Thanks Oilers for a great season opener

This new crop of Edmonton Oilers are going to be a lot of fun to watch this year and what a fitting way to start the 2010-2011 NHL season by BLANKING the Calgary Flames 4-0. Yup, shutout in their first game and a KO as well. I'm thinking Flames player Raitis Ivanans is going to want to steer clear of Oiler's Steve MacIntyre for the next oh several games or the end of the season. Yup, the kipper didn't look so hot between the pipes this time but our Nik Khabibulin slammed the door on Iggy and the boys from the south. Its going to be a great season.. Go Oilers.
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Speaking of going, it's fall and time to go shopping for those great Christmas gifts for that hard to shop for person. I've just discovered a great way to do that without the traffic and crowds and they've got a ton of great stuff at great prices.  like these great looking Beyond Yoga pants at right. Hey, this one is for the girls! So guys quit your snickering or drooling. They've also got tools too. RRRrrrrr Tools. Go here right now and check it out.

The Pontiacs are on FIRE!!

Nine games straight. Wow these guys have got it all together this year. I've been kind of busy so haven't updated here as much as I'd like but hopefully I'll have more time in the near future. Back to the Pontiacs. Not only did they win nine games straight. They also went to showcase in Spruce Grove last weekend and won both their games. I happened to be in Edmonton that weekend and ended up staying in the same hotel as the Ft. Mac Oil Barons. I got to talking with one of their people and asked how they were making out in the same showcase. Well, they had split their games. I asked how the Pontiacs were doing and he said they were on fire and that they had won both their games. He even admitted that the Pontiacs seemed to be a much improved team this year. YES! I've got to get to more games. That goes for you folks too. Lets' fill the stands for every game. Not only will the team be encouraged but ticket sales will help with their cash flow. It costs a pile of money to campaign the team for the season so every extra dollar helps. The Boys are back home this weekend for a Saturday game against the Drumheller Dragons. Game time is 7 p.m. in the RJ Lalonde arena. Go Pontiacs.

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I happened across this the other day and thought I'd share it with you.  Just click here.

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There's been lots of political action up in Cold Lake, Mayor Copeland is being challenged for his seat by former councillor Debra Pelechowsky and a bunch of new faces are popping up for councillor seats including Ajaz Quirashi who is a long time community volunteer. Ajaz even told me the other day that he's not in it for the salary but for the community. He even said that he'll donate his salary to local charities. Interesting.
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 That's all I've got for today. Come back soon.

The Tartan Army took over C2 last night.

Johnny Reid came to town and I wasn't able to attend but It looked like quite a crowd. Maybe the next show that's scheduled for Friday, October 8. I'll get the info and confirm. If you love his music, here's a cool way to get downloads and all kinds of great stuff from the folks at Amazon. Just click on this Lets go Shopping 
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Don't forget that Terri Clark is coming November 26 as well and tickets are available at the C2 Box Office or on line. Just go to www.centennialcentre.ca

Let there be Corn!

This was a terrific corn year with plants in the area reaching unprecedented heights and there are cobs 'o plenty. If you are a corn addict like a lot of us you should be able to eat your fill this Saturday, September 25 over at the Bonnyville Seniors Centre. Tickets are just $10 and available at the door. The Corn Feast starts with cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by delicious golden corn. Put in your best chompers and get on over there.
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Saturday is going to be busy with lots of other things to do so pace yourself. Our ever loving Pontiacs are in town to host the Sherwood Park Crusaders.  Coming off a successful win against Ft. Mac on Tuesday night our team is chomping at the bit to move up in the standings. The intensity they played with last night was exciting to watch and bodes well for a fantastic year in the AJHL. Game time is 7 p.m. Go Pontiacs!
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Let's hope the weather smartens up so our farm community can get harvesting. The local Canada Foods Food Grains group will be attempting to harvest their field just east of Bonnyville about 4 miles on Highway 28. Volunteers will bring their combines and should get it done in a day or less. In addition, there will be an old fashioned threshing bee and a field lunch. Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring the kids and show them the Old and the New in farming methods. Proceeds from the sale of the grain that's harvested will be matched four to one to provide food for countries who are in dire need. To date, our local group have raised nearly 1 million dollars. Come on weather shine on these good people.
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Here's a quick little story for you. Enjoy!
A rancher needs a bull to service his cows but needs to borrow the money from the bank. The banker who lent the money comes by a week later to see how his investment is doing.
The farmer complains that the bull just eats grass and won't even look at the cows. The banker suggests that a veterinarian have a look at the bull.
The next week the banker returns to see if the vet helped. The farmer looks very pleased: "The bull has serviced all my cows, broke through the fence, and has serviced all of my neighbor's cows."
"Wow," says the banker. "What did the vet do to that bull?"

Got Milk?

"Just gave him some pills," replied the farmer.
"What kind of pills?" asked the banker.
"I don't know," said the farmer. "But they sort of taste like chocolate."
Have a great week. Dave. 

Unlimited electric power? You have to see this! 

Lets get ready to Rummage!!

