A Look Back: Contributors (jeff)
Where would the edmontonian be without our many contributors, collaborators, and commenters? It wouldn’t be the edmontonian.
Sally and I never set out to make the edmontonian our blog. Sure, we had our names all over it editing submissions and authoring a majority of items, but the edmontonian was always supposed to be a community blog. Jeff and Sally could always go get their own damn vlog.
Whether it was a conversation about A Taste of Edmonton and deep-fried foods that spawned its own video, photos that made up many of our quirky looks at the city, writers that posted items here when they certainly had plenty of other good stuff going on, or collaborating with Edmonton’s online content generatOne year of thanksors, it was joining forces and cross-posting that took the edmontonian from a blog belonging to two people to a true community news source.
Some contributors wrote one post, others became synonymous with the site. Some of our same website contributors made appearances on our ShawTV show, but new friends helped on that too. And we always had a steady crew of commenters (and we consider them part of the overall Edmonton conversation).
Together, that group of people is what made the edmontonian such a good time.
(Photos are deep frying and democracy. Two things we take very seriously.)
A Look Back: Abandoned Gas Stations (jeff)
(As we wind down our days at the edmontonian, we’ll be looking back at some of our favorite posts, stories, items, etc from the last 2+ years. Feel free to submit your own.)
One of my earliest posts is still one of my favourites. Talking about Whyte Avenue’s empty, and abandoned, gas station lots shows what hyper-local news is all about.
About the same time we started up the edmontonian, the gas station on Whyte, at 100 Street, closed up. The owners opened a new repair shop in the Ottewell neighbourhood, but more than two years later that lot in Old Strathcona sits empty.
Abandoned gas stations aren’t something unique to my neighbourhood, nor is it a story that’s too small for the daily news to jump into, but I think I was the first to talk about this particular lot. And that only happened because I live nearby. Hyper-local news is all about stories that are not yet on the radar, or won’t get on the radar, for the bigger mainstream and traditional media outlets.
That is, to me, one of the reasons blogs, podcasts, and social media is thriving. The Internet isn’t hurting traditional news because it’s more fun or mobile, the storytelling is just that much more personal. It’s on street level, and you can hear from those living right beside the story. Talking about a gas station that’s left a hole in the community, a new bar that’s going to open, or something that’s annoying you, can create a rallying point, bring a story to light, and just connect people.
This website has taught me that you cannot have a great Edmonton conversation without connection. And connection and conversation are two things news and information should be about.
404 Blogger not found
Bad news, gang. Jeff is out of commission today! We spent an evening in the ER (don’t worry, he’ll be keeping all his digits. And even I lobbied hard for him to be given a few extras, to increase his BLOGGING POWER)!
He’s a-ok, but needs a day off from filling up your INTERNETS with BLOGS. You’ll find him back at the same bat time, on the same bat channel, on Wednesday morning. And in the meantime, feel free to head to the comments and guess what ailment landed him in the ER. (My hope is that we can spawn an urban legend of a man who gained superhuman strength after being bitten by a radioactive otter).
DIYalogue
This past weekend, we were invited to be on a panel of Speed Mentors (FYI, also the name of my new deep house project) at Edmonton Next Gen’s super cool DIYalogue. Obviously a wildly flattering invite, both Jeff and I showed up to the party cleaned and fully clothed, lest someone figure out that we’re really in no position to advise anyone of anything. But it was an honour to be at an event that featured local movers and shakers like The Royal Bison, The ARTery, Solidaritees, dEdmonton, Parlour Magazine, City and Dale, Fridget Apparel and SOS Fest.
As part of our “mentoring,” we figured we’d better make a list of the upwards of four things we’ve learned from working on the edmontonian. That evolved into a handout, which we brought to share with anyone interested – and just in case you happen to be a blogger, content generator, or other interested party, we figured we’d post it here too.
Click below to download.
Click to download our "Tips for Content Generators" handout
Wunderbar
(Editor’s note: We love Wunderbar. Just thought you should know that.)
A lot of things are different at Wunderbar lately; a snazzy new website, slick new bench seating, a tasty new limited-run whiskey lager from our friends at Ambers Brewing. But the big change at the Whyte Ave. drinking hole, the one at the root of Wunderbar’s current popularity, are owners Levi Christensen, Chris Janke, and Craig Martell.
