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[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-28T04:46:08 | null | 2016-08-28T03:58:30 | Mike Reilly is the quarterback, not the
general manager. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fmike-reilly-and-the-edmonton-eskimos-prepare-for-more-difficult-second-half-of-cfl-season.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297864497697_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472353077661 | en | null | Mike Reilly and the Edmonton Eskimos prepare for more difficult second ha | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Mike Reilly is the quarterback, not the general manager.
But you’d be hard pressed to find another quarterback that has the same kind of eye for the big picture as the Edmonton Eskimos pivot.
When you have Reilly on the team, you don’t need to go in search of GM Ed Hervey to analyze the team headed into the second half of the season.
What we’re dealing with here with the 5-4 Eskimos is a team which lost an entire coaching staff and a significant number of players to both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the NFL, having to forge steel all over again like they did after a 5-4 start last year.
Not once did Reilly mention the Roughriders, but there’s a difference as the Eskimos head into the second half compared to Chris Jones and his now 1-8 team.
“Certain teams are capable of taking the hardships, battling through the adversity and using it to their advantage and making themselves a better team because of it,” is how he phrased it.
“It takes a strong team to do that. It takes strong leadership from the coaching staff and from the core players. Thankfully, I know we do have that in Edmonton.
“There are other teams that can go through that and it can break your team.
“It can go one of two ways when you have to deal with that kind of adversity. I feel lucky to be part of this team because we have the right make up from Ed down and with coach (Jason) Maas. Nobody is looking at the challenges and saying ‘Why do we have to go through this all the time?’ They just take the task at hand and make it work to our advantage.”
He’d better be right, because make no mistake, the Eskimos just went through the easy part of the schedule. The degree of difficulty gets much greater now.
Back-to-back against Calgary. They have yet to play second place B.C. There’s a third game to decide the season series against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who are tied for third with the Eskimos at 5-4. And six of the Eskimos final nine games, including all four in October, are on the road.
In this situation, Reilly says it’s a good thing.
“We get to play the teams that are in front of us. We don’t have to rely on anybody else. To get where we want to be we have the opportunity to go and take care of business.
“We knew there were going to be challenges with the schedule when it first came out. You can’t look ahead. You just deal with the next game on the schedule. Last year we had 17 straight weeks without a bye week.”
One positive is that there’s every expectation the Eskimos will have a better defence in the second half of the season.
“We knew we weren’t looking at much change on offence but that, while we still had our core guys, there was going to be a lot of change on defence.
“We’ve been able to see that the last month with the defence coming together, jelling and starting to play exceptionally good football.”
At this time last year, Reilly was just getting ready to return to the line-up after suffering a knee injury in the opening game of the season against the Toronto Argos in Fort McMurray.
“For me personally, it does feel good to go into the Labour Day game like we are. I don’t even remember when the last time I was healthy and able to start a Labour Day game.”
Last year Reilly came on in relief late in the game in McMahon Stadium then started in the Labour Day Replay in Edmonton where the Eskimos ended a 12-game losing streak against the Stampeders and began a 10-game winning streak that included the Western Final and Grey Cup.
“I guess 2013 was the last time I started a Labour Day game. I’m excited about that because this is the stretch. We always talk about it every year. A lot of people say that the season starts on Labour Day. Since I’ve been here, Calgary has always been the top team in the West when Labour Day starts and that’s an opportunity for us to go there and see how we stack up against that,” he said of the 5-4 Eskimos versus the 6-1-1 Stampeders who are the only team in the league not to have lost a game at home going into their game today against Hamilton. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/mike-reilly-and-the-edmonton-eskimos-prepare-for-more-difficult-second-half-of-cfl-season | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c5b4a8703050d94a46112cdd3c84e4e71a5ff9e06e26723bc6c2c6eb2d91ce18.json |
[
"James Wood"
] | 2016-08-30T20:46:44 | null | 2016-08-30T20:46:16 | Interim Tory Leader Ric McIver says controversial
delegate selection rules for the Progressive
Conservative leadership race may not be the final
word. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fmciver-pans-delegate-selection-rules-for-pc-leadership-race.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297843230758_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472589708590 | en | null | McIver pans delegate selection rules for PC leadership race | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Interim Tory Leader Ric McIver says controversial delegate selection rules for the Progressive Conservative leadership race may not be the final word.
McIver is critical of the PC board's decision on the weekend that five of the 15 delegates from each riding elected to go to next March's leadership convention must be members of the local constituency association board, which the Calgary-Hays MLA says gives too big a role to Tory "insiders."
He thinks sufficient outcry from PC members could lead to that being changed.
"We have a policy convention coming up and several board meetings, so anything that can be done can be undone or changed," said McIver, who is not ruling out a run for the permanent leadership.
But Troy Wason, executive director of the PC party, said he doesn't think the board will reverse course.
"We had a very vigorous debate on Saturday. Some of the votes were very, very close," said Wason, who is not a voting member.
"So as far as, you didn't get your way so you want to go back and revisit it, we would be here till next year, this time."
Party president Katherine O'Neill also said it is "highly unlikely" the board would further amend the delegate ratio, which is aimed at recognizing loyal PC members and ensuring continuity within the party.
The delegate selection rules have attracted criticism from supporters of Calgary Midnapore MP Jason Kenney, who is the only declared leadership candidate and is running on a platform of merging the PCs with the Wildrose.
Kenney backers suggest longtime PC members who serve on boards are less likely to support Kenney's unite-the right plan.
Related: Former PM Harper throws weight behind Kenney's PC leadership bid
Beyond the 15 delegates from each riding, there will be an estimated 400 to 500 automatic delegates as board members, riding presidents and current and former MLAs receive spots.
jwood@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/mciver-pans-delegate-selection-rules-for-pc-leadership-race | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/b51c64685d77a22742cac1a1cb6b98793120c470bec3a5513649babfca3bc903.json |
[
"Mike Strobel"
] | 2016-08-29T00:46:23 | null | 2016-08-29T00:15:04 | Two United Airlines pilots were busted for being drunk as they prepared to fly 141 souls to New Jersey on the weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fsigns-your-pilots-drunk.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297843896130_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472430880641 | en | null | Signs your pilot’s drunk | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Two United Airlines pilots were busted for being drunk as they prepared to fly 141 souls to New Jersey on the weekend.
I hear you. If you had to fly to Jersey, you’d throw back a couple of belts, too.
But this latest in a binge of tipsy pilot arrests, including two Canadians last month, adds yet another disturbing question for the nervous flyer:
How can you tell if your pilots are drunk? I mean, before they pass out at 30,000 feet.
“This is your first occifer speaking! Say, doesn’t that cloud look like a rabbit?”
Good grief. It’s bad enough waiting for the wings to fall off.
Must we also take a whiff in the cockpit as we board? Or ask the crew to walk a straight line down the aisle?
United pilots Brady Grebenc, 35, and Carlos Licona, 45, were arrested by Scottish police at Glasgow’s airport. Their Flight UA162 to Newark Saturday was delayed 10 hours until sober replacements could be found.
Grebenc and Licona are reportedly U.S. military veterans and flight instructors. Grebenc’s LinkedIn profile says he has “3,200+ hours of accident- and incident-free flying in high-performance fixed-wing aircraft.”
It says he specializes in “low visibility approaches” though I do not think that covers being blind drunk.
Brebenc and Licona are to appear in court Monday on charges related to British air safety laws. Drinking and flying, basically.
Was good Scotch involved?
Glasgow was the scene of another drunk flying bust last month. Air Transat captain Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and first officer Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were hauled off their flight to Toronto as it prepared to leave with 250 passengers.
Cabin crew noticed a problem in the nick of time. Perreault and Syed were charged with being over the alcohol limit — one-quarter of that allowed U.K. car drivers — plus abusive behaviour.
How’s your aviophobia now?
One in six of us is afflicted badly enough to avoid planes altogether. Many of us have a touch of aviophobia. Some treat it by getting plastered. But pilots? Some warning signs to watch for:
•Your flight attendant says, “Sorry, we’re out of vodka, sir. The captain is Russian.”
•You notice your Airbus is taking off by way of the car-park.
•The wings of your 747 dip back and forth in time to the soundtrack from the inflight movie.
•The copilot staggers into the lavatory and won’t come out.
•You catch a glimpse of the crew playing beer pong in the cockpit, shouting “Ooooh, that splashed on the auto-pilot!”
•The purser asks if there’s a doctor on board. Or an addictions counsellor.
Just kidding. Naturally, drunk pilots are rare. Most sky jockeys are sober pros determined to get you there in one piece. Drunk drivers are by far a greater evil. But...
There was, for instance, the America West flight out of Miami in 2002. Its pilots downed 350 ounces of beer between them, plus a martini and a burger, and were kicked out of the bar just before 5 a.m., then prepared for takeoff at 10:30 a.m.. They were stopped on the taxiway.
Times have changed.
In the 1950s, a tipsy pilot named Thomas Fitzpatrick — “Tommy Fitz” — landed on New York streets, twice, to win barroom bets. He flew Cessnas, but never mind.
As an ex-boozehound, I can tell you getting high may seem fine. It’s the landing that’s rough.
Strobel’s column usually runs Monday to Thursday. mstrobel@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/signs-your-pilots-drunk | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/6b80cb470ff0369ca6dbfecd84ee02a56db1f81c88990acc66b40b1eba56df30.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:10 | null | 2016-08-27T20:33:46 | Drake has stunned his rumoured girlfriend Rihanna by buying a Los Angeles billboard to congratulate the singer on her MTV Video Music Awards honour. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fdrake-congratulates-rihanna-on-mtv-video-music-awards-honour-with-billboard.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871060360_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472327665963 | en | null | Drake congratulates Rihanna on MTV Video Music Awards honour with billboard | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Drake has stunned his rumoured girlfriend Rihanna by buying a Los Angeles billboard to congratulate the singer on her MTV Video Music Awards honour.
The Umbrella hitmaker is slated to open the ceremony on Sunday, and will also receive the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and Drake wanted to let everyone know how proud he was of her achievement by having the billboard unveiled on Friday.
“Congratulations to Rihanna from Drake and Everyone at OVO (his record label),” it read.
Rihanna proudly shared a photo of Drake’s over-the-top gift on Instagram on Friday, with the caption, “When he extra”, alongside a heart and trophy emoji.
The Hotline Bling hitmaker’s grand gesture has further fuelled rumours the pair is secretly dating. The couple was romantically linked for a brief period in 2010, but the stars have been spending more time together over the last few months, and have shared several steamy sessions on stage together as they performed their collaboration Work during Rihanna’s ANTI World Tour. The singer even bared her breasts for the risque video shoot for the track, in which she danced seductively against Drake wearing a sheer mesh top, leaving little to the imagination.
Meanwhile, Drake, who is continuing his Summer Sixteen tour with fellow rapper Future, is reportedly looking to cash in on the success of musicians releasing short films to accompany their albums, following in the footsteps of Beyonce and Frank Ocean.
A project called Please Forgive Me will feature music from his recent album Views, as well as an original soundtrack by his longtime producer Noah Shebib, reports PageSix.com. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/drake-congratulates-rihanna-on-mtv-video-music-awards-honour-with-billboard | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/f9ae63d97ef9aa6bfc6ac082db81d4d84f6f0a36e2a1e689aaee54817ef07525.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T20:46:04 | null | 2016-08-26T19:45:32 | A Pennsylvania man who had sexual
contact with a 14-year-old girl as
part of a vampire role-playing game
that included drinking her blood must
spend 10 years on probation, the first
two confined to his home. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fvampire-role-playing-teen-sex-net-pennsylvania-man-10-years-probation.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297834111278_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472234463632 | en | null | Vampire role-playing, teen sex net Pennsylvania man 10 years probation | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | GREENSBURG, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania man who had sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl as part of a vampire role-playing game that included drinking her blood must spend 10 years on probation, the first two confined to his home.
Westmoreland County Richard McCormick Jr. imposed the probation sentence for Jonathan Ryan Davis on Thursday despite calls by prosecutors that he be imprisoned. Davis, of Vandergrift, pleaded guilty in November to statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors for a December 2014 incident with the girl in a church stairwell after both had been drinking.
Davis told police he, the victim, and two other girls drank blood drawn from their arms as part of a role-playing game he read about online. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for the blood-drinking episodes.
Assistant District Attorney Chris Flanigan wanted Davis to spend more than two years in prison. Davis previously was convicted in juvenile court for impregnating a 12-year-old girl. He didn't seem to learn anything from the probation he received in that case, Flanigan said.
But defence attorney Adam Gorzelesky argued that Davis' behaviour and co-operation with police since his arrest warranted probation, which would allow him to continue receiving counselling. Two psychologists testified Davis would benefit from continued counselling.
McCormick's sentence was a compromise that the judge said "will meet the requirements of punishment, rehabilitation and the protection of the community."
While on probation, Davis can't go online for recreational purposes, view pornography, drink alcohol or go to bars and clubs. He also cannot have unsupervised contact with minors. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/vampire-role-playing-teen-sex-net-pennsylvania-man-10-years-probation | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/af12e2d69b5af49492df7ec68e915e6ac905ecf3f3ba0d996098e2933d77583a.json |
[
"Michael Platt"
] | 2016-08-31T14:46:57 | null | 2016-08-31T14:45:56 | A mere 13 kilometres of highway, and the
difference is 184 years behind bars. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fcalgarian-jailed-for-200-years-in-montana.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872126225_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472650306938 | en | null | Calgarian Michael Ilk jailed for 200 years in Montana State Prison | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A mere 13 kilometres of highway, and the difference is 184 years behind bars.
Just a ten minute drive north into Canada, and Michael Ilk might expect full parole in only a few years — but that international border means his life is probably over, as far as freedom goes, and the 42-year-old Calgarian will die wearing the orange jumpsuit of the Montana State prison service.
“I don’t see any way to protect the public with him outside of prison,” Lincoln County District Judge James Wheelis told the court, as he sentenced the Calgary man convicted on two counts attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault.
“Who can predict what he will do. Who could have predicted this?”
For firing a 9-mm handgun 14 times at his ex-girlfriend and another man in Eureka, Montana last year and wounding both, the judge determined Ilk should spend life in prison without a chance for parole.
On Monday, he handed the Canadian a staggering 200 years in Montana State Prison, broken down into two 80-year sentences for both charges of attempted deliberate homicide and 20 years per count of aggravated assault, without parole.
“Judge Wheelis takes this kind of thing seriously,” Lincoln County Undersheriff Brandon Huff told Postmedia on Tuesday, in what may be the understatement of the year.
“This was definitely a violent crime, with two people shot.”
Judge Wheelis took the April 15, 2015 shooting so seriously, he actually doubled the sentence recommended by the state.
Thirteen kilometres from the border maybe, but this is obviously a very different world from Canada.
Up here, a sentence of more than a decade for attempted murder is considered shocking, as in 2013, when a Saskatoon judge sentenced Brandon Carelse to 16 years for beating and repeatedly stabbing his estranged wife, leaving her barely clinging to life.
Carelse’s sentence was immediately reduced to 14 years for time served in remand, and despite a history of violent crime, he can expect parole by the time a decade is up.
Ilk, on the other hand, was an upstanding, clean-living citizen when he confronted his ex-girlfriend Hadassah Pereslete and her co-worker Tyler Wilson in a construction site near the Eureka Hills subdivision.
Despite more than a dozen shots fired at their truck, the two victims suffered non-life threatening wounds, and then Ilk made the arrest very easy for police, after chasing their vehicle into the parking lot of the local sheriff’s office.
“Let’s just say it wasn’t a difficult case to solve,” said the undersheriff.
Pereslete was hit in the leg and arm and Wilson was shot in the arm and hand.
Throughout the trial, Ilk maintained the shooting was self-defense, stating Wilson shot at him first after he’d been asked to come to the construction site.
“I’m not a horrible and violent person,” Ilk told the court before he was sentenced.
“I believed I needed to defend myself. If I could change that day, I would in a second.”
But his plea didn’t help his case, nor did the character-witness testimony of family and friends, including three Calgary law enforcement officials, among them his brother-in-law Michael Ferguson, who called the 2015 incident totally out of character for the kind, normally gentle man.
As with the guilty verdict from a jury in June, the sentencing date was an emotional affair, for those who may never see Ilk on the outside again.
Ilk’s lawyer did not return calls on Tuesday, and there is no word yet on an appeal, but in the meantime, at least one of the two victims, who are each suing the shooter for $1 million, is publicly calling the guilty verdict a victory.
“We won!” was Pereslete’s two word exclamation on Facebook, where the 23-year-old has been regularly posting about the shooting.
Pereslete dated and lived with the Calgarian from June, 2012 to January, 2015, after which point she testified Ilk was sometimes abusive and threatening.
Since the shooting, she’s used social media as a conduit for statements about the trial.
“The truth won. Justice won. Humanity won. Life won. We won,” she posted to Instagram.
“This has been the biggest week of my life and I’m happy to say, it’s finished. Goodbye forever, michael ilk.”
mplatt@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/calgarian-jailed-for-200-years-in-montana | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e609303de3e5efa422a9eb5d5974821af2814d25221a2b34932c0d16e790a401.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:46:59 | null | 2016-08-31T14:32:08 | A vain jailbird on the lam asked an Australian TV station to use a more flattering photo of her. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fteen-fugitive-disapproves-of-mug-shot-gives-tv-station-new-pic.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872240234_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472650943012 | en | null | Teen fugitive disapproves of mug shot, gives TV station new pic | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A vain jailbird on the lam asked an Australian TV station to use a more flattering photo of her.
Amy Sharp triggered a social media brouhaha with her hilarious request.
The teenager broke out of a Sydney correctional facility on Aug. 19. Cops released a bulletin along with two photos of the wayward 18-year-old.
But when the alert and photos were uploaded to the city's Channel 7 Facebook page, Sharp took exception to the rather plain pix where she donned a glum expression, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
And on the Facebook page, the first person to comment was, ta da, Amy Sharp who added a new photo with her post.
She wrote: "Can you use this photo please, and thank you. Yours truly Amy Sharp XX"
Her post was liked an astonishing 47,000 times and was accompanied by a smiling emoji sporting a halo.
Bec Sackville posted on the page: "Haha that's a classic. Think the cops have found a new way to catch crims. Just put out an ugly photo and the crim will be in touch to give you a better one lol."
Sharp was jailed for property offences and was not a danger to the public. She has been recaptured. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/teen-fugitive-disapproves-of-mug-shot-gives-tv-station-new-pic | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/784fd6877a5130d869162b288fd7579c418c890e5a3346eeb1c4f9fb7e899e4b.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T06:46:43 | null | 2016-08-31T06:45:36 | Smoke from a fire at a dump in northeast Edmonton led Alberta Health Services to issue a precautionary air quality advisory Tuesday night.Although the advisory says minor smoke concerns don't normally cause health issues, it urges residents to keep an eye on conditions in case they worsen. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fprecautionary-air-quality-advisory-issued-for-smoke-from-dump-fire.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297723352508_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472619781746 | en | null | Precautionary air quality advisory issued for smoke from dump fire | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Smoke from a fire at a dump in northeast Edmonton led Alberta Health Services to issue a precautionary air quality advisory Tuesday night.
Although the advisory says minor smoke concerns don’t normally cause health issues, it urges residents to keep an eye on conditions in case they worsen.
If it’s possible to taste or smell smoke, the advisory encourages people to minimize physical activity outdoors and, if possible, to stay indoors. Anyone with a respiratory condition should monitor their symptoms.
The advisory is in effect until further notice and will be updated hourly at airquality.alberta.ca.
The fire broke out at the northeast Edmonton Waste Management Facility just before noon Tuesday.
Fire Capt. Greg Holubowich said the fire started in a wood pile measuring 60 square metres wide and 18 metres deep — an area a little larger than two Olympic swimming pools laid side by side.
The nature of the material that’s feeding the fire is elevating the risk to firefighters.
“If there’s some kind of treated wood that may be in the pile there’s a higher risk of more carcinogens, and the off-gassing is much more dangerous than if it was clean wood,” said Holubowich, who said paint may also be involved.
“This type of fire’s very difficult to fight. The water supply is always a concern, in a large area like that heavy equipment is, in all likelihood, going to be needed to turn up the pile so we can get water on it so we can extinguish the fire as quickly as possible.”
With files from CP | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/precautionary-air-quality-advisory-issued-for-smoke-from-dump-fire | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c0324a41321d8cd941cf4938d34c695c094d41ce6f8b161012023b76b91103c7.json |
[
"Gerry Moddejonge"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:56 | null | 2016-08-26T12:32:12 | You need the ball in order to score. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fwhen-it-comes-to-possession-battles-the-eskimos-have-the-edge.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870623975_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | When it comes to possession battles, the Eskimos have the edge | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | You need the ball in order to score.
While the Edmonton Eskimos will happily take the explosive five interceptions detonated by their defence over the past three games, Jason Maas is not counting on timely turnovers to win games.
Instead, the rookie head coach focuses on rolling up their sleeves winning time of possession by controlling the clock the good ol’ fashioned way. With his offence.
“As much as we are no-huddle, we generally win the time of possession every game, that’s what our goal is every game,” said Maas, whose offence has held control of the ball for an average of 30:34 this season, behind only the Calgary Stampeders (31:41) and Toronto Argonauts (31:21). “So the more games we can do that, the better chance we give ourselves.”
Offensively, the Eskimos are coming off their biggest game of the season, amassing 46 points for just the third time in five years in a 23-point win over the Toronto Argonauts, despite losing the time of possession battle 29:40-30:20.
But they also scored on four of their first eight possessions, contributing to a 32-point lead late in the third quarter. At that point, it was more about running off the clock than putting together scoring drives. In all, it was a different kind of control, both in the air and on the ground, by the normally pass-heavy Eskimos,
“No question, running the ball was key to everything, controlling the line of scrimmage with our O-line, being able to afford Mike (Reilly) time to throw and being able to open running holes for Calvin (McCarty), who stepped up huge in John (White)’s absence,” said Maas, who will be down his starting running back again Friday due to a hand injury suffered against the Argos. “For our O-line to do what they did last week speaks volumes and definitely won the game for us on that side of the ball.”
STILL A THREAT
They might be about as tidy as a sinking ship right now, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders still have one of the league’s big guns on deck.
Naaman Roosevelt sits fourth overall in CFL receiving with 702 yards and a touchdown – something that’s hard to come by in Regina these days – on 52 carries, making him one of the CFL’s top talents despite playing on a 1-7 team, and a challenge for the defensive halfback lining up across from him on Friday.
Then again, Marcell Young goes up against a pair of receivers ahead of Roosevelt on that list on a daily basis.
“The games have been pretty easy, man,” said Young, who, along with cornerback Patrick Watkins, patrols the boundary side against Edmonton Eskimos teammates Derel Walker and Adarius Bowman on a daily basis. “Those guys are phenomenal at what they do, so we try to make it tough on them in practice and we want to make sure that they say the same thing, when they get to the game it’s pretty easy, because they face the two best DBs in the game.”
It comes with the territory on the boundary side.
“On that side of the field, we always see somebody in one of those two spots that is the other team’s ’guy,’ ” Young said. “So we’re faced with that task of just trying to contain him. Those guys are good players, you can’t always stop them and hold everybody to 28 yards, or whatever Duron Carter had.”
GModdejonge@postmedia.com
twitter.com/SunModdejonge | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/when-it-comes-to-possession-battles-the-eskimos-have-the-edge | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8e1d36f21cbc772aea929c01a40fbd17d42b07104c584ea8101423b9b662d508.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T20:46:15 | null | 2016-08-28T20:15:35 | WWE is reporting that Mr. Fuji -- Harry Fujiwara -- has died. He was 82 years of age, and had been in poor health for a number of years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fwrestler-turned-manager-mr-fuji-dead-at-82-wwe.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871269542_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472416141232 | en | null | Wrestler-turned-'manager' Mr. Fuji dead at 82: WWE | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | WWE is reporting that Mr. Fuji -- Harry Fujiwara -- has died. He was 82 years of age, and had been in poor health for a number of years.
While many remember Mr. Fuji as the devious manager of the likes of Demolition and Magnificent Muraco, he had a storied wrestling career well before becoming a manager.
As for his colleagues, they remember his ribs.
No one was safe from Fuji.
"Fuji's were nonstop: in the arena, in hotels, in airports, in restaurants. And Fuji was an instigator. He'd find weak-minded wrestlers and have them do ribs for him, just to wreak more havoc. The man was incorrigible," wrote Classy Freddie Blassie in his autobiography, Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks. "If you were sitting across from Fuji, drinking a cup of coffee, he was liable to slip in some laxatives when you weren't looking. It would be time to go to the ring, and you'd be on the toilet, shitting your guts out. If he heard you on the phone, making airplane reservations, he'd call up the airline after you hung up, and cancel your trip. You'd miss a booking, lose money, and Fuji would think it was funny."
There was the occasional payback, though, said Larry Zbyszko. "We used to put him in some sort of leg hold, because they didn't wear shoes with that gimmick, and we'd grab his ankle and tickle his feet and he'd go apes---," recalled Zbyszko, a frequent foe, with a chuckle.
Jules Strongbow said he did the same thing as revenge against Fuji.
"Fuji tried to get silly in the ring with me one night. I let him get away with it because I figured somewhere down the line, I'm going to find out something about Fuji and I'm going to use it against him in a rib," said Strongbow, a WWWF tag team champion with Chief Jay Strongbow. "Well, I found out that he had very ticklish feet. So one night me were in, I think it was Baltimore, and I grapevined his legs, and I started tickling him. I kept it up for about 10 minutes. To the crowd, it looked like he was in pain, absolute miserable pain. But he wasn't, and I just kept it up, and kept it up. And after that, he never did anything to me. He never pulled a rib on me outside the ring."
"I liked Fuji. We got along good," said Randy Colley, who was Moondog Rex. "He never did give me a hard time, but I knew some guys he'd just do things that were awful. It was always a situation usually when he'd done something that nobody knew for sure it was him, but a lot of people suspected it was him. But he was a good guy too. He was one of them you had to know."
For all the ribs played against his colleagues, Fuji was also a wonderful performer. He held the WWWF tag team titles three times with Professor Toru Tanaka and twice with Mr. Saito. As well, he was a star in many territories, from Portland to San Francisco, from Hawaii to Australia.
It all started for Fujiwara in Hawaii in 1962, but really didn't start full-time until about 1966. He said that he knew "a lot of guys wrestling, who wanted me to become a wrestler because I was big." At 5-foot-10, and 235 pounds, Fujiwara was a decent size, and comparable to other stars in Hawaii, most of whom trained at the gym run by Dean Higuichi, who himself would find his way into the business as Dean Ho.
Ed Francis, the promoter in Hawaii, gave Fujiwara and chance, and he never looked back.
His first mainland promotion was Don Owen's Portland territory, and it was there that he first had to buy proper shoes instead of sandals -- it was "Tough" Tony Borne who helped him find a pair. In his early years, Fuji spent a lot of time in the Pacific Northwest territory, teaming with Haru Sasaki and Tony Borne for tag gold, and having success as a single too.
Fuji and Tanaka were brought back together in 1972. "I was wrestling in Texas and he saw me. He talked to Vince McMahon Sr. and that was it," said Fuji about his entry into the WWWF. Assigned The Grand Wizard (Ernie Roth) as their manager, Fuji and Tanaka immediately struck gold, winning the WWWF tag belts on June 27, 1972 from Sonny King & Chief Jay Strongbow. A few months later, they wrestled in the main event against the dream team of Pedro Morales & Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden. Two more WWWF title reigns would follow, as well as regional titles until their split in 1979.
What worked for the team? "We were both big, for one, and I was a flyer and he was a ground worker," Fuji said. "We clicked real good. At one time, they said we were the best tag team of the '70s."
Zbyszko can still vividly recall their look, the way their filled the ring. "Fuji was probably 270, and then he teamed with Tanaka. Tanaka had one of the most fantastic looks in the business -- 300 pounds with that 25-inch neck of his. He looked like a giant fireplug. They both would put fear in you," he said. "You'd look at those guys—especially Tanaka -- and you'd say, 'Jesus Christ, I wouldn't mess with him. He'd kill you.'"
Fuji would have another successful run as WWWF tag champion with Mr. Saito (who was legitimately from Japan), and by 1985 had transitioned into a manager in the expanding WWF, handling the likes of Demolition, the Moondogs, Killer Kahn, Orient Express, Don Muraco and Yokozuna. "I enjoyed it. I really did. I wanted to be the best, and I think I did become the top manager there too," Fuji said. "I still wrestled too, I wrestled a little, maybe eight, 10 matches a year."
In recent years, Fuji lived a quiet life out of the business in Tennessee.
-- With files from Steven Johnson and The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/wrestler-turned-manager-mr-fuji-dead-at-82-wwe | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/afb18e5096f80167a7ae89e4fd98835ad7b5a07c7e3d3e379275a9ce0c9a0731.json |
[
"Clare Clancy"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:37 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | An Edmonton homeowner who discovered an abandoned water well that drops 15 metres in his backyard says he's grateful to have found it before someone was injured. He's one of thousands of Albertans who may unknowingly have a well on their property. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fedmonton-homeowner-thankful-no-one-was-injured-after-stumbling-across-abandoned-well-in-backyard.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870616445_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472206070103 | en | null | Edmonton homeowner thankful no one was injured after stumbling across abandoned | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | An Edmonton homeowner who discovered an abandoned water well that drops 15 metres in his backyard says he's grateful to have found it before someone was injured.
He's one of thousands of Albertans who may unknowingly have a well on their property.
"We’ve been walking over that spot for a long time," Brian Day said. "I feel very fortunate that we found it the way we did and nobody got hurt."
The provincial government says there are tens of thousands of abandoned water wells across Alberta. The exact number isn't known.
In the past century, there have been about 240,000 water wells drilled in Alberta, including those for industry. The government estimates most of the 59,000 farmsteads in Alberta have at least one well, many of which are still used.
But Day, 61, doesn't live in a rural area.
His house was built on a standard lot in south Edmonton in 1978 near 23 Avenue and 111 Street. He has lived there with his family for 25 years. No one knew a small patch of sod in the backyard was slowly eroding.
He said he recently noticed a particularly spongy patch of grass in his backyard and intended to level the ground. When he started digging, he uncovered the well, which has a diameter of about one metre.
"When I pried up the sod, it was dark underneath." He couldn't see the bottom of the hole. "I dug it out a bit more and I couldn’t believe my eyes."
"You put yourself in the position of baby Jessica’s parents," he said, referring to the 1987 incident when 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a well in her aunt's Texas backyard. Her rescue, which took 58 hours, became a worldwide TV event.
"Any one of us could have fallen through," he said.
Steve Wallace, director of the groundwater policy section at the Ministry of Environment and Parks, said old wells present a serious hazard for children and animals, and may also affect the quality of groundwater if contaminated.
The government started keeping a database to track water wells in the 1970s, using historical land surveys to make it as comprehensive as possible. It showed Day's well was likely drilled in 1928 at a depth of 24 metres.
"The well could have collapsed in on itself," Wallace said, noting it's not as deep as first drilled.
He said landowners are responsible for plugging abandoned water wells, but there is no requirement for them to inform the government when one is filled. He recommended concerned homeowners hire a water well contractor to survey the area if they believe there might be a well that wasn't properly plugged.
Ray Field, owner of Big Iron Drilling, said he has been filling abandoned wells for close to six decades. That can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000, he said.
"It’s relatively rare, but interesting that there are ones found in the city," he said. "Because Edmonton has expanded so much, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a number of those things around."
He receives regular calls about abandoned wells.
"People don’t even know they’re there," he said. "Every year, horses, dogs and even children fall down wells and become injured or die."
Field said it isn't enough to simply cap an old well.
"The capping or the material that is holding the cap will disintegrate and will eventually fall in," he said.
Day said he suspects his well had been capped with wood that eventually rotted.
"You can see that some of the wood casing in the well has collapsed."
Day decided to fill in the well himself to cut down on the cost of labour.
"I think people need to be aware when they have a depression in their yard that forms and it’s spongy, they really don’t want to wait four weeks to ask why," he said. "You need to remember these wells are out there and can appear at any time."
He didn't believe capping the well was a safe option, so he's filling it with clay.
"I don't want it to cave in," Day said. "I might not be around, but I don’t want to leave that legacy."
Search for abandoned water wells at groundwater.alberta.ca.
cclancy@postmedia.com
twitter.com/clareclancy | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/edmonton-homeowner-thankful-no-one-was-injured-after-stumbling-across-abandoned-well-in-backyard | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2d0ff20221fbbea1677bfdc014d2357958440321f6f5622a189afe97a549bf04.json |
[
"Ryan Rumbolt"
] | 2016-08-30T02:46:32 | null | 2016-08-30T01:30:13 | The clock is ticking for Canada Post and the postal worker's union to hammer out a new deal. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmail-could-be-delayed-24-hours-says-postal-union.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297207409511_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472523428907 | en | null | Mail could be delayed 24 hours, says postal union | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The clock is ticking for Canada Post and the postal worker's union to hammer out a new deal.
Negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers began on Friday, one day after CUPW provided Canada Post with 72-hour strike notice. Talks were extended 24 on Monday morning.
Gord Fischer, national director of the union's Prairie region, said residential mail delivery in Calgary could be delayed 24 hours, while businesses will have a "really low impact."
"Our position is, we want to negotiate a collective agreement, we don’t want to disrupt the postal service," Fischer said. "We are doing everything we can to avoid that, so we will find ways to put pressure on the employer and on the government ... without going as far as shutting down the post office.
"If we took this action, we’re really looking at a day per location in each province, day by day."
Failing negotiations today, the proposed job action is scheduled to start at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.
Fischer said the union's concerns with Canada Post include unpaid overtime, changes to their pension plan and a wage disparity between male letter carriers and female Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC)
"(RSMCs), they're predominately women, about 70 per cent, whereas the letter carrier workforce – which does exactly the same job – is predominately male," Fischer said. "And (RSMCs) make about 30 per cent less as far as wages and also less in benefits as the other people do in the same job.”
In a statement, Canada Post said it is "committed to reaching agreements that are fair to our employees, and allow us to continue to provide affordable pricing and service to Canadians."
"Despite our best efforts and the assistance of the two mediators, we have not yet managed to achieve agreements in principle for either bargaining unit," the agency said.
Fischer said he is optimistic that the two sides will come to an agreement before any job action is taken.
"It takes two sides to agree, so it’s impossible to predict how long things could last," Fischer said. "We’re hoping to get to a conclusion to this soon because it’s not easy on anyone.
"How long it could go on for or could be escalated? Who knows."
rrumbolt@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/mail-could-be-delayed-24-hours-says-postal-union | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/30f081c373cf96b6a1981bc5da6907591ca2cc0bbc338d00c02b5dde11dc9baf.json |
[
"Paige Parsons"
] | 2016-08-30T20:46:45 | null | 2016-08-30T20:32:30 | Some commuters stuck on the city’s LRT park and ride waiting list are finally in luck, but the reserved stalls will come with a bigger price tag. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fpaid-park-and-ride-stalls-to-take-up-to-75-per-cent-of-total-spots.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297853852252_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472587230640 | en | null | Paid park-and-ride stalls to take up to 75 per cent of total spots | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Some commuters stuck on the city’s LRT park and ride waiting list are finally in luck, but the reserved stalls will come with a bigger price tag.
The City of Edmonton announced Tuesday that the number of reserved, paid parking stalls at LRT stations will increase as of Sept. 1, but so will the cost.
The price is jumping to $50 per month, up from $42 per month.
The biggest shift will be at the southernmost LRT station, Century Park, where reserved spots will jump from 184 to 977, 75 per cent of the total spots. The city’s transportation committee voted for the change in early July. At the time, there were 3,540 people on the Century Park waiting list, unable to get any of the 1,119 free stalls that filled up by 7 a.m. Other park and ride locations at Belvedere, Clareview and Stadium had smaller waiting lists.
