TALK about good timing! Right in the dead of winter the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry has launched yet another reason to stay inside, and it goes by the name of Mass Effect 2. The role-playing action game has become one of the most critically-praised projects in gaming history, and is seeing early numbers that will see it as a commercial triumph as well.
By now you might be wondering why I Heart Edmonton is telling you about the No.1 video game in the world right now. Well, it's because Mass Effect 2 was developed right here in the southside studio of BioWare, which was founded in Edmonton 15 years ago.
BioWare, a subsidiary of video game pioneers Electric Arts, has gained a reputation for developing award-winning PC games like Neverwinter Night and Baldur's Gate, as well as state-of-the-art console ventures such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, and of course, the original Mass Effect.
The ME "sequel," which got some production assistance from Montreal's BioWare branch (there's also a third office in Austin), is the corporation's latest offspring, released on PC and Xbox 360 formats last Tuesday (Jan. 26). It was transpired by a group of about 150 people, including numerous graduates of NAIT and the University of Alberta. In its first day there were already some 100,000 gamers playing ME2 online, and about half a million physical copies were purchased that same Tuesday.
But the Jack Wall-produced adventure also earned inspiring reviews from across the board, including perfect scores from Eurogamer, GamesTM, X-Play, Xbox Magazine UK, and other outlets of the medium. It revelled in raving testimonials that painted ME2 as a "gorgeous experience and a staggering achievement" (NowGamer), and other such acclamations. And part III is already underway!
For many of you this is all just noise. You might, like myself, be completely unaware of what this franchise is and what kind of story it tells. So, before I keep patting BioWare developers on the back, let's find out what Mass Effect 2 is all about.
"So far in the Mass Effect universe humans are in deed the galactic's civilization," explained Casey Hudson, ME2 project director, to Electric Playground. "We're kinda seen as the newcomers in terms of advanced people in the universe and yet, as Commander Shepard, you have discovered that there is actually a huge threat to the galaxy, which is that there's a race of machines that come through and they harvest all organic civilization every 50,000 years, and it's gonna happen again.
"It's pretty special to see something imaginary become something very real." eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Casey Hudson
"In Mass Effect 1 you stopped an invasion of these reapers," continued Hudson, who graduated from the U of A with a mechanical engineering degree. "Now in Mass Effect 2 you realize that humans are being abducted from all over the galaxy, and you think it might have something to do with reapers. You know that there's an alien race that seems to be behind these abductions and maybe they are working with the reapers.
"So you gotta work to figure out what's going on and the only people who have the real information on this is a group called Cerberus, and they're a pro-human group led by a character called the Elusive Man, and they're all very shady...very dark dealings...and they have bad reputations, but they have the intelligence that you need. You have kind of an uneasy alliance with the Elusive Man and Cerberus as you work through this."
The original Mass Effect, launched back in 2007 (but set in 2183), has since sold more than 2 million copies, a mark EA expects to reach with part II within its first week! That's how far this relatively new franchise has come in barely two years, holding its head up high in the company of the industry's most celebrated chains of titles.
These days video games are much more than just that. They've become epics, adventures, mass markets that offer more than simply unfathomable effects. They tell intricate tales, eccentric stories that deal with the deepest human thoughts and emotions. Mass Effect is no exception, according to Hudson.
"Quite often, I think, in life you face a paragon and renegade decision, and should I get straight to the solution and be ultra brutal and start getting rough with people? Or am I gonna calm down, try to find a way that we can all be happy here? That, I think, is the difference between the paragon and renegade approach of Mass Effect versus the good and the evil thing."
The title also deserves some credibility via the list of big-name voice actors that have come forward to lend their vocals to ME2, including Martin Sheen, Seth Green, Carrie-Anne Moss, Keith David, Tricia Helfer, Adam Baldwin, Simon Templeman, and Michael Dorn.
Mass Effect 1 & 2 are available right now, as is the sophomore effort's 2-hour, 2-disc soundtrack. Check out ME2's official trailer below (courtesy of YouTube).
International music icon Elvis Costello is braving the cold for a benefit show at the Winspear
What:Fort Edmonton Foundation Presents 'Costello in Concert!' When:Sunday, February 7th @ 7:30PM Where:Francis Winspear Centre for Music (99 St. & 102 Ave.)
ONE of the world's most respected and accomplished rock musicians out there is London-born Irishman Elvis Costello, 55, who has been accredited with the ability to "reinvent the past in his own image," and who will return to Edmonton on February 7th.
The singer-songwriter, producer, actor and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, piano, harmonica, etc.) also happens to be the blushing groom of Canuck jazz phenom Diana Krall, with whom he's also professionally collaborated. In addition to his own bride, Costello has worked with the music elite, including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Sting, Burt Bacharach, Green Day and Alison Krauss.
The Oscar-nominated Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who also hosts the musical-talk series Spectacle (2008-), will be making his way back to our obliging city for a fundraiser concert at the Winspear Centre, with proceeds going towards future development of Fort Edmonton Park (pictured below).
"The objective is to restore a cultural landmark of the city," Costello recently told SEE magazine's Mark Kandborg. "Venues are increasingly uninspiring, the new ones. Quite often they're just concrete raised blocks and all-purpose venues that lack the elegance of older theatres, which have some continuity with other styles of performance. I'm personally very happy to play when I find a great old theatre.
"There are very few modern venues that have that same feeling," Costello continued. "When the lights go down and you forget everything you're probably just concentrating on the music anyway, but you have a head start if you're in a good environment. It's not any great theory apart from that, except that it gives me the opportunity to come back to the city. I haven't been there for awhile."
You can read SEE's entire interview with Costello here.
Tickets for the intimate "Costello in Concert" are available through the Winspear's box office online, in person or by phone (780-428-1414), and range from $107 to $212, although the Winspear's official website claims that the tix are just $65-$128 for a "limited" time only. The show will take place at the Winspear's Enmax Hall. e
Bored? Then check out our new sidebar 'Calendar' for something to do
IN order to shine a light on even more upcoming events happening in Edmonton, or in surrounding areas (St. Albert, Sherwood Park, etc.), I Heart Edmonton has included a new feature in our sidebar to the left.
"Events Calendar" will highlight some of the concerts, festivals, exhibits, showcases, or other events that will be hitting up the city in the coming days or weeks. They will be brief what-when-where updates that can be clicked on for more information.
And don't forget to follow I Heart Edmonton on Facebook and/or Twitter, where we let Edmontonians in on local events coming up. We'll continue finding other ways to guide all you beautiful, sexy folks through what's going on in the city of Edmonton year-round.
