22 February 2009
The Granddaddy Of Bad Ideas - Close St. Anne Street?
28/02/2009 03:45
Local columnist David
J Climenhaga had a surprise for readers of his
Saint City News column yesterday concerning a
reported attempt by the mayor’s task force to
recommend the permanent closing of St. Anne
Street in downtown St. Albert.
David started off his column with these words:
“The Road to Hell, as the saying goes, is paved with good intentions.”
I too, am fond of using old sayings and the one I would choose to use regarding this stupidity is:
“There’s something rotten in the state of Denmark.”
If you ask enough people in this city, you will find various opinions on the issue, but mostly you will find suspicion.
Who is behind this
nonsense and why? Who stands to gain by such
a move? Is the Grandin Mall development
involved? Is the Chamber of Commerce involved
somehow with their Farmers Market? Is the
city itself involved so city hall employees
would no longer have to wait for a light to
cross St. Anne Street?
In short, someone needs to step up and make clear what the real motives are behind such a questionable move.
David has summed it up nicely when he states in part:
“To quote Donovan Rypkema, a Washington, D.C., economic-development consultant, “Pedestrian malls are as close to a 100-per-cent urban design failure as there is.”
This is why cities all over North America that closed off business streets to create malls between the 1950s and the 1990s are now converting them back to normal streets – a day late and millions of taxpayer dollars short.
So it should concern us that when the Mayor’s Task Force on the future of St. Albert’s downtown reports later this year, it’s likely to recommend that St. Anne Street be closed and turned into some from of urban street mall.
That St. Anne is not lined with businesses should not comfort us. The same fundamental flaws with malls that wreck downtown business districts apply to the areas around government offices, public libraries, theatres and courthouses.”
Read the full column here.
Stop and think about if folks. All traffic that enters the city on 184th Street winds up using St. Anne Street to connect with the St. Albert Trail and it flows nicely right now past city hall.
To permanently divert that flow to the cumbersome intersection at Perron Street- Sir Winston Churchill Avenue - Greengrove Drive is asinine to say the least.
Hell you can hardly call Greengrove Drive a road. At best it is a awkward, lane and one half that was some traffic engineer’s afterthought to connect the downtown to the Trail. It is not and never was designed to carry any more traffic than it now does.
Imagine the traffic backups that will line Perron Street between the lights at Sir Winston Churchill and St. Anne Street if this goofy idea sees the light of day.
At the end of the
day folks, as Elmer Fudd used to say, “be
vewy, vewy suspicious” that this move is
being considered to profit someone or
something. There is no other reasonable
rational for such a recommendation.
If you have some thoughts on the closure, send them along and we’ll let the politicians know how local citizens view this move.
It’s bad enough they close the street for the Farmers Market each Saturday all summer long, when it clearly belongs out at $ervu$ Place where there is room for shoppers to park.
In short, someone needs to step up and make clear what the real motives are behind such a questionable move.
David has summed it up nicely when he states in part:
“To quote Donovan Rypkema, a Washington, D.C., economic-development consultant, “Pedestrian malls are as close to a 100-per-cent urban design failure as there is.”
This is why cities all over North America that closed off business streets to create malls between the 1950s and the 1990s are now converting them back to normal streets – a day late and millions of taxpayer dollars short.
So it should concern us that when the Mayor’s Task Force on the future of St. Albert’s downtown reports later this year, it’s likely to recommend that St. Anne Street be closed and turned into some from of urban street mall.
That St. Anne is not lined with businesses should not comfort us. The same fundamental flaws with malls that wreck downtown business districts apply to the areas around government offices, public libraries, theatres and courthouses.”
Read the full column here.
Stop and think about if folks. All traffic that enters the city on 184th Street winds up using St. Anne Street to connect with the St. Albert Trail and it flows nicely right now past city hall.
To permanently divert that flow to the cumbersome intersection at Perron Street- Sir Winston Churchill Avenue - Greengrove Drive is asinine to say the least.
Hell you can hardly call Greengrove Drive a road. At best it is a awkward, lane and one half that was some traffic engineer’s afterthought to connect the downtown to the Trail. It is not and never was designed to carry any more traffic than it now does.
Imagine the traffic backups that will line Perron Street between the lights at Sir Winston Churchill and St. Anne Street if this goofy idea sees the light of day.
At the end of the
day folks, as Elmer Fudd used to say, “be
vewy, vewy suspicious” that this move is
being considered to profit someone or
something. There is no other reasonable
rational for such a recommendation.
If you have some thoughts on the closure, send them along and we’ll let the politicians know how local citizens view this move.
It’s bad enough they close the street for the Farmers Market each Saturday all summer long, when it clearly belongs out at $ervu$ Place where there is room for shoppers to park.
Breastfeeding While Driving Gets Woman A Ticket
28/02/2009 03:45
KETTERING — A
Harrison Twp. woman faces child endangering
charges after police said she admitted to
breastfeeding her child and talking on a cell
phone while driving, according to Kettering
Police Officer Michael
Burke.The incident happened about 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Feb., 26, near the intersection of Far Hills Avenue and Dorothy Lane, Burke said.
A male motorist called the police department's non-emergency number to report that he had seen the woman breastfeeding and talking on a cell phone while driving, Burke said. The man reported that he also witnessed the woman driving a Honda minivan into the parking lot of a local school and saw some children get out of the van. The man then got the van's license plate number and called police.
"I'm following right behind her right now on Far Hills Avenue," the caller said as he spoke to a Kettering dispatcher in a recording of his non-emergency call that was released by police on Friday, Feb. 27.
"I tried to say something to her. She literally has the little girl on the steering wheel and I said, 'I can't believe you have that kid in your lap and she said, 'You want to pop your titty out and breastfeed this kid?' That's what she said to me. I'm like, 'You can feed your kid when you stop.' It's like wet out here. It's full of traffic. It's ridiculous. She's got like three other kids in the car."
The rest of the story.
SINC SAYS:
I suppose you could say she was letting it all hang out, but this is some kind of multi-tasking is it not?
Whistling Orangutan Impresses Zoo Researchers
28/02/2009 03:45
At the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., Bonnie the orangutan has been amazing researchers with her special talent: Bonnie knows how to whistle.
Those notes are a symphony to the ears of primate researchers who believe her musical abilities could lead to a greater understanding of how human speech evolved.
"I think what makes it significant is that you can train apes to whistle, but no one trained her to do it. She decided to do it on her own," says Erin Stromberg, who works in the National Zoo's Great Ape house and helps care for the orangutans.
Stromberg helped publish a recent paper on Bonnie's talents. Researchers believe Bonnie was trying to imitate the sounds of zookeepers who whistle while they work. Stromberg says Bonnie's ability to copy that sound is powerful evidence that apes can re-create the sounds of other species.
"So what's significant about Bonnie learning to whistle is not that she's able to do it, it's that she saw someone else do it and just picked it up," Stromberg says.
Bonnie is 32 years old, with dark orange hair and a big round belly, and weighs in at a svelte 140 pounds. She lives in a concrete enclosure with plenty of things to climb up and swing down. A large window allows spectators to look in, and Bonnie to look right back at them.
Bonnie has been mimicking her zookeepers' movements for years. She likes to sweep the floors and wash the windows, although she uses dirty rags to do it.
When she started whistling, researchers decided to test her gift for mimicking sounds. They asked Stromberg to whistle basic patterns to see whether Bonnie could copy them. It turned out to be easier for the ape than for the human — Stromberg isn't a great whistler — so the researchers kept it simple.
"I would give a long whistle, and would she then in turn imitate me? Or if I do a short whistle, would she do a short whistle? And she would," Stromberg says. "She was pretty good at following what I was doing. I think what makes it significant is that she decided to do it on her own. Something made her want to whistle, or at least try it out. And so to me, she was challenging herself to do something else."
SINC SAYS:
Methinks the apes are evolving again.
Immoral Behaviour . . .
28/02/2009 03:45
Leaves 'bad taste in
the mouth'Immoral behaviour really does leave a "bad taste in the mouth", say scientists.
Researchers who studied the facial expressions of volunteers found close similarities between their reaction to moral outrage and feelings of "disgust".
A wrinkled nose and curl of the upper lip are classic signs of disgust, an ancient response that evolved to keep people away from infection and danger.
The ancient mechanism that helps us avoid poisons and disease is what causes us to recoil from unpleasant smells and bitter tasting food, or the sight of blood.
In the study, scientists watched the facial movements of volunteers as they sampled bad-tasting liquids or looked at photographs of dirty toilets or messy injuries.
Their reactions were compared with those that occurred when they were treated unfairly in a laboratory game.
Each case produced the same response, marked by a raising of the upper lip and wrinkle of the nose via the "levator labii muscle".
Research leader Hanah Chapman, a student psychologist at the University of Toronto in Canada, said: "We found that people show activation of this muscle region in all three situations - when tasting something bad, looking at something disgusting, and experiencing unfairness."
Dr Adam Anderson, also from Toronto University, who co-authored the study published today in the journal Science, said: "These results shed new light on the origins of morality, suggesting that not only do complex thoughts guide our moral compass, but also more primitive instincts related to avoiding potential toxins.
"Surprisingly, our sophisticated moral sense of what is right and wrong may develop from a new-born's innate preference for what tastes good and bad, what is potentially nutritious versus poisonous."
SINC SAYS:
Remember this the next time someone sneers at you folks.
Avalanche Buries Senior In Mountain Hut
28/02/2009 03:44
Rescue workers have
freed an 84-year-old shepherd woman after she
spent two days buried under an avalanche in her
cabin on a mountainside in the Bavarian Alps,
daily Bild reported on
Wednesday. The woman lives at 1,500 metres (4,920 feet) on the Geigelstein, the second highest peak in the Chiemgau Alps. She called emergency services some time after the slide covered her hut under four metres (13 feet) of snow on Monday.
“I still have enough provisions for three months, but it’s getting a bit sinister here,” Bild said the woman told the dispatch centre.
On Wednesday, mountain rescuers arrived and dug her out even as extreme avalanche danger in the area persisted, flying her to safety in a helicopter.
Heavy snow in the Alps has caused numerous accidents and closed motorways due to extreme avalanche danger, and five people have been killed in snow slides in the last week, news agency DPA reported on Friday. Some ski areas have also closed because of unstable snow conditions.
“Those without experience should not be on the slopes,” head of Bavarian avalanche warning service Georg Kronthaler said.
Meanwhile more snow is expected in the region on Friday. Though sunshine should break through the clouds by Saturday, experts warned that warmer temperatures will increase avalanche risk as snow settles and melts.
SINC SAYS:
What the hell is an 84 year-old doing living on a mountain anyways?
Balls Replace Chairs In Classroom
28/02/2009 03:44
Teacher Says It
Improves Focus,
LearningFORT COLLINS, Colo. -- You've seen those large exercise balls at the gym but now they're rolling into the classroom, where a Fort Collins teacher is using the balls to improve her students' concentration and posture.
About a month ago Tiffany Miller replaced the desk chairs in her fourth-grade classroom with stability balls, and now she's seeing improvements in behavior and learning.
"We know with brain based research that when you are actively sitting your brain is more engaged. The other reason is the posture is better, which means that there is more blood flow going to your brain," said Miller, a teacher at Bauder Elementary.
By using core muscles to balance on the balls, the students stay focused, which improves learning and posture.
"I've never thought about going back to a chair," said student Nolan Diana.
"It helps me learn," another student said.
"When you had chairs you were always slouching. But if you slouch on a stability ball you will fall over," explained student Madelyn Cesa.
"If you don't have good posture when you are older you are just going to be like this, hunched over," Nolan said, bending over.
The stability balls allow the students to move around, minimizing restlessness.
"I am a huge fan of being able to fidget," Miller said.
Her students agree.
"They are better than chairs because you can wiggle around and in chairs you just stay really stiff," said Madelyn.
"I have noticed a change. I think if you asked the kids, they'll tell you they've noticed a change … They enjoy sitting in their seats now," Miller said. "I don't know if it would work for other teachers, but it works for me."
The only problem is if you leave your seat, it might just roll away.
SINC SAYS:
I guess no one had the balls to protest this move.
Jones Storms Back To Beat P.E.I. In Tie-Breaker
28/02/2009 03:44
Jones beats MacPhee sisters in tie-breaker
VICTORIA - P.E.I.'s quest to reach the Page playoffs at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts came up short.
Less than a centimetre short.
Canada's Jennifer Jones earned steals in the 10th and 11th ends to rally for a thrilling 6-5 win over P.E.I.'s Rebecca Jean MacPhee in Friday's tiebreaker. The defending champions advance to Saturday's 3-versus-4 Page playoff game (TSN, 2:30 p.m.), where they'll face Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton.
The loss was as heartbreaking as it gets for MacPhee and her sister, Robyn, who throws P.E.I.'s final stones. Facing a well-guarded Canada stone at the edge of the button in the extra end, Robyn threw what everyone thought was a perfect shot.
The P.E.I. rock nudged the Canadian stone, then spun sideways, as both stones came to rest in the four-foot.
After eyeing up both shots twice, P.E.I. conceded that Jones had shot rock, keeping the defending champions alive by the slimmest of margins.
"I really thought we had it," said Rebecca Jean MacPhee, who beat Jones in the round robin. "I actually said to Robin afterwards that she had exactly the weight we wanted, we had the line we wanted, and I'm surprised that with (that) weight it rolled off that much.
"I thought it was going to stick right there."
Jones also thought P.E.I. might have pulled out the victory as she watched MacPhee's final shot head towards the house.
"I thought she threw it pretty well," said Jones. "We knew she was going to be close, it was just a question of whether it was going to curl enough, and lucky enough for us, it didn't.