In total across all stations with LRT park and ride, there will now be 2,300 paid stalls and 1,700 free stalls. The city also said “some” stalls will be set aside for hourly parking, which transit users can pay by meter. These spots are expected to be introduced later this fall. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/paid-park-and-ride-stalls-to-take-up-to-75-per-cent-of-total-spots | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/6369dc6dd14796626b21e29fe01e7ea0e77c5cddfa5fd6abec1787eb4f700a9b.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T18:46:25 | null | 2016-08-29T18:32:35 | A helmet-cam video shot last Friday of
a confrontation between an Ottawa
motorcyclist and a distracted SUV
driver has gone viral, with more than
1.1 million views since being posted
on Facebook. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fhelmet-cam-video-of-distracted-driver-attracts-more-than-1m-views.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871512033_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472493332958 | en | null | Helmet-cam video of distracted driver attracts more than 1M views | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A helmet-cam video shot last Friday of a confrontation between an Ottawa motorcyclist and a distracted SUV driver has gone viral, with more than 1.1 million views since being posted on Facebook.
Erik Hanna, who was riding his Yamaha R3 near Woodroffe Avenue and Baseline Road on Friday afternoon, shared the video after a woman driving in front of him in an SUV with Newfoundland license plates had failed to advance through a green light, opting instead to attend to matters on her mobile phone. When she became similarly distracted at the next set of lights, Hanna began recording.
In the video, Hanna drives up alongside the woman’s Toyota FJ Cruiser and taps on the car window. The woman can be seen locking the door, but otherwise ignores Hanna as she continues to use her phone. Hanna then pulls ahead of her and passes through the intersection on the green. But moments later, the SUV enters the frame again as the woman accelerates from behind and cuts Hanna off.
Hanna, who has faced criticism in online comments for both approaching the woman and passing her in the lane she occupied, defended his decision.
“I pulled ahead because in my mind it was the safest thing to do,” he said Monday. “I’d rather not be behind her when someone else doesn’t notice that she’s not going through the green.
“But then I guess she decided to use my lane to pass by me, to prove some sort of point. She came within about three inches of hitting my side-view mirror. It was a scary moment, and just gut instinct that kicked in to go follow her.”
Hanna managed to get the woman to pull over and roll down her window. When he informed her that he had recorded the incident on camera and intended to follow up with the police, she replied: “Don’t you have something better to do?”
“No,” he said. “That’s dangerous to my life. It’s dangerous to other people’s lives. This is the best thing I can do right now.”
Hanna asked the woman to accompany him in finding a police officer, but she ignored him and drove onto Highway 417, where Hanna followed her briefly before giving up the chase. “She started weaving in and out of traffic, and I’m not doing that,” said Hanna.
He filed a police report online Friday night. According to Ottawa police, the matter has been sent to traffic investigators.
Hanna notes he regularly motions distracted drivers to put down their phones. In this instance, he’d like to see the woman charged with distracted driving. “I don’t want this woman to come under any harassment. I really don’t want to see anything like that happen, but I do want to see charges laid. What she did endangered my life and the lives of others.
“I’d like to bring awareness to motorcycle safety and why something like that is not OK to do. If I’m stuck behind her and she decides not to go on a green light … and I get rear-ended, that’s my life, gone.”
You can view the video on Facebook here. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/helmet-cam-video-of-distracted-driver-attracts-more-than-1m-views | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5c1a35bd7cdb5fe59c21c665935bfe1fce4b52f46208e96bb698040fe9dbd2e5.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:46:24 | null | 2016-08-29T16:15:19 | MONTREAL -- The National Energy Board has cancelled the first day of Energy East hearings in Montreal after protesters broke into the downtown venue and started screaming and chanting. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fnational-energy-board-cancels-first-day-of-energy-east-hearings-after-protests.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871485553_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472488049716 | en | null | National Energy Board cancels first day of Energy East hearings after protests | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A demonstrator confronts Montreal mayor Denis Coderre as they disrupt 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A demonstrator is arrested 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A demonstrator is taken away by police officers 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Security guards try to restrain a demonstrator from interrupting 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Demonstrators disrupt 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A demonstrator is surrounded by police officers after being arrested while 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A demonstrator is taken away by police officers 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A demonstrator holds a child as they disrupt 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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
MONTREAL -- Protesters chanting anti-pipeline slogans forced the cancellation Monday of the first day of hearings in Montreal into TransCanada's Energy East project.
The head of the hearings for the National Energy Board said the federal regulatory body will try to resume proceedings Tuesday.
"TransCanada will not pass," screamed one protester as police dragged him away from a downtown conference room.
Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, along with the mayor of Laval and other municipal representatives, walked out of the hearings not long after the demonstrators charged in.
Coderre was the first person scheduled to give testimony Monday but chose instead to leave, calling the protests a "masquerade."
He, along with many provincial politicians and First Nations groups, oppose TransCanada's project to transport crude oil from Alberta to New Brunswick.
"There are too many problems we are witnessing to accept the project," Coderre told reporters after he decided to quit Monday's hearings.
"We're saying the project (TransCanada) presented is wrong, it's bad and we don't have the answers. And frankly one of the main issues is contingency plans, everything regarding safety."
Last week Coderre asked for the hearings to be suspended after media reports revealed that two of the three NEB commissioners overseeing the review process met former Quebec premier Jean Charest, who was at the time a lobbyist for TransCanada (TSX:TRP).
Coderre said he wasn't calling for the commissioners to resign, but that there was a perception of bias.
Nonetheless, Coderre said it was important for him to give testimony in order for the NEB and the rest of the country to appreciate the concerns of local citizens.
One of the anti-pipeline protesters, Kristian Gareau, entered the room and started chanting and clapping with the other protesters.
He said the entire NEB process is illegitimate because two of the commissioners had met with Charest.
"There is a perception of bias," said Gareau, 36. "These two commissioners are part of this democratic institution, which has the sweeping power of a federal court.
"So a judge cannot go and meet with people in a back room. It just shows this smug elite privilege which is completely unacceptable."
The hearings are set for this week in Montreal before moving to Quebec City the week of Oct. 3. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/national-energy-board-cancels-first-day-of-energy-east-hearings-after-protests | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a15416c2a0fa79cfe9b8dde3334a60a42f450be674a4bbf89efc5d9376f3ec0a.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T16:46:04 | null | 2016-08-27T16:33:41 | Swiss media are reporting that a wingsuit flyer who fatally crashed in the Alps on Friday was broadcasting live on Facebook when the accident happened. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fwingsuit-flyers-death-live-streamed-on-facebook-report.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871039868_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472314870507 | en | null | Wingsuit flyer’s death live-streamed on Facebook: Report | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | BERLIN — Swiss media are reporting that a wingsuit flyer who fatally crashed in the Alps on Friday was broadcasting live on Facebook when the accident happened.
A video posted online shows a man readying his wingsuit before pocketing his phone and taking off. After a few moments, a shout can be heard and the sound of impact.
The video couldn’t immediately be verified.
The Zurich daily Blick reports that followers watching the video reacted with horror. Some sent messages asking that he “write or say something.”
Bern cantonal police said the body of a 28-year-old Italian citizen was recovered near Kandersteg, a popular BASE jumping location. Police spokeswoman Jolanda Egger declined Saturday to confirm the man’s identity, citing privacy rules. She said the cause of the accident was still being investigated. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/wingsuit-flyers-death-live-streamed-on-facebook-report | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/797e63965c8db49b8f44679f8281f7e12b14d79b4b3aee09196aa381f92bc12a.json |
[
"Joe Warmington"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:02 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | There is no licence needed to own one. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Ftime-to-examine-access-to-crossbows.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870567053_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472212811134 | en | null | Time to examine access to crossbows | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -
There is no licence needed to own one.
No training required to shoot one. There’s no registry. No need to show identification or even write down your name.
Just put down your cash (between $300 and $1,300) and legally walk out of a sporting goods store in the GTA with a lethal killing machine called a crossbow.
Of course, they are designed to kill legally regulated wild game in appropriate hunting seasons. But like all weapons designed for something else, they can be commandeered for murderous purposes on humans, as Toronto experienced Thursday.
It’s not Toronto’s first crossbow-related slaying scene and one wonders how many more will be tolerated by the public, and those who govern, before there is a move to make them more difficult to buy and kept better track of.
Right now, cigarettes are a more onerous task to purchase. A trip on Hwy. 407 asks for more personal information.
Toronto Police were not confirming very much of what happened in this blood-curdling triple homicide in Scarborough where a crossbow was found and that later had them dealing with a suspicious package at a downtown condo building.
The whole thing is bizarre. Scary.
But this business of a crossbow being used went viral around the world because it sounded different. Still, it was not clear to me at deadline if a crossbow was fired in one or more of the three slayings, or if a bolt (arrow) with a sharp star head was plunged into people.
Forensics was trying to put all that together at the scene near Kingston and Markham Rds. Either way, there are three dead.
Talking to crossbow enthusiasts in the hours after this frightening incident, a few things became clearer. The weapon is not designed for quantity hunting but more quality.
“It’s all about the one shot,” a crossbow owner told me and Sun photographer Dave Thomas at the incredible Bass Pro Shops store in Vaughan. “You can reload if you are strong and fast, but the emphasis on this kind of hunting is the accuracy of your main shot.”
So for someone to have the opportunity to get off potentially three shots that all proved fatal is no easy task.
“They are very quiet,” adds Dave, who has used them for target shooting in the past. “There is no pop like with a gun, so it is conceivable a person could reload without detection.”
In time we will get a clearer picture of what happened. Police sources tell both myself and colleagues Chris Doucette and Terry Davidson that the investigative theory is the players in this disturbing scene are part of a family unit. But that has not been confirmed, and I have an open mind on where this ultimately goes. It all seems pretty strange.
No matter how it’s sorted, there are three dead and one in custody.
If homicide charges are laid, it will have been Toronto’s second triple homicide in 2016 — the first was by gunfire in Chinatown in the spring. It will also push Toronto’s 2016 homicide number to 47 — a shocking 12 more than the 35 at this time last year.
But none of that seems to be the focus. People want to know about the crossbow and bolts.
From all the people I talked with at Bass Pro Shops, crossbows are not a menace to society or a concern in the proper hands.
But in the wrong hands, there can be a whole lot of a carnage. Perhaps that is what happened in Scarborough.
Either way, authorities need to ask the question about how these weapons should be accessed before we see many more examples of how deadly they can be.
jwarmington@postmedia.com
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.
- Daniel McKenzie | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/time-to-examine-access-to-crossbows | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c3022d598fc9c8aa37bccedce0d15e9af1658ea07bf9fca6f8ff4ea3e8215f65.json |
[
"John Kryk"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:33 | null | 2016-08-30T04:15:30 | More NFL players and head coaches are weighing in on Colin Kaepernick’s controversial decision to continue not standing at attention during the pregame playing of the U.S. national anthem. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmore-coaches-players-weigh-in-on-kap-flap.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871712192_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472525443466 | en | null | More coaches, players weigh in on Kaepernick's anthem protest | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | More NFL players and head coaches are weighing in on Colin Kaepernick’s controversial decision to continue not standing at attention during the pregame playing of the U.S. national anthem.
Most say they support Kap’s right to do it but either don’t agree, or don’t necessarily agree, with his decision to do it.
Rookie New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo, for instance, said, “I’d be disappointed if one of our guys chose not to stand. It’s their choice, it’s not mandatory, but we feel it’s important.”
For a short time on Monday afternoon, Kap’s former head coach on the San Francisco 49ers -- Jim Harbaugh, now the University of Michigan’s head coach -- became the first to criticize Kaepernick’s motivation for the boycott. Which is to protest how minorities are treated in the U.S.
“I acknowledge his right to do that,” Harbaugh said at his team’s Week 1 news conference, “but I don’t respect the motivation or the action.”
Many construed that as, at best, racially insensitive. Twitter exploded. Within an hour, however, Harbaugh walked it all the way back, tweeting:
“I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin’s motivation. It’s his method of action that I take exception to.”
I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin's motivation. It's his method of action that I take exception to — Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) August 29, 2016
One of the NFL’s most thoughtful, intelligent and also outspoken players, Seattle CB Richard Sherman, on Monday offered this insightful take, after summarizing the history of oppression of African-Americans:
“There is some depth and some truth into what he was doing. I think he could have picked a better platform and a better way to do it, but every day they say athletes are so robotic and do everything by the book. Then when somebody takes a stand like that he gets his head chopped off.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/more-coaches-players-weigh-in-on-kap-flap | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4d6aab0ee9e20606022160b42e81ad076d5780958d5fd41012187bc7c9fb44dd.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:46:52 | null | 2016-08-31T14:00:44 | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has
officially entered the Marvel universe -
- and the boxing ring -- as a newly
minted comic cover star. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fjustin-trudeau-debuts-on-marvel-cover-alongside-iron-man.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297851478379_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472654288296 | en | null | Justin Trudeau debuts on Marvel cover alongside 'Iron Man' | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has officially entered the Marvel universe -- and the boxing ring -- as a newly minted comic cover star.
Trudeau appears on the variant cover of issue No. 5 of Marvel's "Civil War II: Choosing Sides" released Wednesday.
Marvel offered a sneak peek at the cover earlier this summer, which features Trudeau sitting, smiling and relaxed, in the ring wearing a Maple Leaf-emblazoned tank, black shorts and red boxing gloves.
Standing behind him are Puck, Sasquatch and Aurora, who are members of Canadian superhero squad Alpha Flight, while Iron Man is seen in the left corner with his arms crossed.
The variant cover featuring the prime minister is the alternative to the main cover in circulation showcasing Aurora, Puck, Sasquatch and Nick Fury.
In the special issue, Trudeau offers advice to members of Alpha Flight -- formally the Canadian peacekeeping force -- during a visit to his Ottawa office. He later steps into the ring with Iron Man himself, also known as Tony Stark.
Edmonton-born artist and writer Chip Zdarsky collaborated with award-winning Toronto-based cartoonist Ramon Perez on the Alpha Flight story.
Zdarsky reached out to the Prime Minister's Office to inform them of his plans to write a Marvel story involving Trudeau, and while he was told that the PMO couldn't endorse the comic, they were fine with him proceeding.
The story involves a mysterious new character, Ulysses, who has the power to calculate the outcome of future events with a high degree of accuracy.
The Marvel heroes are divided on how best to capitalize on the predictive power. Carol Danvers -- also known as Captain Marvel -- is in favour of profiling future crimes and attacks before they occur, while Tony Stark believes the punishment can't come before the crime.
Alpha Flight is supportive of using Ulysses to stop disasters and capture people, but there are also ethical conflicts within the group. They seek out Trudeau for counsel.
"I didn't want this to just be like a walk-on ... rescued by superheroes and he thanks them and that's the end of the story," Zdarsky said in a June interview. "I think a lot of these real-life appearances in comics tend to go that way. I liked the idea of him actually engaging them in an ethical debate.
"It's a little tricky just because once you start to put words in the prime minister's mouth, we acknowledge that this is basically Trudeau fan fiction."
Issue No. 5 of "Civil War II: Choosing Sides" is available at local comic retailers and through the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/justin-trudeau-debuts-on-marvel-cover-alongside-iron-man | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/fa6e72403d858c5a8c3993aad40a6d0706335726f82fa0fa99014f7764776b25.json |
[
"Mark Bonokoski"
] | 2016-08-30T00:46:28 | null | 2016-08-30T00:15:20 | Social media is still being flooded, mainly with righteous outrage, after San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he'll refuse to stand for the pre-game playing of the American national anthem. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fkaepernicks-got-a-point-and-a-right-to-make-it-but-hes-still-a-jerk.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871696325_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472517877360 | en | null | Kaepernick's got a point, and a right to make it, but he's still a jerk | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Social media is still being flooded, mainly with righteous outrage, after San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he'll refuse to stand for the pre-game playing of the American national anthem.
Americans are a patriotic bunch. They love their country, and they love their flag, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, and the Star Spangled Banner is their triumphant battle song, steeped in the language of valour and victory.
Anyone who has travelled to Smalltown, U.S.A., cannot help but notice red-white-and-blue bunting everywhere, even in the Rust Belt, with flags flying in front of virtually every house, even if the foundations are crumbling.
This is not a Canadian thing.
What Colin Kaepernick is doing in refusing to stand during the national anthem is not only disrespectful, but a snub to the country that provided him with the opportunity to grow from an adopted young boy into a NFL quarterback earning $128 million.
Try doing that anywhere else.
Yes, it takes talent, but talent is a dead end without opportunity, proper upbringing, and a society that rallies around the pride in achievement.
That said, Kaepernick is also a citizen of a nation with a Voltaire-like First Amendment that defends free speech.
So he can say whatever he wants to say.
His reasons for not standing for the anthem, he claims, are the result of racial tensions in America.
The police shootings of unarmed black men have gotten to him, including incidents in his home city of San Francisco where police relations with minorities has been circling the bowl since police pumped 20 bullets into a slashing suspect last year while the man was standing against a wall.
Two bullets maybe. But 20?
Back in 2012, in a sport more identifiable to Canadians, Michigan-born Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas refused to attend a dinner with President Barack Obama to celebrate his team's winning of the Stanley Cup.
"I believe the federal government has grown out of control, and threatening the rights, liberties and prosperity of the people," he wrote in a statement.
Again, disrespectful, and unappreciative of the country that helped make him a well-paid superstar, but all within his rights under the First Amendment.
But, unlike with Kaepernick, there was not a stadium filled with fans to bear witness to Thomas's snub.
All this comes at a time when the NFL executive has banned the Dallas Cowboys from continuing to have an arm-in-arm decal on their helmets to support the families of the five Dallas police officers murdered in an ambush last month by a black army reservist with a multitude of mental issues.
Some see this as a double-standard, with Kaepernick receiving no disciplinary action from the NFL, but the Cowboys being told to cease and desist.
The difference, of course, is that the Cowboys are an organization ruled by the NFL, while Kaepernick is a private citizen protected by the First Amendment.
As with Tim Thomas, it doesn't make him less of a jerk.
It just allows him to illustrate it.
markbonokoski@gmail.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/kaepernicks-got-a-point-and-a-right-to-make-it-but-hes-still-a-jerk | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/847921402d48a45aced8523cc56587310bbc129e6d176a26b486f4db7ce3f7cb.json |
[
"Stuart Thomson"
] | 2016-08-30T12:46:34 | null | 2016-08-30T12:15:40 | An Alberta man who murdered his family when he was 15 years old has been granted full parole.Gavin Joseph Mandin, who now goes by the name Gavin Ian Maclean, killed his stepfather, mother and two sisters. The murders remain unexplained. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Falberta-man-who-murdered-his-family-25-years-ago-as-a-teen-granted-full-parole.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871811307_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472559838047 | en | null | Alberta man who murdered his family 25 years ago as a teen granted full parole | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | An Alberta man who murdered his family when he was 15 years old has been granted full parole.
Gavin Joseph Mandin, who now goes by the name Gavin Ian Maclean, killed his stepfather, mother and two sisters. The murders remain unexplained.
In police interviews after his arrest, Mandin, who was previously granted day parole Oct. 31, 2012, said the murders were due to anger built up at his parents over many years and his annoyance at having to do chores.
Mandin has never been able to explain why he also killed his sisters and, in his final parole hearing, he said that he was in such a rage he kept firing his weapon without really knowing why.
At the family's vacation home in Valleyview in northwest Alberta in August 1991, Mandin fired shots from a .22-calibre rifle at each of his sisters from barely an inch away. After killing his stepfather, he tied the body to an ATV and dragged it into long grass and then cut open his dead mother's dress and underwear, exposing her body.
Mandin pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a minimum of 10 years.
At the request of the victims' families, Mandin is restricted from entering Alberta. He will also have to attend counselling once a month, avoid contact with the victims' families and report any intimate relationships.
Mandin presents a low risk of reoffending and was evaluated as having high reintegration potential, the parole board said.
Since receiving day parole in 2012, Mandin has been working as a provider of remote IT support. His supervisor described him as a "fantastic employee with a great work ethic." He has been living in a community residential facility, where he repeatedly won extended weekend passes to his own apartment. Mandin has an "active social life," parole documents said.
The National Parole Board previously refused to comment on where Mandin is living and did not return a request Monday for comment. His parole reports come from Ontario.
Although he was generally described as a model prisoner, Mandin drew media attention and the ire of officials at Bowden Institution, just south of Red Deer, when pornography was found on a computer in his cell in 2001.
The parole board repeatedly expressed concern that since Mandin has never had a girlfriend, he might have trouble handling rejection by someone he has been intimate with. Mandin said he believed he had a strong community support system and would "not act inappropriately."
The parole board and the families of the victims expressed concern about Mandin's apparent inability to acknowledge the "pain and sorrow" he had caused.
Although lack of remorse was a recurring feature of his parole hearings, Mandin's psychologist told the parole board that he has noticed a "gradual and steady change" over time. The psychologist said Mandin is less likely to engage in tirades, present absolute statements and evaluate others from a position of superiority.
While Mandin has never been able to provide the board with a "convincing show of regret" and had a tendency to justify his actions, his views toward his mother appear to have softened over time.
In the decision, the parole board said Mandin has "come to understand that she was generally a loving mother and certainly did not deserve to die."
sxthomson@postmedia.com
twitter.com/stuartxthomson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/alberta-man-who-murdered-his-family-25-years-ago-as-a-teen-granted-full-parole | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a9b2adc19ab3a2a4021e3bb73cc06364800c855bc9e5022c2fda8bda05505e3e.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:46:48 | null | 2016-08-30T20:15:49 | Willow Smith has hailed her famous parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as her greatest inspirations in life. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fwillow-smith-on-her-crazy-connection-to-brother-jaden-you-are-the-yin-to-my-yang.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872020808_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472588869827 | en | null | 'You are the yin to my | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Willow Smith has hailed her famous parents Will and Jada Pinkett Smith as her greatest inspirations in life.
The 15-year-old appears alongside her brother Jaden, 18, in the September issue of Interview magazine, for which they sat down for a chat with Pharrell Williams, and Willow admits she has always looked up to their parents.
"Growing up, all I saw was my parents trying to be the best people they could be, and people coming to them for wisdom, coming to them for guidance, and them not putting themselves on a pedestal, but literally being face-to-face with these people and saying, 'I'm no better than you, but the fact that you're coming to me to reach some sort of enlightenment or to shine a light on something, that makes me feel love and gratitude for you,'" Willow recalled. "They always give back what people give to them."
Jaden echoed his sister's thoughts, adding: "I 100% agree with Willow on that one. My parents are definitely my biggest role models. And that's where me and Willow both pull all of our inspiration from to change the world. It all comes from a concept of affecting the world in a positive way and leaving it better than it was than when we came. I feel like that enters into all types of different areas because there are so many different outlets that life has to offer for us. That goes into technology, into music. That goes into science, into spirituality, into education."
Both Willow and Jaden are very active on social media, and frequently use it as a medium to get across their latest campaign. And one thing the pair can always be sure of is that they are being their true selves - something that is severely lacking on many online profiles, according to Willow.
"I know so many kids who literally are, like, Instagram-famous. They have done nothing but post pictures on Instagram," Willow said. "And they have followings. People love to see them in person, but it's only because they post on their Instagram. It's literally crazy. Kids will paint a picture of themselves that is so far beyond who they actually are. It's like they're wearing someone else's skin."
Jaden concurred, proving the pair's incredibly close bond transcends into their beliefs and thoughts on a daily basis.
Speaking about their connection, Willow admitted she finds it "crazy" that she loves her brother so much.
"It's crazy, the sibling dynamic," she remarked. "Throughout us realizing ourselves and realizing each other, we just opened our eyes and were like, 'Damn, you are the yin to my yang.' Not a lot of siblings have that opportunity, because they're always being pushed together so much. They need their time apart in order to realize themselves and realize who they are." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/willow-smith-on-her-crazy-connection-to-brother-jaden-you-are-the-yin-to-my-yang | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/909a04e0494fb3a252a197f9f2d0ea75ec0811204c6a5e2d8c491a547776ebb1.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:46:49 | null | 2016-08-31T11:31:59 | These recipes add fuel to back-to-school lunches | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fthese-recipes-add-fuel-to-back-to-school-lunches.json | http://www.edmontonsun.com/assets/favicon.ico | en | null | These recipes add fuel to back-to-school lunches | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Back to school means an avalanche of emotions for those gearing up for their first day back to hitting the book. Or those getting ready to enter college and university, not to mention that first day on the job. It's an exciting time of year for everyone, but if there's one area of concern, it has to be food planning.
It's one of the biggest worries on a variety of levels - and you'd be surprised to know back-to-school lunches aren't the biggest headache facing many families. A recent survey conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Walmart Canada revealed that, in addition to juggling schedules and arranging after school activities, 78% of parents admitted that rushing to get dinner on the table is an ongoing challenge.
The survey showed that meal planning and preparation takes at least 30 minutes for most parents (82%) with dinner taking the most time followed by lunch. And for many - that dinner doubles as tomorrow's school lunch. What to do? Don't stress yourself out with complicated dishes. Try for one-dish wonders, and dishes that can do double-duty as a meal for the next day. Invest in a slow-cooker where nothing beats the pleasure of coming home to the aromas of home-cooked meals ready when you walk in.
Re-purposing key ingredients will help keep the weekly menu interesting and also helps parents maximize meal prep, says Paul Del Duca, senior vice president of fresh foods at Walmart Canada. “Time is the new currency and we understand that saving time wherever possible is so important for families,” added Del Duca. And get the whole family involved in everything from the shopping to kitchen duties. Get the lunches out of the way as soon as you finish dinner and buy yourself some precious morning time.
Here's a selection of easy, delicious dishes courtesy of Walmart Canada and its Twice as Tasty guide. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/these-recipes-add-fuel-to-back-to-school-lunches | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/1bf63163e3d9875e33acaf77a96710dc18b3a99496f183b8c18a51e58536e51f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:45:55 | null | 2016-08-26T18:45:32 | The federal government ran a deficit of $1.0 billion for the first quarter of its fiscal year, down from a surplus of $5.0 billion in the same period last year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ffederal-government-runs-1-billion-deficit-in-first-quarter.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870728811_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472228918545 | en | null | Federal government runs $1-billion deficit in first quarter | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA -- The federal government ran a deficit of $1.0 billion for the first quarter of its fiscal year, down from a surplus of $5.0 billion in the same period last year.
The Finance Department released its fiscal monitor today showing the state of Ottawa's finances.
For June, the federal government ran a deficit of $1.1 billion as revenue fell and spending increased.
The shortfall compared with a surplus of $1.1 billion in the same month last year.
Revenue fell $500 million or 2.2 per cent in June due to lower corporate income tax revenue, non-resident income tax and excise taxes and duties.
Program spending grew by $1.6 billion that month, an increase of 7.5 per cent, due to growth in major transfers to other levels of government and direct program expenses, though that was partially offset by a drop in major transfers to people.
Public debt charges increased by $100 million or 3.1 per cent, mainly due to higher consumer price index adjustments on real return bonds. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/federal-government-runs-1-billion-deficit-in-first-quarter | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/064df42771b2cf21ab1aea9249429839ef814fbc2c07320345820245b36382ee.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:46:22 | null | 2016-08-29T06:32:24 | Beyonce owned the MTV Video Music Awards by winning video of the year and giving a 16-minute performance featuring her recent hits from | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmtv-video-music-awards-beyonce-slays-kanye-rants-and-rihanna-recognized.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871429684_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472445678664 | en | null | MTV Video Music Awards: Beyonce slays, Kanye rants and Rihanna recognized | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Drake presents Rihanna with the The Video Vanguard Award during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Jimmy Fallon presents Beyonce with "Video of the Year" for "Formation" onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Drake presents Rihanna with the The Video Vanguard Award during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers and Halsey perform onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Drake presents Rihanna with the The Video Vanguard Award during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Fifth Harmony and Ty Dolla $ign (C) accept the award for Best Collaboration during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards August 28, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMADJEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Rihanna performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Music Video Awards at Madison Square Gareden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Jimmy Fallon presents the Video of the Year award during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
G-Eazy, and Britney Spears perform at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Britney Spears performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Beyonce and mothers of gun violence attend the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Rihanna performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Michael Phelps presents onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele perform onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Beyonce accepts the Best Female Video award presented by Madison Kocian, Aly Raisman, and Simone Biles onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Kanye West performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Britney Spears and G Eazy perform onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Madison Kocian, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez present Best Female Video onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Michael Phelps, left, and Nicole Johnson arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Britney Spears performs onstage during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Ariana Grande, left, and Nicki Minaj perform at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Rihanna, center, performs at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Ariana Grande performs at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Beyonce (C) attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West attend the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Alicia Keys attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Jeremy Scott, left, and Stella Maxwell arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Nev Schulman, right, and Laura Perlongo arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Hailey Baldwin arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Lance Bass wears a jacket with the slogan "Love Trumps Hate" as he arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Contestants from "RuPaul's Drag Race" TV show arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Farrah Abraham arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Beyonce, left, and her daughter Blue Ivy arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Desiigner arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
DJ Khaled, left, and Nicole Tuck arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Amber Rose arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Nicki Minaj, left, and Meek Mill arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Lance Bass, left, and Robert Sepulveda Jr. arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
From Kanye West's rant, to Britney's return and Beyonce's epic entrance and performance, here are photos from the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.
NEW YORK -- Beyonce owned the MTV Video Music Awards by winning video of the year and giving a 16-minute performance featuring her recent hits from "Lemonade," working various stages with strong, layered vocals, skilled dance moves and even an outfit change -- all as the audience watched in awe and cheered her on.
Beyonce won the top prize for "Formation," besting Adele, Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Drake.
"First of all I'd like to thank my beautiful daughter and my incredible husband for all of their support," said Beyonce, who walked the carpet with Blue Ivy by her side. "I dedicate this award to the people of New Orleans."
Beyonce is now the most awarded artist in #VMAs history with 23 awards.
Long live Queen Bey. https://t.co/aW4tTHPFfF — Def Pen™ (@defpen) August 29, 2016
Queen B kicked of her strong set with "Pray You Catch Me" as blue lights beamed onstage. She was wearing white, but later stripped down to a black leotard with full sleeves as she sang "Hold Up" and "Sorry." She grew angry and twerked while performing "Don't Hurt Yourself" and ended with the anthemic "Formation."
"If y'all came to slay, sing along with me," she said.
The audience at Madison Square Garden watched intensely Sunday, at times recording the performance with their phones.
It was reminiscent of the 2014 VMAs, when Beyonce also performed for 16 minutes and accepted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award. This year it is being awarded to Rihanna, who split up her performances throughout the night, singing hits such as "Work," "We Found Love" and "Love on the Brain."
But the biggest moment for Rihanna came when Drake -- in a tuxedo -- presented the award to his former girlfriend. He said he met Rihanna in 2005 on the set of her first music video for "Pon De Replay."
"She's someone I've been in love with her since I was 22 years old," Drake said as Rihanna blushed and the audience cheered loudly. "She's one of my best friends in the world. All of my adult life I've looked up to her even though she's younger than me."
Rihanna, 28, thanked her family, friends and hometown of Saint Michael, Barbados for helping her succeed in her 11-year-career.
"All I can think of is my country, they're gonna be so proud, this is the first Vanguard to land anywhere near my country," she said. "My success started as my dream, but now my success is not my own. It's my family, my fans, my country ... it's women, it's black women."
Beyonce's top-notch performance starkly contrasted with that of Britney Spears, who returned to the VMA stage after 10 years. Not only did she lip sync, in typical fashion, but she did so badly. Spears performed her hit "Make Me..." and danced slickly, but she didn't actually sing a word of the song live. She was joined by rapper G-Eazy -- and she lip synched the hook to his hit song, "Me, Myself and I."
Beyonce won best female video for "Hold Up," presented to her by four of the Final Five gymnasts, excluding Gabby Douglas, who is hospitalized for a mouth infection.
"Thank you to my fans. I love you," Beyonce said. "Have a beautiful night."
In typical and true Kanye West fashion, the rapper ranted onstage, touching on subjects from music to his beef with Taylor Swift to violence in his hometown Chicago before he debuted his music video for "Fade." He talked about his "Famous" video which features what appear to be naked images of West, Swift, Kim Kardashian, Donald Trump and more. He even pointed to former girlfriend Amber Rose, who was in the audience and is also in the video.
"It was an expression of our now, our fame right now, us on the inside of the TV, you know, the audacity to put Anna Wintour right next to Donald Trump," he said.
"I put Ray J in it bro," he said, referring to Kardashian's ex with whom she did a sex tape.
"But if you think about last week it was 22 people murdered in Chicago," he continued. "You know, people come up to me like, 'Man, that's right! Take, tell Taylor this. Bro, like I love all y'all."
"That's why I called her," he said with a laugh, referring to his recent drama with the pop star, who didn't attend the VMAs and was not nominated.
Other performers including Ariana Grande, who brought spin class to the VMA stage when she sang the reggae-tinged "Side to Side" with Nicki Minaj. Grande cycled while singing and was backed by female dancers imitating her, while her male dancers lifted dumbbells and did other exercises. At the end of their performance, Grande and Minaj put their male dancers' faces in front their crotches.
In another ode to the Olympic Games just past, Michael Phelps said he's been inspired by hip-hop music before introducing Future, who Phelps said he listened to before swimming and making the grimace that went viral. The rapper-singer-producer performed his hit "(Expletive) Up Some Commas."
Drake won the first award for the night -- best hip hop video for "Hotline Bling." Puff Daddy, who presented the award, said Drake was stuck in traffic. Calvin Harris won best male video -- beating West's "Famous" -- for "This is What You Came For," which featured Rihanna and was co-written with former girlfriend Swift. Harris accepted the award in a video message.
David Bowie -- who died from cancer earlier this year -- received four nominations for "Lazarus" and won best art direction. The music video, which shows him looking frail in bed with bandaged eyes, was released just days before the icon's Jan. 10 death.
Fifth Harmony and Ty Dollar $ign won best collaboration video for "Work from Home." The girl group also won song of the summer for "All In My Head (Flex)." The pop band DNCE, led by Joe Jonas, won best new artist.
Beyonce, was the top nominee with 11, arrived angel-winged and green-feathered with daughter Blue Ivy in tow along with Sybrina Fulton, Lezley McSpadden and Gwen Carr, the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, among others. They appeared in videos for Beyonce's "Lemonade" visual album and also make up the Mothers of the Movement, women of colour who lost children to violence.
Jimmy Fallon introduced the top nominees and dressed as Ryan Lochte, with platinum blonde hair. As Lochte, who is dealing with trouble after filing a false robbery report over an incident during the Rio Olympics, Fallon lied onstage about writing Justin Bieber's "Sorry" and directing the videos nominated for video of the year.
Adele was behind Beyonce with eight nominations, but the British singer did not attend the show.
Winners of Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, presented at Madison Square Garden in New York: | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/mtv-video-music-awards-beyonce-slays-kanye-rants-and-rihanna-recognized | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/44949ab519fcc21f812c7d4dc1ac851f7d7887f3f7745131d6d032eeee13af14.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:46:02 | null | 2016-08-27T14:33:37 | Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has clinched pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of 18-year-old Dutchman Max Verstappen, while championship leader Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Flewis-hamilton-to-start-belgian-grand-prix-55-places-back-after-grid-penalties.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871027365_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472307102733 | en | null | Lewis Hamilton to start Belgian Grand Prix 55 places back after grid penalties | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has clinched pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of 18-year-old Dutchman Max Verstappen, while championship leader Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.
Cheered on by a large contingent of Dutch fans, Verstappen beat Sebastian Vettel’s leading time to move into contention, only for Rosberg to beat Verstappen’s mark and clinch his 28th career pole.
Kimi Raikkonen placed third, ahead of Vettel.
Rosberg, who trails Hamilton by 19 points in the title race, has a great chance to close the gap.
Hamilton’s grid penalties increased to 55 places after Mercedes had further engine changes, following those made during Friday’s practice.