THE whole Rexall concert experience is starting to become a bit monotonous. From the obscenely overpriced everything to those tiny plastic seats that dare you to hold off from taking a leak just so you don't have to force everyone else in the aisle to stand up in order to let you by.
I've had it with the oversized line-ups to spend almost seven bucks on cheap rum. I'm tired of getting patted down by some complete stranger for weapons, but even worse, the fact that they even have to. And I'm sick of having to sneak in my beat-up point & shoot camera because ticket holders aren't allowed to capture images of the concert, even though we shell out expensive deniro for access. Man, I complain too much!
I don't know, maybe it's just me? Perhaps I've over saturated myself with these pyro-driven, louder-than-necessary arena blitz's pumped full of obnoxious drunks and those in the process. Or maybe I'm just getting old?!
Whatever the case, that brings us to last Wednesday night (January 27), when Motley Crue hit town...again! Sense the tone? The '80s hard rock legends have played Edmonton many times in recent years, so much in fact that it seems we're Crue'd out! For example, the band had to resort to giving out free tickets (excluding the $9 service charge) before the show--part of their Dead of Winter Tour--in order to fill seats.
But even then there were still empty seats throughout Rexall Place. So, maybe it isn't just me!
Anyways, here's how my night went:
5:00PM: The bell rang at work (yes, we actually have a bell!) and that meant home time, but it also meant just two hours before showtime.
6:20PM: I pulled up to my sister's place in my Neon and popped in disc one of Motley Crue'sRed, White & Crue anthology album. Listened to songs #9, #10, #12, #13, #16, #17 and #20 from the West end to Rexall Place. Disc two is meant more as a coaster, I think.
7:00PM: According to the ticket stub the first band hit the stage at Rexall, but I wouldn't know, because I was on the Yellowhead still.
7:20PM: My sis and I arrived inside the Northside arena, after standing in line for about 10 minutes, and of course that intimate pat-down. Good thing I didn't bring my Derringer (that's just a tasteless joke people, so stop dialing 9-1-1). Aussie rockers Airbourne, who I like to refer to as AC/DC II, were already halfway through their 30-minute set by the time we got through security, but we were able to catch a couple songs as we waited to buy booze and a T-shirt ($40).
7:25-7:40PM: Stood in line for drinks. 15 minutes + $13.50 = two shots of Lamb's rum squirted with watered-down Coke.
8:00PM:The Joe Perry Project began their set, defining generic rock to a tee. In other words, they sucked! Perry--who is also Aerosmith's lead guitarist--and lead singer Hagen Grohemust've studied How to Be a Rock Star for Dummies guide (doesn't actually exist, so don't Google it) before the band reformed last year, borrowing rocker clichès like tight leather pants, ridiculous hip gyrations, and screaming truisms into the mic together.
9:25PM: The arena went dark again and 10,000 people, most of whom in various states of intoxication, rose to their feet, as pyrotechnics welcomed Motley Crue to the room. As is routine, the aging rockers erupted into their 1989 hit "Kickstart My Heart." The tipsy gentleman (& I use that term very loosely) in front of me lit up and began screaming along to the lyrics with his buddy, as his lady friend looked unimpressed. Earlier in the evening that same douchebag exchanged a $20 bill for a cup of draft from a passing stranger. Idiots! The place was full of 'em for some reason, but again, maybe it's just me.
9:30-10:35PM: In the span of about an hour the Crue pushed through almost a dozen songs from their nearly 30-year repertoire, including "Shout at the Devil," "Same Ol' Situation" and "Girls, Girls, Girls," as well as some titles I wasn't familiar with ("Motherfucker of the Year," "Louder Than Hell"). Somewhere in between, Tommy Lee greeted the all-ages crowd, which would hoist their beer cups or liters, dependent on the song, into the air for much of the night. At one point during Lee's redundant salutation a young woman exposed herself from atop her boyfriend's shoulders, perhaps in hopes of making it onto Lee's infamous, yet nowhere to be found "Tittie Cam." This, as Lee passed around a communal flask of Jager (I wonder how many of them caught hepatitis!).
10:35PM: After a dozen songs, a tedious guitar solo and some typical "I love Edmonton" chit chat, Vince, 49, Tommy, 47, Nikki, 51, and Mick, 58, faked goodbyes only to return--surprise, an encore!--for a couple more tracks. I think I involuntarily rolled my eyes when the arena lit up with the flames of liters and the glow of cell phones when Tommy Lee sat down to the piano to pour out their ballad "Home Sweet Home," the band's final Top 40 pop hit. The liters were extinguished and replaced by fists in the shape of Devil's horns when Motley Crue ended the night with the biggest hit of their career "Dr. Feelgood" (1989).
10:50PM: My sister, some co-workers, thousand of strangers and myself wandered out into the chilly night and to our frigid vehicles. Unimpressed, I put disc one of Red, White & Crue back into its case and settled for something else instead. Let's hope the Crue take a little break from Edmonton, as to avoid any further strain on our once-promising kinship. But I don't think they're the only ones to blame here. Drunk morons aside (including the ones who brought poutine into the men's bathroom), Rexall must be held partially accountable as host, and this only reassures me that Edmonton could stand a new arena. I say we invite the Crue, refreshed and replenished back to Edmonton when we cut the ribbons for grand opening festivities of said arena! What do you think?
For the complete setlist of the Crue concert click here.
The video below was shot by one of the 10,000 concertgoers (binklesnort) last Wednesday, featuring Tommy Lee at the piano performing "Home Sweet Home" (courtesy of YouTube).
NEW York City has the Empire State Building. Toronto's got the CN Tower. San Francisco boasts the Golden Gate Bridge. And now, Edmonton has her own signature structure that, perhaps with one look, will instinctively correlate it with our prideful city.
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I think I've got it bad for the AGA, the Art Gallery of Alberta, though it wouldn't be the first time I've fallen for an inanimate object. Let's see, there's my hard cover copy of The Catcher in the Rye, my grey Neon, and of course, my beloved cameras. But, more than ever before, the AGA feels alive!
The city's abuzz with the upcoming grand opening celebrations (January 31-February 1) of the $88 million project, and yesterday (January 25) I Heart Edmonton and some two dozen other members of the "social media community" were graciously invited for a sneak peek at the bewildering interior of the AGA.
Media Relations & Communications Coordinator Sarah Hoyle and Executive Director Gilles Hebert guided the group of local bloggers, podcasters and photogs through three floors of architect Randall Stout's vision for what he thought Edmonton was...is. Through moulded ribbons of steel and zinc, sculpted maple and Douglas-fir, and perfectly shaved sheets of glass, Stout has captured what he saw in our community upon visiting Edmonton in the early stages of the overhaul. And, after years of imagining, I finally got to see the culmination of all those thousands of hours planning, re-planning, designing, building, staging, and now preparing to commence this provincial landmark.