The three guys worked at another popular Edmonton bar for years before deciding to venture out on their own.
“We were like ‘We have an idea,’” explains Craig. “And everybody wants to open a bar, but not everyone has an idea.”
The idea in question? To create a bar that was community-based and thoroughly accessible to all.
“When people come here,” says Craig “[We’re] making them feel comfortable – making someone who doesn’t drink feel comfortable. You can come here and not have a beer and we’re okay with that. There’s not many bars in town where someone who doesn’t drink feels comfortable.” (more…)
In case you missed it…
…check out our video on demand of Saturday Night with Samsonow! The latest episode is from September 25, featuring a report on the Dawson Bridge from The Unknown Studio’s Adam Rozenhart, and School Board Trustee Candidate Sarah Hoffman!
Edmonton Headlines, sunny-side up
History repeats: Prohibition comes to an end.
Ah, Thursday. When we get to say “Hello” to our old friends at SEE, Vue, and the Edmonton Examiner. Then we can forget about them for another week.
You know, I had an interesting thought not that long ago. I think I’ve even shared it with a few people. If printing newspapers continues to be an expensive task, and more news goes online, why couldn’t some of our dailies become weeklies?
We already have SEE, Vue, and the Examiner publishing once each week. If Metro became a daily, then the Sun, and the Journal, we’d have six newspapers to read every week. If the Sun and Journal banged out two issues a week, we’d have at least one paper to read every day.
And they’d be able to focus on what they do best, filling the actual hard copy of their publication with the most valuable, more in-depth stuff they could come up with each week. That is, they wouldn’t all cover all of the same stories all of the time.
Essentially, like SEE and Vue, they’d all become magazines of a sort. Just a thought to kick around.
from the Edmonton Journal:
Plan to reduce wait times for surgery falls short of goal
Rethink Alberta campaign riles Tories (I guess we could just start an ad campaign telling people not to go to the Gulf states. Or Edmonton could launch a campaign in the U.S. featuring our world-class waste disposal and the giant mall. That’s not dirty.)
Epcor boss answers his chief critic in spinoff of Capital Power
McCauley area loses some of its soul with demolition of St. Stephen’s Church
Soccer districts seek halt to ASA’s perpetual battle
Tims lures the buys of summer with custom ice cream (Ice Cream? At Tim Hortons?)
from the Edmonton Sun:
Airport land generates interest (People are interested in drawing up plans for a new neighbourhood.)
Indy deal needs council approval
If you’ve been around here for awhile you know why I’m linking to this one.)
from the Edmonton Examiner:
Councillor Connection (Ron Hayter talks about flooding.)
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Pedway improvements draw mixed reviews
from CBC Edmonton:
TV series ‘major shot in the arm’ for Edmonton
Internet luring conviction upheld by top court (Dateline’s Chris Hansen would be proud.)
from CTV Edmonton:
City reminds motorists to keep an eye out for motorcylists (For more City of Edmonton stories, updates, and news releases you can check our RSS feed at the bottom of the homepage.)
from Global Edmonton:
New arena could cost $5 a ticket (Going to an event at a new downtown arena, you could find your ticket helping to pay to have built it. But councillors aren’t sold on the arena plans just yet.)
from Vue Weekly:
Environmental fallout (Syncrude’s duck deaths and what it could mean. This is also a good time to mention that Vue is producing podcasts.)
Who was David Swann talking to?
from SEE Magazine:
We need more car-free streets – and one less airport
SOS Fest warms our hearts and our minds
Downtown living (There’s that party tent again.)
And in other news…the great beaver uprising has begun, in Red Deer…
Two Scoops of Headlines With Those Nutritious Flakes of Bran
(Thanks to Derjis for today’s breakfast-themed Headlines headline.)
Good news, everyone!
Daryl Katz is promising $100-million for the new downtown arena. Again.
Though, he wouldn’t say it’s necessarily again, because we all misinterpreted the first time he said he would put $100-million into the arena as putting $100-million into the arena. He, of course, meant $100-million into the area around the arena, the so-called entertainment district. Our bad.
Nevertheless, he’s now telling City Council he’s got $100-million with the arena’s name on it. You know, once City Hall figures out how to pay for the rest of it.
