St. Albert Leader - Dec. 22, 2011 by St. Albert Leader

Artwork: FRED CURATOLO, St. Albert Leader

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The T h Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Lead the

Taking a spill

INDEX

Photo: glenn cook, St. Albert leader

News . . . . . . . . . 3 Opinion . . . . . . . . 8 Entertainment . . . . . 10 Lifestyle . . . . . . . . 12 Homes . . . . . . . 15 Health . . . . . . . 16 Business . . . . . . 18 stalbertjobs.com . . . . 19

Connor Gratton, 10, loses an edge while taking a shot playing hockey with friends on the outdoor ice rink along Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, near Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, on Saturday afternoon. The City of St. Albert opened the rinks this weekend, and should stay open until at least Feb. 15.

COVER

St. Nicholas has been working hard to get his list together for St. Albert this Christmas, but everything should in place in time for his annual magical voyage come Saturday night.

Finishing touches put on budget GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

FUN WITH NUMBERS

$2.5 billion

That’s how much director James Cameron is being sued for by screenwriter Bryant Moore, who claims the 2009 movie Avatar was based on two scripts he wrote: Aquatica and Descendants: The Pollination. This is the second such suit Cameron has faced over Avatar.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY DEC. 22, 1969

Canadian Olympic biathlon gold medallist Myriam Bedard is born in Loretteville, Que. She won gold in the 7.5- and 15-kilometre events in the 1994 Lillehammer Games, the first non-European to win gold in the biathlon.

St. Albert city council put the finishing touches on the 2012 civic budget on Monday evening, keeping the residential property tax increase at 2.8 per cent. Councillors voted unanimously to pass all aspects of the budget and the associated bylaws at their regular meeting, but not before they made a few final motions. “While we each had a shot at individual line items, [passing the budget] shows that we’ve given support to our staff to move forward,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse The first of the motions was brought forward by Coun. Cam MacKay, who wanted to cut the City of St. Albert’s overall training and development budget by $50,000 — down from a $125,000 cut that he originally proposed during budget deliberations — which passed 7-0. MacKay noted that, in the past few years, there had been at least that much left over in the City’s training budget at the end of the fiscal year, so he wanted the amount adjusted to reflect that. “I have no problem with training

said. “That would be a shame.” and development,” he said. Coun. Cathy Heron was the lone “However, when you keep asking dissenting vote. for more than you need from the “What I really don’t like, and it residents of St. Albert, I think goes back to previous arguments, they deserve to get a little better is taxing the taxpayers maybe budgeting than that.” unnecessarily,” she said, noting that The $50,000 saved through that the 2010 Special Olympics National motion, though, was added right Summer Games in London, Ont., back in when Crouse’s motion to turned a profit of $200,000. fund legacy projects stemming The biggest ticket item on the from next year’s Special Olympics agenda was a functional alignment National Winter Games was study for light approved by a rail transit 6-1 vote. The running through motion called St. Albert to for $25,000 in the north end, capital funds as proposed and $25,000 by Coun. Len in operating Cam MacKay Bracko at a cost funds whether City councillor of $534,000. or not the Bracko said games turned a that, with the City of Edmonton financial surplus. Crouse said that some of the possibly looking at building LRT sports in the games are not played in lines from NAIT north to the edge of St. Albert faster than first St. Albert in a regular basis, and he anticipated, it was time to strike wanted to make sure athletes could while the iron was hot. participate after the event is over. “I would ask that council support “I think we have an obligation to this motion, the funding, so we can make sure we are showing the 700, send a strong message to the federal 800, 900 athletes and their families and provincial government that who come to town that they just don’t leave and there’s no legacy,” he we’re serious about LRT,” he said.

“I think they deserve ... a little better budgeting.”

If passed, the motion would not have had any impact on property taxes, as City staff were confident funding could be found. In the end, though, the motion was voted down 4-3, with Heron, Crouse, MacKay and Coun. Malcolm Parker voting against. “To approve this motion tonight ... and we get it done, and yet we have many, many years to wait to build it and things change over time, then are we going to have to review and upgrade our plan to make sure it’s what we really want?” Parker said. “I think we’re a little premature with bringing this forward and going ahead with this now, and spending this kind of money.” Other motions approved Monday night included an extra $6,000 going into a beautification business case so that St. Albert can be represented at a national Communities in Bloom conference next October, during which an event will be held at the Enjoy Centre, and $7,500 to cover utility costs for the Michif Cultural and Resources Institute. A motion to increase funding to the Northern Alberta Business Incubator by $5,000 was defeated.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Bylaw changes to aim at smoke shops evening was Chad Wentworth, owner of Chads420 Smoke Shop, which has 11 locations across Alberta and British Drug paraphernalia shops remained Columbia, including in Gateway Village in squarely in the crosshairs of St. Albert city St. Albert. council this week. Wentworth told council he runs a tight After receiving a report on possible ship, with stores operating under strict bylaw amendments that could be made to regulations and taking precautions that curb such shops in the city, council voted aren’t necessarily required by law, like unanimously to have City of St. Albert staff putting protective film on their windows. get to work on making those amendments “People shouldn’t have to be exposed to Monday evening. that if they don’t want to,” he explained. “I just want [drug shops] stopped,” He added that his shops do not allow Coun. Roger Lemieux said. “I don’t anyone under 16 on the premises unless know how we’re going to do it, but I’m accompanied by a parent and do not sell going to do all I can, as tobacco-related products an individual and an to anyone under 18, elected official, to have although they are able this stopped. It’s just an to buy clothes, flags and insult to this community, blankets. an insult to its citizens.” “We do not sell any Possible amendments products that are to Roger Lemieux to the Business Licensing be intended for illegal City councillor Bylaw could define activity,” Wentworth categories of restricted said, contending that products and prohibit the products he sells are the display or offer for sale of three or more meant to be used with tobacco and legal categories of restricted products in a single herbs. “What they do after [the purchase] store or under a single license; prohibit the is up to them.” sale of such products to minors; or require However, most of council found that such products be obscured from Wentworth’s rationale pretty tough to outside view. swallow. Under the Tobacco Retail Licensing “When a business displays marijuana Bylaw, staff suggested changes could be leaves or ‘420’ ... has frosted windows and made to include certain smoking devices sells paraphernalia directly related to in an expanded definition of tobacco illegal drug use, and then stands before products. us and says they’re not in the business, it “The bottom line in this whole matter seems disingenuous at best,” Coun. Wes is that St. Albert does not want businesses Brodhead said. that sell materials and products related Chads420 is currently the only smoke to the illegal drug trade,” Coun. Malcolm shop in St. Albert after the lease for Blitz Parker said. “I think we have to be very 420, which was located along St. Albert proactive. I have all the confidence that the Trail, was not renewed and neighbours community will support us.” spoke out against the owner’s attempts to Responding to the report Monday reopen in an Akinsdale strip mall.

GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

“It’s just an insult to this community ... to its citizens.”

The magic of Christmas

Photo: glenn cook, St. Albert leader

Magician Marc Tardif enthralls students at École Father Jan with his Christmasthemed tricks and antics at an assembly on Thursday, Dec. 15.

s a m t s i r h C y r r e M Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with the joy of friends and loved ones and an exceptional New Year.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

SAFEST CITIES IN CANADA 1. Caledon, Ont. 2. Centre Wellington, Ont. 3. Halton Region, Ont. 4. Nottawasaga, Ont. 5. Levis, Que. 6. South Simcoe, Ont. 7. City of Kawartha Lakes, Ont. 8. York Region, Ont. 9. St. Clair, Ont. 10. Stormont/Dundas/Glengarry, Ont. 42. St. Albert, Alta.

