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[] | 2016-08-28T10:50:54 | null | 2016-08-28T11:23:07 | Sweden’s far-right party on Saturday vowed to fight for the elderly, saying it will only support a government that is prepared to significantly hike pensions for those who struggle financially. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160828%2Fsweden-democrats-try-to-woo-elderly-with-pensions.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/f17a7ffe55ac34f5482ee3d41a2dd75a8e4031f968d3315e25d4060869e93606.jpg | en | null | Sweden Democrats try to woo pensioneers | null | null | www.thelocal.se | The party says the minimum pension ought to be raised by 10 percent. Photo: Emil Langvad/TT
TT/The Local · 28 Aug 2016, 11:23
Published: 28 Aug 2016 11:23 GMT+02:00
Sweden’s far-right party on Saturday vowed to fight for the elderly, saying it will only support a government that is prepared to significantly hike pensions for those who struggle financially.
Sweden Democrat leader Jimmie Åkesson said the minimum pension guaranteed for the country’s retired population ought to be increased by around 10 percent, or 800 kronor (€85), per month.
“We won’t support any government which doesn’t improve the situation for the poor elderly. That’s a promise,” the politician said during his annual summer speech in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden on Saturday.
Åkesson said higher pensions would be vital in getting the party’s support in the next elections, describing the Sweden Democrats as the country’s “the social conscience”.
“Sweden can do better,” he said, calling Prime Minister Stefan Löfven a “traitor”.
Political analyst Andreas Johansson Heinö said the move is only aimed at attracting new voters as the party’s anti-immigrant stance is no longer as unique, with more and more political parties calling for stricter policies on migrants.
“So it’s handy to then represent yourself as speaking up for voters who you consider not having been treated well and that other parties haven’t really cared about. And I think a lot of people see this [particular] voting group as rather large and that they are subject to a fair bit of injustice,” he was quoted as telling Swedish news agency TT.
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Löfven quickly dismissed Åkesson’s vows, saying there was ”no credibility at all” in the statement.
“They make out to have money that no one else has,” he said, adding that the far-right party recently voted against a proposal to lower taxes on pensions. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160828/sweden-democrats-try-to-woo-elderly-with-pensions | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/addda1c1545da9341b3573ebfa10fc96d48f4d775006b48a916eb2affd9f0c8e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:51:42 | null | 2016-08-30T08:19:07 | More than two thirds of all pine trees in Blekinge have been damaged by hungry elk, according to fresh figures. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160830%2Fhungry-elk-wreak-havoc-in-swedish-forests.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/499485966a01eebc16e994b71ba847613a1f7026929c19e313c40e0635cc7205.jpg | en | null | Really hungry elk wreak havoc in Swedish forests | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Om-nom-nom. Photo: AP Photo/Becky Bohrer
The Local · 30 Aug 2016, 08:19
Published: 30 Aug 2016 08:19 GMT+02:00
More than two thirds of all pine trees in Blekinge have been damaged by hungry elk, according to fresh figures.
An annual inventory of grazing elk (officially called Äbin) shows that more than half of all pine trees in southern Sweden's Götaland area have suffered damage caused by elk nibbling on their trunks, according to the Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen)
"It's above all the Blekinge region sticking out. 28 percent of the pine trunks have been damaged this past winter and in total 77 percent of pine trunks have grazing damages," the agency's wildlife expert Christer Kalén told agriculture magazine ATL.
"It's an emergency situation," he added.
In central Sweden the peckish animals have got their teeth into around one in three pine trees.
"In the past things have looked better in northern Sweden, but that trend is broken. The damages are increasing there, too, and almost nine percent of the pine trunks had been grazed during the winter," said Kalén.
Around 80,000-90,000 elk are killed annually in Sweden's elk hunt, which is set to kick off on September 5th this year. But shooting more of the animals alone will not necessarily solve the problem, say experts.
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"The elk population has not increased, rather the opposite, but the damages are increasing. We have to shoot more elk and plant more pine trees," said Daniel Ligné of the Swedish Hunters' Association.
"Nuisance wildlife management should be used to remove individuals with unwanted behaviour. But all elk eat pines, so that is not the right way to go either." | http://www.thelocal.se/20160830/hungry-elk-wreak-havoc-in-swedish-forests | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/20b14e85cea071d1a978b1704b53e1a7c1b7d502788b93bc6407bcea243bf4bd.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:52:21 | null | 2016-08-31T10:15:53 | Swedes boosted the coffers of charities last year to the tune of 19.4 billion kronor, a massive increase on the previous year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160831%2Fswedes-give-billions-charity.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/0b48339e06db5736b62a3b6a823c7d6829b68e6563356a5eaf822697570da58e.jpg | en | null | Why Swedes smashed charity donation record in 2015 | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Newly arrived asylum seekers stand in line at Malmö's Hyllie staton in November 2015. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
The Local · 31 Aug 2016, 10:15
Published: 31 Aug 2016 10:15 GMT+02:00
Swedes boosted the coffers of charities last year to the tune of 19.4 billion kronor, a massive increase on the previous year.
Donors gave almost 1.5 billion kronor ($176 million) more to charity in 2015 than the year before, the Swedish Fundraising Control said.
The group attributes much of the rise to Swedes reacting with their wallets to last year’s unprecedented influx of refugees.
The United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR saw donations rise 96 percent in a year in which Sweden took in 163,000 asylum seekers.
Donations from private individuals accounted for a record 7.1 billion kronor of the total, one billion kronor more than in 2014.
Businesses, other organisations, and government agencies also helped swell the balances of the country’s 420 so-called 90-accounts, special bank accounts used solely by charities.
“It’s a fantastic development, that the public and other donors are displaying such trust in organisations with 90-accounts, and that donations are reaching new record levels,” said the fundraising watchdog’s controller Tommy Jonsson in a statement.
Sweden’s ten biggest charities by donations, 2015 (billions of kronor, % increase on 2014)
Save the Children, 1.387, +28%
Church of Sweden, 995, + 8%
Red Cross, 689, +33%
Unicef, 676, +1%
Doctors Without Borders, 648, + 9%
Swedish Cancer Society, 587, 1%
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UNHCR, 518, 96%
Salvation Army, 482, 7%
Diakonia, 462 3%
Plan International, 429, +1% | http://www.thelocal.se/20160831/swedes-give-billions-charity | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/9373bff20d76e292b31cd03e2aa82e8b1e0c8b26fae4fcb9a1b7ced0140a345b.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:10 | null | 2016-08-29T11:00:54 | Halland ranks as Sweden's most beautiful county, while the medieval city wall in Visby counts as the country's loveliest building, a new survey suggests. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160829%2Fswedens-most-beautiful-places-revealed.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/6779dff92f646047ed492fd3da1d5807b6261a3a3f1aeb5eadd4681b5003d6c4.jpg | en | null | Sweden's most beautiful places revealed | null | null | www.thelocal.se | West-coast serenity in Onsala, Halland. Photo: Mikael Tigerström
The Local · 29 Aug 2016, 11:00
Published: 29 Aug 2016 11:00 GMT+02:00
Halland ranks as Sweden's most beautiful county, while the medieval city wall in Visby counts as the country's loveliest building, a new survey suggests.
When asked if they thought their home county was beautiful, 62 percent of Halland residents surveyed said they fully agreed.
Stockholmers also held their home county in high regard, with 59 percent of respondents praising its pulchritude.
Of the 2,500 Swedes who took part in a Sifo survey commissioned by the Projektengagemang consultancy, 51 percent fully agreed that their home county was gorgeous; 49 agreed to an extent, and three percent didn’t agree at all.
Here’s how the top ten looks:
The town or place I live in is beautiful! (Fully agree, by county)
Halland 62%
Stockholm 59%
Örebro 54%
Jönköping 52%
Skåne 50%
Uppsala 48%
Västra Götaland 43%
Östergötland 37%
Västerbotten 37%
Södermanland 29%
So what’s so great about Halland then? Well, miles and miles of coastline set against the lovely Kattegat strait go a long way to explaining the locals’ satisfaction.
Between two piers in Torkelstrop, Halland. Photo: Mikael Tigerström
And if we cast our minds back to June, three towns in Halland graced the top ten in the rankings for Sweden’s best summer city: Halmstad, Falkenberg and Varberg.
A month earlier, little Varberg was named the best municipality in Sweden.
READ MORE: Ten reasons why Varberg is the best place in Sweden
As for Sweden’s most beautiful buildings, here’s how respondents voted:
Visby City Wall 13%
Visby, a stunning medieval city on the Baltic island of Gotland, is a Unesco World Heritage site and this well-preserved defensive fortification is one of the main attractions.
Photo: Emelie Asplund/imagebank.sweden.se
Drottningholm Palace 11%
Also on the Unesco list, this palace is fit for a king. Which is just as well, since Sweden’s King and Queen live here.
Photo: Melker Dahlstrand/imagebank.sweden.se
Stockholm City Hall 7%
This magnificent red-brick structure stands proudly on the shores of Riddarfjärden and plays host each year to the Nobel Prize banquet.
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Photo: Werner Nystrand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
The High Coast Bridge 7%
Sweden’s High Coast is a stunning place to visit and this nearly 20-year-old suspension bridge serves as a worthy gateway.
Photo: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se
READ MORE: Five gorgeous gems on Sweden's High Coast
Uppsala Cathedral 6%
First built in the 13th century the cathedral, which has undergone several restorations since then, looms impressively over the popular university city.
Photo: Mark Harris/imagebank.sweden.se
READ MORE: Five things that make Uppsala a superb university city | http://www.thelocal.se/20160829/swedens-most-beautiful-places-revealed | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/3661ae2f1975ac440cd635bd4f8001c8af4b5b41882cfb90f306c853d406c1ef.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:51:06 | null | 2016-08-29T06:59:59 | Shaun and Johanna Corby had been discussing moving to Sweden for a long time, but work and other life realities would often get in the way of making it happen. Finally, last year they decided to take the plunge. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160829%2Fthis-couple-moved-to-sweden-and-opened-their-dream-caf.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/ecc60e6370a0d069d541adfa23c668b2a1e5b767f4acafc9b532d4dbd82116e5.jpg | en | null | This Brit moved to Sweden and opened his dream café | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Härnösand café owner Shaun Corby. Photo: Johanna Corby
The Local · 29 Aug 2016, 06:59
Published: 29 Aug 2016 06:59 GMT+02:00
Shaun and Johanna Corby had been discussing moving to Sweden for a long time, but work and other life realities would often get in the way of making it happen. Finally, last year they decided to take the plunge.
They moved to Härnösand, in northern Sweden, where Johanna grew up. A fairly small, serene town of just above 17,000 residents, it’s often referred to as “the gate to the High Coast”, the stunning Unesco heritage site which stretches along the coast just north of the town.
It’s a long way off from Corby's old city life in Northampton, where his job selling energy efficient glass to larger buildings kept him busy and meant he travelled often.
“I was travelling from to Scotland, Ireland, Poland and wherever else business took me. Johanna would go to Härnösand to see her family while I was away, because there was no point in her being alone. The struggles of trying to balance a city life, family life and travelling for work made the decision for us to move,” he tells The Local.
Opening a café had been on the back of their minds since a walk during a holiday eight or nine years ago, in Bournemouth, a coastal town in southern Britain. “We were walking along and said, ‘wouldn’t it be nice to live by the sea and open a café?’”
With the move to Härnösand this opportunity arose and they went for it. Café Skeppsbron was born.
The concept of the café revolves around ‘fresh feel-good food with an international twist’ and the target is to make everything in-house and use organic produce. “Where possible we use ecological ingredients, we process our meats to make sausages and the sauces and marinades are all made in-house. We don’t use anything frozen. We try to make sure everything is locally sourced, although some ingredients we have to get from the major chains.”
As much of the ingredients as possible is organic and locally sourced. Photo: Café Skeppsbron
They have vegetarian options as well, and have just started branching out to include vegan meals too. “We also have pancakes, which have a vegan option as well which are made out of bananas.”
Corby points out that the brunch concept is very different in Sweden to the UK. “We found a gap in the market where not many places are open on a Sunday. And what they’re doing is pretty much the extended fika. We’re filling that gap with full meals.”
READ ALSO: 'There were no good brunch spots in Sweden'
With the cold months not far off, Corby has a plan to help his customers stay warm and cozy by drawing inspiration from his own background. “My family is from Ireland, though I was raised in England. Irish soups and stews will definitely be a feature. And other foreign dishes that are not readily available in Härnösand.”
While Corby cooks the main dishes, his wife is the baker, and she’s creative. She makes the cakes the night before or the day they are sold. “A favourite is her nut-free rocky road or her ‘any-time’ brownie. It’s made with sweet potatoes and black beans but no refined sugar. It can be eaten anytime, which is why we called it that. It’s going down really well. It’s part of our plan to introduce gluten free foods.”
Although Corby wouldn’t describe it as an ‘eco-café’, Café Skeppsbron’s concept means they’re aware of the environment. They pay a little more to have to get recycled napkins and they use eco-friendly washing-up powder to wash the dishes. They’re always looking for other ways to be environmentally friendly.
Vegan-friendly cake. Photo: Café Skeppsbron
The business is very new, but interest from the locals seems to be high. “Word of mouth has been key for us. I see a lot people driving past and slowing down just to look.”
Home seems to be where the heart is, and the Corby family’s heart is in Härnösand. “I prefer Sweden to England. I really didn’t think I would. But obviously I’ve got young kids as well. The idea to come here was mostly because we wanted to spend more time together as a family, and our lifestyle in Northampton didn’t allow that. We’re managing the work-life balance better here.”
That didn’t mean adjusting to life in the town was complete smooth sailing. Moving from a city and a life full of constant travel for work meant adjusting to the quiet life Härnösand offered took some getting used to.
“It is a quieter life here. Northampton is very busy, and I was travelling to London a lot as well. I was always in some kind of hustle and bustle. And it was a shock for me. I was close to shedding tears when I first came. I was thinking what do I do?” says Corby.
All the baking is done the night before or the day of. Photo: Café Skeppsbron
But he found he wasn’t the only one having to learn the new way of life, other expats were also in the area, and this helped him adjust. “I was out with a guy from Tanzania, a guy from Scotland, I’ve got a friend from Ireland. People are always coming in saying ‘I used to live in England’ or ‘Oh I’m from London’ so we have found a little community. We recognize each other in the supermarket and what not. So that sort of has helped me settle.”
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Although Corby seems a little wistful about the anonymity city life offered, he seems to enjoy getting to know the people. “I can’t say I prefer city life to here. You've got to get on with it wherever you are. Life is what you make it. It’s a learning curve to move to a smaller town and there are some things I miss, and some I don’t. In a bigger town or city there are more places to hide. I see my neighbours everywhere in Härnösand, but I didn’t even know my neighbour’s names in Northampton.”
The difference in mannerisms between Swedes and Brits are quite noticeable, he says. “Swedish people seem to be calmer while Brits are always running round like headless chickens,” he laughs.
“My wife is very happy we’ve moved here. She lets me get away with a bit more now, I’m not annoying her as much by getting under her feet or coming and going. And I’m just able to be around more. We sit down for dinner together, we go for walks. She doesn't have to look after the kids all the time while I'm away and they are not suddenly pushed on me for the weekend when I’m back. We spend time with them equally.”
Moving to Härnösand has offered the Corby family of four the opportunity to open a longed-for business, and the ability to spend more time together in a family-oriented atmosphere. The idyllic setting is a beautiful place for the children to grow up.
“My wife has been telling me for years it would be better for us to be here so we can see more of each other. But I thought it doesn't matter where you are. But now I see that she was right.”
Article by The Local's intern Saina Behnejad. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160829/this-couple-moved-to-sweden-and-opened-their-dream-caf | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/d5d1b0b89320efe1fd1421457c57ddcbffadd39bb00e6a4c9debfdbd884f0851.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:52:16 | null | 2016-08-31T06:59:59 | The Local's intern, Jack Schofield, taught himself Swedish from his home in the UK. Here are his best tips for learning the language before you move to Sweden. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160831%2Fhow-to-learn-swedish-without-even-being-in-sweden.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/ee598d849f647d2bd90b73195bf8d91ba9106a4a43991212b2a8ec17f4156b08.jpg | en | null | Six tips for learning Swedish without even being in Sweden | null | null | www.thelocal.se | The Local List
A Swedish Midsummer party in New York. Photo: Johan Brunkvist/TT
The Local · 31 Aug 2016, 06:59
Published: 31 Aug 2016 06:59 GMT+02:00
The Local's intern, Jack Schofield, taught himself Swedish from his home in the UK. Here are his best tips for learning the language before you move to Sweden.
1. Focus on learning the words you use in your own language the most
The most effective way to learn a language is to learn it the way children first learn their native language, not how we learn in classrooms.
That means that the colours and days of the week don’t really need to be the first thing you learn. Start instead with everything you think you need for the most basic of conversations when you first meet someone. Beyond that find out how to talk about your main interests, as those are the things you are most likely to find yourself regularly talking about when you’re speaking your own language.
Go through daily life thinking about words and phrases which would be relevant to those recurring situations, such as mealtimes, because the very heartening fact of the matter is that we all know in our native language way more words than we regularly use.
So the good news is, it can be relatively easy, with dedication and persistence, to get to be highly conversational in Swedish, or reach functional fluency.
Students studying in Sweden. Photo: Ulf Lundin/imagebank.sweden.se
2. Join any Swedish or Scandinavian clubs or societies that you can
If you’re a university student, be sure to join its Swedish/Scandinavian/Nordic Society. From my own experience with my university’s Scandinavian Society, it’s a great way to meet Scandinavians and take part in and learn about the culture. The main purpose of suggesting joining a society like this is for the opportunities it gives you to practise your Swedish. You may not know many, or even any, Swedes at the moment, and they’re probably not going to magically find you. So do what you can to put yourself in situations where you’re more likely, or guaranteed, to meet Swedes.
From the Anglo-Swedish Society in London to Scandinavia House in New York and Swedish societies in places such as Oakland, California; Calgary, Alberta; Houston, Texas and more, the opportunities are there, so look into what’s near you, but most importantly, if you go to an event, try to speak Swedish, however much or little you know, from the very beginning.
3. Put your money where your mouth is
You may find you've reached a wall of how far you can take yourself for a while, and need some things explained to you, or you may want the structure provided by some form of lessons to ensure you are actually working on the language. Definitely begin with free apps such as Duolingo, but if you really want to learn the language well and need help getting there, consider getting paid-for software or enrolling in a class. Many of the aforementioned societies around the world offer classes, for a fee, for example.
Many societies around the world offer Swedish classes. Photo: Emelie Asplund/imagebank.sweden.se
4. Immerse yourself in Swedish culture
Download for example SVT Play, the free app of Sweden's national broadcaster. Not all of the shows are available abroad, but a lot of them are. If you're miles off from being able to follow a programme in Swedish, pick ones which are in English and subtitled in Swedish (such as the period dramas, which are popular in Sweden) and read along and work out what the Swedish for some English words being used is.
There are also programmes you can watch and enjoy where you won't feel like you're missing out if you don't understand what they're saying, such as shows with a lot of singing. Whether it's outdoor sing-along Allsång på Skansen in the summer or studio-based show Så ska det låta during the year, the options are there.
Add Swedish songs to your playlist as well, and take a minute to look up what they mean. It's a great way to learn new vocabulary, but perhaps most importantly, immersing youself in Swedish culture, not only staying up to date with its popular culture but feeling like you're part of Swedish society yourself, makes you more invested in learning the language. You need a reason to do it, to keep going, and Swedish becoming the language that your life around you is in provides precisely that.
Watch Swedish television as often as you can. Photo: Magnus Liam Karlsson/imagebank.sweden.se
5. Really put yourself out there
When trying to speak a new language, embarrassment isn't allowed to enter into the equation. Making mistakes is all part of the learning process, and anyone who's gone on to master a foreign language will have their stories of hilarious or embarrassing mistakes they've made. So whenever you go to a Swedish cultural event abroad, or visit Sweden as a tourist or business travellers, make the best use of that time.
This is one of my most important points, because if you don't put what you do know to use when the opportunity arises, you are giving yourself no chance of improving it. You're learning the language because you want to speak to people in it, so don't allow the Swedes to let you stick to English, show them that you're trying (that alone will impress them).
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READ ALSO: Dear Swedes, please let us speak English with you
If you visit Sweden, don't forget to speak Swedish. Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
6. Dabble in some Norwegian and Danish
Trying out some Norwegian and/or Danish is a good way to make you consciously realize some systematic differences between the closely-related Scandinavian languages, and thereby shore up your knowledge of some Swedish spelling and grammar rules. Having some understanding of the rest of Scandinavia gives breadth to your cultural immersion in Sweden itself as well. Not to mention, one go at speaking Danish and you'll be thanking your lucky stars that you chose to learn Swedish instead. Just trust me on that one.
Kim Bodnia and Sofia Helin from season two of 'The Bridge'. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT | http://www.thelocal.se/20160831/how-to-learn-swedish-without-even-being-in-sweden | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/dff3736899547628dcbdddf5e7cc96a0afb224e2e68d0bbe38bf7b7f9c315e07.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:30 | null | 2016-08-26T07:53:22 | The Swedish government has launched an inquiry into why Sweden has among the highest number of drug-related deaths in the EU despite its zero-tolerance policy. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160826%2Fsweden-moves-to-combat-high-rate-of-drug-deaths.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/c734b96b05ca1a0ebce4f6c0664d781e4ba61d7e26c6937836a8e60e3dedf6ee.jpg | en | null | Sweden moves to battle high rate of drug deaths | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Sweden has among Europe's highest drug-induced mortality rates. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB/TT
The Local · 26 Aug 2016, 10:12
Published: 26 Aug 2016 07:53 GMT+02:00
Updated: 26 Aug 2016 10:12 GMT+02:00
The Swedish government has launched an inquiry into why Sweden has among the highest number of drug-related deaths in the EU despite its zero-tolerance policy.
Sweden reported 92.9 deaths linked to narcotics use per million of adults in 2014, according to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) – more than four times the European average of 19.2 deaths per million.
The Nordic country's drug-induced mortality rate has also soared from a domestic perspective in the past two decades, from 70 cases in 1995 to 609 in 2014. The centre-left government has now tasked the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) with investigating the reasons in order to bring the number down.
“Sweden has high drug-related mortality, which is serious and concerning. To turn the trend around an effort is required on several different levels. The job we now give Socialstyrelsen is an important step in that work,” Health Minister Gabriel Wikström told the Dagens Nyheter (DN) newspaper on Friday.
The board will now spend the next months discussing the issue with other actors in society, such as police and healthcare services, and has been asked to present a national action plan by April 30th designed to start bringing the drug-induced mortality rate down by 2020.
“The fundamental goal is to get to grips with narcotics-related mortality. Then one should be honest about it being a big job and that more efforts will be required. But the goal is that Socialstyrelsen find effective measures that future work can build on,” said Wikström.
Health Minister Gabriel Wikström. Photo: Daniel Kihlström/TT
Sweden criminalized illicit drug use in 1988, thanks in large part to a two-decade campaign by a group called the Swedish National Association for a Drug-free Society (RNS). It followed a two-year attempt to introduce a more tolerant approach that was considered a failure by authorities.
Sweden also puts a strong emphasis on prevention strategies, with extensive drug awareness programmes in schools and even preschools. Some substances are used in certain cases as approved medical treatment.
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According to figures released by EMCDDA last year, only nine percent of the Swedish school population has tried cannabis, compared to 39 percent in France, 42 percent in the Czech Republic and around 25 percent in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands.
But concerns have previously been raised that the country's tough 'zero tolerance' policy may be pushing up the number of drug-related deaths in the country.
Nine in ten Swedes told a survey in November that they think illicit drugs should remain banned. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160826/sweden-moves-to-combat-high-rate-of-drug-deaths | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/a3b93cac18bda0e8fa33e0883166084790aa0e858ac30e346c9b4e4c80d69aed.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T08:50:20 | null | 2016-08-27T10:28:42 | An internal report looking at ways to make Sweden’s Migration Agency more efficient has proposed the agency gets rid of specialists dedicated to LGBT-related issues. The move has prompted the country’s main gay rights group to see red. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160827%2Fmigration-agency-to-get-rid-of-lgbt-experts.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/5775ca8c8c028ffe7ecf1d4b87cff1354f530c647c4a96564dbd05f79dd4f49d.jpg | en | null | Migration agency ’to get rid of LGBT experts’ | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
TT/The Local · 27 Aug 2016, 10:28
Published: 27 Aug 2016 10:28 GMT+02:00
An internal report looking at ways to make Sweden’s Migration Agency more efficient has proposed the agency gets rid of specialists dedicated to LGBT-related issues. The move has prompted the country’s main gay rights group to see red.
The report noted that the agency in recent years has lost a lot of experienced expertise at many of its asylum centres, and therefore proposed creating new, more general roles for some of its older staff. But the new jobs would entail getting rid of some specialist fields, including that dedicated to LGBT-related issues.
According to Swedish news agency TT, which cites the report, maintaining the LGBT expert field was considered to be time-consuming.
The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer rights (RFSL) immediately slammed the report, calling instead for more in-depth expertise within the area.
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“All staff at the Migration Agency need basic training when it comes to LGBT-related issues. The experts specialised in LGBT must be educated more and their roles must be developed, not abolished,” Magnus Kolsjö, vice-chairman at RFSL, said in a statement. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160827/migration-agency-to-get-rid-of-lgbt-experts | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/e6d179c8b826a913a9ecf51297beddfd35e5794920c67a7e490777cee90d3243.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:07:06 | null | 2016-08-25T06:59:00 | Autumn has been temporarily put on hold in Sweden, so there's no time like the present to get out of the house and celebrate before things take a colder turn. Need inspiration? Lo | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160825%2Ffive-must-see-cultural-events-in-sweden-this-weekend.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/2562adbde87537701eb67dc42462922709120a8a3d527c0fd699e60b82f7d918.jpg | en | null | Five must-see cultural events in Sweden this weekend | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Like The Bridge? You'll love one of the events we've picked out for this weekend. Photo: Erland Vinberg/TT
The Local · 25 Aug 2016, 06:59
Published: 25 Aug 2016 06:59 GMT+02:00
Autumn has been temporarily put on hold in Sweden, so there's no time like the present to get out of the house and celebrate before things take a colder turn. Need inspiration? Look no further than our pick of five unmissable cultural events in Sweden this weekend.
1. Summer Ceilidh (Stockholm)
There are few things more engaging and interactive than a Ceilidh – a frantic, often high-tempo Scottish dance evening – and this weekend there is a chance to try it out in the quite unusual surroundings of central Stockholm.
Ceilidh Stockholm are holding their big summer dance at the Grammofon restaurant in Vasastan on Sunday, and while the original round of tickets sold out, a few extra ones have now been released. A big part of the event is live music, and even if you’re just a beginner there will be experts in place to help explain the dances.
The event takes place between 7pm and 8pm and profits will be donated to charity Feedback Madagascar. More information and tickets available here.
Our profile pic, by Frederique Bellec, www.frederiquebellecphotography.com A photo posted by Ceilidh Stockholm (@ceilidhstockholm) on Mar 13, 2016 at 12:35pm PDT
2. The Bridge exhibition (Malmö)
Good news, Bron fans, The Bridge is definitely coming back. Better still: you can now refresh your knowledge before season four drops by checking out a detailed exhibition on the hit Nordic Noir series from the Swedish side of the divide.
The “A non-existent Malmö” exhibition at the Malmö Science and Maritime House features sets, objects and props from the the much-loved show, including Saga Norén’s iconic Porsche. There's even a behind the scenes documentary on how the series is made.
The display is only temporary however, and will wrap up in September, so it’s worth seeing it before Saga asks for her car back. More information available here.
Saga Norén's Porsche is the centrepiece of the exhibition. Photo: Merja Diaz/Malmö Museer
3. Dance and Theatre Festival (Gothenburg)
If you love dance but don’t necessarily feel like doing the dancing yourself then Gothenburg has the answer this week. From the 18th to the 27th of August Sweden’s second city is hosting a massive dance and theatre festival, featuring both a mixture of icons of the performing arts world as well as emerging new talents.
Eleven different countries are represented through 19 different guest performances, which range from dance and theatre to contemporary circus. There will also be film screenings and even workshops, if a more hands-on experience is desired.
More information and tickets for performances can be found here.
Högklacksdans på lina av Colporteur. Chans igen klockan 17.00! #gdtf2016 #göteborgsdansochteaterfestival #lescolporteurs A photo posted by Göteborgs dans- och teaterfest (@gdtfestival) on Aug 21, 2016 at 6:26am PDT
4. The Swedish Poetry Slam Championships (Uppsala)
If the spoken word is your weapon of choice then head to university city Uppsala between the 24th and 27th of August for the 2016 edition of Sweden’s poetry slam championship.
For the uninitiated, poetry slam is a performance poetry competition that anyone can enter, where competitors have three minutes to recite their original work. The key to the experience are the audience members, who act as judges, and help to pick a winner by awarding points.
This year’s event takes place at the Regina Theatre, next to Uppsala Cathedral. Tickets for the final are available here.
Titta så fina de blev! SM i Poetry Slam har nu egen merch till publik och poeter. Tack Jakob Jerremalm för trycket! #sweslam16 #smipoetryslambörjarsnart A photo posted by Reginateatern (@reginateatern) on Aug 21, 2016 at 4:08am PDT
5. Popaganda (Stockholm)
The Swedish festival season is drawing to a close but Stockholm goes out with a bang this weekend thanks to Popaganda. As always it’s an outdoor affair at the site of Eriksdalsbadet, a Södermalm swimming pool built for the 1962 European Aquatics Championships, not to mention a convenient central location easily reached by bus or metro.
FKA Twigs (Friday) and Belle and Sebastian (Saturday) are the headliners this year, but for something a bit more local check out increasingly-hyped Swedish pop act Little Jinder, or Amason frontwoman Amanda Bergman in her solo guise.
The full line-up, as well as information on tickets and performance times, can be found here.
Seinabo Sey performing at Popaganda in 2015. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT
Check out our interactive calendar below for more things to do in Sweden. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160825/five-must-see-cultural-events-in-sweden-this-weekend | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/bec1f65a308ed0f3bdbb95db6841b81b77ade9bad6aa2dd85474b47a3149417b.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:51:40 | null | 2016-08-30T06:59:59 | Sweden's equality minister Åsa Regnér on why the government is introducing a new strategy on male violence against women. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160830%2Fmore-men-must-stand-up-against-abuse.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/97f924b224fe95d0809795a67fe6c18d09febe2a642f67fd95986a9ba788711d.jpg | en | null | 'More men must stand up against abuse in Sweden' | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Opinion
Equality Minister Åsa Regnér. Photo: Bertil Ericson/TT
The Local · 30 Aug 2016, 06:59
Published: 30 Aug 2016 06:59 GMT+02:00
Sweden's equality minister Åsa Regnér on why the government is introducing a new strategy on male violence against women.
A 14-year-old girl is going to go to a festival with friends for the first time. Expectations are high. The word ‘festival’ is intrinsically positive, but has during the summer become associated with harassment and abuse against girls and women.
It is a good and necessary discussion to have. One of the goals of equality politics is that violence against women should stop. We will never achieve that without wide engagement in society, involving both women and men, and including young people.
I often meet women’s movements and men who work for equality. In order to ensure that girls’ experiences are also included in our work I am in contact with The Girl Child Platform. On the International Day of the Girl Child, October 11th, we are inviting young girls in for a hearing. The purpose is to gain their idea of how a safe environment should be. The Government wants to carry the results of that with it before making future decisions.
The problem with violence against girls and women is not limited to festivals. It is a fact that there are men and boys who consider themselves to have the right to restrict women and girls’ rights. In essence this is a crime and should be treated as such.
This is behaviour with the purpose of intimidation on a societal level. The message is that women and girls should keep a low profile, know their place or stay at home. It limits one sex’s free movement. That is why it is so important to respond, fight back, and call it what it is. Women and girls have the same right to public space. That is absolute, and its truth depends on nothing.
We must therefore have a broad societal debate and maintain our commitment even after the festival season is over. We need to reach out to pre-schools, schools, suburbs, inner-cities, social services, work places, and on the internet.
We know through research that men who value people according to gender stereotypes, and especially those who socialize with other men who are misogynistic, have an increased risk of perpetrating violence against women. The government has therefore worked on a long-term, broad initiative to prevent violence against women throughout the whole of society. Primarily, it’s about reaching boys and men in Sweden, regardless of background.
Advances in gender equality have never come about by themselves. Historically, they are always the fruit of a strategic, often hard, sometimes dangerous, fight which women, organisations, feminist politicians, and some men, have fought.
If we are to stop violence, more men and boys must openly take a stand against violence and misogyny. That men and boys engage themselves and feel themselves to be a part of general gender equality work is vital. There are and have always been men who stand on the side of women in gender equality work. History and the present day alike show that, but they are too few in number.
Why is that the case? The fact that inequality prevails is hardly news. Inequalities that affect women in the form of lower wages, pensions, and exposure to violence are no small matters. And men take stands against and confront other political issues concerning deep inequalities. We need a discussion about how we achieve genuine solidarity from men for women’s equal rights. I shall invite as much in the coming year.
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In the autumn the government will present a paper on equalities policy and a strategy against male violence towards women. In it we are intensifying prevention efforts, presenting measures against ‘honour’ violence, against buying sex, and people trafficking.
In Sweden there are luckily many good examples which show that society is changing, not least when it comes to the rights of children and women. We have a great amount of knowledge about equality and methods to promote it. We do not have to start from the very beginning, but we must work hard. That is what I am going to do!
This article was written by Åsa Regnér, Sweden's Minister for Children, the Elderly, and Gender Equality and was first published by Aftonbladet. Translated by The Local's intern, Jack Schofield. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160830/more-men-must-stand-up-against-abuse | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/871b8c85667a56baf3bee9665a5e01b53e1699f15fbde3de0b7bd8a4c232b282.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:16 | null | 2016-08-25T10:18:04 | Swedish authorities are on standby, if asked, to quickly assist Italy in the rescue and reconstruction process as the country attempts to recover from Wednesday's deadly earthquake. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160825%2Fsweden-on-standby-to-help-earthquake-hit-italy.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/b572dae287d35587522647c29cde18f701881e218eea8dfedd115795e6950e5d.jpg | en | null | Sweden on standby to help earthquake-hit Italy | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Rescue workers search through the debris. Photo: AP Photo/Sandro Perozzi
The Local · 25 Aug 2016, 10:18
Published: 25 Aug 2016 10:18 GMT+02:00
Swedish authorities are on standby, if asked, to quickly assist Italy in the rescue and reconstruction process as the country attempts to recover from Wednesday's deadly earthquake.
Follow our sister site The Local Italy for updates
Italian officials have said that they do not believe the country will need to invoke the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism to call on fellow member states for support and help after more than 240 people died when a powerful earthquake struck the area around Amatrice in central Italy.
But Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency MSB said it has still made preparations to be able to urgently send help to Italy – as well as to earthquake-hit Myanmar, where at least four people died – if called upon.
"MSB has knowledge and previous experience from earthquake-hit areas and is always ready to assist in various way based on the needs of the country in question or of the UN," said David Norlin of the agency's international operations team in a statement.
"We have a number of different resources on standby which could be useful after an earthquake, for example experts in assessment, coordination, logistics and information management. MSB also has material in housing, offices, logistics and IT which could quickly be sent to affected areas. We are in continuous dialogue with our EU and UN partners and are keeping an eye on developments so that we can hit the ground running if the question is asked," said Norlin.
Sweden's prime minister Stefan Löfven was among those who expressed their sympathies for victims who died in the earthquake and their families and friends on Wednesday.
"It is a time of sorrow. We will of course work together with Italy – if they ask for help, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will be ready," said the Social Democrat leader.
The Swedish foreign ministry estimated that around 20,000 Swedish nationals are currently living or holidaying in Italy, but said there had been no reports of Swedish fatalities.
"A Swedish citizen received minor injuries," a foreign ministry spokesperson told the DN newspaper.
Meanwhile, in the remote area straddling Italian regions Umbria, Marche and Lazio, hundreds of people spent a chilly night in hastily assembled tents with the risk of aftershocks making it too risky for them to return home.
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Scores of buildings were reduced to dusty piles of masonry in communities close to the epicentre of the quake, which had a magnitude of between 6.0 and 6.2.
Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi said it was too early to consider what might have been done to prevent the disaster.
"Today is the time for tears and emotion," he said, vowing that his government would start reconstruction work first thing on Thursday. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160825/sweden-on-standby-to-help-earthquake-hit-italy | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/0bd7ea1b21053b18812c98b556f8d9874a2d7fd6199ab44ec69e5cb9b6ac0ad6.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:50:59 | null | 2016-08-28T15:03:09 | Swedish entrepreneur and billionaire Christer Ericsson, who went missing during a fishing trip two months ago, has been found dead on the west coast. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160828%2Fmissing-swedish-billionaire-found-dead-at-sea.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/3e102c88e855ed7226d03217224c7a7fadbd02d469d74a1e1c49927e31b39dd5.jpg | en | null | Missing Swedish billionaire found dead | null | null | www.thelocal.se | In the early 1980s, Ericsson was known as the ’Golden boy’ of the west coast. Photo: Leif R Jansson/TT
The Local · 28 Aug 2016, 15:03
Published: 28 Aug 2016 15:03 GMT+02:00
Swedish entrepreneur and billionaire Christer Ericsson, who went missing during a fishing trip two months ago, has been found dead on the west coast.
Police spokesman Thomas Fuxborg said 74-year-old Ericsson’s body was found floating in the water near Marstrand on Saturday.
“He was found by civilians,” Fuxborg told Swedish news agency TT, adding that the businessman’s relatives had been informed about his death.
Polics said there is no indication of a crime having been involved in the death.
Ericsson disappeared during a fishing trip off the coast of Marstrand on June 27. Later the same day his abandoned boat was found drifting in water and a massive search operation was launched. He was reported missing the following day.
Ericsson, nicknamed the “Golden boy” in the beginning of the 1980s, was an successful businessman whose rise to fame began in the early 1970s when he invented a new method of loading containers onto ships. He then founded his own company, Consafe, whichprovided offshore accommodation platforms. But when the oil prices tumbled in the mid-1980s, the offshore industry took a severe hit and the company folded. Ericsson is rumoured to have lost around two billion kronor (€210 million) on the bankruptcy.
Nina Eldh, who used to work with Ericsson, told Swedish tabloid Expressen in June about her time at Consafe:
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“I came to Consafe when the company was on top and I was there during the crisis and the bankruptcy. It was a huge event. Today it’s hard to understand how huge it actually was. But Christer was collected and present the whole time.”
After Consafe’s collapse, Ericsson went into the IT and property industries, where he was able to rebuild his fortune through the JCE group. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160828/missing-swedish-billionaire-found-dead-at-sea | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/d3960071095762ac0cf4f7165a476538b6f21121cfc17a8643a7368c79a7dd95.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:11 | null | 2016-08-29T12:03:37 | A pair of newlyweds in western Sweden served up the Willy Wonka of all wedding cakes when they got their guests to gorge on a gigantic chocolate ball. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160829%2Fis-this-the-most-swedish-wedding-cake-ever.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/e0d97aaef92a57dd7701ff8a31f192d82ba3ad274133421b8068beccec39c3f9.jpg | en | null | Is this the most Swedish wedding cake ever? | null | null | www.thelocal.se | A chocolate ball enters a mouth. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
The Local · 29 Aug 2016, 12:03
Published: 29 Aug 2016 12:03 GMT+02:00
A pair of newlyweds in western Sweden served up the Willy Wonka of all wedding cakes when they got their guests to gorge on a gigantic chocolate ball.
Not only did Albin and Elina Ahlman hand-roll a football-sized version of the classic Swedish treat, they also kept their guests sugared up to the eyeballs with 2,000 smaller balls.
Actually, Albin could only supervise the preparations after breaking a wrist bone a month before the wedding, but friends were happy to help Elina prepare a mixture loaded with 13 kilos of butter.
Only Albin’s grandmother bemoaned the lack of a traditional wedding cake. Everyone else just got stuck in.
“A wedding cake is really expensive and it's rarely good enough to justify the price,” he told local newspaper Skaraborgs Läns Tidning.
“This way no one needed to worry about getting seconds, they could have as much as they wanted.”
The 170 wedding guests left sated, and the next day the happy couple welcomed well-wishers to their home for more.
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The two-day feast put a dent in the reserves, but the Ahlmans still had 300-400 chocolate balls left over.
“The day after the wedding I ate a regular breakfast, then I just ate chocolate balls all day, because I can! I never tire of it,” Albin Ahlman told the newspaper. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160829/is-this-the-most-swedish-wedding-cake-ever | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/50752e9f733522a88c194d6a79aacce7808d16550c73973893b7682cf370d188.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:29 | null | 2016-08-25T11:38:57 | Tears flowed outside an apartment block in Malmö on Wednesday when a crowd of prospective new tenants found out they had been tricked. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160825%2F23-people-tricked-into-renting-the-same-apartment.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/5fedbea2ee694e2184190301d6d3fe07948812015e1dd434063868b91de12542.jpg | en | null | 23 people tricked into renting the same Malmö apartment | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Sweden's housing market is notoriously tricky. Photo: Janerik Henriksson/TT
TT/The Local · 25 Aug 2016, 11:38
Published: 25 Aug 2016 11:38 GMT+02:00
Tears flowed outside an apartment block in Malmö on Wednesday when a crowd of prospective new tenants found out they had been tricked.
Johanna Persson sat on the grass outside the building in tears, devastated after she and her fiancé learned they had lost their 11,800-kronor ($1,400) deposit and would not be picking up the keys to their first home together after all.
“It’s awful. I have never felt so stupid and so conned,” she told newspaper Sydsvenskan.
“This was supposed to be our first apartment. We thought he owned it,” she added, referring to the man who had responded to the pair’s posting on the buy-and-sell website Blocket.
In fact the man had been subletting the apartment. The owner booted him out at the end of July after receiving the first reports of the scam.
All of the would-be tenants left in the lurch on Wednesday had signed contracts and paid a deposit into the scammer’s bank account. Some had even coughed up a month’s rent in advance.
Roland Forsblom, the head of the housing association where the apartment is located, totted up how much he believed the man had earned from the 23 people he had conned over the course of the summer.
“There’s 400,000 kronor that we know about,” he told the newspaper.
The police have so far received five reports of fraud in connection with the apartment in the Slottsstaden district.
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“I can’t understand how we haven’t been able to prevent this. My advice to others is to ask the board [of the housing association] for documentation from the apartment registry, where you can see who owns the apartment.”
READ ALSO: How to avoid fraud in the Swedish house-hunt | http://www.thelocal.se/20160825/23-people-tricked-into-renting-the-same-apartment | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/0b852960f6f5ece778169f8638ef4e4ccbbc02501600062e58ea7cbcc73eb0ba.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:52:24 | null | 2016-08-31T07:11:51 | Sweden’s old 20, 50 and 1,000-kronor banknotes can no longer be spent in shops, but all is not yet lost. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160831%2Fcash-alert-last-chance-to-deposit-your-old-notes.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/d0eab606610cd70a00f22bde15e32f9e9197db70beacdc719e62565c06479603.jpg | en | null | Cash alert! Last chance to deposit your old notes | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Head to the bank if you've got any of these. Photo: Micke Larsson/TT
The Local · 31 Aug 2016, 07:11
Published: 31 Aug 2016 07:11 GMT+02:00
Sweden’s old 20, 50 and 1,000-kronor banknotes can no longer be spent in shops, but all is not yet lost.
Wednesday August 31st marks the last day that the three notes can be deposited to bank accounts.
Anyone who misses the deadline will still be able to exchange the old notes for a 100-kronor fee by sending the notes to the central bank. But the Riksbank can ask late-comers where the money came from, and may demand to see receipts and bills in line with Sweden’s anti-money laundering laws.
Some 82 percent of the old notes have made their way to the Riksbank, but tender to the tune of 1.3 billion kronor ($152 million) is fast expiring in pockets, piggy banks and drawers nationwide.
Sweden’s central bank hopes to emulate Finland, which hauled in 85-90 percent of the old markka notes during the country’s transition to the euro.
“But there’s a big difference between the values of course,” said central bank divisional manager Christina Wejshammar.
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“We have already take in a large proportion of the thousand-kronor notes: 92 percent.”
Sweden’s new 100 and 500-kronor notes are scheduled to enter circulation in October, while the old versions of those notes will stay valid until June 30th 2017. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160831/cash-alert-last-chance-to-deposit-your-old-notes | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/29605fef2b3c4d0dd9235b8c52b06b884f33aacf7bc8a8d4f73a242c92471b15.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T10:51:14 | null | 2016-08-29T11:18:18 | The famously reserved Swedes make Sweden among the most difficult countries for foreigners to feel at home in, according to a survey ranking the quality of life for expats around the world. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160829%2Funfriendly-swedes-give-expats-the-cold-shoulder.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/4b320f9caae4d8780312fd99671610127418a378e6a8f41ae8137f279ffbe04f.jpg | en | null | 'Unfriendly' Swedes give expats the cold shoulder | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Is it difficult to make friends with Scandinavians? Photo: Berit Roald/NTB scanpix/TT
Emma Löfgren · 29 Aug 2016, 11:18
Published: 29 Aug 2016 11:18 GMT+02:00
The famously reserved Swedes make Sweden among the most difficult countries for foreigners to feel at home in, according to a survey ranking the quality of life for expats around the world.