"They played outstanding ... a shot here or there, it could have gone either way."
More from Canadian Press.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
B.C.'s Marla Mallett beat Marie-France Larouche of Quebec 7-5 last night in the Page 1 vs. 2 playoff game, and advances directly to Sunday's championship final.
Team Canada's Jennifer Jones of Manitoba takes on Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton this afternoon at 12:30 p.m. local time in the Page 3 vs. 4 playoff game on TSN. The winner then takes on Larouche in Saturday's semi-final to determine who will advance to Sunday's championship final against Mallett.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, I see Team Canada is still alive and into the playoffs at the Scotties. Don’t bet against them just yet.
Lumsden-McCarty Pairing Has Much Allure For Esks
28/02/2009 03:44
EDMONTON — The names of football backfield duos still resonate with many, even decades after the sport went all pass-happy.
Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor; Jim Brown and Bobby Mitchell; Jim Kiick and Larry Csonka; Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker; Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris in the NFL.
North of the border, Dave Thelen and Ronnie Stewart; George Dixon and Don Clark; Jim Germany and Neil Lumsden as well as Chris Skinner and Milson Jones here in Edmonton; and, recently, Thunder and Lightning over there in Winnipeg — Joe Smith and Fred Reid, albeit on a rotational basis.
Now, with the signing of Jesse Lumsden, the Eskimos players and coaching staff are tantalized by the possibilities presented by a Lumsden-Calvin McCarty twosome lined up behind quarterback Ricky Ray.
For GM Danny Maciocia, there’s an obvious parallel, though not a perfect one, with the Mike Pringle-Thomas Haskins tandem with the Montreal Alouettes at the start of this decade. Maciocia tried to transplant that duo out west, convincing first the fireplug tailback Pringle to come to Edmonton, and later swingman Haskins, as much receiver as runner, not unlike McCarty.
Pringle and Haskins never teamed up in Edmonton after Haskins suffered a career-ending brain injury.
And, in any event, the comparison between those two backs and the Lumsden-McCarty tag-team is a loose one. Both Lumsden and McCarty are tailbacks, for starters, as offensive co-ordinator Rick Worman was swift to point out.
And veteran fullback Mathieu Bertrand is very much part of the mix, among other things as a battering-ram lead blocker for either Lumsden or McCarty.
Worman doesn’t necessarily plan to use McCarty and Lumsden as twin tailbacks all that often. But neither would he rule out utilizing that nifty little option, now and then, if it fits the situation.
“The goal is to have some semblance of a balance (between running and passing),” Worman said. “And I don’t necessarily mean, in a three-down game, a balance of 50-50.
“It might be more like 70-30 in reality, versus the 90-10 it was last year and even the year before that.”
Last year, as observers well know, the Eskimos were No. 1 in the CFL through the air, and dead last on the ground.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Calvin McCarty and Jesse Lumsden should provide the Eskimos running game with one helluva one-two punch this year. And, with them both being Canadians, the Esks new running game will be a ratio changer too.
Lumsden Keeps His Number
28/02/2009 03:44
New running back happy to have his dad's old locker, but that's it
Jesse Lumsden got his dad's former locker room stall but not his jersey number when he arrived in Edmonton Thursday to begin his career with the Eskimos.
Signed as a free agent last week, the 26-year-old native of Edmonton was given the same No. 28 he wore during his four seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Jesse's father, Neil, wore No. 32 in his six years with the Eskimos.
"If there had been a No. 32 jersey in my locker, I might have had something to say about it," said the joking six-foot-two, 226-pound running back, who was happy to have his dad's old locker but didn't want his number.
"That was his number, this is my number and I feel lucky to get it and get to wear it as an Eskimo." After handing him the jersey, Eskimos general manager Danny Maciocia said Lumsden was signed because of his merits and what the team believes he can do as an Eskimo, not because his dad played here.
Maciocia said Lumsden further strengthens the Eskimos' Canadian content and gives the team a running back with power on short yardage and to close out games.
"We have the quarterback ... we have the receivers ... can we get a guy to close out football games, can we get a guy to punch it in from the two, can we get a guy to convert on second-and-two, second-and-three on a regular basis? That's what will ultimately put us over the top ... we have our answer right here. If he wasn't, he wouldn't be here."
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
A healthy Jesse Lumsden will make one helluva difference to the Edmonton Eskimo football team. He may be enough to put them over the top and into the Grey Cup. SWIVEL HIPS has been advocating the Eskimos try to get Lumsden here for a long, long time.
Giants Need Burress: Jacobs
28/02/2009 03:44
Running back signs four-year deal, hopes troubled receiver settles issues
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - A day after signing a new $25-million contract, halfback Brandon Jacobs said the only thing the New York Giants need to make another run at a title is Plaxico Burress.
"We have to hope Plaxico Burress gets out of all the issues he has going on there legally," Jacobs said Thursday in a conference call. "If he can get out of that, we can bring him back and I think that is basically all we need, to be honest with you."
Burress' future very likely will be decided in a New York City court room in about a month. The 31-year-old, who caught the winning touchdown pass in the Super Bowl a year ago, faces felony charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the wake of a nightclub shooting in November in which he accidentally shot himself in the right thigh with a handgun.
A conviction could result in a prison sentence ranging from 3 1/2 to 15 years.
Jacobs, who was rewarded for putting together consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, has exchanged text messages with Burress, and he is convinced that Burress expects to be back next season.
"If he can get out of this situation that he is in, everybody prays and hopes that he doesn't go to jail, and then the sky is the limit for him," Jacobs said. "He has cleaned up, no organization problems, no off the field problems, none of that would be happening with him again.
"I don't see any of that happening because he knows how close he came to losing everything he has," Jacobs added. "I think his mind is right now and he is ready to get back out there and perform like he had been doing."
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Let’s hope that Plaxico Burress can turn his life around, folks, because he really is a superstar as a NFL receiver, and really can be a difference-maker for the New York Giants, when he is right.
Michael Vick Gets Approval For Home Confinement
28/02/2009 03:44
RICHMOND, Va. - Imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick will be allowed to serve the last two months of his sentence under home confinement because there is no room at a halfway house for him, a government official told The Associated Press Thursday.
Vick is serving a 23-month sentence at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., after pleading guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in eastern Virginia's Surry County. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs.
Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News. But because of a lack of space, Vick will be released instead to his home in nearby Hampton at some point on or after May 21, said the official, who has knowledge of the case but requested anonymity because the individual was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
''We are aware of reports regarding the release of Michael Vick,'' Vick lawyers Billy Martin and Lawrence Woodward said in a written statement. ''As his attorneys we understand and respect that there is a process that the Bureau of Prisons follows therefore it is not appropriate for us comment at this time.''
Vick's agent, Joel Segal, did not return messages seeking comment. Vick's mother, Brenda Boddie, said in a telephone interview that she knew nothing about the arrangements.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
There is one justice system for the rich and famous and one for the rest of us, folks. If it were you or me, you’d be simply amazed at how fast they could find room in that halfway house.
McIlroy Thumps Tiger-Slayer Clark At Match Play
28/02/2009 03:44
MARANA, Ariz. - Teenage sensation Rory McIlroy did his part to put some excitement back into the Accenture Match Play Cham-
pionship, crushing the player who knocked out Tiger Woods to advance to the quarter-finals.
McIlroy, the 19-year-old from Northern Ireland who keeps adding credentials to be the next young star, built a 4-up lead after six holes and never gave Tim Clark of South Africa a chance to catch up in a 4-and-3 victory.
One day after Clark was practically flawless in sending Woods home early from Dove Mountain, hardly anything went right. It was the third straight time that a player who beat Woods in this tournament lost in the next round.
Ross Fisher won the first of three England-U.S. matches, easily defeating Jim Furyk, 4 and 3.
Another match ended early under the wrong kind of circumstances. Luke Donald of England was 1 down to Ernie Els on the 18th tee when he took a practice swing with his driver, felt a twinge in his left wrist and conceded the match.
Donald, who had surgery on that wrist last summer and missed two majors, felt some pain on his tee shot at the 17th, and took extra time hitting his bunker shot to 12 feet.
"For the first time since coming back, I felt a little twinge in my wrist," Donald said. "So rather than risk it, I wanted to play it safe and concede the match to Ernie. Hopefully, I've just pulled it a little bit and nothing serious."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The kid, McIlroy is going to be good in time.
Shortage Of Local Doctors For Seniors
27/02/2009 05:50
Been In St. Albert 36
Years
Same doctor 35 years.
I am 71, family doctor retiring. Also four more from Grandin medical clinic. There is not a doctor available. We will have to go to Spruce Grove.
There is none in Castledowns. A lot of seniors depend on volunteers to get medical treatment that is in St. Albert. Would like to see family doctor for seniors only.
I tried mayor’s office no help. Ken Allred useless. Keep trying website. Physians and surgeons what are seniors to do?
Thank you. Maybe you can snoop around see what future St. Albert’s seniors have?
I know I am worried.
Wee Fluff
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
The plight of seniors in St. Albert is brutal. And the real shame is there is no one in government who gives a damn including local council members. They see seniors as an opportunity to tax the poor to let the rich play in $ervu$ Place. Anyone have any suggestions for this senior lady?
Wow This Is Some Cat!
27/02/2009 05:16
Look at what James
Snipe hit with his car on Pass Creek road, 25
miles SW of Nelson,
B.C. The lion was still alive but unable to move, so our neighbor called the Marion County Dog Catcher and they came and put him down.
A land owner had seen this one a week before dragging off a 320 lb steer. His neighbor is an amateur taxidermist and he's going to stuff him.
This one weighed 260 lbs.while most mature male mountain lions weigh 80 to 150 lbs. We had no idea they still roamed around here!
SINC SAYS:
With the odd cougar sighting in our area, one would be wise to be careful when they get this big.
Cop Loses 10 Days Pay For Drunk Driving
27/02/2009 05:05
CBC News
A North Vancouver police officer has been punished following an RCMP disciplinary hearing Thursday for drunk driving.
Cpl. Darren Baker was ordered Thursday to forfeit 10 days' pay after he admitted at the hearing to driving under the influence of alcohol in December 2007.
The punishment is the most severe Baker could have received without being fired or demoted.
Still, it could have been a lot worse.
The officer was facing a criminal charge of impaired driving last year after he was pulled over for erratic driving in West Vancouver.
The charge was eventually stayed in January because Crown prosecutors overlooked a request by the defence to provide a key piece of evidence — a videotape of the West Vancouver police cellblock where Baker's breathalyzer sample was taken.
By the time the mistake was realized, the tape had been recycled.
B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal said in January he was disappointed by the stayed charges.
The case gained prominence because RCMP headquarters only revealed last October that Baker had been charged with impaired driving, 10 months after the incident. They blamed the delay in disclosure on a communications breakdown.
The case was one of four incidents involving Lower Mainland-area police officers that were revealed last fall.
SINC SAYS:
So there you have it folks. One set of laws for us and another set for the cops. For shame.
Cedar Rapids Group Plans 'Tea' Party
27/02/2009 04:55
A Cedar Rapids group
will do a symbolic tea dumping into the Cedar
River on Saturday because state officials won’t
let them use the real
thing.An anti-tax group wanted to pitch in real tea like the Bostonian revolutionaries opposed to England’s tea taxes.
Tea, although natural and quite tasty, is considered a pollutant that can’t go into a body of water without a permit, said Mike Wade, a senior environmental specialist at the DNR’s Manchester field office.
“Discoloration is considered a violation,” Wade said.
Although not as steeped in history, the Cedar Rapids Tea Party will dump dechlorinated tap water or riverwater from buckets labeled “tea,” said Tim Pugh, the group’s founder.
“We don’t want to hurt the river,” said Pugh, 32, of Cedar Rapids.
Pugh named his group after the Boston Tea Party because he saw similarities between the Cedar Rapids City Council and England’s King George III, who levied a series of taxes against the American colonies in the 1760s and 1770s, he said.
Brew some tea here.
SINC SAYS:
Maybe this is a solution for the St. Albert Taxpayers Association to protest high taxes. They could dump clean water in the Sturgeon and clean it up at the same time.
Canada's Jones Needs Win To Make Playoffs At Scotties
26/02/2009 18:39
VICTORIA - If Jennifer Jones is going to win the Canadian women's curling championship, she'll have to do it the hard way.
Again.
Jones's Winnipeg foursome continued its unexpected tumble down the Scotties Tournament of Hearts standings Thursday with an 8-7, 11-end loss to Rebecca Jean MacPhee of P.E.I. in Draw 15.
Jones, third Cathy Overton-Clapham, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn Askin squandered a number of opportunities against MacPhee, capped by Jones failing to set a proper guard with her final shot in the 11th end. MacPhee's sister, Robyn, who throws final stones for the rink, finished off the victory by removing Canada's only shot in the rings, leaving P.E.I. lying one.
The loss dropped Canada to 6-4, leaving it in the middle of a logjam with one draw remaining. MacPhee and Quebec's Marie-France Larouche (7-4) each earned at least a tiebreaker berth with victories in Draw 16. Jones and Stefanie Lawton of Saskatchewan are tied for fourth with Alberta's Cheryl Bernard. A win for any of these teams would clinch at least a spot in the tiebreaker, while a loss would likely mean elimination.
"We have one more game, and if we win it I think we're in," said Jones. "That's all we have to do, and go from there."
It's familiar territory for Jones, who began last year's Scotties at 3-4 before reeling off eight straight victories to win the championship.
But there's a major difference: last year, this team wasn't missing many shots. This year, they go into the final game having lost four of their last five games - and facing a team that has clearly been the class of the tournament.
"I'm sure B.C.'s playing well, every team here is playing well," said Jones. "We'll just have to go out and play better."