MOST DANGEROUS CITIES IN CANADA 1. Prince George, B.C. 2. Victoria, B.C. 3. Saskatoon, Sask. 4. Red Deer, Alta. 5. Regina, Sask. 6. Grande Prairie, Alta. 7. Kelowna, B.C. 8. Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), Alta. 9. Winnipeg, Man. 10. Surrey, B.C. 19. Edmonton, Alta. Source: Maclean’s magazine

Teacher in for PC nod

Local schoolteacher Sleight Ansthruther has added his name to the list of those seeking the Progressive Conservative nomination in the riding of St. Albert. Anstruther has taught for several years in the Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional School Division, currently

serving as a junior high vice-principal, and said in a press release that he was inspired to throw his hat in the ring when Alison Redford took over as premier in October. Look for more on Anstruther and his campaign in next week’s St. Albert Leader. — GLENN COOK

City’s Safe Cities rank slips GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

St. Albert’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the country is taking quite the beating. Maclean’s magazine released their annual ranking of the most dangerous cities in Canada last week, and St. Albert has risen all the way to 59th spot out of 100 Canadian municipalities. Mayor Nolan Crouse said he was “disappointed” with the latest results for St. Albert. “I’d like to be able to see all those Ontario cities from No. 1 to 20 [of the safest cities], what is the basis? What is the reason for that? What keeps them in those spots?” he said. “It is one indication, and you don’t want to be the Prince Georges; you want to be at the other end,” he added. “Somehow we’re not at the other end.” Prince George, B.C., was deemed the most dangerous city in Canada in the study. Meanwhile, Cpl. Laurel Kading of the St. Albert RCMP said the rankings may be a little misleading. “I believe St. Albert is still as safe as it was two, three, four, 10 years ago,” she said. “I don’t think we’ve changed at all. Maybe we’ve changed in comparison to some other communities. ... It can be looked at for interest’s sake, but I don’t think it’s an accurate reflection of any of the communities, probably.” In the first ranking in 2008, St. Albert was ranked as the ninthsafest city in the entire country, and that status improved the following year, with the city climbing to sixth on the list and the safest in Western Canada. But, in 2010, St. Albert slipped far down the list, winding up ranked as the 69th most dangerous city in the country (32nd safest), but

May the spirit and joy of this season bring Peace and Goodwill to all

lidays o H y p p a H istmas, M erry Chr best in 2012. & all the M ayor

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percentage below the average varies officials blamed the slide on a change in from 24.3 per cent (auto theft) to 63.6 the methodology used by Maclean’s in per cent (robbery). their calculations. St. Albert did not record any This year, the city has tumbled homicides in 2010. another 10 spots, ranked as the 59th Crouse is keen on finding most dangerous (42nd safest). ways to get St. Albert back near St. Albert ranks 83rd in violent the top of the safety rankings. crime and 43rd in non-violent “Last year, I had suggested crime. that perhaps a member or No matter how it was two of council go to Caledon calculated, though, Crouse said and a couple of these Ontario St. Albert’s ranking isn’t good places and learn a little more. enough. ... Maybe we should revisit this “I don’t know what I’d chalk idea,” he said. it up to, except that it’s not Nolan But Kading said that acceptable for us to accept Crouse RCMP crime prevention and that as being a variability in St. Albert Mayor community programs are statistics,” he said, noting already underway and working. that, even with the change in “We feel we’re probably sitting in a methodology, Caledon, Ont., was named safer position than if you go back 20 Canada’s safest city for the fourth year years,” she said. “We feel this is a great running. place to be, whether youre a police Maclean’s calculated the safety of a officer or a citizen. It’s a very safe city based on their 2010 crime stats in community.” six different areas — homicide, sexual Nine of the top 10 safest cities in this assault, aggravated assault, robbery, year’s ranking are located in Ontario. breaking and entering, and auto theft The only Alberta municipality deemed — and comparing them to the national safer than St. Albert is Sherwood Park. average. For the full list of Canada’s most St. Albert was below the national dangerous cities, visit macleans.ca. average in each category, although the

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Province to look at Ray Gibbon Drive pedway GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

How did the chicken cross Ray Gibbon Drive? Well, if it waits long enough, it should have a nice pedway to use. St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse recently received a letter from Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Jack Hayden recently, in which the provincial department has committed to looking at conceptual options for a pedway across the busy roadway, linking Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park to her family’s new business venture, the Enjoy Centre. “The province has stepped up and accepted the ownership of it, and that’s a great piece of news for us,” Crouse said.

“It looks very promising ... I think it would be a great asset for St. Albert, just to connect the east side of Ray Gibbon Drive to the west side, to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park and the Ducks Unlimited boardwalk,” added Jim Hole, son of Lois, the former lieutenant governor of Alberta, and co-owner of the Enjoy Centre. “I think that’s critical; to fully utilize that, we need to have that connection.” Hole added that currently people are jaywalking across Ray Gibbon Drive in the area simply because they have no other option. Tourism, Parks and Recreation spokesperson Camille Weleschuk said that the work is still very much in the early stages. “We’ve been approached by the

City [of St. Albert] and the Hole family about a pedway,” she said, “and recently we’ve looked into issuing a contract to look at some conceptual options and determine any approximate costs.” A pedway could mean benefits for Hole’s business as well, as people could park in the Enjoy Centre parking lot and use the pedway to access the park. “It’s a nice signature piece for St. Albert, and it does link the community to the park. From our perspective, people come into the restaurant and sit and look across, and we get questions about how you get over there,” he said. “I think, for our perspective, it’s going to make it easier for us when customers come through the door to say, ‘You’ve got to take a trip over there. Just over

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However, Weleschuk cautioned that there is still a lot of work to be done, however, as Ray Gibbon Drive is slated to be expanded to provincial highway standards and take on the designation of Highway 2 in the future. “It’s a little too early in the process [to determine] what timelines would be,” Weleschuk said. “We’re just at Step 1 right now, which is issuing the contract. And this would be a big project that would take some time and likely involve a number of partners.” But Crouse is raring to go. “I’m hoping they can get the design and concept done in 2012, and I think we’ve got to start pushing for construction in 2013,” he said, admitting that he knows it will likely take longer than that.

GLENN COOK

email: sprucegrovesturgeon.stalbert@assembly.ab.ca ema

St. Albert

the pedway and you’re set to go.’ I think that part of the puzzle will be solved if that goes through.” According to the minister’s letter, Crouse and Hayden met on the subject on Wednesday, Nov. 16. A safe pedestrian crossing is something St. Albert city council has been pushing for since the early stages of the Ray Gibbon Drive project, and while there is a passage underneath along the Sturgeon River, finally having a commitment from the province for the pedway further south is a relief for Crouse. “The opening of the parks, the opening of Ducks Unlimited [interpretive wetland centre], the opening of Hole’s — each one of those means that the decision makers are starting to see it; ‘Oh, that’s what it means,’” he said.