Despite Sweden excelling in areas such as education, personal safety and environment, the country fell to 42nd place out of 67 countries in the InterNations Expat Insider 2016 survey, released in full on Monday.
The Nordic countries all ranked in the bottom ten when expatriates, which is the term used in the survey, revealed how easy they had found it to settle in, with Denmark performing the worst in 65th place, Norway in 63rd, Sweden in 62nd, and Finland in 59th place. Of Sweden-based expats, 36 percent gave a negative response in the 'feeling at home in the local culture' category, more than the global average of 22 percent.
A total of 60 percent said they did not find it easy to make Swedish friends. Some 33 percent of expats in Sweden rated the general friendliness of the population negatively and around one in four (26 percent) rated the attitude of Swedes towards foreigners negatively.
"Sweden's disappointing 42nd place in the overall league table is mainly due to its abysmal ranking in the 'Ease of Settling In Index'," InterNations co-CEO and founder Malte Zeeck told The Local.
"Expats have a hard time feeling welcome in this country; they perceive the local population as unfriendly and distant, and they have trouble finding new friends, especially Swedish ones. So perhaps international companies should make sure that their expat employees feel welcome right from the start and help them settle in their new social life as well," he added.
READ ALSO: Why Sweden is top in the world for expat families
While The Local's readers and staff alike often say that Swedes are warm and genuine friends once you get to know them, the way to their hearts can be as long and cold as the Nordic winters.
Another survey by HSBC last year ranked Sweden as the worst country in the world for making friends.
"It's one of the best places to live, that's why I came here. But in Australia you can go up to anyone in a bar and start a conversation – you don't do that in Sweden. It's very hard on a social level when you arrive in a country for the first time," one expat told The Local at the time.
But not all of our readers agreed the Swedes are as unfriendly as their reputation would have it.
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"I've not noticed yet Swedish people do not want to talk to strangers. I've had several little chats with complete strangers in Sweden. (…) To me Swedish people are very friendly and welcoming," commented a Belgian expat on The Local's Facebook page.
"I have never had a problem in Sweden making friends. (…) I found I could wander around a market and talk to people easily. I could do the same in stores and restaurants," wrote an American reader.
The survey by InterNations, which defines 'expats' as people who live in a different country than the one they were born in or whose nationality they have, quizzed some 14,300 people of 174 nationalities in 191 countries about various aspects of their lives. Only sample sizes of at least 50 respondents per country were used in the final report. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160829/unfriendly-swedes-give-expats-the-cold-shoulder | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/531db5fc4cc7c87699b4d5a673fa315a0aea1bf943c7b33c8450d555758339bd.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:43 | null | 2016-08-26T15:36:13 | Spotify has grown by nine million paying subscribers in five months, fending off competition from a growing number of rivals. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160826%2Fswedens-spotify-reaches-39-million-subscribers.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/2cd8bc37d7fda472e20d52185b3fa84d5cc35ce724099fc09969e0f405877e6e.jpg | en | null | Sweden's Spotify hits 39 million subscribers | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Spotify is gaining listeners. Photo: Erik Mårtensson/TT
The Local · 26 Aug 2016, 15:36
Published: 26 Aug 2016 15:36 GMT+02:00
Spotify has grown by nine million paying subscribers in five months, fending off competition from a growing number of rivals.
Spotify's global head of creator services, Troy Carter, told music magazine Billboard in an interview that the Swedish-born company had hit the 39 million paying subscribers mark.
Its closest competitor, Apple Music, announced 15 million subscribers in June.
Streaming has been rapidly growing in recent years and transforming the music industry, with a growing number of rivals, including Apple and Tidal, seeking to challenge Spotify's early dominance by offering exclusive release deals.
But Carter told Billboard that it was not an option the Swedish market leader was looking at, saying “exclusives are bad for artists, bad for consumers and bad for the whole industry” and arguing the practice pushes fans to turn to pirate sites.
“I was brought on board to strengthen the bridge between Spotify and the music community,” he said.
Story continues below…
Spotify remains a private company under the control of its founders, Daniel Ek and fellow Swede Martin Lorentzon, and has financed its commercial push on its own through investors.
But it has yet to turn a profit, with losses last year growing faster than its income. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160826/swedens-spotify-reaches-39-million-subscribers | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/ca7be7f0ff199cc361ba1fa42f4f5ae78207ae80dab310a0b83447a388b84a19.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:15 | null | 2016-08-26T09:59:59 | The Local very strictly measures the level of Swedishness of our staff by what Swedish food they've tried. Especially the weird stuff. Here's our intern Saina Behnejad on her love-hate relationship with Swedish cuisine. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160826%2Fyoull-never-really-be-swedish-without-trying-these-weird-foods.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/9c024469b4605f7b4af5ec9f66604a58e1ee37fc5223e2ea73ce59ed19f5d441.jpg | en | null | You'll never really be Swedish without trying this weird food | null | null | www.thelocal.se | The Local List
Kebab pizza. It exists. Photo: Maja Suslin/TT
The Local · 26 Aug 2016, 09:59
Published: 26 Aug 2016 09:59 GMT+02:00
The Local very strictly measures the level of Swedishness of our staff by what Swedish food they've tried. Especially the weird stuff. Here's our intern Saina Behnejad on her love-hate relationship with Swedish cuisine.
Saina Behnejad was born in Sweden but moved to Britain with her Iranian parents when she was five. But with relatives still based in the Nordic country, there is certain Swedish food she just can't shake.
READ ALSO: 'I'm one of those who don't know where they belong'
1. Kebab pizza
The first and most essential weird Swedish food is the one and only kebab pizza. It has made headlines around the world, because frankly, who would have thought that doner kebab meat slices would go in anything else but pita bread? Incredibly, the kebab-pizza combo doesn’t appear to be off-putting. In fact, kebab is one of, if not the most popular pizza topping in Sweden.
The kebab pizza is a creative, and in my opinion, delicious, Swedish invention that combines Italian and Turkish cuisines. I don't know what the Turks or Italians think about the now infamous kebab pizza, but I have a feeling they’d be perplexed by it.
Delicious. Photo: Maja Suslin/TT
2. Bananas everywhere
Ever heard of the Flying Jacob? It’s a Swedish casserole that consists of chicken, cream, chili sauce, roasted peanuts, bacon and bananas. Yes, you read that correctly. The dish was invented by Ove Jacobsson, who worked in the air freight industry in the 1970s, which explains the odd name. The bananas do throw some off when they first see it, but the mix of flavoUrs is usually received well.
If you’re new here you may have noticed another surprising dish that involves that particular fruit: banana pizza.
Yes, once again, you read that correctly. Judging by the example of the kebab pizza listed above, it seems Swedes like to just throw everything they can get their hands on onto pizza dough. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but given this pizza consists of bananas, curry powder and cheese it’s not too far off. Some put ham or shrimp on there, and vegetables – usually green bell peppers. Yes, it's weird, but tasty.
As for the Flying Jacob, if you're interested in cooking one up here is a perfect video guide:
3. Oven pancakes
Pancakes are always good for breakfast, brunch and dessert, but how about as a main dish for lunch or dinner? Children everywhere rejoice: Sweden has it covered. Basically, it's pancake batter poured into a big pan and baked in the oven, then eaten with butter and jam.
Carbs, fat and sugar for dinner seems a little strange, but sometimes they throw in some bacon, so think of that as your protein. And the buttery, brown and thick pancake will probably sway you once you see it coming out of the oven. Who can turn down pancakes anyway?
Scrumptious. Photo: Richie Diesterheft/ Flickr
4. Messmör ('Whey Butter')
Put that stuff away and don’t ever bring it here again.
Messmör is a product made from whey, the part of the milk that’s left over after you take all the good stuff out of it when making cheese. Sounds weird? Wait...
It’s not very fatty, but it is quite sweet, and it contains a lot of milk sugars, calcium and iron. It’s meant to be a healthy substitute for milk and if you grew up eating it as a child you probably love it. But I’d rather have the real thing, please.
Real cheese vs Messmör, what would you go for? Photo: Chiara Fagella/Flickr
5. Fish roe spread
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This stuff tastes beautiful. I’m not holding back here because even thinking of it makes me hungry. To someone who doesn’t come to Sweden at all or hasn’t grown up here it sounds understandably revolting. But bear with me.
The most Swedish brand you could ever think of is Kalles, which has been around since 1954. I grew up with them being in constant supply in my fridge. You can fully appreciate the creamy, smoky flavored spread once you get over the fact that you’re squeezing caviar out of a tube, and it can be topped with a hard-boiled egg or cheese.
The most Swedish of Swedish brands is Kalles Hasse Holmberg/TT
6. Swedish sausages
The texture, the texture people. Your teeth just glide through it when you take a bite, although the taste itself isn’t bad. I understand there are a variety of sausages in Sweden, and the dear Swedes love their sausages. No disrespect, but so far I haven’t had one I can chew without grimacing a little.
I’m mostly talking about the standard sausage you find in the supermarket or at a hot dog stand (although Swedish mustard is amazing), so I can’t write them all off. I’ll continue my quest for the perfect Swedish sausage.
Swedish sausages need some work. Photo: Bengt B/Wikipedia | http://www.thelocal.se/20160826/youll-never-really-be-swedish-without-trying-these-weird-foods | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/7246c9aec26392ed4385886785275b16190fd8df8e97239a2959475c6dded871.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T08:51:07 | null | 2016-08-29T08:45:10 | A Swedish woman was walking home after a night on the town on Saturday when a bear loped onto the path in front of her. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160829%2Fswedish-woman-bumps-into-bear-on-her-way-home-from-pub.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/a4814f7cefccbf4065ced19f8b76b8b305b4ad0e5bc87fdd143e09e1be49c357.jpg | en | null | Swedish woman bumps into bear near pub | null | null | www.thelocal.se | This is not the bear Valeria Möller met in Skellefteå. Photo: Bernard Boehne
The Local · 29 Aug 2016, 08:46
Published: 29 Aug 2016 08:45 GMT+02:00
Updated: 29 Aug 2016 08:46 GMT+02:00
A Swedish woman was walking home after a night on the town on Saturday when a bear loped onto the path in front of her.
Valeria Möller, 29, was walking over a footbridge at around 3am after a night out at the Brygg CC pub in Skellefteå she heard a rustling in the nearby woodland.
She feared being confronted by a mugger but instead a bear ambled out and stood facing her ten metres away on the cycle path, local newspaper NSD reports.
“He looked at me and I, well, you can imagine! I hunkered down on my knees and just had time to think: what do I do if he approaches me?”
But instead the bear turned away and wandered 80 metres or so down the footpath before veering off towards the Klinfors river.
Her husband had walked ahead of her and was almost home, but now Valeria Möller phoned him to recount what had just happened. He didn’t believe her.
“But he came to get me. I wanted to wait and see if the bear would return so he’d believe me, but instead he said something like: ‘let’s go home and get you to sleep’, haha,” she told NSD.
Bear sightings are almost unheard of inside Skellefteå, a town of 32,000 located 800 kilometres north of Stockholm, and none of her friends believed her when she told them the next morning.
But Möller was certain she hadn’t been seeing things and enlisted the help of a pair of local hunters, who made their way to the scene.
Story continues below…
“One of the hunters just said: ‘Congratulations, here’s your proof.”
Bear droppings marked the spot where she had come face to face with the animal under the glare of streetlights just hours before. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160829/swedish-woman-bumps-into-bear-on-her-way-home-from-pub | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/d2043a0c6da5ba600e6f556f12a0856c34dbf7e2e00afa1e6966235814a7cf3e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:51:58 | null | 2016-08-30T17:01:36 | Swedish flatpack giant Ikea on Tuesday warned
it could reduce its investment in Russia after a court ordered it to pay more than $7.8 million in damages in a long-running legal dispute. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelocal.se%2F20160830%2Fikea-threatens-to-shelve-russia-plans.json | http://www.thelocal.se/userdata/images/article/9c5fdb027372b93a7f7ff100851122aaef509f8494ca9e58bb5b0c52f3da347e.jpg | en | null | Ikea threatens to shelve Russia growth plans | null | null | www.thelocal.se | Everything Moscow. Photo: Maxim Murmur/AP
AFP · 30 Aug 2016, 17:01
Published: 30 Aug 2016 17:01 GMT+02:00
Swedish flatpack giant Ikea on Tuesday warned it could reduce its investment in Russia after a court ordered it to pay more than $7.8 million in damages in a long-running legal dispute.
Ikea said it had plans to invest more than 100 bllion rubles ($1.54 billion) in Russia but "recent activities aimed at the Ikea Group related to old legal cases could slow down these investment plans."
It issued the statement after a court in the western Russian city of Smolensk ordered Ikea to pay more than 507 million rubles to Russian businessman Konstantin Ponomaryov as part of a decade-long legal wrangle over supplying power to stores in the second city of Saint Petersburg.
The case is one of numerous legal cases launched in Russia against Ikea including over the ownership of the land where its national headquarters are based on the edge of Moscow.
The furniture chain which has 14 stores in Russia said it wants to work in a "fair and transparent business climate" and accused the authorities of attempting "to use illegal methods to extract further money from the company."
Ikea, which has been working in Russia since 2000, has said it has paid more than 60 billion rubles in taxes in five years and has created more than 12,000 jobs.
The group is also mired in a dispute over the legality of its purchase of land that used to belong to a Soviet-era collective farm on the edge of Moscow where it built a shopping centre.
Story continues below…
Its offices have been searched numerous times this year.
According to a recent investigation by Russia's Dengi magazine Ikea is involved in 500 legal cases -- more than any other company in the country. | http://www.thelocal.se/20160830/ikea-threatens-to-shelve-russia-plans | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.thelocal.se/e6cbe50da02de14bfbebe2afeea395c96aff0edb0856c73499f3b20647c380af.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-28T02:46:09 | null | 2016-08-28T02:15:13 | After Brian Mendieta survived a near-fatal battle with cancer almost four years ago, he and his family traded their Calgary lives for a home on the range. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fcancer-survivor-co-hosting-second-annual-barn-bash-at-family-farm-north-of-edmonton.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871147606_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472346022005 | en | null | Cancer survivor co-hosting second annual Barn Bash at family farm north of Edmon | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | After Brian Mendieta survived a near-fatal battle with cancer almost four years ago, he and his family traded their Calgary lives for a home on the range.
Although Mendieta had never been a farmer, he took a step back during the year he was treated for stage 3 lymphoma, which had caused a tumour to grow on his neck and 10 tumours in his stomach.
He decided he didn't want to keep working at his fast-paced job in finance.
So in 2013, the family gave up the urban scene and moved to land near Pickardville, 80 kilometres north of Edmonton, where they raise cattle, pigs, chickens, lambs and goats.
"(Going) from working 80 hours a week to 80 hours a week on my farm, it hasn't really changed, but at least I'm at home every day. My daughters do chores with me," the father of three young girls said Saturday.
"We wanted to be able to live outside with our kids, raise our kids on our own, know where our food was coming from. That was really important."
Mendieta, 34, grew up in St. Albert and was looking for a farm near his parents and sister.
He and his wife Jen like the outdoors, and he enjoyed riding horses as a kid, which he now gets to do when he brings in cows from the pasture.
"I dreamed of being a farmer so much, I worked at a hog barn at Riviere Qui Barre after high school."
Once he made the lifestyle switch, he took a job as a farmhand to learn the business.
But he soon expanded from raising animals to selling meat as well, through an outlet at their farm and later opening the Westlock Butcher Shop.
In addition, Mendieta wants to help fight the disease that almost took his life. He's co-hosting the second annual Barn Bash Sept. 10 to raise money that will be split between the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Westlock community groups.
The event will feature a barn dance, pig roast, an auction for such items as jewelry and a deck package, the chance to win a car, and "cow patty bingo," in which participants guess where a steer will first drop manure in a paddock.
Last year, about 150 people showed up and they made $11,600 for charity. This year, Mendieta hopes they'll have 500 visitors and raise $50,000.
"I beat cancer. Once I got it behind me, I was definitely going to keep doing my part," he said.
"I saw first-hand how important it is."
gkent@postmedia.com
twitter.com/GKentEJ | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/cancer-survivor-co-hosting-second-annual-barn-bash-at-family-farm-north-of-edmonton | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/cf824fcb3eacc16363a518cdec5513ebe352bfc02f26049f18f4bf02f057bace.json |
[
"Clare Clancy"
] | 2016-08-31T00:46:42 | null | 2016-08-30T23:45:06 | The head of the Alberta Construction Safety Association says enrolling the one-millionth student in safety courses shows a continued need for training despite the province’s economic slump.“It’s such a huge, overwhelming number, but … they came one at a time,” executive director Dan MacLennan said Tuesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Falberta-construction-safety-association-says-one-millionth-student-is-a-milestone.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872102177_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472601220017 | en | null | Alberta Construction Safety Association says one-millionth student is a mileston | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The head of the Alberta Construction Safety Association says enrolling the one-millionth student in safety courses shows a continued need for training despite the province’s economic slump.
“It’s such a huge, overwhelming number, but … they came one at a time,” executive director Dan MacLennan said Tuesday. “A safe company is a better company and is more productive in every way.”
He added that the construction industry is suffering through Alberta’s economic recession. The provincial unemployment rate for July was 8.6 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.
“Our challenges are Alberta’s challenges,” he said. “There are too many people out of work.”
The millionth student, Devon Koroll, was awarded $1,000 towards future training. The 23-year-old from Black Diamond, Alta., said he was drawn to the industry because his father is a national construction safety officer. He is enrolled in four courses in Calgary and plans to work as a safety officer for an excavating company after graduating in September.
“(Training) is becoming more and more necessary,” he said. “If you look back 10 to 15 years, you see all the accidents …. To be more proactive in defence of construction workers is huge.”
Koroll said one of the most pressing safety issues facing the construction industry is complacency.
“A big thing is not knowing the hazards when you come to a site,” he said. “That’s how people get hurt.
“If you take the time to make new workers aware, it eliminates so many of the hazards.”
According to the Workers’ Compensation Board, since the establishment of the Alberta Construction Safety Association in 1988, the number of claims resulting in a worker needing time off has decreased by more than one third, from 7,100 to 4,800.
MacLennan said he plans to bring safety training into high schools to prepare students for a career in the construction industry.
“There is no group that needs safety training more than young people,” he said.
He noted that the organization is introducing a communications and ethics course to show students how to turn down jobs if they are unsafe.
“Do we teach them how they are going to communicate that as a 20-year-old worker … to a 57-year-old co-worker?” he said.
Rod Loyola, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, said the provincial government is reviewing the Workers’ Compensation Board for the first time in more than 15 years. A final report is set to be released in spring 2017, he added.
“We … want to ensure the system is sustainable and affordable.”
cclancy@postmedia.com
twitter.com/clareclancy | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/alberta-construction-safety-association-says-one-millionth-student-is-a-milestone | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/770c4dd29859ad3bf72597e6aea0efad960fccdfa811c529fd5e8500eaeba962.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-28T00:46:07 | null | 2016-08-28T00:15:11 | Canadian rugby star Jen Kish has more than a bronze medal to commemorate her team's recent success in Rio — she now has an Olympic torch tattooed on her leg. Kish, captain of the women's seven's rugby team, estimates she already has | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fcanada-rugby-captain-jen-kish-gets-new-tattoo-to-commemorate-rio-olympics.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871130962_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472344002590 | en | null | Canada rugby captain Jen Kish gets new tattoo to commemorate Rio Olympics | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Canadian rugby star Jen Kish has more than a bronze medal to commemorate her team's recent success in Rio — she now has an Olympic torch tattooed on her leg.
Kish, captain of the women's seven's rugby team, estimates she already has "20 to 100" tattoos on her extensively inked body, but wanted something special on her left calf to remember the Olympic competition.
It will be a companion to the Rugby Canada logo she put on her right calf after making the under-19 squad a dozen years ago.
"I think it is fitting. On my right calf I have where I started rugby," the Edmonton native said at the Urge 2 Tattoo studio on 107 Avenue Saturday before starting the five- to six-hour process.
"Every time I looked at it, I thought of that achievement … Now I'm getting the Olympic tattoo on my left calf. It comes full circle. It really completes my dream and my journey."
The torch ties in to the Canadian slogan "fire in our hearts, ice in our veins," she said.
"You have so much passion. You're representing your country. I got to it with 11 other girls I respect. It's like family… It's a memory that will be with me for the rest of my life."
Kish, 28, originally favoured piercings, but shifted to tattoos at age 16 because rings and studs generally aren't allowed on the rugby pitch.
The tattoos include a design on the back of her neck that features two halos for her father Steve and brother Jason, and "Fate" on her upper right arm to mark meeting fiancee Nadene Selewich, an Edmonton police officer.
"I like to share my life story and what I have learned over the years."
She wants to play in the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series that starts in Dubai in December and stretches into next summer at various other venues, but isn't sure what the future holds after that.
Eventually, a wedding, along with her professional goal of opening a business as an Edmonton personal trainer.
In the meantime, tattoo artist Jen Danger, who had never previously worked with Kish, said she was "star struck" by her new client.
"She's been a delight … Super sweet, really easy to bounce ideas off each other. She's been awesome."
gkent@postmedia.com
twitter.com/GKentEJ | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/canada-rugby-captain-jen-kish-gets-new-tattoo-to-commemorate-rio-olympics | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/840ea06e8cfa7b6daeaf71951b8f7287afc9120a57031ea905cd793b7d63f608.json |
[
"Juris Graney"
] | 2016-08-28T18:46:16 | null | 2016-08-28T18:15:34 | Just knowing the periodic table of
elements isn’t enough for chemistry
students these days -- understanding
isotopes is what really matters. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fthe-kings-university-in-edmonton-is-behind-a-new-electronic-version-of-the-periodic-table-of-elements.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297764034260_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472407871564 | en | null | The King's University in Edmonton is behind a new electronic version of the peri | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | EDMONTON -
Just knowing the periodic table of elements isn’t enough for chemistry students these days -- understanding isotopes is what really matters.
Undergraduate students at The King’s University in Edmonton have designed a new electronic version of one of science’s most iconic visualizations that adds an interactive isotope component to give a new insight into each atom.
Creators of the project, called Isotopes Matter, said it has created plenty of buzz within the worlds of science and education.
It could mean the days of the multi-coloured chart hanging on the back wall of science classrooms in Alberta may be numbered.
“The scientific community has always known the importance of isotopes but we haven’t really ever had a systematic effort to try to communicate the importance of this to the general public,” says King’s professor of chemistry Peter Mahaffy.
Now they do.
As a refresher, atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons are called isotopes. This is key because the difference in neutrons changes the mass of an atom and so they each have slight variations in their physical and chemical behaviour.
Most atoms have one or more isotopes and being able to measure subtle differences in isotopic ratios has wide-ranging scientific applications in everything from understanding climate change to crime scene investigation and catching sports drug cheats.
For example, scientists used isotopes to prove disgraced 2006 Tour de France cyclist Floyd Landis was using synthesized testosterone.
Landis claimed his body was producing more testosterone than a normal person but chemists were able to look at testosterone molecules in his body and detect an unusual ratio of carbon isotopes that revealed he was in fact doping.
The subtle variation of the ratios of element isotopes can also be used to pinpoint where a sample was taken, be it Canada or Mars.
A global team of scientists with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in 2007 started the painstaking process of pulling thousands of isotope references from scientific literature to help create a definitive, reliable and authoritative isotope resource.
One of IUPAC’s mandates is to make science more accessible and to disseminate interesting and important things about chemistry to the world.
Meanwhile, the small team at King’s Centre for Visualization in Science — under the watchful eye of Mahaffey and King’s colleague, professor of mathematics and physics, Brian Martin — were developing interactive templates and electronic learning tools to help teachers explain the importance of isotopes.
Martin said part of the project was also to create an extensive list of questions that walks students through understanding isotopes and to how use isotopic ratios.
“What this project has been trying to do is to capture (isotope) subtleties and how it manifests itself in the periodic table,” Martin said.
“The response has been excitement, fear, loathing by some who think the periodic table was finished 100 years ago and it shouldn’t be touched.”
Martin added that the project helped modernize the periodic table to better reflect things such as improvements in technologies to determine different mixtures of isotopes like mass spectrometry.
“To come to the point that it has been released and so enthusiastically taken up by people from around the world, it’s really exciting and encouraging,” Mahaffey said.
“We’ve gathered for the first time all of this information in an accessible and interactive way for the public and students, which is incredibly important.”
jgraney@postmedia.com
twitter.com/jurisgraney | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/the-kings-university-in-edmonton-is-behind-a-new-electronic-version-of-the-periodic-table-of-elements | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5c9ed954bd340e2a66380ffb09cf990bc2bf7d3be24fa73248e35f90cc3afc37.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T00:46:24 | null | 2016-08-29T00:32:13 | There are two things Millennials love the most; a quick
and easy dating app and getting immediate access to
information. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fhow-to-get-millennials-to-vote.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297821931112_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472429083976 | en | null | How to get Millennials to vote | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | There are two things Millennials love the most; a quick and easy dating app and getting immediate access to information.
That is why it is no surprise that a new political app called Voter is making headlines.
Voter-Matchmaking for Politics is an app that combines the user interface of dating apps such as Tinder, Grindr and Bumble, by replacing the picture of potential matches with questions on political and social issues.
After swiping left or right on some of the most contested debates in the U.S election, users are then immediately matched with a party, candidate and political influencer who best aligns with their views.
Automatically generated, with detailed imaged-based results, all calculated within minutes.
Genius, right? Such technology could be the solution to low voter turnout rates and apathetic attitudes that have plagued Canadian politics.
There’s just two problems.
One, the app is not yet available in Canada.
Two, our political landscape seems to be allergic to technology.
When it comes to political technology and innovation Canadians are severely lagging behind.
Living in close proximity to the U.S, we can’t help but be reminded that our political environment is less of a celebrity showdown and more like a straw-blowing competition at your local fair -- long, tedious and unnecessary.
Our political system is slowing dying, with no one showing interest in delivering a cure.
That cure is technological innovation.
It’s the wave of the future and the future is now.
Technology allows for greater efficiency, wider reach, and serves as the gateway to a generation that has not lived without it.
No longer can we afford to have a political system detached from technological innovation that has the power to connect with young voters.
However, little effort is being made to ensure this is fulfilled. Instead, we rely on the same old methods to increase voter engagement.
If Canadian politics is to survive beyond the fanfare of Justin Trudeau mania, it will need the integration of political technology, engaging a new demographic of voters who are fluent in emojis, communicate through gifs and prefer to have information delivered through a device of their choosing.
When it comes to getting these voters to the polls, the process needs to be easier and more accessible.
Most recently, a representative from Hillary Clinton’s team spilled the secrets behind the technology of her campaign.
Her team created an online app that allowed users to display their support for her on social media platforms and receive polling information directly to their phones.
Such information on the fingertips of the soon to be largest voting demographic, will remove the archaic ambience that plagues Canadian politics.
However, instead of being proactive in Canada, we idly wait and hope innovators and companies will expand their services here.
Relying on the U.S to fill in our technological gaps is not sustainable.
Their will or desire to expand into the Canadian market is not a lucrative one.
We have a completely different political system, with a different set of needs and relationship to our constituents.
That is why we need to invest in developing our own technological solutions that prioritize the realities of our political environment.
My question is, how long do we keep on waiting?
-- Andrew-Amofah is is a radio host on CJRU 1280AM, where she discusses Canadian social justice and political issues. She is a Master’s in Political Management Candidate at Carleton University. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/how-to-get-millennials-to-vote | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/bb03f402f0dd9ea7e15d90121d197253567ed313b5518b381b0f4ff3d028797b.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:46:19 | null | 2016-08-29T04:32:20 | The union representing workers at the Canadian operations of the major American automakers has received a strike mandate from its members as it prepares to negotiate contracts. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fcanadian-workers-at-detroit-three-automakers-give-union-strike-mandate.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871402510_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472438219374 | en | null | Canadian workers at Detroit Three automakers give union strike mandate | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -- The union representing workers at the Canadian operations of the major American automakers has received a strike mandate from its members as it prepares to negotiate contracts.
Unifor says its members at General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobile voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to back contract demands.
Unifor President Jerry Dias says the clear mandate shows full support for the union's bargaining committees.
He says the union won't accept deals with any of the three automakers unless they show a commitment to invest in Canada's auto sector.
The union is threatening job action if it doesn't get an agreement before midnight on Sept. 19.
Dias says the three companies have done well financially since the last contracts were negotiated four years ago and it's time to reward workers.
"Our demand for new investment is not just about us. It is about maintaining and creating good paying jobs, it's about our communities and it's about the next generation," Dias says in a statement released Sunday.
Last month, Dias said that negotiating wage increases and other benefits would be moot if there are no plants in Canada to employ the workers.
The union will select one of the automakers to start negotiations and use the contract reached with that company as a pattern for negotiations with the other two companies.
Unifor says it will announce which company will be first up in negotiations on Sept. 6.
Unifor represents some 23,000 workers at the three companies and is Canada's largest private sector union boasting more than 300,000 members in all. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/canadian-workers-at-detroit-three-automakers-give-union-strike-mandate | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2ed5bc8fb29cb12ed4e69b0d92de652c547d4ddd09cdeb64c46cabc2fc2387fe.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:46:27 | null | 2016-08-29T14:32:31 | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left
for his first official visit to China,
with both countries expressing hope they
can improve their economic connection. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fjustin-trudeau-leaves-for-first-official-visit-to-china.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871456465_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472480034908 | en | null | Justin Trudeau leaves for first official visit to China | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left for his first official visit to China, with both countries expressing hope they can improve their economic connection.
Trudeau, who is accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, said last week that he hopes the visit will be a reset in the relationship between the two countries.
Trudeau will be kept busy, with a host of business-related meetings during stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
He'll also attend the G20 leaders' summit in Hangzhou.
The Chinese government moved last week to take the sting out of a potential irritant during the visit, the issue of human rights.
China's ambassador to Canada said in an interview with The Canadian Press that his country has made progress in addressing international concerns in recent years.
Luo Zhaohui acknowledged China has a long way to go to further improve the situation.
Trudeau has said he will continue voicing Canada's human rights concerns to China's leadership. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/justin-trudeau-leaves-for-first-official-visit-to-china | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/77909aef5f038d5d01a2a16a6b1598e950612d9d26010ec6bf54fe4a9eec98f2.json |
[
"Stuart Thomson"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:43 | null | 2016-08-30T04:15:30 | A Samson First Nation man has been charged after a dirt bike passenger was killed and the driver seriously injured in a collision near Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, on Sunday morning. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fimpaired-driving-charges-laid-after-man-dies-in-dirt-bike-crash-south-of-edmonton.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297855290826_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472527305558 | en | null | Impaired driving charges laid after man dies in dirt bike crash south of Edmonto | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A Samson First Nation man has been charged after a dirt bike passenger was killed and the driver seriously injured in a collision near Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, on Sunday morning.
Chadwick Buffalo, 30, is charged with six offences, including refusal to provide a blood sample, impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and assault.
Maskwacis RCMP and Emergency Medical Services pronounced the 18-year-old male passenger dead at the scene. The 19-year-old woman driving the dirt bike was taken to an Edmonton hospital by STARS air ambulance. She remains in stable but critical condition.
Buffalo was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Buffalo was in custody Monday and was scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin provincial court Sept. 1.
sxthomson@postmedia.com
twitter.com/stuartxthomson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/impaired-driving-charges-laid-after-man-dies-in-dirt-bike-crash-south-of-edmonton | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/387acd4166bd6698d466e45fc3b650b41a9469e7a5aa5bfd12319cd369f4b90c.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:46:22 | null | 2016-08-29T02:15:05 | Mariah Carey's estranged sister has been arrested and charged with solicitation in New York. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fmariah-careys-sister-arrested-for-prostitution.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297865701667_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472432740316 | en | null | Mariah Carey's sister arrested for prostitution | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Mariah Carey's estranged sister has been arrested and charged with solicitation in New York.
Alison Carey, a former prostitute who is HIV positive, reportedly returned to her old ways on Friday, when she was busted in Saugerties as part of an undercover operation.
According to The Daily Freeman paper, Alison had been using a local hotel for the past week while working as a prostitute, allegedly posting her information online.
Authorities received a tip off about the sex ads, which referenced her superstar sister's hit song Fantasy, and launched an investigation, which resulted in the sting.
A Friday night ad reportedly posted by Alison read: "Im (sic) a pretty lady looking for guys who are looking to have some fun and get into a world of pleasure that other woman just cant provide two (sic) you, woman with the ability to make the earth move for you and to get you to see stars."
"Oh yea with me its (sic), 'ITS SUCH A SWEET, SWEET FANTASY BABY, WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES I COME AND TAKE YOU ON AND ON,'" she added.
lison Carey. (Handout: Saugerties Police Department)
The 55-year-old was busted after approaching an undercover police officer, who had posed as a customer, and offering up sexual favours in exchange for cash.
She was arraigned in Saugerties Town Court and is currently being held on $1,000 bail at Ulster County Jail, ahead of a court hearing on Tuesday.
Alison reportedly told arresting officers she was Mariah's sibling as she was being taken into custody, and her identity was confirmed with an Internet search by Saugerties police chief Joseph Sinagra.
Cops have appealed to anyone who may have had sexual contact with Alison to seek medical testing.
Mariah has yet to comment on her sibling's arrest. She has been estranged from Alison and their brother Morgan for some time, and didn't respond earlier this year when they launched a desperate appeal for the singer to reach out, amid claims Alison was dying. She was reportedly in need of brain and spinal surgery, while she was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2012. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/mariah-careys-sister-arrested-for-prostitution | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e49001355e58bb950824d6d1762eb34a79df505022ee14c06dc28642184650b7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:03 | null | 2016-08-26T15:45:29 | The Liberal government is putting the
United Nations on notice that Canada is
ready to provide money and, more
importantly, troops for peacekeeping
missions around the world. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fliberals-pledge-up-to-600-soldiers-450-million-for-un-peacekeeping-operations.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870687960_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472228446405 | en | null | Liberals pledge up to 600 soldiers, $450-million for UN peacekeeping operations | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA -- The Liberal government is putting the United Nations on notice that Canada is ready to provide money and, more importantly, troops for peacekeeping missions around the world.
Up to 600 Canadian soldiers -- including engineers and medical units -- are being committed to future peacekeeping operations, as well as equipment such as helicopters and planes, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said Friday.
"It is time for Canada to choose engagement over isolation," Dion told a news conference in Saguenay, Que., where Liberal MPs are taking part in a two-day caucus retreat.
"(It is) time to act with responsible conviction as a determined peacebuilder."
The additional soldiers represent a dramatic increase over the 19 Canadian troops deployed on peacekeeping missions at the end of July, bringing the total more in line with the number of Canadian blue berets deployed in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Sajjan said Friday's announcement signals that Canada is committed to re-engaging in a full spectrum of multilateral peace operations, but he also warned that the landscape has changed dramatically in the last 20 years.
"Around the world, the nature of conflict is changing and it's more complex than ever," Sajjan said.
"Today, peace support operations are conducted where there may be no peace to keep, or where the fragile peace constantly teeters on the edge of violence. We need to understand conflict better. We need to look at the root cause of conflict, and think of innovative ways to move forward."
The government is also setting aside $450 million over three years for projects that promote peace and security around the world, including the deployment of police officers and civilian experts.
The UN says 75 Canadian police officers and nine military experts were participating in missions at the end of July.
The commitments are being announced in advance of a major conference in London. Countries are required to make a tangible pledge in order to attend. Canada did not attend last year's summit in Washington, which was organized by U.S. President Barack Obama.
But the big question, which the government has yet to answer, is where Canadian troops would actually end up. The government says no decision has been made, but it's believed Canada will participate in more than one country.
Speculation has been rife that the Liberals are eyeing a mission in Mali, the Central African Republic, South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo. But all four represent complex and dangerous environments, with no easy solutions.
In Mali, for example, 86 peacekeepers have been killed since April 2013. The UN missions in the DRC and South Sudan, meanwhile, have been accused of not doing enough to protect civilians. The political situations in those countries are also extremely volatile.
The Liberals promised during last year's election campaign to return Canada to peacekeeping after more than a decade of dwindling participation. In July, Canada ranked 67th out of 121 nations in terms of the number of troops and police deployed on peacekeeping missions.
Some have questioned the Liberal government's emphasis on peacekeeping given that many UN missions involve dealing with terrorist groups and other non-state actors. There have also been concerns that the military, which also has a large mission in Iraq and will be soon going to Latvia, is being stretched thin.
Sajjan has said the government won't task the military with anything that commanders believe they can't handle. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/liberals-pledge-up-to-600-soldiers-450-million-for-un-peacekeeping-operations | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c5b23b8c9a4ad573b7c9037cb5e161f3e475c7eb54b125a0ddc337f422bb0702.json |
[
"Ameya Charnalia"
] | 2016-08-29T04:46:18 | null | 2016-08-29T04:32:20 | A special surprise was in store for more than 150 northern Alberta and Northwest Territories children gathered at an Edmonton hotel Sunday. The Edmonton chapter of Dreams Take Flight, a national non-profit dedicated to providing a trip-of-a-lifetime to medically, mentally, physically, socially or emotionally challenged children, told the kids they | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Falberta-children-including-50-from-fort-mcmurray-surprised-with-all-expenses-paid-trip-to-disneyland.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871410683_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472439852524 | en | null | Alberta children, including 50 from Fort McMurray, surprised with all-expenses-p | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A special surprise was in store for more than 150 northern Alberta and Northwest Territories children gathered at an Edmonton hotel Sunday.
The Edmonton chapter of Dreams Take Flight, a national non-profit dedicated to providing a trip-of-a-lifetime to medically, mentally, physically, socially or emotionally challenged children, told the kids they will be heading on an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland on Sept. 14.
"I can’t believe I’m going all the way to L.A. to Disneyland; this is amazing," said Gavin Dale, 10, of Fort McMurray.
“I thought this was just a normal dance party. I was just like jumping up and down from my seat."
The reveal day, as it's known by the volunteers, took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in west Edmonton. Parents and organizers were in on the secret, but the children had no idea.
It's the 24th flight in the history of Dreams Take Flight and the organization is taking 50 children from the Fort McMurray area this year, said Kristan Myers, director of communications at Dreams Take Flight Edmonton.
The organization started in 1989 when a group of Air Canada employees in Toronto organized a trip that took special needs children on a DC-9 aircraft to Walt Disney World in Florida.
In 1997, the charity expanded to serve Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.
Air Canada donates an aircraft to each chapter for the day to fly the children to Disneyland Los Angeles or Disney World Orlando. The money to cover the flight is raised throughout the year.
Gavin's mother, Jessica Dale, said the trip will give her son a much-needed break from "hearing about" the wildfire that ravaged the community in May and June.
“He found out and then he asked, 'Are you letting me go? Am I allowed to go?' He’s really excited and so are we just to see how excited he is," she said.
“I can't even verbalize my thoughts to Dreams Take Flight ... it’s such a special thing."
During the reveal day, children also met players and cheerleaders from the Edmonton Eskimos, firefighters and received clothes for the trip. Parents, in the meantime, attended a presentation about the formalities.
“It’s about wanting to give back to your community," said Nadine Bailey, director of Dreams Take Flight.
"The best joy comes when you get on that plane and you take those kids to (Disneyland) and you see that smile on their faces." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/alberta-children-including-50-from-fort-mcmurray-surprised-with-all-expenses-paid-trip-to-disneyland | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2baf43b91f45762c02de24556194b2ace0e9e4f7d09b3378eccc4513b9a9d2c6.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:46:45 | null | 2016-08-30T18:15:49 | Something sinister may be afoot in the woods of Greenville, S. C. - and, if so, its shoes are comically oversized. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fsouth-carolina-community-warned-about-reported-group-of-scary-clowns-trying-to-lure-children-into-woods.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871954171_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472579561709 | en | null | South Carolina community warned about reported group of scary clowns trying to l | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Something sinister may be afoot in the woods of Greenville, S. C. - and, if so, its shoes are comically oversized.
Clown sightings, as reported by residents of Fleetwood Manor Apartments, have alarmed local parents and set the community on edge. Per a letter distributed to residents of the community and then posted to Facebook on Friday, the property manager warned of a "clown or a person dressed in clown clothing" who was "trying to lure children in the woods." It is the latest in a recent string of clowns reported as real-life menaces.
Though the evidence is sparse, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office is investigating the clown complaint.
"Many of you have inquired about clowns being spotted in the woods near Fleetwood Manor Apartments," said Drew Pinciaro, a Greenville County deputy, in a press release on Monday, according to WYFF News 4.
"As of today's date," he said, "there has been one incident report filed with our office regarding this."
In the incident report, one woman said she saw "several clowns in the woods flashing green laser lights" on Aug. 19. The next night, she said her son could make out the sounds of "chains and banging" coming from outside their front door. A different person said a clown with a large, winking nose was hanging out near the dumpsters early one Saturday morning.
Fleetwood Manor resident James Arnold told Buzzfeed News his children, aged 10 and 13, described "clowns out there in the woods and they're trying to get us to come out there,'" he said. "Some had chains, some had knives, and some were holding out money, saying, 'Come here, we've got candy for you,' but they wouldn't go." His wife, Donna, said she filed the report and invoked the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's "It," about a creature that takes the form of a clown to stalk children.
If what the Arnolds saw mimicked "It," they could hardly be faulted for being so distraught. In the long descent from court jester to made-up face of villainy, "It," when King published the horror novel in 1986, marked the changing of the cultural tide against clowns. Clowns could be threatening characters, made worse by the fact there was real-world precedent for evil jesters. In the decade prior to the book's release, serial killer John Wayne Gacy, convicted of raping and killing 33 men and boys, occasionally performed as a clown named Pogo.
Though the killer-clown trope in fiction is at least as old as "Pagliacci," the 1892 opera about a knife-wielding performer, since "It," the dark side of clowns has steadily picked up steam. "American Horror Story" featured a killer clown. There is an "It" movie currently in the works. Through the Joker, the great comic-book villain, the clown has been portrayed with buffoonish menace by Jack Nicholson, criminal nihilism by Heath Ledger and teeth grills by Jared Leto.
(Even "Baskets," FX dramedy starring Zach Galifianakis as a clown, wallows in what The Post described as delicious misery; this too could be an old echo of Joseph Grimaldi, the 19th-century English clown whose fame on the stage was rivaled by the illness and depression he suffered later in life.)
The secret to the clown's anti-success, wrote the Smithsonian Magazine in 2013, is in the mix of mischief, makeup and a target demographic made up of children. "Where there is mystery, it's supposed there must be evil, so we think, 'What are you hiding?'" Andrew McConnell Stott, a University of Buffalo, SUNY, English professor, told the magazine in 2013.
As the evil clown ascends, the friendly clown has not. By 2014, there were 2,500 members of the World Clown Association, a thousand fewer clowns than a decade before. The big-tent circus, the American clown's natural habitat, is on the decline, while Cirque du Soleil and more acrobatic acts prosper. Clowns like the Florida entertainer named Wrinkles have embraced the creepy vibe and can be hired to scare friends.
The South Carolina incident is not the first time disturbing clowns have been reported by witnesses, either. Earlier in August, Wisconsin police fielded calls about a dirty clown wandering Green Bay carrying black balloons.
And in October 2014, a rash of hooligans in spooky clown costumes were spotted across the United States, reported ABC. That same month, more than a dozen French teenagers dressed as clowns were arrested for harassing strangers, too; it was one episode in what the Atlantic called France's "clown outbreak" that in turn spawned anti-clown vigilantes, the "chasseurs de clown." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/south-carolina-community-warned-about-reported-group-of-scary-clowns-trying-to-lure-children-into-woods | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/3706b89fb7274072a739edfbba808182bcff85f4663ba92760afbdc49eaf0f53.json |
[
"Jim Byers"
] | 2016-08-26T22:45:59 | null | 2016-08-26T22:15:47 | Looking to take a cruise anytime soon? Avoid Wednesdays, but set your alarm on Thursday morning. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fwhy-you-should-only-book-a-cruise-on-a-thursday.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870692063_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472248894366 | en | null | Why you should only book a cruise on a Thursday | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Looking to take a cruise anytime soon? Avoid Wednesdays, but set your alarm on Thursday morning.
According to a study by CruiseWatch.com, prices for cruises drop the most on Thursdays. The cruise search engine analyzed more than 600,000 cruise price reductions during the last year. The data suggested there were more than twice as many price drops on Thursdays than on the slowest day, Sunday.