But despite an opening date set for less than a week later there seemed to be a fair share of touch-ups to be made. Scaffolding clogged stairways, tools and equipment borrowed floor space from empty cardboard boxes and buckets of soapy water, and the 76-seat Zinc restaurant was simply too cluttered to observe any further than from a few steps inside.
But Hoyle and Hebert assured us that it'd be ready on time for grand opening January 31st. If it weren't for the appreciation of how far organizers have come thus far, I might not have believed them!
Anyways, back to the tour.
I headed downtown early, and in fact, was the first one to arrive at the 30,000-sq. ft. AGA on Churchill Square for the private tour. By the time 3:00 hit a crowd of Edmonton's "underground" media devotees had assembled in the expansive foyer of the gallery, where one could look out any of its dozens of conjoined windows to the panorama of the Square.
Hoyle and Hebert shared explanations and answers we had of the unsystematic design and construction of the wonderous work of art in itself, but competed for our attention as Lady Gaga (!) tested sound check (sorry Sarah, I had to mention it!). Hoyle told us about exhibits that will be on view for the public (ie. Edgar Degas, Francisco Goya), but were off limits until the official opening. The lot of us came here to examine just one piece in particular anyways...the building itself.
We climbed the incurved stairway--aligned with a blue flare and winding steel walls--to the second floor, where we had a better look at the ceiling that fraternized with a surging landscape of pricisely-squared windows. On the outside of the glass snow had collected, an intentional portrait that, like other aspects of the design, can alter how we see the gallery at various states of the day and of the seasons.
After some quickie outlines of a few of the other exhibitions on display, both permanent and touring, we took the next set of stairs to the third floor, which included the outdoor terrace (pictured left) that put the neighbouring Chancery Hall in a whole new light, as Sarah had suggested. A solitaire sculpture sat at one side of the snow-cloaked terrace, but--according to Hebert--will be replaced most likely by Spring.
From there the group convened at the gallery's basement, though you could never tell by its sleek walls made up of domestic Douglas-fir, floors of maple wood, and sufficient classrooms set up to teach aspiring artists the tricks of the trade. Finally, the ensemble of picture-snappers and note-takers settled down in the bright red seats of the gallery's 150-seat Ledcor Theatre.
For the next 20 minutes or so Hoyle, but mostly Hebert answered whatever questions we had for them, with the exception of upcoming exhibits that were apparently on the DL (down low, for those who don't know).
Slightly past four in the afternoon we excused ourselves from the impressionistic enclosures of this bold beacon that'll serve as a warm jacket for local, national and even global art.
I took to the chilly Square with my Canon and my notebook and immediately began to reminisce about the remnants of the AGA's predecessor (Edmonton Art Gallery), interweaved with the sheer imaginations of Stout and his team, and what this dynamic culmination could mean for Edmonton and it's future in the arts. The new & improved gallery is amongst the most striking in the world, and potentially the most substantial on the continent, but for about an hour that Monday afternoon, it was a prototype for reform in our own backyard.
Below is some footage of the tour (on the second floor of the AGA), courtesy of Mack Male, who runs the popular blog mastermaq.ca.
WITH the exception of weddings and funerals I haven't sat at a pew in something like twenty years. I've never read the Bible and I don't know the Commandments by heart. Hell (I mean heck), I couldn't even tell you the difference between a Christian and a Catholic, that's how far my spiritual ignorance stretches. Religion's just never been a part of my life.
Which is why I had no idea as to what to expect when my buddy Andrew Gelasco invited me to check out "Encounter's Got Talent," a one-night-only talent show for the young adult patronage of the Church on 99 (9908-67 Ave.), unofficially known as the "Church of Rock." Unfamiliar with any sorta Christian-themed scene, I reluctantly said yes, knowing that an otherworldly faith separates me from the rest of the group.
"It's a great opportunity to meet people: building friendships and enjoying times together without the baggage of the bar scene," explains the Church's official website about this clique of young adults who meet on a regular basis for various activities that range from weiner roasts & tobogganing to actual rock shows. And of course, this what I hope is annual talent showcase of its members.
I recognized the irony in listening to Bon Scott chanting his Devilish lyrics as I sat in my car in the parking lot of the 9910 Centre, where dozens of churchgoers were about to celebrate their respective talents last Saturday (Jan. 23). I turned off the ignition and went inside, still slightly restless over the company of strangers. And I don't mean strangers in the sense that I've never met any of these people before, but rather that our beliefs were of the contrary, destined to clash at some point during the evening.
Didn't happen though.
What did happen was a) the realization that divine dialogue was not on everybody's minds; b) that I could have a good time surrounded by folks who surely say their grace and know passages by heart; and c) that Christian chicks can play the electric guitar!
The 4-year-old Centre itself, located at 9910-67 Ave., is somewhat hidden in a Southside section that shares space with homes and smoke stacks. The 8,000-sq. ft. building is one huge room cornered off with bathrooms and a kitchen, but also accomodates a DJ booth and full-functioning stage.
"We wanted to create a place that can serve the needs of children, youth and young adults," read the Centre's webpage. "When you include youth as key consultants for the design of all the major aspects of the projects, the results are amazing and beyond what we could image. It was exciting to see it come together in a creative way and to have great support from our congregation and the community at large."
Spotlights lit up the platform, artistic dècor canvassed walls, and there was even a section dedicated to arcade games (including Wonder Boy!!). No more than a dozen round tables were set up in front of the stage, where Andrew was doing his sound check for one of two performances scheduled for the night.
He then introduced me to some of his friends, and we chatted mostly about music and the Centre itself, before we took to our seats and let emcees Darryl Glen and Joshua Varty get things started. Their back-to-back banter set the tone of the night, making me feel at ease right from the get-go. No preaching, no praying, no signs of the religious ambience I had expected to experience. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
The aforementioned Christian-chick-who-plays-electric-guitar (Elizabeth Sumamo) made up one-third of the first act that braved the stage, which also included emcee Darryl. But as it turned out he wasn't the only moonlighter of the evening, as the trio's bassist doubled as a part-time thespian, as did several other multi-participants. The band's cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" stripped away any conventions I had of folks who spend Sunday mornings in pews. I should've known better!