With nothing to gain, Hamilton did only four laps early in qualifying before rolling into the team garage. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/lewis-hamilton-to-start-belgian-grand-prix-55-places-back-after-grid-penalties | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/40f698fb5c9169bbbd12decd4699e43c4e539ba08816b0701a4115340423c0bd.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:46:02 | null | 2016-08-27T11:45:30 | Classic rockers the Moody Blues are setting sail on a fan cruise to Mexico to ring in 2018. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fset-sail-with-the-moody-blues-on-new-years-cruise.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297596379492_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Set sail with the Moody Blues on New Year's cruise | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Moody Blues: Classic rockers The Moody Blues held a celebrity cruise in April 2014 with Roger Daltrey. The five-night Moody Blues Cruise II around the Bahamas recreated the vibe of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. The band will also set sail on a New Year's Eve theme cruise in 2018. (WENN.com) Mandatory Credit: WENN.com
Star Trek: William Shatner - a.k.a. Captain James T. Kirk -- and his Star Trek castmates will set sail on a theme cruise to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary. Jonathan Frakes, Denise Crosby and Robert Picardo will also be aboard. The six-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line departs Miami on Jan. 9, 2017, and will make stops in Cozumel, Mexico and the Bahamas. Read the full story here. (WENN.com)
MasterChef: The itinerary for the week-long MasterChef cruise of the Caribbean includes plenty of opportunities to interact with fan favourite contestants like Luca Manfe. The seven-day voyage sails from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Nov. 6, 2016 and past winners from MasterChef and MasterChef Junior will be aborad. Click here for more details. (Courtesy Bell Media)
Property Brothers: Canadian twins Jonathan and Drew Scott — better known as the Property Brothers for their W Network reality real estate show — are setting sail on the “Ultimate Design Cruise” aboard the Carnival Ecstasy. Their cruise, formally called “Sailing with the Scotts: The Ultimate Design Cruise,” will sail from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from Nov. 16 to 20, 2015. The Scott brothers have a number of surprises in store for fans who join them on the cruise, including trivia night challenges, dance parties and DIY decorating challenges. Click here for more information. (Handout)
Dancing with the Stars: Fans of TV dance competition Dancing with the Stars can pretend they're one of the stars while cruising the Caribbean or Alaska on Holland America's MS Nieuw Amsterdam. With several sail dates throughout 2015 and 2016, the cruise features dance classes, competitions and the change to mingle with stars like Kym Johnson (pictured), Tristan MacManus and Carson Kressley. Click here for more details. (WENN.com) Daniel Tanner/WENN.com
KISS: Set sail with classic rock band KISS on their fifth annual Caribbean "kruise" from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, 2015. On your round-trip cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl from Miami to Jamaica, you'll enjoy gourmet dining, ob-board amenities, plus an indoor rock show with KISS. (WENN.com)
Maxwell: R&B star Maxwell has recruited his famous friends and is setting sail for a Caribbean cruise. The singer is launching the Maxwell + The 7 Seas Caribbean cruise, sailing May 3 - 10, 2015, and is bringing fellow musicians including Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Robert Glasper and comedian DL Hughley for the seven-day trip. Click here for more details. (WENN.com) WENN.com
Game of Thrones: Crystal Cruises has created an excursion for Game of Thrones fans that takes guests to filming locations in Northern Ireland as part of a cruise along the British Isles. The half-day excursion with the seven and 14-day cruise packages will offer guests a behind-the-scenes tour into the making of the mythical worlds of Westeros and Essos. Click here for more details. (WENN.com) WENN.com
The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings: Fans of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and author J.R.R. Tolkien can take to the high seas on a Tolkien fan cruise with cast members from the films, including Jed Brophy (pictured) (Nori the dwarf,) Sarah McLeod (Samwise Gamgee's wife Rosie Cotton,) and Bruce Hopkins (Gamling in the LOTR film trilogy.) Click here for full details. (WENN.com) WENN.com
Grand Budapest Hotel: Fans of the Wes Anderson film The Grand Budapest Hotel were offered the chance to set sail with Anderson and members of the cast in a star-studded lineup aboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise liner in June 2014. Actors Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman and writer/producer Roman Coppola sailed with Cunard's flagship liner during a seven-day transatlantic crossing. Read the full story here. (WENN.com) WENN.com
Backstreet Boys: The Backstreet Boys cruise sailed from Miami for Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas on Oct. 24 to 27, 2014. The boy band's cruise was so popular in past years, the band had to turn to Carnival's Ecstasy ship, which has more balcony cabins for guests. Guests enjoyed pool parties on deck with Brian, Nick, A.J., Howie and Kevin, disembarked at Half Moon Cay for a beach party with the Boys, plus enjoyed all the luxury amenities and gourmet dining the Carnival Ecstasy ship offers. (WENN.com) WENN.com
Frozen: Hit the seas with Anna, Elsa and all their Frozen friends on the new Disney Cruises 'Frozen' theme cruise. The ship - to be transformed into a wintry wonderland overnight - will sail in 2015 to destinations in Europe and to Alaska. Click here for more information. (Handout) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/set-sail-with-the-moody-blues-on-new-years-cruise | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4faf902c3a4f072da6c08b8ac2ee83e4333dda9d73c5adbdef510db0d1e285a5.json |
[
"Ainslie"
] | 2016-08-26T20:46:02 | null | 2016-08-26T20:45:32 | Clad in a white bee suit, Carlos Castillo kneels over a plastic tub filled with hundreds of squirming, disoriented honey bees. Using a measuring cup he scoops out some of the writhing insects and pours them into a funnel. With a few shakes, they slide through the opening and disappear into a cardboard box. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fwhy-are-the-bees-dying-northern-alberta-scientists-are-helping-find-the-answer.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870770886_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472239335486 | en | null | Why are the bees dying? Northern Alberta scientists are helping find the answer | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Clad in a white bee suit, Carlos Castillo kneels over a plastic tub filled with hundreds of squirming, disoriented honey bees. Using a measuring cup he scoops out some of the writhing insects and pours them into a funnel. With a few shakes, they slide through the opening and disappear into a cardboard box.
With metal-screen sides so the bees can breathe and enough food and water to last them for days, it’s much more than they need to survive their overnight trip with Canada Post.
The buzzing box is headed to the National Bee Diagnostic Centre, located 40 kilometres outside Grande Prairie and one of Canada’s most important lines of defence in what has become a global fight to save one of the world’s most important creatures.
Beekeepers have to be “proactive,” says Castillo, a molecular biologist and the Centre’s lead scientist. “It’s important to know if the bees coming into the winter are healthy enough to survive.”
Over the last several years, bees have been dying and disappearing at dizzying rates around the world. In Canada, some colonies have lost up to 40 per cent of their population during the winter, while in some parts of the world, colonies have simply disappeared without a trace. While a definitive cause has not been determined, various pests and diseases, worsening queen health, and pesticide use are just a few of the factors raising alarms.
Research is being conducted in many parts of the world, and the bees analyzed at the Alberta lab as part of the four-year National Honey Bee Health Survey play a big part in finding solutions.
And there’s more at stake than just honey. Without bees, many of the world’s main food crops wouldn’t produce sufficient yields. Statistics Canada estimates that honey bee pollination contributes between $3.15 to $4.39 billion per year to the harvest value of crops.
Alberta centre a hive of activity
Bees from one of Craig Toth’s hives in Morinville are collected on Aug. 11, 2016 for the National Honeybee Health Survey.Shaughn Butts / Postmedia
In Alberta 1,000 beekeepers manage about 295,000 colonies. In 2015, the industry produced about 19,394 tonnes of honey worth roughly $93 million. The year before, Alberta accounted for 42 per cent of all honey production in Canada and 29 per cent of exports.
The Alberta diagnostic centre has been a hive of activity since opening in 2013.
“It’s working out better than ever anticipated,” says Don Gnatiuk, president of Grande Prairie Regional College which operates the centre with support from Agriculture Canada.
“We’re honoured to be part of something that is so important, to mankind actually, when you think about it,” he says.
In its first year, the five-person staff at the centre conducted about 1,800 tests. By 2015, they were running close to 20,000.
Today, the lab just meets the demand from beekeepers, researchers, and government for its services and the college is negotiating with the federal government for a possible expansion that would triple the lab’s size — from 200 to 600-square metres — and double its staff.
“It’s proven to be a major tool in our tool box for monitoring our hive health,” says Grant Hicks, the president of the Beekeepers Commission of Alberta.
The health survey was launched in response to a proposal by beekeeping associations in Alberta and Manitoba in 2014. The survey aims to provide a clearer picture of honey bee health in Canada, including baseline data about the pests, diseases, and parasites affecting the country’s precious pollinators.
The results of the survey will be critical for developing regional health management plans and will help identify “exotic” threats to Canadian bees before they become established, the diagnostic centre notes in material provided to participating beekeepers.
Suiting up for science
Morinville beekeeper Craig Toth opens a hive so bees can be removed for testing on Aug. 11, 2016.Shaughn Butts / Postmedia
Initially, samples were only collected from hives in Alberta and Manitoba. Now in its third year, the team collects samples from 325 bee yards across nine provinces, Castillo says. The lone exception is Saskatchewan, which has declined to join the initiative.
At each bee yard the sampling process begins the same way — with beekeepers and scientists suiting up.
With a decade of experience, beekeeper Craig Toth knows not to let the suit’s netting, which covers his face and neck, touch his skin, which would give the bees and their stingers easy access.
Toth has four bee yards, but Castillo and his intern Matthew Oldach are collecting a sample from just one.
The yard is located on Toth’s parents’ property in Sturgeon County, about 35 km from Edmonton. Separated from the house by a wheat field, the bees and the surrounding environment operate in a symbiotic relationship where nearby canola fields and Toth’s orchard of apple, cherry, and chokecherry trees provide nectar for the bees and are pollinated in return.
At each bee yard samples are collected from 10 randomly selected hives.
A cloud of smoke is puffed into the first hive to calm the bees before its top box — known as the honey super — is moved aside.
Guards stand watch at the entrance to each hive and release alarm pheromones to warn their comrades of a possible threat, but the smoke prevents the rest of the hive from detecting their signal.
Castillo and Oldach are interested in the bottom boxes, or the brood chambers, where the queen lays eggs in individual honeycomb cells and worker bees raise the larvae.
Each chamber holds nine or 10 frames of honeycomb. Castillo checks a few of the frames for any visible signs of disease before pulling one with “open brood” — eggs and larvae in uncovered honeycomb cells. In the later stages of development the cells are covered and the larvae transform into pupa before emerging as adult bees.
After double-checking to make sure the queen isn’t on the selected frame, Castillo shakes it over a white plastic tub, sending adult worker bees tumbling.
Some of the bees are shipped alive in the cardboard box while another half-scoop is deposited into a bottle of ethanol. About 100 bees are collected from each colony for a total of roughly 1,000 bees per yard. Castillo is only interested in the female worker bees.
“Kind” hives and killer bees
Castillo then knocks the frame over a metal dish, flips it and knocks it again, dislodging white eggs and larvae into the pan. He is looking for Tropilaelaps mites, which establish themselves in the honeycomb cells with the eggs and larvae. So far, there has been no sign of the mites in North America, Castillo says, but they’re a big problem in South Asia.
The process is repeated for nine more hives and by the end of the process, the entire bee yard is abuzz. It may seem threatening to the untrained eye, but Castillo knows better.
Most bees in Alberta are “very kind,” he says. “Some beekeepers don’t even wear gloves.”
Toth agrees — except when it comes to the fourth hive in his bee yard. That colony is “just evil,” he says, with a chuckle.
Usually Toth handles troublesome bees by “squishing” the queen and overthrowing the monarchy.
Next time, Castillo wants him to send a few worker bees for testing instead. They could be killer bees — a name taken from a 1980s-era movie that exaggerated the issue.
The correct term is Africanization, Castillo says – that is, African bee species that have interbred with western honey bees resulting in extremely defensive hybrids that tend to sting more frequently.
Today Africanized bees are found in most of Latin America and parts of the Southern U.S., including California, the source of thousands of queens for Canadian beekeepers.
“It is important to be sure we do not import Africanized queens,” Castillo says.
Back at the lab, the live bees shipped in the mail will be flash frozen and Castillo and team will start the diagnostic process. They’ll look for signs of Africanization as well as diseases, viruses, and pests such as American Foulbrood, Nosema, Varroa mites, Acute and Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, and Black Queen Cell Virus. Next year, the final year of the survey, they’ll also look for chemical residues.
The diagnostic centre doesn’t provide treatment advice for the various maladies, but accurate diagnoses are a boon for beekeepers especially when the chemical treatments for some pests have the potential to harm bees if applied improperly.
One of Castillo’s main concerns is backyard beekeepers and hobbyists – a growing trend, including in Edmonton – who don’t understand the hard work that’s involved with keeping bees.
“It’s cool to have hives, but it’s not good enough to put hives in your backyard and forget about it,” he says.
Poorly managed hives are breeding grounds for infection that have the potential to spread. They won’t save the bees, they’ll put them at greater risk, says Castillo.
Alberta bees by the numbers (2015 data)
• 1,000 beekeepers
• 295,000 bee colonies
• 19,394 metric tonnes of honey produced in Alberta.
• $93.4 million Total value of honey produced in Alberta.
• 42 per cent Alberta’s share of honey produced in Canada in 2014
• 29 per cent Alberta’s share of Canada’s 2014 honey exports
National Bee Diagnostic Centre research projects
• National honey bee health survey: Over four years, the NBDC is analyzing samples from apiaries across the country to establish a baseline of honey bee health in Canada.
• Queen health evaluation: Queen bees purchased from Canadian and leading foreign producers are being assessed for sperm count and viability to investigate the decreased longevity of queens in hives.
• Honey bee viruses in the Peace Country: Work to examine the prevalence of seven honey bee viruses affecting the Peace Country, one of Canada’s key honey producing regions.
• BeeOMICS: The NBDC is assisting with diagnostics for a project developing new tools that will allow beekeepers to rapidly and cost-effectively breed healthy, disease resistant, and productive bee colonies that are better able to survive harsh Canadian winters. Leonard Foster, a professor in the University of British Columbia’s department of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Amro Zayed, a professor in York University’s department of biology, are leading the Genome Canada project.
acruickshank@postmedia.com
twitter.com/ainscruickshank | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/why-are-the-bees-dying-northern-alberta-scientists-are-helping-find-the-answer | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2227fa5edf7dadb25acfba3dbe3827867cf8c2a99e367fc7c150375e71acec81.json |
[
"Claire Theobald"
] | 2016-08-27T00:45:56 | null | 2016-08-27T00:15:04 | After downtown division officers shared news of seizing $15,000 of prescription pills and arresting a suspected drug dealer, community members broke into applause. “We announced the results of this search warrant at a neighbourhood safety meeting earlier this week and community members cheered at the news,” said Edmonton police acting Sgt. Chris We | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcommunity-applauds-drug-bust-netting-15000-worth-of-prescription-pills.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297752653715_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472256035339 | en | null | Community applauds drug bust netting $15,000 worth of prescription pills | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | After downtown division officers shared news of seizing $15,000 of prescription pills and arresting a suspected drug dealer, community members broke into applause.
“We announced the results of this search warrant at a neighbourhood safety meeting earlier this week and community members cheered at the news,” said Edmonton police acting Sgt. Chris Weir. “It’s great to get that kind of feedback."
Officers first arrested a man outside a residence near 92 Street and 110A Avenue on Wednesday afternoon after he was observed taking part in a drug deal. They seized 63 Dilaudid pills worth $1,890 on the street.
A vehicle search yielded another 100 oxycodone pills valued at $3,000.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the house around 6:30 p.m.
Police seized 344 prescription pills from the house, including Dilaudid, lorazepam, oxycodone and Hydromorph Contin. Those pills have an estimated street value of more than $10,300.
Officers also seized a stolen laptop, body armour, a knife and a prohibited push-dagger — a knife with a T-shaped handle that rests against the palm of the user's hand — along with numerous empty pill bottles and documents recording drug transactions.
Jules Bimazubute, 46, was charged with four counts of possession for the purposes of trafficking, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, possession of body armour without a valid permit and unauthorized possession of a prohibited device.
twitter.com/ClaireTheobald
ctheobald@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/community-applauds-drug-bust-netting-15000-worth-of-prescription-pills | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/cffc41b64329f3e78ab62b1f381ffcda226d27e17e74c9bd1ed2ed862de1e587.json |
[
"Keith Gerein"
] | 2016-08-27T02:45:57 | null | 2016-08-27T02:31:16 | Staff at the Stollery Children’s Hospital are celebrating the completion of a $36-million overhaul of the surgical area touted to help reduce waiting times, shave costs and provide a better patient experience. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ffive-new-operating-rooms-part-of-36-million-expansion-at-stollery-childrens-hospital.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870937567_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472260027658 | en | null | Five new operating rooms part of $36-million expansion at Stollery Children’s Ho | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Staff at the Stollery Children’s Hospital are celebrating the completion of a $36-million overhaul of the surgical area touted to help reduce waiting times, shave costs and provide a better patient experience.
The long-awaited expansion was first approved by the province more than seven years ago, but faced a complicated planning and construction timeline.
“I am reminded of two old adages: Patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait,” the Stollery’s chief of surgery Dr. Mark Evans said Friday at the unit’s official opening.
“I think this project severely tested the first hypotheses, but in the end proved the second.”
Premier Rachel Notley also attended the ceremony, saying the new facilities should help to ease stress on children and parents who too often had surgeries delayed in recent years.
The redeveloped unit has five operating rooms and two procedure rooms. It’s the same number of operating suites the Stollery had previously, but the spaces are now more efficiently designed and come with mobile equipment, allowing more surgeries to be performed.
Other upgrades have been made to the pre-op and recovery rooms, reception area and ward for short stays.
Friday’s event also touted the success of a decision to expand hours in the short-stay surgical unit, which has helped to reduce surgery postponements.
Back in 2014, a group of 20 pediatric surgeons at the Stollery wrote a letter to Alberta Health Services managers warning of a growing crisis around insufficient beds at the hospital.
With the Stollery handing an ever increasing volume and complexity of cases from Western Canada, most available beds were being filled by critically ill patients, they said. As such, less urgent surgeries had to be frequently postponed because there was nowhere for those patients to recover.
Notley, who was an opposition MLA at the time, also championed the cause.
Health leaders responded by extending the hours of the day ward, which caters to patients needing 12 to 16 hours of recovery time before being discharged.
Since that decision, postponed surgeries have declined 93 per cent, from 198 the year before the expanded hours were implemented to 14 the year after.
The moves to approve the renovation project and install expanded hours were both made under the former Progressive Conservative government. However, Notely suggested her government also deserves credit because it has refused to cut spending on health workers needed to staff the unit.
“It would not be here if we didn’t have a commitment to stable and predictable funding within our health care system,” she said.
As an opposition MLA, Notley joined with the surgeons in calling for the construction of new beds for the Stollery. Asked Friday if she thinks more expansion is necessary, she said the already implemented changes have done much to solve the most pressing problem.
AHS has been working on a redevelopment concept for the University Hospital site, which could include a proposal for new, stand-alone Stollery. The project would probably have to wait years for funding since the cash-strapped government is also facing demands to redevelop the Royal Alexandra and Misericorida hospitals.
The Stollery Children's’s Hospital Foundation contributed $2.5 million to the surgical expansion project.
Much of the redevelopment has been adorned with child-friendly decorations, from colourful murals and light fixtures designed by children to a blue floor in the surgery area instead of the usual jarring white.
“Many of the touches in this new environment make this a better place for a child’s surgical journey,” said Dr. David Mador, Alberta Health Services medical director for northern Alberta.
Last year, more than 9,500 operations were performed at the Stollery. The recent changes are expected to allow up to 2,800 more per year.
kgerein@postmedia.com
twitter.com/keithgerein | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/five-new-operating-rooms-part-of-36-million-expansion-at-stollery-childrens-hospital | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e29e7d14b9bf2a465aca79b27ffdc0cb47c0ca1780f5548aabf863d966306787.json |
[
"Brad Hunter"
] | 2016-08-27T22:46:09 | null | 2016-08-27T22:33:48 | The crime was juiced with hatred — pure
and simple. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Folympian-horror.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871071040_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472336520436 | en | null | Olympian horror | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The crime was juiced with hatred — pure and simple.
Six bullets ventilated Olympic bronze medalist shot putter Dave Laut on Aug. 27, 2009 in the quiet, leafy backyard of his stucco ranch house.
One more .22 calibre slug that shattered the back of his skull put a personal touch on the hulking high school athletic director’s grisly demise.
Laut, 52, was already lying dead on the ground as his horrified wife Jane called 911 reporting a prowler lurking outside their Oxnard, California home.
“Somebody ... somebody was in our back yard,” she breathlessly told the operator.
Press reports said cops had no suspects.
As for Laut, the beloved 6-foot-3 gym coach was described by friends and family as a “gentle giant.”
Five months later, detectives made an arrest: it was Laut’s wife and high school sweetheart Jane.
Almost immediately, the defence began painting a portrait of the Olympian as a violent, bullying rapist who kept his family in a state of terror. But there was little evidence of the gut-wrenching abuse Jane was claiming.
There was, however, a $300,000 insurance policy. Jane was also spending the family’s money at a gold medal rate, cops learned. Even borrowing $60,000 from her mother-in-law to keep the party rolling.
When cops found the murder weapon, hidden in a grandfather clock, they also found a how-to for cold-blooded wives. Jane had a legal article outlining how to claim self-defense and say you’re suffering from battered woman’s syndrome.
And then there was his desire to end the unhappy marriage.
“They were having problems that last year and she told me Dave wanted to leave the marriage,” Rebecca Laut, Dave’s sister-in-law, told the Ventura County Star. “Jane said, ‘He says he’s going to leave and take Michael, but that’s not going to happen. I’m not going to let him take Michael (their 10-year-old son).’
“(He) was planning on leaving her. He was looking up divorce attorneys hours before his death. I believe he was leaving her that night and he was planning to take their son and she was not going to allow it to happen.”
The dead man’s family scoffed at any indication a domestic war was raging behind the walls of the couple’s tidy suburban home.
“We never ever heard about any type of domestic violence. She changed her story so many times and once she was arrested then all of a sudden it was about domestic violence,” Rebecca Laut told the Los Angeles Times.
“She was my sister-in-law and I knew her and she was also my friend,” Rebecca says. “I am positive there was never domestic violence. The only domestic violence there was is what she did to Dave and her son Michael on that night. Because of her killing her own husband she took away her son’s father.”
Jane Laut’s legal team hammered away at the theme the dead sportsman was a violent psychopath. In the end, the jury didn’t believe her and she was found guilty in March of killing the “gentle giant.”
She scoffed at a manslaughter plea deal that would have seen her walk out of prison in six, short years.
On Tuesday, a California judge sentenced her to 50 years in prison. Her lawyer says he plans to appeal.
For Laut’s family, the agony and confusion has not gone away.
“I mean, if you knew Dave and the kind of person he was and the way he beamed when he talked about Jane and how he had her up so high on this pedestal, I mean, he just — he loved her,” said Rebecca Laut.
SEXXX-RATED HEIST
A carnal crazed cat burglar broke into an Ohio sex store and made away with sex toys, lubes, the upper half of a $2,000 sex doll and a $46.99 blonde wig, according to police.
Cops say Ellis Doyle, 26, went through a ventilation pipe and slithered into Cirilla’s adult novelty store. But surveillance cameras captured the hormone-charged heist man — as he returned for a second visit.
The Smoking Gun quotes cops: “walks around the store again and then walks over to the ‘Eva’ mannequin and strips the clothing off of it and takes the top half of the mannequin and takes a blond and burgundy wig off a display and places it on its head and walks out the front door.”
Doyle allegedly got away with $2,650 in R-rated goodies. The Eva mannequin was found at a nearby Red Roof Hotel. He has his preliminary hearing on Monday.
MOST WANTED
NAME: Gregory Pictou
AGE: Unknown
CIRCUMSTANCES: On Feb. 21, 1981, the body of John Gleason was found in a state of mummified decomposition in the basement of the National Native Cultural Centre in Ottawa. He had been stabbed approximately 50 times in the front and back torso — his throat slit from ear-to-ear. Pictou is wanted for first-degree murder.
He was last seen in New York City in the 1980s.
CONTACT: Ottawa Police or the RCMP | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/olympian-horror | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/20bed1bb5d3d73f8674563b2d28e3c8f229a410566d773370dd1d4877ee9c892.json |
[
"Liz Braun"
] | 2016-08-26T20:45:54 | null | 2016-08-26T20:45:32 | What cultural or spiritual notions have led to the current fascination with Artificial Intelligence? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fkate-maras-morgan-and-the-10-best-movies-about-artificial-intelligence.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870789856_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472239008948 | en | null | Kate Mara's 'Morgan' and the 10 best movies about Artificial Intelligence | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | What cultural or spiritual notions have led to the current fascination with Artificial Intelligence?
The idea of a man-made being that eventually surpasses its creator was the subject of at least four movies last year — and comes up again in Morgan, a sci-fi thriller opening Friday.
What’s the deal on our fixation with robots?
And why are they so often the bad guys?
Perhaps stories about robots and Artificial Intelligence reflect our own ideas about consciousness or free will.
Or what it means to be human.
Maybe A.I. represents one way to see human-like beings behave in inhuman ways — a sort of 21st century puppet show. Then again, humans might well feel like God when they help create a new life form, especially a robotic life form that can represent a type of immortality.
And the ongoing problem is this: How do you make sure that machines smarter than people don’t figure out ways to seize power away from their creators?
In a 1942 story, Isaac Asimov spelled out the three laws of robotics:
- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
- A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Interesting — but Science Fiction is full of stories about robotic creations rebelling against those very laws, unwittingly or otherwise. And nobody loves a recalcitrant robot more than Hollywood.
Morgan is the latest example from the robot genre. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) stars as Morgan, a human-like artificial intelligence; some of the scientists working with Morgan are played by Toby Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Paul Giamatti and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The humans involved in creating Morgan have great affection for the machine and hope for its progress. They refer to Morgan as ‘she’ and want to continue to observe her development, but something happens to suggest Morgan needs a risk-management assessment. A corporate consultant (Kate Mara) is sent in to decide on Morgan’s future.
It’s not a pretty picture.
To help you brush up on your A.I. movies in advance of Morgan, here are 10 of the best:
ROBOCOP (1987)
An indestructible cyborg (Peter Weller) that’s part machine, part hero cop’s consciousness, appears to be the future of police work. It doesn’t quite work out that way. This action drama/social commentary is directed by Paul Verhoeven.
BLADE RUNNER (1982)
An ex-cop (Harrison Ford) working as a blade runner — an assassin of rogue androids — grapples with his feelings about the human-like replicants. Ridley Scott directs Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, M. Emmet Walsh, Daryl Hannah.
youtu.be/_19pRsZRiz4
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (2015)
Evil A.I. Ultron (James Spader) dukes it out with Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow et al in this particular Marvel adventure.
EX MACHINA (2015)
Alicia Vikander is terrific as the A.I. who may or many not have her own ideas about becoming part of the human race. Sci-fi thriller also stars Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac.
THE MATRIX (1999)
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss star in this futuristic thriller (from the Wachowskis) as rebels who dare go up against the machines that have imprisoned human minds. Can they escape the artificial reality created to lull them into cooperating?
A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001)
A robotic boy (Haley Joel Osment) wants his human mother to love him. Then her human son comes home. Steven Spielberg directs Frances O’Connor, Jude Law, William Hurt.
THE TERMINATOR (1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a cyborg sent from the future to kill a woman (Linda Hamilton) in the present. The idea is to prevent the birth of the woman’s son — who will grow up to one day lead a rebellion against the machines. James Cameron directs.
MOON (2009)
Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) has a solo stint on the moon, where isolation is either causing him to go mad or keeping him from finding out the truth about his origins. Duncan Jones co-wrote and directs.
HER (2013)
Joaquin Phoenix stars as a writer who falls in love with the A.I. operating system that runs his life. Well — the machine does have a fabulous human voice (courtesy Scarlett Johansson). Spike Jonze directs; also with Amy Adams.
ROBOT & FRANK (2012)
Frank, an aging jewel thief (Frank Langella) is given a robot butler by his son (James Marsden) to help around the house. Frank retrains his robot to assist in heists. This is sci-fi for the non-sci-fi-fan; also with Susan Sarandon and Liv Tyler, and that’s Peter Sarsgaard as the voice of the robot.
Twitter: @LizBraunSun
LBraun@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/kate-maras-morgan-and-the-10-best-movies-about-artificial-intelligence | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/3a81d3bca11704ec1747c5cf9f204f454fe152636b127533b931c7a950766f48.json |
[
"Steve Simmons"
] | 2016-08-27T22:46:06 | null | 2016-08-27T22:33:48 | All David Bolland did in Chicago was his job. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fbolland-has-earned-the-right-to-be-more-than-a-punchline.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871113055_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472337734948 | en | null | Bolland has earned the right to be more than a punchline | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | All David Bolland did in Chicago was his job.
Ask him to check, he checked. Ask him to scrap, he scrapped. Ask him to occasionally score, he would occasionally score.
That included a bang-bang, last-minute, Stanley Cup-winning goal with Chicago, his last game with the Blackhawks.
That was three years ago. Now Bolland, at age 30, has become something of a punchline, not a person or a player of any consequence in hockey, just salary cap space. That’s how he’s looked at by too many in the hockey world. His rather large contract was dealt from Florida to Arizona, not because anybody wanted him, but because the Coyotes would take prospect Lawson Crouse and the price of doing so was to accept Bolland’s contract. The value of salary cap space in today’s NHL.
Knowing Bolland, I imagine there is nothing he would like better than to be playing healthy and proving his worth to whomever was paying his way. That’s unlikely to happen anymore.
What he shouldn’t be in this case is anyone’s punchline. He’s put in his time. He deserves better than that.
THIS AND THAT
Sometimes, Hockey Canada does the right thing, like adding leading playoff scorer, Logan Couture, to Team Canada’s roster to replace Jamie Benn for the World Cup of Hockey. And then it follows that by doing the wrong thing, adding Jay Bouwmeester to replace the injured Duncan Keith on defence. The choice here was left-shooting defenceman Mark Giordano, but coach Mike Babcock, in particular is a comfort zone coach and Bouwmeester played a solid role for Babcock in Sochi. That kind of looking-back logic has hurt Team Canada in the past ... Wasn’t sure why Team Sweden left Dallas defenceman John Klingberg off their initial World Cup roster. Now not sure why they haven’t added him as an injury replacement to their very strong defence. Sweden ended up inserting Anaheim’s Hampus Lundholm to take Niklas Kronwall’s spot. On a scale, this is equivalent to Canada leaving P.K. Subban off its roster ... Brandon Prust and Matt Martin are both considered left wingers. One can play for the Leafs. Two not likely ... Darryl Sittler is only the eighth NHL player to be called for Canada’s Walk of Fame. The list is rather impressive. The other seven: Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux, Jean Beliveau, Rocket Richard, Johnny Bower. To separate them, that’s six all-time greats, and maybe the six greatest ever, and two Hall of Fame Leafs greats ... What I’d love to have seen: Sittler going in with Lanny McDonald at his side, the way Don Cherry went in alongside Ron MacLean.
HEAR AND THERE
Should the Blue Jays make the playoffs, this will be Russell Martin’s sixth straight season in the post-season. And if the same happens, it will be Josh Donaldson’s fifth straight post-season. Or every one of his big league years ... Strange Blue Jays season. They are in first place. And I don’t sense they’ve played really complete baseball with an uncertain lineup and so many injuries to date ... Michael Saunders before the all-star game: .298, 16 HR 42 RBI, an OPS of .923. Saunders since his surprising election to the game: .174, 5 HR, 8 RBI, an OPS of .647 ... Marco Estrada pre-all-star break, 2.93 earned run average. Post all-star break: 5.18. Pre: Batters were hitting .173 against him; Post: .279 ... If the Blue Jays don’t pick up a left-handed reliever between now and Wednesday, that role will likely go to Francisco Liriano for the post-season, who may or may not be able to throw strikes ... Justin Smoak is having a rather dreadful season. He’s hitting .227 with 14 home runs. This is Jose Bautista’s free-agent season. He’s hitting .226 with 15 home runs ... Can’t speak for anyone else, but I like the idea of Dioner Navarro in the Blue Jays clubhouse ... What an odd CFL season: The home teams in the East have a 4-13-1 record. The road teams are 11-5 ... The Dallas Cowboys are 24-24 over the past three NFL seasons. They’re 23-11 when Tony Romo starts at quarterback 1-13 when he does not ... I see Danny Valencia is as charming as ever with the Oakland A’s ... If I was young and ambitious, I would quit my job, move to Brazil, go into the concessions business and become filthy rich. But instead, you get the Sunday notes ... Congrats for former Argo Noel Prefontaine and NBA star Kawhi Leonard, both elected to the San Diego State University sports Hall of Fame.
SCENE AND HEARD
Twenty-two medals in Rio was terrific for Canada. Twenty-two medals at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta was even better. Why? There were 306 medal events in Rio, just 271 in Atlanta. Same number of medals. More than 12% more events and no more medals ... Impressive in Rio: Canadian women, who out-medalled Canadian men 16-6 ... What stings: Canadian men not named Andre De Grasse (or part of his relay team) won three Olympic medals. That’s all ... You know Paul Beeston is no longer running the Blue Jays — and Americans are — when neither De Grasse nor Penny Oleksiak has thrown out the first pitch at a Blue Jays game yet ... Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan may never win a championship with the Raptors, but boy they were little-kid excited about their gold medals in Rio. Most excited I’ve ever seen either of them ... When the Florida Panthers inexplicably fired Scott Luce, I wrote he wouldn’t be out of work for long. He wasn’t. Luce, whose father Don was close friends with Tim Horton, is the new scouting director of the Las Vegas NHL franchise ... The worst thing that could happen to Las Vegas hockey: The Raiders and NFL moving to Las Vegas ... I’m looking forward to Ryan Lochte, the mini-series. Or at least the next several episodes of Saturday Night Live.
AND ANOTHER THING
Is there anything more Yankees than this? Kid slugger Gary Sanchez has 32 hits in his first 23 games in Pinstripes and 11 home runs in 80 at bats. Before this, the young Dominican never had more than 18 homers in a minor-league season ... If the Kansas City Royals make the playoffs, look out. Their bullpen hasn’t given up a run in 39.2 innings, a luxury John Gibbons wouldn’t know about ... Can the B.C. Lions please settle on one uniform and one logo so we know who is playing when we see them and don’t have to guess? ... Is it too much to ask to get a decent instant replay, in reasonable time, on a pseudo inside-the-park home run by Melvin Upton Jr.? ... If you missed this Olympic story, you missed something special. American water polo coach Adam Krikorian left Brazil when his brother passed away just days before the Olympics. He then quickly returned to Rio after the funeral to coach the team, which went on to win gold. Coaches do not get rewarded with gold medals. But the women’s team lined up in front of the coach after the medal ceremony and one by one, each player placed their gold medal around the neck of the coach. It was the Rudy moment of the Olympics, but in this case, it was all tears and truth ... Kudos to colleague Gare Joyce, whose part-hockey, part-detective novels were turned into the television series, Private Eyes with Jason Priestley, which has been now renewed for a second season ... Happy birthday to Bismack Biyombo (24), Lou Piniella (73), Robert (Sgt. Slaughter) Remus (68), Shania Twain (51), Ron Guidry (66), Pierre Turgeon (47) and Don Denkinger (80) ... And hey, whatever became of Dave Steen?
BROOKE NEEDS BETTER ADVICE
It seems odd to say this because she’s 18 years old, but Brooke Henderson needs to grow up.
Or failing that, she needs to get better advice than she happens to be receiving these days.
At the Olympics, Henderson didn’t impress a whole lot of people with the way she bypassed her press responsibilities and pouted after a poor third round in the women’s golf event. There is a certain protocol that goes along with being an Olympic athlete and a professional golfer, for that matter. At the Olympics, all competitors must go through a mixed zone area which includes journalists at the conclusion of their round.
Henderson chose not to. She did partake in her media responsibilities after finishing up well on her final round, just missing the podium.
Then in Calgary at the Canadian Open, Henderson, the No. 1 golf attraction in Canada, was working on the practice green when a car pulled up, she slid under the ropes and left the course without a word. Wayne Gretzky, at 18, never missed a day of his media obligations.