The study found that Wednesday had 34% more price hikes than any day of the week, while weekends were quiet.
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"Cruise prices fluctuate with demand and supply," said Britta Bernhard, co-founder of CruiseWatch.com, in a statement. “When a sailing is not sold out, most cruise lines will discount the cabins rather than sailing empty. These price drops can make for some incredible deals. But you need to find them and book quickly."
CruiseCritic.com editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown suggests booking a cruise as early as possible or just before sailing to save money.
“Beyond any particular day of the week, the tried and true tip for scoring the best deal is to either book as early as possible, or just before the cruise,” she said via email. “If you want added-value extras – like airfare, gratuities or cabin upgrades – bundled into your fare, book early. If you’re after the cheapest possible price and don’t care what kind of cabin you have – or whether you have access to sold-out restaurants and tours – then book late to take advantage of last-minute deals.”
As with travel in general, booking during so-called “shoulder seasons” is often a great way to save on a cruise. With the kids out of school in summer, cruises in July and August can be quite expensive. But September and October are often quieter, with better deals. January, February and March are also high season for folks wanting to escape Canada for the Caribbean, so choosing a warm-weather cruise for April could save you a ton of money.
jim@jimbyerstravel.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/why-you-should-only-book-a-cruise-on-a-thursday | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/891872017f8043befc63f13c5858347ef8ccc3d6a761523946f1977f5ba088b3.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:46:44 | null | 2016-08-30T20:15:49 | Surrounded by smoke and flames, the
sound of gunshots echoing around him,
the young man crouched in the creek for
hours, listening to the men in his
family die. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fthere-are-only-bones-left-isis-buried-thousands-in-72-mass-graves.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871980038_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472587645126 | en | null | 'There are only bones left'; ISIS buried thousands in 72 mass graves | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | HARDAN, Iraq -- Surrounded by smoke and flames, the sound of gunshots echoing around him, the young man crouched in the creek for hours, listening to the men in his family die.
On the other side of the mountain, another survivor peered through binoculars as the handcuffed men of neighbouring villages were shot and then buried by a waiting bulldozer. For six days he watched as the extremists filled one grave after another with his friends and relatives.
Between them, the two scenes of horror on Sinjar mountain contain six burial sites and the bodies of more than 100 people, just a small fraction of the mass graves Islamic State extremists have scattered across Iraq and Syria.
In exclusive interviews, photos and research, The Associated Press has documented and mapped 72 of the mass graves, the most comprehensive survey so far, with many more expected to be uncovered as the Islamic State group's territory shrinks. In Syria, AP has obtained locations for 17 mass graves, including one with the bodies of hundreds of members of a single tribe all but exterminated when IS extremists took over their region. For at least 16 of the Iraqi graves, most in territory too dangerous to excavate, officials do not even guess the number of dead. In others, the estimates are based on memories of traumatized survivors, Islamic State propaganda and what can be gleaned from a cursory look at the earth.
Still, even the known numbers of victims buried are staggering -- from 5,200 to more than 15,000.
Sinjar mountain is dotted with mass graves, some in territory clawed back from IS after the group's onslaught against the Yazidi minority in August 2014; others in the deadly no man's land that has yet to be secured.
The bodies of Talal Murat's father, uncles and cousins lie beneath the rubble of the family farm, awaiting a time when it is safe for surviving relatives to return to the place where the men were gunned down. On Sinjar's other flank, Rasho Qassim drives daily past the graves holding the bodies of his two sons. The road is in territory long since seized back, but the five sites are untouched, roped off and awaiting the money or the political will for excavation, as the evidence they contain is scoured away by the wind and baked by the sun.
"We want to take them out of here. There are only bones left. But they said 'No, they have to stay there, a committee will come and exhume them later,'" said Qassim, standing at the edge of the flimsy fence surrounding one site, where his two sons are buried. "It has been two years but nobody has come."
IS made no attempt to hide its atrocities. In fact it boasted of them. But proving what United Nations officials and others have described as an ongoing genocide -- and prosecuting those behind it -- will be complicated as the graves deteriorate.
"We see clear evidence of the intent to destroy the Yazidi people," said Naomi Kikoler, who recently visited the region for the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. "There's been virtually no effort to systematically document the crimes perpetrated, to preserve the evidence, and to ensure that mass graves are identified and protected."
Then there are the graves still out of reach. The Islamic State group's atrocities extend well outside the Yazidi region in northern Iraq.
Satellites offer the clearest look at massacres such as the one at Badoush Prison in June 2014 that left 600 male inmates dead. A patch of scraped earth and tire tracks show the likely killing site, according to exclusive photos obtained by the imagery intelligence firm AllSource Analysis.
Of the 72 mass graves documented by AP, the smallest contains three bodies; the largest is believed to hold thousands, but no one knows for sure.
------
ALL THEY COULD DO WAS WATCH THE SLAUGHTER
On the northern flank of Sinjar mountain, five grave sites ring a desert crossroads. It is here that the young men of Hardan village are buried, under thistles and piles of cracked earth. They were killed in the bloody IS offensive of August 2014.
Through his binoculars, Arkan Qassem watched it all. His village, Gurmiz, is just up the slope from Hardan, giving a clear view over the plain below. When the jihadis swept over the area, everyone in Gurmiz fled up the mountaintop for refuge. Then Arkan and nine other men returned to their village with light weapons to try to defend their homes.
Instead, all they could do was watch the slaughter below. Arkan witnessed the militants set up checkpoints, preventing residents from leaving. Women and children were taken away.
Then the killings began. The first night, Arkan saw the militants line up a group of handcuffed men in the headlights of a bulldozer at an intersection, less than a kilometre (half mile) down the slope from Gurmiz. They gunned the men down, then the bulldozer plowed the earth over their bodies.
Over six days, Arkan and his comrades watched helplessly as the fighters brought out three more groups of men -- several dozen each, usually with hands bound -- to the crossroads and killed them. He didn't always see what they did with the bodies. One time, he saw them lighting a bonfire, but he couldn't see why.
Finally, the jihadis brought in artillery and prepared to make an assault on Gurmiz. Arkan and his comrades fled up the mountain to where their families had taken refuge.
Now, since IS fighters were driven out of the area, the 32-year-old has returned to his home. But he's haunted by the site. As documented by the aid group Yazda, which has mapped the Sinjar sites, the graves are in a rough pentagon flanking the crossroads, largely unprotected. Around one of them is a mesh fence and a wind-battered sign. As Arkan spoke at the site, a shepherd herded his flock nearby.
"I have lots of people I know there. Mostly friends and neighbours," he said. "It's very difficult to look at them every day."
------
"THIS BODY IS WEARING MY FATHER'S CLOTHES"
As IS fighters swarmed into the Sinjar area in early August 2014, Talal fled his town along with his father, mother, four sisters and younger brother. They and dozens of other men, women and children from his extended clan converged on an uncle's farm outside the town of Tel Azer. They prayed it was remote enough to escape the killings that were already engulfing so many Yazidis.
It wasn't.
The jihadis fired at the house from a distance. Then they rolled up in their vehicles and shot one man in the head as they stood in the yard. They surrounded the farmhouse, ordered everyone outside and demanded the impossible: Convert.
The Yazidi faith, one of the region's oldest, has elements of Christianity and Islam but is distinct. Yazidis worship the Peacock Angel, fallen and forgiven by God under their tradition, and their shrines feature carved images of the birds and references to the sun. Muslim extremists condemned them as "devil worshippers" and over the centuries have subjected them to multiple massacres -- 72, by the Yazidis' count.
In its own propaganda, the Islamic State group made clear its intention to wipe out the Yazidi community. In an issue of its online English-language magazine Dabiq, it scolded Muslims for allowing the Yazidis to continue existing, calling their ancient religion a form of paganism. It quoted Quranic verses to justify killing the Yazidis unless they become Muslim.
Thwarted in their halfhearted attempt at conversions, the fighters separated about 35 teenage girls and young women from the rest, crammed them into a few cars and drove away. The militants herded the older women and young children into the farmhouse and locked the door.
Then they lined the men and teenaged boys against the wall of the stables -- around 40 in all, including Talal.
There were too many of them, too bunched up, to efficiently mow down, so the fighters then ordered them to lie on the ground in a row, Talal said. That was when his uncle told him to make a run for it. Talal bolted into his uncle's hayfield, as did several other men. The militants fired at them, and the bullets ignited the hay, dry from the summer sun. The fire covered Talal's escape, and he took shelter in a nearby creek.
There he hid, listening as the gunmen shot his family to death. He eventually fled toward the mountain, joined by three others who had survived the massacre. Four out of 40.
Back at the farm, the gunmen eventually left and the women and children emerged, looking around with growing horror.
Nouri Murat, Talal's mother, found her husband. His body was untouched, but his head was shattered. Her daughters, she said, were confused at first. "This is strange, this body is wearing my father's clothes," one of them said. As Nouri frantically searched around the property for any surviving menfolk, her 9-year-old daughter Rukhan lay down beside her father's corpse.
Finally, other women persuaded the family to head to the mountain before the Islamic State fighters returned.
As they began the long walk north, Nouri noticed Rukhan's bloody fist. Fearing her daughter was wounded, she pried open the girl's clenched fingers. Inside were a handful of her father's teeth.
------
"THEY DON'T EVEN TRY TO HIDE THEIR CRIMES"
Nearly every area freed from IS control has unmasked new mass graves, like one found by the sports stadium in the Iraqi city of Ramadi. Many of the graves themselves are easy enough to find, most covered with just a thin coating of earth.
"They don't even try to hide their crimes," said Sirwan Jalal, the director of Iraqi Kurdistan's agency in charge of mass graves. "They are beheading them, shooting them, running them over in cars, all kinds of killing techniques, and they don't even try to hide it."
No one outside IS has seen the Iraqi ravine where hundreds of Shiite prison inmates were killed point blank and then torched. Satellite images of scraped dirt along the river point to its location, according to Steve Wood of AllSource. His analysts triangulated survivors' accounts and began to systematically search the desert according to their descriptions of that day, June 10, 2014.
The inmates were separated out by religion, and Shiites were loaded onto trucks, driven for a few kilometres (miles) and forced to line up and count off, according to accounts by 15 survivors gathered by Human Rights Watch. Then they knelt along the edge of the crescent-shaped ravine, according to a report cited by AllSource.
"I was number 43. I heard them say '615,' and then one ISIS guy said, 'We're going to eat well tonight.' A man behind us asked, 'Are you ready?' Another person answered 'Yes,' and began shooting at us with a machine-gun. Then they all started to shoot us from behind, going down the row," according to the Human Rights Watch account of a survivor identified only as A.S.
The men survived by pretending to be dead.
Using their accounts and others, AllSource examined an image from July 17, 2014, that appeared to show the location as described, between a main road and the railway outside Mosul. The bodies are believed to be packed tightly together, side by side in a space approximately the length of two football fields end to end, in what the AllSource analysis described as a "sardine trench." Tire tracks lead to and from the site.
"There's actually earth that has been pushed over and actually moved to cover parts of the ravine. As we look across the entire ravine we only see that in this one location," said Wood. "Ultimately there are many, many more sites across Iraq and Syria that have yet to be either forensically exhumed or be able to be detailed and there's quite a bit more research that needs to take place."
The key, Wood said, is having photos to indicate a grave's location taken soon after its creation.
Justice has been done in at least one IS mass killing -- that of about 1,700 Iraqi soldiers who were forced to lie face-down in a ditch and then machine-gunned at Camp Speicher. On Aug. 21, 36 men convicted in those killings were hanged at Iraq's Nasiriyah prison.
But justice is likely to be elusive in areas still firmly under IS control, even though the extremists have filmed themselves committing the atrocities. That's the case for a deep natural sinkhole outside Mosul that is now a pit of corpses. In Syria's Raqqa province, thousands of bodies are believed to have been thrown into the giant al-Houta crevasse.
Conditions in much of Syria remain a mystery. Activists believe there are hundreds of mass graves in IS-controlled areas that can only be explored when fighting stops. By that time, they fear any effort to document the massacres, exhume and identify the remains will become infinitely more complicated.
Working behind IS lines, local residents have informally documented some mass graves, even partially digging some up. Some of the worst have been found in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. There, 400 members of the Shueitat tribe were found in one grave, just some of the up to 1,000 members of the tribe believed to have been massacred by IS when the militants took over the area, said Ziad Awad, the editor of an online publication on Deir el-Zour called The Eye of the City who is trying to document the graves.
In Raqqa province, the bodies of 160 Syrian soldiers, killed when IS overran their base, were found in seven large pits.
So far, at least 17 mass graves are known, though largely unreachable, in a list put together from AP interviews with activists from Syrian provinces still under IS rule as well as fighters and residents in former IS strongholds.
"This is a drop in an ocean of mass graves expected to be discovered in the future in Syria," said Awad. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/there-are-only-bones-left-isis-buried-thousands-in-72-mass-graves | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a6dc69742b56f63c2f22edbfef10821ac71eddc789392ccf51ba2aecbf90418f.json |
[
"Lance Hornby"
] | 2016-08-30T06:46:35 | null | 2016-08-30T06:46:00 | Forty four years after the Canada-Russia Summit Series, the World Cup will seek to generate that elusive sense of raw conflict that Ken Dryden calls “us against them.” | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2F72-summit-series-teammates-embark-on-canadian-tour.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871592852_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472531709595 | en | null | '72 Summit Series teammates embark on Canadian tour | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Forty four years after the Canada-Russia Summit Series, the World Cup will seek to generate that elusive sense of raw conflict that Ken Dryden calls “us against them”.
“There really isn’t a ‘them’ for us anymore,” said Dryden. who joined ‘72 teammate Pat Stapleton Monday to promote an interactive big-screen stage show with a revolving cast of eight players in the four cities where the maple leaf met the hammer and sickle.
“Canadian fans keep hoping that the Russians will become the next them again. And the assumption is because of our relationship with the United States, it would be great if they became ‘them’. The U.S. is getting better, but you don’t want it to be your once poor cousins, because that would suggest something has happened to (our game).
“For the rest of the world, they do have a ‘them’ and that’s us.”
Perhaps the Cold War conditions of ‘72 can never be re-created when cell towers are now erected where the Berlin Wall once stood. The ‘87 Canada Cup probably came closest with three 6-5 thrillers and Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in 2010. Yet nothing put the country through an emotional wash and rinse cycle like September of ‘72.
Those who played -- a few have passed on and others such as Dryden and Stapleton are at or near 70 -- aren’t looking at the tour to re-hash their individual stories, as much to re-unite and find out from each other what they might have missed in those crazy four weeks. They also want to hear what it was like on the home front while they battled Soviet skullduggery in Moscow to the climactic Game 8.
“There is a time limit on our group,” Stapleton said with a hint of sadness. “But the most important thing about this tour is an educational component (the shows in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver will be recorded for public posterity). People want to know the lessons we learned.”
Until last year, when a sold-out trial of the tour was held in St, Catharines, Dryden completely forgot that he slumped into a bus seat next to Stapleton after the stunning 7-3 Game 1 loss in Montreal and mumbled ‘What just happened?’ Stapleton, a Game 1 scratch, had already been talking to fellow defenceman Bill White about what would be required to get back in the series.
“If you just tell a crowd it was all about team work, they’ve heard that a thousand times,” Dryden said. “It was those little things like Pat and I on the bus or hearing about Rod Gilbert’s brother (who called him ‘a disgrace’ after Montreal). Those are the really revealing things.
“We were in emotional disarray after Game 1. What was it like for Gilbert and Jean Ratelle? They had played 10 years in the NHL and from the time they were eight years old, the puck always belonged to them. Now they’re sitting beside each other asking if either even touched the puck on the last shift. Now they have to find an answer when put in a situation where you have no idea. You know the answer has to be with other people, finding a way to work it out.”
Dryden, Stapleton, Serge Savard, Yvan Cournoyer, Peter Mahovlich, Dennis Hull, Brad Park, Bob Clarke and seldom seen coach Harry Sinden are among the potential list for Toronto.
Stapleton vividly remembered all the telegrams and postcards that flooded into Moscow after the Canadians arrived, trailing in the series and with a couple of unused players bailing for home. The good luck messages all went on the wall outside the dressing room, including one Stapleton saved from Canadian-born bandleader Guy Lombardo.
Far from home, Dryden took heart in reading many of them.
“A lot of the words were terrific, but what really got me was where they were from; Arnprior, Ont., Red Deer, Alta., Amherst, N.S. It was like ‘Holy man, this is from everywhere’.”
Regular tickets for the Toronto show at the Sony Centre range from $81.93 to $341, with some discounts for group purchases and a Meet and Greet/VIP package ranging from $577 to $2,200 that includes drinks and a team-signed sweater.
All 37 players and coaches from ‘72, regardless of ice time, including the families of the deceased, share in any revenue that might result, though Stapleton emphasized “education, entertainment and charity” causes were the three pillars when the team formed its own corporation a couple of years ago.
DA, DA, CANADA
‘Da, Da Ca-na-da, Nyet, Nyet Soviet’.
Ken Dryden recites that chant by Canadian fans at Luzhniki Ice Palace like a favourite childhood nursery rhyme, a memory from Moscow that his team were not alone so far behind enemy lines.
“One fan decided that ‘Go Canada Go’ wasn’t quite enough and came up with Da Da Canada,” Dryden laughed. “All it would take was that one person, then it would be 10 and then all 3,000. All of us players were fans, too, and could imagine being put in that situation.”
When Dryden could finally bring himself to watch highlights of the whole series -- waiting about 15 years because he still found it so nerve wracking -- the footage from Russia was most captivating.
“The sound of the crowd, the different look of the arena. It wasn't so much the games, but hearing Foster Hewitt’s voice. The sound quality wasn’t that great, like an old war correspondent from the battlefront. His thin voice, the crackly sound ... you had a fear the line was going to get cut.”
LHornby@postmedia.com
twitter.com/sunhornby | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/72-summit-series-teammates-embark-on-canadian-tour | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/aa218f02a87248f0c6f59fdd4222785fa3899812031f7731a48b7b350f5df320.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:46:08 | null | 2016-08-26T14:32:16 | Donald Trump confronted head-on allegations that he is racist on Thursday, defending his hard-line approach to immigration while trying to make the case to minority voters that Democrats have abandoned them. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Ftrump-says-shame-on-you-to-clinton-for-racist-accusations.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870446469_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472216479130 | en | null | Trump says 'shame on you' to Clinton for racist accusations | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Hillary Clinton says Donald Trump has unleashed the "radical fringe" within the Republican Party, including anti-Semites and white supremacists, dubbing the billionaire businessman's campaign as one that will "make America hate again."
Trump is rejecting Clinton's allegations, defending his hard-line approach to immigration while trying to make the case to minority voters that Democrats have abandoned them.
The back-and-forth accusations came Thursday as the two candidates vie for minorities and any undecided voters with less than three months until Election Day. Weeks before the first early voting, Trump faces the urgent task of revamping his image to win over those skeptical of his candidacy.
In a tweet shortly after Clinton wrapped up her speech in the swing state of Nevada, Trump said she "is pandering to the worst instincts in our society. She should be ashamed of herself!"
Clinton is eager to capitalize on Trump's slipping poll numbers, particularly among moderate Republican women turned off by his controversial campaign. "Don't be fooled" by Trumps efforts to rebrand, she told voters at a speech in Reno, saying the country faced a "moment of reckoning."
"He's taking hate groups mainstream and helping a radical fringe take over one of America's two major political parties," she said.
Trump tried to get ahead of the Democratic nominee, addressing a crowd in Manchester, New Hampshire just minutes before Clinton.
"Hillary Clinton is going to try to accuse this campaign, and the millions of decent Americans who support this campaign, of being racists," Trump predicted.
"To Hillary Clinton, and to her donors and advisers, pushing her to spread her smears and her lies about decent people, I have three words," he said. "I want you to hear these words, and remember these words: Shame on you."
Trump tried to turn the tables on Clinton, suggesting she was trying to distract from questions swirling around donations to The Clinton Foundation and her use of her private email servers.
"She lies, she smears, she paints decent Americans as racists," said Trump, who then defended some of the core -- and to some people, divisive -- ideas of his candidacy.
Clinton did not address any of the accusations about her family foundation in her remarks. Instead, she offered a strident denouncement of Trump's campaign and the so-called alt-right movement, which is often associated with efforts on the far right to preserve "white identity," oppose multiculturalism and defend "Western values."
Clinton's campaign also released an online video that compiles footage of prominent white supremacist leaders praising Trump.
Trump, who also met Thursday in New York with members of a new Republican Party initiative meant to train young -- and largely minority -- volunteers, has been working to win over blacks and Latinos in light of his past inflammatory comments and has been claiming that the Democrats have taken minority voters' support for granted. "They've been very disrespectful, as far as I'm concerned, to the African-American population in this country," Trump said.
Many black leaders and voters have dismissed Trump's message as condescending and intended more to reassure undecided white voters that he's not racist.
Cornell William Brooks, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" Thursday that Trump has not reached out to the organization for any reason. He added that Trump refused the group's invitation to speak at its convention.
"We're going to make it clear: You don't get to the White House unless you travel through the doors of the NAACP," Brooks said. "More importantly, you don't get to the White House without addressing the nation's civil rights agenda."
------
Lerer reported from Reno, Nevada. Jill Colvin contributed reporting from Washington. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/trump-says-shame-on-you-to-clinton-for-racist-accusations | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2f2a3bfe40958a3da81c23bcd8a8f92a608d00c97a08720408bf8a413cbb1a82.json |
[
"Lorne"
] | 2016-08-31T00:46:46 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:03 | Thugs prevented the first day of the National Energy Board’s Energy East pipeline hearings from going ahead in Montreal on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fradicals-will-never-agree-to-energy-east.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872100766_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472601873496 | en | null | Radicals will never agree to Energy East | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Thugs prevented the first day of the National Energy Board’s Energy East pipeline hearings from going ahead in Montreal on Monday.
“Oh, no,” you say. “They weren’t thugs. They were deeply committed environmental activists expressing their passionate opposition to the $15.7-billion pipeline from Alberta’s oil sands to refineries and ports in New Brunswick.”
Look, if you prevent a lawful, democratic process from going ahead in an attempt to ensure your view is the only one heard, you’re a thug.
The henchmen of dictators who seek to silence opposing opinions are thugs, and so are “green” radicals who prevent testimony at legitimate hearings.
And if you doubt the logic of that, try replacing environmental protestors in the equation with a group you are less sympathetic to, perhaps abortion protestors.
If pro-lifers stormed into an abortion clinic and prevented doctors from performing a legal procedure that they vehemently disagree with, would you think the anti-abortionists were thugs, or well-meaning protestors who passionately oppose reproductive rights?
The irony is the thugs prevented Denis Coderre from giving testimony to the National Energy Board (NEB).
Coderre, the mayor of Montreal, has been Energy East’s most vocal political opponent.
He was at the hearings to tell commissioners he and other Montreal-area mayors are against Energy East on safety, environmental and economic grounds.
The way one of the “green” bullies got in Coderre’s face and verbally assaulted him, you have to think the disrupters don’t even know who their allies are.
The eco-protestors were upset by the revelation last week that two NEB commissioners had met in private with former Quebec premier Jean Charest.
They also met privately with several Quebec leaders, including Coderre, to figure out how best to engage Quebecers and Quebec leaders.
At the time they met with Charest, he was a registered lobbyist for TransCanada, the company seeking approval for Energy East.
Charest and the NEB insist the meeting was short and strictly about process.
Still, Coderre and the green protestors used the meeting to call into question the legitimacy of the NEB’s hearings.
But the biggest loser wasn’t even there and doesn’t have any role in the proceedings.
It was Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley.
Notley is imposing the most rigid environmental regulations in the country and implementing a new carbon tax commencing Jan. 1 that will squeeze $3 billion annually out of Albertans' pockets, at a time when the province’s economy is shrinking and tens of thousands of tradespeople and energy professionals are out of work.
Notley’s Climate Leadership Plan is supposed to earn Alberta “social licence” to ease the approval of projects such as Energy East.
In other words, if Albertans absorb a lot of regulatory and financial pain in the name of reducing greenhouse gases, then supposedly “greens,” First Nations and politicians from other jurisdictions (such as Coderre) will agree to let pipelines be built that will take Alberta oil to better markets.
Hah! As the disruption of the now-suspended NEB hearing in Montreal proves, there is no amount of social licence that will buy the approval of “green” protestors or politicians.
As the American eco-group the Natural Resources Defense Council has said in preventing other pipelines, “it’s not the pipeline, it’s what’s in the pipeline” that has to be stopped.
Simply put, no amount of regulation and taxation – no Climate Leadership Plan – will change attitudes like that.
Notley’s plan is all pain, no gain. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/radicals-will-never-agree-to-energy-east | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4e7ac03082784159736cb9463c8a2cc75eae74254a95b68a8fb2b78126f43846.json |
[
"Steve Buffery"
] | 2016-08-27T22:46:11 | null | 2016-08-27T22:33:48 | Blue Jays left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. hit a two-run triple in the bottom of the eighth inning which Minnesota Twins right fielder Max Kepler miss-played, resulting in a dramatic 8-7 comeback victory for Toronto. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fkeplers-failed-fielding-puts-blue-jays-over-twins.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871090651_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472332006201 | en | null | Kepler's failed fielding puts Blue Jays over Twins | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Blue Jays left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. hit a two-run triple in the bottom of the eighth inning which Minnesota Twins right fielder Max Kepler miss-played, resulting in a dramatic 8-7 comeback victory for Toronto.
With one out in the eighth and the Jays trailing 7-6, Upton launched a Ryan Pressly offering to right that Kepler failed to field cleanly. Kevin Pillar, who hit a double, scored from second to tie the game and Upton made it all the way home on Kepler’s error to give the Jays the lead and ultimately the win.
Jays’ closer Roberto Osuna came in to pitch a perfect ninth inning to preserve the victory while picking up his 29th save.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Jays starter Marcus Stroman gave up nine hits through six innings, the majority of them grounders that found holes though the infield. Stroman’s downfall was allowing the lead-off runner to reach base in four of the six innings he pitched. The Twins jumped ahead 5-0 after the top half of the fourth and the Jays chipped away, scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth, two in the sixth, three in the seventh and two in the eighth courtesy of Upton’s heroics.
With Toronto trailing 5-1 in the sixth, first baseman Edwin Encarnacion hammered a 1-1 offering from Minnesota starter Ervin Santana over the wall in left centre to score two runs and bring the Jays to within two, his 36th homer of the season. Josh Donaldson had previously walked.
Stroman was replaced by Bo Schultz to start the seventh and while Schultz managed to get the first two hitters, he walked outfielder Max Kepler and then gave up a home run to third baseman Trevor Plouffe to right field on a 3-2 pitch, a 96-MPH fastball, the Twins taking a 7-3 lead.
Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, batting lead off, went 3-for-5 with two RBI.
The Twins jumped into a 1-0 lead in the first as lead-off hitter Brian Dozier smacked a single to right, stole second, moved to third on a sacrifice fly and then with Kepler batting, scored on a wild pitch by Stroman. Stroman dug himself out of a big jam in the third, giving up a lead off single by No.9 hitter Danny Santana followed by a single by Dozier. He then got Joe Mauer to hit into a 1-6-3 double play and enticed Kepler to ground out to first to end the inning with no runs allowed.
Plouffe lead off the fourth for the Twins with a walk and then moved to third on a single by Eddie Rosario and scored on a Miguel Sano single. Rosario then scored on a double to right by Eduardo Escobar, all with none out. After getting the next two batters out, Stroman gave up a double to Dozier down the left field line to score two more, the Twins taking a 5-0 lead.
The Jays finally got to Minnesota starter Ervin Santana in the fourth when Edwin Encarnacion walked with one out and was hit home via a Michael Saunders two-out double to the corner in right field. A fan tried to grab the ball (which would have resulted in a ground rule double) but missed allowing Encarnacion to score.
Down 7-3 in the seventh in the bottom of the seventh, third baseman Donaldson came to the plate with the bases loaded and two out, prompting Twins manager Paul Molitor to pull Santana, who had thrown 111 pitches, for right-handed reliever Ryan Pressly. Donaldson then smacked a single to gap in right centre, scoring Melvin Upton Jr. from third and Devon Travis from second, moving Jose Bautista to third. After fouling off a couple of Pressly offerings on a 3-2 count, Encarnacion hit a single to left to score Bautista, moving Donaldson to third. Troy Tulowitzki lined out to second to end the inning with the score 7-6 Minnesota. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/keplers-failed-fielding-puts-blue-jays-over-twins | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2aa689d137c29ea32dbcc6527d859c9656580cb8e11d2e6a7e8ea7ed96719d79.json |
[
"Elise Stolte"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:36 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | Edmonton officials have decided the city should pay for 331 trees and shrubs for the Grand Trunk dog park, but not the fence dog owners want. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fresidents-left-disappointed-after-city-says-it-will-no-pay-for-fence-at-off-leash-dog-park.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297690306426_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472170623191 | en | null | Residents left 'disappointed' after city says it will not pay for fence at off-l | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Edmonton officials have decided the city should pay for 331 trees and shrubs for the Grand Trunk dog park, but not the fence dog owners want.
"We're disappointed," said Ken Zahara, chair of the Grand Trunk dog park committee, which has been tracking deaths and injuries. "This is a very dangerous park for an off-leash dog park.
"You don't think the dogs are going to run around or underneath these bushes?"
Dog owners who use Grand Trunk first started lobbying for a fence in 2007, saying the busy district park has too many collisions and near misses when dogs run onto 127 Avenue or 113A Street. Three dogs have died in accidents.
Officials first decided to update the overall dog park strategy to see how a Grand Trunk fence would fit in. Draft guidelines recommended boundaries between dog parks and arterial roads, and in spring 2016, council voted to deal with Grand Trunk first.
"We're dealing with a safety issue here," said Zahara, promising dog owners will show up when the report goes to committee Monday. "We need to get a fence built right away."
In a report released Thursday, city officials break park upgrades into standard and specialized amenities. The city should pay for standard amenities, it says — two waste bins, two waste bag dispensers, four educational signs on a code of conduct for dog owners, four off-leash signs, and the trees and shrubs.
Other amenities should be treated the same as the city treats playgrounds, tennis courts and community gardens. The community should raise money or apply for grants to fund benches, a water fountain for people and dogs, notices boards, a fenced area for small dogs and any additional safety fencing they want, the report says.
Nicole Fraser, who overseas the off-leash program for the city, says that reflects earlier public consultation the city did with surrounding neighbourhoods. Many people want trees and shrubs to beautify what's now a barren field.
"We want these off-leash areas to be attractive and sustainable for all users," she said, suggesting even some city grants could be available for the additional amenities. Some of the bushes would be planted by the road to address the safety issue.
Zahara said raising money will be difficult because many people in Calder and nearby neighbourhoods live on fixed incomes. His group wants the city to pay for the $60,000 fence through a $1 increase on each dog licence.
That would fund the Grand Trunk fence the and cover upgrades to other parks next. "All the surrounding municipalities have fenced dog parks. It just boggles my mind," Zahara said.
estolte@postmedia.com
twitter.com/estolte | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/residents-left-disappointed-after-city-says-it-will-no-pay-for-fence-at-off-leash-dog-park | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/950bdeca0430482b0d5d99d76648906084a6085555218aa0a62ff3471ff0186f.json |
[
"Lorne"
] | 2016-08-27T20:46:05 | null | 2016-08-27T20:33:46 | Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is at it again, demagoguing against the Energy East pipeline. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fgunter-montreal-mayor-continues-attack-on-energy-east-pipeline.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297810123519_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472325721388 | en | null | Gunter: Montreal mayor continues attack on Energy East pipeline | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | EDMONTON -
Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is at it again, demagoguing against the Energy East pipeline.
Back in January, the former federal Liberal cabinet minister said he couldn’t support the $15-billion pipeline from Alberta’s oilsands to refineries and ports in New Brunswick. It was too environmentally risky, he opined, and didn’t carry enough economic benefits for his city.
Now the Montreal politician is joining with three dozen radical environmental groups in calling for an indefinite suspension of the National Energy Board’s hearings into the pipeline, which are scheduled to begin in Montreal on Monday.
Coderre and the eco-activists insist the board’s impartiality has been compromised because NEB officials met with Jean Charest. A former federal Conservative cabinet minister who became the Liberal Premier of Quebec from 2003 to 2012, Charest had a business relationship with TransCanada, the company seeking to build Energy East, at the time of his meeting with the NEB’s chairperson and two of its commissioners.
The NEB explains it met with plenty of Quebec politicians (including Coderre) while preparing for the opening of its hearings.
Craig Loewen, an NEB spokesperson insists the meeting was set up “with the purpose of asking Mr. Charest for his thoughts on how the NEB could effectively engage in Quebec and which stakeholders the NEB might consider meeting ...The NEB was not lobbied in any way during this meeting and the Energy East proposal was not discussed."
A spokesperson for Mr. Charest also insists “it was an informal discussion that didn't last a long time." Gregory Larroque told the National Observer “from their perspective it was a way of taking advice on how to approach Quebec.”
Still, the optics are bad.
How could the NEB not know Charest had an arrangement with TransCanada? How come Charest didn’t disclose it when the NEB rang him up to invite him?
Even if there is no actual conflict of interest on Charest’s part and no bias or favouritism on the NEB’s, there definitely could be the perception of an ethical violation. And such a perception could be as damaging to the Energy East approval process as a real conflict of interest.
This is not enough to delay or compromise the hearings, but it does neither the NEB nor TransCanada any good.
If the NEB now decides it must postpone its hearings while new commissioners are found, that’s bad for TransCanada and Alberta, to say nothing of the national economy.
If the NEB proceeds with its hearings and ultimately decides to recommend Ottawa approve the line, Energy East’s many opponents can then lobby the federal Liberal cabinet to reject the line despite the board’s approval because the impartiality of the NEB’s decision is suspect.
And don’t doubt for a minute that the Trudeau cabinet is looking for any excuse to reject Energy East. For all his rhetoric about supporting environmentally sustainable pipelines, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is just another kneejerk “green” urbanite with an hysterical concern about climate change and almost no understanding of economics or the modern energy industry.
But isn’t it also inappropriate for a sitting politician to call into question the professionalism and impartiality of an expert panel such as the NEB?
If a Conservative Alberta politician had weighed in on some independent Quebec initiative, the pushback from Quebecers and from central Canadian journalists would be deafening.
Coderre doesn’t really care about the NEB’s reputation or the validity of its upcoming hearings. He is doing nothing more than pandering to “green” voters.
Coderre saw an opening to damage the NEB and Energy East, to stop the pipeline purely for political gain, so he took it. The potential damage to the country’s economy be damned. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/gunter-montreal-mayor-continues-attack-on-energy-east-pipeline | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/db435e15c81b15606bab5dd059c6a1802f0140a47a0188de8775e462839f2989.json |
[
"Chris Doucette",
"Terry Davidson"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:04 | null | 2016-08-26T11:32:07 | A brutal triple murder in broad daylight in a Scarborough neighbourhood, possibly involving a crossbow, is believed to be connected to a suspicious package found downtown Thursday afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fthree-dead-in-crossbow-attack-in-torontos-east-end.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870486096_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472192339932 | en | null | Three dead in crossbow attack in Toronto's east end | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -
Jerome Cruz was gardening in the backyard when suddenly he heard a man “screaming and banging” at a neighbouring house.
At the time, the 69-year-old had no idea three people were being brutally slain with a crossbow bolt. Nor could he know that in a bizarre twist, the triple murder in Scarborough would end up being linked to a suspicious package found downtown.
“It was angry screaming,” Cruz recalled Thursday from his yard, which backs onto the yard of the Lawndale Rd. home where the murders unfolded.
“It went on for about five minutes and then I heard another man trying to calm him down. He was saying, ‘Calm down, be quiet.’”
With his view blocked by a shed, Cruz was unable to see the two men.
But soon after he caught a glimpse of a woman running along the driveway at the side of the house.
Within a few minutes, it got deathly “quiet,” but Cruz just figured the commotion had ended peacefully.
“I thought maybe the young man was drunk or something and now everything was OK,” he said.
But when his neighbourhood was soon filled with the flashing lights of emergency crews, Cruz knew something bad had happened.
Toronto Police say they initially received a 911 call around 1 p.m. for a man bleeding heavily from a suspected stab wound on the residential street near Markham and Kingston Rds.
“When our officers from 43 Division arrived, they found the lifeless bodies of three individuals,” Det.-Sgt. Mike Carbone said at the scene. “They also took one person into custody.”
A fourth victim was taken to hospital, he added.
Carbone refused to reveal if there was any sort of relationship between those involved.
Toronto EMS confirmed two men and one woman were killed and the fourth victim suffered only minor injuries.
Carbone also refused to comment on reports a crossbow or bolts, the arrows fired from a crossbow, were involved in the killings.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the murders, police said the victims suffered what appeared to be fatal injuries from a crossbow bolt. Police couldn’t say Thursday night whether the bolts were fired from a crossbow or used like a knife to stab the victims.
About 90 minutes after the triple murder, cops received a call for a suspicious package inside a condo at Queens Quay and Lower Simcoe St. that is thought to be tied to the attack.
Traffic was shut down in the area and 218 Queens Quay was evacuated while bomb disposal officers were called in.
“We have cleared the package and there is no threat to public safety,” Supt. Bill Neadles said. “Homicide detectives have now taken over the scene.”
While it’s unclear what was contained within the package, Carbone confirmed the downtown incident was tied to the Scarborough murders.
“I’m not going to discuss what was found at the scene other than to say there is a link between our scene here and the one down on the Queens Quay,” he said.
Residents of the Scarborough neighbourhood were stunned by the mayhem that occurred in their community.
“This is a quiet area ... I’m very surprised by this,” Ragu Sangaramoorthy, 41, said.
The family man, who rents a basement apartment two doors down from where the victims were found, recalled having seen three children, maybe 7 to 13, and a woman possibly in her 50s coming and going from the home at times.
“I’m very upset because I have two kids,” Sangaramoorthy said.
Another resident, Sadiya Haque, said her sense of shock and fear is based partly on the many unanswered questions.
— With files from Kevin Connor
RULES FOR CROSSBOWS
When it comes to buying a crossbow in Toronto or across Canada, it turns out that bigger is better, legally speaking.
According to the Canadian Firearms Program as published by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, crossbows with an overall length of 500 mm or less are prohibited across the country.
However, the program states that no licence or registration is required for crossbows longer than 500 mm and that Criminal Code provisions making it an offence to acquire a crossbow without a valid licence were never brought into force.
Here are more guidelines for crossbows, according to Paul Hunkin, from Al Flaherty’s Outdoor Store on Dufferin St. in Toronto:
Age and use restrictions:
— You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase one.
— Crossbows may not be fired anywhere inside the boundaries of the City of Toronto.
Different types of crossbows that are available in stores:
— There are only two types: Prohibited and non-prohibited.
— Prohibited are crossbows that are 500 mm in length or smaller, which can be held and fired with one hand, similar to a handgun.
— Both are classified as “firearms” for legal purposes.
Locations where crossbows are sold and how much they cost:
— Retailers such as Al Flaherty’s, Canadian Tire, Sail, and Bass Pro Shops all sell a wide range of crossbows.
— Prices range from around $400 to well over $1,000.
Purpose of crossbows sold in stores:
— Commonly used for a wide variety of hunting.
— The crossbow hunting seasons do not overlap rifle and shotgun seasons and typically run for a longer period, making them popular among hunters.
— Moose, deer, bears, and sometimes turkeys are hunted with crossbows.
OTHER CROSSBOW INCIDENTS IN CANADA:
-- In December 2010, 24-year-old Zhou Fang shot his father in the back with a crossbow then crushed his skill with a hammer, at a public library in Toronto's east end.
-- In July, a Mission, B.C., father was charged with attacking his son who was shot in the forearm with a crossbow.
-- In November 2007, a 26-year-old man was charged with murder and attempted murder after his mother was killed and father was injured by a crossbow in St-Cesaire, Que.
-- In October 2002, a dairy farmer was shot in the back and injured with a crossbow in St.-Bonaventure.
-- In August 1998, a man asleep in his Hamilton home was shot in the head and injured by a man who fired a crossbow.
-- In 1998, Edward Stuart Walker shot a pregnant Stephanie Celestine Thomas with a crossbow, then stabbed her 46 times in Central Saanich on Vancouver Island.
-- In September 1994, Yvon Gosselin was driven to a gravel pit near Terrace, B.C., where he was killed with two bolts from a crossbow.
-- In May 1995, a man armed with a crossbow entered the Winnipeg Convention Centre shortly before then-prime minister Jean Chretien arrived to deliver a speech. The suspect was arrested.
-- In January 1993, B.C. Institute of Technology student Silvia Leung, 22, bled to death in the campus parking lot in Burnaby after being hit in the shoulder by a crossbow.
-- In November 1991, Ottawa lawyer Patricia Allen was killed with a crossbow by her estranged husband Colin McGregor.
- The Canadian Press | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/three-dead-in-crossbow-attack-in-torontos-east-end | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/72fa5fbc7244c4f05011e89ab4b40102832a3b67e66c053b800f36c7ac388979.json |
[
"Kirk Penton"
] | 2016-08-31T04:46:43 | null | 2016-08-31T04:00:14 | The middle of the CFL season is upon us, and, as always there are plenty of storylines that have been building and should keep fans of the three-down loop entertained for the second half. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fcfl-blitz-parity-reigns-at-halfway-point-of-2016-season.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872189904_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472614218364 | en | null | CFL Blitz: Parity reigns at halfway point of 2016 season | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The middle of the CFL season is upon us, and, as always there are plenty of storylines that have been building and should keep fans of the three-down loop entertained for the second half.
With that in mind, here is our hurry-up version of a mid-season report:
— The main story on the field, if you can forget about all the coaches’ challenges for a moment, has been the parity. Aside from the juggernaut Stampeders and lowly Roughriders, the other seven teams are all within six points of each other. That means the crossover is in play and the playoff races are going to go down to the wire.
— The other notable story on the field is how well the visiting teams have played. Road teams are a ridiculous 24-15-1 this season, but for how much longer can they keep it up? And will it be in a team’s best interest to finish third in its division so it can play its two playoff games on the road? Good luck convincing a head coach of that, no matter how many road teams end up winning the rest of the way.
— Now, about those coaches’ challenges. Unfortunately, that has been a significant storyline this season. The league made a move last week, taking away the “freebie” challenge and putting a team’s first timeout on the line. Fans need to remember that the CFL is being innovative when it comes to coaches’ challenges, and there will be growing pains.
— The biggest problem now with challenges are the ones that are supposedly happening “away from the play.” That happened on Sunday night, when the Stampeders had Tommie Campbell’s 115-yard interception return touchdown wiped off the board due to Joe Burnett’s bump of Matt Coates past the five-yard buffer zone. I realize and understand everyone’s frustration, but why aren’t the players being held more accountable in this? STOP TAKING PENALTIES.
— Another big story so far has been the woes of Chris Jones, who guided the Eskimos to the Grey Cup and then left for the Roughriders eight days later. Some believe he has taken on too much in the Saskatchewan capital, where he serves as general manager, head coach and even defensive co-ordinator. The Riders are 1-8 following a massive roster overhaul that began in the winter and has yet to stop. The franchise is moving into its brand new stadium next year and there better be some progress before this season ends.
— Who’s the league’s most outstanding player so far? Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has to be the front-runner considering how he’s guided his team. Edmonton’s Mike Reilly is on pace to top the 6,000 yard passing mark, which would be quite the feat. Ottawa’s Trevor Harris could rally in the second half and make a run considering how well he has played when not injured. Edmonton’s Adarius Bowman is almost at 1,000 receiving yards, and the season is only half over. Ottawa’s Chris Williams, meanwhile, isn’t far behind. And don’t forget about Hamilton’s Brandon Banks, who already has three return touchdowns.
— Will anyone be riding to the rescue? The first NFL cut deadline was on Tuesday and players with CFL ties have and will become free over the next week. Most players cut this week will look for other opportunities south of the border, but if a team can convince one of its former players or draft picks to come north immediately it could have a big impact on the standings.
INSIDERS SAY
CFL coaches and managers give their anonymous thoughts on what they’re talking about behind closed doors:
OK, I’m biased, because we needed Calgary to lose in our division. Them winning is bad for us. But if I was Hamilton, I would be (bleeping) pissed about the officiating in that game. I saw the stats and Hamilton had three times as many penalties as Calgary. Three (bleeping) times more. Look, we know they can justify throwing flags on every play. There’s always something. But to call 15 or 16 on one club with only three or four on another. That’s (bleep) ... Edmonton’s going to sweep Calgary ... What did I think about those live mics? I hated it. Too much information can get out. I’m just a dumb coach, but I can tell you how to market our game better. Throw fewer flags and let’s get rid of all of this challenge delay (bleep) ... Most underrated players in our league? (Ian) Wild is one for sure. He has great football instincts. (Luke) Tasker down in Hamilton is another one. He’s really a great route runner ... I don’t do much with the neg list, but my guy told me he thinks Montreal has the worst group of prospects if you look at all nine teams ... So, I can only pick four? The best four receivers in our league, including one Canadian? (Adarius) Bowman and (Duron) Carter. Those two are the hardest for us to defend against. Then I’ll go with (Naaman) Roosevelt in Saskatchewan. My Canadian would be Shawn Gore. He really jumps out on film this year ... If B.C. doesn’t do something about their field-goal kicking, they won’t get a home playoff game in our division ... CFL.ca has too many milleniannls, or whatever they call themselves, from Toronto writing about our league. Most of them think the world stops at the Ontario border. They think being controversial makes them smart. Well, who gives a (bleep) if Matthew Cauz isn’t sold on the Bombers? How many times has he worn a jock strap?
