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with Marty & Mark hen Edmontonians Publisher
Sharon MacLean asked me to join the magazine a year and a half ago, I was both honoured and inquisitive. I remember asking, “Why me, Sharon?” She remembers replying, “Given your long, respected history as a business and community leader, you keep a close pulse on the personality of Greater Edmonton. And, of course, your famous father’s contribution to the lifeblood of Edmonton gives you unique perspective on this city’s deep roots.” Or something close… Now, as I look over the past year’s columns, I see what she means. I’ve always believed that life isn’t a dress rehearsal… you should enjoy every ounce of opportunity presented to you. So I try to meet the movers and shakers of this city and attend as many functions as possible—especially those less known. This city has so many gems that it’s a darned pity if you haven’t experienced some of them. In no set order, here are some of my most memorable. Cam Hayden’s Blues Festival in August is amazing. I had a pal ride his motorcycle all the way up from Phoenix to take in the Fest and he said it was “the best run event in the best venue” he’d ever seen. Jack Little’s Edmonton Heritage Festival is an eye opener. Leanne Letourneau and Jack are a two-person army, organizing thousands of volunteers in a melting pot of ethnic love. Seeing little kids in authentic outfits, dancing to their respective countries’ native music is not only enjoyable but fulfilling. I wish the rest of the world could see this type of co-operation among its culturally diverse citizens. I enjoyed several fine concert and theatre productions at both the Jubilee Auditorium and Winspear Centre. There are just too many highlights to mention them all, but a few great ones were David Foster’s hugely successful Foster and Friends gala; Keb Mo; Spamalot and Buddy Guy. (By
H
appy New Year y’all—the best to
you in 2009. Please let it be a good year— economically speaking. So here we are… celebrating the 20th year of Edmontonians. Congratulations to all who have been and are involved in its production. I am just a junior in the ranks of contributors, with but 18 months under my belt. I have been reading Muggsy Forbes for over 10 years. In fact, I believe the first time I saw Sharon MacLean’s publication was at Kathy Kozak’s Minit Car Wash on Jasper Avenue. I used to love that place—another Edmonton beauty knocked down in the name of progress. Anyway, while waiting for my Toyota, I spotted a ‘free’ paper on the bench. Right away I dug it. A - it was FREE B - it was a window into what was going on around town. C - it was the only thing on the bench that day, and it was a good read.
I applaud independent voices in our city. I like the style and content of See and Vue magazines... and I like where the Edmontonians fits into the mix. True to its banner, “the personality of business in the Capital Region”, Edmontonians gives me great insight into the community. Media conglomerates do not necessarily provide the cleanest window to view our community and world. While I acknowledge the efforts of local members of the media who work hard to give us news and information, I also understand they can’t always control content. When editorial direction comes from outside the region, priorities can easily be out of sync with locals. That’s why independents—like Edmontonians—are so important. I consider myself fortunate to scribble for Edmontonians. My thanks to Sharon for inviting me to be part of the team.
The “pink” thing in support of breast cancer research is the way, Katherine Heusing’s Christmas wish came true: brilliant and motivates an entire city. Standing on the We got back the parking lot at the Jube.) The 630 CHED Santa’s Anonymous motorcycle run set a sidelines, watching the pain in the faces of families running for loved ones is as inspirational as it gets. new record this year. It’s hard to get a proper count on the Finally, the level of “giving” in this city continues to number that participated in this event but it’s at least 3,000. overwhelm me. Anne Smith’s United Way of Northern The sight and the sound of millions of dollars of motorAlberta sets the bar so high every year that I think this is the cycles riding into Hawrelak Park with toys for the needy was a truly exhilarating experience. On those bikes were the year we won’t make it… but donors always come through. likes of Jim Roth of Cycle Works; Lyle Best of Quickcard; Just like they do for the Corus and Astral Media radiothons that pull in close to $3 million from listeners and clients Gord Steinke of Global Television, dads, kids, grandmas every year, and they did for the David Foster gala with a and me. record-breaking $3.8 million. I’m not an informed cultural guy, but I can’t wait for the My helmet is off to the thousands of volunteers who run new Art Gallery of Alberta to be completed. Every time I event after event all year round. Who can put a dollar value walk by that corner, I can’t help but thank the progressive on their contributions? Priceless. thinkers in this city that build iconic homes for the arts. As we debate the controversial “new entertainment complex”—aka hockey arena—I’m excited about the I say all this because I’m a proud Edmontonian possibilities. I think Gene Dub, successful or not, who is now setting out on a new adventure. showed the city’s expectation for a world class My office at Astral Media Radio is now cleared out. complex… not only for hockey but for concerts, I’ve wrapped up 38 years of radio and community work. conventions, rodeos and such. I’m looking forward to time on my hands—time for Speaking of rodeo, Mel Harysh at Northlands made volunteering, and catching up on the sure I got to attend the CFR and, birthdays, anniversaries and special days again. I got to see some of the where Kim, Rayanne and Lauren might province’s under-appreciated have missed out on Dad’s attendance. talent. I’m in awe of the folks take Thanks to everybody who made my on those massive bulls and horses. work so enjoyable, and who wished me Hopping on ‘a ton of mean’ is well in the future. I’m heading for a insane. little R & R in the sun. Also, thanks to Northlands, As Volume XX of Edmontonians hits Darren Krill had me at the finish the streets each month, I’ll keep you ty line for the Edmonton Indy. It was a posted on how this retirement thing is Kim and Mar total thrill to hear the incredible roar going for me. √ of some 20 powerful machines trying to ‘funnel’ out of the pit lane at Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, almost full speed. Another event in the ‘must-see” EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact category. marty@edmontonians.com And, I have to give a large kudos to editor Barb Deters for fixing all my mistakes and being very patient when my copy is unbelievably late. I also want to salute my fellow scribes in Vox Pop—voices of the people. Muggsy is one of the bricks in our city’s foundation. I have been reading his words since that day at the car wash. He has been part of damn near everything that has gone down in Edmonton for many years. He is a fantastic storyteller and a hell of a guy. Muggsy, it has been a pleasure to share these pages with you. I just got back from delivering a bottle of Young’s ‘Old Sam’ black rum from Newfoundland to Marty Forbes. He just retired from Astral Media where he served as VP and GM of its radio stations. I want to congratulate Marty on what he has accomplished thus far in his career and the community: Damn, you are good. I look forward to reading all about this new chapter in Marty’s life.
Now on to one of the reasons I enjoy writing for Edmontonians—sharing incredible events in our community. I know we are past the holidays but, according to my Mother’s tradition, festivities don’t end until after the 6th of January which she calls ‘Old Christmas Day’. That gives me license to extol the virtues of a couple of December events and to encourage you to attend them next time. I was blown away by the Salvation Army’s Festival of Carols at the Winspear Centre. Indredible entertainment was provided by the EKOSingers, the Salvation Army Edmonton Temple band and singers, and—for the first time ever—the massed bands of Royal Canadian Artillery Band, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Band and the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band. What a night. Not only did we get into the spirit but we witnessed history. Hats off to all those involved, especially the staff and volunteers at the Salvation Army. Giving was in full flight at the 9th Annual Copper Jackets Christmas Bureau Luncheon at the Shaw Conference Centre on December 12th. Edmonton Oilers Copper Jackets Bruce Keltie, Brad Severin and Jim Choppen were co-chairs of the luncheon. By mid-December, Bruce told me that more than $146,000 was put into the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton’s pot. This year’s goal is to provide a festive meal for 21,000 families, including 3,500 seniors in need. Bruce anticipates the total will exceed $150,000 when all the cash is counted. That is outstanding—simply outstanding.
I also have to give a salute to those who made the event such a success. Diane Brown and her crew from the Christmas Bureau… Albert Nashman from CN… the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club… Garry Meyer who did a great job as auctioneer… Don Metz and his crew from Aquila Productions… the spirited folks at Molson Canada and Peller Estates… singer Misty Lee Olson… all of the City of Edmonton Firefighters who were honoured at the event… and, of course, the Copper Jackets. I can remember being at a Christmas Bureau fundraiser at Jimmy Ray’s Sports Bar on 111th Avenue in my early days in this city. I think it was 1999 or 2000. That fundraiser was one of many that Jim Choppen put on at his bar and, undoubtedly, led to what the Copper Jacket Luncheon is today. In fact, that fundraiser at Jim’s bar helped give me a clear understanding of what charity means in this city. It also introduced me to many of the same incredibly caring people I saw in the crowd at the Shaw. Hell, I even met Kevin Lowe at Jimmy Ray’s—a big day for me. And Kevin is still intricately involved with the Christmas Bureau. Dandy. In this city, everybody gives back and that is one of the many things that makes Edmonton great.