More from Canadian Press.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
Cheryl Bernard, representing Alberta, split her two games yesterday, and finished with a 6-5 record, missing the playoffs.
Team Canada's Jennifer Jones (7-4) will face P.E.I.'s Rebecca Jean MacPhee (7-4) this afternoon in a tie-breaker at 2:00 p.m. local time on TSN. The winner of the tie-breaker will advance to the Page 3 vs. 4 playoff game against Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton.
B.C.'s Marla Mallett will take on Quebec's Marie-France Larouche tonight at 7:30 p.m. local time in the Page 1 vs. 2 playoff game on TSN. The winner advances directly to Sunday's championship final, while the loser will play the winner of the Page 3 vs. 4 playoff game in Saturday's semi-final.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Could it possibly be that there will be a new Team Canada this year? Possibly, but as of right now, Team Jennifer Jones is still alive in a tie-breaker situation.
Woods Drops Second Round Match To Clark
26/02/2009 18:38
Marana, AZ (Sports Network) - Tiger Woods' first tournament back after knee surgery ended earlier than expected on Thursday when Tim Clark knocked the world's best out in the second round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Woods, a three-time winner and the defending champion, lost 4-and-2 to Clark at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
"I played really well today, I just didn't make enough birdies," said Woods. "I hit one bad eight-iron and one bad drive in two days. Playing in match- play, you're going to have to make birdies and I didn't do that today."
Woods returned to the PGA Tour after an eight-month absence. He had left knee surgery after his epic win at last year's U.S. Open.
Woods, the No. 1 seed in the Bobby Jones bracket, had a relatively easy time of it on Wednesday in his 3&2 first-round victory over Brendan Jones, but Clark, a former Masters runner-up, was much tougher.
Woods started well with a two-putt birdie for the win at two, but Clark pulled even after an amazing, 65-foot birdie putt at the fifth. Woods caught a horrible lie in the bunker at six and made bogey, falling behind 1-down.
That deficit didn't last long. Woods sank an eight-footer for birdie to win the seventh and get back to all-square. The duo halved the next three holes, then Clark took over.
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
To quote Woods when asked what happened - "I lost."
Former ‘Rider Trevis Smith To Be Deported to U.S.
26/02/2009 18:37
A former CFL football player who received a six-year sentence in 2007 after having unprotected sex with two women when he was HIV-positive was released on full parole Wednesday morning from a Saskatchewan correctional facility.
Trevis Smith, 32, was granted full parole on Jan. 14 after serving a third of his sentence for aggravated sexual assault. Smith, however, won't serve his free time in Canada, said Arti Jolly, a spokeswoman for the National Parole Board.
The former Saskatchewan Roughrider is facing a standing deportation order which will come into effect upon his release. He is set to serve the rest of his sentence on parole in his native state of Alabama with his wife and two children. His sentence expires in 2013.
During a parole hearing in January, Smith said he didn't inform his sexual partners of his HIV status because he was embarrassed and in denial. His parole officer said Smith was a well-behaved prisoner and the parole board found he did not pose a risk to reoffend.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Good riddance.
Martin Named Canadian Sports Awards' Team Of 2008
26/02/2009 18:36
The world champion Alberta curling rink of Kevin Martin, John Morris, Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert took the team of the year honors at the Canadian Sport Awards on Tuesday. The Olympic champion men's eight rowers were named partners of the year and skeleton athlete Sara Reid was named junior athlete of the year.
The Canadian Sport Awards are presented by the charitable True Sport Foundation and are given out to the country's top amateur athletes. The winners were chosen by an independent jury.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Take a bow Team Kevin Martin. It is a very well-deserved award. Congratulations to St. Albert’s own Marc Kennedy, who plays second for the Martin rink.
Former Referee-In-Chief Says Fighting On Way Out
26/02/2009 18:36
LONDON, Ont. - Former NHL referee-in-chief Bryan Lewis says fighting in hockey is on the way out.
Lewis was part of a Violence in Hockey Symposium staged Tuesday by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, a gathering of hockey officials, coaches, media members and a former professional player at the London Convention Centre.
"I believe the screw is finally being turned," Lewis said in an interview.
"I think it's slowly being removed from the game."
The symposium, attended by 98 coaches, trainers and administrators, sought recommendations leading to a decrease in injuries resulting from gratuitous violence on the ice.
Panellist Bernie Pascall, a veteran sportscaster who did play-by-play for the Vancouver Canucks along with 12 world hockey championships and 12 Memorial Cups, conducted a far-reaching report on violence for the British Columbia government in 2000. Among his findings was evidence of parental and crowd influence, inconsistent officiating, and beneath it all, a `culture' in hockey that celebrates aggressive behaviour as a manly pursuit.
Has he seen changes since his report and recommendations?
"A little, not much," Pascall said. "Young players aren't born to be violent, they're shown to be violent".
Pascall said hundreds of interviews with young hockey players led to frank commentary from the kids. Some dreaded the ride home with their fathers and the vocal criticism en route.
"There are those who embarrass the kids, steal their fun," Pascall said.
One of the B.C. initiatives designed to control parental outbursts at games is a "Parent Contract" which enables arena management to oust overly aggressive parents from games.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I don’t know if I agree with Lewis on this one, folks. Maybe fighting will be banned in minor hockey, but in professional hockey it sells tickets – particularly in the U.S. and, therefore, I doubt it will ever be banned from the game.
NFL Commissioner Goodell Takes 20 Per Cent Pay Cut
26/02/2009 18:35
NEW YORK - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is taking a pay cut and the league staff has been trimmed by 15 per cent because of the reeling economy, the NFL confirmed Wednesday.
The league said that its staff cut, announced more than two months ago, has resulted in a reduction of 169 jobs through buyouts, layoffs and other staff reductions. That amounts to just over 15 per cent of the league's work force of 1,100.
"All of us understand that it will continue to take collective sacrifice to get through this challenging economic environment, but these and other steps by our office and clubs will enable us to be more efficient and better positioned for future growth," league spokesman Greg Aiello said.
Goodell, meanwhile, voluntarily took a cut of 20-25 per cent from the US$11-million salary and bonuses he was to receive in the 2008 fiscal year, which ends March 31. He and other league executives are freezing their salaries for 2009.
The NFL announced Dec. 9 it would reduce its staff by 10 to 15 per cent. Seventy-six people took buyouts while 45 jobs were eliminated and 48 openings went unfilled. The moves affect NFL headquarters in New York, NFL Films in Mount Laurel, N.J., and the NFL Network in Los Angeles.
Teams also are reducing expenses.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
The world-wide economic crisis has affected us all.
Give Taxpayers Back $ervu$ Place Overcharge
26/02/2009 04:23
Resident Wants Cash
Back
A copy of this e-mail was sent to St. Albert’s Place as well as to Lynda Flannery at the St. Albert Taxpayers Association:
“It would be interesting to suggest to the mayor and city council to return the $800,000 surplus back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts, given that they over collected the amount from taxpayers to begin with in order to cover their mistake with Servus Place.”
Just Ask
St. Albert
Lynda responded:
You bet. Actually I think it should the 800K they didn't loose, plus the rest of the money they didn't spend, all of which was overcollected from the taxpayer!
Hope to see you Thursday. It should be interesting with Scott speaking to us.”
SINC SAYS:
For the record, I stated back when this issue emerged that council should indeed pass the $800,000 back to taxpayers in the form of a reduced $ervu$ Place levy for 2009. That being said, I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen when the City Manager and his Merry Band of Men have their eyes on the cash for upgrades to that sinkhole of taxpayer dollars. And yes Lynda, the 800K and more would be appropriate indeed.
Cop Arrests Drunk Driver In His Own Garage
26/02/2009 04:23
Washington State
Patrol trooper Trevor Downey can’t get away
from his
job.Downey had finished work on Tuesday and was headed to his home in Zillah about 4:10 p.m. when he came up behind a car going slower than the speed limit.
The tan ’99 Dodge Avenger was driving about 30 mph on a 50-mph county road north of town. The car then turned into the driveway of Downey’s home and parked in the trooper’s garage. Downey pulled up behind the Dodge and got out to talk to the driver, who was alone.
The trooper asked the man what he was doing. And the man said, “I live here.”
Downey told the driver that it was in fact the trooper’s house.
Downey arrested Joseph Takesgun, 31, of Buena, for DUI and having a revoked license in the first-degree. Takesgun has three previous DUI convictions, said the WSP.
SINC SAYS:
Just what are the odds the guy would pull into the cop’s own home and park in his garage?
Reminder - Taxpayer's Meeting Set For Tonight
26/02/2009 04:23
Hello everyone:
Scott Hennig, Director, Canadian Taxpayers Association (Alberta) will speak to us about how to build a successful organization and be heard by Council. Come and bring a neighbour, friend, relative or enemy!
Agenda below -- please print and bring with you!
Lynda
Flannery
President
AGENDA
AGENDA
ST. ALBERT
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
7 Tache Street, St. Albert (Seniors center)
7:00 pm
Thursday, February 26, 2009
PRESENTATION:
Scott Hennig, Director Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Alberta Division)
Roundtable: Discussion, Questions
BUSINESS MEETING
1. Agenda Review
2. Minutes, January 22, 2009
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Old Business
A. Registration update
B. Report back Presentation to SUN
C. Building Membership: Results, calling writers of letters to Newspapers
D. Building Membership: Networking other organizations, Chamber, CTF, Breakfast group etc.
E. Research update: Voting Patterns Council
F. Public information campaign: org. chart City, letters to editor, editorials, etc.
5. New Business
A. Discussion: Ideas for follow up from Scott’s Presentation,
B. Committee to develop Strategy
6. Adjournment
SINC
SAYS:
If you want to make
a difference in local taxes folks, get out
and support this group. They are making
progress in becoming a force in our
community.
Lady, 70, Bonks Robbers With Pan
26/02/2009 04:23
ELYRIA — The
70-year-old wife of a Lorain County Family
Court judge meted out a little domestic justice
of her own Tuesday afternoon when she fought
off four robbers with her favorite
saucepan.Ellen Basinski refused to be intimidated by a man and three boys who forced their way into her house on Columbus Street and demanded money.
"One of them picked up my purse and just dumped it out," she said Wednesday. "Now, my purse is like Fibber McGee's closet, it's got everything in there. I got very angry."
Before she even gave much thought about what she should do, she grabbed an Emeril Lagasse 5-quart sauce pan.
"I picked up the saucepan and smacked him right on the head," she said. "He looked at me and said, 'Lady, why did you do that?' And I hit him again."
The robber's friend threw a bottle of Jack Daniels at the woman, striking her on the foot. He told police he was trying to distract the woman so his friend could get away from her.
Whippin' whiskey here.
SINC SAYS:
Hey, if someone threw a jug of JD at me, I’d whup him too!
All Officers Need Tasers, Police Associations Say
26/02/2009 04:23
Canadian Police
Association president Charles Momy says public
safety is enhanced by the use of stun guns,
which he said all officers should be authorized
to carry. Canada's two main police associations defended the use of Tasers on Tuesday, saying all officers should be equipped with stun guns because they save lives and there is no proof they have been directly responsible for civilian deaths.
"We reiterate that to date, there is no evidence, either scientific or medical, that a conducted-energy weapon has been the direct cause of death anywhere, at any time, on any person," Chief Tom Kaye, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, said in a news conference in Ottawa.
The Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, representing chiefs and rank-and-file officers, said the public has been subjected to "inaccurate and incomplete" information on electrical stun guns and they want to dispel some myths related to their use.
The bottom line is that [conducted-energy weapons] saves lives," said Charles Momy, president of CPA.
More police stupidity here.
SINC SAYS:
Yeah, right Chuck! What rock have you been living under that you think these despicable weapons are safe? Sorry, but you’re off your rocker on this one. Too many Canadians have been killed by these awful tools. Or is it the tools that fire them or promote their use we need to be concerned with? Yep, that means you sir.
B.C. Leads Scotties At 7-1, Alberta Drops To 5-4
26/02/2009 04:23
VICTORIA - B.C.'s Marla Mallett continues to hold down top spot at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Mallett needed just six ends to defeat Nova Scotia's Nancy McConnery 9-2 in the 13th draw Wednesday to improve her record to 7-1. Defending champion Jennifer Jones is second at 6-3.
Jones's rink suffered an 8-4 loss to Newfoundland and Labrador's Heather Strong in another 13th draw contest. In other action, Ontario's Krista McCarville beat Manitoba's Barb Spencer 11-6 while Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton edged Alberta's Cheryl Bernard 7-6 in an extra end.
That left a three-way tie for third in the standings with Prince Edward Island's Rebecca Jean MacPhee, Quebec's Marie-France Larouche and Lawton all having 5-3 records.
Bernard is also in the hunt with a 5-4 mark.
Jones earned a 10-3 win over Larouche in the 12th draw earlier Wednesday.
Jones, third Cathy Overton-Clapham, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn Askin bounced back nicely after losing a pair of games Tuesday, including a 10-8 stunner at the hands of the Territories' Kerry Galusha.
''That was a must-win for us,'' said Jones. ''We had a couple of heartbreakers yesterday, and we knew we had to bear down today. We needed that win.''
Jones' Team Canada set the tone early, scoring two points with the hammer in the first and third ends while limiting Quebec to a single in the second. Jones extended the lead to 6-1 with a steal of two in the fourth, and stole two more in the seventh when Larouche was heavy on a draw with her final shot.
Canada shot at an 84-per-cent clip - its best performance since Draw 7 - while Quebec finished at a tournament-low 73 per cent.
Lead Askin said the team didn't lose much sleep over Tuesday's sub-par performance.
''We went to bed feeling pretty good about today,'' said Askin. ''We knew we had to play well against Quebec, and definitely the competitive instinct kicks in.
