Edmontonians Nov08

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ALBERTA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT PAGING COMPANY

with Muggsy, Marty & Mark

S

ome folks spent the August long

weekend sitting on the patio sipping wine and beer… others did something really crazy.

Three of my running friends, Robert Prybysh (a 2006 Sizzler), Mike Trelor and Erik Allen were in Grande Cache for the Canadian Death Race. The 125km course begins and ends on a 4200-foot plateau, passes over three mountain summits and includes 17,000 feet of elevation change, and a major river crossing at the spectacular Hell’s Gate canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. They braved rain, snow, darkness crossing the river by ferry at 4 am. After 22 hours—nonstop—the trio reached the finish line within three minutes of each other.

To me, the real hero is Sharon Low, who did sherpa duty at five stops during the race. She lugged three duffle bags up over hills from the road to the course in harsh conditions. She took along Kimi, her cute, little pooch who—like everyone else—was wet, covered in mud and just wanted to sleep when the race was all over.

The irresistible musical combination of the ethereal Mary Murphy and her husband, Paul Keim, performed at the Home Routes concert in the home of host Linda Hall last month. The Irish singer—with her trademark long, loose tresses dressed in a scarf skirt— entertained with original lyrics while drumming the box cajon or the round bodhran with bones and a shaker. Her red-headed mate played acoustical guitar with distinctive Mary & PaulSalloum strength and Photo by Sami agility. Together the musical duo laughed, joked, and undulated their way through an evening of melodies for 25 lucky patrons. They Edd & Susan had everyone agreeing with the familiar sentiment, “There are only two kinds of people in the world: The Irish, and those who wish they were.”

“Linda’s got it together,” said Mary of the long-time opera patron and former CKUA board member, as she described the characteristics of a good home venue. “Hosts go through a lot of effort to getting an involved audience.” The Home Routes concept originated with Mitch Podolak, artistic director and founder of the Winnipeg and Vancouver

Folk Festivals. This year, various artists signed on for a six-concert series for which patrons pay $15 each.

Hosts put them up in their homes… everyone avoids the unforgiving costs of producing an event at a commercial site. Guests get exposed to professional folk-roots musicians from North America, Europe and Australia. Organizers plan to expand into separate circuits around different genre. Next up in November is David Hein who played at the Ottawa Folk Fest with Broken Social Scene, Sarah Harmer and Rufus Wainwright. Stay tuned.

We met an interesting lady at an art show at the Winspear. What’s unusual about Shirley Louie is her selection of sculptures and paintings from all over the world. The paintings are big (six by six feet) and most depict ballerinas. At the show, she had a Torontobased Russian artist who painted a woman in a red dress, upside down, in front of our eyes. It was amazing to see the portrait emerge.

Shirley displays works from Italy, France and Eastern Bloc countries. Her Kamunn Gallery is full of pieces that would look great in anyone’s home.

Readers should check out Bruce Hogle’s column this month. The cartoon is by award-winning cartoonist Edd Uluschak. In the “small world” department, my editor Barb Deters, Edd and Yardley Jones all got their start at the late Lloyd Gilmour’s Roughneck magazine back in the 1960s. Follow the bouncing ball: Barb replaced Yardley who went to the Journal… Edd replaced Barb who went to the first version of Edmontonians… Barb moved to Vancouver… Edd went to Edmontonians… Edd then replaced Yardley at the Journal.

In 1986, Edd and Susan moved to the Left Coast where he published the Gabriola Sounder, a weekly newspaper which he refers to as “mindlessly fun times”. He doesn’t do that anymore, but he’s “getting back into the inkstained wretch’ business”.

Dorothy Jeanne Engst has launched True Blue Spirit and “she sweet-talked me into doing a few cartoons for the premier issue.” Now he’s the associate editor.

More “small world” news from Edd: “Turns out Dorothy’s ad salesperson is Carol James— Keith James’ wife!” The founder of CHED radio back in the 1950s, “Keith’s now started another radio station out here, and is GM for Sun FM.

As soon as Lynn Mandel left the table to check out silent auction items, Mayor Stephen entered a bid of $2,000 for the Honda Scooter. That drew chuckles from Premier Ed and Marie Stelmach who were table mates at the 15th Annual Harvest Brunch and Auction in support of the Salvation Army. The mayor will have to find some other mode of eco-friendly transport—it went for $5,200.

Justice Douglas Matheson, a lawyer and long time friend, has a novel solution to retirement. He’s taking helicopter flying lessons. At 86, what else would you do for kicks? Doug loves it. He tells me he’s already been allowed to land at Sunshine Village. Talk about gutsy instructors.

We often lunch at the Edmonton Flying Club at the City Centre Airport. If you want to have good food and talk airplanes, that’s the place to be.

Doug has been flying for well over 50 years, and was shot down in WW II and spent time in German P.O.W camp. Hmmm… he has all the qualifications to run for the U.S. president.

Speaking of the downtown airport, I’m at a loss to understand why the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce isn’t stepping up to support retention of and better commuter air service at the facility. After all, the Alberta Chamber voted wholeheartedly in favour of having an open-skies policy at City Centre. Many former northern patrons are flying-over to Calgary because flights are more frequent and access is more convenient. The local Chamber should show more interest in the financial well-being of its members.

That’s what the Alberta Enterprise Group did. President Tim Shipton wrote Council on behalf of members “who employ more than 30,000 Albertans and generate billions in economic activity.” AEG believes “shutting down City Centre will have unforeseen consequences for all Albertans... the downtown airport is a competitive advantage...”

I received a copy of a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach from Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan. Four pages of very excellent reasoning to keep our airport open. It points out that according to Treaty rights, First Nations people were promised access to medical care. The Mikisew feel closing City Centre would threaten getting patients to the hospital quickly—the Royal Alex is only about five to 10 minutes away. This argument applies to an amazing number of Albertans who are flown into City Centre for prompt transfer to our medical facilities. In fact, about 12,000 medivac services are accommodated every year. √ Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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e are very fortunate in

Edmonton to have always had great radio stations to listen to over the years.

Each fall the Canadian Association of Broadcasters recognizes the best with the Gold Ribbon Awards. Several local stations are among the finalists, and all are up against properties in much larger cities.

And the nominees are: James Stuart’s Bounce 91.7 (CTV Globemedia) in community service for its Bras Across the Bridge promotion… 630 CHED (Corus) for Michelle Bowden’s excellent Inside Story feature—she’s already a multi-gold ribbon winner in the information category… Tom Bedsore’s Sonic FM (Rogers) for the Support of Canadian Talent Award for its successful Band of the Month promotion… Our own Bear (Astral Media Radio GP) for a promotion award for our morning show’s War of the Wages contest.

The awards will be handed out at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa about the same time the November Edmontonians arrives on the stands.

At the convention, I’m being honoured at a reception by Astral for my 38-years of service to the radio industry. The company brass will be joined by many of my long time radio peers and most of my family—including my 80-year old mother Noreen Sheehy. I’m extremely proud to have her there; she has been a great inspiration and help to me over those many difficult days you go through in this crazy business.

That being said, the Edmonton radio scene just got crazier… if that’s at all possible.

The CRTC—in its wisdom—recently granted the city five more FM licences, just three years after issuing four new properties. This number of licences—nine!—is truly unprecedented in all of Canada and, in fact, all of North America.

At a hearing in May, applications for Drumheller, Red

Deer and Leduc were heard and these companies won the opportunity to launch new products in the Edmonton market.

Harvard Broadcasting, out of Saskatchewan, gets to play soft adult contemporary. CTVglobemedia gets a brother/sister for The Bounce, and it too will focus on youth tuning. Rawlco has the challenge of adding to its Magic smooth jazz licence with an adult album alternative format. I’m very happy for Newcap’s John Yerxa, whose family has a long and distinguished reputation in Alberta radio. He’s the only local guy to get a licence, aimed at Edmonton’s youth-focused culture. The fifth licence goes to an Aboriginal format.

All will face the formidable challenge of taking on several billion dollar operations: Astral, Corus, Rogers and Newcap. With the economy in a blue funk, bringing in the bucks in a very competitive market will certainly be an uphill battle.

F

In mid October, I enjoyed a “boys’ weekend”

in Phoenix with Bryn Griffiths of Team 1260; Ryan Zimmerman from The Bear; my colleague Stewart Meyers; Tom Peacock and my brother Gerry Forbes of I also spent some time working on the Santa’s CJAY 92 in Calgary.

Anonymous project that we’re about to announce. The We bumped into lots of Edmontonians golfing at Troon driving force behind this amazing operation is Debbie North. We were spoiled in a private Walker—I affectionately call her a “two-legged pit bull.” suite at the Phoenix Coyotes home Debbie, and 630 CHED’s opener; and then in the incredible Red Gord Whitehead Marty & Debbie n Ru y To a’s nt Zone at the Arizona Cardinals/Dallas and I met with the at Sa Cowboys NFL game.

Honourable Dave More and more of us are becoming Hancock who gave Americanucks by spending time in us some excellent two great cities. One thing I notice insight on how to take when I’m down south is the common this to the next level. concern about the economy. With the We also ran into the frenzy of elections more-or-less recently re-elected behind us, we can only hope both James Rajotte at countries will right the ship quickly Dave’s office. Next so things can get back to normal. month we officially By the way, if you’re frequent unveil the news on our fliers to the U.S., you should have a Nexus project… and the card. It gives you pre-clearance on both sides of the citizens of Edmonton are border… and fast-tracks you through customs and security the real winners. in mere minutes while hundreds of others wait in line. A huge convenience for only $50. Go to www.nexus.gc.ca for In my final few months of running Astral full details. √ Media’s Edmonton stations, I’ve been introducing the new guy, Stewart Meyers, to our business leaders who make Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, things happen in our city. It’s also a chance for me to say thanks and goodbye to my pals as I head toward semi/early EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com retirement.