Oh, and he’d really like a decision soon. (I hear he’s got a good lead on some orange juice investments.)
from the Edmonton Journal:
Katz’s other rink project isn’t so cool
Bitter soccer association battle bounces from boardroom to court (I would have said that a “Bitter soccer battle headed into court.” Get it? Headed. Like when a soccer player hits the ball with his head. *cough* I’ll show myself out.)
Billboards warn Americans not to travel to ‘dirty’ Alberta (So, that’s not going to be to good for tourism. Right?)
from the Edmonton Sun:
Rain keeps workers busy, Edmontonians ducking for cover
Debut of Wildrose stomp (Sally would rebuke me if I didn’t zing this Wildrose Alliance song by linking to this campaign song.)
from Metro Edmonton:
Norquest’s printing centre gets grant (Time to print a paper version of the edmontonian.)
from the Edmonton Examiner:
Council approves 10-year plan to make city more ‘livable’
Reduce the urban burden (Higher taxes for the suburbs. Discuss.)
Fred Broadstock pool reopens with kid-friendly renos
from The Canadian Press:
Funding cut for Alberta school
from CBC Edmonton:
Edmonton retailers roll out plastic bag charge (Break out the reusable bags.)
Alberta couple’s disappearance devastates family
from CTV Edmonton:
Fresh Express romaine lettuce salad recall (Planting a garden is sounding better every day.)
from Global Edmonton:
LRT use climbs (Actually, ALL transit has seen an increase in ridership. I’m not surprised, people want alternatives. Don’t forget to watch the story to make sure they don’t use shots of transit from Vancouver.)
That’s a lot of headlines
It’s been one year.
One, glorious, fantastic, busy year of getting up earlier than we want, reading news instead of drinking multiple espressos, and compiling a list of Edmonton’s news each day that we think you should check out.
Let me know if it’s still working for you. What we can do more of. What you want less of. If you’ve actually read something you wouldn’t have otherwise read (which is really the secret goal of my daily sarcasm).
from the Edmonton Journal:
Stampede spirit shines stark light on bland Capital Ex (I like the idea of marketing more festivals as a package, a summer-long party. That might appeal to folks outside of Edmonton.)
Documentary on Fort Chip kids makes Toronto International Film Festival shortlist
Edmonton opera heads for New York City
Peace River stink has filled gov’t nostrils (I like the description in that headline.)
Finding political pay dirt a tricky chore
from the Edmonton Sun:
Edmonton moves ahead on animal control programs
Big boots to fill in the education world (MacEwan, NorQuest, and now NAIT is looking for a new bigwig.)
Alberta left-wing urged to unite (Now people just sound desperate.)
Edmonton Valley Zoo welcomes baby animals (This one is pretty much just for Sally.)
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Police watching over LRT in pilot project
Banff to cap fast food and visitor shops (Wouldn’t it be interesting to see something like this in one or two shopping districts in the city? Could it encourage new business, local ideas, original restaurants?)
U2′s new Edmonton date released (One year later…)
from CBC Edmonton:
Club has to meet conditions before reopening (Go, Public Compliance Team, Go!)
from CTV Edmonton:
Edmonton doctor suspended for having sex with patient
Police on the lookout for missing St. Albert couple
from Global Edmonton:
Health bonuses under investigation (The bigwigs get bonuses. And the Premier is asking why.)
For the rest of the week we’ll return to last year’s fun of naming our headline posts after breakfast items. Because Sally always thinks I’ll run out of delicious breakfast-themed ideas.
And it’s only fair, after talking about Lloyd Robertson’s retirement, to note who’s taking over the anchor desk at Global National. (They’ve both followed the U.S. network lead and put women into the anchor chair.)
the edmontonian’s Bad Movie Challenge #1: Battlefield Earth
Last year, Jeff and I had our first ever bad movie party. It was a screening of Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room,” inspired by one of our favorite non-local blogs, and we had a bunch of people over to sit around and make smart remarks at the TV. It was one of the best parties I’ve ever hosted, and one of the only ones that didn’t end in me rolling around on the floor with a plant in my pants, declaring myself “The Grubermeister.”
But that is a tale for another time.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that Jeff and I were NOT, in fact, party geniuses – and that lots of people gather to do this on a regular basis. The Turkey Shoot guys have been doing it far longer than we have (and better, I might add). And most recently, I found out that our friend and contributor Gregg Beever hosts similar parties at his abode.
