Dave the pro hunter did well on a recent ice fishin' trip up in the Lac LaBiche Area. These 10 pounder northern pikes (jacks) were caught using a three inch Len Thompson Spoon, yellow five of diamonds with a dead minnow attached to the hook.

This is one case where technique really pays off. He would move and jig the spoon up quite high then drop it down to the bottom. The brass metal with yellow painted side creates good flash which help him catch these fish. He used 8 lb. test fishing line on his new browning ice fishin' rod.

I went over to his place to watch him clean these monsters and saw fish that had a foot long row of eggs.

Pike is really good to eat out of cold water. The summer tends to leave the meat soft and are not good for flavour.

This coming spring I will discuss fly fishing techniques for pike. The Sturgeon River in St. Albert offers good places to catch pike on the fly rod.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Paul C.

Wee-Hours Custom Tackle



Ultra Lite Fishing Tackle Company
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Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

More B.C. ecstasy deaths linked to toxin - CBC

Gene Hackman struck by car while riding bike - CNN

Small businesses caught off guard by Groupon coupons - CTV

Radio news director reported as town burned around her - Edmonton Journal

Tories to ditch fines for yapping about early election returns - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

Somehow we think few husbands would object to this facility . . .




Hey Look,

Lunch Is

Served!



Fishing Under The Ice

Complementing Paul C. and his fishing article series, here's a video on ice fishing, from a unique perspective - Bixman, St. Albert.


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Playing Tonight At LB's Pub

Two old guys talking.

One said to the other: "My 85th birthday was yesterday. Wife gave me an SUV".

Other guy: "Wow, that's amazing! Imagine, an SUV! What a great gift!"

First guy: "Yup . . .

Socks, Underwear and Viagra!"

Be sure to visit our home page.

Guestbook

Don,

Wednesday evening, a chap was given a parking ticket while he helped his 'in labour' wife into emergency at the Sturgeon hospital! There does not seem to be any handicapped parking handy up there.
 
Is our shitty that money hungry?

When asked about the guy and his parking ticket the staff response was, "Oh this is  common," and they gave the gent the phone number of the company and told him to explain it to them. They implied that he wouldn't have to pay.
 
Oh, sorry about the typo!
 
From a,

Pissed Off Patient
St. Albert

SINC SAYS:

Gee POP, I was always under the impression that it was Capitol Health who was responsible for administration of parking issues at the Sturgeon hospital. I cannot imagine how utterly brain dead an officer would have to be to issue a ticket under such circumstances. Chalk it up to wannabe cops abusing their authority without reason, to inflict pain and suffering at our local hospital.

Appleyard Square Car Wash Will Proceed

SINC SAYS:

Yesterday we questioned the mayor and council on behalf of neighbourhood residents and businesses if anything could be done to stop the car wash development in Appleyard Square. Only councillor Cam MacKay responded who wrote:

Don;

The land in question had been zoned commercial since the area was developed in the late 70's. I don't know what preclusion the city made in the past but since the zoning had been in place for so long there is little that the SDAB could do. From what I can see there are numerous restrictions on the building permit to make it compatible with the neighbourhood. A notification was made to the homes within the radius and barely anyone attended the hearing. (To my great surprise only one person objected).

The best time to change a land use is at the stage where it is zoned, in this case in the late 70's early 80's. After that the only question the SDAB can entertain is wether the proposed development conforms to the current land use zone. A car wash falls within the discretionary and or permitted uses of neighborhood commercial so it was approved.

I sympathize with affected residents in this matter, however there is little that can be done now. At the SDAB hearing six months ago it would have helped if some tangible objections we're raised then such as whether the development conforms to neighborhood commercial or not.

Cam MacKay
Councillor
St. Albert
_________________________________________________________________




Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

BMO cuts 5 year mortgage rate to all-time low - CBC

Duchess of York faces charges over film in Turkey - CNN

Travel woes plague East Coast after winter storm - CTV

Police seek 10 men in card-skimming fraud - Edmonton Journal

Teen charged after brutal sex attack - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

A final look at 2011 Christmas decorations, redneck style . . .




I Get

Seasick Just

Watching This!



Drunken Dancer During DUI Stop

This guy is one surprise after another.


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Playing Tonight At LB's Pub

A lawyer and a senior citizen are sitting next to each other on a long flight.