Then, on October 11th, I headed off to the

all is my favourite time of year. I have to say that this is by far the best I have experienced since moving to Alberta in 1997. The colours were fantastic, the leaves lasted quite a while, and the weather has been fine and dandy for my liking. Only sad part of this fall is that the Red Sox lost Game 7 of the American League finals and got knocked out for the World Series.

I think I read somewhere that fall is a great time for weddings. I was invited to two.

A must on the list was Dr. Bob Westbury—one of our most community-minded citizens. Ken Knowles proudly talked about the amazing expansion plans for Northlands, as did promotional wizard Darren Krill.

We visited with the Edmonton Oiler/Oil Kings brass, too. Patrick Laforge was in fine form; and lunch with Stew Macdonald, Allan Watt, and Nick Wilson was lively as both the NHL and WHL seasons kicked off.

Anne Smith, president of the United Way, provided great wisdom on how Edmonton ticks. Patrick Galenza talked about the talent coming out of NAIT’s radio and television program. Dr. Paul Byrne, president of Grant MacEwan College, shared his expertise… not only on education in our city but also his incredible knowledge of fine automobiles.

Sunridge Ski area where David Mazerolle and Adam Kuss exchanged memorable marriage vows before a large group of well-wishers.

Retired Minister Charles Bidwell told them—I am paraphrasing because I have the memory of a gnat—“to remember, even though you are a couple, to let each other grow as an individual… don’t forget who you are… communicate and listen to each other… and stay each David and Adam other’s best friend.” All things I know I can strive toward. The couple entered the reception to the song It’s Raining Men. A wonderful meal, touching speeches, the Bird dance, and excellent company made for a great wedding.

and Lynn Mandel, EZ Rock’s morning show co-host Seanna Collins, Edmonton Journal’s Nick Lees, Global Edmonton’s Nicola Crosbie who was the guest speaker.

There were also some “stars from the past” like Marilyn Monroe and Luciano Pavarotti. The night featured extensive live and silent auctions, a pre-event cocktail hour hosted by Mayor Mandel and four families who utilize the Elves’ services. They were recognized by the Society for their ongoing support to the growth of the facility. Premier Stelmach said grace and gave a speech pledging his government’s support. The Mayfield Dinner theatre provided the entertainment. I hear over than $75,000 was raised for the cause.

QUICK NOTES:

• Great job by the folks over at the Oilers. The new third jersey looks fantastic.

• See you at the Grey Cup in Montreal as I host the Spirit of Edmonton Breakfast on Saturday morning, November 22nd at Le Centre Sheraton. Sluice Juice anyone?

• Speaking of football. I hosted the 45th Annual Eskimos The first was that of Melissa Kubik and Manny dinner recently. Congrats to Chris Morris for being Shinner. On September 27th, they were wed at the added to the Eskimos Wall of Honour at Commonwealth beautiful The Elves Special Needs Society 2008 Red Stadium. Also at the dinner, Patrick Kabongo Highlands Carpet Gala auction and dinner was held in mid-October.

Melissa & Manny was awarded the David Boone Award for his United The Mayfield Inn & Suites ballroom was outstanding service to our community.

Church with transformed into a d E r Reverend Oscar-like atmos& Premie n e h p te I know this appeal is a little self John Burrill Mayor S phere with all the serving but… I am a board member of performing trimmings including a Events Edmonton, the non-profit the ceremony. red carpet with Global organization that produces A Taste of After the Edmonton’s Su-Ling Edmonton, Canada Day Fireworks and photos we all Goh doing live New Year’s Eve Downtown. We are gathered at looking for a sponsor for its main stage at the Woodvale Nicola, Nick and Seanna this year’s New Years Eve downtown facility on the event. The goal is to get some live music Southside for on the go. Loads of people, great what you call television coverage from Global a proper s—- shaker. What a great time. Mel Edmonton are just few reasons to get involved as a sponsor. and Manny, you two make a brilliant couple.

You can contact Events Edmonton General Manager By the way, Highlands United is stunning— Giuseppe Albi at 780-423-2822 ext. 24. Please… please. √ designed by architect William G. Blakey who interviews. The room has some outstanding buildings around our was studded with media Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a city, including the Garneau Theatre and the and political stars variety of services including production, creative and Masonic Temple. The church was built around including Premier Ed entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story 1926 to replace some buildings on the site that and Marie Stelmach, idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com had served the congregation since 1912. and Mayor Stephen EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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CELEBRATING

Poll

19

STATION

YEARS

With Linda Banister

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XIX

C

NOVEMBER 2008 No. 11 SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

apital City Clean Up is a year-round litter and graffiti management program that aims to keep Edmonton a cleaner and more enjoyable place to be. This month’s Poll Station asked Edmontonians about their awareness and participation in the program.

As Capital City Clean Up encourages everyone to participate in cleaning up our city, respondents were then asked how often they contributed. First, they were asked to indicate how often they properly dispose of their garbage. Ninety-six percent stated they always (87 percent) or almost always (nine percent) do. Next, they were asked how often they pick up litter. Forty-five percent indicated they always (23 percent) or almost always (22 percent) pick up litter, while 14 percent stated they rarely (five percent) or never (nine percent) do.

When asked why they do not pick up garbage, 43 percent said it was not their garbage and not their responsibility, 29 percent stated they were concerned with their safety, and 21 percent felt it was unsanitary.

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE CAPITAL CITY CLEAN UP PROGRAM?

INSIDE VOX POP Muggsy Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

VISIONARIES Banff Venture Forum/MacLean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Future think/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Social Media/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

58% Percent

POLL STATION Cleaning up/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4% Said the program was very valuable to the city

Editor

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 Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy

Said the program was valuable to the city

Said it increased Said it was Said the awareness good for program was of our business and of little value surroundings tourism to the city

To begin, respondents were asked if they were aware of the Capital City Clean Up program in Edmonton. The majority (72 percent) indicated they were aware of the program. When asked if they felt this program was valuable, 83 percent stated the program was either valuable (25 percent) or very valuable (58 percent). Forty-nine percent indicated they like a clean city; 18 percent believe the program increases people’s general awareness of their surroundings; and 12 percent stated the program is good for business and tourism. On the other hand, four percent indicated there was little value in the program because people will dump their garbage knowing someone else will clean it up (50 percent).

DO YOU PROPERLY DISPOSE OF YOUR LITTER?

The City has also started a pilot project to cut back on the thousands of improperly disposed cigarette butts. When respondents were asked if they believed that cigarette butt litter is currently a problem in our city, 76 percent believed that it was. Of the 26 percent of respondents that indicated they were smokers, 87 percent said they always (46 percent) or almost always (31 percent) dispose of their cigarette butts in ash trays or receptacles. Four percent indicated they never do.

To help solve this problem, members of the Downtown Business Association Core Crew and Old Strathcona Business Association are handing out portable ashtrays, which are small plastic canisters. When asked, 21 percent of respondents indicated they were aware of these canisters and 79 percent stated they were not. However, when asked if they felt these canisters were a good idea, 76 percent believed they were a good idea because they felt it would help keep cigarette butts off the ground (72 percent).

Finally, respondents were asked what the City could do to encourage people to properly dispose of their cigarette butts more frequently. Forty-four percent indicated the City should continue to give out portable ashtrays, 20 percent felt increased advertising would make people aware of the receptacles, and 16 percent thought there should be more on-the-spot fines.

New to the Edmontonians website: Monthly Poll Station Online Question

87%

Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?

Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail lbanister@edmontonians.com.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Barb Deters SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser

Said they liked a clean city

Percent

BARB DETERS editor@edmontonians.com

ARE CIGARETTE BUTTS A BIG PROBLEM?

12%

MEDIA MINUTE/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 CIVIC BUZZ/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

LIVELY LIFESTYLES Menu Magic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Absolute Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

25% 18%

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Trading up/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Photo Diary/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 The Dutch are here/Lauber & Deters . . . . . . . . . .14

BUSINESS OF LOVE/Jesperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 MY E-SPACE/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

49%

9% Always dispose of thier garbage the proper way

Almost always disposed of thier garbage the proper way

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.

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Teotihuacan Pyramids Photo by Barb Deters 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

EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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Think you can dance…

with a venture capitalist?

By Sharon MacLean

A

fter long years of waiting for an invitation to the party, Edmonton’s science and tech entrepreneurs finally might find themselves with a handful of financial suitors.

“Historically, Alberta has been quite under-serviced by venture capital,” notes Steven Hnatiuk of Vancouver. “We think it’s a market that’s relatively undiscovered in the West.” Of course, that’s an understatement for those inventors who have laboured for eons to attract investment to this province.

Venture capitalist Hnatiuk, who addressed some 400 delegates at the Banff Venture Forum last month, joined 36 other VCs from places like Seattle, Toronto, Montreal, Boston and Austin Texas.

He’s a principle in Yaletown Venture Partners, which favours Western Canada and looks for talented entrepreneurs with a transformational business model. That means Yaletown is not attracted to companies with “incremental improvements”— read small fish. He’s looking for show stoppers with a market potential of a half billion dollars.

Typically, Yaletown invests from $1 to $10 million at the early stage of a company and stays involved with the company for six to 10 years. You better be smitten with your partner to stay close for that length of time.

Shawn Abbott agrees with Hnatiuk. He’s a partner in iNovia Capital (formerly MSi Capital of Quebec) that’s created a $112 million venture capital fund. He and his partners have looked at 150 companies in Alberta so far, but have yet to invest in any of them. He’s not in any hurry. The size of the fund allows iNovia to attract additional global resources and to build relationships in the U.S. or the United Kingdom, if necessary.