There were other musical pieces during the next two hours as well, including a pair who summoned Bob Marley via a confident rendition of the reggae legend's "Jammin'," and my buddy's melancholy take on Chris Daughtry's acoustic take on Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." One young woman sang lyrics to a song she authored herself, and another performed a Turkish dance for one (Meagan Kelly). Joanna Lee inspired with her stirring violin solo, Greg Dodds (pictured below) made us "lol" with his impressive magic show, and Lindzie Mangladesh heated things up with an act that fused belly dancing, fire and hoola hoops! By intermission I had realized how talented I'm not. Thanks for reminding me!
Another highlight was a condensed theatre version of the 1995 film Green Eggs and Hamlet, which blended Dr. Seuss' rhyming couplets with Shakespeare's distinguished narratives. Half of the 6-person troupe had returned to the stage at one time or another, including Ray Mailman, who charmed the crowd when he immersed in the fictional Nigel Clearwater to perform a parodic song he called "Puppy Love." It sounded suspiciously similar to Oasis, I must say.
"Encounter's Got Talent" closed with an obscure, yet intriguing, cover of G. Love & Special Sauce's purposely-bizarre "Milk and Cereal," featuring Andrew on electric guitar and Darryl on drums. Attired in matching T-shirts that plugged their collaborative moniker TheGnarly Brohans, Andrew & Darryl shared vocals for the rendition, which consisted mostly of name-dropping our favourite cereals. If anything, it made me hungry for milk and cereal.
And that's exactly what the pair served right after their wrap-up of this pleasantly surprising Saturday night, pouring bowls of Cheerios, Frosted Flakes and Rice Crispies.
I skipped out on late night breakfast and headed home soon after. On that car ride back to the comforts of familiarity I considered that perhaps these talented young Christians could one day be comfortably familiar to me as well. I can't help but appreciate their hospitality and ability to make me feel right at home, without ever knowing what my spiritual background is. But that's the kind of place 99 is. So I've heard!
"It has been our vision to build a place that the next generation can identify with and enjoy," claimed the Centre's official website. "At 9910 you'll find a new church for a new generation. The message and our core values do not change-what does change is how we connect with our community. It's about letting them know that they are valued, building self-esteem and helping the next generation discover their purpose in life." I couldn't have said it better myself. e
LAST March myself and about 20 friends and acquaintances of mine clicked the "Yes" tab when we received our Facebook e-vites to check out the Edmonton Rush vs. the Calgary Roughnecks at Rexall Place (pictured below right). I don't think any of us knew what to expect in what was my first lacrosse game, but $25 to see an NLL battle, sip on some rum 'n' Coke, and hang out with some good friends isn't that hard to say "Yes" to.
That March night, to be frank, the Rush sucked! The Roughnecks earned five goals before our team even got on the scoreboard, and at one point were ahead by 14 points! By the end of the fourth quarter the Rush had lost 22-10 to the Roughnecks, who even managed to tie their franchise record for most points by a player in a single game (11 for Dane Dobbie).
But by that point most of my friends and I had tuned out what was going on down on the green turf and focused our attention on the overpriced beer, random movie chit-chat, and the scantly-clad ladies in the hot tub at the foot of the rink. The 3rd quarter brawl that led to nine fighting majors and nine misconducts also helped take our minds off the Rush's upsetting effort.
Unfortunately, the Rush couldn't even blame that game--one of the worst in their own franchise history--on the fact that it happened to be Friday the 13th, because they ended the season in last place of the National Lacrosse League standings (5 wins, 11 losses) for the second year in a row. The Roughnecks went on to win the Champion's Cup (the NLL's Stanley Cup) for '09.
Rush management realized that some changes needed to made as a response to their embarrassing season, which led to GM Derek Keenan to fire head coach Bob Hamley, and then appoint himself in that role. There was also a roster overhaul for the 5-year-old team, as Keenan scrapped 14 of the 23 players, bringing on a number of rookies and former members of Kennan's previous team, the now-defunct Portland Lumberjax.
"Until we start playing for real we won't know for sure, but on paper and what I have seen at camp and the exhibition game with Calgary I believe we have the ingredients for success," claimed Keenan, who is a former lacrosse player himself and who won the 1992 Rookie of the Year Award as part of the Buffalo Bandits. He's also a second cousin of former Calgary Flames head coach Mike Keenan.
Derek Keenan realizes that his "shrewd" readjustment of the Rush is a "significant turnover and change, but I believe a real postitive change for this team. With Portland folding up and having an opportunity to land some solid players," he continued, "we took advantage of that as well as making some upgrades in our transition game and our athleticism and on offence.
"That's what we focused on in terms of making this a better team and getting us to a level we haven't been yet, which is playoffs and beyond, hopefully." Hopefully!
A couple of players who dodged a trade from last season are captain Chris McElroy and Sherwood Park native & assistant captain Jimmy Quinlan. The latter has been with the team since its conception in 2005, and serves as somewhat of the Rush's community ambassador, spreading his time over charity events and lacrosse workshops.
Among the Rush newcomers is fellow assistant captain Brodie Merrill, 28 (pictured below), who is said to be one of the sport's best players worldwide, and has the credentials to back that up. The 6'4" Ontario native was named Major League Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year four years running (2006-09), the NLL Rookie of the Year in '06 (& the MLL in '05), and the 2009 NLL Transition Player of the Year. Not bad!
"We have...a lot of warriors, and these guys fit that mold," added Keenan, referring to McElroy, Quinlan and Merrill. "I feel that they're going to bring tremendous leadership along with a lot of other guys."
In addition to the aforementioned trio of Rush elite, Keenan also recruited seven-time All-Star forward Gavin Prout, 31, American vet & two-time MLL MVP Ryan Powell, 31, former Minnesota Swarm players Dean Hill, Justin Norbraten and Ryan Ward, and a handful of rookies.
"I also think we have a strong group of leaders," said Keenan. "We have four rookies on the roster and I think all will make an impact, a couple immediate, a couple down the road. I also think we have depth in all areas. It might take a bit of time to mold this team but I think that process will be quick."
So, with a new coach, new players and a new vision for their future in the NLL, the Edmonton Rush are looking forward to proving once again that we are the "City of Champions," a nickname that has seemed undeserving (in terms of sports) as of late.
Unfortunately, the Rush got off to a not-so-good start for the 2010 season, losing 15-7 to the Washington Stealth in Everett in their first game this year (January 15th). But, the very next day, Edmonton were victorious over the Colorado Mammoth at Denver's Pepsi Center, where we left with a 14-13 triumph.
Game 3 of the season was the Rush's home opener at Rexall Place, and took place earlier tonight (January 23rd) against Keenan's one-time squad the Buffalo Bandits. The Rush conquered the visiting Bandits 11-7, as Global TV sports anchor John Sexsmith made his debut as the team's in-house announcer. Ryan Ward earned eight points during the game (4 goals, 4 assists).