''Yesterday was yesterday, and today's a new day.''
Wednesday morning was equally productive for Bernard and MacPhee, who both posted impressive wins.
Bernard ended a two-game losing streak with an 11-4 drubbing of New Brunswick's Andrea Kelly (3-5) in a game shortened to seven ends. Bernard, a finalist at the 1996 event in Thunder Bay, Ont., knows her team is still in good shape despite having three losses.
''When we were here in '96, we were out of it at one point,'' said Bernard. ''And then we ended up getting back in, rolling off a bunch of wins ... it's just not impossible. That's what I keep telling everybody.''
Bernard put the game away early, scoring four points with the hammer in the opening end and adding three more in the third. The foursome of Bernard, third Susan O'Connor, second Carolyn Darbyshire and lead Cori Bartel finished at a tournament-best 95 per cent for the game, with Darbyshire recording just the second 100-per-cent performance of the tournament.
More from Canadian Press.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
Cheryl Bernard, representing Alberta, split her games yesterday, drubbing New Brunswick’s Andrea Kelly 11-4 in seven ends in the morning draw before losing 7-6 to Saskatchewan’s Stefanie Lawton in an extra end in the afternoon draw.
Bernard needs to win both her games today – against NWT/Yukon’s Kerry Galusha this morning and tonight against Krista McCarville of Ontario – and then will probably also need some help to make the playoffs or a tie-breaker.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
No question that the surprise of this week’s Scotties so far has been Team Marla Mallett of B.C. However, I think the tournament is going to come right down to the wire before the four playoff teams are determined. There are a number of teams that still have a chance.
It’s Just One Thing After Another, After Another
26/02/2009 04:23
Alberta stages major events in football, curling and hockey in next three years
CFL, with its low-cost, fan-friendly product, has opted for back-to-back Grey Cup games this year and next in relatively recession-proof Alberta.
Which is splendid news for Canadian football and its party-hearty fans, who can make plans for next November's shindig down in Calgary even as they begin to plan for Edmonton's weeklong clambake, culminating with the Nov. 28 Grey Cup at a no-doubt sold-out Commonwealth Stadium.
It will be the fourth Grey Cup game held in Edmonton, which played host to the championship game in 1984, 1997 and 2002, and the first time Edmonton and Calgary have held the event in successive years.
It gets better.
Connecting the dots, over the next three years, Calgary and Edmonton will tag-team to stage successive Grey Cups, the Brier in Calgary next month, the men's and women's Olympic trials in Edmonton next December and the World Junior Hockey Championship in both cities in 2012.
The Flames and especially the on-the-bubble Oilers are going to have to kick things up a notch or two to keep pace with the "Laissez-les-bons-temps-rouler" atmosphere these one-off events will generate.
On Tuesday at the news conference announcing the 2010 Grey Cup decision, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach seemed to throw the 2015 Universiade in Edmonton into the mix as a fait accompli, too, but that was a triumph of hometown boosterism over the tedium of process. Edmonton has assembled a strong bid for the World Student Games, one that would accelerate all kinds of sports infrastructure upgrades in this city, but that decision won't be made until May in Brussels.
"Sports is alive and well in Alberta," Stelmach gushed, and he got that right.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
Attendance of 60,000 an obvious target.
Eskimos take half-million loss for 2008.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Why wouldn’t the various sporting organizations target Edmonton and Alberta's capital region to host these big events? Edmonton’s record in both organizing and supporting the country’s largest sporting events speaks for itself.
Love Of The Game Keeps Lowe Mending, Tending
26/02/2009 04:23
Oilers trainer works his 1,500th career NHL game
Turns out you can teach an old trainer new tricks. Or at least get him into some cleated shoes.
Game after game after game, Ken Lowe has jumped over the boards to dispense aid to a player. Fifteen hundred games to be exact. Yet it wasn't until this season that the Edmonton Oilers head medical trainer started wearing spikes to give him some traction on the ice.
"That's why you've noticed I have more speed. It's not because I've been working out," he said.
Between his first game in the 1989-90 season and his 1,500, which fell on Tuesday when the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning rolled into Rexall Place, Lowe has tended to and mended a lot of players.
He has even worked hurt.
Last season, he slipped on the ice, on his way out to tend to Shawn Horcoff, and cut his hand.
In Madison Square Garden in 2006, he slipped off the antiquated bench as he was scrambling to get out to assist Steve Staios, and sprained his right ankle.
Another year, he broke a toe when he let a filing cabinet have it (losing has never sat well with either of the Lowe brothers), and he had his last epileptic seizure in Detroit on a road trip six years ago. Lowe suffered a severe head injury when he was 19 -- severe enough that he required a plate and later developed seizures, which he now controls with medication.
"Last year when (equipment manager Barrie Stafford) did his 2,000th game, I went, 'Wow, that's a lot of hockey games," said Lowe, who has been with the hockey team for 20 years. Prior to that he worked with the Edmonton Eskimos for seven seasons.
"It's 15-hour days, seven days a week until the season is over, but I wouldn't give it up. I love it," Lowe said.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Ken Lowe on his 1,500th NHL game. I’m so old, I can remember when Ken broke into the business as a trainer a number of years ago with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Tiger Wins First Match At WGC Match Play Championship
26/02/2009 04:23
MARANA, Ariz. - Eight months later, Tiger Woods looked as though he had never been away.
Woods made a triumphant return to golf Wednesday in the Accenture Match Play Championship with a start that showed the sport what it had been missing in the 253 days since he limped his way to an epic U.S. Open title.
Just past high noon in the desert, Woods fired an eight-iron into five feet for birdie. Then came a gentle fist pump when his approach to the par-5 second settled four feet from the cup for eagle.
He closed out Brendan Jones of Australia with a 3-foot par on the 16th hole for a 3-and-2 victory.
''I told Stevie I felt like we haven't been away,'' Woods said, referring to caddie Steve Williams. ''It was business as usual.''
But this was no ordinary day.
Before thousands of fans who scurried through the high desert, eager to see every shot from the world's No. 1 player, Woods never showed any indication that he had reconstructive surgery on his left knee a week after winning the U.S. Open.
''It held up,'' he said. ''It felt good.''
Woods said he had looked forward to the nerves of standing on the first tee and the rush of competing. It was as if all that time away from golf had been bottled up inside of him. And then it came gushing out on a scorching day north of Tucson, where temperatures approached 30 C.
Fans packed into the bleachers around the first tee, with more lined up behind the ropes all the way to the green, and the cheer when Woods walked onto the tee could be heard all the way down the fairway.
Woods backed off his tee shot, and without much expression, belted a fairway metal down the right side of the fairway.
"You are back!" one spectator shouted.
Was he ever.
He won the first two holes before some rust settled in. Woods made three bogeys over his next five holes and was leading, 1-up, until he birdied the par-5 eighth with a six-foot putt.
Jones never got any closer.
Woods seized control of the match when Jones couldn't save par behind the green on the par-3 12th, and then Woods struck another familiar pose by raising his putter above his head as his 20-foot eagle putt dropped on the 13th.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s absolutely frightening and mind-boggling to have Tiger say that he didn’t think his knee could feel as good as it does now, because he’s never known what it’s like to have his knee feel good – that he can’t remember ever having a healthy left knee that is so solid and secure. Look out PGA Tour players – he’s been playing all these years on one leg and still kicking butt.
Phelps’ Motivational Speeches Cancelled
26/02/2009 04:23
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist loses engagements in Calgary, Vancouver
A pair of motivational speaking engagements in Canada by American swimming star Michael Phelps have been cancelled, thanks to his much-publicized marijuana use.
The events, slated for March 3 in Calgary, and March 6 in Vancouver, are organized by Toronto-based promoter The Power Within.
"Due to the widely publicized alleged use of marijuana by Michael Phelps, the decision has been made to present the program without Mr. Phelps' participation," Power Within said in a statement.
Calls to the company for comment were not immediately returned, but a call taker at Power Within confirmed actor Martin Sheen has been added as a replacement for Phelps for the Calgary event, and tickets for the $229 event are not refundable.
Phelps has also been removed from the company's website for the Vancouver event, which is headlined by Oprah Winfrey regular Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Phelps has apologized for his behaviour after he was photographed at a party in November using marijuana. He has subsequently been suspended for three months by USA Swimming and has lost his endorsement deal with Kellogg Co.
Despite the incident, Canadian swimmer Erica Morningstar is disappointed she won't get to hear Phelps' speech.
"It's too bad he's not coming to Calgary," said Morningstar, 19-year-old Calgarian, who is a medal hopeful for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
"He's one of the world's greatest athletes and I think it would've been interesting to hear what he has to say."
Morningstar said the photos of Phelps apparently smoking marijuana from a bong are evidence of a "stupid decision" but don't take away from the fact he won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last summer.
"It doesn't tarnish what he accomplished in Beijing," said Morningstar, a Canadian record-holder who competed at the 2008 Summer Games.
Cassie Campbell, a hockey commentator and former Olympic hockey player, said successful elite athletes are role models for kids and Phelps will have to accept the consequences for his actions.
"When we're talking about Michael Phelps, an Olympic athlete should not be smoking pot," she said.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I stand corrected. I guess the fact that you’ve won eight Olympic gold medals doesn’t always trump everything else in life.
Hockey Players Collapse, Die Hours Apart At Same Rink
26/02/2009 04:23
Tragedy struck twice in California on Sunday night, when two recreational league hockey players collapsed while playing and died hours apart.
Both men were playing at Sharks Ice in San Jose, the official training centre of the National Hockey League's San Jose Sharks, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
Brian Kobata, 38, collapsed while playing and two teammates rushed to his aid, using a defibrillator and giving him CPR. Paramedics were then called and Kobata was taken to hospital at 9:06 p.m. PT.
During a game that started at 11:15 p.m. PT, Kelly Calabro, 41, suddenly fell on his back.
Teammates tried to revive him using CPR, but failed.
"It's a very unfortunate and tragic situation," said Ken Arnold, senior director of communications for Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment, which operates Sharks Ice, told the News.
Family members told the News that the cause of death hasn't been determined for either man.
Kobata's wife, Heidi, told the News she was at the rink watching her husband play.
Heidi Kobata, who is expecting the couple's first child in June, told the paper her husband had no health problems.
A 2002 study by three Sydney, N.S., cardiologists found that among the 500,000 men and 70,000 women who play recreational hockey in Canada, about 10 people die every year of heart attacks while on the ice.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I knew there was a reason I never played recreational hockey.
The Media Told Me So . . .
25/02/2009 00:01
I was thinking about
going to the Edmonton Motorshow at Northlands,
but I won’t because the economy is bad and I
won’t be spending any money. The media told me
so.
I didn’t go to the recent RV Show there either. No one will be buying RVs this year. The media told me so.
I was going to make a deposit to my RRSP this year, but there is no money to do that for families this year. The media told me so.
I was saving some money on groceries by buying no-name brands, but the grocery stores were making more money by my actions. The media told me so.
I heard about a new stock that might just take off, but I didn’t buy it for fear of the markets as an investment. The media told me so.
I was going to use my pocket knife to peel an apple today, but I didn’t. It seems you are not honourable if you carry a pocket knife. The media told me so.
I wanted to buy some gas for my car today, but it just went up a dime. The media told me so.
I saw a house I liked and was going to make an offer recently, but I didn’t. The bottom has fallen out of the housing market. The media told me so.
I really wanted to buy a new vehicle while the big three are offering such deep discounts, but I can’t because the bail out is bad for the economy. The media told me so.
I was going to go to a movie, but attendance is down and theatres are suffering so I didn’t go. The media told me so.
I've never gone to $ervu$ Place but I’m told I should follow the lead of one half of one percent of local residents, who when surveyed were satisfied with the joint. The media told me so.
I nearly bought a few things at Wal*Mart last week, but they have a terrible employee record so I didn’t. The media told me so.
I was appalled when the city proposed we spend way too much money on a birthday party in a tight economy, but I’m supposed to go along with the lunacy. The media told me so.
I guess by now folks,
you’re beginning to get the idea.
If the friggin’ media would quit fear mongering, this old world would be a better place. The way it is now, the media should hang their heads in shame and accept that it is they, themselves who are stifling the economy.
As Archie Bunker used to tell Edith, “Stifle yourself”.
And that ladies and germs is something today’s media should listen to, long and hard.
I didn’t go to the recent RV Show there either. No one will be buying RVs this year. The media told me so.
I was going to make a deposit to my RRSP this year, but there is no money to do that for families this year. The media told me so.
I was saving some money on groceries by buying no-name brands, but the grocery stores were making more money by my actions. The media told me so.
I heard about a new stock that might just take off, but I didn’t buy it for fear of the markets as an investment. The media told me so.
I was going to use my pocket knife to peel an apple today, but I didn’t. It seems you are not honourable if you carry a pocket knife. The media told me so.
I wanted to buy some gas for my car today, but it just went up a dime. The media told me so.
I saw a house I liked and was going to make an offer recently, but I didn’t. The bottom has fallen out of the housing market. The media told me so.
I really wanted to buy a new vehicle while the big three are offering such deep discounts, but I can’t because the bail out is bad for the economy. The media told me so.
I was going to go to a movie, but attendance is down and theatres are suffering so I didn’t go. The media told me so.
I've never gone to $ervu$ Place but I’m told I should follow the lead of one half of one percent of local residents, who when surveyed were satisfied with the joint. The media told me so.
I nearly bought a few things at Wal*Mart last week, but they have a terrible employee record so I didn’t. The media told me so.
I was appalled when the city proposed we spend way too much money on a birthday party in a tight economy, but I’m supposed to go along with the lunacy. The media told me so.