Since Gregg is one of the funniest people in the world to watch terrible movies with, Jeff and I had an idea.
The three of us could watch a terrible movie. And then we would challenge you guys to watch it as well.
Then, instead of your standard movie review, we could all have a chance to skewer it in the comments.
So here’s our first Bad Movie Challenge: you guys have seven days to get your hands on “Battlefield Earth.” Jeff, Gregg and I will get the conversation started with our notes on the movie – but what we really want is to hear what you guys think.
Gauntlet: thrown.
seinfeil – tossed out
If you’re looking to start a restaurant named Flavours, I know an alley where you can get a sign for free.
Títulos del 12 de julio Edmonton
A lot of Dutch fans catching the World Cup final at Whyte Avenue's Elephant & Castle were soon to be disappointed when Spain won 1-0.
Whew!
Now THAT is how a festival city does a weekend! Street Performers, SOS Fest (more on that when I have like 3 more coffees), rafts, soapbox derby, Eskimos, baseball, and the World Cup Final. If you didn’t bump into a party this weekend you must have been hiding in your air conditioned basement.
Good stuff, Edmonton.
from the Edmonton Journal:
Edmonton sewer, garbage fees proposed to rise six per cent in 2011
Paid parking at Edmonton LRT lots could start in September (And since the LRT is now connecting us to more malls, which one if your favourite?)
Giant bat has struck out (I always wondered why a baseball bat was somehow an important fixture on 118 Avenue.)
Kids the losers in ugly soccer turf war
Alberta to look at U.K. model of health care (We’re never going to figure out which way to go.)
Duckett thanks staff for ideas with $500 prizes
Tories promise to reveal campaign finances
Slammed by grandson, storyteller Vern gladly passes on the torch
From the National Post: Katz cool as Oilers fans sweat (And back here, Mayor sends signal to Katz city has its expectations as well and Katz Group’s sense of entitlement won’t get arena built
From the Calgary Herald: Relief cash flows Tuesday, Stelmach promises flooded Albertans
from the Edmonton Sun:
Bissell celebrates 100 years of helping inner city
No bus stops on the urban liberal express (One advantage to trains and streetcars can be the fact they can run on electricity, not gas. I also think people can accept more buses, but the system needs higher efficiciency.)
The weird wizardry of budgets (No money for schools, more money for schools…huh?)
Wealthy Alberta a magnet for young criminals
Pine Lake 10 years later (It was hit by a tornado in 2000.)
from Metro Edmonton:
Jeffery-Heaney to run in Ward 8 (Hey, that’s my ward.)
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Edmonton cab drivers and dispatchers vote on unionizing
RCMP constable accused of murder makes court appearance
from CBC Edmonton:
Bar clientele a headache for restaurant (The patrons of the York and Mount Royal hotels gotta go somewhere.)
Missing Alberta couple were headed for B.C.
from CTV Edmonton:
Police start ticketing noisy bikers (Good. Good, good, good. Next up, dumb, loud cars and trucks.)
Oilpatch oversight confusing, frustrating: critics
from Global Edmonton:
Syncrude leak (While two workers were injured at Syncrude on Friday.)
And the Mayfair Hotel is no more. The downtown hotel has been being torn down the last few weeks and construction crews collapsed the rest of it Sunday. It got a little out of hand, spilling onto the street, but nobody got hurt and the mess was cleaned up.
July 9 Headlines
Good morning, dear Edmonton. Hope this heat isn’t melting all your fun.
Are you excited for the SOS Fest? We're excited.
I like that the petition to get the closure of the City Centre Airport on the election ballot is now a “I know you are but what am I?” between the mayor and Envision Edmonton. This debate needs to end just because we’ll soon be putting tacks on chairs.
Also, it should be noted to Envision Edmonton and supporters, democratically elected city politicians voting on what to do with airports is not a violation of your rights. If it was, I bet sitting councillors wouldn’t be looking like shoe-ins for the October vote.
Now…on with the show! This one’s for you, Lloyd!
from the Edmonton Journal:
Health executives take home $5.8 million (They are worth every single penny.)
Alberta pledges $188M for homeless
Coalition battles Alberta-wide water market (Our water is not for sale. Or is it?)
