you ever considered why you laugh?
Me neither, but it appears a group of scientists in Colorado have.
Their study uncovers the underlying cause of why we laugh.
So, what’s so funny?
The World’s Crappiest Tourist Attractions
14/08/2010 06:06
If you’re tired of top 10 lists, this story is for you.
Instead they present the worst places on the globe to see as a tourist.
Where are they and how do you avoid them?
Did they include a perogy on a fork?
It’s all right here.
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
13/08/2010 04:41
Fortis, Epcor Make Mistakes Too
I happened to be at home when a Fortis truck came by yesterday to cut off my power. Supposedly, for non-payment of bills. Well, my bills get paid by automatic bank withdrawals, so I was more than surprised. It took a phone call and some arguments, bank statement and paid bills, to prove that my bills were paid.
Eventually, they figured out Fortis had come to the wrong house.
What if I had left for a week or two, come home to find my fridge and freezer food smelling and spoiled? Too bad, I was told, somebody made a mistake.
After a lengthy argument with both Fortis and Epcor, I was left with the impression they don't have to notify a customer that power will be cut off. It is up to the good graces of Fortis to send out an advance notice to the homeowner.
Scary!
No Name Please
St. Albert
UPDATE: Epcor called to get the details and investigate, and apologized. They definitely are supposed to notify customers of impending disconnection and will communicate with Fortis to sort things out. A mistake is not an acceptable excuse. Quite a PR man called. I did not bite his head off, I suggested the next bill include some clarification for all customers.
SINC SAYS:
How cruel and heartless of both Fortis and Epcor. No one, regardless of status should have to face an immediate power cut off with no warning to save freezer goods etc. Sometimes folks have a tough period and a token of generosity on Fortis and Epcor’s part would be much more appropriate. As it is, they’ve lost some respect by this action.
Bad Ass Texas Rabbit
The Long View Of A Bridge
Welcome To Live Chat
13/08/2010 04:41
WEBBITS
13/08/2010 04:41
The Perils Of A Shopping Spree
13/08/2010 04:41
A woman in NYC was selected for jury duty.
The case involved stolen credit cards.
So, during the trial, she did what not many other jurors would do.
She swiped a fellow juror’s credit card and went shopping.
No, really.
How Many Bucks To Change A Light Bulb?
13/08/2010 04:40
A village in the UK had a unique problem.
Their two street lights burned out and plunged them into darkness.
But the local council refused to change the bulbs.
They claimed it would cost about £8,000.
Now just how can that be?
How Fairy Tales Really End
13/08/2010 04:40
Sleeping Beauty:
Jasmine (Aladdin):
Belle (Beauty And The Beast):
Jasmine (Aladdin):
Belle (Beauty And The Beast):
Roadside Dummy Attracts Residents Attention
13/08/2010 04:40
They say it all started when one resident put out an old TV on the curb for pickup.
Then other started adding to the scene.
One addition was a dummy.
And then someone put a hat on him.
And so it went until it became a show stopper.
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
12/08/2010 04:52
Penny’s From Heaven On The Way?
She was one of the most popular columnists we had with an uncanny ability to turn events in the everyday life of a Mom, housewife and community volunteer into the most hilarious yarns ever spun in our pages.
In fact, Penny reminded me a lot of a local Erma Bombeck.
I heard from Penny recently and it’s nice to know she is actively working on setting up a web site and hopefully bring her brand of humour to the web and maybe even here on St. Albert’s Place once in a while.
It ought to be a lot of fun.
And who knows, it might just make a lot of sense to our readers too. Or is that cents? Whatever.
Stay tuned.
UK Features Tax Reductions For Seniors, Veto Rights On Council’s Tax Increases
Hi Sinc,
Thought you might be interested in this - Residents to be given right to veto excessive council tax rises.
My mother, a senior, who lives in her own home, pays no property taxes because she receives a care allowance. Single seniors living in their own homes get a 25% property tax reduction.
Ann Conlin
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Good information to know and every taxpayer in the city should read this story. Perhaps this is something residents could work towards here in St. Albert? Thanks for bringing it to our reader’s attention Ann.