Alright Edmonton, get ready for a real taste experience. One of our city’s best singers, Christian Mena and Chef Lino Oliveira have partnered to bring us Sabor Divino. Passion-infused cuisine from the European romance cultures will be the fare. I last saw Lino at his restaurant in Viana de Castelo, Portugal, where I had the pleasure of savouring his creations. He has come home to cook for us and that is a good thing. He’s a fantastic chef. Sabor Divino is located on the Boardwalk at 10220-103 Street. Book a table by calling 780.757.1114. I can hardly wait to try it myself… I’ll let you know how it goes. Good luck, gentlemen. When I asked Christian about music in the house, he assured me, “Music will be a part of the experience, but the food and atmosphere will be front and centre.” Visit www.sabordivino.ca Take care and be well! √ Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a variety of services including production, creative and entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2009
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Got the real estate jitters? Relax. Connie Kennedy says it’s a wise time to buy By N.J. Brown So here we are, in the midst of another Alberta winter. And—as if staving off the usual winter doldrums isn’t enough of a challenge—economic doom and gloom has become more regular a forecast than blinding blizzards or plummeting temperatures. In the wake of the fallout of subprime, no-money-down mortgages, the idea of hibernating until the storm passes is more than just a little tempting. But is hibernation really necessary? Or is there still a little warmth left in the real-estate market? Multi-award-winning real-estate agent and condominium specialist Connie Kennedy believes there is. With over 40 years of experience in the Edmonton market, Kennedy has ridden out the boom/bust cycle several times, and is more than qualified to add her own forecast to the mix—and it’s not nearly as dismal as one might guess. “Although this is the first time we’ve seen this globally,” Kennedy says, “these things are still cyclical. And they’re not permanent.” She also points out that foreclosures here in Canada are a very small percentage of the global total. And for those of us in Alberta, Kennedy reminds us that we are “one of the more fortunate of provinces— because of our oil and agriculture, we always manage to come through recessions relatively unscathed. In Edmonton in particular, the real estate market has always remained relatively stable. And I really don’t believe it will be any different this time.” As for Edmonton prices, Kennedy is realistic, but positive. “Prices are certainly down substantially from the highs of late 2006 and early 2007,” she says, “but, based on the offers we’re seeing, they’ve now stabilized. And we’re getting two
offers on some properties now—another indication that prices have stabilized and could soon be increasing. I believe, based on current market activity, that (prices) are likely to stay stable through 2009, and will probably correct in late 2010 followed by a moderate increase of two to five percent per year. Of course, no one can predicate anything with absolute certainty, but we do the best we can based on the information we have, and this is where the indicators are pointing.” Lower prices combined with low interest rates translate into a positive market for buyers, and not only for first-time homeowners. “We’re also seeing a lot of investors buying now,” Kennedy says. “It’s a good time for that. It’s also become much easier to find contractors, and they’re much more willing to negotiate than they used to be.” As for downsizing or upsizing, Kennedy points out that there’s never much reason to panic on that front. “As long as you’re staying in the same market,” she says, “it’s all relative. If you’re selling low, you’re buying low. If you’re selling high, you’re buying high. It all evens out.” This is not to say that Kennedy doesn’t have any cautions for would-be buyers. “The most important thing,” she says, “is to pre-qualify with a bank or mortgage broker before you go looking for property. And even that isn’t a guarantee—you still have to get the final qualification. Lending institutions aren’t nearly as anxious to loan money as they used to be, and we’re seeing a lot more people turned down.” Kennedy also cautions that it’s important for buyers to be realistic and to purchase only what they can comfortably afford. “You don’t need all the frills right away. That can come later. It’s
important to make sure you’re building equity right from the get-go.” So, while there are some considerations that require careful thought, Kennedy maintains that “a move into the market at this point is a wise one. Buyers entering the market now are able to get more for their money and will have an easier time qualifying than they will in another year or so when the prices go up again.” The forecast for real estate does, indeed, look bright. But now that Kennedy has warmed our cold feet a little, she adds that there is another investment that is critical to riding out this current economic storm—investment in our communities. Put simply, we should be careful not to pull our toques so firmly over our heads that we cover our eyes and ignore the needs of others. Here again, Kennedy qualifies as an expert— alongside her impressive career in real estate, she also has an inspiring history as a philanthropist. And for her, one is a natural extension of the other. Whether it’s helping people find homes, donating a portion of every commission cheque to the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the REALTORS® Community Foundation, or sponsoring outreach programs at a local church, Kennedy firmly believes that “the best investment is an investment in our own communities.” And it certainly makes sense when you think about it— whether investing in property or people, whether investing time or money, we contribute to building strong, sustainable communities equipped to withstand the pressures of tempestuous times. “Besides,” Kennedy adds, “you never know when or how these things are going to come back to you—but they always do.” So, while it would seem that real estate is still a wise investment, investment in our communities is equally as wise—not to mention an excellent antidote for winter doldrums and economic blues. After all, as any good Edmontonian knows, it’s a whole lot easier to weather a storm when you don’t have to weather it alone.
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CELEBRATING
Poll
STATION With Linda Banister
T
he City is growing and, as a result, there is an increasing number of vehicles on the roads and more construction to accommodate them. This month’s Poll Station asked Edmontonians about the different factors that impact driving habits.
Percent
77%
17% 3% Said they believed traffic congestion remained the same
Said they believed traffic congestion had decreased
Respondents were asked if they believed traffic congestion in the City in the past year has increased, decreased or remained the same. More than three-quarters of the respondents (77 percent) believed traffic congestion had increased, while 17 percent of respondents felt congestion had remained the same. Only three percent of respondents believed traffic congestion had decreased in the past year. Of the respondents who felt congestion had increased, 71 percent believed it was a result of the increased number of vehicles on the road, while 26 percent stated the amount of construction, and 12 percent indicated poor road planning. Of the respondents that felt traffic congestion had decreased, 67 percent said it was due to better traffic controls, such as traffic lights and road projects, that increase traffic flow.
HAVE YOUR DRIVING HABITS CHANGED?
Respondents were then asked a number of questions regarding factors that may have had an impact on their driving habits. First, they were asked if, in the past year, the volume of traffic, especially during peak times, changed their driving route or habits. Fifty-six percent stated it had, with 50 percent of them indicating they found an alternate route or they avoided traveling during peak hours (39 percent). Seventy percent felt construction had changed their driving routes or habits. Of these respondents, 86 percent reported they found an alternate route, nine percent anticipated increased travel times, and four percent obeyed speed limits. Fifty percent indicated increased gas prices impacted their driving habits, stating they were more efficient with their trips (42 percent); or they drove less than usual, used public transportation more frequently or car pooled more often (40 percent). Finally, when asked if environmental concerns such as global warming and air pollution have changed their driving habits, 24 percent stated it had; of those, 58 percent stated they drive less and 29 percent indicated they practice gas saving techniques such as decreased idling.
HAVE YOU INCREASED YOUR USE OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION? Respondents were then asked if their frequency of alternative transportation activities had changed over the past year. Twelve percent reported an increased use of public transportation, 40 percent indicated their frequency of walking, biking or rollerblading has increased, while 16 percent stated a greater use of carpooling. When asked the reasons for their increased alternative transportation activities, respondents most frequently mentioned to help the environment, to save money or for health benefits. Finally, when asked if there were any other factors that have changed their driving habits in the past year, four percent cited the increased number of accidents, three percent stated a change of work schedule, two percent indicated police presence, and 87 percent stated there were no other factors.
Percent
New to the Edmontonians website: Monthly Poll Station Online Question Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion
56% 44%
Said they changed their driving habits because of traffic volume
FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN
Vol. XX
JANUARY 2009
No. 1
SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director
IN THE PAST YEAR, HAS TRAFFIC CONGESTION INCREASED, DECREASED OR REMAINED THE SAME?
Said they believed traffic congestion had increased
20 YEARS
Said they hadn’t changed their driving habits because of traffic volume
Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll? Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail lbanister@edmontonians.com. Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services. Visit www.banister.ab.ca.
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INSIDE VOX POP Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 POLL STATION Traffic/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 VISIONARIES Rob Precht/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Genomics/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Social Media/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 COVER STORY Message from the Publisher/MacLean . . . . . . . . . . .9 From the Editor’s Desk/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 20-YEAR REVIEW Heroes among us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Funny, Pompous & Unfair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Pundits & Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Evolution of a city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Eat, Drink & Be Merry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Quotable Quotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 BARB DETERS Editor
editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Marty Forbes Muggsy Forbes Bruce Hogle Ryan Jespersen David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Walter Schwabe Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Janet Edmondson Greg Gazin Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Barb Deters SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.