Police ask for help to find missing man
Edmonton’s Dynacor Media wins in New York
from the Edmonton Sun:
Thankful Edmonton musicians want to ‘give back’ (It’s time for the SOS Fest!)
Feds eye cellphone storm alerts
Massive bust doesn’t put dent in drug trade (Why, just this morning, a drug lab exploded.)
from Metro Edmonton:
Panhandling plan gets mixed reviews
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Licensing your pet could get easier
Mandel questions Envision Edmonton over municipal airport (The signatures continue to be gathered to put the question of closure on our October election ballot.)
Royal Glenora pool opens with fundraiser
from CBC Edmonton:
Police Taser complaint probe ‘inadequate’ (It’s just disappointing when police don’t follow through on investigations.)
Jasper Avenue phone booths neglected (This story has what is probably one of the better opening lines.)
Extra eye surgery contracts signed
from CTV Edmonton:
City looks at plan to reduce number of animals euthanized
from CityTV Edmonton:
Martin makes Grand Marshall (The gold medal winning curler will lead the Capital Ex parade.)
And in the news world…CTV’s Lloyd Robertson is stepping down.
Battlefield Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton.
I watched Battlefield Earth last night.
Ugh.
from the Edmonton Journal:
Region unites against bitumen exports
Winter takes toll on pine beetle
Swann’s trumpet call for foes to join forces falls flat (Sharing is for suckers.)
from the Edmonton Sun:
Edmonton Indy on Octane? (Do we have a new race promoter? Could taxpayers be off the hook, next year?)
from Metro Edmonton:
Province launches grant for organ donors (Will some cash help you donate?)
from The Canadian Press:
Province to cover teachers’ pay hike
Prentice says there is support for Alberta/Texas pipeline (The Premier is asking for a little Clinton help.)
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Albertans pay HST (You thought you’d get away without paying.)
AEG feels disrespect from mayors comments
Mandel returns from Shanghai (And he’s got a little buddy he’s only calling “Short Round.”
from CTV Edmonton:
New arena downtown, major reno to Rexall — is there a third option? (As we heard yesterday, there could even be a fourth option.)
And we got our new Governor General!
from Vue Weekly:
That’s the way the city crumbles (Protecting our older buildings. Or not.)
from SEE Magazine:
Stabbing was a shock – But sadly common (Can this weekend’s SOS Fest help give Whyte Avenue a clean start from the drink and fight, drink and drink and fight crowd?)
You know, speaking of SOS Fest, we’re going to be all over that. Like, really all over it. So, let us know who we should check out. If you’re going to be around help us out with some photos and band recommendations/reviews.
The Best Little Bloghouse in Edmonton
Yes, I’m reaching with that headline, but I haven’t had a mid-afternoon coffee, so I have an excuse.
Of course this actually means the Walterdale Playhouse is putting on a production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
While there won’t be any Dolly Partons or Burt Reynolds hanging around Whyte Avenue, it does mean the classic play is on the stage here in Edmonton. Tonight is opening night, but that’s already sold out. I guess you better get some tickets.
Sidenote 1: After hitting up IMDB for a link to the Burt and Dolly movie I found that there may be a remake coming.
Sidenote 2: I’m pretty sure my high school put on this play, but called it The Best Little Ranch in Texas, or something. We had such impressionable young minds.
Edmonton’s July 7 Headlines
My, those are the strangest bicycles I have ever seen... I bet you wouldn't just dump your wheelbarrows in somebody's parking spot.
Today was the first day I biked to work. It was a great morning for it, with that clear blue sky and gorgeous sunshine.
I think I’ll make a habit of biking to work this summer. It’s something I’ve thought about before but never really put into action. This will be the summer I do it! (Probably.)
from the Edmonton Journal:
Survey hopes to shine light on ways to improve Edmonton’s Jasper Avenue (I took the survey. There were a bunch of urine questions.)
Who will pay for facility a mystery
City Centre Airport is dead. Let’s move on (You’d think we could. You’d really think that.)
Legislature grounds a sizzling summer getaway (Sally would live at the Legislature all summer. If it didn’t make her a hobo.)
More Alberta students study online for degrees
Alberta Liberals plead for allies to topple Tories (Help! They need somebody. Help! Actually, they need like 60 somebodies.)