Welcome To Live Chat
12/08/2010 04:52
WEBBITS
12/08/2010 04:52
* Brain works more like internet than ‘top down’ company.
* Your muffin top may kill you.
* Could WWII have been avoided? Memoirs uncover the Irishman who saved Hitler from being kicked to death by a mob.
* Competition for a mate shortens men’s lives.
* Girl quits here job on dry erase board, emails entire office 33 photos.
May I Send My Limo For You?
12/08/2010 04:52
There exists numerous types of limos, possible and impossible, but this one is really original, fancy and quite beautiful.
And it's a Harley , so you KNOW it's all good!
And it's a Harley , so you KNOW it's all good!
The Problem With Picky Eaters
12/08/2010 04:52
Adult picky eaters.
Who knew so many existed?
One guy takes the cake though.
Not literally, mind you, as he won’t eat cake.
He survives on waffles, grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries.
His Mom shouldda kicked his butt for not eating his broccoli.
Oh No! Higher Beer Prices To Come
12/08/2010 04:52
If you are a beer drinker and live in the UK, you may want to pay attention.
It seems that due to a barley shortage and higher taxes, your favourite brew will cost you more next year.
That’s sad news for pubs as well.
Let’s hope the problem stays overseas.
We don’t need it here.
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
11/08/2010 06:54
Photos From Our Reader’s Libraries
This rainbow shot taken by Oren Robison, an old friend who resides in Nipawin, Saskatchewan is simply breathtaking. Note the Canola field at the bottom of the photo. Thanks for sharing it O!
How To Carry Plywood
This video courtesy of Bixman who finds some of the best stuff on the web for SAP. Way to go Bixman!
Things Readers Should Know
SINC SAYS:
Many readers have pointed me towards a city blog with an interesting story to tell about a local candidate for city council.
Although the candidate is not identified in said story, any thinking person can put two and two together as to who it might be.
You can read the story entitled, “I’m bloody well concerned”, by Andy Michaelson, a St. Albert writer and poet on his blog, “Maybe It's Just Me”.
WEBBITS
11/08/2010 06:54
* Groom accidentally kills dad, two guests after firing celebration shots at wedding.
* I’ll take you under my wing: Kookaburra chick strikes up unlikely friendship with tiny duckling.
* Teenager Charged With Starting California Wildfire.
* Musick: Howard Hughes lived on.
* Cops say man stuffed lobster tails down shorts.
World’s Worst Alcohol Abusers Found
11/08/2010 06:54
If you’ve ever wondered just which country holds the title of the world’s worst alcohol abusers, wonder no more.
A new study has uncovered the cold hard facts on boozing.
So, who do you think wins the title?
‘Findologist’ Helps Folks Find Anything
11/08/2010 06:54
Lost your car keys lately?
Or that pair of pliers that is always right there in the top drawer?
You’re not alone and now a guy in the UK has come to your rescue.
This ‘Findologist’ has a dozen tips for you to use to locate missing items.
Your solution is here.
Long Lost Airman’s Plane Found At Sea
11/08/2010 06:54
When you’re a small lad and you hear about your cousin being killed in the war, it doesn’t mean much to most kids.
But this kid remembered and made a 27 year long journey to try and find that cousin.
And find him he did, or at least he found the remains of the airman’s plane on the ocean floor.
A fascinating tale indeed.
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
10/08/2010 06:39
The Photography Of Al Popil
Hi Don,
Some snaps from Sunday's performance at the Barrhead Rodeo. Dustiest rodeo I have been to this year.
Al Popil
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Dusty or not Al, you got some great shots that readers will appreciate.
Reader Confused By Mayor’s Comments
Our mayor has a helper who costs us taxpayers something beyond $250,000.00 yearly (waste and back-tracking extra).
I should think our City Manager ought to be able to answer him. And if not, I should think ... well, readers ... you finish that thought for me.
I surveyed some ten normal looking citizens. Nine averaged the answer below. The tenth responded to the question with a word much like "Chretien!". But not quite.
