Red Deer Advocate, December 14, 2013

Red Deer 1913 — 2013 Create Celebrate Commemorate

BALLET SPREADS ITS REACH

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS TRAVEL PAGE B1

New roles added for expanded cast RDC’s production of The Nutcracker

Come & Play in Alix moonwalkers.ca

ENTERTAINMENT — PAGE C4

Red Deer Advocate WEEKEND EDITION SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

www.reddeeradvocate.com

Your trusted local news authority

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate stafff

Noah Ziegler, 3, of Red Deer, sits on a throne of ice at City Hall Park in Red Deer on Friday during the Fire And Ice celebration.

Hundreds of people gathered downtown for the final centennial celebration held during 2013. After an evening of viewing ice sculptures, warming up by bon fires on Ross Street, face painting at the Gaetz Memorial Church, cups of hot chocolate and bowls of hot chili, all eyes were looking up as fireworks lit up the sky y.

WEATHER 30% flurries. High 1. Low -3.

FORECAST ON A2

INDEX Four sections Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C9,C10 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D4-D8 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D9 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . C4-C6 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4-B9

REBELS BLANK KOOTENAY

PLEASE

SPORTS — PAGE B4

RECYCLE

2014 Jetta Own it from

$118

bi-weekly for 72 months**

3.9 % $0 APR

down payment

Every day is one less day to get a

$500 Holiday Gift with all models.* Gary Moe Volkswagen

*Limited time discount of $500 on cash purchase, fi nanced purchase or lease (on approved credit, through Volkswagen Finance) of any new and unregistered 2013 or 2014 Volkswagen model. Discount will be applied in establishing the fi nal negotiated price. Certain conditions apply. At participating dealers. **Limited time fi nance purchase off er available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit. Base MSRP of $16,385 for a new and unregistered 2014 Jetta 2.0L base model with 5-speed manual transmission, including $1,395 freight and PDI, fi nanced at 3.9% APR for 72 months equals 156 bi-weekly payments of $118. $0 down payment. $4/tire recycling levy and $6.25 AMVIC fee due at signing. Cost of borrowing is $2,019 for a total obligation of $18,431. PPSA fee, license, insurance, registration, any dealer or other charges, options and applicable taxes are extra. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/ trade may be necessary. Off ers end January 2, 2014 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Model shown: 2013 Jetta 2.5L Highline, $26,112. Vehicle may not be exactly as shown. Visit vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen”, the Volkswagen logo, “Das Auto & Design” and “Jetta” are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. © 2013 Volkswagen Canada.

403.342.2923 Visit garymoe.com

AMVIC LICENSED

Locally Owned and Family Operated

vw.ca

30790L14

Gasoline Alley South, (west side) Red Deer

A2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Politician cyberbullied

K-9 UNIT ON PATROL

TOPLESS IMAGE FROM TV SHOW POSTED ONLINE

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

An RCMP K-9 unit searches a neighbourhood in north Red Deer Friday afternoon. Several RCMP members and at least two dog teams were combing the Mustang Acres mobile home park after an incident earlier in the day. Police had not released any information by press time.

Cold case ID provides closure for sister

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS KAMLOOPS, B.C. — For 38 years, Judy Samson endured heartbreak, frustration and uncertainty around the disappearance of her brother.

She never stopped looking, even when she was on vacation in Hawaii and went to the police department to see if Sandy had returned to the state.

RCMP in Kamloops, B.C., broke the news to her last week that the body of 22-year-old Alexander “Sandy” Gammie had been found in Vancouver in 1975 — the same year he went missing.

Samson had reported him missing in Kamloops, but the link wasn’t made until decades later when a Vancouver police officer assigned to historical files made a possible connection.

A special unit within the B.C. Coroners Office took over the case and, with Gammie’s dental records, a match was made.

“I kind of hoped we’d find him alive,” Samson said, adding she was shocked when RCMP informed her of the link.

Sandy, as the family called him, was an avid bridge player and had travelled to Mexico and several American states, including Hawaii, Samson said.

He was really her half-brother and was born more

LOCAL

BRIEFS Drunk driver continues with day parole A Lacombe woman sent to prison for the death of two Red Deer teenagers will continue with day parole for the next six months.

Earlier this month the Parole Board of Canada decided April Gail Beauclair, 31, could continue day parole, which was set to expire on Dec. 12.

Beauclair is serving a 3.5-year sentence after driving her car in the early hours of March 31, 2012, into the back of a vehicle that was being pushed along Hwy 11A by three young men from Red Deer.

Colton Keeler, 19, died at the scene. Tyson Vanderzwaag died in hospital six days later, two days after his 18th birthday. The car’s driver, who had been pushing from the side of the car, suffered serious injuries.

Beauclair pleaded guilty to two counts of impaired driving causing death and was granted day

LOTTERIES

FRIDAY Lotto Max: 6, 16, 24, 32, 36, 45, 47, Bonus 25

than a decade after her and her older brother.

His mother had passed away a few years before Gammie disappeared and he lived alone at the opposite end of the street from Samson.

She reported him missing to the RCMP in May 1975, and while there wasn’t much interest from police, she was tenacious.

She later hired two private investigators, and when she and her brother went on separate vacations to Hawaii, they stopped in to the Honolulu Police Department to see if they had any interaction with Gammie.

“It was not fun, I can tell you, over the years,” she said.

“It happens over a long time, you don’t think that much about it, but you look back and you think, ’Gee, I’ve wasted all that time doing this work and trying to figure out.”’

“I even went to a psychic to see if he could help me. That didn’t help me, but I was willing to try anything when he first disappeared.”

Samson, now 71, said she had no idea that police departments didn’t communicate with one another about missing people, and if it weren’t for the coroner’s Identification and Disaster Response Unit, she still may never have known what happened. parole in June and was allowed to move into an Edmonton halfway house.

Last month she was denied full parole.

Special conditions imposed on Beauclair for day parole include abstaining from alcohol and nonprescription drugs, staying out of premises where alcoholic beverages are the primary commodities, taking part in counselling and psychiatric treatment, taking medication as prescribed, and having no contact with the victims of her offence.

Her driver’s licence was suspended for five years following her release from prison.

Beauclair is eligible for statutory release on Feb. 10, 2015. Her sentence expires on April 10, 2015.

Five people charged in drug bust Five individuals have been charged after Red Deer RCMP executed two recent search warrants.

Police say “significant” amounts of crack cocaine, powder cocaine and methampetamine were found as a result of the warrants, which took place at a residence on Reichley Street as well as an apartment unit on Ironstrone Drive.

A substantial amount of cash, which RCMP allege was directly related to the sale of illegal drugs, was

Western Max: 1, 5, 27, 30, 36, 38, 42, Bonus 10 Extra: 6037062

HALIFAX — A member of the Nova Scotia legislature says she was cyberbullied by a group of people over the past two weeks after someone posted a topless photo of her online.

Lenore Zann said Friday the photo was taken from an episode in the cable TV series The L Word, in which she played a small part in a prison shower scene in 2008.

When the photo was tweeted to her on Nov. 29, she asked the sender to remove the image, which she said included a message that said, “What happened to the old Lenore?”

But the sender refused, and the online conversation soon included others who retweeted the image and hurled insults at her, Zann said.

“I never signed on for having that image used for another purpose,” she said.

“I signed a contract . . . for my image only to be used in The L Word show. It’s not just the image of the picture that was disturbing. It was the way that these people . . . suddenly targeted me. It increased in velocity and intent. It was constant and it was harassing.”

The NDP politician from the Truro area said she later complained to the sender’s parents, the local school board, Truro police and Nova Scotia’s new cyberbullying investigation unit, known as CyberScan.

Truro police Chief David McNeil said an investigation last week determined the case was not a criminal matter. “Since then, our file has been concluded,” he said.

A spokesman for Nova Scotia’s Justice Department said the CyberScan unit does not discuss details of individual cases, but Zann said she was told the five-member unit is still looking into the matter.

The unit was set up earlier this year when Nova Scotia introduced the Cyber-safety Act, which the province describes as the first law in Canada aimed at protecting the victims of cyberbullying and making those responsible accountable under the law.

The act defines cyberbullying as any electronic communication “that is intended or ought reasonably be expected to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other damage or harm to another person’s health, emotional well-being, self-esteem or reputation.”

The CBC reported that Nic Scissons, a 17-yearold high school student from Truro, said he sent the tweet, thought it was nothing more than a joke and the issue was blown out of proportion.

However, Zann insisted that subsequent tweets from Scissons and others were filled with nasty taunts and vulgar insults.

“It was becoming more and more like a pack mentality,” she said. “They were attacking me.”

Zann said the image was eventually deleted. also discovered.

The five individuals have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking in methamphetamine, and proceeds of crime over $5,000.

They will appear in Red Deer provincial court on Monday.

Red Deer man who fell asleep at the wheel jailed for fatal collision A Red Deer man who fell asleep at the wheel and caused a fatal accident on Hwy 63 has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Gordon Lepore, 56, will also be prohibited from driving for 30 months following his release. He was sentenced in Edmonton on Friday.

Lepore was convicted by Edmonton Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Denny Thomas in July of dangerous driving causing death for the collision that killed Maria Amor Aquino, 28, of Fort McMurray.

During Lepore’s trial, several witnesses testified that they saw his northbound company truck drifting back and forth across Hwy 63 a number of times before the fatal head-on collision on May 3, 2011. Aquino was on her way to Calgary when she was killed.

Pick 3: 947 Numbers are unofficial.

WEATHER LOCAL TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

HIGH -3

LOW 1

HIGH 3

HIGH -3

HIGH -1

30% chance of flurries.

30% chance of flurries.

A mix of sun and cloud.

Sunny. Low -14.

Cloudy. Low -13.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Olds, Sundre: today, sun and cloud. High 3.

Low -4.

Rocky, Nordegg: today, chance of flurries. High 0. Low -3.

Banff: today, chance of flurries. High 1. Low -2.

Jasper: today, flurries. High 2. Low 1.

2014 Chevrolet Crew Cab 1500 1 LT 4WD 4.3L

TONIGHT’S HIGHS/LOWS

Lethbridge: today, mainly cloudy. High 6.

Low 2.

FORT MCMURRAY

Edmonton: today, chance of freezing rain or snow. High -1.

Low -1.

Grande Prairie: today, freezing rain or snow. High 0. Low -1.

Fort McMurray: today, snow. High -2.

Low -17.

WINDCHILL/SUNLIGHT

-2/-17

Silverado Special Edition Package

GRANDE PRAIRIE

0/-1

EDMONTON

-1/-1 JASPER

2/1

RED DEER

1/-3

44,850

0 down

OR lease from $ 255 bi-weekly

BANFF

1/-2 Windchill/frostbite risk: Low Low: Low risk Moderate: 30 minutes exposure High -5 to 10 minutes: High risk in 5 to 10 minutes High -2 to 5 minutes: High risk in 2 to 5 minutes Extreme: High risk in 2 minutes Sunset tonight: 4:22 p.m.

Sunrise Sunday: 8:39 a.m.

Was $48,875 $ Now

$1,500 Lease Cash

CALGARY

4/1

LETHBRIDGE

6/2

3110 GAETZ AVE., RED DEER

LOCAL 403-347-3301 TOLL FREE 1-800-661-0995

www.pikewheaton.com *O.A.C., 48 months/0.50%

47567L9-14

Calgary: today, clearing. High 4. Low 1.

ANY TRUCK, ANY BRAND $ gets you 1,000 off the New Silverado

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 A3

Christmas

SALE Photo by RENÉE FRANCOEUR/Advocate staff

Christmas Bureau president Teresa Kutynec (second from left) and toy depot director Linda Waschuk wrap up under one of the cozy purple blankets donated to the Red Deer bureau by Scott Romans (far left) and Darren King (far right) on behalf of the Central Local Council of the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta.

Blankets donated to three organizations

BY ADVOCATE STAFF Three local organizations in need received arm loads of blankets on Friday.

The Central Local Council of the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta donated 60 blankets to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and 30 to Innisfail’s bureau.

Urban Barn also presented the Safe Harbour Society with 162 new fleece blankets as part of the retail store’s second annual Blanket the Country in Warmth campaign.

Urban Barn, specializing in furniture and home accents, reached its target of collecting 10,000 blankets for shelters across the country this year thanks to every customer’s $5 donation in store from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8.

They smashed last year’s total of 8,000 blankets and plan to have all blankets delivered to 24 selected shelters across Canada by Dec. 20.

The hot purple blankets from the insurance brokers are already on the shelves at the Christmas Bureau.

Scott Romans, chairman of the IBAA Central Local Council, said the blanket donation is worth approximately $1,700.

Romans, a broker for Ing & McKee Insurance Ltd., said it’s been a number of years since the local IBAA group has made a large donation to Christmas charities. “We’re trying to give back more and support our community, especially with the recent floods and the impact there. The interest is there among members to do more of these things in the coming years,� Romans said.

A Red Deer mother has pulled her 10-year-old son from school and plans to move to another city neighbourhood to get away from what she says has been months of bullying.

Rebecca Cromarty’s son Xander has attended Normandeau School since the family came to Red Deer two years ago. But after he and three other boys were suspended for their parts in an after-school fight on school grounds last week, Cromarty has gone public with what she claims is unfair treatment and has decided to school her son at home, believing it is not safe to return him to the school.

Speaking after a Thursday meeting at the school that sought to implement regular counselling sessions for the boys involved, Cromarty said she plans to move her family out of the Normandeau neighbourhood in the new year because she does not trust the school to protect her son. Despite far greater public sensitivity to reports of bullying in recent years, she says actions have not matched words in her son’s case. “I don’t understand. It’s nice to wear the label of zero tolerance and have a bullying awareness week, but it doesn’t seem to be alleviating any of these issues,� said Cromarty.

She said her son has Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), which renders him “emotionally explosive� and unable to deal well with authority figures.

She said she was terrified to enrol him in a public school upon moving to Red Deer, but that with the help of a supportive learning assistance team at the school, he had been progressing.

But over the past year she alleges that her son has been the target of escalating bullying at and outside the school, abuse that eventually led her to instruct Xander to fight back. Though the school had encouraged her to instruct her son to not hit back if provoked, she said she believes her son has a right to self-defence.

RCMP investigated an after-school incident in the alley behind her house in November in which Cromarty said her son did not instigate or fight back, but determined the matter to be a mutual fight. Then, two weeks ago, she said her son retaliated after three boys engaged him physically in the schoolyard, “pummelling� them before a teacher intervened and sent the youths away.

The situation has escalated to the point where division superintendent Piet Langstraat has become involved and he said he is considering alternate programming options for Xander. He said schools within the division teach students how they can stand up for themselves in peer conflicts short of fighting or becoming physical. “We have school policies, district policies where we take action when things are reported to us and we also teach students skills and ways in which they can deal with things informally.�

Langstraat said whenever a student conflict is reported to school or division personnel, the report is taken very seriously and the full facts of each case are sought out. A former school principal, Langstraat said in recent years the division has put its focus on recognizing and building positive traits in students as a way to create resiliency. “It’s far better to build the assets in students and

to work on their skills and to work on the positive side of that, as opposed to focusing on the negative . . . It’s a lot of that kind of work on our skills in terms of the general school population. And then when we get to specific children we would have, for example, a team of individuals at a school who might work specifically with that child on coping skills,� he said.

Last month, Langstraat was a panelist in a provincewide bullying prevention webcast run in conjunction with National Bullying Awareness Week.

But he has a problem with “bullying� having become a catch-all term for the conflicts that children and adults alike face in their lives, saying it leads to the sensationalizing of what are most often very complex situations.

While he said bullying implies an imbalance of power, repeated and targeted attacks, he believes it is better to classify conflicts more specifically, be they cases of racism, sexual harassment or acts of aggression. “What occurs in almost all cases when we’re talking about aggression is it’s a double-sided coin. So you need to deal with the aggression that’s occurring, which sometimes involves discipline, and then you need to work on changing behaviour, which involves support. And then you need to work on relationship with family, which is the conversation that happens with parents where you say ‘Really, if we want to change the child’s behaviour we need to work on this together,’ � said Langstraat.

Stunning images from up close or at a distance.

Âť Built-in Wi-Fi

Wirelessly transfer your images to your phone or social networking sites.

Âť 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor With high-sensitivity for great photos in low light.

2 Year Extended Warranty Only $30 Includes: Battery, Charger, Software CD

SAVE

370!

Rebel T5i DSLR Bundle

Including 18-55mm STM Lens, 55-250mm STM Lens, Camera Bag & Monopod

SALE!

reg. $1379.95

999

$

95

2 Year Extended Warranty Only $90

Âť High Sensitivity

ISO range of 100-25600 for crisp, detailed images even in low-light.

 3� Touch Screen LCD Vari-angle LCD monitor with smudge-resistant coating.

Âť Full HD Movie Mode >P[O 4V]PL :LY]V (- MVY continuous focus tracking of TV]PUN Z\IQLJ[Z Also includes: Battery, Charger, Software CD

SAVE

$

120!

Rebel T3i DSLR with 18-55mm IS Lens

With DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.

PUBLIC NOTICE - MEETING CANCELLATION

reg. $649.95

SALE!

52995

$

In accordance with MGA (9) 193(1) (3), the December 16, 2013 Standing Committee Meeting has been CANCELLED by way of Resolution 1061/13.

2 Year Extended Warranty Only $60

Âť High Sensitivity 0:6 L_WHUKHISL [V MVY ZOVV[PUN MYVT IYPNO[ to dim light.

 Vari-angle 3� LCD

Easily shoot at high or low angles.

Includes: Battery, Charger, Software CD

The next scheduled Council meeting will be January 14, 2014 - Regular Council Meeting.

GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES 0M `V\ Ă„UK H SV^LY HK]LY[PZLK WYPJL PU (SILY[H VU HU` JHTLYH SLUZ VY LSLJ[YVUPJ Ă…HZO ^P[OPU KH`Z VM W\YJOHZL IYPUN PU [OL HK HUK ^L ^PSS YLM\UK [OL KPɈLYLUJL 5V[ HWWSPJHISL [V )V_PUN >LLR ZHSLZ

48396L14

SAVE

$

250!

EOS 70D DSLR Body Âť High Speed Shooting

7.0 fps continuous shooting allows you to easily capture fast TV]PUN Z\IQLJ[Z

Âť Quick Auto Focus

reg. $1299.95

SALE!

1049

$ Dec. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and Jan. 1

95

+\HS 7P_LS *46: (- WYV]PKLZ fast, accurate autofocus during Live View still image capture.

 3.0� Touch Screen LCD Touchscreen vari-angle LCD for easy operation and viewing.

Includes: Battery, Charger, Software CD

70D with 18-135mm IS STM . . . reg. $1649.95 SALE

$

139995

:HSL 7YPJLZ PU LɈLJ[ \U[PS +LJLTILY Z[

Blackfalds Bottle Depot will be closed at 4 pm Dec. 22 and will not reopen until Jan. 2, 2014

47796L14-21

We w We wish iis ish sh all allll ou al our fr our ffri frie friends frien rie ien iend nds nd ds ds & customers cust cu stom tomer omer e s a ve ers very ryy 47469L23

Age limit 18 years and older. Total tickets printed: 5,500. All draws will take place at the arena. License #364215

21995

$

$

2 Year Extended Warranty Only $120

1st Draw $25,000 4th Draw $5,000 2nd Draw $5,000 5th Draw $5,000 3rd Draw $5,000 6th Draw $5,000 EACH TICKET $25 ALL PROCEEDS TO MINOR HOCKEY Tickets available from hockey teams throughout the city or from the Red Deer Minor Hockey office at 403-347-9960

SALE!

Âť 18.0 MP CMOS Sensor

$

RAFFLE FINAL 6 DRAWS: FEB. 8, 2014

reg. $289.95

5 Minute Passport Photos!

Please see BULLYING on Page A4

RED DEER MINOR HOCKEY COMMISION

55,000

70!

$

Âť 20x Optical Zoom

Bullying prompts mother to pull her son from school, plan move to another neighbourhood

BY MYLES FISH ADVOCATE STAFF

SAVE

PowerShot SX280 with Case

5129 Alexander Way :[ 7O Open late on Thursday until 8pm & Saturday until 6pm!

www.mcbaincamera.com

SERVING ALBERTA SINCE 1949

A4 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Khadr explains Young dropped a day before joining cabinet war crimes guilty plea over Taser case

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

A WEEK AFTER ANNOUNCING THE CABINET SHUFFLE, MEMBERS WERE SWORN IN

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

ALBERTA CABINET

EDMONTON — Edmonton member of the legislature Steve Young was dropped from cabinet before he was even sworn in Friday due to concerns over a decade-old Tasering incident from his police days.

“He’s got a couple of personal issues that he brought to our attention and we decided this probably wasn’t the right time for him to go into cabinet,” Premier Alison Redford told reporters after the newest members of her 29-person cabinet were sworn in during a ceremony at Government House.

Redford’s spokesman, Stefan Baranski, later said the fact that Young was to be new associate minister for public safety was also a factor.

“Over the course of the week it was decided that given the nature of the new role around public safety and policing, that those allegations and those previous issues might be a distraction, so I think the decision was made very clearly that Mr. Young would step aside from those duties,” said Baranski.

Young, member for EdmontonRiverview, could not be immediately reached for comment, but issued a short statement.

“There are no personal issues at play,” he wrote. “My wife and children are wonderful and incredibly supportive.

“However, this past week previous allegations against me from my career as a member of the Edmonton Police Service were again raised.”

He did not say who raised the issues or why.

Young had been the chief whip for Redford’s caucus until she announced last week he would move up to the new post.

According to a police internal review report from 2007, problems began after then-Const. Steve Young was one of five officers dispatched to reports of a man grabbing a 16-year-old girl from behind on the street in the early morning hours of Sept. 7, 2004.

The officers arrived and arrested a suspect at his car.

The man was drunk and fought hard against the officers, kicking and punching, the report says. When they couldn’t subdue him, Young pulled out his Taser and used it, a decision later deemed to have been justified.

The same day, Young filled out a report saying he had used the Taser.

Two weeks later, the suspect formally accused the officers of assaulting him. That precipitated an internal investigation that eventually concluded

there was no merit to the accusation.

But in the course of that investigation, Young denied being the one who shocked the suspect.

The evidence pointed to Young: he was the only one among the five who was cleared to use the Taser and the only one who had one on him during the arrest. A fellow officer even said he witnessed Young using the weapon.

But Young still insisted to the investigators that it wasn’t him.

His emails to the investigators contained headlines like “Deny, deny, deny..” and “The Truth Shall Set You Free...”

“I did not Taser Mr. S (the suspect),” he wrote emphatically in one email.

When he was eventually shown the report he filled out just hours after the Tasering, he was aghast, saying he didn’t remember it at all. He suggested he was being set up as a fall guy.

“How come I never saw this before?” he asked investigators. “That’s brutal. That’s absolutely brutal.”

After seeing the report, Young admitted he must have been the one who used Taser.

“I’m extremely embarrassed, well, first of all that my memory wasn’t perfect, and that I actually thought it was somebody else,” he said at the time.

Young was charged with misconduct for attempting to deceive his superiors.

Supt. Mark Logar ruled that since Young had nothing to gain from the deception and had stuck by his story until his own words were literally handed to him, there wasn’t enough to find him guilty of wilful deception and misconduct.

But Logar said he had his reservations.

“I should also briefly mention that Const. Young’s demeanour while testifying was not particularly reassuring,” added Logar. “He appeared agitated and occasionally gave answers in a very disjointed fashion.”

In the end, Logar ruled, he didn’t have enough evidence to “close the gap” to prove that Young knowingly lied.

“The evidence did raise abundant suspicion, but did not go past that,” he wrote.

Young’s public safety portfolio will now be handled by Calgary’s Rick Fraser, who is already the associate minister in charge of flood recovery efforts in High River.

George VanderBurg takes over Young’s old job as whip.

STORIES FROM PAGE A3

BULLYING: Stepping Stones The division runs Stepping Stones, a program at Grandview Elementary School for a small number of students with severe behavioural disorders designed to provide them strategies on how to manage anger, resolve conflicts and improve social skills. Cromarty,

who already has two children in the program, said she would love to have Xander in it as well.

When the family lived in Calgary, Xander attended the similar Children’s Village School, which featured greater teacher-to-student ratios and through which he progressed very well, said Cromarty.

Langstraat said for more than 99 per cent of pupils, the most appropriate schooling environment is in a regular classroom setting, with supports if needed. The Stepping Stones program is for students whose behaviour “is so extreme that we cannot have them in a regular classroom.”

TORONTO, Ontario — Former Guantanamo Bay prisoner Omar Khadr has explained for the first time why he pleaded guilty to five war crimes, saying it was because he had been left with a “hopeless” choice.

In a new court filing obtained by The Canadian Press, Khadr says he knew the Americans could have held him indefinitely — even in the highly unlikely case he would have been acquitted.

“I was left with a hopeless choice,” Khadr, 27, says in the affidavit sworn Friday.

“If I wanted the chance to eventually return to my home of Canada, I would have to be found guilty of crimes as determined by the U.S. government, which could then lead to me serving my sentence in Canada.”

The affidavit, filed in Federal Court, comes as part of Khadr’s $20-million lawsuit against the federal government for violation of his rights.

Without the plea agreement he signed in October 2010, Khadr says he would have faced the possibility of lifelong detention and “continued abuse and torture” at Guantanamo Bay. The entire agreement, including the agreed stipulation of facts, was put together by the American government, he says.

The Toronto-born Khadr also makes it clear that — in contrast to the agreed facts in the plea deal — he has never believed Jews or Americans should be killed or deserve to die, and says he never willingly joined an al-Qaida terrorist cell.

Both sides dig in over Lubicon blockade LITTLE BUFFALO — A dispute between the Lubicon First Nation and a Calgary oil company over access to land is heating up in northern Alberta.

The Lubicons, who have been blocking an access road to a PennWest Exploration (TSX:PWT) drilling site since late November, are warning four other energy companies they may face similar action.

“We’re not singling out any one company,” spokesman Garrett Tomlinson said Friday. “The bottom line is that if you’re on Lubicon land, you’ll have to abide by their laws.”

PennWest expected to be in court Friday to ask a judge for an injunction forcing the protesters to open the road.

“We were hopeful that the Alberta government would move to enforce our access to the site,” said company spokesman Greg Moffatt.

“They haven’t moved as quickly as we would have hoped and we’ve subsequently made the decision to apply to the courts for an enforcement order.”

The blockade is not supported by Cromarty said she plans to move to a different neighbourhood in Red Deer, and will “thoroughly investigate” the school in that area before

Omar Khadr “Any participation in al-Qaida-related activities was at the demand of the adults around me,” his affidavit says — the first time Khadr has addressed such issues publicly.

He also says the American case against him was based in part on evidence supplied by Canadian intelligence officials, who interviewed him at the U.S. naval base after his transfer there from Afghanistan.

Documents also filed show Canadian intelligence officials, who were pursuing a case against Khadr’s father and a possible terrorism case against him, knew the Americans would only grant access to the teen if they would share information with the U.S. “U.S. State Department would permit Canadian authorities an opportunity to interview Omar Khadr should it be established that such interviews would further any investigation within their jurisdiction,” according to one RCMP memo from September 2002. the Lubicon Lake Band.

Mounties arrest man accused of stealing cash from crash armoured truck LEDUC — RCMP are accusing a man of stealing money from an armoured truck involved in a fatal crash in northern Alberta.

A G4S armoured vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck Tuesday on Highway 63 while on a routine trip between Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

One of the G4s guards and the driver of the pickup were killed in the collision.

Police say shortly after the crash a man stopped at the scene and took money that had spilled from the wrecked armoured vehicle and then drove off.

Dale Hasenuik of Leduc County has been charged with theft and possession of property over $5,000.

Hasenuik has been released from RCMP custody and is to appear in Fort McMurray provincial court on Jan. 22.

sending her son back into the public school system. mfish@reddeeradvocate.com

h s a C y s a E a r t x E n r a E SPAPER CARRIER

BECOME AthNeEmWorning 6 days a week (adults)

Deliver in ns (Red Deer) o o n r e t f a e h t ek in or 4 days a we ed Deer R e id s t u o k e e or 1 day a w bstitute! or become a su • Extra Cash For A Vacation • Pay Down Debt/Car Payment • Buy Toys and Games • Savings Plan

45315K2

53799L14

Why Not Do It? Call 403-314-4394

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 A5

Charges laid in sponsorship scandal

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — The RCMP announced Friday that charges have been laid against a businessman who was described as the “central figure” in the federal sponsorship scandal and was a close associate of exprime minister Jean Chrétien.

Jacques Corriveau. a longtime federal Liberal organizer, is facing charges of fraud against the government, forgery and laundering proceeds of crime. He is to appear in court on Jan. 10.

The charges come after a wide-ranging investigation that was triggered nearly 11 years ago and is still underway. Police say, however, they are finished with the now 80-year-old Corriveau.

The Mounties allege that Corriveau set up a kickback system on contracts awarded during the spon-

sorship program, using his Pluri Design Canada Inc. to defraud the federal government.

Police say Corriveau alleged he could exert influence on the federal government to ensure certain Quebec-based firms received lucrative contracts in exchange for several million dollars in kickbacks and benefits for himself and others.

“These contracts dealt with communication products, various publications and the organization of various events,” said RCMP spokesman Erique Gasse.

The sponsorship program, which was the subject of a federal government commission led by Justice John Gomery, was intended to increase the federal government presence in Quebec after the No side’s slim victory in the 1995 sovereignty referendum.

In his report, Gomery laid much of the blame for the multimillion-dollar scandal on Corriveau, a longtime friend of Chrétien. He worked on Chrétien’s

Senate speaker says video coming soon to chamber

unsuccessful leadership campaign in 1984 and on his successful bid in 1990.

Corriveau was also considered one of the highestranking federal Liberals in Quebec at one time.

Corriveau’s time on the stand before the Gomery Commission in 2005 was marked by frequent lapses in memory, but he maintained his innocence throughout.

The commission chair made it clear he didn’t put a lot of stock in Corriveau’s testimony.

“Jacques Corriveau was the central figure in an elaborate kickback scheme by which he enriched himself personally and provided funds and benefits to the (Quebec wing of the Liberal party),” Gomery wrote in his report.

The federal police force also said Friday it has acted to freeze some of Corriveau’s assets, including his Montreal-area residence and two investment accounts.

PROSPERITY MINE PROTEST

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Attention political junkies: Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella says Canada’s house of sober second thought could have video cameras livestreaming its debates as early as this spring.

Cameras were installed in the elected House of Commons in 1977 — many will argue to the detriment of the quality of debate — but the Senate has resisted any such modernization.

Now, a four-senator committee has been assembled to look into televising the appointed upper chamber.

“It is the common view of all senators that we do have to tell our story because the institution is so critical,” to the governance of the country, Kinsella said Friday.

For the second week in a row, Kinsella invited parliamentary reporters onto the Senate floor for a lengthy question-and-answer session, where he stoutly defended the Senate’s role and work.

His remarks came as Conservative senators held a meeting to discuss the possibility of having their own, stand-alone group that would meet separately from the elected Conservative caucus of MPs. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has distanced himself from the upper chamber, even though it is heavily populated by his own appointees, since a Senate expense scandal reached into his office and claimed his former chief of staff, Nigel Wright.

The RCMP are currently investigating Wright’s $90,000 payment to Sen. Mike Duffy as part of an alleged scheme to cover up Duffy’s questionable expense claims.

Duffy and two other former Conservatives, Sen. Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau, have been suspended from the Senate over expense issues. Harper also cut loose his government Senate leader Marjory LeBreton and her replacement, Claude Carignan, was not given the traditional cabinet seat.

Three other Conservative senators have announced their early retirements over the last month, the most recent being high-profile Hugh Segal, who had served as Harper’s point man on Commonwealth issues for the last two years.

With Parliament adjourned for the Christmas break, Kinsella told reporters that all the Senate scandal coverage has made for a frustrating year.

He insisted there was no “causal relationship” between the Senate’s public image problems and the spate of recent Conservative resignations, but later conceded the scandal is taking its toll.

“I think there’s a significant degree of fatigue, but I encourage my colleagues, ’don’t take it personal, this is political. And remain focused’,” said Kinsella.

“We have a sacred responsibility to do our duty and not to throw your hands up because some people don’t think the institution is good.”

Kinsella maintains this rough year may end up reinvigorating the Senate.

Whether video of the proceedings helps or hinders remains to be seen.

Currently, only a live audio feed of Senate chamber debate is available to parliamentary reporters.

The general public can directly access the upper chamber only by visiting Parliament Hill and sitting in the Senate gallery.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Rebecca Solomon, of the Chilcotin First Nation in Williams, Lake, B.C., burns sage during a protest against Taseko Mines Ltd.’s proposed Prosperity Mine, in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday. The proposed gold and copper mine 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake has undergone two environmental reviews and the company is now awaiting a federal government decision.

Ottawa open to talks on troubled First Nations education bill

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The federal government says it is willing to negotiate improvements to its plan to reform First Nations education and has dropped a 2014 deadline for the legislation.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt has written a conciliatory open letter to the Assembly of First Nations, saying the government agrees with key aboriginal conditions set out last month that threatened to derail the reform process.

Valcourt urges the assembly to reconsider the education bill that would put more control in the hands of First Nations themselves.

“The government of Canada agrees that First Nations must have control over their education,” Valcourt wrote. “The proposal that I put forth is intended to empower those who know best what their children need — First Nations, parents, communities and administrators — to determine what is most effective for their success.”

Valcourt was responding to a Nov. 25 letter from Shawn Atleo, national chief of the assembly of First Nations, in which he outlined five conditions for moving ahead with reforms.

Atleo said any agreement must allow for native control of education, provide a statutory funding guarantee, recognize native languages and culture, provide shared oversight and ensure continuing and

meaningful engagement.

There will be no compromise on principles, he added.

“First Nation control of the education of our children must be the overriding, paramount principle of all our work.”

Valcourt said the government plan already meets all five conditions, and also deals with issues raised by the federal auditor general in a 2011 report. But he also hinted at new flexibility in the details of the legislation.

“New funding will be available if legislative reform takes place,” he wrote.

But Valcourt also said the government is open to negotiation.

“The consultation process is not finished and there is no deadline. We are only on the first draft of a bill.”

He said the legislation provides for a full review after five years, which will allow First Nations to further refine the law.

Atleo issued a cautious statement, calling Valcourt’s response “important” and noting the minister’s offer of more discussions.

“We will make efforts to ensure First Nations are aware of the minister’s response,” Atleo said. “We will be carefully reviewing the minister’s letter and setting out next steps through dialogue with all First Nations.”

ONE DAY SALES IN STORE AND AT THEBAY.COM. FREE ONLINE SHIPPING OVER $99 See below for details.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

30% ANNE KLEIN Reg. $125, Sale $87.50

ANNE KLEIN Reg. $95, Sale $66.50

off Designer watches See below for details.

Canada’s #1 seller of watches KENNETH COLE Reg. $199, Sale $139.30

Save $250

149

99

$

Regular $400

LE CREUSET 4.1 L cast-iron French oven Made in France since 1925, this classic cast-iron pot goes straight from the oven to your table. Available in cherry red or Marseille blue.

KENNETH COLE KENNETH COLE Reg. $165, Sale $115.50 Reg. $180, Sale $126

Store Hours | Monday - Wednesday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm | Thursday - Saturday 8:00 am - 11 pm | Sunday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Be the first to know about our One Day Sales — sign up at thebay.com or follow us on: No rain checks and no price adjustments. No pre-orders or telephone orders. Offer available while quantities last. Cannot be combined with other offers. Selection may vary by store. Savings are off our regular prices unless otherwise specified. See in store for details. FREE SHIPPING: Receive free standard shipping on a total purchase amount of $99 or more before taxes. Offer is based on merchandise total and does not include taxes or any additional charges. Free standard shipping is applied after discounts and/or promotion code offers. Offer not valid at Hudson’s Bay or any other HBC stores. Additional fees apply for Express or Next Day Shipping. Applies to Canadian delivery addresses only. Excludes: furniture, canoes, patio furniture, patio accessories, barbecues and mattresses.

Watches include clearance and excludes Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Michele, Tissot, Swarovski, TW Steel, KARL LAGERFELD, Kate Spade New York, Philip Stein, Victorinox Swiss Army, Coach, WLXT Pre-owned Rolex® watches, Hamilton, ALOR and Raymond Weil.

46127L14

ANNE KLEIN Reg. $140, Sale $98

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

A6 FOCUS ‘Watch me poop!’

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

FINDING FULFILMENT BETWEEN TANTRUMS AND BODILY FUNCTIONS It starts with a series of ear-piercing screams, each boy vying fiercely to out-shriek the other.

Eventually, one boy squeals so shrill and so long that the other cannot top it, so the vanquished screamer lashes out at the winner and an all-out brawl ensues.

I’d estimate this happens in our house two or three times every day.

Such is life with two boys under the age of three.

On Dec. 11, Rylan — our second born — celebrated his first birthday.

For him, it was a time to smash cake in his hair and play with all the new noisy LEO toys lavished upon him by PARÉ family and friends.

For me, it was a time to take stock of my life and reflect how dramatically things have changed over the past three years.

Not so long ago, the mere thought of changing a dirty diaper was enough make me gag in horror.

Yesterday, I changed two of them and barely flinched when the wiggling one-year-old managed to kick his foot into a fresh pile of recently digested bananas and baby food.

Believe me, your definition of ‘disgusting’ changes a great deal when you have kids.

Our two-year-old, Grayson, is finally potty trained, but I’ll spare you the horrifying details of that process. Experienced parents will know exactly what I’m talking about.

I still laugh in disbelief at the whole situation when I hear phrases like, “Daddy come quick! I need you to watch me poop!”

Also, it has recently become clear that our house will never be tidy again.

When I was a kid, my mom used to keep a sign that said, ‘Cleaning the house while kids are growing is like shoveling snow when it still snowing.’

Truer words have never been spoken.

Last weekend, I was tidying the rec room, going so far as to sort toys and vacuum Cheerios out of the couch cushions. Within five minutes (and that’s no exaggeration), all evidence of my efforts was erased as the boys hurriedly emptied the toy box and brought a fresh load of fruit and cereal to jam in the furniture.

‘What goes around comes around’ is another old saying that my boys are proving true. My own mother knows well the trials and tribulations of raising two feisty young boys so close in age. The childhood antics of my younger brother and I are well documented in the Paré family photo albums.

Grayson has an exceptional vocabulary for a twoyear-old and knows how to use words and expressions to endear or manipulate. Rylan has been experimenting with words, but prefers to do most of his communicating through screams, wails and strained grunts.

TOUCHÉ PARÉ

Photo by LEO PARÉ/Advocate staff

Rylan celebrates his first birthday in style. The definition of ‘disgusting’ changes when you have children.

Sometimes, after a long day of messes, fights, diapers and tantrums, the whole parenting thing just seems like too much to handle. But in those times when it starts to feel like we’ve reached our wits’ end, something special happens to renew our strength.

A few weeks ago, one of those moments came while I was rocking Rylan to sleep. About halfway through his bedtime milk, he pulled the bottle from his mouth, looked up and me with a wide grin and whispered, “Daddy.”

He’d said the word a few times before, but I was never convinced he understood what it meant. For all I knew, ‘daddy’ could have been his term for dog or banana.

Through his first year, Rylan and I got along well

enough, but his preference for his mom was always very obvious. But in that moment, with that one word, he seemed to say, “Hello giant Man Mommy.

You are special to me and I love you, even though you don’t have boobies.” For me, that was one of our first real bonding moments, which I will treasure for many years to come.

Parenting is like a twisting roller-coaster — and once you get on, there’s no getting off.

In a single day, you can experience moments of tremendous joy, intense rage, deep fulfilment and utter exhaustion. It’s a magical, marvelous, unforgettable ride — scream battles and dirty diapers aside.

Leo Paré is the Advocate’s news and new media editor. Contact him by email at lpare@reddeeradvocate.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LeoPare.

Australia playing the spy game like a bully And now for something completely The Indonesian reply was a classic. different: a spy story that isn’t about “I have news for you,” said Foreign Edward Snowden’s disclosures and Minister Marty Natalegawa. “We don’t the U.S. National Security Agency’s do it. We certainly should not be doing surveillance of everything it among friends.” and everybody.

He was, he said, deeply This one could come unhappy about the “dismisstraight out of a 1950s spy sive answer being providthriller: a microphone bured” by the Australian govied in a wall, a listening ernment. So Australia has post manned by people with managed to alienate its bigheadphones, and transcripts gest neighbour, probably of secret conversations defor no advantage to itself, livered to negotiators. just as the United States Now it’s true that Aushas alienated Brazil with tralia is a member of the the same tactics.

Gang of Five, more formally But the kind of spying known as the “Five Eyes” under discussion here was GWYNNE (the United States, Canada, too shameful to share even DYER the United Kingdom, Auswith the other Four Eyes of tralia and New Zealand), the “Anglosphere.” which share most of the inIt was an Australian-only formation that they acquire operation mounted in 2004 through high-tech mass surveillance. to gather information about the negoThat’s the kind of spying that tiating position of a very poor neighSnowden’s leaks are about, and what- bouring country, East Timor, so that ever Australia picks up through this Australia could rip its neighbour off in process it presumably shares with its a treaty that divided a rich gas field on co-conspirators. the seabed between them.

It was in this context that Australia The treaty in question, Certain listened to the phone conversations of Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Indonesia’s president, Susilo Bambang Sea, always seemed a bit peculiar. The Yudhoyono, his wife, and eight poten- CMATS treaty gave Australia a half tial successors. share in the massive Greater Sunrise When Indonesia recalled its ambas- field, which is said to be worth $40 sador from Canberra and protested, billion. But that field lies just 100 km Prime Minister Tony Abbott swatted south of East Timor, and 400 km from the protest away with the line they are Australia. all using now: “All governments gather The normal rule on international information and all governments know seabed rights would put the boundary that every other government gathers equidistant between the two countries, information.” but that would have given East Timor

INSIGHT

CENTRAL ALBERTA’S DAILY NEWSPAPER Published at 2950 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 1M9

by The Red Deer Advocate Ltd. Canadian Publications Agreement #336602 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Fred Gorman Publisher John Stewart Managing editor Richard Smalley Advertising director

sovereignty over the entire gas field.

Instead, CMATS postponed a final settlement of the seabed boundary for fifty years, and in the meantime gave Australia 50 per cent of the revenue from the Greater Sunrise field.

The existing gas field off East Timor’s coast has only about 10 years’ life left, and the East Timor government depends on gas revenues for 95 per cent of its income, so it was very vulnerable in those negotiations.

The Australian negotiators could exploit that vulnerability because they had daily updates on how desperate their Timorese opposite numbers were: the Australian Secret Intelligence Service had bugged the prime minister’s and the cabinet offices.

Four ASIS operatives did the job, pretending to be part of a team of Australian aid workers that was renovating East Timor’s government offices.

The man who gave the order was Australia’s foreign minister at the time, Alex Downer — who now runs a public relations firm that represents Woodside Petroleum, a major Australian company that was the main beneficiary of the treaty. Funny how things work out.

The operation would never have come to light if the former director of technical operations at ASIS, who led the bugging operation, had not had an attack of conscience on learning of Downer’s link to Woodside.

He told East Timor about it, and the Timorese government then brought an action before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague demanding that the CMATS treaty be cancelled.

Scott Williamson Pre-press supervisor

403-314-4337 Website: www.reddeeradvocate.com

Main switchboard 403-343-2400 Delivery/Circulation 403-314-4300

Advertising Main number: 403-314-4343 Fax: 403-342-4051 E-mail: advertising@reddeeradvocate.com Classified ads: 403-309-3300 Classified e-mail: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

News News tips 403-314-4333 Sports line 403-343-2244 News fax 403-341-6560 E-mail: editorial@reddeeradvocate.com John Stewart, managing editor 403-314-4328 Carolyn Martindale, City editor 403-314-4326 Greg Meachem, Sports editor 403-314-4363 Harley Richards, Business editor

twitter.com/RedDeerAdvocate

Alberta Press Council member The Red Deer Advocate is a sponsoring member of the Alberta Press Council, an independent body that promotes and protects the established freedoms of the press and advocates freedom of information. The Alberta Press Council upholds

The Australian government’s response was to arrest the whistleblower and cancel his passport last week so that he could not travel to The Hague to testify, and to raid the Sydney offices of Bernard Collaery, the lawyer who is representing East Timor before the court.

The documents seized include an affidavit summarizing the whistleblower’s testimony at the court and correspondence between Collaery and his client, Timorese President Xanana Gusmao.

It’s more of the same sort of behaviour: the Australian government has decided to brazen it out.

Can Australia get away with this?

Not legally.

As Collaery says, “It was a carefully premeditated, involved, very lengthy operation with premeditated breaches of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, and premeditated breaches of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This is a criminal conspiracy, a break-in on sovereign territory and a breach of Australian law.” And he has three more whistleblowers lined up to testify, too.

But the case may still be settled out of court, because East Timor is still desperate. Woodside has not yet started developing the Greater Sunrise field, and it will never do so if there isn’t a deal. Offer East Timor another 10 per cent and a promise to go ahead, and it will probably drop the case.

The poor cannot afford justice.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

the public’s right to full, fair and accurate news reporting by considering complaints, within 60 days of publication, regarding the publication of news and the accuracy of facts used to support opinion. The council is comprised of public members and representatives of member newspapers. The Alberta Press Council’s address: PO Box 2576, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8G8.

Phone 403-580-4104.

Email: abpress@telus.net.

Website: www.albertapresscouncil.ca.

Publisher’s notice The Publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy; to omit or discontinue any advertisement. The advertiser agrees that the Publisher shall not be

liable for damages arising out of error in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurs.

Circulation Circulation 403-314-4300 Single copy prices (Monday to Thursday, and Saturday): $1.05 (GST included).

Single copy (Friday): $1.31 (GST included).

Home delivery (one month auto renew): $14.50 (GST included).

Six months: $88 (GST included).

One year: $165 (GST included).

Prices outside of Red Deer may vary.

For further information, please call 403314-4300.

facebook.com/RDAdvocate

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 A7

Canada’s math deficit adds up The latest international test scores influencing their ability to participate for 15-year-olds in mathematics show in post-secondary education and their that Canada has slipped from the top expected future earnings.”

10 to 13th spot, with critics suggesting John Manley, president of the Cawe face a national crisis as a result. nadian Council of Chief Executives, a While the decline is business lobby group repretroubling, the fact remains senting major corporations, that Canada remains among has announced that his orthe top-ranked countries in ganization is undertaking a math, as well as in science multi-year initiative on jobs and reading. and skills for the 21st centuYet we should and can ry. It should pay more attendo better, because this can tion to elementary and high mean better life chances schools than to colleges and for younger Canadians and universities. a greater potential for CanAs part of this, Manley reada’s future. cently released preliminary Clearly, given not only results from a survey of the the importance of mathe100 corporations in his orgaDAVID matical skills in a knowlnization. While skills shortCRANE edge-based economy, but ages are only a “big probalso the sheer joy of mathlem” for 11 of his members, ematics itself, we should asanother 57 see it as a “modpire to do better. erate problem,” meaning, But, without becoming complacent, as Manley said, this reflected “a sigwe should also recognize that we are nificant degree of concern, though not doing better than many other coun- necessarily a critical situation from a tries, including the United States, national perspective.” which ranked 36th, or France which In fact, outside of Alberta, the level ranked 25th and Britain at 26th. Ger- of skills shortages was much lower. many ranked 16th.