Raised in Edmonton, Abbott invented CD Rom-based technology in the early 1990s that supported images and fonts. He sold to a Silicon Valley firm that also designed bank security and the USB key in the U.S. It, in turn, sold in 2004 to SafeNet for a half-billion dollars. He knows of what he speaks. Abbott makes a trip to his office at Enterprise Square in Alberta’s capital every week. The University of Alberta is counted among his investors in the fund which targets early-stage companies, primarily in Alberta and Western Canada. “Alberta’s not been a whistle stop,” said the entrepreneur of the province’s apparent lack of ability to attract buzz among the global investment crowd. “However, there’s been a fair amount of family funds that fly under the radar.”

iNovia looks for opportunities in the $500,000 to $2 million range and as high as $7 million. The partners like to see market potential for between $50 to $75 million; companies with lower market potential might be better suited to the angel network.

EXECUTION VERSUS STRATEGY A key to attracting investors is agility on the part of the CEO, observes Abbott. Entrepreneurs need to be alert to the need for change relative to the product, its management team, or the sales process. Abbott gently suggests that a great inventor sometimes does not correlate with the role of company leadership. Or, as Google’s technical solutions engineer Dr. Mike Ritter explained: “They forget cash flow is king… that the software isn’t exciting

quantity of companies with an academic bent, thanks to the universities. As well, it’s home to an increasing number of serial entrepreneurs who are starting new ventures—like Bruce Johnson formerly of Intuit—and choosing to stay here.

“If the entrepreneur believes in his or her idea and is committed to the long term, it’s a great time for success,” concludes Abbott.

LIFE SCIENCES SHOW PROMISE

One Edmonton-based company that’s identified an aggregate market of $3 billion for itself is SciMed Technologies, founded in 1999 by Dr. Rajan Gupta. His life sciences company, with nine employees, developed a rapid extraction process to separate vitamins A and D from milk.

The company’s two diagnostic kits mean it takes dairy processors less than one hour to accurately test the vitamin content of their products.

SciMed corporate development VP James ChiversWilson admits, “We’re short of patient capital.” He attended the Banff forum for the first time because organizers created a life sciences stream. He’s aware that most of the VCs were more interested in oil and gas companies or the (left) Shawn Abbott, who flies himself IT sector. Notwithstanding the to meetings in Edmonton, BC and shortage of suitors, ChiversSaskatchewan, says “I am fortunate Wilson will be presenting to enough to have a wonderful office two prospects, including an and heliport at home in Springbank.” angel network, in Calgary as a result of contacts he made in Banff. The company has already raised nearly $3 million from AVAC, the Alberta government and other granting-type bodies.

Chivers-Wilson also is looking for sales to start clicking from such food Dr. Raja processors as Parmalat and n Gupta Saputo in Canada, and the largest international producer of infant formula in New Shawn enjoys the spoils of doing Zealand. The race is business in beautiful Banff Alberta. on between bringing in sales and needing to raise investment enough to make a difference… or they’ve not dollars from people found enough customers to make the product who want to own as work before giving up. On the other hand, much as possible of the successful entrepreneurs believe in the mantra, are company, compared to convinced they have a great idea, and are making a product inventors who want to keep as much as possible. “Right that customers want.” now, we just need a small amount—$2 million.” √ A bright spot for Edmonton apparently is the healthy

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By Cheryl Croucher

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Relax,

the future is ours to see...

Ask Axel Briefs

W

emember being chastised at school for staring out the window, your thoughts elsewhere, your imagination running wild?

There are no hand slaps for Axel Meisen. His office at the Alberta Research Council sports a huge window that overlooks a pond where Canada geese gather.

It is a view that inspires contemplation, an unleashing of the mind.

It is his job to look out that window, if that’s what it takes, to divine what lies beyond the confines of today and to think about how we might get there.

Axel Meisen, PhD, is the Chair of Foresight at the Alberta Research Council. It is a new position, one so enticing he gave up his highly successful career as president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University in Newfoundland to come west. And yet he cites common aspects that drew him first from British Columbia to Newfoundland, and then to Alberta.

“Alberta and Newfoundland-Labrador have financial resources that make new ideas possible to translate into reality. But we also have certain problems that are important to work on, such as energy for our industries, our cars, our houses. And then there are many technical and scientific questions that need to be addressed.”

Talking to Dr. Meisen, it doesn’t take long to realize he truly is an expansive thinker and that he is perfect for this job of futurist.

“I am intrigued by working on problems that have broad implications for people. I am interested in working on opportunities that either exist and we can already recognize them, or opportunities that we might be able to create.”

There is no foresight textbook to follow. So it is through the disciplined and precise thinking, honed by his training as a chemical engineer, that Dr. Meisen is blazing a trail toward tomorrow’s realization of today’s vision.

He defines foresight as a systematic way of looking at the future. The foresight process he explains consists of three stages. The first looks at the current situation with products

Dr. Arturo Sanchez hat do tropical forests have in common with Facebook?

The link is Dr. Arturo Sanchez, professor and director of the Centre for Earth Observation Science at the University of Alberta. An expert in remote sensing, he collaborates with scientists in Central and South American to study cloud cover.

Called Tropi-Dry, his project is getting a communications boost through a new initiative called GeoChronos, funded

by Cybera and CANARIE’s Network Enhancing Platform program.

Dr. Sanchez intention is to introduce an older generation of scientists to new online tools like Facebook. “In many cases, profs like myself or researchers don’t communicate. We just have very traditional ways to talk to each other, like scientific conferences or papers or magazines. But we have the possibility to interact via Facebook or something like that. I’m looking on-line at my data, someone in China is looking at it and I can communicate with them.”

Dr. Sanchez says GeoChronos is already attracting international attention.

Brazil, for example, would apply it to monitoring deforestation of the Amazon.

rmed with new found knowledge from scientists researching boreal wetlands, Syncrude Canada is attempting to do something no one has tried before: reconstructing a fen after mining for oil sands.

Unlike bogs which get their water from precipitation, the hydrology of a fen depends on ground water. This provides numerous challenges for environmental scientist Clara Qualizza and her colleagues as they try to turn oil sand tailings into a peat forming landscape.

She is working closely with boreal hydrologist Dr. Kevin Devito to incorporate his research findings about water movement into the watershed design—surprises like water runs uphill in the boreal forest.

Says Qualizza, “We’re designing what the stratigraphy of the uplands and the material underneath the wetlands will be. We have this type of tailing sand: Should we make it coarser… should we add some finer material to it to allow the water to move through it easier or to block it? How do we drape the soils and connect them into the wetlands?

Because the idea of water moving uphill is about the trees and the upland extending their roots and taking through the soil and taking the water out of the wetlands.

Qualizza’s team hopes to transplant blocks of peat from natural fens to enhance the revegetation process. The experimental fen should be finished in 2010.

The Cybera Inc website at www.cybera.ca lists details of this and other IT research programs.

Visit Syncrude Canada’s website at www.syncrude.com. Learn more about boreal hydrology at www.biology.ualberta.ca/faculty/kevin_devito

facebook for the (older) GENERATION

Dr. Clara Qualizza

Reconstructing Watersheds

A

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and markets. The second examines trends and how they may evolve naturally or with intervention. The third takes those insights and translates them into action.

“I typically look five to 30 or 40 years ahead,” he explains. “When you look at the future in this way, you can position yourself today. And that’s really what it is about, positioning oneself today to anticipate and take advantage of what happens in the future and to make things happen in the future.”

Not even here a year, Dr. Meisen has already lined up a full agenda of foresight issues looking at water, agriculture, forestry, and oil sands.

Another is drilling, a subject where Alberta’s experience could inform future exploration and development of the Arctic.

“Sometimes you want to drill in areas that are environmentally very fragile. You don’t want to disturb the land yet you have to get these great big drilling rigs on sites that normally require a well paved road. And you can take it one stage further. How do you deal with people who live in the area who have concerns not related to drilling?

How do you integrate all of that? It is a rich set of questions that this field provides.”

Dr. Meisen is running with the

concept of microsystems. This arose out of the Jasper Innovation Forum which he helped organize last June.

From the discussion around waste and storage at the forum, he says, “We clearly discovered that our current system of providing food, energy and water—which is largely the just-in-time system—is quite fragile if unforeseen developments occur. If there is a hurricane, a flood, disruption is not only local, but global.”

Reducing the negative impacts of global interdependence could lie in the development of smaller, relatively independent and self-sufficient communities—Microsystems—with 5,000 people. “If you think of that microsystem or microcommunity as an area that is 20 kilometres by 20 kilometres… in other words it has a hinterland, then it becomes possible to grow a substantial amount of food for local consumption. It becomes possible through solar, wind and other means to generate the electricity that you need.”

Dr. Meisen’s goal is to build a demonstration microcommunity. Beyond the technical and engineering issues, his foresight process will help identify social challenges such as generating employment.

As he and the Alberta Research Council breathe life into the project, they are encouraging practical input from people such Axel Meisen as developers, entrepreneurs, health care providers and educators.

As the ARC’s Chair of Foresight, Dr. Meisen has set himself another goal: helping Alberta position itself as a centre of creativity and innovation in the world. “This notion of innovation isn’t one that is tied to laboratories or doctoral studies. It can permeate society, and one way it can manifest itself is through the arts.”

He speaks of nurturing this creative spirit from experience. Raised in Germany, both his parents were professional classical musicians who played continuously for symphonies and operas.

“There’s a practical dimension to it,” says Dr. Meisen. “If we are recognized as being a highly innovative place, it will keep our creative and innovative people here. And it will attract creative and innovative people from other parts of the world to come here.”

While Axel Meisen’s job is to mark out a path to the future, he’s not so arrogant as to insist that it’s his vision of the future we accept. He invites people from across the province to talk to him about their ideas for the future.

“I’m especially interested in hearing from people in rural Alberta, partly because their voice is often not heard. But, particularly through my work in Newfoundland, I have learned that people in small communities often see the picture more clearly than those who live in large communities where they are inundated with so many possibilities and so many influences.”