Smell sickens Peace area residents
Edmonton sex offender, 87, deported
from the Edmonton Sun:
The Oilers aren’t going anywhere (Graham Hicks says Katz won’t go to Hamilton. But might move the Oilers to the River Cree Resort and Casino.)
Edmonton announces special absentee ballots for civic election
Heavy garbage a no-no (Stop trying to throw out your old bowling balls.)
Premier Stelmach defends 56K Washington Post ad
from the Edmonton Examiner:
SOS Fest gives fans a reason to shout out (This is going to be a great weekend of music, music, music on Whyte Avenue.)
from The Canadian Press:
Alberta to Texas oil pipeline proposal (Conservationists don’t like it.)
Do-not-call fines total $73,000; only $250 collected (You are reading those numbers correctly.)
from 630CHED/iNews880:
City offers clean cash for energy efficient washing machines (Get your rebates!)
Largest co-ordinated marijuana bust in Alberta history
from CBC Edmonton:
Stelmach dismisses duck trial sniping (Some Conservative cabinet ministers are saying the dead ducks are overhyped and that Syncrude isn’t to blame.)
Happy anniversary to Jamie and Rhonda. And all you other 7/7/7 weddings!
Take this, it’s free
Mornin’ Edmonton. 
If you want a free hat. (That free hat, over there, to the right.) Then you should toss us a photo from the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.
I’ll accept any of your jazzy photos though, since this is all about jazz appreciation.
Slide it into our Flickr group (which sounds just a little dirty) and that hat is yours.
Then we just have to figure out how to get the hat onto your head.
Get your kicks
In all of today’s excitement over the Netherlands-Uruguay semi-final at the World Cup, let’s talk local soccer.
FC Edmonton is back on the pitch tonight, taking on one of Canada’s stronger teams, the Ottawa Fury.
FC is in the midst of exhibition games and friendlies, while the Fury is trying to lock-up the Northeast Division of the United Soccer League’s (USL) Premier Development League for the second year in a row.
Here’s hoping some of this World Cup excitement spills over to Foote Field tonight (7:35), and for the rest of this summer’s practice season. That way the team is all confident for the real season in 2011 and gives us a show.
What’s the deal with Edmonton?
Hi Edmonton, I’m Monday.
I’m rainy. Now I’m sunny. Nope, raining again. Here’s like 47 seconds of hail. Now it’s blue sky.
What was up with that yesterday? What a wacky bit of weather. It really proved that old adage about waiting five minutes for the weather to change. Made it tough to know whether I should have kept the jacket on or not. And had my umbrella ready.
I blame Josh Classen.
Also, what does an Edmonton guy have to do around Edmonton to get into some Edmonton, Alberta Google Alerts?
from the Edmonton Journal:
Busier LRT a healthy sign (Darn tootin’.)
Lack of information costs students grants: survey (Does anyone understand paperwork and grants?)
Library centennial may help upgrade
Megatunes record chain closing (At first I was kind of sad. Then I remembered that Megatunes could have adapted to changing music consumption. Or perhaps closing is that natural evolution.)
from the Edmonton Sun:
Give to shelters, not beggars: Province (Always a good rule.)
Province missing targets on crime, despite millions: Report
Remarkable young Albertans recognized
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Search for missing woman intensifies Sadly, there appears to be an update to this story: Body found in ravine believed to be missing woman
from CTV Edmonton:
Northlands revisiting plans to renovate Rexall (And things just keep getting weirder and weirder.)
from Global Edmonton:
Housing market (High prices, low sales.)
Give me The Works
You can kind of see it, this car is full of soil and plants.
While normally a reference to topping your hamburger with everything, in Edmonton The Works is also our big summer art and design festival.
And I have only hinted at it so far. Time to talk about it on its own.
The Works has been on for more than a week, but you’ve still got a couple of days to catch all the action in Churchill Square, and at so many buildings and venues in the downtown.
It’s a chance to see art, dance, clothing, and anything that can be made, designed, sculpted or created. It’s also neat to wander into some of the downtown office buildings and find a bunch of art in the lobby.
Art that wasn’t there before and will be gone July 8.
Hey, do you know if they’ve cut those Smart cars out of the plaster yet? I keep checking!
Told you.