For all of you who are unfamiliar with our nation's national sport--which is most of you, I bet--I'd recommend that you check out at least one Rush game this season (tix start at $17.49), and support our local athletes and their pursuit for the Champion's Cup, a trophy we've yet to capture, though Calgary has somehow managed to collect two!
Here is the Edmonton Rush's schedule for the 2010 season: 1. Edmonton Rush @ Washington Stealth/ January 15th @ 9:00PM 2. Edmonton Rush @ Colorado Mammoth/ January 16th @ 7:00PM 3.Buffalo Bandits @ Edmonton Rush/ January 23rd @ 7:00PM 4.Calgary Roughnecks @ Edmonton Rush/ January 30th @ 5:00PM 5. Edmonton Rush @ Calgary Roughnecks/ February 5th @ 7:30PM 6. Edmonton Rush @ Toronto Rock/ February 12th @ 5:30PM 7.Toronto Rock @ Edmonton Rush/ February 21st @ 1:30PM 8. Edmonton Rush @ Rochester Knighthawks/ February 27th @ 5:30PM 9. Edmonton Rush @ Colorado Mammoth/ March 13th @ 7:00PM 10.Boston Blazers @ Edmonton Rush/ March 20th @ 7:00PM 11.Minnesota Swarm @ Edmonton Rush/ March 27th @ 7:00PM 12.Washington Stealth @ Edmonton Rush/ April 2nd @ 7:00PM 13. Edmonton Rush @ Minnesota Swarm/ April 3rd @ 6:30PM 14.Colorado Mammoth @ Edmonton Rush/ April 9th @ 7:00PM 15.Calgary Roughnecks @ Edmonton Rush/ April 16th @ 7:00PM 16. Edmonton Rush @ Washington Stealth/ April 17th @ 8:30PM
Below is a video featuring the Rush's highlights of the '09 season:
AS much as it pains me to say, Edmonton's downtown could undoubtedly use a jolt back to life. I could sit here and tell all you fine folks that our city's core region is booming with vibrancy and bustling with activity around the clock, but then I'd be lying to you. And that's no way to start a relationship.
The truth of the matter is this...downtown Edmonton has been struggling to maintain a level of buzz and commotion that resembles other Canadian municipalities. In Toronto, Montrèal, Vancouver, and to a lesser extent, Calgary, locals flock to their respective city centres to wine, dine and pass the time, whereas Edmontonians seem to prefer to R&R on Whyte or at West Ed.
And yes, I'm aware that these other Canuck metros also boast their own versions of our beloved strip on 82nd Ave. and our giant mall in the west end, but sparing time for both downtown and these supposed secondary entertainment locales is not something most of us are willing to commit to. But can you blame us?!
With the exception of everything west of 107th Street, downtown nightlife in our city has come to a crawl, barely registering a peep from the swelling population of residents in the area. Why is that, exactly?
Well, one of the reasons surely has to be that late-night establishments are few and far between. From Audreys Books on 107th and all the way east to the Canada Place plot, where the downtown district clips off, there isn't much of anything going on past the dinner hour.
Let's see, there's the Naked on Jasper cyber cafè that promotes 24-hour service, but that's not written in stone. Then there's a couple of gay bars, but that's kind of a niche market, wouldn't you say? And of course, we can't forget about Metro Billiards, Halo, a Boston Pizza and a Wee Book Inn, the Jekyll & Hyde Pub, the Rose & Crown, the Baccarat, and a handful of other neighbouring establishments that are stand-alone campaigners for what could be a pulsating nightlife in downtown Edmonton.
But besides a shortage on alternatives for a night out amongst the skyscrappers and government buildings, there are other reasons why this area is in dire need of a rejuvenation.
Sufficient (cheap) parking can be hard to come by, and even when you find a decent spot for a decent price (free), you're still worried that some dickhead's gonna bust in your window to get to your stereo, CD collection, or that bag of weed that you don't think we know about!
Toss in safety concerns, limited open spaces, constrained late-night transit, scarce nearby residency, and even poor lighting, and downtown Edmonton (east of 107th, that is) has become the place not to be during the evening hours. So that leaves us with one looming question...
How do we alter its current atmosphere and transform the downtown into the central hub of the city? You form a team, that's how!
Earlier this week the city of Edmonton announced that it has put together an impressive squad of nationally-renowned urban designers, city & transportation planners, and landscape architects known collectively as the Livable City Design group. Their mission is to devise the final steps in Edmonton's plan to reboot its downtown. Although they've got quite the challenge ahead of themselves, the LCD team seems more than capable.
"We're also very enthusiastic to be able to play a role and help move Edmonton's downtown forward." eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Tom Sutherland
"This is a talented team of experts coming together with the City to take the [Capital City Downtown] Plan to a new level," said Peter Ohm, Manager of Edmonton's Planning and Policy Branch. "We want the Plan to renew the vision for downtown through up-to-date and competitive strategies and policies that will guide development for the next 10 or 15 years."
Formed by Edmonton-based multidisciplinary design team Cohos Evamy integratedesign, the LCD group was awarded a contract worth $400,000 to finish what the City had started, after they spent three years of public consultations and completing approximately 80% of the overall proposal. That proposal is designed to convert downtown into "a more vibrant, attractive, high density, mixed use and walkable area," according to the City's official press release.
This alliance of Western Canadian planners & designers will tackle zone regulations and policies that will determine how to implement new housing, parks & other spaces, and additional LRT routes, as well as configuring improved streetscapes and building designs. They also want to incorporate a real recognition of our status as the provincial capital.
One of the more interesting ventures of the esteemed project is the potential for that new arena complex we've been NOT hearing so much about lately. In fact, the LCD team has even seeked out globally renowned specialists in arena planning (U.S.-based NBBJ), and have suggested a 9-acre chunk of the Station Lands area (near the CN tower/ see map right) as a conceivable site for a proposed sports complex, which would subsequently encourage further development.
But that particular prospect is at somewhat of a standstill, as Oilers owner Daryl Katz has refused thus far to acknowledge these presentations. "There has been no submission, no planning application to the planning and development department yet," said Edmonton's senior planner & project manager Duncan Fraser. "We know it's a private initiative led by the Katz group and we're here to facilitate development and make sure it benefits the city.
"We want to make sure our policies and zoning contemplates the arrival of an arena and associated development, so we want to make sure the arena is integrated in surrounding developments."
Arena or no arena, the Livable City Design team will tread on with their plans to redevelop how we currently live, work and play in downtown Edmonton.