Bleary eyes turned to teary eyes very quickly in the wee hours of Saturday morning as the last group of Edmonton-based soldiers arrived home from Afghanistan. The soldiers set foot into the Lecture Training Facility at CFB Edmonton at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, and were promptly greeted with hugs and kisses by friends and family members who stayed up way past bedtime to welcome them home. “After seven and a half months, it’s great to be back,” said Capt. Nick Nystrom, a member of the South Alberta Light Horse regiment, who was greeted by his wife Amanda and two-year-old son Jonas before heading home to his own bed in Spruce Grove. “It was a huge challenge, but we went over and did our job, met our mission,” he added. The 50-odd soldiers had just spent at least six months in Afghanistan as part of the Mission Transition Task Force, which helped transition the Canadian effort from a combat mission to a training mission. Personnel were

Photo: GLENN COOK, St. Albert Leader

Capt. Sara Martin of 1 Service Battalion gets a hug from her uncle Greg as she returns to CFB Edmonton Saturday morning. responsible for the packaging and shipping of vehicles, equipment and materials either to NATO training centres in the capital city of Kabul or back to Canada. Col. David Anderson, who was interviewed by Sun Media News Services in June, said it was the equivalent of packing up and moving a town the size of Morinville. Some of the materials were sold, donated or transferred to other nations participating in the Afghanistan mission or Afghan forces. St. Albertan Greg Martin — along with several other family members — were also on hand Saturday morning to help welcome home their niece, Capt. Sara Martin of 1

Service Battalion. “We were here when she left, so in some ways, the time has passed fast for us, for not for her, I don’t think,” Greg said. “We’re happy that she’s home. ... It’s nice to have her home before Christmas.” The homecoming was extra special for Greg and his brother Terry — Sara’s father-in-law — given their family history with the military. “We were both born and raised on this base,” said Terry, who lives in Calgary. “Out father and both our uncles had over 100 years of combined service between them. It’s in the family.” — with files from Sun Media News Services

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

OPINION

iStAlbert

Magic in the small things

Here’s what people are saying about #StAlbert on Twitter:

@moderneyesgal We love all the Christmas lights all through #perrondistrict downtown #stalbert Lots of independently-owned boutique #shops

es, it’s that time of year again — that most wonderful time of the year. The time of year when it’s fun to ride on a one-horse open sleigh, when we’re content it let it snow, and when we deck those halls with boughs of holly. It’s a time of year that, once it’s over, by Glenn Cook we wish would last the whole year ’round. But, in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and parties and family visits, sometimes we don’t embrace the spirit of the season while it is here. That’s the great part, though — as of the delivery of this edition of the St. Albert Leader, there are still three days left before Christmas. Three more sleeps until the big day arrives. And that’s three more chances to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. It can be as simple as paying for the coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru, depositing the loose change in your pocket into one of the Salvation Army kettles in the city, or buying an extra bag of groceries and dropping it in the donation bin for the St. Albert Food Bank. See, the thing is, while it may be a small gesture for you, it could mean the world to someone else. Those donations to the Salvation Army help provide essential services to those less fortunate in our community all year long. The Food Bank helps feed hungry stomachs in our city, many of which belong to children and other vulnerable members of society. Even that double-double might be enough to bring a smile to someone’s face and keep it there for the rest of the day. And that’s the real magic of the Christmas season, isn’t it? So many people talk about seeing the glow on a family member’s face on Christmas morning, but when you know that a complete stranger cares enough to go out of their way to help you out, that feeling is amplified many more times. It’s often said that it’s so much better to give than to receive, and those who give their time and their resources know this very well. But it would truly be a magical Christmas if more people found out how true this is.

@TeresaMardon had a good time manning the #christmas kettle with @salvationarmy #stalbert

EDITORIAL

@tim_osborne Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends and neighbours! #stalbert

@StephenkhanPC The St. Albert Atom Hericanes & the St. Albert Rotary worked hard last night preparing Xmas hampers at the St. Albert Food Bank - Well Done!

Compiled by Swift Media Group swiftmedia.ca • @Swift_Media

Perfect Christmas more than toys, gifts

oming here to Alberta and to St. Albert has been wonderful for me and my family. As the new pastors at the Salvation Army Church, we felt instantly welcomed here by our church members and the community at large. I have experienced the immense generosity of the people in St. Albert. The giving to social programs and helping others is a true testimony to the hearts of those who live here, especially during the Christmas season. As I look around, people are busy. With Christmas fast approaching, we get caught up in the rush of shopping and parties. The mood of Christmas

Lt. Peter

KIM

Salvation Army

My City is a mixture of joy and stress, all wrapped up in ribbons and bows. We want to recreate the perfect Christmas of our childhood or more likely the one we see in the media. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and “tiny tots with their eyes all a-glow” — we try to make it perfect. For many, this is possible. There are still many in our community who need a little help this Christmas. We want to make sure that Christmas is special

Publisher: Rob LeLacheur rob@stalbertleader.com

Editor: Glenn Cook

glenn@stalbertleader.com

Sales Manager: Blake Bradburn blake@stalbertleader.com

to all. We do this with the support of the people in this community and are truly thankful for the way in which many have shown their care for their fellow human beings. There is a sense of great dignity to be able to share the perfect Christmas with the family. The perfect Christmas is more than toys and gifts. The perfect Christmas is more than trees and wreaths. The perfect Christmas is more than Santa Claus and reindeer. The perfect Christmas is wrapped up in a child born in a manger. Jesus Christ is the real reason we have a Christmas at all. With all the business of this season, we are invited to

Delivery concerns? Email us at delivery@stalbertleader.com All claims of errors in advertisements must be received in writing by the publisher within 5 days after the first publication. Liability for errors or failure to publish is limited to the amount paid for the space occupied. The opinions expressed within publication are not necessarily those of the St. Albert Leader or RJ Lolly Media. Material published may not be copied or reproduced with the express written consent of the publisher.

experience what Christmas is really about. We are invited to remember the story of Jesus Christ, God with us. The perfect gift this season is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” That is a very comforting thought. I see people with such generous hearts and know that this is a place where we can find both hope and dignity for all. I believe that we will continue to experience the love and generosity of this community. I am truly thankful that so many people have made this Christmas special and perfect for everyone. God bless and Merry Christmas! Owned and operated by

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Artists eyeing Hemingway Centre St. Albert Leader

A group of local visual artists want to paint a new picture for the Hemingway Centre in downtown St. Albert. Several members of the Visual Arts Studio Association of St. Albert (VASA) came to city council on Monday afternoon, urging councillors to endorse a plan to turn the old RCMP building on Sir Winston Churchill Avenue into a new space for local artists to work and share ideas. Currently, VASA operates a pair of studio spaces — one in Grandin Park Plaza and another on Perron Street — but officials told council Monday that they are running out of room in both. “If VASA’s struggle continues in its fractured, cramped state, with artists working shoulder-toshoulder trying to teach, coach and mentor, the process becomes overwhelming, affecting their creative process,” VASA president Pat Wagensveld said. “The first show of support for any artistrun centre has to come from the

municipality.” There are some small studio spaces currently housed in the Hemingway Centre, but they share the building with offices and storage space for community groups like the 2012 Special Olympics National Winter Games and Canadian Aid for Fire Services Abroad. Aside from aligning well with the City of St. Albert’s cultural master plan, the artists who came before council envisioned a number of tangible benefits that the potential centre could create. “Many artists feel disconnected because they work in isolation. A common meeting place would add energy, enthusiams and commitment to visual arts pursuits. ... The benefit to the community would be the number of innovative projects that artists would create and share, such as murals within the city,” said Peg McPherson, another VASA artist. Others outlined the great strides they have made in their art careers thanks to VASA’s current efforts, and hoped more people would have the same experience.

Councillors seemed on board with the plan for an art centre when it was debated later in the meeting, especially given the enthusiasm of the artists who spoke. Coun. Cam MacKay called the plan “creative and innovative,” and Coun. Roger Lemieux said that the empty space in the Hemingway Centre has been a “sore spot.” “Being able to utilize it in a very constructive manner is exceptional,” Lemieux said. Council unanimously passed a motion put forward by Mayor Nolan Crouse to have City staff prepare an interim report by Jan. 16 — with a final report due March 31 — on the feasibility of using the Hemingway Centre as an artist space, as well as providing opportunities for disabled access, and options on how it might be operated. One of the operation options might be approaching the Northern Alberta Business Incubator to see if they have any interest in taking on another building. “Somebody has to pay the bills. Somebody has to make sure the lights are turned on,” Crouse said.