The greatest areas of need are in Mathematics matters. As the Organi- engineering, information technologies, zation for Economic Co-operation and general business skills and skilled Development states in its new report trades — all fields, interestingly, where on Program for International Student a good knowledge of mathematics is esAssessment (PISA) results, “proficien- sential. cy in mathematics is a strong predictor But rather than simply issue studies of positive outcomes for young adults, and reports, perhaps Manley’s member

INSIGHT

corporations could actually do something that would have tangible consequences.

For example, too few businesses are willing to take on responsibility for training apprentices in needed skilled trades, and large corporations appear to be even more reluctant than smaller businesses.

Likewise, high school, college and university students need summer jobs — creating the opportunity for summer employment helps young Canadians learn about the needs of the workplace and can motivate them to study math and science, for example. Manley could also challenge his members to support serious investment in early childhood development, with its strong evidence that early childhood investments yield big returns in learning, adaptability and health.

There are other possibilities.

Some of Germany’s largest corporations, concerned about the need to encourage interest in science and math among students in the earliest years of school, launched the Wissenfabrik or knowledge-factory initiative.

The goal is to help make these subjects more interesting, not blame teachers and students and demand more tests. Achieving better performance in math — and science — in our schools and communities should start with the earliest years where the focus is not on teaching subjects but on play-based learning to develop non-

cognitive skills that significantly improve readiness to learn on entering the formal school system.

Improving the training of math teachers is a challenge, since generally speaking math teachers in elementary skills are not graduates in mathematics, which means they lack the foundations to be effective teachers who can engender a love of mathematics in young people.

More emphasis on numeracy or problem-solving would be important — mathematics is a theoretical field in many respects but numeracy is about the practical application of mathematics. According to the PISA study, barely 10 per cent of Canadian students said they had frequent exposure to applied problems like “calculating the power consumption of an electric appliance per week.”

The life chances of the next generations of Canadians will depend heavily on a good education, including a lively interest in and understanding of mathematics and science. Likewise, Canada’s future as a knowledge-based innovative society, which will depend on a population that has a good understanding of mathematics and science.

These are two good reasons to aspire to improve the ways in which we inspire interest and capacities in mathematics.

Economist David Crane is a syndicated Toronto Star columnist. He can be reached at crane@interlog.com.

A wonderful and practical present, particularly for dogs who can read. $18.

Shouting Snowballs — For the young (and old) kids of the house, a time honored Christmas tradition — the indoor snowball fight! These soft, squishy plush “snowballs” come with a variety of faces: Rudolph, Santa, Kissy Face, etc., and when you press a button and toss them at Grandma across the room, the snowballs make wacky noises. And nobody has to get smacked in the face with bothersome real snow and ice! $5.99 per snowball.

Gravy Candy Canes — A Christmas morning treat for the whole family — nice big candy canes that taste just like gravy! Six 13 cm gravy canes in each box — why not pick up several boxes for your gravy-loving friends, too? $5.99 per box.

Pocket Christmas Tree — And finally, why not take Christmas with you wherever you go? About the size and thickness of a credit card, a little plastic Christmas tree shape flips up and glows a lovely holiday green. Set it

down anywhere and suddenly there’s a “little Christmas” wherever you are!

Save a fortune on tree trimmings and, of course, any presents around the tree will have to be really really tiny. $4.99.

So I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking I’d better start some Christmas shopping one of these days, and maybe Stupid.com is a good place to start. So on the advice of my Rotten Kidlets long ago, I think I’ll have some Nice Gimmies for breakfast (Rice Krispies), go to the Jimmy Raisin (gymnasium) for a quick workout (yeah, sure) and start really getting into Kissmass (Christmas).

And if you and I can snag some of Santa Closet’s gift suggestions this year, I’m sure our lucky loved ones will say the darndest things when they open one of these presents.

I know I would.

Harley Hay is a local freelance writer, award-winning author, filmmaker and musician. His column appears on Saturdays in the Advocate. His books can be found at Chapters, Coles and Sunworks in Red Deer.

The Santa Closet 2013 Christmas Gift Guide The Rotten Kids used to be Rotten Fart Button will “make even the most Little Kidlets. And back when they preposterous toots a dignified experiwere learning to walk and talk and ence.” If you accidentally (or on purplay Super Mario Brothers in the late pose) break a little wind, you can press 1980s on the original brand new NES this elegant button and a gentlemanly (Nintendo Entertainment System), they voice explains with dignified phrases used to, as Art Linkletter put it, say the such as: “Who sliced the brie?” or darndest things.

“Smells like a fine caberAnd if you’re old enough net!” $10.99. to remember Art LinkletThe Wine Rack Flask Bra ter’s radio show called Kids — Let’s not forget the ladies Say the Darndest Things, this Christmas. For those of then you are probably alyou who like to bring your most nearly as elderly as own clandestine beverages Yours Truly. to the party, the Wine Rack If you don’t remember Flask Bra is for you! This that show, then I can pretty comfy black sports bra has much explain it by saying it built-in pouches that can be was basically self-explanfilled with your favourite atory. wine or cocktail, and feaAnd my Rotten Kidlets tures a handy straw exiting HARLEY were no different. either side of the bra.

HAY The Better Half and I According to the manuused to write down their facturer: “If you love the darndest expressions and full look with the bra on but cute attempts mangling the run out of liquid, simply English language. blow into the tube and you’ll have the We’d scribble them on a calendar look once again. affixed to the fridge door, along with Holds up to 25 ounces of liquid, several dozen kid drawings, photos which is basically a bottle of wine, and and assorted appropriately cute fridge increases your bust up to two sizes.” magnets. $38.99.

The fridge was CPU hub of its day, The Prescription Pill Bottle Mug — sans computer.

This ceramic mug “looks just like a Thank goodness for refrigerators. big bottle of pills with the perfect pre“So?” I can hear you wondering scription for the morning blues!” as you spill your coffee all over the And the perfect prescription on the newspaper. And you would be right: pill bottle mug clearly notes that “Dr. what on earth has this got to do with a Feelgood’s” prescription is for “CofChristmas Gift Guide? fee.” Just what the doctor ordered!

It’s just that my daughter RK used $11.99. to call Santa Claus “Santa Closet” — And let’s not forget some memorasomething that I always remember at ble stocking stuffers this Christmas: this time of year for some reason.

The Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Evil It was adorable then and adorable Cats — For all you cat lovers with evil now and it makes me feel good to think cats because, let’s face it, aren’t most about it, so dear reader(s) I foisted it cats secretly evil? Your cat will love upon you right in the title of this colthe Inflatable Unicorn Horn! Just blow umn in the hopes that it makes you up the remarkably life-like unicorn just a tad happier as you mop up your horn and slip the elastic holding strap coffee. around little Kitty’s evil head. Your So with that in mind, and after exfantastical feline will “be honoured to tensive research on my part lasting wear her own Inflatable Unicorn Horn at least three coffees, and involving a and spread grumpiness and sorrow evwebsite appropriately named Stupid. erywhere!” $7.99. com, here is the Santa Closet 2013 Waggo Chalkboard Dog Bowl — For Christmas Gift Guide, which like Linevery cat lover there are at least three kletter’s show, is self-explanatory. dog lovers, so let’s not forget Fido.

The Bacon Scarf — You can never How about a food bowl with sides that have too much bacon. are blackboards all around the bowl.

How about a nice long knit scarf You can write messages in chalk, that looks just like a humongous strip like: “Don’t slurp” or “Be Happy” or of bacon. Yum! $15.99 “Today is first day of the rest of your Gentlemen’s Fart Button — What life, so don’t pee on the carpet.” gentlemen hasn’t tooted in public inOr if you have several dogs, they can advertently (or vertently, for that mathave personalized bowls, so they don’t ter.) I know I have. The Gentlemen’s get them mixed up.

HAY’S DAZE

Why telling the stories of the street matters “Way to spoil a good meal — bring in As I sit at my computer writing these a camera crew while we’re eating. How stories, I often question the value of am I ever going to find a job now?” telling the stories of the folks who use This came from a fellow the kitchen. who two weeks previously But recent events have said for me to continue to helped me to know that intell the story of people on deed it has a value to the the street and those down community. on their luck.

Hang on while I explain.

A local church group The other day as my wife was filming a series of disand I went to do some shopcussions on homelessness ping, I was approached by a to present to their congrewoman who asked if I was gation all the month of DeChris Salomons. cember and had requested I never know how to anto use Potter’s Hands as a swer, because I don’t know backdrop. if I’m in trouble or not. But CHRIS We explained it to our after a slight hesitation, I people beforehand; telling acknowledged that I was SALOMONS them that they would not and waited for her to conbe in focus at any point so tinue. identities would not be reRather than a complaint vealed. or a suggestion (I get a lot Most really don’t care. of the latter), this lady went on to say Some like the attention, while oth- that they read my column and like it ers have various reasons for hiding because it does tell the stories and the their identities: prior convictions, late characters of the kitchen clients, and maintenance payments, or just embar- please continue. rassment in having to frequent soup In the last several weeks, it seems kitchens. we can’t go anywhere without at least Both sides of the coin are expres- one person approaching us and comsive in their opinions on the matter. menting; thankfully just about all to

STREET TALES

the positive.

I explained to my wife that if they don’t like it they probably wouldn’t acknowledge me anyways. And if they glare at me, I have a reason to be thankful — I’m near-sighted so I probably miss the looks.

The positive comments have been coming so thick and fast that strains of the song, Oh Lord it’s Hard to be Humble, run through my head, but then I realize that I did not do it alone.

Believe me, being a Grade 10 dropout, I don’t have the smarts to do it alone!

Ever since I was 13 years old, there were two things that I wanted to do in life: be a missionary and or be a writer, but choices that I made in life led me down a different path, which I believe prepared me for what I now do.

By the grace of God, or maybe it’s his sense of humor (I’m not sure yet), I now do both, and every once in a while I stop to reflect on things and realize just how much I have been blessed.

Couple that with a supportive and encouraging wife, who by the way edits my work, I thankfully am able to enjoy my semi-retirement like few others can.

One of the traditions my wife and I

have is that during the Christmas season, we always watch the old movie It’s a Wonderful Life, and others that are specific to the reason for Christmas.

This reminds me that I don’t have to be someone special or important, just being ordinary is good enough.

Walking through the mall this week, we ran into a friend who is Muslim.

We chatted for a while about the real value we have in this country. We have plenty and opportunities abound, but the greatest thing we have is each other.

As we parted, we wished each other “Merry Christmas” and it just filled me with joy and also the knowledge that by writing these columns, we might be able to include rather than exclude the dear folks on the street and those who frequent the kitchen.

So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who read these stories, and also the folks who I serve, for giving me the reason to write, but most of all to my God whose son’s birth we celebrate at this time of the year.

Merry Christmas to all and May God bless you in the year to come.

Chris Salomons is kitchen co-ordinator for Potter’s Hands ministry in Red Deer.

A8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Mandela mourners turned away

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this still image taken from video provided by Fox 31 Denver, students gather just outside of Arapahoe High School as police respond to reports of a shooting at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colo. Friday.

School shooting suspect dead TWO STUDENTS HURT AT COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL

Presidents proposes amnesty for protesters

GOLD EAGLE

Gifts and Collectibles

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

UKRAINE

KIEV, Ukraine — The meeting Friday of Ukraine’s president and the leaders of mass protests against him was billed as a round table, but it was essentially a square-off.

The meeting, which also included Ukraine’s three former presidents and an array of student, religious and union representatives, gave no indication that the crisis pitting President Viktor Yanukovych against vehement opposition was any closer to resolution after three weeks of demonstrations that have swelled to hundreds of thousands of people.

Yanukovych proposed that amnesty be granted to those who have been arrested in the protests and said the measure would be taken up by the parliament next week. But opposition leaders countered with demands that the government step down, and for early parliamentary and presidential elections to be held.

Reacting to the government resignation demand, Yanukovych pointed out that the opposition lost a parliamentary vote of no-confidence last week: “The vote already took place, and you saw it.”

He also called for a moratorium on use of force by either side.

“The only thing the opposition heard was that there won’t be a force scenario. Do I believe it? No,” opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk said after the meeting.

The opposition also wasn’t heartened by new official promises that Ukraine intends to sign a trade and political pact with the European Union. Yanukovych’s refusal to sign the agreement last month set off the protests.

The Interior Ministry, which controls the country’s police, said Friday that a preliminary investigation showed police violated the law in breaking up a demonstration on Nov. 30, but did not say if charges would be brought. The opposition has demanded that police be punished for violence.

The round table was an effort to find a way out of

the 3-week-old crisis that threatens Yanukovych’s leadership. But with the sides still far apart, Kyiv was girding for huge demonstrations this weekend.

The opposition has called for a vast turnout Sunday. Rallies on the previous two Sundays drew hundreds of thousands of protesters. That same day, Yanukovych’s Party of Regions has called for a progovernment demonstration that it claims will bring 200,000 people to Kyiv.

The prospect of a huge cadre of government-backers in the vicinity of protesters has raised fears of provocations that would induce riot police to crack down brutally. The opposition blames provocateurs allegedly planted by the government for a previous violent demonstration dispersal.

“We are really afraid, and we know that there will be very many provocations,” world superheavyweight boxing champion and opposition leader Vitali Klitschko told The Associated Press.

The U.S. said it was disappointed that discussions between the government and opposition were apparently unproductive. Washington also called for calm.

“It is absolutely imperative that this weekend’s protests be allowed to proceed peacefully,” U.S. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said. “So we’ll certainly be watching what happens over the next few days.”

Officials have said there will be no action taken against peaceful protests, but those assurances are shadowed by the pre-dawn events of Wednesday, when thousands of riot police converged on Independence Square, where a large protesters’ tent camp has been set up and demonstrators gather around the clock.

The police tore down some barricades and tents, but demonstrators stood their ground and police left after sunrise. A smaller police contingent scuffled with demonstrators who have occupied the nearby city hall, but also retreated.

Specializing in ......

• Die Cast Collectibles: cars/ trucks/motorcycles • Dragons, Fairies, ornaments • Signs, Neon Clocks, windchimes Stop in today & check us out

Great Gift ideas for the Man Cave

67 St. and Taylor Drive (in Cash Casino Bldg)

Ph: 587-273-3030

BOXING DAY BLOWOUT! DUE TO SLOW SALES WE’RE FORCED TO LIQUIDATE 1000’S OF DESIGNER GARMENTS

BELOW COST!

COATS

BLAZERS

SUITS

MSR 200

MSR 100

MSR $150

$

$

10 7 5

$

Zebra escapes farm, roams near homes for weeks

$

$

DRESSES CARDIGANS MSR 100

MSR 150

Tiffany’s

SKIRTS MSR 80 $

$

SWEATER DRESSES

TOPS MSR $60

MSR $100

4 5 3

$

STEAK HOUSE & LOUNGE 3515 Gaetz Avenue, Red Deer, AB | 403.341.3366

$

$

LIQUIDATION ON NOW!

THE

TAP HOUSE

ENDS SUNDAY!

PUB & GRILL

SOUTH: 1927 Gaetz Ave., Red Deer, AB | 403.341.5400

MSR $80

5 5 4 $

$

NORTH: 7101 Gaetz Ave.,Red Deer, AB | 403.342.7267

PANTS

$

$

52821L11,14

CLEVELAND, Tenn.

— The black-and-whitestriped animal that’s been spotted at different places around a Tennessee town isn’t a funnylooking horse.

Nope, there’s a zebra loose in East Tennessee.

Bradley County dispatchers say they’ve had several people call to report sightings of the animal — near homes, businesses and even a highway.

Although some people have tried to catch him, the animal named Zeek has remained elusive.

Zeek’s owner, Ronald Price, said the animal escaped from his farm in Cleveland about three weeks ago.

Price says he’s keeping a watch out and hopes that someone is able to help Zeek return home safely.

Red Deer’s Newest Christmas Store

52346K9-L23

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A student shot at least one other student before he apparently killed himself at a high school in Colorado, a state in the grips of a bitter debate over its gun laws.

The shooter entered Arapahoe High School in a Denver suburb armed with a shotgun and looking for a teacher he identified by name, said Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson.

The teacher immediately left the school when he learned the student was looking for him, Robinson said.

The shooter then shot two students, one of whom is in serious condition at a hospital. The other is also hospitalized, with a minor gunshot wound. It was initially believed the student in serious condition confronted the shooter, but Robinson now says that wasn’t clear.

Robinson said the student is believed to have acted alone. Authorities also found a possible Molotov cocktail at the scene and are examining the device.

The shooting came a day before the anniversary of the school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Colorado has seen several high-profile shootings.

The Arapahoe High School is just 8 miles (13 kilometres) east of Columbine High School, where two teenage shooters killed 12 classmates and a teacher before killing themselves in 1999. Last year, a shooter killed 12 people at a movie theatre in Aurora, an-

other Denver suburb.

Earlier this year, Colorado’s Democratic Legislature and governor approved a slate of gun control measures, including ammunition magazine limits and expanded background checks.

Two Democratic state lawmakers were ousted in recall elections after voting for the measures, and a third resigned to avoid a recall. The backlash was a reflection of the divide in a state known for its hunting and where gun ownership is a treasured right.

For one mother who rushed to Arapahoe High School on Friday, it was her second experience with a school shooting.

Tracy Monroe, who was reading text messages from her 15-year-old daughter inside Arapahoe, said she had step-siblings who attended Columbine. A teacher killed in the Columbine shooting, Dave Carpenter, had been a family friend.

“We didn’t think it could happen in Colorado then, either,” Monroe said.

Monroe said she got the first text from her daughter, Jade Stanton, at 12:41 p.m. The text read, “there’s sirens. It’s real. I love you” A few minutes later, Jade texted “shots were fired in our school.” Monroe rushed to the school and was relieved when Jade texted that a police officer entered her classroom and that she was safe.

Students were seen walking toward the school’s running track with their hands in the air. Television footage showed police patting students down.

More than 2,100 students attend Arapahoe High School, according to the Littleton Public Schools website.

4952-50 St. l 403-346-5504

*Selected styles

dotsstores.ca 47519L12,14

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PRETORIA, South Africa — An estimated 100,000 South Africans lined up in Pretoria to view Nelson Mandela in his casket but about a third of the overwhelming crowd was sent away without being able to file past the bier.

Many of the frustrated mourners fought back tears of disappointment on the third and last day of the revered leader’s lying in state. Mandela’s coffin was taken away by a military guard to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. The anti-apartheid icon will be flown Saturday to his rural home in Qunu, Eastern Cape where he will be buried on Sunday.

Hundreds of people cheered and some burst into song when Mandela’s cortege left Pretoria’s Union Buildings, the seat of government, for the last time Friday evening.

“It was amazing,” said Keneilwe Mohapi, who stood with her mother as the impressive motorcade went by. “We couldn’t ask for a more fitting end. It’s an honour to say goodbye to him properly.”

“We’re mourning, but I’m grateful,” the 27-yearold said. “He changed my life.”

Many waited under a hot sun for four or five hours in a line snaking through an open field to busses that would take the lucky ones to see Mandela.

“I feel like I’ve lost a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said 22-year-old student Caiphus Ramushun.

“I’m frustrated because I got so close,” he added, saying he was only about 100 people away from making it to the buildings.

“I spent eight hours in line. I came so close to going on. Instead I was turned away,” he said.

Mandela’s body was on display since Wednesday, with larger and larger crowds trying to view it each day. About 70,000 mourners were able to file past the casket Friday, government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said.

But Friday’s surge overwhelmed planners, who were not able to move people through security checkpoints and onto busses quickly enough.

Officials were handing out water to those waiting.

The area where people stood in line was so crowded that it became a city-within-a-city: Entrepreneurs set up barbecue grills and sold Mandela memorabilia, including T-shirts imprinted with his smiling face and words: “May he rest in peace.”

Shortly before Mandela’s casket was removed and taken to a nearby military hospital, a crowd of several hundred mourners eager to pay their last respects broke through police barriers and raced up toward the Union Buildings.

An AP reporter witnessed the crowd storming up the hill toward Mandela’s casket and police then chased them over several hundred meters before being able to stop them.

The people were joyous as they raced toward temporary structure where Mandela was on view in his coffin.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 A9

NKorea leader executes uncle MORE PURGES COULD FOLLOW

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PYONGYANG, North Korea — The execution of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s uncle brought a swift and violent end to a man long considered the country’s second most powerful figure. But while Jang Song Thaek is now gone, the fallout from his purge is not over.

In a stunning reversal of the popular image of Jang as a mentor and father figure guiding young Kim Jong Un as he consolidated power, North Korea’s state-run media announced Friday he had been executed, portraying him as a morally corrupt traitor who saw the death of Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011 as an opportunity to make his own power play.

Experts who study the authoritarian country, which closely guards its internal workings from both outsiders and citizens, were divided on whether the sudden turn of events reflected turmoil within the highest levels of power or signalled that Kim Jong Un was consolidating his power in a decisive show of strength. Either way, the purge is an unsettling development for a world that is already wary of Kim’s unpredictability amid North Korea’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons.

“If he has to go as high as purging and then executing Jang, it tells you that everything’s not normal,” said Victor Cha, a former senior White House

File photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, waves to spectators and participants of a military parade celebrating the 65th anniversary of the country’s founding in Pyongyang, North Korea as then Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission Jang Song Thaek, third from right, claps hands on Sept. 9, 2013. adviser on Asia.

The first appearance of the new narrative came out just days ago, when North Korea accused Jang, 67, of corruption, womanizing, gambling and taking drugs. It said he’d been eliminated from all his posts. Friday’s alle-

gations heaped on claims that he tried “to overthrow the state by all sorts of intrigues and despicable methods with a wild ambition to grab the supreme power of our party and state.”

“He dared not raise his head when Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were

alive,” it said, referring to the country’s first leader and his son. But after Kim Jong Il’s death, it claimed, Jang saw his chance to challenge Kim Jong Un and realize his “long-cherished goal, greed for power.”

The purge also could spread and bring down more people, Cha said.

“When you take out Jang, you’re not taking out just one person — you’re taking out scores if not hundreds of other people in the system. It’s got to have some ripple effect.”

South Korean intelligence officials say two of Jang’s closest aides were executed last month.

Narushige Michishita, a security expert at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, suggested that Jang’s removal shows “that Kim Jong Un has the guts to hold onto power, and this might have shown his will to power, his willingness to get rid of anything that stands in his way.”

One of the biggest opportunities for the world to see what might happen next will come Dec. 17, the second anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death. North Korea watchers will be closely following whether Jang’s wife, Kim Kyong Hui, the younger sister of Kim Jong Il, and other figures are present in official ceremonies marking the day.

Jang’s removal leaves no clear No. 2 under Kim, whose inner circle now includes Vice Marshal Choe Ryong Hae, Premier Pak Pong Ju and the ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong Nam.

Really?

When?

Wednesday, January 29,2014 Let’s tell our friends ... how do they get to join us?

It’s EASY...

Mail or email their color baby photo, dad and mom’s names, their name (as they want it to appear in the paper) and $37.80 Twins are $56.70 (includes GST) to: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com OR “Babies on Parade”, 2950 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9 OR go to wegotads.ca - place ad - Announcements - Babies On Parade.

ON PARADE PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Baby’s Last Name: ____________________________________ Baby’s Name as you want it to appear in the paper:

See us on Facebook!

Mmmmm BROCCOLI OR CARROTS? Favourite foods

CONFIDENT GENERATION Today’s toddlers change

B4

way we look at

more - Get your own Advocate “Front Page” with a picture of your baby.

This full color 11x17 print is a great e keepsake to celebrate your “headliner” arrival.

news authority

_________ Year

B1

www.reddeeradvocate

Circle One:

Son

Daughter

.com

Parent’s Names: Father___________________________

JORDAN SMITH, SON MARY SMITH. BORN OF JOHN AND OCTOBER 12, 2012

Mother __________________________

BY BILL WHITE ADVOCATE STAFF

TINY TRAVELLE RS

Car Safety with Kids in Tow

HELPFUL TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH

YOUNG KIDS

BY TOM SMITH ADVOCATE STAFF

Last Name to be Used_____________________________ Hundreds of Photo by JIM people, young BOW/Advocate staff and old, lined Train roll into the tracks in the city. Lit with Lacombe on Monda the country, thousands of y to see the CP the CP LED Holiday as it makes daily Rail Holiday Train is helping lights and bringing Christm as cheer as it stops. The train to collect donati crosses makes a stop will be back ons for commu in Red Deer at again in Centra nity food banks the CP yards performing on l Alberta on at 6867 Edgar the Wednesday when Industrial Drive. $6.4 million and stage at each stop. Since it This year Doc 1999, the Holida about 1.8 million Walker is y Train progra kilograms of m has raised food for North close to American food video at reddee banks. See related radvocate.com .

Ensuring children the safety of their priority foris of the utmost parents. One leading caus of the children invoes of injuries to lve motor vehi crashes. cle The National LOTS OF AIM FOR PEAC SNACKS A2 Center EFUL BEDTIMES for

BY SAM SCOTT Analysis says Statistics nearly 250,and children are ADVOCATE STAFF 000 inju red in car acci every year Much dents. Man of a youn injuries can y of these revolves g child’s life be attribute arou improper new situatio nd adapting to There are certain d to rest raint syst parent can ns. Even things a used on ems routine is children. established when a process go do to make the to In order can chan safeguar ge and new, things all involved more smoothly for pass drivers mus d . skill t be aware engers, must be learned. to properly From movings * Get talking. Befo of how from bott le to secure youn the re buying children in g a pacifier, to cup, to giving up withbed, start talking abou no longer The type the car. your t it diap chil ers or train d. using the of vehicle depends on n Not ever Talk about how restraint young ing pants, y chil children mus several fact including t tackle a same feelings about d has the ors, lot of transitio or girl” bed a ns. weight and the child’s age, One such . Some are“big boy about excited vehicles haveheight. Although the swit transition is mak the pros ing ch pect safe from sleeping others feel ty features crib unique to a bit frigh while to vehicle, the each individual can be sleeping in a bed. A in a There are cert tene crib parent ain things d. can ride is safest place a child for a a safe, comforting plac a child. But e process can do to make the backseat ofin the center of the crib may over go more smo no longer be time, the all involved othly for should not the car. Children place the righ . for the chil seat becauseride in the front this can d to rest andt * Get talking. Befo an air bag designed is not number ofmanifest itself in a the bed, start talk re buying for the ing way with abou heig s. For inst weight of a ht and a chil ance, the your child. Talk abou t it serious injuchild and can cause over d may attempt to clim n Not ever t how the railing y child has In terms of ry if deployed. edge. Whe b same feelings abou the such behavio car seats, here n a general guid parents cons r persists, most or girl” bed. Some t a “big boy eline to use. is are excited Again, cons the toddler bed ider switching to a about prospect manual of ult the owners’ while with safety , or a twin-sized bed others feel a bit the vehi frightened.

There are cle and the car seat inst Not every railings. certain thin chil pare d ensure prop ruction booklet to nt gs has can feelings abou a the same er placeme process go do to make the t a “big nt of girl” bed.

Please see SNACK Some are boy or all involved more smoothly for S on Page A2 about . excited * Get the prospect talking. others feel a bit frigh while bed, start talkBefore buying the tened. your ing about it WEATHER Please seechil with BEDS d. on Talk Page A2 about 30% Chance of flurries.

INDEX how the n High -5.

Photo: Pick Up or Mail To:_________________________

Help your child transition from a crib to a bed

PLEASE RECYCLE

and get this ...

life

WOW! Look who 's here!

Your trusted local

__________ Day

the

Red Deer Adv ocate

Plus for just $5

Birthdate: ___________ Month

FORECAST ON A2

Four sections Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3,C4 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5,A6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-D4 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B4-B6

ALBERTA

FAVOURITE TOY S FOR FAVOURIT E KIDS

A mnmf kijf fkfsk fkjfkfn jdfkjf kgijfijekgjknkjg ifjkf kfkjsf kfkj nkfk kksfkfnfsjijo gjkgs jijkgn jgkjs ojoen glgjlg gllglmkkjl kfkjkfj kjfksjglj ikuoejjk ioeo sjtkjo. A3

SAMPLE

CANADA

MOST POP FOR 2012 ULAR NAMES

Address: _________________________ City:____________Postal Code: _______ Phone number:__________________________ Additional “Front Page Print?”

YES

NO

Dvxkh kjjfksjfn iuo kjkfg hbmnvx jhfkfhk ihihihg gkghkjkg khskgjk koj kjk kk kfksjksfi ojogsjog kjkkjk jhuu kfsjkjf kjkjf kfjfsojfojnkg kjgkj kjojo juiieoe kjo jhkgsn oojojn kjkjf mnxkg kjjg jljlg kjkjk ljl. A5

Two babies might be the lucky winners of a $300 gift card from Bower Place Shopping Centre. One for a Girl & One for a Boy.

Deadline Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Call 403-309-3300 for more information

If “YES” please add $5.25 to payment VISA / MC

______ ______ ______ ______

Expiry: ___________________________

A10 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

OR CHOOSE

up to

**

UP TO

$

750 EXTRA BONUS

FINANCING

months

ON SELECT MODELS

CAR -A-DAY GIVEAWAY 60 CARS. 60 DAYS. '

DAILY DRAWS! ENTER EARLY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!

Rondo EX Luxury shownU

Forte SX shownU

Best New SUV

Sorento EX shownU

HWY (M/T): 6.2L/100KM CITY (M/T): 9.4L/100KM

HWY (A/T): 7.1L/100KM CITY (A/T): 10.4L/100KM

THE ALL-NEW 2014

HWY (M/T): 5.3L/100KM CITY (M/T): 8.0L/100KM

WIN IT

WIN IT

WIN IT

OR

OR

OR

OWN IT FOR ONLY

19,482

\

$

INCLUDES

THE NEW 2014

4,000

$

ǂ

CASH SAVINGS

Offer includes delivery, destination, fees and $4,000 CASH SAVINGS‡. Offer based on 2014 Rondo LX MT with a purchase price of $23,482.

&

156 0

OWN IT $ FROM

%

AT

BI-WEEKLY

+

APR

OR

Bi-weekly for 60 months, amortized over 84 months with $0 DOWN PAYMENT. Offer includes delivery, destination and fees. Offer based on 2014 Sorento 2.4L LX AT FWD with a purchase price of $28,482.

OFFER ENDS JANUARY 2ND WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED *5-year/100,000 km worry-free comprehensive warranty.

Proud Partner of

OWN IT FOR ONLY

13,502

\

$

INCLUDES

4,000

$

ǂ

CASH SAVINGS

Offer includes delivery, destination, fees and $4,000 CASH SAVINGS‡. Offer based on 2014 Forte Sedan LX MT with a purchase price of $17,502.

45548L14

THE ALL-NEW 2014

($35,000 - $60,000)

Scott Kia 6863 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB (403) 314-5421

Offer(s) available on select new 2014 models through participating dealers to qualified customers who take delivery by January 2, 2014. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. All offers are subject to change without notice. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, other fees and certain levies (including tire levies) and $100 A/C charge (where applicable) and excludes licensing, registration, insurance, other taxes and variable dealer administration fees (up to $699). Other dealer charges may be required at the time of purchase. Other lease and financing options also available. **0% purchase financing is available on select new 2013/2014 Kia models O.A.C. Terms vary by model and trim, see dealer for complete details. ͞“Don’t Pay Until Spring” offer (150-day payment deferral) applies to purchase financing on select new 2014 models. No interest will accrue during the first 120 days of the finance contract. After this period, interest accrues and the purchaser will repay both the principal and interest monthly over the contract’s term. Cannot be combined with “up to $750 customer bonus”. §Up to $750 customer bonus is available on 2014 Cadenza ($750), 2013/2014 Rio4&5 door ($200), 2013/2014 Soul ($250), 2014 Forte ($250), 2013/2014 Optima/Optima Hybrid ($300), 2013/2014 Sportage ($300), 2014 Sorento ($375), 2014 Rondo ($300), 2014 Sedona ($400). Savings cannot be combined with Don’t Pay Until Spring offer, customer has the option of additional cash savings or payment deferral. Offer only available on finance terms, not cash or lease offers. &Bi-weekly finance payment O.A.C. for new 2014 Sorento 2.4L LX AT FWD (SR75BE) based on a selling price of $28,482 is $156 with an APR of 0% for 60 months, amortized over an 84-month period. Estimated remaining principal balance of $8,138 plus applicable taxes due at end of 60-month period. Retailer may sell for less. See dealer for full details. \Cash purchase price for the new 2014 Forte LX MT (FO541E)/2014 Rondo LX MT (RN551E) is $13,502/$19,482 and includes a cash savings of $4,000 (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes and cannot be combined with special lease and finance offers). Retailer may sell for less. ‡$4,000 cash savings on the cash purchase of an eligible new 2014 Forte LX MT (FO541E)/2014 Rondo LX MT (RN551E) from a participating dealer between December 3, 2013-January 2, 2014, is deducted from the selling price before taxes and cannot be combined with special lease and finance offers including the Don’t Pay Until Spring offer. Some conditions apply. 'NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Phase 1: the mail-in entry period for phase I begins on October 29, 2013, at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time and ends on November 27, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. The vehicle purchase entry period for phase I begins on November 1, 2013, at the start of regular business hours at participating Kia dealerships in Canada and ends at the close of regular business hours at participating dealerships on November 30, 2013. Phase 2: the mail-in entry period for phase 2 begins on November 26, 2013, at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time and ends on December 26, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. The vehicle purchase entry period for phase 2 begins on December 1, 2013, at the start of regular business hours at participating dealerships and ends at the close of regular business hours at participating dealerships on December 31, 2013. Open to age-of-majority residents of Canada. 60 Prizes (30 attributed to Phase 1 and 30 attributed to Phase 2), each consisting of a cheque that may range in value from $15,350 to $46,859. Odds of winning a Phase 1 Prize depend on the number of eligible Phase 1 Entries received before the applicable Phase 1 Draw Date. Odds of winning a Phase 2 Prize depend on the number of eligible Phase 2 Entries received before the applicable Phase 2 Draw Date. Skill-testing question required. For full contest rules and no-purchase entry details, visit www.kia.ca. 6Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2014 Sorento 3.3L EX AT AWD (SR75HE)/2014 Forte SX (FO748E)/2014 Rondo EX Luxury (RN756E) is $34,195/$26,195/$32,195. ÓHighway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2014 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl (A/T)/2014 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl (M/T)/2014 Rondo 2.0L GDI 4-cyl (M/T). These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canada’s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

TRAVEL

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

LUX LUXURI

LUXUR

CA

LUXU LU XURIOU OUS LO LOS CA CABO BOS

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS

BOS

B1

LOS

LUXURIOUS

CABOS TRAVEL

Please see LOS CABOS on Page B2

BALCONY 6 0 12 x 8 (92 SQ. FT.)

LIVING ROOM 6 6 15 x12

MASTER BEDROOM 6 6 12 x10

CARPET

CARPET

CLOSET

KITCHEN/ DINING 0 0 16 x10

CARPET

LINO

PANT. LINO

STACK W/D

0

LINO

LINEN

DEN 0 6 10 x 8 CARPET

ENS 0 5x 8

ALCOVE FRENCH DOOR

BRM. CLST.

CLOSET

UTIL. 6 0 5x 8

W.I.C. 6 0 6x 6

ENTRY LINO

BATH 0 6 7x 7

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS

SIERRAS MICHENER HILL LUXURY CONDOS: L A FIN ASE PH 0 % ! LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME? 5 LD SO T THROW HR THAT SNOW SHOVEL AWAY! ENJOY WONDERFUL AMENITIES! EN

LINO

CHERRY: 1008 SQ. FT. PLUS MANY MORE LAYOUTS!

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS

LUXURIOUS LOS CABOS S

ituated on the sunbaked tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, Los Cabos is a short two-hour plane ride from Los Angeles and a popular getaway for the Hollywood celebrity set.

Amongst Cabo’s regular visitors are such famous stars as Cindy Crawford, Carrie Underwood, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Lee Ann Rimes and the notorious Kardashian clan.

Despite the large number of A-list celebrities who make Cabo their favourite weekend getaway spot, star watching can be a tricky business.

Big celebrities don’t stay in budget friendly allinclusive resorts like average Canadians, so if you want to spot them at your resort you will need to visit one of Cabos’ luxury properties.

You can expect most luxury resorts to be very tight lipped about which celebrities have visited their property in the past and absolutely silent about DEBBIE who is actually staying on the property now.

OLSEN But staying at one of the luxury resorts or even visiting for a day or evening is more than just an opportunity to star watch; it’s a chance to experience the good life — celebrity style.

On a short visit to Los Cabos, I had the chance to visit several of the top luxury retreats and stay for a few nights at the Esperanza, a 57-room boutique resort property.

Realtors Welcome

40+ Community Open Concept 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Bedroom/Den Suites PLUS: FREE SHAW PERSONAL CABLE TV, INTERNET & PHONE SERVICE FOR 1 YEAR!

SHOW SUITE NOW OPEN! #7 Michener Blvd. - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 12 - 5PM

403-340-1690 michenerhillcondos.com

B2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Photos by DEBBIE OLSEN/Freelance

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The highlight of the one and only Palmilla Resort is the Market Restaurant. For his 50th birthday, John Travolta rented the entire restaurant and most of the hotel. The distinctive landmark of Cabo San Lucas is the rugged El Arco (The Arch), a rock formation that erupts from the sea at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Esperanza offers an evening tequila class, led by sommelier and tequila expert Christian. In addition to tasting different kinds of tequila, guests learn how to use it to make truffles.

ON PAGE B1 (FROM TOP TO BOTTOM): There is a lovely boardwalk and restaurant at the end of the beach at the Capella Pedregal Resort in Los Cabos. I couldn’t resist snapping this shot of the mirror display along the boardwalk. Carved into the bluffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Esperanza Resort has stunning views.

Like many properties in Los Cabos, the beach is not swimmable due to strong currents. The infinity pool makes up for it, though. The Esperanza Resort offers a variety of fitness classes free of charge to guests staying at the resort — including a sunrise yoga class with yoga instructor, Blanca. I didn’t encounter many lunch buffets at the luxury resorts I visited, except for this one at the Capella Pedregal Resort. The enchilada station looked great!

Perhaps the ultimate pet indulgence is the 10-minute pet massage, which costs about $40.

Cabo’s other luxury resorts have similar pet-friendly offerings.

Debbie Olsen is a Lacombe-based freelance writer. Follow Debbie’s travels at www.wanderwoman.ca. If you have an interesting travel story you would like to share, please email: DOGO@telusplanet. net or write to: Debbie Olsen, c/o Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, Alta., T4R 1M9.

BONUS GIFT OF UP TO $100 USD ON BOARD CREDIT PER STATEROOM.*

7/

10/

Celebrity dogs

CALIFORNIA COASTAL

$699

+$75 Taxes

7/

DAYS WAS $999

- NOW

$699

+$125 Taxes

Los Angeles roundtrip. April 5, 2014.

$999

+$95 Taxes

PANAMA CANAL GRAND ADVENTURE

19/

DAYS WAS $3299

- NOW

$2,299

+$350 Taxes

Fort Lauderdale - Vancouver. April 28, 2014.

AMATravel.ca/Cruise | 1·866·989·6594 Rates are in Canadian dollars based on double occupancy, government fees & taxes are additional. Subject to availability at time of booking and restrictions may apply. Select sailings offer AMA Members onboard spending credits per stateroom. Ask your AMA Cruise Specialist for full details. Ships of Bermuda registry. *Sale ends December 20, 2013. Most advertised prices can be booked online with no booking fee.

Booking fees apply to in-centre and phone bookings.

46070L14

Esperanza offers all the little extras that celebrities appreciate and the service began right at the airport with a transfer in a comfortable luxury vehicle along with a cold drink, snacks and a cold cucumber-scented washcloth.

While I enjoyed a backseat buffet on the 30-minute drive to the resort, the driver explained some of the sights we passed along the way.

When I arrived at the resort, I was greeted with an icy margarita and the bellboys immediately took my bags to my room while I received a tour showing me all the features of the resort.

By the time I made it to my thatched roof casita, my luggage was already waiting.

Moments later, a private bartender arrived with chips and salsa and made a fresh margarita in my room.

I spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming in the infinity pool and exploring the resort.

Later that evening, I checked out a tequila tasting class and then enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, the Cocina del Mar. Food at the resort is not included in the cost of a stay — unless you opt for the breakfast plan, and it’s a bit on the pricey side.

That said, all of the restaurants I experienced were exceptional and invariably had gluten-free menu items.

The servers always inquired about food allergies and preferences and I got the feeling that no request would have been too much for the kitchen staff to handle.

It’s very important for celebrities to stay fit — even while vacationing — and Esperanza has excellent fitness facilities and programs that are included in the cost of a resort stay. On the second morning of my stay, I arose at 7 a.m. to experience sunrise yoga on the beach.

I’d like to say that I was joined by Meryl Streep for the sunrise yoga class.

But the truth is that all of the other resort guests chose to sleep-in that morning. I was alone in the class.

The upside was that I got a private one-on-one session with a top yoga instructor.

I certainly felt like a celebrity during my stay at the Esperanza Resort, though I didn’t manage to actually spot anyone famous. Part of the problem may be the fact that I am not sure if I would recognize a celebrity if I saw one.

On the last night of my visit, I did spot something unusual, though. As I was walking back to my casita after a moonlight swim, I saw a man running across the grass with lightning speed.

It occurred to me then that he might be paparazzi trying to escape notice — either that or he just needed to use the bathroom really badly.

Esperanza: This boutique Auberge Resort is ultra-luxurious and has a top-notch security team. It was the accommodation of choice for President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton during the G20 summit and also handled the wedding of Gwyneth Paltrow to rocker Chris Martin in 2003. Rates start at $600 per night for a double room, but the alfresco dining area is open to non-resort guests if you want to visit without booking a room. (www. esperanzaresort.com) Las Ventanas al Paraiso: The name of this resort means “Windows of Paradise” and it has long been popular with celebrities. It is a favourite of both Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston, who celebrated her 41st birthday there along with best friend Courteney Cox. Attention to detail is what makes this resort a standout. In-room fireplaces, tequila tasting sets, butlers who pack and unpack for guests and sewing kits customized to the colour of the guest’s wardrobe make the rooms a haven for guests. Room rates start at $564 per night, but the dining facilities are open to non-resort guests. (www. rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanaslos-cabos) One and Only Palmilla: Situated on a swimmable beach, one of the highlights of this resort is its Market Restaurant from Michelin-starred JeanGeorges Vongerichten. Most resorts won’t reveal which celebrities are onsite, but when I dined at the restaurant the manager let it slip that chef Gordon Ramsay would be checking in later that evening. If anyone knows where to go for good food, it would be Ramsay. Rates start at $540 per night, but non-guests can visit the Market Restaurant anytime. (http://palmilla. oneandonlyresorts.com) Capella Pedregal: Frequented by A-listers like Christian Slater, Zoe Saldana and Joss Stone, you reach this beachfront 66-room boutique hotel through a stunning rock tunnel. The rooms feature open bathrooms with private plunge pools on the balconies.

A highlight of the resort is the awardwinning Auriga spa, which by many estimates is the best spa in Cabo’s luxury corridor. Room rates start at $675 per WESTERN CARIBBEAN night, but DAYS non-guests WAS $1199 - NOW can visit Houston roundtrip. February 22, 2014. the restaurants or the TAHITI & POLYNESIA onsite spa.

DAYS (www.capelWAS $2019 - NOW lahotels.

Papeete roundtrip. March 12, 2014. com/cabosanlucas)

Approximately 10 per cent of guests at Cabo’s luxury resorts choose to travel with their pets and resorts go out of their way to accommodate them.

At Las Ventanas al Paraiso, dog owners receive in advance a personalized pet profile where they can request special food or other items to make their pet comfortable.

Pets are greeted with special pet beds and toys.

On the beach, small dogs can enjoy private pet cabanas with customizable pet music.

* OUTSIDE

LOS CABOS: Felt like a celebrity

The Big Four — top spots to feel like a celebrity (or see one)

* BALCONY

STORY FROM PAGE B1

CALGARY’S BEST VALUE FOR AIRPORT PARKING EXPRESS SHUTTLE TO AND FROM NOW ACCEPTING NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS RESERVATIONS

EARN

MILES 75 44 /wk (+GST) /wk (+GST)

$ $ .95 .75 $ $ .95 NEW SUPER RATE= $ 95 /day or $

NEW SUPER RATE=

8

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON AIRPORT TRAIL

/day or

8 944

MILES

EARN .75

49

WEBSITE: WWW.PARKANDJETCALGARY.COM

PHONE: 403-226-0010

47597L14 38860C25-L31

EXPRESS SHUTTLE TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT THE AIRPORT ALWAYS OPEN 24/7/365 ALWAYS OPEN 24/7/365 AND SECURE LOTS SAFE SAFE AND SECURE LOTS

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 B3

A bird poop boom THE PERUVIAN ECONOMY IS MAKING THE MOST OF ITS BIRDS, AGAIN

I always thought bird poop was something you wiped off your car or clothing as fast as possible.

I never knew it was worth money, but for a few years in the late 19th century 80, per cent of Peru’s income was derived from seabird droppings or guano.

Peru has been described as the ‘birdiest’ county in the world.

With over 1,800 species, it rivals Colombia for most species, but Peru has more endemic species and more species counted in a single day.

Not only are the birds a visual delight, they are important to the economy.

The sea cliffs of the Ballestas Islands in Peru’s Paracas National Reserve provide ideal habitat for millions of cormorants, Peruvian Boobys and pelicans with safe nesting areas and easy proximity to the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current.

The guanay cormorant — a shoebox-size bird that takes its name from the guano it produces — was found in such numbers in the 1800s that the sky turned black when they flew from the cliffs.

Consuming almost half its body weight each day in anchovies, guanay are dung machines, building crater-shaped nests and staining the cliffs with their excrement.

British and French farmers wanted the guano for fertilizer and people thought the supply was inexhaustible.

But the birds could not generate enough of the No. 2 business to supply the No. 1 business!

After exporting $2 billion worth of guano by the early 1900s, the supply ran out.

Peru did not have enough even for its own needs.

The bird dung boom had ended.

With the unsustainable harvests, the guanay population had declined to 7.5 million birds.

With protection, they rebounded to over 22 million by 1953.

Unfortunately for the birds, a second boom was underway.

In 1955, Peru started industrial fishing of anchovies and by 1957 the bird population had dropped to 18 million.

Today there are about one million sea birds left around the Ballestas Islands.

But there is another boom emerging that may save the birds.

Almost three million tourists visit Peru each year and while Machu Picchu remains the biggest attraction, bird and wildlife watching is gaining popularity.

On a tour to the Ballestas Islands visitors are advised to wear hats and washable clothing as the guanay does not leave all the guano on the nest!

Our guide Johann was busy spot-cleaning our gear between interpreta-

The government has protected land four times the size of Switzerland and is encouraging tourists to visit more natural areas.

In Paracas, Johann says, “We have 300,000 visitors this year and we hope for more next year.�

Hopefully, lessons have been learned from the previous booms and busts so this boom keeps Peru the birdiest of countries.

Carol Patterson helps businesses and people reinvent themselves through adventure. When she isn’t travelling for work, Carol is travelling for fun. More of her adventures can be found at www.carolpatterson.ca.

