Canadian athletes owning the top of the podium

Canadian history in its brief worldly existence has a rich heritage of national pride that comes out when our athletes are wearing the grace of our humble nation at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

The Canadian government had a plan five years ago that would enable our athletes to excel for the first time ever at home. Canada hosted the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal and the 1989 Winter Olympics in Calgary and our athletes never won a gold medal at home.

The Canadian Olympic Committee along with the help of the Federal government has been helping Canadian athletes bear the burden of competing at the highest level in sport.

The Federal government gave Canadian athletes about 117 million over the last five years in what they called “own the podium”, placing expectations on our athletes to rise to the top of the medal standings at this year’s Winter Games.

Perhaps the mistake the COC made was promising 35 million Canadians that come the end of the Games, Canada would sit on top of the standings.

It was an acceptable goal for our athletes to reach as Canada finished the 2006 Games in Turin just one medal shy of the United States, but not everything always goes according to plan.

Canada wants to be on top of the medal standings, but there are other reasons why Canadians can feel proud of their athletes. Not only did our athletes break that jinx of never having won a gold medal on home soil, but right now the Canadian team has won 13 gold medals and could have 15 by the end of the Games, so in a way, Canadian athletes are owning the top of the podium.

The 13 gold medals ties an all-time record with the former Soviet Union for the most gold medals in either the summer or winter Olympics. It’s also the most gold medals ever won by a host nation.

Canada should feel proud of our athlete’s gold medal performances.  Canadian athletes are making a bold statement by winning more gold than silver or bronze and appear to not be willing to settle for anything less than the best.

Silver and Bronze medals are wonderful, but they just don’t compare to being number one, winning gold and hearing thousands of Canadians sing Oh’ Canada as the athlete cup’s the gold medal in their hands and tries to take a bite to see if it’s real. It’s real alright and the pleasure from watching is a surreal moment in itself.

By winning gold in Vancouver, Canadian athletes won’t be on top of the medal standings, but their performances will inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes to climb to the top of the podium.

Apply Alberta helping students find their path

Apply Alberta, a government initiative to bridge the communication gap between post-secondary instituations has finally taken flight after 2-years of co-ordinated meetings. The Lethbridge College APAS Team is part of a province wide plan to network 21 public, post-secondary institutions to make life easier for students all over Alberta.

There are two major benefits that come from the Apply Alberta program. Prospective students in Alberta can now go to their website at www.applyalberta.ca and fill in their application for admission forms and afterwords, the student has the option of choosing to keep their application history accessible to any university or college in Alberta. So, if the student decides to apply to a different program or post-secondary institution, the information is already there.

A process which saves time for college staff as well as the student. Additionally, all transcripts will now be available at the touch of a button. Instead of having to request their transcripts from Alberta Education and paying of fees to have those transcripts sent to the respective institution, the students or admissions faculty can go to the Apply Alberta site and access them at any time.

“This will save our staff an enormous amount of time,” says Suzie Kennedy, a key member of the APAS team.

“The feedback we’re getting from students is that it’s slick and easy.”

Toyota says solution on the way

New gas pedal systems are on the way for Toyota customers who have been dealing with malfunctioning products on several of Toyota’s biggest selling models. There has been ongoing concern all over North America and Europe, leading to the recall of 4.3 million Toyota models in the last year.

Toyota uses two different companies, the CTS and Densol Gas pedal systems in their vehicles.

Problems surfaced when the CTS gas pedal system started malfunctioning, leading to the gas pedal sticking or not releasing and catching drivers by surprise as several accidents and even fatalities occurred when the vehicles accelerated unexpectedly.

Lethbridge Toyota says their’s help on the way. Toyota owners with a registered VIN card that matches up with the installation of the CTS model gas pedal systems will receive a letter in the mail prompting a change before an accident takes place.

“Our tech’s have been going through training on how to install the new gas pedal systems, starting yesterday and they’ll be ready to install them when they arrive,” says Toyota General Manager, Andrea Almer.

The parts are being shipped and are due to arrive sometime next week. Toyota has already begun sending out letters to customers who have the CTS part in their cars.

“We’ll have computer systems in place next week that will recognize the VIN numbers and match them with the faulty part or people can wait for the letters from Toyota.”