Now that’s an invitation forward-thinkers should accept; call Dr. Meisen at 780-450-5000. √ www.arc.ab.ca To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Axel Meisen, PhD, 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

Dr. Arya Sharma

Rethinking

OBESITY

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tatistics show that in Alberta, 20 percent of the population is obese.

The obesity crisis striking North America has prompted Edmonton’s Capital Health Region to try something completely different. It’s called the Weight Wise Program.

Leading this program is Dr. Arya Sharma, a professor of medicine at the University of Alberta and Canada’s foremost expert on obesity.

He sees obesity as a chronic disease which requires a new, medical approach to its treatment.

“We are trying to build an infrastructure starting from a very basic community level where the emphasis is on prevention and healthy living… [It] goes all the way to working with family doctors to make sure that, when you go to your family doctor and have obesity problems, your family doctor and the allied health professionals actually know how to treat that condition,” explains Dr. Sharma. “Then, when things get more complicated, or more serious, you have the resources and centres in place where patients who really have huge weight issues can go for help.”

He believes treatment at obesity centres will eventually reduce the cost of related problems like diabetes, hypertension, and hip and knee replacements.

Dr. Arya Sharma is the scientific director of the Canadian Obesity Network and the medical director for the Capital Health Weight Wise program. He publishes a blog called Obesity Notes. Subscribe at www.drsharma.ca

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On the

HORIZON

NOVEMBER

November 4 Science Café—Grey Matters: Prions and Their Affect on the Brain Presented by Alberta Ingenuity and Telus World of Science 6:30 to 8:30 pm Good Earth Café 8623 – 112 Street

W

hat is now commonly called a ‘blog’ was originally termed a ‘weblog’ in 1997 by Jorn Barger. I’d like to take a moment to look at this wonderful 21st Century form of selfexpression employed by so many individuals, organizations and companies.

Today, “blogging” is done for a number of reasons, so it’s important to know why you’d want to start one. Understanding the purpose of your blog helps you with the first important step. When you do decide to start blogging, be sure you “pick a theme.”

People who might read your blog on a regular basis need to know why they should come back often to absorb your brilliant esoteric ramblings. Keep in mind that you really can blog about anything, from oragami to muscle cars to break-dancing— yeah, I’ve still got the moves.

Beyond a theme, many folks just start writing, so their first blog posts are typically aimless random thoughts. This is fine… as long as you’re being original. The last thing you want to do is simply regurgitate other’s news or blog posts. Boring. In fact, when I interviewed “Miss Rogue” for this article (I caught up to her in Lisbon where she is scheduled to speak at Shift08), she commented on her early blog posts: “I was just throwing ideas around. My theories weren’t very polished.” For those of you who may not recognize the name Miss Rogue, it’s her on-line handle at Twitter. com et al. She is a highly accomplished blogger, published author and public speaker. I encourage you to read her blog at www.horsepigcow.com. (Mention you found out about her blog here, and I’ll get a free signed copy of her book. Fun, if it were true.)

November 5 Iron Science Teacher Competition Regional Playoff Telus World of Science www.ironscience.ca

Social media

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media with Walter Schwabe

MIND-BLOGGLING SUCCESS Miss Rogue was born Tara Hunt in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She was raised in Sundre, Alberta, and now lives in San Francisco. When asked how she makes money, she explained that revenue from blogging happens “indirectly,” reflecting my own approach and that of many others. As Miss Rogue, Tara has one of the hottest blogs on the Internet where she openly shares her ideas and, because of that, she has a successful speaking career and shiny new book deal—The Whuffie Factor.

When I asked her what advice she would give a new blogger, Miss Rogue replied, “Think for yourself. You can build upon old ideas but, ultimately, offering something new and fresh keeps your readers coming back.” Simple, yet sound advice.

A little closer to home than Lisbon, I had a nice chat with Ken Chapman.

Many will recognize Ken from his extensive work in politics and policy through Cambridge Strategies, a company he co-founded with Satya Brata Das. Ken holds the political powers-that-be accountable at ken-chapman. blogspot.com. In reference to how Premier Ed Stelmach is handling the oil and gas royalty review, a recent blog post asks. “What do socialist regimes and Alberta have in common?” Typical of Ken’s hard-hitting, opinionated style.

The bottom line is that if you have an opinion, you should be blogging. You never know… it might lead to a book deal, ad revenues, a new career, engagement in conversations with a global audience or, at the very least, your very own opportunity to “stick it to the man.” √

November 15 opens Imagining Science Art Exhibit, Book Launch and Panel Discussions GE3LS Alberta team Alberta Gallery of Art www.festivalofideas.ca/imagining-science.cfm November 25 BioAlberta AGM and Awards Gala In Calgary at the Hotel Arts AGM at 4 pm Cocktails at 6 pm Online Registration www.bioalberta.com

DECEMBER Nutraceuticals Networking Event Presented by BioAlberta and ECAT 4:30 to 8:30 pm Royal Glenora Club www.bioalberta.com December 20 — Opening Art of the Brick with Lego Sculptor Nathan Sawaya Presented by ARC, APEGGA and UMA Telus World of Science www.telusworldofscience.com

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

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A touch of Alberta in Mexico—the annual pancake breakfast is held to build relationships with key contacts, and to thank the Embassy staff for all their support.

Shown here are His Excellency Guillermo Rishchynski, Canada's Ambassador to Mexico, and his wife Jeanette, with hosts Liliana and David Nygaard— Our Man in Mexico.

Mexico-Alberta

Bringing a touch of Wild Rose Country to our southern trade partner

By Barb Deters

S

omeone said, “When you’re in bed with an elephant, you’re afraid it might roll over.”

That’s always a big concern for both Canada and Mexico—the only countries that border the United States, the largest trading partner of both nations. It might also account for the bond that is being formed between them—and becoming increasingly significant to Alberta.

“Since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement—NAFTA—in 1994, bilateral trade between Alberta and Mexico has grown by a remarkable 700 percent,” according to David Nygaard. “It is our fourth largest trading partner, and the relationship is growing and strengthening on a number of fronts.”

Nygaard is the managing director of the Alberta Mexico Trade Office which operates out of the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City. The office has been open for six years and he has held the position since 2005.

As our man in Mexico, Nygaard is very much at home: fluent in Spanish and brave enough to drive the streets—where major thoroughfares look more like parking lots—without the fear most of us would experience. He says, “The key is to ease your way into the traffic… don’t signal because that will indicate your intentions and you’ll be cut off.”

With his position recently extended for another two years, Nygaard brings a depth of experience and savvy to the table.

He holds an MBA from IESE (Barcelona, Spain 2000), having completed an exchange trimester at

IPADE in Mexico City and a BA (Hons.) in political science from the University of Calgary in 1995. It was there he met his wife Lilianna who is from Mexico City. The couple has three children. Nygaard joined the Alberta government in 2001, serving in various traderelated capacities. From 2002-2005, he was on the board of the Canadian Council for the Americas (CCAAlberta), including a term as vice-president, Edmonton, and currently serves on the board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City. Earlier in his career, Nygaard worked at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC, with the Dutch multinational Draka Cables Industrial S.A. in Barcelona, and with Hydra-Tech International Corporation in Calgary.

Despite concerns about the global economy, Nygaard remains optimistic about the healthy relationship that continues to grow between Mexico—with its population nearing 110 million—and Alberta—with a mere three million people. It comes down to trust: The province is considered a reliable trading partner… we are a knowledge-based economy, willing to share our expertise in oil and gas technologies and enviromental remediation… our educational involvement and exchanges are reinforcing our ties… and our debt-free status is reassuring.

valued at $766 million while Mexico’s exports to the province accounted for $730 million. In the first eight monthsof 2008, Alberta’s exports to Mexico were almost $660 million, an increase of 35.4 percent over the same period last year. As a result, Mexico is also one of Alberta’s fastest growing major export markets.

Continued on page 15

BY THE NUMBERS According to the World Trade Atlas, two-way trade between Mexico and Alberta rose to $1.5 billion in 2007. Of this amount, Alberta’s exports to Mexico were

Source: Alberta Government

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By Barb Deters

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Ancient culture & colonial kitsch

ere’s the thing: I’ve traveled a lot in my life… to Asia and Europe, the Caribbean. I’ve been all over North America… from Norman Wells to New Orleans… from San Diego to St. John’s. I’m embarrassed that I would say, “Mexico’s not on my list of preferred destinations.” Silly me.

Thanks to the Mexican Tourism Board, I’ve changed my tune.

I love it, love it.

Out of the blue, as editor of Edmontonians, I got an invite from Veronica Rivas, the board’s public relation rep in Vancouver, “Would you be interested in a fam tour to Mexico?”

So I joined Veronica and two other writers—John and Colin—from Edmonton for a week-long cultural familiarization tour of Mexico, the other member of the North American trio of nations.

It was overwhelming. What an incredible country: So old it makes celebrating 100 years on the family homestead eight years ago feel like a drop in the bucket of history. So populated, Mexico City alone is home to the equivalent of two-thirds of all us Canucks. So inexpensive, I was grateful I had folded another suitcase into my big one. So delicious, I came home and cooked Mexican for a week.

The second leg of our cultural journey took us to the Yucatan capital of Mérida, not far from Gulf of Cathedra l of Guad Mexico beaches. It’s picuresque, safe and has great alupé street festivals every Saturday and Sunday evening. I wouldn’t have traded the experience of this marvelous colonial city for a five-star, gated resort.