TRAVEL WITH FRONTIER CALGARY CASINO CALGARY Tuesday, Dec. 17 $

35pp

Depart RD Arena 8:30 am RIDE THE CASINO ADVENTURE BUS PAY FOR 5 CASINO DAY TRIPS, 6TH TRIP IS FREE!

Photos by CAROL PATTERSON/freelance

Top: Guanay cormorants eat mainly anchovies and are the biggest producer of guano.

Right: The current seabird population is a fraction of historical levels.

Below right: Some call Ballestas Islands Peru’s little Galapagos.

Below left: Tourists enjoy viewing birds as well as marine life.

“ YOU CAN’T be TOO careful.�

Annual Travel Medical Insurance from AMA is the easiest way to get covered for a full year.

Just answer a small handful of straight-forward questions and you’ll be covered wherever you travel, however many times you travel, for the next 12 months. So, while you can never be too careful, we’ve made it easy to make sure you’re protected.

For a quote, visit ama.ab.ca/travelinsurance or an AMA Centre.

Tranquility TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

Tranquility travel insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company.

Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is dependent on stability and eligibility criteria. Travellers age 60 plus will be required to complete a medical questionnaire, and rates may vary. Annual multi-trip plans – unlimited number of trips in one year, up to 15, 30 or 60 days each.

48005K2-L14

TO THE ADVOCATE

tive talks.

I made sure to keep my mouth shut when I looked up.

Bird guano is still harvested, but in smaller amounts, and the National Reserve of Paracas has been designated a “wetlands of international importance� or RAMSAR site.

There is still work to be done with education and enforcement of conservation rules.

The day I visited, people were approaching shorebirds and flamingos too closely and flushing them into the air.

Too much of this and birds lose energy reserves and breeding success falls.

But Peru is going in the right direction.

SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE Edmonton, Dec. 22 Depart RD arena 10:00 am

$

149 pp

INCL: SUPPER, LIGHT TOUR, SHOW

ICE MAGIC SCULPTING COMPETITION LAKE LOUISE Jan. 17-19/14

Sculpting teams from around the world $

Depart RD arena 1:00 pm

339 pp

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE ‘HARD TO BUY FOR’

ROSEBUD THEATRE Thurs. Apr. 3/14

“THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK� $

99 pp

Depart RD arena 9:00 am

MAYFIELD THEATRE Wed. Apr. 30/14 “HAIRSPRAY�

Depart RD arena 8:00 am

$

99 pp

GIFT CERTIFICATE ALSO AVAILABLE 46072L14

403-347-4990

Toll Free 1-888-Let-S-Bus www.frontierbuslines.com

HOLD ON! PLAY, STAY, DINE & SAV E!

6$9( 83 72 86 21 $ 7+5,//,1* :$/7 ',61(< :25/' 5(6257 9$&$7,21 )RU D IDPLO\ RI RQ D QLJKW GD\ $$$ 9DFDWLRQVÂ&#x160; 0DJLF <RXU :D\ 3DFNDJH 3OXV 'LQLQJ DW VHOHFW 'LVQH\ 0RGHUDWH 'HOX[H DQG 'HOX[H 9LOOD 5HVRUWV )RU VWD\V PRVW QLJKWV ¨ %RRN WKURXJK

BOOK WITH THE SPECIALISTS AT AMA TRAVEL. Visit a centre near you, call toll-free or visit us online: 1-866-621-6081 AMATravel.ca/Disney

*Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package for 2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child in the same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of ďŹ rst use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites and 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art of Animation Resort or The Villas at Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Children ages 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 must order from childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase. ŠDisney CAA Ont TICO Reg #50014517. CAA South Central Ontario, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P9. ÂŽ CAA and CAA logo trademarks owned by, and use is granted by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

48023L14

BY CAROL PATTERSON SPECIAL

SPORTS

B4

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Rebels blank Ice

BY ADVOCATE STAFF Rebels 4 Ice 0 CRANBROOK — The Red Deer Rebels started fast and finished strong en route to a 4-0 win over the Kootenay Ice in a WHL game Friday viewed by 2,214 fans at Western Financial Place.

In between . . . well, that was a different story.

“We played hard and played with a

lot of effort in the first period and got rewarded with two goals,” said Rebels associate coach Jeff Truitt, in reference to first-period markers from Conner Bleackley and Brooks Maxwell.

“We struggled a bit in the second period and Patty (netminder Patrik Bartosak) shone for us. He made some outstanding saves and held the fort until we got going again in the third.”

The Rebels put the game away with third-period goals from Maxwell and

defenceman Brady Gaudet (empty-net, short-handed).

Bartosak, selected as first star of the game, made 35 saves for the shutout.

Mackenzie Skapski stopped 26 shots for the Ice, who were zero-for-three on the power play while the Rebels were zero-for-four.

Truitt was impressed with the Rebels unit of Maxwell, Bleackley and Evan Polei. Bleackley and Polei each picked up an assist, as did Maxwell,

the game’s second star.

“They were tremendous, a big reason why we got the win, as was Patty,” said Truitt. “Now we have to build off this win.”

The Rebels, who were minus topline winger Rhyse Dieno Friday due to an upper-body injury, host the Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight at the Centrium.

Please see REBELS on Page B5

Junior team camp opens REINHART BROTHERS HOPE TO BE TEAMMATES

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO, Ontario — Every other year, Griffin and Sam Reinhart skated on the same teams in minor hockey.

Now the brothers from West Vancouver hope to be teammates for Canada at the world junior championship.

Griffin, a 19-year-old defenceman for the Edmonton Oil Kings who was drafted fourth overall in 2012 by the New York Islanders, is a lock to make the squad even though he will be suspended for the first three preliminary round games due to a suspension incurred at last year’s world juniors in Ufa, Russia.

Sam, who is in contention to be picked first overall in the 2014 NHL draft, is battling for a spot on the 22man squad. Canada will be looking to end a four-year gold medal drought at the world juniors that begin Dec. 26 in Malmo, Sweden.

“It’s exciting — it goes back to minor hockey,” said 18-year-old Sam Reinhart, a centre for the Kootenay Ice. “It’s nice to get back with him.

“The last couple of years I’ve had to play against him and I don’t like that very much.”

They were on the ice together for some drills Friday as Canada opened a three-day camp on the internationalsize rink at the Mastercard Centre.

As expected, Jonathan Drouin was

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Team Canada head coach Brent Sutter explains a drill to players during the start of world Juniors selection camp in Toronto on Friday. not on the ice.

The high-scoring Halifax Mooseheads’ forward is recovering from a concussion suffered in a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game last week.

The 18-year-old is expected to recover in time for the tournament.

The third overall pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning at the NHL draft in June was examined by team doctors on Thursday night. Coach Brent Sutter expects Drouin to be ready to skate and described his condition as “status quo.” He said it would not hinder the team’s preparations for the tournament.

Griffin, Sam and 21-year-old Max Reinhart, a Calgary Flames prospect, are the sons of former NHL defenceman Paul Reinhart. All three started out as defencemen, but Sam and Max both ended up as centres.

Griffin, a towering rearguard at sixfoot-four 212 pounds, and the six-footone Sam are looking to become the

third brother duo to play for Canada at the world juniors, after Randy and Mike Moeller in 1982 and Freddie and Dougie Hamilton in 2012.

“It’s always more fun playing with Sam than against him, so if he’s able to make it as well it would be awesome for me,” said Griffin.

The brothers embody two issues on the squad — Griffin’s suspension and Sam being among three “underage” players in camp along with Erie Otters’ 16-year-old phenom Connor McDavid and Barrie Colts defenceman Aaron Ekblad, who is one of Sam Reinhart’s main competitors for the No. 1 draft position.

Griffin was slapped with a fourgame ban for a slash during Canada’s semifinal loss to the United States in Ufa. He served one game after that, and is suspended for the next four IIHF sanctioned events he enters.

He will miss the first three group stage games in Malmo against Germa-

ny, the Czech Republic and Slovakia but will return for a Dec. 31 showdown with the Americans.

“I’ve definitely seen the schedule,” he said. “I can’t play the first three, but coming back to play the States on the 31st — that’s a huge rivalry. Everyone in Canada gets hyped up for those games.”

That Canada included him among the 25 camp invitees showed they value Reinhart’s package of size, skill and leadership enough that missing three games doesn’t faze them.

They are games Canada should win, and Sutter will still have six solid rearguards in the lineups.

Reinhart will also be able to mesh with his teammates while playing in pre-tournament exhibition games next week against Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.

Please see CAMP on Page B5

GSP walks away from cage in search of a normal life

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Hang a 75-pound weight from his waist and Georges St-Pierre will happily do one chin-up after another.

The mixed martial arts star never takes a step back, always looking for an edge, be it working with elite gymnasts or sprinters.

But St-Pierre’s biggest strength is also his biggest weakness.

“I’m completely obsessed,” he said of the way he approaches each fight.

When a grain of doubt enters his mind, the beast in the gym becomes brittle.

And on Friday, a shopping list of distractions finally took their toll on one of Canada’s most famous athletes.

Citing the pressures of being champion and of being in a constant limelight, St-Pierre said his life has become “completely insane” and a “freaking zoo.”

Admitting he was no longer up for the rigours of fighting in a cage, the UFC’s pay-per-view king vacated his welterweight title and announced a hiatus from the sport.

St-Pierre (25-2) also cited personal issues, which he declined to detail. But clearly they have obscured his obsessive focus in a sport whose athletes spend months preparing for fights.

“Physically I’m 100 per cent, I’m still young, I’m on top of the world,” the 32-year-old from Montreal told a media conference call. “But mentally I just feel like I cannot go through another training camp right now and I don’t know when I will be able to.”

UFC president Dana White said No.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre gestures as he announces a pause in his fighting career, Friday, during a news conference in Quebec City.

1 contender Johny (Bigg Rigg) Hendricks will fight No. 3 (Ruthless) Robbie Lawler for the title on March 15 in Dallas.

“I think this is the right move for Georges St-Pierre,” said White. “You can hear by listening to him he’s got a lot of issues personally that he needs to deal with.”

St-Pierre had cast doubt about his future last month following UFC 167, a controversial split decision win over Hendricks, when he said he needed time away from the sport to sort out some personal issues.

That enraged White, who did not like the idea of one of his biggest assets walking away — especially in the

Greg Meachem, Sports Editor, 403-314-4363 E-mail gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

>>>>

aftermath of a controversial decision.

But White calmed down after talking to St-Pierre later that night. And on Friday, he continued to downplay the drama.

“At the end of the day, it’s really not that big of a deal. The guy’s got some things that he needs to deal with. He was classy enough to say ’I’m not going to jam up the 170-pound division while I deal with these things, I’m going to step aside and handle myself and then I’ll be back.”’

In the wake of the Hendricks fight, a TMZ report said the champion was dealing with a family illness and a personal issue. White later told The Canadian Press that St-Pierre had told him the report was not true.

St-Pierre loosened up during Friday’s call, joking with reporters that they were not going to get anything personal from him.

“I’m going to take a break. I need this,” he said Friday. “I need to have a normal life for a bit. I’ll feel better and come back stronger.”

Having a normal life was a theme repeated throughout the conference call.

Asked what he wants to get away from, St-Pierre said he loves his sport.

“As much as I choose to do it, now I choose to not do it.”

He said he expects to be back, although he sounded far from certain.

“I don’t know when, I don’t know if, I think I will (be back) I can’t say 100 per cent. But right now I just don’t want people thinking about me.”

Please see GSP on Page B5

SEE MORE ONLINE AT WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 B5

DeRozan drains 27 points in Raptors win

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Raptors 108 Philadelphia 100 TORONTO — DeMar DeRozan poured in 27 while Terrence Ross added 24 to lift the revamped Toronto Raptors to a 108-100 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

Amir Johnson had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto (8-13). Jonas Valanciunas finished with 12 points to go with 13 boards, and Kyle Lowry doled out a season-high 11 assists and added six points.

Tony Wroten topped the Sixers (7-17) with 23 points. Evan Turner had 21 points, while Thaddeus Young finished with 18.

The game marked the first action for newcomers Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson and John Salmons since they were acquired in Monday’s trade that sent Rudy Gay, plus Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy to Sacramento.

Vasquez scored 12 points, while Patterson had five points and five boards but played some nice interior defence.

Chuck Hayes, also acquired from Sacramento in the trade, didn’t dress as he was required to undergo baseline cardiac testing.

The Raptors almost coughed up an early 15-point lead several times during the game against their Atlantic Division rivals, but took an 83-76 lead into the fourth quarter in front of a crowd of 17,133 at Air Canada Centre.

Johnson and Vasquez drained consecutive threepointers to put Toronto up by 14 with just over seven minutes to play and the Raptors looked poised to cruise to a victory, But the Sixers battled back and a three by Turner with 2:10 to go pulled them within 100-96.

Ross drained a three on the Raptors’ next possession to give Toronto some breathing room, the basket pulling the swingman to within two points of his career high.

Lowry played amid rumours he wasn’t long for

Toronto, with the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets believed to be the frontrunners to acquire the Raptors’ starting point guard.

Lowry spoke candidly about the rumours after Friday morning’s shootaround.

“You see it every day, you see it whenever they update it and everyone talks about it,” Lowry told reporters.

“We joke about it a little bit, we make it more of a lighter type thing, don’t make it a heavy hearted thing, make it a joke. “’Hey, man, you still here?’ Make it a little bit lighter on the players in that situation.”

Lowry, who’s in the final year of a contract that will pay him about $6.2 million this year, admitted the speculation weighed on him.

“Nobody can say it doesn’t but at the same time, you have to know that this is a business, you have to know the situation that you’re in, the situation that you’re going to be in,” he said.

“You can’t let it affect you too much because you still have to go out there and do a job and try to win for the team that you’re playing for.”

Starting in place of the departed Gay, Ross scored 12 first-quarter points including a three that put the Raptors up by 11 less than three minutes into the game. Toronto closed out the quarter up 36-21.

The three new Raptors started the second and the chemistry clearly wasn’t there, as the Sixers opened the quarter with a 10-0 run. A pair of Wroten free throws pulled the visitors even with three-and-a-half minutes left in the half. The Raptors made just six field goals in the quarter, but held on to lead 56-48 at halftime. The Sixers chipped away at Toronto’s lead and pulled to within 76-74 with 1:35 to go.

But Lowry grabbed a rebound and found a sprinting DeRozan with a court-long pass for a layup. The play seemed to inject some life into a sagging home team.

On the Raptors’ final possession, Lowry grabbed his own rebound for a nice tip shot at the buzzer that gave Toronto an 83-76 lead heading into the fourth.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Toronto Raptors’ Terrence Ross slams the ball as Philadelphia 76ers’ Spencer Hawes looks on during first half NBA action in Toronto on Friday.

Infante chooses to Morneau headed to the Rockies MILLION TO STEP IN FOR play in Kansas City SIGNS 2-YEAR, $12.5HELTON

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals might have found their answer at second base.

The Royals and veteran Omar Infante reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract Friday night, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the contract.

The deal was first reported

by Fox Sports.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore has said throughout the off-season that upgrading at second base was a priority.

Kansas City used six players at the position last season, though none did enough to make the Royals feel comfortable moving forward.

Infante, who turns 32 on Dec. 26, would stabilize second base in Kansas City for the first time in years. He hit .318 with 10 homers and 51 RBIs in 118 games for Detroit last season.

Infante received substantial interest from the New York Yankees, who were seeking a replacement for Robinson Cano. But the Yankees were hesitant to give Infante more than three years, and the Royals decided to give the versatile infielder an extra year to help consummate the deal.

The Royals signed left-hander Jason Vargas to a $32 million, four-year deal in November to help replace Ervin Santana, who is likely to sign elsewhere in free agency. The deals for Vargas and Infante push the notoriously frugal Royals be-

yond $90 million in payroll for next season — a club record, assuming they don’t make any moves to trim salary.

Moore has said he expects payroll to be “about the same” as last season, which was roughly $82 million. But he’s also said the Royals can be flexible if the right opportunity arises.

Infante played all of his games at second base for Detroit last season, but the former All-Star also has logged significant time at shortstop and third base while playing a bit in the outfield.

He’ll play the majority of his time at second base in Kansas City, where Emilio Bonifacio, Jamey Carroll, Chris Getz, Johnny Giavotella, Elliot Johnson and Miguel Tejada each tried to fill in last season. They combined to hit .243 with just four home runs.

The fallback plan for the Royals was to go into next season with Bonifacio as their primary second baseman, but he’ll likely become a utilityman now.

The Royals are certainly familiar with Infante from having watched him play for their AL Central rival Detroit. Infante came up with the Tigers in 2002, and then was traded to the Cubs and Braves before landing back in Detroit two years ago, when he helped the Tigers win an American League pennant.

Infante is batting .279 with 74 homers and 421 RBIs over his 12-year career. He’s never played more than 149 games in a season, and missed more than a month last year with an ankle injury that occurred when the Blue Jays’ Colby Rasmus slid aggressively into his leg.

STORIES FROM PAGE B4

REBELS: To play in prospects game ● Rebels forward Bleackley and defenceman Haydn Fleury have been selected to play in the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Jan. 15 at Calgary.

The annual contest features 40 of the CHL’s top prospects eligible for the 2014 NHL entry draft.

The two Rebels are among 13 WHL players who will compete in the game. The others are goaltender Ty Edmonds of the Prince George Cougars; defencemen Aaron Irving of the Edmonton Oil Kings, Nelson Nogier of the Saskatoon Blades, Julius Honka and Brycen Martin of the Swift Current Broncos and Ben Thomas of the Calgary Hitmen; and forwards Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice, Chase De Leo of the Portland Winterhawks, Nikita Scherbak of the Blades, Jake Virtanen of the Hitmen and Leon Draisaitl of the Prince Albert Raiders.

Former Calgary Flames Lanny McDonald and Jim Peplinski will serve as head coaches of Team Orr and Team Cherry.

CAMP: Dumba key to Canada’s defence But he appreciates the confidence the

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS DENVER — Justin Morneau made this perfectly clear: He’s stepping in for Todd Helton, not replacing the longtime Colorado Rockies first baseman.

Because filling Helton’s cleats, he said, simply can’t be done. “(Helton) is irreplaceable, the impact he had in the clubhouse,” Morneau said Friday after finalizing a two-year, $12.5 million deal.

Morneau realizes the comparisons are inevitable as he inherits the position from Helton, who retired after a 17-year career in the Mile High City. He understands, but “we’re different people, we’re different players,” he quickly added.

They do have one glaring thing in common, though: Their fielding prowess at first base. Since 2003, Morneau’s fielding percentage (.996) is second to only Helton (.997).

“I don’t think anybody will ever fill those shoes in that organization,” Morneau said of Helton. “You see how rare it is for someone to play their entire career with one organization and put up the numbers he did throughout his career. His career is Hall of Fame worthy, for sure.

“I’m going to try and do the things I do well and not really try to replace anyone or be anyone else. Just help this team win ballgames.”

Over his 11-year career, Morneau is a .277 hitter and a four-time All-Star. He was the 2006 American League MVP while a member of the Minnesota Twins, batting .321 that season with 34 homers and

Hockey Canada management showed in him.

“It’ll be hard watching,” he said. “Everyone wants to play.

“I’ve sat out before in the WHL with injuries, so I’ll kind of take it like that. I know there was a chance they wouldn’t take me because of the three games. I’ll try to prove to them they made the right decision and try to be a leader on and off the ice when I return.”

They also had him paired with Matt Dumba, who was loaned to Canada for the tournament by the Minnesota Wild. Dumba is expected to be an anchor on Canada’s defence, and they could end up as the team’s top pairing.

Sam Reinhart found himself once again on a line with McDavid, with Kerby Rychel of the Guelph Storm on left wing.

Reinhart and McDavid, the runaway favourite to go first overall in the 2015 draft, have played together before, including at the world junior team’s summer camp in Montreal and Lake Placid, N.Y. The team has an exhibition game Saturday afternoon against local university players and a practice Sunday morning before leaving for Sweden.

GSP: Vague about comeback Press tours, cameras and trash-talking were some of the things he said he needed to avoid.

St-Pierre was somewhat vague about a comeback.

MLB FREE AGENCY 130 RBIs. Last season, he was traded from the Twins — the only organization he had ever known — to the Pittsburgh Pirates for their playoff run. That was an interesting experience.

“Just kind of not being settled was completely different. At the same time, it was exciting — to play in a new league and all the new opponents and all that stuff was fun,” Morneau said.

And this is another new start for him, with some familiar faces in the clubhouse.

He’s reuniting with outfielder Michael Cuddyer, his former teammate in Minnesota. Cuddyer actually played a big role in Morneau’s arrival at Coors Field, delivering a pretty effective sales pitch. The two talked and texted quite a bit before Morneau decided to sign, which meant Cuddyer could stay in right field and not have to move to first base.

Morneau is scheduled to make $5 million in 2014 and $6.75 million in 2015. There’s a $9 million mutual option for the ’16 season and a $750,000 buyout if the club declines.

He also has some incentive escalators for 2015 should he have 550 or more plate appearances in 2014 ($500,000), finish in the top three in MVP voting ($1.5 million) or become an All-Star ($375,000).

While Morneau has yet to discuss with manager Walt Weiss where he will hit in the batting order, this much he does know: The lineup is stacked with sluggers such as Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Cuddyer, the reigning NL batting champion.

“(Cuddyer) told me great things about the organization, from their desire to win and the desire to take care of players, take care of the guys,” Morneau said. “Someone I respect as much as him and plays the game the way he does, you want to (join) guys like that.”

Cuddyer wasn’t the only one Morneau consulted for a little information on the Rockies. He also went to his fellow Canadian and boyhood idol, Larry Walker, asking Walker’s opinion of the franchise the outfielder helped put on the baseball map. Walker touted the Rockies so much that they vaulted to the top of Morneau’s free-agent list.

Now, Morneau is hoping Walker gives him approval to wear No. 33.

“To go there and possibly wear his number is something special for me,” said Morneau, who grew up in New Westminster, B.C. As for the concussion issues that have plagued him at times in his career, Morneau believes that’s a thing of the past.

“There was a time there that I’d do certain things and wonder if I was going to bring on symptoms,” Morneau said. “But now it seems like I’m able to get through pretty much any activity without even having a second thought or any hesitation on what I’m doing. For the most part, it’s behind me.

“Being that it’s baseball and not hockey or football, the chances of something like that happening again are very rare.”

“I believe one day I will come back. The problem is I don’t know how long (I will be away).”

He said he has already conquered Everest three times before, when he lost to Matt Hughes (in 2004) and Matt (The Terror) Serra (in 2007) and when he came back (in 2012) from knee surgery.

“And if I have to do a fourth time, believe me, I feel like I’m, going to do it.”

White, who explained GSP’s UFC contract was considered frozen, said he believed St-Pierre will be back.

St-Pierre exits ranked second to lightheavyweight champion Jon (Bones) Jones in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.

White called St-Pierre “the greatest welterweight ever” and “the gold standard in everything.”

“And as far as working with us, there’s nobody better. If I had 475 guys like Georges St-Pierre, my life would be a lot easier.”

St-Pierre holds the record for career fight time in the UFC at five hours 28 minutes 12 seconds.

He also owns the UFC mark for most championship rounds fought (52). UFC 167 was St-Pierre’s 14th championship fight, one behind Randy Couture.

St-Pierre also leads the UFC records in total strikes landed, significant strikes landed, takedowns landed and takedown accuracy rate, according to FightMetric.

“I’m content,” he said of his legacy.

St-Pierre is not the first UFC champion to give up their title.

Tim Sylvia voluntarily gave up the heavyweight championship belt in 2003 when he tested positive for steroids, which was a pre-emptive strike to being stripped.

Red Deer Rebels vs

Lethbridge Hurricanes Saturday, December 14 7:00 pm

Red Deer Rebels vs

Medicine Hat Tigers Tuesday, December 17 7:00 pm

Enmax Centrium Tickets at ticketmaster

1.855.985.5000

47030L14

REPORTED TO BE FOUR-YEAR DEAL

B6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Sinclair named Canadian soccer player of the year

CANUCKS BLANK OILERS

WINS FOR THE 11TH TIME, 10TH STRAIGHT

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Christine Sinclair has witnessed many highs and lows over the last 10 years with the Canadian women’s soccer team, but through it all her reliably excellent play has been the team’s backbone.

That consistency was rewarded Friday when Sinclair was named Canadian women’s soccer player of the year for the 10th straight time, and 11th overall.

Her latest accolade came a day after the 30-yearold forward from Burnaby, B.C., marked her 200th appearance for Canada and scored her 147th career international goal in a 2-0 win over Scotland.

“Internationally I’ve been a part of this team for a while and been through many ups and downs, and three coaches, but it’s clear to see the program is progressing,” Sinclair said Friday on a conference call from Brazil, where Canada is participating in the Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino.

“I think both technically and tactically, the support from the federation, everything seems to be going in the right direction building towards 2015,” she added.

The national women’s program is in a good place heading into 2015, when Canada will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Canada won its first ever Pan Am Games gold medal in 2011, then made its mark on the nation’s sports landscape with a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

“Very few people get an opportunity to actually play in a World Cup at home, but I think we have a shot at doing very well,” Sinclair said. “Everything we’re doing is building toward that and trying to prove to everyone that what happened in London isn’t a one-off thing and that it’s sustainable. That Canada is a forced to be reckoned within the international scene.”

Sinclair called her international experience this year “interesting.”

She missed Canada’s first four international games due to a suspension stemming from an altercation with an official after Canada’s semifinal loss to the U.S. at the London Games.

She also said that Canada is currently in a building phase and developing younger players for the main squad, which has meant results have been muted following an explosive 2012.

But on the club level, Sinclair had a season to remember. She led the Portland Thorns to the NWSL championship with eight goals in 20 matches.

It marked her third straight club title, having won in 2010 with FC Gold Pride and 2011 with the Western New York Flash.

“I have many ties to the Portland area having gone to university there,” she said. “It’s a soccer-crazy city, and being able to reward those fans and that organization with a championship, it just meant so much to me to be able to give that to the city.”

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Vancouver Canucks’ Dale Weise celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers during third period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday. Roberto Luongo stopped all 19 of the Oilers’ shots on the way to a 4 - 0 Canucks win.

LOCAL SPORTS

BRIEFS

Cougars split Wetaskiwin games Josh Ballantyne dropped in 10 points to lead the visiting Notre Dame Cougars to a 61-29 JV boys basketball win over the Wetaskiwin Sabres Thursday.

Notre Dame fell 41-29 in the girls contest. Hazel Tuglog was the Cougars’ top scorer with 10 points, while Gemma Davis added six points and hauled down 18 rebounds.

Two Cougars get call to World Junior Football Championship team Notre Dame Cougars Joe McQuay and Chad Lakusta are among 75 Alberta and British Columbia players attending Sunday’s selection camp for the Canadian team that will compete in the 2014 World Junior Football Championship.

McQuay is the lone Central Alberta offensive lineman on the roster for the camp at the Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium fieldhouse, while Lakusta is joined by fellow defensive lineman Bryce Fisher of the Stettler Wildcats.

Also attending are Wildcats linebacker Ty Page and quarterback Aaron Abrahamson of the Wetaskiwin Sabres.

The camp is one of six regional camps held across the country and will result in 60 players at the U20 level being selected from across Canada to attend the main selection camp in Arlington, Tex. in early February.

The final roster of 40 that will be selected from that camp will then represent Canada at the World Junior Championship that will be contested in Kuwait in July.

Bulldog dominate over Chuckers Daniel Bobik scored 23 points for Bulldog Scrap Metal in a 117-76 victory over the Rusty Chuckers in Central Alberta Men’s Basketball Association action Thursday.

Ben Cripps netted 38 points in a losing cause, while Steven Terry added 16.

Peewee A championship tournament coming to Red Deer Red Deer will host the Hockey Alberta Investors Group peewee A championship tournament March 20-23.

Rimbey will host the provincial bantam C championship March 13-16 and the midget D provincials are scheduled for March 20-23 in Coronation.

Votto honoured by Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame WINS TIP O’NEILL AWARD

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS ST. MARYS, Ont. — Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto was named the winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award on Friday.

The honour is presented annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball’s highest ideals.

“Joey Votto is not only a superstar on the field, but he’s also an inspiration and a difference-maker away from the ballpark,” said Scott Crawford, the

Hall’s director of operations. “There was a very strong field of candidates this year, but Joey deserves this honour for his tremendous contributions both on and off the field.”

Votto, from Toronto, is the first player to win the award four years in a row and is one of only two players to have won it on more than three occasions.

The other is Larry Walker, a native of Maple Ridge, B.C., who won the award nine times.

Votto hit .305 this past season and was selected to his fourth straight allstar game.

He hit 24 home runs, drove in 73

Toronto FC upgrades underpowered offence SIGN BRAZILIAN GILBERTO

runs, and led the National League in walks (135) and on-base percentage (.435).

To determine a winner, the Hall considers each candidate’s on-the-field performance, contributions to their team, community and charitable endeavours and support in fan voting.

“It’s an honour to be recognized again by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame,” Votto said in a release. “It is very flattering to be mentioned in any discussion that includes Larry Walker, who represented our country with such dedication and professionalism during his major-league career. I have

to thank the Baseball Hall of Fame for its efforts in promoting our great game in Canada.”

Several players were considered for this year’s honour, including Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie of Langley, B.C., and sluggers Russell Martin of Toronto and Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C., who played for Pittsburgh last season.

Morneau signed with the Colorado Rockies on Friday.

Votto, who shared the award with John Axford in 2011, will be presented with the award in a pre-game ceremony in Cincinnati early next season.

rand rize Winners Congratulations to Melissa Dick, $800 winner, Kirsten Wilcox, $500 winner and Chad James, $200 winner.

Melissa

Melissa, Kirsten & Chad received the most votes as Central Alberta’s worst tattoos.

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Young, good-looking and said to be a pure goal-scorer, Brazil’s Gilberto ticks most of Tim Leiweke’s boxes for a designated player.

The 24-year-old forward speaks Portuguese, however, making selling Toronto FC and MLS a little tough.

No English, no problem, said Leiweke.

“We have someone else coming in to do that for us,” said the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

Leiweke, TFC manager Ryan Nelsen and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko weren’t saying more but their wide smiles Friday spoke volumes.

Toronto FC fans should probably get their order in for a red jersey with No. 18 on the back. Expect Spurs star and England striker Jermain Dafoe to swagger through the door sometime soon, complete with a truckload of MLSE cash.

Gilberto joins midfielder Matias Laba as a TFC designated player. The 31-year-old Dafoe, who used to play with Nelsen at Tottenham, would be a giant cherry on the cake.

Another MLS veteran could arrive next week and there could be more coming. The club has talked to former TFC player Dwayne De Rosario, although the former league MVP would have to accept a reduced salary and role.

Still, the team believes the 35-year-old Canadian captain could play a key role on and off the field, while closing out his career before adoring fans in his home town.

Kirsten

Chad Pictured above (L-R) Arty Hunt, Chris Musson, Kirsten Wilcox (2nd place) Robin Buell, Melissa Dick (1st place), Jeffery James Cebuliak and Richard Smalley (Red Deer Advocate) (missing from picture Chad James - 3rd place, Mark B.D. Stones and Levi Frith.)

Follow F llll w us on Facebook

and Instagram

Thanks to everyone that ir tattoo their submitted the pictures and to all thise kinngg th voters for maki contest a success

403-314-1616 #3, 4418-50 Ave. Red Deer, Ab, T4N 3Z6

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 B7

Yankees say they gave Cano respect, just not the money he wanted

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Canada’s Mellisa Hollingsworth competes in the women’s skeleton World Cup event on Friday in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Antoine wins first World Cup gold, Fairbairn top Canadian HOLLINGSWORTH EIGHTH IN OLYMPIC TUNE-UP

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SKELETON

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Matt Antoine emailed his U.S. skeleton coaches a couple weeks ago, telling them he would not concede anything to anyone in this Olympic season.

He went out Friday and proved just that.

And a superb start to the Olympic season for American sliders just keeps getting better.

Antoine got his first World Cup victory and made it look relatively easy, finishing two runs at Mount Van Hoevenberg in 1 minute, 47.58 seconds — 0.63 seconds ahead of Russia’s Alexander Tretiakov, a fairly wide winning margin. It was a double-gold day for the U.S. skeleton team, as Noelle Pikus-Pace finally got her first win on the Lake Placid track by beating Germany’s Anja Huber by 0.46 seconds.

“It’s hard work paying off, for both bobsled and skeleton,” Antoine said. “I don’t think anyone’s necessarily surprised, at least within our team, to see us doing this well.”

John Fairbairn was the top Canadian in sixth place, a career-best result for the Calgarian.

Americans have won 10 of the 14 gold medals awarded this season on the World Cup bobsled and skeleton circuits. It would be 11 golds if Pikus-Pace hadn’t been disqualified after finishing first in the season-opening race in Calgary, Alberta.

There was no disqualifying, or catching, her on Friday. Pikus-Pace had the fastest time in both heats of the women’s race, meaning she still hasn’t been beaten on the ice this season. And even with zero points from the opening race — she could have had 225 had her win held up, as she still insists it should have — the veteran is up to sixth in the World Cup overall standings.

“Anytime you can lay it down in your home country is a great feeling,” Pikus-Pace said.

Mellisa Hollingsworth of Eckville was the top Canadian in eighth place.

Red Sox re-sign Napoli, $32 million over two years BOSTON — Mike Napoli showed the Boston Red Sox he could have a strong season despite a hip condition that delayed his signing a year ago.

So they rushed to re-sign the first baseman who general manager Ben Cherington described Friday as “a unique player.”

The World Series champions finalized a $32 million, two-year agreement Thursday with the slugging former catcher who turned into a surprisingly good defender.

“It was clearly one of our priorities,” Cherington said in a conference call. “When we pursued Mike last year and ultimately signed him we did that because we felt like his skill set would

obviously help us on the field and we also heard a lot about his reputation as a teammate.”

After agreeing to a $39 million, three-year contract last December, the Red Sox heard about his avascular necrosis condition in both hips that can cause bone tissue to die because of poor blood supply. About six weeks later, in late January, a $5 million, oneyear deal was reached. With performance bonuses, Napoli ended up making $13 million.

His new contract has no provisions protecting the team against hip problems, Cherington said.

The 32-year-old Napoli was eager to return to the city he excited with his homers and bushy beard.

“After going through what I went through last year, it was definitely a relief to just go through this,” he said. “I’m happy to be back. I wanted to be in a place where I was comfortable and somewhere where we can win.”

Fears about his hips were un-

founded, at least for last season.

The eight-year veteran had career highs in at bats, run, hits, doubles, RBIs, walks and strikeouts and made just six errors in his first full season as a first baseman.

He also had a good time bonding with his beard-tugging teammates.

“As a player, it’s probably the best time I’ve ever had being around a group of guys,” Napoli said. “It was a lot of fun going to the park every day, seeing those guys, trying to see what was going to happen that day, see how we were going to mess around with each other.”

With fellow newcomers Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino and David Ross, Napoli was part of a tight-knit group that changed the clubhouse culture from the previous year.

“Having spent several months around him, it became very clear that he was not just an important part of the team on the field.”

NEW YORK — The Yankees had plenty of praise for Robinson Cano, just not the money he wanted.

“Bouquets. Bouquets. Bouquets. I’ll throw him bouquets all he wants,” general manager Brian Cashman said, “But I couldn’t throw him $235 million.”

Cashman and Yankees officials spoke Friday, a day after the All-Star second baseman finalized a $240 million,10-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

At his news conference in Seattle on Thursday, Cano was critical of the Yankees, saying: “I didn’t feel respect. I didn’t get respect from them, and I didn’t see any effort.”

New York’s final offer was $175 million over seven years.

“We made an offer we were comfortable with making. It fell far short of obviously where Seattle was,” Cashman said. “So, in terms of respect, they showed a lot more respect financially than we did.”

A season from free agency, Cano asked last spring for a $310 million, 10-year agreement. Cashman said before the deal with the Mariners, agents Brodie Van Wagenen and Jay Z called Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and the GM, then said Cano would accept a $235 million deal to remain with New York.

Cano’s contract matches the ‘BOUQUETS. fourth-largest in BOUQUETS. baseball history.

New York’s ofBOUQUETS. I’LL fer, while for less THROUGH HIM ALL guaranteed money, would have THE BOUQUETS equaled the thirdHE WANTS. BUT I highest average salary of $25 milCOULDN’T THROW lion.

HIM $235 MILLION.’ Yankees managing general — BRIAN CASHMAN partner Hal SteinYANKEES GENERAL MANAGER brenner wasn’t disappointed with Cano’s remarks but was “a little surprised.”

“There was nothing disrespectful about the last offer that was on the table,” Steinbrenner said. “Not quite sure why he feels that way.”

New York officials spoke after a news conference to introduce outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who agreed to a $153 million, seven-year deal. Steinbrenner said there was always “significant distance” in talks with Cano.

“I think he was very disappointed that he’s not a New York Yankee anymore. I think anybody would be disappointed when you leave the New York Yankees,” team President Randy Levine said. “We treated him with the utmost respect. We respect him to this day.”

After watching Alex Rodriguez sidelined in each of the last five years of his $275 million, 10-year deal — which has four seasons remaining and takes the third baseman to age 43— the Yankees didn’t want to make that long a commitment to the 31-year-old Cano.

Levine said Derek Jeter’s $189 million, 10-year contract in 2001 was different.

“For players over 30 years old, we don’t believe in 10-year contracts. They just have not worked out for us. They have not worked out, I believe, for the industry,” Levine said.

“When we signed Derek Jeter to a 10-year contract, I believe he was 26. In that context, it makes sense. If Mike Trout was here, I would recommend a 10-year contract. But for people over 30, I don’t believe it makes sense.”

Trout, a 22-year-old star on the Los Angeles Angels, was second in AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons. He is eligible for free agency after the 2017 season.

Campillo shoots a 59 at Nelson Mandela Championship Chris DiMarco and Billy Horschel at 68. Tournament host Norman and Jonas Blixt had a 72.

THAILAND GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — Sergio Garcia had a hole-in-one on the 236-yard eighth hole and finished with a 7-under 65 for a share of the second-round lead with Justin Rose in the Thailand Golf Championship.

Rose, the U.S. Open champion, had a 68 to match Garcia at 11-under 133 at Amata Spring.

Anirban Lahiri (64), Alexander Levy (65) and Alex Cejka (71) were two strokes back in the Asian Tour event. Rickie Fowler (66) was another shot behind at 8 under, and Henrik Stenson (67) was 7 under.

WEB.COM TOUR QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT LA QUINTA, Calif.

(AP) — Chris Epperson shot a 9-under 63 on PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament Course to take a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament.

403-343-3222 I

52348L11-27

DURBAN, South Africa — Spain’s Jorge Campillo and South Africa’s Colin Nel shot 59 on Friday in the second round of the rain-affected Nelson Mandela Championship, although they scores won’t count as a European Tour record because players were allowed to use preferred lies on the soaked layout.

Their 59s come with asterisks because of the preferred lies, and the Mount Edgecombe course was reduced by one stroke to a par of 70.

Campillo had two eagles and seven birdies for a share of the clubhouse lead at 11-under 129 with England’s Matthew Baldwin (62). Nel had an eagle and nine birdies to move into a share of 27th at 4 under.

Daniel Brooks had the lead at 12 under with seven holes to play.

The event was reduced to 54 holes after long weather delays the first three days.

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Defending champions Kenny Perry and Sean O’Hair shot an 8-under 64 in modified alternate-shot play for a share of the first-round lead in the Franklin Templeton Shootout.

The teams of Matt Kuchar-Harris English and Charles Howell IIIJustin Leonard also shot 64 on the Ritz Carlton Resort’s Tiburon course.

The 24 teams will play better ball Saturday and finish with a scramble Sunday.

After playing the front nine in 3 under, Perry • Powder Coating and O’Hair birdied Nos. 13-16. Kuchar and Eng• Media Blasting lish birdied Nos. 12-14 and eagled No. 17. How• Over 250 Colors ell and Leonard birdied the final three holes on • Ovens up to 37’ Long the front nine and added birdies at Nos. 10, 12, 13, 17 and 18.

4617-63 St. Red Deer Retief Goosen and Fredik Jacobson shot 67, www.metalstripcoating.com and Jason Dufner and Dustin Johnson matched

The 31-year-old Epperson, from Hilton Head Island, S.C., had a 16-under 128 total.

The players are competing for positions in the Web.com Tour’s priority ranking used to form tournament fields, with the medallist (or co-medallists ) guaranteed fully exempt status. Every player who is at PGA West is guaranteed a spot on the Web.com Tour next season. The six-round tournament will end Tuesday.

Steve Saunders and Nathan Tyler were tied for second. Saunders had a 65, and Tyler shot 66 — both on the Nicklaus course.

ALL GRAY TOOL BOXES % 30 OFF MSRP

Locally owned for over 30 years

7840A-50 Ave., Red Deer, AB. T4P 3S7

Phone: 403-342-2525 1-877-342-2529

Fax: 403-342-0233

www.aesreddeer.com

53100L14,24

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SCOREBOARD Local Sports Today

● Senior high basketball: Notre Dame girls/boys Cougar Classic tournament. ● JV basketball: Hunting Hills girls/boys tournament. ● Peewee AA hockey: Red Deer TBS at Red Deer Parkland, 10:30 a.m., Kinex. ● Minor midget AAA hockey: Calgary Canucks at Red Deer Aero Equipment, 11:30 a.m., Arena. ● Major bantam hockey: Spruce Grove at Red Deer Black, 2 p.m., Arena; Calgary Bisons at Red Deer White, 7:30 p.m., Arena. ● Major midget female hockey: Calgary Bruins at Red Deer, 4:30 p.m., Collicutt Centre. ● Midget AAA hockey: Lethbridge at Red Deer, 4:45 p.m., Arena. ● Bantam AA hockey: Okotoks at Red Deer Steel Kings, 4:45 p.m. ● WHL: Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m., Centrium. ● Midget AA hockey: Taber at Red Deer Elks, 7:30 p.m., Arena. ● Heritage junior B hockey: Okotoks at Ponoka, 8 p.m.; Banff at Three Hills, 8 p.m.; High River at Stettler, 8:15 p.m.

Sunday

● Bantam AA hockey: Okotoks at Red Deer Steel Kings, noon, Arena. ● Major midget female hockey: Sherwood Park at Red Deer, 12:45 p.m., Collicutt Centre. ● Peewee AA hockey: Okotoks at Red Deer TBS, 12:45 p.m, Kin City B. ● Chinook senior hockey: Okotoks at Bentley, 2 p.m. ● AJHL: Canmore at Olds, 2 p.m. ● Minor midget AAA hockey: Calgary Blue at Red Deer Northstar, 2:45 p.m., Arena. ● Men’s basketball: Grandview Allstars vs. Orangemen, Rusty Chuckers vs. Wells Furniture, Sheraton Red Deer vs. Alken Basin Drillers, 4:15 p.m.; Carstar vs.

Monstars, Triple A Batteries vs. Triple Threat, The Secret Runs vs. Vikings, 5:30 p.m.; all games at Lindsay Thurber.

Transactions BASEBALL American League CLEVELAND INDIANS — Agreed to terms with INF David Adams on a one-year contract and with RHP Travis Banwart, OF Matt Carson and RHP Tyler Cloyd on minor league contracts.

DETROIT TIGERS — Agreed to terms with RHP Joba Chamberlain on a one-year contract.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Agreed to terms with OF Jason Kubel on a minor league contract.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Agreed to terms with OF-1B Corey Hart on a one-year contract.

Designated OF Travis Witherspoon for assignment.

Acquired OF-1B Logan Morrison from Miami for RHP Carter Capps.

National League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Acquired OF Brandon Jacobs from the Chicago White Sox and RHP A.J. Schugel from the Los Angeles Angels as the players to be named in an earlier three-team trade. Acquired OF Todd Glaesmann from Tampa Bay to complete an earlier trade.

CHICAGO CUBS — Claimed RHP Liam Hendriks off waivers from Minnesota (AL).

MIAMI MARLINS — Named Ryan McCoy vicepresident, sales and service.

NEW YORK METS — Traded RHP Seth Rosin to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Designated OF Corey Brown for assignment. Signed 1B Brock Peterson, RHP Manny Delcarmen and C Brian Jeroloman to minor league contracts.

American Association AMARILLO SOX — Signed 1B Eli Sonoqui. Released RHP Joe Newby and INF Jorge Delgado KANSAS CITY T-BONES — Signed LHP Kristhiam Linares and INF Darrell Hudson.

SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS — Traded OF Austin Gallagher to Lancaster for a player to be named.

SIOUX FALLS CANARIES — Released RHP Matt Daly.

Can-Am League NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Released RHP Wes Roemer, RHP George Isabel and C Ryan Breen.

Frontier League EVANSVILLE OTTERS - Sold the contract of LHP Anthony Collazo to Arizona (NL). Exercised the 2014 contract options on C Brian Erie, C Joe Solameno, 1B James Mallard, OF J.R. Higley, OF Ricardo Lizcano, OF John Schultz, OF Chris Elder, RHP Trevor Walch, RHP Robert Ramer, LHP Matt Zielinski, RHP Orlando Santos, RHP Evan Mott, LHP Mike Hanley, LHP Ryan Gibson, LHP Blake Monar, and LHP Jose Velez. Declined the option on INF Taylor Black.

WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS — Signed INF Ryan Soares to a contract extension.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association CHICAGO BULLS — Agreed to terms with G D.J. Augustin.

FOOTBALL National Football League JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Released DE Jeremy Mincey.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Released WR Chad Hall and DT Jerrell Powe.

NEW YORK JETS — Placed WR Stephen Hill on injured reserve.

HOCKEY National Hockey League NHL — Fined Philadelphia F Brayden Schenn $2,230.77 for cross-checking Chicago F Kris Versteeg in a Dec. 11 game. Free agent F Jamal Mayers announced his retirement.

DETROIT RED WINGS — Recalled RW Patrick Eaves and C Luke Glendening from Grand Rapids (AHL). Assigned C Cory Emmerton to Grand Rapids.

American Hockey League HAMILTON BULLDOGS — Signed F Maxime Macenauer to a one-year contract and D Nathan McIver to a 25-game professional try out contract.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK — Acquired G Dov Grumet-Morris from San Antonio for future considerations.

ECHL READING ROYALS — Announced G Riley Gill was been loaned to the team from Hershey (AHL).

Announced G Brandon Anderson was recalled to Hershey. Signed G Josh Watson.

STOCKTON THUNDER — Traded F Brayden Irwin to Greenville for D Lee Baldwin.

Southern Professional Hockey League PEORIA RIVERMEN — Waived D Bryant Doerrsam.

LACROSSE National Lacrosse League BUFFALO BANDITS — Announced the retirement of F Mike Hominuck.

SOCCER Major League Soccer COLUMBUS CREW — Traded a 2014 fourthround draft pick to Chicago for rights to MF Daniel Paladini.

D.C. UNITED — Announced F Conor Doyle was picked as a permanent transfer from Derby County (English Championship).

NEW YORK RED BULLS — Acquired MF Bobby Convey and 2014 second-round pick from Toronto FC for a 2014 first-round draft pick and a 2016 third-round draft pick.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC — Acquired the rights to F Kenny Cooper and allocation money from FC Dallas for MF Adam Moffat.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY — Acquired MF Sal Zizzo from Portland for allocation money.