Reviewing the McDonald’s Southwest Salad (or, why it is unlikely anyone will ever give us anything free again)
Sometimes, when you are part of the team behind the 17th most successful blog in the greater Edmonton metropolitan area, you are given certain perks. Sometimes, people say, “Hey, would you guys like to try our new product and/or service in exchange for some publicity?”
This is often very nice, and very flattering.
Most recently, we were approached by fast food giants McDonald’s to review their new Southwest Salad. We were a little divided on whether or not this constituted an Edmonton story but, eventually, based on my well-documented love of salad and my unshakeable logic that there are McDonald’s restaurants in Edmonton, Jeff relented, I pulled up the tape divider I had created in the center of the room, and well, here we are.
It's salad time, buddy!
I would like to begin by saying that while I don’t UNDERSTAND why McDonald’s has tried to position themselves as a more upscale, health-conscious restaurant of late, I certainly RESPECT their right to do so. I think it’s nice that little kids can get apple slices instead of fries, and I can get milk with my Filet O Fish, and that my Last Airbender toys aren’t covered in lead paint, or whatever. Because it’s all about moderation.
Anyway, the very generous PR folks at McDonald’s gave us a $25 gift card to try their new Southwest salad. This made me a little uncomfortable, because I was once in the dating pool, and I know that when someone buys you dinner, whether they say it or not, certain things are expected. Would I like the salad? Would I be barred from McDonald’s if I did not?
In the end, we obviously made the decision to use the entire $25 gift card in one outing. Because, as my mother has been telling me on a regular basis since I was about 11, “Why must I always insist on being a complete jackass?” Also, because how could we fairly judge the salad without comparing to $16 worth of other menu items?
Here is what we purchased:
1 Southwest Salad: $7
1 Hot Chocolate: $2
1 6 piece McNugget combo: $6.50
5 Double Cheeseburgers: $10
total: $24.49
I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous at this point.
Edmonton Edmontonlines
I had a great time at the Sportsdome, Saturday night, taking in E-ville's big Canada-U.S. roller derby game.
Good Edmonton, Edmonton.
We grabbed some tasty Edmonton breakfast at Edmonton’s Route 99 Sunday and talked with our good Edmonton friend Gregg Beever about search engine optimization (SEO) a little bit. I’m not saying, Edmonton, that you’ll notice any changes around this Edmonton website. But Edmonton, Edmonton and Edmonton.
—–
It seems they’re talking about Alberta oil more and more south of the border. Even Premier Ed is taking out expensive ads to talk oilsands. Meanwhile, cabinet ministers are saying the Syncrude duck deaths are being overblown.
And what would the news of the day be without news of Daryl Katz and arenas near and far? It would be a day not in Edmonton, or Hamilton.
Probably 300-400 people were out to see the E-ville Dead beat Seattle's Rat City Rollergirls.
Oh, and the University of Alberta is beginning its budget cuts. First up is to get rid of phones.
from the Edmonton Journal:
Higher taxes makes dollars and sense (You pay, you get stuff.)
Senior police settle wage deal
Inner City High must find new home in a hurry
‘We are the community,’ Northlands boss insists
And a few on environment and nature with a Backyard Edmonton beekeeper stung by ban, Environmentalists see risks in allowing Leduc gravel pit, and over in Sherwood Park, a Neighbour not told about new CN rail yard.
Also in Sherwood Park: Business park that silenced skeptics set to grow.
The Journal has now completed one year of the best of Edmonton. Check out the 52 reasons to love the city.
Alberta pioneers celebrate Arab heritage
What went wrong at Cougar Rock? (Now it’s time for the blame game.)
from the Calgary Herald: Alberta nurses contract touted as salve for health care (They’ve got a deal.) And 40-year transport plan paves way to future.
from the Edmonton Sun:
Hilton hotel eyed for inner-city Edmonton
Mayor Mandel has a challenger (He certainly does. On paper.)
Eatery for pooches popular (I actually didn’t know we had a dog deli.)
from Metro Edmonton:
Time to look in the mirror Edmonton
from 630CHED/iNews880:
Jasper Avenue nightlife survey (Do you like the nightlife?)
City ponders smart cards for transit
Arrest made in west end home attack (Most of the newsrooms have this story on a 92-year-old woman being robbed.)
from CBC Edmonton:
Edmonton group opposes airport closure (They’re arguing people will die if the City Centre Airport closes. I’m sure they’re the same group protesting the Indy, since a race shouldn’t take precedence over those precious, life-saving runways. What? That protest doesn’t happen? Oh, I forgot, there are no emergencies requiring medical flights to Edmonton during the race.)
