CANADA’S MOST RELIABLE NETWORK FEWEST DROPPED CALLS CLEAREST RECEPTION rogers.com/reliable Most reliable network claim refers to call clarity and dropped calls test results as conducted by Rogers and a recognized third-party research company in the majority of urban Canadian centres within the Rogers Wireless footprint, comparing services of other major wireless providers. TMTrademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. used under license. © 2009 Rogers Wireless. ACCESS LEGAL RESEARCH INC. • CRIMINAL PARDONS/ U.S. WAIVER • NO FAULT DIVORCE • SMALL CLAIMS COURT UP TO $25,000 OPEN SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT CALGARY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009 metronews.ca CALL 228-2469 Citizen help in taking back city Police Chief Rick Hanson ‘why is that guy wearing lieves the police have the sup- ers … and work with kids at taking part in it are basically KRISTA SYLVESTER commended a man who body armour in a family port of the Calgarians, he said an early age.” helping put guns and bullets [email protected] called police Monday night restaurant?’” Hanson said. there is more the community Alderman Ric McIver into the hands of criminals,” after he saw a man walk into The man was a suspect ar- can do. “A community based agreed the community needs he said. The Calgary police service a family restaurant wearing rested last month and approach to crime and early to focus on early prevention. Stephen Snow of the Al- is stepping up efforts in the body armour, and said more charged after a search war- prevention and educa- “People need to under- berta Communities Crime fight against the escalating Calgarians should follow suit. rant on a Heritage Point tion is key. We stand most violence in Prevention Association said gang violence in the city, “I really appreciate the ef- home turned up pipe need to work the city at the end community members need but is asking for the forts taken by that dad last bombs, guns, ammunition with par- of the day is relat- to step up together. community of Calgary to night God bless that guy. He and other weapons. ents and ed to drug activi- “If you see a problem … help take back the city. asked the right question, While Hanson said he be- teach- ty and those let someone know.” Entertainment pg 13 ROBIN Two men KU targeted in N ISKI/FO suspected R M ETRO gang shooting CA LGA VIOLENCE Hours after RY Calgary Police Chief Rick To fake or not Hanson vowed to put an end to the gang warfare in to fake accents the city, two men were tar- geted in what police believe was a gang-related Metro Drive pg 9 incident in the city’s north- east. More room At 6:50 p.m., police responded to the 100 block for BMW fun of Coral Shores Landing NE following reports that shots had been fired. Two men were reported- ly exiting a vehicle when an unknown suspect or sus- pects fired in their direction. Carson Trimble, 9, got the thrill of a lifetime yesterday, hoisting Team Canada captain and Calgarian Thomas Hickey’s gold medal One man was taken to Travel pg 11 when the triumphant hometown player and his teammates returned to Calgary International Airport yesterday. hospital with a gunshot Hometown heroes return with gold wound. Another man escaped injury and tried to flee in a vehicle, but got stuck in a snow bank trying Our hometown hockey he- the World Juniors held in Ot- Thomas Hickey. provide autographs to fans. to get away. roes made their triumphant tawa ended with a 5-1 victo- “It was awesome,” said Though he couldn’t pin- District 5 GIU is leading arrival at the Calgary Air- ry over Sweden. Trimble of the winning point a lasting memory yet, the investigation, with the port yesterday tired, but still Austin Norlin, 10, and game. “Especially when the Hickey said when he looks assistance of the CPS Gang Mexico: A tale elated from their fifth Carson Trimble, 9, showed Swedish goalie got hit.” back on this in a few years, Unit, Targeted Enforcement straight gold-medal win for up to catch a glimpse Both boys lucked out “it’ll probably be the best ex- Unit and the Calgary Crimi- of two coasts Team Canada. of their Team Canada when Hickey was more than perience we’ve ever had.” nal Intelligence Unit. Monday night’s game at hero: Team captain willing to meet them and ALICIA FOX/FOR METRO CALGARY METRO CALGARY Free Daily News Group Inc., operating as Metro Calgary. 