Clearly, we were at an advantage, particularly with Veronica leading the way and doing everything but holding our hands. She’s from Puerto Vallarta and fluent in Spanish and English. She helped us shop, order food and get Dinner— me out of trouble (details on-line). h de la Con ot pot—Plaza Would I go back? In a heartbeat. √ stitucion Go to www.edmontonians.com for Deters best advice to a first-time turists. Check out the links to all the services and places she visited.

ity Day One: Mexico C

Organ gri nder Corps Bugle & m ry Dru Milita

Inside the Palacio Nacional

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ico C x e M : o w T Day

ity

at Courtyard Castle ec p e lt u p a Ch

Floating roof ov er National Museu the plaza at the m of Anthropolog y

National Museum of Anthropology—treasures!

eters y Barb D Photos b

Day Three: Teotihuacan Pyramids Treasure s from th e store

Aztec Sun Pyramid

der

at the Lunch

A local artist sculpting a traditional mask

al ation Intern

Continued on page 13

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Continued from page 11

Day FouWrh:ite City, capital of Yucatan Mérida,The

Museum

Local ice cream company stared in 1907

Montejo— Paseo de fe li t Nigh

jo Museum House of Monte

n Maya

Kitchen at Hacienda Solu ta de

Peón

Henequen fields

Day Five: Hacienda Soluta De Peon, Celestun Flamingo Reserve and Village on the Gulf of Mexico Stree t of pyr vendor at amid b in Iza ase mal

n heneque g the raw Processin

Waiter at Panchos who happily made a marguerita, using wine instead of Tequila— “Barbarita”

Planetarium at Chichen Itza

Day Six: Chichen Itza-Unesco & Izamal-Magic Town of Mexico

Chichen Itza—the day after Placido Domingo performed at the base of the Famous pyramid of Kulkulkan

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Far more than Henk ten Wolde Dutch trade officer

By Rick Lauber with Barb Deters

T

to share what they have learned with Canadians.

EU countries are here to familiarize themselves with the he Netherlands has some 400 honorary Alberta, with Fort McMurray’s rich oilsands, has been Alberta market. They will visit Edmonton on November consulate offices worldwide, including one targeted first. ten Wolde believes that he, along with 20th. Following an evening reception at the World Trade here in Edmonton. So why would His Excellency Wim Geerts, the new Ambassador business colleagues back home, may be able to offer a more Centre, the delegation will head for Calgary. It’s hoped that “effective way to use natural resources, to help and assist they can be enticed back to Edmonton next May for the to Canada, make his first order of business a visit to our with solving problems. It will give Albertans a more Meet the North conference. city? efficient and effective way to use their natural resources and For a very good reason: Of all those hundreds of offices, assist them with solving some of their problems. If there is Edmonton is the only one that boasts a full-time trade SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS officer. Ambassador Geerts visited in mid-September to cut a problem, there is a solution—that is what we say in “This is the first and only trade office, ever,” comments ten Holland.” the ribbon at the new digs in Bonnie Doon Shopping Wolde. The two-year pilot project is being fully financed by Centre. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands to the It’s a significant move, due in no small part to the efforts tune of $300,000 covering all expenses including office rent THE GATEWAY TO EUROPE of Honorary Consul Allen Bleiken. His focus has been on and travel. ten Wolde believes that “with good input we will So, why are the Dutch people seemingly gifting of their introducing Dutch companies to business opportunities in time, energy and expertise? First, there are sound economic get good output!”

Edmonton and Northern Alberta. “It’s about developing “My short-term goals are that I establish traffic and business reasons. This arrangement will “give Dutch strategic synergies… a lot of problems that challenged the traffic means that the door is open and people come in.” companies an opportunity to focus not on Asia and East Dutch 40 years ago are facing Alberta today. I believe the Businesses are welcome to use the boardroom for meetings Europe anymore, but on a more stabilized nice, doingexpertise that led to solutions there can be applied here.” and to discuss opportunities. Further ahead, ten Wolde business country.” Secondly, the Dutch are exploring this Last year, Bleiken organized a delegation of more than 20 venture out of friendship—a long-standing friendship with would like to see increased traffic between our two major companies and countries; “There is no direct flight connection between Canada, developed during World War II when we provided organizations—accompanied by Edmonton and Holland… I am looking forward to getting safe haven to Queen Wilhemina’s Prime Minister Jan Pieter something like that going on to promote both business and daughter, Balkenende, no less—who wanted Princess Juliana, tourism. I would like to change the image of lovely tulips to explore scope and scale of the and people in wooden shoes. It is very nice, very and our soldiers oilsands. They spent four days in fought to liberate picturesque, but I would like to change that image into one Edmonton, one in Fort McMurray, of high-tech.” the Netherlands and two in Calgary. He expects The establishment of the Netherlands Trade Office holds from German the benefits of that mission will great promise… and is supported by the enthusiastic efforts occupation. take another year or two to reach of both ten Wolde and The Dutch are fruition, but he remains confident Bleiken. Recent contact with serious about r o d a s s and optimistic.

Dutch firms attests to s’ Amba oet d n a rl e m Neth And, the diverse background growing interest in s at Mam rt e e G Wim of Henk ten Wolde, the trade expansion into the region.

Mayor Stephe officer, appears to be in lockJan Snel specializes in Counsellor, n Mandel, Philip de Waa Ot l, step with shared aspirations of custom-engineered Allan Bleike tawa Embassy and Hono Economic n ra at the openin Bleiken and the Netherlands modular housing which ry Consul g. decision-makers. “I studied could alleviate pressure technical transportation and logistics… for more accommodation I got a degree in that,” ten Wolde explains. His experience in the Fort McMurray also includes working “in the transportation industry in the area… GC Clad developing new Netherlands, in education, in economics and transportation, prosperous partnerships. produces durable, wearand four years in politics… I was an alderman.” resistant steel As of 2006, the Following his aldermanic role, ten Wolde focused on an pipelines… Damen Netherlands had placed entrepreneurial interest; “I started up my own company Dredging Equipment investments of $22.6 billion to[help] people from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium could help provide a in Canada, and is Alberta’s and Western Europe to get jobs here in Alberta. I am no solution to the fourth largest source of recruiter! A recruiter gets people for a company… I am a tailings pond challenge foreign direct investment. It is job hunter.” facing oilsnds mining… one of the world’s the country’s seventh largest In that role, ten Wolde worked quite closely with many of trading partner, and Alberta’s best soil remediation companies is considering the Alberta’s businesses and built confidence and trust. “We set largest trading partner in the challenge of cleaning up thousands of Alberta well sites… up connections with companies over here. I was not and AMIT which is examining the feasibility of providing European Union, accounting for 23.5 percent of European bringing in hundreds of people… only a few people who the oilsands with major industrial components imports from the province. want to stay here, to live here and to invest in a new future. manufactured in China or Korea.

Bleiken points out that the Netherlands is the gateway to They know exactly what they are doing.”

For Bleiken, “the best example of Dutch entrepreneurial Europe and offers numerous competitive advantages. He As he familiarized himself with the province, ten Wolde immigration is Mammoet, one of the world’s largest and suggests that Alberta companies can gain better, more caught the attention of some key Dutch dignitaries. This most innovative heavy lift and transportation companies. effective access to the EU market and the whole of Europe eventually led to a job offer, which ten Wolde eagerly through the Netherlands… and at lower costs. In a report to Mammoet came to Alberta six years ago and has grown to accepted. “I came here August 29th [2008] and started become one of Alberta’s largest and most successful heavy the Alberta Foreign offices Review Committee, Bleiken working on Labour Day.” The office officially opened lift companies.” On September 19th, Ambassador Geerts wrote: “The importance of the EU is demonstrated in the within three weeks of his arrival. His days are spent attended the official opening of Mammoet’s new head fact that it is the world’s largest single market. It has a contacting provincial businesses, networking, promoting office and plant site in east Edmonton. This site will population which is 64 percent larger than the U.S., and a and “getting ties set up. This month we are focusing on a employ about 600 workers—one-third of the firms GDP which is 9.8 percent larger than the U.S. and 452 couple of fields—special things: water management, soil international workforce. . percent larger than China. It occupies the world’s largest remediation, carbon capture restraints—a hot issue over With this kind of success and so much potential, it will be share of trade in goods and services. Canada’s two-way here. We are doing the same in Holland, but on a smaller interesting to watch how things unfold over the next two merchandise trade with the EU in 2006 was $78 billion, scale because back home we have 17 million people living years and, possibly, beyond. A mutually beneficial and two-way investment reached $263 billion.” in an area that fits between Edmonton and Calgary.” understanding has been developed here: a scenario in the In Bleiken’s opinion, it would be in the province’s best Imagine trying to squeeze a 30-foot travel trailer into a interests to form a stronger economic and trade relationship business world where many survive… and thrive. All bodes single-car garage and you’ll get the idea. well for the relationship between the Netherlands and with the Netherlands which has developed leading edge Because of this confined topography, the Dutch have had supply-chain management systems and a fully integrated Alberta. √ to become experts in conservation and best-use practices.

European transportation network. Alberta currently has They must carefully plan, forecast and find the most For further information and/or to meet with Henk ten international offices in London, England and Munich, efficient means of accomplishing their objectives. This is Wolde, you ca call him at 780 490-5004 or e-mail to Germany. valuable knowledge and, best of all, the Dutch are willing h.tenwolde@alberta-holland.com.

For the first time, the trade commissioners from the 27 EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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Continued from page 9 It’s unusual—and somewhat refreshing—to review trade statistics that are not dominated by the oil and gas sector: In fact, the agricultural sector leads Alberta’s export list to Mexico. In recognition, the trade office has hired a commercial officer dedicated to agriculture. Our top 10 export sectors are canola seeds, meat, plastic, cereals, machinery, woodpulp, electrical machinery, precision instruments, preserved food and organic chemicals. While processed beef is still being shipped, the border has been closed temporarily to shipments of live cattle, following another reported case of BSE in Alberta.

For the most part, Mexico sends communications equipment, motor vehicle parts, steel pipe and computer parts to Alberta.