"There is a lot of responsibility that goes with this, because we want to do the right thing and there is a lot riding on it, a lot of civic responsibility," commented Tom Sutherland, managing principal of Cohos Evamy. "We're also very enthusiastic to be able to play a role and help move Edmonton's downtown forward."
The Livable City Design group will likely finalize its Capital City Downtown Plan to present to City Council by the Summer of 2010. e
"I SAT and thought about it for a couple hours, and was like, that's awesome!" That's what local sculptor Jason Carter told Citytv, after he was asked about being chosen as one of only six Aboriginal artists to represent Canada at Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics. "Awesome" would be an understatement!
Carter's craft, moulding soapstone and designing paintings of traditional Canadian mammals, is something this Edmonton-bred artist has been doing for about a half-dozen years. "I started carving soapstone in 2003 after I had mentioned offhandedly to my sister that I would love to try sopastone carving, and at Christmas I got a piece of soapstone, which I left in the closet for a while.
"But as I continued looking to connect with my spirituality," he told Vue Weekly, "I was looking for a flat piece of stone to smudge with and carry around with me, I ended up cutting off a piece of this soapstone, which turned into a tiny eagle's wing, and that's when I really started playing with it."
Through these "smudges" of canvas this former graphic design student found a connection with his Aboriginal heritage, a link he had never really been in touch with growing up in the big city. "I started carving soapstone because I was searching for my Aboriginal spirituality," he continued with Vue. "In that, in trying to get height out of the stone, I found Nanabozho, the trickster rabbit."
Nanabozho is a figure of trickery in Anishinaabe mythology, used in Ojibwa, Cree and other Native languages as a tool for teaching children about "morality and their surroundings." The rabbit character is prominent in many traditional Native stories, even in the one telling of the world's creation. "I was inspired by these stories," Carter said.
"I have discovered so much through carving about not just the stone, but myself."
In the early days of his newfound pursuit Carter used unconventional tools like screwdrivers and a wrench to carve out images he'd imagine in his head, images of howling wolves, bowing bison, and...mating rabbits?!
And he paints, too!
Carter's acrylic paintings are all of the same thread, harmonizing with sometimes bright-sometimes bold colours to celebrate wild Canadiana, including the "Grey Coyote," the "Pink Raccoon," the "Red Beaver," and of course, Nanabozho. And more Nanabozho!
But we're still not through with Carter's resumè just yet. You see, he also moonlights as the camera-cozy cameraman on Citytv's Breakfast Television, where he's been paired on countless occasions with BT co-host Bridget Ryan, who's encouraged his artistic ambitions since the early days. And just last month, Carter & Ryan collaborated on another excursion, putting together a storytelling cabaret & art exhibition at the Catalyst Theatre, where Carter had the chance to showcase his own pieces as Nanabozho: the Tail of Giving.
"I see a streaming narrative throughout the pieces that are interconnected," Carter said. "We were trying to tie the two shows together through storytelling, as both shows are tied to stories." More than two dozen of Carter's sculptures and paintings were on display at the theatre until December 20, 2009.
Carter's art has also been featured at Edmonton's Bearclaw Gallery, which has been exhibiting First Nations artwork for more than 30 years. But now, Carter will be featured on the global stage, as countless of Vancouver visitors from around the world will get to see what he's come up with in his "spare time."
And it's that "spare time" that has lent Carter new insight into who he is, not only as an artist, but as a person, too.
"I have discovered so much through carving about not just the stone, but myself. The stone is often frustrating in that you run into deposits that make it impossible to carve and you have to work your way around the stone, often changing your initial vision for the piece. Or after much fine detail work, the stone will break and so you try again, and again it breaks, and after a few more attempts, you're in this stand off with the stone, thinking 'what is this stone trying to teach me.' Sounds incredulous, I know, but when you spend 10 to 14 hours in the carving studio by yourself, you start talking to the stone."
If those stones could talk back, I'm sure they'd whisper the very Nanabozho tales that inspired their every curve.
Creepy Russian tale is brought to life by Winter Light thespians
What:Baba Yaga Trail Adventure (storytelling/guided walk) When:Friday, January 22-Saturday, January 23 (2-9PM) Where:Whitemud Park and Snow Valley
EDMONTON'S season-long Winter Light Festival is weeks in and its latest project, the Baba Yaga Trail Adventure, is just around the corner. The two-day event "integrates art, recreation, theatre and light installations to create an intriguing weekend of original festival programming at Whitemud Park," and it's free!
Based on a rather terrifying Slavic folklore, Edmonton's take will clean it up for the kiddies, telling the story of a young woman named Vasilissa and her journey into the forest to fetch her wicked stepsisters fire from a witch named Baba Yaga, who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs. You gotta check out the show for yourself to see if Vasilissa gets her fire, and what adventures arise in the process.
Directed by Rebecca Starr, the show is "an animated 1.6K walk through a magically lit forest," transformed by a half-dozen theatre artists and the White Light lantern. The guided night walk-slash-storytelling event will take place along the Whitemud trail, from 2-6PM on Friday and Saturday.
Baba Yaga 2010 will be an expanded affair from '09's presentation, and will also include campfire music, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, Zipfly sledding, snowboarding, a tug of war, demonstrations from Edmonton Fire Department Technical Rescue, and even a biathlon shooting range. Snacks and hot chocolate will also be provided, as well as a warming tent.
For a complete list of scheduled events (and a map) during Baba Yaga 2010, visit the Winter Light's official website. e
EDMONTON'S premier winter festival is in full swing, even though the weather hasn't been fully co-operating with organizers of the 11-day (Jan. 14-24) Ice on Whyte Festival. You see, this is an ice carving gathering, which means the whole shebang is vulnerable to the temperature. So far though, there hasn't been any sculpture casualties (*knock on wood*--had any been around!).
It would be a shame if there was though, because these frozen pieces of "hand"-carved art, illustriously shaped by chainsaw-wielding craftmen/women from around the world, are stunning to see in person, to say the least.
It was hoodie weather when I headed down to the Old Strathcona area to check out the 7th annual Ice on Whyte, situated on a fenced-in block at 85th Avenue & 104th Street. It set me back just a toonie to get through the entrance and into the arena, of sorts.
The lane of ice sculptures had applicable ribbons at their side, judging the best of these carvings of dolphins, giraffes, and mystical creatures. They were intricate chunks of outdoor artwork, chiselled by experts from Russia, Sweden, New Zealand, Tanzania, and Western Canada. At the left end of the walk was the first-place winner of the ice carving contest, "Meet Her Life" by a team from the Republic of Sakha, Russia (Fyodor Markov & Vladimir Ignatjev) (pictured below left).