Light at the end of the tunnel for Oilers fans

Oilers fans have been witness to yet another debacle of their clubs season as they seem destined to miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. After signing Nicolai Habibulin from Chicago over the summer and signing Mike Comrie to a one-year deal, there was a sense from fans that a good season was in the making. The bad omen that many fans thought surrounded the Oilers after the charades of Comrie running out or being shipped out of town, depending on which way you looked at it meant the Oilers and Comrie had turned over a new leaf. Oilers management signed future hall of fame coach Pat Quinn to a four-year deal and brought in Tom Renney and Jim Flemming to give the Oilers one of the most experienced and capable coaching staffs in the NHL. That never happned and the Oilers have been bottom dwellers and 16 points out of eight place in the western conference for weeks now. This will be the fourth straight year the Oilers have failed to make the playoffs and hockey die-hards in Edmonton are upset. Actually, pissed off would be a more accurate way of describing the fans attitude towards the team’s lack of performance. The players aren’t completely to blame. Decimated by injuries, total of 257 man games lost and several players suffered from the flu and other illnesses throughout the season. It hasn’t all been bad news for the Oiler fans. The wait is over for Oilers fan who have waited three years for Dustin Penner to break out of his funk since he signed a 5-year 21.25 M offer sheet from then Oilers General Manager Kevin Lowe who saw something in Penner that nobody watching the NHL in the last three years had seen a glimpse of up until this point. No more calling out by reporters who flagged the large forward for being overweight. Penner came to camp in the best shape of his life, minimized his use of barley drinks over the summer and flew out of the starting gate this season. Before the mid point of the season Penner had already surpassed his totals from the previous two seasons and even got a good look by the Canadian Olympic team scouts and has carried the load for the Oilers most of the season with 41 points in 46 games and a +6 rating. After starting the season in the press box, Robert Nilson has found his edge and is now showing a compete level that matches his skill level. It’s now showing on the ice. Gilbert Brule, the player who was given up on by the Columbus Blue Jackets last season with a demotion to their AHL affiliate came into Oilers camp on fire and that continued when the season began. Brule is high risk at times, but he seems to be maturing into a quality third line player who can be counted on to contribute some valuable offence, while playing the body and forechecking hard to get the puck back. To add to the Oilers problems this season, Habibulin suffered a back injury and has missed 23 games this season, leaving Jeff Druin Deslaurier and Devon Dubnyk to carry the load and the weight of the entire Oiler nation. Oilers dynamic forward Ales Hemsky was lost to shoulder injury, missing the last 21 games and disappointing Oiler fans who began to see Hemsky come out of his shell as he looked ready to make the jump to a legitimate All-Star status. Anouther bright spot for the Oilers has been the play of call-up Ryan Potulny, who has recorded 16 points in 31 games. The light at the end of the tunnel are the prospects available at this years draft. Jordan Eberle had a strong straining camp and pre-season; however, was sent back to his junior team, The Regina Pats for the betterment of his development. The kid, nicknamed The Messiah” to folks in Regina, extended his reputation for clutch play after scoring two goalsls in the remaining minutes of the World Junior Gold medal game against the United States. Canada lost in overtime, but that magic by Eberle is bound to follow him along during his professional career. The Oilers have a future star and hall of famer in my mind and a player who will help the Oilers in the very near future. Taylor Hall destroyed the competition at the World Juniors and there’s a strong chance the Oilers could be in a position to draft him this summer. Tyler Seguin and Cam Fowler are no slouches in the draft either. They are both rising stars who could change the fortunes of any franchise if Hall isn’t available. Look no further than the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and several others who have built their franchise around a strong rebuilding process. History backs the notion that building a stable of quality high draft picks is the key to winning and setting up the opportunity for a small dynasty, despite the parity in the NHL. Oiler fans have been asking for a rebuild and now they’re getting it. Admittedly, it’s been the most painful season to watch the Oilers, not to mention many years of mediocrity, but hitting rock bottom may be what is needed to wake-up to a beautiful sunrise.

Beating down procrastination’s ugly head

Procrastinating is one of the key lack-of motivational tools behind every unsuccessful person. If you’re not dependable to yourself or others, how can they trust you will do a great job when called upon. Some ways to turn you bad habit into a good one are by not justifying why you didn’t do what you said you would. Stop making excuses; there are none. Stopping procrastination is about being accountable to yourself and others. Stop saying to yourself, I have time so I can do it later or I don’t feel motivated or in the right mood to do it right now. Don’t wait till you feel motivated. Often times you will feel motivated and in the right mood once you start the project. One way to find out if you’re telling yourself lies is to start the project and work at it for 15 minutes. Chances are that you will feel less tired and more motivated after getting into the task. If not, you at least got the project started and know that your exhaustion is legitimate. Beat down procrastinations ugly head to give yourself a successful future.

Lethbridge Police go without snow tires

With winter in full swing, snow tires are on the minds of many who want to be safe on the road. The Lethbridge police aren’t using them and believe it’s the responsibility of the individual driver to drive safely and slow down if need be.