Sir:
A permit of any kind (including conditions) endures:
-until expiry as stated therein, or,
-until surrendered, or,
-until revoked or altered by appropriate authority,
-and beyond your forgetfulness as to where you put your copy!
Yessir: it's "that" simple!
Colour Me Confused
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
You’re not the only one confused by the actions of mayor and council when it comes to administration. “Cultivate Life” indeed.
New Artwork For City Hall?
Hi Don:
We should apply for a building permit and erect one of these in front of city hall.
George Proulx
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Do you really think they would grant the permit George? And do you really think they ever stop to consider that is how they make voters in this city feel too often? I somehow doubt they even care. But I would love to see the pic hung in council chambers. 
Welcome To Live Chat
10/08/2010 06:39
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Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan
Petition Volunteers Needed
We need each of you to take out a petition (copy attached) in your neighbourhood and get 25-50 signatures BY AUGUST 15TH. If You have health or other issues that make this difficult for you, then we ask you to please recruit a friend, neighbour, or family member to take the petition out on your behalf.
ITS EASY:
- E-mail me on the area you plan on covering, so we don't have people canvassing the same area. For example, I will canvass the Woodlands area South and West of Woodlands Drive and Westwood--actually I am volunteering to do just that as well as be on a corner by the Farmers Market. The best time to canvass is weekday evenings 7-9pm.
- You do not need to know a lot about the plan. The petition itself has the basics of the plan and our concerns about it. In addition you can print off a copy of the brochure for reference (attached). It describes the key elements of the plan, plus lists out areas of concern in more detail. If you don't have a printer or would like extra copies of the brochure, e-mail me and I'll get copies to you.
- All you need to say is: Hi, I'm _____________, and I'm looking for your support in a petition asking Council to reject the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan and/or put it to a plebiscite in the Municipal Election. Some people will know about it, and say I'll sign, others will need to hear more, others will say no. In every case, thank them for their time. Get their name (printed) signature, address, and sign as a witness to their signature, and mark in the date.
- E-mail me when you have finished, and I will get your completed petition picked up. We need completed petitions for our presentation to Council on August 16th. If you have any questions about this let me know by return e-mail, or call me at 780-418-5659.
Thanks for helping make the St. Albert Taxpayers, and this initiative a success.
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
If you too would like to help, you can download both documents here:
The Petition - The Brochure
WEBBITS
10/08/2010 06:39
The Cholesterol Meter Is Off The Wall Here
10/08/2010 06:39
We’re not sure why it’s always the Indiana State Fair, but every year they come up with calories to burn.
Last year we told you about their chocolate coated bacon.
This year, it’s pretty simple though.
The Doughnut Burger.
Yep, that’s right, a burger using two Krispy Kreme doughnuts for the bun.
Along with the deep fried butter of course.
The Dilemma Of Texting While Driving
10/08/2010 06:39
Most intelligent folks would agree that texting while driving is a safety hazard.
Not much argument there, right?
But what about in a traffic jam?
You know the kind where an accident on the Whitemud has you in stop and go traffic for an hour at a time.
How about texting when you are stopped?
Should be all right, non?
Wrong.
Want To Quit Smoking?
10/08/2010 06:39
Some of you out there may want to quit smoking, but many find it too hard to just quit.
So they turn to patches and pills and other devices, none of which work very well.
Turns out you have to ‘out-think’ your cravings.
How’s that again?
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
09/08/2010 05:33
Re: Doormats With A Difference
I live in Tucson, AZ, and a friend in Canada sent me the photos of these hysterical doormats with a difference.
Where can I buy them?
Already have a list of lucky recipients!
Thanks,
Phyllis
Charlie & Phyllis
Agents, Harris Mobile Home Sales
CTA's - Relocation Specialists
Tucson, AZ.
SINC SAYS:
Turns out they are real and a bit of work on the part of Phyllis paid off:
Hi Again,
I copied one of the pictures, enlarged it and discovered they are manufactured by www.highcotton.com.