The good folks over at St. John's United Church in Bonnyville are at it again and its going to be huge!
For three full days, they will be holding their fall rummage sale starting on Wednesday, September 22 from 1-6 p.m. and continuing on Thursday, Sept 23 from 1 until 8 p.m. The final day is Friday the 24th and they'll be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Check them out at the corner of 46 Street and 43rd Avenue. Of course you can always check them out every Sunday morning as well. Enjoy.
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I've been missing in action lately because I got some kind of bug and its been tough to beat. Started out with the sniffles then progressed into the chest and parked there for the past 3 weeks. Been on all kinds of meds and a few home remedies and finally on a machine they call a nebulizer and I'm on that four times a day. Anyway the Doc found a little bit of pneumonia so they are trying to clear that up and this nebulizer and cocktail of stuff I'm breathing in is helping. That said I should be out and about in a few more days. I sure will miss one of my home remedies though. It was quite tasty. Take an ounce or so of lemon juice in a big mug. Add hot water then stir in a teaspoon of honey and top it off with a shot of amaretto. Now I know what the Italians get excited about. Slept like a baby. Kids don't try this at home.
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I see the municipal elections are just around the corner and all the incumbents for Town council are throwing their hat in the ring. Also running is apprentice ship board senior consultant John Irwin. John is certainly no stranger to the political realm having served as president plus a number of other offices with the Bonnyville Cold Lake PC Association. It'll be interesting to see if any more heads pop up before registration closes on Monday, September 20. All positions are open so if you feel the urge to serve, step up, get five folks to nominate you and run. If not, make sure you get out and vote. Election day is Monday the 18th of October. Council positions with the MD of Bonnyville are also open so its going to be a busy day.  I'm sure we'll hear more from all the current crop and hopefully from some more newcomers. Variety and a challenge is always good for business.
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Speaking of elections, my cousin David Dorward is running for the Mayor's position in the city of Edmonton. Dave who is a CA has his own accounting firm in Edmonton and has a long association with politics in the Gold Bar area of Edmonton with the PC party. You can find out more about him on his new website - www.votedorward.ca
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Just got notice of a new scam that's going around aimed at businesses.

You might receive and invoice for a Business Directory CD Rom.

If you read through the invoice, there is a cost of $1500 Canadian
dollars for an International CD Rom of business addresses.  Who knows if
this will ever be delivered.  A company I know of received two of them in the last week.

The return address on the envelope is for a Spanish address.  If you
were to sign off on the attached form, and return to the source, you
have signed a legally binding agreement to purchase this directory for
three years. 
I don't know much more about it than that but just beware. Its amazing that these are out there but they must work or they wouldn't keep sending them. These scammers are very ingenious and have no compunction about taking your money.  I had one that kept phoning me to sell me something similar. Actually she (the caller) insisted that I send the money right away because I was late with my renewal fee. I just kept asking her questions like when had I signed up and what the name of her company was and finally I told her I don't buy anything over the phone so send me you information by fax or mail and I'll look it over. Of course, nothing ever came because they were just scamming. There is another one that phones or invoices you for copier toner as well. You pay but you never receive.  Make sure you check your invoices carefully and always ask for proposals in writing and references if you want.
Remember, its your money they are spending.
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And finally, here's a little story for all the politicos out there.
"Daddy," a little girl asked her father, "do all fairy tales begin with 'Once upon a time'? "

"No, sweetheart," he answered. "Some begin with 'If I am elected.'"
Have a great week. Dave

It's Hockey time in Bonnyville

Dropped into the first exhibition game of this year's version of the Bonnyville Pontiacs and unfortunately they were playing Ft. Mac. Yup, the MOB was back in town with their big budget coaching and player enticements. OK, I'm jealous but our youngsters did a pretty good job until about mid way in the second period and then they kept backing up. Yes, there were a lot of new players that have moved up from Midget level and lots of new faces so I guess we can't fault them too much at this stage. For a first effort it was pretty entertaining and there were some noticeable new talents that stood out. Beau Ferbey (4) comes to mind who played a great game on defense but needs some help on the other side. Ty Carey (27) is going to be a power house up front with a deft hand and great positioning. Newcomer Matt Montesano (27) all the way from Boston who had never even heard of the AJHL until a month or two ago is another welcome addition.

Rejoining the Pontiacs are Go Getter Kevin Carthy sporting a new A on his sweater. Kevin jumped on a stray puck last night and set up the only regulation time goal for the Pontiacs against the Ft. Mac onslaught. Yup, the final score was 6 to 1 for them. Oh, we went 3 for 3 in the shootout vs their 1 for 3 but it was too little too late and you have to score those good ones during the game. I'm not sure I'm going to  like the new format they are introducing to break ties - One five minute 3 on 3 followed by a shootout. (the one they had last night was just a practice to get the boys used to it.) I say, finish the other team off by the final buzzer. In any case, there's lots of raw talent there for Coach Mercier to work with and now its up to him and his assistants to trim the herd and get the juggernaut rolling. Have a terrific season. Home opener is Saturday, September 11 against the Lloyd Bob Cats at the RJ Lalonde arena 7 p.m.  Go Pontiacs!

Where you gonna get your Beef?

The cattle industry in Alberta continues to be in a state of jeopardy. How many current ranchers/farmers will survive and can they continue to produce beef and receive only a pittance for their hard work while packers earn record profits and the consumer is still unaware. Join other producers at a town hall meeting coming up on August 23rd at Flat Lake Hall. It all starts at 6 p.m. with what else, BEEF on a Bun. The meeting will start at 7 with Chuck MacLean - Alberta Beef Producers chairman as the guest speaker. Its too darn wet to bale anyway and the fields are too soft to drive on. Although, it'll likely be hot and sunny that day. See the poster at right or print it off and stick it on your fridge. (Thanks to Bill Fox for passing this on.)