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Edmontonians’ representative covers for each year Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8 Email: info@edmontonians.com
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PRECHT’S QUEST By Greg Gazin
T
Turn silver into gold
wenty years ago, to 18-year old Edmontonian and University of Alberta student Rod Precht, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization were probably the last things on his mind. Little did he know that both concepts would dominate his future endeavours to turn particles of silver into gold. Based on aptitude tests in high school, Precht leaned toward engineering as the best prospect for getting a job after graduation, believing that chemical engineering, specifically the computer process control stream, was the ticket. “I figured that with Alberta being very oil and energy based, I’d probably have to go that direction.” But things changed during his first year: Precht heard Dr. David Suzuki speak on genetics and the interactions of living things… about the same time the university was introducing a biological sciences-based technical elective stream. The thought of studying life sciences with electives in microbiology and biochemistry rather than “cold” energy had a certain appeal… though job prospects in this field, especially in Alberta, were very uncertain. Daring to be different and willing to take that risk, Precht looked at this decision as an opportunity. It paid off upon graduation in 1992, when Precht joined the Westaim Biomedical Group in Fort Saskatchewan. “It was remarkable—they came looking for an engineer with biological sciences experience and there weren’t many of us.” Precht thinks that there were only two people eligible, jokingly adding that it might have been his choice of electives rather than a stellar GPA that landed him the position. So it was that he learned all about silver. More specifically, Westaim was studying its natural antimicrobial properties. “Everyone thinks about silver as coins, but it’s been used for many centuries. Water was stored in silver pots and vessels to keep from spoiling as far back as early Mediterranean times.” Precht points out that, in the 18th and 19th centuries, people used silver-based pastes, creams and formulations to treat infections and, in the 1950s, silver
nitrate solutions were used as a burn treatment. Between 1992 and1997, Precht participated in all phases of the development—from co-invention to eventual commercialization and manufacturing—of Acticoat Silver Coated Dressings, a technology targeting burn and chronic wounds. After sales surpassed $5 million, Smith and Nephew, a leader in the woundcare market (anything used to treat wounds: bandages, ointments, etc.) took notice. In 2001, it licensed the marketing rights. Meanwhile, Westaim changed its name to Nucryst Pharmaceutical and shifted focus to drug and pharmaceutical applications. like creams and other topical applications—much to Precht’s dismay. “I thought this was an expensive and time-consuming process… Drugs take five to 10 years getting through all the phases and clinical trials and millions of dollars to develop.” With almost a decade of silver experience and a firm conviction that there were other methods to deliver silver technology, Precht quit his job. He partnered with scientist Dr. Stojan Djoki and spun off his own venture: Exciton. In hindsight, Precht admits is was a mistake to take the plunge without sufficient financial backing. “With $10,000 from my aunt, I thought I was going to make it to the top right out of the gate.” He quickly realized that this was unrealistic. Fortunately, between 2002 and 2007 Precht managed to raise about a million
dollars with the bulk from family and friends. “There was a lot of Sunday dinners… this was the true definition of ‘Love Money’.” Precht explains and pardons the pun that, compared to Acticoat—the “gold standard” for silver—his technology, exSALT, can deliver the same antimicrobial results more efficiently. “Acticoat uses physical deposition—ionized gas sprays in a vacuum chamber—to create a coating, we’re using a chemical reaction.” Using an example of a silver-coated bandage, he equates the physical and chemical attributes to spray-painting a material versus dyeing it, a process that simply impregnates a solution into the pores of the material. “exSALT technology is a platform product so it can be incorporated into a variety of products such as woundcare, catheters and medical devices.” Precht says his product is less toxic and faster to produce. And, by using substantially less silver to get the same results, it is less costly to manufacture. Furthermore, without the need for fancy chambers, exSALT, would create a manufacturing advantage requiring only $500,000 in capital costs, compared to millions for Acticoat. Currently, silver-coated products can carry a 500 percent premium, out of reach of the average consumer unless a doctor prescribed it. But Precht wants to change that. “You could right now go down and buy a silver-coated bandaid from Elastoplast… a 4”by 4” sheet could cost $15. We could reduce that. “And the need is there.” Precht recalls a poster at an emergency ward indicating that deaths caused by infection have now surpassed heart attacks, breast cancer and car accidents combined. He suggests silver is stuck in an elite segment of the market: Silver wound care products account for only $100 million of a $4-5 billion U.S. market. He sees that number moving closer to $400 million.
Continued on page 8
Rod Precht with his exSALT silver-coated bandage sheets
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A tall order for tiny organisms By Cheryl Croucher
T Dr. David Bailey
BRIEFS
The future of Alberta’s economic development could very well depend on the DNA sequencing of fungi and microbes. That seems like a tall order for these tiny organisms, but it shows you how much biotechnology is changing traditional industries like agriculture, forestry and energy. These advances are built on the science of genomics. More than the study of single genes, genomics looks at the entire genomes of organisms—the intricacies of how all the parts function together as a system. How then can we benefit from that knowledge through better understanding or through manipulation? As Dr. David Bailey postulates, decoding the genome of the blue stained fungus could one day lead to a technology for preventing infestations of mountain pine beetles. The genetic analysis of microbes that turn oil into bitumen could
W
hile the essence of nano is all things small, there’s nothing tiny about the effort to build a strong nanotechnology industry in Alberta. That’s what brought more than 200 people to Edmonton this winter for the first Nanotech Showcase, hosted by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, Alberta Ingenuity and NINT, the National Institute for Nanotechnology. Presenting at the two day Dr. Gary Albach conference was Dr. Gary Albach, the new executive director of nanoAlberta. He has over 30 years of experience in the formation and management of high technology companies. In outlining his immediate goals, Dr. Albach says the first thing is to get nanoAlberta up and running to realize the nanotechnology strategy introduced by the provincial government last year. “It’s an industrial strategy for nanotechnology in Alberta. It’s generally recognized across the country as being one of the best articulated, best funded and best thought out industrial strategies. But as a strategy it provides the direction for nanotechnology. It doesn’t provide the details and the priorities and the operating plant. So our first job is to prepare the operating plan for that. Much of that work has been done, we’re putting the details, and the priorities for the next several years.” According to Dr. Albach, nanoAlberta will build on the strong research capacity already established at Alberta’s universities and at the National Institute for Nanotechnology in Edmonton. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher www.advancededandtech.gov.ab.ca/technology
Showcasing nanoAlberta
revolutionize oilsands extraction. Bailey is the president and CEO of Genome Alberta, one of six such research centres across Canada, created in 2005. He says, “Looking at the whole genome is really interesting because the guesswork is taken out of it. Here are the gene sequences that actually code for a particular enzyme or protein that is really important, a particular pathway in all living species.” In short, you get answers, not just more pieces to the puzzle. This step up from genetics to the more holistic perspective of genomics supports the new emphasis on life sciences and biotechnology as scientific drivers of innovation. “It’s really the integration of different sciences. Instead of genetics versus chemistry versus biology, it’s how do these work together in synthetic biology in order for us to understand the products that are being generated by our own bodies… or the interaction of these particular genes and the environment to code for you and how you live and how you metabolize? That’s really a new thing,” explains Bailey. Of course, none of this could take place without the parallel development of computer technology. In fact, we can thank the biological sciences for forcing the exponential growth in computational power. “It’s the ability to take large volumes of data and integrate that data analysis with physical or chemical characteristics that you are
M
isfolded Dr. Nikolay Blinov prions are the infectious agents behind mad cow, chronic wasting disease in wildlife, and Kreutzfeld Jacob disease in humans. Spongy brains and death are the ultimate result. But scientists are still trying to figure out the most basic facts about the prion protein—things like its molecular structure and function. With funding from Alberta Ingenuity, a team of researchers—headed up by Dr. Nikolay Blinov—is developing a computer model of the prion protein. He is a research associate at the University of Alberta and a visiting worker in the Theory and Modeling Group, under the direction of Dr Andriy Kovalenko, at the National Institute for Nanotechnology. Dr. Blinov says the prion protein is a very tiny and very complex biological molecule that assembles at the nanoscale. And, it’s aggregated prion proteins that become the infectious agent. He explains, “We’re trying to understand the stability of prion aggregates. If we understand the molecular mechanism behind stability, we’ll be able to understand how to inhibit aggregation. Then we will understand how to fight the prion diseases.” Armed with that knowledge, scientists can design drugs to treat or even prevent prion diseases. But the immediate challenge for Dr. Blinov’s group is developing the sophisticated computational tools that will run simulations of prion processes. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher www.cein.ualberta.ca/research
MODELING prion proteins at the
nano scale
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measuring. The whole bioinformatics platform that has been developed in conjunction with other lab tests and computers is really what we’re moving forward on now.” Bailey’s own research in bovine genomics illustrates the importance of life sciences to market applications. While at the federal agricultural research station in Lethbridge, he worked on beef breeding and selection programs to develop animal characteristics to satisfy different market demands. As well, his group developed technology based on ultrasound and image analysis software that could anticipate what an individual cow might yield when slaughtered. After stints as the director of research stations in Charlottetown and Lacombe, and then as the Director General for Food Safety Research, Bailey took up the call to lead Genome Alberta. “Genomics is an important technology for this province. Genomics, nano, and ICT provide the platform of tools for Alberta researchers and industry to move forward in a whole new dimension here. Our job at Genome Alberta is to recommend to the province the priority areas that would be good for Alberta to invest in.” These could be investments in research that improves diagnostics in health, or that could meet the needs of Alberta’s industrial sectors. “What do they need?” asks Bailey. “What kind of services can genomics tools provide for the health industry, agriculture, forestry? Particularly for the energy industry, there are lots of applications.” And that’s where those little microbes step up to the plate. When it comes to making oil, it’s organisms in the ground that have slaved away for millions of years to produce the crude. According to Bailey, “It is our intent to actually look at those microbial communities to determine which ones are breaking down the organic matter to create the higher viscosity oils. Therefore, maybe you could improve the extraction efficiency at existing oil wells or in cold bed methane by knowing what the specific microbe communities were that are accomplishing these jobs.” He goes on to explain oil wells or deposits could be