I guess by now folks,
you’re beginning to get the idea.
If the friggin’ media would quit fear mongering, this old world would be a better place. The way it is now, the media should hang their heads in shame and accept that it is they, themselves who are stifling the economy.
As Archie Bunker used to tell Edith, “Stifle yourself”.
And that ladies and germs is something today’s media should listen to, long and hard.
About That Girl Who Froze . . .
25/02/2009 00:00
Reader
ResponseRe: Toddler Who Survived Freezing Leads Normal Teen Life
SINC SAYS:
Makes me wonder how that little girl in Edmonton is doing. She went through the same thing five or six years ago. Rouleau by the way, is the home of the fictional town of Dog River in the CTV series Corner Gas.
Don,
I also remember that story of the "miracle baby". One of the physicians that saved that little girl's life was the same intensivist who tried valiantly to save our daughter, Samantha's, life after she suffered sudden cardiac arrest.
His name is Dr. Allan deCaen and I cannot say enough good things towards him and the Staff of the Stollery Children's Hospital! A RN there told me that he is the sort of person who might have worked a 24-hour shift, have his coat and galoshes on ready to finally go home and if a parent were to stop him in the hall with a query, he would take the time to remove his coat, sit down with them and ensure that everything was clear.
I know that this is true depiction of him! In the days and nights that we spent at the bedside of our little girl and even in the months that followed the loss of our child, this doctor has moved us with his extraordinary kindnesses in responding to every query we have ever made.
One of those special people that has found his calling and has never forgotten his drive to and honour to be the best at his profession! We are truly blessed to have a physician such as him in Edmonton.
Velvet Martin
St. Albert
"Samantha's Syndrome"
http://www.tetrasomy18p.ca/
----------------------------------------
Reader Response Too
Hi Don,
Just for your information, little Erika Norby is doing quite well.
I've followed the case closely as it was equipment from the company I work for that actually helped save her.
We all met her over at the Stollery and she was a beautiful little girl.
Shirley Allen
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for the information Velvet and Shirley. Some days it astounds me how many local residents are involved in the region and we never know much about it. Pointing out the good work these people do without fanfare is a small but important thank you for their efforts.
Reader Response Too
Hi Don,
Just for your information, little Erika Norby is doing quite well.
I've followed the case closely as it was equipment from the company I work for that actually helped save her.
We all met her over at the Stollery and she was a beautiful little girl.
Shirley Allen
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for the information Velvet and Shirley. Some days it astounds me how many local residents are involved in the region and we never know much about it. Pointing out the good work these people do without fanfare is a small but important thank you for their efforts.
The Things That People Send Me . . .
25/02/2009 00:00
Parking Meters Out To Destroy The Human Race
25/02/2009 00:00
Meters pretend to be
broken then 'self-correct' to give you
ticketsCome to think of it, this thing does look rather menacing.
Tip to D.C. motorists: if a city parking meter appears to be broken when you need to use it, you mustn't *assume* that this means you get to park for free. Instead, you should get in your car and drive as far away from the District as possible, because that parking meter is trying to destroy you.
According to D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) officials, a record 116,354 "grievance calls" were placed in 2008 from people complaining about broken parking meters.
DDOT officials added, however, that the crews dispatched to fix "broken meters" found them working fine 67 percent of the time. Setting aside the obvious number of people who made up the "Uh, uh, it was broken" excuse to get out of paying their tickets, what's to account for non-liars' stories?
Oh, just a Robot War, that's all:
How is this possible? One explanation, according to DDOT, is that 74 percent of D.C.’s 15,453 meters are designed to self-correct, but are also “at the end of their useful life.” So a person who parks at a meter displaying a “fail” message may return an hour later to find a working meter flashing zero time and a ticket on the windshield — a process that may repeat several times a day. [...]
“It was a news flash to me that we had this huge number of meters that are self-repairing,” Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham, chairman of the public works committee, said Thursday.
Just in case you missed that, the "chairman of the public works committee" had no idea that our parking meters are built with minds of their own and feign death only to steal your money later.
Is it too late to stop the Machines?
SINC SAYS:
I hope no one on our council reads this story. It is rumoured once again they are considering putting meters in the dowtown core. Any truth to that rumour city council?
Bakery Lands New Pizza Cone
25/02/2009 00:00
A group of investors
and Italian inventors have handpicked a
long-time Indianapolis bakery to help bring to
the U.S. a newfangled food called Pizza
Cone.Pizza Cone is exactly what it sounds like: A cone made of pizza dough stuffed with ingredients like cheese, pepperoni and pizza sauce and then eaten on the go like an ice cream cone.
Taylor's Bakery, founded in 1913, has signed an agreement with Hilton Head, S.C.-based Pino Gelato to be the sole producer of the cone for all of North America.
The equipment arrived at Taylor's a few weeks ago and production is set to begin in a month.
"Everyone thinks it's going to be the next hula hoop," said John Allen, who runs Taylor's along with his two sons, Matt and Drew. "It's been very secretive and under the radar."
The cone already is available in Italy, Japan, Korea and Australia, where it is marketed as Pizza Hands.
The product was invented by the Italian company Conoitaliano, which recently formed a joint venture with Pino Gelato, giving it exclusive retail rights to distribute Pizza Cones in North America.
Taylor's was chosen to manufacture the cones because Pino Gelato owner Ramona Fantini is married to John Jacobs, an Indiana University graduate and Indiana businessman. He owns Sataria Distribution & Packaging, a food distribution center in Indianapolis.
"John obviously knew about Taylor's and their great reputation," Fantini said.
Right now the cone is being sold only in Hilton Head at Fantini's retail store. But she said she hopes Indianapolis residents will be able to buy them within the month.
The company still is completing licensing and legal deals for the cone.
Fantini says several varieties of cones will be on the market, including Mexican-stuffed, Jersey-style hot dog and a breakfast cone.
The average price for a cone, which holds the ingredients of a slice-and-a-half of pizza, is $3.25 to $3.50.
The pizza business has suffered from the economic slump as it deals with competition from other categories, reduced consumer spending and the rising cost of basic ingredients such as cheese.
However, many pizza operators have managed to weather the economic storm much better than higher-priced restaurants, particularly the to-go pizza category like Pizza Cone or Papa Murphy's. The take-and-bake pizza company's sales rose 17 percent in 2008.
It's the low-priced value that consumers are looking to when they eat out, said Jeremy White, editor in chief of Pizza Today.
A Pizza Cone for three bucks might fit the bill.
SINC SAYS:
How many more fast food options do we need? Aren’t most of us fat enough?
High-Speed Video Captures Lightning
25/02/2009 00:00
New high-speed video
cameras are helping reveal the structure of
lightning, allowing scientists to study these
deadly bolts of electricity in much greater
detail than ever before.
The cameras are showing images of lightning that have otherwise been invisible to the naked eye and have never been captured on traditional film or video cameras.
Just as photography first revealed how horses' legs actually function while at a full gallop, so too does this new technology allow us to see how lightning strikes actually work.
"The high-speed video recording systems are providing an entirely new dimension in our understanding of lightning — namely, time, with enough resolution to see entirely new processes in the spatial development of intracloud and cloud-to-ground flashes," says E. Philip Krider, an atmospheric scientist and lightning expert at the University of Arizona, in an e-mail.
Says Tom Warner, a meteorologist with ZT Research in South Dakota, who studies high-speed videos of lightning: "There are components of lightning that we could not see optically before. The beautiful thing about high-speed cameras is that they show us the lightning progression image by image, which is what the human mind is used to seeing, and therefore make it much easier to visualize and understand."
More photos here.
SINC SAYS:
There are some pretty impressive pictures here folks. Take a look at them all.
Lawton’s Saskatchewan Rink Upsets Canada At Scotties
25/02/2009 00:00
VICTORIA - B.C.'s Marla Mallett might be leading the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but Sask-
atchewan's Stefanie Lawton has become the skip to watch.
Lawton earned two victories Tuesday to vault herself back into contention at the Canadian women's curling championship. The 28-year-old native of Prince Albert, Sask., has put an 0-3 start well behind her, winning four straight to remain just two games behind Mallett (6-1) in the overall standings.
Canada's Jennifer Jones is alone in second at 5-1, followed by Alberta's Cheryl Bernard and Quebec's Marie-France Larouche at 4-2. Lawton is next at 4-3.
Lawton, third Marliese Kasner, second Sherri Singler and lead Lana Vey opened the day with a thrilling 7-6 win over Jones, handing the defending champion her first defeat. Lawton followed with a 10-6 win over the Territories' Kerry Galusha in Draw 10, and is finally showing the form that made her one of the pre-tournament favourites.
"We're catching on to the ice and making great shots out there," said Lawton. "Every game is getting stronger, and that's what we want to build on.
"We know we can still improve, but we definitely feel good."
The front end of Vey and Singler has been sensational, ranking at the top of their respective positions all week. The duo was especially effective against Canada, outplaying lead Dawn Askin and second Jill Officer and forcing Jones and third Cathy Overton-Clapham to make difficult shots throughout the game.
As a result, Canada allowed its first two steals of the tournament, including the decisive single point in the 10th that ended its 13-game Scotties winning streak.
"Our front end is curling awesome," said Lawton, who leads in overall team efficiency at 83 per cent. "They're the best front end out there.
"They make a ton of shots, and it makes it a lot easier on Marliese and I."
More from Canadian Press.
Mallett leads Scotties, Lawton back in picture.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
Alberta’s Cheryl Bernard lost both her games yesterday, 8-6 to Heather Strong from Newfoundland/Labrador yesterday morning, and 7-6 to Rebecca Jean MacPhee of P.E.I. last night.
Alberta now drops to 4-3, tied for third place with Saskatchewan and P.E.I., behind leading B.C. at 6-1 and Quebec and Team Canada at 5-2. It's going to be a dog fight from here on out for those four playoff positions. Alberta plays New Brunswick's Andrea Kelly this morning, before taking on Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton in an absolutely crucial match this afternoon.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Somebody better pound the final nails in Team Saskatchewan’s coffin, or else look out! They’re really hot right now, but with three losses already, they certainly can’t afford to lose again - or probably the best they’ll be looking at is getting into a tie-breaker on Friday.
Pseudo Rock Star Coaches Ontario Rink
25/02/2009 00:00
Ex- competitive curler Lang often mistaken for Mick Jagger
After Rick Lang helped Al Hackner capture his second world men's curling title in 1985, they were returning home to Thunder Bay, Ont., after a promotional visit to Toronto.
On the flight, Lang was approached by a woman, who wanted to know if he was 'that' rock star.
After several denials that he wasn't Mick Jagger (he does look sort of like him), the woman said she wouldn't tell anyone else that he was on the plane if he signed an autograph.
"I kept telling her I wasn't Mick Jagger, but she didn't believe me,'' said Lang, who is at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women's championship as the coach of Krista McCarville's team from Thunder Bay, which includes his wife Lorraine at lead.
"I gave her an autograph and signed it Mick Jagger," he added. "I have been to a few Rolling Stones concerts but I have never met Mick. Some people don't see the resemblance between me and Mick, but my son, Adam, says I look just like him.
"I used to do a bit of a Mick Jagger act at the Brier Patch (beer garden), but I'm too old for that now. I used to dance a little, but I can't sing a note.'' Lang has won three different Canadian curling titles, starting with the 1975 men's championship with Bill Tetley. He also won the 1981 mixed in Winnipeg with his soon-to-be wife Lorraine, two more Briers with Hackner (1982 and 1985) and the senior men's title in 2006, again with Hackner.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I first met Rick and Lorraine Lang in 1985, when I hosted a private dinner for the then recently crowned ‘World Championship’ rink of Al Hackner, Lang, Ian Tetley and Pat Perroud, and their spouses, at the Airlane Motor Hotel in Thunder Bay. Rick is one of the nicest and funniest men you would ever want to meet. It’s been nice to see him at the Scotties this week.
Horwood Steps Off Hardwood On Own Terms
25/02/2009 00:00
Golden Bears basketball coach won't miss weekly stress over 41-year career
The morning after the night before was a good one for Don Horwood. When he got up Sunday, it was the first morning in 41 years that he was not a basketball coach, and he felt good about it.
When his University of Alberta Golden Bears, the team he has coached for 26 mostly successful seasons, lost to the Calgary Dinosaurs on Saturday evening, it marked the end of the 62-year-old Horwood's long and illustrious coaching career.
But Sunday morning wasn't coming down hard like in the Kris Kristofferson song. For Horwood there was no regretting his decision to retire, no soulfully looking back at all the years.
It was just another normal morning.
"My wife is still working part time, so she got up and went to work. I got up and got the fire going. I had the music on, a cup of coffee and the Edmonton Journal newspaper and sat down and relaxed like I would do most Sunday mornings when we're at home."
The difference is he'll have more of those Sundays now. There's no more recruiting trips, hours spent in various high school gymnasiums, and none of the administrative tasks to get ready for next season. He does have a "minor administrative role" at the university and technically remains on staff until the end of August.
He knows he'll miss the interaction with the young players, the excitement of new players in the fall bringing their different personalities he has to mesh into a cohesive team, and the thrill of so many victories. But he leaves behind a U of A legacy of three national university championships, 15 appearances in the nationals, and an overall record of 587 wins and 347 losses. Three times he was named Canadian university coach of the year.
But he won't miss the stress.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s going to be weird to look at the Bears’ sideline and not see Horwood there any more. He became more of a fixture than the fixtures in the U of A main gym over the past 26 years.
More Youngsters Lured By Roaring Game
25/02/2009 00:00
Curling rises in popularity as more kids, teens emulate world champion Martin
With world champion curler Kevin Martin based out of Edmonton's Saville Centre, it's only natural the roaring game is becoming more popular -- especially with young people.