LATE HITS
TSN finally got its wish to put live microphones on the field, which is something it has wanted to do since the new broadcast agreement was signed several years ago. There were a few funny moments during the Stampeders-Ticats clash on Sunday night and fans definitely learned just how complicated play calls are. There were concerns following the contest that too much was given away and Mitchell said every team should have to do it to make it a level playing field. That’s fair and it would be fun for the fans to see how their favourite team calls a game. All in all, it was a good look inside the huddle. Let’s have more of it ... It was either sour grapes or the most coincidentally timed tweet in Twitter history. Just moments after Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins got hit while standing on the sidelines last Thursday night, former Ottawa defensive end Shawn Lemon, who had a public spat with Desjardins following his off-season release, basically wrote that he just got a good birthday present. Lemon said he was out for his birthday supper and didn’t know what had happened. Lemon wasn’t happy that Ottawa Sun scribe Tim Baines wrote about the coincidence because he proceeded to block him on Twitter ... Thank goodness the Duron Carter saga is over. It’s too bad he got suspended for something that should have been a fine and it sure is interesting the arbitrator finally made his decision the week the Alouettes are playing the Redblacks. The whole thing was a mess.
PENTON’S PREDICTION
Illegal contact will not be reviewable next season. The coaches have gone and ruined the spirit of the rule, and fans have had enough of the long delays. The league, therefore, will likely act in the off-season and eliminate this challenge, which is too bad.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
“Hey @JustinTrudeau do you need tickets for tomorrow’s @BCLions @REDBLACKS @CFL game? DM me.”
– Lions receiver Marco Iannuzzi (@iannuzzimarco) is always thinking of Canadian politicians
BY THE NUMBERS
97 – Coaches’ challenges so far this season
102 – Coaches’ challenges during the entire 2015 season
4-0 – Calgary’s home record
11-24-1 – Combined home record of the league’s other eight teams
BOSS BLUNDER
(The following paragraph appeared in the Aug. 3 CFL Blitz)
“It didn’t matter in the end, but Anthony Calvillo needs to eliminate one play from his playbook.
It happened in the middle of the third quarter of the Alouettes’ 41-3 demolition of the Roughriders on Friday night. Montreal was looking at second-and-one from its own 44 yard line, and Calvillo, the offensive co-ordinator, had quarterback Kevin Glenn line up in the shotgun.
Glenn then handed off to Brandon Rutley, but Roughriders defensive end Justin Capicciotti was there to bring down the ball carrier before he had a chance to think about getting a first down. The result was a one yard loss and a punt.”
Well, the Alouettes did it again on Friday night against the Bombers, handing off out of the shotgun, and they turned it over. When are they going to learn?
SMOOTH MOVE
In an “only in the CFL moment” relayed by Bombers communications boss Darren Cameron, a couple of Bomber fans were waiting to shake head coach Mike O’Shea’s hand after last Friday’s game in Montreal.
When O’Shea found out the two men were waiting outside the locker-room, he instead invited them into the locker-room, where he was meeting with quarterbacks coach Buck Pierce. O’Shea offered the fans a couple of beers, and they shot the breeze for an hour.
Can you imagine something like that happening in the NFL? Not a chance. That’s what makes the CFL so great, and kudos to O’Shea for giving those two Bombers fans an experience they won’t soon forget.
POWER RANKINGS
1. (1) Calgary
Weren’t they supposed to get a little worse with a rookie head coach and the losses of several key players? Guess not.
2. (3) B.C.
Those in the know starting noticing this from the start of the season. The Lions play with grit and determination.
3. (2) Hamilton
It was a valiant effort against the Stamps that ultimately came up just short, but the Ticats need to get a run game going.
4. (5) Winnipeg
That’s four in a row for the league’s second hottest team and for Matt Nichols, who was thrown only one interception in that time.
5. (4) Ottawa
Something’s rotten in the nation’s capital, where they’ve lost two straight. Canadian depth and many defensive changes are problems.
6. (6) Edmonton
That wasn’t exactly a commanding victory over the Green and White. They needed more momentum than that going into their Calgary battles.
7. (7) Montreal
The Alouettes were unable to follow up their fine performance in Ottawa and have now gone more than a year without back-to-back wins.
8. (8) Toronto
Ricky Ray returns and the offence is mostly healthy, but now they have to play two games in six days against two physical teams.
9. (9) Saskatchewan
There were signs of life from the Riders in the second half against the Eskimos, and some new players look good.
THE WEEK AHEAD
B.C. at Toronto — Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Ricky Ray is back, but the Lions are for real and playing some physical football right now. Lions by 6.
Ottawa at Montreal — Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
The Alouettes are 2-9 in their last 11 games, while the RedBlacks are 3-1 on the road. RedBlacks by 9.
Winnipeg at Saskatchewan — Sunday, 3 p.m. EDT
Riders have won 11 straight Labour Day Classics, but all good streaks must come to an end. Bombers by 12.
Edmonton at Calgary — Monday, 3 p.m. EDT
The Stampeders are a much better team right now than their colleagues to the north. Stampeders by 13.
Toronto at Hamilton — Monday, 6:30 p.m. EDT
The tired Argos will be playing their second game in six days, which will make it easy for Zach Collaros and Co. Ticats by 10.
Last week: 2-2
Overall: 19-21 | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/cfl-blitz-parity-reigns-at-halfway-point-of-2016-season | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5bea45c1a87c744fa6a9d45a2708e8027e3b539ff93ddf2c95dc76929a87f826.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:46:19 | null | 2016-08-28T17:58:57 | An American border guard steps out of his vehicle onto a dusty desert road, seeking to chat with the strangers he sees milling about the mesquite bushes a few metres from Mexico. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fyoud-need-to-get-rid-of-all-the-ladders-in-mexico-donald-trumps-border-wall-talk-runs-into-reality.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871243591_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472407701565 | en | null | 'You’d need to get rid of all the ladders in Mexico'; Donald Trump’s border wall | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | JACUMBA, United States — An American border guard steps out of his vehicle onto a dusty desert road, seeking to chat with the strangers he sees milling about the mesquite bushes a few metres from Mexico.
His team catches a dozen migrants crossing here illegally each day, he says. A few dozen others slip through, he figures. Evidence lies in the sand, in the discarded bits of cloth desert-walkers placed under their shoes to hide their footprints.
The conversation turns to Donald Trump. He’s asked whether Trump’s proposed border wall would halt the flow of migrants crossing through California’s Yuha Desert. He doubts it. There’s already a wall across almost one-third of the border — people still get over.
“You’d need to get rid of all the ladders in Mexico,” he says.
“If you build a bigger wall, they build bigger ladders... They’ve got fine engineers in Mexico, I have no doubt.”
Trump is now wrestling with difficult realities for his immigration plan. Some are political. His new attempt to soften his message for a general-election audience risks fracturing his own base, which was largely built on his immigration stance.
Some involve practical questions: Does Trump plan to cut off U.S. access to the Rio Grande? A wall already covers part of the border; the rest is mostly river. Does he actually intend to deport 11 million people in the U.S. illegally? If so, what’s the plan to prevent the collapse of industries that rely on migrant labour? And, if not, does that mean breaking his pledge against granting legal amnesty?
A sombre monument nearby belies the idea of simple solutions here.
A cemetery of unmarked graves is filled with people who perished crossing the border. Thousands have died — their numbers grew the last time politicians tried fixing the border, during the Clinton administration in the 1990s.
A partial wall went up in the populated areas near San Diego and Tijuana by the ocean, built from old scraps of metal that belonged to the military. As steel sheets and poles rose in the west, migration routes moved east, toward new threats: the desert, the river, and the human smugglers.
Enrique Morones leads a group praying in the cemetery. They’re volunteers with his organization Border Angels, which deposits jugs of water in the desert to keep people from dehydrating or roasting to death in the scorching desert sun.
Migrants generally cross when it’s cooler, he says — especially at night. Yet accidents happen constantly. People get lost and disoriented. The water bottles run empty — sometimes vandals cut them.
“When we say, ’I’m dying of thirst,’ it’s just an expression. For them it’s real,” says Morones, who used to work in marketing for baseball’s San Diego Padres before turning to full-time work as an activist and public speaker.
“Every summer there’s more deaths because of that wall than in the entire history of the Berlin Wall.”
Hugo Castro is among the volunteers dropping water. He usually works in the fields — numerous crops grow in the valley near the Holtville cemetery, including cantaloupe, lettuce, watermelon and cabbage.
He said many workers go back to Mexico at night because they can’t afford lodging in California. He said many make $40-$50 for a 10-hour day in the field, head south, wake up before 2 a.m., and return in the morning: “They cross daily.”
He said many workers have legal papers to cross — himself included.
Many don’t.
The effect of undocumented labour extends all the way to Canada’s kitchen tables. Whether or not they’re aware of it, Canadians have a distant personal connection to the migrants who’ve become a major U.S. election issue.
In a literal sense, Canada eats the fruits of their labour. Dennis Nuxoll of the Western Growers farming association said of the 400,000 farm workers in California alone, the majority are believed to have falsified work documents.
They pick delicate crops that can’t be harvested by machine — especially grapes, tomatoes, strawberries and lettuce.
“If these workers disappeared tomorrow, we could not harvest many of the crops that Canadians consume,” Nuxoll said.
These workers are unnerved by the election.
The sound of a transistor radio crackles in the vineyards, in an elegant winery near Napa. The owner says staff have been listening to Spanish-language political radio lately, not music, while they work.
She admits she’s unsure whether they all have legitimate documents. There’s such a labour shortage in the area, she says, that she’s grateful for the workers she has: “I don’t know what we’d have to do if we had to hire.”
Trump’s immigration plan, meanwhile, is in flux. Where he once promised to deport all illegal migrants. he now says he would force them out — then allow an unspecified number back in, require them to pay back taxes, and grant legal status.
A shift in tone won’t mollify Morones.
“I don’t want anything to do with him,” he said of Trump. “He represents the worst of the American spirit, and in my eyes he’s not welcome here.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/youd-need-to-get-rid-of-all-the-ladders-in-mexico-donald-trumps-border-wall-talk-runs-into-reality | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/47ba19c0d5e07d46c4f547fe1aa218fce448ef2af0c880eeb4b5e0c76d9362a0.json |
[
"Paige Parsons"
] | 2016-08-30T16:46:36 | null | 2016-08-30T16:15:49 | Mayor Don Iveson is asking for feedback on a motion he plans to submit to City Council on Tuesday that would see Northlands granted some reprieve from debt repayment in exchange for moving ahead with the redevelopment plan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fiveson-seeks-feedback-on-northlands-plan-that-includes-multiplex-arena-development-debt-repayment.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297565688749_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Iveson seeks feedback on Northlands' plan that includes multiplex arena developm | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Mayor Don Iveson is asking for feedback on a motion he plans to submit to City Council on Tuesday that would see Northlands granted some reprieve from debt repayment in exchange for moving ahead with the redevelopment plan.
In a blog post published Tuesday, Iveson proposes that city administrators begin preliminary design on repurposing the Coliseum into a multiplex arena, develop an integration plan for the Expo Centre and the Shaw Conference Centre, complete a report addressing plans for repurposing the racetrack, horse barns and other surplus areas on Northlands property, and move forward on approvals to grant a one-year deferral on Expo Centre debt payments, subject to Northlands agreeing to participate in the rest of the redevelopment plan.
Iveson said he will be submitting his motion to council on Wednesday.
The mayor noted that it was unorthodox to call for input prior to the motion being tabled.
“It’s not typical practice to float motions ahead of a public hearing, but I wanted to provide the public, Northlands, and other stakeholders with opportunity to provide input on this motion as part of the hearing,” Iveson wrote.
Iveson’s full proposal can be read here. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/iveson-seeks-feedback-on-northlands-plan-that-includes-multiplex-arena-development-debt-repayment | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/660ef1b68bf409e6cb9ceb9665d5a06268d1fcdd40bd460259f6f3358e6d76a8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:48 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian police charged American swimmer Ryan Lochte on Thursday with filing a false robbery report over an incident during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fryan-lochte-charged-with-false-report-of-robbery-at-rio-2016.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870527496_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472174763105 | en | null | Lochte charged with false report of robbery at Rio 2016 | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian police charged American swimmer Ryan Lochte on Thursday with filing a false robbery report over an incident during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
A police statement said Lochte would be informed in the United States so he could decide whether to introduce a defence in Brazil.
The indictment will also be sent to the International Olympic Committee’s ethics commission, the statement said.
Lochte initially said that he and fellow swimmers Jack Conger, Gunnar Bentz and Jimmy Feigen were robbed at gunpoint in a taxi by men with a police badge as they returned to the Olympic Village from a party Aug. 15. However, security video suggested the four actually faced security guards after vandalizing a gas station restroom.
Lochte left Brazil shortly after the incident. Three days later, local authorities took Conger and Bentz off an airliner heading to the United States so they could be questioned about the robbery claim. They were later allowed to leave Brazil, as was Feigen, after he gave testimony. Feigen, who initially stood by Lochte’s testimony, was not charged.
Lochte has since acknowledged that he was highly intoxicated and that his behaviour led to the confrontation. It is not clear from the video whether a gun was ever pointed to the athletes.
Under Brazilian law, the penalty for falsely filing a crime report carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison. Lochte could be tried in absentia if he didn’t return to face the charge.
The United States and Brazil have an extradition treaty dating back to the 1960s, but Brazil has a long history of not extraditing its own citizens to other nations and U.S. authorities could take the same stance if Lochte is found guilty.
That is currently the case of the head of Brazil’s football confederation, Marco Polo del Nero, who faces charges in the wide-ranging scandal entangling international soccer’s ruling body, FIFA. He has not travelled outside Brazil for more than a year to avoid being arrested by U.S. authorities somewhere else.
The charges in Brazil raise questions about the future for Lochte, who is planning to take time off from swimming but wants to return to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He has 12 Olympic medals, second only to Michael Phelps among U.S. male Olympians.
Lochte lost four major sponsors early this week over the controversy, including Speedo USA and Ralph Lauren. But on Thursday he picked up a new sponsor — Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops. Pine Bros. said people should be more understanding of the swimmer and said he will appear in ads that say the company’s product is “Forgiving On Your Throat.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/ryan-lochte-charged-with-false-report-of-robbery-at-rio-2016 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a5cd1c2d54be9e59af1c08d71c40e719339b7d4c2fcb09d0226bec820909d0ea.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:46:21 | null | 2016-08-28T21:59:20 | The horror movie Don't Breathe has reason to let out a big sigh of relief. Audiences turned out in droves for the late summer thriller, which brought in US$26.1 million, according to studio estimates released Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fdont-breathe-scares-away-the-competition.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871296803_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472420860877 | en | null | 'Don't Breathe' scares away the competition | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | LOS ANGELES — The horror movie Don’t Breathe has reason to let out a big sigh of relief. Audiences turned out in droves for the late summer thriller, which brought in US$26.1 million, according to studio estimates released Sunday.
That’s more than double the early predictions for how the scary pic would perform and far above the modest production budget, which was reportedly less than $10 million. Stage 6 Films produced and Sony’s Screen Gems oversaw distribution.
Don’t Breathe is about a group of Detroit teens who chose the wrong house to rob — that of a blind, vengeful veteran. It stars Jane Levy and Dylan Minnette and was directed by Fede Alvarez, who is known for the Evil Dead remake.
Sony Pictures Marketing Chief Josh Greenstein noted how rare it was for a film in this genre to have resonated so deeply with critics. The current Rotten Tomatoes score is a very fresh 86%. It also continues Sony’s summer of seeing successes with original films that cost very little to make.
“This marks a string of very profitable hits for Sony with very modest budgets. The Shallows, Sausage Party and now Don’t Breathe were all incredibly profitable because they were made for modest budgets and did incredibly well at the box office,” Greenstein said.
It’s also the latest horror success for Hollywood this summer, which has seen films like Lights Out, The Conjuring 2, and The Purge: Election Year thrive while their bigger budget, spectacle-driven counterparts flailed.
“As it turns out horror is the least scary genre this summer, especially to the bean counters in Hollywood,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for box office tracker comScore. “(They) can almost always be counted on to make money.”
Horror films, Dergarabedian said, perform very well on home video too.
Don’t Breathe effectively unseated Suicide Squad from its three-week run atop the box office. This weekend, the comic book film Suicide Squad grossed $12.1 million, bringing its domestic total to $282.9 million.
Laika’s Kubo and the Two Strings took third place in its second weekend in theatres with $7.9 million. The $60 million film has now earned $24.8 million domestically.
Sausage Party, meanwhile, continued to have a ball at the box office, earning $7.7 million for a fourth place finish and an $80 million domestic total.
The poorly reviewed Jason Statham-led sequel “Mechanic: Resurrection,” meanwhile, placed fifth in its opening weekend with $7.5 million, according to Lionsgate. The first film opened to $11.4 million in 2011.
Among specialty releases, the Barack and Michelle Obama first-date movie Southside With You launched in 813 theatres to an estimated $3.1 million, while The Weinstein Company’s Roberto Duran boxing biopic Hands of Stone opened in 810 theatres to $1.7 million.
Overall the box office was up 32 per cent from this weekend last year when Straight Outta Compton opened. Next weekend closes out the summer movie season with the release of the sci-fi film “Morgan” and the romantic drama The Light Between Oceans.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres, according to comScore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. Don’t Breathe, $26.1 million ($1.9 million international).
2. Suicide Squad, $12.1 million ($19.6 million international).
3. Kubo and the Two Strings, $7.9 million ($1.5 million international).
4. Sausage Party, $7.7 million ($1.6 million international).
5. Mechanic: Resurrection, $7.5 million ($6.1 million international).
6. Pete’s Dragon, $7.3 million ($3.5 million international).
7. War Dogs, $7.3 million ($5.3 million international).
8. Bad Moms, $5.8 million ($6.3 million international).
9. Jason Bourne, $5.2 million ($56.8 million international).
10. Ben-Hur, $4.5 million ($6.3 million international).
———
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theatres (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to comScore:
1. Jason Bourne, $56.8 million.
2. Ice Age: Collision Course, $50 million.
3. The Secret Life of Pets, $24.6 million.
4. Suicide Squad, $19.6 million.
5. Lights Out, $9.6 million.
6. Bad Moms and Ben-Hur, $6.3 million.
7. Mechanic: Resurrection, Finding Dory, and The Shallows, $6.1 million.
8. Tunnel, $5.7 million.
9. War Dogs, $5.3 million.
10. Line Walker, $4.8 million.
———
Universal and Focus are owned by NBC Universal, a unit of Comcast Corp.; Sony, Columbia, Sony Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Classics are units of Sony Corp.; Paramount is owned by Viacom Inc.; Disney, Pixar and Marvel are owned by The Walt Disney Co.; Miramax is owned by Filmyard Holdings LLC; 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight are owned by 21st Century Fox; Warner Bros. and New Line are units of Time Warner Inc.; MGM is owned by a group of former creditors including Highland Capital, Anchorage Advisors and Carl Icahn; Lionsgate is owned by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.; IFC is owned by AMC Networks Inc.; Rogue is owned by Relativity Media LLC.
——— | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/dont-breathe-scares-away-the-competition | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2d071f6b9ab5697effdb81ecbfbeb57fc2c08b3e7448cecf5f3253d7a083bb11.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-28T00:46:10 | null | 2016-08-28T00:30:31 | Only four quarterbacks have ever thrown for 6,000 yards in a CFL season before. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fon-pace-for-6000-yards-passing-edmonton-eskimos-quarterback-mike-reilly-would-prefer-offence-remains-balanced.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871122950_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472340770942 | en | null | On pace for 6,000 yards passing Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly would p | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Only four quarterbacks have ever thrown for 6,000 yards in a CFL season before.
Halfway through this season Edmonton Eskimos Mike Reilly is on a pace to do it. And he’s not far off the pace to set the all-time CFL record held by Doug Flutie.
And he’d rather not, thank you very much.
Huh? Say what?
“It’s not really something you want,” explained last year’s Grey Cup MVP.
“If you are throwing for 6,000 yards you are becoming a one-dimensional attack and it makes it much more difficult on your offence.
“If you could draw up a perfect game plan and draw up things the way you want, you’d be close to 50-50, which I think somebody told me after the game we almost hit. We were something like 52%-48% passing and rushing and we were effective in both.”
The Eskimos ability to run the ball with Shakir Bell (18 carries for 138 yards on the ground and four catches out of the backfield for 32 more) and Reilly himself (six carries for 45 yards) were the story of the Eskimos 33-25 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
That said it’s not going to keep the fans focus off the big numbers Reilly is putting up as the Eskimos roll into the second half of the season with a three-game winning streak.
Throwing for 6,000 yards is an achievement only Flutie, Kent Austin, David Archer and Anthony Calvillo have done before.
The last CFL quarterback to throw for 6,000 yards in a season was Calvillo (6,104 in 2004). Austin (6,225 in 1992), Archer (6,023 in 1993) and Doug Flutie (6,092 in 1993 and the record 6,619 in 1991) are the others.
Reilly was 21-for-26 for 253 yards in leading the Eskimos to a 33-25 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders before 37,168 Friday at Commonwealth Stadium. Halfway through the season, Reilly has 3,096 yards passing.
Reilly was well on his way to his eighth 300-yard passing game Friday when the guys on the other side of the ball started playing their version of the prevent defence (which prevents nothing) and spent the entire third quarter on the field while the quarterback ran the grand total of four plays.
“I think it’s an indication more just of the talent we have on offence overall. Obviously it’s well known the talent we have overall with Derel (Walker) and Adarius (Bowman) alone,” he said.
Reilly, who has thrown a league-leading 16 touchdown passes and rushed for a TD in three straight games, is already being talked about as a possible CFL Award winner. But then, so are his targets, the aforementioned receivers Adarius Bowman and Derel ‘Sky’ Walker.
There have been just three 2,000-yard receiving seasons in CFL history led by Allen Pitts with 2,036. At the turn, Bowman has 956 yards and Walker 887.
“Combine them with Cory Watson, Chris Getzlaf and Nate Coehoorn, our running game and what the offensive line has done and it’s not about one quarterback. It goes without saying that those guys on the offensive line have had a great first nine games and they’re going to get better and better. And that’s where it goes with the balanced attack. Allowing those guys to fire off the ball and be aggressive in the run game just as they were Friday night just shows how multi-dimensional they are because it takes different skill sets to pass block well and run block well.
“Put all that together with head coach Jason Maas and his idea of trying to attack downfield and I think the numbers we have in the first half of the season is just an indication of his design of the offence. And that’s awesome. But at the same time, as the season continues, we’re going to continue to be as balanced as we can be just like we were this last game and obviously that’s very effective.
“There’s going to be games where we’re going to need to put up big passing yard numbers. We’re going to be capable of doing that. But I try not to look at how the numbers will look at the end of the season because at the end of the day, those stats don’t really mean anything. We’re trying to win football games.
“If we have to throw for a ton of yards to win, then we will. But if we’re able to have a more balanced attack, we know that’s very effective. When that happens, you are not going to put up 400 yard passing games.
“I don’t think any quarterback who put up good numbers ever did it by himself.”
That is definitely true.
With that in mind, consider two things here.
1. Last year Ottawa led the league in passing yards with 5,806 under offensive coordinator Jason Maas without the weapons he has to work with in Edmonton.
2. Last year, Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris won the CFL Award as Most Outstanding Player with 5,693 yards passing.
Bet on Reilly hitting 6,000 yards. Bet on Reilly winning the most outstanding player award on Grey Cup Week in Toronto. Not so sure a thing is the Grey Cup itself as Maas and Burris found out last year. But that’s where Reilly comes in. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/on-pace-for-6000-yards-passing-edmonton-eskimos-quarterback-mike-reilly-would-prefer-offence-remains-balanced | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/713cd7484861611da4c45918c7d67b204e4dec446d8dd9a750ae4b6c579e1e53.json |
[
"Aaron D'Andrea"
] | 2016-08-29T02:46:19 | null | 2016-08-29T02:32:19 | They took it off for equality. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Ftaking-it-off-for-equality.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871381893_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472438567002 | en | null | Taking it off for equality | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | They took it off for equality.
Women in major cities, including Toronto and New York, bared their breasts Sunday as part of GoTopless Day.
The annual international day of protest is a call for women to have the same right as men to bare their chests in public. In Ontario, the law already gives women that right.
Still, several women marked the day in Toronto’s High Park.
Diane Brisebois, coordinator of the Toronto event, said women everywhere should be able to go topless without having to worry about being judged.
“It’s still a big deal for our society to see women topless,” she said. “Still, the moment a woman shows her breast, people are surprised.”
The event began nine years ago, and takes place on the Sunday closest to Women’s Equality Day (Aug. 26), marking the day American women earned the right to vote.
A few dozen women, and some men, went topless Sunday afternoon as they walked down Broadway in New York City.
The march was led by some women carrying a banner, followed by others in a convertible, with the top down, of course.
Coming up at the end was a pair of giant inflatable breasts. Onlookers gawked and took photos as the parade participants went by.
A group of about 50 women and men walked topless in the oceanside Los Angeles neighbourhood of Venice.
Marchers walked behind an inflatable pink breast with the phrase “equal topless rights” written on it. One marcher carried a sign reading: “My Body Is Not A Crime.”
Cities and states have varying laws regarding whether it’s legal for women to go topless in public.
— With files from the Associated Press | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/taking-it-off-for-equality | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/81a6c6eeb2ce0f2070d14d7674fbedfc4eacedb785d642a89f0763c3fc352298.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:46:36 | null | 2016-08-30T12:15:40 | Tourist John Gleason crept through the grass, four small children close behind, inching toward a bull elk with antlers like small trees at the edge of a meadow in Yellowstone National Park. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Ftourists-shamed-for-bad-behaviour-in-national-parks.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871506199_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472560559023 | en | null | Tourists shamed for bad behaviour in national parks | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Ding Jinhao, a teenager from China, was shamed internationally on social media after he carved his name into the face of a 3,500-year-old temple relic he recently visited as a tourist in Egypt. Ding's parents were forced to contact local media and apologize for their son, admitting that they hadn't properly educated their child and pleading for society to give him a chance. (Kongyouwuyi/Newspoint)
The Little Mermaid statue, an icon of Copenhagen, Denmark, has been vandalized numerous times. The statue's head and arm have been sawed off, it's been blasted off the rock, possibly with dynamite, and has been covered in various shades of paint. Each time, the statue has been restored. (Fotolia)
Jim Morrison's grave at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris is splashed with graffiti by admirers. A statue of the late singer was placed by the grave, but stolen, as was a flat shield Paris officials put over the grave. (Postmedia Network)
Visitors to England's Stonehenge are kept at bay by ropes. Tourists were once able to approach the stones, but after many began chipping away bits of the rock for souvenirs, protective ropes were erected around Stonehenge. (iStock Photo)
Unknown vandals have previously splashed an oily substance over names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2007. This covered or corroded the names of many people who died in the war. (Fotolia)
Marko Kulju, a Finnish tourist, tore the earlobe off one of the Moai statues, carved of volcanic rock, on Easter Island in March 2008. The damage is seen in the above photo. Kulju faces seven years in prison and a fine of nearly $20,000. (Postmedia Network)
Tourists have taken to writing soccer chants and the names of their love interests on the walls of Peru's famed Sacsayhuaman fortress. Sacsayhuaman was built in the 1100s. (Wikipedia/Håkan Svensson)
Michelangelo's "Pieta" is now behind bullet-proof acrylic glass after a mentally disturbed geologist attacked the Virgin with a hammer and shouted "I Am Jesus" in 1972. In 1991, a vandal attacked Michelangelo's "David" statue, damaging its toes with a hammer before being restrained. (Wikipedia/Stanislav Traykov)
In 2007, five people, thought to be intoxicated, broke into Paris' Musee D'Orsay and punched holes through Claude Monet's "Le Pont d'Argenteuil" painting.
Tourists behaving badly is nothing new, as these famous incidents of vandalism prove. Some of the world's best known art and landmarks have all suffered vandalism at the hands of tourists over the years. After years of various species of trees being cut down on New Zealand's One Tree Hill, a lone pine tree stood next to the obelisk. In 2000, it too was cut down, making One Tree Hill, "No Tree Hill." The government has yet to replant any trees on the hill due to uncertainty over the species to be planted. (Wikipedia)
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. -- Tourist John Gleason crept through the grass, four small children close behind, inching toward a bull elk with antlers like small trees at the edge of a meadow in Yellowstone National Park.
"They're going to give me a heart attack," said Gleason's mother-in-law, Barbara Henry, as the group came within about a dozen yards of the massive animal.
The elk's ears then pricked up, and it eyed the children and Washington state man before leaping up a hillside. Other tourists -- likewise ignoring rules to keep 25 yards from wildlife -- picked up the pursuit, snapping pictures as they pressed forward and forced the animal into headlong retreat.
Record visitor numbers at America's first national park have transformed its annual summer rush into a sometimes dangerous frenzy, with selfie-taking tourists routinely breaking park rules and getting too close to Yellowstone's storied elk herds, grizzly bears, wolves and bison.
Law enforcement records obtained by The Associated Press suggest such problems are on the rise at the park, offering a stark illustration of the pressures facing some of America's most treasured lands as the National Park Service marks its 100th anniversary.
From Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains to the Grand Canyon of Arizona, major parks are grappling with illegal camping, vandalism, theft of resources, wildlife harassment and other visitor misbehaviour, according to the records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.
In July alone, law enforcement rangers handled more than 11,000 incidents at the 10 most visited national parks.
In Yellowstone, rangers are recording more wildlife violations, more people treading on sensitive thermal areas and more camping in off-limit areas. The rule-breaking puts visitors in harm's way and can damage resources and displace wildlife, officials said.
Often the incidents go unaddressed, such as when Gleason and the children approached the bull elk with no park personnel around. Gleason said he was "maybe" too close but felt comfortable in the situation as an experienced hunter who's spent lots of time outdoors.
These transgressions add to rangers' growing workload that includes traffic violations, searches for missing hikers and pets running off-leash in parks intended to be refuges of untrammeled nature
"It's more like going to a carnival . If you look at the cumulative impacts, the trends are not good," said Susan Clark, a Yale University professor of wildlife ecology who has been conducting research in the Yellowstone area for 48 years. "The basic question is, 'What is the appropriate relationship with humans and nature?' We as a society have not been clear about what that ought to be, and so it's really, really messy and nasty."
Recent events at Yellowstone grabbed national headlines
-- A Canadian tourist who put a bison calf in his SUV hoping to save it, ending with wildlife workers euthanizing the animal when they could not reunite it with its herd.
-- Three visitors from Asia cited on separate occasions for illegally collecting water from the park's thermal features.
-- A Washington state man killed after leaving a designated boardwalk and falling into a near-boiling hot spring.
The flouting of park rules stems from disbelief among visitors that they will get hurt, said Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk. "I can't tell you how many times I have to talk to people and say, 'Step back. There's a dangerous animal,' and they look at me like I have three heads," he said.
Inconsistent record keeping, including a recent switch to a new criminal offences reporting system, makes it difficult to identify trends that apply uniformly across the major parks.
But the records reviewed by the AP reveal the scope of visitor misbehaviour is huge. In Yellowstone, administrators and outside observers including Clark say the park's problems have become more acute. That threatens its mission to manage its lands and wildlife "unimpaired" for future generations.
Beyond incidents that lead to citations are many more that result in warnings. More than 52,000 warnings were issued in 2015, up almost 20% from the year before.
Washington state resident Lisa Morrow's son was among the children Gleason led toward the elk. Despite safety advisories -- and numerous examples of visitors getting gored by bison, mauled by bears and chased by elk -- Morrow declared herself unafraid of the park's wildlife. She said she was eager to see a grizzly up close.
"I want to see one right there," Morrow said, pointing to a spot just feet away. "I'd throw it a cookie."
The top 10 parks by visitation collectively hosted almost 44 million people last year, according to National Park Service figures. That's a 26% increase from a decade earlier, or more than 9.1 million new visitors combined at Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and the other national parks on the list.
Yellowstone boasts the most large, dangerous carnivores among those parks, but each has its risks. In Rocky Mountain National Park, it's elk that become more aggressive during mating season. In Yosemite, it's towering waterfalls where visitors insist on swimming near the edge. In the Grand Canyon, it's squirrels habituated to humans and sometimes quick to bite an outstretched hand.
Wenk said the rise in popularity of social media complicates keeping visitors safe.
"You take a picture of yourself standing 10 feet in front of a bison, and all of a sudden a few hundred people see it, and it's reposted -- at the same time we're telling everybody wildlife is dangerous," Wenk said. "They get incongruous messages and then it happens. They get too close, and the bison charges." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/tourists-shamed-for-bad-behaviour-in-national-parks | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/7b5efd273aafe9943856c880fd12de940f82c8e5956930fdc935dfba67c06ace.json |
[
"Claire Theobald"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:28 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | New Canadians are heading back to school with new school supplies because of efforts by the Salvation Army. “It's an equalizer,” said Connie Cristall, lead pastor at Salvation Army Crossroads Community Church at 11611 95 St. “They get to go (back to school) with a new backpack, too. It's kind of making everything fair and they can have as much prid | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fsalvation-army-united-way-gift-syrian-students-with-new-school-supplies.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870585161_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472176991806 | en | null | Salvation Army, United Way gift Syrian students with new school supplies | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | New Canadians are heading back to school with new school supplies because of efforts by the Salvation Army.
“It's an equalizer,” said Connie Cristall, lead pastor at Salvation Army Crossroads Community Church at 11611 95 St. “They get to go (back to school) with a new backpack, too. It's kind of making everything fair and they can have as much pride as any other little kid who has got all their supplies.”
Cristall said the church had originally planned to hand out 300 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need. However, after a call from a community group asking if they would offer help to Syrian refugee families, demand more than doubled.
“It ballooned into 743, so we've been scrambling to get them,” Cristall said.
United Way's Tools for School supplied half of the backpacks needed. The church purchased another $4,000 in backpacks and supplies, but as of Wednesday — the day before the backpacks were supposed to be collected — they were still 200 backpacks short.
The United Way's InKind program came through with the rest, meaning no one registered for a backpack had to be turned away Thursday.
The Salvation Army church in Castle Downs handed out another 240 backpacks for students in need.
The steep increase in demand wasn't just caused by an influx of Syrian refugees. Cristall said they are seeing growing demand from local parents out of work because of the economic downturn.
Despite the obstacles, including language barriers and missing identification — many refugee families lost birth certificates while fleeing — Cristall said their church community is glad to be able to help.
“People are so grateful and kind,” she said.
Having a backpack full of school supplies for his son meant one less thing Osama Altieyan had to worry about since fleeing Syria and starting a new life with his family in Canada.
“They want to help us and I want to thank them very much. This is so nice,” said Altieyan, who picked up a backpack for his 18-year-old son.
While Altieyan said he is grateful for having a chance at a brighter future for his family in Canada, the transition hasn't been easy. His son was supposed to graduate last year, but had his education disrupted as his family fled to safety.
“This is a new school and a new language,” said Altieyan, hopeful a backpack full of new supplies will help his son adjust.
Now that his one son is getting settled in Canada, Altieyan's thoughts turned to his other son in Sweden, still waiting to rejoin the rest of his family in Canada.
“I miss my child,” Altieyan said. “It's been a long time. I don't know how I can wait.”
twitter.com/ClaireTheobald
ctheobald@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/salvation-army-united-way-gift-syrian-students-with-new-school-supplies | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2ac76fac7155c37b0919a7deea8eb8d799b88b1a657df6ea356a301f3c565938.json |
[
"Sandra"
] | 2016-08-27T06:45:57 | null | 2016-08-27T06:00:13 | Earlier this summer, British veterans Sting and Peter Gabriel wowed fans with their Rock Scissors Paper tour — sharing the stage at Rexall Place as they took turns playing songs from their respective careers. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fformer-teen-sensations-demi-lovato-and-nick-jonas-play-rexall-place-in-edmonton.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870996698_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472274244380 | en | null | Former teen sensations Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas play Rexall Place in Edmonton | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Earlier this summer, British veterans Sting and Peter Gabriel wowed fans with their Rock Scissors Paper tour — sharing the stage at Rexall Place as they took turns playing songs from their respective careers.
Former teen sensations Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas are trying to offer a similar (but watered down) experience with their Future Now Tour. During Friday’s pitstop at the arena, each singer performed a 30-minute solo set, then got together for a few numbers before (briefly) going solo again.
Rexall Place, of course, doesn’t have much of a future as a concert venue. In fact, for the longest time, Lovato and Jonas were scheduled to be the last headliners — until Volbeat, Five Finger Death Punch, Eric Church and Chris Stapleton announced their own shows in the venue also known as Northlands Coliseum. (Rexall’s naming rights expire at the end of August.)
Lovato and Jonas are polished performers, but their 90-minute show wasn’t bombastic enough to close down an arena. No flying stage, no rotating riser full of dancers, no flaming pianos — just a bunch of lights, trippy visuals on a screen and a crack band of musicians playing in a semi-sunken stage. Oh, and about 8,000 screaming girls, mostly in their single digits, teens and early 20s. (Rexall’s final farewell should really be a sell-out; Friday’s show was marred by several empty sections of seats, hidden with black curtains.)
With his smooth and buttery voice, Jonas serenaded the crowd with R&B-flavoured pop numbers about love (Levels, Teacher) alcohol (Champagne Problems), and breakfast meat (Bacon) — coming off as a less risqué version of The Weeknd.
Yet despite his impressive pipes and effortless charisma, Jonas often looked like he was casually strolling around a construction site, not performing in front of thousands of fans. Perhaps the former member of the Jonas Brothers is so used to the limelight, it’s like a second home to him — but the 23-year-old didn’t seem like he absolutely needed to be on stage.
Lovato, on the other hand, exuded this longing and desperation through her voice, her eyes, and her struts across the stage. You could even feel her passion as she simply stood on an elevated riser, belting out her defiant ode, Confident, with an arena full of girls as her back-up vocalists.
Lovato, 24, followed up with a few more dance-pop numbers (Heart Attack, Neon Lights) before mellowing the mood with For You, Body Say and a killer cover of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. In full voice, she sounded unstoppable, but when she tried to show off her softer side, her pipes felt a bit shaky at times.
As former Disney stars, Lovato and Jonas go back at least a decade — his band of brothers even co-produced and co-wrote most of her first album, Don’t Forget, released in 2008. Oddly enough, the tourmates didn’t opt to play any of these songs — either separately or together. He did, however, play piano as she sang Stone Cold, a ballad from her latest album, Confident, while she filled in for Tove Lo on Close, the sultry duet from his new effort, Last Year Was Complicated.
Opener Mike Posner might not even remember last year if his bittersweet smash, I Took a Pill In Ibiza, is any indication. “And when I finally got sober, felt 10 years older,” he sang at the end of his 40-minute set, accompanied by thousands of screaming and jumping fans.
The Detroit native is responsible for several hits — including Please Don’t Go, Maroon 5’s Sugar and Justin Bieber’s Boyfriend — but Posner doesn’t command the stage like his contemporaries.
The singer/guitarist resorted to the usual cliches to elicit cheers — “Make some noise!” or “Bounce!” — and often looked more comfortable with his back to the audience, jamming with his bandmates, than trying to win the crowd over with his tender voice and heartfelt lyrics.
As Lovato likes to sing: "What's wrong with being confident?”
ssperounes@postmedia.com
twitter.com/Sperounes
Review
Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas
With: Mike Posner
When: Friday
Where: Rexall Place | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/former-teen-sensations-demi-lovato-and-nick-jonas-play-rexall-place-in-edmonton | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/3332bdf06874697919da4bfbfb4731f4b6e7ebeadddcce86486ddb085bae18eb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:45:53 | null | 2016-08-26T15:45:29 | It was in early morning darkness that
officers scrambled to sort out the
chaos at an Albuquerque apartment
complex where a couple had reportedly
been attacked, the woman bleeding from
a head injury and the man sporting a
black eye and wearing blood-stained
shorts. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fthe-most-gruesome-act-of-evil-i-have-ever-seen-neighbours-shocked-by-girls-tragic-death-dismemberment.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870376812_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472228148953 | en | null | 'The most gruesome act of evil I have ever seen'; Neighbours shocked by girl's ' | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- It was in early morning darkness that officers scrambled to sort out the chaos at an Albuquerque apartment complex where a couple had reportedly been attacked, the woman bleeding from a head injury and the man sporting a black eye and wearing blood-stained shorts.
The woman told officers her 10-year-old daughter was still inside apartment number 808 from which they had escaped.
What the officers didn't know was that the child was already dead, her battered and dismembered body partially wrapped in a blanket and set ablaze.
With the fire alarm blaring, they busted in the front door and searched the smoke-filled apartment for Victoria Martens. In the bathroom, the real crime began to come into focus.
Investigators took into custody the girl's mother, her boyfriend and his cousin.
The community was left struggling to understand how a blossoming elementary school student who loved swimming and gymnastics could have been the target of such violence.
Details of what New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and law enforcement officials described as an unspeakable crime emerged in a criminal complaint made public Thursday. Police said Victoria was injected with methamphetamine, sexually assaulted, strangled and stabbed before being dismembered.
The killing happened on the day Victoria was going to celebrate her 10th birthday.
"This homicide is the most gruesome act of evil I have ever seen in my career," Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden Jr. said.
The girl's mother, 35-year-old Michelle Martens, her 31-year-old boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his 31-year-old cousin, Jessica Kelley, face charges of child abuse resulting in death, kidnapping and tampering with evidence. Gonzales and Kelley also face charges of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.
Gonzales denied having involvement with Victoria's death while reporters yelled questions at him as he was led out of the police station in handcuffs late Wednesday. The girl's mother said nothing as she was taken from the police station to a police cruiser and driven away.
Police said Kelley was hospitalized and will be booked after she's released. No details were disclosed about why she was hospitalized.
Bail was set at $1 million each for Martens and Gonzales at their first court appearance Thursday afternoon. The two did not speak in court, and the public defence lawyer who represented them did not comment about the allegations.
As news spread about Victoria's death, neighbours and friends built a makeshift memorial under a tree near the apartment complex, adorning it with stuffed animals and candles. Some hugged while others cried and prayed.
In the evening, dozens of people gathered for a candlelight vigil and the shrine grew.
Christie Zamora said Victoria attended her gymnastics class every Saturday and always seemed happy.
"She was incredibly social," Zamora said. "It's just so tragic."
Another shrine was erected at Petroglyph Elementary School, where Victoria had just started the new school year.
School officials said in a statement that, like the rest of the community, their hearts ache. "Victoria is in our thoughts and prayers as we hold our children just a little tighter on this sad day," the statement read.
Neighbours said Victoria's mother worked at a nearby grocery store deli and they were shocked to see a mugshot of her in an orange jail jumpsuit.
Mugshots of Martens and Gonzales released by police showed them with bruises on their faces. According to the complaint, Gonzales said his cousin hit him and Martens with an iron, prompting him to jump over the balcony and run to a neighbouring apartment for help. Martens also found her way outside.
Police initially went to the apartment complex early Wednesday after the neighbour reported the disturbance.
Victoria's mother told police she met Gonzales online about a month ago and that he drugged the girl so he could calm her down and have sex with her, the complaint said.
Gonzales has a New Mexico arrest record stretching back to 2004, including a felony child abuse charge, driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. He pleaded no contest to a charge of child abandonment in 2015.
Kelley's record includes battery, domestic violence and drug charges.
The Albuquerque Journal reported that in one case, Kelley acted as a lookout while a woman allegedly raped another inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center in September 2012. Kelley pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit criminal sexual penetration and was sentenced to three years in prison minus nearly a year for time served.
Martens told police Kelley had recently got out of prison and that she allowed her to stay at the apartment.
Online court records show no criminal history in New Mexico for Martens. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/the-most-gruesome-act-of-evil-i-have-ever-seen-neighbours-shocked-by-girls-tragic-death-dismemberment | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/234b487135b982fff3ccb6fd0c68fd6285a1fb901373f1392dac447aa966eb24.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:46:53 | null | 2016-08-31T14:32:08 | OTTAWA — A Coquitlam woman says she has incurred $135,000 in damage to her rental property due to a medical marijuana grow-op licensed by Health Canada without her knowledge or consent. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fbc-renters-grow-op-leaves-womans-home-with-135000-in-damages.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872252666_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472653228505 | en | null | B.C. renters' grow-op leaves woman's home with $135,000 in damages | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA — A Coquitlam woman says she has incurred $135,000 in damage to her rental property due to a medical marijuana grow-op licensed by Health Canada without her knowledge or consent.