seeded with specific microorganisms to hurry up the process, accomplishing in a few years what has taken millions. “In the past, you would have had competing microbial communities working very slowly over time. If you remove some of that competition or influence the number of microbial populations of a specific type, you could increase the rate of that happening.” Oil companies like the idea because they have already made an investment in infrastructure. For example, the process could help in the effort to squeeze more oil out of old wells changing the viscosity of the oil. Seeding long term leases could ease the financial crunch of future development. The potential for this project is so great, it is now Genome Alberta’s highest priority. Results could manifest as quickly as one or two decades down the road. This exemplifies what Bailey calls the “new green technology”. Naturally occurring microbial populations could be used to remove pollutants from the water in tailings ponds…. in the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide… even to improve food production in agriculture. Bailey points to muskox and moose that thrive in harsh environments. Genomic scientists could work with the bacterial populations that optimize digestion in wildlife and use them to improve grazing and digestion for cattle. “They could be more efficient at converting nutrients from one type of biomass into protein and muscle for our own livestock production.” Also high on the to-do list for Genome Alberta is its mountain pine beetle research. In collaboration with Genome BC, the two agencies are funding university research to understand the genomes of the mountain pine beetle, the trees they attack, and the blue stained fungus they carry which is what causes the real damage to the trees. By discovering the interrelationships between the species at the genetic or molecular level, the scientists believe they can develop ways to interrupt the cycle of infestation. Bailey says, “The development of this technology is not simply for one insect. This investment will pay off in the investigation of other important pest species, be it in
forestry or in agriculture.” Genome Alberta also plays important roles in two other projects:. The first is led by Dr. Gane Wong at the University of Alberta. In collaboration with the Beijing Genomics Institute, his group will sequence the genomes of 1,000 plants considered important for their medicinal and agricultural characteristics. According to Bailey, knowing the gene sequence that determines drought tolerance, for example, could help in the development of plants suited to dry conditions that result from climate change. Of immense importance to the health industry is the Human Metabolome Project led by Dr. David Wishart, also at the University of Alberta. His international team catalogued all the metabolites in the human body. Using computer software, such as that developed by Chenomx in Edmonton, health professionals will be able to diagnose the state of one’s health and appropriate treatment based on one’s metabolic signature. Potential applications cut across many disciplines. This, of course, is just a taste of what Genome Alberta is doing. Bailey concludes, “My personal goal is to try to develop more appreciation for what these genomic tools can do, both for industry and for societal benefits. We’re trying to identify those opportunities that don’t exist anywhere in the world and bring that expertise here or train people here to tackle an application we see is big, usually bigger than us. If we can develop the products and services here, then the application could be quite widespread. And that would be a good return on investment.” √ www.genomealberta.ca To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Dr. David Bailey, visit www.innovationanthology.com Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm Tuesdays and Thursday. Or download the podcasts at www.innovationanthologyy.com
I
f you ask Dr. Paul Dr. Paul Burrows Burrows to define nanotechnology, he’ll tell you that it is not about size… it’s a state of mind. An expert in solid state physics, Dr. Burrows traveled from Washington to address the recent Nanotech Showcase in Edmonton. He believes manufacturing is still based on a stone-age mindset. The real revolution will come when we embrace manufacturing at the very scale of the molecule. And that’s what nanoscience is all about. Dr. Burrows says, “In the stone age, we discovered we could take lumps of rock and shape them into useful tools—arrowheads, axe heads. And nothing fundamental has changed in the way we think about materials. When Intel or AMD or Texas Instruments make their most complex chips now, they start from a lump of silicon which is a lump of rock”. So while arrowheads and axe heads have given way to microprocessors, the concept is still the same. “We still take a lump of material and chip away at it to make a useful device. This is what I sometimes characterize as the micro stone age.” Dr. Burrows goes on to explain that the real revolution in manufacturing will come when we design the functionality of products into their very molecules. This will mark the beginning of what he calls the molecular age. “And that—for me—is at the heart of nanotechnology,” says Dr. Burrows. “It’s a way of thinking about making materials that frees up a vast wealth of potential function and structure that you can design into the material.” Dr. Paul Burrows is a science and technology consultant based in Washington State. He has co-authored more than 110 publications and is named as a co-inventor on 78 U.S. patents. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher organicdevices@clearwire.net
Nano Science: Moving from Micro Stone Age to Molecular Age
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On the
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January to February Imagining Science Art Exhibit, Book Launch and Panel Discussions GE3LS Alberta team Art Gallery of Alberta www.festivalofideas.ca/imaginingscience.cfm
o state the obvious,
reputation matters, especially in business. However, many still don’t realize just how reputation is being impacted through their online efforts or lack thereof. A recent Harris Interactive survey on behalf of Careerbuilder.com suggests more than 22 percent of hiring managers screened job candidates via social networking profiles. Thirty-four percent of those managers found content that caused them to dismiss the candidate, while only 24 percent found something positive. This social media review of reputation isn’t restricted to human resources. Many businesses are reviewed on-line prior to getting the contract or purchase. Searching customer-driven forums on-line to gauge customer satisfaction is becoming more commonplace. This begs the question: Are you ready to participate in the “reputation economy”? In many cases, you already are and may not exactly realize the impact and how real the dangers are of getting it wrong. For example, imagine you’re John Favreau and you’ve been asked to be the lead speech writer for U.S. president-elect Barack Obama. Then imagine you’re blowing off some steam with some of your campaign colleagues and happen to grab—in a provocative way—a cardboard cut-out of Secretary of State-designate Senator Hillary Clinton. Now, imagine a picture being taken and put up on Facebook. While you’re cringing and shaking your head in disbelief, it does get worse: The now infamous Favreau-grabbing-Clinton picture is “exposed” on CNN. Calls to fire him are rampant. Of course, this whole issue is impacting Obama’s virtually flawless reputation… and, despite Clinton being the victim of this prank, feminist groups are calling her out for not being more harsh in her response to the momentary lapse in judgement by the Democrat writer. Reputation 2.0 is clearly real. Businesses and organizations need to be aware that one lousy customer experience or off-the-cuff comment made by a politician can turn into
a wild-fire of negative on-line chatter. Mike Mack of X5 Management Inc., a management consultant here in Edmonton, notes that he often sees damage to reputation start as a result of “over promising and under delivering. Perception is reality and all it takes is one bad experience.” Factor in that social media is a powerful amplifier of the message—good or bad—and you better have your next action ready to go. The list of brands that have been blindsided by this phenomenon is long and ever growing. Now that you’re more aware of the need to manage your reputation on-line, I’d like to provide you with an interesting opportunity to boost your image. In December, fusedlogic inc. partnered with Edmonton’s Food Bank to launch the “fusedlogic Food Bank Challenge.” This is the perfect way to enter the on-line community on a positive note. The Challenge is a “social” media experiment, designed to be simple while proving that social media does work and is measurable. It also hopes to prove that we as human beings care about others. The goal of the project is to generate one million pictures of one million food bank donations in one year. I approached Marjorie Bencz, executive
Continued from page 5 With his limited start-up funding, progress had been slower than Precht had hoped, but considerable advancements have been made in the past year. “Early on we could have sold off for pennies, or lost control for pennies. But now, we’ve validated our efforts. Last fall, we were issued our U.S. Patent for exSALT silver coating technology.” Precht credits TEC Edmonton and Dr. Randall Yatscoff for being instrumental in facilitating the injection of additional funding. TEC Edmonton, a joint venture of the University of Alberta and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, provides executive support as required to emerging technology companies. It places people on the boards and helps management get on their feet. Yatscoff, the Alberta Heritage
Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) executive-in-residence for TEC Edmonton, assumed the position of executive chairman on Exciton’s board. He spends roughly two days a week with Precht’s team, and brought in business colleagues and Angel investors. At the end of October, The AHFMR awarded Exciton $500,000 toward commercialization of Excitron’s advanced wound care dressings. “Exciton is one of the most successful companies in the TEC Edmonton portfolio that was non-university based. It was community based,” says Precht. Yatscoff adds, “It shows that TEC Edmonton not only services the university community but the community as a whole.” However, the commercialization phase for Exciton is still a challenge. There is still the need to get partners on board, solidify
Social media
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media with Walter Schwabe
director of Edmonton’s Food Bank with the idea and she loved it. If you are fortunate enough to not have to rely on the Food Bank, you may not know that it provides food for more than 250,000 meals and snacks per month to people in need. Participating in the challenge is simple: Make a food or monetary donation to the Edmonton Food Bank and take a picture while doing so. No donation is too small or too big. Then upload the picture as one of the million we need to either the Facebook or Flickr group, entitled “fusedlogic Food Bank Challenge”. That’s it. Feel free to take credit for your generousity by tagging the photo with the name of your company or organization and location. If you choose to remain anonymous, that’s cool too. Just remember: The next time you’re at the grocery store buy a hamper, then take a picture as you put it in the Food Bank box. You’ll be part of a growing global on-line community… building your reputation in a positive way. Social media at its best. √ Walter Schwabe is the Chief Evolution Officer of fusedlogic inc., a social media strategy firm and Alberta company since 2000. You can learn more at www.fusedlogic.com