It isn’t about talking to me or my colleagues, it’s about talking to you and your television sets and your radios. Part of the responsibility of being a high-paid athlete in an individual sport is making yourself available. Being available only after good rounds is not an image or a reputation young Henderson should want.
AA HAPPY IN L.A.
The job looks perfect from the outside: Alex Anthopoulos, general manager, Minnesota Twins. How would the Twins find anyone better than the man who traded for Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki and Marco Estrada, drafted Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman, and signed Russell Martin as a free agent.
Except for one thing: Anthopoulos is in the process of moving his family from Toronto to Los Angeles. And he’s perfectly happy, he says, in his role as vice-president of baseball operations with the Dodgers. He loves the team, the people he works with, the way in which the front office operates for the first place Dodgers.
The assumption was when Anthopoulos left the Blue Jays that he would be the leading candidate for whatever GM job would come up in baseball, but he seems to like the idea of living in Los Angeles and doesn’t relish the thought of picking up and moving his family again.
If the move out of Toronto proved anything, it showed Anthopoulos doesn’t always do the obvious. He could have stayed with the Jays for long-term and great money and chose to leave for personal reasons. He could now seek out GM work elsewhere, but won’t do that either. Being in baseball matters to Anthopoulos, so long as he’s working with people he believes in. Being in charge doesn’t matter as much and you might have thought.
WHO IS SAFE WITH THE JAYS?
The Blue Jays fired Sal Fasano.
Why anyone in baseball would find a reason to fire Fasano is a head-scratching matter. Spend five minutes with Fasano and you’ll understand why. He looks like baseball. He sounds like baseball. If you want to talk about pitching, about catching, about the intricacies of the game, or just listen to some good old stories, he’s your guy.
And with the firing of Fasano as minor league pitching coordinator comes another question: Who is safe in the Blue Jays front office that preceded the hirings of president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins?
And another question: How much uncertainty is there right now for those whose seasons are about to end, coaches and minor league managers, coaches at the major league level, anyone in scouting and player development?
As the Blue Jays approach the playoffs, those who played a part in player development at various levels are either being let go or must be concerned about their security.
The thinking around baseball: If a baseball lifer like Fasano can get fired, after the firings of scouting director Brian Parker, cross checker Blake Davis, field coordinator Doug Davis, pretty much anyone can and will be let go. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/bolland-has-earned-the-right-to-be-more-than-a-punchline | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/6517275d021aab57790d0e1bd61992dcef5bce32efc995e0e2f8b009faeebc2c.json |
[
"Gerry Moddejonge"
] | 2016-08-28T22:46:23 | null | 2016-08-28T22:15:35 | While many a defender has tried to get into the quarterback’s head during a game, the CFL is rolling out the red carpet for television audiences to do just that, as live microphones are being introduced to the game plan. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Feskimos-quarterback-mike-reilly-says-he-would-wear-a-mic-during-games-but-the-censors-would-be-busy.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871294967_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly says he would wear a mic during games but the ce | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | While many a defender has tried to get into the quarterback’s head during a game, the CFL is rolling out the red carpet for television audiences to do just that, as live microphones are being introduced to the game plan.
The maiden voyage marking the first time live mics were used in a CFL regular-season game launched Sunday night with the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and you can bet the Eskimos quarterback had his eyes – and ears – on how it all went down when the volume was turned up on head coaches Dave Dickenson and Kent Austin, and pivots Bo Levi Mitchell and Zack Collaros.
“They’ve got guts, man,” Reilly said, perhaps referring more to the decision by the CFL to bring fans deeper into the game than to Sunday’s four test pilots. “Off the field, I’m pretty calm. On the field, my emotions and my competitiveness show through quite a lot and 99% of what I say on the football field would not allowed to be shown on live national television.
“So those guys have guts, but it will be interesting to see. It’s probably part of the game that the fanbase probably doesn’t really ever get to see. So it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. But I don’t think I can censor myself well enough to be in that scenario, but good for them.”
While it’s called a Live Mic Broadcast, it won’t exactly be in real time. A 10-second delay is in place to ensure a family friendly atmosphere is maintained once the emotions – not to mention any trash talk in range – intensify.
At least, that’s the hope.
“They would just have to act like my microphone disconnected or something, like: ’We lost the feed,’ ” Reilly said. “My teammates, they love me for it – at least that’s what they tell me. The last couple games, I’ve been able to calm down a bit, but I take football very serious, I’m very passionate about it but that’s just the way it goes sometimes.”
But the risks aren’t without their potential rewards. If this program takes off and the 104-year-old league becomes an innovating model for others to follow, CFL quarterbacks have a chance to be household names across the country, not just in the decked-out dens and team-coloured man-caves of those who already count themselves as fans.
“There’s no doubt about it, there are a lot of personalities in our league that are just great guys and it’s kind of cool for the fans to get a different look at it,” Reilly said. “Our league and TSN have both done a nice job of trying to expose us a little bit more than just the game itself, it would be a cool experience, I’m sure.”
Not to mention eye-opening.
“There’s a lot that goes in,” Reilly said of the inter-play banter, as well as after the snap. “There were a lot of times (Friday) night, where I’m out of the pocket running and pointing out directions to my guys, telling Cory (Watson) and Shakir (Bell) to go and block.
“We see a blitz coming and we’ve got a delayed screen to Shakir and before the ball’s even snapped, I’m yelling, ’Go now, go now, go now!’ And he gets out and we get the ball thrown to him before the blitz could get to him. So there’s a lot of communication that happens.”
Of course, not everyone is suited for the live audio spotlight in the heat of the moment.
“I don’t even want to comment on it, to be honest with you,” said Eskimos head coach and former long-time CFL quarterback Jason Maas.
And while Reilly has been mic’d up in the past, it was for post-game editing purposes. This time, the quarterbacks’ words are being heard during the live broadcast as fans were brought right inside the huddle and onto the sidelines.
If and when Reilly’s turn comes and it becomes the Live Mike Broadcast, he welcomes it.
“It just depends if you’re comfortable just being yourself out there,” Reilly said. “I’ve been mic’d up for a number of games: The West final and the Grey Cup, I was mic’d up for the first game of the season.
“It’s hard at first because you try to censor yourself a little bit, but after the first couple of snaps you just realize this is how I play and this is who I am. They’ll use what they can and won’t what they can’t.”
Then again, knowing Reilly’s offensive line, who have become notorious for hijacking teammates’ interviews, the quarterback might be lucky to even get a word in edgewise on his own mic.
“Absolutely, that’s the thing,” said Reilly. “I think more than anything you just hear the hits and just the physicality of a football game and that’s the best part of it.
“So it might be kind of a cool experience.”
GModdejonge@postmedia.com
twitter.com/SunModdejonge | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/eskimos-quarterback-mike-reilly-says-he-would-wear-a-mic-during-games-but-the-censors-would-be-busy | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/80fc0b1587dca7c1faadbbe50e3c0bf56fa854d8e11f93b11fc272f5bc411316.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:46:38 | null | 2016-08-30T16:46:10 | Scientists have found evidence to
support what many dog owners have long
believed: man's best friend really does
understand some of what we're saying. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fdogs-really-do-know-what-youre-saying-study-suggests.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871857921_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472570212440 | en | null | Dogs really do know what you’re saying, study suggests | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | BERLIN -- Scientists have found evidence to support what many dog owners have long believed: man's best friend really does understand some of what we're saying.
Researchers in Hungary scanned the brains of dogs as they were listening to their trainer speaking to determine which parts of the brain they were using.
They found that dogs processed words with the left hemisphere, while intonation was processed with the right hemisphere -- just like humans.
What's more, the dogs only registered that they were being praised if the words and intonation were positive; meaningless words spoken in an encouraging voice, or meaningful words in a neutral tone, didn't have the same effect.
"Dog brains care about both what we say and how we say it," said lead researcher Attila Andics, a neuroscientist at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. "Praise can work as a reward only if both word meaning and intonation match."
Andics said the findings suggest that the mental ability to process language evolved earlier than previously believed and that what sets humans apart from other species is the invention of words.
"The neural capacities to process words that were thought by many to be uniquely human are actually shared with other species," he said. "This suggests that the big change that made humans able to start using words was not a big change in neural capacity."
While other species probably also have the mental ability to understand language like dogs do, their lack of interest in human speech makes it difficult to test, said Andics.
Dogs, on the other hand, have socialized with humans for thousands of years, meaning they are more attentive to what people say to them and how.
The study was published in the journal Science.
Andics also noted that all of the dogs were awake, unrestrained and happy during the tests. "They participated voluntarily," he said. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/dogs-really-do-know-what-youre-saying-study-suggests | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a4558b3fa8ca8abd4262e5fffc98de33e412c75c470ebb4f4895f6ca5ffa097b.json |
[
"Stuart Thomson"
] | 2016-08-30T04:46:34 | null | 2016-08-30T04:30:32 | Police are searching for a convicted robber who escaped Monday from Edmonton's Stan Daniels Healing Centre.A warrant has been issued for Carlos Tecomba, who is serving a sentence of five years and nine months for robbery with threats of violence and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fwarrant-issued-for-man-who-escaped-edmonton-minimum-security-healing-centre.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871769566_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472531471462 | en | null | Warrant issued for man who escaped Edmonton minimum security healing centre | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Police are searching for a convicted robber who escaped Monday from Edmonton's Stan Daniels Healing Centre.
A warrant has been issued for Carlos Tecomba, who is serving a sentence of five years and nine months for robbery with threats of violence and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Tecomba is 20 years old, five-foot-eight and weighs about 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.
Correctional Services Canada is working with the Edmonton Police Service to locate Tecomba and is conducting an internal investigation about the circumstances of the escape.
The Stan Daniels Healing Centre is located at 9516 101 Ave. in Edmonton.
On Aug. 22, Killam RCMP arrested a dangerous offender who disappeared Aug. 13 while on leave from the Pe Sakastew minimum security facility. Darrell Peter Moosomin, 54, had been granted day leave from the facility in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, to attend the Samson Powwow under the supervision of an elder.
sxthomson@postmedia.com
twitter.com/stuartxthomson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/warrant-issued-for-man-who-escaped-edmonton-minimum-security-healing-centre | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/d6728051d4f3280bb985357faf91f7ce3d9f814e60b46adaf89f6fc672fed2bc.json |
[
"Claire Theobald"
] | 2016-08-26T20:45:56 | null | 2016-08-26T20:15:41 | Epcor is asking people in Edmonton and surrounding communities conserve water through the weekend.The company first put the call out on Thursday after heavy rainfall west of Edmonton saw water levels in the North Saskatchewan River rise to 6.7 metres, quadrupling the rate of water flow through the city.The increased water flow washed debris from th | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fepcor-asks-residents-to-conserve-water-through-weekend.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870814836_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472240512280 | en | null | Epcor asks residents to conserve water through weekend | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Epcor is asking people in Edmonton and surrounding communities conserve water through the weekend.
The company first put the call out on Thursday after heavy rainfall west of Edmonton saw water levels in the North Saskatchewan River rise to 6.7 metres, quadrupling the rate of water flow through the city.
The increased water flow washed debris from the banks into the water and churned up silt from the bottom of the river.
Tim le Riche, Epcor spokesman, said increased turbidity — or the amount of dirt particles floating in the water — has slowed the rate at which water treatment plants can produce clean water.
While Edmonton’s water reservoirs hold up to three days worth of potable water, Epcor is asking people to limit non-essential water use.
There is no immediate risk or concerns about the quality of drinking water, le Riche said, adding that conserving water at this time a matter of “prudence.”
The company is asking people in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan to avoid watering lawns or gardens, filling pools or hot tubs and to postpone washing cars over the weekend.
Other suggestions include taking short showers, delaying laundry or turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
Le Riche said the company will update the public Monday on the water situation. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/epcor-asks-residents-to-conserve-water-through-weekend | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/771f7cefd7ebc8bede64c9b3845d521d2f4372e5ee86b376c02328562c27b345.json |
[
"Clare Clancy"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:16 | null | 2016-08-26T12:15:24 | Edmonton's vacant office towers could be turned into residential space, hotels or even multi-floor gardens, a new report suggests. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fedmonton-downtown-business-association-report-suggests-converting-vacant-office-towers-into-residential-space.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870539690_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472169684698 | en | null | Edmonton Downtown Business Association report suggests converting vacant office | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Edmonton's vacant office towers could be turned into residential space, hotels or even multi-floor gardens, a new report suggests.
"Instead of breaking buildings down and doing major renovations, it's easier to have temporary, environmentally friendly, low-cost conversions that you can always change a few years down the line," said the report's author, Satish Narayanan.
His report released Thursday by the Downtown Business Association highlighted seven towers around the world that have been successfully revamped after sitting vacant for more than five years. Approaches included turning office space into university housing, retail space and multi-generational dorm-style living. In Japan, a recruitment company incorporated an urban farm into its building, growing vegetables, fruit and rice.
Edmonton's business community should assume that buildings will serve multiple uses during the next decade, Narayanan said, adding that conversions will fail if the needs of the city aren't carefully evaluated.
"There were a few buildings converted multiple times for different reasons," he said. "There are many premium lofts that exist. It might not be the smartest idea to convert an older building into premium lofts just because you are competing with ... newer developments."
Jim Taylor, the business association's president, said in anticipation of the city's changing skyline, business owners need to take action. Major construction projects include the Enbridge Centre, Stantec Tower and Edmonton Tower, which will offer retail, office and residential space.
A mid-year report released earlier this month by the Avison Young real estate firm showed the downtown office vacancy rate in Edmonton is 12.3 per cent: "The Edmonton office market is showing signs of cooling as new construction slows and vacancy climbs," the report said.
"There is a lot of new office space on the market," Taylor said. "I think there's a bit of a panic."
He said 15 years ago, Edmonton saw a spurt of conversions when 12 office towers were turned into assisted-living residences, hotels and condominiums. He pointed to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel on Jasper Avenue and 99th Street as success story.
"Modern office towers ... becoming vacant are going to be the hardest to convert just because of their structure and size. But those might be the buildings where we encourage young firms to come downtown and move in."
In particular, Taylor said there's a need for a specialty hotel that offers long-term stays.
"It's an easier conversion ... than residential because you don't need laundry facilities in every unit," he said.
Vivian Manasc, senior principal architect at Manasc Isaac Architects, lives in a converted building. The New Cambridge Lofts were built downtown in the 1960s and intended as office space, but a developer converted the units into condominiums in the late 1990s.
"Of course, there's an opportunity to just tear it down. However, tearing buildings down is not inexpensive ... and from a carbon-footprint perspective ... tearing down existing buildings is not a great strategy."
She said creating mixed-use space that can be converted multiple times is "easier said than done from an architectural perspective." Putting plumbing in an entire building for various purposes, for example, would be pricey.
She said pitching the idea to a commercial owner depends on generating revenue.
"Even if all you get to keep is the structure, the bones of the building if you will, and the skin has to be replaced, the structure still has huge value," she said.
Manasc doesn't foresee office space downtown going unused.
"It's a perfect time right now, the economy is a little bit slower, construction costs are lower ... the time is right. As (buildings) are starting to become vacant, owners are paying attention."
cclancy@postmedia.com
twitter.com/clareclancy | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/edmonton-downtown-business-association-report-suggests-converting-vacant-office-towers-into-residential-space | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2b63d4f5952f2cd9d2064f5ab6e3fd9d0738574586eb00d260ff8a1b0a860eee.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-29T00:46:19 | null | 2016-08-29T00:15:04 | It’s the final countdown. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fwith-keys-ready-to-hand-over-to-oilers-on-thursday-rogers-place-crew-proud-of-their-ice.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871311468_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | With keys ready to hand over to Oilers on Thursday, Rogers Place crew proud of t | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | It’s the final countdown.
The keys to Rogers Place, your correspondent has learned, will be presented to the Oilers Entertainment Group by PCL Construction Thursday.
The ice is in. The lines have been painted. The ads have been positioned. The Zamboni has been out for hundreds of laps to get it to an exact inch and a half.
It’s ready to go.
But a skate blade has yet to touch the ice yet. Not one. And not one will take a stride on the new freeze until Thursday when the building is turned over to the team.
A special first skater and a group of first test skaters has been selected to perform the honour.
Following the ceremony, expect a flood of skaters to take to the ice.
In the coming days expect a closed-to-the-public game involving the neighboring Grant McEwan Griffins and U of A Golden Bears and all sorts of skaters to take to the ice before the WHL Oil Kings open their season Sept. 18 against the Red Deer Rebels and the NHL Oilers play a split-squad pre-season game Sept. 26 against the Calgary Flames.
“In general you want people skating on fresh, or green, ice whether it’s the first time it went in or the 41st time. Green ice is not as durable as it will be once it gets skated on,” said Rogers Place assistant GM Mike McFaul.
“You have to get people out to skate on it, to put in all the skate marks and grooves. When you go and resurface that ice, it allows for a harder surface, a tougher surface, more bonded,” he added.
“We do the same thing with the Brier,” said Jason Rimmer. “We make sure we get the club curlers to come out and throw rocks before the event starts.
“Randy Ferbey has been lobbying hard to let him come out so he can say he was the first to throw the first curling rock at Rogers Place,” added ice maker Rimmer, who throws third rock in a Tuesday midnight league with the six-time Brier champion.
Not McFaul, chief engineer and director of ice operations Andrew Higgins, assistant chief Rimmer, supervisors of ice operations J.J. Straker and Kyle Lamkey and other back of house teammates Steve Morgan (electyrical) and Matt Ruptash (plumbing) have gone out for a twirl on their creation.
Not one has given in to the temptation of sneaking out and being the first.
They’ve been forbidden.
“Everybody is itching,” said Straker.
“They’ve asked us not to step on there. They’re saving that for something special. They’ve asked us not to step on there with skates,” said McFaul.
The icemakers are excited enough with the way the installation of the ice went to be happy.
“It went really well. Everything is painted and built up and we’re ready to go,” said McFaul.
An arena doesn’t look like an arena until the ice is in and the lines are painted.
“That’s a very exciting feeling,” said Rimmer.
“Even putting that white paint down, it starts to look like a rink. Then you start putting those lines in and then it really looks like a hockey rink in there. And when that Oilers centre logo goes in, it’s for real. It’s very exciting,” he added.
“We looked like a bunch of giddy school kids out there,” said Straker.
There is no new arena in the world where there is so much interest and attention on the ice than in Edmonton, where for most of its history the Northlands Coliseum, a.k.a Rexall Place, was famed worldwide for having the best ice in hockey.
It would be a shame if they built an arena which is being called the ultimate on the planet and the ice was second-rate.
They’re pretty confident that won’t be the case.
“Our chief engineer and director of ice operations Andrew Higgins has put together a phenomenal team of technicians,” said McFaul.
“I can tell you that I think we have a dream team in terns of ice operations. We don’t know how the ice is going to be until we do get the Oilers and Oil Kings out there but I expect we’re going to have some of the best ice in the league. Andrew has put together this great team and they’re doing everything right. We fully expect to have some of the best ice in the league,” added McFaul.
“We have lots of power, lots of control and we’re even expanding the ice plant even more,” said Rimmer of the ice plant that also serves the ice surface in the connected community arena that had ice installed at the same time.
“We have eight temperature sensors distributed throughout the ice, so we’re going to have pretty tight control.
“To say I’m excited about it is an understatement. We have high hopes for it. Everything is set up top-notch.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/with-keys-ready-to-hand-over-to-oilers-on-thursday-rogers-place-crew-proud-of-their-ice | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/f4e9abe6752e28091a58c342d19c972d53a94fe269cb7d6a315b968b36978220.json |
[
"Jason Hills"
] | 2016-08-27T02:45:55 | null | 2016-08-27T02:31:16 | You can throw their records out the window. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fhuskies-and-wildcats-renew-edmontons-junior-football-rivalry.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870946928_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Huskies and Wildcats renew Edmonton's junior football rivalry | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | You can throw their records out the window.
It doesn't matter if the Edmonton Huskies and Edmonton Wildcats are at the top of the standings or bottom – when the city's two junior football team's meet, the rivalry is special.
The Huskies and Wildcats clash for the first time in Week 3 of the Prairie Football Conference season Saturday (7 p.m.) at Clarke Park.
With both teams still searching for their first win of the year (0-2), whoever wins the first meeting will be given a nice boost.
“We're both in the same situation where we're trying to establish ourselves and gain our footing... we've both had some struggles early on. There will be lots at stake in this game. Both teams really want to win to try and turn our season around,” said Wildcats head coach Darcy Park.
The Wildcats opened their season with losses to the Calgary Colts and Winnipeg Rifles, while the Huskies dropped games to both the Saskatoon Hilltops and the Regina Thunder.
Huskies head coach Iain MacLean knows there is pressure on both teams to put in a strong performance and show that both rebuilding programs are turning the corner.
The Huskies took on the perennial powerhouse Saskatoon Hilltops last week and put in a scare to the defending national champions, but fell short 35-20.
“There's two types of pressure in this world. Pressure you feel, and pressure you apply. We have to go out and do our job. Have fun, and do the things that make us a good team,” said MacLean.
“I'm very happy with the effort. Our guys have been in every game right to the bitter end. That's been good to see. If we were down 22-0 in the past, that score would've snowballed. We've been playing with speed and that's something we've been pushing for.”
The Huskies and Wildcats typically play each other twice during the regular season, but in a unique twist on the schedule, they will play each other three times this year – making these games even more crucial if either team makes a playoff push.
“If one of these two teams can win the season series, it will give you a real leg up in getting into the playoffs,” said Park.
The reason for the scheduling quirk is that the PFC and the British Columbia Football Conference have joined forces to play some inter-conference games. Both the Saskatoon Hilltops and the Winnipeg Rifles will play games against two BC teams.
The Hilltops will play the Okanagan Sun, while the Rifles will battle the Valley Huskers next month.
“It's an added dynamic to the schedule this year. The league tried to get all teams to participate, but that didn't happen,” said MacLean.
Despite both Edmonton teams in a 0-2 hole, there have been some big bright spots for the two squads. Huskies quarterback Brad Launhardt leads the league in passing yards with 432, while Colton Hippe isn't too far behind with 398 yards passing.
“Colton really grew and took command of our offence in the second game, and we see a lot of big things from him moving forward,” said Park.
Wildcats linebacker Taylor Visser is tied for the league lead with 11 defensive tackles, while Huskies receiver Darion Grymaloski leads the league with eight catches for 138 yards.
Both coaches expect their teams to put forward their strongest game of the season as the two rivals add another game to their storied history against one another.
“It's one of the great things for the kids who play junior in Edmonton. It's a memory, you're playing against guys that you may have played high school football with, and there are bragging rights on the line,” said Park.
“I think about the biggest thing about the rivalry this will be the one game they (alumni) get out too or they'll look at the score in the paper and this one will bring a smile to a 64-year-old who played in this game in 1966.
“It's a big crowd, it's intense as it's going to get. I truly believe there's a difference between the two organizations,and it's a good difference, and it gives us an opportunity to showcase both programs.”
@hillsyjay
hillsyjay@gmail.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/huskies-and-wildcats-renew-edmontons-junior-football-rivalry | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4282d5ffc43f2e9731485ca28a754460a412054c36d254bf1146882706a37ddb.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:46:23 | null | 2016-08-29T14:32:31 | It's summertime and the living is easy, especially for the celebrities who are taking to Instagram to share photos from their beach vacations. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F06%2F21%2Fcelebrities-share-hot-summer-pics-from-beach-trips.json | http://www.edmontonsun.com/assets/favicon.ico | en | null | Celebrities share hot summer pics from cool beach trips | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | It's summertime and the living is easy, especially for the celebrities who are taking to Instagram to share photos from their beach vacations. Check out where the stars are getting some R&R this summer. (Instagram)
Kim Kardashian flaunts her famous curves while on vacation in Punta Mita, Mexico. (Instagram/Kim Kardashian)
Britney Spears shared this photo of her summer Hawaiian vacation on Instagram with the caption "Still dreaming a mile a minute..." (Britney Spears/Instagram)
Toronto's own Drake relaxes in a beach-side infinity pool. (ChampagnePapi/Instagram)
Kylie Jenner shared this photo of her spending summer days by the beach in Malibu. (KylieJenner/Instagram)
Rihanna cheers on LeBron James in the NBA finals during her summer holiday. (BadGalRiRi/Instagram)
Justin Bieber tries paddleboarding in this photo shared on Instagram. (JustinBieber/Instagram)
Sofia Vergara prefers the pool to the beach. She shared this photo on Instagram with the caption #ilovesummer. (SofiaVergara/Instagram)
Zayn Malik toasts the arrival of summer in this holiday photo shared on Instagram. (Zayn/Instagram)
Jenna Dewan Tatum gets adventurous on her summer holiday. (JennaLDewan/Instagram)
Beyonce, Jay Z and their daughter Blue Ivy enjoy summer on the beach in this photo the singer shared on Instagram. (Beyonce/Instagram)
Shania Twain shared this beach photo on Instagram. "Taking a break from the studio, need to recharge!" she wrote. (ShaniaTwain/Instagram)
Britney Spears shared this sunny beach photo on her Instagram. (BritneySpears/Instagram)
Model Bella Hadid relaxes in a pool by the beach. (BellaHadid/Instagram) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/06/21/celebrities-share-hot-summer-pics-from-beach-trips | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/1e7f359fa9eaf23cac9f5dc7e33d98787a1bc49a34df38e6de344f780ab2744a.json |
[
"Lorne"
] | 2016-08-28T00:46:12 | null | 2016-08-28T00:15:11 | Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre is at it again, demagoguing against the Energy East pipeline. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fcoderres-pipeline-politics-all-for-show.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297576999270_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472344642283 | en | null | Coderre’s pipeline politics all for show | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | 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 oil sands 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 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, arguing the impartiality of the NEB’s decision is suspect.
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 push back from Quebecers and from central Canadian journalists would be deafening.
I don’t think Coderre really cares about the NEB’s reputation or the validity of its upcoming hearings.
He appears to be doing nothing more than pandering to “green” voters.
It looks as if Coderre saw an opening to damage the NEB and Energy East, as well as 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/coderres-pipeline-politics-all-for-show | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/dcd6681f8bd382d07fc51524d22cd21b1e6e943def84db23bfce9b03d03b4b9d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:46:39 | null | 2016-08-30T18:46:14 | A Quebec mother says she was shocked
that two Grade 3 teachers were wearing
aboriginal headdresses and handing them
out to students on the first day of
classes Monday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fmontreal-mother-horrified-after-aboriginal-headdresses-given-to-students.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871917337_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472576613315 | en | null | Montreal mother 'horrified' after aboriginal headdresses given to students | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | MONTREAL -- A Quebec mother says she was shocked that two Grade 3 teachers were wearing aboriginal headdresses and handing them out to students on the first day of classes Monday.
Jennifer Dorner said she found the scene in the Montreal schoolyard distressing and offensive and posted a photo and commentary on Facebook, where it began making the rounds.
"I was pretty horrified, I was hoping that this kind of thing stopped happening a long time ago, but apparently it continues so I took a picture and posted about it," she said in an interview.
Dorner, whose daughter and niece are both Grade 3 students, said her niece Zoe was particularly upset by the headdress and wanted to rip it up.
School board spokeswoman Gina Guillemette says the headdresses -- fashioned from cardboard and coloured feathers -- were distributed to students at Ecole Lajoie as part of a focus on teaching about native communities in Quebec.
Dorner said that explanation is even more upsetting given the very people introducing the topic don't seem to grasp the disrespect of portraying the headdress in this way.
"How can they possibly be teaching an authentic understanding of indigenous culture?" she asked. "It doesn't help their cause to say that. If anything, it makes it even more distressing."
Such headdresses are generally only worn by elders or those who've earned the right to do so.
Non-natives donning them is seen as disrespectful as there is a spiritual and cultural significance attached to them.
Many concert promoters and sporting venues have banned the wearing of such First Nations headdresses as a costume or fashion accessory.
Dorner said a friend who is native has offered to attend a meeting she's requested with the principal at the elementary school in Montreal's Outremont borough.
Zoe's mother, Sarah Dorner, said her daughter refused to wear the headdress.
"My daughter is very sensitive to these things, we lived in New Zealand for most of 2015 so we've had a lot of conversations with her about when it's OK to be invited and to wear a costume or participate in song and dance," she said, referring to Maori culture in New Zealand.
Sarah Dorner said she just wanted her daughter to enjoy her first day of school.
Some of the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission focus on education and she said the need to implement them is clear.
"I'm hoping that maybe, because this has hit a nerve, they'll consider more appropriate ways of introducing that curriculum," she said. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/montreal-mother-horrified-after-aboriginal-headdresses-given-to-students | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8905a1e1399cd46722090f7df1cf097c34f5b9667faf5d807fbaa921be53c9be.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-29T00:46:22 | null | 2016-08-29T00:32:13 | Making ice has come a long way from getting out a garden hose and aiming it between the boards. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fputting-in-top-quality-ice-at-rogers-place-is-a-painstaking-process.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871313695_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Putting in top-quality ice at Rogers Place is a painstaking process | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Making ice has come a long way from getting out a garden hose and aiming it between the boards.
It’s become an absolute art form.
And that’s especially true when it comes to making ice between the boards in the building being trumpeted as the greatest arena anywhere on the planet.
You don’t think so?
Follow the new Rogers Place ice crew team as they put in the initial ice surface in the middle of August.
“When you start you need the right temperatures in the building and on the floor. We got that on the Monday,” said Rogers Place assistant GM Mike McFaul, adding that you need a significant percentage of construction work to stop so there won’t be cement dust and other particles floating down to the surface during the crucial first three days of the five-day project.
“Then we sealed the floor with light mist sprays of water on the Tuesday,” said McFaul.
“What that means is we covered the ice with real fine sprays.
“We have a 10-foot boom with 12 little sprayers on the boom. The fine spray freezes on contact with the concrete. That gives the real initial bond, a real quality bond between the concrete and the ice. It’s only about 1/32nd of an inch.
“We left it over night with the real fine seal coats. That gives the building, the plant and everything a chance to cycle, especially this first time.
“When you do that, everything freezes on contact, basically. Then we did all the lines and logos with a good-sized crew helping out with that. It all went really well.
“We were all in by 6:30 a.m. Wednesday to start applying the white paint. It comes in a powder form. We mix the paint in a barrel with water and apply it the same way with the boom. We did three coats of that, then a touch-up coat.
“After that, you seal that in with another four or five coats of fine spray so that when you apply water later, that paint is not going to run.
“Then you measure out all the lines and circles and goal creases for painting. That’s all hand-painted.
“Then we spray another four or five layers of the fine mist with the boom spray and seal in all of that so when you start painting the lines, it’s not running in.
“The lines and logos are all hand-painted. We had a crew with a lot of experience in to do that.
“Once we had all that down, we put another few layers in with the boom to protect those layers. Then we brought out all the sponsor ads, which are on like a mesh fabric,” McFaul continued.
“It’s a great product. They are real vibrant colours. It looks like you painted them.
“From that point on, we built up all night and the next day and got up to just over half an inch of total ice. Then we were able to bring out the Zambonis and start covering up with that. We just kept doing that over and over until we got to the inch and a half.
“An inch and a half is our magic number, partially because of construction. Every day there’s different needs with people needing to get on to the ice with different equipment. It gives us a buffer where we’re able to shave off that top layer.”
In most cases, that would be it. You’re done.
But that wasn’t it with this team.
“We have what we call an ice tempering program,” said icemaker Jason Rimmer.
“We actually warm the ice up just below the melting point. We flood and scrape it and flood and scrape it. Then we slowly bring the temperature down.
“What that does is allow the molecules to line everything up. It’s very similar to tempering steel. It’s something we’re able to implement here that Rexall never did have. With the way the molecules line up the quality of ice goes up,” added Rimmer.
“Jason is being a little bit modest but he helped develop this when he was in Calgary. And not everybody in the league is doing it. Maybe 10 at best,” said McFaul. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/putting-in-top-quality-ice-at-rogers-place-is-a-painstaking-process | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/f55621958471d57034614ca21274b1b5ca28dce90bb0462699802707669de1a6.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:46:04 | null | 2016-08-27T14:45:30 | No winning ticket was sold for the $45 million jackpot in Friday night’s Lotto Max draw. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fno-winning-lotto-max-jackpot-ticket.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297543041712_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472304749252 | en | null | No winning Lotto Max jackpot ticket | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO — No winning ticket was sold for the $45 million jackpot in Friday night’s Lotto Max draw.
It means the jackpot for the next draw on Sept. 2 will rise to $50 million.
There will also be eight MaxMillions prizes of $1 million dollars each up for grabs. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/no-winning-lotto-max-jackpot-ticket | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/9935ab009334f304d04ece95b52335162cbe6e07f6c251c3c2c8e9230db9147e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:13 | null | 2016-08-26T12:15:24 | Singer Miranda Lambert is set to meet the soldier who brought her to tears at a concert in Connecticut last week. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fmiranda-lambert-to-meet-soldier-she-sang-to-sleep.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870606341_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472183320685 | en | null | Miranda Lambert to meet soldier she sang to sleep | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Singer Miranda Lambert is set to meet the soldier who brought her to tears at a concert in Connecticut last week.
The country star had just started singing her hit The House That Built Me at the Xfinity Center when she spotted Jeff Tudisca’s handmade sign in the crowd and had to stop the show.
The U.S. serviceman’s placard read: “3 combat tours. (Your) voice was the last thing I listened to EVERY NIGHT! THANK YOU!!!”
Many fans assumed the soldier was invited backstage to meet Miranda after the show, but when a local radio DJ discovered that didn’t happen, he decided to set up a meet-and-greet between the pair. It will take place on Friday night, before Lambert’s show at Gillette Stadium in New England.
In an interview with Broadway’s Electric Barnyard, Tudisca admitted he’s very excited to meet the country music superstar, but he’s not quite sure what he’ll say to her.
He also lost it during his emotional connection with Miranda at the Xfinity Center.
In footage from last week’s gig, the singer took Tudisca’s powerful sign and propped it up near her microphone stand while attempting to finish The House That Built Me. She eventually gave up and told fans, “I gotta get a drink. Y’all, I gotta do it!”
She then asked fans to take over and complete the song for her.
Her emotions were also tested the following night in East Rutherford, New Jersey when a cute six-year-old fan named Sebastian asked Miranda to marry him.
“I got engaged today!” Miranda, 32, told the audience at the MetLife Stadium, where she was opening for Kenny Chesney. “There’s a little six-year-old boy here named Sebastian. He asked me to marry him. I said yes - in 25 years.”
The singer then showed off a pink ring on her finger, adding, “Look at this beautiful ring! He got on one knee. He was such a gentleman. It may be my favourite proposal ever.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/miranda-lambert-to-meet-soldier-she-sang-to-sleep | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/045aa694966f9866729ef62d67493899721c5c7e2e951c8c54919cb1fd7acdfb.json |
[
"Gerry Moddejonge"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:02 | null | 2016-08-26T12:15:24 | The last time the Edmonton Eskimos (4-4) faced the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-7), they needed overtime to come out with a 39-36 win back in Week 3. Since then, the Eskimos have turned a three-game losing skid into a two-game win streak, while Saskatchewan’s been in for a rough ride, to say the least, sitting dead last after only managing a one-poi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Froughriders-looking-avenge-eskimos-overtime-win-last-time-they-met.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870622812_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Roughriders looking avenge Eskimos overtime win last time they met | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The last time the Edmonton Eskimos (4-4) faced the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-7), they needed overtime to come out with a 39-36 win back in Week 3. Since then, the Eskimos have turned a three-game losing skid into a two-game win streak, while Saskatchewan’s been in for a rough ride, to say the least, sitting dead last after only managing a one-point victory over a Trevor Harris-less Ottawa RedBlacks five weeks ago. The Roughriders are 1-17 in their last 18 road games, including a loss in the 2014 semifinal at Commonwealth Stadium.
1) Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. the world
They’ve been circling the wagons across the Straw Curtain ever since the CFL levied its largest fine in history, thanks to countless extra pre-practice-squad players or whatever you want to call them. Some pro-Roughriders pundits out there will go so far as to try to convince us that all the bad things happening to the club are because great forces are conspiring against the team. Fact is, they’re 1-7 because they’re just plain not good right now, and the only question is how long it will take the club to rebuild after Chris Jones came in over the off-season and tore it all apart. Which brings us to our next point ...