In an article recently published in the Calgary Herald, an officer made comments alluding to the lack of snow tires on Edmonton police cruisers and thought it was crazy that Canada’s northern most city, doesn’t have snow tires, yet Calgary does.

When asked about snow safety when driving on Lethbridge roads, Kristen Harding responded by saying, “I think people always have to be mindful of safety. If you’re going to fast, slowing down is one of the most important things you can do.”

In the Dec.9 issue of The Endeavour, the importance of winter tires was made clear.

“The difference is a pretty big jump in traction from summer or all-season tires to winter tires,” says Brian Aman, chief instructor at the AMA driving school.

Winter tires can grip in weather up to -30 degrees Celcius, because of softer rubber that stays pliable during rough conditions.

Aman recommends that all four tires be changed to winter tires, as only changing two will decrease the effectiveness of the grip.

Lethbridge College snow removal plan

The storm that hit Lethbridge last weekend crippled student’s ability to get to school and make it to their classes safely. The snowstorm followed by several days of 30 below weather has caused several icy spots to develop, causing incidents on the roadways that may have been avoided with further prevention methods.

Chris Eagan, director of management facilities is asking that anyone with information on some of the icy spots on campus, should give them a call with their concerns at the general facilities office 320-3223 or email at www.chris.eagen@lethbridgecollege.ab.ca.

“We’re only to happy to have others call in, because we’re only seven guys and can’t be everywhere,” says Egan.

“Our priorities are getting faculty and students to class safely.”

Egan also says that it’s tough for his Building Maintenance Supervisor, Clarence Slomp to decide what is a greater priority.

“Do we set up the chairs in the gymnasium for a tournament on the weekend or go out and take care of the snowfall.”

Slomp has been given full power to decide what to do as these situations arise. The maintenance crew can’t be everywhere and has to compromise between where to delegate the crew.

“Often when we are in the gym setting up chairs, we’ll get a complaint about a slippery sidewalk where someone has taken a fall.”

The crew of seven is responsible for maintenance of school grounds, walkways, parking lots and anywhere else students or faculty walk. They’re also responsible for setting up chairs for sporting events or maintaining classrooms and the cafeteria’s ability to function. Egan says it’s also about trying to strike a balance between safety and academics. Since it’s an educational institution, academics comes’ first and if they hire another maintenance worker, the money won’t be there to hire more faculty.

“If the situation becomes extreme, I can contract out for emergencies,” says Egan

The maintenance department is responsible for keeping their own snowplows in tact and taking care of any snow that falls on campus. They use Snowmelt as little as possible because it’s more expensive, but better for the grass.

“We spread small chipped blocks around on the pavement,” says Egan

“The maintenance crew is doing all they can when a snowstorm hits, but it’s all about striking a balance between safety, workload and nature.”

Canadian Forces recruiting artillery field soldiers

The 18^th field Regiment, a part of the Reserve force of Canada is recruiting Canadians looking to serve their country with a part-time career as an Artillery Field Gunner.

The Regiment has been a part of Lethbridge ever since 1908 and has gone through many changes from WWI to the present. Lethbridge is the birthplace of all of the artillery batteries currently embodied in the 41st Canadian Brigade Group artillery units.

The 18^th Regiment was a total force unit, consisting of Regular and Reserve force members, but due to government cutbacks, it became a Primary Reserve force in 2005.

To become a member of the (CF) Canadian Forces, call the local recruiter, Master Corporal Panchuk or come down and watch the Reserves parade on Wednesday nights from 7 to 10 P.M.

“You can get a feel for what it’s like,” says Panchuk.

“The recruiting process from start to finish takes between three to six months,” says Panchuk.” Grade 10 is a minimum requirement to join the CF and the more education you have, the better. The first step after handing in your fully completed application form, is to write the CFAT test (Canadian Forces Aptitude test) and the higher you score, the more future job opportunities you have.

The test requires the completion of 15 multiple choice questions in five minutes to test applicants verbal skills. Followed by 15 multiple choice questions in 10 minutes to test spatial (shapes) ability and lastly, complete 30 problem solving questions in 30 minutes.

The next step is to get yourself as fit as possible and be ready to take on the Army’s physical abilities test (PT test). Pushups, sit-ups, a step test and a grip test are part of the PT testing.

Minimum requirements differ, depending on your age and gender and for more information go to www.forces.ca to see about specific requirements, training, trade information, videos and pay scales and opportunities to specialize. If further information is needed, the site has an online chat area where you can speak with recruiters directly.

Once the potential recruit has completed these two steps, they’re sent to Calgary (CFRC) for a medical and final screening interview.