the supply chain and introduce products. “Marketing partners don’t pay for R & D. We still have to use funds to get through the regulatory process—expected to take about six to nine months—and prove we can bring product to market, including establishing manufacturing capability.” In the meantime, Precht is actively negotiating partnerships for marketing, distribution and licensing deals. “Closing on deals is dependent on us getting though the regulatory process: FDA in the U.S. and Health Canada. We expect to have our product to market about this time next year.” Rod Precht, P.Eng., president and CEO never stops. His team is currently working on exSOL, a silver solution technology— one that can attach to hard surfaces and be added to cleansers. In fact, word is just in that Exciton has
January 13 THECIS Breakfast Club Foresight: Strategic Resilience Tools for Preparedness and Security Speaker Jack Smith, Defense R&D Canada 7:00 am to 9:00am—Breakfast Royal Glenora Club Register www.thecis.ca January 20 BusinessLink Monthly Networking Event Internet Security with David Papp, Microtek Corporation 2:30 to 4:00 pm #100, 10237 – 104 Street www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta January 28 AWE and WISEST, SET for Success Speaker Series Jodi McDonald, Owner of Keystone Labs 4:00 to 5:30 pm UofA Faculty Club www.awebusiness.com
FEBRUARY February 8-10 Bio Partnering: North America Supported by Canadian Trade Commissioner Westin Bayshore Resort, Vancouver www.biopartnering.com/home/home/ section.htm February 10, 2009 Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Association Information Session for Your Business 12:15 to 1:00 pm Suite 100, 10237–104 Street www.awebusiness.com
signed a manufacturing and partnering agreement with Ostrem Chemical Ltd., Edmonton for the exclusive rights to manufacture a silver disinfectant hardsurface cleaner that incorporates Exciton’s exSOL technology. Over the next year, Ostrem will participate in obtaining regulatory approvals for the product and securing a leading marketing and distribution partner in North America. Finally, silver linings in those clouds of uncertainty.√ Greg Gazin, “The Gadget Guy”, is a serial entrepreneur, freelance technology columnist, small business speaker, an avid Podcaster and producer of Toastcaster.com. Greg can be reached at 780.424.1881 or greg@gadgetguy.ca www.excitontech.com
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Message from the
Publisher
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e’re still standing. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Elton John’s tune is fixed in my thoughts as I muse on publishing a monthly, regional magazine for 20 years while a generation of Edmontonians aged and prospered—or not. The memories are rich. We have always taken our responsibilities seriously—not ourselves. When we first started to chronicle the personalities of business in the Capital Region, Edmonton was a governmentminded town given to lackluster tendencies. Federal MP Rona Ambrose, who once toiled for this magazine, described the dull persona of her political opponents as “middle-aged white guys”—meaning without ambition. No more. Edmonton remains the seat of provincial affairs, but now we see ourselves as the Power Centre of Alberta. Locals are highly entrepreneurial and city officials, often elected from the business sector, tend to run the city much the way they run their homegrown enterprises—carefully. It can be painfully slow at times, yet I know Edmonton’s interests are at heart. Take ourselves seriously? I remember Edmontonians being thrown out of Edmonton Centre when Dick MacLean, the magazine’s founder and my late husband, stated on the cover that the magazine was designed for high-income earners—those making $50,000, at least. Yawn. We have yet to be reinstated. Then there was the time in 1992 when we were threatened with a law suit by Edmonton Country Club general manager Robert Wither, identified for not wearing a tux to the Dinner of Champions that raised funds for Canada’s national culinary team. His oversight offended team manager Maurice O’Flynn, who suggested the lapse in dress made Edmonton “smack of a hick town.” Or who could forget the lovely Bill Tuele snarling at our photographer with, “Print that and I’ll break your neck” when he shot the then Edmonton Oilers PR guy knotting a necktie for a player who apparently didn’t know how. Nine years later, Tuele threatened a law suit when we assigned Paul Wodehouse to cover the Jari Kurri dinner where his his #17 jersey was being retired. We titled that piece: “Testy Tuele— a charm school drop out.” It wouldn’t be a worthy retrospective if I didn’t talk about the Edmonton International Airport telling us—after 15 years—to cease distributing the magazine throughout the terminals... Apparently, another Alberta publisher griped to the board about Edmontonians’ preferred positions. We lost the ability to greet locals and visitors to the city with a copy of the popular magazine. Nonetheless, we are grateful that so many of our loyal readers rose up and spoke in our favour and lobbied to keep the magazine on site. The incident—disappointing at the time—opened doors for Edmontonians to be received with open arms at airports at Fort McMurray, High Prairie, Peace River and Grande Prairie. God bless the free market. That said, Edmonton Airports advertises once in a while. We thank them and all our regular advertisers for their support each and every year. Speaking about advertisers, the longest
running by far is Citipage. Joe Kantor is the family’s business head, and now includes Cititel and Wireless City. So, I shamelessly say, “Shop local.” Buy your new car from Bruce Kirkland at Lexus of Edmonton... or Ben Kolbuc at Norden Autohaus... or Klaus Maier at Bavaria BMW. Buy a new condo from Connie Kennedy and shop at Teresa Spinelli’s Italian Centre Shoppe... or encourage Alberta’s manufacturing sector to contract computing services from Nizar Somji at Matrikon. Publishers have their perks. So much for nostalgia. What about the future of Edmontonians and publishing? Just as the city changes—now called Greater Edmonton to reflect the strength of the region—so does Edmontonians. This magazine continues to transform itself to give readers a studied analysis of economic advancements, oftentimes before the mainstream media catches on. For starters, think Smart City, call centres, downtown boom, photo coverage of charity galas, Transformers dedicated to achieving excellence, and Sizzlers under the age of 30.
We keep getting better. We’ll be altering our print format, enhancing our digital output, and embracing social media. Change has already begun with our leading coverage of Visionaries in science, medicine and technology: Editorial reaches beyond the city’s borders to 21,000 writers and editors across Canada, and is creating a buzz with social media initiatives. There’s much to do. Stories about the amazing people of Edmonton continue to mesmerize my senses. You are much loved... as are the dynamos at my side through thick and thin: the amazingly precise and erudite editor Barb Deters, Elvie Clarke, Maria Politti and Janet Edmondson... and my family who helped out on every front without any good reason to do so. My personal heroes. Bring on the next 10 years. We’re ready. √
From the Editor’s
desk
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remember the evening well. It was early January 1989. Dick MacLean was tapping away at the keys of his old Wang computer, drafting ideas for a magazine. From that concept, he would create a magazine for and about the movers and shakers of Edmonton. “...It would be designed to ‘report on individuals who make the city one of the most remarkable communities in Canada.’ It would feature established leaders, up-andcomers and what Faulkner called the human heart in the struggle of the dilemma. “...These lines were printed in the earliest editions of Edmontonians—they were, and are, intended for all of you: We are the music makers, We are the dreamers of dreams, Yet we are the movers and shakers of the World forever, it seems. ~Arthur O’Shaughnessy”
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It is a story Sharon MacLean has told many times, and recounted for readers in her Message from the Publisher in the 10year retrospective, published in January 2000. I chose to repeat them as we celebrate our twentieth year to reinforce Dick’s vision. It has endured. When I compiled that retrospective, I acknowledged that “...without Dick’s dream, there would be nothing to celebrate; without Sharon’s tenacity and shared commitment, Edmontonians wouldn’t have survived his passing [in 1993]. Sharon has been at the helm longer than Dick and, as he predicted, ‘has done a better job anyway.’” She is a force to be reckoned with... totally committed to this community... dedicated to promoting all that is great about Greater Edmonton. Her passion for getting the word out is contagious. I get caught up in Sharon’s enthusiasm every month. But, probably never more so than in producing this particular issue. What an incredible bop through the past. Thankfully, Sharon had the good sense to
ask Janet Edmondson to pour through thousands of pages and pull memorable quotes that reflected ‘who was who’ and ‘what was what’ as the region grew and prospered. There are so many gems that we have decided to feature more each month in 2009. To supplement the words, of course, we needed the photos—which had been donated to City Archives when we moved last February... all 16 file boxes. Yikes! The new Archives facility is in the Prince of Wales Armoury—very impressive. And sincere thanks to Paula for being so cooperative in giving me access. No question having digital files of the last five years provided easier access. Overall, putting everything together has been a huge challenge and required nothing short of a miracle. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a large stable of talent to produce a magazine for 20 years—especially on a shoestring. We have been blessed with the involvement of nearly 300 columnists, feature writers, photographers, editors, designers and office managers... priceless. Some of them have passed on, moved on, or gotten shoved out the door. The printers have used hundreds of barrels of ink to produce tons of magazines that have been faithfully delivered to hundreds of locations every month by Daniel Blue and Paul Whibbs. Angels come in all sizes: Our tiniest is Maria Jose Politti who runs the office and manages our website... in fact, she has posted this issue from Argentina where she is visiting family. Our largest is Shane Hill of Rage Studios whose size matches his creative genius and design savvy. Month after month, year after year, he translates our ideas into works of art—not once threatening our lives... at least not out loud. Technology has had a huge impact on daily operations... on editing chores... to say nothing of the freedom to be able to work from home or access files and e-mails from my retreat in Sidney by the Sea on the Left Coast. Through the boom and bust times, Edmontonians has endured. Advertisers are the lifeblood of any publication... more so for independents... more so in these difficult economic conditions. The smart ones promote their goods and services in tough times. The less wise hunker down and cut back. Our thanks to the ‘smart ones’ who make every month possible. At one point when my frustration was at its highest, I suggested to Sharon that if I was still around to do the thirtieth anniversary issue, she should shoot me. On reflection and having seen this hallmark edition come together, perhaps I was a bit rash. The truth is that it would be a thrill to take it on—provided I still have my capacities and assuming that I live. It would be my final tribute to the entrepreneurial MacLeans—Dick and Sharon. Their passion has become my passion. I can think of no better way to spend my retirement years… continuing to work at a hobby that has spanned 50 years and given me a reason to wake up every morning. What more could I ask?