2) Chris Jones vs. all that is good
Just think what would be happening right now in Regina if Jones would simply focus all his energies for the power of good instead of evil. You’re right, probably not much would have changed. But just think of all the entertainment we would have missed out on. And besides, we are big proponents of sports needing its bad guys. After all, what would pro wrestling be without heels the likes of Honky Tonk Man and Ravishing Rick Rude? And who better to bear the brunt of CFL bad-boy-ness than the man in black, himself?
3) Derel Walker vs. Kacy Rodgers II
The two former roommates during their time together in Edmonton last year will be squaring off, mano-a-mano, Friday. One is the son of New York Jets defensive co-ordinator who goes by the same name, while the other is one of two Eskimos sitting atop the CFL in receiving yards and flirting with a 2,000-yard season. While Rodgers was on the practice squad when the Eskimos won the Grey Cup in November, he’s been given a second chance by Chris Jones, albeit wearing a different shade of green. He is making his second start in place of the injured Buddy Jackson.
4) Roughriders vs. the end zone
It’s 90 minutes and counting since Saskatchewan posted their last major, a one-yard quarterback sneak by Mitchell Gale on third-and-goal from the one with no time left on the clock on the way to a 19-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. It ended a previous drought that had been approaching the one-hour mark. In fact, the Roughriders have only scored that lone touchdown across a span of what’s been 171 minutes and two in their last four games.
5) Sean Whyte vs. Tyler Crapigna
With Crapigna returning to action last week after sitting out two games on the injured list, that makes Friday in Edmonton a showdown between the CFL’s most accurate field-goal kickers. Whyte leads the league at 91.6%, having made 22 of his 24 attempts on a season that hasn’t seen him miss inside of 50 yet, his Saskatchewan counterpart is right behind at 90%, having made 18 of his 20 attempts. Whyte has made his last nine attempts, while Crapigna has been successful in his last eight straight.
GModdejonge@postmedia.com
twitter.com/SunModdejonge | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/roughriders-looking-avenge-eskimos-overtime-win-last-time-they-met | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/cf9a202f0fd9f110faf334f1dc5f3af10e40356609c8615ec0fc24923678e1e5.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T00:46:09 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:05 | A McDonald’s franchisee says he’s been unable to substantiate claims by two customers who reported finding worms in food at the fast-food chain’s restaurants in two Kentucky communities. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fworms-in-burgers-at-ky-mcdonalds.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871120299_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472343503649 | en | null | Worms found in McDonald's burgers in Kentucky, customers claim | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | MAYFIELD, Ky. — A McDonald’s franchisee says he’s been unable to substantiate claims by two customers who reported finding worms in food at the fast-food chain’s restaurants in two Kentucky communities.
Michael Love, owner-operator of the two restaurants, says inspections of the restaurants by health officials did not uncover any of the problems raised by the customers.
Mayfield resident Madison Stephens told WPSD-TV that she visited the local McDonald’s on Sunday and purchased food for her and her one-year-old son. She says that as she was about to bite into her hamburger, a live worm fell out.
At the McDonald’s in Draffenville, about 25 miles away from Mayfield, Lacey Jo Lovett says she also found a worm in her burger on Tuesday.
Stephens says she contacted McDonald’s about the incident, and they sent her a US$10 gift card. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/worms-in-burgers-at-ky-mcdonalds | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/32da48a13c6ec474fdc06fb4ac837445300ef20d2900b1791051b40e9d1f779b.json |
[
"Tarek Fatah"
] | 2016-08-31T00:46:50 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:03 | In their hysterical reaction to the “burkini ban” in France, bleeding-heart liberals in the West demonstrated again how gullible they are and how easy it is for the worldwide Islamist movement to manipulate them. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Flifting-the-burka-off-the-burkini.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872094496_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472603407954 | en | null | Lifting the burka off the burkini | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | In their hysterical reaction to the “burkini ban” in France, bleeding-heart liberals in the West demonstrated again how gullible they are and how easy it is for the worldwide Islamist movement to manipulate them.
In carefully staged theatre, the Islamists pulled off a stunt by making Muslim women out to be victims of white, male, armed police.
They tugged at our outrage whenever we see the state trampling on individual liberty, especially if the victim is a female.
Thus a video of a woman being beaten by a gang of Muslim men, somewhere in Europe or North Africa, barely raised an eyebrow, and didn't make it to the front pages of any newspaper or TV network.
However, the sight of a middle-aged Muslim woman napping in full body attire in 35 Celsius heat, with cameramen, being asked to leave the beach, or take off one layer of her burkini wrap, was enough to raise cries of racism, misogyny, bigotry and every possible human rights violation in the UN Charter.
One image, circulated on the micro blogging and social networking website Tumblr, best captured the logic of the left.
It showed two women in almost identical full-body swimsuits, with the title:
“French Muslim in Burkini French Catholic in Wetsuit.”
Below the picture, the caption read:
“Only one will be asked to remove her swimming gear at gunpoint.”
To the defenders of the burkini, the picture illustrated Western racism and double standards.
To me, the picture raised a question:
“If both swimsuits provide head-to-toe cover, why don’t these Muslim women wear the wetsuit? Why do they insist on the burkini?”
After all, the wetsuit would meet all the silly requirements imposed by man-made sharia laws that have forced the Muslim world to be permanently anchored in medieval times.
That is when I had a eureka moment in understanding why the burkini is being pushed upon Muslim women, when for a good 1,400 years, we Muslims had no use for it.
The burkini is supposed to be many things, but above all it is a tool to “slut shame” western women, and Muslim women, who wear traditional beach wear, be it bikinis or a single piece swimsuit.
The objective is to project devout Muslim women as pious and pure females who are the guardians of the family’s honour, and to contrast them to non-Muslim or non-observant Muslim women who are of “loose character”.
As this twisted logic goes, the latter are sexually bound to a culture of immorality, cursed by Allah to, as infidels, burn in hellfire, for exposing their skin to entice men and trigger their sexual arousal.
American Muslim reformist Shirin Qudosi made a scathing attack on the burkini in a Fox News column.
She wrote, the burkini is an extension of the burka, which was “a totem of feminist oppression”.
The burkini, she said, was the result of “an abusive cultural conditioning” of Muslim women.
As for those who believe in the notion of “choice”, well, I’m sorry, but nudists should not have the choice to roam naked on Toronto’s lakefront or Vancouver’s shores; white supremacists should not have the choice to wear KKK bath wear while sun tanning, and neo-Nazis should not have the choice to have swastikas stitched on to their briefs or bikini tops. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/lifting-the-burka-off-the-burkini | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/4228a3a49da8b516233c45b7bc1e0fd0e93838e0e8114ef382a89dc5441a0fca.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T14:46:55 | null | 2016-08-31T14:32:08 | OTTAWA — The Canadian economy
shrivelled
in the second quarter to its worst
performance in seven years, Statistics
Canada said Wednesday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fcanadian-economy-shrinks-in-second-quarter-worst-showing-since-financial-crisis.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297841497392_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472653885871 | en | null | Canadian economy shrinks in second quarter, worst showing since financial crisis | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA — The Canadian economy shrivelled in the second quarter to its worst performance in seven years, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.
The federal agency said real gross domestic product fell at an annualized rate of 1.6 per cent in the three-month period, due in large part to the wildfires that destroyed parts of Fort McMurray, Alta. That’s the biggest quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2009 when Canada was in the midst of the global financial crisis.
The contraction reported Wednesday compared with growth at an annual pace of 2.5 per cent in the first quarter, which was revised from an initial reading of 2.4 per cent.
Economists had expected a drop of 1.5 per cent in the second quarter, according to Thomson Reuters.
“It wasn’t pretty, but it wasn’t expected to be,” Avery Shenfeld of CIBC Capital Markets said in a research note.
The drop in GDP came as exports of goods and services fell 4.5 per cent in the quarter following a 1.9 per cent increase in the first three months of the year. Exports of goods were down 5.5 per cent, while exports of services grew 0.6 per cent.
Already hurting from the drop in energy prices, the Alberta wildfires dealt a blow to the energy sector, forcing the evacuation of Fort McMurray and shutdown of several oilsands operations in the region.
Energy product exports fell 7.5 per cent, with crude and bitumen exports declining 9.6 per cent and refined petroleum products down a whopping 19.6 per cent. Motor vehicles and parts also dropped 5.8 per cent due to lower exports of passenger cars and light trucks.
Exports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts were up 5.6 per cent.
However, despite the pullback for the quarter as a whole, the economy ended the quarter with growth in June.
Statistics Canada said real GDP rose 0.6 per cent that month, boosted in part to non-conventional oil extraction as production in the Alberta oilsands region started to resume. Economists had expected a gain of 0.4 per cent for the month, according to Thomson Reuters.
Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction climbed 3.6 per cent in June, boosted by 12 per cent gain in non-conventional oil extraction.
“The best news was that June GDP rebounded with a brighter than expected 0.6 per cent gain, and less than half of that came from the rebound in mining/oil/gas, as manufacturing also had a healthy gain,” Shenfeld said.
“All told, a quarter we will like to forget, and for the next few months, a more supportive Q3 will help us do just that.”
The second-quarter result reported Wednesday was worse than forecast by the Bank of Canada in its July monetary policy report. The central bank had predicted that the economy would contract at an annual rate of 1.0 per cent during the second quarter due to the damage caused by the wildfires.
But the Bank of Canada has also predicted that growth will pick up in the third quarter to an annual pace of 3.5 per cent as oil production ramps up and rebuilding efforts begin in Fort McMurray. It also expects the federal government’s new Canada child benefit and a boost to infrastructure spending to lend a hand to the economy. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/canadian-economy-shrinks-in-second-quarter-worst-showing-since-financial-crisis | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e7ff9d377263c4a18698a75cbb1ba61e45e49cc110e0504d4173a7230eb14c20.json |
[
"Keith Gerein",
"Janet French"
] | 2016-08-27T02:45:59 | null | 2016-08-27T02:00:02 | Two Edmonton high schools are scrambling to repair flood damage that warped floors and walls, and wrecked band instruments. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fedmonton-high-schools-scrambling-to-repair-flood-damage-before-class-starts.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870926187_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472263659683 | en | null | Edmonton high schools scrambling to repair flood damage before class starts | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Two Edmonton high schools are scrambling to repair flood damage that warped floors and walls, and wrecked band instruments.
A sewer backup during an early August storm caused an estimated $1.2-million damage to St. Joseph High School, Edmonton Catholic School District spokeswoman Lori Nagy said.
The deluge filled the school's basement with nearly 1.5 metres of water, destroying at least 30 musical instruments, wrecking a theatre set and drenching the school's costume collection.
"It's a huge loss for the school," Nagy said. "It's well-known for its music program and it will really be a heart-wrenching loss for the students."
All flooring and part of the wall in the school's basement has been ripped out and is being replaced, she said. Although the building repairs should be complete when classes begin Thursday, assessing and replacing the school's collection of instruments will take longer. Although some brass instruments may be all right after repair and cleaning, two bass drums, an electric xylophone and a sheet music collection were among the casualties.
The school district will work with the city to see if there's something that can be done to prevent more sewer backups, Nagy said.
Sixteen public school sites also flooded during heavy rainstorms in July, causing an estimated $200,000 in damage, Edmonton Public Schools spokeswoman Raquel Maurier said.
Among the hardest hit was Harry Ainlay High School at 111 Street and 43 Avenue. Maurier said 14 of 67 classrooms at the school were affected, as well as a small gym and rotunda area.
The small gym floor needs to be replaced, putting it out of use for the first six weeks of school, she said.
Ainlay's leaky roof saw water rise as high as a metre in some classrooms, where the drywall had to be replaced. Although classrooms will be ready for students' return, the school's rotunda will need another few weeks of work.
“The principal said the school’s custodians and restoration company have done a really great job to endure the school will be ready,” Maurier said.
She said most of the flooding, including at Harry Ainlay, were caused by roof leaks, though some resulted from sewer backups. The district's central office building, Victoria, Mayfield, Inglewood and Greenfield schools, plus Amiskwaciy Academy, were some of the other buildings damaged.
Of the buildings with leaky roofs, all but two have since been repaired, Maurier said.
On July 27, a storm dumped 40 to 70 mm of rain on parts of Edmonton within two hours, flooding two underpasses on Whitemud Drive in south Edmonton. Firefighters had to rescue drivers and passengers from a dozen vehicles swamped on the road.
jfrench@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/jantafrench | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/edmonton-high-schools-scrambling-to-repair-flood-damage-before-class-starts | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/68057df5a0b1de0fac22bb1b9ba623556936c4e5292894ffd4de706fd496c0d2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:45:59 | null | 2016-08-27T00:15:04 | Next year’s federal budget is months away but budget consultations will soon start in earnest. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftrudeau-budget-good-for-everyone-but-taxpayers.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870882935_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472253653260 | en | null | Trudeau budget good for everyone but taxpayers | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Next year’s federal budget is months away but budget consultations will soon start in earnest.
The deadline for pre-budget submissions to the parliamentary finance committee is the end of this month.
Stakeholders, consultants, and special interest organizations are scrambling to make the case for why their industry, region, or client deserves federal dollars.
Expectations are high. And for good reason.
With the government seemingly over “this whole balanced budget thing” as the finance minister recently put it, these groups are reasonably expecting their own piece of the deficit-financed largesse.
But taxpayers should be concerned. Special interest budgeting is a recipe for more rent seeking, ongoing deficits, and rising debt.
It was roughly one year ago that then-Liberal leader Justin Trudeau promised “a modest short-term deficit” of $10 billion per year to “kick-start” economic growth. Voters were assured these temporary deficits were to be rooted in fiscal anchors that would protect against ongoing red ink.
And then things changed. Modest deficits soon became nearly $30 billion per year. Short term changed to the entire fiscal planning period.
And its predecessor’s balanced budget legislation was repealed.
Soon the fiscal anchors were washed away and all that was left was the government’s commitment to increase spending.
Program spending is now poised to grow by 15% between 2014-15 and 2016-17 and that doesn’t even account for any new spending to inevitably come in the 2017 budget.
Cue the special interests. It’s no surprise that lobbying activity is up in Ottawa.
More government rents invariably attract more rent seekers.
Economist Milton Friedman famously said that “nothing is as permanent as a temporary government program.”
What he meant was that new spending creates powerful constituencies with strong interests in maintaining and growing government programs that benefit them and their members.
It thus becomes politically challenging for governments to hold the line. Temporary becomes permanent.
And the consequence is more spending and more deficits.
Timelines for balancing the budget are continuously pushed off and taxpayers are saddled with rising government debt and eventually higher taxes to pay for it all.
It’s a story that Canadians know all too well from the spendthrift experiences of the 1970s and 1980s.
The solution is to ensure taxpayers are represented in the budget process rather than “selected groups and individuals” as the finance committee’s call for pre-budget submissions stipulates.
Taxpayers must be protected from the profligate mix of rising government spending and special interest appetites.
One solution is to restore balanced budget legislation that puts statutory limitations on government spending.
Of course such legislation isn’t a silver bullet.
Political will ultimately matters.
But a clear and simple balanced budget law can buttress political will by managing expectations not only for external demands on government spending but also among the departments and agencies clamouring for their share of the pie.
It would make abundantly clear the baseline assumption is government won’t spend beyond its means simply because it can.
As pre-budget consultations commence in Ottawa, Canadians will be watching to see if anyone is protecting their interests in the face of voracious special interest demands for more government spending.
The safest plan is for fiscal rules that preclude deficits for the sake of deficits. That’s the only way for taxpayers to have confidence that their interests come first.
-- Speer is a Munk senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/trudeau-budget-good-for-everyone-but-taxpayers | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/ed783347d17dbb46bb0ecefd35f419a9e67937ee990b440d73f698224689689a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:46:55 | null | 2016-08-31T11:45:46 | The first commercial flight between
the United States and Cuba in more
than a half century is scheduled to
fly from Fort Lauderdale to the
central city of Santa Clara on
Wednesday morning, re-establishing
regular air service severed at the
height of the Cold War. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fhistoric-flight-from-us-to-cuba-set-to-take-off.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872220270_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472645286252 | en | null | Historic flight from U.S. to Cuba set to take off | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The first commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in more than a half century is scheduled to fly from Fort Lauderdale to the central city of Santa Clara on Wednesday morning, re-establishing regular air service severed at the height of the Cold War.
JetBlue Flight 387 was set to take off at 9:45 a.m. EDT for a 72-minute journey that will open a new era of U.S.-Cuba travel, with about 300 flights a week connecting the U.S. with an island cut off from most Americans by the 55-year-old trade embargo on Cuba and formal ban on U.S. citizens engaging in tourism on the island.
"Seeing the American airlines landing routinely around the island will drive a sense of openness, integration and normality. That has a huge psychological impact," said Richard Feinberg, author of the new book "Open for Business: Building the New Cuban Economy."
The restart of commercial travel between the two countries is one of the most important steps in President Barack Obama's two-year-old policy of normalizing relations with the island. Historians disagree on the exact date of the last commercial flight but it appears to have been after Cuba banned incoming flights during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Secretary of State John Kerry said on Twitter that the last commercial flight was in 1961.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes and a specially selected five-member crew of Cuban-Americans were slated to be on board the 150-seat Airbus A320.
"It's a positive step and a concrete contribution to the process of improving relations between the two countries," Cuba's vice minister of transportation Eduardo Rodriguez told journalists Monday.
U.S. travel to Cuba is on track to triple this year to more than 300,000 visitors in the wake of the 2014 declaration of detente. Cuba's cash-starved centrally planned economy has been bolstered by the boom in U.S. visitors, along with hundreds of thousands of travellers from other nations hoping to see Cuba before more Americans arrive.
Commercial flights are expected to significantly increase the number of American visitors, although it's not clear by how much. Many of the air routes are currently used by expensive charter flights that are largely expected to go out of business with the advent of regularly scheduled service from the U.S.
Hundreds of thousands of Cuban-born Americans fly to the island each year with the chaotic, understaffed charter companies, which require four-hour check-in waits and charge high rates for any luggage in excess of restrictive baggage allowances. Americans without ties to Cuba have found it hard to negotiate the charters, most of which don't accept online bookings or help travellers navigate the federal affidavit still required for U.S. travellers to Cuba.
Cuban officials insist the continuing U.S. ban on tourism will limit the impact of commercial flights to Cuba, but some experts believe the drastic reduction in the difficulty of flying to Cuba could turn the surge in U.S. visitors into a tidal wave. Americans are allowed to visit the island on "people-to-people" cultural and educational visits, among other reasons.
Americans who fit one of 12 categories will now be able to fill out a federal affidavit by clicking a box on an online form and, in many cases, buy their Cuban tourist visa near the check-in counters of U.S. airports. Within weeks, Americans will be able to fly direct from cities including Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis, Miami and Fort Lauderdale to eight Cuban cities and two beach resorts.
The final announcement of routes to Havana, which could be announced Wednesday and start before December, is slated to include flights from Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Houston, among others. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/31/historic-flight-from-us-to-cuba-set-to-take-off | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5ce974b35c60285fc8ff470413eaf57c5a1cd9239ee47f0cb90229f16f8cb1d2.json |
[
"Dave"
] | 2016-08-30T06:46:37 | null | 2016-08-30T05:45:59 | The city’s community services committee is stymied on how to fund fencing for off-leash parks after it rejected a pair of motions Monday to study increasing dog licence fees to pay for the safety barriers.The committee heard conflicting arguments about putting a fence around Grand Trunk dog park near the city’s Lauderdale neighbourhood. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fcity-on-the-fence-on-paying-for-safety-barriers-at-grand-trunk-off-leash-dog-park.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871798176_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472530656569 | en | null | City on the fence on paying for safety barriers at Grand Trunk off-leash dog par | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The city’s community services committee is stymied on how to fund fencing for off-leash parks after it rejected a pair of motions Monday to study increasing dog licence fees to pay for the safety barriers.
The committee heard conflicting arguments about putting a fence around Grand Trunk dog park near the city’s Lauderdale neighbourhood.
A fence is necessary to keep dogs from running into the street and because the city could face liability for any serious incidents on the road, says the Grand Trunk dog park committee. The park is bordered by 127 Avenue as well as 113A and 109 streets, with no barriers to keep dogs from onto the road.
The committee’s chair, Ken Zahara, said three dogs have died on the roads next to the park in the past decade, and there have been many near misses and injuries.
“We need a fence because a lot of animals have died in that location, a lot of animals have been injured, and it was very clear that when we did the surveying that people said ‘We need a fence,’ ” Zahara said.
He added that Edmonton is “way behind” other cities.
“You need to do what modern cities are doing. And they’re building a complete fence,” he said.
He said the committee surveyed park users and surrounding homeowners and found support for a fence.
The community services committee also heard concerns a fence would collect garbage and become an “eyesore” and take away an open green space.
“I totally agree there should be some off-leash space for dogs, but not with a fence,” said Monica Ostrom, a resident of the nearby Calder neighbourhood.
Ostrom, who has owned a dog in the past, said she would prefer to see smaller shrubs or trees used to keep animals from the road.
“You don’t need a six-foot fence. You can have a small fence at the bottom and I can’t imagine dogs running through greenery like shrubs or hedges. Rose bushes might keep them away,” she said.
City administration has recommended the city pay for standard amenities, including waste bins, waste bin dispensers, signage and trees and shrubs. But the money for specialized amenities such as fencing for dog parks should be raised by the community by applying for grants or through fundraising.
Zahara suggested two alternate sources of funds. One would be to increase dog licence fees by a dollar a year. That would produce about $60,000 each year, a sum that would pay for the fence outright in the first year and provide ongoing funds for the rest of the city’s 40 dog parks.
The other idea would be to take $60,000 of the more than $270,000 that the administration already recommended to spend on amenities like trees for the park and spend it instead on fencing.
A pair of motions to explore an increase to dog licence fees — by one dollar and five dollars — were rejected by the community services committee. As for other options, the committee has decided to wait until they have more information.
Grand Trunk is just one park that is part of a pilot program for the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy, which is aiming to create a master plan for off-leash parks across the city.
The pilot began in April and city staff have been compiling data including numbers of park users, times they use the parks and frequency of calls made to 311 about the parks.
Community services committee chair Coun. Bev Esslinger said more can be done once that information is available, including the possibility of increasing licence fees to pay for amenities.
“It’s really an exploration,” said Esslinger. “Until we get the master strategy, we’re not going to make that decision for everybody’s park.”
dlazzarino@postmedia.com
Twitter.com/SUNDaveLazz | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/city-on-the-fence-on-paying-for-safety-barriers-at-grand-trunk-off-leash-dog-park | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/0eb18be32f81b54a4c4d7e29d548b5ad9373500482ccc446707e96a02d23bf1d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:46:06 | null | 2016-08-26T15:45:29 | A popular bakery in Northern California
is caught at the centre of a heated
debate on social media over a
transgender | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fi-was-shocked-that-somebody-would-be-offended-bakerys-transgender-ken-doll-cake-sparks-outrage.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870681838_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472222557497 | en | null | 'I was shocked that somebody would be offended'; Bakery's transgender Ken doll c | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A popular bakery in Northern California is caught at the centre of a heated debate on social media over a transgender "Ken Doll Cake" that it said it made for a customer.
Freeport Bakery, a well-known business in Sacramento, posted a picture online nearly two weeks ago showing a special-ordered cake that depicted Ken wearing a puffy pink dress, flowery sash and a tiara.
The cake triggered controversy on Facebook, with people calling it "truly disgusting" and claiming that the owners were putting their "morals n standards for sale."
"Naively, I guess I just thought this is a really cool cake, and look at how great they did with the butter cream," Marlene Goetzeler, co-owner of the bakery, told Fox affiliate KTXL. "What's wrong with a Ken cake?"
In 1987, Walter and Marlene Goetzeler bought Freeport Bakery and grew it into a booming business, according to their website. Over the years, it has been named best bakery by Sacramento Magazine readers.
After Freeport Bakery posted the picture on Aug. 13, Marlene Goetzeler said, she started seeing negative comments and soon noticed that she was losing Facebook fans.
The owners admitted on social media that they first deleted the "ugly" comments from the Facebook page because they "didn't want drama." Only a handful of negative comments remain with the photo.
The bakery also said that, after a flood of support for the owners, some of the negative commenters took down their posts.
"I was shocked that somebody would be offended," Marlene Goetzeler told KTXL.
"A customer requested a Ken doll cake and we were happy to make it; she loved the cake when she picked it up," Walter and Marlene Goetzeler said in a statement. "We were especially proud of its buttercream detail so we decided to post a photo of it on our Facebook page, as we do with many of the cakes we design and adore. We got some lovely responses along with some negative feedback."
"We reposted the picture asking for support from our Facebook friends," the owners said. "Luckily, we have received that support and so much more from our fans, devoted customers and staff."
Amid an intense debate the past several years over LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage, businesses across the country have made news for refusing to serve same-sex couples.
Last year, Azucar Bakery in Colorado was accused of violating a customer's civil rights for declining to decorate a cake with anti-gay messages, including, "God hates gays." The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies later ruled that the bakery had the right to do it.
The past week, supporters have been urging Freeport Bakery's owners to "ignore the haters."
"Amazing!" one wrote. "Love this bakery and love that you are inclusive and welcome ALL."
Another added: "With a lot news reports saying in other states refusing to make wedding cakes for same-sex marriages, you make me proud to live in a diverse and accepting community! You have my support!"
One person said such a controversy over a cake was "silly."
"By society's definition I'm transgender and that fact is I am also human," the commenter wrote. "We as a educated society should stop acting so ignorant. We should be more civilized than this. Don't hate the creator of the cake because for those who are religious and take offense would you hate our creator God? Remember God makes no mistakes. As true as that is I say he has quite the sense of humor when he created me."
Some customers outside the bakery seemed to take a more neutral stance.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Karen Dixson told NBC affiliate KCRA.
"There's always going to be two sides," Ashley Nelson told the station. "People support it or they don't."
Chad Graham, who told the station that he attended the birthday party for which the Ken Doll Cake was created, said the recipient is neither transgender, nor attempting to make some sort of statement.
"I thought it was a little ridiculous," Graham said about the issue. "It was just cake." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/i-was-shocked-that-somebody-would-be-offended-bakerys-transgender-ken-doll-cake-sparks-outrage | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/f6f6bb5408343e50fe682a8c319542140f47572cab5d6a9289c80d1894640fd4.json |
[
"Steve Buffery"
] | 2016-08-28T22:46:18 | null | 2016-08-28T22:15:35 | TORONTO — Josh Donaldson only played the part of a Viking on TV, but he did lay waste to the Minnesota Twins’ pitching staff on Sunday afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fbringer-of-rain-indeed-donaldson-homers-three-times-in-jays-triumph-over-twins.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871280399_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472419199771 | en | null | Donaldson homers three times in Jays' triumph over Twin | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | TORONTO — Josh Donaldson only played the part of a Viking on TV, but he did lay waste to the Minnesota Twins’ pitching staff on Sunday afternoon.
The Toronto slugger, who made a cameo appearance on the History television show Vikings earlier this year, smacked three home runs off three different pitchers in front of 47,444 delighted fans to lead the AL East leading Blue Jays to a 9-6 victory over the Twins.
The Jays, who picked up the series sweep, came back to win for the second time in as many games.
In the third, Donaldson launched a solo home run off Minnesota starter Kyle Gibson to the second deck in left to give the Jays a 2-1 lead and then hammered a two-run homer to centre in the seventh off reliever Pat Light to put Toronto ahead 6-5. Donaldson was up to his old tricks again in the eighth when he crushed a homer to centre, this time off of Alex Wimmers.
It was his first career three-home run game.
The Rogers Centre faithful celebrated the milestone hit with chants of “MVP! MVP!” and by throwing hats on to the field — the baseball version of a hat trick. The 2015 AL MVP jumped out of the dugout and waved in acknowledgment.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki also hit a home run for Toronto, a solo job in the sixth, while Jose Bautista went 3-for-5, including a double.
Donaldson’s hat-trick marked the 21st time in Jays history a player hit three dingers.
It was a roller coaster type day for the third baseman. The Bringer of Rain fouled a Gibson offering pitch hard off his knee early in the game, made a throwing error to second which resulted in the eventual first run by the Twins and in the bottom half of the inning, and then smashed two home runs.
He has now reached base in 23 of his last 24 starts and ranks second in the American League with 85 walks (Mike Trout had 90 prior to Sunday’s games).
Reliever Scott Feldman picked up the win in relief for the Jays.
R.A. Dickey started and went six innings, giving up five runs (three earned). Light earned the loss.
The Jays went all fundamental in taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, when Bautista led off with a double to left-centre, a ball that either Minnesota outfielder Robbie Grossman (left) or Danny Santana (centre) should have caught. Instead, they collided and the ball hit the turf.
Donaldson, who earlier fouled a ball off his right knee in very painful fashion, flew out to centre to move Bautista to third and then Edwin Encarnacion brought Bautista home with a sacrifice to centre.
Twins manager Paul Molitor replaced Santana with Eddie Rosario after the inning as Santana left the game with an AC joint sprain as a result of the collision with Grossman.
Twins right fielder Max Kepler, who made the key diving error that allowed Melvin Upton Jr. to score the winning run on Saturday, hit into a 1-4-6 double play in the third inning to score Eddie Rosario from third, tying the game 1-1.
Donaldson made a throwing error in the top of the third that contributed to the Twins’ first run, but he made up for that with a line drive home run in the bottom half of the inning, smacking a 92 MPH, four-seam fastball by Gibson over the left field fence into the second deck for a 2-1 Toronto lead.
Kepler was the architect of the Twins’ second run when he hit a grounder back Dickey with one out in the fifth that scored Rosario from third, tying the game 2-2. The next batter, third baseman Trevor Plouffe, smacked a single to left to score Brian Dozier. The Twins jumped ahead 5-2 when DH Miguel Sano hit a single to left-centre, scoring Joe Mauer and Plouffe, who had moved to second on a wild pitch.
Leading off the sixth, Tulowitzki sent an 89 MPH two-seam fastball from Gibson just over the wall in deep centre to pull the Jays to within two. The next batter, Kevin Pillar, doubled into the gap between left and centre. The Toronto centre-fielder was moved over to third on a Melvin Upton Jr. grounder to short and then scored when Devon Travis stroked a single over the second baseman in right.
That prompted Molitor to pull Gibson from the game for reliever Pat Light who got Thole to hit into a double play to end the inning.
Bautista picked his third hit of the day, a single, to lead off the seventh and Donaldson followed with his second homerun on a 95 MPH four-seam fastball. With two out and two on in the same inning, Saturday’s hero, Upton Jr. smacked a double from reliever J.T. Chargois to score Tulowitzki and Pillar, making the score 8-5 Jays.
Jays’ closer Roberto Osuna gave up three hits and a run in the ninth.
Jays now head out on a crucial 10-day, nine game road trip starting on Monday with three in Baltimore and three in Tampa Bay and New York, with a day off on Thursday.
SBuffery@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/bringer-of-rain-indeed-donaldson-homers-three-times-in-jays-triumph-over-twins | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/3585c7a046215d4cb0114177f8f48430711dbb4adeacc1d027e7e7a7fe7903ae.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:46:24 | null | 2016-08-29T02:15:05 | The economy and the weather have combined to put most Edmonton golf courses in the rough this season. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fslow-economy-wet-summer-add-up-to-fewer-golfers-hitting-edmonton-area-courses.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871381225_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | Slow economy, wet summer add up to fewer golfers hitting Edmonton-area courses | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The economy and the weather have combined to put most Edmonton golf courses in the rough this season.
“It’s hard to tell how much is the economy and how much it is all the rain and — just as importantly — the forecast for rain. But we’re definitely down this year,” said Darrell McDonald, executive director of Mill Woods golf course.
“Every day it seems like there is a big chance of rain. Even if it doesn’t rain when they say it’s going to, people have made other plans.
“But it’s the economy too. We lost a lot of small oil-patch tournaments and a couple of shotgun tournaments that were oil-patch related.”
McDonald is far from being alone.
“It hasn’t been fun,” said Murray McCourt, general manager of The Ranch. “It’s been mediocre at best.
“It’s been really bad for us because we are so corporate-based. We used to do 12,000 tournament rounds a year. This year we’ll probably finish with 8,500-9,000.
“Throw in the weather and there is a lot of empty space on the tee sheets that aren’t getting filled in.
“We’re definitely not where we were three years ago.”
“Everybody has spent all their unemployment cheques,” said Jagare Ride head professional Tyler Rumpel. “Now they are checking their wallets.
“So, yes, the economy has definitely hurt us. People that used to come out 5-7 times a year are now coming out 3-5 times which never used to be the case.”
It’s not all doom and gloom, though.
“When the weather is good we still get attractive numbers,” said Joshua Davison, head pro at RedTail Landing.
“People are still choosing us to play when the weather is nice.
“But it’s definitely a challenge. Mother Nature and the economy are two massive hurdles. Just breaking even would be ideal.
“RedTail is right across the highway from Nisku and that’s been a big target area for us; Nisku has been heavily impacted by the economy. It’s terrifying how many jobs have been cut.”
Dave Robert, general manager of Leduc, has seen his biggest decrease in from 19-30 year-old golfers.
“That’s the economy at play. We used to have 50-60 members in that age group and now we’re down to about a dozen. But most of our corporate play returned.”
Equipment sales have also dropped because of the U.S. exchange rate.
“The cost of a set of irons has jumped $200 to $400 more. Top end drivers are selling for $600,” said Jeff Cuthbertson, head professional of Stony Plain golf course.
“People are still finding the dollars to golf but not to buy new equipment.”
Taylor Scinski, head pro at The Quarry, believes the weather has been a decidedly bigger factor than the economy.
“Everybody got hurt in July because of all the rain. August has been much better and we had a lot of rain this month, too.
“We’re still young in our business and we’re still building our clientele. Corporate events are OK. I’m more worried about next year if things don’t improve soon.”
And to think that this golf season started off spectacularly with a great early spring.
“It was an awesome start but slowly everything has become impacted,” said Davison. “We’re all hoping for a nice, long fall.”
SCENE
The McLennan Ross Junior Tour finishes its 25-tournament schedule with Monday’s Tour Championship at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
Among the players in the field will be Cole Ruelling of Lewis Estates and The Derrick’s Kaitlyn Wingnean, who won the boys and girls division of the final Edmonton-area regular-season tournament at Black Bull.
Despite playing the most demanding course of the season, Ruelling shot a 1-over 74 to win by four shots over Red Deer’s Logan Hill.
Only 14, Ruelling, who finished second — in a playoff — in his division of the Jiffy Lube Melcor Edmonton Junior at the Edmonton Country Club, also won his age group (boys born in 2000 and 2001) at Black Bull by seven shots.
Kaitlyn Wingnean took the junior girls — with a 90 — by two shots over Camrose’s Jayla Kucy while Jayla’s brother, Devin, won the boys division for those born 2002 or later.
Edmonton-based Puddicombe Golf, which has designed more than 75 courses, recently finished the Wainui Golf Club in New Zealand, a country where they have been heavily involved. Puddicombe Golf has designed several courses in the Edmonton area including RedTail Landing, Coal Creek and Whitetail Crossing.
NOTED
The weather certainly hasn’t stopped the holes-in-one from pouring in.
In the Alberta PGA Championship, Calgary Inglewood’s Jason Stanier aced No. 13 at the Petroleum Club with a gap wedge from 117 yards.
Playing in the Blackmud Creek Community Fundraiser at RedTail Landing, Peter Bevilacqua aced No. 12 from 173 yards wth a 7-iron.
Another hole-in-one at Fort in View: Hayden Prins on the Buck Nine 2nd hole with a gap wedge from 95 yards.
Tyrone Brosch got a hole-in-one at Highlands on No 16 from 140 yards with an 8-iron.
At Windermere Brenda Gendron aced No. 5 with a 6-iron from 120 yards for her second hole-in-one.
Raymond Meier got his hole-in-one at Raven Crest: No. 6 from 121 yards with a pitching wedge.