And she says the federal government’s new regulations leave the door wide open to continued abuses, especially in B.C. where the number of state-sanctioned grow-ops has increased exponentially.
“I don’t want this to happen to other property owners,” said the woman, who shared documentation of her plight but spoke on condition of anonymity.
She said she’s convinced there are many other victims who won’t report the problem due to fear that their home’s property value will plunge.
Urging landlords to amend their rental agreements, she said they should insist on bimonthly inspections and clauses prohibiting the manufacture or storage of drugs, whether legal or illegal.
“The government has taken the position that homeowners do not have the right to prevent their homes from being turned into commercial-scale grow-ops, or even know about it,” she said Tuesday.
“People need to protect themselves.”
A B.C. lawyer who successfully fought the former government’s attempt to crack down on state-sanctioned home grow-ops, meanwhile, said the lack of a requirement for landlord consent is a “defect” in the new regulations.
But Abbotsford lawyer John Conroy, lead counsel in the Allard vs. Canada case that led to the new regulations, amended his comment in a subsequent e-mail exchange, saying a consent requirement could have an “unreasonable” impact on renters.
He said he hopes the Trudeau government, which said the August regulations were an interim step en route to pot legalization, will resolve the dilemma.
“It seems to me there are valid concerns on the part of the owners and tenant-patients in the current market that will hopefully ultimately disappear in a legal market.”
Health Canada’s new regulations, which took effect last week, were in response to the Federal Court of Canada’s Allard decision in February.
The case involved four B.C. residents who challenged the former Conservative government’s 2013 requirement that patients buy pot from government-regulated suppliers rather than grow it.
Justice Michael Phelan concluded the restrictions violated their charter rights, and dismissed the government’s argument that they were justified for health and safety concerns — from fires to violent break-ins to severe mould.
A Health Canada official said Tuesday that the government’s regulations strike “an appropriate balance” between the rights of patients and public safety.
The new rules are nearly identical to those of the 2001 regime, and that’s a problem for the Coquitlam resident.
She complained that the new system doesn’t require the owner’s knowledge or consent when a tenant makes a successful application. (Consent is only required if the licence-holder doesn’t live in the rental property.)
The second is that the regime, relying on the recommendations of the patients’ physicians, allows for quantities vastly higher than what a typical user requires.
In her case, the grow-op she discovered last year in her two-storey rental home — located across the street from an elementary school — contained 400 plants that were being grown for illicit sale, generating $20,000 a month.
It was operating under the authorization of a Health Canada licence obtained not by her tenant, who shared the upper floor with his young son, but by two individuals who were paying him to run the grow-op in his basement.
(Because the applicants didn’t obtain her consent she plans to sue Health Canada for failure to enforce its own rules on disclosure requirements.)
Health Canada statistics produced during the Allard case said the number of production licences in Canada soared from 83 on Dec. 31, 2001, to just under 9,000 in 2011.
The total then more than tripled to a little over 28,000 by the end of 2013.
More than half — 16,010 — involved successful B.C. applicants even though the province has roughly 13 per cent of the Canadian population. The data also showed that on Nov. 13, 2014, the B.C. applicants grew just under 1.7 million indoor plants — a staggering 69 per cent of the national total of a little over 2.4 million plants.
And the average amount Health Canada authorized patients to use was 18.2 grams of dried marijuana, or between 18 and 37 joints, a day.
Justice Phelan, in his February decision, said experts “largely agreed” that the recommended daily amount of medicinal pot ranged up to five grams a day for most patients.
poneil@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/poneilinOttawa | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/bc-renters-grow-op-leaves-womans-home-with-135000-in-damages | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/0f86a8d7a12dfaa0b7e75871b2cd9ab52441e8a48619d13f34506c945dda1798.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:45:56 | null | 2016-08-26T16:45:29 | The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fworlds-largest-aircraft-makes-crash-landing-during-test-flight.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870714213_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472226860326 | en | null | World's largest aircraft makes crash landing during test flight | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Video grab composite of the Airlander 10 making a bumpy landing at Cardington airfield in England during its second test flight Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016. Hybrid Air Vehicles says it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London. (Lee Cordell/PA via AP) AP
The Airlander 10, is examined as it sits on the ground after a rough landing at Cardington airfield England following its second test flight on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016. The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship "sustained damage" after it made a bumpy landing on its second test flight . Hybrid Air Vehicles says it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP) AP
The Airlander 10, is examined as it sits on the ground after a rough landing at Cardington airfield England following its second test flight on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016. The developer of the world's largest aircraft says the blimp-shaped airship "sustained damage" after it made a bumpy landing on its second test flight . Hybrid Air Vehicles says it is trying to figure out what caused the rough landing of the 302-foot (92-meter) Airlander 10 during its flight Wednesday in Bedfordshire, north of London. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP) AP
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen in the air over a road on its maiden flight from Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen landing after its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen with hangars in the background on its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen in the air on its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
FILE - This is a Aug. 17, 2016 file photo of the Airlander 10, during its maiden flight at Cardington airfield England , The Airlander 10 crashed during its second test flight in Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016, but manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said no-one was injured. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP) AP
TOPSHOT - The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen in the air over a road on its maiden flight from Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen preparing to land at the end of its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen with hangars in the background on its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship is seen in the air on its maiden flight at Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London, on August 17, 2016. The Hybrid Air Vehicles 92-metre long, 43.5-metre wide Airlander 10, billed as the world's longest aircraft, lifted off for the first time from an airfield north of London. The Airlander 10 has a large helium-filled fabric hull and is propelled by four turbocharged diesel engines. According to the company it can stay airborne for up to five days at a time if manned, and for over 2 weeks unmanned with a cruising speed of just under 150 km per hour and a payload capacity of up to 10,000 kg. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
(FILES) This file photo taken on August 17, 2016 shows the Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10 hybrid airship in the air over a road on its maiden flight from Cardington Airfield near Bedford, north of London. The world's largest aircraft suffered cockpit damage on Wednesday after nosediving while landing on its second test-flight, but there were no injuries, according to the craft's manufacturer. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/worlds-largest-aircraft-makes-crash-landing-during-test-flight | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/d2b518872ac0bba43282aabfab678b5dc98fb5ed40f4bb1faa7e6938619681e4.json |
[
"Vince Mcdermott"
] | 2016-08-31T14:46:54 | null | 2016-08-31T14:00:44 | Wildrose leader Brian Jean is apologizing after he joked about beating Premier Rachel Notley during a town hall forum in Fort McMurray.Jean made the comment Tuesday evening, when local seniors advocate Joan Furber complained about the quality of seniors’ care and housing in the city during a question and answer period.“I’ve been beating this drum f | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fwildrose-leader-brian-jean-apologizes-for-joking-about-beating-premier-notley-during-public-forum.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872226015_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472648732609 | en | null | Wildrose leader Brian Jean apologizes for joking about beating Premier Notley du | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Wildrose leader Brian Jean is apologizing after he joked about beating Premier Rachel Notley during a town hall forum in Fort McMurray.
Jean made the comment Tuesday evening, when local seniors advocate Joan Furber complained about the quality of seniors’ care and housing in the city during a question and answer period.
“I’ve been beating this drum for 10, 11 years,” said Jean. “I will continue to beat it, I promise. But it’s against the law to beat Rachel Notley.”
Much of the audience laughed, while other corners of the room gasped in shock. Most members of the Wildrose caucus, who are meeting in Fort McMurray this week for caucus meetings, were scattered throughout the room.
Tany Yao, Wildrose MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, stepped in and described how the Wildrose is advocating for high quality seniors’ living in Fort McMurray. Jean then apologized for his joke, insisting that Notley cares about the topic and has cooperated with Jean.
“We had some more conversations and she switched the decision the bureaucrats made in the previous government,” he said.
“I have to compliment that woman and I shouldn’t have said what I said because I truly admire her for that,” said Jean. “That was a very practical thing and not easily in her best interest and she could have easily just let that go like the previous government did, and she did not.”
Jean was praising Notley for moving a planned long-term care facility from Parsons Creek to the downtown Willow Square site last year.
For years, seniors had complained the Parsons Creek location was underdeveloped, and too far from the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre and downtown. Willow Square is also the site of a planned Aging in Place facility.
Jean then led the room in an applause for Notley’s actions on the topic.
An email a Wildrose spokesperson sent after the town hall meeting said Jean had reached out to Notley and apologized.
“Tonight during my town hall I made an inappropriate attempt at humour that I promptly apologized for,” he said in the email. “Jokes of this nature are never acceptable, and I hold myself to a higher standard.”
A spokesperson from Notley’s office could not be reached.
For the rest of the meeting, much of the public questions focused on the future of the party, pipelines and the provincial deficit, rather than the pace of reconstruction, which Jean has criticized as being too slow.
“We’re tired of subsidizing the mayor of Montreal,” said Fort McMurray man Derek Quesnel, who asked if it ending equalization payments was a possibility in the near future.
“We’re tired of it as well,” replied Jean. “There is a way to deal with it, and that is negotiation and that’s what I would like to try. I think we have the opportunity to try, especially in the current financial situation were in.”
Another man asked for Jean’s thoughts on PC leadership candidate and Conservative MP Jason Kenney and his plans to unite Alberta’s conservative parties.
“I think the best way for Jason Kenney to unite the right would be to come join the Wildrose,” said Jean.
“We think the PCs should decide who they are and who they stand up for, because they don’t really know who they’re for or against,” he said. “We’ll let the PCs decide who they want to pick as a leader and we’ll talk about it from there. But as far as Jason Kenney goes, I knew him in Ottawa for 10 years, I worked with him, he’s fine. He’s a hardworking guy.”
vmcdermott@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/wildrose-leader-brian-jean-apologizes-for-joking-about-beating-premier-notley-during-public-forum | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4cd77db96a2ba003a0a6b094b9bfba18d2c5402a73c7b7789bd2ca29aebf6ea8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:46:30 | null | 2016-08-29T16:15:19 | Mick Jagger will reportedly pay a five-figure monthly sum to ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick once she gives birth to his eighth child. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmick-jagger-strikes-five-figure-money-deal-with-pregnant-lover.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871486433_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472483528689 | en | null | Mick Jagger strikes five-figure money deal with pregnant lover | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Mick Jagger will reportedly pay a five-figure monthly sum to ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick once she gives birth to his eighth child.
The 72-year-old has been dating the 29-year-old on-and-off for the last two years, with the ballerina unexpectedly falling pregnant during the Rolling Stones' tour of South America earlier this year.
The ageing rocker will welcome the latest addition to his brood in December, and in preparation for the tot's arrival, he has reached a legally-binding financial settlement with Melanie to ensure mother and baby's needs will be well taken care of.
The hefty payments are said to be around $15,000 a month until the child turns 18, meaning the mother-to-be, who currently lives in New York, will bank an estimated total of $3.3 million.
Melanie will even have a house bought for her, according to U.K. newspaper the Daily Mirror.
It echoes a deal Jagger previously hammered out with his former Brazilian fling Luciana Gimenez, mother of his love child Lucas. Jagger cheated on then-partner Jerry Hall with Luciana, and it was the news of the tot's birth in 1999 which eventually led to the end of the long-term couple's romance.
The rocker already has four children with Texan-born model Jerry - Elizabeth, James, Georgia and Gabriel, as well as daughter Jade with first wife Bianca Jagger, and another girl, Karis, now 45, with actress Marsha Hunt. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/mick-jagger-strikes-five-figure-money-deal-with-pregnant-lover | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/956ae84fb755ccb9c87edc0040485bbe4e60e95a489ee4b7f781abe362cd3525.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T02:46:35 | null | 2016-08-30T02:30:19 | It’s only hours now until PCL hands Susan Darrington, vice-president and GM of Rogers Place, the keys to her new home. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Frogers-place-gm-susan-darrington-and-staff-overseeing-final-touches-on-arena-getting-ready-for-tour-events.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871758181_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Rogers Place GM Susan Darrington and staff overseeing final touches on arena, ge | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | It’s only hours now until PCL hands Susan Darrington, vice-president and GM of Rogers Place, the keys to her new home.
But the truth is that Darrington has already moved in.
The relationship with PCL, the Edmonton company that has become a world leader in stadium construction, is such that everybody involved is not lined up at the door waiting for the keys.
When she gets the keys, it’ll be more a case of PCL moving out than her substantial Oilers Entertainment Group staff moving in.
“We’ve been in for about a week,” Darrington confesses about certain members of the team, of which the ice-making crew is obviously one.
“This weekend we started training our supervisors. We had two full days training for our security officers coming on board. They’ve already had 16 hours over the weekend of training.
“There are boxes of furniture that we’re unpacking. We’re starting to pull the plastic off the seats. It’s starting to become a real venue.
“We’ve gone in and seen what the carpet looks like and how the paint looks and we’re starting to put things in place. It’s really about loading. It’s putting all the plates, cups, glasses in the suites. It’s just like moving into a house,” she said.
Except that it’s a palace.
“We’re really excited because we’re in operations mode now. We’re starting to train and we’re getting ready to welcome the fans.”
The branding and signage for the concession stands is going in this week.
“The concession stands are ready to go. Next week our food and beverage team will be in there testing cooking. They’re going to get some things ready over the weekend. We’re going to do a tasting with our food and beverage consultant, Oliver and Bonachini, and some of our senior staff. In the main kitchen, there’s been food cooked already.
“All the menus will be on TV screens. That will give us the opportunity to be even more flexible with adding items and changing items. We’ll change it on month-to-month basis.”
There are big events planned before the Sept. 10 open house that officially opens the building to the public. Like the one scheduled for the Labour Day weekend.
OEG used to be a small company involving a few dozen employees. On Sept. 3 it becomes a very large company with 1,400 part-time employees who will all gather together with the now sizeable full-time staff for the first time.
“That will be a really tremendous day. We’ll bring all our OEG family together for the very first time. It’ll be a pretty special moment for all of us to sit together and celebrate this moment and share the excitement of what’s to come for this year ahead.”
Monday those new staff members began receiving their credentials and getting their uniforms.
“After the big gathering they’ll have four hours of training in the building followed by a full scale evacuation drill. And then we’ll do the infamous ‘Super Flush’ test.”
This is a highlight.
Every single toilet in the building will be manned and … three, two, one … flushed at the same time.
“That will be the day that we test the plumbing.”
When the open house is over, it’ll be concert time with Keith Urban, Dolly Parton and Drake. And Darrington doesn’t want to go into that cold turkey.
“We’re going to do a test of a concert.
“We’re going to load a show. We’re going to load in a local band and we’re going to practice everything. We’re going to run an hour show in there just to make sure that the acoustics sound great and our staff knows how to deal with music.
“When Keith Urban comes in, all our staff will have met trucks at the loading dock, loaded equipment in, hung things up in the ceiling, used the lift … we don’t want to be running around looking for things.”
With the initial concert run complete, it’ll be time to get to the main event, NHL hockey.
“We’ve had a whole lot of meetings with game presentation, game operations and what the difference is between the two. How will hockey fans move around the building? I guess that’s what we really can’t wait to see, is how those longtime season-ticket holder come into the building and react to the place.
“We have the Oilers home regular season opener on Oct. 12 and for us, we feel like the culmination of it all will be that game on Oct. 12.”
The plans for the first regular-season game, the grand opening, are all a secret at this point.
In Montreal and Toronto there were parades from the old rink to the new rink and legends of the franchise carrying torches and banners.
“There’s been a lot of planning going on and I’m going to save that so it’ll be a special evening for the fans,” she said.
Darrington said the excitement level involving all the new staff members at this stage is something to behold.
“The security staff that were in this weekend were so excited to be there. It was eight hours of training, two days in a row, and you could see the extent that they were really excited to be in the building. Once you are able to go in there and take your hard hat off it’s a pretty special experience. It’s getting more and more exciting every day. ”
But few are more excited than Darrington, who was a little girl when her dad Neil Campbell was the first GM of the Northlands Coliseum.
“I sat at my new desk in the building this weekend and worked for two days straight. I walked around the building and it started to feel very, very real. And I’ve only been here a year. I think of some of the people on this project who have been on this for five-plus years, visiting other venues, developing floor plans, blueprints and all of that. I can only imagine how they feel.
“This building is incredibly special. I’ve never seen anything architecturally like this with the ceiling heights, the concourses being as large and as wide as they are and just the level of detail and finishes on the surfaces. It’s an incredibly special, special building for a sports and entertainment arena. It actually feels a little bit like you’re walking into a museum as you walk in through the gates.”
terry.jones@sunmedia.ca
@sunterryjones | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/rogers-place-gm-susan-darrington-and-staff-overseeing-final-touches-on-arena-getting-ready-for-tour-events | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c98bb23d205295f35088fbc6dc334de306ee7634336409fe7c4b28e141be1634.json |
[
"David Akin"
] | 2016-08-30T00:46:29 | null | 2016-08-29T23:45:40 | OTTAWA - Canada’s political and journalism elites — and by any definition of those elites, I’m one of them — were hugely disappointed in the UK “Brexit” referendum. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fnational-vote-needed-to-change-election-system.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869394870_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472515194927 | en | null | National vote needed to change election system | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA - Canada’s political and journalism elites — and by any definition of those elites, I’m one of them — were hugely disappointed in the UK “Brexit” referendum.
In my view, the United Kingdom and Europe will be worse off without the UK in the EU.
I would have voted “remain” had I the chance.
The Brexit vote outcome, from my “elite” viewpoint, will be a disaster.
But now, many Canadian “elites” are citing the Brexit outcome as a good reason we ought not to let everyday Canadians have a say, through a direct referendum, on proposed changes to the way we elect our local member of Parliament.
On this point, I may have to turn in my “Elite Membership” club card.
My belief that voters are always right may be naive but surely it is a bedrock assumption of our democracy that voters should have a chance to pass judgement via a clear question in a referendum on any proposal to change the way they are governed.
Changes to the way we elect MPs will change the way we are governed.
Nonetheless, the instinct of both Liberals and New Democrats at this point is to ignore voters and listen to elites.
“The outcomes of referenda are often highly volatile and unpredictable, often involve a lot of emotionalism and outright lies,” an American university professor recently told a parliamentary committee studying this issue. “The recent Brexit referendum shows how much damage a referendum can do. It’s been a disaster for the whole world.”
So because the Brexit vote didn’t turn out the way you wanted, Canadian voters shouldn’t be asked their opinion on electoral reform? What nonsense.
It’s nonsense, I’m afraid to report, repeated by former NDP leader Ed Broadbent Monday at the same parliamentary committee. Once upon a time he liked referenda on these issues. Now he doesn’t.
There are, I should point out, no specific proposals from the Trudeau government for change.
There was only a vague commitment from the Liberals in last fall’s election that the way we’ve been doing it for nearly 150 years — a 150 years during which Canada has been held up as a global model of a peaceful, tolerant, multicultural, officially bilingual, prosperous democracy — is not the way we should do it going forward.
And though they’ve been in power for nearly a year, you cannot pin down any Liberal — least of all, Democratic Reform Minister Maryam Monsef — to explain just what kind of system the Liberals would like to see replace the first-past-the-post system we’ve had since day one.
Monsef, incidentally, was in Iqaluit Monday morning, holding the first of what will be a month-long cross-country string of “electoral reform community dialogues.”
In a picture tweeted by her staff from the Iqaluit event, I counted 16 people in the room. Sixteen.
A modest — to put it mildly — turnout for some of these meetings does not invalidate the initiative.
The Trudeau government’s mania for consultations may seem odd but it is a welcome change from the “closed-shop” approach of the Harper government.
That said, these electoral reform town halls, or parliamentary committee hearings, are a complement to, not a substitute for, a clearly worded referendum before a major change is made to our voting system.
And if Liberals and New Democrats are confident that Canadians will accept proposed changes, they should have no fear of the outcome. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/national-vote-needed-to-change-election-system | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5fbf879d3ccfb632f518b2b152e3590158ab3ddd6c29a98e66b00f6ed4af084a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:45:50 | null | 2016-08-26T13:45:27 | The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a fatal motor vehicle collision north of Lamont on Friday morningThe crash happened on Highway 831 between Township Road 562 and 564, the RCMP said in a news release. Police say the road will be blocked for several hours. The name and gender of the victim have not been released and the investigation is contin | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ffatal-crash-northeast-of-edmonton-closes-highway-831.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869014786_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472216973138 | en | null | Fatal crash northeast of Edmonton closes Highway 831 | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a fatal motor vehicle collision north of Lamont on Friday morning
The crash happened on Highway 831 between Township Road 562 and 564, the RCMP said in a news release. Police say the road will be blocked for several hours.
The name and gender of the victim have not been released and the investigation is continuing. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/fatal-crash-northeast-of-edmonton-closes-highway-831 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/223a3e242a94abd8f57581a6b28a185d128f70efcd09035e154d6043ec79bf47.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-31T00:46:40 | null | 2016-08-31T00:15:13 | The gold is coming off one of Edmonton’s most recognizable office complexes. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fout-with-the-gold-in-with-the-blue-as-scotia-place-plans-major-exterior-renovations.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872113281_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472602906218 | en | null | Out with the gold, in with the blue as Scotia Place plans major exterior renovat | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The gold is coming off one of Edmonton’s most recognizable office complexes.
The twin towers of Scotia Place are about to undergo a facelift that will see their golden exteriors replaced primarily with blue-tinged reflective glass, Glen Scheuerman, regional general manager of Morguard Investments Ltd., said Tuesday.
The move, which will give tenants more natural light and allow a wider spectrum of colour, is part of a $22-million overhaul that will also see upgrades to the three main entrances.
“The market is changing, the skyline is changing, and we want to be part of that changing skyline,” said Scheuerman, referring to the new office towers under construction downtown.
“We’re looking toward the future. It’s an evolving market, and we need to do this work to transform Scotia Place to a new Scotia Place, to compete with the new product that’s coming to Edmonton.”
The installation of more than 13,000 pale blue glass panels will start in October and take about 18 months, creating the equivalent of 32 full-time jobs.
The two west-facing 45-degree corners will have silver reflective glass interspersed with horizontal LED lights that can be programmed to change colour.
It marks the first big change to the outside of the 28- and 21-storey Jasper Avenue towers since they were completed in 1982.
More than $10 million has already been spent on mechanical systems and other interior improvements, Scheuerman said.
“This will help us tell that story, that Scotia Place is going through a transformation.”
The vacancy rate is lower than the downtown average and rents are cheaper than at similar buildings, he said. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/out-with-the-gold-in-with-the-blue-as-scotia-place-plans-major-exterior-renovations | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/3de16242616a9d164f14b440e8a53e4415b034368911d5443789d0a5d1c97ce7.json |
[
"Ameya Charnalia"
] | 2016-08-29T04:46:21 | null | 2016-08-29T04:32:20 | A significant milestone for Ukraine brought thousands of people to Churchill Square for a full day of celebration Sunday. Ukrainians around the world celebrated Sviato 25 — marking a quarter-century since Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union. In Edmonton, more than 5,000 people watched about 700 Ukrainian dancers, musicians, | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fedmontonians-gather-in-churchill-square-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-of-ukraines-declaration-of-independence.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871398294_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472437810317 | en | null | Edmontonians gather in Churchill Square to celebrate 25th anniversary of Ukraine | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A significant milestone for Ukraine brought thousands of people to Churchill Square for a full day of celebration Sunday.
Ukrainians around the world celebrated Sviato 25 — marking a quarter-century since Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union.
In Edmonton, more than 5,000 people watched about 700 Ukrainian dancers, musicians, speakers and singers, including Ruslana, a best-selling Ukrainian recording artist who won the Eurovision song contest in 2004.
“This event is of extreme importance to everyone who is of Ukrainian ancestry and also to anyone who believes in freedom and independence," said Gene Zwozdesky, volunteer executive producer of Sviato 25 and former Speaker of the Alberta legislature.
“It’s of tremendous historical significance and it is also the largest outdoor celebration of Ukrainian arts, culture and spirituality in the history of the province."
Unity of faith is the main theme of the event, Zwozdesky said as local clergy prepared to deliver a joint prayer service. Both the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and the Ukrainian Catholic Church participated.
The event also celebrates the 125th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada, Zwozdesky said.
Many people came to see Ruslana, who became a key figure in the mass protests known as Euromaidan in 2013 and 2014, when many Ukrainians rallied in Kyiv for integration into the European Union.
Those protests culminated in the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, which resulted in the ouster of president Viktor Yanukovych.
"Maidan" in Ukrainian means "square" and Maidan Nezalezhnosti is an important square in Kyiv, having been the site of many significant social and political protests in the country's history.
Holding independence day celebrations in Edmonton's most well-known square fit well with the theme, said Darka Tarnawsky, a committee member of Sviato 25.
Edmonton is known in Ukraine for having a strong Ukrainian community and Ruslana was "very excited" to perform here, said Tarnawsky.
“The whole reason for being here — this celebration of the 25th anniversary of independence — is something that’s very important to her because she has a great love for Ukraine and she fights very hard on a lot of levels for its freedom and its growth as an independent country."
Although the event was not focused on politics, said Tarnawsky, some of the proceeds will go to funding Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea.
"It's all about celebrating our culture and our country," she said. "There's so much pride for our homeland even here." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/edmontonians-gather-in-churchill-square-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-of-ukraines-declaration-of-independence | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/9254e8e9dae883b48dccfc3d1b26ecd1a1ef334c5d616703051d742f441b9951.json |
[
"Liz Braun"
] | 2016-08-30T18:46:43 | null | 2016-08-30T17:46:14 | Everyone knows that people often pair up at work. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fdrake-and-rihanna-and-the-pitfalls-of-being-a-celebrity-couple.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871934329_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472577276261 | en | null | Drake and Rihanna and the pitfalls of being a celebrity couple | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Everyone knows that people often pair up at work.
You can attribute the phenomenon to shared interests, career parallels, proximity or simple laziness, but people who work together often fall in love.
That goes for celebrities, too.
Look at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or, more recently, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander. There seem to be a lot of actors who fall in love with fellow actors at work.
Or with grips or directors or cinematographers — guess there are all kinds of likely romantic prospects on a movie set.
A lot of musicians fall in love at work, too, but they don’t seem to have such good results.
Which brings us to Drake and Rihanna … and how their on-again/off-again relationship seems switched back to ‘on’.
So we have to ask: What is it about the world o’ music that has it littered with so many ruined relationships? Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony used to be a couple and so did Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, and we all know where that went.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale no doubt aimed for happily-ever-after, as did Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert; those plans changed for everybody somewhere along the way.
(As for the busted-up Shelton and Lambert, country singers are in a special category all their own. It may be related to composing and singing songs about heartbreak, cheatin’, d-i-v-o-r-c-e, and hurtin’ in general, but start with Tammy Wynette and George Jones and move along to Shania Twain and Mutt Lange or Trisha Yearwood and Robert Reynolds and then to the former relationships of singers such as Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis, Leann Rimes, etc: It’s like an epidemic.)
In music, there’s no end to spectacular failures — Carly Simon and James Taylor, Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, J. Lo and Puffy, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, John Mayer and Taylor Swift, Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift, Calvin Harris and Rita Ora, Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas, Rihanna and Chris Brown. Remember all that?
Beyonce and Jay-Z appear to be the exception in this, although her songs about his infidelity on Lemonade will continue to keep everyone guessing.
Meanwhile, if we had to guess the origin of all that couple wreckage, we’d say irreconcilable similarities. You can only have so many swelled heads under the same roof.
But back to Drake and Rihanna. These two have collaborated on a few tunes — What’s My Name, Take Care, Work, Too Good.
Ever since the New York Post reported them kissing in a bowling alley bar seven years ago, Drake and Rihanna have certainly seemed to have had something going on. They have plenty of history.
If you’ve seen them on-stage together then you know their chemistry is undeniable. And yet, nothing permanent ever seems to materialize. Remember the donnybrook between Drake and Chris Brown in that New York club in 2012? There was plenty of speculation about what they were fighting over.
Drake keeps turning up in Rihanna’s concerts, in Miami, in Manchester, in L.A. Then she was onstage for his OVO Fest in Toronto this summer, where she called him “baby.”
Is that her face tattooed on his arm?
Things have seemed to be heating up for over a year now.
And now everybody heard him speak of his feelings earlier this week at the MTV VMAs:
“She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old. She’s one of my best friends in the world. All my adult life, I’ve looked up to her even though she’s younger than me.”
Later that night Drake posted an Instagram of the two of them together, with the CN Tower in the background.
Rihanna posted videos on her Snapchat of Drake hanging backstage with her and her family, including her mom and her grandfather.
It all looks very cozy.
A lot of young people we know think Drake and RiRi are the greatest couple since Romeo and Juliet.
Others are not so sure. There are interesting differences between people who grow up where there are four seasons (and snow) with which to contend and those who grow up where the sun is always shining. We just made that up, but still.
And then there’s that bleak music world landscape, littered with broken hearts — which everyone will tell you is the ideal atmosphere for song-writing. Alas.
Nobody writes songs when he or she is happy.
May all concerned proceed with caution.
Twitter: @LizBraunSun
LBraun@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/drake-and-rihanna-and-the-pitfalls-of-being-a-celebrity-couple | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c0a46bdfb48efac47cca04a171f558840c899dc907f9b8fe374551e7fb85fc01.json |
[
"Emma Graney"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:35 | null | 2016-08-30T04:45:52 | Federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr is convinced Canadians are a reasonable bunch who will accept pipeline decisions. Not because they will all agree — | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fpipeline-wars-natural-resources-minister-carr-talks-about-rejigging-neb.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871772888_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472525891685 | en | null | Pipeline wars: Natural Resources Minister Carr talks about rejigging NEB | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr is convinced Canadians are a reasonable bunch who will accept pipeline decisions.
Not because they will all agree — "I'm a realist," he quipped Monday — but because they will have a chance to have their say.
Speaking to a room of around 150 people at an Edmonton breakfast organized by the Alberta Enterprise Group, Carr said if the government follows the right process for pipeline assessments, "most Canadians will say, 'I’ve had a chance to be heard, that was a reasonable way of making a decision.' "
He might be hard-pressed explaining that to protesters who took over Day 1 of the National Energy Board Energy East pipeline hearing in Montreal, forcing NEB director Jean-Denis Charlebois to scuttle the day's meeting.
Many of the protesters voicing their opposition to the pipeline called the hearings illegitimate and a masquerade; that's why the NEB is being reformed, Carr said Monday — to ensure Canadians trust the pipeline assessment process.
"The whole operation is designed to hear from Canadians," he said. "Whatever their point of view might be, we think they should all have a right to say it."
A demonstrator is taken away by a police officer after disrupting the National Energy Board public hearing into the proposed $15.7-billion Energy East pipeline project proposed by TransCanada Monday, August 29, 2016 in Montreal.PAUL CHIASSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS
With pipeline hearings cancelled on one side of the country, here in Alberta, Carr met with Premier Rachel Notley and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson to chat energy infrastructure.
Both Notley and Iveson are pro-pipeline, which perfectly illustrates the challenge facing Carr and the federal government: If the NEB approves the pipeline, it's on the Trudeau government to make a final decision.
Carr told the Edmonton breakfast that government was elected to make those "tough decisions," but what's tougher — to say "yes," or say "no" to a pipeline?
"I don’t know," Carr replied. "I think what you do is, you make the decision based on the best evidence that you have, through a process that most people would say is fair and reasonable. That’s the objective and that’s what we’re doing."
Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt laughed Monday when asked if people would indeed be reasonable and accept pipeline decisions.
Far from it, Bratt says.
He contends that if the NEB approves a pipeline, and the final yay or nay is lobbed into the federal government's court, it runs the risk of pitting one side of Canada against the other.
"You’ve got people in Alberta demanding every pipeline go through, and you’ve got people in Vancouver saying TransMountain should be stopped, in Montreal saying Energy East should be stopped," Bratt said. "What do you do when it ends up on your desk?"
Bratt said the problem is that the biggest beneficiaries of a pipeline are those at the beginning of the route and those at the end.
Take Energy East, which if built will carry oil from Hardisty, Alta., to Saint John, N.B.
"Who are the biggest supporters of the pipeline? People in Alberta and people in New Brunswick," Bratt said. "Who's most upset about it? Everybody in between."
While the federal government is trying to get away from the pipeline cheerleading it says went on under Stephen Harper, Bratt said "at a certain point, they're going to have to say something."
With files from the Montreal Gazette
egraney@postmedia.com
twitter.com/EmmaLGraney | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/pipeline-wars-natural-resources-minister-carr-talks-about-rejigging-neb | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/72e61626ed2fba8fe006a5aa513230a9585fbe072c2f1654d0ee92505a0f4c00.json |
[
"Derek Van Diest"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:38 | null | 2016-08-30T04:15:30 | Going to Honduras and trying to earn at least a point in a crucial World Cup qualifying match Friday is not going to be easy for Canada. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Ffc-edmontons-nik-ledgerwood-to-join-team-canada-in-what-he-recalls-as-hostile-territory.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871684025_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | FC Edmonton's Nik Ledgerwood to join team Canada in what he recalls as hostile t | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Going to Honduras and trying to earn at least a point in a crucial World Cup qualifying match Friday is not going to be easy for Canada.
Colin Miller has been there.
Yet, the FC Edmonton head coach and former national team member believes the current Canadian squad, featuring midfielder Nik Ledgerwood, can get the job done.
Canada would need at least a point in their penultimate game of this current round of qualifying to move on the next stage on the road to Russia 2018.
“I think they can go there and get a result, the way the team is playing at the moment, they’ve had some very good results in Europe against some very difficult opponents,” Miller said. “But it’s a different animal going into Central America. Honduras was the most frightened I’ve been as a football player in my entire career.
“We were locked in the change room for over two hours after the game. There was a riot outside and our bus was pelted with bricks, bottles and everything you can imagine, and we were under armed guards all the time at our hotel. So it’s not the most pleasant experience in the world, but the way the team is playing and has been playing for the most part in this qualifying section, they’ve done well.”
Decorum usually goes out the window when it comes to World Cup qualifiers in Central America.
Hostile doesn’t begin to describe the conditions Canada will be facing when they travel to San Pedro Sula, Honduras to play in the Estadio Olimpico.
Four years ago, Canada played an equally important World Cup qualifying match in Honduras and were hammered 8-1.
“For anybody who hasn’t been down there, it’s hard to explain,” said Ledgerwood. “From sketchy bus drivers to bad practice fields to what’s in the food sometimes. You go to the stadium and it’s a packed stadium two hours before the game.
“The last time they made it a national holiday where everybody could come out and cheer at three o’clock in the afternoon. It shows that they’re a little worried as well or else they wouldn’t make the kickoff at three o’clock in the afternoon.”
Ledgerwood was a member of the Canadian team who were beaten in Honduras four years ago, bringing their Brazil 2014 World Cup hopes to an abrupt end.
Going into Friday’s game Canada is looking to get into the final stage of CONCACF World Cup qualifying for the first time in nearly 20 years.
“It’s a tall ask for sure, because of the heat in Central America,” said Miller, who also had an interim stint as Canadian national team head coach. “They’re clever, they play when the sun is right above the centre spot, they’re clever that way. And it’s not an easy venue to go to.
“But if we can hang in here there for the first 25 to 30 minutes and not give anything away, and keep the crowd quiet, then there is no reason why we can’t, because there is enough experience in the group now to be able to see this through.”
Four years more experienced, the core of the Canadian national team are confident they can get a result in Honduras, setting up a winner-take-all clash against El Salvador in Vancouver five days later.
Going into the final two games of this current qualifying round, Honduras and Canada are tied with four points. Honduras concludes the round in Mexico, who have already qualified for the final stage. The top two teams in the four-team group move on to the next round.
“It’s about getting everything right, getting the boys ready on the same page and going down there and doing the business,” Ledgerwood said. “That’s what it is, at the end of the day. We’re fortunate enough to have this as a job, so we’re going to go down and try to make the country proud.
“There is a little open wound still there from four years ago and a lot of guys want to make it right, not only for themselves but for the team and the country. I think there is a little chip on our shoulders when we go down this time.”
The loss four years ago was one of the lowest points in the history of Canadian soccer. It set the program back and cost then head coach Stephen Hart his job.
“It was one of those things where it seemed everything they hit went in,” Ledgerwood said. “It was just unbelievable, you couldn’t really shut it off once it started and you almost had to take a back seat to it. Even now, thinking about it, it’s hard to shake off, especially when we were so close (to qualifying for next round).”
The men’s national team has qualified just once for a FIFA World Cup tournament, Mexico 1986.
Getting to the final group stage in CONCACAF qualifying — also knows as the Hex — would be a form or redemption for the program.
“It would be huge, not only is it moving to the Hex, but it’s another 10 games for the men’s team,” Ledgerwood said. “It’s another five home games for us and it’s the chance for us to go the World Cup. I think all of that combined is absolutely huge for the country.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/fc-edmontons-nik-ledgerwood-to-join-team-canada-in-what-he-recalls-as-hostile-territory | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2c0ccb14974e810ec59a376405cb100bc85cbb0103fef3c97ee8e4822ad884ce.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:46:39 | null | 2016-08-30T15:46:09 | After brushing by several adorably curious seal pups, they spot a mom humpback whale and her calf way off in the distance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fwatch-sightseers-get-a-whale-of-a-surprise-off-bc-coast.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871913394_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472573624143 | en | null | WATCH: Sightseers get a whale of a surprise off B.C. coast | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Even when you go sightseeing at 'special sites', there's no guarantee any ocean friends will actually show up. But if they do, everyone's hoping for a jaw-dropping friendly seal pup and whale meet-and-greets like these kayakers on Wildcoast Adventures and Kelp Reef Adventures tours in British Columbia.
After brushing by several adorably curious seal pups, they spot a mom humpback whale and her calf way off in the distance. It's a great show until both dramatically disappear under the water. Just seconds later, these folks find themselves with front row seats in the wildest splash zone ever! | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/watch-sightseers-get-a-whale-of-a-surprise-off-bc-coast | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/dd90d1ce6c610ccbcc2003eb6751d691cba87cdffecc52279b4c0aee71b90cb8.json |
[
"Jim Slotek"
] | 2016-08-27T14:46:05 | null | 2016-08-27T14:15:48 | It was the hottest summer on record. And yet, the venues with the most reliable air conditioning – movie theatres – went largely unfilled. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2F2016-summer-movies-from-the-rock-to-spielberg-all-the-winners-and-losers.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869997247_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472303229205 | en | null | 2016 summer movies: From The Rock to Spielberg, all the winners and losers | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | It was the hottest summer on record. And yet, the venues with the most reliable air conditioning – movie theatres – went largely unfilled.
How bad was it? You’d think the studios were serving hot soup instead of would-be blockbusters. Analysts are predicting the final box office tally will be at least 20% lower than last year’s summer movie season.
Supposed “sure things” like Ice Age and X-Men, Steven Spielberg and a long, long-awaited sequel to Independence Day were greeted by the movie-going public with a relative yawn.
There was no upside to controversy, as the rebooted, all-female Ghostbusters took what’s expected to be a $70 million loss (and saw its sequel plans put on hold) – possibly the biggest disconnect between pre-release awareness and post-release box office since Snakes on a Plane.
Critical acclaim/disdain seemed to be irrelevant, as recommended movies did well and flopped in equal measure.
So here’s a list of the hits, misses and underperformers. Might as well start with the big list first – bombs away!
BOMBS
- THE BFG: Spielberg is the man who INVENTED the summer blockbuster with Jaws. He returned to ET territory with a Roald Dahl-based family-film about a boy and his giant. Advance word is thumbs-up. The $140 million movie has a meager $20 mil opening.
- BEN HUR: Gosh, it worked with Charlton Heston back in the ‘50s, what could go wrong? How about everything? The sword-and-sandals saga with the fast-and-furious chariot races was in and out of theatres practically unnoticed.
- ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: It took in about a fifth of the original’s box office. Who knows? Maybe the $7 mil divorce Amber Heard got from Johnny Depp IS half of everything he owns at this point.
- ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE: Well, the fifth time’s a… um, what’s the opposite of “charm?” For once critics and audiences agreed. 13% on Rotten Tomatoes, $25 mil opening.
- THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR: A Snow White sequel without Snow White, or more importantly without Kristen Stewart. Apparently, she was the reason everyone went to Twilight movies all along.
- TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS: Cowabungle! Made about half what the previous reboot did.
-WARCRAFT: Everybody’s played the game. But do you know anybody who’s seen the movie? If so, are they Chinese? Because almost two-thirds of the movie’s (believe it or not) break-even $430 mil worldwide box office came from there. The video-game movie curse continues.
- GHOSTBUSTERS: A pretty funny movie with a lot of baggage. Not sure who won the arguments, but it may be that people were just tired of the whole thing by the time it opened.
- NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING: Actually got some good reviews, but turned into another case of a sequel getting only half the audience of its predecessor. Chloe Grace Moretz may not be ready for her close-up, or Seth Rogen is on a down-swing.
- THE NICE GUYS: Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as buddy comedy guys may sound counterintuitive, but 90% on Rotten Tomatoes says the chemistry worked. And then an $11 mil opening says, “Who cares what you guys think?”
- PETE’S DRAGON: Disney promoted the heck out of this boy-and-his-monster tale (inspired, inexplicably, on a not-really-beloved ‘70s Disney flick), starring grown-ups Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard. Took in about the same money as Spielberg’s BFG, though it cost less than half as much. Still a lot of red ink there.
- NINE LIVES: Kevin Spacey’s mind is in the body of a cat. How could that not work? The combination of Spacey, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken was good for a $6 mil opening. You could raise more auctioning off dinner with them.
“UNDERPERFORMERS” – In olden days, this would just be a euphemism for “Bomb.” But today, a movie like Independence Day: Resurgence can attract crickets in North America, but make enough money overseas for everybody to get paid.
In the case of the Star Trek and X-Men films, enough came in to justify further sequel plans, even if nobody was popping champagne corks.
-X-MEN APOCALYPSE: Apparently, at the Xavier Academy, attention is paid to what critics say. The previous film, Days of Future Past got great advance reviews and made about a third more in its first 10 days than the badly-reviewed Apocalypse. The feeling there is that the franchise needs a shakeup.
-STAR TREK BEYOND: Well received by Trekkers and critics (a Venn diagram that admittedly overlaps), the first Star Trek reboot not directed by J.J. Abrams had a $60 mil opening weekend, which Forbes pronounced, “just okay.”
-INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE: Proof that there is no movie so bad that it can’t be saved by the apparently less-discriminating overseas market.
HITS
- CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR: It may be impossible to totally fail with a superhero movie these days. But Civil War already had buzz as being nothing less than a new Avengers movie. Awash in iconic heroes and smartly executed, it made more than $1.1 billion worldwide in an as-noted dismal summer.
- SUICIDE SQUAD: The most truly critic-proof film since the last Transformers, the made-in-Toronto anti-hero saga with Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie has taken the slings-and-arrows to the bank. Suicide Squad’s box office is already double its budget and it’s been #1 for three weeks. Like the similarly-reviled-but-profitable Batman v Superman, there’s been a sizable drop-off week-to-week.
- CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE: Not a sequel and not based on anything except the popularity of Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and Kevin Hart. Result: $200 mil. Whatever buddy-comedy chemistry they’ve got, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling would like to know what it is.
- THE JUNGLE BOOK: Sure, you expected Captain America: Civil War to gross $1 billion. But a reboot of The Jungle Book using motion capture CGI a la the bear in The Revenant? Grossing just under a bil, Jon Favreau’s labour of love for Disney was THE family movie this summer. Okay, there was another.
- FINDING DORY: Proof that the public’s love for Ellen DeGeneres is bottomless, and that her ditzy, forgetful blue tang fish character is adorable beyond measure (okay, we measure it at about $900 mil).
- BAD MOMS: Forget the Ghostbusters brouhaha. There WAS a hilarious all-female sleeper hit in the theatres this summer, and it starred Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn. That’s $100 mil worth of “underrated” and counting.
- THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE: Not quite as big in China as Warcraft, it did four times the business in North America, lofting it past the marks set by Prince of Egypt and other terrific movies-based-on-video games.
Other “Profitable Performers”: Lights Out, Conjuring 2, Jason Bourne, The Legend Of Tarzan, The Purge 3: Anarchy.
Twitter: @jimslotek
JSlotek@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/2016-summer-movies-from-the-rock-to-spielberg-all-the-winners-and-losers | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/7dcf2b10ed79d47deb4b05da51ba8ff58d0346b026f65817cd0a0cfca5543e4e.json |
[
"Amy Dickinson"
] | 2016-08-27T12:46:04 | null | 2016-08-27T12:45:30 | Dear Amy: My mom is nearly 90 and is in great health. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Felderly-mother-is-stressed-by-sis-calls.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297856563699_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472295659094 | en | null | Elderly mother is stressed by Sis' calls | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Dear Amy: My mom is nearly 90 and is in great health.