Alberta’s Hwy. 63 needs emergency plan: official
Crash at Edmonton bus stop injures 4
from CTV Edmonton:
Edmonton activists demand inquiry into G20 arrests
from Global Edmonton:
Indy tickets sales down (This could mean another taxpayer bailout.)
from Vue Weekly:
Watering down legislation (Our deregulated energy market opened wide July 1. Is water next?)
And while it’s not really Edmonton, this note about Black Press buying up newspapers caught my eye. Black Press already owns the Red Deer Advocate, Red Deer’s daily newspaper. Now they’ve bought the Red Deer Express, the city’s weekly newspaper. Throw in the Canwest closure of RDTV and you’ve got truly dwindling editorial voices in Alberta’s middle city.
Also interesting in the news realm, The Canadian Press appears on the verge of ending it’s co-operative model. It could be teaming up with CTV Globemedia as a for-profit news provider. It’s been a source of news, as you might find in these daily links, for most of the country’s newsrooms. Canwest and the Sun chain jumped out of the cooperative in recent years and that’s hurt the non-profit’s approach.
A smattering of Canada Day
Here’s a few things we got up to on Canada’s birthday.
FIREWORKS!
Did you find a nice spot in the river valley to watch the fireworks? Maybe you saw them down in Mill Woods?
Watching dogs run and jump through an obstacle course as part of the Canada Day celebrations at the Alberta Legislature.
Sometimes they slipped and flipped off course. But in a cute way.
And, of course, what’s a holiday without reduced transit service to pack the trains and buses?
Transit boss #3: "I'm telling you guys, nobody will use ETS on a holiday full of big events."
Canadian Events
Happy Canada Day, Edmonton!
If you’re feeling patriotic today can get into the Canadiana all over the city. There’s the Silly Summer Parade down Whyte Avenue, Churchill Square is busy with The Works and City Hall has Canada Day activities, the Alberta Legislature is all about our country’s 143rd birthday, and Mill Woods always throws a huge party. For a complete listing of all of Edmonton’s Canada Day fun head to the City’s website.
And don’t forget about fireworks! Mill Woods has them tonight and the river valley will light up with the city’s main sky display. There are some traffic restrictions downtown, tonight, because of the fireworks, so, again, check the city’s website for Canada Day and fireworks details.
Now, because Canada Day is Thursday this year it’s going to throw the week totally off for some people. I’ll be be back at work Friday, but you might not be. So let’s just call this a long-weekend and see what’s going on Thursday-Sunday.
As I noted above, The Works continues in Churchill Square, and various installations around downtown.
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival continues. You should snap some photos and win our hat.
One more festival…feats – estival of dance, continues to move.
July is a new month, and a new month means new movies.
Tonight, the Summer Rooftop Patio Series is on at Latitude 53, and they’re open late for Canada Day.
Meanwhile…over at the “tentue” you’ve got Kim Mitchell and Sass Jordan Friday night. You can’t get more Can-con than that. Speaking of homegrown talent, Calgary’s Roman Danylo is going to be making people (maybe you) laugh over at The Comic Strip.
There’s some big news at the City Market. Eva Sweet Waffles is going to be at the downtown farmers’ market for the rest of the summer. Get some waffles.
It’s a pretty good sports weekend here in the City of Champions. The Edmonton Capitals are taking on Calgary, and you can get another fix of fireworks after Friday’s game. There’s more baseball with the Edmonton Prospects. And the Edmonton Eskimos kick off their 2010 CFL season Sunday, against the B.C. Lions.
Now it’s time to check in with ShareEdmonton and YEGLive.ca for important events and music.
Lil Kim is at Union Hall tonight. Lil Kim is at Union Hall tonight!
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is back, and they start with my favourite of the Shakespears; Macbeth. They’re also doing Much ado about nothing.
Let me know if there’s anything else I’m missing. Last week I forgot to tell you about the Edmonton Turkish Festival and that’s one of my favourites.
UPDATE: How could I totally forget about the E-Ville “Declaration of Derby,” happening Saturday? I mean, we were giving away tickets and everything. It just proves you guys need to keep me on my toes.