Bean-scratcher

Photo: glenn cook, St. Albert leader

Tristien Hedge-Pruss, a kindergarten student from Robert Rundle Elementary School, thinks hard about where to put the next jelly bean on his gingerbread house during the Christmas Around the World program at the St. Albert Public LIbrary on Friday, Dec. 9.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

Reel Mondays return GLENN COOK St. Albert Leader

If there are movie buffs on your Christmas list that you still need to buy for, the Friends of the St. Albert Public Library might have just the answer. Season tickets for the eighth season of the organization’s Reel Mondays film series went on sale Wednesday, just in time to stuff into stockings this Christmas. Season tickets are $40 each and include admission into all five of the series’ offerings this year, including: • The Way (Jan. 30); • Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Feb. 27); • Iron Lady (March 26 — to be confirmed); • Albert Nobbs (April 30); and • The Deep Blue Sea (May 28 — to be confirmed). All the movies come from the Toronto International Film Festival’s Film Circuit, and the screenings are held at Grandin Theatres starting at 7 p.m. Friends of the Library spokesperson Kathie Konarzewski said she’s having a hard time picking which movie she is most looking forward to.

“They’re all quite different,” she said. “The Way, for example, was the very first one we chose, and a lot of people in St. Albert and the area have been on that walk [the Camino de Sanitago in Spain], and it’s apparently a very moving thing to do — it changes people’s lives. “Others like The Deep Blue Sea and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy are classics, as we’re interest to see those.” She added that some of the movies have yet to be confirmed due to pending distribution deals. “The movies are pretty new, so what happens is that movies that appear at the Toronto International Film Festival sometimes don’t have a distributor; they’re ready for the festival, but they then choose a distributor and decide what date they’ll release them,” she said. The Friends of the Library has used the money raised through the Reel Mondays film series in the past to fund things like wireless Internet access and data readers, as well as additions to the book and DVD collections. In 2010, though, most of the money raised went to bringing authors into the library, especially during the inaugural St. Albert Readers Festival (STARFest) in October, which included authors Will Ferguson, Gail Bowen,

Photo: Sun Media News Services

(L-R) Actor Martin Sheen, producer David Alexanian and director Emilio Estevez are the team behind The Way, the first offering in the eighth season of the Reel Mondays film series. Charles Foran and Marni Jackson. “It went really well,” she said. “We’re very pleased with that.” Last year, the series raised $3,000, and the organization has set a similar goal for this year. “With the seating we had last year, that was about the best we could do,” Konarzewski said. “But we may have a few more seats this year, so we’re hopeful.” And the seats they do have will be nicer, as Grandin Theatres is undergoing renovations and installing new seating. Over the eight years the series has been

running, Konarzewski said it has been very well received. “It has always been a good turnout. We have a very faithful audience,” she said. “And we’re always looking to encourage new people to come out. ... It’s important to have a nice base of people with season tickets; then we know we’ve got some solid support.” Season tickets are on sale at the St. Albert Public Library on a first-come, first-served basis. If tickets remain for screenings, they will be sold at the doors for $10 each. For more info, call 780-459-1682 or visit www.sapl.ab.ca.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

O Lever as 70 ed %

Photo: Sun Media News Services

It seems that a Canadian Christmas — as envisioned by national icons Bob and Doug McKenzie — is a lot more thrifty than the usual 12 days of Christmas as expressed in the traditional carol.

Happy hoser holidays MICHAEL RECHTSHAFFEN Sun Media News Services

HOLLYWOOD — It’s always around this time of the season that we ex-pats here in Tinseltown feel more than a tinge of nostalgia for our former home and native land. And it’s not just about being thousands of kilometres away from family and friends. Speaking personally, the holidays just aren’t the same down here without the limited-time-only appearance of Laura Secord’s hollow milk chocolate champagne bottles (fill them with whatever strikes your particular fancy) or the Swiss Chalet Festive Special. Of course, the subject got us thinking about other holiday traditions, such as the annual PNC Christmas Price Index, in which those gifts itemized in The Twelve Days of Christmas are assigned a modern day value, taking the cost of both goods and services into consideration. But after 28 years of assessing the value of 10 lords a-leaping, it feels like the novelty has worn off. So instead, motivated by those pangs of Canostalgia, we’ve put together our own Christmas Price Index, using the presents listed in The 12 Days of Christmas -- Bob and Doug McKenzie version, as our 2011 price guide. Here goes: “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ... a beer.” OK, so obviously we’re going with something domestic, rather than some hoity-toity craft suds. Last time we checked, The Beer Store in Toronto was selling a single can of Molson Canadian for $2.15. “Two turtlenecks.” You can usually get a decent deal on turtleneck sweaters at Sears, but since we’re talking suggested retail prices, the non-sale

amount would be $40 apiece. “Three French Toast.” Golden Griddle serves up one order of French Toast for about $5.99, more if you want it with bacon or sausage. Speaking of which ... “Four pounds of back bacon.” Canadian Costco warehouses sell four, 500-gram packages of their house brand back bacon for $13.99. “Five golden tuques.” This one was tricky. Closest we could get were multi-coloured Right to Play tuques at Roots that had a golden-yellowish wide stripe for $20 apiece. “Six packs of two-fours.” Back at The Beer Store, you can pick up a 24-bottle case of Molson Canadian for about $35 each. “Seven packs of smokes.” Not that your true love should be encouraging such a filthy habit, but, given that the price varies from province to province, what say we come up with a nice round national average of 10 bucks a pack? “Eight comic books.” According to a comic book collector buddy, your standard, non-graphic novel variety sells for about three bucks a copy. In the song, Bob and Doug get distracted after the eighth day, so we’re looking at a grand total out the door of — Coo-roocoo-coo-coo-coo-coo-coo! — $558.11, in 2011 dollars, not including taxes. Compare that to the $24,263.18 the original version would cost you. Leaping lords are so over-rated. — Michael Rechtshaffen is a Canadian entertainment writer based in Los Angeles.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

LIFESTYLE

Welcome winter by battling blahs JOANNE RICHARD Sun Media News Services

Baby, it’s cold outside! When temperatures plummet, so do moods. As days get shorter, so do tempers. Staying sunny during the gloomy days of winter takes effort and planning. “So many of us are affected by the lack

of sunshine in the wintertime. People tend to feel a little blue, more stressed out and less inclined to exercise, socialize and eat healthy fresh food,” says Dr. Joey Shulman, of drjoey.com. Don’t hibernate. Instead get a natural high by staying active, eating right and tending to your wellbeing, says Shulman, a registered nutritionist.

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“Along with not getting enough vitamin D, the lack of light negatively impacts our wellbeing,” she says. Shhulman adds that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) hits approximately 15 per cent of Canadians and leaves them feeling sad, irritable and suffering mood swings. Bask in the winter wonderland by boosting your feel-good hormones, with these tips from Shulman: • Regular cardiovascular exercise and lifting weights. • Exposure to sunlight when it is available or consider sun lights. • Dress warm and get outside! It’s critical to get fresh air as often as you can. • Avoid white sugar and white flour. • Eat enough good omega-3 fats, such as fish oils, chia seeds, almonds, walnuts and oily fish, like salmon. • Limit alcohol consumption. • Load up on warming herbal teas and green tea. Green tea secretes an amino acid called l-theanine which causes you to feel alert and calm at the same time.

Photo: Sun Media News Services

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Photo: IAN KUCERAK, Sun Media News Services

Xander, an eight-year-old male border collie-Siberian husky cross, looks out from one of the adoption rooms at the Edmonton Humane Society on Monday.