There's also a giant ice slide, an ice maze, an ice castle & play area, and even a small bridge made entirely of...you guessed it, ice! If you need to take a break from the "cold," there's the stopgap Van Houtte Cafe, which not only serves hot drinks (in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation), but also shelters guests for live performances by Boogie Patrol, Kirby Criddle & Jeff Morris, Paul Sveen, the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra, and others.
For a complete schedule of performers, times and dates at the Van Houtte Cafe ("Calender of Events"), click here.
But other than what I've already mentioned, there wasn't really anything else to the experience. I was in and out in a matter of 20 minutes (in other words, I half-assed it), but for just $2, I wasn't exactly outraged. If you've got kids then it's worth at least a trip, and then maybe again in the evening for some live music and hot chocolate. They also offer drop-in educational ice carving workshops from January 18th to the 22nd, for only $3.
Presented by the Old Strathcona Business Association, Ice on Whyte runs until Sunday, January 24th, until 10PM. The event is on daily from 2PM-10PM Monday-Friday, and 10AM-10PM Saturday & Sunday. For more information call the OSBA at 780-437-4182, visit the event's official website or its Facebook page, or email info@iceonwhyte.ca.
I'VE heard a lot of people chit-chatting about a global event that may or may not come to our blushing city, and if it may, it wouldn't even be for another seven & a half years! But that certainly hasn't stopped folks from putting in their two cents about the proposed "Edmonton EXPO 2017." So, I Heart decided to take a peek behind the curtains for ourselves, and determine the good, the bad and the ugly of hosting the "World's Fair."
First things first, though. Do you even know what the EXPO is exactly? Me neither, so let's find out together, shall we?!
The History: I've always known the EXPO as its other moniker, the "World's Fair," a public exhibition of the globe's latest developments in manufactured products, international relations, tourism, and arts & culture, and has been for more than a century and a half. Actually, it's a pretty big deal!
Trailing only the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup as the world's largest single event, in terms of cultural and ecomomic impact, the EXPO premiered at London's Hyde Park in 1851 (pictured left). Back then it was known as the "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations." Fortunately, that moniker didn't stick.
That very first GHWIAN, for short (ahh...let's just stick with EXPO from hereonin), was pulled together by the likes of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Henry Cole (who introduced the first commercial Christmas card!), and was attended by some of the era's most influential individuals, including Charlotte Brontè, Lewis Carroll, and even Charles Darwin. That's impressive company, if I do say so myself.
It moved over to Paris for round two, four years later in 1855, and has since returned to "The City of Light" five times, including the groundbreaking 1900 EXPO. At that exhibition the world was introduced to "talkies" (movies with audio) and escalators (stairs that move, in case you didn't know), and had merged with the second-ever Olympic Games, the first time female athletes were able to compete. See, I told you this was a big deal!
But that's not even Paris' most memorable staging! Nope, that would be the 1889 fair that introduced the Eiffel Tower (pictured right), not to mention a collaborative performance by the actual Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. Neat!
And it's not only Paris or London that have hosted some of the most important fairs that have welcomed some of the greatest achievements, inventions, distinctions, or creations of modern human history...
In Chicago 1893 America first layed their eyes on the Ferris Wheel, commemorative coins, the hamburger, the first commercial movie theater, and even Chicago's own "Windy City" nickname. At the 1901 Pan-American Exposition (Buffalo), X-ray machines were first shown to the world. St. Louis 1904 popularized American kitchen essentials like peanut butter, cotton candy, iced tea and Dr. Pepper, and hosted the 1904 Summer Olympics to boot.
Other landmark occasions of these illuminating fairs have included the introductions of the telephone, typewriter & Heinz ketchup (1876-Philadelphia), the Statue of Liberty (1878-Paris), the steam locomotive (1915-San Francisco), the Space Needle & the monorail (1962-Seattle), early computers & the Ford Mustang (1964-New York City), mobile phones & IMAX films (1970-Osaka, Japan), touch screen technology & Cherry Coke (1982-Knoxville, Tennessee). Not too shabby!
The Dark Side: With great success comes great controversy, a fact we know all too well (just look at Avatar), and that has plagued the "World's Fair" since day one, when conservatives were up in arms that the massive numbers of visitors at London's "Great Exhibition" would transition into a mob of revolutionaries. That pioneering exhibit of 1851 also had radical Karl Marx claiming that the fair resembled an "emblem of the capitalist fetishism of commodities." Bla, bla, bla...
1884's edition in New Orleans was afflicted with scandal and corruption, as state treasurer Edward A. Burke fled abroad with more than $1.77 million in state money, which included most of the budget for the fair. At Chicago's 1893 exhibit the city's mayor Carter Harrison, Sr. was assassinated two days before closing ceremonies. Another assassination cursed the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, where anarchist Leon Czologosz killed U.S. President William McKinley at the Temple of Music (depicted left).
There were plenty of problems to deal with during 1907's Jamestown Exposition in Virginia, where organizers were faced with electrical issues, uncompleted infrastructure, low attendance, insufficient traffic, overpriced hotels, muddy conditions, racism, and a loss of millions of dollars in the end. 30 years later, at Paris' 1937 showcase, racism was on full display, when Hitler approved a Nazi Germany pavilion that included a giant swastika symbol atop a 500-foot tower that was illuminated at night.
And although Montreal's 1967 take was the most successful "World's Fair" of the 20th century, it dealt with a host of snags, including terrorist threats, war protestors, and a 30-day transit strike right in the middle of the EXPO. But worst of all, Montreal faced an unprecedented deficit of more than $210 million! But 1984's New Orleans EXPO became the first to file for bankruptcy during its run, and remains the last time a "World's Fair" was held in the U.S.
The Bid: It was the Fall of 2007 when the City of Edmonton initiated a high-level assessment of a bid to host the 2017 Exposition, citing our "diverse multicultural society" as reason enough. That set in motion a controversial (& expensive) movement towards officially welcoming the "World's Fair," and with it, the global community to our city. The 3-month affair would set us back an estimated $2.3 billion.
City Council quickly put together a 40-member citizen committee made up of leaders of business and the community in order to come up with a conceptual report. That report exposed positive results in going forward with the plan, and on October 29, 2008 our City Council approved pursuing the next step.
From there we needed to create and present not only a business case, but also a national bid for the EXPO, objectives the Council unanimously approved on April 15, 2009. Besides exploring viability, costs and the feasibility of hosting one of the world's biggest events, the city now had to consult its citizens on the whole concept. That's where they hit a snag.
"An event like this can be a real boon to cities that already have the infrastructure and lifestyle in place to be vibrant, connected municipalities," wrote Vue Weekly's David Berry, "But Edmonton is not there yet, and we'd do well spending more time with our eyes on our sidewalks and roadways than in the sky."