TORONTO FC — Signed F Gilberto as its second designated player.

COLLEGE DAYTON — Named Scott DeBolt senior associate director of athletics & director of UD Arena.

MARQUETTE — Announced resignation of vicepresident and director of athletics Larry Williams.

B8

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Hockey 18:42.

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Swift Current 35 19 12 1 3 122 103 Regina 33 18 13 1 1 110 115 Brandon 34 17 14 3 0 125 128 Prince Albert 33 17 14 2 0 115 115 Saskatoon 35 10 22 1 2 106 143 Moose Jaw 34 8 20 3 3 87 130

Pt 42 38 37 36 23 22

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Edmonton 32 22 9 0 1 122 81 Calgary 31 19 7 2 3 101 85 Medicine Hat 31 19 9 3 0 109 82 Kootenay 35 17 16 2 0 102 102 Red Deer 33 15 16 0 2 96 104 Lethbridge 35 5 26 2 2 88 161

Pt 45 43 41 36 32 14

WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF GA Kelowna 30 25 3 0 2 121 73 Victoria 35 21 13 0 1 97 86 Vancouver 34 15 12 5 2 112 120 Prince George 34 12 17 2 3 99 132 Kamloops 33 8 21 2 2 82 132

Pt 52 43 37 29 20

GP 32 32 32 33 34

Portland Everett Seattle Spokane Tri-City

U.S. DIVISION W L OTLSOL 22 6 2 2 21 7 4 0 19 9 1 3 19 12 0 2 17 14 1 2

GF GA 156 107 108 83 120 112 119 102 91 92

Pt 48 46 42 40 37

d-division leader; x-clinched playoff berth. Note: Division leaders ranked in top three positions per conference regardless of points; a team winning in overtime or shootout is credited with two points and a victory in the W column; the team losing in overtime or shootout receives one point which is registered in the OTL or SOL columns Friday’s results Kamloops 4 Prince Albert 2 Regina 5 Saskatoon 3 Kelowna 6 Brandon 5 (OT) Edmonton 7 Lethbridge 3 Red Deer 4 Kootenay 0 Medicine Hat at Calgary, 7:30 p.m.

Prince George at Tri-City, 7:05 p.m.

Everett at Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Portland at Seattle, 7:35 p.m.

Today’s games Kelowna at Regina, 7 p.m.

Kamloops at Saskatoon, 7:05 p.m.

Moose Jaw at Brandon, 7:30 p.m.

Swift Current at Kootenay, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Victoria at Medicine Hat, 7:30 p.m.

Seattle at Portland, 7 p.m.

Vancouver at Everett, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George at Spokane, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday’s games Victoria at Lethbridge, 2 p.m.

Saskatoon at Edmonton, 4 p.m.

Swift Current at Calgary, 4 p.m.

Spokane at Everett, 4:05 p.m.

Prince George at Vancouver, 5 p.m.

Kamloops at Moose Jaw, 6 p.m.

Regina at Medicine Hat, 6 p.m.

Kelowna at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17 Kamloops at Swift Current, 7 p.m.

Moose Jaw at Prince Albert, 7 p.m.

Kelowna at Saskatoon, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Regina at Calgary, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Kootenay, 7 p.m.

Medicine Hat at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Everett at Portland, 7 p.m.

Tri-City at Seattle, 7:05 p.m.

Shots on goal by 13 7 10 — 10 13 12 —

Red Deer Kootenay

30 35

Goal — Red Deer: Bartosak (W,13-12-2); Kootenay: Skapski (L,8-9-2).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Red Deer: 0-4; Kootenay: 0-3.

Referees — Jason Cramer, Fraser Lawrence.

Linesmen — Michael Boisvert, Jim Maniago.

Attendance — 2,124 at Cranbrook, B.C. Oil Kings 7, Hurricanes 3 First Period 1. Edmonton, Pollock 12, 1:18 2. Edmonton, Bauer 3 (Irving, Sautner) 4:24 (pp) 3. Lethbridge, Watson 10, 10:46 4. Edmonton, Moroz 20 (Petryk, Bauer) 14:44 (pp) 5. Edmonton, Samuelsson 12 (Moroz) 16:32 6. Lethbridge, Foulk 3 (Duke) 18:17 (pp) Penalties — Folk Leth (tripping) 2:42, Petryk Edm (checking from behind) 6:13, Derko Leth (checking to the head) 13:45, Moroz Edm (hooking) 16:54.

Second Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Ramsay Leth (delay of game) 11:51, Baddock Edm (tripping) 17:49, Maxwell Let (inter. on goaltender) 19:39.

Third Period 7. Edmonton, Samuelsson 13 (Mayo, Corbett) 0:59 (pp) 8. Edmonton, Corbett 10 (Petryk, Baddock) 8:32 (pp) 9. Lethbridge, Duke 5 (Sheen, Maxwell) 16:47 10. Edmonton, Samuelsson 14 (Kieser, Irving) 17:44 Penalties — Maxwell Leth (cross-checking) 8:24, Watson Leth, Mayo Edm (fighting) 10:59, Duke Leth (charging), Jensen Leth (unsportsmanlike cnd.), Baddock Edm (unsportsmanlike cnd.) 19:27.

Shots on goal by Lethbridge 10 8 11 — 29 Edmonton 20 12 11 — 43 Goal (shots-saves) — Lethbridge: Boes (L,2-21-4) (20-16); Sacher (0:00 second, 23-20). Edmonton: Jarry (W,21-7-1).

Blazers 4, Raiders 2 First Period 1. Kamloops, Sterzer 13 (Needham, Connolly) 6:29.

Penalties — Rehill Kam (fighting) 3:57, Braid P.A. (fighting) 3:57, Leverton P.A. (charging) 15:40.

Second Period 2. Prince Albert, Stewart 1 (unassisted) 2:22.

3. Kamloops, Ully 13 (Needham) 6:17.

4. Kamloops, Needham 8 (Ully) 6:38.

Penalties — Grist Kam (holding) 5:18, Leverton P.A. (Embellishment) 5:18, Harlacher Kam (crosschecking) 18:36, Souto Kam (slashing) 18:36.

Third Period 5. Prince Albert, Conroy 16 (Draisaitl, Lange) :25 (pp).

6. Kamloops, Harrison 4 (Needham, Sterzer) 19:19 (-EN).

Penalties — Sterzer Kam (boarding) 2:38.

Shots on goal by Kamloops 12 14 2 — 28 Prince Albert 11 12 18 — 41 Goal — Kamloops: Kozun (W, 3-13-2); Prince Albert: McBride (L, 4-5-0).

FRIDAY’S SUMMARIES Rebels 4, Ice 0 First Period 1. Red Deer, Bleackley 15 (Maxwell, Gaudet) 2:58 2. Red Deer, Maxwell 8 (Bleackley, Polei) 12:18 Penalty — Zborosky Ktn (tripping) 14:56.

Second Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Fafard RD (slashing) 2:41, Kootenay bench (too many men) 17:48.

Third Period 3. Red Deer, Maxwell 9, 13:59 4. Red Deer, Gaudet 4, 19:47 (sh-en) Penalties — Martin Ktn (high-sticking) 3:11, Vetterl Koo (hooking) 3:50, Sutter RD (interference) 7:37, Fafard RD, Fleury RD, Descheneau Ktn (roughing)

Pats 5, Blades 3 First Period 1. Saskatoon, Sherbak 19 (Craig) 2:48.

2. Regina, Hunt 9 (Leier, Williams) 7:26.

3. Regina, Christoffer 6 (Sinitsyn, Gay) 15:55 (pp).

Penalties — Valcourt Sas (tripping) 14:25, Stevenson Reg (roughing) 20:00.

Second Period 4. Saskatoon, Valcourt 14 (Reid, Sherbak) 5:16.

5. Regina, Gay 6 (Christoffer) 5:42.

6. Regina, Leier 23 (Stephenson, Hunt) 10:52 (pp).

Penalties — Stevenson Reg (tripping) 7:37, Gomerich Sas (hooking) 10:11, Nogier Sas (holding) 13:47, Hunt Reg (high-sticking) 14:54.

Third Period 7. Saskatoon, Sherbak 20 (Burns) :27.

8. Regina, Christoffer 7 (Stephenson, Stevenson) 19:13 (-EN).

Penalties — Mumby Reg (interference) 3:19, Clayton Sas (checking to the head) 6:09.

Shots on goal by Regina 14 7 12 — 33 Saskatoon 10 14 12 — 36 Goal — Regina: Macauley (W, 16-9-1); Saskatoon: Moodie (L, 7-13-1).

Rockets 6, Wheat Kings 5 (OT) First Period

1. Brandon, Hunter 2 (Waltz, Quenneville) 0:29 2. Kelowna, Chartier 6 (Merkley) 4:30 (pp) 3. Kelowna, Schmidli 4 (Baillie, Franko) 9:11 4. Brandon, Waltz 1 (Hunter, Meilleur) 17:38 Penalties — Yorke Kel (unsportsmanlike cnd.), Kitt Bdn (boarding), Pankewicz Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.) 3:07, Bowey Kel (interference) 12:36.

Second Period 5. Brandon, Quenneville 7 (Coulter, McGauley) 6:51 6. Kelowna, Franko 8 (Baillie, Bell) 13:38 (pp) Penalty — Lindgren Bdn (tripping) 12:39.

Third Period 7. Brandon, Coulter 3 (Lisoway, Pilon) 0:20 8. Brandon, Quenneville 8 (Hawryluk, Pilon) 17:40 (pp) 9. Kelowna, Olsen 14 (Franko, Chartier) 19:22 10. Kelowna, Bell 13 (Olsen, Bowey) 19:51 Penalties — Coulter Bdn (charging) 3:52, Goulbourne Kel (double roughing), Gabrielle Bdn (roughing) 7:24, Merkley Kel (high-sticking) 16:53.

Overtime 11. Kelowna, Bell 14 (Baillie, Lees) 2:52 Penalty — Franko Kel (misconduct) 2:52.

Shots on goal by Kelowna 10 9 12 2 — 33 Brandon 10 9 12 0 — 31 Goal — Kelowna: Whistle (W,7-2-0); Brandon: Papirny (OTL,10-8-3).

Boston Montreal Tampa Bay Detroit Toronto Ottawa Florida Buffalo

NHL Eastern Conference Atlantic Division GP W L OT GF GA 32 22 8 2 90 64 33 19 11 3 86 73 31 18 10 3 87 77 33 15 9 9 88 87 33 16 14 3 90 96 33 13 14 6 94 106 33 11 17 5 76 108 32 7 23 2 54 94

Pt 46 41 39 39 35 32 27 16

Pittsburgh Washington Carolina Columbus Philadelphia NY Rangers New Jersey NY Islanders

Metropolitan Division GP W L OT GF GA 33 22 10 1 101 73 32 17 12 3 100 93 33 13 13 7 76 93 32 14 15 3 82 88 32 14 15 3 72 86 33 15 17 1 72 88 33 12 15 6 75 85 33 9 19 5 83 117

Pt 45 37 33 31 31 31 30 23

Chicago St. Louis Colorado Minnesota Dallas Nashville Winnipeg

GP 34 30 30 34 30 32 33

Anaheim San Jose Los Angeles Vancouver Phoenix Calgary Edmonton

GP 34 32 32 34 31 31 34

Western Conference Central Division W L OT GF 23 6 5 129 21 6 3 106 21 9 0 87 18 11 5 79 14 11 5 84 15 14 3 74 14 14 5 86

GA 93 70 71 80 89 90 94

Pt 51 45 42 41 33 33 33

Pacific Division W L OT GF 22 7 5 108 20 6 6 106 21 7 4 88 19 10 5 92 18 8 5 103 12 15 4 81 11 20 3 91

GA 87 79 63 81 97 101 117

Pt 49 46 46 43 41 28 25

Note: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Friday’s results Pittsburgh 3 New Jersey 2 Florida 3 Washington 2 (SO) Vancouver 4 Edmonton 0 Today’s games Calgary at Buffalo, 12 p.m.

Los Angeles at Ottawa, 12 p.m.

Dallas at Winnipeg, 1 p.m.

Chicago at Toronto, 5 p.m.

St. Louis at Columbus, 5 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Tampa Bay at New Jersey, 5 p.m.

Montreal at NY Islanders, 5 p.m.

Carolina at Phoenix, 6 p.m.

San Jose at Nashville, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Boston at Vancouver, 8 p.m.

Sunday’s games Philadelphia at Washington, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit, 3 p.m.

Florida at Montreal, 4 p.m.

Calgary at NY Rangers, 5 p.m.

Los Angeles at Chicago, 5 p.m.

Edmonton at Anaheim, 6 p.m.

Monday’s games Winnipeg at Columbus, 5 p.m.

Toronto at Pittsburgh, 5 p.m.

St. Louis at Ottawa, 5:30 p.m.

Dallas at Colorado, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY’S SUMMARIES Canucks 4, Oilers 0 First Period No Scoring.

Penalty — H.Sedin Vcr (goaltender interference) 16:41.

Second Period 1. Vancouver, D.Sedin 11 (Garrison, Kesler) 8:41 (pp) Penalty — Larsen Edm (boarding) 7:39, H.Sedin Vcr (interference) 7:39, Arcobello Edm (slashing) 8:05.

Third Period 2. Vancouver, Kassian 6 (Booth, Garrison) 2:26 3. Vancouver, Higgins 9 (Kesler, Santorelli) 6:07 4. Vancouver, Weise 3 (Weber, Garrison) 19:25 (pp) Penalties — H.Sedin Vcr (high-sticking) 6:28, Perron Edm (roughing) 19:12.

Shots on goal by Edmonton 4 6 9 — 19 Vancouver 14 12 14 — 40 Goal — Edmonton: Dubnyk (L,9-14-2); Vancouver: Luongo (W,15-8-5).

Panthers 3, Capitals 2 (SO) First Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Upshall Fla (tripping) 4:30, Carlson Wash (high-sticking) 9:19.

Second Period 1. Florida, Olsen 3 (Kopecky, Huberdeau) 2:13.

2. Washington, Backstrom 8 (Grabovski) 16:34.

3. Florida, Barkov 5 (unassisted) 17:56.

4. Washington, Ward 10 (Johansson, Backstrom) 19:30 (pp).

Penalties — Gudbranson Fla (fighting) 16:16, Brouwer Wash (fighting) 16:16, Brouwer Wash (instigator) 16:16, Brouwer Wash (misconduct) 16:16, Gudbranson Fla (match--deliberate injury) 16:16.

Third Period No Scoring.

Penalties — None.

Overtime No Scoring.

Penalties — None.

Washington : Fehr goal, Ovechkin miss, Backstrom goal, Grabovski goal, Brouwer miss, Erat miss, Johansson miss, Orlov miss, Ward miss, Chimera miss.

Florida : Barkov miss, Huberdeau goal, Boyes goal, Bjugstad goal, Kulikov miss, Fleischmann miss, Upshall miss, Hayes miss, Goc miss, Kopecky goal.

Shots on goal by Washington 7 8 6 4 — 25 Florida 16 13 9 3 — 41 Goal — Washington: Grubauer (LO, 2-0-1); Florida: Clemmensen (W, 1-2-1).

Penguins 3, Devils 2 First Period 1. Pittsburgh, Dupuis 5 (Kunitz, Crosby) :41.

2. Pittsburgh, Conner 2 (Sutter, Vitale) 7:55.

3. Pittsburgh, Megna 4 (Despres, Engelland) 14:40.

Penalties — None.

Second Period 4. New Jersey, Elias 7 (Volchenkov, Bernier) 3:24.

5. New Jersey, Zubrus 5 (Jagr, Zajac) 4:20.

Penalties — Maatta Pgh (high-sticking) 0:32, Kunitz Pgh (cross-checking) 8:02.

Third Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Henrique NJ (broken stick) 17:35.

Shots on goal by New Jersey 7 19 13 — 39 Pittsburgh 12 5 6 — 23 Goal — New Jersey: Schneider (L, 4-7-4); Pittsburgh: Fleury (W, 18-8-1).

Football NFL AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct New England 10 3 0 .769 Miami 7 6 0 .538 N.Y. Jets 6 7 0 .462 Buffalo 4 9 0 .308 South W L T Pct y-Indianapolis 8 5 0 .615 Tennessee 5 8 0 .385 Jacksonville 4 9 0 .308 Houston 2 11 0 .154 North W L T Pct Cincinnati 9 4 0 .692 Baltimore 7 6 0 .538 Pittsburgh 5 8 0 .385 Cleveland 4 9 0 .308 West W L T Pct x-Denver 11 3 0 .786 Kansas City 10 3 0 .769 San Diego 7 7 0 .500 Oakland 4 9 0 .308

PF 349 286 226 273

PA 287 276 337 334

PF 313 292 201 250

PA 316 318 372 350

PF 334 278 291 257

PA 244 261 312 324

PF 535 343 343 264

PA 372 224 311 337

Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington

W 8 7 5 3

New Orleans Carolina Tampa Bay Atlanta

W 10 9 4 3

Detroit Chicago Green Bay Minnesota

W 7 7 6 3

W x-Seattle 11 San Francisco 9 Arizona 8 St. Louis 5 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

L T 5 0 6 0 8 0 10 0 South L T 3 0 4 0 9 0 10 0 North L T 6 0 6 0 6 1 9 1 West L T 2 0 4 0 5 0 8 0

Pct .615 .538 .385 .231

PF 334 357 251 279

PA 301 348 334 407

Pct .769 .692 .308 .231

PF 343 298 244 282

PA 243 188 291 362

Pct .538 .538 .500 .269

PF 346 368 316 315

PA 321 360 326 395

Pct .846 .692 .615 .385

PF 357 316 305 289

PA 205 214 257 308

Thursday’s Game San Diego 27, Denver 20 Sunday’s Games

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

Philadelphia at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Washington at Atlanta, 11 a.m.

San Francisco at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m.

Seattle at N.Y. Giants, 11 a.m.

Chicago at Cleveland, 11 a.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 11 a.m.

Buffalo at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

New England at Miami, 11 a.m.

Kansas City at Oakland, 2:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at Carolina, 2:05 p.m.

Arizona at Tennessee, 2:25 p.m.

New Orleans at St. Louis, 2:25 p.m.

Green Bay at Dallas, 2:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 6:30 p.m.

Monday’s Game Baltimore at Detroit, 6:40 p.m.

Oakland at San Diego, 2:25 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Green Bay, 2:25 p.m.

New England at Baltimore, 2:25 p.m.

Chicago at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 23 Atlanta at San Francisco, 6:40 p.m.

NFL Odds (Odds supplied by Western Canada Lottery; favourites in capital letters) Spread O/U Sunday NEW ENGLAND at Miami 2.5 45.5 BUFFALO at Jacksonville 0.5 42.5 Houston at INDIANAPOLIS 6.5 45.5 PHILADELPHIA at Minnesota 4.5 51.5 SEATTLE at NY Giants 7.5 40.5 SAN FRANCISCO at Tampa Bay 5.5 41.5 Chicago at Cleveland OFF OFF Washington at ATLANTA 5.5 51.5 NY Jets at CAROLINA 11.5 40.5 KANSAS CITY at Oakland 5.5 40.5 ARIZONA at Tennessee 2.5 41.5 NEW ORLEANS at St. Louis 5.5 46.5 CINCINNATI at Pittsburgh 2.5 40.5 Green Bay at Dallas OFF OFF Monday Baltimore at DETROIT 5.5 48.5

Sunday, Dec. 22 Tampa Bay at St. Louis, 11 a.m.

Indianapolis at Kansas City, 11 a.m.

Denver at Houston, 11 a.m.

Miami at Buffalo, 11 a.m.

New Orleans at Carolina, 11 a.m.

Dallas at Washington, 11 a.m.

Cleveland at N.Y. Jets, 11 a.m.

Minnesota at Cincinnati, 11 a.m.

Tennessee at Jacksonville, 11 a.m.

Arizona at Seattle, 2:05 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Detroit, 2:05 p.m.

Basketball NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Toronto Brooklyn Philadelphia New York

Miami Atlanta Charlotte Washington Orlando

Atlantic Division W L Pct 11 14 .440 8 13 .381 8 15 .348 7 17 .292 6 16 .273 Southeast Division W L Pct 16 6 .727 12 11 .522 10 13 .435 9 12 .429 7 16 .304 Central Division W L Pct

GB — 1 2 3.5 3.5 GB — 4.5 6.5 6.5 9.5 GB

Indiana Detroit Chicago Cleveland Milwaukee

20 11 9 9 5

3 13 12 13 18

.870 .458 .429 .409 .217

— 9.5 10 10.5 15

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Antonio Houston Dallas New Orleans Memphis

Southwest Division W L Pct 18 4 .818 15 8 .652 13 10 .565 11 10 .524 10 12 .455

GB — 3.5 5.5 6.5 8

Portland Oklahoma City Denver

Northwest Division W L Pct 19 4 .826 18 4 .818 13 9 .591

GB — 1/2 5.5

Minnesota Utah

L.A. Clippers Phoenix Golden State L.A. Lakers Sacramento

11 6

12 19

.478 .240

8 14

Pacific Division W L Pct 15 9 .625 13 9 .591 13 10 .565 10 12 .455 6 15 .286

GB — 1 1.5 4 7.5

Friday’s Games Cleveland 109, Orlando 100 Indiana 99, Charlotte 94 Toronto 108, Philadelphia 100 Boston 90, New York 86 Atlanta 101, Washington 99, OT Detroit 103, Brooklyn 99 Oklahoma City 122, L.A. Lakers 97 New Orleans 104, Memphis 98 Chicago 91, Milwaukee 90

San Antonio 117, Minnesota 110 Phoenix 116, Sacramento 107 Utah 103, Denver 93 Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Today’s Games L.A. Clippers at Washington, 5 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Charlotte, 5 p.m.

Cleveland at Miami, 5:30 p.m.

Atlanta at New York, 5:30 p.m.

Toronto at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Portland at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

Milwaukee at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Utah, 7 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Houston at Sacramento, 4 p.m.

Minnesota at Memphis, 4 p.m.

Portland at Detroit, 4 p.m.

Orlando at Oklahoma City, 5 p.m.

Golden State at Phoenix, 6 p.m.

New Orleans at Denver, 6 p.m.

Baseball FREE AGENCY NEW YORK — The 51 free agents who have signed, with name, position, former club if different, and contract. The contract information was obtained

by The Associated Press from player and management sources. For players with minor league contracts, letter agreements for major league contracts are in parentheses: AMERICAN LEAGUE BOSTON (3) — Signed A.J. Pierzynski, c, to an $8.25 million, one-year contract; signed Edward Mujica, rhp, St. Louis, to a $9.5 million, two-year contract; re-signed Mike Napoli, 1b, to a $32 million, two-year contract.

CHICAGO (1) — Re-signed Paul Konerko, 1b, to a $2.5 million, one-year contract.

CLEVELAND (2) — Re-signed Jason Giambi, 1b, to a minor league contract; signed David Murphy, of, Texas, to a $12 million, two-year contract.

DETROIT (3) — Signed Joe Nathan, rhp, Texas, to a $10 million, two-year contract; signed Rajai Davis, of, Toronto, to a $10 million, two-year contract; signed Joba Chamberlain, rhp, New York Yankees, to a $2.5 million, one-year contract.

HOUSTON (2) — Signed Scott Feldman, rhp, Baltimore, to a $10 million, three-year contract; signed Chad Qualls, rhp, Miami, to a $6 million, twoyear contract.

KANSAS CITY (1) — Signed Jason Vargas, lhp, Los Angeles Angels, to a $32 million, four-year contract.

LOS ANGELES (1) — Signed Joe Smith, rhp, Cleveland, to a $15.75 million, three-year contract.

MINNESOTA (3) — Signed Ricky Nolasco, rhp, Los Angeles Dodgers, to a $49 million, four-year contract; signed Phil Hughes, rhp, New York Yankees, to a $24 million, three-year contract; signed Jason Kubel, of, Cleveland, to a minor league contract.

NEW YORK (5) — Re-signed Brendan Ryan, ss, to a $5 million, two-year contract; signed Brian McCann, c, Atlanta, to an $85 million, five-year contract; signed Kelly Johnson, inf-of, Tampa Bay, to a $3 million, one-year contract; re-signed Hiroki Kuroka, rhp, to a $16 million, one-year contract;

signed Jacoby Ellsbury, of, Boston, to a $153 million, seven-year contract.

OAKLAND (2) — Signed Nick Punto, inf, Los Angeles Dodgers, to a $3 million, one-year contract; signed Scott Kazmir, lhp, Cleveland, to a $22 million, two-year contract.

SEATTLE (3) — Signed Willie Bloomquist, 2b, Arizona, to a $5.8 million, one-year contract; signed Robinson Cano, 2b, New York Yankees, to a $240 million, 10-year contract; signed Corey Hart, of-1b, Milwaukee, to a $6 million, one-year contract.

TAMPA BAY (2) — Re-signed Jose Molina, c, to a $4.5 million, two-year contract; re-signed Juan Oviedo, rhp, to a $1.5 million, one-year contract.

TEXAS (3) — Re-signed Geovany Soto, c, to a $3.05 million, one-year contract; re-signed Jason Frasor, rhp, to a $1.75 million, one-year contract; resigned Colby Lewis, rhp, to a minor league contract.

TORONTO (1) — Signed Dioner Navarro, c, Chicago Cubs, to an $8 million, two-year contract.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CINCINNATI (2) — Signed Brayan Pena, c, Detroit, to a $2,275,000, one-year contract; signed Skip Schumaker, 2b, Los Angeles Dodgers, to a $5 million, two-year contract.

COLORADO (2) — Signed LaTroy Hawkins, rhp, New York Mets, to a $2.5 million, one-year contract; signed Justin Morneau, 1b, Pittsburgh, to a $12.5 million, two-year contract.

LOS ANGELES (2) — Signed Dan Haren, rhp, Washington, to a $10 million, one-year contract; resigned Brian Wilson, rhp, to a $10 million, one-year contract.

MIAMI (2) — Signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia, c, Miami, to a $21 million, three-year contract; signed Rafael Furcal, ss, St. Louis, to a $3 million, one-year contract.

NEW YORK (2) — Signed Chris Young, of, Oakland, to a $7.25 million, one-year contract; signed Curtis Granderson, of, New York Yankees, to a $60 million, four-year contract.

PHILADELPHIA (3) — Signed Marlon Byrd, of, Pittsburgh, to a $16 million, two-year contract; re-signed Carlos Ruiz, c, to a $26 million, three-

year contract; signed Wil Nieves, c, Arizona, to a $1,125,000 one-year contract.

ST. LOUIS (1) — Signed Jhonny Peralta, ss, Detroit, to a $53 million, four-year contract.

SAN DIEGO (1) — Signed Josh Johnson, rhp, Toronto, to an $8 million, one-year contract.

SAN FRANCISCO (3) — Signed Tim Hudson, rhp, Atlanta, to a $23 million, two-year contract; resigned Javier Lopez, lhp, to a $13 million, three-year contract; re-signed Ryan Vogelsong, rhp, to a $5 million, one-year contract.

WASHINGTON (1) — Signed Nate McLouth, of, Baltimore, to a $10.75 million, two-year contract.

REMAINING FREE AGENTS NEW YORK — The 117 remaining free agents: AMERICAN LEAGUE BALTIMORE (7) — Alexi Casilla, 2b; Jason Hammel, rhp; Michael Morse, of; Brian Roberts, 2b; Francisco Rodriguez, rhp; Chris Snyder, c; Tsuyoshi Wada, lhp.

BOSTON (4) — Stephen Drew, ss; Joel Hanrahan, rhp; John McDonald, ss; Matt Thornton, lhp.

CHICAGO (1) — Gavin Floyd, rhp.

CLEVELAND (5) — Matt Albers, rhp; Rich Hill, lhp; Ubaldo Jimenez, rhp; Kelly Shoppach, c.

DETROIT (6) — Joaquin Benoit, rhp; Jeremy Bonderman, rhp; Octavio Dotel, rhp; Omar Infante, 2b; Ramon Santiago, 2b; Jose Veras, rhp.

HOUSTON (1) — Erik Bedard, lhp.

KANSAS CITY (4) — Bruce Chen, lhp; Carlos Pena, 1b; Ervin Santana, rhp; Miguel Tejada, 2b.

MINNESOTA (1) — Mike Pelfrey, rhp.

NEW YORK (7) — Travis Hafner, dh; Boone Logan, lhp; Lyle Overbay, 1b; Andy Pettitte, lhp; Mark Reynolds, 1b-3b; Mariano Rivera, rhp; Kevin Youkilis, 3b.

OAKLAND (3) — Grant Balfour, rhp; Bartolo Colon, rhp; Kurt Suzuki, c.

SEATTLE (7) — Endy Chavez, of; Franklin Gutierrez, of; Raul Ibanez, of; Kendrys Morales, dh; Oliver Perez, lhp; Humberto Quintero, c; Joe Saunders, lhp.

TAMPA BAY (7) — Jesse Crain, rhp; Roberto Hernandez, lhp; James Loney, 1b; Fernando

Rodney, rhp; Luke Scott, dh; Jamey Wright, rhp; Delmon Young, of.

TEXAS (4) — Lance Berkman, dh; Nelson Cruz, of; Matt Garza, rhp.

TORONTO (3) — Munenori Kawasaki, ss-2b; Darren Oliver, lhp; Ramon Ortiz, rhp.

NATIONAL LEAGUE ARIZONA (2) — Eric Chavez, 3b; Will Nieves, c.

ATLANTA (7) — Luis Ayala; rhp; Scott Downs, lhp; Freddy Garcia, rhp; Reed Johnson, of; Kameron Loe, rhp; Paul Maholm, lhp; Eric O’Flaherty, lhp.

CHICAGO (3) — Scott Baker, rhp; Kevin Gregg, rhp; Matt Guerrier, rhp.

CINCINNATI (6) — Bronson Arroyo, rhp; ShinSoo Choo, of; Zach Duke, lhp; Cesar Izturis, ss; Nick Masset, rhp; Manny Parra, lhp.

COLORADO (5) — Rafael Betancourt, rhp; Jeff Francis, lhp; Todd Helton, 1b; Roy Oswalt, rhp; Yorvit Torrealba, c.

LOS ANGELES (8) — Chris Capuano, lhp; Mark Ellis, 2b; Jerry Hairston Jr., 3b; J.P. Howell, lhp; Carlos Marmol, rhp; Juan Uribe, 3b; Edinson Volquez, rhp; Michael Young, 3b.

MIAMI (4) — Matt Diaz, of; Austin Kearns, of; Juan Pierre, of; Placido Polanco, 3b.

MILWAUKEE (2) — Yuniesky Betancourt, 1b; Mike Gonzalez, lhp.

NEW YORK (7) — David Aardsma, rhp; Tim Byrdak, lhp; Pedro Feliciano, lhp; Frank Francisco, rhp; Aaron Harang, rhp; Daisuke Matsuzaka, rhp; Johan Santana, lhp.

PHILADELPHIA (1) — Roy Halladay, rhp.

PITTSBURGH (5) — Clint Barmes, ss; John Buck, c; A.J. Burnett, rhp; Kyle Farnsworth, rhp; Jeff Karstens, rhp.

ST. LOUIS (3) — Carlos Beltran, of; Chris Carpenter, rhp; Jake Westbrook, rhp.

SAN DIEGO (3) — Ronny Cedeno, ss; Mark Kotsay, of; Jason Marquis, rhp.

SAN FRANCISCO (3) — Chad Gaudin, rhp; Andres Torres, of; Barry Zito, lhp.

WASHINGTON (1) — Chad Tracy, 3b-1b.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 B9 Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg.

The hit happened in Wednesday night’s game in Chicago, about midway through the second period of Philadelphia’s 7-2 loss. No penalty was called.

The NHL announced the fine on Friday.

BRIEFS

Mayers retires after 14 seasons

Thornton suspension details expected Saturday

TORONTO — Veteran forward Jamal Mayers announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on Friday, ending a career that spanned 14 seasons.

The 39-year-old Toronto native played for five different NHL teams and had 90 goals, 119 assists and 1,200 penalty minutes in 915 career regular-season games.

“It really has been an amazing experience to have had the chance to play 14 seasons in the NHL and finish it all off last season as a part of the Chicago Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup,” Mayers said in a release issued by the NHL Players’ Association.

Mayers broke into the NHL in the 1996-97 season with St. Louis and played parts of 10 seasons with the Blues. He also played for Toronto, Calgary and San Jose before capping his career with two seasons in Chicago.

The six-foot-one, 222-pound right-winger had 13 points (5-8) and 32 penalty minutes in 63 career playoff games. He played at the IIHF world hockey championship on three occasions and helped Canada win gold in 2007 and silver in 2008.

NEW YORK — Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick last Sunday.

Miller popped Fitzpatrick in the helmet with his facemask, resulting in a penalty that led to a touchdown for the Titans in Tennessee’s 51-28 loss. The league announced the fine Friday.

Chicago wide receiver Brandon Marshall was docked $15,000 for wearing non-approved orange cleats during the Bears’ win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. Marshall was fined $10,500 by the league in October for wearing green shoes against the New York Giants.

Cowboys defensive back Orlando Scandrick was fined $21,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Marshall, who was deemed a defenceless player on the play. Dallas’ George Selvie was docked $15,750 for roughing the passer.

Howard out with sprained knee

Rodgers sidelined for another week

DETROIT — Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with a sprained knee.

The team says Howard has a sprained MCL. Howard injured his knee in practice Wednesday.

The injury could affect the 29-year-old Howard’s chances at making the U.S. team for next year’s Olympics in Russia.

Howard is 6-8-7 with a 2.65 goalsagainst average this season.

Backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson is 8-1-2 with a 1.93 GAA. Detroit recalled right wing Patrick Eaves and centre Luke Glendening from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL on Friday and assigned centre Cory Emmerton to Grand Rapids.

The Red Wings host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — While saying Aaron Rodgers feels ready to play, coach Mike McCarthy it was tough to break the news to him that he wouldn’t be taking snaps on Sunday.

“Hey, it’s not the easiest thing to sit there and tell your franchise quarterback he can’t play in the game when he wants to play in the game,” McCarthy said after practice Friday. “This is clearly a decision that’s made in the best interest of Aaron Rodgers.”

Rodgers has been sidelined since he broke collarbone early in Green Bay’s loss to the Chicago Bears on Nov. 4.

Rodgers practiced on a limited basis this week and even took some reps with the first-string offence in team drills Wednesday and Thursday.

But still not enough to apparently sway the decision to have him play in a critical game for the Packers. This will be the sixth straight game Rodgers misses.

“Frankly, it’s been a difficult morning going through the conversation with Aaron and (team) Doctor (Pat) McKenzie,” McCarthy said.

Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is expected to learn the details of his suspension shortly.

The official Twitter account of the NHL’s department of Player Safety tweeted Friday that it would announce the length of Thornton’s suspension on Saturday for his attack on Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik last week.

Thornton had an in-person disciplinary hearing Friday with NHL officials.

He hasn’t played since last Saturday, when he went after Orpik during a stoppage in play, slewfooting him to the ice and punching him twice in the head during Boston’s 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden.

Orpik suffered a concussion and was taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to the hospital.

The NHL Player Safety department also tweeted that Toronto’s David Clarkson will have a hearing on Saturday for his illegal check to the head of St. Louis forward Vladimir Sobotka during the Leafs’ 6-3 loss on Thursday.

Clarkson received a two-minute minor on the play.

Paving the way for a new Detroit rink DETROIT — A management deal for a planned sports arena and entertainment complex just outside downtown Detroit also says the state will pay for the demolition of aging Joe Louis Arena.

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority approved the deal Friday with Olympia Development.

The state says it will tear down the 32-year-old Joe Louis Arena after the NHL’s Red Wings move to the new complex. Olympia Development is owned by the Ilitch family, which also owns the hockey team.

The new facility would seat 18,000 for hockey and other events.

City officials still have to approve expanding the development authority district boundaries.

The Michigan Strategic Fund would issue $450 million in bonds to build the events centre. The bonds would be repaid over 30

Schenn fined for crosscheck NEW YORK — Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn has been fined $2,230.77, the maximum allowed, for cross-checking

NFL issues litany of fines

Troop fired as head of Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games organizing committee

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — The head of the 2015 Pan American Games has been fired a year and a half before thousands of athletes converge in Toronto for one of the largest sporting events in the world — a sign, sources said, that changes are needed to make sure the Games are an operational and financial success.

TO2015, the organizing committee of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Games, announced Friday that CEO Ian Troop was leaving the organization and will be replaced by Saad Rafi, a former Ontario deputy minister of health.

Sources within TO2015 said Troop’s departure was not unexpected. There have been ongoing tensions between the Games organization and the province, which is responsible for the operational costs of the multi-sport competition that will bring about 10,000 athletes from the Americas to compete in 36 Pan Am and 15 Parapan sports.

“With just under two years left until the Games, TO2015 is transitioning into the operational phase of Games planning that will greatly benefit from Saad’s experience and expertise,” TO2015 board chairman and former Ontario premier David Peterson said in an internal email to staff.

The board gave no reason for Troop’s departure, but sources said there have been key operational issues that aren’t being decided, creating a real schism between the organizers and the Ontario government. Organizers are frustrated about a lack of decision making by the province, while the province had concerns about Troop’s leadership.

The Ontario government came under criticism from the opposition parties this fall when it was disclosed there was a $7-million bonus package for TO2015 executives, including Troop, who was eligible for a $780,000 premium if the Games came in on budget.

The opposition parties were also up in arms after the province announced the total budget for the Toronto 2015 Games, including transportation and security, would be at least $2.5 billion — far above the $1.4 billion the province originally stated.

The province has said the transportation budget alone would be up to $90 million to shuttle athletes and officials to the various venues, which stretch from Niagara in the west to the Orillia area in the north, and as far east as Oshawa.

Troop, who was paid $477,000 last

year, billed taxpayers 91 cents for parking and $8,561.19 for a Mexican hotel and cocktail party, while other expenses included $1.89 for a cup of tea.

Peterson, who replaced Roger Garland as the chair of the Games organizing committee in September, said Troop’s removal had nothing to do with lavish bonuses and salaries that prompted the organization to changes its policies.

“This is a super-charged political atmosphere in a minority house and we’re going to get beaten up no matter what we do,” he said.

“We needed to get the right person at the right time in the right place, and that was Saad.”

Progressive Conservative Pan Am critic Rod Jackson said he’s been hearing concerns about poor oversight by the province and said it was a positive move to dismiss Troop, that Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Chan should be fired too.

“I think it’s shameful that the minister will slash and burn everyone underneath him, without taking any responsibly for himself,” said Jackson.

“Until the minister is gone, I think we’re going to see the same missteps over and over again.

The New Democrats also accused the Liberals of “throwing Troop under the bus” after defending his salary and bonus packages for months.

“Families are feeling squeezed like never before and every day they hear of another public sector CEO or Liberal insider getting rich on the public dime,” said NDP sports critic Paul Miller.

“The Liberals are desperately trying to sweep this under the carpet, but people aren’t going to forget the Liberals lack of respect for public money.”

Chan told The Canadian Press that it would be up to the TO2015 board to decide how much Troop would be paid in severance, and said Rafi will be compensated at a level “consistent with what he made at the Ministry of Health,” which was $428,000 a year.

“Having Rafi’s tremendous experience in handling a big file and also in addressing transportation and security, I think is a very, very good choice,” said Chan.

The federal government is paying for the cost of new facilities, including a new cycling velodrome in the Toronto suburb of Milton, a new aquatic facility at the University of Toronto and a new stadium in Hamilton. But sources say there are concerns about the cost of running the Games and the province will be on the hook for any overruns.

Mariners snatch Morrison from Marlins, sign Hart MOVES MINOR WHEN COMPARED TO CANO MEGA-DEAL

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SEATTLE — If they are healthy, the Seattle Mariners believe they may have lured Corey Hart at a bargain rate and given up little to get Logan Morrison.

Health will be the biggest question for both. On Friday, after the Mariners finalized their one-year deal with Hart and the trade with Miami to acquire Morrison, they both said they were ready for a full season after knee troubles in the past.

Seattle capped a hectic two days of activity after both players passed physicals on Friday. Morrison was acquired for right-handed reliever Carter Capps from the Marlins, while Hart signed an incentiveladen $6 million, one-year deal that could be worth up to $10.65 million if he’s healthy and has 650 plate appearances.

The moves came a day after Seattle’s big splash when it completed the $240 million, 10-year deal with free agent second baseman Robinson Cano.

“You look at the ball clubs and you want to go to a place that’s kind of headed in the right direction and with them signing (Cano) I saw the organization is definitely moving forward,” Hart said.

Hart’s decision to come to Seattle was partly due to a longstanding relationship with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, who was part of the Milwaukee front office that draft Hart. That familiarity helped seal Hart’s decision, as did little factors like spring training in Arizona and the opportunity to give his body a rest but stay in the lineup being used as a designated hitter.

The ability to get a break occasionally and still DH was important for both players.

“It does give you some versatility. For both players now being in the American League where we have the DH is going to help both guys,” Zduriencik said. “Between right field, first base, designated hitter and a chance to get them off the field a little bit and get a break is going to help both guys.

If Hart can stay healthy, getting the two-time AllStar for one season on a relatively inexpensive deal could be a significant coup for the Mariners, who have made adding offence a top priority this off-season. It started with Cano’s deal continued by adding a needed right-handed bat in Hart that can provide protection in the lineup.

Hart did not play in 2013 because of a right knee surgery in January 2013 after a meniscus tear and joint damage was discovered.

Salutes Our

Carriers of the Month November 2013

Nicholas Ouellette Eleonore Gruener

Rose Leung Our Carriers would like to thank everyone for their patience during the recent cold spell.

We would like to wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Chloe Kikstra

Tirah Walter

Call for paper routes in your area.

403-314-4394

47052L14

SPORTS

years from public and private money.

Wise customers read the fine print: •, *, ‡, §, ▲, ¥ The Motor Trend Truck of the Year Sales Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after December 3, 2013. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. All pricing includes freight ($1,695) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees, other dealer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer trade may be necessary. Dealer may

actual fuel consumption will vary based on powertrain, driving habits and other factors. Ask your dealer for complete EnerGuide information. =Based on longevity of entire Ram large pickup segment compared to all competitive large pickups on the road since 1988. Longevity based on R. L. Polk Canada, Inc. Canadian Vehicles in Operation data as of November 1, 2013 for model years 1988-2013 for all large pickups sold and available in Canada over the last 25 years. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc.

ProMaster, FIAT 500 Pop, 500C, 500T and Abarth models. Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. See your dealer for complete details. **Based on Chrysler Group internal fuel economy ratings. ≠Based on Automotive News classification and 2014 Ram 1500 3.6 L V6 4x2 and 8-speed transmission. 11.4 L/100 km (25 MPG) City and 7.8 L/100 km (36 MPG) Highway. Based on 2013 EnerGuide fuel consumption guide ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. Government of Canada test methods used. Your

apply. See your dealer for complete details. ¥Holiday Bonus Cash of up to $1,500 is available on most new 2013 Dodge Dart, Ram Heavy Duty trucks and FIAT models (excluding the FIAT 500 Pop and Ram Cab & Chassis) and on most new 2014 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT models, excluding the following: Chrysler 200 LX, Dodge Dart, Grand Caravan CVP, Journey CVP/SE, Avenger CVP, Viper, Jeep Compass Sport 4x2/4x4, Patriot Sport 4x2/4x4, Cherokee, Ram 1500 Reg Cab trucks, Ram Cab & Chassis, Ram Cargo Van, Ram

CVP and Dodge Viper) or eligible 2013 Dodge Dart, Ram Heavy Duty or Fiat model at a special fixed rate on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, TD Auto Finance or Scotiabank between December 10, 2013 and January 2, 2014. Monthly payments will be deferred for 60 days and contracts will be extended accordingly. Interest charges will not accrue during the first 60 days of the contract. Customers will be responsible for any required down payment, licence, registration and insurance costs at time of contract. Some conditions

2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 with a Purchase Price of $27,498 (including applicable Consumer Cash and Bonus Cash Discounts) financed at 4.29% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $156 with a cost of borrowing of $5,010 and a total obligation of $32,508. §2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Laramie Longhorn (EcoDiesel). Late availability. ▲The Make No Payments for 90 Days offer applies to retail customers who finance a new 2014 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram vehicle (except 2014 Dodge Avenger

sell for less. •$27,498 Purchase Price applies to 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (23A+AGR) only and includes $8,500 Consumer Cash and $1,500 Holiday Bonus Cash. *$8,500 in Consumer Cash Discounts are available on new 2014 Ram 1500 models (excluding Reg Cab). See your dealer for complete details. ‡4.29% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2014 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 model to qualified customers on approved credit through Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example:

DAB_131172_B1A_RAM_LD_HD_MTTOTY_90DAY.indd 1

$

$

156

$

best fuel economy of any FULL-SIZE trucK

**

BI-WEEKLY‡ FINANCE FOR

MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS

ON MOST MODELS¥

z @ 4.29

INCLUDES UP TO

BONUS CASH

ramtruckoffers.ca

46105L14-28

B10 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

the first ever back-to-back winner in history. the new 2014 RAM 1500 2014 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SXT 4X4

27,498 •

PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $8,500 CONSUMER CASH,* $1,500 HOLIDAY BONUS CASH¥ AND FREIGHT.

% FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

▲

Ç

MPG 1HOLIDAY ,500 36 HWY AS GOOD AS

7.8 L /100 KM

2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Laramie Longhorn (EcoDiesel).

Late availability.§

CANADA’S LONGEST-LASTING PICKUP

=

12/12/13 5:46 PM

Showcasing the extraordinary volunteer spirit of Central Alberta

C1

Send your NEIGHBOURS submissions to neighbours@reddeeradvocate.com

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Photos contributed The Town of Sylvan Lake held its annual Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30.

The celebration is about community and holiday spirit, family and fun.

The weekend festivities — free for all ages — took place at the Sylvan Lake Multiplex and included a farmers’ market, Christmas tree displays, silent and live auctions, raffles, hockey games, entertainment by local musicians, visits by Santa, a skate with mascots, a Gingerbread House competition and more.

More information is available at facebook.com/SpiritOfSylvanYuletideFestival

LOCAL HOME

FRONT

C2

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Trimming the tree – traditional style AFTER YEARS OF DECLINE, IS THE REAL CHRISTMAS TREE MAKING A COMEBACK?

LIGHT DISPLAY HELPS CLUB The Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District will be the beneficiaries of a longtime residential Christmas light display in the city, located at 4 McConnell Close. Rob and Eva Giesbrecht have expanded their light display to their backyard, where appreciative observers will find a secure wishing well to make donations to the club. All of the donations will go to the club. Many people will be familiar with the Giesbrecht display as it can be seen from the intersection of 32nd Street and 40th Avenue at this time of year. For more information, contact the Giesbrechts at 403-3467647.

ENJOY LIGHTS IN BOWER The Bower Place Community Association is hosting its annual Christmas Lights On Bower on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Each year, residents turn on their lights to showcase their creativity, joy for the season, love of the neighbourhood, and to spread holiday cheer.

Community association board members tour the neighbourhood and hand out gifts acknowledging the hard work of residents.

Everyone is invited to tour beautiful Bower.

BY RENÉE FRANCOEUR ADVOCATE STAFF For the past 30 years, Joe Butterfield has been setting up shop on the same corner of Red Deer to sell his Christmas trees.