EHS flips on pet present policy ALLISON SALZ Sun Media News Services

This time last year, the Edmonton Humane Society was warning against giving the gift of pet ownership during the holiday season. But this year, the Society is not only allowing, but encouraging the adoption of animals, in the hopes of finding more of them a permanent home. “If we’re turning an animal away because it’s a surprise gift, then we fear the animal is potentially losing that chance,” said Shawna Randolph, Edmonton Humane Society spokesperson. The change in tune comes after extensive study and research, specifically a study that evaluated the top reasons why people surrender animals. The research found that what was previously thought is wrong. In fact, pets given as gifts are less likely to end up in a shelter, said Randolph. Still, Randolph stresses the weighty responsibility of giving — and accepting — a furry friend this season. Those giving pets as gifts must complete the pre-adoption counselling, and demonstrate that the person receiving the

gift can properly care for the animal. “They basically need to demonstrate that they’ve done their research,” said Randolph. “They know this is a good fit — personality and lifestyle wise. And they know that the person receiving the gift can afford to care for the animal down the road.” The Humane Society adopts out more than 7,300 animals a year, mostly cats and dogs. Currently, the Society has more than 250 animals up for adoption. As an added holiday incentive, the shelter is taking it one step further and delivering a select number of animals to their new homes on Christmas morning, as part of the inaugural Santa Paws program. From Dec. 19 to 23, 20 families may head down to the Edmonton Humane Society, located at 136 Avenue and 163 Street, to adopt any pet, as well as purchase the necessary supplies. On top of the adoption fee, adopters will pay a $50 delivery fee for the Christmas day delivery. The proceeds from the deliveries will go to the Edmonton Humane Society’s Sick and Injured Animal Fund.

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The Edmonton Sun n Sunday, december 18, 2011

Television Bursting the bubble

Keeping it together

New show features host who pushes parents’ safety boundaries for their kids

Family rifts can crumble Christmas bill

Bubble wrap is everywhere need the security detail every risk versus reward, rather than at this time of year. But Lenore time they leave the home.” a fear-based appraisal. Teach Skenazy wants you to resist One comparison Skenazy your kids to be safe and smart, “as well as a feeling Heus can readily empathize with a renewal of family ties and good JOANNE RICHARD wrapping your kids in it. made really left thinking. but quit being so disappointment, neurotic we have been buried alive or who have been cut bysmotherthat fellowship and harmony.” “What interests “We havepeople decided that thatoff you them. Sun Media News Servicesme is how we got to the point in society killedfamilies, alone ontheir adult children, With bubble wrap, thatunder is. thrown the bus by the people Special occasions become if a child is their where normal for parents the street, we will culturally Television know, Pull upit aischair. Settle in at weown weregood. closest to in the world.” parents, and siblings. “IYou tried manyfor their “polluted with tension, conflict, to be on top of their kids 24/7,” parents,” the gloomy table of family He adds that “when a person is but to no avail, to heal the rivalry, resentment, and even despise grief,” theways, Skenazy said. “This is the first your kid,’ ” Skenazy said. Skenazy said. “But if a child bill.harris@sunmedia.ca estrangement. cut off by a family member that they rifts in my own family but our says Sichel, especially for the relative time in human history that has “But there’s this notion is in a car and is killed in a Despite the festive table decor, love and thought loved them, it’s a differences were too profound to who’s cutare theless tiessafe or the one who’s @billharris_tv been considered admirable. ” that our kids crash, we won’t. We’ll say, Skenazy hosts feast the new ‘These things happen.’the refusal on my parents’ very painful trauma, and traumas delectable holiday and merry and less overcome, beencompetent exiled. than Bill Harris seriesofBubble Wrapemotional Kids, any generation in history. “What’s is, their part in the scents the season, are more powerful when caused part to accept According to Sichel, intolerance is interesting which premieres Jan. 3 on And you start believing it. 25 times more kids die as indigestion, heartache, stomach by human choice as opposed to estrangement and to let bygones be the main cause of family fights that Slice. She has been called “We have ‘dangerized’ passengers in cars, with upset sadness accompany everyalmost natural events like hurricanes or andthan move on to rebuilding lead to rifts, andof“by that I mean a whobygones “theand world’s worst mom” every aspect people love them, course. earthquakes.” a different, more tolerant and more prejudice toward differing points by critics, and while she childhood, so I don’t blame at the hands of a predator. insists she loses isn’t awhen “parenting for being crazy. All Everyone a family parents But you never hear a relationship.” parent Making the first move to repair accepting of views, small-mindedness when expert,” sheand certainly that because going, ‘Oh, I could disintegrates bondshas are severed I’m suggesting the rift is something to consider. For Sadly,never someput connections remain it comes toisgiving up a grudge, a lot about in the safest my child inshattered a car, I know the a person’s best bythought estrangements andfreeing rifts, says Newwe live Sichel, his efforts ultimately were despite or pettiness andtimes nastiness about fellow parents from the in human history, parents chances are low, but I don’t York therapist Mark Sichel. While thwarted but he felt better for trying. efforts and intentions to reconnect. forgiveness.” paranoia that enslaves them. should do a reality check.” want my child to be a statistic.’ family estrangement not all that ShotMany “Forgiveness, like making the “For two people to get past a conflict, estrangements Long story short, is Skenazy in Toronto and New have come “It’s totally selective, but not uncommon, its City fallout is especially York,from they need to acknowledge their first move, is a gift to oneself, a way acting on impulsesonly thatbecause is a New York columnist eachthose episode of Bubble of each convenience. who let her son ride Kids sees of Skenazy visit We won’t see heightened during thethe holidays. Wrapare to clean your mind, heart and soul rolethe inpicture creatingofit,” says Sichel, of devoid spiritual or social subway alonechair when was a family that is frustrated the kid whomarksichel.com. was a car-crash “The empty ofhe family of the poison and all encompassing appropriateness, addsbySichel, who nine years old, and she wrote the way it is living. Skenazy victim on the news eight days estrangement stands out and anger at another individual. The single best way to prevent runs a blog called The Therapist Is In about it. Next thing she knew, offers advice and takes each in a row. CSI or Law & Order envelopes the celebration with a “However, while forgiveness is rifts in a family, says Sichel, is for for Psychologytoday.com. she was on talk shows aplenty, family through a series of won’t do an episode about it. feeling of discomfort, gloom, good for individuals, it’s always members to learn to think before “In many families and she subsequently wrotepain, a challenges designed to there areYou won’t hear talk-show book called says Free-Range Kids. of pushmembers parents’ boundaries. hosts asking, ‘What were and despair,” Sichel, author necessary to remember the they speak or act and to live by the who are abusive, alcoholic, “I’m hoping my show is “I believe in safety, I think thinking?’ Healing from Family Rifts. that ”you can’t control another transgressions that led to the drug addicted and down-rightthe parentsnotion not judgmental — I basically I’m actually a nervous mom, Ultimately, Skenazy “The absence of one or more injuries and wounds that caused the person’s behaviour. unnecessarily mean and nastywants say, ‘I think you’re a pretty helmets and car-seats and all parents to family a black cloud that stuff, Meanwhile, the ensuing trauma resentment because that’s the only individuals,” Sichel, good members parent as casts long as you’re ” Skenazysays said. “But who have a fact-based blocking out what should be a way we can protect ourselves from of broken bonds can create contended with those liabilities in not starving or beating I don’t believe our children appraisal of

harris

celebratory and joyous occasion,

feelings of failure, shame and utter

his own family.

How to prevent estrangement with tips from therapist Mark Sichel (below): • Do the right thing in your relationships with your family, i.e., do what you feel are the correct social, spiritual and emotional behaviours. • Be the best parent/child/ sibling you can be. • Treat your relatives like Bubble Wrap you’d like to be treated. Kids host Lenore • Focus on positives, Skenazy says she strengths and assets among doesn’t “believe family members. our children need • Be proactive creatingdetail theinsecurity every time they mutually satisfying shared leave the home.” experiences among family members. • Teach and model tolerance, generosity and gratitude whenever you have the opportunity to do so. • Diffuse divisiveness when you can. - courtesy of Healing from Family Rifts

the reoccurrence of the hurts.”