She is living with my husband and me -- and we all get along well in our small home.
My older sister had been taking care of her but called nearly two years ago and proclaimed that Mom had to move in with us, as she could take NO responsibility for her because she had her own life to live.
Big Sis moved across the country to be with a man she met online -- one in a long line of "soul mates."
She now hates this man, but is scared to leave due to ruined credit, no job and nowhere to go.
She calls Mom daily with tales of how awful her partner is, but how she can't leave.
All of her friends and her counselor have advised her on ways to exit, but she seems to prefer to stay and whine about her life. I understand it is scary to start over.
These calls are very stressful for Mom; and when she is stressed I am stressed, as stress for her often leads to illness.
Should ask Sis not to call, or if she does call, to just pretend everything is fine? Mom's radar regarding her children is legendary and she would then worry about why Sis is no longer talking about her miserable life.
Is there a middle ground? -- Trickle Down Stress
Dear Trickle Down: You cannot ask your sister not to call your mother.
Instead, you should do two things: Ask your sister to be aware of the impact her daily narration has on your mother. Tell her, "She worries excessively about you and ruminates on your situation. This is affecting her health. Can you be more mindful of this when you talk to her?" She needn't pretend that her life is perfect, but she could change her tone if she wanted to.
Your second focus should be on helping your mother to manage her own stress. Continue to reassure her that your sister has options, and that she is just blowing off steam. Simple meditation techniques could help both of you: Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and visualize releasing these stressors as little balloons or butterflies that flutter skyward.
Dear Amy: My husband and I have been friends with two other couples since we were all young parents.
Twenty years later, we are in our early 50s and our children are busy tackling college and careers. The problem is that one couple seems to be aging less gracefully than the others.
They have become increasingly judgmental, self-righteous and hypocritically condescending. They are like a bad caricature of spiteful old curmudgeons, constantly finding fault. Our adult children are regular targets of their barbed comments.
We enjoy getting together with the other couple. But with such a long history, meeting without the grumpy couple (even if they have been invited and declined to attend) leads to hurt feelings, and they then express even greater levels of bitterness.
Is there a way to address this without exacerbating their behavior? I am afraid that bringing it up will just add fuel to their negative feelings. I can't see moving into the next decade, if being with them means constantly feeling judged. -- Flawed Friendship
Dear Flawed: Why do these people hold so much power over you, even to the extent that you worry about their hurt feelings when they themselves have declined an invitation?
They are responsible for their own feelings. They are responsible for their own behavior.
Some friendships simply run their course. It sounds like you need to break up with these people.
Breakups are hard. Feelings do get hurt. If you have tried mightily to have a positive friendship and these people can't play, then you should stop spending time with them. The other couple might choose to maintain the friendship, but you will feel liberated if you exit, respectfully and deliberately. You can say to them, "We're at different points in our lives now, and we can't seem to find a way to spend time with you that is positive and enjoyable."
Dear Amy: "Perplexed" described a familiar dynamic for people who write to you. Her (adult) daughter was being a pill, but Perplexed didn't know what to say to her!
Why are people so afraid of their children? -- Unafraid
Dear Unafraid: It can be very hard to offer criticism to people you love. And yet, when you really love someone, that is exactly what you have to do. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/24/elderly-mother-is-stressed-by-sis-calls | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/aae70a3f764f34c674af2d2b21df651f87683f288cf6811088ec9889675fff36.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:46:36 | null | 2016-08-30T14:15:43 | Authorities say the husband of Heart lead singer Ann Wilson is being held on investigation of assaulting two relatives during the group's show in suburban Seattle. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fhusband-of-heart-singer-ann-wilson-arrested-for-assault.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871860646_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472568105405 | en | null | Husband of Heart singer Ann Wilson arrested for assault | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | SEATTLE -- Authorities say the husband of Heart lead singer Ann Wilson is being held on investigation of assaulting two relatives during the group's show in suburban Seattle.
The Seattle Times is reporting that 65-year-old Dean Stuart Wetter appeared in King County District Court on Monday. Bail was set at $10,000.
The paper says that according to court records, the two boys were watching the show from backstage when they left to walk around. They were walking past the tour buses when they saw Ann Wilson's new tour bus and wanted to look inside.
Documents say Wetter started yelling after they left the door open and allegedly punched one of the boys in the back of the head before grabbing him by the throat.
When the other boy stepped in, Wetter allegedly also grabbed his throat.
Wetter is scheduled to appear in court again Wednesday. He married Ann Wilson in 2015. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/husband-of-heart-singer-ann-wilson-arrested-for-assault | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/18d86cc020314b42865b48ac7f944122e863043aeb6505bcd47e8c97e8246c9a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:45:53 | null | 2016-08-26T20:33:06 | NEW YORK -- Has Col. Sanders' nephew inadvertently revealed to the world the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices behind KFC's fried chicken empire? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fthe-colonels-secret-recipe-revealed-not-so-fast-says-kfc.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870774109_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472237134567 | en | null | The colonel's secret recipe revealed? Not so fast, says KFC | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | NEW YORK -- Has Col. Sanders' nephew inadvertently revealed to the world the secret blend of 11 herbs and spices behind KFC's fried chicken empire?
The company says the recipe published in the Chicago Tribune is not authentic. But that hasn't stopped rampant online speculation that one of the most legendary and closely guarded secrets in the history of fast food has been exposed.
KFC's secret recipe revealed? Tribune shown family scrapbook with 11 herbs and spices https://t.co/k0ieLSbcPI pic.twitter.com/gg3NygwFqN — Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 19, 2016
It all started when a reporter visited with Joe Ledington, a nephew of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Col. Harland David Sanders.
The reporter was working on a story for the Tribune's travel section about Corbin, Kentucky, where the colonel served his first fried chicken. At one point, Ledington pulled out a family scrapbook containing the last will and testament of Sanders' second wife, Claudia Ledington.
On the back of the document is a handwritten list for a blend of 11 herbs and spices to be mixed with two cups of white flour. While Joe Ledington initially told the reporter that it was the original recipe, he later said that he didn't know for sure.
KFC -- which is a subsidiary of Yum Brands Inc. -- calls its recipe "one of the biggest trade secrets in the world." It says that the recipe the reporter saw is not the real thing.
"Many people have made these claims over the years and no one has been accurate -- this one isn't either," KFC said in a statement.
The Louisville, Kentucky-based company says that the original recipe from 1940 handwritten by Sanders is locked up in a digital safe that's encased in two feet of concrete and monitored 24 hours a day by a video and motion detection surveillance system.
Joe Ledington could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.
THE COLONEL'S FAMOUS RECIPE (maybe, maybe not)
Social media is lighting up on the possibility that, at long last, Col. Sanders' 11 herbs and spices have been revealed. KFC says it hasn't, and the original source, a relative, now says he doesn't know. Anyway, here it is.
The 11 spices:
2/3 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1/3 tsp oregano
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried mustard
4 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp ground ginger
3 tsp white pepper
Method
Mix spices above with 2 cups of white flour | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/the-colonels-secret-recipe-revealed-not-so-fast-says-kfc | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/ffb8177937229308aa230834b6a28973b6c045c165ea62b7d46ff9d63c1762fe.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-29T22:46:31 | null | 2016-08-29T22:15:20 | Free tickets will be available starting at 2 p.m. Monday for a pre-opening tour of Edmonton’s downtown arena. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Ffree-tickets-for-rogers-place-tour-available-starting-at-2-pm-today.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297868165818_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472499975717 | en | null | Free tickets for Rogers Place tour available starting at 2 p.m. today | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Free tickets will be available starting at 2 p.m. Monday for a pre-opening tour of Edmonton’s downtown arena.
A post on the Rogers Place website indicates officials expect tens of thousands of visitors at the new facility Sept. 10, so people are required to book an arrival-entrance slot between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
They will receive a souvenir booklet with maps for the self-guided tour, which will take between 60 and 90 minutes.
Event information, including how to get to the open house, and links to secure tickets will be released on edmonton.ca/rogersplace.
City officials are holding a news conference at 2 p.m. to provide more details on the open house.
The Oilers’ first pre-season game will be Sept. 26 against the Calgary Flames.
gkent@postmedia.com
twitter.com/GKentEJ | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/free-tickets-for-rogers-place-tour-available-starting-at-2-pm-today | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/11aa1dabab13160919b64a72c4840534ef39a6b18459b327b5bb3911a340b962.json |
[
"Bill Mah"
] | 2016-08-27T20:46:08 | null | 2016-08-27T20:33:46 | Glenn Kraemer Bauman lived in the northwestern Alberta town of Valleyview where he drove an oilfield truck until last week when police quietly arrested him in connection with the deaths of a mother and daughter who disappeared five years ago and 3,800 kilometres away. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fmounties-arrested-a-man-in-northern-alberta-for-the-killings-of-a-mom-and-her-teen-daughter-who-vanished-in-ontario-five-years-ago.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871075175_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472329945551 | en | null | Mounties arrest man in northern Alberta for killings of a mom and her teen daugh | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | EDMONTON -
Glenn Kraemer Bauman lived in the northwestern Alberta town of Valleyview where he drove an oilfield truck until last week when police quietly arrested him in connection with the deaths of a mother and daughter who disappeared five years ago and 3,800 kilometres away.
In the Waterloo Region of Ontario, Bauman, 43, faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of offering an indignity to a body in connection with the disappearance of his common-law spouse, Linda Daniel, and her teenage daughter Cheyenne. They were 47 and 13, respectively, when they vanished in July 2011 where they lived in Ontario's Wellesley Township.
The mother and daughter were only reported missing to police in December 2015 by relatives who feared foul play, reported the Waterloo Region Record newspaper. Police said the women were not in close contact with family members.
After what Waterloo Regional Police described as a complex investigation into the circumstances that led to the suspected deaths of Daniel and her daughter, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for Bauman.
Waterloo Regional Police detectives and RCMP arrested Bauman in Valleyview, about 350 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, on Aug. 19.
In a brief court appearance Friday via video link in Kitchener, ON, Bauman said he was trying to hire a lawyer.
Meanwhile, police have forced a family now living at a Wellesley home out of the residence for 30 days as part of the investigation. It's the home where Bauman formerly lived with Daniel and her daughter. Waterloo Regional Police said they have not located the remains of Linda and Cheyenne Daniel.
Police are enlisting specialists from the Ontario Centre for Forensic Science and have covered a large section of the backyard with a tarp, according to area media reports.
The case is receiving heavy media coverage in the Waterloo region, but the arrest of a suspected double-murderer living in Valleyview's midst failed to generate much attention in the community. Neither Valleyview RCMP nor K-Division issued a news release about the arrest.
An RCMP spokeswoman said Saturday the arrest was Waterloo Regional Police's operation and Mounties assisted. No further information about Bauman or his arrest was immediately disclosed.
"It's been kept very quiet," said Jim Joelson, a Valleyview town councillor. "Nobody knows about it. I haven't talked to anybody who knew about it."
Joelson said he did not know Bauman. "I did not know he was working here. I just assumed he was passing through." He said residents might be a little shocked if they knew about the case.
Investigators say they will be reaching out to relatives of the victims and the suspect and have also asked for the public's help to identify timelines and to speak to anyone who might have seen Daniel and her daughter shortly before they went missing in July 2011.
bmah@postmedia.com
twitter.com/mahspace | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/mounties-arrested-a-man-in-northern-alberta-for-the-killings-of-a-mom-and-her-teen-daughter-who-vanished-in-ontario-five-years-ago | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e383533f3b6152da1b1c3013e8db0d14ed7335d397fbb3d6a7af5eb78cd4322b.json |
[
"Bill Mah"
] | 2016-08-28T18:46:15 | null | 2016-08-28T17:58:57 | A northern Alberta municipality is warning residents and employees that their personal and financial information could be at risk after a suspected hack of its computer system. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fnorthern-alberta-municipal-district-warning-of-suspected-data-hack.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297465484274_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472409437325 | en | null | Northern Alberta municipal district warning of suspected data hack | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A northern Alberta municipality is warning residents and employees that their personal and financial information could be at risk after a suspected hack of its computer system.
The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 -- comprising the communities of Wabasca, Red Earth and Calling Lake -- said recent unusual activities on its network indicate that the municipality's network and server have been compromised.
It's not yet known what information was accessed and the full extent of the breach but officials suspect it included access to the data of employees, utility account holders and ratepayers.
"Given the potential extent of the compromise of its network and server, the MD is concerned that all of the MD's files may have been accessed," the municipality said in a statement.
Information at risk includes names, contact information, payroll bank deposit account numbers, social insurance numbers, bank withdrawal numbers, credit card numbers and other financial information.
"The Municipality wishes to express our deepest apologies regarding this most unfortunate incident and any inconvenience that this may have caused," the statement said.
The incident has been reported to local RCMP and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, the MD said. People with questions about the breach can contact Deborah Juch at the MD at 780-891-0511.
People concerned about their information are asked to contact major credit reporting agencies such as Equifax Canada Inc., at 1-800-465-7166 or TransUnion of Canada Inc., at 1-800-663-9980, the MD said. Both companies have procedures to deal with identity theft and can put a warning in the reporter's file. For social insurance number concerns, contact Employment and Social Development Canada at 1-800-206-7218, option 3, the MD said.
The MD of Opportunity is about 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.
bmah@postmedia.com
twitter.com/mahspace | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/northern-alberta-municipal-district-warning-of-suspected-data-hack | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8d7dca3fe6a53beb4dc646fcb058c1215f9720a63fcbb18d937ea3f54e9fa9c5.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T04:46:42 | null | 2016-08-30T03:45:44 | Portuguese model Sara Sampaio has accused the paparazzi of invading her privacy after snapping her topless while vacationing on a yacht. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmodel-sara-sampaio-blasts-paparazzi-for-topless-photos.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871790905_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472528518391 | en | null | Model Sara Sampaio blasts paparazzi for topless photos | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Model Sara Sampaio attends the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom on June 6, 2016 in New York City. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images/AFP
Model and New Victoria's Secret Angel Sara Sampaio from Portugal walks the runway during the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Lexington Avenue Armory on November 10, 2015 in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret/AFP
2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at The New York Armory - Runway Featuring: Sara Sampaio Where: New York, New York, United States When: 10 Nov 2015 Credit: Jeff Grossman/WENN.com
Model Sara Sampaio attends the BALMAIN X H&M Collection Launch at 23 Wall Street on October 20, 2015 in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for H&M/AFP
Model Sara Sampaio attends the premiere of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 in New York on November 18, 2015. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at The New York Armory - Backstage Featuring: Sara Sampaio Where: New York, New York, United States When: 10 Nov 2015 Credit: Jeff Grossman/WENN.com
In this Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 photo, Victoria's Secret model Sara Sampaio poses for a portrait in New York. Sampaio walked in the Victoria�s Secret fashion show on Tuesday for the third year in a row. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)
Model Sara Sampaio poses backstage prior to the Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition Fall/Winter 2016-2017 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 3, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
Model Sara Sampaio is one of the newer Victoria's Secret Angels, and is also well-known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues. Originally from Portugal, the 25-year-old model continues to build up her portfolio.
Portuguese model Sara Sampaio has accused the paparazzi of invading her privacy after snapping her topless while vacationing on a yacht.
The Victoria's Secret Angel has been relaxing in the South of France with her boyfriend Oliver Ripley, and she recently ditched her bikini top to avoid tan lines while sunbathing onboard a private boat.
However, an eagle-eyed photographer recognized the topless beauty and snapped away from a distance, and now the images have surfaced online, much to Sara's disgust.
A thought on privacy and an open letter to the paparazzi and press https://t.co/J5ZAQJqH6G — Sara Sampaio (@SaraSampaio) August 27, 2016
The 25-year-old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star took to Facebook over the weekend to address the controversy, claiming she was "privately minding her own business" when the pictures were taken.
"I had no idea that there was someone far away with a big telescopic lens taking pictures of me," she explained to fans. "Some of you may say that I'm a public figure and it comes with my job. Others that I'm used to being photographed in swimsuits. There is a difference though."
She then addressed the paparazzi directly, fuming, "How would you feel if you woke up one morning to find pictures of your 25yr (year) old daughter topless all over the Internet?" | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/model-sara-sampaio-blasts-paparazzi-for-topless-photos | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/48667558c70337bf1acc6accb84740ec03bbf3694b8fba7ef1ddd6a4dd489b95.json |
[
"John Short"
] | 2016-08-29T00:46:18 | null | 2016-08-29T00:15:04 | On and off for the better part of a decade, operator Rob Reeves of picturesque and often-neglected Castrol Raceway has been warning some of his regulars that he aims to pour tar or some other hard, consistent surface over the dirt oval that has been home to sprint-car racers and fans since years ago, when great racing contributor Ron Hodgson was in | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Frecent-sprint-car-racing-action-at-castrol-illustrates-the-benefits-of-running-a-dirt-oval.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297645122567_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Recent sprint car racing action at Castrol illustrates the benefits of running a | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | On and off for the better part of a decade, operator Rob Reeves of picturesque and often-neglected Castrol Raceway has been warning some of his regulars that he aims to pour tar or some other hard, consistent surface over the dirt oval that has been home to sprint-car racers and fans since years ago, when great racing contributor Ron Hodgson was involved more fully.
The history is constant. Whenever Reeves objects again about the cost of operating a dirt track, the sport’s proponents explain that paying more attention to the needs and opportunities in sprint-car racing would show him that major change is both expensive and unwise.
Ron MacDonell, the driving force behind two rain-spattered chapters of the Jim Albert Memorial Gold Cup Friday and Saturday, now hopes that Reeves saw evidence that the quick and slippery surface can be kept without any more suggestions that sprint cars should become nothing more than a faded piece of Edmonton’s sports history.
It’s a tough argument to make, as MacDonell understands.
“We had rain both nights,” he groaned. “Mike Quigley and his people worked so well with the Castrol staff that we got all the races in and we weren’t delayed nearly as much as we could have been.”
On the track, there were more than 25 cars; in the seats, about 3,000 spectators on Friday: “I think it’s the biggest crowd at an oval event in a lot of years.”
For the record, Kelly Miller of Lethbridge won the A Main on Friday and Trey Starks of Puyallup, Wash., grabbed the Jim Albert championship one night later. Neither is a familiar name in these parts, but Starks has been a regular at famed Skagit, a Washington State landmark where a handful of top Alberta drivers keep demonstrating that Canadians can drive as fast as their U.S. foes, and often faster. He has won at eight different tracks this summer.
“We got good news out of the weekend,” said MacDonell, clearly exhausted after working until the wee hours to get his son’s racer to the start of Saturday’s show after things went bump on Friday. “We finished about two in the morning,” he said. “It was good. Sean was in the field (won the B Main) on the second night.”
Only a lifelong racing addict can possibly claim things look good after a weekend of heavy labour and no sleep. MacDonell insists it is his right to be included in the group.
Already, talks are in progress about a northwestern circuit that would include tracks in Oregon, Washimgton, B.C., Alberta, Idaho and Montana, with the possibility that Manitoba and Saskatchewan circuits could also be involved.
“It can work,” said MacDonell. “We know it can.”
But only if the dirt track remains uncovered by brick or tar or any other form of pavement.
jcshort@shaw.ca | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/recent-sprint-car-racing-action-at-castrol-illustrates-the-benefits-of-running-a-dirt-oval | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/1282f83a70a4688e0d719bd0d67231cb7b85f29ccec3d281599b084623f48d78.json |
[
"Jim Matheson"
] | 2016-08-27T00:45:57 | null | 2016-08-27T00:15:04 | As one of the few players who spends his summers in Edmonton, centre Mark Letestu can empathize with the unrest with some fans in Oilers Nation over the Taylor Hall trade two months ago, but he really likes the deal for defenceman Adam Larsson. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcentre-mark-letestu-happy-oilers-acquired-adam-larsson.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870918795_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Centre Mark Letestu happy Oilers acquired Adam Larsson | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | As one of the few players who spends his summers in Edmonton, centre Mark Letestu can empathize with the unrest with some fans in Oilers Nation over the Taylor Hall trade two months ago, but he really likes the deal for defenceman Adam Larsson.
“I got over it in two days…guys come and go,” said Letestu, not being flip, just realistic. “I know there’s a certain attachment fans have with Taylor…he was the light, part of the players who were going to take us to the playoffs. But for me, I think we got better.”
The entire league knew the Oilers were looking for a right-shooting defencemen and played hardball with GM Peter Chiarelli. There were no gifts being tossed around.
“No doubt, but I think we got what we needed. For years the narrative’s been we had to be tougher on the back-end and we accomplished that in the summer," said Letestu.
Letestu played against Larsson when he was with Columbus Blue Jackets and Larsson was in New Jersey.
“He’s steady…he doesn’t play a flashy game. You don’t see him on the highlights and maybe that’s why there’s so much angst (with fans),” said Letestu. “But he fits what we’re trying to do more and that’s keep the puck out of our net more and it sounds like there’s more offence to him and he’ll probably get that opportunity here. We needed help on the back-end and had to pay a high price for that.
“That’s unfortunate, but we’re into building a better team, we’re trying to be more balanced. Sure, we’re going to lose some goals. I don’t think the pressure will go solely on Jesse (Puljujarvi). Connor (McDavid) will be another year older, Nuge (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) will be healthy, Patty Maroon will have a full year with us and I’m sure Milan (Lucic) will add stuff. The offence will just be more spread out.”
Letestu will contribute but most likely in a fourth-line role, which is where he truly sees himself. He averaged 15:46 minutes last year (eighth amongst the forwards) because he won face-offs (51.3 percent), played some second unit power play and killed penalties. He had 12 power-play points, same as Hall, one more than Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, if you're keeping score.
“I probably played too many minutes but there were situations that led to that, whether it was injuries or performance (elsewhere). The coach trusted me in a lot of situations especially on face-offs where I took a lot of right side draws,” he said.
“I don’t expect to play much on the power play this year with what we have. I come in with as little expectations as possible, wherever Todd (McLellan) throws me over the boards. The ability to also play the wing, to move up and down…that’s always been part of my game, the ability to push other guys above me,” said Letestu, who’s heard the criticism that he’s playing too high up in the lineup.
“That comes with the territory. My performance last year was OK (25 points); it wasn’t great. But if I can settle into a fourth-line role where I’ve been comfortable I think we have the makings of a good fourth line." he said.
ON THE BENCH ... Oilers buyout winger Lauri Korpikoski ($500,000 this season and $1 million in 2017-2018) remains unsigned but will use the World Cup where he's on the Finnish team to try and interest an NHL squad. He'd be a good fourth-line winger somewhere at about $800,000...Free-agent right-shot defenceman Matt Benning (Northeastern U) remains in the Oilers' sights. They have room to sign the sturdy Benning with 47 pro contracts, three under the max. They don't have a lot of right-shooters on their AHL team...Oilers' first pick in round three, 6-foot-6 puck-moving Finnish defenceman Markus Niemelainen, who was a consensus second-r0under by most scouting services but lasted until No. 63, decided to stay in junior in Saginaw in the OHL rather than return home to play...Local forward Mark McNeill, whose name came up in a possible trade from Chicago to the Oilers at the draft but nothing happened, signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Hawks in July. He's spinning his wheels there. They view Nick Schmaltz, Ryan Hartman, Tyler Motte and Vince Hinostroza higher up their organizational ladder at forward, only giving McNeill one NHL game last season. McNeill needs a different NHL team. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/centre-mark-letestu-happy-oilers-acquired-adam-larsson | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5118ab9ef8348620f29edc767c5a5d81447532e349fac1b3db3f2a8324f77d14.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:46:33 | null | 2016-08-29T20:15:20 | Gene Wilder, star of | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fgene-wilder-star-of-mel-brooks-movies-dies-at-83.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871605924_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472503131145 | en | null | Gene Wilder, star of Mel Brooks movies, dies at 83 | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | In this March 16, 2005 file photo, actor Gene Wilder speaks about his life and career at Boston University in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
In this April 9, 2008 file photo, actor Gene Wilder listens as he is introduced to receive the Governor's Awards for Excellence in Culture and Tourism at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)
Actor and author Gene Wilder autographs copies of his new book 'The Woman Who Wouldn't' at Barnes & Noble Bookstore at The Grove on March 17, 2008 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Gene Wilder and his wife Karen Boyer watch as Shahar Peer of Israel takes on Anna Chakvetadze of Russia during day ten of the 2007 U.S. Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2007 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Actor Gene Wilder poses as he signs copies of his autobiography "Kiss Me Like A Stranger", at Waterstone's, Oxford Street on June 7, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images)
This file photo taken on September 7, 1984 shows US actor and director Gene Wilder of the movie "The Woman in Red" during the 10th American Film Festival of Deauville. / AFP PHOTO / Mychele DANIAUMYCHELE DANIAU/AFP/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES -- Gene Wilder, the frizzy-haired actor who brought his deft comedic touch to such unforgettable roles as the neurotic accountant in "The Producers" and the deranged animator of "Young Frankenstein," has died. He was 83.
Wilder's nephew said Monday that the actor and writer died late Sunday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a statement that Wilder was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.
"He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world," Walker-Pearlman said.
Wilder started his acting career on the stage, but millions knew him from his work in the movies, especially his collaborations with Mel Brooks on "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." The last film -- with Wilder playing a California-born descendant of the mad scientist, insisting that his name is pronounced "Frahn-ken-SHTEEN" -- was co-written by Brooks and Wilder.
"One of the truly great talents of our time," Mel Brooks tweeted. "He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship."
Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship. — Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016
With his unkempt hair and big, buggy eyes, Wilder was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes that only a madman such as Brooks could devise, whether reviving a monster in "Young Frankenstein" or bilking Broadway in "The Producers." Brooks would call him "God's perfect prey, the victim in all of us."
But he also knew how to keep it cool as the boozy gunslinger in "Blazing Saddles" or the charming candy man in the children's favourite "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." His craziest role: the therapist having an affair with a sheep in Woody Allen's "Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex."
He was close friends with Richard Pryor and their contrasting personas -- Wilder uptight, Pryor loose -- were ideal for comedy. They co-starred in four films: "Silver Streak," "Stir Crazy," "See No Evil, Hear No Evil" and "Another You." And they created several memorable scenes, particularly when Pryor provided Wilder with directions on how to "act black" as they tried to avoid police in "Silver Streak."
In 1968, Wilder received an Oscar nomination for his work in Brooks' "The Producers." He played the introverted Leo Bloom, an accountant who discovers the liberating joys of greed and corruption as he and Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) conceive a Broadway flop titled "Springtime For Hitler" and plan to flee with the money raised for the show's production.
Matthew Broderick played Wilder's role in the 2001 Broadway stage revival of the show.
Though they collaborated on film, Wilder and Brooks met through the theatre. Wilder was in a play with Brooks' then-future wife, Anne Bancroft, who introduced the pair backstage in 1963.
Wilder, a Milwaukee native, was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1935. His father was a Russian emigre, his mother was of Polish descent. When he was 6, Wilder's mother suffered a heart attack that left her a semi-invalid. He soon began improvising comedy skits to entertain her, the first indication of his future career.
He started taking acting classes at age 12 and continued performing and taking lesson through college. In 1961, Wilder became a member of Lee Strasberg's prestigious Actor's Studio in Manhattan.
That same year, he made both his off-Broadway and Broadway debuts. He won the Clarence Derwent Award, given to promising newcomers, for the Broadway work in Graham Greene's comedy "The Complaisant Lover."
He used his new name, Gene Wilder, for the off-Broadway and Broadway roles. He lifted the first name from the character Eugene Gant in Thomas Wolfe's "Look Back, Homeward Angel," while the last name was clipped from playwright Thornton Wilder. A key break came when he co-starred with Bancroft in Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage," and met Brooks, her future husband.
"I was having trouble with one little section of the play, and he gave me tips on how to act. He said, 'That's a song and dance. He's proselytizing about communism. Just skip over it, sing and dance over it, and get on to the good stuff.' And he was right," Wilder later explained.
Before starring in "The Producers," he had a small role as the hostage of gangsters in the 1967 classic "Bonnie and Clyde." He peaked in the mid-1970s with the twin Brooks hits "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."
He went on to write several screenplays and direct several films. In 1982, while making the generally forgettable "Hanky-Panky," he fell in love with co-star Gilda Radner. They were married in 1984, and co-starred in two Wilder-penned films: "The Lady in Red" and "Haunted Honeymoon."
After Radner died of ovarian cancer in 1989, Wilder spent much of his time after promoting cancer research. He opened a support facility for cancer patients called "Gilda's Place." In 1991, he testified before Congress about the need for increased testing for cancer.
Wilder guest-starred on two episodes of NBC's "Will & Grace" in 2002 and 2003, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor on a comedy series for his role as Mr. Stein, the boss of Will Truman, played by Canadian Eric McCormack.
Wilder is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married in 1991.
RIP Gene Wilder pic.twitter.com/TuMQheQCa4 — Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) August 29, 2016
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
Rest in Peace, Gene Wilder... 💔 — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing. — Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 29, 2016
so sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, gene wilder... such an incredible man... i'll miss you ❤️ — Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) August 29, 2016 | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/gene-wilder-star-of-mel-brooks-movies-dies-at-83 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/87232f2c4125e0057f66dac51f75bd1c89dbc1ab780fcfe164dfc80e781b03fd.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:46:13 | null | 2016-08-28T18:15:34 | Veterans Affairs officials are ready to recommend that the federal government give rental subsidies to veterans who are homeless or nearly so in order to combat what they describe as an unacceptable situation in Canada. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fgive-rental-subsidies-to-homeless-vets-veterans-affairs-draft-report.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871250519_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Give rental subsidies to homeless vets: Veterans Affairs draft report | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA — Veterans Affairs officials are ready to recommend that the federal government give rental subsidies to veterans who are homeless or nearly so in order to combat what they describe as an unacceptable situation in Canada.
A draft of the new federal strategy to combat homelessness among veterans also recommends the government build new affordable housing units specifically for veterans, suggesting Canada doesn’t have enough units to handle the unique needs of former military members who can have addiction and mental health issues related to their service.
The strategy says that what homeless veterans require is access to immediate housing, peer support and outreach to get them off the street, and months or even years of intensive case management with a broad range of services.
The draft strategy, dated Aug. 4 and obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act, says the government has an obligation to help the potentially thousands of veterans who are homeless in Canada.
A final draft of the strategy isn’t expected to be completed and made public until later this year.
The document doesn’t suggest that a veteran will ever go homeless again, but aims to reduce the numbers to a point where “homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring, and no veteran is forced to live on the street.”
“As a department, we’ve got a mandate for the care, treatment and re-establishment to civilian life of veterans in general, and clearly somebody who is homeless is not successfully re-established in civilian society,” said Tim Kerr, director of the veterans priority programs secretariat at Veterans Affairs Canada, which is heading up work on the strategy.
“Because of that, our minister, and our deputy minister and I and my team believe that we have an obligation to address this issue of veteran homelessness.”
The recommendations, if implemented, would mark a shift in veterans benefits programs that leave no room to provide things like housing subsidies that have been successful in the United States at keeping veterans off the street.
Benefits only flow to Canadian veterans who show a link between their military service and their injury or disease, a difficult task for a veteran who becomes homeless a decade after his or her service, said Jim Lowther, president of Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada, a volunteer-based group that has helped about 1,200 veterans off the streets in the last six years.
Veterans affairs workers can get emergency funds from charitable trusts to help homeless veterans pay for rent or food, but the process can sometimes be lengthy, the document says. Instead, groups like VETS Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion step in to help pay for housing and supports.
“We need housing in every province designated housing for vets. We need transition homes in every province to help them get back on their feet,” Lowther said.
The strategy calls on the government to expand the eligibility criteria for benefits and services to help homeless veterans, give local offices the flexibility to quickly get emergency cash for a veteran in need, and better connect those local offices with local service providers to reach more homeless veterans.
Kerr, who spent 28 years in the navy, said the recommendations are based on years of research and months of work by the departmental task force. The strategy itself is a high-level document with the details of how to implement it to be worked out at a later date, he said.
It’s difficult to get an exact count on the number of veterans who are homeless in Canada.
A federal shelter study estimated about 2,250 veterans use shelters annually, but cautioned the actual number may be much higher. Point-in-time counts of homeless populations in cities show veteran form between five and seven per cent of the homeless population, which would put their number over 11,000.
Many homeless veterans in Canada avoid shelters, unlike their American counterparts, because the shelters lack the structure they were used to in the military, said Cheryl Forchuk, a professor of nursing at Western University in London, Ont.
The document says the average homeless veteran is over age 50, became homeless about 10 years after being released from service, and abuse alcohol or drugs.
There are cases of veterans two or three years out of the military who are homeless with some even sooner than that as they burn through savings while waiting for their military pensions to kick in, Lowther said.
Forchuk said research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder doesn’t appear to be a central factor in them becoming homeless.
The military could reduce the risk of a veteran becoming homeless by identifying early on whether they need help with things like money management, or substance use that left unchecked could manifest into addiction in a decade and push someone onto the street, Forchuk said.
“It’s just a matter of where your eyes are. The trauma issues and the PTSD are the obvious things at the top and they’re doing a relatively good job of at least paying some attention in addressing that, but substance use takes a long time to get really full-fledged, particularly alcoholism,” she said.
The document doesn’t call for the establishment of harm reduction programs where, for example, participants receive small amounts of alcohol at regular intervals to help them manage their addiction. The practice is politically contentious, but has been shown to have positive results.
Kerr said his group is looking into how to harm reduction programs could work in the overall strategy.
BY-THE-NUMBERS
A by-the-numbers look at the state of homelessness among Canadian military veterans:
2,250: Estimated number of veterans who use shelters annually.
639: Homeless veterans registered in Veteran Affairs Canada’s database as of June 30.
232: Homeless veterans in the database who are between age 50 and 59.
138: Homeless veterans in the database who are over age 65.
235,000: Canadians who experience homelessness annually.
5-7: Range, in percentage points, of the homeless population who are veterans, based on municipal point-in-time homeless counts.
12,000: Estimated number of veterans experiencing homelessness in Canada, based on that spread.
40,000: Approximate number of veterans who experience homelessness in the United States annually.
47: Percent by which the United States has decreased veterans homelessness since 2010 using measures being considered by Veterans Affairs Canada.
(Sources: Employment and Social Development Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/give-rental-subsidies-to-homeless-vets-veterans-affairs-draft-report | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/79ae47499bd6667e744d7c23facfb48cfc9b9dd712d7f82f495deb597ee708ec.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:46:46 | null | 2016-08-30T18:15:49 | Two people are dead and three others
injured in a serious crash that shut
down a busy downtown Vancouver
intersection on Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fhorrific-vancouver-crash-kills-two.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871933401_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472579279752 | en | null | 'Horrific' Vancouver crash kills two | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Two people are dead and three others injured in a serious crash that shut down a busy downtown Vancouver intersection on Monday.
A white SUV heading north on Seymour Street veered off the street just before 5:30 p.m. and hit a tree, sending it toppling onto the sidewalk in the path of pedestrians before striking a lamp post.
The two occupants of the SUV, a 68-year-old man driving the SUV and his 70-year-old female passenger, were killed instantly, said Vancouver police.
Three others, all men in their 30s, were injured by the fallen tree and flying debris. One man had minor injuries and lacerations. Two other men suffered more serious injuries, including broken bones and a punctured lung. They are expected to survive, but are listed in critical condition.
A couple hours after the crash a blue tarp covered the driver's and passenger's seat of the SUV, which was flipped on its side. On the sidewalk, scattered amid glass and metal debris, were mundane objects — a pack of tissue paper, bags of fruit, a red shoe.
Vancouver police spokesman Const. Brian Montague said investigators are still trying to determine what caused the crash. They have video footage of the incident and have talked to many witnesses. Investigators and the Coroner will see if any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the crash.
But what was clear was "the crash behind me clearly tells our officers that speed is going to be a factor here," said Montague. "There's no question about that. We are working to determine what that speed was, and if there were other factors."
The sound of the single-vehicle crash was heard by some people in nearby stores, and by residents who live high up in nearby condo towers.
Francis Lin was at a Starbucks across the street when he heard a loud boom.
"I looked outside and it was this SUV on its side. It looked like it was wedged between two poles," he said. "How fast must you have been going to saw off a tree? It's pretty horrific. There's no skid marks, no nothing."
Bobby Soor was working at a smoothie store just around the corner from the crash. He felt the crash's vibrations and heard the sound of metal debris, including a crumpled newspaper box, scraping on concrete. When he got outside, he saw two men on the ground. Both had lower-body injuries, he said. One had a bone sticking out of his ankle.
"The one guy with a visible fracture, he was in pretty bad condition. The other guy wasn't moving his legs."
Xiomara Lopez said she often sees cars speeding on Seymour or Davie, well above the posted speed limit. Soor said some vehicles coming off the Granville Street Bridge onto Seymour Street often speed trying to beat the light. "We're not surprised that this happened," said Lopez.
chchan@postmedia.com
twitter.com/cherylchan | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/horrific-vancouver-crash-kills-two | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e3042ac3030d990b0aea63bb7aba37a0d3d5b0fd543b50ce694c48b821fd23ed.json |
[
"Derek Van Diest"
] | 2016-08-30T02:46:38 | null | 2016-08-30T02:23:36 | FORT SASKATCHEWAN — The Edmonton Oil Kings took the ice for the opening day of training camp at the Dow Centennial Centre on Monday optimistic for the upcoming WHL season. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fedmonton-oil-kings-prepare-for-season-without-core-of-veterans-from-last-seasons-playoff-run.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871764860_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472524119815 | en | null | Edmonton Oil Kings prepare for season without core of veterans from last season' | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | FORT SASKATCHEWAN — The Edmonton Oil Kings took the ice for the opening day of training camp at the Dow Centennial Centre on Monday optimistic for the upcoming WHL season.
This, despite losing a number of high-end players from last year’s playoff squad.
The Oil Kings will have a youthful look to them this season as they expect to fill the void offensively with first and second-year players.
“It’s well documented we lost more scoring again, so there is going to be a need, especially up front,” said Oil Kings head coach Steve Hamilton. “We’re probably going to be younger up front than we’ve been in years. There are some guys up front that maybe have a year or two under their belts that are still in that 16, 17-year-old age group that will probably be facing some opportunity in minutes that haven’t been there before.
“That’s exciting for them and reflective in how they’ve come to camp prepared. There is opportunity and they want to make the most of it.”
Among those gone this season is leading scorer Brett Pollock, who is expected to play in the Calgary Flames system, graduates Brandon Baddock, Ben Carroll, Luke Bertolucci and Dysin Mayo, who signed with the Arizona Coyotes.
The Oil Kings are losing at least 202 points from last year’s team, but were encouraged by what they saw at rookie camp this past weekend leading into main camp.
“We were very pleased with the quality and pace of the camp, it was pretty evident that the kids came into camp in good shape,” Hamilton said. “It was a lot of hockey in a short amount of time, but I thought guys were able to sustain that throughout the couple of days on the ice.
“It was not only our listed and drafted players that were where we expected them to be, but there were a number of free-agent players that rose to the occasion and that’s exactly what you want.”
The Oil Kings invited a handful of 15-year-olds from their rookie camp to main camp in order to give them exposure to the WHL. They currently have more than 60 players in attendance, which will be cut down to roughly 40 for their Red vs. White game Wednesday (7 p.m.) to conclude training camp.
“When you’re in that 2001 age group, you’re not eligible to play in the league, so it’s an important experience because it can set the table for down the road,” Hamilton said. “We feel it was a good crop of 2001s here, not only our drafted players, but we felt there were some guys here that put themselves squarely on the radar. That’s not only a positive, but also a credit to those players.
“If we can have them come through, for whatever length of time makes sense in terms of numbers, and if they create their opportunity, we want to try and reward them for as long as we possibly can. We feel the quality of our main camp is very high this year. That’s the goal of rookie camp, is to graduate guys into main camp and keep the quality very high.”
The Oil Kings begin their preseason schedule Friday, on the road, against the Red Deer Rebels. They’ll then face the Prince George Cougars in Red Deer the following night.
The team will begin taking shape by the time they play a home-and-home series with the Calgary Hitmen the following week.
“There will be some young guys playing, some of those signed guys from that 2001 group — (goaltender) Boston Bilous, Liam Keeler, Matt Robertson — we’ll, hopefully, give those guys an opportunity in the exhibition season,” Hamilton said. “After that, it’s time to get down to battling for some jobs and making some tough decisions.”
The Oil Kings conclude their exhibition schedule in St. Albert against the Saskatoon Blades before opening the 2016-17 season at Red Deer on Sept. 23. The following night they’ll open Rogers Place against the Rebels in a game expected to sell out.
“I look at our 16- and 17-year-old guys that have come into camp this year in great shape and are ready to go,” Hamilton said. “They know there’s legitimate opportunity in front of them and they want to take advantage of it.”
WARM WELCOME
Edmonton Oil Kings winger Kole Gable knows what the rookies are going through at training camp.
He himself, is not far removed from being a rookie.
But as is the case in junior hockey in general, and with the Oil Kings this season in particular, players have to grow up quickly.
“We have a young team, we have a lot of young guys that are moving into their second year, like myself, and it’s an exciting thing to look at because you can move yourself up the lineup and play a little bit bigger role for the team,” Gable said. “Obviously, the expectations are going to rise a little bit. They are going to be looking at us a little tighter and make sure we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing and being good role models for the young guy and proving what we’re here for.”
Gable, 18, a Fort McMurray product, had six goals and 11 points in 53 games for the Oil Kings last season. He’s expected to take on a bigger offensive role this year, likely moving up the lineup.
“I was one of the young guys last year, now I’m coming to camp as a vet, so it’s a big step,” Gable said. “You always want to get better and you want to play a bigger role on the team, so hopefully, play more minutes and be in the lineup every night and make an impact in every game I play in.”
The Oil Kings are expected to ice a younger lineup this season, having lost a number of high-end players from last year’s squad.
The team’s success could be dependent on the play of their first and second-year players.
“I think the younger guys have been working hard and they know what they’re doing,” Gable said. “They know their role and they deserve to be here and it’s good. I think we’re going to be good, we have some young guys coming up and we have younger guys that are becoming vets, so I think we’re going to have a good start to the season, and hopefully, we’ll go from there.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/edmonton-oil-kings-prepare-for-season-without-core-of-veterans-from-last-seasons-playoff-run | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/b3f01cd1d7bf502dd8e0478ffd79d46176e681b19e28de7e2e5cce8a99a8381a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:46:07 | null | 2016-08-26T13:45:27 | Former prime minister Stephen Harper
will resign today as a member of
parliament, The Canadian Press has
learned. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fstephen-harper-to-resign-as-mp.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870648833_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472216987803 | en | null | Stephen Harper to resign as MP | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA -- Former prime minister Stephen Harper will resign today as a member of parliament.
Harper will issue a statement later this morning, 10 months after he lost the federal election and stepped down as Conservative party leader.
But the 57-year-old had chosen to stay on as an MP for his Calgary riding and routinely showed up for votes in the House of Commons over the last few months.
Harper was first elected as a Reform MP in 1993 and would go on to become the first leader of the modern day Conservative Party in 2003.
Since last fall's defeat, he and his wife Laureen have been living in their Calgary home.
Harper will now make a move into consulting on international issues alongside two of his most trusted former advisers. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/stephen-harper-to-resign-as-mp | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/880f4c7126f3ecac411523ed75567df0e6862868773515a605765622521968b8.json |
[
"Wes Gilbertson"
] | 2016-08-28T16:46:12 | null | 2016-08-28T15:58:56 | As Brooke Henderson and two playing partners crested a hill and strolled down the 10th fairway Saturday at Priddis Greens, spectators scrambled for a sight-line. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Ftalented-teen-brooke-henderson-winning-popularity-contest-at-priddis-greens.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871178213_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Talented teen Brooke Henderson winning popularity contest at Priddis Greens | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | As Brooke Henderson and two playing partners crested a hill and strolled down the 10th fairway Saturday at Priddis Greens, spectators scrambled for a sight-line.
Two balls were buried in the rough, another sitting pretty on the furthest finger of short grass.
Which one, a middle-aged man asked as he arrived on scene, belonged to Canada’s beloved blonde?
“Well, that’s the best drive,” replied another fan, pointing. “That’s gotta be hers.”
Indeed, it was.
From there, Henderson knocked a downhill wedge-shot onto the dance-floor.
She proceeded to the green.
The stampede of fans followed.
“You know, it's amazing,” Henderson said after Saturday’s third round at the 2016 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open not far from Calgary. “A couple times, I kind of had to pinch myself. And they're all here just for me, just to see me play. It's really surreal.”
With a three-day tally of 8-under 208, Henderson is currently nine shots off the pace of leader Ariya Jutanugarn.
The superstar-in-the-making from Smiths Falls, Ont., is likely too far back to contend for the trophy.