The lawyer is thinking that seniors are so dumb that he could get one over on them easily.

So, the lawyer asks if the senior would like to play a fun game.

The senior is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and tries to catch a few winks.

The lawyer persists, saying that the game is a lot of fun. "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me only $5.00. Then you ask me one, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500.00," he says.

This catches the senior's attention and, to keep the lawyer quiet, he agrees to play the game.

The lawyer asks the first question. "What's the distance from the Earth to the Moon?"

The senior doesn't say a word, but reaches into his pocket, pulls out a five-dollar bill, and hands it to the lawyer.

Now, it's the senior's turn. He asks the lawyer, "What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?"

The lawyer uses his laptop to search all references he can find on the net.

He sends emails to all the smart friends he knows; all to no avail. After an hour of searching, he finally gives up.

He wakes the senior and hands him $500.00. The senior pockets the $500.00 and goes right back to sleep.

The lawyer is going nuts not knowing the answer. He wakes the senior up and asks, "Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?"

The senior reaches into his pocket, hands the lawyer $5.00, and goes back to sleep.

Be sure to visit our home page.

Guestbook

Merchants in an Akinsdale strip mall were stunned yesterday morning when excavation crews showed up, fenced off about half the available parking and dug a large hole.

They believe it is the beginning of construction of a car wash they expressed their opposition to the city of St. Albert about, a year ago. It was their first hint of the development going ahead.




The video clearly shows the amount of lost parking space to mall merchants.

The car wash is rumoured to be designed for large trucks as well as small vehicles and they oppose big truck traffic in the quiet residential area.

One employee told SAP the construction had commandeered 75 parking stalls under their permit to be fenced off during the construction period. That leaves the mall with sub standard parking for many months according to the spokesperson who wished to remain anonymous.

Another person pondered why construction would begin when nearly -30° temperatures were forecast in the near future. "Won't those kinds of temperatures bring construction to a standstill? Or did they dig that hole to establish their territory in spite of objections to the project?", he asked.

More On The 150th To SOSA Transfer Of Merchandise

SAP received this reply from councillor Malcolm Parker yesterday:

"Council will be receiving a final report from the 150th Committee shortly which will address the reader's questions."

Our thanks to councillor Parker for pointing that out.

SINC SAYS:

While many will be interested to see just what has gone on with this committee, there is concern that a detailed financial statement of the committee's history will be withheld. That is not acceptable if it turns out to be the case. Too much of council's involvement with this group had been done 'in camera' for no good reason. Many continue to believe that something rotten is being covered up.
_________________________________________________________________




Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

Sober B.C. senior fined for failing to blow on breathalyzer - Vancouver Sun

MP pension changes urged - CBC

'Intriguing' information in Natalie Wood case - CNN

Senior B.C. Mountie arrested for cocaine theft - CTV

Tall Air Canada passengers feel double squeeze - Edmonton Journal

Highlights from the People's Choice Awards - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

Plastic cutlery dragon . . .




Don't Trip

On The Way

To First Base



LG Kompressor Plus Supermodel Commercial

This commercial has a unique twist. Wait for it.


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Playing Tomorrow Night At LB's Pub

The madam opened the brothel door in Glasgow and saw a rather dignified, well-dressed, good-looking man in his late forties or early fifties.

"May I help you sir?" she asked. "I want to see Valerie," the man replied.

"Sir, Valerie is one of our most expensive ladies. Perhaps you would prefer someone else", said the madam. "No, I must see Valerie," he replied.

Just then, Valerie appeared and announced to the man she charged £5,000 a visit. Without hesitation, the man pulled out five thousand pounds and gave it to Valerie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, the man calmly left.

The next night, the man appeared again, once more demanding to see Valerie. Valerie explained that no one had ever come back two nights in a row, as she was so expensive. There were no discounts. The price was still £5000.

Again, the man pulled out the money, gave it to Valerie, and they went upstairs. After an hour, he left.

The following night the man was there yet again. Everyone was astounded that he had come for a third consecutive night, but he paid Valerie and they went upstairs.

After their session, Valerie said to the man, "No one has ever been with me three nights in a row. Where are you from?"

The man replied, " Edinburgh ."

"Really", she said. "I have family in Edinburgh."