THE WEEK’S BEST LATE-NIGHT LAUGHS Late Show

Tonight Show

Conan

Weekend Update

Late Night

Lindsay Lohan had her purse stolen. She’s missing cash, passports, and three stolen necklaces.

President Obama celebrated Hanukkah at the White House last night. He lit the menorah, and then Vice President Joe biden came in, sang happy birthday, and blew out all of the candles.

newt Gingrich released a statement promising he would not cheat on his wife. even better, he said he wouldn’t cheat on his next wife either, or the one after that.

People in rhode Island protested the Governor’s decision to refer to the statehouse christmas tree as a “holiday tree.” and they really don’t like his decision to refer to Jesus as “december man.”

Vice President Joe biden just mailed his family christmas card which is signed with his dog champ’s paw print. The weird thing is, biden actually does that with all his important documents.

David Letterman

Jay Leno

nnn

Lindsay Lohan has been in rehab so many times the cafeteria named a sandwich after her. nnn

a woman was making meth in a Wal-mart. but you know, it’s nice to know that something in Walmart is made in america.

Saturday Night Live

Conan O’Brien

nnn

Iran is now in possession of an american drone. When I heard that I thought, “Oh, my god, they captured Joe biden?” nnn

mitt romney tried to make a $10,000 bet with rick Perry during a presidential debate. Well, who says the republicans are rich snobs out of touch with the common man?

nnn

Iran announced it will not return the american spy drone it recently captured. yeah, they’re also refusing to return the Limp bizkit album they borrowed 10 years ago. nnn

yesterday, someone threw a pair of shoes at Iranian President mahmoud ahmadinejad. Iran has captured the shoes and is studying their technology.

nnn

a new website has launched called Toygaroo, which is a netflix style system that allows parents to rent toys for their children and send them back for new ones. It’s all part of an effort to make the movie Contagion come true. nnn

according to a new list, the least happy city in america is St. Petersburg, Fla. but that’s only because reno, nevada finally killed itself.

Jimmy Fallon

nnn

brad Pitt and angelina Jolie took all six of their kids shopping at FaO Schwarz. yeah, it was nice. They said each kid could pick out three new toys. and then three new siblings. nnn

a man in russia is filing for divorce, claiming that he doesn’t remember ever getting married. yeah, it’s like the wedding never happened — which explains his name, Vladimir Kardashian.

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

HOMES

Creating a lasting first impression at home KATHLEEN DORE Sun Media News Services

Creating curb appeal can mean a complete architectural overhaul of your home’s front façade or simply a tweaking of accessories to up your home’s style quotient without breaking the bank. Interior designer Irene Langlois, of Irene Langlois Interiors in Ottawa, says it isn’t always the grand gestures that give a home “wow” factor. In fact, it’s the little things that say a lot. “Mostly it’s attention to detail, like a well-maintained lawn and walkway, colour on the front door, architectural detailing like pediments and shutters, landscaping or even just planters,” says Langlois. The key is for the home to look well maintained: a tidy front walkway, weeded garden, trimmed edges on the beds and lawn. “You want to create the impression that no matter how small or modest the house, it is carefully taken care of,” she says. “This doesn’t cost a penny but will make the biggest difference.” Keep on top of minor repairs, advises Langlois. Replace rusty or tarnished door hardware, lights and mailboxes, and treat peeling or cracked painted surfaces to a fresh coat. Inspect caulking and repair when necessary. Also check tiles, brick, stones and concrete paths, steps and porches. It’s

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more economical to make small masonry repairs regularly than to delay until surfaces pose a safety risk and total replacement is required. While regular TLC has a proof-positive effect on your home’s curb appeal, architectural improvements will take it to the next level. The winter months are a perfect time to plan larger renovations that will improve not only the functionality but also the aesthetic appeal of your front yard and entryway.

“Mostly it’s attention to detail.” Irene Langlois Interior designer “Think about providing some shelter from the elements for guests at the front door,” suggests Langlois. “If your budget permits it, add a portico or even an awning.” For older homes, which often lack a spacious entryway, investing in an addition that includes a new front entrance with areas for seating both outside (to create a welcoming atmosphere) and inside (for putting on boots and shoes), as well as providing adequate coat storage, allows you to transform your home’s façade and its functionality. For design inspiration, walk around your neighbourhood and see what works and what doesn’t on homes of a similar style. Hire a designer or architect to provide blueprints; their objective viewpoint and professional training will pay off when making this major investment. Consider hiring a landscape

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lighting professional, as well. Beautifully lit properties have enormous visual impact. But remember: less is more. Top lighting designers advise against flooding the façade with light. “Pot lights in soffits are wasteful and overly bright,” says James Solecki of Integra Custom Lighting Solutions in Port Sydney, Ont. “Put them on dimmers and even disable a couple of them. If one thing, like your house, is overly lit, that’s all you’re going to see.” He recommends creating depth by lighting multiple zones, so you look through the property’s interesting landscape features instead of only focusing on the house. David Curtis of Illuminations by Curti agrees most houses and

yards are overly lit. “Only put lights at strategic areas where you want or need light,” Curtis says. “Start with pathways or steps for safety. Then fill in dark holes.” For smaller budgets, inject personality with a stylish light fixture. “It’s important to respect the architecture of a home [when choosing accessories],” says Langlois, “but you can bend the rules. For example, a traditional style lantern in a stainless-steel finish can give a modern update to a home.” Also, be aware of scale. “Something slightly over-scale is more interesting than something that is too small.” Small improvements like a new fixture at the front door — your home’s focal point — will give you a big bang for your buck. Also

consider getting a new door with lots of glass for instant panache, advises Langlois. “The glass can be textured or frosted to provide some privacy but still allow light to flow through,” she says. “A small section of clear glass allows the homeowner to see who is on the other side.” If you can’t replace the door, paint it a colour that contrasts the rest of the house so it stands out. As well, ensure the house numbers are easily visible from the street day and night, and choose a number style that enhances your overall look. Visitors should be able to find your home and the front door at a glance – make it one that leaves a lasting first impression.

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Photo: Sun Media News Services

Attention to details like a well-maintained lawn, a tidy walkway and trimmed edges can make a huge difference in making a great first impression on visitors.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

HEALTH

Canadians getting more work done: report SUN MEDIA NEWS SERVICES – Canadians are getting more tummy tucks and nose jobs than Brits and Australians, but not nearly as many as Americans and Brazilians. According to data released last week by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Canada ranks 15th on the list of the 25 countries with the most cosmetic procedures. Liposuction is by far the most popular surgical procedure, accounting for 23 per cent of all procedures. It’s followed by breast augmentation — that is, enlargement (16 per cent) — eyelid lifts (11.5 per cent), nose jobs (10.4 per cent), and tummy tucks (7.2 per cent). The top non-surgical procedures are Botox; hyaluronic acid and autologous fat injections (for smoothing wrinkles and plumping sallow cheeks, thinned lips and the like); laser hair removal; and IPL laser treatment (for facial rejuvenation). ISAPS estimates the total worldwide number of surgical and non-surgical procedures in 2010 was 18,557,825 (split about halfway between the two), and that’s up from the 2009 total of 17,295,557. Canadians had 117,164 cosmetic surgeries in 2010, and 138,559 non-surgical procedures. The group’s figures don’t take into account procedures performed by medical professionals and others who are not plastic surgeons. The full report, including price comparisons of procedures in different countries, is available at isaps.org.