The 18-year-old Henderson is, however, running away with the popularity contest this week at Priddis Greens, and that won’t change Sunday.
Jutanugarn, joined by South Korea’s In Gee Chun and Sei Young Kim, will tee off her final round at 10:45 a.m.
The largest gallery will be long gone by then.
That train leaves the station — title sponsor Canadian Pacific will love that lingo — as soon as Brooke blasts her first tee-ball at 9:28 a.m., and you can bet there will be thunderous roars if Henderson starts to roll toward her readjusted goal of a Top-10 finish.
“I felt way better today, and I think feeling the energy from my massive crowds has definitely really helped that,” Henderson said after Saturday’s spin of 4-under 68, with five birdies and one bogey on her scorecard on the third day of the LPGA Tour shootout. “Through bad shots and good shots, they are supporting me and giving me a little bit of extra energy and positive vibes. That's really helped me the last two days.
“Starting out the day, I started with two birdies right away, was 2-under through the first couple holes and felt like I had some momentum. I just didn't really capitalize but I was able to, on No. 16 and No. 17, make two really big putts. That kind of energized me, energized the crowd, and made it a lot more fun.”
The spotlight, of course, can suck away some energy, too.
Henderson, who has repeatedly insisted she’s not too jet-lagged after returning from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, irked on-site reporters Friday when she skipped out on interviews.
She didn’t leave anybody hanging Saturday.
Immediately after sinking a par putt on the finishing hole, she beelined for a handshake with the military man tending the Canadian flag on No. 18.
She didn’t miss anybody on autograph alley, either, scribbling her name and smiling for selfies for at least 25 minutes before finally reaching the clubhouse entrance.
Near the front of the line for a signature was 10-year-old Toryn Bosenko, who followed along Saturday with a sign that read ‘Go Brooke’ on one side and ‘Yeah, I play like a girl. Jealous??’ on the other.
If you’re searching for Brooke on Sunday, don’t be surprised to overhear something like this … ‘That’s the biggest crowd. It’s gotta be hers.’
It will be.
Has been all week.
“Ever since I was 14 and playing in the Canadian Open, I've had really big crowds and I've felt that support from home,” Henderson said. “But last year (in Vancouver), coming off a win in Portland, my first LPGA Tour victory, things were kind of to a new level. People were lining the fairways at 8:00 a.m. to see me, and that's kind of the way it is this year.
“Probably the biggest crowds I've ever played in front of and definitely the most in favour for me. It's definitely a lot of fun to play in front of, and I've been really enjoying it.”
wgilbertson@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/WesGilbertson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/talented-teen-brooke-henderson-winning-popularity-contest-at-priddis-greens | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/86fed0a2a4203b7836654fbc0931ded5f9d0afc6f55f715830ac17fda0b6cca6.json |
[
"Stuart Thomson"
] | 2016-08-26T18:45:56 | null | 2016-08-26T17:45:30 | A curfew for children under the age of 15 years old is now in effect in Bruderheim.Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, youths in the town of just over 1,100 will now have to be off the streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.The bylaw does not apply to youths who are driving from one place to another, without any detours, or who are returning hom | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fyouth-curfew-now-in-effect-in-bruderheim.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297855290826_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472230131060 | en | null | Youth curfew now in effect in Bruderheim | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A curfew for children under the age of 15 years old is now in effect in Bruderheim.
Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, youths in the town of just over 1,100 will now have to be off the streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The bylaw does not apply to youths who are driving from one place to another, without any detours, or who are returning home for work or a recreational activity. Anyone “involved in an emergency” is also exempt from the bylaw.
Anyone who breaks the bylaw could face $100 fine for the first offence, which doubles for the second offence. Bylaw officers are encouraged to either send the child home, take them home or call their parents to pick them up.
The town’s bylaw says the move is in response to the fact that some young people are on the streets late at night unsupervised by adults, which presents a danger to their health and safety.
The town follows numerous other Alberta cities and towns that have passed similar bylaws. Red Deer’s youth curfew comes into effect between midnight and 6 a.m. and applies to children under the age of 16, with similar exemptions for work and volunteer work. In Slave Lake, the youth curfew starts at 11 p.m. during the week and shifts to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Bruderheim is about 55 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
sxthomson@postmedia.com
twitter.com/stuartxthomson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/youth-curfew-now-in-effect-in-bruderheim | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/244c3a388cf20061c137cc71f3cb9afbef78ab133fbed25e964c580991c6d869.json |
[
"Gerry Moddejonge"
] | 2016-08-27T04:45:57 | null | 2016-08-27T04:15:11 | Coming into Edmonton on Friday, Chris Jones was already well in the ditch. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fregina-rebuild-not-going-eskimos-smooth-for-chris-jones--turnovers-the-telling-stat--reilly-taking-aim-at-big-yards.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870992844_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Regina rebuild not going Eskimos smooth for Chris Jones ... Turnovers the tellin | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Coming into Edmonton on Friday, Chris Jones was already well in the ditch.
After steering a rebuilding Edmonton Eskimos straight down victory lane last year, the club's former head coach and defensive co-ordinator is having trouble even finding the gas pedal this year in Regin a.
Of course, it would help if the Saskatchewan Roughriders VP of football ops, GM, head coach and defensive co-ordinator didn't continue to overhaul his roster engine mid-race.
Never mind about the illegal bodies that had been milling around Mosaic Stadium for a minute, the Roughriders officially came into Friday with 77 players, and counting, who played at least one game for them this year – CFL active rosters hold 46 at a time. So it's an ongoing rebuild.
When he first arrived in Edmonton in 2014 as a rookie head coach, he only tinkered with the roster by bringing in a handful of former players and bolting them into position alongside a group of established veterans who had already been to the point of rock bottom together.
Finishing with a 4-14 record a year earlier, the Eskimos were rebounding their way back up, finishing 12-6 with an appearance in the division final before improving the next season to 14-4 and hoisting the 2015 Grey Cup.
“There are some similarities but they're two totally different scenarios,” Jones said. “They had a few more veterans, especially on the defensive side, that had been through it and they had lost the year prior, so it was pretty easy to get them to go in the right direction.”
The thing is, it should have been every bit as easy to begin turning the Roughriders around, given the 3-15 record they're coming off of was even worse. And if defensive veterans were such a concern, Jones has to be questioning his release of John Chick, who was tied for the league lead with seven sacks coming into this week's slate of games. And given the fact starting quarterback Darian Durant is back after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in last year's season opener, all signs pointed to at leas some sort of turnaround.
But even with Durant, Jones and Co. are barely on pace to match last season's meagre win percentage.
And with just one win under their belt when they stepped onto the field at Commonwealth Stadium for Friday's opening kickoff, the question is, how low will they go before the only way left is up?
“A lot of things go through your head and you try to make sure that you're not wavering from what you knew was right to start with,” said Jones. “Certainly, you have to have guys that have played together and alongside each other and we're looking to try to get that continuity again.
“Finally, we're getting a few guys back off the six-game (injured list), which is good. But unfortunately we've been in that type of situation. They were starters for a reason at the start of the year, so we're getting the back, slowly but surely, and looking for the continuity.”
But all teams go through injuries. Jones didn't have Mike Reilly for half of last year and got better because of it. By the time he resumed his role as starting quarterback in the Labour Day rematch, the Eskimos didn't lose another game.
So Jones went from ending last year 10-0 with the Eskimos to starting this one 1-7 with Saskatchewan, who for all intents and purposes, are starting over from scratch this year.
“I don't really want to pigeon hole us as to where we are,” Jones said. “We certainly didn't expect to be in this situation, we're just trying to go 1-0 each week.”
TURNOVER TIME
No team has turned the ball over more than the Roughriders over the first eight games of the season.
And that's not good news for the squad that, at the same time, had only earned a league-low 11 takeaways over that same span.
Unless you're an Eskimos defence that's been hawking the ball recently, coming up with five interceptions in their previous three games coming into Friday's game.
“Every week is an opportunity to get the ball,” said Eskimos safety Neil King, who had one of Edmonton's eight interceptions across their first eight games, along with a fumble recovery. “Whether they throw a lot of interceptions, fumble, put the ball on the ground, we just have the mentality as a defence to go get the ball.”
6,000 YARDS?
Reilly came into Friday's game on pace for over 6,000 passing yards – a feat only accomplished by five CFL quarterbacks, including record holder Doug Flutie's 6,619 in 1991. Kent Austin followed up with 6,225 in '92, while Flutie (6,092) and David Archer (6,023) both crested the plateau in '93. The last time it happened was the 6,041 Anthony Calvillo threw in 2004, while Reilly came into Commonwealth Stadium Friday night needing to average 315.7 yards in his last 10 games to reach 6,000. His career high currently stands at 4,207 during his first year with the Eskimos in 2013.
GModdejonge@postmedia.com
twitter.com/SunModdejonge | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/regina-rebuild-not-going-eskimos-smooth-for-chris-jones--turnovers-the-telling-stat--reilly-taking-aim-at-big-yards | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/939a877d7291f0d25558c6ff87b5d942a35d071d6d8e598d444d1fe381694f7a.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:26 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | They may turn on you, Chris Jones, but they are not going to turn away from you. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Froughriders-head-coach-chris-jones--is-taking-heat-for-dismal-start-but-fans-dont-abandon-team.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870577200_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472175362173 | en | null | Roughriders head coach Chris Jones taking heat for dismal start but fans don't a | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | They may turn on you, Chris Jones, but they are not going to turn away from you.
The Eskimos he coached to the Grey Cup last year are favored by almost two touchdowns — 13½ points — over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Yet with 32,432 tickets sold as of 4 p.m. Thursday and 37,000-plus being projected for the ideal evening forecast for the 8 p.m. game, it will draw the largest crowd of this CFL season.
Jones, nattily dressed in a new black suit, didn’t look like a head coach returning to Edmonton with his tail between his legs Thursday. But seldom has a fan base turned on a new head coach (OK, a new VP football operations, general manager, head coach and defensive co-ordinator), like they appear to have turned on Jones in Regina. But they’ll be behind him tonight.
“They are very loyal fans. They care about our football team,” said Jones. “It’s like down south where I’m from. Win or lose, people are in the stands. That’s what football is all about.”
Jones has never been through anything like this before, unless you count a 1-4 start as a baseball manager in his first high school job.
“I’ve never had a start like this. In anything. I was 1-4 as a JV baseball coach in 1991. It was in Newport News, Va. Lynchburg High School. I talk about it all the time. It was real interesting. I thought I was going to be Tommy Lasorda. We were striking out looking. I had them start swinging the bat and stealing on the first pitch. We started winning.”
Despite that experience, he’s requiring advice on how to deal with the situation.
“I’ve been leaning on a lot of people to ask their experience, people that have been coaching a lot longer than I have. They all said the same thing. Just keep doing what you’re doing and be positive. I’m just me. Sometimes they like me, sometimes they don’t. It’s one of those deals. We know it’s worked everywhere else we’ve been, and we’ll continue to do the same things.”
In this one, the Eskimos are coming off a 46-23 win over the Argos in Toronto while the 1-7 Roughriders are reeling from a 53-7 defeat in Hamilton.
In his first year as general manager Chris Jones was so intent on change he decided to drive a self-propelled swather through the existing roster when he took over the team, without thought to the combination that could happen if he got hit by injuries. The result is that Ottawa had way more to work with three years ago as an expansion team.
The Riders, who played 10 new players last week, became the youngest team in the CFL, with 32% of their team being rookies, eight weeks into the season. With two new players for this game — DL Tony Criswell and DB Fred Bennett — Saskatchewan will already have played 79 guys at least one game this season.
Through eight games that was just seven players short of the all-time club record set last year when the 3-15 Riders had 84 different players seeing action. The CFL record is 88 having dressed for at least one game, set by Hamilton in 2013. With the NFL cuts coming, Saskatchewan could hit 100 this year.
“I don’t think you ever start a season thinking you are going to have 20 to 22 guys on the six-game injured list with knees and ankles and whatever. But we just keep going to work,” he said.
Jones, people forget, was not prepared to be a head coach in many aspects when he took the job two years ago in Edmonton. There’s more to being a head coach than coaching.
Remember the fines for the three times Jones didn’t have his team out for the national anthem, not being classy enough to shake hands with other coaches, availability issues with rights holder TSN and no-content media scrums that seldom lasted three minutes?
But he learned from most of that last year and couldn’t be faulted on much as a head coach in his second season.
Jones has made major mistakes in his first year as general manager that got him into this mess.
He’s incurred $80,000 in roster cheating fines and another $26,000 to the salary cap. Yes, everybody cheats with a player here and there on the practice roster or injured list or hidden in town. Norm Kimball once had guys playing in the flag football league. With the roster limits in this league you almost have to. But Jones went and did it by the busload. No doubt he’ll learn from these mistakes, as well.
The shock is that Jones has the worst defence in the league, one that is on pace to set a CFL record for points allowed. The Riders also go into this game not having produced a touchdown in more than 90 minutes.
“We did the things we felt were necessary to put a winning football team on the field. Unfortunately we were dealt some other hands and we just continue to work.
“We’re 1-7. We certainly didn’t expect to be in that situation. We’re just trying to go 1-0 this week.”
terry.jones@sunmedia.ca
@sunterryjones | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/roughriders-head-coach-chris-jones--is-taking-heat-for-dismal-start-but-fans-dont-abandon-team | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e2164aac1f6fde2f08aa8dae8bcb884245464ab4d466404039776753f638c587.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:46:26 | null | 2016-08-29T14:32:31 | More than 300 wild reindeer have been killed by lightning in central Norway. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Flightning-strike-kills-more-than-300-reindeer-in-norway.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871456361_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472480761904 | en | null | Lightning strike kills more than 300 reindeer in Norway | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | STOCKHOLM -- More than 300 wild reindeer have been killed by lightning in central Norway.
The Norwegian Environment Agency has released eerie images showing a jumble of reindeer carcasses scattered across a small area on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The agency says 323 animals were killed, including 70 calves, in the lightning storm Friday.
Agency spokesman Kjartan Knutsen told The Associated Press it's not uncommon for reindeer or other wildlife to be killed by lightning strikes but this was an unusually deadly event.
"We have not heard about such numbers before," he said Monday.
He said reindeer tend to stay very close to each other in bad weather, which could explain how so many were killed at once.
"I don't know if there were several lighting strikes," he said. "But it happened in one moment."
Knutsen said the agency is now discussing what to do with the dead animals. Normally, they are just left where they are to let nature take its course, he said.
Thousands of reindeer migrate across the barren Hardanangervidda plateau as the seasons change. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/lightning-strike-kills-more-than-300-reindeer-in-norway | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/13b0e6f2f7ec9eb33e6b687cfa41711273bdd9f4b134c3c496dcd67b77d67986.json |
[
"Janet French"
] | 2016-08-30T06:46:32 | null | 2016-08-30T06:15:32 | Alberta schools should have counsellors at the ready when they begin teaching students the dark history of Canada’s residential schools, says one of the architects of the Northwest Territories’ curriculum. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fbe-ready-with-trauma-counsellors-after-residential-school-lessons-nwt-educator-says.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871806780_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472531779380 | en | null | Be ready with trauma counsellors after residential school lessons, N.W.T. educat | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Alberta schools should have counsellors at the ready when they begin teaching students the dark history of Canada’s residential schools, says one of the architects of the Northwest Territories’ curriculum.
As the Alberta government begins training 42,000 teachers how to teach First Nations, Inuit and Métis history and perspectives, schools in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut already require high school students to spend 25 hours learning about residential schools’ devastating effects on indigenous people.
All 800 teachers in the Northwest Territories must participate in aboriginal cultural awareness training, said John Stewart, director of instructional and school services with the territory’s education, culture and employment department. Teachers covering residential schools in class must complete a three-day in-service first.
“These are hard issues. I think a lot of people would rather not talk about them. For the future of your province, and the future of the country, we need to,” Stewart said.
In July, Alberta Education Minister David Eggen met with his N.W.T. counterpart, Alfred Moses, at a national meeting of education ministers in Toronto, Eggen’s press secretary, Larissa Liepins, said. Eggen may travel to the N.W.T. near the end of September — the details are still being finalized, Liepins said.
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut introduced mandatory residential school lessons four years ago. As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held hearings across Canada, a previous territorial education minister announced in 2011 the territory would adopt mandatory teacher training and a high school unit addressing the legacy of residential schools.
The commission spent six years collecting stories and evidence of systemic assimilation, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse of indigenous people at the schools. The institutions were complicit in governments’ attempt to isolate indigenous children from their families and eliminate their culture and languages.
The required 25 hours of instruction are part of the northern studies class, which is typically taught in Grade 10, Stewart said. Teachers from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories developed the curriculum together, in conjunction with people who attended residential schools. Lessons began in both territories in fall 2012.
When asked what advice he’d give to the Alberta government, Stewart said developing the lessons in partnership with residential school survivors is “essential.”
When notes went home to parents and guardians cautioning them about the sensitive material to come, some parents had questions — particularly those who had attended residential schools themselves. When parents heard from the survivors involved in developing the lessons, they felt reassured, Stewart said.
“In this kind of issue, if aboriginal people are not involved in the development of it, is it just another thing that is going to be done to them?”
During the truth and reconciliation process, trauma counsellors were trained in communities throughout the north, Stewart said. Those who work in schools are at the ready, around the clock, when students learn about residential schools.
Stewart also recommends both teacher training and residential schools curriculum be mandatory.
It’s too early for any research gauging whether the course has shifted northern students’ attitudes or knowledge toward indigenous people, Stewart said. Early exit surveys and teacher feedback suggest it does.
More time dedicated to First Nations, Métis and Inuit history is just one of many changes expected as Alberta Education overhauls the province’s K-12 curriculum in both English and French during the next six years.
To complement the rewrite, the government is spending $5.4 million over the next three years to prepare 42,000 Alberta teachers to deliver lessons on indigenous history and perspectives. That training is optional for teachers, and will also be offered to teachers with independent and federally run First Nations schools, and other school and school board employees.
jfrench@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/jantafrench | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/be-ready-with-trauma-counsellors-after-residential-school-lessons-nwt-educator-says | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/36572bd51ee6c59abd2239187ba6f053001efcaa60b119eb6610422290f00e11.json |
[
"Michael Traikos"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:37 | null | 2016-08-30T04:15:30 | Even now, Pierre-Luc Dubois still gets goosebumps. It’s been two months since the 18-year-old leapfrogged into the No. 3 spot at the NHL Entry Draft. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fcalder-trophy-favourites-matthews-laine-will-have-lots-of-competition.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871773549_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472527188049 | en | null | Calder Trophy favourites Matthews, Laine will have lots of competition | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -
Even now, Pierre-Luc Dubois still gets goosebumps.
It’s been two months since the 18-year-old leapfrogged into the No. 3 spot at the NHL Entry Draft — a surprise no one, not even Dubois, saw coming — and yet just thinking about that fateful day gives the Columbus Blue Jackets forward prospect the shivers.
A similar effect occurred when Dubois was asked to handicap the upcoming Calder Trophy debate. At first, he sort of blushed. Then he spent a second or two searching for the right answer.
For others, it’s a bit more obvious. Most assume the award will come down to Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine, who were the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the draft. But as someone who already came out of nowhere, Dubois believes the rookie race could get crowded — that is, if he isn’t back playing in junior next season.
“Well, we’ll see,” said Dubois, a 6-foot-3, 212-pound centre. “I think if I’m in Columbus I might have a shot for that. We’ll see. It’s a different level, so it’s new. But if I’m in there, I’ll have a shot.”
The key word was “if.”
With Matthews and Laine, there are no ifs. While nearly 30 prospects had their photos taken for Upper Deck trading cards at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on Monday, most will probably have to wait another year or two before they’re actually NHL rookies.
Not so with Matthews and Laine. Both players skipped Monday’s event because they are preparing for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, with Matthews representing Team North America and Laine playing for Finland. As such, both are not only expected to make their respective NHL teams, but could be counted on for significant contributions right out of the gate.
“They’re special players,” said Ottawa Senators defence prospect Thomas Chabot, the 18th overall pick in 2015. “When I played against them it’s like when I played in the prospects game two years ago against (Connor) McDavid. I don’t think they should have any trouble playing in the NHL next year.”
Unlike most rookies, who sometimes struggle with the jump from junior to the pros, Matthews and Laine have already played professionally against grown men. And not just played against, but dominated.
Matthews, who was raised in Arizona, spent last season in the Swiss league, where he scored 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games. Laine, meanwhile, won a Finnish league championship where he was named playoff MVP with 10 goals in 18 games.
Both played in the world championship, with Matthews leading the U.S. in scoring and Laine claiming tournament MVP honours again. Expecting them to continue that success in the NHL shouldn’t be a stretch.
“Obviously they’re both really good players,” said New York Islanders forward prospect Mathew Barzal, who was the 16th overall pick in 2015. “I’m actually pretty good friends with Auston Matthews. I know him pretty well. He’s pretty unreal. Hopefully, I’m a rookie this year and I can be in that conversation. But both guys are exceptional. It should be fun to watch this season.”
That Barzal and Dubois would put themselves in the rookie discussion with Matthews and Laine is not exactly a case of misplaced confidence. As we saw last season, where an undrafted 24-year-old from Russia won the award, anything can happen.
Tyler Myers, who was the 12th overall pick in 2008, beat out John Tavares and Victor Hedman — the top-two picks in 2009 — to win the Calder Trophy in 2010. A year later, seventh-overall pick Jeff Skinner won the award ahead of top picks Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin.
At this time a year ago, most assumed that the Calder Trophy would come down to McDavid and Jack Eichel, who were the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the draft. But with McDavid missing half the year with injury, Chicago’s Artemi Panarin ended up winning after he finished in the top-10 in overall scoring with 77 points.
A similar result could happen this year, especially if Dubois and fellow top picks such as Edmonton’s Jesse Puljujarvi (fourth overall), Vancouver’s Olli Juolevi (fifth overall) and Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk (sixth overall) can crack their NHL rosters.
“That’s going to be a tight race,” said Blue Jackets defence prospect Zach Werenski, the eighth-overall pick in 2015. “Both are fantastic players. Even outside guys like Puljujarvi and Dubois can make cases for it. It will be interesting to see.”
It is not just this year’s draft class that Matthews and Laine have to worry about. Whether it is Toronto’s William Nylander (eighth overall, 2014) and Mitch Marner (fourth overall, 2015), Arizona’s Dylan Strome (third overall, 2015) or Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen (10th overall, 2015), the Calder Trophy could be up for grabs.
“Every year there’s someone who surprises, so maybe next year there’s going to be a surprise,” said Dubois. “Maybe it’s going to be Auston, maybe it’s going to be Patrik or Jesse.
“Or me also.”
mtraikos@postmedia.com
twitter.com/Michael_Traikos | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/calder-trophy-favourites-matthews-laine-will-have-lots-of-competition | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/ac5e74a38513853affc3819880ebc0bc0651999752c1c5f731a4ea4f826e1fa6.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T00:46:44 | null | 2016-08-30T00:45:41 | As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his first official visit to China, reality squares off against his previous notorious comments. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fwhat-trudeau-should-do-in-china.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871682809_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472515768780 | en | null | What Trudeau should do in China | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his first official visit to China, reality squares off against his previous notorious comments.
At a Liberal fundraiser before the election, Trudeau stated:
“There’s a level of admiration I actually have for China. Their basic dictatorship is actually allowing them to turn their economy around on a dime.”
A poor choice of words.
“Admiration" for a dictatorship is inappropriate when the Chinese regime is alleged to have harvested organs from its citizens (see reports by former Liberal secretary of state David Kilgour and lawyer David Matas), culturally suppressed minorities, including Tibetans, tossed human rights and democracy activists into jail, bullied its neighbours and disregarded international rulings from UN- sanctioned tribunals.
Of course, China has an economic and military presence which requires our engagement on a series of issues.
It is an important trading partner and Canadians of Chinese origin make a tremendous contribution to our country.
China has also benefited from Canada's openness, most significantly when it acquired Candu nuclear technology in the early 1990s.
It has used it to build a new industrial power supply domestically, and now for the export market.
China remains a core market for Saskatchewan potash, Canadian lumber and other products.
We remain a very accessible market for Chinese goods and investment in oil and gas, mining, telecommunications, infrastructure and other sectors.
Consequently, any new engagement with China under Trudeau should reaffirm Canadian values, national interests and rule of law.
Canada should advise Beijing we will not be bullied into conditions which permit temporary foreign workers from China to fill jobs in businesses which should be available to Canadians.
National security assessments must be taken into consideration when investments impact critical infrastructure such as ports in the Arctic, telecommunications, defence or the power sector.
As chair of the cabinet’s intelligence committee, the prime minister should strongly condemn Chinese espionage and cyber attacks on Canada.
Remaining silent in front of President Xi Jinping on this will send the wrong message.
We should speak in support of our friend, Taiwan, which is finding its new, democratically-elected government subject to renewed harassment and bullying by China.
The prime minister should support conflict prevention measures by urging President Xi to respect the Hague ruling on the South China Sea and accept resolutions in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On agriculture and trade, we must respond strongly and swiftly to the recent regulatory prohibitions on Canadian canola, which place a $2 billion market at risk.
This attempt to drive prices down and hurt Canadian farmers should be met with equal penalties on Chinese imports.
Relations with China, including any potential free trade agreement, must be based on mutual respect, not blind admiration.
Canada should be a partner, not a colony.
Indeed it is hard to see how a free trade deal is possible given the tenuous state of the rule of law in China.
I do wish the prime minister well on his visit, and remind him that Canadians will be watching closely to see how he champions these issues, including the rights of 300,000 dual nationals who reside in Hong Kong, and are seeking greater consular support from their government in Ottawa.
If this is a time for engagement with China, it is most definitely not a time to abandon our principles and national interests.
-- Clement is the MP for Parry Sound and a Conservative leadership candidate | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/what-trudeau-should-do-in-china | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/50eb43107cec7a0928f55549c8d6963a0af550c702b553256dd2742dd606d5d7.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T22:46:05 | null | 2016-08-27T22:33:48 | Actor, writer and director John Schneider, known for his past role on The Dukes of Hazzard and current role on The Haves and the Have Nots, thought the first flood he experienced at his Louisiana production studio was bad. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fdukes-of-hazard-stars-home-flooded.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871108070_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472336945388 | en | null | 'Dukes of Hazard' star's Louisiana home flooded | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | NEW ORLEANS — Actor, writer and director John Schneider, best known as Bo Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard, thought the first flood he experienced at his Louisiana production studio was bad.
Now, he knows there are different levels of what’s considered “bad.”
Schneider’s Livingston Parish-based studio — which includes his home, offices, cars, wardrobe, sound stages, and more — flooded in mid-March but the water didn’t get into his 116-year-old home. This time around, he wasn’t as lucky.
He says overflow from the Tickfaw River this month inundated all of his property in Holden, flooding his home with about 4 feet of water as well as another house in which his mother lives. He says he’s lost a lot of memorabilia and equipment but his situation is not unique. About 90% of the homes in the parish were flooded.
Still he says the response by friends and strangers has been amazing. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/dukes-of-hazard-stars-home-flooded | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a0186419ab1faa5387d867c12975fc8e2dc32dd04a285842b6149d2c58954292.json |
[
"Nicole Feenstra"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:32 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | Find the top 10 travel deals and packages in our gallery. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Flast-blast-of-summer-top-end-of-summer-travel-deals---2016.json | http://www.edmontonsun.com/assets/favicon.ico | en | null | Last blast of summer: Top end-of-summer travel deals - 2016 | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | With the summer of 2016 drawing to a close and the school days set to begin again, enjoy one last blast of summer with your family on a late summer, Labour Day or early September getaway. Find the top 10 travel deals and packages in our gallery.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Mexico: Squeeze in a little R&R in Mexico before summer ends with the Sunsets, Spa and Savings package from CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, located on the beach near downtown Puerto Vallarta. The package includes a $50 food and beverage credit per night, free WiFi and access to the Ohtli Spa wellness areas, including sauna and whirlpool. Rates start at US $119 per night. Book by Sept. 30, 2016 for stays through Dec. 22. Visit marriott.com for more information or to book with code P91. (Courtesy CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa)
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, B.C.: Driving up the Sea to Sky Highway this weekend? Stop in Squamish on a Saturday and ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for 50% off -- or CDN $20.97 for an adult ticket. Offering beautiful views of Howe Sound, this gondola ride is a unique way to experience some of B.C. most beautiful vistas. Offer ends Sept. 10, 2016. Mention "50 after 5" at the ticket window to receive the discount. See seatoskygondola.com for details. (Victoria Revay/Postmedia Network)
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, New York: Located on the St. Lawrence River, just south of the Canadian border, the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is a great place to experience a number of outdoor activities before the summer weather comes to an end. Kayaking, river cruises, whitewater rafting and fishing are all available at this AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel. Book the Bed & Breakfast package and receive a breakfast voucher for use at Seaway Grille. Rates start at US $219. See 1000islandsharborhotel.com for more information. (Courtesy 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel)
Bermuda: There are nearly a dozen ways to keep summer going in Bermuda, thanks to the Bermuda Tourism Authority's Splash Sale. Eleven hotels on the island are offering up to 30% off rates when booked by Sept. 12, 2016. Participating properties include the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Fairmont Southampton, Royal Palms Hotel, and Coral Beach & Tennis Club. Book at gotobermuda.com. (Courtesy Bermuda Tourism Authority)
Westin Calgary: Working on your fitness? The Westin Calgary is here to help travellers keep their fitness goals this summer -- even when away from home. Join trainers from CrossFit Ramsay Calgary for sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. The CrossFit classes for Westin Calgary have been developed as overall workouts that enhance areas of fitness including cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength and flexibility. Sessions are available at a cost of $20 per person and guests can register for the program at the front desk. Room rates start at CDN $159. See westincalgary.com for full details. (Courtesy Westin Calgary)
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave: Heading to the Windy City? Book a stay at the Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave -- located in the historic Chicago Motor Club building -- for a getaway that's close to all the attractions Chicago has to offer. The hotel is offering the Park & Stay package this summer, which includes complimentary valet parking service, free WiFi and free breakfast. Accommodations, a tour of the preserved historic elements of the hotel and a photo op with the famous 1928 Ford Model A in the lobby are also included. Rates start at US $159. Visit hamptonchicago.com for full details. (Courtesy Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave)
Atlantis, Paradise Island, the Bahamas: Escape to paradise at the luxurious Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The resort is offering a tempting all-inclusive package to travellers, with rates starting at CDN $385 per adult, per night for a stay in a Beach Tower Terrace View room. Included in the all-inclusive package is all meals at select restaurants, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities, WiFi and select activities. Book now through Dec. 16, 2016 for travel until Dec. 20. For full details, see atlantisbahamas.com. (Nicole Feenstra/Postmedia Network)
Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, Ont.: The whole family will love a swashbuckling adventure on one of the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre's steamships this summer. Board the Wenonah II or North America’s oldest operating steamship, the RMS Segwun, for the Pirate Cruise or other themed kids' cruises, like the Intergalactic Adventure Cruise, Noah's Ark Adventure or Ice Queen and Snow Princess. Muskoka Discovery Centre -- celebrating its 10th anniversary this year -- also has a variety of exhibits on display. Rates for the pirate cruise start at CDN $11.50 for kids ages two to five, $22.95 for kids ages six to 12 and $39.95 for adults. See realmuskoka.com for additional pricing information and cruise details. (Courtesy Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre)
Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa, Orlando: Located within walking distance from Disney Springs and a short drive from Walt Disney World, this hotel is a family-friendly destination for a late summer trip. Kids can watch nightly theme park fireworks from their rooms or meet Disney characters at the Disney Character Brunch every Sunday. Rates start at US $99. See buenavistapalace.com for more information. (Courtesy Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/last-blast-of-summer-top-end-of-summer-travel-deals---2016 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e2cbfa87da2e77148dba3a8aa55a92ad533f93574690b0b1c772cec0c4903109.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T16:46:17 | null | 2016-08-28T16:15:33 | Mourners are gathering Monday for the funeral of a pedestrian who was struck by a pickup truck on a northern Alberta road before a responding RCMP vehicle may have hit him again. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Ffuneral-monday-for-pedestrian-who-died-on-a-northern-alberta-road-after-being-hit-by-a-truck-and-then-possibly-a-responding-rcmp-vehicle.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871225431_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472401217051 | en | null | Funeral Monday for pedestrian who died on a northern Alberta road after being hi | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Mourners are gathering Monday for the funeral of a pedestrian who was struck by a pickup truck on a northern Alberta road before a responding RCMP vehicle may have hit him again.
Friends have identified the victim as Tracy Lyle Janvier, 41, of Janvier. His funeral is being held in the northeastern Alberta community, about 400 kilometres north of Edmonton, at 11 a.m.
Alberta's police watchdog agency is investigating the fatal collision that occurred early on Aug. 21 on Highway 881, about 75 kilometres south of Fort McMurray. RCMP first received calls about a male pedestrian walking southbound in the middle of the highway. A Mountie was dispatched to the scene, shortly after which a further call reported the pedestrian had been struck by a pickup truck, according to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).
The officer who was responding was advised of the collision and Emergency Medical Services was also dispatched. The officer approached with emergency equipment activated and came upon several vehicles pulled over. When the officer drove past the vehicles, a man who was standing on the roadway was struck in the hand by the police vehicle. ASIRT is investigating that collision as well as whether the injured pedestrian lying on the roadway, who died on scene, was also struck by the police vehicle.
The occupants of the vehicle that first struck the pedestrian stopped, reported the matter, and attempted to provide aid to the man. Additional vehicles also stopped at the scene to provide assistance, including a large commercial vehicle.
ASIRT is still seeking assistance in locating the driver of the commercial vehicle who may have witnessed some of the incident. The agency asks any other witnesses to contact investigators at 780-644-1483. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/funeral-monday-for-pedestrian-who-died-on-a-northern-alberta-road-after-being-hit-by-a-truck-and-then-possibly-a-responding-rcmp-vehicle | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2ca2b2f7900d4708af60a03c35818580af881d497ecedb0870d1b834507d9ba4.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:46:38 | null | 2016-08-30T12:15:40 | Ottawa jihadi Ashton Larmond was so bent on joining the Islamic State that days after authorities revoked his passport he started making secret plans to leave Canada undetected, crossing first into Alaska, then travelling to Russia by boat, and ultimately to Afghanistan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fashton-larmonds-secret-plan-to-join-isil.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297698309948_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472552759307 | en | null | Ashton Larmond's secret plan to join ISIL | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Ottawa jihadi Ashton Larmond was so bent on joining the Islamic State that days after authorities revoked his passport he started making secret plans to leave Canada undetected, crossing first into Alaska, then travelling to Russia by boat, and ultimately to Afghanistan.
Larmond had originally booked a flight for Istanbul to later join ISIL in Syria but authorities invalidated his passport three days before his scheduled Sept. 20, 2013 departure.
Increasingly frustrated about his travel ban, Larmond confided to an undercover RCMP agent that he was making plans to “escape Canada completely off the radar,” according to court filings from Larmond’s surprise guilty plea on Friday. He’s now serving 17 years in prison for counselling a person to carry out a terrorist activity.
In secretly-recorded conversations with the undercover agent, Larmond said he wasn’t afraid of going to prison, and noted that by the time he got out, he’d be a “very bad, well-versed person.”
In a search of his apartment on the day of his arrest — Jan. 9, 2015 — the RCMP found a book of handwritten notes, including co-ordinates for a location near a Russian Arctic port town off the Siberian sea.
Larmond started selling all his belongings and began assembling a survival kit for his jihad journey. At the time of his arrest, he had gathered the following gear: a red waterproof bag, a Zippo lighter, a magnifying glass, a master lock, a Canada Goose patch, “Middle Eastern clothing” with scarves and blanket, all stuffed in a green backpack. He had also purchased a black winter coat and was making inquiries about buying a winter tent, bag liners, camouflage gear, a backpacking frame and a snowmobile.
The Mounties found a list of the items he still needed, including orientation supplies, medical grade stitches, water filtration, orientation equipment, a fishing rod, bear bow (20 arrows), an AR-15 rifle (1,000 rounds), a buck knife, snare trap kit, throwing axe, combat shovel, hacksaw, clothes and camping gear.
The Mounties intensified their sights on Larmond after they intercepted online messages between him and fellow Ottawa convert John Maguire, a one-time hockey-playing punk rocker who radicalized before leaving Canada on Dec. 6, 2012 to join ISIL in Syria. Maguire, believed to have been killed in Syria, appeared in a highly-publicized ISIL recruitment video released on Dec. 7, 2014. In the video, Maguire declared a religious war on Canada and urged other Muslims to either go fight for ISIL overseas or launch attacks on Canadian soil.
In the Facebook and Skype conversations, Larmond said he longed to join his friend and the fight in Syria but visas and permits were a hassle and the RCMP and CSIS were shaking him down.
“I didn’t worry about any of that, just hopped on a plane. This country is very unstable so there was (no) need to worry about a visa or working permit,” Maguire messaged in August 2013.
Larmond and Maguire are said to have met at a lecture in 2012 and built a friendship based on their extremist views of Islam, with a shared desire to wage terrorism abroad.
Months later in November 2013, Larmond texted Maguire saying he was finding it hard to cope in Canada
“I love Canada, but don’t want to live here. I need to get my passport back.” (It had been revoked after he purchased a ticket to Turkey, the same route Maguire used.)
“I’m struggling here,” Larmond said.
“Like I think the government here thinks I’m a criminal/terrorist or something just cause we talk and we friends. Its messed up. Just because I support those who fight against those who kill innocent people,” (sic) said Larmond.
Larmond, a one-time Vanier drug dealer, helped radicalize his less-dominant twin brother Carlos, who pleaded guilty on Friday to trying to leave Canada to commit terrorism abroad. He was arrested at a Montreal airport on Jan. 9, 2015 after checking in for a flight bound for Frankfurt en-route eventually to Syria.
Carlos Honor Larmond, 25, is now serving seven years in prison, along with accomplice Suliman Mohamed, 23, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit terrorism.
The sentencing judge said homegrown terrorism is a virulent form of cancer and that the terror trio’s plans were a betrayal of the teachings of Islam.
The RCMP informant who infiltrated the Ottawa terror cluster was paid at least $800,000, including $250,000 in advance to testify at preliminary hearings that never happened.
The informant, a Muslim convert originally from New Brunswick, went from working at an Ottawa paintball shop to wearing a wire against jihadis — including the Larmond twins, their friend Suliman Mohamed and suspected ISIL fighter Khadar Khalib. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/ashton-larmonds-secret-plan-to-join-isil | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/088990a958e72b31e0acd59e1121b8654f6ef6f56d5e7340f18794b7b37ab070.json |
[
"Darryl Sterdan"
] | 2016-08-26T14:46:11 | null | 2016-08-26T14:32:16 | It’s almost September, and you know what that means: Summer’s over. Time to go back to school. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ffall-music-preview-2016-must-hear-albums-from-metallica-green-day-and-beck-top-the-list.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869458622_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472188046173 | en | null | Must-hear albums from Metallica, Green Day and Beck top | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | It’s almost September, and you know what that means: Summer’s over. Time to go back to school. Time to get back to work. And time for me to crank out another Fall Music Preview intro. But here’s the thing: After nearly 20 years, I’ve used every fall pun, harvest quip and seasonal metaphor in the book. So how about we just cut to the chase? As always, artists of all styles and stripes are dropping albums between now and December. So here are the most-anticipated additions to your playlist, plus some finger-crossers, reissues and more. Naturally, it’s all subject to change without notice. Just like autumn weather. (Sorry; old habits die hard.)
SURE THINGS
Metallica | Hardwired … To Self-Destruct
Lars Ulrich says the hard rock heroes’ return after eight years will be leaner, tighter and less frenetic. The thrashing three-minute title track is a good start. (Nov. 18)
Beck | TBA
Giddy up! Based on wide-eyed cut Wow, Beck’s back in an upbeat mood on the followup to 2014’s introspective Grammy-winner Morning Phase. (Oct. 21)
Green Day | Revolution Radio
It’s not American Idiot 2 — but Billie Joe and the boys are back in rabble-rousing form on their politically charged dozenth disc and single BANG BANG. (Oct. 7)
Nick Cave & Bad Seeds | Skeleton Tree
Little more than a year after the tragic death of his son, the British singer-songwriter delivers what is likely to be a deeply personal and dark work. Even for him. (Sept. 9)
Bon Iver | 22, A Million
Remember when Justin Vernon and co. were an indie-folk band? Based on the glitchy experiments of this third set, those days are gone forever. (Sept. 30)
Leonard Cohen | You Want it Darker
Everybody’s favourite 82-year-old folk-poet laureate returns with the third album in his latest lauded comeback — and it’s produced by son Adam. (TBA)
Kings of Leon | We Are Like Love Songs
Album No. 7 from the southern rockers reportedly includes songs about Caleb Followill’s supermodel wife and haunted hotels. You know, common-man stuff. (TBA)
Wilco | Schmilco
Wilco’s pendulum always swings — and after the freewheeling fun of 2015’s Star Wars, it’s swung back to their softer, more introspective side here. (Sept. 9)
Danny Brown | Atrocity Exhibition
The idiosyncratic rapper’s fourth album takes its title from a Joy Division song and a J.G. Ballard novel. Based on the track Pneumonia, that sounds about right. (Sept. 30)
M.I.A. | A.I.M.
The button-pushing British rapper has claimed this fifth full-length will also be her “last LP.” If that’s true, here’s hoping she goes out with a bang. (Sept. 9)
Drive-By Truckers | American Band
If the half-mast flag on the cover isn’t clear enough, titles like Surrender Under Protest tell you what to expect from these mighty southern rockers. (Sept. 30)
Van Morrison | Keep Me Singing
Will the mercurial Belfast Cowboy’s 36th album be a return-to-form classic, another self-indulgent sojourn, or a phoned-in toss-off? The answer may surprise you. Or not. (Sept. 30)
Pixies | Head Carrier
Black Francis and his reconstituted Pixies didn’t wow fans with 2014’s Indie Cindy. Lucky they’ve still got enough goodwill to get another kick at the can. (Sept. 30)
Sting | 57th & 9th
El Stingo claims his 12th album will be “rockier than anything I’ve done in a while.” Well, it would have to be. (Nov. 11)
Bon Jovi | This House is Not For Sale
Maybe not — but Jon Bon Jovi and co. have rented out Richie Sambora’s room to Canadian guitarist Phil X on this 14th disc. (Oct. 21)
Michael Bublé | Nobody But Me
The title single from Mr. Bubble’s ninth album updates his sound with Mark Ronsonesque production and a rap verse. Hope mom can handle it. (Oct. 21)
Shawn Mendes | Illuminate
The men don’t know, but the little girls understand. (Sept. 23)
DEFINITE MAYBES
Rolling Stones | TBA
Keith Richards has said the World’s Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll band will release a bluesy album — their first since 2005 — “in the autumn some time.” From his lips to Mick’s ears.
Lady Gaga | TBA
Mother Monster hasn’t announced her new disc yet, but with the new single Perfect Illusion due in September, could an album really be far behind?
U2 | Songs of Experience
Depending on which report you believe, Bono and co. could be force-feeding music into your iTunes sometime before the end of the year.
Iggy Azalea | Digital Distortion
The Aussie rapper and alleged cultural appropriator has said her sophomore album is finished. Then again, she’s also said it would be out in August, so tick-tock, Ig.