"I'd like to curl in the Olympics just like Kevin Martin," said Braxton Gossel, 12, who has been curling since he was six -- including playing skip -- and hopes to do so for many more years.
"I like curling because there's always good sportsmanship," said Gossel.
Young curlers in Alberta participate in three category levels: junior, aged eight to 11; intermediate, 12 to 15; and senior, 16 and up.
"Entries in our three bonspiels this season show increases in all levels," said Marylynn Morris, executive director of the Northern Alberta Curling Association.
"The most growth was seen in the middle group (intermediate)," said Morris, adding the numbers have almost doubled in that category this year. One of the reasons is that more school groups are taking up curling.
The rising popularity of the sport can be seen in the Sherwood Park junior curling program, run out of the Glen Allan Recreation Complex.
"We have a waiting list for some kids as young as six and seven," said curling instructor Marilyn Davis, who handles a group of 30 kids in the junior category.
"Our numbers are growing in the sport and I think that's because we have curlers like Martin and (Randy) Ferbey in the area," said Davis. "It really encourages kids to get involved in the sport."
Mark Harder, 12, plays with Gossel and relishes being involved in almost every shot."I really like curling because everyone has a chance to do something -- sweeping and throwing," he said.
"In hockey, you only get a chance to score if someone passes you the puck."
Davis said she sees friendships develop on the ice because there are just four players on each team -- unlike many other team sports.
"There's a lot of encouragement from teammates when a good shot is made," said Davis. "And I think we hear that encouragement because the players know how hard the game can be."
Mackenzie Giffen, 12, said he enjoys learning the strategy used in curling.
"Trick shots are fun, too," said Giffen.
Morris hopes young curlers "learn it's a life-time sport and stay with it as an adult."
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s great to hear that more and more youngsters are getting into curling at early ages. It’s something that will serve them well and keep them out of trouble as they get older.
‘Riders GM Tillman Not In Court To Face Accusations
25/02/2009 00:00
REGINA - The general manager of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders was not present in a Regina courtroom today to face a sexual assault accusation against him.
It was to be Eric Tillman's first appearance in court since being charged earlier this month of sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl.
Tillman's lawyer, Aaron Fox, appeared on his behalf, but did not comment on the case.
The Crown said it is pursuing a less severe summary conviction.
That means Tillman would face no more than 18 months in jail if found guilty compared to the maximum of 10 years if the Crown had chose to proceed by indictment.
The case was adjourned to March 17.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I guess we’ll have to wait until March 17 to see what happens, although SWIVEL HIPS still predicts this case will be settled out-of-court.
Agassi, Graf To Play Under Wimbledon’s New Roof
25/02/2009 00:00
WIMBLEDON, England - Former Wimbledon champions Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf will return to the All England Club in May to try out the playing conditions under the new Centre Court roof.
The husband and wife team will join Kim Clijsters and Tim Henman for a series of exhibition matches on May 17, five weeks before the Wimbledon tournament.
The event - dubbed "A Centre Court Celebration" - is designed to test the new roof and air management system with live matches in front of a capacity crowd of 15,000.
The program will feature a men's singles, a women's singles and a mixed doubles match. The matches will be played in a pro-set format - the first to eight games, with a tiebreaker at 8-8.
Tickets, which will cost 35 pounds (C$63.58), will go on sale March 12.
The new sliding roof will help alleviate Wimbledon's perennial rain delays.
The traditional roof overhang on Centre Court was removed after the 2006 tournament, leaving the grass surface more open to the elements in 2007. The overhang was back in 2008, along with 1,200 extra seats.
This year's Wimbledon tournament will be held June 22-July 5.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s about time they tried to do something about the incessant rain delays at Wimbledon. Let’s hope the new roof works.
New TV Ad Uses "Dead" Theme Music
23/02/2009 19:04
Has anyone noticed
that new commercial on TV for “Europe’s Best”
frozen fruits and
veggies?As you can imagine, they likely paid handsomely for some air head to think up this commercial where people eat all their fruit, but not the ice cream, or all the veggies but not the steak without a “Mom” figure chiding them to “finish their meal”.
Funniest part of the commercial is the background music. The ad exec who dreamt it up likely has no idea that it is the theme song from the long running British TV series, “Waiting For God”, about old folks in a home waiting to die.
Yep, get your “Europe's Best” and drop dead is a fine message indeed to offer to the masses. Brought to you by that most “European” of companies, Smucker Foods of Canada Co., in Markham, ON.
They might just want to reconsider their message.
Local Taxpayer's Meeting Set For Thursday Night
23/02/2009 16:59
Hello everyone:
Scott Hennig, Director, Canadian Taxpayers Association (Albert) will speak to us about how to build a successful organization and be heard by Council. Come and bring a neighbour, friend, relative or enemy!
Agenda below -- please print and bring with you!
Lynda
Flannery
President
AGENDA
AGENDA
ST. ALBERT
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
7 Tache Street, St. Albert (Seniors center)
7:00 pm
Thursday, February 26, 2009
PRESENTATION:
Scott Hennig, Director Canadian Taxpayers Federation (Alberta Division)
Roundtable: Discussion, Questions
BUSINESS MEETING
1. Agenda Review
2. Minutes, January 22, 2009
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Old Business
A. Registration update
B. Report back Presentation to SUN
C. Building Membership: Results, calling writers of letters to Newspapers
D. Building Membership: Networking other organizations, Chamber, CTF, Breakfast group etc.
E. Research update: Voting Patterns Council
F. Public information campaign: org. chart City, letters to editor, editorials, etc.
5. New Business
A. Discussion: Ideas for follow up from Scott’s Presentation,
B. Committee to develop Strategy
6. Adjournment
SINC
SAYS:
If you want to make
a difference in local taxes folks, get out
and support this group. They are making
progress in becoming a force in our
community.
A Kitten’s Best Friend In Frankston
23/02/2009 16:53
Luka the german shepherd never had puppies, but is proving a wonderful surrogate mum for six rescued kittens.
And the tiny bushfire survivors, who lost their mothers in the blaze, are happy to cuddle up to the huge dog.
Five-week-old kittens Emma, Ben and Louise were recovered from the ashes in Yarrambat by CFA volunteers and brought to the veterinary hospital.
A week later Amelia, Hannah and Zak, who are two weeks old, arrived from North Warrandyte Hospital, where they had been handed in.
Frankston animal carer, Tracey Jamieson, who has been helping out at the hospital, is now nursing the young kittens at her home.
“I am still bottle feeding the youngest ones with a special formula, but the older Yarrambat kittens are now weaned and are running around,” Ms Jamieson said.
“They are all gorgeous and in need of new homes, although Luka will be sad to see them go.
“I think I will keep Amelia, but everyone else will need a home.”
She said firefighters, police and other rescue workers were starting to bring in more injured animals for help.
“We have had some horses and farm animals last week, including a cow that needed treatment for burns,” she said.
“One of the horses, Puzzle, needs a lot of medical care. His face and feet were badly burned and he is on a 24-hour drip to provide pain relief but he is eating and looks like he will make it.
“I am sure there will be many more animals arriving for care in the weeks ahead.”
SINC SAYS:
Mother Nature sure does have a way with looking after animals, doesn’t she?
Tonight At LB's Pub . . .
23/02/2009 16:53
February - 24th Show - 232 - Angela Mackenzie and Paul Wells
Angela has come to
us via her great brother Noel (Big Cat)
Mackenzie who has been a fixture with the
tuesday moosehead show since march of 2005.
Angela is a winner of the aria alberta
recording industry award and is one of the
most powerful singers I,ve seen. She also is a
drummer and guitarist and is a former leader
of the Hootin Annies who visited St. Albert on
many occasions to wow fans. She is currently
fronting the band Celtic Fusion Illusion. She
also hosts the famous blues on whyte Open Jam
once a month on saturday afternoons. Angie has
always been a pleasant person to work with on
and off stage and worked diligently in
promoting music and musicians in our
area.
Paul Wells is a
former member of Vintage Echo who also
played in St. Albert and surrounding area.
Paul is freelance guitarist,vocalist and a
soundtech for Atlyn productions working
sound and lights. Paul is a main stay sound
tech at the Blues on Whyte mixing for all
the big acts that hit town in this major
room. I really liked Pauls show when I saw
him at a local pub performing with his old
band Vintage Echo playing alot of older
vintage tunes that most likely he grew up on
hearing from his dad Lyn who is a renowned
musician in our area and the owner operator
of Atlyn Productions. Way to make your dad
proud kiddo.
Ammar's Moosehead
Every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
L.B's Pub
Ammar's Moosehead
Tuesday
Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
L.B's Pub
23 Akins Drive -
Appleyard Square -St. Albert, AB -
780-460-9100Hosted by Mark Ammar and Noel
(Big Cat) Mackenzie
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
Moosehead
Beer
Coke Can Survives 300 Mile Trip On Bumper
23/02/2009 16:42
NORTH CAROLINA - A
person moving from North Carolina to
Pennsylvania says that a Coke can survived a
trip on a truck bumper for over 300 miles
without falling
off.According to the driver, his family was moving from eastern North Carolina to the Pennsylvania Tri-State area up north. As they were loading up the U-Haul truck, one of the members of the family left a half-empty Diet Coke can on the back bumper.
About an hour into their trip, as the family got gas in Virginia, they incredulously noticed that the Coke can was still on the bumper of the truck.
Deciding to see how long the can would last on the back bumper, the family left it there.
Driving in the U-Haul truck and another car, the family still saw the Coke can on the bumper despite driving over railroad tracks, through the Cheseapeake Bay tunnel, on Interstates and highways, and on-ramps and off-ramps.
When the family arrived near their new home in the Delaware River area, amazingly the Coke can was still there despite the over 300 miles driven in a seven hour period through NC, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
"We were shocked," said the Telegram reader, who sent in a picture of the can on the truck. "We thought for sure during some of those stops and big bumps that it would have fallen off during the trip...it did shift around some on the bumper, but we still can't figure out how it stayed on there without falling off."
After the family had unloaded the truck and had to return it to a local U-Haul center, they decided to leave the Coke can on the bumper.
Strangely, after driving only three or four miles when they arrived at the U-Haul center they were disappointed -- the Coke can had fallen off.
SINC SAYS:
Good thing it was only a coke can. Now if it was a can of beer, I’d have been real worried.
Toddler Who Survived Freezing Leads Normal Teen Life
23/02/2009 16:36
15 years later . .
.Karlee Kosolofski was clinically dead, but warmed back to life in hospital
Fifteen years on, Karlee Kosolofski, who was discovered frozen at the door to her home but was revived in what medical experts have called a miraculous comeback, says she remembers nothing of the ordeal but appreciates her good fortune.
Karlee Kosolofski's father submitted this picture of her taken last fall.
"I'm still alive," Kosolofski told CBC Radio's Morning Edition host Sheila Coles in an interview when asked about what her thoughts on the anniversary. "And how lucky I am."
On Feb. 23, 1994, Kosolofski, a 2?-year-old toddler in Rouleau, Sask., a small town about 50 kilometres southwest of Regina, awoke in the early hours as her father, Robert, was preparing to go to work.
Robert Kosolofski said that was not unusual, because Karlee was a light sleeper and she enjoyed following her dad about the house.
Just prior to leaving for work, Robert said he tucked Karlee into bed with her mother.
It was later surmised that Karlee decided to go find her dad and ventured outside. He had gone. Karlee, wearing boots and winter coat over her pajamas, was too small to reach the door handle and get back into the house.
Despite her clothing, Karlee succumbed to the cold.
More from CBC News.
SINC SAYS:
Makes me wonder how that little girl in Edmonton is doing. She went through the same thing five or six years ago. Rouleau by the way, is the home of the fictional town of Dog River in the CTV series Corner Gas.
HELL EXPLAINED BY CHEMISTRY STUDENT
23/02/2009 16:29
The following is an
actual question given on a University of
Washington chemistry mid
term.
The answer by one
student was so 'profound' that the professor
shared it with colleagues, via the Internet,
which is, of course, is why we now have the
pleasure of enjoying it as well:
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle 's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.
Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion , you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle 's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.
This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over! The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'
THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+
SINC SAYS:
Our thanks to St. Albert’s Place regular reader Bob of Timmins, ON. for submitting this item.
Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle 's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.
Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion , you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle 's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.
This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it?
If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, 'It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you,' and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over! The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct......leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting 'Oh my God.'
THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+
SINC SAYS:
Our thanks to St. Albert’s Place regular reader Bob of Timmins, ON. for submitting this item.
All About Trains . . .
23/02/2009 16:15
St. Albert's Place
regular reader "bixman" sent along this "speed
bump" to go with our train series. Our readers
are always one step ahead of us, aren't they?
Jennifer Jones In Tie For Top Spot At Scotties
23/02/2009 16:15
VICTORIA - Canada's Jennifer Jones moved back into a tie for top spot at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on Monday afternoon with a 5-3 victory over New Brunswick's Andrea Kelly in Draw 7.
Jones, the defending Canadian and world champion, improved to 4-0 with the hard-fought victory, drawing even with Marla Mallett of B.C., who kept her perfect record intact with a 7-6 win over Quebec's Marie-France Larouche in Draw 6.
Jones, third Cathy Overton-Clapham, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn Askin faced their toughest test to date following three easy wins to open the tournament.
Jones and Kelly (2-3) kept few rocks in play, with both teams settling for single points until the final end.
Jones secured the victory by playing a hit and stick at the edge of the four-foot with her final shot of the game, scoring two.
"It was a pretty wide open game," said Overton-Clapham. "We had lots of opportunities, and kind of hung in there."
Jones faces Krista McCarville of Ontario (2-2) in Draw 8. McCarville dropped a 5-3 decision to Kelly in Draw 6.