"I know." the man said. "Your sister died, and I'm her solicitor. I was instructed to deliver your £15,000 inheritance in person."

Be sure to visit our home page.

Guestbook

Area travellers Doug and Helen send us pictures of some of the strangest signs they encounter while in Thailand. Note the water buffalo calmly grazing near the restaurant patio.



_________________________________________________________________




Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

Saskatoon car thief drives off with 3 children - CBC

Police: Natalie Wood case still open - CNN

Military equipment from Afghanistan replaced with rocks - CTV

Coal plant closings leave grid's future uncertain - Edmonton Journal

Trial continues for former children's doctor - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

Gummy LEGOS for all you LEGO fans out there . . .




How Did

He Not

Hurt Himself?



Incredible Artist Quick Paintings On Glass

What a talent this guy has folks. He creates theses mini paintings in just three minutes. Too bad we cannot understand the language spoken in the clip.


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Playing Tomorrow Night At LB's Pub

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity any more.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

Sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not!

I have been in Deepshit many times. The older I get, the easier it is to get there.

Be sure to visit our home page.

Why didn’t I think of that? You’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems, some you never knew you had!

Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls):


Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band:

Guestbook

Yesterday's questions from St. Albert's Place reader George Proulx and subsequent replies from mayor Crouse and councillors Heron and MacKay may have raised more questions than answers.

Replies from readers in our mail bag were quick to point out some rather obvious discrepancies in the information offered from various sources.

SAP readers have sharp eyes and picked up on this statement in councillor Heron's reply:

"Council did make sure that the lease was over in December of 2011 and from their last report they had cleared out the office and sold off most of its assets."

It would appear to be in direct conflict with information obtained by SAP in a response to city officials by Linda Locicero, project coordinator for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. In that response Locicero wrote:

"Yes the lease runs until March 2012. I did contact the landlord and he said that we would be let out of the lease if someone wanted to rent sooner. He has shown the office but we have not heard anything yet. The Spirit of St. Albert will not be using this space.

"Apparently the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing at city council," quipped the reader who pointed out the contrary information.

And what of the leftover merchandise issue raised by Proulx? Locicero offered that information as well when she wrote:

"Several merchandise items were given out at the Volunteer Appreciation and the Sponsorship Recognition and all remaining items will go to the Spirit of St. Albert. There are very few merchandise items left and I can check numbers and let you know and also report back on numbers that were sold. In regards to the jackets, we have not given away any other than the four I donated as door prizes to the City of St. Albert Christmas Staff Party. The jackets are still available for sale.

According to the motion made at the last Committee Meeting, I believe everything left goes to the Spirit of St. Albert. However, we have given the 150th blankets to the St. Albert Community Village at the Food Bank and some to the Youville Home. We have given the Moostoos dolls to Victim Services and the St. Albert Kinettes."

So evidently, everything left over does indeed go to the Spirit of St. Albert (SOSA). The missing ingredient in the information released by Locicero is the value of the merchandise itself.

Surely the citizens who paid for the merchandise should be told the value of the goods given away prior to the transfer to SOSA as well as the amount transferred as assets to SOSA themselves?

Another SAP reader had this to say:

"SOSA it would appear, is not directly associated with the city, but a private organization, correct? If so, then handing over what could be a considerable amount of investment paid for with tax dollars to SOSA, in my opinion as well as others, is wrong. If SOSA would like to buy the items, then they should pay the wholesale price the 150th Anniversary Celebration paid for them, not be given a free ride with the goods."

That too is a good point and requires an answer from council. How can one group simply turn over assets purchased with tax dollars to another without some accountability? And if such a transfer is done as a sale, should the revenue from such a deal not be returned to taxpayers?

Another question was raised by a reader:

"After reading Cam's response, is the value of the garments and pins included in the $10,000 grant given to SOSA? If not, one has to ask if this is the way to look after items that were purchased with funds initially from the city taxpayers for the 150th celebration? You would think any responsible party (council) would question such a move, should they not?"

Again, it is not hard to see the logic of the readers who question the whole deal. After all, they have a vested interest in what happens as taxpayers who supplied the funds to purchase the souvenir merchandise. Their concerns over why so much material was ordered by the 150th committee in the first place are more than valid.