They gave me the name of two companies here in Tucson which carry a very limited number of the mats.
I am trying to get them to let me be a distributor/sales agent as I KNOW, I could sell a ton of them when the snowbirds fly back into town and the RV'ers.
By the way, your website is neat and I will visit often.
Phyllis
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for the heads up and your kind comments Phyllis. Not to mention that we’re glad to add you to our growing list of international readers.
Thoughts On The Upcoming Election
Re: Changing Council Members Will Have No Effect
Mr. Andrich makes a good point. His argument though, is based on the assumption that "certain people" will choose for us the selection of candidates from which to choose. (Henry Ford: "You can have any colour you want, long as it's black.")
Don, I also had this draft in archive. May as well put it to work:
Interesting reports are coming from election candidates' stumping and door-knocking. The very strong majority of voters is giving them an earful of annoyance.
And Martha and Henry are expressing a healthy skepticism that exchanging the devils they know for the ones they don't, will bring improvement. For how much faith should one place on election promises? That may explains the recent dismally low election turnouts.
Unhappily, M & H aren't going to find a fairy god-mother to fix this sorry state for us. We must do it, or it won't get done.
We must first know what we want in candidates, and what behaviour we want. Know a candidate's history, and what company he's kept ... and you *know* him. Or so I was taught as a boy.
90% of the tax-take in St-Albert comes from M & H. One would then expect that 90% of all City expenditures would flow back to M&H in service to them. Are there any M&Hs at all who think this is happening? I say "No."
Since "Who pays the piper calls the tune." is true for all times, I think we need to break and replace the current system (campaign funding coming almost entirely from "corporate campaign investors" or wealthy candidates). And we must subsidize campaign expenses so more M & Hs can afford to offer to serve.
"If elected, I'll always do, and vote for, what's best for the greatest number." That's the only promise from a candidate that we ought to want to hear from him. And we ought to be prepared to make his life miserable if he breaks that promise.
"God must love the common man, He made so many of us."
We can do that.
This "Do what's best for the greatest number" was Red Ryder's (and L'il Beaver's) motto over 60 years ago. Called: "The Code of the Old West".
And before that, the motto was the foundation of Gladstone's governments in liberalism's finest day.
Deane Doucette,
Grandin
SINC SAYS:
Interesting observations indeed Deane, thanks for writing.
Welcome To Live Chat
09/08/2010 05:33
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Playing Tomorrow Night At LB’s Pub
Rick and Jay Leblanc
Local St. Albert Musicians
Jay is currently playing in the band a rule of nines. Jay is a very studied bass player who enjoys the funk and fusion style.
Rick is a great keyboardist vocalist who will join his son Jay and a band they are putting some tunes together with. They play a wide variety of tunes from the 70’s,80’s, 90’s, 00’s. Ranging from R & B, Rock, Pop, Funk, and everything in between.They have been jamming together and are looking to go out and have some fun on stage. The group is made up of working musicians from various bands in and around the Edmonton area.
Cody Horb – drums
Rick Leblanc - Keys
Jay Leblanc - Bass
Mo Sim - Guitar
Doug Wark - Guitar
Bernd Gretzinger - Percussion
Ammar’s Moosehead Tuesday Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Hosted by Mark Ammar
Moosehead Beer Specials
Sponsored by Moosehead Beer
WEBBITS
09/08/2010 05:33
Giant Squid Washes Up On N.Z. Beach
09/08/2010 05:32
Residents in NZ found a giant squid had washed up on a local beach.
They contacted authorities to let them know.
But they’re not going to do anything about it.
I guess what natures puts there, nature will take away.
Or will it?
What In The World Is This Animal?
09/08/2010 05:32
Fox News in Detroit have some photos on their site of an animal that shows up in a viewer’s back yard.
If you think you know what it is, why not help them out?
You can see more photos on their web site.
You’ll find it here.
☚ Click Left For Municipal Election Forum
08/08/2010 04:55
The Real Truth About The Community League Hall
Hi, Don:
As you can well imagine, at St. Albert Community League, Hellz-a-Poppin', as we prepare for imminent invasion!