At 23, Kelly is the youngest skip in the tournament, but a narrow loss to a two-time Scotties champion provided no consolation.
"We definitely went into that game knowing we could win," said Kelly. "We played our strategy, and this is how it turned out in the end."
Alberta's Cheryl Bernard is next at 3-1 following an 8-7, 11-end victory over Larouche. The 2004 Scotties runner-up dropped to 3-2, tied for fourth with Robyn MacPhee of P.E.I.
Earlier Monday, Mallett and her B.C. foursome built a big early lead against Larouche and held on for the victory, vaulting the 34-year-old to 4-0 in her first Scotties appearance as skip.
Precision shotmaking was the story of the game for Mallett, who curled at 100-per-cent efficiency through the first five ends and finished at 90 per cent for the game.
Mallett's last two wins have come against teams who entered with a combined 5-0 record, but the 1988 world junior champion said she doesn't pay much attention to the leaderboard - especially this early in the tournament.
"In all honesty, I don't look at the standings," said Mallett, who faces Bernard in Monday night's eighth draw. "What I'm focusing on is five other jackets that are coming out there against (us).
"The records don't mean anything."
Larouche entered the day with an unblemished 3-0 mark, but two sub-par games sent her plummeting down the standings.
More from Canadian Press.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
Calgary's Team Cheryl Bernard, representing Alberta, won their game against Quebec's Marie-France Larouche 8-7 in an extra end yesterday afternoon, and then beat previously undefeated Marla Mallett of the host province, B.C., 4-3 last night to move into a second place tie with Team B.C. with a record of 4-1, behind Team Canada who are leading the way at 5-0.
Alberta plays Newfoundland/Labrador in this morning's draw and then takes on P.E.I. tonight.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
There is no question that, so far, Team Jennifer Jones is the "class" of this year's Scotties field.
Group Looks To Honor Hockey’s ‘Founding Father’
23/02/2009 16:15
A group of hockey history enthusiasts -- with the high-profile endorsement of Prime Minister Stephen Harper -- has been given permission to erect a long-overdue memorial at Ottawa's Beechwood Cemetery in honour of the "founding father" of modern hockey, who lies forgotten there in an unmarked grave.
But the bid to pay tribute to former Senate law clerk James Creighton, the man credited with codifying and spreading Canada's favourite game from Halifax to Montreal to Ottawa in the late 1800s, has momentarily stalled for want of a few thousand dollars to purchase a commemorative marker.
"We're close to our goal, but we're still looking for donations," said Len Kotylo, past president of the Toronto-based Society for International Hockey Research.
"There's nothing there at the moment," he added.
"We're looking to put up a modest marker, date of birth and so on, maybe one sentence about his role in the history of hockey -- and a couple of crossed sticks."
The society's co-founder, Bill Fitsell, author of How Hockey Happened, says the oversight appears to be the result of the fact that Creighton's wife died just a week after he did, at age 80, in 1930. The couple had no children.
"We're hopeful of seeing something installed and dedicated this year," he said.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I said yesterday, there seems to be a real ‘fascination’ throughout the world right now with the origins of hockey, who has the oldest hockey stick and who was hockey’s ‘founding father.’
Grey Cup Announcement Expected Today
23/02/2009 16:15
EDMONTON - The 2010 Grey Cup game will be played in Edmonton.
The CFL team will make the official announcement at a news conference at Common-wealth Stadium, sources told The Canadian Press on Monday.
League commissioner Mark Cohon, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel will be on hand for Tuesday's announcement.
The event will keep the Grey Cup in Alberta for two years running.
The 2009 Grey Cup will be held in Calgary.
Edmonton has hosted the Grey Cup three times, the last being in 2002 when Montreal beat the Eskimos 25-16.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s nice to see the Grey Cup return to Edmonton, a place that knows how to put on a proper and fitting celebration. As Edmonton Eskimo season ticket holders will have first choice on reserving their seats for the event, SWIVEL HIPS will reserve his seats and be there for sure to report all of the action back to St. Albert's Place readers.
Canadian Wheelchair Curling Team Finding Its Bearings
23/02/2009 16:15
VANCOUVER — With six Brier appearances and a total of about four decades of curling behind him Jim Armstrong has lots of experience to draw on. Trouble is, almost none of it has to do with the wheelchair version of the game.
An admitted neophyte to two-wheeled curling, Armstrong and the rest of Team Canada are off to a bit of a slow start at the 2009 world wheelchair championships at the new Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre. Following a 9-5 loss to Italy on Draw 3 Sunday Canada stands at 1-2.
Team Canada opened play Saturday with a win and a loss, beating Scotland 10-2 before dropping an 8-3 decision to China. The Canadians return to action Monday with a pair of games, facing Switzerland in the afternoon followed by the United States in the evening.
“In the able-bodied game, if I hit a slump I’ve have about 40 years to draw back on,” smiled the 58-year-old Armstrong Sunday following the loss to Italy. “I don’t have that here.”
After an car accident sidelined him permanently from the able-bodied game six years ago, Armstrong stayed completely away from curling for about five years. He was lured into the wheelchair game in 2007 and has quickly become one of Canada’s best — winning the Canadian title last season. But this event marks his debut as skip of Team Canada and, in terms of the wheeled game, he’s one of the most inexperienced competitors at the 2009 championships.
A retired Richmond, B.C., dentist, Armstrong is shouldering much of the blame for his team’s slow start.
“This one (Sunday’s loss) is mine to eat,” he said. “We had lots of chances today, but there was nothing I could finish.”
As Armstrong noted, the chances were there Sunday. But the Canadians ran into trouble in the fourth end when they gave up a steal of three after Armstrong watched his final shot over curl. After Canada countered with three of its own on the fifth for a 5-5 tie, they gave the trey right back in the six. On that end, Armstrong saw his draw attempt fail, leaving his Italian counterpart, Andrea Tabanelli, an open shot for his trio.
Team Canada coach Joe Rea is confident his crew will rebound as round robin play continues through Thursday after which the top four teams will advance to the playoffs.
“We’re struggling with the ice right now, but it’s the same for everybody,” said Rea.
More from the Vancouver Sun.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Good luck and kudos to Jim Armstrong and the rest of Team Canada at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships taking place in Vancouver this week. That game is hard enough to play when you’re able-bodied, never mind from wheelchairs.
Sprinter Pistorius To Be Moved Out Of ICU
23/02/2009 16:15
Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is expected to be moved out of intensive care within a few days and may be able to return home soon after as he responds to treatment for an injury sustained in a boating accident over the weekend.
Amelda Swartz, spokeswoman for Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital, said Monday that Pistorius was doing well and was likely to be moved to a general ward by Wednesday.
And "if all goes well, maybe home by the end of the week," Swartz said.
Pistorius sustained head and facial injuries in a boat accident near Johannesburg late Saturday and had surgery at Milpark on Sunday.
The sprinter's manager, Peet van Zyl, said Sunday that Pistorius still hoped to compete in the 100 and 400-metre races at the Paralympic World Championships in Manchester, England, in May - subject to medical clearance. Pistorius is the Paralympic champion in the two disciplines, as well as the 200.
"Oscar will be back on the track sooner rather than later," Van Zyl said. "He has sustained no leg, arm or rib damage."
Pistorius, nicknamed the Blade Runner, had his legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old because he had no fibulas.
Last year, he won a legal battle to be able to compete against able-bodied athletes after an appeals court overturned objections by athletics governing body the IAAF that his carbon-fibre prosthetic racing blades could give him an unfair advantage.
The IAAF ban that kept him off the track was overturned in time for the Beijing Olympics, but Pistorius missed the 400 qualifying time of 45.55 seconds. He still managed to run a personal best 46.25 while consumed by the legal struggles.
He told The Associated Press in an interview last month that his main goal for this year was to compete against able-bodied athletes at the world championships in Berlin in August and step up his training for the 2012 London Olympics.
Pistorius planned to race in South Africa in February and March before returning to Europe for the meet in Manchester, and then focus on qualifying for Berlin.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Well, this is certainly good news, folks. It sounds like Pistorius is going to be all right.
Harrison Asks For Release From Colts
23/02/2009 16:15
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - In a stunning move Sunday, future Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison has reportedly asked for his release from the Indianapolis Colts.
A report on NFL.com said that after Harrison and the Colts failed to agree on a restructured contract, the eight-time Pro Bowler asked for his release from the only team he has ever known.
A 13-year NFL veteran, Harrison has been embroiled in an alleged shooting incident in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, and his release would end one of the most successful quarterback-wide receiver tandems in league history.
The former Syracuse star and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning own NFL records for most completions (971), yards (13,090) and touchdowns (110) since the two began playing together in 1998, the year Manning was taken No. 1 overall. Harrison was drafted by Indy with the 19th overall pick two years earlier.
Harrison, who has been accused of being involved in a shooting outside an auto repair shop he owns in North Philly back in April, recorded 636 yards and five touchdowns on 60 catches in 15 games this season. He played in only five games in 2007 because of a knee injury and owns 14,580 receiving yards and 128 touchdowns on 1,102 receptions in his career.
Colts agree to release Harrsion.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I wonder how much the shooting incident has to do with this?
Canadians Report More UFO Sightings In 2008
23/02/2009 00:09
WINNIPEG - Some were
strange lights. Some appeared to be
cigar-shaped
spaceships.Canadians reported a record number of UFO sightings last year, according to Winnipeg-based Ufology Research.
The volunteer group of a half-dozen researchers noted 1,004 reported sightings in 2008 - up more than 25 per cent from the previous year and the highest amount in the 20 years Ufology has been keeping track.
"It's astonishing to me that we had such a dramatic increase," spokesman Chris Rutkowski said.
"It could be an indication that there's actually something up there seen in greater numbers than ever before, it could be that there are perhaps more military flights, it could be ... that people are more able to access websites where they can report the UFOs."
Ufology combs official and unofficial sources for its data - everything from Defence Department reports to videos posted on YouTube. The majority of sightings turn out to be airplanes, stars or some other run-of-the-mill source.
But between one and 10 per cent of sightings every year remain mysterious and enticing to UFO fans.
"It doesn't necessarily mean that the aliens are here, but it suggests there is a real physical phenomenon that is being observed and should be taken a little more seriously by scientists and the lay public alike," said Rutkowski, who holds a degree in astronomy.
More from CBC News.
SINC SAYS:
They’re out there, aren’t they?
Wanna Bet They Sell A Ton Of These?
23/02/2009 00:09
Now here’s a novel idea and I bet the guy who thought of this one makes a fortune.
Good on him for thinking of it.
Nothing could be truer, don’tcha think?
Want one?
Here’s the link.
Man Smashes Way To Melon Record With Head
23/02/2009 00:09
A Queensland man has broken his own world record by smashing 47 watermelons with his head.
The four-day Chinchilla Melon Festival began on Saturday in Queensland's southern inland.
Festival president Jason Johnston says 29-year-old John Allwood set a record last year by using his head to break 40 melons in one minute - and he smashed that number this year.
SINC SAYS:
I have but one question. Why?
The Sleeping Bear Bag . . .
23/02/2009 00:09
Knoxville Goes To The Dogs At Mardi Growl
23/02/2009 00:09
An estimated 500
canine Mardi Gras enthusiasts wearing their
flashiest costumes marched on all fours through
the Old City and down Gay Street
Saturday.Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds and their owners participated in the second annual Mardi Growl Dog Parade, sponsored by PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand to raise funds for shelter dogs at the Young-Williams Animal Center.
"Last year we were expecting about 150 dogs, and we got close to 400," said Madeleine Weil, deputy director of policy and communication for the city of Knoxville.
Weil helped bring the parade idea to Knoxville last year. Mardi Growl was inspired by the Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade, which is a similar dog parade that takes place each year in St. Louis.
"I think it's a great way for all of us dog lovers to come together as a community," said Joanne Cummings, a parade participant and owner of a cocker spaniel named Daisy.
From the 500 dogs that walked by a panel of judges on Gay Street, a few select pooches were awarded costume prizes. King Louie, a 6-year-old Shih Tzu breed, won Best in Show for his festive Mardi Gras costume and decorated wagon.
"We worked on (the wagon) for two weeks, every day, and paraded him around the neighborhood," said Valerie Leone, one of King Louie's owners.
Other awards included Best Costume, the Naked Dog award and Miss Congeniality.
"There were all shapes and sizes today. It was an unbelievable picture if you were at the end of Gay Street or by the Tennessee Theatre," said emcee Aaron Snukals.
A 2-year-old mixed breed named Jessie and other Young-Williams dogs wore "Adopt Me" vests to encourage adoption efforts. Only six Young-Williams dogs were brought to the parade, but the animal center has more than 60 dogs up for adoption right now.
Rudy, one of the 22 Labradors featured in the movie "Marley and Me," was a special guest.
"He is the snowman destroyer and cake eater," said Randy Kenner, city of Knoxville communication coordinator, describing Rudy's scenes in the movie.
The parade ended with a "doggy" street fair in Market Square.
Holly Ludwig, owner of one of the parade's pugs, Edmund, said with a laugh, "The dogs love it! Well, at least we think they do."
SINC SAYS:
I wonder what they do for beads at this Mardi Growl?
Alberta’s Bernard Throws Hot And Cold
23/02/2009 00:09
Wins skills competition but gets thumped in opening match
Calgary skip Cheryl Bernard was unstoppable during the Ford Hot Shots event at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts women's curling championship Saturday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
Bernard put together one of the highest four-round totals in winning the event and a two-year lease on a 2009 Ford Flex.
But in the featured game of the evening, defending champion Jennifer Jones from Winnipeg and her Team Canada rink defeated Bernard 9-3 in six ends.