120, 3030 - 3 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta T2A 6T7. Publisher: Steve Shrout metronews.ca metro Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Home sales drop to lowest levels in over a decade 3 Residential MLS sales in Calgary are now at their lowest levels since 1996. According to a report released yesterday by the Calgary Real Estate Board, sin- gle-family home sales were down 27 per cent from a year ago December, with the median price of a home in Calgary being $409,000. METRO CALGARY Dog breeder fined Local A 32-year-old Calgary dog breeder is facing a $1,500 fine after letting a mauled pit bull puppy suffer for over a day back in No- vember 2007. He is also banned from owning any animals for two years but says he intends to continue breeding his two dogs after the ban expires. METRO CALGARY Cops need help Homeless face danger Chief vows with hit-and-run to find DEATH Cochrane RCMP and shooters Calgary and area crime stoppers conducted a re- City has most violence against homeless in North America enactment in the fatal hit- and-run death of 16-year- KRISTA SYLVESTER old Brittany Bearspaw yes- RO [email protected] tCeorPcdohalriyca oen nea .rHei lgohowkainyg 1 f norear JfoErN MNeIFtrEoR C HalIgLaLrIyKER BIN KUNISKI/FO rPeOsLpICoEnVsiobwlei nfogr t gou fninndi nthgose the public to come Charlie Zigglar was mind- R M down an innocent man on forward with any informa- ing his own businesses ETRO New Year’s Day, the city’s tion they may have in the when he accidentally CA police chief addressed the girl’s death. flashed a $20 bill, a LGA escalating gang violence in Police believe Bearspaw dangerous act when RY the city yesterday. was struck by at least you’re hanging out by the “This act was so heinous three vehicles and two Calgary Drop-in Centre. in its nature that we will drivers have since come Zigglar was then at- not, will not, give up on forward with valuable in- tacked and mugged by a finding those responsible,” formation. METRO CALGARY fellow homeless man who police Chief Rick Hanson struck him down with a told reporters. “It was baseball bat and today Zig- absolutely irreprehensible glar hobbles around on and we will be going after crutches outside the cen- those responsible harder WHAT’S ONLINE TODAY tre. than we usually do.” “People that are home- Hanson said it is the Cal- VideoNanotechnology cre- less stick together because Calgary ranked the highest in North America in violence against homeless people according to a gary Police’s top priority to ates smell-free socks and they have to take care of recent report by the Calgary Homeless Foundation. find the three suspects for germ-free toilets at each other. But then some the New Year’s Day killing metronews. psycho comes along and cerns. Almost half of the 75 per cent of its clients noid about the police, and that left innocent ca/canada ruins it,” said the 41-year- 137 people surveyed by the have been the victim of at view them as the bad guy. bystander Keni Su’a dead in VideoJim Flaherty old Zigglar. “I would like to foundation said they have least one attack. “So the dealers, for exam- a targeted gang hit that previews budget get out of this city. I find it been a victim of a violent “Most violence goes un- ple, have a sense of immu- killed a known gang mem- measures to boost extremely out of control.” attack since they’ve be- reported,” said Louise Gal- nity because of it.” ber and an associate. the economy at According to a report re- come homeless. lagher, director of public Calgary’s rate of violence metronews. leased by the Calgary A previous study re- relations at the Drop-in against homeless was the ShareYourViews ca/canada Homeless Foundation, Zig- leased in September by the Centre. She said that highest in North America, glar is not alone in his con- Drop-in Centre said about homeless people are para- according to the report. [email protected] metro metronews.ca Wednesday, January 7, 2009 4 Canadians stuck in Gaza for at least one more day A number of Canadians will have to wait at least another day in the Gaza Strip because of unsafe conditions before they can make their way into Israel and escape the violence, officials say. Canadian officials and Israeli authorities are working to find a safer departure time. CBC NEWS ONLINE Drive-thrus hit speed bump Canada City council in St. John’s, N.L., has passed a bylaw making it hard for restaurants to open new drive-thrus in that city. The onus will now be on restaurant operators to prove to the city’s traffic department that lineups from any new drive-thru will not spill out onto city streets and cause traffic problems. METRO NEWS SERVICES Military hearing told New group created to tackle credit crunch of alleged shooting ECONOMY A new working omy and certainly the gov- group of bank and govern- ernment has a role to play ment officials is