Morris Yurystowski, a golfer and volunteer at Mill Woods went to the Vermilion golf course for his hole-in-one: No. 6 from 156 yards with a 6-iron. With the sun in their eyes, nobody in the group could tell if it went in until they got the green and found it in the hole.
At the Royal Mayfair, Brenda Johnson aced No. 8 from 153 yards.
And, Simon Whyte went to Fairmont Creekside’s course - a 9-hole Par 3 course with eight-inch cups - and got a hole-in-one on No. 2 with a 9-iron from 104 yards. While it officially count as a hole-in-one because of the course and the cups, the kid is only 14 so he deserves a mention.
curtisstock@icloud.com
Follow me on Twitter at CurtisJStock | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/slow-economy-wet-summer-add-up-to-fewer-golfers-hitting-edmonton-area-courses | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/2da266fddff0fe6471c21c8e5595a50bfe417426a81fcc7bd11c24cc759a473a.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-29T20:46:29 | null | 2016-08-29T20:32:35 | Improved river conditions and a drop in consumption have allowed Epcor to end its call for people to limit non-essential water use. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fepcor-drops-call-for-edmonton-area-water-restrictions.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870814836_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472495361910 | en | null | Epcor drops call for Edmonton-area water restrictions | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Improved river conditions and a drop in consumption have allowed Epcor to end its call for people to limit non-essential water use.
Last week, heavy rain along the North Saskatchewan River watershed led to increased debris, silt and bacteria in the water, slowing production from treatment plants, company spokesman Tim le Riche said Monday.
The city-owned utility, which serves about one million people in the capital region, asked big industrial and municipal consumers along with residents to voluntarily cut back.
Over the weekend, consumption dropped below the daily average of 350 megalitres, allowing plants to return to normal operations and replenish reservoirs, le Riche said.
The clearer, cleaner river also played a part in this improvement, although it’s still dirtier than usual for this time of year, he said.
gkent@postmedia.com
twitter.com/GKentEJ | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/epcor-drops-call-for-edmonton-area-water-restrictions | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8974d34a3ac7b353c7f21aaf0994c052ae31de21b534ab4805d1031a863477cd.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:46:40 | null | 2016-08-30T14:46:09 | Apple will have to pay up to 13 billion euros ($18.9 billion) plus interest in back taxes to Ireland after the European Union found Tuesday that the U.S. technology giant received illegal tax benefits over 11 years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fapple-owes-up-to-189-billion-in-back-taxes-in-europe-eu.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871842010_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472564536962 | en | null | Apple owes up to $18.9 billion in back taxes in Europe: EU | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | BRUSSELS — Apple will have to pay up to 13 billion euros ($18.9 billion) plus interest in back taxes to Ireland after the European Union found Tuesday that the U.S. technology giant received illegal tax benefits over 11 years.
The ruling is the biggest salvo in the EU executive Commission’s battle to have multinationals pay their fair share in the region. The EU alleges that many big companies struck deals with EU countries to pay unusually low tax in exchange for basing their EU operations there.
EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said that a three-year investigation found Ireland granted such lavish tax breaks to Apple that the multinational’s effective corporate tax rate on its European profits dropped from 1% in 2003 to a mere 0.005% in 2014.
That last tax rate meant that for each million euros in profits, Apple paid just 50 euros in taxes, Vestager told a news conference.
“Member states cannot give tax benefits to selected companies—this is illegal under EU state aid rules,” Vestager said.
“Ireland must now recover the unpaid taxes in Ireland from Apple for the years 2003 to 2014 of up to 13 billion euros ($18.9 billion), plus interest,” the Commission said in a statement.
Apple said in a statement that it had followed the law and paid every cent of the taxes it owed. It said it would challenge the EU action in the European courts, and predicted it would be vindicated.
The Irish government denied granting favourable fiscal treatment to the maker of the iPhone and other consumer electronics products, computer software and online services. “Ireland’s position remains that the full amount of tax was paid in this case and no state aid was provided,” the Irish statement said. “Ireland does not do deals with taxpayers.”
Apple accused the EU executive body of engaging in efforts “to rewrite Apple’s history in Europe, ignore Ireland’s tax laws and upend the international tax system in the process.”
“The Commission’s case is not about how much Apple pays in taxes, it’s about which government collects the money,” the company said in a statement. “It will have a profound and harmful effect on investment and job creation in Europe. Apple follows the law and pays all of the taxes we owe wherever we operate. We will appeal and we are confident the decision will be overturned.”
The Irish finance minister, Michael Noonan, said he would seek approval from the Irish Cabinet to legally challenge the EU Commission’s ruling.
“It is important that we send a strong message that Ireland remains an attractive and stable location of choice for long-term substantive investment,” Noonan said. “Apple has been in Ireland since the 1980s and employs thousands of people in Cork.”
A statement from the U.S. government was expected later Tuesday.
In a white paper made public last week, the U.S. Treasury Department accused the European Union of using a different set of criteria to judge cases involving American companies, calling the potential penalties “deeply troubling.” | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/apple-owes-up-to-189-billion-in-back-taxes-in-europe-eu | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8647ed1071b0e8e318441399e7ec79ee82ab3caa269ced23a82a8b9331d97ddc.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:46:07 | null | 2016-08-27T20:33:46 | Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett says quarterback Tony Romo has a broken bone in his back, and there is no timetable for his return. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fcowboys-tony-romo-broke-bone-in-back-during-preseason-game-report.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871075914_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472327947507 | en | null | Cowboys' Tony Romo broke bone in back during preseason game: Coach | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett says quarterback Tony Romo has a broken bone in his back, and there is no timetable for his return.
Garrett made the comments on Saturday during a conference call. He said an MRI revealed the break, but the coach did not provide further details.
CBS had reported the MRI showed Romo had fractured his vertebrae and would likely be sidelined for six to 10 weeks. But during the call Garrett said there’s no timetable but that the quarterback would play this season.
During Thursday night's 27-17 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Romo was tackled from behind by Cliff Avril on the third play from scrimmage as Romo scrambled from the pocket.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, left, is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
He immediately grabbed at his back, crumpled on the field while trainers sprinted from the Dallas sideline and images of Romo’s injury problems from last year immediately flashed to mind. But he had managed to walk off the field without assistance.
Romo, 36, has had back surgery twice before. His latest injury occurred on the third play of Thursday night’s exhibition game at Seattle. He was hit by Cliff Avrill and was rolling in pain before taken off the field and replaced by rookie Dak Prescott. Later, Romo said he was OK.
The Cowboys open the season Sept. 11 at home against the New York Giants.
- With Files from Postmedia Network | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/cowboys-tony-romo-broke-bone-in-back-during-preseason-game-report | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/8e0612d8e1e213d97db22de207bd39fe171f9252f3b68e941fbd8f85a2211f86.json |
[
"Derek Van Diest"
] | 2016-08-28T04:46:14 | null | 2016-08-28T03:58:30 | FC Edmonton are in pursuit of history. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Ffc-edmonton-shoot-for-league-record-against-puerto-rico.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871167565_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | FC Edmonton shoot for league record against Puerto Rico | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | FC Edmonton are in pursuit of history.
Only one team in the North American Soccer League has ever won 10 consecutive games at home, a standard set by the New York Cosmos earlier this season.
With a win against Puerto Rico FC on Sunday (2 p.m.) at Clarke Stadium, Edmonton would equal the mark.
They would also keep the ball rolling on, what has been, a magical season for the club. Sitting first in the Fall Season and Combined standings, Edmonton have proven to be legitimate championship contenders.
“For me personally it’s great,” said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. “But there are no pats on the back, because we haven’t done anything yet. We will look to keep any run going for as long as we can, but we don’t look any further forward than Sunday and the three very valuable points at stake.”
Despite their 7-1-1 record, things have not come easy for FC Edmonton. They’ve had to grind their way to the top of the standings, currently two points ahead of the Cosmos with game in hand.
All seven of FC Edmonton’s wins in the Fall Season have been by a goal. They are currently on a five-game win streak, having pulled out victories in Puerto Rico and Tampa Bay. And they haven’t conceded a goal in 444 minutes of play, dating back to June 27.
“Every season we’ve given one team at least a bit of a pasting and I’d love to see that before the end of the season that we get two or three ahead and be able to relax a little bit,” Miller said. “At 1-0 it’s still a difficult scoreline to hang on to. We’re hoping that we get a few of these games where we get two or three ahead. Certainly at home it’d be nice to throw a few in for our own fans instead of them sitting on the edge of their seat biting their nails the way the staff are doing.”
Edmonton have been strong defensively this year, giving the club confidence holding on to narrow leads. Backstopped by goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, they have conceded a league-low 10 goals in 19 games all year.
“There is no panic when we’re 1-0 up and I think that’s really important, the guys for the most part, have shown terrific discipline when we’ve gone a goal up,” Miller said. “The game is not finished, at that point, we have to see it out, but I think the maturity of the group has managed to consistently see the game out.”
Last week in Florida, Edmonton were outplayed by the Tampa Bay Rowdies but held in the contest by VanOekel before earning a penalty to pull out the win. Two weeks previous to that, they were able to withstand the heat and humidity in Puerto Rico and scored the only goal of the contest through striker Tomi Ameobi.
“I think over the piece we probably deserved it, I think the team played well (in Puerto Rico),” Miller said. “We limited them to a few chances, Matt made one or two good saves, but that’s his job. I thought there were sequences that we did very well in and we created a number of chances.”
Puerto Rico, a first-year expansion team owned by NBA star Carmelo Anthony, are currently at the bottom of the Fall Season standings. They have one win in their first 10 games, not having participated in the Spring Season.
Regardless, having faced them once already, FC Edmonton is not taking Sunday’s game lightly.
“We know they’re a new franchise, but there may not be a harder working team in the league,” Miller said. “The Cosmos beat them in extra time on the weekend and it wasn’t until the last few minutes of extra time the Cosmos the winning goal in. They’re a very fit, very well-organized, a very hard-working team.”
Edmonton have been bitten by an expansion team before. They lost to Miami FC, on the road, which ended up costing them the Spring Season title and an automatic berth into the playoffs.
With a league record on the line, and likely a good crowd on hand as word gets out of their success, FC Edmonton won’t have issues getting up for the contest.
“They did well down there against us, they’re definitely a strong physical team and they have a few players that are very talented,” said FC Edmonton midfielder Nik Ledgerwood. “So like any other team in the league, we’re not taking anybody lightly. We’re not winning games 2-0 or 3-0, and I think the guys show after every game that we’re hungry to do better. Nobody is happy and satisfied right now and I think that shows the character of this team and the experienced players keep pushing everyone to keep moving forward.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest
FC Game on
Puerto Rico FC (1-4-5) at FC Edmonton (7-1-1): Sunday (2 p.m.) Clarke Stadium
Who to Watch
FC Edmonton: Tomi Ameobi
The striker has had a hand in each of the last six goals FC Edmonton have scored. Ameobi has either set up, scored or in the instance last week at Tampa Bay, earned the penalty, which allowed the team to pull out the 1-0 victory.
Puerto Rico FC: Hector Ramos
The striker has scored seven of Puerto Rico’s nine goals on the season and had a hand into the two others. Ramos, a product of Puerto Rico, poses serious problems for defenses regardless of where he’s playing.
Coming In
FC Edmonton goes into the contest on a five-game winning streak and on a 444-minute shutout streak. They were able to pull out a 1-0 victory, on the road, last weekend against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Daryl Fordyce scored from the penalty spot for the win. Edmonton goes into the contest Sunday on a nine-game home winning streak, dating back to the Spring Season.
Puerto Rico did not take part in the Spring Season, preferring to make their debut in the Fall Season. They have just one win in their first 10 games. Last weekend, they conceded a goal a minute into second-half injury time in a 2-1 loss to the New York Cosmos. Puerto Rico lead the game 1-0 at half time. Puerto Rico’s only franchise win thus far was a 1- 0 victory, at home, against Rayo Oklahoma City on June 23. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/fc-edmonton-shoot-for-league-record-against-puerto-rico | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/e24724c5468d8b7c342c45a9dac044b0720d8c3f75cec67e4c844a40f6ef0a7e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T20:46:26 | null | 2016-08-29T20:15:20 | The famous human ancestor known as Lucy
walked the Earth, but it was her tree
climbing that might have led to her
demise, a new study suggests. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fdid-fall-from-tree-kill-famous-human-ancestor-lucy.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871560733_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472500048687 | en | null | Did fall from tree kill famous human ancestor Lucy? | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | LOS ANGELES -- The famous human ancestor known as Lucy walked the Earth, but it was her tree climbing that might have led to her demise, a new study suggests.
An analysis of her partial skeleton reveals breaks in her right arm, left shoulder, right ankle and left knee -- injuries that researchers say resulted from falling from a high perch such as a tree.
Lucy likely died quickly, said John Kappelman, an anthropologist at the University of Texas at Austin, who published the findings Monday in the journal Nature.
"I don't think she suffered," Kappelman said.
But several other researchers, including Lucy's discoverer, disagree. They contend most of the cracks in Lucy's bones are well documented and came after her death from the fossilization process and natural forces such as erosion.
How Lucy met her end has remained a mystery since her well-preserved fossil remains were unearthed more than four decades ago. Her discovery was significant because it allowed scientists to establish that ancient human ancestors walked upright before evolving a big brain.
Lucy was a member of Australopithecus afarensis, an early human species that lived in Africa between about 4 million and 3 million years ago. The earliest humans climbed trees and walked on the ground. Lucy walked upright and occasionally used her long, dangling arms to climb trees. She was a young adult when she died.
Tim White, a paleoanthropologist at the University of California, Berkeley, called the study's conclusion a "misdiagnosis." The Texas researchers "appear to have focused only on the cracks that they could attribute to an imagined fall, ignoring the additional abundant cracks," White said in an email.
The split highlights the difficulty of pinpointing a cause of death from fossilized remains. Scientists rarely know how early humans died because skeletons are incomplete and bones tend to get crushed under sand and rocks.
Over the years, Lucy's discoverer Donald Johanson has tried to solve the mystery.
Lucy's skeleton, which is 40 per cent complete, was recovered in Ethiopia in what was an ancient lake near fossilized remains of crocodiles, turtle eggs and crab claws.
"There's no definitive proof of how she died," said Johanson of Arizona State University.
The Texas team examined Lucy's bones and used high-tech imaging. Kappelman said the scans revealed multiple broken bones and no signs of healing, suggesting the injuries occurred around the time of death.
He reconstructed her final moments: The 3-foot-6-inch (1.06-meter) Lucy fell from at least 40 feet and hit the ground at 35 mph. She landed on her feet before twisting and falling. Such an impact would have caused internal organ damage. Fractures on her upper arms suggest she tried to break her fall.
Kappelman theorized that Lucy's walking ability may have caused her to be less adept at climbing trees, making her more vulnerable to falling from heights.
Not everyone agrees that her tree-climbing skills were lacking. Other scientists point out that there have been documented falls by chimpanzees and orangutans, which spend more time in trees than Lucy's species.
"Without a time machine, how can one know that she didn't just get unlucky and fall?" William Harcourt-Smith of the American Museum of Natural History said in an email. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/did-fall-from-tree-kill-famous-human-ancestor-lucy | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c7c6a95adafc91103110f0f4c13a01f43d80f67acfad6b660bf2eb5797ab7733.json |
[
"Claire Theobald"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:56 | null | 2016-08-26T12:45:27 | Epcor wants people to save water as treatment plants struggle to filter silt churned up from increased water flow of the North Saskatchewan River. “The water did crest at approximately midnight last night, and has been receding ever since,” Chris Ward, branch manager for the City of Edmonton's utility services department, said Thursday. Heavy rainf | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fepcor-asks-people-to-cut-water-use-as-treatment-plants-deal-with-silt-from-rising-north-saskatchewan-river.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870562038_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472173912999 | en | null | Edmontonians asked to cut water use as treatment plants filter through silt and | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Epcor wants people to save water as treatment plants struggle to filter silt churned up from increased water flow of the North Saskatchewan River.
“The water did crest at approximately midnight last night, and has been receding ever since,” Chris Ward, branch manager for the City of Edmonton's utility services department, said Thursday.
Heavy rainfall west of the city earlier in the week brought a rush of water down the North Saskatchewan River through Edmonton, with city officials warning the public to stay off the river and away from the banks.
Water levels crested Thursday morning with water levels reaching 6.7 metres at its peak. There was some flooding on river valley trails.
It could take days for the water level to slowly return to normal, especially if rain continues to fall west of Edmonton.
“There is always a possibility that any recent rain upstream of Edmonton will result in the water starting to rise again, so until it drops significantly to normal levels, we are still advising everyone to be very cautious around the river,” Ward said.
But while there may be more water in the river, supplies of potable water held in reservoirs could be at risk as Edmonton's water treatment plants filter through silt and debris churned up by the increased flow.
“The water is really dirty and because the water is really dirty, the water plants have to work harder to clean it. Because they have to work harder to clean it, they are slow,” Epcor spokesman Tim le Riche said.
During normal conditions, Edmonton's water plants pump out 350 megalitres to 500 megalitres of clean water every day, supplying Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan.
However, due to increased turbidity — or dirt particles floating in the water — demand for clean water has overtaken Epcor's ability to supply it.
There is currently up to three days worth of drinkable water stored in reservoirs around Edmonton. While there is no immediate risk of running out of water, officials are urging people to curb non-essential water use until the river clears.
“We supply water to a million people in the capital region. If every one of those million people does one little thing, the cumulative gains are significant. We think that's enough to keep reservoirs at levels where there's not going to be any problem where we would be short of potable water,” le Riche.
People can conserve water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, not watering gardens or lawns, delaying laundry and not washing cars.
High water levels on the North Saskatchewan River have put cleanup efforts on hold after a Husky Energy pipeline spill near Maidstone, Sask.
The spill in July dumped nearly 200,000 litres of heavy oil mixed chemicals into the river 30 kilometres east of Lloydminster.
Saskatchewan Environment Ministry spokesman Wes Kotyk said despite the delay, there is still enough time to clean up the mess before the river freezes over.
The spill has caused 144 confirmed wildlife deaths from 51 aquatic species, and 16 samples taken from the river showed amounts of chemicals exceeded safe levels for wildlife.
Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency said one sample out of 120 taken from the river did not meet drinking water guidelines.
-- With files from the Canadian Press
twitter.com/ClaireTheobald
ctheobald@postmedia.com | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/epcor-asks-people-to-cut-water-use-as-treatment-plants-deal-with-silt-from-rising-north-saskatchewan-river | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a41929c89f651da17eef17bc8ba0538da7cfb954b7a6489c2b9576009f3f50f5.json |
[
"Amy Dickinson"
] | 2016-08-28T16:46:16 | null | 2016-08-28T15:58:56 | Dear Amy: I have been dating my boyfriend | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fboyfriends-social-surveillance-spells-trouble.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869979986_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472393198904 | en | null | Boyfriend's social surveillance spells trouble | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Dear Amy: I have been dating my boyfriend "William" for 2.5 years. We are both divorced with children. William's ex-wife had a horrible two-year affair that hurt him deeply. Knowing this, I have always tried to assure him that he is the only man in my life and I make sure to go above and beyond to reassure him that I am thinking about him whenever we are apart.
However, in the past six months, William has become extremely jealous of my very dear gay friend of many years "Kevin" (who also happens to be an important client of mine).
It started out with snide comments and then recently escalated to him accusing me of having an "inappropriate intimate relationship" with Kevin. He says Kevin is a bad influence, he is inappropriate and most recently, he feels like I am having an emotional affair.
I have made it very clear that we are just friends -- exactly like all of my female friends -- but William refuses to accept this.
William has gone so far as to create secret social media accounts to monitor my daily activity. He also monitors Kevin's. It became somewhat of an obsession. He has been checking several times a day and screen captures anything he deems inappropriate with ANY of my friends, but is focused specifically on Kevin.
This volatile situation had been building over the past six months. We have been arguing a lot without my full understanding as to what was going on behind the scenes. I have been unjustly accused of many completely fabricated scenarios.
Apparently I spent too long in the ladies room at a restaurant several months ago, and now I'm being accused of conspiring with Kevin to get together without William knowing.
One Friday night I fell asleep and didn't text William to say goodnight. This caused a week-long argument. William would not take my calls, cancelled our plans for the weekend and refused to believe that I didn't sneak away to New York to see my friend.
I also have a female friend who William has decided is "undermining" our relationship and frowns on me seeing her as well.
This man is wonderful in so many ways, but I can't seem to fix my relationship and keep my friends in the process! -- Heartsick in PA
Dear Heartsick: I'm not a therapist. But I can see a pattern building. Even if you are not telling me an objective version of this story, it seems like a bad situation for you.
Anyone who sets up secret accounts to monitor you -- and also friends of yours -- is not someone who respects your right to have relationships and friendships with other people. I don't believe you should try to "fix" this relationship.
And I hope you don't expose your children to this craziness.
Dear Amy: One of my bachelor friends has run into a problem that has me stumped. He is into online dating and seems to run into the same situation with many of his dates.
They meet up for drinks or dinner, and he is happy and prepared to foot the bill. Though by date six or seven, after dinners, plays, movies, etc., none of these women have ever offered to split the check or pay for one thing.
I personally find that appalling, but we can't think of a tactful way to handle this.
Suggestions? -- Stumped
Dear Stumped: One way around this is to plan low-cost outings, such as walks, hikes, or museum visits. Your friend might be initiating all of these dates, which would make the woman more likely to assume he is treating.
But this is also the ideal situation to test a couple's ability to communicate. By the sixth or seventh date, your friend should be brave enough to say, "I notice you seem to expect me to always pick up the check. Are you willing to share the costs when we do something together?
Dear Amy: "Protective" was wondering how to exclude her aunt's racist boyfriend from this year's Thanksgiving dinner.
I liked your recommendation, but perhaps something more blunt is called for: "Your boyfriend is a jerk. We're all tired of him and don't want to share our holiday with him. He needs to stay home." -- Blunt
Dear Blunt: Excluding this family member's romantic partner will likely lead to the aunt's exclusion, too. If family members are willing to deal with this drama, then yes -- they could definitely choose the more blunt statement. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/24/boyfriends-social-surveillance-spells-trouble | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/26ed2dc4e1379d5f99431302c93cd290a086bfd8b26ba88dd203bb94ca3ccfaf.json |
[
"Derek Fildebrandt"
] | 2016-08-29T02:46:20 | null | 2016-08-29T02:15:05 | In a season where everything has seemingly bounced in FC Edmonton’s direction, it was expected they would somehow manage to pull out another victory at home Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Ffc-edmontons-draw-against-puerto-rico-stops-home-win-streak-at-nine.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871381784_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472433801101 | en | null | FC Edmonton's draw against Puerto Rico stops home win streak at nine | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | In a season where everything has seemingly bounced in FC Edmonton’s direction, it was expected they would somehow manage to pull out another victory at home Sunday.
But playing against Puerto Rico FC, whose sole intent was survival, FC Edmonton were unable to find their usual moment of inspiration and were held to a 0-0 tie in front of 2,007 at Clarke Stadium.
It was Edmonton’s first scoreless draw since the opening game of the Spring Season and brought an end to their nine-game home winning streak, one shy of a North American Soccer League record.
“It’s frustrating, it’s the first time I’ve seen a team that has gone up a man sit back and defend,” said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. “It showed you what their game plan was and they stuck to it and were good at it. We were not good enough in the attacking third. That was the disappointing thing. We got into great crossing areas and our crosses were horrendous and that’s the big disappointment, we just didn’t have that cutting edge.”
FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel collected his 11th shutout of the year, which was likely the easiest of his career. VanOekel has not conceded a goal in 534 minutes of play and had but one save to make in the contest as the majority of the game was played in the Puerto Rico half.
“We never looked under any pressure, Matt VanOekel could have been reading the paper in the second half,” Miller said. “The disappointing thing for me is not the effort from the players, it’s just the final ball. But it’s very, very difficult to break down a team that is hell bent on coming out of here with a draw.”
The tie marked the first time since April FC Edmonton has not won a league game at Clarke Stadium. The point, however, did allow them to keep a share of first place in the Fall Season standings with the New York Cosmos.
Edmonton had their chances to take the lead in the first half. Jake Keegan got to the end of a cross whipped into the box by Adam Eckersley, but his glancing header in the 24th minute whistled just wide.
Later in the half, a crunching tackle by midfielder Nik Ledgerwood sent Edmonton off on a counterattack, which saw the ball eventually played to Dustin Corea at the top of the penalty area. Corea’s shot, heading towards the bottom corner of the net, was batted away by an excellent diving save from Puerto Rico goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg.
“It’s frustrating, but I thought we played really well at times,” said Ledgerwood, who is heading off to play a pair of crucial World Cup qualifiers with Canada. “During the season we’ve definitely played worse and won games. I just think now it’s about keeping positive and moving forward. It’s definitely frustrating not to keep the win streak going.”
In the second half, Puerto Rico had little interest in venturing beyond centre looking for a goal. The expansion club, who have one win in their first 11 games, sat back and were content to defend.
Even after Edmonton midfielder Sainey Nyassi was sent off in the 86th minute for an off-the-ball incident, Puerto Rico maintained their defensive approach.
“I think a lot of teams have come here trying to get a result and we’ve been able to hit them on the counter attack and things like that,” Ledgerwood said. “Puerto Rico just came here and sat back. They came here looking for a point and that’s what they got, they weren’t in it to try and win the game.
“But we have to find ways around that now, since teams are going to be doing that against us more often. At the end of the day, we had more than enough chances, but that’s how soccer is.”
Puerto Rico fended off a wave of attacks in the second half, helped by Edmonton’s inability to finish.
Before being sent off for stomping on an opponent away from the ball, Nyassi completely missed the target on a setup at the top of the penalty area.
Ledgerwood had an excellent opportunity on a one-time attempt in the box off a cross from Keegan, but skied his shot high over the crossbar.
Substitute Ben Fisk had the ball fall to him inside the area, but also missed the target.
“Overall, it was a performance where I can’t fault the players on effort,” Miller said. “The little bit of quality that we needed was lacking.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest
Game Review
FC Edmonton 0, Puerto Rico FC 0
Man of the match: Trevor Spangenberg, Puerto Rico FC
The Puerto Rico FC goaltender wasn’t overly busy in the contest, but came up with a number good saves when needed. Puerto Rico didn’t venture forward much, particularly in the second half, content to defend. Spangenberg was there to bail his team out when Edmonton was able to break through.
Game Grades
Offence D
Defence A
Goalkeeping A
Toughness C
Effort C
Why FC Edmonton tied: They didn’t have enough urgency in the first half against a strong wind and were unable to create more than a couple of opportunities. In the second half, Puerto Rico sat back looking for the scoreless tie and while Edmonton dictated the play, they were unable to break through with a clear-cut opportunity to break the scoreless deadlock.
Play of the game: Edmonton worked the ball down the left side of the field and eventually Jake Keegan is sent in down the wing. Keegan cuts the ball into the box where Nik Ledgerwood meets it, but his one-time shot goes sailing over the crossbar.
Save of the game: Midway through the first half, Nik Ledgerwood makes a crunching tackle in midfield, springing an Edmonton counter-attack. The ball ends up being played to Dustin Corea at the top of the penalty area. His low shot is heading for the bottom corner, but Puerto Rico goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg is able to dive down and get a hand on the shot to knock it away.
Up Next: FC Edmonton at Ottawa, Friday (5 p.m.) TD Place. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/fc-edmontons-draw-against-puerto-rico-stops-home-win-streak-at-nine | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/325ce75d1dd0f87f24337beaedba91048a1ad708a9014545650a1c0fee5af1a5.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:05 | null | 2016-08-26T12:32:12 | Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of
Postal Workers will begin working with a
special mediator Friday morning in the
face of a union threat of job action. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F25%2Fmediator-appointed-in-canada-post-dispute.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870338211_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472210772051 | en | null | CUPW issues strike notice after it says Canada Post refused to extend talks | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA -- Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers will begin working with a special mediator Friday morning in the face of a union threat of job action.
"In an attempt to push the two parties, help them facilitate a mediated, negotiated settlement, we've got a special mediator coming in who will start working with both parties tomorrow morning," Mihychuk said Thursday evening in Saguenay, Que., where she was attending the Liberal summer caucus retreat.
"We hope to have significant resolution by Sunday," Mihychuk said.
The union representing nearly 51,000 employees issued a 72-hour notice of job action Thursday, accusing the Crown corporation of forcing a labour dispute.
It was not immediately clear whether the action would result in a disruption of mail and parcel deliveries, something that -- if it does happen -- could come as early as next week.
The union said the notice, delivered to management just hours before a strike mandate was set to expire, "listed anticipated job actions" but stopped short of a full-blown walkout. The union hasn't said exactly what actions it was planning.
The notice puts postal carriers in a legal strike position by Aug. 28.
In a statement, CUPW national president Mike Palecek said Canada Post forced the union's hand by refusing to accept a request from the federal labour minister to continue negotiations under a 24-hour deadline extension with the help of a special mediator.
"This was an eleventh-hour intervention from the government to avoid a dispute and of course we said, 'Yes,'" said Palecek.
"From the outset, our goal has been a negotiated collective agreement without service disruptions. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Canada Post, whose president and CEO Deepak Chopra refused the minister's request."
But a spokesman for the agency said that was not the case.
"Canada Post will fully co-operate in the (mediation) process," Jon Hamilton said in an email.
"We hope that the assistance of a neutral third party will help both parties address the real challenges facing the postal service caused by declining mail volumes and increasing pension obligations."
The union's strike mandate was set to expire at midnight.
Had it expired, Canada Post employees would likely have had to vote to approve another mandate, a costly process that could take up to two months to complete.
CUPW had asked the agency to allow an extension of the mandate, a request that was refused as "inappropriate."
The two sides had been in sometimes bitter negotiations for more than nine months but were still far apart on key issues, including pay equity for rural carriers and proposed changes to the Canada Post pension plan, despite days of intensive talks that carried through last weekend.
CUPW offered a glimmer of hope Thursday that a strike could be averted, saying it's still prepared to talk.
"We are still willing to withdraw our notice if Canada Post agrees to an extension," said Palecek.
The Crown corporation also has the option to lock out workers.
A pay equity issue pitting rural and urban carriers against each other and a proposed move from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan for new employees are the main stumbling blocks in the dispute.
The union claims rural postal workers earn, on average, nearly 30% less than city carriers.
Other issues revolve around part-time and temporary work, staffing improvements and the possible closure of nearly 500 retail postal outlets that could result in the elimination of up to 1,200 full-time jobs that are currently protected.
Although Mihychuk hoped the latest effort would bring results over the weekend, she cautioned that it might not work.
"Canadians need to get prepared for a potential work stoppage," she said.
"I think that's the reality."
- With files from Joanna Smith in Saguenay, Que. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/25/mediator-appointed-in-canada-post-dispute | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/47f78708f1d5a531bdd77b4bcd7732a633e7907672117a0c0f6f6fd6ca681cc3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:45:59 | null | 2016-08-26T16:45:29 | France's top administrative court has
overturned a town burkini ban amid
shock and anger worldwide after some
Muslim women were ordered to remove
body-concealing garments on French
Riviera beaches. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fburkini-ban-overturned-in-france.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870673225_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472228265747 | en | null | Burkini ban overturned in France | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | PARIS -- France's top administrative court overturned a ban on burkinis in a Mediterranean town, in a decision Friday that should set legal precedent regarding a swimsuit crackdown that has divided the country and provoked shock around the world.
The ruling by the Council of State Friday specifically concerns a ban on the Muslim garment in the Riviera town of Villeneuve-Loubet, but the binding decision is expected to impact all the 30 or so French resort municipalities that have issued similar decrees.
The bans grew increasingly controversial as images circulated online of some Muslim women being ordered to remove body-concealing garments on French Riviera beaches.
Lawyers for a human rights group and a Muslim collective challenged the legality of the ban to the top court, saying the orders infringe basic freedoms and that mayors have overstepped their powers by telling women what to wear on beaches.
Mayors had cited multiple reasons for the bans, including security after a string of Islamic extremist attacks, risk to public order, and France's strict rules on secularism in public life.
The Council of State ruled that, "The emotion and concerns arising from the terrorist attacks, notably the one perpetrated in Nice on July 14, cannot suffice to justify in law the contested prohibition measure."
It ruled that the mayor of Villeuneuve-Loubet overstepped his powers by enacting measures that are not justified by "proven risks of disruptions to public order nor, moreover, on reasons of hygiene or decency."
"The contested decree has thus brought a serious and manifestly illegal infringement on basic freedoms such as freedom to come and go, freedom of conscience and personal freedom," the ruling reads.
Lawyer Patrice Spinosi, representing the Human Rights League, told reporters in Paris that women who have already received fines can protest them based on Friday's decision.
"It is a decision that is meant to set legal precedent," he said. "Today all the ordinances taken should conform to the decision of the Council of State. Logically the mayors should withdraw these ordinances. If not legal actions could be taken" against those towns.
But the mayor of the Corsican town of Sisco said he wouldn't lift the ban he imposed after an Aug. 13 clash on a beach.
"Here the tension is very, very, very high and I won't withdraw it," Ange-Pierre Vivoni said on BFM-TV.
He said he doesn't know whether a woman was actually wearing a burkini the day a clash occurred that set a group of Corsican sunbathers of North African origin against villagers from Sisco. It took days to untangle the events leading to the violence that many immediately assumed was over a burkini sighting.
The bans have become a symbol of tensions around the place of Islam in secular France.
Many officials --including Prime Minister Manuel Valls -- have argued that burkinis oppress women. But critics say the bans were feeding a racist political agenda as campaigning for next year's French presidential elections were kicking off. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/burkini-ban-overturned-in-france | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c214817f7b34bcbddbe345866cc2e113b029747ca5d80ca2ad74eedfac764b1a.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T12:46:54 | null | 2016-08-31T12:00:34 | British comedian James Corden is being urged to take his Carpool Karaoke concept to the skies. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fair-new-zealand-challenges-james-corden-to-cockpit-karaoke.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869074700_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472645016124 | en | null | Air New Zealand challenges James Corden to 'Cockpit Karaoke' | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Air New Zealand: Safety first in Hollywood! The latest in-flight safety video from Air New Zealand features Anna Faris and New Zealand actor Rhys Darby and was filmed at Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood. The two actors act out scenes from different film genres as Darby tries to convince Faris to play a role in Air New Zealand’s new safety video with him. (Courtesy Air New Zealand)
Delta: Delta Airlines' latest in-flight safety video features some of the most famous Internet memes, including cats and the Double Rainbow guy among others. (YouTube)
Delta Airlines: The American airline posted this 80s-themed safety video to YouTube in January 2014. Alf, scrunchies and some old school tech all make appearances in the video. Is it all enough to make you pay attention, though? (YouTube)
Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand used sex appeal to sell their latest in-flight safety video. The airline teamed up with Sports Illustrated swimsuit models to film this "Safety in Paradise" video, filmed in the Cook Islands. The video wasn't without controversy, though, with thousands signing a petition saying it sexualized the female body and should be removed from airplanes. (YouTube)
Virgin America: Back in October 2013, Virgin America employed movie director Jon M. Chu ("Step Up 2: The Streets," "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") and American Idol alum Todrick Hall for a 'Glee'-style in-flight safety video. (YouTube)
Air New Zealand: Actress Betty White starred in this cheeky in-flight safety video, again filmed for Air New Zealand. Called "Safety Old School Style," White used some of the same humour she employs for her 'Off Their Rockers' TV show in this safety video. (YouTube)
Air New Zealand: In yet another Air New Zealand safety video, characters from "The Hobbit" get a lesson on in-flight safety. Called "An Unexpected Briefing," even Peter Jackson makes a cameo appearance. (YouTube)
Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic's latest in-flight safety video is an animated homage to classic films. A dream-sequence takes passengers to the world of James Bond and A Space Odyssey while reminding them about in-flight safety. (YouTube)
Air New Zealand: The airline's Bare Essentials of Safety video features nude flight attendants (sensitive body parts are hidden by nothing but body paint and cleverly placed life jackets) going through safety procedures ranging from evacuations to electronics use. (YouTube)
Thomson Airways: Kids say the darndest things! The United Kingdom’s Thomson Airways ran with that idea in this cute 2009 airline safety video featuring children as flight attendants. (YouTube)
Virgin Australia Airlines: Virgin Australia Airlines mixes humour with silly cartoon characters to create an airline safety video that is super entertaining. Look out for a very animated Richard Branson in the clip! (YouTube)
Air France: The French airline launched this quirky in-flight safety video in spring 2015, featuring five 'passengers' doing the safety demonstrations in clothing the colour of Air France's uniforms. (Courtesy Air France)
Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand's newest in-flight safety video features world famous surfing stars Gabriel Medina, Mick Fanning and Masatoshi Ohno, and was filmed in Malibu, Australia's Gold Coast and New Zealand. (YouTube) | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/air-new-zealand-challenges-james-corden-to-cockpit-karaoke | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/5553c5d4b0f5f64c3eb2d38f4a271316497bb4bd4a683a64423b7be404338f2a.json |
[
"Sandra"
] | 2016-08-30T20:46:47 | null | 2016-08-30T19:46:14 | Nashville icon Kenny Rogers is the eighth country act booked to play one of Edmonton's two arenas over the next eight months. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fkenny-rogers-plays-the-coliseum-the-same-night-kanye-west-is-at-rogers-place.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872002401_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472586243263 | en | null | Kenny Rogers plays the Coliseum the same night Kanye West is at Rogers Place | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Nashville icon Kenny Rogers is the eighth country act booked to play one of Edmonton's two arenas over the next eight months.