Overall, trade between Canada and Mexico “is significantly understated by official statistics due to transshipment of good through the U.S.” Indeed, Mexico estimates our exports as two to three times larger than Canadian statistics.

ADDRESSING LABOUR SHORTAGES Mexico has long-been a source of temporary workers in Alberta. One of the biggest success stories and an ideal model for similar initiatives is the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program which will mark its 35th year of operation in 2009. The federal government has launched a pilot program in labour mobility which could see close to 500 Mexican workers participating in the hospitality and road construction industries.

In 2006 Alberta received 1145 temporary foreign workers from Mexico, making it the 5th largest source

David Nygaard

THE TIES THAT BIND Alberta has forged strong relations throughout Mexico, but none stronger that its presence in Jalisco, its “sister state” since 1999. Private sector cooperation is flourishing in a range of areas including agri-food, economic development, tourism and education.

But none is more significant in bridging gaps and fostering understanding than education. The Alberta’s Education Centre in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco, opened in 2004 and since that time, a number of our post-secondary educational institutions have facilitate exchanges, seminars, and cooperation in training.

The University of Alberta is particularly active, having entered into agreements with major institutions in Jalisco, including: Universidad de Guadalajara, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, ITESM (Guadalajara campus), participating in forums and exchanges. As well, NAIT, Grant MacEwan College, Mount Royal College and Olds College are building partnerships in Jalisco and participating in exchanges.

Hundreds of students are involved.

While Edmonton and Calgary jointly have an economic cooperation partnership with Jalisco’s cities of Guadalajara and Zapopan, this is one area where Nygaard feels more effort could be expended.

Recognizing that this is a two-way responsibility, he’s prepared to facilitate the identification of areas of mutual benefit, whether through the public or private sectors.

country of temporary foreign workers to Alberta. Nygaard believes that close to 2500 work visas will be granted this year. He’s enthusiastic about opportunities being presented by the Alberta Immigrant Program which will attract more professional, middle class Mexicans to our workforce.

TWO-WAY TRAVEL According to Christie Makowichuk, director of leisure travel Americas at the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, “The Mexican market is the most important leisure market in North American for us here at Edmonton Tourism. After 9/11, we saw the traditionally strong leisure travel visitor numbers from the U.S. declining and we had

to seek out new markets that had an affinity to travel to Alberta and Edmonton. After significant research was completed, we actively began to pursue Mexican visitors and direct air service in 2004. This was a coordinated effort, done in partnership with other Alberta destinations and Travel Alberta.

Makowichuk adds, “in June of this year, Mexicana Airlines began servicing the Edmonton International Airport with direct flights into Edmonton three times per week from Mexico City. Edmonton is a good fit for Mexican travellers as they love to shop, explore arts and culture, and to experience vibrant celebrations and festivals. In our tourism marketing, Edmonton is positioned not as a stand alone destination but as one of the entry points into Alberta that can connect them to the wonders of the Canadian Rockies.”

Most Albertans don’t think that the province has much appeal for Mexicans who enjoy warm weather the year round, but Nygaard begs to differ. They relish the opportunity to experience our distinct seasons, our cities and Rocky Mountain adventures. He’s encouraged by a promotion, dubbed the “D-tour” that will see Brewster Tours teaming up with Mexicana to offer a novel package.

“For example, visitors will be able to fly directly into Calgary… then bus to Banff, head past the Columbia Icefields to Jasper… culminate their tour in Edmonton… enjoy West Edmonton Mall and one of the city’s festivals… and catch a direct flight back to Mexico City.”

Nygaard recognizes the importance of tourism travel and acknowledges the popularity of Mexico as a destination, served by various airlines. However, he sees the advent of Mexicana’s direct flights to Edmonton (three times a week) and Calgary (four times) to Mexico City as ideally suited to business travelers. He compares the convenience to trips by Albertans to Houston—something we do on a regular basis.

Mexicana expects 24,000 passengers a year to travel on these direct flights, which translates into an occupation level of 63 percent. From Mexico City International Airport, passengers can catch connecting flights to destination throughout Mexico or cities served by the carrier in Central and South America.

A delegation from Edmonton took an inaugural flight in June. It provided EEDC president Ron Gilbertson with an opportunity to address a roomful of government officials and business people on the advantages of doing business with the city. He focused on the emergence of the Edmonton region as one of the world’s strongest economies, its economic future, and existing business and investment opportunities.

The foundation for ever increasing cooperation and trade is strong—there is every reason to expect continued growth and expanded relations. √

Join the

CONVERSATION have your say online at

edmontoniansvisionaries.wordpress.com

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M

edia Minute with Bruce Hogle

Like athletic teams, the stage and Hollywood, the media also have their “stars”. In the case of TV, it’s the 6 pm news anchors… for radio, the morning crews… for the print media, various news/sports columnists. Editorial cartoonists used to share that spotlight but not now. In some cases, like the Edmonton Sun, editorial cartoonist Fred Curalo was dumped two years ago as a cost-cutting measure.

Curalo is not alone. That was evident at the recent Canadian editorial cartoonists conference in Banff where delegates questioned whether this might be their last get-together. Understandable, given that U.S. editorial cartoonists now total a mere 80 compared to 250 a decade ago.

Canada’s best known cartoonist, Terry Mosher, has been drawing 37 years for the Montreal Gazette under the moniker Aislin. He attributes the number of diminishing cartoonists and provocative cartoons to a lack of courage on the part of editors. Patrick LaMontagne, formerly of Red Deer and now of Canmore, syndicates five to 10 political cartoons to papers in every province. He emphasizes fear of alienating readers is to blame for lack of contentious cartoons.

Edmonton Journal editortial cartoonist Malcolm Meyer, in his 23rd year there, feels the problem is compounded by an increasing number of newspaper people with non-journalistic backgrounds—in fact, the current publisher came from the

Drawing Attention

Yellow Pages. This is a far cry from the days when hard bitten editors took tough stands and demanded the same of others, including fearless cartoonists.

That may explain the phenomenal success of former Journal and internationally acclaimed cartoonist Edd Uluschak and equally lauded Journal/Sun cartoonist Yardley Jones Yardley, 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 produced 11 consecutive yearly volumes of his work which were described by Aislin as of the “blowtorch” variety, rather than “blowdryer”.

As the proud owner of all 11 editions, I can see the furore he evoked. During the Lougheed era, when the government was proposing user fees for the disabled people, Edd’s cartoon showed the Premier shoving a wheelchair occupant down a steep hill while kicking the crutch out from under another disabled individual.

Downtown Edmonton–

Another one shows Pierre Elliott Trudeau holding a horse by the neck— the head of which is Joe Clark—pointing to a bucket of water entitled Energy Bill and stating one word: “Drink!” Referring to former Mayor Cec Purves and his council, Edd showed a boss leaning on the desk of an accountant type, saying: “Pity to waste all this incompetence on us – ever consider running for City Council?”

While he has given up political cartooning, Edd and former Al Shamal Shriner Potentate Jim Robertson have collaborated on an incredibly successful Shriners Bullyproof Guide. The messages and caricatures portrayed within this publication are as strong and meaningful as Uluschak’s former cartoons. The Shriners Bullyproof Guide has won high praise from educators, police, politicians and parents alike—all of whom are getting sick and tired of what is happening on our streets, schools yards and within too many schools which don’t have a police presence.

Mind you, when Corrections Canada doesn’t tell anyone about sicko Daniel Todd Gratton living in Edmonton, and we only find out after he has been charged with assaulting two young girls within 72 hours, how can we expect police to do their jobt? √ Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and recently retired head of the Alberta Press Council. Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com

C ivic Buzz with David Norwood

You’ve come a long way baby!

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here rarely seems to be a

time these days when debates and discussion about Edmonton’s future aren’t in a state of flux. Perhaps this is characteristic of a growing and vibrant urban area …like Edmonton, or maybe it’s because of the particular circumstances that have given rise to the specific issues that Edmonton faces: The future of the City Centre Airport; a draft Municipal Development Plan (“The Way We Grow”); a draft Transportation Master Plan (“The Way We Move”); infrastructure renewal and expansion; regional cooperation; the development of Port Alberta; property taxes and other sources of revenue. These are among the most important issues facing Edmonton.

City Hall decision-makers have many issues, most of them interrelated. The Edmonton region is definitely at a crossroads, probably the most important one it has faced in its more than 100 years as a city. To continue to evolve as it has, with increasing sprawl and low density, is simply unsustainable, and the two Master Plans the City has drafted fortunately, and perhaps inevitably, recognize this fact.

The Municipal Development Plan includes this in its introduction paragraph: “The Plan provides strategic policy direction for urban form, growth and development based on a 30-year land development concept map. The Plan contains a regional component which addresses Edmonton’s regional relationships and an intermunicipal planning component which addresses the coordination of future land use, growth patterns and transportation systems with Edmonton’s neighbouring municipalities.

As Edmonton’s primary planning document, The Way We Grow will provide direction to the development and implementation of more specific, detailed plans by City departments over a 10 -year planning horizon.”

Similarly, the Transportation Master

Plan identifies seven “strategic goals”— (transportation and land use integration; access and mobility; sustainability; transportation mode shift; health and safety; economic vitality; well-maintained infrastructure) to be implemented between now and 2040. That’s when the population of the City itself is expected to be about 1.15 million, while the metro region will grow from 1.1 million to more than 1.6 million people.

The refreshing aspect of these plans is that they are grounded in common sense; they are based on sustainability (very much an over-used word, but, in the case of these Plans, carefully defined and explained); and they are do-able. Strong political will is required, which is not surprising given the fact that implementation involves an almost paradigm shift in thinking about how the city is developed. It also will take a lot of money, meaning that the decisions must include the buy-in of both the provincial and federal governments. And those two levels of government, frankly, must support these plans, since the challenges expressed in the Plans are hardly unique to Edmonton; most large Canadian cities have similar challenges.