At the onset of December, he had 920 Fraser fir trees, busting with a robust smell, trucked to Red Deer from a farm in Chehalis, Wash. — all of a grade one quality, he said.

“When I was a kid, it was all about walking through the bush and finding a beautiful tree. So the passion for me is in providing people with a really nice tree,” said Butterfield, a former rodeo champion out of Ponoka.

“It’s just a joy when people come in and say they love my trees, that they hold together.

The big thing is these trees get cut in late November.”

While the business, located in the Sheraton Hotel’s parking lot at the corner of 32nd Street and Gaetz Avenue, was “a little slow” last year, things are already looking up for his 2013 season, said Butterfield.

So far, more than 400 trees have sold and Butterfield said he has an inkling he’ll be sold out just before Christmas.

According to Statistics Canada, cash receipts for fresh-cut Christmas trees declined in 2012 by 2.3 per cent, from a total of $53.3 million in 2011 to $52 million.

Likewise, the number of Canadian farms and the area devoted to growing Christmas trees has declined overall from 2006 to 2011.

The total value of artificial Christmas trees imported to Canada in 2012 was $49.5 million, up from $47.1 million in 2011 and $48.5 million worth of artificial trees were imported to Canada from China alone in 2012, up from $45.8 million in 2011.

While the numbers cause a bit of concern for Butterfield, he said nothing can compare to the deep smell and touch of a real coniferous in the house for the holidays.

“Lots of people come from out of town. Earlier this week, I had someone show up from Calgary and he said he comes to me very year and that he wishes I’d set up in Calgary because I have the nicest trees.”

At one time, Butterfield had 12 Christmas tree lots scattered throughout Central Alberta.

Today he has ones in Lacombe, Camrose and Red Deer and calls them all by the name of Kids’ Tree Lots.

Butterfield got into the tree business through a rodeo friend who was from British Columbia.

“I rodeoed all my life and this time of year was the off season. ...

“My friend sold B.C. trees in about 10 lots in Calgary, 30 years ago. So we’d just go down to Calgary with a horse trailer, load up about 30 trees and bring them back here. That’s how we got started.”

Butterfield was teaching the son of the former Capri hotel owners (now the Sheraton) how to rodeo the first year he tried his hand with the Christmas trees and they permitted him to

Photo by RENÉE FRANCOEUR/Advocate staff

Kevin Kallis of Red Deer hauls his Fraser fir tree to his truck after purchasing it from Joe Butterfield’s lot in Red Deer. He has been buying real trees for Christmas for as long as he can remember.

There’s nothing like the fresh smell of pine, he said. use a corner of the parking lot for the business.

The deal has stuck three decades later.

While Butterfield plans to continue selling trees for years

to come, when he does decide to leave it, he said he’d make sure to pass it on to someone who will maintain the tradition. rfrancoeur@reddeeradvocate. com

WINNING PHOTO

BLACKFALDS

Tax hike held to 1.5%

SLEEPOVER AT SPORTS HALL Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is hosting Night at the Museum Sleepover — Winter Olympics from Jan. 2 to 3. The overnight event, from 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, is open to children age seven to 11. Participants will take part in some Winter Olympic-style fun that includes indoor and outdoor activities and crafts. Admission is $50 per child. Registration can be done in person at 102-4200 Hwy 2 or by phone at 403-341-8614.

Registration deadline is Dec. 23.

Photo by LORNA DAVIES

Among the 13 submissions received by the County of Stettler, a photograph of a snowfallen farmyard emerged the winner. A panel of judges selected Lorna Davies’ picture (above) and gave her an iPad mini as a prize. Davies’ photo was chosen out of a pool of 15 pictures taken by 13 amateur photographers. Of the 15 pictures submitted, 12 have been chosen to be a part of the county’s annual calendar. “It still blows my mind every time we hold a contest,” said Shawna Benson, county director of communications. “The quality of the photographs we received this year was no exception, they were phenomenal. I am overwhelmed with the beauty and diversity within our county borders every time I look over the photo contest entries.” The calendar containing all 12 photos is available now for pickup from the county office, at 6602 44th Ave. in Stettler, for free.

GIVE US A CALL The Advocate invites its readers to help cover news in Central Alberta. We would like to hear from you if you see something worthy of coverage. And we would appreciate hearing from you if you see something inaccurate in our pages. We strive for complete, accurate coverage of Central Alberta and are happy to correct any errors we may commit. Call 403-3144333.

Lawyer wants Bitterman moved to closer jail; says case dragging because of distance The lawyer for a man accused of murdering a Potter’s Hands affordable housing resident wants his client moved from the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Kim Ross told Red Deer provincial court Judge Jim Hunter that he’s had difficulty reaching his client, Mark William Bitterman, 31, in Edmonton.

“That’s been part of the difficulty in moving this file forward,” said Ross.

Ross is from Calgary.

Bitterman appeared in court on Friday through a closed-circuit

video link with the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Ross asked the judge to recommend that his client be moved to the Red Deer or Calgary remand centres. Hunter agreed to make the recommendation.

Bitterman was charged with first-degree murder in June in connection with the death of Curtis Leroy Rangen.

Rangen’s body was found in a freezer inside his Red Deer apartment on May 3.

Police allege that Rangen was killed during a break-in at his

home.

Since Bitterman’s arrest, his case has returned to court almost a dozen times.

Bitterman also faces numerous other charges, including multiple counts of robbery, theft, extortion, using brass knuckles and firearms to commit offences among others.

Police allege that Bitterman and two others lured escort clients online and then beat and robbed them when they showed up for their appointments.

His case returns to court on Jan. 2.

Carolyn Martindale, City Editor, 403-314-4326 Fax 403-341-6560 E-mail editorial@reddeeradvocate.com

Blackfalds residents will face an average property tax increase of 1.5 per cent next year.

Town council passed a $19.9-million operating and $5.5-million capital budget this week.

“The percentage increase is consistent with the goals of the town council to provide for steady operations through tax stabilization reserves and prevent spikes in property taxation and user-fee revenues,” says the town in a statement.

Residents will also pay $1 more for water service and $3.93 more for garbage service each month.

Blackfalds has been growing quickly over the last five years. Population has increased from 5,610 in 2009 to 7,275 this year. The number of new addresses has grown from 2,380 in 2009 to 3,173 and road network has increased from 56 km to 70 km, according to statistics kept by the town.

Meanwhile, Blackfalds has found its new chief administrative officer.

Town council has hired Myron Thompson and he will begin his new job on Jan. 2.

Thompson, currently the CAO of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, served as assistant chief administrative officer in Sylvan Lake prior to moving to Crowsnest Pass.

He will replace Corinne Newman, who retires at the end of the year.

WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

RELIGION

C3

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Mother Teresa: remarkable person, remarkable day Mother Teresa was having a bad press conference.

Journalists gathered for her 1989 Denver visit seemed determined to ask a litany of questions about her views on every imaginable issue in world affairs and American politics.

The soft-spoken, yet often stern, nun seemed confused and kept stressing that her Missionary Sisters of Charity would always focus on the needs of the needy and the sick, including those suffering from AIDS. One television reporter even asked if the day’s main event — a “Celebrate Life with Mother Teresa” prayer rally — would include a Mass.

Once again, the tiny sister TERRY from Calcutta was confused.

MATTINGLY How could there be a Catholic Mass if the rally included Lutherans, Baptists, Episcopalians, Pentecostal believers and clergy from other churches?

“We will pray together,” she said. “That is what we can do.”

I raised my hand and asked another question that I knew she might not want to answer. I had heard that she had privately toured Northeast Denver, an impoverished area hit hard by gangs. Might she open a mission there?

Mother Teresa smiled, but gently deflected the question, noting that Denver had recently been added at the end of a long list of dioceses worldwide making just such a request.

What happened next was a singular moment in my journalism career, one that awkwardly blurred the lines between the personal and the professional.

Why bring this up now?

For more than 25 years, I have written this weekly column for the Scripps Howard News Service, a streak that ends this week as the wire services prepares to close.

RELIGION

During this quarter of a century, readers have asked one question more than any other: Who is the most remarkable person you’ve met while covering religion?

That’s a tough one. The Rev. Billy Graham or novelist Madeleine L’Engle? Who was the more charismatic positive thinker, the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale or actor Denzel Washington? What was more amazing, seeing Chuck Colson preach inside a prison on Easter or Bono lead a Bible-study group at the U.S. Capitol?

My answer centers on what happened after that Denver press conference, after Mother Teresa — now the Blessed Mother Teresa, one step from being recognized as a saint — finished her private prayers before the ecumenical service.

The clergy taking part in the rally were gathered in a holding room deep inside the arena and, eventually, security guards moved through to remove the reporters. I was in a corner, hidden behind the Greek Orthodox cathedral dean in his flowing vestments. The guards missed me.

Suddenly, Mother Teresa entered, spending a few moments with each of the clergy. When a priest tried to introduce me, she took my hand. “Yes,” she said, smiling.

“He asked me earlier about starting a house here.”

We talked briefly and she said she was surprised that a reporter had asked that question.

Hours later, as the rally ended, Denver’s archbishop followed protocol and gave the elderly nun several gifts from the people of Colorado. Then she raised her hand to silence the crowd.

“I have a gift for you,” she said, gesturing toward members of her team. “I will give you my sisters and I hope that, together, we are going to do something beautiful for God.” Archbishop J. Francis Stafford — now a cardinal in Rome — flushed red with shock. The work to build a Denver mission would begin immediately, rather than many years in the future.

Mother Teresa’s gift was the story of the day and my editors kept asking a blunt question: What led to her shocking decision?

Well, I had a quote from Stafford, who said: “She is a spontaneous person. Maybe we will never know why she made her decision now.”

But I also told them about my strange encounter with the woman that millions already considered a living saint. Could I include this factual material in a news report, even though I was directly involved in what transpired?

What happened really happened. The quotes were in my reporter’s notebook. Nevertheless, we decided to play the main story straight.

The problem was that I was the eyewitness. I was there and so was Mother Teresa, the most remarkable person I have encountered in my journalism work.

Terry Mattingly directs the Washington Journalism Center at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Contact him at tmattingly@cccu.org or www. tmatt.net

LOCAL EVENTS Monday The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Annual Outdoor Nativity Pageant and Creche Displays with performances from Monday to Wednesday at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. It features a live cast, including animals, music, lighting and narration, at 3002 47th Ave. across from Sunnybrook Farm Museum in Red Deer. Christmas Among the Creches will be held in the Church Cultural Hall from 6 to 8:30 p.m., along with light refreshments each night. Everyone is welcome, including large groups. See www.mormon.org.

Thursday In the Spirit of Christmas is a concert and readings and music for the Christmas season on Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. A silver collection will be held. Contact Elizabeth at 403-347-2114.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CANADA

LUTHERAN CHURCHES OF RED DEER

Sunday, December 15

KNOX JOIN US THIS SUNDAY! Everyone Welcome

Dec. 15 • 9:00am, 11:00am or 6:30pm • CrossRoads Kids (to gr. 6)

New Series! • Justice, Compassion & Peace on Earth Part 2 - What is Doing Justice?

SW Corner of 32 Street & Hwy 2, Red Deer County

Established 1898

WELCOME YOU

4718 Ross St. • 403-346-4560 Minister: The Rev. Wayne Reid “THE KINGDOM OF TRANSFORMATION”

10:30 am Worship Service

Centre for Spiritual Living

FIRST BAPTIST

11:00 a.m.

Celebration Service Rev. Valentine Owen December 20 7:00 p.m.

Candlelight Service & Carol Singing www.cslreddeer.org

43 Ave. & 39 St. • 403-346-4281 Pastor Chris Wilson Worship Pastor David Richardson

CHURCH

10:30 a.m.

Worship Service

#3 - 6315 Horn Street

WWW.CROSSROADSCHURCH.CA AFFILIATED WITH THE EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH OF CANADA

Balmoral Bible Chapel

West Park Presbyterian 3628-57 Ave.

403-346-6036 Helping people encounter the goodness of God Corner of 55th St & 46th Ave 10:30 am Contemporary Worship

streamschurch.com 403.342.7441

Streams Christian Church afÀliated with the PAOC

Sunday Services Services Sunday 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

9:00a.m. & 11:00a.m.

6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Ministries 7:00p.m.

Passion for God, Compassion for People.

2020 40th Ave, Red Deer www.livingstones.ab.ca 403.347.7311

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT www.firstbaptistrd.ca

10:30 am Worship Service Speaker: Terry Wiebe

“Jesus’ Roots”

Sunday, Dec. 15

26016-HWY 595 (Delburne Road)

Matthew 1 Verses 1-17

ST. LEONARD’S ON THE HILL

Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Speaker: Rev. Reg Graves

Children’s Sunday School 2 1/2 - Grade 5

403-347-5450

Joffre Road (East of 30 Ave. on 55 St.)

11:00 a.m.

WILLOW VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN

Everyone Welcome!

www.balmoralchapel.ca

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY SUNDAY SCHOOL & SERVICE — 11:00 A.M. Christian Science Reading Room: Wed., 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Thurs., 12 Noon-3:00 p.m.

4907 GAETZ AVE.

403-346-0811

For more information on Christian Science visit christianscience.com

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA GAETZ MEMORIAL Corner of Ross Street and 48th Avenue — Phone 403-347-2244

10:30 a.m.

“Songs of Restoration” www.gaetzmemorialunitedchurch.ca

SUNNYBROOK UNITED CHURCH 12 Stanton Street

403-347-6073

10:30 a.m.

“Heartbeat of Justice” Babyfold, ToddlerToddler Room, Room SundaySunday Club Club www.sunnybrookunited.org Babyfold, www.sunnybrookunited.org

GOOD SHEPHERD 40 Holmes St. 403-340-1022 Rev. Marc Jerry

Worship Sunday 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion Sunday School Christmas Program Dec. 22 @ 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 @ 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Service Dec. 25 @ 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

The Anglican Church of Canada

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Sunday, Dec. 15

“A Church For All Ages” 43 Avenue & 44 Street 403-346-6769

www.stleonardsonthehill.org

Celebrant: Rev. Gary Sinclair

8:00 a.m. Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Sunday School Pageant 7:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols

ST. LUKE’S

“Old Church Blessing a New World”

Gaetz & 54th 403-346-3402

www.saintlukereddeer.posterous.com

Celebrant: Noel Wygiera

8:00 a.m. Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Family Friendly Worship with Eucharist Sunday School & Refreshments Thurs. 2:00 pm Eucharist

Saved by grace - called to serve

MOUNT CALVARY (LC-C)

#18 Selkirk Blvd. Phone 403-346-3798

Pastor Don Hennig | Pastor Peter Van Katwyk December 15 DIVINE SERVICE 10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m. Sunday School 7:00 p.m. Divine Service Kings Kids Playschool www.mclcrd.org

Growing in Faith Through Word and Sacrament

Living Faith

Lutheran Church NALC Worship 10:00 AM Bethany Collegeside 99 College Circle RDC Third Sunday in Advent Everyone Welcome

Rooted in the word of God, Growing in the likeness of Christ, Reaching out by the power of the Holy Spirit.

BAHÁ'í Faith “We testify that when He (Jesus) came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things.

Through Him the leper recovered from the leprosy of perversity and ignorance. Through Him, the unchaste and wayward were healed. Through His power, born of Almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened, and the soul of the sinner sanctified.” Baha’u’llah With joy we wish our Christian brothers and sisters a very Merry Christmas in this most Sacred season. www.ca.bahai.org

ENTERTAINMENT

C4

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Anything goes in zany panto With Princess Miley of Cyrus on the potential guest list — as well as the Princesses Gaga, Snookie and Rihanna — who can blame poor Queen Isadora of Duncan for longing for the good, old days. ...

That was when a princess could both dance and keep her clothes on, sighs the queen, thinking back fondly to Princess Leia of Lucas, in Central Alberta Theatre’s Christmas pantomime, which opened LANA on Friday at MICHELIN Red Deer’s Memorial Centre.

Cinderella Dances with the Stars, written and directed by local playwright Albert Azzara, is a boisterous production that takes the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to family entertainment.

That is to say, it contains many zany, over-the-top characters and a silly, convoluted story line about a kingdom-wide dance-off to win the hand of Prince Channing of Tatum.

There’s lots of audience participation, songs borrowed from other musicals, a black light ballet, a “panto” horse, and many punny cultural and local references.

Some of these proved to be quite clever and hit home, such a description of Red Deer in winter as “fifty shades of grey.”

A lot more were of the hokey Benny Hill variety, requiring a cymbal crash and a pa-dum-dum follow, obliged by percussionist Logan Scott.

Viewers had pretty much accepted that anything goes by the time the play’s villain, Prince Rudolf of Nureyev (Tom Brushett), sang Bad by Michael Jackson.

REVIEW

“

Cinderella Dances with the Stars, written and directed by local playwright Albert Azzara, is a boisterous production that takes the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to family entertainment. That is to say, it contains many zany, over-the-top characters and a silly, convoluted story.

Or when Cinderella’s competitive stepsisters, Marigold (played as a Napoleon Dynamite look-alike by Jake Sheardown) and Pansy (Hannah Humphreys in a Rod Stewart fright wig) crooned Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun. All the goofiness was a hoot — the play’s length was another matter.

The three-act production with two intermissions clocked in at over three hours during Thursday’s dress rehearsal. By any standard, that is overindulgently long for something that’s supposed to be family entertainment.

Most young ones would love the panto horse Putter (Gianna Lal and Hunter Ghesquiere endearingly play the retired Heritage Ranch nag), but would have a hard time staying put to see this play’s happy ending.

The comedy’s length could be reduced, somewhat, if actors were quicker with their cues — and no doubt pacing will pick up as the run progresses.

The capable cast that hammed scenes up appropriately is led by Olivia Smith, who played a sweet Cinderella that the audience had no trouble

cheering for.

She is mistreated by her mean stepmother (played by an immensely busomed Geoff Tagg), loved by all animals, and is very worried about her father, who disappeared two weeks ago. (Her stepmother had sent him to the drug store for “an emergency Oil of Olay run” when he vanished).

Some of the play’s best moments were when the songbird Smith (of Canada’s Got Talent fame) sang Where is Love? from Oliver and Whistle a Happy Tune from The King and I. The latter was a duet with Cinderella’s best friend Buttons, played by Ian Sheppard, who seemed to channel Kenneth, the goodie-two-shoes NBC page character from 30 Rock.

Queen Isadora (Marianne Christenson) was memorable when she made a grand entrance to the song Killer Queen by the band Queen, accompanied by Prime Minister Stephen Harmonica (Lionel Lustgarten).

Her son, Prince Channing, played

by Alex Uricaru, is a better charmer than singer. But his reaction to slipping on lemon-scented dishwashing

soap, spilled by his nemesis Prince Rudolf to derail the dancing competition, was hilarious.

And so was the bandaging job done by his cousin, Lady Priscilla of the Desert (Nicole Orr playing the double cast part).

Elena Rousseau was credibly dastardly as the fabulously hatted Natasha of Bullwinkle (another double cast role). Both she and Rudolf were routinely booed and hissed by the audience.

On the opposite end of the goodevil spectrum was the well meaning but ditzy Fairy Godmother, played by Cynthia Edwards, who had her hands full trying to sneak Cinderella into the dancing competition.

Once everyone finally got into the ballroom for the dance-off, it would have been nice to see some more actual hoofing going on, after all the buildup. It also would have been just fine if the play had wrapped up then and there. But that was not to be.

The flip side of having as great an imagination as Azzara obviously has is that sometimes it’s hard to know when to rein things in.

On the other hand, boredom was not an issue in a play with this much going on.

There were cute jokes (and plenty of groaners) for adults, and kids loved the sight gags — such as when the fairy godmother charms Putter the horse, causing him to produce Cinderella’s dance credentials — which fall from his hind end.

Special credit must go to Darrel Dixon and Pamela Dawn Rigby for a multitude of sound effects, music director/keyboardist Ross Dabrusin, and costumers Suzan Humphreys and Lesley Parfett for helping create a colourful spectacle.

Cinderella Dances With the Stars, which celebrates everything local, from Olymel to Victoria Park and the bridge over the Red Deer River, continues to Dec. 21. lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

THE NUTCRACKER

Ballet spreads its reach NEW ROLES ADDED FOR EXPANDED CAST OF ANNUAL PRODUCTION AT RDC

BY LANA MICHELIN ADVOCATE STAFF Fluttering birds and butterflies will join dancing snowflakes and sweets in this year’s The Nutcracker ballet.

Choreographer Tania Strader was surprised — and delighted — when double the number of young dancers signed up to be in the latest Red Deer College production of the Christmasthemed ballet.

It runs today and Sunday at the RDC Arts Centre.

With a cast of 80 dancers instead of 40, Strader had to think of novel ways of fitting more children into the popular annual show.

She came up with new bird, butterfly and flower roles.

These nature-based characters will meet young Clara outside the palace of the Land of Sweets.

“Instead of having the scene take place inside the palace, it will be set in the palace garden,” she said.

The same famous music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will score the scene, but more brilliantly costumed characters will be on stage at the same time.

Since many of the dancers are very young — Strader said seven of them are age five and under — this presented its own challenges. But the choreographer believes everything is working out just fine.

In fact, with so many cast members of wide-ranging abilities on stage, the audience should be swept away by an even more impressive retelling of the story.

“It look great, there’s more energy, more colours. ... There’s a lot to see while watching,” said Strader, who added “it’s going to be amazing, I think.”

This year’s plot sticks fairly close to the original: The young girl Clara is celebrating Christmas Eve at home with her family when her Uncle Drosselmier arrives with a Nutcracker doll that immediately captures her imagination.

That evening, after everyone has gone to bed, the Nutcracker comes to life and spirits Clara away to a magical land where mice and soldiers battle

Photos by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Top: High kicks abound as the cast of The Nutcracker rehearse this week.

The Red Deer College production of the Nutcracker brings together dancers from around Central Alberta for the holiday classic ballet.

Left: Clara, played by Maddie Gibson, holds up the toy nutcracker during rehearsal. A limited number of seats may still be available for the show this weekend. Contact the Red Deer College box office for tickets. There are performances today at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 1:30 p.m., all at RDC. for victory.

Clara then journeys through dancing snowflakes to reach the Land of Sweets, where she meets such exotic characters as Spanish Chocolates, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Candy Canes.

In a small diversion from the original story, this year’s Clara will turn into the Sugar Plum Princess and her Nutcracker doll will transform into a handsome Prince.

“They will be transported back to the palace where they celebrate that the spell is broken,” said Strader.

But soon, Uncle Drosselmier arrives to take Clara back home to reality.

“When she wakes up, there’s some confusion about whether it was a dream or whether it was real, because of some of the things that are left behind,” added Strader.

The shows are at 1:30 and 7 p.m. today and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $22.25 ($20.25 students/seniors) from the Black Knight Ticket Centre. lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 C5

TV habits prove we are different NETFLIX REVEALS BINGEING PATTERNS OF CANADIANS VERSUS AMERICANS

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Most Internet users who regularly stream TV shows online define “binge viewing” as watching as few as two episodes back-to-back in one sitting or as many as six, according to survey results released on Friday by Netflix.

About 61 per cent of the users polled said they binge watch regularly, and nearly three in four users said they don’t feel guilty doing it.

While the survey results are based on online polling in the U.S., Netflix also commissioned Canadian cultural anthropologist Grant McCracken to visit half a dozen Toronto households and a number of others south of the border to talk about how users watch TV. McCracken observed that those who have moved away from the old-fashioned channel surfing, schedule-based style of TV viewing — whether because of Netflix, having a PVR to record shows, or watching DVDs and Blu-Rays — seemed much more passionate about what they watch.

“I was buying the original idea (of bingeing), which seemed to be that there’s something unhealthy about it ... but what you get instead is people talking about how passionately they’re engaged and the intelligence they bring to the viewing experience,” said McCracken, a former director at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.

“It’s kind of an evolutionary pattern here, we’re moving away from the couch potato ... to a moment where people are watching shows in a more concentrated, thoughtful, engaged way and as that’s happening — and I think one of the reasons it’s happening — is TV is actually getting better.”

McCracken said he noticed Canadians seemed even more engrossed than their American counterparts in terms of deeply analyzing their favourite shows. “Everybody these days is watching TV from two points of view simultaneously. On the one hand, they’re emotionally engaged and passionately interested,” McCracken said.

“On the other hand, they are second guessing the creative decisions they’re looking at, they’re saying, ‘That’s an interesting casting choice’ or ‘Oh, I

wouldn’t have used that camera angle.’

“There’s a kind of critical dialogue going on and I think Canadians do that even more than Americans do it, where they keep up two kinds of points of view.

“We just have a natural gift for watching what we’re watching.”

He cited The Wire — which isn’t available on Netflix — as one show that generated some interesting conversations about why people enjoy bingeing on deeper shows that don’t fit the typical prime-time mould.

“People talk about — and they’re right to talk about — the magnificent complexity of a thing like The Wire, for a lot of people it’s their introduction to TV that is jewel-like in its complexity,” he said.

“Sometimes binge TV is a very personal, individual kind of experience and sometimes it’s a very social thing and people are using these shows to build connections with one another and find one another in some sense, through the TV engagement, which I think is a dramatic movement away from the couch potato predecessor, which was really not connecting to anything or anyone.”

The women of Anchorman 2 CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, KRISTEN WIIG AND MEAGAN GOOD SHOW RON BURGUNDY WHO’S BOSS

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saturday Night Live plans to add black female cast members

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Saturday Night Live plans to add one or two black female performers to its cast as soon as January.

A representative for the NBC sketch-comedy show on Thursday confirmed reports it’s answering complaints about its lack of diversity by staging showcases to choose at least one black female cast member and to hire her within weeks.

In recent weeks, the show has seen two dozen candidates in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. The New York Times reported that a special audition for seven or eight finalists will be held Monday on the SNL stage in Manhattan.

It’s “100 per cent good for the show to have an African-American woman” in its ranks, executive producer Lorne Michaels told the Times.

Criticism for the show’s lack of diversity was spurred this fall by its only black cast mem-

doing as good of a job.” Applegate gave her co-star, comedy newcomer Good, the same pep talk. “I told her she had to stay up in their zone because her character is the powerhouse in this one,” Applegate added.

“It made me feel good to know that Christina cared about me doing a good job,” said Good, 32, who appeared in the 2012 hit Think Like a Man. As the only black female lead in the movie, Good plays the head of the newsroom. It’s a notion that is heavily mocked in the plot. But Good had no problem tackling the tough material with what she calls “morbid humour.”

“What I love about the brilliant minds of (director) Adam McKay and Will is they go full throttle and attack subjects like racism and sexism and make them light-hearted,” she said.

“It’s great that they are shedding light on the fact that at that time, there weren’t a lot of women dominating the workplace, especially black women.”

Added Wiig over the phone, “Meagan fit right in. It’s definitely interesting that Will has a female boss and Ron Burgundy being Ron Burgundy has issues with it. But it’s great.”

A huge fan of the original for its writing and because it has “all of the ingredients for a comedic classic,” Wiig said she signed onto the sequel without laying eyes on the script.

“The pressure was definitely on, since this is such a beloved cast,” said Wiig of her role as Chani, which Applegate described as “a great balance of not being too weird or adult.” But the writer and star of the acclaimed comedy Bridesmaids held her own, as her

bers, Jay Pharoah and Kenan Thompson.

Thompson voiced weariness at being obliged to play black female characters in drag.

Pharoah lobbied for the addition of a specific comic, Darmirra Brunson, of the OWN sitcom Love Thy Neighbor.

SNL has had just four black women in its regular troupe since premiering in 1975, with the last one, biracial Maya Rudolph, leaving in 2007.

“It’s not like it’s not a priority for us,” Michaels said in an interview with The Associated Press in early November.

character Chani is reminiscent of her quirky portrayals during seven years on Saturday Night Live.

“It was really fun trying to come up with different ways that Chani and Brick could relate to each other,” said the 40-year-old actress. “But when we did some improvising, it was hard to keep a straight face. Steve (Carell) is so quick! And personally once I start laughing, I have a really hard time stopping. I’m like ‘I know the crew

wants to go home. I’m sorry!’ ” But off-camera, it was Wiig who had Good in stitches. “She texted me a picture of a chocolate microphone she’d received as a gift that she’d tucked into her bed with a message that read, ‘Look at what I’m coming home to,’ ” chuckled Good.

“It doesn’t feel like a boys club with the guys in this movie,” added Wiig. “But it was nice to have ladies around.”

“It will happen. I’m sure it will both because Ms. Washington happen.” is an actress of considerable Days later, the show poked range and talent and also befun at itself for having no black cause Saturday Night Live does women among its 16 regular cast not currently have a black wommembers, with Kerry Washing- an in the cast,” the producer ton, the star of Scandal, as guest told viewers. “We agree this is host. not an ideal situation and look At the top of the show, an forward to rectifying it in the SNL producer apologized for future — unless, of course, we the number of black female characters Washington would fall in love with another white guy first.” need to play that GALAXY CINEMAS RED DEER night.

357-37400 HWY 2, RED DEER COUNTY 403-348-2357 “ W e make this SHOWTIMES FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2013 request

TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 19, 2013

“New Years Eve Celebration” December 31 Doors open at 7 p.m.

Avoid disappointment! Get your tickets now Doors open at 7 pm Dance Starts at 8:00 pm Late Lunch 10:30 pm

Dance to the sounds of

20 Members $ 25 Guest

Tickets $

RED DEER LEGION

Phone 403-342-0035

52349L3-27

“The Hub Caps”

2810 Bremner Ave.

Photos by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Top right: Will Ferrell, left, as Ron Burgundy and Christina Applegate as Veronica Corningstone, in a scene from the film, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Top left: Meagan Good as Linda Jackson. Bottom: Steve Carell, left, and Kristen Wiig.

Paramount Pictures releases the film on Dec. 18.

FROZEN (G) CLOSED CAPTIONED FRI 3:50, 6:40; SATSUN 12:50, 3:50, 6:40; MON-THURS 6:50 FROZEN (G) STAR & STROLLERS SCREENING WED 1:00 FROZEN 3D (G) CLOSED CAPTIONED FRI 5:40, 8:30; SAT-SUN 12:00, 2:50, 5:40, 8:30; MONTHURS 7:30, 10:05 THOR: THE DARK WORLD (PG) (VIOLENCE,FRIGHTENING SCENES,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) CLOSED CAPTIONED SAT-SUN 1:40 THOR: THE DARK WORLD 3D (PG) (FRIGHTENING SCENES,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN,VIOLENCE) CLOSED CAPTIONED FRI-SUN 4:30, 7:20, 10:10; MON-THURS 7:20, 10:10 THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (PG) (VIOLENCE,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) CLOSED CAPTIONED FRI 3:40, 7:10, 9:30, 10:25; SAT-SUN 12:15, 3:40, 7:10, 9:30, 10:25; MONTUE 6:40, 9:30, 10:10; WED-THURS 6:40, 9:30, 10:05 THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE (PG) (VIOLENCE,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) STAR & STROLLERS SCREENING WED 1:00 THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (PG) (FRIGHTENING SCENES,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN,VIOLENCE) CLOSED CAPTIONED, NO PASSES FRI 4:20, 8:00; SAT-SUN 12:40, 4:20, 8:00; MON-THURS 7:10 THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 3D (PG) (FRIGHTENING SCENES,VIOLENCE,NOT REC.

FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) CLOSED CAPTIONED, NO PASSES FRI 5:00, 5:40, 8:40, 9:20; SAT-SUN 1:20, 2:00, 5:00, 5:40, 8:40, 9:20; MON-TUE 7:50, 8:30; WED-THURS 6:30, 7:50, 8:30, 10:15 THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 3D (PG) (FRIGHTENING SCENES,VIOLENCE,NOT REC. FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) NO PASSES FRI 3:30, 7:00, 10:30; SAT-SUN 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30; MON-TUE 6:30, 10:15 DELIVERY MAN (PG) (COARSE LANGUAGE,MATURE SUBJECT MATTER) CLOSED CAPTIONED FRI 4:55, 7:30, 10:05; SAT-SUN 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05; MON-TUE 7:40, 10:15 OUT OF THE FURNACE (14A) (COARSE LANGUAGE,BRUTAL VIOLENCE) FRI 3:40, 6:30, 9:50; SAT-SUN 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:50; MON-TUE,THURS 7:00, 9:50; WED 9:50 ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES () NO PASSES WED-THURS 6:45, 7:20, 9:40, 10:15 WWE TLC: TABLES, LADDERS AND CHAIRS () SUN 6:00 HOMEFRONT (14A) (SUBSTANCE ABUSE,BRUTAL VIOLENCE,COARSE LANGUAGE) FRI-SAT 4:20, 6:55, 9:40; SUN 1:00, 3:30, 9:40; MON-TUE 7:15, 10:00 THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: FALSTAFF () SAT 10:55 HOLIDAY INN () WED 7:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) SAT 11:00

Red Deer Rebels vs

Lethbridge Hurricanes Saturday, December 14 7:00 pm

Red Deer Rebels vs

Medicine Hat Tigers Tuesday, December 17 7:00 pm

Enmax Centrium Tickets at ticketmaster

1.855.985.5000

47030L14

LOS ANGELES — In the eyes of legendary newscaster Ron Burgundy, arguably Will Ferrell’s most memorable character, this is a man’s world. But in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, it wouldn’t be anything without a few saucy newsroom girls.

As one of the most anticipated comedies of the year, the sequel to Paramount’s Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy not only reunites Ferrell with Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner, but Christina Applegate is back too — and she has reinforcements.

Reprising her role as anchorwoman Veronica Corningstone, Applegate returns with additional leading ladies: Kristen Wiig and Meagan Good. Wiig is receptionist Chani Lastname (pronounced Last-naw-may), the meek and kooky love interest to Carell’s peculiar Brick Tamland, while Good wreaks havoc as the brazen boss of Ron and his newsroom posse.

It’s been a decade since the original Anchorman released to mixed reviews.

The formula seemed ideal: Choice comedic actors like Ferrell, Carell and Rudd; an asinine approach to the newsroom culture of the 1970s; and signature lines like “I’m in a glass case of emotion!” (delivered by Ferrell).

But it performed below expectations at the box office, earning $84.3 million overall. Yet the second installment, which opens Dec. 18, could break the $100 million mark overall, following an unabashed marketing campaign that had Ferrell doing all manner of publicity stunts.

“This new generation, those who were 10 years old when the first movie came out, have found it, so the popularity of it seemed to just grow,” said Applegate in a recent interview. “And the demand for it started to get bigger, so of course for the studio guys, that’s like ‘Oh yeah, we definitely have to do it.’ ” Recognized for years for portraying Kelly Bundy in the sitcom Married With Children, which aired on Fox from 1987 to 1997, the actress said her turn as Veronica has had its challenges.

“The male characters in this movie are strong and multi-dimensional, so I had to stand my ground and pull myself up and say ‘Come on, you’re in here too!’ ” said the 42-year-old actress. “I couldn’t shrink away thinking I wasn’t

C6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Casting call goes out for Amazing Race Canada SISTERS REFLECT ON FIRST SEASON

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO, Ontario — For their Amazing Race Canada audition tape, Ottawa sisters Vanessa Morgan and Celina Mziray traipsed through the frigid air in parkas and short-shorts wielding axes and hammers, going for what Morgan calls a “wilderness-sexy type thing.”

“We were like, meh, I think this’ll get us on,” Morgan recalled Friday.

She was right, and the perennially dismissed team — physically unimposing, perpetually stressed-out and cheerfully goofy — somehow upended the expectations of competitors and viewers alike to finish in the Top 3 of the reality show’s first season, which wrapped in September.

With CTV currently accepting auditions for season 2 hopefuls — the deadline is Dec. 26 — the plucky duo is hoping they can inspire other Canadian pairs who would otherwise balk at the physical demands of the race-around-the-country series.

“I think we motivated a lot of people who might not have applied to the race thinking it was a more athletic show,” said Morgan, seated next to her sister within CTV’s Toronto headquarters.

“We motivated a lot of people who are smaller and might not be Olympic athletes to try out. Because there’s a lot of other skills, and as long as you’re a

healthy person, I think you can have a shot.”

The sisters certainly never seemed a viable threat to win. Early on, the pair known as the “hippies” (river-wise B.C. daters Kristen Idiens and Darren Trapp) bestowed an express pass upon the duo because they seemed the least competitive team, a move Morgan now calls “so nice but so stupid.”

In fact, Morgan and Mziray carefully played up their ditzy, hapless image so other teams would overlook them.

“We went in (wearing) matching pink, headbands galore — we wanted it to be known that we weren’t a threat here,” said Morgan, an actress best-known for her role on My Babysitter’s a Vampire.

It was an image that producers also played up, the sisters attested.

“We only got like one hero moment on the show,” said Morgan, who’s older than her older fitnessmodel sister by 10 years. “You know how sometimes they show hero moments — the music changes for some things? So I found with us we got mostly clown music.”

To be fair, the sisters had a habit of meeting each lofty challenge with dire, fatalistic proclamations before eventually persevering.

Perpetually frantic, they were the most expressive and, at many times, entertaining of the show’s nine teams. Particularly memorable were the sisters’ struggles with a heavy load of coal, an arctic

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Vanessa Morgan (left) and Celina Mziray surprised many by finishing third in the first instalment of The Amazing Race Canada. sled shlep and, perhaps most dangerously, a manual transmission. “I will never drive a stick car in my life again,” Mziray says with a laugh. “I don’t understand why people purchase them.”

Even their family didn’t believe they would thrive, with Mziray recalling their laughing brother telling them upon their departure: “Just don’t be out first girls.”

So they feel as though they proved something.

Security Sales Consultant

1-800-565-5007 • www.craigattachments.com

In business since 1946, Craig Manufacturing Ltd. is a leading North American manufacturer of heavy equipment attachments. With offices in Hartland, NB, Cambridge, ON and Red Deer, AB, Craig has built a reputation for professional, friendly service, superior quality and dependability.

Territory Manager - Alberta and British Columbia Craig Manufacturing is currently looking for a Territory Manager to cover Alberta and British Columbia. If you’re a highly motivated sales professional who is committed to maintaining strong relationships with existing clients as well as developing relationships with potential new clients, apply today!

Qualifications: • 3-5 years minimum of previous sales experience in related field • Strong organizational skills • Outstanding customer service skills • Strong technology and mechanical background

47605L17

Visit www.craigattachments.com/careers for more info!

Email resumes to: jclark@craigattachments.com

Retail Manager – Parkland Mall Location

The Phone Experts is an authorized TELUS Mobility dealer who is looking for a client-focused, energetic, leader who shares our passion for innovation and technology to join our retail management team in Red Deer. You are qualified in maximizing sales and profitability, providing exceptional client experiences and leadership to your team members.

Responsibilities: • To actively develop and coach your team to deliver an exceptional client experience while meeting personal and team targets.

• To actively participate in creating and implementing strategies to retain and grow our business.

• To actively identify and prevent profit loss while ensuring efficient operations.

• To be the key player in creating an environment where employees desire to give their best.

Qualifications: • You are a strong leader by prioritizing, directing resources, and making clear decisions.

• You are flexible and thrive in an ever-changing environment.

• You are accountable by taking clear ownership and delivering on commitments.

• You are comfortable with your success being dependent on others.

• You have a high commitment to customer satisfaction.

• You are a creative problem solver, with solid business ethics and unshakable integrity.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary plus sales commissions, AND operational bonuses. Other benefits include extended health and dental, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, long term disability benefits, profit sharing and personal days.

To apply email your resume to

hr@phoneexperts.com

45567L14,16

hr@phoneexperts.com

We are one of Canada’s Best 50 Managed Companies. We are an industry leading Electrical & Instrumentation Contractor that prides itself in having committed and dedicated employees.

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY CONDUCTOR RED DEER Tired of the same old thing?

Studon Electric & Controls Inc. is seeking an:

OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

At Canadian Pacific you can be part of something historic.

You have a chance to make a difference, to see Canada, and build a future.

Canadian Pacific is one of Canada’s most iconic companies. We move the goods that keep the world turning, and we’re on our way to doing it better than anyone else. To get there, CP is looking for some adaptable, hard-working, safety-conscious, and resultsdriven people to join our force of conductors and drive trains.

Based out of Calgary, Edmonton or Red Deer

We are currently seeking two Outside Sales Representatives for Western Canada. This position would be based out of Calgary, Edmonton or Red Deer and report directly to the Director of Sales & Marketing. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining the relationships with our current clients as well as all new business in Western Canada.

You don’t need: Railroading experience Connections You do need:

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Great attitude

• Bachelor’s Degree or combination of applicable post-secondary education from an accredited University or College • Minimum 5 years experience in Business to Business sales º Sales and marketing experience in the oil and gas industry a definite asset • Strong presentation, inter-personal, written and verbal communication skills • Self-motivated, independent and highly entrepreneurial attributes are important • A proven ability to prospect and develop new business • An electrical or instrumentation background an asset • Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of CRM and Microsoft Office software

Willingness to learn To work in and around Red Deer Competition closes on December 27, 2013 For additional information on Canadian Pacific and this career opportunity, visit us online at www.cpr.ca.

^ĞƵůƐ ůĞƐ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚƐ ƌĞƚĞŶƵƐ ƐĞƌŽŶƚ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚĠƐ

Only those candidates contacted will be considered. All communication will be directed to the email address you use on your online application form.

The journey has begun but is far from over.

46136L14-21

WŽƐƚĞ Ě͛ĞŶƐĞŝŐŶĞŵĞŶƚ ĐŽůĞ >Ă WƌĂŝƌŝĞ ;ZĞĚ ĞĞƌͿ

ĚƵĐ͘ WŚLJƐŝƋƵĞ ʹ ĠůĠŵĞŶƚĂŝƌĞ ĠƚƉ Ϭ͕ϭϳ

ĂƚĞ Ě͛ĞŶƚƌĠĞ ͗ ũĂŶǀŝĞƌ ϮϬϭϰ

&ĂŝƌĞ ƉĂƌǀĞŶŝƌ ǀŽƚƌĞ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ǀŝƚĂĞ ĂǀĂŶƚ ůĞ ǀĞŶĚƌĞĚŝ ϭϬ ũĂŶǀŝĞƌ ϮϬϭϰ͕ ϭϲŚ͘ ă D͘ ,ĞŶƌŝ >ĞŵŝƌĞ͕ ĚŝƌĞĐƚĞƵƌ ŐĠŶĠƌĂů ƵƌĞĂƵ ϯϮϮ ϴϲϮϳ͕ ƌƵĞ DĂƌŝĞͲ ŶŶĞͲ'ĂďŽƵƌLJ ;ϵϭĞ ZƵĞͿ ĚŵŽŶƚŽŶ ; ůďĞƌƚĂͿ dϲ ϯEϭ &Ădž ͗ ϳϴϬ ϰϰϬͲϭϲϯϭ ŚůĞŵŝƌĞΛĐĞŶƚƌĞŶŽƌĚ͘Ăď͘ĐĂ ǁǁǁ͘ĐĞŶƚƌĞŶŽƌĚ͘Ăď͘ĐĂ

47601L14

TM

Territory Manager

The Phone Experts provides complete integrated telecommunications and security solutions to both the Alberta consumer and business market with deep expertise in both wired and wireless technologies. We are now so much more than just phones! Our team of highly motivated experts is dedicated to the implementation of quality solutions for our customers.

Our solutions always represent superb quality and value along with ongoing service that is second to none.

We operate in Central/Southern Alberta with our head office in Red Deer, AB. Our operations include installing business phone systems, and security monitoring equipment, data and network support and mobility products.

We are looking for a bright, energetic self-starter with a technology aptitude who is able to effectively provide security solutions and home audio to the residential market to new and existing customers to ensure short and long term relationships and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities • Developing sales strategies to acquire new business revenue streams.

• Cold calling, prospecting, proposal development and closing sales • Ability to articulate The Phone Experts value proposition • Keeping abreast of leading-edge technology and it’s applications • Ensuring excellent on-going customer service by effectively resolving all customer issues, through proactive and reactive communications.

• Achieving sales objectives with all assigned accounts to ensure growth and profitability.

• Travel to client sites will be required within respective region.

Qualifications • Proven success in a direct, face-to-face selling environment, preference will be given to those who have experience in a security or technological field.

• Experience in the security industry is an asset.

• Balanced “hunter” and “farmer” mentality – need to make cold calls and ability to network and acquire new residential contacts, but also cultivate existing customers and potential opportunities.

• Proven and effective sales skills in all elements of the sales cycle: prospecting, proposal development, value delivery, closing, and meeting commitments • Basic understanding of security systems, low voltage electronics, distributed audio or smart home integration is an asset.

• An entrepreneurial nature coupled with excellent communication skills • Consistent track record of over achievement of selling goals • Has a great degree of motivation and professionalism, high energy, ethics & excellent business judgment • Team player with the ability to work independently.

• Highly-developed selling, customer relations, negotiating skills via phone and in person • Well-organized and disciplined • Creative & innovative in problem-solving • Ability to work in a constantly evolving environment • Proficient and comfortable with Microsoft Office and computerized environments This position includes a combination base plus commissions, benefits, personal days, profit sharing and car allowance.

Please submit resumes to Human Resources at

STUDON offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. If you are interested in this opportunity to join a dynamic and growing company, please forward your resume to the address below.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: This job posting closes on December 23rd, 2013

SSTUDON Electric & Controls Inc. Attn: Andrea Mercer Fax: 403-342-6505 Email: amercer@studon.com

“People Pride & Service”

47037L21

YOUTH

C7

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Cure for loneliness is not friend with benefits Dear Harlan; How does a single guy tionship without knowing how to be get a girl a present that won’t make vulnerable and intimate is not fun him look like he is hitting on her? — for long. It doesn’t help you grow; it Single Gift-Giver keeps you from experiencDear Single Gift-Giver; ing deeper meaning. It’s Avoid surprising her with just a patch for medicating underwear, lingerie and a and avoiding facing bigger gift certificate for a couple’s issues. massage with you.

If you’re unable to open Really? Why so worup and share real intimaried about not looking like cy with someone special, you’re hitting on her? If you’re better off fantasizing she’s single, does it matter about your friend with benhow you look? efits, masturbating and then Your question makes going to bed. me think that you like this Dear Harlan; This is the woman and don’t want her first year I’m dorming and to know that you’re interestI thought it would be fun to ed in her. Which makes me get a double.

HARLAN wonder why you don’t want I honestly must say that COHEN her to know that you’re inmy roommate situation terested in her. could not be worse. My The best gift you could roommate is socially awkgive would be to let her ward and invites himself to know that you’re interested, if you everything with me. He always says think you’re an interesting guy who really awkward things to new people would make a great boyfriend. Assum- and makes everyone feel uncomforting she’s single and not in a relation- able. No one wants to hang out with ship with another guy, him, and I feel like people don’t want I wouldn’t worry about what she to hang out with me because they’re thinks. Anytime you give a woman a scared that he will tag along. gift, she’s going to think you care about I really don’t know what to do, and I her. am stuck with him for another semesGet her something thoughtful, con- ter. — Stuck siderate and loving, and let her assume Dear Stuck; Yes, he’s annoying. that you’re a great friend.

There are lots of annoying people in Hello, Harlan; In the dating world life. I’m sure some people find you that involves kids and ex-spouses, how annoying. People find me annoying. do you progress along in a relationship Here’s a challenge for you: Use the — one that involves children from both rest of the year to live and learn while sides — at a healthy pace? living with an annoying roommate.