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among us “
John Barson and Laverna Salloum ...nothing retiring about their community activities, August 1997
Among Marg. (Pullishy’s) most notable achievements is her Wednesday’s Child series for CFRN– TV, which during the past 15 years has seen more than 400 children placed in adoptive homes. ~ Barb Deters, Hot Flashes, September 1997
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Capital Health President Neil Wilkinson at the unveiling of the Alberta Heart Institute building model: “I wouldn’t wish a heart attack on anyone,... but if you’re going to have one, you want to have it in Edmonton.” ~Alberta Heart Institute, January 2003 Michael Merrall, Managing Director for Canadian Operations of International Management Group on the volunteer component of The World Figure Skating Championships “...a real treat to walk into something this well organized. I don’t know whether Edmontonians hear it a lot, but this level of involvement simply does not exist, even paid for, in other places.” ~ Drake McHugh, The World Figure Skating Championships, March 1996
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Alex Taylor Community School won’t be the same without its highly innovative and respected principal Steve Ramsankar. After 28 years, his name is synonymous with the inner city institution, meeting the challenge of his ethnically diverse students and their families. Kindness and caring are his hallmarks – if his kids don’t get a hug at home, they get one at school. His school is even open during the summer months for kids who need somewhere to go... This remarkable man (is) known to have mortgaged his home to pay for special programs. ~ Barb Deters, Hot Flashes, April 1998
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Sit-down comic and bogus celebrity Cam Tait (who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair) truly admires former Oiler Al Hamilton: ‘He’s done for hockey what I’ve done for jogging.’ ~ Roasted on the Rotary Grill, April 1997
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Dr. Ruth Collins - Na Cardiac Special kai ist October 1995
Howard Sapers, Senator Nick Taylor, Olivia Butti and Percy Wickman at Lawrence Decore Tribute July 1999 Rita Boy c e & J im Alberta H eart Ins Woroniuk Novembe titute launch r 2002
In Edmonton, “ giving is in our civic DNA. We help because we want to make society a better place.” ~ Ron Hiebert, Making Money, August 2005
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Tommy Banks & Sheila Edwards Grey Nuns Gala, May 1992
Harold Mueller, Al Hamilton & Lyle Best Al Hamilton Roast 1999
Continued on page 12
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“ n Newell Chair c and Eri e Kathy, Eri ment as Syncrud tire re ’s 4 c 0 ri 0 E 2 ...at January Connie Kennedy Lake Isle, 1990
Syncrude Canada purchased 25 of the pricey tickets in the Igloo Club section of Commonwealth Stadium (for the Grey Cup game). But if any of its executives were in the stands, they weren’t in those seats. The company graciously gifted the tickets to Alex Taylor School, a real thrill for those inner city kids who were picked to attend the game. ~ Barb Deters, Hot Flashes, December 1997
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The special guy in the locker room: Joey Moss is one of the symbols of the Oilers’ organization. The Oilers have been good for Joey. He has been good for the Oilers. Marty Forbes, quoting Rod Phillips, Vox Pop, December 2008
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June June & & Bob Bob K June’s June’s Ho Ho Fashion... Fashion... ra ra of of thousands thousands at at their their annua annu Societ Societ Fashi Fash
Sharon MacLean on the passing of Lois Hole: “...during the earliest days of Edmontonians magazine, the gardening lady would file a monthly column that ran between 1992 and 1996. So many people loved what she had to say about the earth and plants, about family, about life... somehow her insights on how we should live individually and collectively kept finding their way into those essays...” ~ Muggsy Forbes, Funny, Pompous and Unfair, February 2005
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Ed Bean (Crystal Glass) The man with vision on glass, cars, Edmonton’s sports teams and Mike Tyson... in one of his little red wagons. July 1992
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The Back of the Pack Gang is a fine group of people who have joined Nick (Lees) to run 42.2km for many charities. They have worn tutus, carried ladders, pushed an oil derrick and done many other spirited things. ~ Mark Scholz, Vox Pop, September 2008
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Yardley (Jones), by his own admission, did caricatures which were nasty, resulting in no less than six lawsuits while he was at the Sun. The paper had to apologize for only one, winning the other five. Edd (Uluschak) produced 11 consecutive yearly volumes of his work, which were described... as of the ‘blowtorch’ variety, rather than the ‘blowdryer’. ~ Bruce Hogle, Media Minute, November 2008
Hugh Campbell, Eskimos head coach & good guy
Ro Alberta Lieute Lynn & S te Mandel... phen stop sup nonp of good c orters auses
Dec
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Ed Bean
U of A Hospital COO Michelle Lahey with Brick founder Bill Comrie, Heart Institute fundraiser January 2003
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On arranging photo shoots in front of local architects’ favourite buildings: “Given the opportunity, virtually every architect would have chosen the Coronation Pool. This is a true testament to the talent and genius of the late Peter Hemingway... Craig Henderson of HIP Architects... chose the pool without hesitation. ‘This is a superb building. Peter Hemingway had a huge influence on the city. He deserves greater recognition.’”
June June & & Bob Bob Kerrison, Kerrison, June’s June’s House House of of Fashion... Fashion... raised raised tens tens of of thousands thousands of of dollars dollars at at their their annual annual Cancer Cancer Societ Societ Fashion Fashion show show
inspear Harriet W acPherson M ry with Ga
~ Barb Deters, From the Editor’s desk, May 2005
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n, Ron Mali ross & lue C B a rt e lb or A nt Govern Lieutena Hole Lois r 2003 Decembe
en nrs s
...it was her (June Whelan’s) gig as Klondike Kate in Cape Breton Island that inspired Don Clark to establish Klondike Days in Edmonton. ~ Muggsy Forbes, Vox Pop, January 2008
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Dr. Bob Westbury... a tireless fund raiser for many causes, but the one he will be forever linked with is the Fringe. The main stage at the TransAlta Arts Barn has been named the Westbury Theatre in his honour. It’s a wonderful gesture toward Bob and his more than patient wife, Dr. Marilyn of Concordia University College. ~ Muggsy Forbes, Funny, Pompous and Unfair, September 2003
Senator Tommy Banks is one of those guys who makes things happen. He credits everybody else for successes where he has clearly been a huge influence. And he’s done it with class, integrity and respect. Tommy is Edmonton. ~ Marty Forbes, Vox Pop, October 2008
Donna von Hauff, John Chomiak of Hemisphere, and Sharon MacLean, July 2007
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Cam Tait at Rotary Roast April 1997
er Auctione at i d a h C e Sin A Fair... Chocolate
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Cancer Fun Runs ...every year, rain or shine
and celebrity patrons like Georges Laraque... raised $130,000 at March 2004 Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital event
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Sages
Edmonton—a hotbed of IT Innovation. “Really. It is. ‘There are two key markets for the Capital Region’s companies… Make it in town and get the heck out of town. ” Michael O’Tool quoting Tom Ogaranko November 2005
“ ...the events of September 11 have had a chilling and lasting impact…As we all offer prayers and grieve for the senseless loss of life in America and continued senseless loss of life elsewhere in the world, we need to rededicate ourselves to the cause of peace and human dignity: that’s what Canada is all about.” ~ Nizar J. Somji, Uncertainty as a Way of Life, November 2001
Tom Ogaranko Gordon Wusyk
is natural— “ Nepotism where would family business be without it? ”
“
Look at the back of your hand, now flip it over and success is in your grasp. If your apples freeze, I guess you’re in the apple sauce business. If your crops freeze, you are not now in the silage business, you are in the cattle business. There is a chain of production and you must be aware of it. ~ Brian Heidecker,
” A powerful idea, well “executed, can outperform a stockpile of cash anyday. ”
co-chair Ag Summit 2000, June 2000
Gordon Wusyk, October 2003
Brian Heidecker Paul Near and Tom Peters
~ Mark McCormack, Success Secrets, July 2000
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User fees and health maintenance organizations could very well become the future of health care in Alberta. ~ Brian Champion, Opinion, September 1993
”
“
I’ll spare you my prognostications (for the 90s), but will let you in on one sure thing: The use of the adjective ‘global’ will increase exponentially in business and politics. ~ Tom Peters On Excellence March 1990
”
Pat Bewley & Allan Fotheringham
“
...all too often when the going gets tough, the borrower often complains his banker doesn’t understand his business nor his present difficulties... It’s easier to blame the bank. Much like the outfielder who, upon dropping a fly ball, looks at his glove to see what’s wrong. ~ Paul Near, Business Difficulty Management, March 1993
”
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...Massive layoffs mean more people will be creating their own work as consultants and contractors. No longer part of a group, they’ll need to provide their own benefits, including life insurance, retirement plans and disability insurance.
”
~ Lois Bridges, quoting Pat Bewley November 1991
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15
pompous & unfair FUNNY “ I too had a first night many years ago. As I recall, it had something to do with an ironing board and a chandelier.
Muggsy & Dr. Ollie in Marrakech December 2007
Marg. Pullishy & Muggsy strutted their stuff for charity
A tribute
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A number of horse trainers have been charged with ‘doping’ their horses with cocaine. Not nice. Mind you, it does give a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘get off your high horse.’ February 1994
“
Most of my material consists of gathered beer coasters, table napkins and tiny bits of paper. December 1995
The two Bruces—Hogle and Campbell— at Muggsy’s 70th birthday in 1999
”
When these words appeared in On the Lighter Side—Muggsy’s first column— in November 1993, readers must have known they would be in for a wild ride. That the journey would encompass some 180 columns—most under the Funny, Pompous & Unfari banner—and probably about 250,000 words is Norman remarkable. “Muggsy Over the past 15 years, Muggsy’s life has been an open book. He kept us ” Forbes’ apprised of what had happened in the previous month and told us where to go in the next month. And, most of his columns included a bit of a history lesson. Muggsy has shamelessly promoted good causes, young talent and his friends. He has bravely championed justice and the City Centre Airport. He has boldly challenged politicians, pundits and some pretty rich folks. He has openly shared his grief over the loss of many friends, and his joy at having Dr. Ollie in his life. Muggsy has lost hair and weight… but gained an incredible following. This page represents a smattering of his commentary and a few of our favourite photos. His opinions also appear throughout this retrospective edition. In television, shows get cancelled despite being fan favourites. Sometimes, sadly, the same happens in the print media. Muggsy, we love you. ~ Barb Deters, Editor
“ ”
October 2005
“ ”
“
Dr. Ollie and I decided to do the deed—we’ll be married about two weeks by the time you read this… Actually it only took about three weeks to put together a small wedding with family and a few close friends. The ceremony was at Rutherford House—an appropriate spot: I’m nearly as old as the place… My friends attended the ceremony—the same way they would attend a funeral with an open casket— to make sure it was really me leaving the single life. January 1998
“
”
Just a couple of thoughts on turning 70. I’ve been blessed with boundless energy that allows me to keep up the pace of my insurance work and chasing things to write about. I’m sure people think I’m nuts for not retiring but to be truthful, I really like the pace; besides I still like going to the odd disco and all the cocktail parties. Of course, having Dr. Ollie liking the same doesn’t hurt any.’