With his last name, you'd think he's a natural to play Rogers Place — but he'll be performing at Northlands Coliseum. (Or Rexall Place, as Ticketmaster is still listing it as.)
The date? Oct. 15, which happens to be the same night as hip-hop star Kanye West at Rogers Place.
Yup, Kenny vs. Kanye. Who're you going to gamble on?
Kenny's show is part of his final world tour, The Gambler's Last Deal ... but does he have a flying stage like Kanye?
Kenny, who just turned 78 years old, is responsible for such country classics as The Gambler, Lucille, Coward of the County, Lady, You Decorated My Life and Islands in the Stream, his duet with Rogers Place performer Dolly Parton (Sept. 17).
Tickets to Kenny's show range from $79 to $99 plus service charges. On sale Sept. 2 at Ticketmaster.ca. Other country acts headed to Edmonton include: Eric Church (March 10, Coliseum) and Keith Urban (Sept. 16, Rogers Place).
By the way, seats are still available to Kanye's concert.
ssperounes@postmedia.com
twitter.com/Sperounes | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/kenny-rogers-plays-the-coliseum-the-same-night-kanye-west-is-at-rogers-place | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/ff1ba6e6749231bef620cbd67cd0dbf2c5a875d0788f04aaeff7b26c79fffb36.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:45:58 | null | 2016-08-26T14:45:27 | The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge opens above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fworlds-highest-and-longest-glass-bridge-opens-in-china.json | http://www.edmontonsun.com/assets/favicon.ico | en | null | World's highest and longest glass bridge opens in China | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Visitors cross the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A boy lies down to see the view through the glass on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A visitor poses for a photograph on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A visitor takes a photograph on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A visitor lies down to take a photograph on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A visitor pulls his son from the ground as others pose for photographs on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
Visitors cross the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
A visitor jumps for a photograph on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
Visitors cross the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is seen above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province on August 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOURFRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/worlds-highest-and-longest-glass-bridge-opens-in-china | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/360a9a1ec3d89afe3cf034122a8c363550313c295581c0aa99da8af9989c8330.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:46:41 | null | 2016-08-30T22:32:53 | Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Finjury-to-vikings-bridgewater-leaves-teammates-distraught.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297872032073_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472595187059 | en | null | 'Doesn't look good:' Bridgewater has 'significant' knee injury | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN. -
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater went down with an injury in practice on Tuesday, causing the team to cut short its session after 25 minutes.
Bridgewater dropped back to pass during a drill, planted his foot and immediately went down. He grabbed his left knee while concerned teammates and athletic trainers huddled around him.
Coach Mike Zimmer eventually called off practice, and the rest of the team walked off the field while Bridgewater was being attended to. Moments later, a siren-blaring ambulance pulled into the team’s Winter Park headquarters, stayed for about 10 minutes and then pulled away.
The nature of Bridgewater’s injury was not immediately clear. The team said Zimmer would address the situation at a later time.
Players were visibly distraught as they exited the field, some hurling expletives into the air. A small group remained behind, huddled around him in prayer as team athletic trainers worked to immobilize his leg.
Ambulance arrives at Winter Park after #Vikings Bridgewater goes down with injury in practice. pic.twitter.com/H6Uohrs9gL — Shari L. Gross (@ShariStrib) August 30, 2016
If Bridgewater is unable to return in a timely manner, there is little behind him on the depth chart. Shaun Hill is the primary backup, but he’s 36 years old and has played only sparingly over the last five years.
Bridgewater is entering his third season in the NFL and the Vikings were counting on him to take some major steps forward after a promising start to his career. He helped lead the Vikings to the NFC North championship last season as more of a game manager, but Zimmer and offensive co-ordinator Norv Turner have said that they expected him to be much more of a playmaker in 2016.
You could hear a pin drop on field as Bridgewater was tended do on ground -- silence only broken by several F-bombs players screamed#Vikings — Brian Murphy (@murphPPress) August 30, 2016
Bridgewater missed the second preseason game with a sore shoulder, but was very sharp on Sunday against San Diego. He went 12 for 16 for 161 yards and a touchdown in two quarters of work, leaving Vikings players and fans fully confident as the team starts to prepare for the season opener at Tennessee on Sept. 11.
The Vikings host the Los Angeles Rams in their final preseason game Thursday night, though Bridgewater and most of the starters were not expected to play. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/30/injury-to-vikings-bridgewater-leaves-teammates-distraught | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/96c94e56b53bde7e6688f21f7c93e76f4096088f7318b093d82639ea8179c3ea.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T00:46:16 | null | 2016-08-27T00:15:04 | As a Colorado mother enjoyed a family boat trip across Lake Powell's summer waters, she heard a scream and splash as her 2-year-old son slipped off their houseboat and into the water. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fmom-who-died-saving-son-kept-him-above-water-until-rescue.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870889210_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472253469043 | en | null | Mom who died saving son kept him above water until rescue | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | SALT LAKE CITY -- A mother was enjoying a family boat trip across Lake Powell when she heard a scream and splash. Her 2-year-old son had slipped off their houseboat and into the water.
Chelsey Russell, a 35-year-old mother of two from Lakewood, Colorado, jumped in to rescue her son. She managed to keep the toddler above water for five agonizing minutes until a relative pulled him safely back onto the boat.
But by that point, Russell was unconscious. She was pulled from the water and rushed to shore at the nearby marina, where bystanders and officials performed CPR Tuesday afternoon.
After about 30 minutes, they determined they couldn't save the woman who just rescued her son.
Officials with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses the 186-mile-long lake along the Utah-Arizona border, said the boy was in stable condition and flown to a hospital about 200 miles away in Flagstaff, Arizona, as a precaution.
The houseboat had been travelling about 8 mph toward shore when the boy, playing with another child, somehow fell off, San Juan County Sheriff Rick Eldredge said Friday.
After Russell jumped in, her brother stopped the boat and hopped in after his sister, leaving Russell's mother and at least one other child aboard.
The boat had kept moving after Russell went in and the man realized he was too far away from her and the child, Eldredge said. So he returned to the vessel to retrieve a motorboat they had been towing. The knots tethering it were so tight that he had to cut them with a knife.
Russell was in the water for at least five minutes before her brother could reach them and take the conscious toddler from her chest. Throughout that time, she kept her son above water, her family told authorities.
"She was holding the baby out of the water the best that she could," Eldredge said.
The sheriff said neither Russell nor her son wore life jackets. They are required for boaters under 12, according to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The sheriff's office was waiting for the Utah medical examiner to determine Russell's cause of death, but Eldredge said it was suspected to be drowning. He did not know when the medical examiner would make a ruling.
"There are no words to convey the tragedy of losing a loved one like this," Teri Tucker, acting superintendent for the recreation area, said in a statement. "Our hearts are with the family and friends of the victims during this time of unexpected pain and loss."
It's the sixth death at the recreation area this year.
Russell's co-workers at a Denver law firm remembered her as a "superstar" attorney, mother and marathon runner who competed in a 100-mile race last year.
"She was a talented lawyer, loved by everyone in this firm," attorney Keith Tooley said Friday. "She was just a rock star here. Her passing has just crushed us all." | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/mom-who-died-saving-son-kept-him-above-water-until-rescue | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/d9b7f0833f3ddf698933f47475b7dd02100d617581d573cc6c159984de58fc27.json |
[
"Stuart Thomson"
] | 2016-08-27T00:45:54 | null | 2016-08-27T00:30:51 | The company behind applications for two downtown mega-bars says it's not giving up the fight, after the city earlier this month rejected the proposal. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcompany-behind-proposed-downtown-mega-bars-to-appeal-city-rejection.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297635037072_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472257908018 | en | null | Company behind proposed downtown mega-bars to appeal city rejection | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | The company behind applications for two downtown mega-bars says it's not giving up the fight, after the city earlier this month rejected the proposal.
Urban Sparq, an Edmonton hospitality company that owns Knoxville’s Tavern and Denizen Hall, among other downtown bars, has launched an appeal that will be heard sometime in early fall by the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.
The decision to reject the application was praised by Coun. Scott McKeen, who represents the downtown area, and the Downtown Community League, which said it was concerned by the scale of the project and the lack of consultation by the applicant.
“We are listening to the community and we will ensure all reasonable management practices are in place to minimize community concerns," Brendan Crooks, a senior manager with Urban Sparq, said in a statement.
Edmonton's sustainable development department announced Aug. 11 they had rejected the 400-person bar proposed for the base of the Fox Two condo tower on 104 Street and 102 Avenue. A live music venue proposed for 109 Street and 102 Avenue, which would hold 1,400 patrons, was also rejected.
At the time, officials said the projects would interfere with the enjoyment and value of neighbouring properties, and that the proposal didn't conform to special downtown zoning regulations.
Urban Sparq said the 104 Street proposal is "on par with recently opened and approved pubs" in a five block radius of the site.
With Rogers Place set to open in September, the pub "would add to the core's vibrancy" as eventgoers visit downtown to attend events, Crooks said.
sxthomson@postmedia.com
twitter.com/stuartxthomson | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/26/company-behind-proposed-downtown-mega-bars-to-appeal-city-rejection | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/b9eabde56e97aec05d03b58a530083641d6c631a401708a05e46fefe41903bf6.json |
[
"Gordon Kent"
] | 2016-08-29T02:46:18 | null | 2016-08-29T02:15:05 | A group of northern Alberta municipalities wants more discussion of a provincial plan to protect an extra 1.8 million hectares of wilderness in hopes of saving the woodland caribou. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fcaribou-communities-of-alberta-say-government-plan-18-million-hectares-of-wilderness-will-hurt-jobs-in-the-area.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871371279_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472432779345 | en | null | Government plan to protect 1.8 million hectares of wilderness in northern Albert | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | A group of northern Alberta municipalities wants more discussion of a provincial plan to protect an extra 1.8 million hectares of wilderness in hopes of saving the woodland caribou.
Caribou Communities of Alberta says a report by mediator Eric Denhoff that the government accepted in June could cost jobs and hurt the petroleum and forestry industries without doing much to protect the threatened animals.
"There wasn't any consultation with our communities that are affected," High Level Mayor Crystal McAteer said Sunday.
"We would be looking for a study that is more in-depth and done in consultation with the people directly affected, (looking at) how we can work side-by-side to protect the caribou and people can still continue their economic work in the area."
Her town 740 kilometres north of Edmonton is among the half-dozen members of the recently formed Caribou Communities organization, which argues not enough groups were engaged in creating the caribou action plan.
In addition to protecting more land in northwest Alberta, for a provincial total of 4.9 million hectares, the scheme calls for restoration of more than 10,000 kilometres of seismic lines over five years, funded by the energy industry.
It says this will create hundreds of jobs a year.
There will also be a fenced 100-square-kilometre caribou rearing facility to raise calves safe from predators, while plans are being developed for the A La Peche and Little Smoky ranges northwest of Hinton.
There are 15 caribou ranges under Alberta jurisdiction. The federal Species At Risk Act requires the province to manage 65 per cent of critical caribou habitat by October 2017.
Byron Peters, planning and development in northwestern Alberta's Mackenzie County, said the issue of how to best protect the caribou is a concern for virtually every community in the region.
The dispute centres on about 350,000 to 400,0000 hectares of the proposed newly protected land, which environmental and provincial information indicates isn't critical for the caribou, he said.
"We really feel this is a strong political statement, to say 'Look what good environmental stewards we are,' even though there may be no purpose to protect it, even though it's not bio-diverse and it's not great for caribou, either."
He doesn't know how much more land will be covered by the future range plans.
Communities also don't know how much, if any, logging, oil and gas extraction will be permitted once land is put under protection, Peters said.
He said Premier Rachel Notley has agreed to meet with them and discuss their concerns, but no date for the meeting has been set.
The province estimates there are 3,500 caribou left in Alberta.
gkent@postmedia.com
twitter.com/GKentEJ | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/caribou-communities-of-alberta-say-government-plan-18-million-hectares-of-wilderness-will-hurt-jobs-in-the-area | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/aee52850d98807faa55dd0a5edc28f4d749984247f44b76f47ad6895de4eba54.json |
[
"Derek Van Diest"
] | 2016-08-29T16:46:27 | null | 2016-08-29T16:32:34 | In a season where everything has seemingly bounced
in
FC Edmonton’s direction, it was expected they would
somehow manage to pull out another victory at home
Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Ffc-edmontons-draw-against-puerto-rico-stops-home-win-streak-at-nine.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871381784_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472486729398 | en | null | FC Edmonton_s draw against Puerto Rico stops home win streak at nine | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | In a season where everything has seemingly bounced in FC Edmonton’s direction, it was expected they would somehow manage to pull out another victory at home Sunday.
But playing against Puerto Rico FC, whose sole intent was survival, FC Edmonton were unable to find their usual moment of inspiration and were held to a 0-0 tie in front of 2,007 at Clarke Stadium.
It was Edmonton’s first scoreless draw since the opening game of the Spring Season and brought an end to their nine-game home winning streak, one shy of a North American Soccer League record.
“It’s frustrating, it’s the first time I’ve seen a team that has gone up a man sit back and defend,” said FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller. “It showed you what their game plan was and they stuck to it and were good at it. We were not good enough in the attacking third. That was the disappointing thing. We got into great crossing areas and our crosses were horrendous and that’s the big disappointment, we just didn’t have that cutting edge.”
FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel collected his 11th shutout of the year, which was likely the easiest of his career. VanOekel has not conceded a goal in 534 minutes of play and had but one save to make in the contest as the majority of the game was played in the Puerto Rico half.
“We never looked under any pressure, Matt VanOekel could have been reading the paper in the second half,” Miller said. “The disappointing thing for me is not the effort from the players, it’s just the final ball. But it’s very, very difficult to break down a team that is hell bent on coming out of here with a draw.”
The tie marked the first time since April FC Edmonton has not won a league game at Clarke Stadium. The point, however, did allow them to keep a share of first place in the Fall Season standings with the New York Cosmos.
Edmonton had their chances to take the lead in the first half. Jake Keegan got to the end of a cross whipped into the box by Adam Eckersley, but his glancing header in the 24th minute whistled just wide.
Later in the half, a crunching tackle by midfielder Nik Ledgerwood sent Edmonton off on a counterattack, which saw the ball eventually played to Dustin Corea at the top of the penalty area. Corea’s shot, heading towards the bottom corner of the net, was batted away by an excellent diving save from Puerto Rico goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg.
“It’s frustrating, but I thought we played really well at times,” said Ledgerwood, who is heading off to play a pair of crucial World Cup qualifiers with Canada. “During the season we’ve definitely played worse and won games. I just think now it’s about keeping positive and moving forward. It’s definitely frustrating not to keep the win streak going.”
In the second half, Puerto Rico had little interest in venturing beyond centre looking for a goal. The expansion club, who have one win in their first 11 games, sat back and were content to defend.
Even after Edmonton midfielder Sainey Nyassi was sent off in the 86th minute for an off-the-ball incident, Puerto Rico maintained their defensive approach.
“I think a lot of teams have come here trying to get a result and we’ve been able to hit them on the counter attack and things like that,” Ledgerwood said. “Puerto Rico just came here and sat back. They came here looking for a point and that’s what they got, they weren’t in it to try and win the game.
“But we have to find ways around that now, since teams are going to be doing that against us more often. At the end of the day, we had more than enough chances, but that’s how soccer is.”
Puerto Rico fended off a wave of attacks in the second half, helped by Edmonton’s inability to finish.
Before being sent off for stomping on an opponent away from the ball, Nyassi completely missed the target on a setup at the top of the penalty area.
Ledgerwood had an excellent opportunity on a one-time attempt in the box off a cross from Keegan, but skied his shot high over the crossbar.
Substitute Ben Fisk had the ball fall to him inside the area, but also missed the target.
“Overall, it was a performance where I can’t fault the players on effort,” Miller said. “The little bit of quality that we needed was lacking.”
Dvandiest@postmedia.com
twitter.com/DerekVanDiest
Game Review
FC Edmonton 0, Puerto Rico FC 0
Man of the match: Trevor Spangenberg, Puerto Rico FC
The Puerto Rico FC goaltender wasn’t overly busy in the contest, but came up with a number good saves when needed. Puerto Rico didn’t venture forward much, particularly in the second half, content to defend. Spangenberg was there to bail his team out when Edmonton was able to break through.
Game Grades
Offence D
Defence A
Goalkeeping A
Toughness C
Effort C
Why FC Edmonton tied: They didn’t have enough urgency in the first half against a strong wind and were unable to create more than a couple of opportunities. In the second half, Puerto Rico sat back looking for the scoreless tie and while Edmonton dictated the play, they were unable to break through with a clear-cut opportunity to break the scoreless deadlock.
Play of the game: Edmonton worked the ball down the left side of the field and eventually Jake Keegan is sent in down the wing. Keegan cuts the ball into the box where Nik Ledgerwood meets it, but his one-time shot goes sailing over the crossbar.
Save of the game: Midway through the first half, Nik Ledgerwood makes a crunching tackle in midfield, springing an Edmonton counter-attack. The ball ends up being played to Dustin Corea at the top of the penalty area. His low shot is heading for the bottom corner, but Puerto Rico goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg is able to dive down and get a hand on the shot to knock it away.
Up Next: FC Edmonton at Ottawa, Friday (5 p.m.) TD Place. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/fc-edmontons-draw-against-puerto-rico-stops-home-win-streak-at-nine | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/a85c81d004719f1a269c8984584a02b8ce928d94396f57fab608ac372b59f65b.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T22:46:13 | null | 2016-08-27T21:33:47 | I would like to take a moment to join
all Canadians in expressing our utmost
respect and warm wishes to Prime
Minister Stephen Harper as he steps
back from his role as the Member of
Parliament for Calgary Heritage, and
the Canadian political stage. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2Fthank-you-stephen-harper.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297870875665_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472334032009 | en | null | Thank you Stephen Harper | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | I would like to take a moment to join all Canadians in expressing our utmost respect and warm wishes to Prime Minister Stephen Harper as he steps back from his role as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Heritage, and the Canadian political stage.
In 2003, Stephen Harper was at the forefront of the movement to unite conservative Canadians across this country under one banner. It would mark the beginning of more than a decade of his principled leadership.
The record Prime Minister Harper leaves in office is a proud one. Under his leadership, Canada’s foreign policy was clear-eyed and robust, and our nation’s principles were never for sale. He was the first Canadian Prime Minister in history to address the Knesset in Israel — a strong show of support for a democratic nation that remains our best and strongest ally in a turbulent part of the world. It was Prime Minister Harper who stood up to Vladimir Putin and led the charge to have Russia removed from the G8. Under Prime Minister Harper, Canada was an active ally in the global fight against terrorism. And he helped usher in a new era of greater respect for Canada’s men and women in uniform.
Here in Canada, his economic record speaks volumes. During his leadership Canada emerged from the global recession faster and stronger than any country in the G7, which included a net gain of 1.3 million new jobs, a balanced budget, and the wealthiest middle class anywhere on the globe. His time in office saw an ambitious free trade agenda open up markets around the world for Canadian businesses, and free trade deals now signed with over 40 countries.
At the heart of that record was a recognition of the everyday challenges facing hardworking families. We proudly note that it was thanks to his principled guidance that Canadians enjoyed the lowest tax burden in 50 years — including a lower GST, income splitting for couples, and tax free savings accounts.
Finally, Canada under Stephen Harper was committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society. His leadership saw sweeping changes to strengthen child protection laws and the introduction of the Victims Bill of Rights, which once and for all put the rights of victims ahead of the rights of criminals. The creation of the Universal Child Care Benefit helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health initiative has helped save the lives of millions of mothers and babies around the world.
I spoke with Prime Minister Harper upon news of his departure, and I took the opportunity to personally thank him for everything he has done — for the people of Calgary Heritage and Calgary Southwest before that, for proud conservatives everywhere, and for all Canadians.
I also expressed congratulations for the recent honour bestowed upon him by Ukrainian President Poroshenko. The Order of Liberty, one of Ukraine’s highest honours, recognizes Prime Minister Harper’s contributions to the strengthening of Ukraine’s sovereignty. This is only the latest demonstration of the lasting legacy with which Mr. Harper departs political life.
More than anything, Prime Minister Harper loves his family, and we thank Laureen, Ben and Rachel for sharing him with us for over 20 years. We also thank Laureen Harper for her devotion to so many charitable causes and our country.
Thank you Stephen Harper for your immense contributions to Canada and we wish you well in your future endeavours.
- Ambrose is Leader of the Official Opposition and MP for Sturgeon River–Parkland. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/thank-you-stephen-harper | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/dedbecb4d42822785b222f5d1d9c8adc54446fad5424b937271e0a6f97f77bce.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:46:22 | null | 2016-08-29T04:32:20 | MTV VMAs: The most daring looks from the red carpet | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fmtv-vmas-the-most-daring-looks-from-the-red-carpet.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871398806_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472443725373 | en | null | MTV VMAs: The most daring looks from the red carpet | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Alicia Keys attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Nick Cannon attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Sean Diddy Combs attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Ariana Grande attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Bebe Rexha attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for MTV)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Social media star Baddie Winkle attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Hailey Baldwin arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Cassie attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Farrah Abraham arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Winnie Harlow arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Model Taylor Hill attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West attend the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Nicki Minaj attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: JoJo attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Jaden Smith attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Nick Jonas attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Rita Ora attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Britney Spears attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Jenni "JWoww" Farley attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Naomi Campbell attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Ashley Graham attends the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Beyonce and daughter Blue Ivy arrive at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The MTV Video Music Awards have given us some of the most memorable red carpet looks - good and bad. This year was no disappointment. From feathers to turbans, sparkle and more see the most daring looks from the 2016 MTV VMAs red carpet.
NEW YORK -- Accompanied by daughter Blue Ivy sporting a big tulle train, Beyonce was angel-winged and green-feathered Sunday night on the white carpet of the MTV Video Music Awards, one of the wildest celebrity fashion parades of the year.
Sparkling from head to toe in the shade of mint, huge green jewels hanging from her ears, the queen wore her hair back and braided. Her hive of fans was pleased, breathless on Twitter, as her 4-year-old princess walked in gold, high top sneakers on, showing off a dainty jeweled head band worn at the front with two long braids.
From sparkly Superman T-shirts to bejeweled high top kicks, the VMAs is an anything-goes carpet, an opportunity for names large and smaller from TV, music and elsewhere to strut and clown for throngs of cameras live from Madison Square Garden.
Beyonce and Blue posed with Sybrina Fulton, Lezley McSpadden and Gwen Carr, the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, among others. Collectively, they're in the Mothers of the Movement, women of colour who lost children to violence and appeared in Beyonce's "Lemonade" visual album holding photos of their lost sons.
Nicki Minaj slayed in sexy royal blue, a clingy mermaid-style gown with a crisscross front and huge side cutouts. Walking in the tight outfit proved a challenge. Her accessory was Meek, wearing a black zip jacket with red rose appliques and a huge rectangle diamond necklace.
More subdued was Amber Rose in a black, double-breasted pantsuit, bra top out. Kim Kardashian also opted for black as she posed with hubby Kanye West, casual in a white short-sleeve T-shirt and white pants.
Britney Spears was in black, too, a form-flattering dress with a long open slash from the shoulder to the hip, her blonde locks long and loose.
Swinging her famous high ponytail, Ariana Grande blew kisses at the cameras in a tiny, flirty lace top off the shoulders with a pair of wide black trousers and black choker. Speaking of walking, Rita Ora had no trouble in towering platform shoes with a sheer black skirt with red feather accents and a black leather motorcycle jacket.
The impersonating cast of "RuPaul's Drag Race," meanwhile, did what they do best, walking as Lady Gaga in her meat dress, Spears and her famous snake (this one a fake) and Lil' Kim with one nipple covered only by a blue pastie.
The guys represented. Rapper Desiigner was bare-chested in a salmon suit, his eternally huge smile on his face and glittery chains around his neck. Nick Cannon was in white, including a turban, to go with his sleeveless T and long shorts, while 2 Chainz wore a red and green stripe bandanna scarf with a tasseled white long-sleeve shirt.
One of the evening's hosts, DJ Khaled, wore a sharp David August black suit.
The VMAs attracted many in MTV's reality stable, including "Teen Mom OG" Farrah Abraham as full-on Wonder Woman. The night also attracted a few supermodels, including Naomi Campbell in a short ivory dress and Joan Smalls in a clay red crop top.
Four of the Final Five gymnastics stars from the Rio Olympics also walked the carpet -- Simone Biles, in a sequined red mini by designer Sherri Hill, Aly Raisman, in a girly floral overlay dress, Laurie Hernandez in blue and Madison Kocian in aqua.
Teammate Gabby Douglas was in a hospital for treatment of a mouth infection from a previous injury, said her publicist, Lesley Burbridge.
Historic multi-gold winning Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was chill in a simple pair of black pants, white shirt and a black jacket as photographers shouted, "Where are your medals?"
Later, he introduced Future, revealing it was the Atlanta rapper and singer he was listening to when making his now-famous Phelps face, a grimace before a race that went viral on social media. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/mtv-vmas-the-most-daring-looks-from-the-red-carpet | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/18904bb327ccde58d46f7bcc97b2a93d00bee2806849c8ec041920e67068b051.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:46:24 | null | 2016-08-28T21:59:20 | Contract talks continued between Canada Post and its largest union Sunday afternoon, with neither side hinting as to whether any progress had been made. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F28%2Fpostal-workers-union-give-details-of-job-action-if-no-deal-is-reached-sunday.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871302386_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472424271294 | en | null | Postal workers union give details of job action if no deal is reached Sunday | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | OTTAWA — Contract talks continued between Canada Post and its largest union Sunday afternoon, with neither side hinting as to whether any progress had been made.
A federally appointed mediator began meeting with the two sides on Friday to try to reach a deal.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said if there was no deal by midnight, it would begin job action on Monday by having its members refuse to work overtime on a rotating basis, starting in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
CUPW served 72 hour strike notice Thursday night, accusing Canada Post of forcing a labour disruption by refusing to bargain in good faith.
The two sides have been deadlocked for months on the issues of pay scales for rural letter carriers and proposed changes to pensions for future employees.
On Sunday, the union said its initial plans for job action would have little effect on Canada Post customers.
“Our action will cause little to no disruption to the public,” national president Mike Palecek said in a statement. “We’ll still be delivering mail every day.”
But a spokesman for Canada Post said the union’s threat of job action was still creating uncertainty for customers.
“Anyone who is trying to plan their usage of the postal system in the coming days is questioning whether or not it will be able to get there, and that is going to have a huge impact on the business whether the union likes it or not,” Jon Hamilton said in a phone interview. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/28/postal-workers-union-give-details-of-job-action-if-no-deal-is-reached-sunday | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/296ca8d31b75d7a8949ca439e5337de723f99b1e4563b4c3de4e3228e1445ad8.json |
[
"Amy Dickinson"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:57 | null | 2016-08-26T11:45:27 | Dear Amy: My wife and I have been together for about 14 years. We have four children, ranging in age from teens to a toddler. We are both 36. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fhusband-dips-into-wifes-diary.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297869946295_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472209240556 | en | null | Husband dips into wife's diary | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Dear Amy: My wife and I have been together for about 14 years. We have four children, ranging in age from teens to a toddler. We are both 36.
Over the past year or so we have had a few bumps in the road, including having an unexpected child who was born with health problems, my wife's family moving in with us (we later had to evict them), an arrest (mine), and her having a manic episode and being committed to a mental hospital for six days. She has been regulated on her meds and seems to be doing a lot better with everything.
She's a stay-at-home mom. When I get home I give her a break; she goes into her room and listens to music, writes in her journal or goes on social media sites.
While this is fine with me, over the last few weeks it's becoming an issue. I feel ignored.
I did something I shouldn't have done, and I read her journal. I had to see what was wrong with her.
Her journal noted that she has always had self-esteem issues. It also stated that she has been trying to make herself more attractive, because she craves attention (which I try to give her), that she has become bored, and sees risky behaviour approaching.
She didn't write anything more for two days. The next entry was about how I was jealous of a male friend of ours because they message a lot on Facebook. She wrote that she has no interest in him or anyone else. She said that I need to get past it.
I believe all of this is leading us to a path of divorce, lies and cheating.
Should I bring this all up? Should I try to change something I'm doing? I don't know where to go from here and how to fix this.
I honestly feel she still loves me but maybe isn't in love with me anymore. I want her to be happy. Thoughts? -- Worried
Dear Worried: My first thought is that the main thing you can change is to get your face out of your wife's private diary. If you are concerned about lying and cheating, perhaps you should look in the mirror. Reading her diary is disrespect of the first order.
Your wife might be approaching another manic episode. If you are worried about this, you should discuss it with her. If you are jealous of her friendship with another man, you should be honest about it, and then consider trusting her if she says she isn't into him.
You have glossed over your own actions -- you mention you were arrested, but you don't say why.
She is expressing some things in her diary that she should (also) express to you, but she has the right to her private thoughts and expressions. You two should see a therapist together to discuss your considerable family stressors and work on how to communicate more effectively and respectfully.
Dear Amy: I have a friend I have been seeing once a week for coffee. It feels like a one-sided friendship to me, in that she spends most of the time talking about herself.
I am a good listener and ask her questions, but sometimes I feel like I'm more her therapist than her friend.
I've decided after months of this that I was going to make myself less available, and that has worked out.
I had not seen her for several months until a few weeks ago, and the same pattern is there, but the rub is this: She will barely look me in the eyes! I don't know what to make of it. I keep thinking if she didn't want to see me, she'd make excuses, but she doesn't.
But whether she's talking about herself or listening to me, she won't make eye contact. It's just really weird, and it makes me feel like something is wrong with me. I'm thinking about just coming right out and asking her. What would you suggest? -- Friend
Dear Friend: Eye contact is a sign of intimacy and comfort.
By all means, ask your friend why she won't meet your eye.
Dear Amy: "Sad" was an older sister who was worried about her teen sister's use of the drug "Molly."
I appreciated your answer, but you weren't strong enough. A girl in our town overdosed on this drug. It is very dangerous. -- Worried
Dear Worried: New and synthetic drugs seem to be flooding into our communities. It is terrifying. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/24/husband-dips-into-wifes-diary | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/c29345f688d9ca968e6d09654552a8dd1368a8a69e57bb8591c7c8ba437c4e4e.json |
[
"Terry Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T02:46:42 | null | 2016-08-30T02:15:22 | Susan Darrington has 45 thousand and change in the office pool. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fmore-than-half-the-free-tickets-gone-in-two-hours-for-sept-10-rogers-place-tours.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871760509_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80 | en | null | More than half the free tickets gone in two hours for Sept. 10 Rogers Place tour | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | Susan Darrington has 45 thousand and change in the office pool.
She’s going to be low.
“We plan to accommodate about 50,000,” said the vice-president and GM of Rogers Place of the Sept. 10 open house at Rogers Place.
Tickets were made available at 2 p.m. Monday and moved about a thousand a minute for the first 15 minutes. By 4 p.m. they’d reached 22,642 and you had to wonder if the Oilers Entertainment Group might have to consider expanded hours or go to a second day.
“The event will open go from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., the last time of entrance with tickets for the open house. And I think we’ll come close to the number we’ve set as our capacity,” said Darrington in the afternoon.
“Edmonton has been waiting for this for a long time to see Rogers Place so we hope to move a lot of people through it.”
Darrington and Rick Daviss, the City of Edmonton project director, announced the ticketing for the event and launched them at the same time Monday with a huge immediate response.
There is no charge.
It was set up for people to order up to four tickets each through Ticketmaster to visit the facility, either online at www.ticketmaster.ca/Rogers-Place-tickets-Edmonton/venue/140602 or by phone at 1-855-985-5000.
The main reason for the distribution system was to put a tour time on each ticket to control the flow of Edmontonians through the building. Even Calgarians are allowed to apply.
“One of the reasons for choosing to cut it off at 3 p.m. is the 5 p.m. Edmonton Eskimos annual game against the Calgary Stampeders that kicks off at 5 p.m.,” she said.
Darrington predicts an hour to an hour and a half for the self-guided tour to be completed.
“We just may see some Calgary fans in here. And you know what? They’re going to see a spectacular home for our Oilers and Oil Kings teams.
“A lot of thinking went into how to manage the windows, the number of fans, how long will people stay in the building and give fans a great experience their first time in.”
There are parts of the building people will not be able to see, including the entire event level where the dressing rooms, etc. are located. Not on the tour, as well, is the press box. And fans won’t be allowed to sit in the seats. But other than that, they’re going to get a great look at the place.
“We wanted to give everybody the opportunity to move through the concourses, see the great architecture, see the great amenities for the fans and experience the environment and get a sense of what is to come.
“To be able to accommodate as many fans as we could, we wanted to make this something they could enjoy in about 60 to 90 minutes.
“The way the building is designed, the concourses are incredibly open, so as you work your way around the building you can experience the downtown neighborhood, you can see 104th avenue, you can see the plaza going in and the LRT station on the north side of the building. As well as that, it’ll give you a real good idea of the space as you move through the building.
“You’ll get a good look at the lower bowl and the ice surface, the Sportsnet Lounge and the Skynet Lounge, the loge seating and all of that.”
The star of the show will be the $110 million scoreboard. There will be no entertainment and nothing happening on the ice surface.
“It’ll be the building,” she said. “It’s come on in and see what we built.”
The relocated Wayne Gretzky statue will not be in place.
“I think we want to save the Gretzky statue for a little bit later.”
terry.jones@sunmedia.ca
@sunterryjones | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/29/more-than-half-the-free-tickets-gone-in-two-hours-for-sept-10-rogers-place-tours | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/b92312e37b156f93dc80fe06278324fd8417c56db16845db303bf63b9b9063aa.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T18:46:05 | null | 2016-08-27T18:15:54 | San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin
Kaepernick is refusing to stand for
the U.S. national anthem before games
because he believes the United States
oppresses African Americans and other
minorities. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmontonsun.com%2F2016%2F08%2F27%2F49ers-qb-colin-kaepernick-refuses-to-stand-for-us-national-anthem.json | http://storage.edmontonsun.com/v1/suns-prod-images/1297871044587_LARGE_BOX.jpg?quality=80&stmp=1472319645322 | en | null | 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand for U.S. national anthem | null | null | www.edmontonsun.com | SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is refusing to stand for the U.S. national anthem before games because he believes the United States oppresses African Americans and other minorities.