That was a routine response to the bid--which costs $22 million itself--and helps explain why only 55 Edmontonians attended the city's open house promotion on December 8, 2009. I blame a lack of promotion myself, as I was completely unaware of the scheduled discussion and Q&A. That, and the fact that most locals didn't really care either way!
Nonetheless, Edmonton recieved official support from the province on July 20, 2009 to present its bid to the EXPO. "An event like this provides a platform to celebrate the uniqueness and vibrancy of our capital city and province," stated Alberta's Minister of Culture & Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett. "I wish the City of Edmonton all the best in its bid preparations."
A survey by Lèger Marketing in the Summer of '09 contradicts this, though, finding that 83% of Albertans surveyed supported Edmonton's plans.
Finally, on November 30, 2009, Bid Committee Chair Tony Franceschini made the announcement many were waiting for. "It's official. Edmonton is in!" he said. "We've made a powerful case for EXPO, in Edmonton, in 2017. Now, it's time to spread the word, and grow the dream."
"With EXPO, we are not talking about today--we're opening up to the possibilities for tomorrow. It's about what we as a country, province and city might aspire to become and what we believe we must share with the world" eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Tony Franceschini
The city also revealed the proposed theme for the event, "Harmony of Energy and Our Future Planet," as well as a potential main site for the fair (U of A south campus). And as of now, it seems Edmonton is the frontrunner for hosting duties, competing against "possible bidders" in Stavanger, Norway, Lille, France and Belgrade, Serbia. Oh yeah, and we can't forget about Calgary!
The Calgary Chapter: How dare they?! Calgary, our longtime rivals, thought they'd try and pull the rug up from underneath us and steal the show...quite literally (except for that rug part)!
"It was a bit of a surprise," remarked Franceschini, referring to Calgary's May 29, 2009 last-minute announcement that they were also interested in hosting the EXPO in 2017! Huh?!
May 29th happened to be the deadline for Canadian cities to notify the federal government of their intentions on hosting duties. "I'm hoping what's going to happen is a fair and proper process is put into place where both cities will be able to compete in a fair basis and an equal basis and the best city will win," said Calgary Ald. John Mar. "After that, just like in the playoffs, once your team gets knocked out, you end up cheering for the other team."
Not surprisingly, Edmonton's Bid Committee was not impressed with the news that Calgary wanted in on the event, after our city had been working on the idea for some two years. Calgary's organizers had even offered to share the limelight (isn't that nice of them?!), possibly hosting the EXPO collaboratively in both cities.
"If it were an athletic event like the Universiade, maybe, but not a large trade show like the EXPO," commented Edmonton City Councillor Tony Caterina. "Given the circumstances that has progressed, I would find it very surprising if Edmonton's Bid Committee, doing all this work for the past couple of years, would agree to co-host Calgary if they decided to get in this game."
He was right. Edmonton politicians and community leaders were not willing to share the EXPO, and thus started an uproar of bloggers and Twitterers to express their distaste for whatever side they weren't supporting.
Because Canada can only choose one city to host the event, Edmonton and Calgary would've gone head to head in the bid process. Fortunately, near the beginning of November '09, Calgary came to its senses and backed down, deciding to "just [give] the EXPO bid to Edmonton." This came just weeks short of the November 30th deadline to submit a formal bid to the federal government.
"I hate losing to Edmonton," said Calgary Ald. Joe Connelly, "but to not have the courage to show up for the fight..."
Yeah, whatever makes you sleep at night! Hamilton, Ontario also showed some interest in taking on the fair, but backed down early on.
What to Expect: "Think big. Think bold. Think eight years down the road...Edmonton's bid to host EXPO 2017 marks the start of an exciting, new journey for Edmonton, Alberta and Canada." That's from the official website for "Edmonton EXPO 2017," a proposal that would coincide with Canada's 150th birthday.
Edmonton would expect to shell out about $2.3 billion to go forward with hosting, but an economic impact study forecasted a $2.6 billion boost to Canada's economy, most of which ($2.3 billion) would go directly to the economy of Alberta, and Edmonton is expected to generate $127 million in revenue. In addition to that, the 93-day (June-September 2017) event would create thousands of temporary jobs that could generate about $1.5 billion in salaries & wages. Again, not too shabby!
If we do get the opportunity to host EXPO it would be set in two different locations in Edmonton, with the main staging area dedicated to the south campus of the University of Alberta. The other site would be Rossdale, though a redevelopment would have to take place first, including a revamped Maxwell Dewar Building and a transformed Rossdale Power Plant.
Those in charge of developing an overall image for the potential infrastructure & adventurous concepts imagine river taxi's on the North Saskatchewan, a new signature bridge (which would replace the 97-year-old Walterdale), extended transit & pathways, celebratory plazas & spaces, enhancements to the Alberta Legislature grounds, and most importantly, "transforming civic pride, culture and community spirit."
The once-in-a-generation experience serves as a catalyst for spurring transformation, renewal and development in its host city, which would reap the benefits of long-term tourism, possible immigration, and potenital investment, as well as an amplified global recognition.
AECOM estimates that Edmonton's EXPO could expect about 5.3 million visits to the event, including more than a million from the U.S. and overseas. These guests would take in a 25-hectare site of a recreation & leisure zone, nine performance stages, and more than 100 pavilions representing dozens of nations from around the world. Plus, we could stick it to Calgary!
"I believe the possibilities for Edmonton are endless," said Mayor Stephen Mandel. "The prospect of hosting EXPO in Canada's 150th year makes the opportunity even more compelling. "There could be no better place to mark this national milestone than here, in Alberta's capital city."
Unfortunately, we can't get too ahead of ourselves just yet, because it won't be until the Fall of 2012 that the delegates to the International Exhibitions Bureau vote on who they award the hosting job to. So put down your paper horns and get down from the table, and wait it out with the rest of us. Until then, we can only imagine!
TALK about good timing! Right in the dead of winter the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry has launched yet another reason to stay inside, and it goes by the name of Mass Effect 2. The role-playing action game has become one of the most critically-praised projects in gaming history, and is seeing early numbers that will see it as a commercial triumph as well.
For many of you this is all just noise. You might, like myself, be completely unaware of what this franchise is and what kind of story it tells. So, before I keep patting BioWare developers on the back, let's find out what Mass Effect 2 is all about.
The original Mass Effect, launched back in 2007 (but set in 2183), has since sold more than 2 million copies, a mark EA expects to reach with part II within its first week! That's how far this relatively new franchise has come in barely two years, holding its head up high in the company of the industry's most celebrated chains of titles.