Muggsy always attracts the young ladies
September 1999
“
”
It seems more than coincidence that the Chronic Pain Association has invited me to participate in their first annual Karaoke Night with a Twist on April 1. March 2000
The 3rd Annual Henry Singer Bad Pants Golf Tourney was just ghastly. I meant the pants, not the tourney.
As a writer, I’m going to miss Ralph Klein. There weren’t many months that went by without him saying something interesting. I hope Ralph and his wife enjoy their retirement. They both may have to learn to drive, carry their own luggage and buy their own groceries. It can be done… but it hurts. January 2007
” ”
“A few months after Dick MacLean passed away, a bunch of us were sitting in the bright sun of Earl’s patio, celebrating his life. I think it was Cam Allard who had suggested to Sharon that she should get someone to write an irreverent, gossipy column. Recognizing that no one could match Dick’s wit and talent in that arena, Sharon turned to me and said, “You know everybody in town, why don’t you write it?” So I did—after some writing lessons that really didn’t take. “It’s been a joy and a privilege to be given an almost free rein… without worrying about offending anyone or everyone. But, even Sharon had a few intakes of breath— especially when I kept after the Mayor and his mostly merry band of isolationists. A special thanks to Barb Deters, one of the best editors I‘ve worked with. “Thanks to everyone for your support, comments and scoops. Me? I’m looking for a creative outlet for my rantings.” January 2008
”
Muggsy & Bob Goulet: lifelong friends
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Father Mike McCaffery is about as close to God as anyone I know. I’m not Catholic but I find it interesting that every time I’ve been in a (golf) tournament with him, we’ve never been rained out.
Dr. Ollie, August 1999
September 2001
Muggsy, Dr. Ollie & Father Mike McCaffery October 2001
Harriet Winspear, Muggsy and Lois Hole
”
Vox Pop Portrait, June 2007 EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2009
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Pundits &
“
POLITICS
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Adrift in the sea of Alberta Politicss... Les Brost takes a hilarious approach to the stormy waters of the muchanticipated provincial election.
”
February 2008
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February 2008 October 2004
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~ Barb Deters, From the Editor’s Desk October 2004
tzky Glen Gre Wayne & ic Johnson g a with M 89 19
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Premier Ralph Klein Roast for charity April 2002
” “
And what about old age when the fiery young man is about 40? ‘Maybe politics one day. It would have to be Progressive Conservative. I’m a member of the PC party and it’s great.’ ~ George Oake, interview with realtor Glen Gretzky, Feb 1990
“
”
Mary Walsh aka Marg Delahunta, Princess Warrior from This Hour Has 22 Minutes paid a surprise visit” at the Klein Roast. MC Ken Kowalski quipped, ‘If he had been the Pope, I would have only had to kiss his ring.’
”
...more than 300,000 eligible voters won’t give a tinker’s damn who sits in the Mayor’s chair.
“
Ian Gray, By the Authrity invested in Ralph October 1995
When citizens hear all parties have agreed on something, it usually means we’re going to war or it’s time for a pay hike. ~ Shannon Haggarty, The Backroom, September 2001
Ralph Klein unveiled his plan for an Alberta Economic Development Authority... sharing responsibility... with then Deputy Premier and economic development minister Ken Kowalski. Kowalski clearly saw things differently... actively stalled the Authority up until his forced resignation in October.
”
A wise man once said that you don’t want to know how two things are made. The first is hotdogs. The second: political decisions. ~ Peter Drake McHugh, Mining the political wasteland, May 2004
”
”
Banning smoking in privately owned establishments not only infringes on the rights of consumers but on the private property rights of restaurant owners. Put that in your pipe, Bill (Smith).
”
~ Rona Ambrose, No Spin Zone, August 2002
Mayor Bill Smith 2003
Mary Walsh & Ralph Klein 2002
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EVOLUTIONof a city
City Hall
November 2003
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Cam Allard and Elmer Leahy Baseline Village November 1992
4 June 200
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Are you wondering what Ed-tel has to hide?... All this great new equipment is coming out in September, and members of the staff are forbidden to talk to the media about it…One of the attractions of the innovations, which could cost an arm and a leg if you want to purchase it instead of rent, ‘is that it will flash the number of the caller trying to phone,’ says ancient writer Art Ev ans.
”
~Don “Buckets” Fleming, Mink and Manure Set August 1991
Novembe r 2004
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...is there enough demand in Edmonton for another 40 condos? ~ Brian Champion, Public Affairs, April 1995
05 March 20
A new City Hall at $10 million plus over projected budget (remember the Convention Centre) will not rejuvenate a neglected Downtown core… Our City would be far better served with a scaled down City Hall and an upscale Downtown that we could both be proud of and frequent. Count the cars and pedestrians in Old Strathcona any sunny Saturday afternoon, then take your cannon to Jasper Avenue for a little target practice.
”
~ Howard Pechet, April 1990
“
”
Brian Dunsworth “…was an original Eskie of the current regime dating back to 1949 when he was attending university… In fact, he brought along his Golden Bear uniform to perform under Annis Stukus’ Lithuanian eye. He wasn’t alone. When the likes of Henry Singer and Joe Schoctor resurrected the Eskimos, they had to scrounge for everything from cleats to shower soap. That included uniforms which they ‘borrowed’ from the U. of A., never to be returned… So that is why, to this day, the Eskimos are attired in green and gold.”
”
~ Don Fleming, Sports, April 1993
would Edmonton Opera do about its season “ What if some day the Jubilee was closed for renovations? Finding another appropriate venue to meet the large-scale demands of opera would not be easy. ” ~ John Charles, Arts Beat, October 1996
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In 1995, Report on Business Magazine stated that Edmonton was one of the five top cities for business. When they conducted this research they zeroed in on those cities which provided brainpower; Edmonton was one of the ‘smartest cities’ in Canada.
”
~ Bob Simpson, Smart Cities, March 1997
March 20 08
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...automobile traffic along 114 Street has developed into a foreseeable nightmare and is going to get worse as southwest Edmonton grows. The LRT may extend to Heritage Mall someday but that is not yet a certainty. ~ Bill Pidruchney, Investment, June 1999
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If I were an airline executive wondering whether or not Edmonton believes in its future, I would look no further than the almost-completed new south terminal (phase two of the redevelopment project [at the Edmonton International Airport]) for my answer. ~ David Norwood, In My View, October 2000
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There’s something about seeing a tank rolling down the streets of Edmonton to remind you that this month over 700 troops from our city will settle into their mission in Afghanistan. ~ Shannon Haggarty, The Back Room, February 2002
Scotia Place
”
”
City Centre
Public Art advocate Linda Wedman, June 2005 EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2009
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More than 25,000 people lined 103rd Avenue last month for the Great Downtown Cattle Drive, a prelude to the new 10-day River City Roundup festival which will celebrate the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farmfair International. On-lookers were treated to professional cowpokes who herded 100 head of diminutive Mexican Corriente cattle through the heart of the city. ~ River City Roundup, November 2004
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...the Edmonton Golf Club, as it was first called, came into being on April 4, 1896. It had ‘about 14 members’... The club’s original location (was) in the area where the Alberta Legislature now stands. The clubhouse was a large wooden building rented from the Hudson’s Bay Company. Known as the Big House, it had previously served as a residence for the company’s Chief Factors... The course had five holes and was bounded, roughly, by ‘109 Street on the west, 97 Avenue on the north, the riverbank escarpment… on the south and the... Donald Ross flats on the east’... In 1906 a smallpox epidemic broke out in the city, and the Big House was commandeered by the health authorities as an isolation hospital. The golfers moved out, the epidemic abated, but the building was burned to the ground, deliberately, ‘in nervous deference to the public health dreads of the day’. ~ International Sport: Women’s Golf Classic Coming to Town, July 1996
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” “
It’s official: Edmonton Klondike is no more. It was dissolved at a shareholders’ meeting a couple of weeks ago. When Northlands dropped the theme after 40-something years, it died a natural death. ~ Muggsy Forbes, Funny, Pompous and Unfair, February 2008
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”
Dr. Mark Redmond, Ken Pilip and Doug Clement of Ceapro March 2001
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For the first time ever, Edmonton is hosting the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s annual get-together. The City gets to strut its stuff before close to 500 professionals attending the conference titled Architecture, Art and Urban Design – Celebrating the City. ~ Barb Deters, From the Editor’s desk, May 2005
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We need a landmark—a (downtown) arena that defies everything that Rexall Place currently is. It needs to embrace not only fans, but the public... to be street-friendly… to foster confidence in the area north and east of it. A concrete box absolutely will not do. ~ Ian O’Donnell, Reinventing downtown, March 2008
”
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A tear was shed when the Sidetrack Café was knocked down… and more when the new Sidetrack shut its doors. I know it’s about business and socalled progress but, now that summer is here, don’t you miss sliding on down 112th Street to the ‘Track? ~ Mark Sholz, Vox Pop, June 2007
”
Bill Cheung at City Hall, August 2001
Alberta World Trade Centre opening. Lorraine Hamdon and Kent McMullin
Connie Kennedy at the Gibson Block
“Congratulations to
on providing a great publication in a great city for the past 20 years.” from QUALICO, a provider of great addresses in a great city including:
EPCOR Tower at Station Lands Golden West Business Park International Business Park
780.424.7474 EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2009
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EAT, DRINK and Be Merry Donna Rumboldt, Cafe Select 1992
Norman Campbell Normand’s 2000
Dennis O’Byrne’s Irish Pub 1999
Lynn and Mayor Stephen Mandell Unmasked in 2007
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The onslaught starts with three kinds of bread—French, banana and corn—sliced at your table and accompanied by wee ramekins holding six kinds of stuff to spread on the bread… The menu entrees, beef, chicken, lamb, char and buffalo – are accompanied by a pot of unpeeled, chilled prawns…Then comes your choice of salad and a spicy pureed black bean soup to which Raymond will add a dollop of sour cream and/or diced Spanish onions... Main courses run from about $20 to $36… Before you gulp, remember that this includes all your appetizers, a rose for your companion and the chocolates on the way out the door.