The two City Plans are detailed reading, but very much worth the time. They have, if for no other reason than their crucial significance to Edmonton’s and the region’s future. Links to both of them, and their executive summaries, can be found at www.edmonton.ca. Enter by placing the words “draft plan” in the search box of the City’s website.

The City’s downtown is very much in the process of revitalization, and a recent award to the City underscores and rewards its efforts in this respect. It’s for the City’s innovative approach to urban planning and education. Edmonton has earned a special achievement award in planning from the Washington D.C. -based International

Downtown Association.

The City received the award for its Downtown North Edge Plan and the Urban Design Handbook. This plan— involving the area between 105th and 108th Avenues from , and between 101st and 117th Streets—was selected for its merits as a major study in urban planning to transform an area close to the city’s downtown core. The Urban Design Handbook demonstrates what good urban design means to Edmonton and is a useful tool for businesses and residents.

The International Downtown Association (IDA) has honoured exemplary projects in the field of downtown revitalization for the past 23 years. Winning entries receive its the coveted “stamp of approval” from IDA, the world leader in downtown revitalization.

The Downtown Achievement Awards recognize the best that downtown revitalization and management have to offer.

Congratulations to all those involved, and let’s hope the good work continues.

A team led by Canadian-based architectural firm Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. has been chosen to provide design consulting services for the $365 million Federal Building and Centennial Plaza project in Edmonton’s government centre.

Kasian was selected through a public, competitive process. Twelve proponents responded to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), with four firms shortlisted and invited to submit proposals.

Kasian will design the Federal Building rejuvenation (as opposed to renovation), a 650-stall underground parkade, and a new Centennial Plaza that will extend the Legislature grounds to 99th Avenue. The existing landmark building, originally constructed for the Federal government in 1958, has been unoccupied since 1989.

According to Kasian’s website, the building landmark will “undergo a contemporary transformation that will

give it new purpose and reconnect it with the city. The design will focus on preservation and sustainability while drawing inspiration from the art deco style of the original architecture.”

“Our team is committed to preserving the heritage, spirit, and dignity of the Edmonton Federal Building,” said Bill Chomik, Kasian principal. “We look forward to collaborating with the Alberta Government and the Edmonton community to deliver this legacy project.”

Kasian has assembled a world-class team including two Toronton firms: heritage architects and conservation specialists, Goldsmith Borgal and Company Architects of Toronto; and urban design and planning specialists, Moriyama + Teshima Architects and Planners, also of Toronto.

Design development work is underway and should be completed in early 2009.

Construction work is expected to start shortly thereafter. The building should be ready for occupancy by about 800 provincial government employees in late 2011. According to the Alberta government, the project will be an example of environmental sustainability.

Founded in Edmonton, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. is now a global firm with offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Dubai, Mumbai and Shanghai. Among its local projects are the under-construction EPCOR Tower, the new Robbins Health Learning Centre at MacEwan College’s downtown campus, and the recently renovated Matrix Hotel on 107th Street. √ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor. Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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The Businessof

Love

Fit to be tied

By Ryan Jespersen

N

Turns out, busting brides’ butts their honeymoon,” says Kovack. “But we try to ever mind my driver’s license. I’ve come to is big business. At points this encourage more long-term thinking… a total realize I will face no more intimidating year, half of MacDonald’s boot lifestyle change. Trying to form habits that will still photo shoot than our wedding day this camp clients have been coming March. specifically working towards a That perfect moment, captured in time, wedding. will be reprinted dozens of times and hang There’s even better news. Bridal framed in our house for the next 50 years. boot camp has room for grooms.

Yet, at a time when I should be dreaming “We have a lot of couples sign about the perfect setting, all I’m focused up together,” says fitness on is a double chin spelling disaster. consultant Janice Fairbridge. “I Turns out I’m not the only engaged had one guy bring in his fiancée a person looking to lighten up before I get while ago—he was dragging her in married. A recent CBS news report looked a bit.” into Brides and Botox, a growing trend Ryan and Kari (I can’t even begin to imagine the toward pre-wedding plastic surgery. And, at the finish lin eggshells that man must have been it would seem, more than a few e together walking on, nor can I say I’d ever bridesmaids have taken offence at requests find myself in that situation. Kari that they, too, go under the knife to willingly spends hours at the gym on sharpen their looks. a regular basis. Have I made myself clear?)

As appealing as liposuction is (think of I endure a somewhat-humbling fitness the convenience), I know there are better evaluation and survive my first session with ways for me to get in photo-ready form by highly-recommended trainer Vic Gill. Two spring. For starters, I assume it can’t hurt weeks in, I’m not exactly Matthew to get active.

McConaughey, but at least I’ve got a weekly My ever-supportive fiancée, Capital Ryan pumping iron under the appointment with a guy who’s not much for FM’s Kari Skelton, joins me in signing supervision of staff at Club Fit excuses. up for a 10 km “fun run.” Not only do I Plus, if we’re down to ignore Kari’s suggestions to train with her weeks before the wedding and I’ve be in place a couple of years into the marriage.” beforehand, but I bring McDonald’s home for dinner the still got work to do? Don’t rule out a Habits are all well and good, but I’m shopping for night before the big race. You can imagine how fun my run groom at bridal boot camp. We something a little shorter-term. I’m past Step One: I’ve turns out to be. admitted I have a problem getting motivated and sticking to won’t even talk about air-brushing It’s at this point I realize I need a little help getting on our wedding photos...yet. √ a fitness schedule. I need that extra push so I can look buff track. It’s time to exercise with an expert. in my board shorts five months from now.

“These are probably the most important photos you’re Ryan Jespersen hosts Breakfast Then, Club Fit’s manager, Karen MacDonald, tells me ever going to take,” smiles Gillian Kovack, a personal Television weekday mornings from about the Warriors. “It’s basically our bridal boot camp.“ trainer at Club Fit on Jasper Avenue. Wedding weight loss 6-10 am on Citytv. E-mail Ryan at Extended workouts three times a week for six weeks at a is what they do. rjespersen@edmontonians.com time.

“Mostly, we see brides that want to be bikini-ready for

t s i w T a g n i Add

TO WHYTE

AVENUE

S

ometimes I like to check on previous Edmontonians Sizzling 20 Under 30s. In 2006, Rishi Patel sizzled as the owner of Keeran Systems, a software company.

Recently I caught up with Rishi to discuss his new venture, Twist Ultra Lounge—a sophisticated gem of a club on Whyte Avenue.

I asked Rishi why he Twist Ultra Lounge chose to open a nightclub, a notoriously tough industry to break into and a long way from computer systems, He replied, “Ever since I was young, I could never resist a good party. I’ve been fortunate to party in some of the world’s hottest lounges and clubs, and I never understood why none of Edmonton’s lounges offered the same experience. So it’s a niche we want to create in Edmonton. Plus, as a serial entrepreneur, it never hurts to make one of your hobbies a part of your portfolio.”

The space was originally known as Backroom Vodka Bar and then as Club 9. After a few ‘soft openings’ to test systems and the response to the atmosphere, the

E

my

space

For Young Entreprenuers

By Erin Rayner

ownership group has decided to re-brand the 185-person club as Twist Ultra Lounge.

“What we noticed is Whyte Ave. is full of college party bars and we

meets-art décor… [It] caters to Edmonton’s socialites by offering premium cocktails, true bottle service and a mature, comfortable atmosphere to unwind in.”

From a marketing perspective Twist’s location may be one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. Edmonton’s sophisticated young professional may see themselves as having outgrown the Whyte Ave. party scene. So the key will be getting the right people in the room initially to spread the word that there is a grown-up alternative to the places in Old Strathcona frequented by students. The owners have the right idea to market through their networks at first.

Twist will host a monthly weekday networking event and, in time, will partner with local charities to broaden their reach and help groups with fundraising.

Mark your calendars for the first networking event on Thursday, November 27th from 6 to 10pm at Twist Ultra Lounge—10324 82nd Avenue. √

wanted our lounge to be different. So we decided to launch Twist Ultra Lounge— a casual upscale lounge, with a fashion-

Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. You can submit marketing materials for review; suggest young entrepreneurs to be profiled; nominate a Top Three; or ask a business developement question. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

Rishi Patel

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lifestyles LIVELY

Cakes for the

3 Kings MEXICO’S ROSCA DE REYES

MENU

Magic with Chef John Berry

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hristmas culinary traditions have come a long way from when we first started celebrating the birth of the Christ child.

Many of us love preparing festive meals for family and friends during the holiday season. But top honours go to the 13th Century European King who celebrated for the customary 12 days… and went through 200 tons of wine and 2,000 oxen.

Our Christmas feasts have evolved, depending on where we lived and what was readily available in the larder. Let’s take a plum pudding, for example. Its origin dates back to the early 15th Century when it was made from chopped beef or mutton and onions, to which added root vegetables and dried fruit. By the 1670s, the meat was on its way out and the plum pudding—made, for the most part, with dried fruit—emerged..

Another dish that has survived through the ages actually had its beginnings in Ancient Arab and Roman recipes. The Twelfth Night Cake honours the Three Wise Men who visited Baby Jesus in the manger 12 nights after His birth.

This Christian holiday is called Epiphany, Twelfth Night and Three Kings Day. The cake is a basic yeast-based brioche filled with dried fruits and nuts. The traditional cake as we know it today was made by Christians throughout most of Europe by the Middle Ages. In many countries, it was customary to celebrate Epiphany with a feast on its eve, or Twelfth Night.

The cake featured a bean or token embedded somewhere in it. The man who found it in his cake was named Lord of the festivities and could command guests to do his bidding. A lady finding the bean would be named Queen.

In France, the cake is known as Gateau des Rois… in Louisiana, king cake… in Germany, Dreikongskuchen… in Scotland, black bun… in Spain and Mexico, Rosca de Reyes.