If accepted, you’re sworn in and either sent to an eight week summer BMQ (Basic Military Qualification) or ten straight weekends of training Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

Once basic training is completed, hopefully a position in the Recruits trade choice will be available. The commitment to the CF is to come out to parade night every Wednesday night to practice drill and one weekend per month.

The job is physically and mentally demanding and an ability to work well under pressure. Recruits work with Howitzers providing support for the front lines (infantry) and armored units by using land to land, indirect fire on the enemy. Training with small arms, such as machine guns, rifles, pistols, grenades, mortars, anti-tank weapons, driving LAV III light armored vehicles, reconnaissance, and the use of satellite computer systems to guide weapons systems are all part of being a Gunner. Practicing navigation and communication techniques and working under changing environmental weather patterns embody an artillery field soldiers duties.

Reservists who desire the opportunity for adventure, can join deployments to Afghanistan and other locations across the globe, usually on UN missions.

When national emergencies occur, such as major fires break-out or flash flooding, the Reserves get the call.

The Mousetrap captures local audience

When he started directing stage productions 30-years ago, Eric Low never thought he’d get such a rousing reception by the audience Friday evening.

Lowe’s portrayal of Agatha Christie’s, The Mouse Trap, captivated the joyful spirits of the overlooking crowd at Yates Memorial Centre. The murder/mystery play first opened in West London in 1952 and has run continuously ever since.

“I tried to give the production my own look,” said Low.

He took ideas from other plays such as using a wrench, similar to one of the murder weapons used in Clue. All the actors were permitted to bring a prop to add to an element of texture and quirkiness that Low was looking for.

When asked what he found most challenging about directing The Mouse Trap, Lowe replied, “It’s been done so many times before and I really wanted to put our own stamp on it.”

One of the ways Low did this was by introducing the element of the voice on the radio, which was made famous in Hitchcock plays. Low found himself taking on cameo, being an actor himself.

“I just thought it would be fun to see if the audience could find me while I’m doing it,” Low commented.

This was not the first time Low directed The Mouse Trap.

“I directed The Mouse Trap 20-years-ago and didn’t want to do it the same and that included changing the music.”

Low is still floored by the reaction his cast received from the audience Friday evening.

“Last nights show was one of the best I’ve ever been involved with.”

Low says it’s rare when the audience gets into it the way they did. A thought that seemed to humble the longstanding member of the Playgoers Club of Lethbridge. This year is the 87^th anniversary of the Playgoers Club.

“Part of the purpose of doing this show was to raise awareness and to show how wonderful the experience can be,” says Low, grinning ear to ear.

Low is thankful to the over two dozen volunteers who showed up on countless occasions to help with stage setup, concessions and other nameless duties.

Low likes to give his cast room to grow within the parameters he sets as the director.

“I always want to make sure the actors are having fun and showing that playfulness.”

Giving the actors freedom to express joy and make body movements and exaggerations to captivate the audience is encouraged by Low. To him, it’s important that everyone involved in the show is just as important and has a vital role to fill in making the production successful.

From the audience’s reaction this past weekend, it seems to have worked.

Kodiaks clinch playoff birth

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team sealed a playoff birth after a dominating 91-60 win over SAIT on Saturday evening.

The Kodiaks started the game in a strong defensive posture right from the tip off. Feisty and tenacious efforts lead to a SAIT timeout with over 3 minutes to go in the first quarter. The scoring gap increased after play resumed as SAIT entered the penalty, leading to a 23-12 lead for the Kodiaks

They continued their strong play at the start of the second quarter, which led to several turnovers. Feeling the pressure, SAIT called another timeout. Coming out of the huddle, the Trojans employed an aggressive half court trap to great affect as they clawed their way back to a 35-25 deficit by the end of the half.

After an exciting cheerleading display at halftime, the Kodiaks came out strong for the third quarter. Every player was on fire to start the second half, draining bucket after bucket from every spot on the floor. In the midst of the breathtaking display of shooting skills and a 19-3 run, Logan Mendenhall drained a shot from the arc, plus the foul, to complete the four-point play. The crowd went into a frenzy as his teammates behind him jumped off the bench to help Mendenhall to his feet, giving him high fives as he walked over to the foul line.

“We came out with a really solid effort. Probably the best game we’ve played all year,” says Logan Reiter, Kodiaks player of the game. The first-year business student straight out of high school put up 17pts and had a stellar defensive effort to lead the Kodiak charge.

“We’re a small team, so we have to hustle out there.”

He knows they’ll have to keep up the strong play if they’re going to have a chance at winning the ACAC championship.

“I think if we can continue to play like this, we can have a deep playoff run.”