TOP 25 COunTriEs wiTH THE mOsT COsmETiC PrOCEdurEs:

Photo: Sun Media News Services

Canadians are getting more and more plastic surgery done, according to a study released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

y r r e M stmas i r h C

1. United States 2. Brazil 3. China 4. Japan 5. India 6. Mexico 7. Italy 8. South Korea 9. France 10. Colombia 11. Germany 12. Turkey 13. Spain

14. Russia 15. Canada 16. United Kingdom 17. Taiwan 18. Venezuela 19. Argentina 20. Thailand 21. Greece 22. Saudi Arabia 23. Australia 24. Netherlands 25. Romania

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

Life less of a headache for migraine sufferers physician for their headaches. The same survey showed one in four patients with migraine receives another diagnosis instead. Life is a headache, but Kerrie Smyres isn’t going to be “The old theory was that blood vessels shrank, then ruled by hers. expanded, causing pounding pain. Today, we think it’s more The 30-something Phoenix blogger has suffered from a relationship between inflammatory chemicals in the brain migraines for nearly 20 years. When her headaches caused and their interaction with nerves and blood vessels,” Lay her to lose a job, she began www.thedailyheadache.com in says. “In other words, a primary event like a trigger, turns order “to be creative, feel productive and help others.” on a chemical change in the brain that ignites a flood of In the past, she’s blogged about everything from yoga to inflammatory chemicals that get the headache on its way.” meditation, from compounding pharmacies to weather — all The complex neurological condition can be treated a the while learning more about her headaches and sharing variety of ways. There are now seven types of triptans (a readers’ stories: “I no longer feel like migraine will suffocate migraine-specific drug) available, plus a number of antime,” she blogged in early December. inflammatory drugs that can be prescribed. Smyres is what is often referred to as a “We avoid narcotics, even simple “migraineur” — a person who suffers from codeine,” Lay says. “These agents can cause migraines, a specific type of headache rebound headaches.” endured by four million Canadians. About Herbal remedies are also used, mostly 270,000 of them suffer from chronic as prevention. Feverfew, an old favorite, migraine, which means that like Smyres has “fallen off the wagon a bit,” she says. It they get headaches almost daily or at least has been replaced by riboflavin, butterbur, 15 days per month. magnesium and vitamin B2. Kerrie Smyres Dr. Christine Lay says migraines differ There’s also Botox which has recently Blogger from other headaches: “Most common are been approved for use in chronic the tension types. They are generally not migraines. Its migraine potential was bothersome, but migraines are disabling. discovered when people who had it injected for wrinkles “Symptoms include throbbing moderate-to-severe pain, found that their migraine headaches also improved. Since sometimes on one side of the head, sometimes associated then, further studies have shown that Botox can reduce with intolerance to light and sound, sometimes associated chronic migraines more than 50 per cent in almost 70 per with nausea. They can last from four to 72 hours,” says Lay, cent of people who experience migraines more than 15 days a neurologist and director at the Centre for Headaches at each month. Toronto’s Women’s College Hospital. For so-called chronic sufferers, for whom standard Migraines are not well diagnosed or well managed. “We treatments have failed, new remedies are welcome. Research are still under-teaching doctors,” she explains. “Migraines has shown that chronic migraine sufferers experience worse can also masquerade, so it can look like a tension headache stigma than those with other neurological diseases including or a sinus headache. stroke, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. “Moreover, it tends to be discounted by society as a Sharing her chronic pain, plus doing yoga, has helped nuisance. People will often say, ‘It’s just a headache. I will blogger Kerrie Smyres to come to grips with the condition try to manage it on my own.’ It’s a huge society burden that, in the past, has forced her to be housebound and worldwide.” bedridden: “Headaches can steal so much of your life,” she Statistics bear her out. A 2006 Canadian survey noted wrote. Today, life is less of a headache: “I’ve got my groove 48 per cent of women with migraine had never consulted a back.”

MARILYN LINTON Sun Media News Services

“Headaches can steal so much of your life.”

Photo: Sun Media News Services

Painful migraine headaches still afflict millions of people, but researchers are making strides into developing effective treatments.

Ontario researchers taking aim at ‘incurable’ cancers JOHN MINER Sun Media News Services

Scientists in London, Ont., are leading an international research effort to see if cancer that would be considered incurable can be knocked out with precise high doses of radiation. “The biggest thing is we are taking patients who previously would only be given treatments to try to slow things down. In those patients we are saying, ‘Can we not only slow things down, but get rid of it?’” research leader Dr. David Palma said. Traditional thinking has been that, once cancer spreads it can only be slowed with radiation. “We would say the cat is out of the

bag and the disease is incurable because Such treatment has been tried in some it is in the bloodstream,” said Palma, medical centres and cancer doctors a Lawson Research Institute scientist report it appears to work. and oncologist at the London Regional Palma, working with researchers Cancer Program. in Ontario, British Now cancer Columbia and scientists are Amsterdam, wants to recognizing there is test it. a difference between “The only way to patients with only a know if it really works few new cancer spots is to do a randomized and patients with study,” he said. Dr. David Palma numerous new cancer The trial, funded by Researcher sites. the Ontario Institute “When people only for Cancer Research, have a few spots there is this idea that will enrol 99 patients, about half from if we can eradicate those, we could London. potentially keep the cancer from coming Some of the group will be given back,” Palma said. standard lower dose radiation while

“We don’t want to give people false hope.”

others will be given the high-dose, precise radiation. The two groups then will be compared in four years to see if the high dose method destroyed the cancer spots. Palma cautioned that the new potential treatment will only work in patients where cancer has spread to just a few new sites. “If you have 20 different spots then we cannot radiate the whole body safely. It has to be a few spots, up to five. We don’t want to give people false hope.” In the treatment — called stereo tactic ablative radiotherapy — numerous beams of radiation are aimed to intersect the tumour. “It is very precise, very targeted,” said Palma.

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

BUSINESS

TSX sees biggest jump since November SUN MEDIA NEWS SERVICES – Toronto stocks had their biggest rise this month on Tuesday as resource issues rose in response to improved economic data out of the United States and Germany, and on renewed hopes the euro zone’s debt crisis can be contained. All 10 of the TSX’s main sectors were higher, led by materials and energy issues, as commodity prices rose after U.S. November housing starts hit a 1.5-year high, suggesting the battered U.S. housing market was starting to

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recover. The healthy housing data followed on the heels of a drop in the U.S. unemployment rate in November to 8.6 per cent from nine per cent the previous month. “You’re beginning to see some of the drags stabilize and modestly abate,” said Stephen Wood, chief investment strategist for Russell Investments in New York. “It would be difficult to paint a robust economic environment, but there is a measurable upward grind in the U.S. economic data,” added Wood. The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index ended up 177.18 points, or 1.54 per cent, at 11,716.88. It was its highest close in a week. Mining stocks drove gains in the heavily weighted material sector. Barrick Gold climbed 2.5 per cent to $47.45 Cdn, while diversified base metal miner Teck Resources jumped more than 4 per cent to $35.65 Cdn. There was also some positive news for Europe on Tuesday as data showed German business sentiment rose sharply in December, according to Ifo, a Munich-based think-tank, underscoring the resilience of Europe’s largest economy and casting a rare positive light on the euro zone.

Italian and Spanish bond yields fell, with investors hoping banks will borrow significant amounts of three-year funds from the European Central Bank later this week and spend some of the money on higher-yielding debt. Canadian financials cheered the news, rising 0.6 per cent, led by the Royal Bank of Canada, up nearly one per cent at $49.13 Cdn. Energy issues were also a key contributor, adding more than two per cent as U.S. crude posted its biggest percentage rise since late October on supply fears spurred by protests in Kazakhstan and worries that major producer Iran could be hit by sanctions. Canadian Natural Resources was the index’s top gainer, rising 3.3 per cent to $36.26 Cdn. Weighing on the market was Research In Motion, which tumbled 3.5 per cent to $12.90 Cdn as the BlackBerry maker continued to slide on investor doubts about its prospects in an increasingly competitive smartphone market. Despite RIM’s tumble, investment manager sentiment towards Canadian and international equity markets improved in the fourth quarter, with Canada viewed as an attractive market, according to the Russell Investment Manager Outlook.