The turning point came in the second end as Team Canada third Cathy Overton-Clapham executed a raise double takeout to set up a three.
"With that shot, I just tried to throw the right weight and hit the broom," said Overton-Clapham. "This was a nice way for us to start, but Jennifer did have to make some great saves along the way."
Bernard struggled all game, missing a wide-opentakeout and a runback which allowed Team Canada to jump into a 4-1 lead after three ends.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
Alberta’s Bernard finishes Day 1 at Scotties on sour note.
UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS
Calgary's Cheryl Bernard, representing Alberta, won both her games yesterday, defeating Manitoba 6-5 yesterday afternoon, and Nova Scotia 6-4 last night to improve her record to 2-1.
Bernard plays undefeated (3-0) Marie-France Larouche of Quebec this afternoon and Marla Mallett of B.C. tonight. The game against Quebec is an extremely big game for Team Alberta. While the week is still young and running down the standings would be fairly meaningless at this point, the best advice SWIVEL HIPS can offer Team Bernard is to just keep winning as many games as you can. Win, baby win!
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As Linda Moore says, the Scotties is a very long week. I’m still confident that at the end of the week, Team Cheryl Bernard from Alberta will be somewhere in the playoff picture.
Good News For A Great Guy
23/02/2009 00:09
The following story ran in the Calgary Herald in September 2007:
Jim Armstrong used to be one of Canada’s finest, most popular curlers, blessed with a surgeon’s touch with a curling rock in his hand and an outgoing, funny personality that endeared him to fans and peers alike.
And after seven miserable years away from the game because of debilitating pain in his knees, the man they call the Friendly Giant is ready to come back.
Only, now he’ll be doing from a wheelchair.
The six-time Brier participant from Richmond, B.C., has been declared eligible by the Canadian Paralympic Committee to compete in the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver, and has been fast-tracked onto the 14-person talent pool from which the Canadian team will be selected for the Games.
But that’s only half the victory for the 57-year-old, who was forced to give up his dentistry practice because of the knee pain ¬— he’s back on the ice, and that’s cause enough for celebration.
“I haven’t felt so good since the accident. I gotta tell you,” raved Armstrong, who had his assessment in Woodstock, Ont. “I didn’t need a plane to come home on. It’s just like another birth.”
The decision, which is awaiting the thumbs-up by the World Curling Federation, was notable on a number of fronts.
It gives the fledgling Canadian wheelchair program an instant shot of credibility, with Armstrong’s six Purple Hearts — two as a skip — and decades of success on the cashspiel circuit.
“It’s huge,” said Canadian Curling Association high-performance director Gerry Peckham, who played in two Briers with Armstrong and convinced his former teammate over the summer to consider the wheelchair game. “Inasmuch as we’ve moved the yardsticks considerably in a short period of time as it relates to the technical elements of the sport, the journey to strategic comprehension is a long one. So to get our hands on a player (like Armstrong), if he has sufficient technical skills to make the team, would be a major coup.”
It also gives a lifeline to other competitive curlers who thought their playing days were done because of mobility-affecting injuries.
Armstrong isn’t confined to a wheelchair, but he can’t get around without a cane and certainly can’t participate in any of the sports he used to thanks to years of knee pain, compounded by a serious car accident in 2003.
More from the Calgary Herald.
UPDATE:
This from yesterday’s Edmonton Journal:
Jim Armstrong, winner of six Briers, made his world championship debut a successful one as host Canada downed Scotland 10-2 to open North America's first World Wheelchair Curling Championship. The Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre roared to life as Armstrong, a local resident, stole three points in the first end and another deuce in the second to open a 5-0 lead over Michael McCreadie.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Congrats to Jim Armstrong, truly one of the nicest gentlemen ever to play the game of curling. It’s quite a story, isn’t it, folks?
19th-Century Hockey Stick ‘A National Treasure’
23/02/2009 00:09
Scientists to probe the hand-hewn artifact owned by N.S. man
New Brunswick scientists are preparing to conduct tests on the age of what appears to be the world's oldest known hockey stick -- a hand-hewn, maple-root specimen from Cape Breton that historians of Canada's favorite sport are endorsing as the most genuine candidate yet to be considered "a national treasure."
While other contenders have recently been offered for sale on eBay, experts say the object owned by Nova Scotia youth worker Mark Presley has the composition, design and provenance of an authentic, early 19th-century shinny stick -- a relic from the era when hockey was evolving from a variety of stick-and-ball skating games throughout Eastern Canada.
Presley, who was in Campbellton, N.B., on Saturday to give the stick its first national exposure during a nationwide CBC broadcast for Hockey Day in Canada, told Canwest News Service the stick was being sent this week to dendrochronologists -- tree-age specialists -- at New Brunswick's Mount Allison University for analysis aimed at confirming other tests and research indicating an origin in the 1830s or earlier.
"It isn't for sale, because I want to conduct the research as systematically and completely as I can," Presley said Saturday. "I take pride in this. I certainly got lucky with this landing in my lap. But at the same time, I really feel it couldn't have fallen in a better lap, because I really care about the history of the game."
Canada's top hockey historians agree.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Have you noticed, folks, there’s seems to be a real ‘fascination’ right now with the origins of hockey and who has the world’s oldest hockey stick?
Mickelson Wins Northern Trust Open, Couples Third
23/02/2009 00:09
LOS ANGELES - On the verge of blowing the biggest lead of his career, Phil Mickelson turned his fortunes around in the final hour at Riviera with back-to-back birdies that carried him to a one-shot victory Sunday in the Northern Trust Open.
Mickelson went from a four-shot lead at the start of the final round to a two-shot deficit with three holes to play. But he hit 9-iron to five feet for birdie on the 16th, holed a six-foot birdie on the 17th and saved par with a six-foot putt on the final hole.
He closed with a 1-over 72 to become only the fourth player to win in consecutive years at Riviera.
Steve Stricker closed with a 67 and was on his way to the range to get ready for a playoff when he saw Mickelson leave himself a tough par putt on the final hole, and stopped when he heard the cheer.
He had his chances. Stricker missed a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th that would have given him a three-shot lead at the time, then missed a 12-footer for par on the 18th.
Calgary's Stephen Ames and Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., ended a tough tournament near the bottom of the leaderboard.
Ames shot a final round 1-over 72 and finished tied for 64th while Weir hit 6-over 77 to tie for 72nd.
But the real heartache belonged to Fred Couples.
A two-time winner at Riviera, his favourite golf course west of Augusta National, the 49-year-old had a chance for one last victory in his final full season on the PGA Tour. Couples was one shot behind when he fanned his approach to the 18th green and watched in disgust as it struck a eucalyptus tree. He finished with a bogey for a 69 to tie for third with K.J. Choi (69) and Andres Romero (70).
Couples learned earlier in the week that his former wife, Thais Baker, died of breast cancer.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It sure would have been just great to see Freddie Couples win again at 49 1/2 years of age, and in his last full-year on the PGA Tour, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
Well, this was the last week of grace for the rest of the PGA Tour players, as Tiger returns from his eight-month layoff next week at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships in Arizona. If anyone didn’t make hay during the past eight months, I really don’t like their chances now.
Christopher Sprints To 400M Win In Birmingham
23/02/2009 00:08
BIRMINGHAM, England - Tyler Christopher of Chilliwack, B.C., sprinted to victory in the men's 400 metres at the Aviva Grand Prix on Saturday, recording the fastest time in the world this season.
Christopher, the defending world indoor champion, ran 46.08 seconds to win at the National Indoor Arena, passing Britain's Richard Buck with 10 metres to go. Buck was second in 46.22, while Sweden's Johan Wissman, the runner-up at the world championships, was third in 46.39.
Christopher, 25, ran a Canadian indoor record of 45.67 in winning the world championships in Valencia, Spain last March.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I wonder if Tyler is still training in Edmonton?
‘Blade Runner’ Pistorius Badly Hurt In Accident
23/02/2009 00:08
JOHANNESBURG - Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius sustained head and facial injuries in a boat accident, but his manager expects the South African runner will be back on the track soon.
Pistorius had surgery Sunday and was in stable condition in the intensive care unit of a Johannesburg hospital where he was airlifted after Saturday night's accident.
"Everything can be repaired surgically," said Anchen Laubscher, the principal medical officer of the emergency service that evacuated Pistorius. "He is fine.
"His brain is functioning normally. He will soon be discharged and taken home to make a full recovery."
Manager Peet van Zyl said Pistorius still hoped to compete in the 100- and 400-metre races at the Paralympic World Championships in May in Manchester, England. Pistorius is the Paralympic gold medallist in the two disciplines, along with the 200.
"Oscar will be back on the track sooner rather than later," Van Zyl said. "He has sustained no leg, arm or rib damage."
The 22-year-old Pistorius was boating with a friend on the Vaal River near Johannesburg on Saturday when the vessel apparently hit something, Laubscher said. Paramedics stabilized him at the scene before airlifting him to the hospital.
Pistorius, nicknamed the Blade Runner, had his legs were amputated below the knee at 11 months old because he had no fibulas, or calf bones.
More from Canadian Press.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
We wish Pistorius all the best and hope he makes a full recovery.
Gorilla Modelled Out Of Thousands Of Matches
22/02/2009 05:18
Artist David Mach has
used tens of thousands of matchsticks to create
this intricate gorilla
sculpture.Mr Mach spends up to three months modelling his wild animal sculptures, which have included grizzly bears and rhinos.
Combining an array of matchsticks with different coloured tips, the 52-year-old is able to immortalise the animals in incredible detail complete with antlers, horns and teeth.
Each work sells for between 20,000 pounds and 35,000 pounds.
Mr Mach used an astonishing 30,000 matches to complete the 15-inch high gorilla head, which has flared nostrils and a fierce open mouth.
It took three months of intensive work to finish the piece, by painstakingly gluing each match onto a mould at his London studio.
He recreated the animals' features and different skin shades using 14 different coloured matchsticks imported from Japan.
Mr Mach, originally from Fife in Scotland, said: "I like to make figures that are instantly recognisable and make people take notice.
"The animals are both a joy and a challenge to make because they have difficult features such as antlers and horns."
Mr Mach and his wife Lesley, who helps run the studio, warn buyers to take care of the pieces because they are highly flammable.
But they revealed that after accidentally setting fire to one of the sculptures, they have begun torching the extravagant figureheads at exhibition launches.
Mrs Mach, 51, said that some customers even request that the pieces are burned to achieve an eerie effect.
She said: "They are highly flammable and when they go up it's highly dramatic.
"It can send flames shooting 6ft into the air but because they're just matchsticks, it's all over in a few seconds."
Mr Mach, who runs the studio with his wife, has created more than 350 sculptures since 1982.
They are crafted by firstly making a clay mould of the head and creating a fibreglass or plastic version from it.
The matchsticks are then stuck on using wood glue.
SINC SAYS:
Thank to St. Albert’s Place reader “rg” for alerting us to this story.
In Case You Missed It Department . . .
22/02/2009 05:18
Baby Monkey Born At Calgary Zoo
22/02/2009 05:18
CBC News
First-time mother, Mosi, is learning how to take care of her baby, said zoo officials.
Visitors to the Calgary Zoo can now visit a baby Colobus monkey, born at the facility last week.
The female infant, who has not yet been named by her keepers, was born on Feb. 13, the zoo announced Friday. She joins her mother, Mosi, father, BK and another female, Roberta, in the troop that lives with the zoo's gorillas.
The baby has a distinctive white coat, which will slowly change over the next few months to match the adult's black coat with long fringes of white fur on the face, sides and tail, said zoo officials.
Mother and baby were kept away from the public for the first week to allow them to bond, said zookeeper Garth Irvine.
"Mosi is a first-time mother and has had a lot to learn, including how to carry her baby, but has taken very good care of her and is quite protective," he said.
The zoo recommended visiting at 9 a.m., just after the zoo opens, as the best chance to see the new addition.
The baby is the first Colobus monkey born at the Calgary Zoo, as part of a species survival plan to increase the numbers of the animals, whose populations are dwindling because of deforestation and hunting in their central African habitat.
SINC SAYS:
With the recent run of bad luck at the Calgary zoo, I’m sure this is good news for the keepers.
Police Hospitalized Over HP Sauce
22/02/2009 05:18
Officers reported "an
unusual smell" coming from the
carPolice officers rushed to hospital after a suspicious substance was thrown through a car window were released when it was identified as HP sauce.
The Metropolitan Police said officers responded to reports of an "unusual smell" coming from a car with a smashed window in Enfield, north London.
They saw an unknown brown substance inside and those who came into contact with it were taken to hospital.
No arrests have been made over the incident in the early hours of Friday.
The spokesman said: "Officers who came into contact with the substance were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
"The substance was eventually identified as a harmless food substance."
SINC SAYS:
Nothing unusual about HP Sauce. I love the stuff on almost anything.
10 Working Tips For 2009
22/02/2009 05:18
1) Do not get into trouble
2) Aim for greater
heights
3) Stay focused on
your job
4) Exercise to
maintain good health
5) Practice Team
work
6) Rely on your
trusted partner to watch your back
7) Save for rainy
days
8) Rest and
relax
9) Always smile when
your boss is around
10) Nothing is
impossible
The Wisdom Of Will Rogers . . .
22/02/2009 05:18
I bet after seeing us, George Washington would sue us for calling him "father."
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
I guess there is nothing that will get your mind off everything like golf. I have never been depressed enough to take up the game, but they say you get so sore at yourself you forget to hate your enemies.
I have a scheme for stopping war. It's this - no nation is allowed to enter a war till they have paid for the last one.
I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they now do.
I read about eight newspapers in a day. When I'm in a town with only one newspaper, I read it eight times.