I hope these two recipes will inspire you to include something a little different on your holiday menu.

NEW ORLEANS TWELFTH NIGHT CAKE The Gateau de Rois—King’s Cake—is served during the festive, world-famous Mardis Gras carnival balls.

Traditionally, to choose a king for the ball, each guest received a piece of the cake at the stroke of midnight. A large linen napkin was placed over the cake so no one could see which piece contained the bean or ring. Champagne was served and enjoyed with the cake. After finding the treasures in the cake, the “royal couple” would be crowned.

This recipe is dated 1901.

Ingredients 2 pounds of the best flour 1 Cup of sugar 1 pound of the best butter

12 eggs 1/2 ounce of salt Candies to decorate

Preparation • Put the butter into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar, and beat for 10 minutes. Gradually add the eggs and beat for 20 minutes. Work in the flour.

• Chef’s note: the original recipe, dated 1874, sees cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, ginger and all-spice used as well. Ground almonds and some dried fruit were also added plus a claret-glassful of brandy. Your choice.

• Pour batter into a well greased cake pan and bake at 350˚F until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. As the cake bakes and the top is firm, you might want to cover the cake with parchment to prevent burning. The original instructions call for you to bake in a slow but well-heated oven, probably wood fired back then.

• When the cake is done and cooled, cover with a thick layer of white icing decorated with candies.

Serves your whole family and all the neighbours.

This holiday ring— also called Magi Bread—is shaped in a wreath, with a small Jesus figurine baked right in. The person who gets the figurine has to provide the tamales for the next party—generally held on February 2nd to conclude Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients 1/3 up warm water 1 egg beaten 1/4 tsp salt 1 packet of yeast 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 4 cups flour 1/2 tsp anise seed 1 cup sugar 4 tsp vanilla extract 4 large eggs, beaten 3/4 cup butter, room temperature 1/3 cup sugar (topping) 2 Cups candied fruit A small figurine or toy (figs, orange, lemon, mango, cherries) Preparation: • Sprinkle the yeast on the surface of the water and let it sit for 10 minutes.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast water, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, cinnamon, anise seed and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms, and knead for 5 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm area until dough is doubled in size, about 2 hours.

• Punch dough down and shape into a wreath. Simply roll it into a log shape then bend the ends around to form a circle… or make three thinner strips and braid them, then put the ends together. The wreath should be about 12-14 inches in diameter. Lift up one area and insert the toy by pushing it up through the bottom. Smooth out any lumps or tears.

• Cut larger candied fruits into strips and lay them across the top and pressing slightly.

• Let ring rise until doubled. Brush top with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar and bake for approximately 45 minutes at 350˚F. √ Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com

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www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS NOVEMBER 2008

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Meantime, eggnog was evolving. Developed in England in the late 1800s, it was a mixture of eggs, milk and some form of alcohol—which varied from wine to beer to distilled spirits. The drink became synonymous with winter as it seemed to take the chill off rather splendidly. Several recipes specified the nog should be drunk only after the first snowfall. Considered the drink of the wealthy in England because few could afford milk, it was often given to the less fortunate at Christmas as an act of charity.

to the local villagers. He played director and organized a troupe costumed in biblical robes, accompanied by farm animals, to gather around a life sized wax figure of the infant Christ in a manger. On Christmas Eve, he invited families from far and wide to enjoy in the theatrics and rejoice in Christ’s birth. St. Francis is also credited with introducing Christmas carols by adding religious lyrics to everyday tunes.

Kala Christougenna

Turkey… Jolly St Nick

Greece… The Merry Berry

with Linda Bodo

T

raditions define who we are. They give life continuity by connecting generation to generation with warmth and familiarity. They nourish our hearts and provide precious memories to last a lifetime. They are the bridge between past and present, and nowhere is it so evident than at Christmas time.

Nutmeg-sprinkled eggnog, the scent of pine colouring the air with thoughts of St Nick, a shy peck under the mistletoe... Where and when did these essential holiday ingredients originate?

Feliz Navidad

Mexico… Flower Power In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett brought a plant from Mexico to America. Its red and green leaves were a Christmas shoo-in, so in 1870, New York stores marketed them as the perfect holiday accessory. By 1900, the poinsettia had become synonymous with the season.

Legend has it that a handful of green branches were gathered by a young boy on his way to church as an offering to the Christ Child. As he laid the forlorn bouquet by the manger in the nativity scene, the other children scoffed—until a brilliant red star-shaped flower appeared on each branch. Native to Mexico, poinsettias were first implemented in Christmas celebrations as early as the 17th century by the Mexican Franciscans.

Merry Christmas

England… Jokes ‘n Yolks In December 1843, British aristocrat Sir Henry Cole commissioned a painting for a set of cards to send to family and friends. An artist’s rendering of a family toasting the season became the colour-lithographed design of the first Christmas card. The publisher sold each card for 1 shilling (roughly 10¢) but, initially, the cards did not sell well.

However, by the 1900s, Christmas cards had grown in popularity and swamped post offices the world over.

Kissing under the mistletoe dates back to the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. The practice originated from two beliefs: Mistletoe had the power to bestow fertility and possessed ‘life-giving’ abilities.

In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses could kiss and make-up. In the 18th Century, the English routinely knotted mistletoe into spheres they called “kissing balls”. At Christmas time, a young lady standing under a mistletoe ball could not refuse a kiss. The smooch could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl in question remained un-kissed, she wouldn’t receive any marriage proposals during the following year. The ball was burned after 12 nights to ensure that all who locked lips would indeed find marital bliss.

Fröhliche Weihnachten

Germany… Oh Tannenbaum In 7th Century Germany, St. Boniface began spreading the word of God by using the triangular shape of fir trees to portray the Holy Trinity. Soon the converted locals began revering the fir as God’s tree. By the 12th Century, the tree was hung upside down at Christmas in central Europe as a symbol of Christianity.

Early in the 16th Century, Martin Luther was the first to decorate the tree with candles to replicate twinkling stars.

By the mid 1500s, gingerbread cookies, wax ornaments and boldly wrapped candies were added to the tree’s decor.

Tinsel glitzed into the picture around 1610 by German craftsmen who implemented real silver; however it tarnished quickly juxtaposed to candle flames.

Buone Natale

Italy… Away in a Manger St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating one of the most enduring symbols of the holiday season: Presepio— the Nativity scene. Inspired by local shepherds guarding their flocks, St. Francis hit on the idea of creating a “living” re-creation of the birth of Jesus to bring the Christmas spirit

Noeliniz Kutlu Olsun Saint Nicholas was born nearly 2000 years ago in the region now called Turkey. He became the bishop of Myra, known for his philanthropic patronage, particularly to children.

Legend has it that a poor man, who lived in the same village, could not afford dowries for each of his three daughters. Since they could not be married off, the destitute father decided to sell them. Nick heard of the family’s plight so, when the eldest daughter came of marrying age, he tossed a small bag of gold down their chimney—which landed in a stocking hug to dry over the fire. She was spared a life of misery… as were both her sisters who met with the same good fortune. As a result, this generous man has become the symbol of gift-giving to children. Over the centuries, his legacy spread throughout Europe where patrons celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th by bestowing gifts upon deserving children.

Shèng Dàn Kuài Lè China… It’s a Wrap!

Gifts have been wrapped since 105 AD, when paper was invented in China. The process was considered a sacred art and divulging its secret was a crime punishable by death.

Somehow the info leaked out and, by 800 AD, the Egyptians knew all about it. They couldn’t keep a secret either, and soon the concept spread to Europe where the first paper mill was erected in 1085.

Fast forward to the Victorian era where exchanging presents went under cover with elaborately printed papers, bound with ribbon and lace—Scotch tape didn’t come on the scene until 1930. Unfortunately these papers were stiff and difficult to work with. As printing presses developed, endless sheets of wrapping paper could be printed with consistent quality. In 1890, the flexography process produced a durable paper ideally suited to gift wrap. It became popular in America’s when Hallmark founder, Joyce C. Hall opened his first shop in downtown Kansas City. √ Contact Linda Bodo at lbodo@edmontonians.com or visit www.absolutebodo.com.

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 441-6793

Only ostriches bury their heads in the sand Surviving volatile markets should not translate into a run and hide situation while you wait for the boom times to return to Alberta. Our current economic problems are not going to disappear anytime soon. However, one thing is certain, markets are cyclical and both boom and bust periods always return.

There are still plenty of opportunities and/or options available for mid-market businesses. The challenge is to select the best way to proceed by carefully analyzing your situation.

If you have been able to build a solid capital base with good liquidity, this market could provide you with a good opportunity to expand or make an acquisition. It might also be an opportune time to visit your lender and request a credit line. Lenders are still open for business and are quite accommodating when presented with a

quality deal. It is easier to get credit when you don’t need it and have it available to add liquidity when you do.

It also enables you to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

You still have options if your capital base is not very liquid. You can raise capital internally by selling redundant assets or dissolving non-performing or non-core divisions to free up some capital. The extra capital can be used to add liquidity and/or pay down debt.

Alternatively, you can also look for fresh capital to restructure the balance sheet.

Private equity groups have told us they are still eager to invest in good companies. It is better to own 70% of a viable company than 100% of a stressed one.

So despite volatile global markets, middle-market businesses should not retreat and hide while those who created

this mess sort it out. No one knows how long this will last. We have heard estimates from 12-36 months. Many of the seasoned business owners we speak to have been through volatile times before and most have weathered them successfully. They did this with prudent fiscal management. Many chose to be proactive and explore available opportunities and options. None buried their head in the sand and waited for the market to get better. Most recognized that doing nothing was not an option and proceeding that way would only result in missing valuable opportunities.

We can analyze your situation and present you with the various options available to you so you can comfortably and accurately decide what is best for your company in these volatile times.

EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2008

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