Up 0.64¢

97.35¢ US S&P/TSX

Photo: CORY SATERMO, Sun Media News Services

Fans line up at the EB Games at Southgate Centre to get their hands on Star Wars: The Old Republic.

BioWare launches new Old Republic

Down 32.69

11,727.25 NASDAQ

MATT DYKSTRA Sun Media News Services

Game developers from BioWare Edmonton joined throngs of fans at the EB Games in Southgate Centre Mall for Tuesday’s midnight release of Star Wars: The Old Republic. The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMO RPG) developed by BioWare Austin in Texas with the assistance of a small team within BioWare Edmonton, the company’s headquarters. Signing copies of the game for fans, BioWare’s Scott Langevin said their team worked mainly on designing the outer space battles between the evil Sith Empire and the heroic Galactic Republic in a fight for the galaxy. BioWare was purchased by American video game company Electronic Arts in 2008, but still retains its headquarters in Edmonton.

Call of Duty beats Avatar to $1 billion in sales SUN MEDIA NEWS SERVICES – Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has hit the $1 billion sales mark in 16 days, faster than all-time box office champion Avatar, the company announced on Dec. 12. The sales surge came during a box office slump, as Dec. 11 was the slowest at movie theaters since September 2009. “Engagement of our Call of Duty audience continues to rise around the

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world,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “Call of Duty as an entertainment franchise has made an indelible mark on popular culture and its broad and continued success is further validation that audiences are now valuing interactive experiences over passive experiences.” Avatar took a whole 17 days to get to $1 billion.

The Call of Duty Elite online service has registered six million players since its launch Nov. 8, and sold more than one million premium subscriptions, said Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. The premium subscription services of Netflix, Hulu Plus, Sirius XM and Xbox LIVE each took a year to reach one million paid subscribers, Activision said.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

STALBERTJOBS.COM

Mental health issues take toll at office SUN MEDIA NEWS SERVICES – One in five workers suffer from a mental illness such as depression or anxiety and these conditions increasingly affect productivity in the workplace as many struggle to cope, a report by the OECD said on Monday. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found people with mental illness are often off sick from work, and between 30 and 50 per cent of all new disability benefit claims in OECD nations are now due to poor mental health. Policymakers need to find new ways to tackle the social and economic problem of mental illness, the report said, as trigger factors, such as stress at work, are likely to increase. “Increasing job insecurity and pressure in today’s workplaces could drive a rise in mental health problems in the years ahead,” it said. “The share of workers exposed to work-related stress, or job strain, has increased in the past decade all across the OECD. And in the current economic climate, more and

more people are worried about their job security.” Depression alone is already a major cause of death, disability and economic burden worldwide and the World Health Organisation predicts that by 2020 it will be the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease across all ages. Two studies published in September and October found that up to 40 per cent of Europeans suffer from mental and neurological illnesses each year, and the annual cost of brain disorders is almost 800 billion euros. The OECD’s report, entitled Sick on the Job? Myths and Realities about Mental Health at Work found that most people with a mental disorder are in work, with employment rates of between 55 per cent and 70 per cent — about 10 to 15 per centage points lower than for people without a disorder. But people with mental illness are two to three times as likely to be unemployed as people with no mental health problems. This gap represents a economic major loss, the

report said. “Most common mental disorders can get better, and the employment chances be improved, with adequate treatment,” the OECD said. But it said health systems in most countries were narrowly focused on treating people with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, who account for only a quarter of all sufferers. “Taking more common disorders more seriously would boost the chances for people to stay in, or return to, work,” the OECD said, adding that around 50 per cent of people with severe mental disorders and more than 70 per cent of those with moderate illness currently get no treatment at all. The OECD urged policymakers to focus on providing good working conditions which help employees reduce and manage stress, to introduce systematic monitoring of sick leave, and to help employers reduce workplace conflict and avoid unnecessary dismissal caused by mental health problems.

Volunteer work may hold key to career ANNY CHIH Sun Media News Services

In 2007, Canadians aged 15 and over clocked in nearly 2.1 billion hours of volunteer time — equivalent to roughly 1.1 million full-time jobs, according to Statistics Canada. Are you part of that group? If you’re a student with limited work experience applying for the same entrylevel positions and graduate programs as your peers, you probably should be. Volunteering can give you more than warm, fuzzy feelings. It can also provide useful experience for future employment, insight into your own interests and connections that last a lifetime. Whether you plan on applying for a

job or to another school after graduation, there are long-term volunteer positions that can help you achieve your goals. For example, a student applying for a pharmaceutical program can benefit from volunteering in a pharmacy or medical clinic. These positions are rarely advertised on sites like govolunteer. ca, but letters of interest can be sent to pharmacists and doctors outlining how one’s organizational skills would be useful for filing reports or sorting through medical cabinets each week as a volunteer. Taking on regular volunteer shifts allows you to gain valuable work experience while building a rapport with a professional who can serve as a reference for future employment or

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS YOU.

ADULT CARRIERS WEEKLY DELIVERIES

The St. Albert Leader is currently looking for adult carriers to deliver newspapers and flyers packs door to door once a week. Deliveries are flexible on Thursdays prior to 7pm. Earn over $400 per month only working a flexible 4-5 hours, every Thursday delivering the St. Albert Leader. If you are interested please email: operations@edmontonexaminer.com or call 780.468.0384

school applications. Remember to treat your volunteer position seriously if you are interested in receiving a good reference. Be punctual, work diligently and learn. Though most students are undecided about life after graduation, any student with a hobby can also benefit from volunteering. Using photography, writing, bartending or other abilities to help a cause through fundraising or event production allows you to apply your skills in meaningful ways. This gives you something to talk about during job interviews, and it also provides insight into your own passions to gain a better understanding of what careers you might enjoy.

FURNITURE INSTALLER

Salary Range: $44,281.26 to $50,785.38 per annum Comp # 11-172 Closing Date: January 6, 2012 The AGLC, St. Albert Office, is looking for an experienced Furniture Installer to install, dismantle, assemble, move and store systems furniture, along with general maintenance within the AGLC complexes. The AGLC is responsible for regulating gaming and liquor activities across the province. Our work environment offers challenging opportunities, career growth, and supports work-life balance. 50 Corriveau Avenue St. Albert, AB T8N 3T5 fax: 780.447.8918 email: hr@aglc.ca

To apply, visit our website: aglc.ca

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to grow your career in a place where people care? Our employees take pride in providing more than 60,000 residents with high-quality programs and services. A wide array of opportunities are available to suit your passion and experience. You can cultivate your career in a place where staff not only care about the work they do but also the people they work alongside.

We have the following employment opportunities available: • • • • • • • • • • •

City Manager General Manager, Economic Development Aquatic Instructors (Level 1 & 2) Emergency Services Personnel Fitness Instructors Night Shift Caretakers Pilates Instructors Senior Long Range Planner Senior Project Manager Temporary Payroll Support Utility Engineer

For information on these and other current opportunities available at the City of St. Albert please visit our website at www.stalbert.ca/employment or drop by our Human Resources department. Human Resources The City of St. Albert 216, 7 St. Anne Street St. Albert, Alberta T8N 2X4 Fax: (780) 459-1729 Online applications: www.stalbert.ca/employment We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position but only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011

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