I have two children and have been Call it The Annoying Roommate dating a man who also has two chil- Project. Each week of TARP will have dren. The children get along really a unique theme. One week will be well. I enjoy being with this man and Boundary Week. This is the week you truly hope we, as well as the kids, con- tell your roommate the truth, that you tinue to grow with each other. need to set boundaries so you can be I am just nervous about his children the best roommate. and my relationship with them. Their Figure out a way to have your space mother is an alcoholic and not “pres- and not hurt his feelings. Ask for his ent” in her relationship with them. I suggestions. want to still date and be courted by Another week of TARP can be Kindmy boyfriend; I do not want to fall into ness Week. This week you’ll be extra the “mom” role anytime soon with his nice. You’ll spend time in different children, since it has been only a few situations with him. months that we have been seeing each You’ll listen to him instead of being other. irritated by him. You might discover I definitely see a future with him and would love to be with him and his children.

How do I create a balance, not lose myself in the mothering role and still be a “hot girlfriend”?

— Hot Again Hello, Hot; I’ve got news for you — you’re already a hot mom and hot girlfriend. You just need to know if you can be a hot mom of four (scary!).

Instead of worrying about what you might lose, focus on what you might gain. Remember, this guy is not your ex.

He’s been taking care of these kids on his own for longer than you’ve known him.

He might be more involved than any dad you’ve ever met. He might want to be involved in your kids’ lives.

How you two co-parent actually might allow you to be a more relaxed mother, which will make you an even hotter girlfriend and future fiery-hot wife.

Dating your boyfriend will give you time to understand how it all works.

Watch him interact with his kids at family functions. See how he interacts with your children when you hang out. Go on a family trip. Date him for a long time.

Once you see this guy in action, you’ll get a better handle on how hot the future will be.

For sure, life will change. Going from a hot mother of two to four is intimidating, but it also might be surprisingly manageable with him as your man.

Go slow and see if there’s enough heat to Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd. designs, engineers and manufactures custom make it last. energy equipment. Since 1992, Bilton has worked with engineering firms and oil and Dear Harlan; What is natural gas producers around the globe to develop their own equipment standards your opinion of friends for size, capacity and any number of technical specifications. We operate seven with benefits? manufacturing facilities in Innisfail, Alberta and employ over 175 people.

I’ve started to hook up With your long-term interests in mind, we provide you with ample opportunities to achieve your career goals. We’ll provide you with hands-on training and an with a friend, but we’ve opportunity to work on some of the most interesting projects and applications in the both made it clear that we energy sector. don’t want more.

What do you think We currently have career opportunities for a professional; about this type of arrangement? — Benefit Dear Benefit; “What’s your opinion?” Oh wait, Essential Job Functions I get it — you’re trying to • design/draft tanks, vessels and piping packages convince yourself that it • create detailed fabrication drawings using inventor software feels right.

• interpret customer and engineering markups and make changes to drawings • create drawing files for parts to be cut by the plasma table But it doesn’t, because • administrate autodesk vault, inventor content center libraries and autocad plant friends in these situations 3d specs rarely feel good about themselves once the benThe incumbent must possess the following; efits run out. And I’ll tell • diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology or equivalent you why — your benefits • certified Engineering Technologist (CET) lack real intimacy. But • minimum 3 year’s experience designing/drafting piping packages, pressure you don’t know how to vessels, tanks and skids • proficient with using AutoCAD, plant 3d, and inventor open up.

• experience with creating BOM’s and utilizing an ERP software (M2M preferred) You can’t stand being • experience using a nesting software (ProNest preferred) alone. You prefer to be friends with benefits beWe offer competitive wage and benefits packages cause it’s all you can hanOnly applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted. dle or all you can get. And Please forward your resume via fax it doesn’t feel good. to (403) 227-7796 or e-mail to hr@bilton.ca Being in a sexual rela-

that he has a history or medical situation that explains why he does what he does.

Another week can be Help Yourself Week. This week you’ll talk to people on campus who can help you deal with him. You can talk to the director of residence life, a therapist in the health center, an upperclassmen you trust.

Another week can be Help Him Find His Own Places Week. This week you can direct him to people and places where he can create connections on campus.

Finally, there’s Stay Away Week (self-explanatory). See if you miss him — you might be surprised. Be kind, be compassionate and accept him for his annoying self. If you don’t want to accept him or participate in TARP, appreciate his quirks and go with Stay Away Week as much as possible.

Write Harlan at harlan™helpmeharlan. com or visit online: www.helpmeharlan. com. All letters submitted become property of the author. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan!, 3501 N. Southport Ave., Suite 226, Chicago, IL 60657.

HELP

Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Members Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA)

45604L13-21

47603L14

Visit http://aemera.ca and www.jobs.alberta.ca for more information and to apply directly on-line.

46133L14

Work with us to create a scientifically credible environmental monitoring system for Alberta. As the first of its kind in Canada, AEMERA will ensure the system is centrally coordinated and scientifically driven with transparent decision making and open access to information. The Agency will operate at arm’s length from government under the strategic direction of the Board of Directors. AEMERA is recruiting a Chair, Vice-Chair and Members to provide leadership to create and sustain excellence. For these roles you bring extensive senior management experience with an understanding of board structure and governance processes. Experience in one or more of the following areas: stakeholder engagement, preferably including the Aboriginal community; environmental science; field experience in environmental monitoring; natural resource development; and financial management will support you in this role. Job ID #1021012

47607L16

48394L9-14

CAD DESIGNER / DRAFTSPERSON

HEALTH

C8 A challenging time of the year

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

FESTIVE SEASON CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR THOSE WITH CANCER AND THEIR LOVED ONES TORONTO — It’s considered, as the song says, the most wonderful time of the year.

But for those coping with cancer and for their loved ones, Christmas and the holiday season can be fraught with emotion, remembering what was and, for some, what may never be again.

Christmas is an emotionally loaded time of year for many people — even those without cancer, says Nancy Payeur, a team leader for patient and family counselling services at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria.

“For cancer patients, Christmas can be loaded because they’re reminded of some of the things they can’t do or won’t be able to do,” says Payeur, pointing to oftendebilitating fatigue and other effects from treatment and the disease itself.

“And that might really highlight for them the losses, the changes, the difficulties they’re going through and what cannot be this year.”

Brittany Boniface and her fiance Steve Shaw, both 26, were looking forward to their first Christmas in a new home in Hamilton when he was diagnosed with aggressive testicular cancer and went through almost three months of chemotherapy that ended in early December last year.

“So we had all these plans, you know, to do the big Christmas tree and the house and the big Christmas party, but unfortunately he was too weak to be able to put up the lights outside or to help decorate the tree like we’d wanted to or do our home,” Boniface says.

“It changed a lot of our plans. We couldn’t visit with family as much as we’d like to because of the germs,” she says, explaining that treatment had suppressed Shaw’s immune system, leaving him vulnerable to potentially lifethreatening infections.

Boniface took a leave from

her job to care for her partner, including spending eight hours a day at the hospital with him while he received chemotherapy.

“It really took a toll on us emotionally and physically,” she says, though their spirits were lifted by phone calls and online support from family and friends.

“But there still was that fear of the unknown ... just because he’d finished the treatment, it didn’t mean that he was in the clear, it didn’t mean that things were good. And we weren’t going to find that out until after Christmas.”

“So as much as we tried to be positive and really enjoy the Christmas spirit, it was really difficult some days because we just didn’t know: Is it gone? Is it still inside of him?

That was always on the top of our minds and it’s really hard to push that away.”

In the end, however, they decided to invite their families for Christmas, and the guests pitched in to prepare dinner.

“We did take a big risk in having people come over (but) we just wanted to be with family more than anything that day,” Boniface recalls. “It was the most special Christmas that we’ve ever had and the most emotional Christmas that we’ve ever had.”

Still, there’s no doubt that contending with cancer while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the holiday, and with everyone else seemingly full of joy, can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

Some people seek solace from support programs such as those provided by the Canadian Cancer Society, says Sara Schneiderman, a senior peer support specialist for the organization’s Hamilton branch.

“I can’t say that over the holiday period we have a definitive increase in calls, but it’s the needs of the clients I find become more pressing and more poignant,” says Schneiderman, whose program connects volunteer survivors with cancer patients and for-

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Brittany Boniface, right, and her fiance Steve Shaw add ornaments to their Christmas tree in Hamilton. Brittany was caring for Steve when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer last fall and was going through debilitating treatment last Christmas. mer caregivers with patients’ loved ones.

With the holiday season evoking childhood memories of magical Christmases past and the connection to religious traditions, those facing cancer can feel lonely, scared and in need of comfort, she says.

“And of course most people are looking for hope. And so to be able to reach out and talk to somebody else who’s been through an experience that’s similar to theirs — and to hear that that person is post-treatment and is doing well — can be very encouraging, especially if they’re feeling lonely and they don’t have a very good support network.”

Rose Lee has grappled with cancer twice during the holiday season: in 2005, she was treated for breast cancer; two years ago, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and completed chemotherapy just

You are what your father eats STUDY SAYS FATHER’S DIET BEFORE CONCEPTION MAY PLAY ROLE IN HEALTH OF OFFSPRING

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — It’s well-known that what a mother eats before and during pregnancy can affect fetal development, but research now suggests that a father’s diet prior to conception may also play a critical role in a newborn’s health.

Women are advised to get sufficient amounts of vitamin B9, or folate — found in green leafy vegetables, cereals, fruit and meats — to prevent miscarriages or birth defects in their babies.

But the way that a father’s diet can influence the health and development of offspring has received little attention, said Sarah Kimmins, a specialist in reproductive biology at McGill University who led a study looking at the effects of paternal folate levels.

“It can’t all be on the mother,” Kimmins said Tuesday from Montreal.

“Our study and others are now showing that the father can be a route for the transmission of birth defects and can influence offspring health.”

“Guys need to pay attention to what they’re doing in terms of lifestyle choices prior to having a baby, just like the woman does.”

In a study of mice published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers found that a low-folate diet in males was linked to an increased rate of birth defects among their pups, compared to the rate among pups whose fathers were fed a folate-sufficient diet.

“When we looked at the offspring, when we looked at the fetuses, we were really quite shocked that we saw the birth defects,” Kimmins said Tuesday from Montreal.

“We had increased changes in the pregnancy rate, and we expected that we would affect fertility, but we didn’t expect that we would have these paternal-driven birth defects in response to a folate-deficient diet.”

The birth anomalies, which occurred across the litters sired by folate-deficient mice, included spinal malformations, cranio-facial defects such as a shortened jaw, underdeveloped digits and club feet.

“Those were the types of things we saw as a consequence of that diet,” Kimmins said. “So they’re quite striking birth defects.”

In humans, about three per cent of children are born with a birth defect of some kind, and the cause is known for only about half of them, she said.

In the mouse litters born to fathers with inadequate dietary folate, about four per cent of the pups had a birth anomaly.

“We were very surprised to see that there was an almost 30 per cent increase in birth defects in the litters sired by fathers whose levels of folates were insufficient,” compared with those from sires fed folate-rich diets, said co-author Romain Lambrot, a post-doctoral fellow in McGill’s department of animal science.

“We saw some pretty severe skeletal abnormalities.”

While folic acid is added to a variety of foods, men who eat high-fat, fast-food diets or who are overweight or obese may not be able to efficiently metabolize B9, said Kimmins, noting that a lack of folate can affect their sperm.

“People who live in the Canadian North or in other parts of the world where there is food insecurity may also be particularly at risk for folate deficiency,” she said. “And we now know that this information will be passed on from the father to the embryo with consequences that may be quite serious.”

The researchers say a man’s sperm carries a memory of his environment and possibly even his diet and other lifestyle choices through the epigenome, a network of chemical compounds surrounding DNA. The epigenome, which is affected by environmental cues, is like a switch that influences how genes are turned on or off and how genetic information is passed from parents to children.

“I wouldn’t go so far as to tell guys you need to start taking a folate supplement because we don’t know what the right dose is, we don’t know how it affects the human sperm genome,” said Kimmins.

“But I think we can say let’s start paying attention to a male’s preconception health.”

three days before Christmas.

In past years, she had cooked Christmas dinner for her family and bought all their gifts. But the incapacitating effects of cancer and her treatment made that impossible.

“I was having a challenging time, lots of pain,” says Lee, 68, of Vancouver, where two of her three grown children and two grandchildren also live.

“At first, I didn’t want anyone to come over. I just wanted to be alone by myself. But then, later, I didn’t want to be left alone. Everybody’s having a good time and I’m all alone by myself? That’s no good.”

“They came to do some decorations in my house and they did all the cooking and set all the gifts under the Christmas tree. My appetite wasn’t good, so I ate whatever I could and then I just sat down and relaxed.”

It was, she says, the most thoughtful gift her family

could have given her.

While it may sound corny, acknowledges Payeur of the BC Cancer Agency, “the best kind of gift is your time — you.”

“Think about that young single parent (with cancer) who’s facing Christmas and has limited energy and is not feeling so great. What does she need?

Does she need you to take the kids out for an afternoon so she can do some things to get ready for Christmas? Does she need you to prepare some meals? Does she need you to come and clean her house?”

“People don’t think about those pragmatic things. They say, ’Oh, isn’t that awful. Gosh, I don’t know what I can do to help.’ Well sometimes it does require a little bit of reflection and thinking ... Some people have tons of support and people are lining up to help them, but that’s not the case for everybody.”

Family doctors can spot PTSD by screening high-risk patients

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Family doctors can play a key role in initially screening patients, such as those in the military, at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests.

Author Dr. Allison Crawford, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, said patients who come to their general practitioner with complaints that include nightmares, insomnia and physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. “It’s underdiagnosed at the general practitioner level,” Crawford said in an interview Monday.

The article is timely, coming as it does after the recent apparent suicides of four members of Canada’s military.

The deaths, which all occurred in the span of one week, have been linked to PTSD. Crawford said families can also support a loved one who’s been through a psychologically disturbing event by keeping an eye out for symptoms — including mood swings, jumpiness and being withdrawn — and encourage them to seek medical help.

For physicians, a simple screening questionnaire can help determine if a patient — for instance, a member of the military previously deployed to Afghanistan — may have PTSD as a result of exposure to combat trauma.

Many patients will not volunteer in-

formation about witnessing atrocities or other horrific experiences without being asked, said Crawford, who was a civilian psychiatrist at the Canadian Forces base in Kandahar in 2007.

The diagnosis of PTSD requires symptoms that last for more than one month and encompass at least three of the following areas: —Having memories or nightmares of traumatic events —Persistently avoiding thoughts, feelings, people or places that trigger memories of traumatic events —Being constantly on guard, watchful or easily startled —Feeling numb or detached from others, activities or surroundings Crawford said up to 80 per cent of people will be exposed in their lifetime to events classified as traumatic, from being in a war zone or being a crime victim to losing their home in a flood or fire. But not everyone who experiences such emotionally devastating incidents develops PTSD. “There are risks inherent in the trauma itself, so proximity to the trauma, how severe it is, whether their bodily integrity or physical safety was implicated. All of those things can make a person more likely to develop PTSD. Some people are much closer to combat, for example. Some people have been there (in the combat area) longer. They are more likely to develop PTSD.” Those who have pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly depression, anxiety or substance abuse, are also more prone to PTSD.

lizing In Difficult Dentu a i c e res Sp

Gaetz Ave. Denture Clinic

Denture Specialist

David Fedechko DD

Losing TAKE THIS TEST: your dentures... your Are R Loose?

R In your pocket?

R Cracked or worn? teeth? grip? R Over 5 years old? RR Missing Sore gums? #140, 2325 - 50th Avenue Red Deer, AB T4R 1M7

403-358-5558 North of Value Village

52816L3-27

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

BUSINESS

C9 Household debt hits new high

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

BUT ANALYSTS ENCOURAGED BY SLOWING GROWTH RATE

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Household debt in Canada hit a new all-time high in the just completed third quarter, but the tiny increase from the previous quarter suggests Canadians are reaching their limit on borrowing.

Debt to disposable household annual income rose a slim 0.6 percentage points to 163.7 per cent over the summer months, a time when Canadians were getting back into the housing market in a big way.

The increase means Canadians owe nearly $1.64 for every $1 in disposable income they earn in a year.

But analysts took comfort in the fact that the gain

was the smallest third-quarter growth rate in 12 years, and that follows the smallest gain in a decade the previous quarter.

“Those figures should be encouraging for policy makers and suggest that the Bank of Canada’s belief that imbalances are evolving constructively is right on the mark,” said Benjamin Reitzes, a senior economist with BMO Capital Markets.

“Policy makers will continue to watch this metric, but rising interest rates and better income growth should stabilize, then nudge this ratio lower over the next few years.”

Speaking in Montreal on Thursday, central bank governor Stephen Poloz called household debt a major risk to the Canadian economy, suggesting the fear

of stoking more borrowing as one reason he has not been even more dovish on interest rate policy.

“Growth in household borrowing has moderated and residential investment is on a more sustainable track,” Poloz assured the business audience, adding, however, that “nonetheless, the risks around this base case need to be managed.”

Policymakers are fixated on the debt ratio in part because it was at above 160 per cent that households in the United States and Britain ran into trouble about five years ago, contributing to defaults and the financial crisis that triggered the 2008-09 recession.

Please see DEBT on Page C10

STUFF A MEMORY

Huggable urns help owners feel close to their dearly departed pets

BY HARLEY RICHARDS ADVOCATE BUSINESS EDITOR When Susan Beitz’s mother Beatrice died in March, her family decided to keep her ashes so that she would remain nearby.

Beitz’s grandson wanted to go a step further.

“My grandson asked if he could put some of Granny’s ashes in one of his stuffed animals,” said Beitz, adding that the child’s wish was fulfilled with some help from a do-it-yourself teddy-bear-stuffing shop.

The success of the process got Beitz and her daughter Jillian Hauck thinking that stuffed animal might be a good way to preserve pet remains as well.

Three of their own deceased cats — Scooter, Bert and Bear — were residing in ceramic urns that were neither durable nor huggable.

The women did a bit of research and discovered that they could obtain plush pet urns from the United States. On Nov. 15, they opened Bea’s Stuff A Memory in Red Deer’s Towne Centre Mall — naming the business after their late mother and grandmother.

“We just decided if we were going to do it, we were going to do it,” said Beitz of the decision to transform their idea into reality.

Bea’s Stuff A Memory carries dozens of huggable urns, including bears, a moose, a giraffe, a horse and a tiger. There are also cats, and dogs ranging from Chihuahuas to Rottweilers.

“We’ve got quite the assortment,” said Beitz, pointing out that customers can choose an urn that resembles their pet.

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Susan Beitz, of Bea’s Stuff a Memory, shows off three examples of plush animals that can be transformed into urns for deceased pets. Bea’s Stuff a Memory is located in the Towne Centre Shopping Centre on Ross Street in downtown Red Deer.

The soft urns, said Beitz, are more personable than the conventional vessels and can be handled lovingly. Scooter, Bert and Bear have all made the switch and now reside in the shop.

She’s unaware of any similar businesses in Alberta.

“There’s someone in B.C. who does it.”

Beitz also sees the potential of huggable urns as the final resting place for people. She points to the example of Beatrice, who is now in the hands of her great-grandchildren.

“It’s really them that wanted something where they could be hugging Gran and still feel close to her.”

She’s not pushing this option at Bea’s Stuff A Memory, noting that some people are taken aback by the idea.

“But I think once people stop to think about it, it’s really not such a bad idea, because once again you’ve got that cuddly something you can put on your bed.”

Bea’s Stuff A Memory doesn’t actually require ashes of any kind. The shop also offers a traditional teddy-bear stuffing service, with customers able to choose their animals and pick out accessories, like clothes.

Additional information about Bea’s Stuff A Memory can be found online at beasstuffamemory.com. hrichards@reddeeradvocate.com

Prentice sees stronger year for oilpatch, Netflix reveals bingeing habits of viewers warns of foreign investment chill

BY JULIAN BELTRAME THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Senior CIBC executive and former Conservative cabinet minister Jim Prentice says he sees positive signs emerging in Canada’s energy sector, but remains worried about the message the country is sending the world on foreign investment.

Prentice was one of the first to sound the alarm last fall that the Harper government’s decision to hang out a not-welcome sign to state-owned enterprises would be a disaster for foreign investment in Canada’s oilpatch.

The latest data suggest the situation hasn’t changed much since he issued the alarm in a speech in London more than two months ago, Prentice said in an interview.

While he is careful to avoid attacking the government he once represented — and which some believe he one day aspires to lead — Prentice makes clear that the “tone” is proving an impediment to energy-sector expansion.

Aside from stalling for months before approving the takeover of two Alberta energy firms in 2012 — Nexen Inc. and Progress Energy — by Chinese and Malaysian state interests, Ottawa has of late halted the acquisition of MTS Allstream.

The government has also signalled it would not stand idly by if a Chinese firm were to show an interest in BlackBerry, the troubled smartphone maker.

The messages and actions, say critics, have chased away foreign suitors.

Last month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper compounded the problem by saying Ottawa needs wiggle room to decide on individual cases and that it would be “foolish to provide absolute clarity” about the rules.

Prentice agrees flexibility is useful, but also that the government needs to make clear it wants foreign investment — including from state-owned enterprises.

“Of the top 50 energy companies in the world, a large number are state-owned enterprises. My position has been that we want them to invest in Canada and we want them to platform multinational operations in Canada rather than in Houston or London,” he said.

“I think we need to assure people that Canada is open for business and that we welcome foreign direct investment and that we can only achieve our ambitions with foreign investment because we don’t have enough capital domestically . . . it’s a tone we need to make clear internationally.”

Please see OUTLOOK on Page C10

Cisco nets millions to expand Ontario workforce

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Ontario’s Liberals are handing up to $220 million to Cisco Canada as part of a deal that could see the high-tech giant invest as much as $4 billion and create thousands of jobs in the province over the next decade.

The news comes amid a rash of pending plant closures by companies that received provincial government subsidies.

Cisco, which sells computer hardware, software and services, said the 10-year deal includes a framework with the potential to grow its Ontario workforce

S&P / TSX 13,125.70 +11.31

▲

TSX:V 894.47 +8.38

▲

by up to 5,000 by 2024, “reflecting a potential total investment of up to $4 billion.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne said the agreement will add up to 1,700 jobs with a focus on research and development over the next six years.

“It’s very important to understand that jobs like these spawn other jobs,” she said Friday from Cisco’s downtown Toronto offices.

“There are other jobs that are required to support this kind of high tech, so I believe that we have a bright future because of creating hubs like this.”

Both Kellogg and Novartis, which also received government help, are shuttering factories in the province, resulting in the loss of more than 800 jobs.

NASDAQ 4,000.98 +2.57

▲

DOW JONES 15,755.36 +15.93

▲

Harley Richards, Business Editor, 403-314-4337 E-mail hrichards@reddeeradvocate.com

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Most Internet users who regularly stream TV shows online define “binge viewing” as watching as few as two episodes back-to-back in one sitting or as many as six, according to survey results released Friday by Netflix.

About 61 per cent of the users polled said they binge watch regularly, and nearly three in four users said they don’t feel guilty doing it.

While the survey results are based on online polling in the U.S., Netflix commissioned cultural anthropologist Grant McCracken to visit half a dozen Toronto households and a number of others south of the border to talk about how users watch TV. McCracken observed that those who have moved away from the old-fashioned channel surfing, schedule-based style of TV viewing — whether because of Netflix, having a PVR to record shows, or watching DVDs and Blu-Rays — seemed much more passionate about what they watch.

“I was buying the original idea (of bingeing), which seemed to be that there’s something unhealthy about it . . . but what you get instead is people talking about how passionately they’re engaged and the intelligence they bring to the viewing experience,” said McCracken. “It’s kind of an evolutionary pattern here, we’re moving away from the couch potato . . . to a moment where people are watching shows in a more concentrated, thoughtful, engaged way and as that’s happening — and I think one of the reasons it’s happening — is TV is actually getting better.”

McCracken said he noticed Canadians seemed even more engrossed than Americans in terms of deeply analyzing their favourite shows.

“Everybody these days is watching TV from two points of view simultaneously. On the one hand, they’re emotionally engaged and passionately interested,” McCracken said.

“On the other hand, they are second guessing the creative decisions they’re looking at, they’re saying, ‘That’s an interesting casting choice’ or ‘Oh, I wouldn’t have used that camera angle.’ There’s a kind of critical dialogue going on and I think Canadians do that even more than Americans do it, where they keep up two kinds of points of view.

“We just have a natural gift for watching what we’re watching.”

NYMEX CRUDE $96.60US -0.90

▼

>>>>

NYMEX NGAS $4.399US +0.048

▲

CANADIAN DOLLAR ¢94.38US +0.40

▲

SEE MORE ONLINE AT WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

C10 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

MARKETS

CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE

COMPANIES OF LOCAL INTEREST Friday’s stock prices supplied by RBC Dominion Securities of Red Deer. For information call 341-8883.

Consumer Canadian Tire . . . . . . . . . 95.11 Gamehost . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.40 Leon’s Furniture . . . . . . . 13.40 Loblaw Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . 41.30 Maple Leaf Foods. . . . . . 16.10 Rona Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.12 Shoppers . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.48 Tim Hortons . . . . . . . . . . 61.15 Wal-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78.08 WestJet Airlines . . . . . . . 28.25 Mining Barrick Gold . . . . . . . . . . 17.76 Cameco Corp. . . . . . . . . 22.09 First Quantum Minerals . 17.00 Goldcorp Inc. . . . . . . . . . 22.31 Hudbay Minerals. . . . . . . . 7.83 Kinross Gold Corp. . . . . . . 4.88 Potash Corp.. . . . . . . . . . 32.66 Sherritt Intl. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.06 MARKETS CLOSE TORONTO — The Toronto stock market closed little changed Friday with buyers not inclined to do much on hopes that a meeting of the Federal Reserve next week will provide clarity on whether the central bank is set to start reducing its monetary stimulus.

The S&P/TSX composite index was 11.31 points higher at 13,125.7.

The Canadian dollar closed up 0.4 of a cent at 94.38 cents US. U.S. indexes were similarly lacklustre after three days of losses as the Dow Jones industrials edged 15.93 points higher to 15,755.36, the Nasdaq added 2.57 points to 4,000.98 and the S&P 500 index slipped 0.18 of a point to 1,775.32.

Expectations about the Fed tapering its US$85 billion a month of bond purchases have changed over the last month.

Previously markets largely expected that the U.S. central bank would hold off until March when incoming chair Janet Yellen is settled in her new job.

But a string of strong data last week, capped by a solid employment report for November, has raised concerns that the Fed could act as soon as next week when the Federal Open Market Committee meets Dec. 17-18.

A better than expected retail sales report for November and the passage of a budget agreement in the U.S. Congress further served to raise expectations.

But that doesn’t mean everyone is convinced the Fed is set to move next week.

Wes Mills, chief investment officer for Scotia Asset Management PM Advisor Services, thinks the Fed will wait until March when Yellen has had some time on the job and sees more indications of an improving economy.

“You’re just coming back from this government shutdown and all that,” he said. “We haven’t seen two or three months strung together that we can really point to with solid conviction that this hasn’t been influenced by something else.”

Mills added that the uncertainty about the Fed will continue to be an overhang if it doesn’t move next week.

But he believes “the market will very quickly factor that in and drive on and start to focus on earnings more because . . . now if we’re going to go higher we need earnings.”

The U.S. stimulus has lifted stocks over the past few years and its potential reduction has jolted markets since May when outgoing Fed chair Ben Bernanke first mentioned the possibility of tapering. However, any cutback in asset purchases would be gradual and is expected to be accompanied by a renewed commitment by the Fed to keep interest rates low.

Both Toronto and New York markets gave up ground this week amid the Fed speculation, with the TSX down 1.17 per cent for the week and the Dow industrials falling 1.65 per cent. The TSX is up 5.56 per cent for the year to date and the Dow has surged 20.2 per cent.

The consumer discretionary sector was the biggest advancer, up 0.55 per cent with retailer Reitmans (TSX:RET.A) ahead 28 cents to $6.24 while auto parts giant Magna International (TSX:MG) gained $1.17 to $83.74.

The much battered gold sector, down 50 per cent for the year, was up about 0.4 per cent as February bullion gained $9.70 to US$1,234.60 an ounce. Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) rose 28 cents to C$17.76.

The energy sector was slightly higher as January crude on the New York Mercantile Exchange declined 90 cents to US$96.60 a barrel.

Telecoms were weak af-

Teck Resources . . . . . . . 24.41 Energy Arc Energy . . . . . . . . . . . 28.65 Badger Daylighting Ltd. . 83.51 Baker Hughes. . . . . . . . . 52.71 Bonavista . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.64 Bonterra Energy . . . . . . . 53.89 Cdn. Nat. Res. . . . . . . . . 34.35 Cdn. Oil Sands Ltd. . . . . 19.54 Canyon Services Group. 11.42 Cenovous Energy Inc. . . 29.84 CWC Well Services . . . . 0.870 Encana Corp. . . . . . . . . . 19.23 Essential Energy. . . . . . . . 2.87 Exxon Mobil . . . . . . . . . . 95.31 Halliburton Co. . . . . . . . . 49.39 High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.65 Husky Energy . . . . . . . . . 31.23 Imperial Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 45.29 Pengrowth Energy . . . . . . . NA Penn West Energy . . . . . . 9.10 Pinecrest Energy Inc. . . . 0.415 Precision Drilling Corp . . . 9.49 Suncor Energy . . . . . . . . 35.80 Talisman Energy . . . . . . . 12.40 Trican Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 12.29 Trinidad Energy . . . . . . . . 9.93 Vermilion Energy . . . . . . 61.00 Financials Bank of Montreal . . . . . . 68.60 Bank of N.S. . . . . . . . . . . 62.94 CIBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88.97 Cdn. Western . . . . . . . . . 38.15 Carfinco . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.79 Great West Life. . . . . . . . 31.75 IGM Financial . . . . . . . . . 52.87 Intact Financial Corp. . . . 67.50 Manulife Corp. . . . . . . . . 19.65 National Bank . . . . . . . . . 88.46 Rifco Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.46 Royal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 68.23 Sun Life Fin. Inc.. . . . . . . 35.86 TD Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.65

ter the CRTC announced it will look at wholesale rates charged to small wireless firms by the big players including Rogers (TSX:RCI.B), Bell (TSX:BCE) and Telus (TSX:T). The federal telecom regulator wants to know if big players are putting these small players at an unfair disadvantage with the wholesale roaming rates they charge. Rogers shed 62 cents to $47.02.

The base metals sector was slightly lower even as March copper rose two cents at US$3.31 a pound. First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FM) lost 20 cents to C$17.

Traders also digested comments by Chinese leaders that the world’s second-largest economy faces “downward pressure” and have called for boldness in carrying out promised reforms aimed at reviving slowing growth.

In a report following an annual planning meeting, Communist party leaders said Friday that the country faces problems including excess production capacity in some industries and environmental degradation.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TORONTO — Highlights at the close of Friday at world financial market trading.

Stocks: S&P/TSX Composite Index — 13,125.70 up 11.31 points TSX Venture Exchange — 894.47 up 8.38 points TSX 60 — 752.92 down 0.25 point Dow — 15,755.36 up 15.93 points S&P 500 — 1,775.32 down 0.18 point Nasdaq — 4,000.98 up 2.57 points Currencies at close: Cdn — 94.38 cents US, up 0.40 of a cent Pound — C$1.7267, down 1.32 cents Euro — C$1.4556, down 0.77 of a cent Euro — US$1.3739, down 0.14 of a cent

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Rick More, right, the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce’s manager of membership and community relations, chats with Melissa Delaronde of Diversified Staffing and Luke Spicer of Creative Concrete at the Chamber office on Friday. The Chamber was hosting its annual Christmas Open House, with members and guests treated to refreshments and good cheer. year high of 51 per cent of gross domestic product.

By comparison, net government debt peaked at 93 per cent in 1996.

STORIES FROM PAGE C9

DEBT: Interest rates unlikely to rise soon They also fear that at such elevated levels, many Canadian households would be unable to withstand a financial shock such as a loss of income, or a sudden spike in interest rates that raised debt services charges. That could lead to a sharp correction in home prices, as well as households pulling back on spending in other areas, thereby impacting the economy generally.

RBC economist Laura Cooper said in a note to clients that the most likely scenario is that as housing moderates, the pace of household debt accumulation will also ease.

“This would allow policymakers to focus their efforts on absorbing the still elevated excess capacity in the economy,” she said, adding that she expects the central bank will keep its trendsetting policy interest rate at one per cent until mid-2015.

A sizable $19.7 billion of borrowing on mortgages contributed the lion’s share to the $25.1 billion total household borrowing during the third quarter, which runs July-to-September.

Total mortgage debt at the end of the third quarter stood at just over $1.1 trillion, up 1.8 per cent from the second quarter.

Consumer credit debt totalled $505 billion at the end of the quarter, up one per cent from the previous three-month period.

Despite the increase in debt, households continued to get richer in the third quarter as their net worth gained 2.2 per cent on the back of a strong stock market.

The value of shares and other equities gained 3.7 per cent in the quarter, while the value of household real estate gained 1.5 per cent.

On a per capita basis, Canadian net worth increased to $212,200, also an all-time high, from $208,300 in the second quarter.

On the government front, net debt edged to a nine-

D I L B E R T

OUTLOOK: Foreigners want for certainty That is also the view of John Manley, the head of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, who said the situation has reached the point where “the outcomes are too uncertain” for foreign companies that may want to invest in Canada.

“Companies are therefore reluctant to go to the effort and expense of trying to make an acquisition when they don’t have a clear line of sight of what the outcome will be,” Manley said.

Prentice’s latest numbers show a precipitous drop-off in foreign investment in the energy sector since the new rules over state-owned enterprises were announced at the end of 2012, although he concedes there are other reasons for the decline.

Direct foreign investment as of December this year totalled $2.3 billion, compared with $29.2 billion for the same period last year. Mergers and acquisitions have fallen to $13.7 billion from $73.8 billion last year.

The issue is top of mind with Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner, who said in an interview he intends to bring it up at the upcoming federalprovincial finance ministers meetings in the nation’s capital on Sunday night and Monday.

“The issue is clarity,” Horner said.

“When business does not have clarity, it does not move. That’s what we are having now, we have this freeze, and it’s because we do not have clarity.”

Horner said even though the new restrictions were specifically aimed at state-owned enterprises, private sector firms have also felt the chill.

After a “challenging 2013,” Prentice said he is hopeful 2014 will be a better year for the oilpatch — not just on investment, but also in dealing with the long-term problem of bottlenecks due to a lack of pipeline capacity.

That is essential for expansion of the oilsands, as well as to get producers better prices for their product.

The rapid expansion of transport by rail has eased some of the pressure, but Prentice said he is growing more hopeful of approval for a pipeline to the West Coast to ship Alberta bitumen to markets in Asia.

This Christmas . . . wants to send you on a

Oil futures: US$96.60 per barrel, down 90 cents (January contract)

Canadian

Gold futures: US$1,234.60 per oz., up $9.70 (February contract) Canadian Fine Silver Handy and Harman: $21.764 per oz., up 29.1 cents $699.71 per kg., up $9.35 ICE FUTURES CANADA WINNIPEG — Closing prices: Canola: Jan. ’14 $8.20 lower $439.90; March ’14 $8.30 lower $450.30; May ’14 $8.80 lower $459.00; July ’14 $9.40 lower $466.10; Nov. ’14 $8.60 lower $478.20; Jan ’15 $8.50 lower $483.20; March ’15 $8.50 lower $486.20; May ’15 $8.50 lower $488.20; July ’15 $8.50 lower $487.30; Nov ’15 $8.50 lower $483.50; Jan. ’16 $8.50 lower $483.50.

Barley (Western): Dec ’13 unchanged $155.00; March ’14 unchanged $157.00; May ’14 unchanged $158.00; July ’14 unchanged $158.00; Oct. ’14 unchanged $158.00; Dec. ’14 unchanged $158.00; March ’15 unchanged $158.00; May ’15 unchanged $158.00; July ’15 unchanged $158.00.

Friday’s estimated volume of trade: 802,900 tonnes of canola; 0 tonnes of barley (Western Barley) Total: 802,900.

This season, the Advocate would like to send you anywhere in Canada that Air Canada flies.

We are offering our readers the chance to win

2 round-trip tickets

to any Air Canada destination in Canada.

Air Canada, named Best Airline in North America, four years running by Skytrax, brings Red Deer to the world.

Choose from three daily nonstop flights from Red Deer to Calgary and convenient connections to over 175 destinations worldwide.

Earn Aeroplan Miles for every flight. Fly the difference. Book at aircanada.com

Contest Closes: Midnight, Sunday, December 22, 2013

Draw Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Fill out an entry form at the following businesses: Cosmos Dots Cash Casino Sun ‘n Fun

Medicine Shoppe Bahrey Dental and Kitt Hygiene M&M Meat Shops

Wei’s Western Wear Eyewear Liquidators Shoppers Home Health Care

Losmnes Veterinary Clinic Beltone The Hearing Centre Red Deer Discount Golf

48750K18

Diversified and Industrials Agrium Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 94.84 ATCO Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 46.59 BCE Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45.24 BlackBerry . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.42 Bombardier . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.49 Brookfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.69 Cdn. National Railway . . 58.10 Cdn. Pacific Railway. . . 159.44 Cdn. Utilities . . . . . . . . . . 35.53 Capital Power Corp . . . . 20.59 Cervus Equipment Corp 22.68 Dow Chemical . . . . . . . . 41.52 Enbridge Inc. . . . . . . . . . 43.84 Finning Intl. Inc. . . . . . . . 25.66 Fortis Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.12 General Motors Co. . . . . 40.04 Parkland Fuel Corp. . . . . 18.49 Sirius XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.79 SNC Lavalin Group. . . . . 46.10 Stantec Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 69.75 Telus Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . 36.10 Transalta Corp.. . . . . . . . 13.55 Transcanada. . . . . . . . . . 46.27

Contest will run from November 18, 2013, to midnight, December 22, 2013. All entries must be received by closing date. Limit one entry per person per day to a maximum of 32 entries per person per location. Draw date is Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Photocopied entry forms will not be accepted. Prize winners will be notified by telephone. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and have no cash value. The contest is open to everyone except employees of participating businesses and of the Red Deer Advocate. See www.reddeeradvocate.com for full terms and conditions.

D1 HOMES Ho, ho — oh no!

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

DECORATORS CAUGHT BETWEEN A FESTIVE ROCK AND A HOLIDAY HARD PLACE Just 11 more days until Christmas.

It’s closing in and, hey, if we could we would stop the clocks and give everyone a few more days to prepare.

Short of channeling our inner Doctor Who, however, we’re stuck between a festive rock and a holiday hard place.

Just like everyone else, you see, we face similar challenges to get our house in order before the big day finally COLIN & arrives.

JUSTIN To be fair, we’ve invited a sleigh-full of extra pressure this Christmas due to work commitments. With several party themed TV episodes already in the bag, as well as spots on BT and numerous radio engagements, we’ve been stretched to the max.

Add in a photo shoot that will appear in these very pages (check out our ‘holiday cocktail culture’ column next week and prepare to swoon over a tree made from a massive cake stand), a feature in the current Chatelaine and holiday spreads (snapped in Canada) for our column in Scotland’s Sunday Mail, and it’s fair to say our Santa fuse has fully ignited.

We’ve dressed perhaps a dozen trees for private clients and presided over numerous corporate events, most recently at Toronto’s Granite Club where we hosted a high-impact dinner for several hundred members as part of our Dressing The Perfect Table masterclass.

What we’ve learned, while enjoying our festive interface with clients, readers and TV audiences, is that everyone likes a different level of Christmas wrapping.

Some folk want an all-out bauble extravaganza whereas others (like us) prefer to whisper yuletide with a sequence of touches that add flair without overwhelming existing — yearround — décor.

We’ve long strived to make environments healthy with good air passage and non-allergenic materials at the root of each of our schemes.

We both endure (manageable) allergies to some of life’s more mundane aspects (Colin: milk and artificial rooms scents; Justin: perfume and basic household cleaners) and, as such, remain open to increased environmental purification.

And during the holiday period?

Well, it’s fair to say, as the season unravels, we’re ever more mindful of allergies and of how, unobserved, they can spoil the party.

Studying a recent survey by allergy battlers Claritin, we were nonetheless surprised by just how affected some people are during the holidays.

It’s easy to appraise allergies as spring or summer afflictions but there are numerous year-round triggers.

In the survey, 79 per cent of those surveyed by Claritin reported dust as a major issue, 68 per cent said that pet hair is a problem and 54 per cent said that carpets are a problem.

The aforementioned survey also revealed that, during the holiday season, many people consider their — or their partners’ — allergies when choosing holiday décor.

Some of the most common decorative culprits revealed were, wait for it, potpourri (have you seen the dust it attracts in even fastidious homes?) cheap, scented candles (supermarket brands can be very ‘sharp’) and, surprise surprise, the humble Christmas tree.

Real or otherwise.

These points observed, we thought we’d cover off some ways to make Christmas that little bit easier on the bodily system. The holidays, after all, should be a time to relax and enjoy good company — not a time for allergic meltdown.

DESIGN

Contributed photos

Yes indeed, with a few cleverly played allergy friendly manoeuvres, your home can become wonderfully festive without so much as a sniff or sneeze.

Here’s how:

With several party themed TV episodes already in the bag, as well as spots on BT and numerous radio engagements, Colin and Justin have been stretched to the max. It’s fair to say their Santa fuse has fully ignited.

Real trees Gorgeous, but a haven for dust and pollen, not to mention a nightmare (courtesy of needle shed) after the celebration. But all is not lost; you just have to think genus.

Pine trees are tricky as their pollen can be a major allergy trigger. Spruce and fir, on the other hand, are better bets, while the Leyland cypress (a sterile hybrid) is a particularly great choice since it doesn’t produce pollen.

Some growers employ mechanical tree-shakers to dispense dead needles, dust and mould, but a little maintenance can further minimize problems.

Before bringing indoors, don a builder’s dust mask (oh, the glamour) and shake your tree to remove loose needles and any other debris. Next, hose with water and allow to dry overnight in the garage.

For even better allergy avoidance, spray with (http://www.naturecleanliving.com) Nature Clean veggie soak to help remove pesticides (another major irritant) which may have been sprayed on your tree.

Fake it There’s some pretty convincing faux foliage but, whatever you buy, ensure it has low ‘off- gassing.’ A polyethylenebased tree with reduced PVC content is ideal.

Packaging should provide this information but, if composition isn’t described, move on. Home Depot stocks artificial trees that are kinder to the atmosphere and your health — check in store for details.

Clean up your (tree’s) act If your fake tree has been stashed in the basement or attic, it has likely gathered dust, maybe even mould.

If possible, wash outdoors with a hose, although this shouldn’t be attempted if your tree is pre-wired with lighting.

Allow to dry thoroughly before bringing back inside.

Select an alternative eco-friendly tree we love the tree (as seen in one of today’s images) from http://boutique.cascades.com/ca/en.

Delivered flat in a four-foot by three-foot case, you simply unpack and assemble.

No tools required, no plastic content and no ensuing allergic reaction.

Please see DECORATING on Page D2

48036L14

The retail sector is awash with modern metal and wire trees (visit Hudson’s Bay for inspiration) as well as a host of options assembled using driftwood branches and even cardboard;

D2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

STORY FROM PAGE D1

DECORATING: Clean sweep Dust off your baubles If your decorations have been lying in wait since last January, chances are they’ll be a little dusty.

Wherever possible, unwrap and clean outdoors, to avoid dust clouds indoors, and wipe with a soft cloth before hanging.

At the end of the season, re-wrap in new paper, rather than re-using old, dusty paper.

Clean your wreaths Real foliage wreaths can present the same allergic problems as real trees.

Alternatively, choose an attractive wicker wreath to tempt clearer air.

Artificial garland wreaths can be brushed or dusted with a soft cloth.

Alternatively, using filter vacuum to suck away debris and then hang with confidence.

Choose top quality candles Simply put, essential oil-scented candles are better for you — and for the environment — than those created with artificial fragrances.

If you fancy lovely, flickering atmosphere, with no aroma whatsoever, choose unscented beeswax church-style candles or opt for 100 per cent soy wax alternatives.

Independent advice

Photo by DORLING KINDERSLEY/Aram Store

Featured in Great Design, the Barcelona Chair, designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture ever produced.

The heart of design with carrying case that could double as a waste basket helped to transform the way both designers and users thought about the machines they used at the office and at home.

There are more than 100 stories brought together in Great Design that will engage you for hours.

In 1954, Fender’s electric guitar revolutionized the music world.

The pre-Second World War people’s car, Volkswagen Beetle, designed by Ferdinand Porsche, was so popular that with minor adjustments its concept and shape have remained the same for decades.

Our design heroes use their talents and imagination to take leaps of faith, and there is a lesson there for all of us. Dare to dream, make a small change in direction, add a bit of colour and you may just dazzle yourself.

Debbie Travis’s House to Home column is produced

by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie’s website, www.debbietravis.com.

HOUSE TO HOME

Greetings When cards are displayed on a window ledge, mantle or shelf, dust gathers and can be hard to clean without removing all the cards and starting over.

Do you really want that hassle?

Of course not.

Instead, create an easy-maintenance ‘above surface’ vignette and showcase cards in a multi-armed wire holder such as Crowd Photo Display from http:// www.umbra.com/ustore/home.site.

And after Twelfth Night? Use it to display family photos. Double bubble!

Today’s sermon drawing to a conclusion, we’ll happily turn the analytic probe inwards and address our own nagging allergy; bad taste.

Sure, it’s an ongoing war but fret not; design doctors Colin and Justin are always on had to dispense remedy.

See you next week for the last leg of our Christmas countdown!

Colin and Justin are regular home and design experts on TV and in print.

SSIERRAS IERR MICHENER HILL ADULT CONDOS: L A FIN ASE PH 0 % ! LOOKING FOR 5 LD A NEW HOME? SO

THROW W THAT TH HAT SNOW SNO SHOVEL AWAY! ENJOY WONDERFUL AMENITIES! Open Concept 2 Bedroom, Bedroom/Den & 1 Bedroom Layouts Suite Sizes from 776 to 1190 Sq. Ft. Bright, South Facing Suites Central Air Conditioning Corner Suites Buy Now, Choose Your Finishes

MASTER BEDROOM 0 0 12 x 14

W.I.C. 6 0 3 x5

BEDROOM 0 0 12 x 10

BATH 0 0 5 x8

CARPET

CARPET

LINO

CARPET

BALCONY 0 6 8 x 11

HALF WALL

LINEN

• • • • • • •

ENSUITE 0 6 8 x7

DINING AREA 0 0 8 x8

KITCHEN 0 6 10 x12

LINO

(96 SQ. FT.)

CARPET

FLUSH EATING LEDGE

LINO

W.I.C. 0 6 8 x4

HALF WALL

CARPET

LIVING ROOM 6 6 13 x12

PANT.

ENTRY

CLOSET

LINO

UTIL. 6 0 5 x 5 STACK LINO

CARPET

W/D

DOUGLAS FIR: 1096 SQ. FT.

PLUS: FREE SHAW PERSONAL CABLE TV, INTERNET & PHONE SERVICE FOR 1 YEAR!