And finally there is the reaction by readers to the response to the questions from mayor Crouse. Not one person who wrote us felt his reply was appropriate. People tossed out words like, arrogance, untouchable, astounding and unbelievable to describe the seemingly casual way the mayor brushed off any involvement in the situation.

That should send alarm signals to every resident when the mayor completely washes his hands of any concerns taxpayers might have. It was the mayor and his council who gave the 150th Anniversary Celebration committee a half million dollars of taxpayers money. Many would argue the least he can do, is to have some concern for the waste and try and recover the cost of surplus assets.

Wonderfun Hockey League Begins 2012 Season

Things are starting to happen around the St. Albert Wonderfun hockey league and their first team photo of the youngsters involved in the program features the 2011 Flagstone 10 - 13 year old team. Click on the link in the upper right corner of this page to access the Wonderfun page.

Photographs From Our Readers Libraries



Don,

This photo was taken in my back yard. He is sure friendly little guy. I named him Bandito cause he likes to steal food from the bird feeders.

Paul C.
Wee-Hours Custom Tackle
Ultra Lite Fishing Tackle Company
<#))<><><

SINC SAYS:

Still giving that new camera a workout are you Paul? Is it normal to see squirrels out and about in early January? Or is it due to the mild winter so far?
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Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

You Tube-shock St. Albert teacher back to work - Edmonton Sun

Canada basks in balmy temperatures - CBC

Rescuers find 3 alive in W. Virginia cave - CNN

Health agencies call on Feds to help cut sodium - CTV

Records fall as temperatures rise - Edmonton Journal
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

I suppose that's one way to fix it . . .




Serves

Him

Right!



Just Don't Lick Me There!

This little dog has one touchy spot.


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An Avon lady was alone in an elevator when suddenly she had to pass gas.

She promptly reached into her bag and sprayed the air with an Avon pine scented deodorizer.

Two floors later, a gentleman got on the elevator.He began to sniff, and the Avon lady asked, "Do you smell something?"

"Well, yes I do," he replied.

"What does it smell like," she asked?

The bemused man answered, "I'm not sure, but it kind of smells like someone had a crap under a Christmas tree."

Be sure to visit our home page.

Guestbook

Hi Don:

With the end of 2011 coming to a close, it would be interesting to know if rent is still going to be paid on the office site that was utilized by the "150th Anniversary Committee" characters and to see if the other group, the "Spirit Of St. Albert", who are planning on another "picnic in the park" are going to continue using the space?

Secondly, how many jackets, sweaters, etc. that were bought for resale were actually sold and what happens to any leftover stock? Can council enlighten us on this matter?

In my travels, I did not see a single one!

I'm curious,

George Proulx
St. Albert

SINC SAYS:

Since you brought it up, we too are now curious enough to send a formal request to mayor and council for the answer. We've emailed a link to this letter to every member of council. We'll let you know if we get a reply, and from which councillors.

Follow Up Responses To Questions:

SINC SAYS:

Well folks, it wasn't long until we heard back to our query to members of council.

First to respond was councillor Cam MacKay who wrote:

"In regard to George's questions, I went through some of my files and I think that the Spirit of St.Albert Society is to inherent the left over swag items from the 150th. (I'm not 100% on this.) So all the jackets and pins will likely become there property. I imagine there is much that is unsold and presently I don't know how much of it was sold.

The 150th should be vacating the office space soon. I do not know when there lease expires but it should be soon. I can't see the newly formed spirit of St.Albert occupying the office as they do not have much in the way of funds. As you are probably aware they came to council with a request for 30k and a motion was passed approving 10K. Unless they have other financial sources they probably do not have enough to rent the space.

Good to hear from you."

Then we heard from mayor Crouse who responded:

"The 150th operating as a not for profit organization with its own Board of Directors.  Mr. Proulx should feel free to contact the Board of the 150th directly with any questions."

I then asked the mayor:

"Can I assume from your response that as mayor, you have no concern that there may have been a waste or misuse of our tax dollars, given by you and council to the committee?"

No response from the mayor as yet on that question.

Councillor Cathy Heron has now responded and makes some very interesting comments:

"First as for paying for office space beyond 2011. The answer is NO. The city and its taxpayers have wrapped up any responsibility. I for one was opposed to monies beyond the initial $500,000 contribution for lease space, but that battle was lost over a year ago. Council did make sure that the lease was over in December of 2011 and from their last report they had cleared out the office and sold off most of its assets.