REISSUES & BOX SETS
Pink Floyd | The Early Years 1965-1972
“I’d quite like to have a go at (reissuing) the early years,” Nick Mason told me in 2014. Based on this 27-disc box, he wasn’t kidding. (Nov. 11)
The Rolling Stones | The Rolling Stones in Mono
Mono versions of the Stones albums up to Let it Bleed — plus a comp of rarities — in a 15-CD box. (Sept. 30)
David Bowie | Who Can I Be Now? (1974-1976)
The Thin White Duke’s mid-’70s output in a 12-CD box that includes unreleased album The Gouster. (Sept. 23)
Led Zeppelin | Complete BBC Sessions
The original 1997 compilation has been expanded to three CDs. (Sept. 16)
Bruce Springsteen | Chapter and Verse
A companion piece to The Boss’s Born to Run memoir, the 18-song comp includes five unreleased oldies. (Sept. 23)
Jack White | Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016
Album tracks, B-sides, and alternate takes from The White Stripes, Raconteurs, and Jack’s solo catalog. (Sept. 9)
Big Star | Complete Third
Every demo, rough mix and finished master of Alex Chilton and the Memphis cult heroes’ final album. Say thank you, friends. (Oct. 14)
The Beatles | Live At The Hollywood Bowl
The Fabs’ collection of 1964 and ’65 L.A. performances makes its CD debut — with previously unreleased extras. (Sept. 9)
David Bowie | The Man Who Fell To Earth
The soundtrack to Bowie’s 1975 film reappears for the first time in decades. (Sept. 9)
Oasis | Be Here Now
Liam and Noel’s 1997 outing gets updated with two discs of B-sides, extras and demos. But no reunion tour — yet. (Oct. 7)
Creedence Clearwater Revival | 1969 Archive Box
LPs and CDs of Bayou Country, Green River and Willie & The Poor Boys, plus three EPs, a 60-page book and more. (Sept. 9)
Fleetwood Mac | Mirage (Deluxe)
Mac’s 1982 offering is their latest disc to get the makeover treatment with a slew of rarities, live recordings and more. (Sept. 23)
My Chemical Romance | The Black Parade (10th Anniversary Edition)
The New Jersey emo-punks’ magnum 2006 opus returns, augmented with plenty of demos and outtakes. (Sept. 23)
Eric Clapton | Live in San Diego With Special Guest JJ Cale
Slowhand and the man who penned hits like Cocaine team up in this 2007 concert. (Sept. 23)
Jimi Hendrix | Machine Gun: Fillmore East First Show 12/31/1969
You’ve heard it all before on bootlegs and various compilations — now hear it again in sequence and newly mixed by Eddie Kramer. (Sept. 30)
Temple of the Dog | 25th Anniversary Reissue
The Pearl Jam/Soundgarden supergroup regroup for the silver anniversary of their sole album. (Sept. 30)
ALSO ON THE WAY
Sept. 2
• Izzy Bizu | A Moment of Madness
• Chatham County Line | Autumn
• Frightnrs | Nothing More To Say
• Goblin C**k | Necronomidonkeykongimicon
• Jamie T | Trick
• James Vincent McMorrow | We Move
• Angel Olsen | My Woman
• King Crimson | Radical Action to Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind
Sept. 9
• Jason Aldean | They Don’t Know
• Bastille | Wild World
• Billy Ray Cyrus | Thin Line
• Dear Hunter | Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional
• Gavin DeGraw | Something Worth Saving
• Grouplove | Big Mess
• Head and the Heart | Signs of Light
• Okkervil River | Away
• Pansy Division | Quite Contrary
• Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau | Nearness
• Dex Romweber | Carrboro
• St. Paul and the Broken Bones | Sea of Noise
• Teenage Fanclub | Here
• Time Jumpers | Kid Sister
• KT Tunstall | KIN
• Chely Wright | I Am the Rain
Sept. 16
• Against Me! | Shape Shift With Me
• Michael Chiklis | Influence
• Chixdiggit! | 2012
• Dawes | We’re All Gonna Die
• Deap Vally | Femejism
• Die Antwoord | Mount Ninji and Da Nice Time Kid
• Handsome Family | Unseen
• Keaton Henson | Kindly Now
• Ian Hunter & The Rant Band | Fingers Crossed
• Kool Keith | Feature Magnetic
• Lang Lang | New York Rhapsody
• Aaron Lewis | Sinner
• Mac Miller | The Divine Feminine
• Meat Loaf | Braver Than We Are
• Willie Nelson | For the Good Times: A Tribute to Ray Price
• Madeleine Peyroux | Secular Hymns
• Phantogram | Three
• Preoccupations | Preoccupations
• Royal Canoe | Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit
• Southern Culture on the Skids | The Electric Pinecones
• Taking Back Sunday | Tidal Wave
• Tinie Tempah | Youth
• Touché Amoré | Stage Four
• AlunaGeorge | I Remember
• Petula Clark | From Now On
Sept. 23
• Airbourne | Breakin’ Outta Hell
• Devendra Banhart | Ape in Pink Marble
• Billy Bragg & Joe Henry | Shine a Light: Field Recordings from the Great American Railroad
• Every Time I Die | Low Teens
• Skylar Grey | Natural Causes
• Kansas | The Prelude Implicit
• Hamilton Leithauser Rostam | I Had a Dream That You Were Mine
• Idina Menzel | idina.
• Randy Newman | Songbook Vol. 3
• Operation: Mindcrime | Resurrection
• Passenger | Young as the Morning Old as the Sea
• Lee (Scratch) Perry | Must Be Free
• Reckless Kelly | Sunset Motel
• John Scofield | Country for Old Men
• Dwight Yoakam | Swimming Pools, Movie Stars …
Sept. 30
• Herb Alpert | Human Nature
• Banks | The Altar
• Doyle Bramhall II | Rich Man
• Crowbar | The Serpent Only Lies
• Craig David | Following My Intuition
• Amy Lee | Dream Too Much
• Marillion | F E A R
• Opeth | Sorceress
• John Prine | For Better, or Worse
• Regina Spektor | Remember Us To Life
• Suicidal Tendencies | World Gone Mad
• S U R V I V E | RR7349
• Bob Weir | Blue Mountain
• Yellowcard | Yellowcard
• New English Beat feat. Ranking Roger | Bounce
Oct. 7
• Alter Bridge | The Last Hero
• Colbie Caillat | The Malibu Sessions
• Devil Wears Prada | Transit Blues
• Melissa Etheridge | MEmphis Rock and Soul
• Barry Gibb | In the Now
• Norah Jones | Day Breaks
• Kaiser Chiefs | Stay Together
• Meshuggah | The Violent Sleep of Reason
• NOFX | First Ditch Effort
• Pitbull | Climate Change
• Seasick Steve | Keepin’ the Horse Between Me and the Ground
• Shovels & Rope | Little Seeds
• Todd Snider | Eastside Bulldog
• Sum 41 | 13 Voices
• Dean Ween | The Deaner Album
• Glen Phillips | Swallowed by the New
Oct. 14
• Bell X1 | Arms
• Dillinger Escape Plan | Dissociation
• Justin Hayward | All the Way
• Colin James | Blue Highways
• Jamie Lidell | Building a Beginning
• French Montana | MC4
• Conor Oberst | Ruminations
• Two Door Cinema Club | Gameshow
Oct. 21
• David Crosby | Lighthouse
• KoRn | The Serenity of Suffering
• Madness | Can’t Touch Us Now
• Pretty Reckless | Who You Selling For
• Rumer | This Girl’s In Love (A Bacharach & David Songbook)
• John K. Samson | Winter Wheat
Oct. 28
• Kenny Chesney | Cosmic Hallelujah
• LeAnn Rimes | Remnants
• Dee Snider | We Are the Ones
• Testament | The Brotherhood of the Snake
• Tove Lo | Lady Wood
Nov. 4
• Lambchop | FLOTUS
Nov. 11
• Enigma | The Fall of a Rebel Angel
Twitter: @darryl_sterdan
dsterdan@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/fall-music-preview-2016-must-hear-albums-from-metallica-green-day-and-beck-top-the-list | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/d2b6645681f1a4fcbcc1e03c712fe6518d665159195877e235750bb6eff4ae7e.json |
[
"Derek Van Diest"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:00 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | Jen Kish was back on familiar soil after a bronze-medal performance with the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fcanadas-bronze-medal-rugby-7s-captain-jen-kish-hopes-sport-gets-olympic-boost.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870603949_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Canada's bronze medal Rugby 7's captain Jen Kish hopes sport gets Olympic boost | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Jen Kish was back on familiar soil after a bronze-medal performance with the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The local Olympian returned to where it all started, visiting the Rockers Rugby Club on Thursday for a meet and greet with her growing legion of fans.
“I didn’t really have any expectations going into Rio, it being my first set of Games, but overall, it was a pleasant experience and walking away with a bronze medal is a real opportunity to grow the game of rugby in Canada and to achieve a dream,” Kish said. “It was hard to really grasp how much support we were getting back home because everything in Rio was blocked, I don’t know why. The only thing I ever saw with the media was someone tweeting something, which there were an awful lot of comments coming that way, but I no idea how much advertising in Canada it was doing, having all our games on TV in the lead up to it (bronze-medal game).”
Kish, 28, became an overnight celebrity as captain of the Canadian sevens team. The success of the team helped increase the profile of the sport, which was making its Olympic debut.
Canada won the bronze medal with a victory over Great Britain, who they had lost to earlier in the tournament.
“I think having all the coverage on TV really helped get Canadian fans on board with what we were doing and that with us being a medal contender also helped boost the popularity of our sport with our nation,” Kish said. “But I didn’t really realize we had as much support as we had until I touched down in Toronto and I had people recognize who I was. Now I’m in here in Edmonton it’s continued. I was in Costco and I had people come up and hug me and thank me and tell me how much our team has inspired their kids or themselves to take up the sport. So I think I’m in uncharted territory right now, but it’s exciting and I guess that’s what comes with history.”
The Olympic rugby tournament was an introduction to the sport for many Canadians. Sevens is a scaled-down version of traditional rugby, with high-scoring games and constant action.
“I’m not surprised people got on board once they saw it, because sevens is that exciting,” Kish said. “You don’t really have to know the rules of sevens to know what’s going on. One mistake can lead to a try, that’s what’s exciting about it. It’s a fast, high-speed game and there are bigger collisions and there is a lot of finesse. I’m not surprised that someone who has never seen rugby before watched all six of our games.”
Kish hopes the popularity of the sport in Rio continues once the Olympic buzz has died down. Canada won four of their six games in Rio, losing to Australia in the semifinal before avenging an earlier round-robin loss to Great Britain in the bronze-medal game.
One of the lasting images of the Games was Kish going into the stands to give her father, who battled cancer, a hug after the bronze-medal victory.
“My dad worked really hard to give me the opportunities I have today and to have him there and share that moment with him was the greatest father-daughter moment I could have asked for,” Kish said. “It wouldn’t be possible without him. He’s the support behind my success. I’ll forever be daddy’s little girl and to make him proud like that, it’s like the outcome of his hard work is me and my achievement and it feels so good to be able to do that for him.”
After the rugby competition, Kish stayed in Rio for a few days before returning home to little fanfare, having kept her homecoming quiet.
“I spent five extra days in the village, I got to see track and field, that was the only event I got to go to, otherwise I was swamped with media,” she said. “We were on a sightseeing visit in July prior to the Games and we got to do all the tourist stuff. So I didn’t want to stay an extra week or 10 days in the village when I could be at home relaxing with my family and friends and reconnecting.”
Kish will now take some time off before deciding on her future in the sport. Canada will have a bronze medal to defend in four years time in Tokyo, Japan.
“We have a World Sevens Series and we have five stops,” Kish said. “One of them is in Langford, B.C. I’ll be competing in the World Series and then I’ll take it year-by-year. People ask me about Tokyo, but it’s too early to say.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/canadas-bronze-medal-rugby-7s-captain-jen-kish-hopes-sport-gets-olympic-boost | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/02896eabed00fe2456f5ceb581ffe995520a928831a4b858207a39f51fbfc8dc.json |
[
"Nicole Bergot"
] | 2016-08-26T22:45:55 | null | 2016-08-26T22:15:47 | A city police 24-hour traffic enforcement crackdown resulted in 3,583 violations, including one driver clocked at 114 km/h on the 60 km/h James MacDonald Bridge.Speeding tickets issued by police and automated enforcement during Wednesday’s Operation 24 Hours totalled 3,213, a 41 per cent increase from 2,534 violations issued during the August 2015 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fone-day-enforcement-crackdown-includes-motorist-clocked-at-114-kmh-on-city-bridge.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297811080168_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472245505193 | en | null | One-day enforcement crackdown includes motorist clocked at 114 km/h on city brid | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A city police 24-hour traffic enforcement crackdown resulted in 3,583 violations, including one driver clocked at 114 km/h on the 60 km/h James MacDonald Bridge.
Speeding tickets issued by police and automated enforcement during Wednesday’s Operation 24 Hours totalled 3,213, a 41 per cent increase from 2,534 violations issued during the August 2015 campaign.
The driver of a GMC Yukon travelling 56 km/h over the posted 100 km/h speed limit on Anthony Henday Drive near Manning Drive was issued a compulsory summons ticket. Another vehicle was stopped for travelling 114 km/h on the James MacDonald Bridge, a 60km/h zone.
Traffic Safety Act violations, including equipment and seatbelt infractions, accounted for another 301 violations. There were 44 automated red light violations and officers issued 25 charges for Criminal Code offences.
A traffic stop was also conducted in west Edmonton after police identified a vehicle with a mismatched licence plate. The male driver provided a false name to officers. Further investigation revealed the man had 41 warrants for his arrest, and he was found in possession of multiple identity documents. He was arrested and is now facing more than 20 new charges. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/one-day-enforcement-crackdown-includes-motorist-clocked-at-114-kmh-on-city-bridge | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a6fc22ba80264712922c557a219a55c8d1360b55cdf12ad171ffa0f93f6f9934.json |
[
"Ainslie"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:52 | null | 2016-08-26T12:32:12 | The Edmonton Humane Society is facing a “cat crisis,” its director of operations says. “We call this kitten season,” Corey Mowles said Thursday, explaining the shelter is flooded with newborn cats at this time of year. The shelter has about 500 cats in its care and has reached its cat capacity, he said. As a result, it has had to stop accepting str | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fedmonton-humane-society-facing-a-cat-crisis-as-shelter-reaches-cat-capacity.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870588112_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472178569766 | en | null | Edmonton Humane Society facing a “cat crisis” as shelter reaches cat capacity | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The Edmonton Humane Society is facing a “cat crisis,” its director of operations says.
“We call this kitten season,” Corey Mowles said Thursday, explaining the shelter is flooded with newborn cats at this time of year.
The shelter has about 500 cats in its care and has reached its cat capacity, he said.
As a result, it has had to stop accepting strays until some of the cats are adopted.
At the humane society, prospective adopters can visit with cats young and old to find the perfect match.
[caption id="attachment_557325" align="alignnone" width="1000"] A kitten looks out from a cage at the Edmonton Humane Society. The humane society has reached cat capacity and is no longer accepting stray cats. [/caption]
In a release, the humane society said overcrowding puts cats at a higher risk for stress and disease.
“The root cause of the shelter’s capacity issue is cat overpopulation,” CEO Miranda Jordan-Smith said in the release.
“It’s a strong reminder of how important it is for people to spay and neuter their pets, and it reinforces the need for a societal shift in thinking when it comes to caring for cats in our community and ensuring their humane treatment.”
Until the shelter's cat population is reduced, Mowles urged people to leave healthy, roaming cats where they find them, noting the cats have a better chance of reuniting with their families if they remain in the same area.
The humane society will continue to accept stray cats with health concerns that are found outside the city.
Strays found inside the city can be taken the city’s Animal Care and Control Centre, the release said.
acruickshank@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/ainscruickshank | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/edmonton-humane-society-facing-a-cat-crisis-as-shelter-reaches-cat-capacity | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/0009bac808bf0c3f52f7f86b2f6e67db3382887e58538cc8365825842dd990f1.json |
[
"Chris Doucette"
] | 2016-08-30T02:46:41 | null | 2016-08-30T02:45:43 | When gunfire erupted in an east-end laneway over the weekend, an 11-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy ran for their lives. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fgrandkids-ran-for-life-as-bullets-felled-grandma.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871726891_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472521926795 | en | null | Kids ran for life as bullets felled grandma | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -
When gunfire erupted in an east-end laneway over the weekend, an 11-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy ran for their lives.
Sadly, their grandmother, Peggy Ann Smith, was unable to outrun the gunshots.
The 61-year-old, who was sitting at a patio table enjoying a warm summer evening with one of her daughters and two of her grandkids, was killed by the barrage of bullets fired at a townhouse complex on Don Mount Ct.
“There are a lot of unanswered questions,” Loretta Smith said Monday of her mom’s murder. “We just want justice for her.”
Loretta lives at the top of the street in the same row of townhouses as her sister Lisa, who was with their mom when she was killed.
She was out front of the complex, near Dundas St. E. and Broadview Ave., chatting with a friend when the gunshots rang out in the back laneway around 6 p.m. Saturday. Loretta ran to her sister Lisa’s unit, terrified her daughter Savannah may have been hurt.
She was stunned to see that her mom had been killed.
“My daughter said that they heard someone say, ‘Run,’ and then they started hearing the gunshots go off,” Loretta said, as her sisters, Lisa and Lori, held one another crying on the back porch just steps from where their mother was gunned down.
She said Savannah, Lisa and Lisa’s young son ran to take cover inside.
“My sister said, ‘Run, mom!’” Loretta explained. “She thought (our mom) was right behind her and then she realized that (our) mom didn’t make it.
“They came out after they stopped hearing the gunshots and saw my mom laying there,” she said, adding her sister initially thought their mom fell and hit her head.
But Lisa quickly realized their mom was fatally shot.
“I’m still in shock,” Loretta said. “I’m trying to stay strong for my kids. I have five kids that need me right now.”
Loretta said her daughter, Savannah, who lit candles at a growing make-shift memorial in the laneway Monday, has been seeing the deadly shooting replaying over and over in her mind.
“She’s really shaken up by all this,” Loretta said. “She witnessed her grandmother being shot.”
Peggy grew up in the area and was living in a nearby seniors building.
But Loretta said her “church-going” mom visited the Don Mount Ct. complex daily to spend time with her three daughters, 13 grandkids and a great-grandchild.
“We’re a very close, loving family,” she said. “Everybody loved her.”
“She was just a very caring, loving person who didn’t deserve to die like this.”
Toronto Police homicide investigators are looking for at least two gunmen, possibly three, who fled the scene.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from nearby security cameras and may release images in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the victim’s grief-stricken family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with the financial burden of unexpected funeral costs.
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/2m7aayk.
'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH'
Her 13 grandchildren called her “Nanny Peggy.”
But Peggy Smith was also like a grandma to many residents of her Riverdale neighbourhood and more than 100 gathered Monday night for an emotional candlelight vigil in memory of the slain 61-year-old.
The vigil on Don Mount Crt. began with a local pastor leading the crowd in prayer as Smith’s three daughters and other family members cried uncontrollably.
At least one young child could be heard crying out: “Why nanny?”
“The gun violence is senseless and it needs to stop,” neighbour Joan King told the large crowd in attendance. “Put the guns down.”
Her own home, a few doors down from where Smith was gunned down Saturday, was riddled with bullets just a few months ago.
“Enough is enough,” King said.
Mayor John Tory, holding a lit candle, took a moment to thank everyone on behalf of the family.
“They are obviously dealing with an unspeakable tragedy,” he said. “And I know that they are greatly comforted by all of you being out here.”
Earlier in the day, life-long friend Brenda Desroches described Smith as “a beautiful woman.
“The kids loved her. The grown-ups loved her. Everybody loved,” she said.
Desroches often sits out behind the complex with her friend and said it could have just as easily been her or one of the neighbourhood kids who was gunned down.
“The guns have got to go,” she said. “They are killing innocent people who are loved.”
cdoucette@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/grandkids-ran-for-life-as-bullets-felled-grandma | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2f0b6a2bcf80c1a1be45d29d6cf8509dc53da6b6f2044c7a19d7118d6c9b3c92.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T12:46:11 | null | 2016-08-28T12:15:25 | When Melanija Knavs drove around Ljubljana in a fluffy skirt on a metallic blue Vespa with her boyfriend in the late 1980s, the Slovenian capital was a sleepy town that offered little excitement to rare visitors. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fmelania-trumps-slovenia-has-become-a-tourist-hotspot.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870397794_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Melania Trump's Slovenia has become a tourist hotspot | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, tourists and residents walk across Tromostovje bridges in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this April 16, 2013 photo, a church is seen on the shore of Lake Bled, northern Slovenia. It was at the lakeside Grand Hotel Toplice in Bled where Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, introduced Donald Trump to her parents during their brief visit to Slovenia in July 2002, two years before they engaged. It is believed that it was the last time that the former model visited her native country. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, a limousine is parked in front of a casino in Portoroz, Slovenia. It was in Portoroz in 1992 where Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, got a big break in her modeling career when Slovenia's womens magazine Jana staged its Look of the Year contest. She took second place that gave her the invitation to cast for an international modeling agency in Milan, Italy. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, tourists walk on the seafront in Portoroz, Slovenia. It was in Portoroz in 1992 where Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, got a big break in her modeling career when Slovenia's women magazine Jana staged its Look of the Year contest. She took second place that gave her the invitation to cast for an international modeling agency in Milan, Italy. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, a group of tourists drink beers in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, souvenirs are offered for sale in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, tourists and residents walk by a statue of a dragon, a symbol of the city, in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, padlocks left by couples hang at a bridge in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
In this Aug. 12, 2016 photo, tourists and residents walk over Tromostovje bridges in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Over the past two decades since Melanija Knavs, who later changed her name to Melania Knauss, left her native Slovenia and married American billionaire Donald Trump after pursuing an international modeling career, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no night life, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and night clubs packed with foreigners. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Over the past two decades since Melanie Trump left her native Slovenia, became a model known as Melania Knauss and married American billionaire Donald Trump, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no nightlife, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs packed with foreigners. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — When Melanija Knavs drove around Ljubljana in a fluffy skirt on a metallic blue Vespa with her boyfriend in the late 1980s, the Slovenian capital was a sleepy town that offered little excitement to rare visitors.
Over the past two decades since she left her native Slovenia, became a model known as Melania Knauss and married American billionaire Donald Trump, Ljubljana has turned from a gray and drab place with almost no nightlife, into a lively and picturesque city filled with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs packed with foreigners.
The heart of the city has been closed to traffic, though, so Mrs. Trump would no longer be able to ride by scooter to her favorite cafe, then called the Horse's Tail, near Tromostovje — the charming stone triple bridge in the heart of the city decorated with small dragon-like statues.
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She would also hardly recognize the renovated downtown since she last visited.
The city is dominated by a majestic castle on a hill by the river Ljubljana that splits the town into two. At night, the castle is lit bright green, the city's traditional color. A boat cruise along the river reveals spectacular architecture while street artists play music and perform for visitors.
The city's center on the banks of the river offers romantic dining and other excellent culinary offerings, including an open kitchen on Fridays when chefs prepare international dishes on makeshift stands that serve as an open-air market the other days of the week.
Slovenia, which has become one of Europe's hottest nature destinations after splitting from Yugoslavia in 1991, is privileged to have both an opening onto the Adriatic Sea as well as chunks of the Alps. It is also known for tasty wines and food specialties such as Kranjska klobasa, a juicy pork sausage, or struklji, a traditional Slovene pastry with various fillings.
Slovenia has often been confused in the past with another small central European state, Slovakia. But since Donald Trump joined the presidential race in the U.S., his wife and potential first lady have come into public limelight, along with the country where she was born and raised.
"Whatever you think of Melania, she put Slovenia on the map of the world," said Janez Bosnjak, a Ljubljana resident.
Born in the hilly industrial town of Sevnica in 1970 when Slovenia was part of Communist Yugoslavia, Mrs.Trump's early life has come under media scrutiny — especially after her official biography had her graduating from the Ljubljana university.
Rok Bogataj, who knew her when they studied at the Faculty of Architecture, said she regularly attended lectures but did not graduate.
"I had an impression that she had serious ambitions to finish her studies, but one day she simply disappeared. We heard that she decided to become a fashion model and that she went to Milano," Bogataj said.
For tourists, Ljubljana is the perfect jumping-off point for daily trips to other attractions. The city is the eco-friendly European Green Capital for 2016, and it's located in central Slovenia. The country, which has 2 million people, offers an abundance of contrasting landscapes and cultures and is proud of being the only country in the world with the word "love" in its name.
More than 2.4 million tourists visited in 2014, according to international arrivals statistics cited by the World Bank, more than triple the number who visited in 1995.
One must-see destination northwest of Ljubljana is Lake Bled where emerald-green waters create a spectacular landscape, with a lush, tiny island and a church tower peeking out of evergreens surrounded by the rocky Julian Alps.
It was at lakeside Grand Hotel Toplice in Bled where Mrs. Trump introduced Donald Trump to her parents during their brief visit to Slovenia in July 2002, two years before they engaged. It is believed that it was the last time that the former model visited her native country.
Not far from Bled are the seaside towns of Piran, called the Venice of Slovenia because of the colorful Venetian gothic mansions, and Portoroz, a French-Riviera style resort with luxurious hotels lining along a sandy beach.
It was in Portoroz in 1992 where Mrs. Trump got a big break in her modeling career when Slovenia's women magazine Jana staged its "Look of the Year" contest. She took the second place that gave her the invitation to cast for an international modeling agency in Milan.
"Melania was one of the girls who participated at the event," said Jana's editor Bernarda Jeklin. "I wouldn't say that Melania was outstanding. She was quiet, introverted. But what I remember were her dangerous, tiger-like green eyes." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/melania-trumps-slovenia-has-become-a-tourist-hotspot | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/bb981ee19cca0e1320092f998054df2ccc62d8225f039c954a539d4b5988d0c6.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:46:27 | null | 2016-08-29T18:32:35 | A pic Anthony Weiner took of his
bulging drawers, with his young son
lying next to him asleep in bed, and
texted to a busty brunette friend
appears to have been the last straw
for wife Huma Abedin. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fweiner-down-huma-abedin-announces-split-with-sext-happy-husband.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871535475_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472494153032 | en | null | Weiner down: Huma Abedin announces split with sext-happy husband | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A pic Anthony Weiner took and texted of his bulging drawers, with his four-year-old son lying next to him asleep in bed, has finally felled his marriage.
Wife Huma Abedin announced Monday that, after repeated sexual scandals, she’s leaving him.
The longtime Hillary Clinton aide issued the statement hours after the New York Post hit the streets with the headline: “Pop Goes The Weiner,” and featuring the photo evidence of her husband’s latest sexual slip.
Huma Adebin announced split from Weiner after he was busted sexting this snap with their son https://t.co/dn5zuBmcqp pic.twitter.com/5T0zFtfD3r — New York Post (@nypost) August 29, 2016
“After long and painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband,” Abedin said in a statement. “Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life. During this difficult time, I ask for respect for our privacy.”
She is currently on the road with Clinton’s campaign.
The Post report features conversations and photo exchanges between 51-year-old Weiner and a busty woman identified only as a “40-something divorcee.”
She said she’s been chatting over the phone with Weiner since January 2015, and they’d sent photos back and forth since that time.
Although the former congressman insisted to the Post that their conversations were “always appropriate,” many of the photos featured him shirtless or focused on his crotch. According to some of the released transcripts, he also steered the general conversation regularly to sex.
Weiner, a Democrat, quit Congress in 2011 after it discovered that he was sending women sexually explicit messages. Weiner ran for mayor of New York in 2013, but that bid collapsed after it was reported that he was continuing to sext women under the handle “Carlos Danger.”
Since then, Weiner has remained in the public eye, commenting on politics on a local cable news show. A documentary offering a cringe-inducing inside view of his mayoral campaign and its unraveling played in theatres earlier this year and is set to air on Showtime this fall.
Weiner deleted his Twitter account Monday.
Abedin, 40, is a longtime aide and confidante to Clinton and is often referred to as Clinton’s second daughter. She is widely expected to play an important role in Clinton’s administration if the candidate is elected president.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was quick to react Monday, saying Abedin is “far better off without (Weiner).” But he also used it as an opportunity to take a jab at Clinton’s judgment for keeping Abedin close to begin with.
“I only worry for the country in that Hillary Clinton was careless and negligent in allowing Weiner to have such close proximity to highly classified information,” he said. “Who knows what he learned and who he told? It’s just another example of Hillary Clinton’s bad judgment. It is possible that our country and its security have been greatly compromised by this.”
Where that Weiner has been:
May 27, 2011 - New York City congressman Anthony Weiner accidentally posts a crotch-shot photo of himself on his Twitter account. He removes it quickly, but not before it’s noticed.
May 30, 2011 - He tells reporters his account was hacked and to “move on.”
June 6, 2011 - After questions persist on whether the photo was of him, he tearfully apologizes for lying and admits he’s sexted with several women, though said he won’t resign his congress seat.
June 16, 2011 - After promising to attend therapy, and after TMZ publishes photos of Weiner half-naked in a locker room that he had apparently taken and sent to others, Weiner announces his resignation.
May 21, 2013 - Weiner mounts a comeback and announces he will run for mayor of New York City.
July 23 - More photos surface that he sent under the pseudonym Carlos Danger. Huma promises to stand by him.
September 10, 2013 - Weiner is crushed in the mayoral primaries, finishing with 4.9% of the vote. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/weiner-down-huma-abedin-announces-split-with-sext-happy-husband | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/d6d0ea37cb56b4b600836270ac0393354e11ff5a3a5c9d1b4d14fd2cad8c735d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:46:38 | null | 2016-08-30T20:15:49 | A baby born on a Philippines aircraft earlier this month is destined to become a global explorer after winning one million air points. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fbaby-born-on-cebu-pacific-flight-given-one-million-air-points.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871952410_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472584150456 | en | null | Baby born on Cebu Pacific flight given one million air points | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A baby born on a plane operated by Philippines' Cebu Pacific airline in August 2016 is destined to become a global explorer after winning one million air points. The infant girl, dubbed Haven, was delivered by cabin crew on Cebu Pacific and two nurses on board the plane as it was en route from Dubai to Manila. To celebrate, the airline awarded the baby a million of its in-house loyalty points, which can be used for free travel on its flights and can be shared with Haven's family. (Getty Images)
Passengers aboard an Air Transat flight coming from the Dominican Republic to Montreal were shocked to discover two tarantulas aboard the plane. According to CBC, flight attendants advised passengers to put on shoes and cover their legs after the loose tarantulas were spotted on the April 2016 flight. One of the spiders was captured by a passenger in-flight, while the other was recovered after the plane landed in Montreal. (Getty Images)
Air Malta shared a little love in the skies in April 2015. Flightradar24.com, a live air traffic tracking website, caught an Air Malta plane drawing two hearts in the sky via its flight path over the Mediterranean, before it returned to the island. The website posted updates on the 'love flight' to its Twitter account, which drew the attention of users from around the world. Air Malta later confirmed to the U.K.'s Sky News that a pilot and flight attendant had been married at the airport earlier in the day and were enjoying a post-nuptial flight. Read the full story here. (Flightradar24.com screenshot)
Four koalas took to the skies in Qantas Airways' business class for a posh trip from Australia to Singapore. The koalas - named Paddle, Pellita, Chan and Idalia - were sent by Australia to Singapore to mark that country's 50th independence anniversary. The airline photographed the cute foursome being served eucalyptus and other refreshments by flight attendants before they were safely returned to their specially built climate-controlled containers for the actual flight. Read the full story here. (Twitter/Qantas Airways)
A Penn State-Abington professor was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in Miami after smoking a cigarette and going on a rant about U.S.-Venezuelan relations on a flight from Nicaragua to Miami. In videos posted to YouTube by a fellow plane passenger, Karen Halnon can be seen smoking a cigarette and also rants about President Obama and oil. Halnon told New York's Daily News that the cigarette was a symbol for a smoking gun and her show of support to cigarette-smoking revolutionaries like Fidel Castro. "I know that might sound somewhat esoteric to other people, but I’m an intellectual, so that’s what I intended," she told the Daily News. (Courtesy Miami-Dade County Corrections)
A flight attendant provided passengers with a little in-flight entertainment in March 2015 when she started dancing to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' hit song Uptown Funk. According to the YouTube user who posted the video, the flight attendant is his sister and former break dancer. (YouTube)
Delta Airlines was forced to apologize after their Facebook page was apparently hacked. An article linking to a joke about oral sex, featuring a photo of Urechis unicinctus - a Chinese marine spoon worm - was posted to the airlines' Facebook page for about an hour before it was pulled down. Delta posted an apology for the hack to their Twitter account shortly after. (Delta Airlines Facebook)
A 29-year-old man faces charges for allegedly stealing a megaphone on a Saskatoon-bound WestJet plane Monday night. Saskatoon police say they were called by staff at Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airport about a passenger who stole the device from the galley of the plane. Police boarded the plane after it arrived from Toronto at about 9 p.m. and arrested the suspect. Read the full story here. (Al Charest/Postmedia Network)
Photos of Mexican singer Esmeralda Ugalde sitting behind the controls of a Magnicharters plane mid-flight have gone viral -- and have cost the pilot his job. The U.K.'s Daily Mail reports the singer and a friend were let into the cockpit during a flight from Cancun to Mexico City by the unnamed pilot. Ugalde posted photos of herself holding the plane's controller and wearing the pilot's hat to Twitter, but has since deleted the images. Read the full story here. (Twitter.com/EsmeOficial)
A flight attendant who showed off her curvy body in modelling shoots has been fired by Turkish Airlines. Airline brass decided that Zuhal Sengul, 31, went a little too far in wearing far too little in a photo shoot with an Italian magazine. The head of the airline's union says Turkish Airlines is trying to "shape the company to fit its own political and ideological stance," and the full-figured Sengul, a vegan who has a black belt in karate, isn't portraying a proper image. Read the full story here. (Facebook)
On the day before American Thanksgiving, U.S. airline JetBlue made a game of picking up bags at New York's JFK Airport and adding prize panels to the luggage belt. Suitcases that landed on winning panels from the chute won their owners everything from gloves to a free round-trip flight. Read the full story here. (YouTube)
Siberian air passengers had to get out and push their plane after its chassis froze on Nov. 25, 2014. Passengers pushed the plane until it was able to turn and then a tow truck took over. The flight then took off and went smoothly. Social media was buzzing about the feat, especially after video emerged of the passengers pushing the plane. See the video here. (YouTube)
Dutch airline KLM brought some flyers to tears recently by enlisting their loved ones to write personal messages that were then left on the headrests. After scouring the departures terminal for teary goodbyes, KLM staff took friends and relatives aside and invited them to write a final surprise message that would be attached to flyers' seatbacks. Read the full story here. (YouTube)
Hey Twitter, do you know Katie? Katie from Nova Scotia, Canada? That was pretty much how a global search for an Irishman's crush started. And in a true testament to the power of the Internet, Jamie Kelly has found his airplane seatmate in a love story that's gone viral. They met on a Ryanair flight from Barcelona to Dublin last month. They hit it off and chatted the entire flight. Sparks flew. But the two became separated at the customs line, with the Irishman queuing in the EU-only lane, and Katie Moreau, of Riverport, Nova Scotia, taking the non-EU line. Read the full story here. (Twitter)
US Airways was -- eventually -- embarrassed and apologetic after tweeting a pornographic photo of a woman lying on a bed with a plane inserted into her vagina. The image link was sent to a Twitter user with the message: "We welcome feedback, Elle. If your travel is complete, you can detail it here for review and follow-up." Read the story here. (Twitter)
A U.S. airplane almost collided with an unmanned drone in March 2014 when flying in Florida, according to reports. "The pilot said that the UAS was so close to his jet that he was sure he had collided with it," an FAA official said, according to CNN. "Thankfully, inspection to the airliner after landing found no damage. But this may not always be the case." See the full video here. (Screenshot)
Two violinists broke our their instruments on the tarmac after they were asked to leave a U.S. Airways flight over a dispute on where to store the violins. Zach De Pue and Nicolas Kendall say they haven't had any issues flying with their instruments before and when they refused to store them in the cargo area, they were asked to leave the plane. Waiting for a reslution on the tarmac, the pair took out their instruments and started playing. See the video here. (YouTube)
U.S. customs inspectors at Los Angeles International Airport seized a shipment of several dozen live giant African snails, considered a delicacy in Nigeria but also voracious pests that can eat paint and stucco off houses, officials said. Read the full story here. (U.S. Border Patrol/Handout)
A Chinese traveller was detained in South Korea this weekend after trying to board a plane with a passport that had been seriously defaced by his creative four-year-old son. The child had entertained himself over the family holiday by drawing in his dad's passport with a black pen. Read the full story here. (Courtesy Weibo)
Canada Boarder Services Agency detector dog Max helped find three Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises in a traveller's suitcase in Edmonton in May 2010. The luggage came on a flight from London, England's Heathrow Airport to Edmonton. Read the story here. (Shutterstock)
In late summer 2014, legroom wars broke out on three flights over a two week period. First, United Airlines said flight 1462 from Newark to Denver diverted to Chicago and two were passengers ejected owing to a disturbance after one of the passengers used a $22 gadget dubbed the "Knee Defender" which blocks the seat in front from reclining. Then, a Frenchman was arraigned in Boston after becoming disruptive when the passenger in front of him reclined their seat on American Airlines flight 62 from Miami to Paris. Finally, a 32-year-old woman trying to snooze on a tray table on a flight from New York to West Palm Beach, Florida became the latest offender Monday when the woman in front slammed her seat back, bashing her alleged victim's head at the end of the Labour Day holiday weekend. Read the full story here. (Shutterstock)
Resourceful drug dealers tried to smuggle 11 kg of heroin through Montreal's Trudeau Airport by sewing the drugs into imported rugs. Canada Border Services agents discovered $4 million worth of heroin after they examined a shipment of rugs from Pakistan. The drugs had been hidden inside the hand-knotted woollen fibres of the rugs. Read the story here. (Shutterstock)
It was a shock for everyone when one traveller's bag ripped open on a luggage conveyor belt at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 95 live boa constrictors spilled out into the airport. Read the story here. (Shutterstock)
A pillow fight broke out on this August 2010 flight. The flight attendant was just as involved as the passengers! Watch the video here. (Screenshot)
Rapper Kanye West took over a Delta Airlines PA system on a November 2010 flight and performed part of his hit song "Gold Digger" for a surprised, but very receptive, audience of his fellow passengers. Watch the video here. (YouTube)
The funny in-flight safety instruction speech of a Houston-based Southwest Airlines flight attendant named Martha "Marty" Cobb went viral. "If we could pretend to have your attention for just a few moments, my ex-husband, my new boyfriend and their divorce attorney are going to show you the safety features," Cobb says during the pre-departure safety demonstration. See the video here. (YouTube)
A budget Vietnamese airline says photos of flight attendants in lingerie were leaked from a test shooting and spread online, but are not official promotional photos. VietJet Air was slammed on social media for the photos of the scantily clad ladies. Read the full story here. (Facebook)
A Transport Canada intelligence alert from November 2010 said a passenger thought to be an elderly white man who “appeared to have young looking hands” boarded a flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver, and later emerged from the washroom as an Asian man in his early 20s. After landing in Vancouver, the man claimed refugee status. Read the story here. (Canada Border Services/Handout)
A Sunwing flight bound for Cuba was turned back to Toronto Wednesday due to "two unruly female passengers," the airline says. The Varadero-bound plane, which departed Toronto at 4:30 p.m., was escorted back to Canada by CF-18s. Sunwing said in a statement that the two women drank "a significant quantity of their duty free alcohol purchase in the lavatory and lit a cigarette, triggering the smoke detector alarm. Read the full story here. (Postmedia Network)
An editor for the television show Modern Family live-tweeted her experience with "the worst person in the world" on an American Airlines flight from New York to L.A. Sunday night. The woman, identified as Nadia, was apparently quite drunk. At one point, when her seatmate asked her to turn down the volume on her movie because he could hear it through her earphones, she yelled at him, "Sorry, it's my first time not in first class." Read the full story here. (Twitter)
Authorities investigated how gun parts and bullets ended up stashed inside a four-year-old boy's Mickey Mouse doll and stuffed animals he was carrying aboard a plane in Rhode Island. The father, whose name was not released, told authorities he didn't know the weapons parts were in his son's bag. They were allowed to fly after the items were confiscated. "It appears to be the result of a domestic dispute," Airport Police Chief Leo Messier said in a statement. Read the story here. (TSA/Handout)
An Australian pilot had to make an unplanned landing only 20 minutes after takeoff after a snake slithered out of the dashboard into the cockpit. Pilot Braden Blennerhassett spotted the snake about 20 minutes after takeoff from the Darwin Airport on an Air Frontier cargo flight in April 2012. Read the full story here. (Shutterstock)
A 49-year-old Oregon man became so fed up with airport screening that he stripped naked at Portland International Airport security checkpoint, police said. Some passengers covered their own eyes, as well as their children’s, during the April 2012 incident, while others “stepped out of the screening lanes to look, laugh and take photos.” Read the full story here. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office/Handout)
A 10-hour United Airlines flight from San Francisco to London took off without restocking one important passenger item — toilet paper. ABC News reported staff improvised and provided cocktail napkins for passengers to use in stalls when the toilet paper ran out and labelled a dispenser so passengers knew why the napkins were in the bathroom. Read the full story here. (Postmedia Network files)
A porn company has offered Air Canada pilots free porn for however long they're employed by the airline. Recently, the CBC reported Air Canada pilots have been told to stop taking porn with them into the cockpits. A memo was sent to staff last year warning of possible criminal charges or being fired for bringing inappropriate material to work. In a letter from the website Brazzers, the company offers pilots free porn. Read the full story here. (Postmedia Network)
Passengers got quite a scare Wednesday when a man on their flight sneezed and declared "I have Ebola" - as a joke. Health officials in haz-mat suits escorted the man from US Airways flight 845 Wednesday when it arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from Philadelphia. Read the full story here. (Handout)
A fight broke out at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport last week after a man began hurling homophobic slurs at another passenger in the airport's terminal. The incident was caught on video and posted to YouTube by Andrew Kennedy, who wrote in the video's description that it shows "an extremely troubled unnamed man gets upset, starts a fight and then gets taken down hard." Read the full story here. (YouTube)
If you're worried about the flight you're about to board with your charming but lung-tastic baby, take cues from the parents of Madeline and consider launching a preemptive charm offense with a goodie bag and an advance apology. The strategy did more than mollify Reddit user Ninjashares, who posted a photo of the bag on the online forum: "A baby just handed me this on my flight. I ain't mad." Read the full story here. (Imgur)
A Delta Airlines passenger caused a stir on social media when he decided to live-tweet a flight that had only one other passenger on it. The flight to New York took off with just two passengers after other flyers were re-booked on other flights due to weather related delays. See the full video here. (Twitter)
A video posted by a British TV host has gone viral for capturing the "disgusting" conditions of his pricey first class seat on British Airways. Owen Thomas said he just wanted to show others "...what first class in BA is really like." See the full video here. (YouTube)
'Hangin' With Mr. Cooper' actor Mark Curry was left fuming at an airport in Dallas, Texas in May 2015 after an airline employee randomly confronted him about carrying a loaded weapon. The actor tells TMZ.com, "(I) just walked to (the) first class Delta counter in Dallas. The first thing the lady said to me (was), 'Do you have a loaded weapon?' What? Delta, all black people don't have loaded weapons! That's the first thing she said to me at (the) first class (desk). She didn't say hello, she said, 'Do you have a weapon?' She was black...!" Read the full story here. (WENN.com)
This photo of a lizard on a tray of airplane food, reportedly taken on an Air India flight from Delhi to London, went viral and had the airline issuing a statement that it was nothing more than a hoax. Air India said it had received no complaints about a lizard surprising passengers in-flight, though one source told the Times of India that "a flight attendant got the said meal from the galley and soon after it was placed on to the tray, the passenger was heard screaming." Watch the full video here. (Twitter)
A United Airlines captain threw bullets in a trash bin accessible to passengers and later flushed them down a toilet on board a flight that he was piloting to Germany. A United spokeswoman said that the pilot should not have thrown the bullets in the toilet. She said the pilot hasn't been fired but that the incident is still under investigation. Airline spokeswoman Karen May said the pilot is allowed to carry a gun on domestic flights under a post-9-11 federal program. Read the full story here. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A WestJet flight attendant's funny in-flight safety demonstration has made him a viral sensation. In video posted to Facebook by a Saskatchewan veterinary clinic, flight attendant Michael McAdam can be seen acting out the safety demonstration. Click here to watch the video. (Facebook)
Malaysia Airlines barred passengers from checking in baggage on flights to Paris and Amsterdam in early January 2016 due to "unseasonably strong headwinds" on a longer flight path it is taking. Malaysia Airlines said the longer flight path consumes more fuel and this, combined with "temporary unseasonably strong headwinds, is limiting the airlines' ability to carry baggage in cargo." The airline later changed the policy after social media backlash. Read the full story here. (AP Photo)
Delta Air Lines had to apologize to passengers after a confrontation between two flight attendants in January 2016 led pilots to make an unscheduled landing halfway through the trip. The Aviation Herald, a website that tracks accidents and other incidents involving planes, said Delta flight 2598 was headed from Los Angeles to Minneapolis on Jan. 22 when two flight attendants got into a fist fight and the captain decided to land in Salt Lake City. The Herald said the plane stayed on the ground for more than an hour before resuming the flight to Minneapolis. Read the full story here. (Associated Press files)
A large bulge in a man's pants turned out to be nearly 1 lb. of cocaine, according to reports. Authorities at the Madrid airport in Spain noticed a passenger on a flight arriving from Costa Rica who had "a suspicious package between his legs," according to the official Twitter account of the national police. The man had tucked the drugs between boxers and another pair of underwear. He remains in custody for drug smuggling. (Twitter)
A Endeavor Air flight attendant allegedly stole 1,500 mini bottles of alcohol from flights she worked on and has since been charged with theft, unlawful sale of alcohol and unauthorized transportation of alcohol, according to the Associated Press. Endeavor Air is an affiliate of Delta. Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission investigators say Rachel Trevor sold the bottles for $1 each on Craigslist. (Getty Images) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/baby-born-on-cebu-pacific-flight-given-one-million-air-points | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/caf0c3648561c3f04695ecce4cd355010d178906956a8b6e39c643a76a731dcf.json |
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