SHOW SUITE NOW OPEN! #7 Michener Blvd.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 12 - 5PM

Realtors Welcome

403-340-1690 michenerhillcondos.com

OPEN HOUSES

CHECK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON RED DEER & CENTRAL ALBERTA’S OPEN HOUSES AND FIND YOUR DREAM HOME! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 - RED DEER

11 Cowan Close 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

163 Allan Street 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

33 Keen Crescent 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

3 Jessup Avenue 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

5 Garrison Circle 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

6 Thompson Crescent 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

6 Traptow Close 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

23 Voisin Close 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

7 Michener Blvd.

12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

If not open call for appointment.

10 Greenway Street 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Melissa Morin Margaret Comeau Terri-Lynn Anderson Alex Wilkinson Chad Knowles Aaron Bridgette Kyle Lygas Bill Cooper

CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE RE/MAX ROYAL LEPAGE, NETWORK ROYAL LEPAGE, NETWORK MALEX CUSTOM HOMES LTD. LAEBON HOMES LAEBON HOMES MASON MARTIN HOMES MEDICAN CONSTRUCTION 40 plus

346-0021 391-3399 755-4847 318-3627 505-7218 396-4016 588-2189 588-2550 340-1690

$349,900 $358,000 $249,500 $574,000

Clearview Anders Park Kentwood Johnstone Park Garden Heights Timberstone Timberstone Vanier Woods Michener Hill

Lyle Kellington

HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD.

357-0770

$465,212

Garden Heights

RE/MAX ABBEY MASTER BUILDER HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD. HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD. LAEBON HOMES MASON MARTIN HOMES MASON MARTIN HOMES

848-0883 598-0449 352-4203 597-6764 392-6841

$307,000

588-2231

Blackfalds Penhold Sylvan Lake Blackfalds Sylvan Lake Springbrook Blackfalds

Janice Morin Terri-Lynn Anderson Kelli Hildreth Aaron Bridgette Chad Knowles Kyle Lygas Bill Cooper

ROYAL LEPAGE, NETWORK ROYAL LEPAGE, NETWORK COLDWELL BANKER, ONTRACK LAEBON HOMES LAEBON HOMES MALEX CUSTOM HOMES LTD. MASON MARTIN HOMES MEDICAN CONSTRUCTION 40 plus

396-0004 755-4847 877-3267 396-4016 588-2189 505-7218 588-2550 340-1690

$399,900 $249,500 $344,900

Lyle Kellington

HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD.

357-0770

$465,212

ROYAL LEPAGE, NETWORK RE/MAX ABBEY MASTER BUILDER HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD. HIGHRIDGE HOMES LTD. LAEBON HOMES MASON MARTIN HOMES MASON MARTIN HOMES

346-8900 848-0883 598-0449 352-4203 597-6764 392-6841

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 - OUT OF TOWN

21 Valley Crescent 40 Heartland Crescent 17 Ross Close 10 Eastpointe Drive 63 Bowman Circle 639 Oak Street 4280 Westbrooke Road

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Anjali Sinclair Christina Courte Laquisha Yee Doug Carr Jennifer Jessica Mercereau Glenn Bagley

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 - RED DEER

39 Adamson Avenue 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

33 Keen Crescent 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

32 Otterbury Avenue 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

6 Thompson Crescent 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

6 Traptow Close 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

5 Garrison Circle 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

23 Voisin Close 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

7 Michener Blvd.

12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

If not open call for appointment.

10 Greenway Street 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 - OUT OF TOWN

3 Rogers Road 15 Sandstone Avenue 40 Heartland Crescent 17 Ross Close 10 Eastpointe Drive 63 Bowman Circle 639 Oak Street 4280 Westbrooke Road

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Amanda Cowley Anjali Sinclair Christina Courte Laquisha Yee Doug Carr Jennifer Jessica Mercereau Glenn Bagley

588-2231

$286,900 $339,900 $188,900

$574,000

$259,900 $286,900 $339,900 $188,900

Anders Park Kentwood Oriole Park Timberstone Timberstone Garden Heights Vanier Woods Michener Hill Garden Heights Sylvan Lake Lacombe Penhold Sylvan Lake Blackfalds Sylvan Lake Springbrook Blackfalds

45565L14

Wherever you are right now, look around you.

Your computer, the chair you are sitting in, the lights, the clock, your toothbrush, the spoon you stir your coffee with, your coffee maker — every single thing has been designed by someone to look and work as it does.

“Designers shape our environment down to the smallest details, and it makes them some of the most influential people in the world.”

So states author Philip Wilkinson in the fascinating new book Great Design, a Smithsonian edition published by Dorling Kindersley that takes the reader through the world’s best designs, covering decades from 1860 through to the present.

This large format tome features the most significant designs that sprang from the imagination of men and DEBBIE women who dared to move TRAVIS into uncharted territory with materials or manufacturing processes that had just become available.

What do the Tiffany lamp (1900), Ericcson telephone (1931), the Vespa (1946) and Eames lounge chair and ottoman (1956) have in common?

They are everyday products that set a new style or vision and paved the way for further imaginative design.

The text explores key designers, and movements, how the featured designs came to be and what makes them special. Closeup photography explores unique details.

In 1855, cabinet maker Michael Thonet used the heat from steam to bend a solid piece of beechwood timber into the frame for the Bentwood Chair, replacing the need to cut wood in order to make a curve.

He then used screws to join pieces together. The result was a simple strong chair that was easy to assemble, affordable and elegant.

It became one of the most successful pieces of furniture ever made.

American designers Charles and Ray Eames attempted to bend plywood with heat and pressure in the 1940s, and in 1956 created The Lounge Chair 670, as a gift for their friend Billy Wilder. The Eames Lounge chair is a stunningly luxurious chair with a sculpted rosewood shell and plump supple leather seat and back. The combination of rich materials and design has made it an icon, at home in any setting from traditional to modern.

A winning design is often a collaboration between separate disciplines. In 1931, Norwegian engineer Christian Bjerknes designed the inner workings of the Ericcson telephone to include the bell ring and improved on the sound quality in the headpiece.

Artist and sculptor Jean Heiberg created the body and handset, utilizing bakelite, which was strong and could be moulded into the shape he had in mind.

The result was a telephone design that was reproduced around the world for the next 40 years, highly valued by collectors today.

Remember the original black metal typewriters?

Utilitarian but boring. Then Italy’s Etorre Sottsass, an architect and brilliant designer, brought colour and life, as well as easy portability to the machine by replacing the metal body with plastic in vibrant colours, primarily red. The Valentine Typewriter

Visit Christmas fairs and seek out the boutique makers who can tell you all about manufacturing techniques and composition of their products.

Knowledge is power; being aware of ingredients will help you dodge any allergy-provoking elements.

Visit http://www.etsy.com for crafty, handmade inspiration.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 D3

Photo by STEVE MAXWELL/freelance

Some of Canada’s best and brightest young people deserve a place in the trades, but the uncool reputation keeps too many out, even though money and jobs are plentiful.

Trades need to become cool THE REALITY OF TRADE SHORTAGES BEGINS WITH THE FACT THAT THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST YOUNG PEOPLE RARELY CHOOSE THE TRADES THESE DAYS Have you ever wondered why you have a harder time finding good tradespeople and home renovators than finding a good restaurant meal, new car or dentist?

Why is it that people often feel suspicious when they hire someone to do renovations or home improvements?

This is what it feels like when a country has a shortage of skilled, honest, capable people in one area of the economy, and after listening to warnings about the lack of tradespeople in Canada for at least 35 years, the situation has only gotten worse.

Not even great wages and benefits have turned the tide on this, and they won’t.

STEVE That’s because the issue MAXWELL ultimately has nothing to do with money, logic and reason.

It has everything to do with emotions and appearance.

The reality of trade shortages begins with the fact that the best and brightest young people rarely choose the trades these days.

When was the last time you heard of a young person who was accepted into medical school, yet turned down the opportunity in favour of becoming a contractor, pipe fitter or painter?

And why not?

HOUSEWORKS

Good tradespeople who grow their work into true businesses can earn more than many white collar workers.

Unfortunately, more often than not, trade work is a fallback option for young people who can’t make it in the academic stream, and that’s not anything that logical arguments or money is going to change.

What we really need is an image make-over of the whole trade sector.

Sound impossible?

Maybe not.

Things are different in other countries.

They could be different in Canada, too.

Earlier this year I had dinner with a 30-something year old Swiss immigrant to Canada named Roland.

He lives and works in Canada, and after a few minutes of talking to him, anyone could tell he’s got what it takes to work at anything.

As with all young people in Switzerland, Roland was required to begin choosing his career path at 16 years old.

Through a series of trial apprenticeships, he sampled banking, several white collar options, then tried a few weeks being a butcher.

In the end, he chose to be a carpenter, apprenticing for five years before completing an additional two-year stint travelling around the world practising his trade abroad as the final part of his training.

By the time Roland was 23, he was earning a man’s wage with no academic debt, just like the majority of other young people in Switzerland.

He’s also capable of producing a quality of work I almost never see in this country.

What else can you say about a guy who can build a 16-sided, timber frame home with no more than a few millimetres of deviation on any one side?

Does Canada produce it’s own tradespeople of this quality?

Sometimes, but not nearly often enough. That’s why TV has so many homes-gone-wrong shows running. The state of the trades is so bad that it’s even spun off an entire rant-and-rescue entertainment industry.

So what’s needed to change the public’s B-grade perception of something as huge as an entire sector of the economy?

A higher cool factor, that’s what.

When parents and young people begin to feel the emotional fact that working with your hands and your head is a fun, profitable and noble way to spend your life, then things will begin to change.

But this emotional reality will also have to be coupled with a renewal in the trades training sector, raising the bar to challenge even the best and brightest young people to their limits.

Will we ever see both the cool factor and training standards rise enough to make great things happen? I haven’t seen any improvement over the last 35 years, but hope starts with the dream that things could be different.

So dream is what I’ll do.

Steve Maxwell, syndicated home improvement and woodworking columnist, has shared his DIY tips, how-to videos and product reviews since 1988. Get home improvement and renovation advice directly from Steve at www.stevemaxwellhowto.com.

Downtown condo living appeals to boomers MEANS BEING ABLE TO WALK TO AMENITIES, NO GRASS TO MOW it is important to know about the restrictions and demographics of the building buyers may be considering.

According to Watt, the number of studio apartments in a building can indicate how many young people live in the building.

“For people like my parents who are 65 and sold their house and moved to a condo, they don’t want to move into a party building with a whole bunch of university students who are partying until 3 a.m.,” he said.

“They want to be in a building with a demographic of people that are similar to them.”

Because of the concentration of condos in one building, Watt said a building can resemble a neighbour-

hood with its own identity and qualities, which is important for buyers to consider before buying a condo.

“Imagine that every 20 acres of land in suburban Vancouver has about 200 houses. That is quite a lot of houses.

But every building in downtown Vancouver has 200 condos,” he said.

“You could imagine how one neighbourhood of 200 houses is so different from the next 200 houses. In those 200 houses everything is different and has its own vibe to it.

“That’s how my job comes into play when I’m helping buyers who aren’t familiar with the condo market. I help them find a building with a similar demographic of people.”

Get Your House SOLD List your house with one of the Your House Your Home Realtors.

Delivered to your door every Friday, Your House Your Home is Central Alberta’s #1 Trusted Real Estate Guide for over 20 years.

Ask your Realtor how you can get your listing included.

38312B25

VICTORIA — The condo lifestyle is drawing baby boomers looking to downsize and young adults seeking easy access to urban activities.

Ian Watt, a Vancouver real estate marketer, primarily sells condos in downtown Vancouver and has seen more people choosing condos because of the lifestyle and amenities they include.

“I think for my parents, and their generation, it is the ease of lifestyle,” said Watt.

“My dad doesn’t want to clean gutters or mow the lawn anymore. They want to be able to lock their door and go somewhere warm in the winter like Cabo San Lucas, and not worry about anything, because there are gardeners and caretakers to look after those things.”

For people who are considering potential mobility issues as they age, Watt said single-level living that comes with condos is an asset. Most condos include elevators, which allow resi-

dents to get in and out of their building without having to use stairs.

“For people thinking 20 years down the road to when they are 80 they can walk to anything,” he said.

“I think for a lot of people after they retire there is the adjustment of ’now what do I do,’ and for those who have chosen downtown condo living, like we find in Vancouver, there is always something to do that is within walking distance.”

Walkability is also an increasing need for younger adults who are choosing a car-free lifestyle.

Watt said he sees more and more people choosing to live without a car, which he said can be beneficial both economically and health wise.

“There are so many people now that don’t have cars and rent out their spots,” he said. “They walk to work and maybe once a month rent a car.

There are so many people like that.

Before it was a detriment if a building didn’t have parking, but now there is always someone who doesn’t want to have a car.”

While more people of all ages are being drawn to condo living, Watt said

46059L7

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

TO PLACE AN AD

403-309-3300 classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com Office/Phone Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mon - Fri Fax: 403-341-4772

CLASSIFIEDS

2950 Bremner Ave. Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9 Circulation 403-314-4300 DEADLINE IS 5 P.M. FOR NEXT DAY’S PAPER

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

D4

Red Deer Advocate

wegotads.ca

wegotjobs

wegotservices

wegotstuff

CLASSIFICATIONS 700-920

CLASSIFICATIONS 1000-1430

CLASSIFICATIONS 1500-1940

wegotrentals

wegothomes

wegotwheels

CLASSIFICATIONS 3000-3390

CLASSIFICATIONS 4000-4310

CLASSIFICATIONS 5000-5240

announcements

AUSTIN Earl James Mar 20, 1919 - Dec, 10 2013 Earl passed away peacefully with family by his side at the Lacombe Long Term Care facility.

Earl grew up in the Delburne area where he met and married Elsie Eggleston and began a family. He served in the R.C.A.F. and then in 1951 moved to the Haynes/Joffre district where he farmed until retiring to Lacombe. In 1979, following the death of Elsie, he married Evelyn Reave. He will be remembered as a good dairyman, a telephone lineman, grader operator, and county councillor.

He was active in the Satinwood parent/teacher association, Haynes cub/scout clubs and different 4-H clubs. When it came to renovations or “fixing things,” all that needed to be said was “I don’t think it can be done,” and Earl was in his glory. His handiwork can be seen in most of his children’s homes and in numerous church building projects both in Canada and overseas. He was a longtime supporter of Bibles for Missions, of the Leprosy Mission, and of his local church. He passes on a deep faith in Christ, a strong work ethic, and a deep empathy for those in need of a friend and advocate. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, his children: Bonnie (LaVern) Brower, Jerry (Ella), Doug (Lena), Roy (Judy), Ken (Darline), Brian (Carolyn), and Fay (Ken) Neilson; step children: Robert, Ron and Janet; siblings: Charles (Mavis), Lorene, Jim (June), Mavis (Marl) Brown, and Dorothy; and by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many others who simply knew him as grandpa. He was predeceased by his first wife Elsie, son Garry, parents Seba and Nettie, step-mother Florence, and siblings Leah, Ken, Clifford, Ila, Audrey, Jack, Warren, Shirley and Iris; grandchildren Kelly, David and Delores, and foster daughter Angie. And we, his family, wish to especially express our thanks for the compassionate care extended by the Lacombe Long Term Care staff during the final chapter of our dad’s life.

Viewing will be at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in Lacombe 12:00 noon to 2pm Monday December 16, 2013 with interment at Alto Reste at 2:45 p.m. Earl’s memorial service will be held at the Lacombe Church of the Nazarene 11am Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

If desired, donations may be made to Bibles for Missions, Leprosy Mission Canada or Kidztown International.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca WILSON’S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements.

Phone: 403.782.3366 or 403.843.3388 “A Caring Family, Caring for Families”

Over 2,000,000 hours St. John Ambulance volunteers provide Canadians with more than 2 million hours of community service each year.

Obituaries HOPPINS Ethel “Bette” nee McComb April 14,1918 - Dec. 10, 2013 We give thanks for the life of Bette Hoppins. She was active in her community, a one room schoolhouse t e a c h e r, f a r m e r, a r t i s t , historian, world traveler, nature lover, photographer, gardener and life long learner.

Bette was a woman of wisdom, humility, integrity, kindness and quiet but ever present strength. She was never short on advice or a listening ear for her daughters. Bette had a remarkable amount of patience, love and support for her grandchildren in their childhood, and even more through their adulthood. She taught us all many things, such as there is always enough time in the day for family, every meal should be finished with something sweet, the best walks are through a cow pasture, and how a remarkable woman can start her life in a small log cabin. She was a woman who sang with the chickadees and danced through the crocuses. Those there to welcome her include her husband and partner in all things, Frank; her parents, Lorne and Alice; and her siblings, Allan, Sadie, Helen and Babe. Grateful for the strong influence in their lives are her daughters Kaye and Beth. Celebrating her life are her grandchildren Paul, Chris, Tim, Leah, Jill and Ian. Sharing in her legacy are her great-grandchildren Ben, C l a r a , A n d y, A r e s a n d MacLeod. Blessed to have had her as a mother-in-law or a Grandma by marriage are Russ, Janna, Robin, Paul, Mike, and Sarah. Honouring her memory are many special friends and relatives, including her sister Bea, her brother Jupe, her fellow adventurer Amanda, her Tetley sisters, lifelong friend Clara and her host of nieces and nephews. A small graveside family service will be held Dec. 17th. Further information will be posted regarding a full Celebration of Life that will be held in the spring when the crocuses are in bloom. For those wishing to make a donation in Bette’s memory, The Sunnybrook Farm Museum, Kerrywood Nature Centre and The Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery would be most appropriate.

WILSON Cameron Darb May 15, 1959 - Dec. 10, 2013 With profound sadness, we share the sudden passing of Cameron Wilson. Cam was so grateful to receive a liver transplant which restored his love of life and gave Leanne and him hope for the future.

Thank you to the donor family for their selfless gift. Cameron is lovingly remembered by h i s w i f e L e a n n e D e k k e r, nephew Ryan Holst, niece Courtney Holst (fiancé Chris Allen), and brother-in-law Dan Holst. Also remembering Cam are his stepsister Maureen (Zhenya) Sokolovsky, stepbrothers John (Janice) and Neil Devaney, father-inlaw Jack (Patricia Marfleet) Smith, sisters-in-law Mary Jane (Ervin) Quinney, Peggy, Kathy and their families. Cam was predeceased by his parents John and Frieda, sister Cheryl Holst, and stepf a t h e r J o h n D e v a n e y.

To g e t h e r w i t h h i s m a n y friends, we will miss Cam’s huge smile, quick wit, love of food, passion for golf, and his holiday pies. A service honoring Cam will be held on Monday, December 16th, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Howard & McBride Westlawn Chapel, 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Alberta Hospital Transplant Unit (3G2), 1H1.91 Walter C Mackenzie Centre, 8840 112th Street, Edmonton Alberta T6G 2B7.

HOWARD & MCBRIDE WESTLAWN CHAPEL (780) 484-5500

Obituaries

In Memoriam

Engagements

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CLASSIFICATIONS 50-70

52

Coming Events th

EAST 40 PUB

New Year’s Eve Bash

SMITH (nee Milne) Elizabeth Ann Feb. 17, 1930 - Dec. 11, 2013 Elizabeth Ann Smith passed away in Red Deer on D e c e m b e r 11 , 2 0 1 3 w i t h family at her side. Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 61 years, David Smith of Pine Lake, and four sons; David (Kerry) and Douglas (Susan) of Calgary, Daniel (Tami) of Red Deer and Duncan of Pine Lake. Survived by her grandchildren; Jay (Gillian), Brad (Kerri), Lauren, Haylie, Cole and Chase and her new great granddaughter Charlotte. Born in Calgary, the middle daughter of the late Dr. John and Esther Milne; predeceased by her sister Jean and her brother Dr. Doug Milne. The skills Beth acquired in earning her Home Economics Degree (U of Manitoba) served her well in raising her family and led her down many interesting paths. She was a member of the WI in Pine Lake, and a horticultural/country fair judge for many years. Her interest in fibre arts provided many adventurous travels and rewarding relationships with her spinning students. Beth’s strong work ethic and frugal nature allowed her a well-deserved yearly respite at her much beloved Fairmont.

It was here she introduced her sons to the game of golf, for which we shall always be grateful. Beth will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her particular love of flowers and her raspberry patch. A memorial tea to be held in the spring will be announced at a future date. Memorial tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1 0 0 , 11 9 - 1 4 S t r e e t N W, Calgary AB, T2N 1Z6 (1-800-473-4636), www.heartandstroke.ab.ca.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com Cremation arrangements in care of Lenore Jacobson, Funeral Director at PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.

403-340-4040.

In Loving Memory of Rachel O’Connor-Hittel May 11, 1934 - Dec. 14, 2011 Another year passes, without you here.

But the love lasts forever, In our hearts we hold you dear.

SLUGGETT - GRUNDY Barb and Dwayne Sluggett of Red Deer, AB along with Jayne and Vic Kornelsen of Steinbach, Manitoba are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Ashlee and Ryan Wedding to take place in Red Deer April 2014.

Wishing you both much love and happiness as you plan your future together.

Forever in our hearts.

Daily

Classifieds 309-3300

FREE FLU SHOTS

Highland Green Value Drug Mart 6315 Horn St.

58

Companions

58 YR old farmer seeks honest, romantic, slim lady 48-64 for lifetime commitment in the Red Deer area.

Not looking for a hired hand. Please include likes, dislikes & phone number.

Reply to Box 1071, c/o RED DEER ADVOCATE, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9

60

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 403-347-8650

Always Loved The Hittel and O’Connor Families

COCAINE ANONYMOUS 403-396-8298 Is someone’s drinking causing you problems?

AL-ANON 403-346-0320

WILSON - ROSS Barb and Dwayne Sluggett of Red Deer, AB along with Brian and Elsie Ross of Swift Current, Sask., as well as Kelly & Lois Wilson, Kelowna, B.C. are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Kristi and Curtis Wedding to take place in Red Deer September 2014.

Wishing you both much love and happiness as you plan your future together.

SHOEMAKER Terrance (Terry) Gordon Mar. 11, 1959 - Dec. 14, 2005 In Loving Memory of our Son, Brother, Brother-In Law & Uncle Terry, To hear your voice, and to see your smile, To sit and talk awhile To be together in the same old way Would be our greatest wish today.

Gone, but not forgotten, Dearly missed by: Mom, Pamela, Neil, Perry, Trent, Anna-Marie, Stephanie, Tanner & Family

Births

WIEBE Clare, Kevin, and big brother Owen are delighted to announce the birth of our beautiful daughter Sarah Elizabeth Wiebe, on April 16, 2013.

A special thank you to Dr. S. Konynenbelt and the staff on unit 25.

Births

wegot

jobs CLASSIFICATIONS 700-920

Caregivers/ Aides

WILSON - STOLLER Barb and Dwayne Sluggett of Red Deer, AB along with Cathy Stoller (and the late Garry Stoller) of Sylvan Lake, AB as well as Kelly and Lois Wilson of Kelowna, B.C. are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Leagh and Kendall Wedding to take place in the Myan Riviera January 2014.

Wishing you both much love and happiness as you plan your future together.

Tell Everyone with a Classified Announcement

710

58 YR Old lady with MS seeking F/T live-in caregiver in the country. Drivers licence would be an asset.

Bathing, changing velostimy bag & light housekeeping.

403-722-2182 or email: wayneleorasmith@gmail.com

Clerical

Just had a baby boy?

Announcements

Featuring Shiv Shanks with Brad Abel.

PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE, SNACKS.

Personals

720

CUSTOMER SERVICES POSITION AVAILABLE. Looking for highly motivated professional individual looking to enter the investment property industry.

Successful Applicant will have good computer, phone & people skills. Willing to train the right person.

Please email applications to: info@hpman.ca Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thank you.

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake is looking for a P/T Admin. Assistant.

Email resume tom@roncooilfield.ca or fax. 403-887-4892

Computer Personnel

730

MICROAGE MicroAge is again looking for dynamic individuals to assist with offering our customers a positive and timely response to their IT issues. We require and administration assistant to work with dispatching, shipping/receiving/ and some minor bookkeeping responsibilities. We need someone with an upbeat personality and willing to assist with a variety of tasks. Must be able to work in a team environment.

Please send your resume to hr@microage.cc

309-3300 Funeral Directors & Services Wild Rose School Division invites applications for a

Network Support Specialist

Red Deer Funeral Home & Crematorium 6150–67 Street Red Deer, AB

403-347-3319 BLISH Jeff & Alexa Blish, along with grandparents Jeff & Pam Redmond, Hugh Blish and Don & Pam Beardsworth are thrilled to announce the arrival of Hudson Arn Blish on October 16 2013.

A special thank you to Dr. Kirstien and the staff at the Rocky Mountain House Hospital.

reddeerfuneralhome.com

Red Deer

Funeral Home & Crematorium

by Arbor Memorial Arbor Memorial Inc.

Lowest Price Guaranteed!

44957CL31

Obituaries

position in Rocky Mtn House providing and supporting network architecture, equipment and system applications.

Qualifications will include a computer technology degree or diploma, significant experience with systems integration designs, Cisco certification, extensive knowledge of IP network design, Alberta driver’s licence and own means of transportation. Complete requirements and application procedure can be found on the Employment Opportunities page of www.wrsd.ca, under Support Staff positions.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 D5

Dental

740

BOWER Dental reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F/T RDA. Must be a member of the College of Alberta Dental Association.

Great benefits and perks.

Email resume to marina@bowerdental.com or drop off resume.

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

Clerical

Dental

740

740

Oilfield

800

Oilfield

800

Oilfield

800

PERIOPARTNERS Dr. Patrick Pierce/ Dr. Janel Yu Require

RDA LEVEL II

who is extremely well organized, energetic & RECEPTIONIST for self motivated. 4 days/wk.

Hygiene Department reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. No evenings or weekends.

1 pm. - 8 pm. Please drop Send resume ASAP to off resumes to Associate reddeer@periopartners.com Dental, Attn. Corinne or fax or bring by in person, 403-347-2133 we would love to meet you.

4619 48 Ave, Red Deer.

720

Janitorial

Red Deer company requires a full time office person with a high level of accounting.

Person will be required to complete general office tasks, completion of month ends, year ends, bank reconciliation, lease management and billings, payroll and payables.

Competitive wages & benefits plan.

Respond with cover letter, resume and references to: Box 231F c/o Red Deer Advocate 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, AB T4M 1M9 341334L18

Oilfield

Dental

770

ARAMARK at (Dow Prentiss Plant) about 20-25 minutes out of Red Deer needs hardworking, reliable, honest person w/drivers license, to work 40/hrs. per week w/some weekends, daytime hrs. $14/hr. Fax resume w/refâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to 403-885-7006 Attn: Val Black

Oilfield

800

FULL Time entry level shop technician needed for expanding downhole tool business. Duties include tool maintenance and repairs as well as general shop duties. Opportunities for advancement offered as well as competitive wages and benefits. Apply with resume to jobs@ wiseisi.com

$2500 Bonus Every 100 days

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Night Foremen, Day & Night Operators Must have H2S, First Aid, valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license.

Pre-employment Drug screening Competitive Wages.

Benefit Package Please submit resume with references to: apply@wespro.ca or by fax to (403) 783-8004 Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted CASED HOLE WIRELINE SUPERVISORS The job scope includes supervising all operations and crew of a Cased Hole Wireline Unit. A clean driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract is reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d On the Job Training is provided. Relocation to Lloydminster is required.

Working Schedule is 15 days on with 6 days off.

Great benefits and Group RRSP. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Email resume to Wally Rolfes at wrolfes@ summitwirelineinc.com.

800

1ST RATE ENERGY SERVICES INC., a growing Production Testing company, based out of Sylvan Lake, is currently accepting resumes for the following positions:

* Experienced Production Testing * Day Supervisors * Night Operators * Experienced Production Testing Assistants If you are a team player interested in the oil and gas industry, please submit your resume, current driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract and current safety certificates to the following: Fax 403-887-4750 mbell@1strateenergy.ca Please specify position when replying to this ad.

We would like to thank all those candidates who apply, however only qualified personnel will be contacted.

FLUID Experts Ltd.

Fluid Experts of Red Deer is seeking experienced

Class 1 Operators

to haul clean fluids for the Oil & Gas Industry. Home every night, company benefits with exceptional pay structure. Must be able to work on their own with minimal supervision.

Compensation based on experience. Fax resume w/all tickets and current drivers abstract to: 403-346-3112 or email to: roger@fluidexperts.com

NOW HIRING

Well Testing Personnel Experienced Supervisors & Operators Must have valid applicable tickets Email: lstouffer@ testalta.com

Canyon Technical Services is a leader in the oilfield service industry, providing customized fracturing and pressure pumping solutions to oil and gas producers across the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. At Canyon, our employees are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Championsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, dedicated to fulfilling our Vision of â&#x20AC;&#x153;improving the industry one job at a timeâ&#x20AC;? - our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Championsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have made Canyon one of the most sought-after providers in our industry. If you are looking for a career within a leading organization that promotes Integrity, Relationships, Innovation and Success, then Canyon is looking for you!

Now hiring Canyon Champions for the following positions: f Class 1 Drivers/Operators â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cement and Acid, Fracturing f Supervisorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Coiled Tubing, Cement and Acid, Fracturing f Journeyman Heavy Equipment Technician f 3rd or 4th Year Appren. Heavy Equipment Technician f Data Entry Clerk Applicant Requirements: f Self-motivated f 15 /6 or contract 22/13 schedules f Safety-focused f Team orientated f Clean drivers abstract f Oil and Gas experience an asset

Why Canyon? f Paid technical and leadership training f Career advancement opportunities f RRSP matching program f Dynamic and rapidly growing company f Premium compensation package f New Equipment

To apply for the above positions, in confidence, please email or fax your resume and a copy of a current drivers abstract. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an initial interview will be contacted.

How to apply: online: canyontech.ca/careers fax: 888 249 3895

NOW HIRING! Rig Managers, Drillers, Derrick & Floor Hands. $2 Safety Bonus and above recommended CAODC wages. Minimum 3 months exp. required.

Local to Red Deer & area OR Drayton Valley preferred.

Email: jwalsh@galleonrigs.com or fax (403) 358-3326.

TANKMASTER RENTALS reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Expâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Class 1 Fluid Haulers for Central Alberta. Oilfield tickets reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Competitive wages and benefits. m.morton@tankmaster.ca or fax 403-340-8818 Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

Oilfield

800

PROVIDENCE Trucking Inc Is now hiring experienced

Picker Operator Bed Truck Operator Winch truck Operators All candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen. We offer exceptional wages and benefits for exceptional people. Fax resume and abstract to 403-314-2340 or email to safety@ providencetrucking.ca Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Q TEST INSPECTION LTD.

Now has immediate openings for CGSB Level II RTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and CEDOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for our winter pipeline projects. Top wages and comprehensive benefit package available.

Subcontractors also welcome.

Email resumes to: qtestltd@telus.net or Phone 403-887-5630.

Central Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in it for you? 5RWDWLRQV WKDW Âż W \RXU OLIHVW\OH FRPSHWLWLYH VDODULHV DQG EHQHÂż WV training and development opportunities with a focus on career advancement.

Speak to a recruiter at 1.800.9SANJEL, e-mail careers@sanjel.com, or drop your resume off at 8051 Edgar Industrial Dr., Red Deer, AB

340089L7&14

Accounting Technician

Applicants will have completed the Business Administration Diploma Program and will have experience with data entry with a focus in Accounting.

The duties include, but are not limited to; daily bank deposit run, processing of checks, accounts payable, preparation of reports and filing. Interested candidates can forward their resume to: Attention: Human Resources 3rd Floor, 4943 50 Street Red Deer, AB, T4N 1Y1 Fax: 403-342-9173 Email: hr@jmmlawrd.ca

Pipe fitting & light picker exp. would be an asset .

Oilfield tickets and clean driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d.

Competitive wages and benefits. m.morton@tankmaster.ca or fax 403-340-8818

WANTED

For further specifics on the above positions, please visit Wolf Creek Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; website at www.wolfcreek.ab.ca, or contact the Division Office at 403-783-3473.

Restaurant/ Hotel

EXPERIENCED

CLASS 3

VAC/steamer Truck driver.

Lacombe area, HOME EVERY NIGHT. Fax resume to 403-704-1442

Wise Intervention Services Inc.

820

CALKINS CONSULTING o/a Tim Hortons Food Service Manager 5 positions, F/T & P/ T, $9.95 - $18/hr. depending on exp. and availability.

Permanent shift work, weekends, days, nights and evening shifts. 3-5 yrs. exp., completion of secondary school. Start date ASAP. Apply in person 6620 Orr Drive. Fax: 403-782-9685 Call 403-848-2356 RAMADA INN & SUITES REQUIRES ROOM ATTENDANTS. Exp. preferred.

Only serious inquiries apply.

Rate $13.50/hr.

Drop off resume at: 6853 - 66 St. Red Deer or fax 403-342-4433

Wise is a leading oilfield services provider that is committed to quality and safety excellence. By empowering positive attitudes, The Tap House Pub & Grill reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full and part time beliefs, perceptions and values, our employees cooks. Apply with resume at 1927 Gaetz Avenue care for the success of one between 2-5 pm. another.

Please forward all resumes Classifieds to: jobs@wiseisi.com or by Your place to SELL fax to 403-340-1046 Your place to BUY Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds VIC 8888 LTD. needs F/T cook, 40 hrs. a week, You can sell your guitar $13.50/hr. Must be willing for a song... to relocate. Drop resume to or put it in CLASSIFIEDS 3731 50 TH AVE. or email: and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll sell it for you! sampang17@gmail.com

Oilfield

800

Sales & Distributors

www.trican.ca

830

ELEMENTS is looking for 5 retail sales reps. selling season gift packages and personal care products in Parkland Mall, 4747 67 St. Red Deer. $12.10 hr. + bonus & comm. FT. No exp. req`d. Please email elementsreddeer@gmail.com SOAP Stories is seeking 5 F/T Beauty Treatment O/P, selling soap & bath products $14.55/hr. + bonus & comm. Beauty cert. reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Location Parkland Mall - 4747 67th St. Red Deer. email premierjobrdbto@ gmail.com SOAP Stories is seeking 5 retail sales reps. Selling soap & bath products. $12.10 hr + bonus & commission. Ft No exp. req`d.

Parkland Mall 4747 67 St. Red Deer. email resume to premierjobrd@gmail.com StoreSmart Self-Storage seeking P/T Customer Service Associate for 16-24 hrs/wk. For job description and how to apply, go to www.StoreSmart.ca/jobs.

No phone calls please.

Teachers/ Tutors

840

WILD Rose School Division invites applications for the position of

PRINCIPAL

of Condor School in Condor, Alberta. Condor School is located 50 k west of Red Deer and offers programming in K - 7.

Please visit the Employment Opportunities page of www.wrsd.ca for position and application details.

850

Trades

Experienced Siders Needed Call 403-588-3210

FLUID EXPERTS LTD. Is looking for experienced TRUCKING DISPATCHER to start immed.

Good Verbal, Writing, Texting and Computer skills. Company Pickup, benefits, above avg. salary and great atmosphere.

Clean Class 1 drivers license and abstract.

Completed Basic Training Courses. Will train the right individual.

Fax Resume w/all tickets and Drivers Abstract to 403-346-3112 or email to roger@fluidexperts.com

GOODMEN ROOFING LTD. Requires

SLOPED ROOFERS LABOURERS & FLAT ROOFERS Valid Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Licence preferred. Fax or email info@goodmenroofing.ca or (403)341-6722 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! Looking for a Career as an Allison Transmission Technician? There are 2 Long-Term Openings Avail. Training Provided Email: service@ siautomatics.com Fax: 403-885-2556 Precast Concrete Plant in Blackfalds, AB, is looking for new team members to join an enthusiastic and growing company.

Concrete finisher

needed to perform detailed and quality finishing as well as other related tasks, minimum 5 years experience. All applicants must be flexible for hours and dedicated due to a demanding production schedule. Own transportation to work is needed.

Wage will be based on experience, attitude and willingness to commit to long term employment.

Please fax resume to 403 885 5516 or email to k.kooiker@ eaglebuilders.ca Thank you to all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be notified.

Tar-ific Construction has a F/T position avail. for a H.D. Mechanic Apprentice. We offer competitive wages, combined with a deluxe benefit pckg. Drop resume at 7809 48 Ave. or fax to 403-340-1246 email tarific@telusplanet.net

We are searching for long term team members who are ticketed/equivalent, skilled worker laborer with experience in wood framing and have transportation.

Call 403-392-1098

Truckers/ Drivers

860

BUSY Central Alberta Grain Trucking Company looking for Class 1 Drivers and/or Lease Operators.

We offer lots of home time, benefits and a bonus program. Grain and super B exp. an asset but not necessary. If you have a clean commercial drivers abstract and would like to start making good money. fax or email resume and comm.abstract to 403-337-3758 or dtl@telus.net

NOW HIRING AT ALL LOCATIONS

...Join our Team!

Scan to see Current Openings Central AB based trucking company requires

Owner Operators & Company Drivers

333018L31

Sanjel_AllService_RedD_13-1203

You have expertise, a passion for excellence and improvement, and a commitment to safety â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bring them to work as part of our team.

Johnston Ming Manning LLP requires a full time

School Social Worker TANKMASTER RENTALS Iron Ridge Junior requires Labour Crew supervisor for Central Ab. Campus, Blackfalds

Competitive wages and benefits. Priority given to applicants with relevant experience, Class 1 Drivers license and valid oilfield tickets.

WITH ROTATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLASS 1 OPERATORS, HD MECHANICS & ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS

CONNELLY Ind. Insulation seeking Office Manager with diploma in Business Adminstration or Accounting. Must be experienced with Simply Acct. and Excel. Duties to include (not limited to): bank recs, month end and year end closings, invoicing and payroll. Please send resume by fax to (403) 309-7799 or by email to info@ connellyinsulation.com

Wolf Creek Public Schools invites applications for the following position:

* Downhole Tool Supervisors * Coil Tubing Rig Managers * Crane Truck Operators * Nitrogen Pump Operators * Fluid Pump Operators * Mechanics

ALL SERVICE LINES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ALL LOCATIONS

810

Only those selected for an RONCO OILFIELD HAULING interview will be contacted.

Sylvan Lake is looking for Part Time Bookkeeper a Dispatcher. Knowledge Red Deer Primary Care of Travis Permit System Network has an immediate and computer skills are opening for a part-time reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Wages negotiable bookkeeper who will be dependant on exp. responsible for a pivotal Email resume tom@ role providing assistance roncooilfield.ca to the Accounting/HR or fax. 403-887-4892 Administrator. This position includes a variety of duties supporting the accounting, HR, and facility management functions of RDPCN. We are seeking an individual with a high SERVICE RIG level of Sage 50 (Simply Bearspaw Petroleum Ltd Accounting) knowledge is seeking expâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d incl. projects and FLOORHANDS departments, intermediate Locally based, home every knowledge of Excel, Word night! Qualified applicants and Outlook. The position must have all necessary valid tickets for the position is paid an hourly rate and will be flexible to work 15.5 being applied for. to 23.35 hours per week.

Bearspaw offers a Apply in confidence to: very competitive salary BDO Canada LLP and benefits package Chartered Accountants along with a steady Attn: SVaartstra@bdo.ca work schedule.

Please submit resumes: You can sell your guitar Attn: Human Resources for a song...

Email: or put it in CLASSIFIEDS hr@bearspawpet.com and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll sell it for you!

Fax: (403) 258-3197 or Mail to: Suite 5309, 333-96 Ave. NE Calgary, AB T3K 0S3

is now hiring for the following positions:

Advance your career with Sanjel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Join Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest privately-owned global energy service company. Our employees are the driving force behind our company and we value their contribution. Develop your career in a dynamic environment where employees are empowered to be innovators.

Professionals

WORLDWIDE KNOWLEDGE - LOCAL SOLUTIONS

in AB. Home the odd night. Weekends off. Late model tractor pref.

403-586-4558 Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

D6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Gary Moe Volkswagen

ADULT CARRIERS NEEDED For delivery of the morning ADVOCATE in Red Deer, by 6:30 a.m. 6 days/wk

Currently seeking reliable newspaper carrier for the

(Reliable vehicle needed)

Delivery is 4 times per week, no collecting.

CLEARVIEW AREA Cosgrove Cres., Chappel Dr., Carroll Cres., Carpenter St., & Cunningham Cres. Area 93 Papers $498/mo.

DEER PARK AREA Dempsey St. & Drummond. Ave. Area 70 Papers $375/mo.

73 Papers $439/mo.

Required Immediately Competitive plus renumeration Great Benefits We require a process driven person for this position.

Please send resume to:

joelnichols@ garymoe.com

ROSEDALE AREA Ramage Cres., Root Cl., 100 to 800 Ramage Cl., and Ralston Cres. area 67 Papers $359/mo.

ALSO Reichley St., Reinholt Ave., Robinson Cres. Area 106 Papers $568/mo.

Call Jamie 403-314-4306 for more information

WINTER START GED PREPARATION Jan. 14 or Feb. 10 STARTS Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED For delivery of Flyers, Express and Sunday Life

Currently seeking RELIABLE newspaper carriers for morning delivery (By 6:30 a.m.)

Monday - Saturday in: Upper Fairview

ONLY 4 DAYS A WEEK

in

Call Joanne 403-314-4308 for more info

Mustang Acres Gray Dr. & Galbraith St.

Trades

BOWER AREA WESTPARK AREA

Perfect for anyone looking to make some extra $.

Please reply by email: qmacaulay @reddeeradvocate.com or phone Quitcy at 403-314-4316 DISPATCHERS req’d.

Day/Night. Knowledge of Red Deer and area is essential. Verbal and written communication skills are req’d. Send resume by fax to 403-346-0295

Looking for reliable newspaper carrier for 1 day per week delivery of the Central Alberta Life in the town of

HEALTH COACH Are you enthusiastic & motivated about health & wellness. U Weight Loss is looking for a mature, responsible person to assist our clients with their weight loss journey.

Must be able to work until 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, 8:30-1:30 p.m. 25-30 hrs/wk.

Exp. in customer service & sales an asset, but willing to train the right person.

Thank you in advance for all applications. We will be contacting chosen applicants for an interview.

Apply by email to: hmcnutt@uweightloss.com or fax to 403-356-2903.

No phone calls please.

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

Oak St. & Overdown Dr. Pines Pearson Cres.

Call Joanne 403-314-4308 info Blue Grass Sod Farms Ltd. BOX 11, SITE 2, RR 1 Red Deer, AB Req’s Farm labourers for 2014 season (April-Oct) in Red Deer. Duties include sod farming and tree nursery. Tree nursery will involve planting, pruning and digging trees. Will train/exp. an asset. Wage $9.95 hr, 60 hrs weekly.

Email resume to steve. richardson@bg-rd.com

Employment Training

900

OILFIELD TICKETS

Industries #1 Choice!

“Low Cost” Quality Training

403.341.4544 Contact Quitcy at 403-314-4316

NEWSPAPER CARRIERS REQUIRED

24 Hours Toll Free 1.888.533.4544

R H2S Alive (ENFORM) R First Aid/CPR R Confined Space R WHMIS & TDG R Ground Disturbance R (ENFORM) B.O.P. R D&C (LEL) #204, 7819 - 50 Ave. (across from Totem)

For afternoon delivery once per week

Professionals

In the towns of:

1590

2 HARLEY DAVIDSON VESTS. XXL Mens & XL Ladies. $100 each. 403-314-0804 2 PAIR New Men’s Size 10 lined safety toe boots. $30/ea.

1 PAIR New Men’s fleece lined zipper black boots, size 10. $25.

403-887-4981

EquipmentHeavy

1630

TRAILERS for sale or rent Job site, office, well site or storage. Skidded or wheeled. Call 347-7721.

810

Household Furnishings

1720

FREE! 39” Boxspring & mattress. Sheets & pillow cases included.

403-347-6183

WANTED

Antiques, furniture and estates. 342-2514

Misc.

Help

DS Lite with 4 games $70.; PS1 with 5 games, $40.

OBO. 403-782-3847 PS 2 with 10 games, $60.; HP photo smart printer, C4480, $35; Game Boy Advanced with 2 games, $70; ALL OBO 403-782-3847

Misc. for Sale

1760

6.5 FOOT LIGHTED ETNA PINE TREE. 450 clear lights, 1190 branch tips.

Great condition - too large for house. $50 obo.

403-358-5465 DIE cast models, cars, truck, and motorcycles, fairies, dragons and biker gifts. #14 6350-67 St. east end of Cash Casino RED Deer Hospital phone w/large buttons $40; handknit socks and mitts $5/ea, new wood deck box w/cooler inside $100, like new ladies long brown leather coat w/fur collar, size 10, $100, Morrisroe 403-347-3741 ROASTING Pan, electric, $30; Video game chair, like new, $50; (2) thick winter blankets, $35. ea.

403-348-6449

880 is seeking a temporary full-time

For full details go to:

www.caunitedway.ca

CARRIERS NEEDED FOR FLYERS, RED DEER SUNDAY LIFE & EXPRESS ROUTES IN:

Store Manager

ANDERS AREA

The Lake House Furniture & Décor in Sylvan Lake is seeking a full-time store manager.

Experience in retail management, interior design, and computer knowledge is an asset.

Applicant must be personable and outgoing.

Only serious and motivated applicants please.

• Benefits Package • Guaranteed Salary • Incentives

NEWSPAPER CARRIERS REQUIRED To deliver 1 day a week in BOWDEN

Anders St. / Armstrong Close Addinnell Close / Allan St. Allsop Ave. / Allsop Close Adamson Ave. / Arthur Close INGLEWOOD AREA

Please send your confidential resume to:

Please call Debbie at 403-314-4307 PIKE WHEATON CHEVROLET is now accepting applications for a full time Parts Person.

Must have good communication and computer skills and have the ability to work independently.

Excellent company benefits.

Please email resume along with wage expectations to: philparts@gmail.com or fax to 403-347-3813 Siding Helpers Needed Call 403-588-3210

850

lynnette@thelakehousefurniture.ca or fax to: 403-887-0747

Inglewood Ave.

Law Close / Lewis Close Logan Close

Helping our neighbours find peace

Lord Close

OFFICE COORDINATOR – Full Time

Lamont Close

The Office Coordinator is responsible for the front office at Shalom providing leadership as a strong player-coach to our support staff while contributing valuable executive assistance to our management team. Demonstrating high standards of customer service and office skills, able to train and guide support staff. Sharing Shalom’s vision for service with a mature faith, as well as strong technical and organizational skills in office management. The role requires a flexibility to be available for people while managing tasks; it requires a capacity for ongoing prioritizing of responsibilities.

Lund Close MORRISROE AREA Vista Village McIntosh Ave. SUNNYBROOK AREA Somerset Close Springfield Ave. Savoy Cres. / Sydney Close Sherwood Cres.

VANIER AREA

Send resume & cover letter to info@shalomcounselling.com

www.shalomcounselling.com

5515 - 27th Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4P 0E5 (403) 342-0339 (Phone) (403) 314-1798 (Fax)

AUTOMOTIVE TECH

Inglis Cres.

LANCASTER AREA

Qualifications: • Life and work motivated and guided by Christian faith • Proven Office Management experience: office organization, personnel oversight, and business administration • Strong people skills, attention to detail, positive, encouraging, compassionate, flexible, self-motivated, decision maker, organized, gracious, creative and a gifted communicator • Experience working with charitable organizations

We are looking for a

Trades

850

Valentine Cres.