Kaepernick sat on the team’s bench Friday night during the anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game. He later explained his reasoning in an interview with NFL Media.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour,” Kaepernick said. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
The 49ers issued a statement after Pro Football Talk initially reported on Kaepernick’s stand, saying that Americans have the right to protest or support the anthem.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pregame ceremony,” the team said. “It is an opportunity to honour our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and raised by white parents. He has been outspoken on his Twitter account on civil rights issues and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kaepernick is not the first U.S.-based athlete to use the anthem for protest. In 1996, NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem, saying the United States had a history of tyranny and doing so would conflict with his Islamist beliefs. The NBA initially suspended Abdul-Rauf for his stance before it was lifted when he said he would stand and pray silently during the song.
Kaepernick said he is not worried about any potential fallout from his protest.
“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he told NFL Media. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
The NFL and Kaepernick’s agent did not immediately return a request for comment.
Kaepernick is in competition to win back the starting quarterback job in San Francisco that he lost to Blaine Gabbert last season. He made his first appearance of the preseason on Friday night after missing two games with a tired shoulder. He finished 2 for 6 for 14 yards and added 18 yards on four runs. | http://www.edmontonsun.com/2016/08/27/49ers-qb-colin-kaepernick-refuses-to-stand-for-us-national-anthem | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.edmontonsun.com/34cf3872fbac5cc00ebe16bdcc0bc0a3611ef12e7cc9501f19f5aba9a1ba3f5e.json |
[
"Nathan Hyde",
"Photo",
"Google Maps"
] | 2016-08-30T12:49:06 | null | 2016-08-30T12:26:52 | Eight vehicles were involved in a collision on the A34 on Thursday, August 25 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Freading-berkshire-news%2Fa34-collision-three-year-old-11818148.json | http://i1.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11803799.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/northJPG.jpg | en | null | A34 collision: three-year-old girl dies in hospital | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | A three-year-old girl has died in hospital after she was involved in a collision on the A34.
On Thursday, August 25 a heavy goods vehicle and seven cars collided on the northbound carriageway at Hinksey Hill in Oxford.
The girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital, but she died on Saturday, August 27.
A 31-year-old woman also sustained injuries and is currently being treated at the same hospital.
A 58-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and released on bail until Sunday, October 2.
Investigating officer Beth Walton said: "This was a very serious incident in which a young child has tragically died, and so we are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and get in touch.
Man arrested after A34 eight vehicle crash leaves woman and child in hospital
“If you saw something that you believe could be relevant to our investigation, please call Thames Valley Police on 101 and quote URN 1440 25/8.” | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/a34-collision-three-year-old-11818148 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/f1cc2197be71221f9bc904378fd0a08077818526a7c09e95269aace694b00fc7.json |
[
"Linda Fort"
] | 2016-08-29T08:49:01 | null | 2016-08-29T07:00:00 | The University of Reading team joins with Loughborough University to create a Lab-on-a-Stick for quicker medical tests | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Freading-berkshire-news%2Funiversity-reading-helps-create-mini-11787260.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11787383.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/team.jpg | en | null | University of Reading helps create mini-dipstick for speedy health tests | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Patients waiting for lab results could benefit from new miniature “dipstick” being developed at the University of Reading and Loughborough University.
The technology can be used for a variety of tests ranging from overnight detection of anti-microbial resistance to blood tests which can rapidly diagnose a heart attack.
The idea behind Lab-on-a-Stick is to combine the simplicity of a dipstick with the benefits of the latest miniaturised testing technology known as microfluidics using tiny test tubes about the size of a human hair which make lab analysis portable and up to 12 times quicker than current microbiological tests.
Dipstick tests are routinely used in a variety of scenarios ranging from soil pH strips for the garden to pregnancy tests.
Dr Al Edwards, associate professor in biomedical technology at the University of Reading, said: “This is the latest demonstration of our exciting new technology called microcapillary film.
“Many researchers across the world have shown how miniaturising lab tests can speed them up using microfluidic ‘lab-on-a-chip’ devices.
“But these are too expensive to be useful outside the laboratory.
“What we have done is to develop a low cost way of making thousands of miniature test tubes, so that we can use them for many important applications."
He went on:“Lab-on-a-Stick shows yet again how versatile the technology is.”
In a paper published in the journal Lab on a Chip, authors from the University of Reading and Loughborough University used three cellular tests to demonstrate the range of potential applications.
ABO blood typing showed how simple blood tests can be miniaturised and results recorded using a simple digital camera.
What do you think of this impressive work? Comment below
Anti-microbial resistance was measured with salmonella samples typical of a common urinary tract infection, which can be hard to treat with antibiotics because antibiotic resistance is so common yet lab testing takes at least two days.
Tests for bacterial identification were achieved in only four hours and demonstrated the advantage of using the microcapillary film by allowing 10 tests per sample to be performed using a single test strip.
Dr Nuno Reis, lecturer in chemical engineering at Loughborough University and co-author of the paper, added: “This is a major step towards miniaturising complex, routine microbiological and clinical tests that cannot at the moment be performed outside of the laboratory setting.
“Our secret is simplicity. We have shown how microengineered film material made from a very transparent plastic with special optical properties, makes it easy to perform laboratory tests without lab equipment.
“Previously, we showed how a portable lab-in-a-briefcase made it possible to record blood test results with the assistance of a simple smartphone.”
The full paper is available here | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/university-reading-helps-create-mini-11787260 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/71bfd09c11eec315de71c3ba8472c9d1e9d115d0dab21512610284c4a43966d6.json |
[
"Nathan Hyde",
"Photo",
"Google"
] | 2016-08-30T06:48:51 | null | 2016-08-30T05:54:15 | Equity Real Estate Developments want permission to build two blocks of flats in Cutbush Industrial Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Freading-berkshire-news%2Fdevelopers-plan-build-126-flats-11816525.json | http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11816522.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Cutbush-2.jpg | en | null | Developers plan to build 126 flats in Earley | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | More than 120 new properties could soon be built in Earley, but the plans are causing controversy.
Equity Real Estate Developments want permission to flatten two empty office blocks in Cutbush Industrial Park in Danehill, just off Lower Earley Way, and construct a pair of four-storey buildings that contain 126 flats.
The developers are looking to create one, two and three bedroom homes and provide 142 above and below ground car parking spaces.
In the plans the developers state: "The proposals seek to deliver a high quality residential scheme on this brownfield site.
"The proposed layout has been carefully designed to make efficient use of the site whilst improving its appearance and integrating the new scheme with the wider surrounding area, which is predominantly residential in character."
(Photo: Google)
The developers also state the plans include 16 affordable homes which will be available to lease.
But the proposals have already been opposed by two people who live near the site.
One objector said the plans "will place unacceptable demands on local infrastructure", arguing that another 200 cars would create "unacceptable levels of congestion".
While another wrote: "The scale of the development is too large not to have an adverse effect on highway safety, loss of light, overlooking and noise and disturbance once in use.
"It is completely unrealistic to expect 140 parking spaces to cope with the volume of vehicles for residents and their visitors in today’s day and age, which will mean that they will park on Danehill and Cutbush Lane causing hazardous access in and out of the roads."
People can comment on the proposals up until Tuesday, September 13 on the Wokingham Borough Council website. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/developers-plan-build-126-flats-11816525 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/e70fac7e22c3300a847091d486337c6007413ebfd7f403a72a89f80e5312efc0.json |
[
"Charles Watts"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:11 | null | 2016-08-26T11:15:30 | News of a major injury blow to Jaap Stam just ahead of the transfer deadline | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Freading-fc-striker-faces-up-11803919.json | http://i1.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11790593.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97813572.jpg | en | null | Reading FC striker faces up to five months out with broken ankle | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Deniss Rakels has broken his ankle and could be sidelined for up to four to five months.
The striker picked up the injury during the first half of Tuesday night’s EFL Cup win against MK Dons.
He was stretchered off and taken to hospital and Jaap Stam admitted things didn’t look good for the 24-year-old.
Immediately after the game Reading’s manager said: “Deniss has gone to hospital. We’re not sure how bad it is yet.
“From what I’ve heard it doesn’t look good so he’s going to have an X-Ray.”
And Stam’s fears have now been confirmed - as getreading understands the Latvia frontman is not expected to return until around February.
The news looks set to see Royals dip into the transfer market before Wednesday's deadline to bring in a replacement.
Royals were already considering a move for a forward before Rakels' injury - but their hunt has now intensified. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-striker-faces-up-11803919 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/e9c74b61c7b4dad0e9433a08048018796dbc78b033e1acb0bfec4ec952e04d1e.json |
[
"Michael Pearson"
] | 2016-08-27T18:49:08 | null | 2016-08-27T17:34:33 | Fans new and old watched the Surrey-formed rock band perform an impromptu performance with the first play of their new song Night People | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freading-festival-you-six-debut-11809607.json | http://i2.getsurrey.co.uk/incoming/article11809661.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98082757.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: You Me at Six debut new single Night People in secret set | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Will they? Won't they? That has been the question on everyone's lips for the past week as You Me at Six toyed with the idea of performing at Reading Festival .
Although not on the official lineup, the five-piece rocked up to play at the festival's The Pit stage on Saturday, August 27 and it was packed-out nearly half an hour before the set was due to start.
Having not listened to any music from the Surrey rockers for a good while, I was quietly excited to see the boys perform in the intimate setting of The Pit.
The music fans were waiting for a little as the band were around five minutes later than expected for their unplanned set.
One fan standing to my right said they would be very disappointed if the rockers just played their new music. My thoughts exactly as I haven't listened to their most recent album at all!
Thankfully, their just-over 30 minute set was full of a variety of tunes, old and new including the band's signature hit Lived a Lie.
A special moment during the performance was the first play of their new song Night People, the title track of their new follow-up album to 2014’s Cavalier Youth .
Lead singer Josh Franceschi also gave a touching tribute to Tom Searle, one of the band architects, who sadly lost his battle to cancer earlier this week.
Saturday's performance was a follow-up to some great performances from headliners Disclosure , Foals, comedians Russell Howard and Sara Pascoe and singer Frank Turner who set a new festival record with his 10th set at Reading.
You can keep up to date with all the news, gossip and media in our dedicated Reading Festival section. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reading-festival-you-six-debut-11809607 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/e5d961a1e8e81bda6a5f38a7a2d39cf0121249aab44d2e373454b63c8038b24e.json |
[
"Jennie Slevin"
] | 2016-08-31T08:49:12 | null | 2016-08-31T03:30:00 | Reading FC have signed 11 players this summer but still hope to clinch a deal with a striker before the transfer window closes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Ftransfer-deadline-day-guide-reading-11821204.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11744977.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97019730.jpg | en | null | When is transfer deadline day? A guide for Reading FC fans | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | It's been a busy summer for Reading FC who have signed 11 players to the club since the transfer window opened.
John Swift has proved a promising signing, showing his worth in several games already this season. The midfielder penned a three-year deal earlier this summer.
French forward Yakou Meite was also signed on a three-year contract after Royals completed a deal for the former Paris Saint Germain player.
And after months of hard graft Reading FC finally completed a deal with former Leicester City defender Liam Moore.
However fans remain desperate to see a new frontman arrive, especially following the injury to Deniss Rakels.
Royals were hoping to clinch a deal with former Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan but a medical on Monday, August 29 declared the Ghana captain would not be fit to play for eight weeks.
But the club still aim to sign a striker ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline, after Jaap Stam admitted a new frontman would be welcome.
When did the transfer window re-open?
Like every year, the summer window officially opened on July 1, but players, agents and clubs were discussing contract terms and final fees long before then.
When does the transfer window close?
The transfer window will slam shut on August 31 at 11pm, just as players disappear for an international break.
When does the loan window end?
Unlike last year, there will be no emergency loan window, and no separate deadline day for loans.
Any loan deals must be completed by the end of the normal transfer window on August 31.
How much can we expect to see spent?
The 2015 window saw a record £859m spent by Premier League clubs but, with the new broadcasting deal due to kick in, this summer is likely to be even bigger.
English top flight clubs have already spent a collective £800million so far so the £1billion mark may well be passed before the window closes. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-deadline-day-guide-reading-11821204 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/c85e1f6bce9b3efe7bd5cb9b4531a07b0a00ac87ba67864243a24b6e29363518.json |
[
"Charles Watts"
] | 2016-08-31T04:49:20 | null | 2016-08-31T04:00:00 | The 22-year-old forward has been sent out on loan in each of the past two seasons | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fdominic-samuels-reading-fc-future-11820143.json | http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11784277.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95266953.jpg | en | null | Dominic Samuel's Reading FC future revealed by Jaap Stam | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The video will start in 8 Cancel
Dominic Samuel will not be leaving Reading ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline.
The striker has been sent out on loan during the past two campaigns, enjoying impressive spells and Coventry City and Gillingham.
But Jaap Stam has confirmed that the 22-year-old will remain at Madejski Stadium during 2016/17 and get his chances with the first-team.
“He’s going to be staying with the club,” said Royals’ boss . “We don’t want to put him on loan.
“We know his qualities. We’ve seen that during pre-season. He’s got pace and he’s got an ability to score goals.”
Samuel was enjoying an impressive pre-season campaign with the first-team and was one of the stand out performers during the summer training camp in Holland.
But he suffered a knee injury playing against Swindon on the eve of the new season which saw him sidelined for a month.
The frontman is now back in action however, and has played for the Under-23s in their Premier League 2 games against Tottenham and Manchester City.
He also featured on Tuesday night as Royals got their EFL Trophy campaign underway at Bristol Rovers.
“Dominic’s getting fit now and that’s very important,” said Stam.
“From then on we can see if he can play (in the first-team).” | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/dominic-samuels-reading-fc-future-11820143 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/a61700a0adb32e2f7009d85850c519ca93801d284663fc81af0079334aa1901e.json |
[
"Nathan Hyde"
] | 2016-08-28T12:48:49 | null | 2016-08-28T12:03:14 | The two were spotted in the guest area by getreading
reporter Francesca Perryman | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Freading-berkshire-news%2Freading-festival-aaron-ramsey-chris-11811327.json | http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11811322.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Fan-girl.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: Aaron Ramsey and Chris Gunter spotted | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Reading defender Chris Gunter and his Welsh teammate Aaron Ramsey appear to be enjoying themselves on the final day of this year's Reading Festival.
While taking shelter from the rain in the Guest Area and sipping a cup of coffee the Welsh internationals, and Ramsey's wife Colleen Rowland, were spotted by getreading reporter Francesca Perryman on Sunday, August 28.
The Gunners midfielder was snapped by a few football fans at the festival yesterday, while Gunter has joined him after playing yesterday.
The pair will be able to enjoy a jam-packed lineup, which includes Cage The Elephant, The King Blues, Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, The 1975 and Biffy Clyro.
Gunter is taking the day off after starring in Reading's first away win of the season against Cardiff on Saturday, August 27.
While midfielder Ramsey is out of action, after he suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal's 4-3 loss against against Liverpool on Sunday, August 14.
See all the latest news, gossip, and pictures from this year's Reading Festival here. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-festival-aaron-ramsey-chris-11811327 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/1ef8becf46e91799947365d4ab48c998627ea09521e5c9dbc9e7e860778256f3.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman",
"Photo",
"Gustavo Caballero"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:54 | null | 2016-08-26T10:00:00 | Take a look at the acts gracing the various stages for day two of Reading Festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freading-festival-2016-line-up-11554629.json | http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article10547489.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival 2016 line up for Saturday | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be taking Reading Festival by storm on Saturday, August 27.
Taking to the main stage for a headline set as a 'festival exclusive', Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer are returning to Reading and Leeds after nine years.
Stage times announced for all acts
When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, Chad Smith said: "The simultaneous answer was Reading and Leeds."
But they're not the only great acts gracing the various stages on the Saturday line up.
Take a look at who's performing across the stages on Saturday.
Acts performing on each of the stages have been announced, however timings for each set will be confirmed closer to the festival weekend.
We're testing a new site: This content is coming soon Go to old site
Main Stage
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Imagine Dragons
Courteeners
Eagles of Death Metal
Slaves
Parkway Drive
Skindred
Clutch
Sundara Karma
NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage
Two Door Cinema Club
Haim
Nas
Jack Garratt
Sigma
Krept & Konan
Netsky
Blossoms
Whitney
Highly Suspect
Sunset Sons
BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage
Duke Dumont
Disciples
My Nu Leng B2B Oneman + Dread MC
Riton
Sophie
Birdy Nam Nam
Lemaitre
Zac Samuel
Rag'n'bone Man
The Japanese House
(Photo: Gustavo Caballero)
The Pit
Mastodon
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Kvelertak
Giraffe Tongue Orchestra
Milk Teeth
Heck
Ghost Town
Dead!
Big Spring
Festival Republic Stage
Brian Fallon and The Crowes
Lapsley
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Palace
Vant
The Hunna
Lany
Seratones
Inheaven
Tuff Love
The Beach
Beach Baby
BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage
Travi$ Scott
Section Boyz
Logic
DJ Semtex
Bugzy Malone
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
The Range
Metro Boomin
Rude Kid
Clara Amfo
Pete Wentz on Reading Festival, Sugar We're Going Down and wet wipes | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reading-festival-2016-line-up-11554629 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/7270d815e61a48de2a893568569b57ea4298533577c87b1a921c02f458884053.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:16 | null | 2016-08-26T10:57:20 | Josh and Max from the band appeared on BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw on Friday morning and hinted they could be coming to Reading to perform | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fwhats-on-news%2Freading-festival-you-six-say-11803525.json | http://i3.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11803718.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/You-Me-at-Six-John-Dingwall-house-music-group-pop.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: You Me at Six say they could be coming for an impromptu set | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | After being hotly tipped as the favourites to perform a secret set at Reading Festival , an impromptu performance from You Me at Six could be on the cards.
Josh Franceschi and Max Helyer appeared on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw on Friday, August 26 and hinted they would come to Reading depending on how they feel tomorrow morning.
So when could the secret set be? Well a very clever fan has spotted there is a one hour gap between The Shimmer Band and the Fronteers on the BBC Music Introducing Stage on Saturday.
There is also a one hour gap between Arctic Lake and Mouses on the BBC Music Introducing Stage on Sunday, and a two hour gap between Heck and Milk Teeth on The Pit.
For more information, including where to get a decent fry-up and how to get free wi-fi , take a look at our dedicated Reading Festival page .
Take a look at the weather forecast for Friday and stage times for today .
For all the latest news, gossip and pictures from day one at the festival, follow the live blog . | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/reading-festival-you-six-say-11803525 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/5e68e2eb0298535e10cb0524054793855a6d4fded50700094397d1d3b486e149.json |
[
"Charles Watts"
] | 2016-08-30T04:48:50 | null | 2016-08-30T04:00:00 | Reading FC's right-back has been linked with a move away from the club this summer | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fjaap-stam-responds-chris-gunter-11814429.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11814386.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97057893.jpg | en | null | Jaap Stam responds to Chris Gunter speculation as transfer deadline looms | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The video will start in 8 Cancel
Jaap Stam has denied speculation that Reading are looking to sell Chris Gunter.
Reports in the national media last week claimed that Royals were looking to get shot of the Wales international defender before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
But Stam has dismissed the suggestion - insisting the 27-year-old remains an essential part of his plans.
“I don’t know where that came from,” said Reading’s manager. “But I can tell you that is not the truth.
“Chris gives you 65 games a season, he is quality player - and international player.
“He has done very well at the European Championships and we don’t want to sell him.
“The story is bizarre.”
Gunter signed a new two-year deal at Madejski Stadium in February but has been linked with a possible move away throughout the summer.
Hull City are believed to be interested, while Sunderland have also been linked. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jaap-stam-responds-chris-gunter-11814429 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/a1f5cfa7e37964b4db2432a08978dcc14e6e1aef14bdf9005d21eec8e21275ea.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman",
"Photo",
"Laura Harvey"
] | 2016-08-26T14:47:53 | null | 2016-08-26T12:51:27 | The band have announced a surprise extra performance for Friday alongside their set on Saturday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freading-festival-blossoms-announce-special-11804622.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article10714353.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Blossoms-VillageUnderground-LauraHarvey-10jpeg.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: Blossoms announce special BBC Music Introducing set | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Indie pop band Blossoms have been announced as a special guest performer at Reading Festival today.
The boys will be playing the BBC Music Introducing Stage at 2.40pm on Friday, August 26.
Blossoms are already due to play on Saturday, August 27 on the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage.
The band finished fourth in the BBC Sound Of 2016 poll, but given they’ve already sold out major venues and turned heads with the synth-pop single Charlemagne, they're more than just another name.
That's not the only breaking news to be announced for the festival today.
Fetty Wap has pulled out of playing under doctor's orders and You Me at Six hinted that they may just be coming to Reading for an impromptu set on Saturday, August 27. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reading-festival-blossoms-announce-special-11804622 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/69c4c1ff721a9dd1276574e15e05522dec11fe7da6aea7d72bc0beeedcb44320.json |
[
"Nathan Hyde"
] | 2016-08-31T10:49:03 | null | 2016-08-31T09:00:00 | The 42-year-old from Reading was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on Saturday, August 27 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Freading-berkshire-news%2Freading-festival-red-hot-chili-11821577.json | http://i3.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11811158.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98122254.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: Red Hot Chili Peppers fan caught trying to sneak in by crossing train tracks | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | A man from Reading was arrested after he allegedly crossed several electrified railway lines and hopped a fence to get into Reading Festival.
According to British Transport Police the 42-year-old took the very risky route so he could sneak in and watch Red Hot Chili Peppers perform on the main stage on Saturday, August 27.
But while he was attempting to get into the site in Richfield Avenue he was spotted by a member of the festival security team who alerted police.
The man was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and he will receive a court summons within the next few weeks. He could be slapped with a fine of up to £1,000.
British Transport Police actively target trespassers and aim to educate the public about how dangerous the offence can be.
Over the last decade nearly 170 people have died while trespassing on railway lines. Around half of them were under the age of 25.
Stay up to date with all of the day's breaking
news, views and travel updates with our live blog. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-festival-red-hot-chili-11821577 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/4737d6cf124d065351b5b5bd5a84c638601b14ef64e5c175044f78f3b9002f32.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman"
] | 2016-08-26T18:49:17 | null | 2016-08-26T18:19:02 | See if you can spot yourselves in our gallery from Friday, August 26 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freading-festival-2016-best-fan-11804198.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11805474.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98006146.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival 2016: The best fan pictures from day one | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | Tens of thousands of fans embraced the sunny start to Reading Festival .
Day one on Friday, August 26, saw crop tops and shorts combo, shades and glittery face paints out in full force as campers and music fans got a taste of all the action from the start of the music filled weekend.
Friday kicked off with a bang, with huge names from music such as Disclosure and Foals , and many more gracing the various stages throughout the day.
There was plenty more great festival fashion on show including some rather funny costumes - we spotted a duo in parrot costumes whizzing around the crowd!
Take a look at our gallery of getreading's favourite fan photos by Peter Bloodworth from Friday at the festival.
Recap all the news, gossip and pictures from day one at the festival in our live blog . | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reading-festival-2016-best-fan-11804198 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/53bf966534aca04de43614ca98ea4949576b645e9dd16e74663975b7137ef416.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman"
] | 2016-08-29T08:48:50 | null | 2016-08-29T07:30:00 | Be prepared for sore muscles, bruises and a lot of crying when Reading Festival ends this year - these tweets perfectly sum up the post-festival blues | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Freading-festival-nine-things-you-9742651.json | http://i1.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article7636289.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/TM640688.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: Nine things you feel when it's all over | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | For many it's the biggest event of the year and when it's over there's another 360 days to wait until you can pack up your tent again.
Sore throats, headaches and eye bags can all be expected but the post-festival blues are something no one will have prepared you for if you're a first timer.
For the Reading Festival veterans and regulars, it's past of the territory, and we're accustomed to putting ourselves through it.
If 2016 was your first trip to Reading Festival prepare yourself for irrational fits of rage, uncontrollable sobbing and a feeling that you're completely alone now that it's all over
Here are some first-person experiences which perfectly sum up that post-Reading Festival feeling.
Like breaking up with your partner, the wound feels fresh every time you think about it
You'll want to relive every moment and imagine you're still there
The Seasonal Affective Disorder will set in
It will be a while before you can even talk and the smallest problem will seem huge
You may think you'll never smile again
Some may even feel depressed
At times you'll find yourself bursting into tears
Some can't even bring themselves to go for fear of the blues
But there's always next year to look forward to... | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/reading-festival-nine-things-you-9742651 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/a055e9f52b68f6f062b283d1361b68709618d36c773a084af8af217f9ace8344.json |
[
"Charles Watts",
"Photo",
"Action Images",
"Steven Paston",
"Eddie Greville"
] | 2016-08-31T12:49:34 | null | 2016-08-31T11:54:32 | We take a look at some forwards who could be an option for Reading in their late striker hunt | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Freading-fc-deadline-day-grabban-11823303.json | http://i1.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11823201.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/strikersJPG.jpg | en | null | Reading FC deadline day: Grabban, Macheda, Akpom and other strikers Royals could sign before 11pm | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The video will start in 8 Cancel
Reading are looking to beat the clock this evening and land a striker before the 11pm deadline .
It looked like Asamoah Gyan would be the man arriving at Madejski Stadium - only for that move to dramatically collapse .
So Royals have turned their attentions elsewhere as they look to bolster their strikeforce for the 2016/17 campaign.
We’ve taken a look at some of the possibilities.
Lewis Grabban
The Bournemouth striker has struggled for game time since heading back to the Cherries.
And the frontman appears to be heading away from the south coast today - with several clubs linked.
(Photo: Action Images / Steven Paston)
Reading are one the teams who have been mentioned and he does fit the bill of the sort of player the club are looking at.
The 28-year-old is strong, has some pace and has a record of scoring goals at this level.
Federico Macheda
The Italian striker is now available on a free transfer after his contract at Cardiff was cancelled.
Macheda, who hit the headlines as a youngster at Manchester United, has spent the past two years with the Bluebirds.
(Photo: Eddie Greville)
But he has failed to make much of a mark - scoring just six times.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a return to Italy.
Chuba Akpom
The Arsenal striker is expected to leave the Emirates on loan today.
He spent last season on loan at Hull City, making 41 appearances and scoring seven goals as the Tigers won promotion to the Premier League.
He returned to the Gunners in the summer and enjoyed a fine pre-season campaign, finding the net four times.
But with opportunities limited in north London the 20-year-old looks set to head out again for another loan spell.
Rickie Lambert
The former England striker could look to leave West Brom today to get more regular first-team football.
Things have not worked out for Lambert since leaving Southampton in 2014, with spells at Anfield at the Hawthorns proving unsuccesful.
So a move back to the Championship could be appealing as he looks to get back amongst the goals.
But at 34 he is hardly one for the future.
Victor Anichebe
The 28-year-old is a free agent having left West Brom in the summer.
A powerful frontman made his name at Everton before sealing a move to the Hawthorns.
But he struggled to hold down a place under Tony Pulis and started only three Premier League games last season.
He left the Baggies having found the net nine times in 63 appearances. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/reading-fc-deadline-day-grabban-11823303 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/aeb0057a7aa33f4c4786ead818e5ff877f6d6de0142a7ea7ad35aad087f230f2.json |
[
"Agency Staff"
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:52 | null | 2016-08-30T06:49:06 | The latest news from around Briton and the world | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-world-news%2Fmorning-news-headlines-fathers-tribute-11816583.json | http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11816578.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98247665.jpg | en | null | Morning news headlines: Father's tribute after Briton who tried to save stabbed backpacker dies; Home Secretary to meet French Minister amid border control and jungle fears | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | FATHER'S TRIBUTE AFTER BRITON WHO TRIED TO SAVE STABBED BACKPACKER DIES
The father of a British traveller has paid tribute to his "darling" son after he died from injuries suffered while trying to defend a fellow backpacker in a knife attack at an Australian hostel.
Tom Jackson, 30, died in a north Queensland hospital on Tuesday and his father, Les, was quoted on a Youcaring fundraising page set up to help the family.
He wrote: "We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful."
HOME SECRETARY TO MEET FRENCH MINISTER AMID BORDER CONTROL AND JUNGLE FEARS
The Home Secretary will travel to Paris to meet her French counterpart amid growing fears the French could axe British border controls in Calais and send the Jungle camp to Dover.
Amber Rudd is due to discuss security with French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve during the scheduled trip on Tuesday - her first official overseas engagement since taking up the post.
It comes after a growing number of prominent French politicians have warned that France might tear up the deal which allows British border checks to be carried out in Calais unless radical changes are made.
JEREMY CORBYN TO UNVEIL 'DIGITAL MANIFESTO' IN PITCH TO KEEP LABOUR LEADER'S JOB
Jeremy Corbyn will pledge to draw up a digital bill of rights as part of a new manifesto to promote and harness the internet as he continues to tour the country in his Labour leadership campaign.
Delivering a speech in London's East End tech capital, he will promise to "democratise the internet" and use it to create "the most visible general election campaign ever".
And he will highlight technical innovations made by his team, including the Canvassing App which was inspired by the Bernie Sanders campaign in the United States, as the way forward for political campaigning.
EVERY REGION BETTER OFF THAN LAST YEAR, RESEARCH FINDS
Every region in Britain is more prosperous than last year, with some areas emerging as challengers to London and the South East for affluence, a new report shows.
Wealth, spending or earnings rose across the country in the 12 months to April 2016, while jobless rates dropped, according Barclays' Prosperity Map.
The lender's report calculates regional scores based on an array of factors such as gross domestic product (GDP), house prices, charitable giving, working hours and average house prices.
WILLY WONKA ACTOR GENE WILDER DIES AGED 83
Willy Wonka star and "comic genius" Gene Wilder has died aged 83.
The Hollywood actor, known for roles in comedy classics such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, has been hailed as one of the "great talents" of his generation.
Wilder's nephew said he died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, having suffered from Alzheimer's disease, the Associated Press reported.
FAILURE TO DELIVER ON EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS PLEDGES AFTER BREXIT WOULD BE 'BETRAYAL'
British workers could lose many of their employment rights after Brexit unless the Government draws up new laws to protect them, a senior Labour MP has warned.
Prominent Brexiteers rubbished claims made during the referendum campaign that leaving the EU would result in a bonfire of workers' rights.
But former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has commissioned research by the House of Commons Library highlighting the EU laws that enshrine employment rights.
MOTHER'S DELIGHT AS CONJOINED TWIN DAUGHTERS PREPARE TO START SCHOOL
Conjoined twins who had a slim chance of survival are now preparing to go to school for the first time.
Rosie and Ruby Formosa, who were born joined at the abdomen and shared part of the intestine, needed an emergency operation to separate them when they were born in 2012.
Their parents, Angela and Daniel Formosa, were told the girls had a low chance of survival when medics discovered they were conjoined.
VAPING COULD POSE LONG-TERM DANGER TO THE HEART, CARDIOLOGIST WARNS
Vaping from electronic cigarettes could be as bad for the heart as smoking the real thing, scientists have warned.
A study found that a typical vaping session caused similar damage to the main artery in the heart as that suffered by those who smoked cigarettes.
The findings appear to fly in the face of advice from Public Health England (PHE), which last year said vaping is 95% less harmful than tobacco and called for GPs to be able to prescribe e-cigarettes on the NHS to help people quit smoking.
BRAZIL'S PRESIDENT PROCLAIMS INNOCENCE AT IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
On what could be her last day as Brazil's president, Dilma Rousseff mounted a forceful defence of her time leading Latin America's most populous nation.
She warned senators that ousting her would hurt a young democracy while defiantly promising to go down fighting in what many see as a losing battle.
Ms Rousseff, who has been suspended since May, delivered a 30-minute address on Monday at her impeachment trial in the Senate, and was then questioned by senators for more than 14 hours.
TAYLOR SWIFT REPORTS FOR JURY DUTY BUT IS ALLOWED TO AVOID RAPE CASE
Taylor Swift reported for jury service in the US but her request to be allowed to avoid an aggravated rape and kidnapping case was accepted.
A judge dismissed the pop star as a potential juror, Davidson County District Attorney General's Office spokesman Ken Whitehouse said.
He said: "She asked to be left off out of concern for an upcoming trial in Denver where she was - she used the term 'groped' - by a fan at a meet-and-greet." | http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/morning-news-headlines-fathers-tribute-11816583 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/0c4d42660b54db395eee0761916a421e3ddf52a9cd569e7b7b4a2a6a55a635f4.json |
[
"Francesca Perryman"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:23 | null | 2016-08-26T10:05:00 | Everything you need to know about the American rockers who are headlining the festival and when they'll be playing | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Freading-festival-who-red-hot-11576263.json | http://i2.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article10547489.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers.jpg | en | null | Reading Festival: Who are the Red Hot Chili Peppers? | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The video will start in 8 Cancel
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were the first headline act announced for Reading Festival 2016.
Taking to the main stage for a headline set as a 'festival exclusive', Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer are returning to Reading and Leeds after nine years.
The band will be aiming to take the festival by storm on Saturday, August 27.
When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, Chad Smith said: "The simultaneous answer was Reading and Leeds."
Festival boss, Melvin Benn said: "I'm thrilled to be able to announce Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2016, as a festival exclusive.
"Their incredible live show will be an unforgettable headline performance at the UK's biggest music festival."
But who are The Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP)?
For those of you who aren't sure who this American Rock band are - they've been around for a while and are a festival favourite among fans.
Here are five things you need to know about them:
1. The band's current line up consists of founding members Anthony Kiedis providing vocals and Flea on bass, long-time drummer Chad Smith; and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who joined the guys in late-2009.
2. In 2012, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
3. RHCP were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.
4. The group performed with Bruno Mars as a part of the halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
5. The band went on a year-long hiatus until October 2009. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/reading-festival-who-red-hot-11576263 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/981409445a2f0db5d3c3e6b9c16fcbcfeae7c70fe830770d85a95f9eb32d20e8.json |
[
"Charles Watts"
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:55 | null | 2016-08-30T11:00:00 | Take a look at the latest gossip doing the rounds in the Championship ahead of deadline day | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getreading.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fchampionship-transfer-rumours-15m-villa-11817332.json | http://i4.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article11817365.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/transfersJPG.jpg | en | null | Championship transfer rumours: £15M Villa deal imminent, Newcastle raid Chelsea, Leeds concern, Cardiff eye McCleary | null | null | www.getreading.co.uk | The video will start in 8 Cancel
Garath McCleary is being linked with a move to Cardiff.
The Bluebirds are trying to strike a deal with Reading for the winger, according to Sun football reporter Alan Nixon.
McCleary played the full 90 minutes against Cardiff on Saturday as Royals claimed a 1-0 win in south Wales.
After that game Jaap Stam spoke about how important it was that the club did not sell anyone before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
He said: “I’ve spoken to the owners and the board and said we don’t want to have the surprise of players leaving on the last day because then it’s very difficult to bring someone in who has the same quality.
“It’s better to look for players than to lose them.”
McCleary joined Reading from Nottingham Forest in 2012 and has made 138 appearances for Royals, scoring 14 goals.
He has started every league game so far this season under Stam.
Aston Villa
The transfer merry-go-round continues at Aston Villa with the club now reportedly closing in on Jonathan Kodjia.
BBC reporter Pat Murphy claims the midlands outfit have launched a £15m bid for the Bristol City striker.
That comes after Villa’s move for Hull forward Abel Hernandez hit the rocks.
It is believed that Roberto Di Matteo’s side had agreed a fee for the Tigers hitman, but couldn’t agree personal terms.
Newcastle United
Chelsea winger Christian Atsu is on the verge of joining Newcastle.
Widespread reports claim the 24-year-old Ghana international is undergoing a medical at St James’ Park.
He will spend the season on loan in the north east.
Atsu has yet to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea having signed from Porto in 2013.
Leeds United
Officials at Elland Road are bracing themselves for big money bids for Charlie Taylor.
Reports claim that West Brom, Bournemouth and Liverpool are leading the race for the left-back, who has one year left on his contract.
Boss Gary Monk has stated that Taylor will still be at the club after Wednesday’s 11pm deadline - but the Yorkshire Evening Post says that high offers could test United’s resolve.
A fee of around £8m has been suggested. | http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/championship-transfer-rumours-15m-villa-11817332 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.getreading.co.uk/c14820c510ee7972d3c153bd8297246f7f14ac5c0b08bbb67d57c7eaa0e89c29.json |
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