Support of allies is good at times like these, which is why we ask you to please make your readers aware of our town hall meeting next Tuesday.
We believe the angels are with us on this one, so we'll be glad to see strong comment here: either critical or supportive.
Our poster is attached.
Deane Doucette
Grandin
SINC SAYS:
Deane, it is obvious one side or the other is outright lying here. I know which side I believe.
Good luck with your mission of truth.
Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan
Petition Volunteers Needed
We need each of you to take out a petition (copy attached) in your neighbourhood and get 25-50 signatures BY AUGUST 15TH. If You have health or other issues that make this difficult for you, then we ask you to please recruit a friend, neighbour, or family member to take the petition out on your behalf.
ITS EASY:
- E-mail me
- You do not need to know a lot about the plan. The petition itself has the basics of the plan and our concerns about it. In addition you can print off a copy of the brochure for reference (attached). It describes the key elements of the plan, plus lists out areas of concern in more detail. If you don't have a printer or would like extra copies of the brochure, e-mail me and I'll get copies to you.
- All you need to say is: Hi, I'm _____________, and I'm looking for your support in a petition asking Council to reject the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan and/or put it to a plebiscite in the Municipal Election. Some people will know about it, and say I'll sign, others will need to hear more, others will say no. In every case, thank them for their time. Get their name (printed) signature, address, and sign as a witness to their signature, and mark in the date.
- E-mail me when you have finished, and I will get your completed petition picked up. We need completed petitions for our presentation to Council on August 16th. If you have any questions about this let me know by return e-mail, or call me at 780-418-5659.
Thanks for helping make the St. Albert Taxpayers, and this initiative a success.
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
If you too would like to help, you can download both documents here:
The Petition - The Brochure
About That British Soldier . . .
Don:
The British merchants who refused to sell booze to a soldier in uniform were merely taking a page from the book of the good people of Halifax, who closed their bars and restaurants to Canadian servicemen on May 7, 1945, the day Germany surrendered, and told them to get the hell back to their barracks and not bother Halifax's peace and quiet.
At least the sailors of the RCN didn't feel "deeply hurt." Instead, they tore the place apart: 3 dead, 363 arrested, 654 businesses damaged, 207 businesses looted, 2,624 windows broken and 65,000 quarts of liquor "missing," plus 8,000 cases of beer and 1,500 cases of wine that suffered the same fate. There was also the incidental cost of a Royal Commission, which blamed the sailors, of course, not the friendly merchants of Halifax who'd been ripping them off since the start of the war.
The Royal Commission ought not to have been needed, since it should have been obvious that you don't treat people who have been risking their lives for their country - for six years in the North Atlantic, no less - with such disrespect.
David J Climenhaga
Alberta Diary
The Blonde Leading The Blonde
WEBBITS
08/08/2010 04:55
* Devil’s in the details: Accused shoplifter left purse behind.
* Claws out for NZ’s Next Top Cat Model.
* From dishwasher to al Qaeda leadership.
* Cancer couldn’t stop him from his marathon goal.
* Frenchman survives 75-foot fall at Grand Canyon.
* Utah polygamists star in reality TV show.
How Superman Saved The Day
08/08/2010 04:55
Many folks in the U.S. Have been faced with foreclosure on their homes over the past couple of years.
It’s a tragic turn of events that happened to too many people.
But one family facing the problem were rescued.
Yep, Superman saved the day.
But how?
The Most Commonly Misspelled Word Is . . .
08/08/2010 04:55
If you’ve got a computer, spelling becomes an issue every day.
Oh yeah, even if you have a spell checker program.
But what single word gives you the most trouble spelling?
I’ll give you a hint.
It’s only got eight letters.
Headaches Caused By Cold Beer And Hot Dogs
08/08/2010 04:54
If you’re prone to headaches, you might want to avoid cold beer and hot dogs.
Especially on a very hot day.
Research has shown that the hotter it gets, the more likely you are to get a headache.
And if you have a cold beer and a hot dog, it will be worse.
Now you know.