Vanson Close / Visser St. Call Prodie @ 403- 314-4301 for more info ********************** TO ORDER HOME DELIVERY OF THE ADVOCATE CALL OUR CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 403-314-4300

Recently winning the 2013 Business of the Year award, Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd. designs, engineers and manufactures custom energy equipment. Since 1992, Bilton has worked with engineering firms and oil and natural gas producers around the globe to develop their own equipment standards for size, capacity and any number of technical specifications. We operate seven manufacturing facilities in Innisfail, Alberta and have recently expanded our facilities into Calgary Alberta.

We employ over 175 people and provide ample opportunities to employees to achieve their career goals. We provide handson training and an opportunity to work on some of the most interesting projects and applications in the energy sector.

800

If you would like to be a part of our growing and dynamic team of professionals in your field, we are currently seeking both -

JOURNEYMAN AND B PRESSURE WELDERS

! n o t n u can co

ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED For delivery of Flyers, Express and Sunday Life ONLY 4 DAYS A WEEK in CLEARVIEW AREA Cardinal Ave & Cosgrove Cl. $97/mo.

ALSO East side of Cosgrove Cres. $91/mo.

ALSO Cole Street $61/mo.

ALSO Cameron Cres. & Conners Cres. $146/mo.

for full-time permanent shop positions

Please fax resume to 403-227-7796, email to hr@bilton.ca

341284L14-20

We offer competitive starting Wages and benefits packages including Health, RRSP and Tool Allowance programs.

that knows g in ic rv riority! ell Se y is a p il m Eagle W fa r sive ing you ds prehen m o l orhan c Flo support ll fu tching ffers a and ma Eagle o s e d n te. g a a h k k pac start da Derric t fi n e o n p e u b bution rig job P contri with a S g R rs n R e ll ro ri w D n’t go rvicing!

You ca rs e g Well Se a n le a g M a E Rig with

CLEARVIEW RIDGE AREA Crossley St., Cooper Cl., Carter Cl., Connaught Cres. & Cody Pl. $190/mo.

DAVENPORT PLACE AREA Danielle Dr., Dorchester Ave., & Doncaster Ave. $185/mo.

MICHENER AREA East of 40th Ave., 51 St., 50A St., Michener Cres., Green, etc. to Michener Ave. & Blvd. $282/mo.

MAINTENANCE POSITION

Rahr Malting Canada Ltd, a leading manufacturer of Brewer’s Malt, is now accepting applications for a full time Millwright/Mechanical trade position.

The position includes maintenance inspections, lubes, PM’s and repairs to all types of equipment in order to maintain the safe operation and fulfill production requirements of Rahr Malting. The position is rated under the Heavy Job classification.

today! y l p p A to:

Applicants must have a valid trade certificate for work in Alberta. This position will work in co-ordination with the Operations group and is accountable to the Maintenance Supervisor.

Experience in manufacturing or factory environment is preferred.

sumes om Email re s@iroccorp.c b o j 9 eagle 6.778 03.34 4 : ll a c Or s.com igjob eagler . w w w

340587A10

334184L7-17

Rahr Malting Canada Ltd. Attn: Human Resources Box 113 Alix, Alberta T0C 0B0 FAX: (403)747-2660 EMAIL : mlyle@rahr.com NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

ROSEDALE AREA Rowell Cl. & Ritson Cl. $87/mo.

ALSO West half of Robinson Cres, Rich Cl., & Ryan Cl. Area. $84/mo.

TIMBERLANDS AREA Turner Cres., Timothy Dr., Towers Cl., Tobin Gt. $113/mo.

ALSO Timberstone Way, Talson Place, Thomas Place, Trimble Cl., Traptow Cl. & Thompson Cres. $307/mo.

Application Closing Date: January 10, 2014.

Applicants should include a resume and apply in writing to:

Well Servicing

NEW Elizabeth Arden 12 eye shadows, 2 blush, 1 nail polish, 1 lip gloss, 1 red Croc cosmetic bag $195 value, asking $80 403-227-2976

1730

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Call Rick for more info 403-314-4303

• With good communication skills and work ethics • Great benefits & hours • Production bonus • Training provided • Full Time/Long Term We need you at this Award winning GM Dealership Apply to: Bert Rumsey, Service Manager Email: bert.rumsey@telus.net

1700

Health & Beauty

Stereos TV's, VCRs

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL ALBERTA

Blackfalds Lacombe Ponoka Stettler

340076L6-19

Oriole Park

1660

Firewood

wegot

Clothing

TRAINING CENTRE

Packages come ready for delivery.

No collecting.

Eagle Builders in Blackfalds, AB is looking for hard working, motivated individual to fill a full-time precast concrete erecting at our company. Must be physically fit as this labourer position requires constant heavy lifting and involves fast paced, on the job training. Applicant must be able to travel and must have reliable transportation to and from work as well as a valid class 5 driver’s license. All meals and hotel expenses are paid when out of town. Successful applicant must provide an up to date drivers abstract. Construction experience an asset. Full benefits provided. Starting wages based on experience. Fax resumes to 403 885 5516 , must flag attn: Craig or e-mail to c.haan@eaglebuilders.ca.

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

SAFETY

INNISFAIL

For a chance to work at a GM Auto Dealership.

Located in a growing small city environment.

Lacombe has all the amenities of the City and the small town lifestyle.

Nolan, Norwest & Newlands

880

Misc.

Help

1580

APPLY NOW

Normandeau

Oilfield

880

JANITORIAL Co seeking a SOURCE ADULT VIDEO AFFORDABLE f/t com/window cleaning requires mature P/T help Homestead Firewood sup for RD and area. Req: Fri & Sat. Graveyard Shift.

Spruce & Pine - Split fluent in written and oral 11 pm -7 am. Fax resume to: CLASSIFICATIONS 7 days/wk. 403-304-6472 english, 2-3 years exp in a 403-346-9099 or drop off to: supervisory role,clean driving 3301-Gaetz Avenue 1500-1990 LOGS record, criminal record check, Semi loads of pine, spruce, SWAMPERS F/T job physically demanding. tamarack, poplar. needed immediately for a Benefits after 3 mos. $19/hr Price depends on location. fast growing waste & Fax resume 403-342-1897 Children's Lil Mule Logging recycling company. mail to #4, 4608-62 St. 403-318-4346 Items Heavy lifting involved RedDeer, AB. T4N 6T3 (driver’s helper) position.

Now Offering Hotter, Cleaner C U S T O M m a d e b a b y Reliability essential. Own change table w/drawers BC Birch. All Types. P.U. / transportation required.

Delivery. Lyle 403-783-2275 Please email resumes to $70 403-347-5648 canpak@xplornet.ca

laborer position

Academic Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Misc.

Help

stuff

GRANDVIEW AREA

SERVICE ADVISOR

880

341807L19

880

Misc.

Help

Misc.

Help

342002L14

CLASS 3 DRIVERS w/airbrake endorsement needed immed. for waste & recycling. Email resume to canpak@xplornet.ca or call 403-341-9300 F/T TRUCK drivers req’d.

Minimum Class 5 with air and clean abstract. Exp. preferred. In person to Key Towing 4083-78 St. Cres.

Red Deer.

RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake is looking for a Dispatcher. Knowledge of Travis Permit System and computer skills are req’d. Wages negotiable dependant on exp.

Email resume tom@ roncooilfield.ca or fax. 403-887-4892 RONCO OILFIELD HAULING Sylvan Lake. Openings for Picker operator, bed truck drivers and swamper’s.

Top wages and benefits.

Email resume tom@ roncooilfield.ca or fax. 403-887-4892

880

Misc.

Help

278950A5

860

Truckers/ Drivers

Call Jamie 403-314-4306

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 D7

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

ROLLERBLADE rollerblades w/carrying bag, size 8 mens, used very little $30; shin pads and extra brake pads $20 403-347-6183

3 FLR, 3 Bdrm house w/3 bath, new paint & carpets & deck at 7316-59 Ave. Avail. to over 40 tenants.

No pets. Off street parking for 3 vehicles. Rent $1500, D.D. $1500. 403-341-4627

1790

4 BDRM. house, 2 full baths, near schools and bus route, avail. Jan. 1, 2014, $1350 rent, DD $1100 no pets, 403-343-6229 304-3979.

Piano & Organs

GOOD selection of quality pianos for reasonable price.

Weststrate Piano Sales & Tuning. 403-347-5432

1830

Cats

3 FRIENDLY 4 mo. old M. ORANGE KITTENS., two 8 wk. old Black female and orange male kittens.

Litter trained. Desperately need loving homes. FREE. 403-782-3130 BALINESE KITTEN $50. 403-887-3649

1840

Dogs

GORGEOUS HIGH-END HOME

You have to see to believe.

4 Bdrm, 3 baths w/double attached garage in the NEW part of West Park.

High-end Luxury home at a great rate of $2100/mo.

Call Lucie at 403-396-9554 if you would like to know more.

Hpman.ca

Modern & Trendy 3 Bdrm. Home

Boasting 2.5 Baths, designer colors & finishings, 6 appls & assigned parking. Be the first to live here!! This property will not last! Just $1695/month!

Hurry and call Tina at 403-896-8552 while it lasts.

Hpman.ca

3060

Suites

MORRISROE MANOR

1860

Sporting Goods

GOLF travel bag, w/wheels, hard cover $50. soft cover $40, very good cond. 403-346-0093 MEN’S NEW CCM size 10 skates & hockey pants. $65.

NEW JOFA HOCKEY KNEE PADS, $15.

403-887-4981

1870

Collectors' Items

3 INDIAN Medicine Men shields, approx. 20” x 30”, $180 403-347-7405 KENMORE Beginner sewing machine. New. $40.

2 SETS OF KING SHEETS, 2 for $25.

TV STAND, black, 27”x16”14” $25.

403-346-2070

1900

Travel Packages

TRAVEL ALBERTA Alberta offers SOMETHING for everyone.

Make your travel plans now.

Spacious 2 Bdrm.

This 2 bdrm apt is in a quiet,

adult only building.

CLASSIFICATIONS 2000-2290

2140

Horses

WANTED: all types of horses. Processing locally in Lacombe weekly.

403-651-5912

2190

Grain, Feed Hay

SMALL SQUARE HAY and straw 403-340-3061

3 Bdrm. Townhouse ~ Great Value!!

This 3 bdm, 1.5 bath Townhouse in North Red Deer is ready for a new family! Vacant now, this could be the home you’ve been looking for. With 5 appls, tonnes of storage & a convenient location this home will go quick.

Call Lucie at 403-396-9554 to get a look inside!

Hpman.ca

3 BDRMS IN ANDERS

This gorgeous townhouse is now available. 3 Bdrms, 1.5 Baths & 5 appls in one of the most desirable areas in town. This will get scooped up quick. Call Lucie at 403-396-9554 to see inside.

Hpman.ca

This Adult only Bldg is located conveniently near all amenities.

Perfect for the budgetminded at just $945/month w/ Heat & Water included!

Call Tina at 403-396-9554 while it’s still available.

Hpman.ca

Roommates Wanted

3080

ROOMATE WANTED, M or F. Fully furn. 2 bdrm. apt. 403-986-1903 after 1 pm.

STUDENTS or singles West Park Apt. 2 bdrms., kitchen, bath & laundry shared, $600 each bdrm., 403-391-7940

3090

LARGE 2 & 3 BDRM CONDOS HAVE TO GO!!

SOUTHWOOD PARK 3110-47TH Avenue, 2 & 3 bdrm. townhouses, generously sized, 1 1/2 baths, fenced yards, full bsmts. 403-347-7473, Sorry no pets. www.greatapartments.ca

Suites

3060

1 BDRM. bsmt. suite. N/S, no kids, no pets. $700 rent/d.d. ref’s 403-346-9746

3190

3020

GLENDALE 2 bdrm. $825, D.D. $825, N/S, no pets, no partiers, avail immed.

403-346-1458

CLASSIFICATIONS

wegot

homes CLASSIFICATIONS 4000-4190

Realtors & Services

4010

1200 SQ.FT. 2 bdrm. suite, satellite TV, all utils. incl. except phone and internet, Rural location, 5 acres, pasture negot., avail. immed., ref’s req’d. N.S., no pets.

403-782-3893

FOR RENT • 3000-3200 WANTED • 3250-3390

Houses/ Duplexes

Top Floor 2 Bdrm.

Apartment

BEAUTIFUL Comfortable 3 bdrm. townhouse in Oriole Park. Super location for access Rooms to all major arteries without For Rent being bothered by noise.

Att. garage, 1-1/2 bath, CLEAN, quiet, responsible, 5 appls., #23 6300 Orr Dr. Furn. $525. 403-346-7546 N/S, avail. Jan. 1. $1425/mo.

ROOM for rent. 450 rent, Hearthstone Property Management 403-896-8552 d.d. $300. 403-343-0421 or 403-396-9554 Room, Avail. immed. $600. + dd 403-505-4777

This great 2 bdrm bsmt. suite has lots of functional space, 6 appls & is located on a quiet crescent. Just $1125/mo.

Call Tina at 403-896-8552 now to take a look at a home you will want to show off.

Hpman.ca

rentals

4040

THE NORDIC

2 Bdrm. Modern Suite in Johnstone

wegot

BLACKFALDS

4 bdrms. 3.5 baths, front att. garage. 2 storey.

Indoor/outdoor fireplace, hardwood, tile, house-wide deck & many more upgrades.

Please phone Lloyd at 403-391-9294 for all the details. $442,500 incl. legal fees, appls., GST.

CONDO FOR SALE

Sylvan Lake 1 Bedroom + Den condo for sale in Sylvan Lake. Available January 1st. $164,800.

Please call (403) 302-7230 for additional info

NEW CONDO

1000 sq.ft. 2 bdrm., 2 bath. $192,000. 403-588-2550

4090

Manufactured Homes

RENOVATED MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

Starting at $20,000 To book a viewing Or more information Please Contact Terrie at 403-340-0225

Commercial Property

42,000 sq ft Office/ Residential Building, Red Deer, AB Built in 2011. 21 separately titled units consisting of 16 executive condos and 4 commercial suites, Zero Tenant Vacancy, 10 year triple net leases in place, expiring 2021. Assumable mortgage.

Price - $8,400,000.00 Accepting Offers Christine@ andersonbuildersgroup. com SMALL / LARGE SPACES -Free standing - fenced yards For all your needs.

400-46,000 ft. 403-343-6615

4130

Cottages/Resort Property

SUMMER LIVING IN THE SHUSWAP Salmon Arm’s newest townhomes, Maple Lanes is now selling. 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath, 9ft ceilings, hardwood/tile (heated) floors, heat pump/ ac, stainless appls, stamped concrete patio & so much more. $339,000 incl. GST. Check us out at www.edelweissproperties.com or call Roger (403) 350-8089 or Tanja (250) 804-6436

HERE TO HELP & HERE TO SERVE Call GORD ING at RE/MAX real estate central alberta 403-341-9995 gord.ing@remax.net

Houses For Sale

4020

4110

wegot

wheels CLASSIFICATIONS 5000-5300

2 SPEC HOMES Ready for your colours.

Can be shown at any time. Cars 3 BDRM. in Sylvan. 4 appls., GLENDALE reno’d 2 bdrm. 10 & 98 MacKenzie Cres. fenced yard. No pets. All apartments, avail. immed, Lacombe. 403-588-8820 2001 HYUNDAI Accent 2 utils. incl. 403-347-6033 rent $875 403-596-6000 BRAND NEW 1340 sq. ft. dr. red, 403-348-2999 3 BDRM. MAIN FLOOR LARGE, 1 & 2 BDRM. bungalow, 2 bdrm., den, Avail. Immed. $1200 SUITES. 25+, adults only dbl. att. garage. $384,900. 1999 PONTIAC Bonneyville + 2/3 utils. 403-872-3400 n/s, no pets 403-346-7111 Call Glen 403-588-2231 4 dr., saftied. 403-352-6995

5030

wegotservices 1000-1430

To Advertise Your Business or Service Here

Call Classifieds 403-309-3300 classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

1010

INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS Accounting, 30 yrs. of exp. with oilfield service companies, other small businesses and individuals RW Smith, 346-9351 Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Contractors

1100

DALE’S Home Reno’s Free estimates for all your reno needs. 403-506-4301 OVERHEAD DOORS & operators installed 391-4144 RMD RENOVATIONS Bsmt’s, flooring, decks, etc.

Call Roger 403-348-1060

Escorts

1165

EDEN 587-877-7399 10am-midnight LEXUS 392-0891 *BUSTY* INDEPENDENT w/own car

5030

VIEW ALL OUR PRODUCTS

at www.garymoe.com

Locally owned and family operated

5050

FCC chairman says airplane call restrictions outdated U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WEIGHS CREATING ITS OWN BAN

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Flooring

1180

WILL install floor & wall tile 403-335-6076 / 352-7812

Handyman Services

1200

ATT’N: Are you looking for help on small jobs around the house or renovate your bathroom, painting or flooring, and roof snow removal?

Call James Call403-341-0617 Jam

Massage Therapy

1280

Executive Touch Massage (newly reno’d) (FOR MEN)STUDIO 5003A-50 st. Downtown 9 am - 6 pm. Mon. - Fri. 403-348-5650

Massage Therapy

1280

MASSAGE ABOVE ALL WALK-INS WELCOME 4709 Gaetz Ave. 346-1161

LAUREL TRUDGEON Residential Painting and Colour Consultations.

403-342-7801.

1315

Misc.

Services

1290

Ironman Scrap Metal Recovery picking up scrap again! Farm machinery, vehicles & industrial. Serving

International ladies

Central AB. 403-318-4346

Now Open

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

Specials. 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

Private back entry. 403-341-4445

1310

VII MASSAGE #7,7464 Gaetz Ave. Personal Pampering at its Services BEST! 403-986-6686 PSYCHIC HEALER Send first name ONLY and Come in and see nature of illness to Box why we are the talk 1070, c/o RED DEER of the town.

ADVOCATE, 2950 www.viimassage.biz Bremner Ave., Red Deer,

FANTASY MASSAGE

Painters/ Decorators

AB T4R 1M9. Gratuities will not be accepted.

Seniors’ Services

WASHINGTON — Just because it’s safe to use cellphones on a plane, it doesn’t mean that passengers should call just to say hello.

That argument played out across Washington Thursday as one government agency moved a step closer to removing its prohibition of in-flight calls while another considered a new ban of its own.

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to start a months-long public comment process to remove its restriction.

“There is a need to recognize that there is a new technology,” said FCC chairman Thomas Wheeler. “This is a technical rule. It is a rule about technology. It is not a rule of usage.”

But the Department of Transportation, which oversees aviation, isn’t so sure that permitting calls “is fair to consumers” and will consider creating its own ban as part of 2007 FORD F-150 Lariat Ltd. Leather., sunroof, its consumer protection role. tonneau cover, $15,888.

“Over the past few weeks, we have heard of concerns 403-348-8788 Sport & Import raised by airlines, travellers, flight attendants, members of Congress and others who are all troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cellphones in flight — and I am concerned about this possibility as well,” DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

Calls during flights have been prohibited for 22 years over fears that they would interfere with cellular net2006 GMC C4500 4X4, works on the ground. Technological advances have reloaded, conversion, new solved those concerns, which is one reason Wheeler wants duramax installed from GM, 170,000 kms., $39,888 to repeal the rule. He also wants the airlines, not the gov403-348-8788 Sport & Import ernment, to have final say on in-flight calling.

But even Wheeler acknowledged the potential annoyTires, Parts ance factor.

Acces.

“I’m the last person in the world who wants to listen to somebody talking” while flying across the country, Wheel12V BATTERY Group 24 er told a House subcommittee Thursday morning.

CC610 load tested at 590 $65 403-357-9664 The FCC proposal comes just weeks after the Federal SET of H.D. Flares, $35.

Aviation Administration lifted its ban on using personal 403-348-6449 electronic devices such as iPads and Kindles below 10,000 feet, saying they don’t interfere with cockpit instruments.

Auto An Associated Press-GfK poll released Wednesday Wreckers found that 48 per cent of Americans oppose allowing cellphones to be used for voice calls while flying; just 19 per RED’S AUTO. Free Scrap cent support it. Another 30 per cent are neutral.

Vehicle & Metal Removal.

AMVIC APPROVED. Among those who fly, opposition is stronger. Looking We travel. May pay cash just at Americans who have taken more than one flight for vehicle. 403-396-7519 in the past year, 59 per cent are against allowing calls on Vehicles planes. That number grows to 78 per cent among those Wanted who’ve taken four or more flights.

To Buy Delta Air Lines is the only airline to explicitly state that it won’t allow voice calls regardless of what the government allows. Delta says years of feedback from customRED’S AUTO. Free scrap vehicle & metal removal. ers show “the overwhelming sentiment” is to keep the ban We travel. May pay cash in place. American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue for vehicle. AMVIC Airways all plan to study the issue and listen to feedback APPROVED. 403-396-7519 from passengers and crew. Most Middle East airlines and a few in Asia and Europe already allow voice calls on Misc. planes. Others allow texting.

Automotive Southwest Airlines on Wednesday started allowing FREE removal of scrap passengers — for $2 a day — to use iPhones to send and vehicles. Will pay cash for receive text messages while on board through a satellite some. 403-304-7585 connection. The system will expand Vans to Android phones Buses early next year.

During the FCC hearing, Wheeler acknowledged that he doesn’t want to hear other people’s conversations on a plane and that he picks Amtrak’s quiet car while trav25 Passenger Van/Bus elling by train. He You can start your own Y reiterated that this Business with this unique B change is meant to 25 pass. van, Diesel V8, 2 clean up an outdataauto, 76,400 kms ed regulation, origOnly inally passed so air travellers wouldn’t overwhelm cellphone towers on the ground.

Call Today “The DOT will This Special will be sold soon! address the behavioural issues. We’re cutting away the technical underbrush,” Wheeler 1824-49 Ave. said. www.hondareddeer.ca But Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC needs to look outside its four walls.

“We are not just technicians,” she said. The agency is not absolved of the consequences of its decisions.

Rosenworcel voted to let the rule continue to the public comment phase but said she doesn’t support it.

The reason: Life on planes would change.

“We could see our quiet time monetized and seating in the quiet section would come at a To subscribe, call: To place an ad, call: premium,” Rosenworcel said. Flying 314-4300 309-3300 today is already tough enough.

“This commission does not need to add to that burden.”

The nation’s largest flight attendant union opposes allowing voice calls, saying cellphone use could Central Alberta’s Daily Newspaper lead to fights between passengers.

5180

5190 5200

5240

5070

Business Opportunity!

2008 FORD F-550

$

56,000

1-877-399-1762

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot

CLASSIFICATIONS

Accounting

Cars

Trucks In a convenient location w/easy accessibility to 67th Street & assigned offstreet parking. This could be the home you are looking for.

Perfect for young professionals. Just $945/month.

Come take a look at the Condos/ www.laebon.com building you will be proud Townhouses to call home. Call Tina now Laebon Homes 346-7273 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 at 403-896-8552 3 BDRM, 1 1/2 bath townHybrid, 4X4, 6.0L, nav., before it’s gone. house in well kept condominium Condos/ 81,735 kms, $28,888 Hpman.ca complex at #9, 15 Stanton St. 403-348-8788 Sport & Import Townhouses 5 appls & fenced yard.

Tenants must be over 40 w/references & quiet living.

Avail. Nov. 1st for $1300/mo. 1 & 2 bdrm. adult building, $1300 D.D. 403-341-4627 N/S. No pets.

403-596-2444

Bldg located on a quiet close Mobile backing onto treed area.

Lot †Spacious suites come with Dishwasher, large storage PADS $450/mo. area & more. Short walk to Brand new park in Lacombe. schools & Parks. Starting Spec Mobiles. 3 Bdrm., at $925/mo.

2 bath. As Low as $75,000.

Heat & Water incl. in rent. Down payment $4000. Call Call Lucie at 403-396-9554 at anytime. 403-588-8820 to book a viewing.† Hpman.ca

AGRICULTURAL

CLIVE -Won’t Last!

RISER HOMES

1 & 2 bdrm., Avail. immed.

3 Bdrm., 2 bath 1200 sq.ft.

Adult bldg. N/S No pets bi-level on 62x140 lot.

403-755-9852 $250,000. Incl. legal fees, MOUNTVIEW, bsmt. suite, GST, appls.

1 bdrm. + den, full bath, Lloyd 403-391-9294 4 appls., great location.

FREE Weekly list of $975. incld’s utils. & cable.

N/S, no pets. 403-350-0913 properties for sale w/details, prices, address, owner’s NEWLY RENO’D phone #, etc. 342-7355 Help-U-Sell of Red Deer 2 BEDROOMS www.homesreddeer.com Located in Woodlea on quiet little one way street, MASON MARTIN this bldg has a vacancy.

With a full Reno recently HOMES completed, this is an absolute Custom new homes steal at $950/mo. Make your planning service. friends jealous with this Kyle, 403-588-2550 amazing find. Call Tina at 403-896-8552 for more details.

MUST SELL Hpman.ca New Home. 1335 sq.ft. bi-level, 24x23 att. garage.

PENHOLD 1 bdrm., incl.

403-588-2550 heat/water, 4 appls. $725 avail. Jan. 1, 403-348-6594 RISER HOMES

3030

GOLDEN DOODLES and LABRADOODLES, silvers and chocolate. Delivered to Alberta. Text 306-521-1371 or call 306-792-2113 www.furtettishfarm.ca

4020

Houses For Sale

340261L7-15

1760

Misc. for Sale

1372

HELP FOR SENIORS: in home or facility - family business est. 1999 - bondable staff, great rates, gift certs avail for Christmas - HELPING HANDS Home Support Services Ltd. 403-346-7777 helpinghandshomesupport. comBRAND

IN TODAY’S

D8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

UN chief demands chemical weapons users in Syria face justice

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

National Security Agency (NSA) Director Gen. Keith Alexander testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Continued Oversight of U.S. Government Surveillance Authorities” .

NSA, cyber oversight task force kept in tact

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — A group reviewing the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs and cyber command operations sent President Barack Obama more than 40 recommendations on intelligence collection and government spying.

The White House did not make the task force’s report public. Published reports Friday described the recommendations as limited in scope.

The Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology held no public meetings and met several times with business and privacy groups out of the range of the media and public. DNI head James Clapper exempted the panel from standard federal requirements that it work transparently.

The White House is reviewing the task force recommendations and finalizing its own internal study, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said. She said the process was expected to be finished in January, after which Obama would speak publicly on any changes to the government’s intelligence gathering and surveillance. The review board report is also expected to be made public after that point.

Although the task force has kept its recommendations secret, news organizations have sketched out proposals that would allow most of the NSA’s surveillance programs to continue but change ownership of the government’s large inventory of telephone records and restrict spying on allied nations.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the panel proposed shifting control of sought-after phone records from the government to individual phone companies, while The New York Times said the panel urged the

Man found guilty of 2005 fire deaths of woman, eight kids at sleepover CLEVELAND — A former drug dealer was found guilty on Friday at his retrial in the 2005 arson deaths of a woman and eight children at a birthday sleepover — the city’s deadliest house fire.

A U.S. District Court jury handed down the verdict in the case against 30-year-old Antun Lewis in the fire in an impoverished Cleve-

White House to hold a tighter leash on U.S. spying on foreign leaders.

The panel’s recommendations come as skepticism over the NSA surveillance mounts in Congress and from technology companies and privacy groups.

Worried that reports of foreign data intercepts could drive away international customers, lawyers for a consortium of tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook and Yahoo recently urged legal changes in Congress. Their move coincided with a bipartisan legislative push to scale back the surveillance programs.

One lawmaker said the review panel recommendations could aid plans to end the government’s direct control over telephone data.

“I’d encourage the administration to move in the direction of phone companies retaining the data,” Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat, said Friday.

Schiff, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, has offered legislation to shift control of phone records from the NSA to the phone companies and said the move could be made without diminishing national security. He noted that the firms already hold the same data that the government sweeps up and could quickly turn over that material to the NSA and law enforcement. NSA officials have warned that investigations could bog down if the government lost direct control over the records.

Recent media revelations stemming from leaks from former NSA contractor Edward Snowden showed the agency’s dual roles abroad, reporting that the NSA spied on foreign governments and companies alike, using its unique computer hacking abilities to tap into financial and corporate files and the private communications of allies as well as the calling and web patterns of suspected terrorists.

land neighbourhood. Lewis also was convicted in the first trial.

Defence attorneys said Friday they believe the enormous tragedy overshadowed the evidence in the case.

“We truly believe that the charges in this case were so horrific, with the deaths of the children and the mother, that the community wanted to hold someone responsible, in spite of what the evidence showed,” attorney Angelo Lonardo said, according to The Plain Dealer.

The prosecution didn’t immedi-

ately respond to a message seeking comment after the verdict.

Judge Solomon Oliver, who presided at both trials, ordered the second trial, agreeing with the defence that the government had used unreliable jailhouse informants.

The defence said the informants’ testimony was prompted by money paid by the government — one man got more than $20,000 over several years — or the prospect of leniency in their own criminal cases.

-The Associated Press

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deplored the use of chemical weapons in Syria and demanded Friday that those responsible are held accountable.

Ban told the UN General Assembly that the international community also has a moral and political responsibility to deter further incidents and “ensure that chemical weapons can never re-emerge as an instrument of warfare.”

He addressed the 193-member world body on the final report issued Thursday by UN inspectors who examined seven alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria. They concluded that chemical weapons were probably used in four locations, in addition to the confirmed attack near Damascus in August that forced the government to abandon its secret chemical stockpile.

The inspectors’ limited mandate authorized them to determine whether chemical weapons were used but barred them from identifying whether the government or opposition fighters were responsible for any of the attacks.

Chief inspector Ake Sellstrom told a news conference that “more intrusive methods” than those authorized by the General Assembly for his investigation are needed to pinpoint the perpetrators of the attacks.

“I could speculate . . . but I don’t have information that will stand up in court,” he said.

Sellstrom said UN member states could authorize a new intrusive “forensic investigation” to determine responsibility, which would require more resources and the use of methods that his team couldn’t use.

He didn’t elaborate.

UN disarmament chief Angela Kane told reporters there have been a number of calls for additional investigations to determine who was responsible for using chemical weapons.

A commission created by the UN Human Rights Council has already determined that both sides have committed heinous war crimes during the Syrian conflict. The Geneva-based commission is producing a confidential list of suspected criminals, which is kept under lock and key by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and it is expected to eventually weigh in on who bears responsibility for the chemcial weapons attacks.

The confirmed use of the deadly nerve agent sarin on Aug. 21 in the Ghouta area of Damascus, and the threat of possible U.S. military action, led to a U.S.Russian agreement to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons by mid-2014 and Syrian agreement to join the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The process of getting Syrian chemicals that can be used to make weapons out of the country is currently under way.

Sellstrom said the inspectors were pleased that their initial finding on Ghouta led Syria to join the convention and agree to the elimination of its chemical weapons and precursors. Given its mandate, he rated the team’s performance at 8.7 on a scale of one to 10.

Thursday’s report said evidence indicated chemical weapons were also probably used in Khan al Assal outside Aleppo on March 19 against soldiers and civilians, Jobar in Damascus’ eastern suburbs on Aug. 24 against soldiers, Saraqueb near Idlib in the northwest on April 29 against civilians, and Ashrafiah Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside on Aug. 25 against soldiers. In two cases, it found “signatures of sarin.”

The government and opposition accused each other of using chemical weapons at Khan al Assal and the report said none of the parties in Syria denied their use in the village. The allegations of chemical weapons use at Jobar and Ashrafiah Sahnaya were made by the Syrian government, while Britain and France raised the allegations about Saraqueb.

Addressing the world’s diplomats, Ban said, “I deplore in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in Syria as an offence against the universal values of humankind.”

Wichita bomb plot foiled as airport worker arrested PLAN TO BOMB AIRPORT IN SUPPORT OF AL-QAIDA

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WICHITA, Kan. — A Kansas man who prosecutors say sympathized with violent terrorists was arrested Friday as part of an FBI sting after he drove a vehicle loaded with what he thought were explosives to a Wichita airport.

Investigators allege that Terry Lee Loewen planned to attack Wichita’s Mid-Continent Regional airport in a plot aimed at supporting al-Qaida.

Loewen, a 58-year-old avionics technician who worked at the airport for Hawker Beechcraft, was arrested before dawn as he tried to drive onto the tarmac. The materials in the car were inert, and no one at the airport was in any immediate danger, authorities said.

Loewen, who lives in Wichita, had been under investigation for about six months after making online statements about wanting to commit “violent jihad” against the United States, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. An undercover FBI agent befriended Loewen, striking up conversations about terrorism and Loewen’s admiration for those who plotted against American interests.

Authorities said Loewen spent months studying the layout of the airport, its flight patterns and other details to maximize fatalities and damage in an attack. During that time, he developed a plan with other conspirators to use his employee access card to pull off the attack. The conspirators were actually undercover FBI agents.

Loewen planned to die in the explo-

sion, a fate that he said was inevitable in his quest to become a martyr in a jihad against America, according to court documents.

“Since early summer, he was resolved to take an act of violent jihad against U.S.,” Grissom said.

Authorities said they believe Loewen acted alone. No other arrests were expected.

Loewen made an initial court appearance Friday afternoon, answering “yes” in a strong voice to procedural questions. A U.S. magistrate ordered that he remain jailed at least until a hearing next Friday after prosecutors said he was a flight risk and a danger to the community.

His wife and attorney declined comment after the hearing.

His brother-in-law, David Reddig, described Loewen as a “good guy.” He said Loewen helped him pay off the debt on his truck and took care of his home and chickens after an eye injury kept him from working.

“He is a hard worker and all that stuff,” Reddig said.

But he said Loewen kept details of his life away from his relatives.

The case appears to be similar to a string of investigations conducted by the FBI since the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.

The FBI sting operations have prompted controversy over whether the law enforcement tactics involved entrapment of suspects and intruded on civil liberties. One involved an undercover agent who pretended to be a terrorist, provided a teenager with a phoney car bomb, then watched him plant it in downtown Chicago.

But the FBI has argued that the stings are a vital law tool for averting potentially deadly terrorist attacks.

And juries have returned tough sentences.

In Loewen’s case, court documents allege that he talked about downloading documents about jihad, martyrdom and an al-Qaida “manual” during his online conversations.

Investigators said he also frequently expressed admiration for Anwar AlAwlaki, the American-born al-Qaida leader who was killed in a 2011 drone strike in Yemen. Al-Awlaki emerged as an influential preacher among militants living in the West, with his English language Internet sermons calling for jihad, or holy war, against the U.S. In August, an undercover agent offered to introduce Loewen to someone who could help him engage in jihad. A few days later, he mentioned providing a “tour” of the airport for one of the undercover agents.

In September, the undercover agent told Loewen he had returned from overseas after meeting with individuals connected with al-Qaida. The agent told him the “brothers” were excited to hear about his access to the airport and asked Loewen if he would be willing to plant some type of device, according to court documents.

“Wow! That’s some heavy stuff you just laid down. Am I interested? Yes. I still need time to think about it, but I can’t imagine anything short of arrest stopping me,” Loewen told the agent, adding that he needed to let Allah guide him.

The documents allege that he also

asked for assurances that he wasn’t being set up, saying his greatest fear was not completing the operation.

The criminal complaint also details a meeting in November with other undercover agents in which they discussed executing the plan before Christmas in order to cause the greatest damage. He also provided components from his employer that the agents requested for wiring the fake explosive device, according to court documents.

On Wednesday, Loewen met with another undercover agent and helped assemble the false bomb, court documents allege.

Loewen was charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempting to damage property and attempting to provide support to terrorist group al-Qaida.

Hawker Beechcraft spokeswoman Nicole Alexander confirmed Friday that Loewen worked at the company’s aircraft maintenance facility at the airport.

Loewen’s neighbours said several law enforcement agencies converged early Friday morning at the modest brick home where Loewen and his wife live, just a few houses down from a local elementary school. Some neighbours said the couple mostly kept to themselves and didn’t participate in neighbourhood events.

Janine Hessman, who lives nearby, said she didn’t know Loewen well but liked his wife and spoke to her often. But if the allegations are true, she said, “I don’t really have any sympathy for him.”

RED DEER ADVOCATE Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 D9

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

HI & LOIS

PEANUTS

BLONDIE

HAGAR

BETTY

PICKLES

GARFIELD

LUANN Dec. 14 1990 — Canadian Wheat Board has a $1-billion loss; bigger than total of all losses since founding in 1935. It sells wheat for $40 to $50 a tonne less than it pays farmers.

1951 — Canada lifts all foreign exchange controls.

1929 — Canada hands over control of and revenue from, land, water, oil and other

provincial natural resources to Manitoba and Alberta under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement. Unlike other Canadian provinces, the Prairie provinces did not receive control over mineral resources or Crown lands when they became provinces. Agreements are made with Saskatchewan and British Columbia the following year.

1916 — Quebec bans women from entering the legal profession.

1901 — Opening of Yoho National Park, with land set aside in 1885.

ARGYLE SWEATER

RUBES

TODAY IN HISTORY

TUNDRA

SUDOKU Complete the grid so that every row, every column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 through 9.

SHERMAN‛S LAGOON

Solution

LIFESTYLE

D10

SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2013

Readers’ reactions about dealing with a sexless marriage

FLIPPING FOR CHRISTMAS

Dear Annie: “Frustrated in South Da- ing the lack of desire for frequent intimakota” was concerned about the dearth of cy until we went to a homeopathic pracsex in his marriage, saying his wife has no titioner and received supplements to her sex drive. diet that corrected some horYou rightfully suggested mone levels. she talk to her doctor to see Happily, one of the benefits whether there is something was improved libido, and we they could do to remedy the are now happy, happy, happy. problem. However, when you Florida: “Frustrated” comwrite that “intimacy is imporplains that he has sex with tant, but it isn’t everything,” I his extremely attractive wife think you’ve missed the point “maybe once every two weeks.” about sexless marriage: It’s enI say: What are you comtirely possible to be in a complaining about? There are far mitted relationship without too many of us on the opposite sex, but it’s incredibly imporend of the spectrum who would tant to keep the intimacy alive gladly trade places with him.

MITCHELL in other ways.

I’m 45, she’s 43 and still hot, but & SUGAR People sometimes identify it’s been years since we’ve had the act of sex as the only validasex. I’ve tried everything extion of love and caring between cept couples counselling (she a couple, but there are other won’t go). I’m in decent physi“love acts” that have a bigger impact on cal shape, have a well-paying job and do a relationship, like hugging and touching my share in taking care of the children and kissing. and the house.

My husband’s libido took a nosedive However, all romance, intimacy, handseveral years ago, and it was a rough pe- holding, kissing and physical contact are riod for me because I am 13 years younger initiated by me and are rebuffed too often and had just hit my sexual prime. for me to make further attempts.

It took some adjusting of mindset, but Apparently, watching 15 hours of televiwhen I realized that the other “good stuff” sion every week is more important to her wasn’t going out the window, things sud- than an hour of intimacy once a month. denly weren’t as bad as I thought.

Texas: Agreed, intimacy isn’t everyI do miss the incredible intimacy that thing. However, I believe intimacy is the sex brings, but I also love the fact that I foundation of a marriage and should not get sweet, sometimes passionate kisses. be minimized. I feel his pain. My relaThen there’s the romantic act of hand- tionship with my wife of 30 years is very holding (even in public!) and hugging. similar.

And that makes all the difference. So, My advice is: If this is a deal breaker, “Frustrated,” find different ways to enjoy then divorce is the only real answer. Rethat intimacy with your wife. — Learning jection from the wife you love and cherish Curve is beyond painful.

Dear Learning: We agree that there are You can concentrate on the many other many ways to show intimacy, but it re- good qualities in your relationship, but quires the co-operation of both partners. the sad reality is, it can be empty and unOur readers had a lot to say on this sub- fulfilling without intimacy. ject. Read on for more: Intimacy starts at the kitchen table From New York: Perhaps “Frustrated” or maybe with a phone conversation. A could suggest to his wife that one-way connection must be made. Counting how pleasure is a possible, if occasional, solu- many times in a month you have sex is not tion to their mismatched libidos. intimacy.

If you love someone, you can enjoy givAnnie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitching pleasure without expecting anything ell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the in return.

Ann Landers column. Please email your Boston: My wife and I were experienc- questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net.

ANNIE ANNIE

You may want to develop a new approach towards spending related around the domestic sphere.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your kindSaturday, Dec. 14 ness and charm are more apparent during CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: Vanessa Hudgens, 25; Natascha McElhone, this time. You long to be with someone and you feel lonely if you are not around your 44; KaDee Strickland, 38 significant other. This would be THOUGHT OF THE DAY: a wonderful day to host a gatherThe Bull’s presence today deing in the comforts of your own notes a down-to-practicality aphome. proach towards our affairs. We SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22embrace executing our usual afDec. 21): You seem to be digfairs in an old-fashioned way and ging deeper and deeper into with our feet well planted into the complex topics today. The methground. The Moon’s opposition od you use is efficient, detailed to Saturn and a constructive link and leading you to fast results. to Jupiter denote sweet and sour You are a great detective today emotions and a predisposition and will be impressed by your vacillating from hot to cold. Luckown findings. ily, later on, the Moon makes CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. ASTRO a comforting aspect to Venus, 19): You may come to the realDOYNA smoothing out any differences ization that you might have too we might encounter and to comuch on your plate and that ceroperate diplomatically with whattain things are not part of your ever conflict we might face. responsibilities. Take some time HAPPY BIRTHDAY: If today is your birthday, managing your personal finances might off for yourself and do not be afraid to unleash be a tricky game this year. However, energies your inner child.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Quality you put into this year will be productive and time spent around familiar faces and caring rewarding, despite some minor blockages.

You work so assiduously and meticulously individuals is always rewarding and fulfilling. that you may forget to rest when needed. Organize a gathering with your closest family members and inquire about their past lives.

Give yourself reasonable breaks.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Family val- Show some interest by looking through old ues will come into picture today. Accept the photo albums or memorabilia.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You see fact that certain individuals cannot be reliable.

Control your sporadic reactions, which could your future through big glasses where everybe harder to manage today. Exercise pa- thing looks larger and brighter. You will want tience and things will work out well in the end. to spend more time among your friends who TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You are quite might offer you new opportunities for selfexpressive today and willing to go out of your evolution. Your strength escalates. comfort zone. Later this evening, watch for an Sunday, Dec. 15 enticement to spend more than you are willCELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: ing to pay. You will feel giving, and perhaps, Adam Brody, 34; Don Johnson, 64; Camilla overly giving. Do measure your generosity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): This is one of Luddington, 30 THOUGHT OF THE DAY: The Moon in those days where you will prefer to be only in versatile Gemini is floating in the astral ambiyour individual company. You are comfortable in your own cocoon at this time and a bit of ance where it releases its charms alongside privacy can seem to have quite a regenera- Venus’ feminine energy and Mars’ masculinity. tive effect on you.

This celestial trio brings among us amoCANCER (June 21-July 22): Even though rous feelings with sweet desires and a super you want to be among your friends today, it seems that your partner is showing you a live disposition! Mars and Uranus will send more unpredictable side. Things should cool tender smooches over to Luna promising us down and come back to normal in late after- delightful surprises and a wonderful surge of energy. noon. Your confidence shines through again.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Today’s apprehensions will have a great effect on you. You are feeling more intuitive and more perceptive towards complicated matters. Others favour you now, which will bring you fur* ther sureness and approachability to the external world.

ALL GLIDDEN® VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use today’s celestial energies ULTRA PAINT to take it easy and to simply enjoy learning new things at December 2-31, 2013 your own pace. You may want to indulge yourself into a heat*Offer applies off the regular retain price of 3.0L-3.78L on-the-moment splurge. Leave Glidden Ultra Interior paints. Cannot be combined with your hair down and appreciate any other offer or promotion. All sheens included. See the simplest pleasures in life. store associate for more details.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You have a strong shield covering your emotions today. You will be inclined towards moth- Ph: 403.346.5555 • 2319 Taylor Drive, Red Deer ering your partner and scrutiMon.-Fri. 7 am - 5:30 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 5 pm • Sun. Closed nizing your shared finances. www.dulux.ca

HOROSCOPES

SUN SIGNS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A man dressed as Santa Claus poses with two dolphins at the Marineland animal exhibition park in Antibes, southeastern France. Marineland Antibes was founded in 1970. First, it was a small oceanarium with a few pools and animals, but now it is one of the biggest in the world and draws more than 1.2 million visitors per year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: If today is your birthday, you will enjoy being in a partnership this year. It will not be as much for the fact that you will not be alone, but for what it can offer you. This alliance has the potential to put your dreams into action and to cater after your most intrinsic needs.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you want to have everyone on your side today, this is your day. You may want to take advantage of your current standing among others, as you appear to be their favourite one. Your sense of persuasion knows no competition. Ask and you shall receive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your heart is somewhere far, in a warm and inviting destination. At the very least, you derive ultimate satisfaction knowing you are somewhere just as warm and secure as that faraway place seems to be. The best part is that the two are very closely correlated.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are feeling sassy today! Not only do you know how to persuade others with your playful nature, but you also emanate a self-reassurance vibe that others only envy. You are daring, but you will not reveal your wildest intentions yet.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Spend some quiet, quality time in the company of someone you worship and adore. If you decide to devote your precious time by catering after your sweetheart’s needs or by taking the lead at home, know that that is time wisely disbursed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You have lots of flashy ideas floating through your mind right now. You may wish to align yourself with likeminded individuals who appreciate and share your stream of interesting thoughts. Enjoy this entire experience and the support that comes along.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Money pours out quite fast lately and today, even if its still running high, you will relish what it has to offer. For once, you are convinced that a dis-

bursement doesn’t have to be uniquely about its price as the amount of pleasure you can actually derive from it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is your kind of day where your passive-aggressive nature can work both ways and, in each scenario, very productively. You do not need the public’s attention or another person’s validation to confirm your current state of wellbeing.

You live in ultimate balance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As much as you may be enjoying mingling and chatting with others today, your ultimate satisfaction is found in the privacy of your own world. You ache to get closer to the object of your desires. You need to merge.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): This is not the type of day where you will be seen hiding from the external world’s light. Today, you seek the presence of another as relating to them, as this experience will make the course of your day more gratifying and all embracing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your reassurance and charming demeanour will convince others of your swaying powers. You can get a lot done today, mostly because you will instinctively know the precise amount of dominance you need to exert over others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your inspirations come to you from an unspoken language, an unexplored territory and your strong set of beliefs. This mix of exotic flavours is both private and mystical. Keeping it all to you is absolutely forbidden.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Knowing that our peers accept you for who you are and they value your choices in life, these individuals will automatically be favoured by you. Away from the limelight, you are at last, at peace with yourself.

Astro Doyna is an internationally syndicated astrologer and columnist. Her column appears daily in the Advocate.

IT’S better TO give AN AMA membership...

%

…than to receive a call from your daughter asking you to trek out into a full-blown blizzard because she needs help changing a tire even though you haven’t changed a tire in years and also it’s a blizzard which means it’s cold and wet and there’s snow blowing every which way and she’s a 25-year-old grown woman and can’t she see that it’s a blizzard out there?!

AMA memberships make a great gift.

Get tows, boosts, door unlocks and more from $78* per year.

Visit www.ama.ab.ca/Gift or an AMA Centre today. 1-800-222-6400 *Plus a one-time $18 new member fee and GST.

48498K30&L14

off

53206L27

25