Nolan is correct in saying that they were a separate not for profit organization with their own board of directors making decisions as to where and how funds were spent. We did have a council representative on the board so I will check with that Roger to see if he knows more.

As for the Spirit of St. Albert group – yes they plan on carrying on some of the events from the anniversary year. There is some confusion surrounding the surplus generated from the committee and future funding. I will be making inquiries during the month of January to make sure the know the exact dollar figure of the surplus, who is entitled to it, what the SOS plans are and how much they are asking from the city. During budget we did allocate some money towards SOS, but that was with the understanding that the surplus was being put into a city reserve, now I am not sure this is happening.

In my opinion – office space is not needed to run an organization such as the SOS. I have helped plan many fundraising events and festival where we meet at coffee houses and kitchen tables. For the first year at least I believe the SOS could do the same."

SINC SAYS:

I find Heron's comment, "During budget we did allocate some money towards SOS, but that was with the understanding that the surplus was being put into a city reserve, now I am not sure this is happening." to be somewhat disturbing. Any surplus should be returned, should it not?

Our thanks to the mayor and councillors for their input on the issue.

Christmas Tree Pickup Begins This Week

The City of St. Albert will be picking up Christmas Trees curbside from January 9 - 20th, 2012. Residents can place their Christmas trees at the curb on the same day as the waste collection day.

Residents can also drop off their Christmas trees before or after the dates above at the Compost Depot, located three kilometres west of St. Albert Trail on Villeneuve Road. No other tree material will be accepted.

Please refrain from wrapping trees in plastic and ensure all decorations are removed.

Trees collected through the City's Annual Christmas Tree Pickup Program will be composted.

For more information, please call Public Works at 780-459-1557.
_________________________________________________________________




Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

VIDEO: Woman survives bungee jump accident - CBC

Iran sentences American to death in spy case - CNN

Tempers flare ahead of B.C. pipeline hearings - CTV

Blatchford Field celebrates 85th anniversary - Edmonton Journal

Heist suspect nabbed at Sun - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

Darn those broken New Year's resolutions . . .




She Seems

Just A

Bit Upset!



Deer Rescued By Skaters

Giving a deer a helping hand.


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Playing Tomorrow Night At LB's Pub

January 10

Jim Donnett (Guitar)

Bob Kitt (Keyboards)

Humbert B (Bass) 

Jim - The respect Jim has as one of our area's tastiest guitarists gets him on to many stages as a sideman. The guy who always quietly sets up on one side of the stage and adds very tasty licks and can fill in any style of music from jazz to fusion to rock, country or blues. Very versatile and experienced from his many years on the west coast being very active in the music scene.

Bob - Is very well known in the jazz circles of Edmonton and surrounding area. Bob has always been around our jam scene since its start up and is a mainstay at the Yardbird Suites jazz jams. Very, very versed on the keyboards and is also a great bass player. Bob's keen sense for fills on the keys really makes him stand out. Very comfortable with all styles and a second time featured guest.

Humbert - Has a groove that shows in his body motion which makes for a comfortable pocket grab for any drummer. This musician just makes it happen no matter the situation. I like Humbert's sense of time and knack for keeping the motion in motion. He plays with a few local acts, The Barry Campbell band to name one and ia also a second time featured guest. A very good feel for Reggae and funk.

The Tuesday
Moosehead/Barsnbands
Open Stage

Every Tuesday night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Hosts Mark Ammar, Jim Dyck and Randy Forsberg
Moosehead Beer Specials and barsnbands prizes

Moosehead Beer

Barsnbands

Guestbook

Can you guess what this item is when viewed under a microscope? (Please enter your guess in the Live Chat area below.)


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Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat


Links To Other Stories In The News:

'Montreal, en francais' protesters chant at Habs game - CBC

Paramedic accused of sexual assault inside ambulance - CNN

Professors say permanent calendar would be cost-saver - CTV

Sexual addiction among women real and growing - Edmonton Journal

Naked body of senior found - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________

The Things That People Send Us

Hmmm, reversible Clints . . .




Get Outta

The Way!



Lady Juggler

You won't soon forget the ability of this young lady.


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Why didn’t I think of that? You’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems, some you never knew you had!

Hull strawberries easily using a straw:


Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes:

Guestbook