”
Drake McHugh and Denise Carpenter 2001 Ace Awards
~ George Oake, Dinner for Two: Westin Hotel’s Carvery, February 1990
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You may try a variety of dishes, but the experience is usually the same—that’s what dependable means, and that’s what many diners want and most enjoy, including sophisticated, well-travelled folk. Surprises? No thanks: leave that to the Love Boutique and our politicians.
Irv Kipnes & Ben Amos, Co-chairs Classic Fine Art & Wine Auction 1997
~ John Charles, Dinner for Two: Claude’s November 1990
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”
Le Charles Mansion…. “Is it a coincidence that the name of this able Vietnamese restaurant reminds one of a, let us say, unappetizing American murderer?” ~ John Charles, On the Town, May 1993
Before McJunk you would be looked after by what Frank Sinatra called ‘old broads’ ... these ladies knew the pony action up to the minute, had a morning zinger on politics, usually a good joke and always they loved what they did... some for thirty years. They knew you by name, whispered in your ear. They belonged to the Apricot Hair brigade and they were wonderful women. They’re all gone. It’s all gone. Nowadays, young servers have about them... a ‘central dumbness’ often linked to... ‘metropolitan arrogance’...
”
~ Dick MacLean, Cityside
Drs Bob & Marilyn Westbury Grand Masque Ball 2007 Nickus Kemiridis & Tara Arundt Cosmos, March 1992
A few rules of etiquette to remember: “No swearing/cussing. No hats or sunglasses, unless you are on a patio. Be nice to the server. You really should know how to hold the cutlery. Don’t gulp the wine, learn how to taste it… knowing there isn’t a grape called white zinfandel is good. Don’t ask for a Caesar salad with thousand island dressing. If you want your meat blue rare, know that it means the meat has seen the kitchen but was just passing through.” ~ Brian Welsh, Mind Your Manners, October 2002
“
‘Stitch ‘n’ Bitch’ circles regularly gather across the country, encouraging participants to banter about spouses, the hottest American Idol contestants, and partake in some wine tasting without missing a stitch. And these sessions aren’t exclusively aimed at women. Men are hooked as well—preferring to loop doggie sweaters and skull caps rather than leg warmers and laptop sweaters. ~ Linda Bodo. Lively Lifestyles, March 2008
”
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Ron Brown Airport Opening 2000
Gail Hall Gourmet Goodies 1990
Paul & Gail Murphy Dinner of Champions 1992
Nicole, Cam & Michelle Allard Grey Nuns Sunday Brunch, 1991
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Like beer and wine, scotch can be poured over your poultry, game or meat to impart a simple, vibrant flavour. Or it works well in marinades or bastes. But adhere closely to the recipe, because of its bold and unique flavour qualities… When married with herbs such as rosemary, oregano, thyme and other spices, it will complement the overall flavour of the dish. ~ John Berry, MenuMagic, February 2007
”
According to Civilte del bere Canadians “drank an astonishing moderate 9.13 litres (of wine) per person—even the Cypriots, Bulgarians and the overtaxed Swedes drank more. This works out to roughly a bottle a month on average per Canadian— including children. If you exclude weddings, bar mitzvahs and children we probably drank little or no wine at all.”
n Berry do & Joh Linda Bo Lifestyles Lively 8 July 200 Michelle Legare Wedding June 1992
~ Todd Cristall, Wine, October 1992
“
Malcomb & Sally Johnson Black & White Gala
By the way, you may have noticed that most of the restaurants I frequent are regular advertisers in the Edmontonians. Coincidence? Maybe, but I prefer to think of it as good taste—theirs and mine. ~ Barb Deters, Hot Flashes, December 1995
”
When Earl’s opened no one around here had “heard of nachos or potato skins. And we helped make Caesar salads into a main course partly because of the excellent fresh parmesan cheese. ~ Harold Mueller, quoted in Bus Fullers Edible Empire, January 1993
“
It was Sam Abouhassen who sold Dan Burn-Forti a $1,000 suit so he could look correct at his wedding when he took Edmonton’s world class model Michelle Legare as his bride... but he bought his tie for $1.00 at Goodwill... Dick MacLean July 1992
“
” ”
Sam Abouhassan Tailor to the R&F
...the only disconcerting part of dining at La Ronde is the movement; the entire dining area slowly rotates throughout the evening... You can certainly notice the movement and it took the ladies a few moments to collect themselves... On the positive side, you do not have to go to the bathroom since it will eventually come to you. ~ Christine Podmore, ladies who lunch, March
Matthew Coulson & D’arcy Levesque Latitude 53, August 1991
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Jack Agrios & Mitch Klimoue Customer Appreciation at Hy’s in 1990
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ake George O
Quotes
Quotable “
It was good for me,” she says with all the rectitude of a person staring at the dregs of a giant bowl of oatmeal… ~ George Oake, on realtor Diane Kyle’s schooling at Glebe Collegiate in Ottawa, Jan 1990
” ean ick MacL ller and D u F s u B ueller, Harold H
Dick MacLean, on revealing his two year “dance with cancer”: “We all wanted – more than anything – for The Edmontonians to continue. The Edmontonians , we feel, has become a treasure in this city; unique in Canada and we want it to grow, as it has been… So I have been handing over the business, administration and circulation to Mrs. (Sharon) MacLean – the next Publisher. A more community-business committed person you will not find. It’s never too late… if you have cancer and you are blessed with a Sharon in your life let her run the show; tell her everyday you love her. She’s going to do a better job anyway. Remember, it’s harder on the family than you. The victim gets a Drum and Bugle farewell; the family gets to mop up the mess you left behind.” ~ Dick MacLean, Watching the Town go by, April 1993
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...director Brad Fraser gets some wonderful performances from Shaun Johnston and Jeffrey Hirschfield— who has a real gift for turning love into the most annoying emotion possible.
”
~ John Charles, Art Beat March 1993
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“
The difference is my life is phenomenal. The Transformers helped to make me a better business person. I’m more balanced now, more effective.We’ve learned to plan rather than react to challenges with the store. ~ Lynn Carolei, Sublime Sun & Swimear Transfomee, Spring 2007
“
I have only two rules for chat rooms: everybody is a stranger and everybody lies. ~ Fuji Saito
“
”
Strike a blow for good taste. Tip over a mime at this year’s International Street Performers’ Festival.
”
~Eva Marie Clarke, Calendar Cogitations, July 1998
”
You can’t beat being street smart. It’s the same sort of thing on the Internet. You’ve got to get out, make your mistakes, see the porn; it’s not going to kill you. ~ Greg Michetti
”
Greg Michetti
“
The human brain requires approximately 140 grams of glucose per day for normal functioning, and possibly two to three times that when you are making a boardroom presentation.
Colin Williamsen
Colin Williamsen, The yin and yang in the boardroom February 2007
”
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Shannon Haggarty
John Charles
Linda Hall
Dr. James Murray
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When was the last time you wrote ‘Go Home’ in your daytimer? ~ Mark McCormack, Success Secrets, September 1997
“
“
When the Oilers won the Stanley Cup, we didn’t head for West Edmonton Mall – horns honking, people cheering – to celebrate. We converged on the downtown because that’s where our soul is.
”
”
~ Jeff Olson, Unearthing a tale of two cities – past and future November 2004
To say I have never been noted for my gift-wrapping ability is a bit of an understatement. My family has always received their presents wrapped in sheets of newspaper, or in their original shopping bags, although I have raised my gift-wrapping standards slightly in recent years, by stockpiling the coloured comics sections of the newspaper several weeks prior to Christmas. Lois Hole, Gardening & Landscaping, December 1993
“
Blood – thicker than water; Greed – thicker than both. ~ Stephen W. Kent, July 2008
”
n Jeff Olse
Jamie Salé after splitting with pairs partner, Jason Turner, for a solo career in figure skating: “I’m not going to give up until I make it to the Olympics. I feel I owe it to myself... My goal is the ’98 Olympics, to make that team and get a decent placing. If I don’t medal in ’98 I’d like to medal in 2002.” ~ Up and Coming, July 1995
”
Internet consultant for CTI John Beima “…thinks the Internet is now in the early stages of development that newspapers were at the turn of the century. ‘Then, people just couldn’t understand why a respectable businessman would advertise in the newspaper. I sometimes get the same look of incomprehension, as though I’m crazy, from people who otherwise have a very good record of identifying opportunity.’” ~ Drake McHugh, Compression Technologies Inc., January 1996
“
You’re lucky if you haven’t had to use the Glenrose; you’re lucky if you have.
”
~ Shannon May, Chocolate Affair, March 2004
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They’re dreadfully fond of beheading people here; the great wonder is, that there’s anyone left alive! Alice in Wonderland, pondering the annihilation of her net worth after a prolonged bear market. Ron Hiebert, Making Money, January 2003
”
Ron Hiebert
Fuji Saito
Ted & Lois Hole
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