being in that. I encourage the asked to immediate- heads of banks, the ly begin looking at CEOs, to work with A witness reported seeing recovered. ways to make loans the government,” he Capt. Robert Semrau fire The prosecution believes more accessible to said before heading at a severely injured, un- Semrau fired both shots, Canadian con- into pre-budget con- armed Taliban fighter af- killing the wounded insur- sumers and busi- sultations. ter an ambush in October, gent without lawful justifi- ness, Finance Minis- It was Flaherty’s a military hearing was cation, Trudel said. This is ter Jim Flaherty said first comment on a told yesterday. the first time a criminal yesterday. Jim Flaherty meeting he and Bank A synopsis of events in- charge has been laid “We all have re- of Canada Governor troduced at the hearing against a Canadian soldier sponsibilities to ensure Mark Carney held behind and agreed upon by the in Afghanistan involving that the financial system closed doors with bank military prosecution and the death of an alleged en- functions properly in sup- CEOs in Toronto on Mon- defence lawyers provided emy fighter. port of the Canadian econ- day. TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE the first detailed glimpse The hearing was held in of the circumstances that a nondescript room on the CUPE proposal called anti-Semitic led to the 35-year-old base, where a life-and- Canadian Forces officer be- death battle halfway ing charged with second- around the world was de- BOYCOTT A proposal by the president of the Friends of degree murder. scribed in terms most peo- president of the largest Simon Wiesenthal Center. It was read at a hearing ple would only recognize union in the province to “It goes against the grain of into whether Semrau, a from a “Hollywood boycott Israeli academics academia.” member of the 3rd Battal- movie,” as the defence at Ontario universi- On Friday, CUPE ion of the Royal Canadian lawyer said. ties is being la- “CUPE has Ontario president Regiment, should be re- As the statement was belled as anti-Se- Sid Ryan called for no business leased from custody until read out, Semrau’s 35- mitic and an af- the boycott of Is- he stands trial. Military year-old wife, Amélie front to civil liber- boycotting raeli academics Judge Lt.-Col. Louis-Vin- Capt. Robert Semrau, front, is escorted by military police after a Lapierre-Semrau, a kinder- ties by prominent academics.” and educators who cent d’Auteuil reserved his bail hearing at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa yesterday. Sem- garten teacher in nearby members of Cana- do not condemn Avi Benlolo decision until today. rau is charged with second-degree murder in the death of an un- Pembroke, tried unsuc- da’s Jewish com- the Dec. 29 bomb- The charge has pro- armed man in southern Afghanistan last October. cessfully to keep their sev- munity. ing of the Islamic voked controversy because en-month-old daughter, “CUPE has no business University in Gaza and it was laid more than two ly soldier in the “proximi- who had already been dis- Camea Michelle Semrau, boycotting academics, “the assault on Gaza in months after the death of ty” of the wounded insur- armed. from crying out. whether they are Israeli or general.” the Taliban fighter in gent when two shots were Prosecutor Maj. Mary- TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE Jewish,” said Avi Benlolo, TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE Afghanistan’s Helmand heard. The hearing was lene Trudel said the Tal- province on Oct. 19. told that a witness will tes- iban fighter’s body was ShareYourViews Hospital report sparks lawsuit According to the state- tify later he saw Semrau left behind as the soldiers ment, Semrau was the on- fire at the Taliban fighter, moved on, and was never [email protected] HEALTH A former patient is were outlined in this suing a Toronto hospital that month’s Journal of Infec- published a study describing tion Control and Hospital News in brief how sinks were responsible Epidemiology. for the spread of a drug-resis- Ronald Sherman, 69, the SETTLEMENT The B.C. Human NEGOTIATIONS Employers ex- the year, but the employers P.E.I. An ivory gull, normally tant bacteria in its intensive plaintiff, was one of those Rights Tribunal has ruled in pect to respond Friday to the bargaining group remains cau- seen only in the far north, has care unit. who became sick. He was favour of a woman whose su- union’s latest contract offer in tiously optimistic a deal can be settled in on P.E.I.’s North Researchers at the Toron- admitted to Toronto Gener- pervisor offered her marijua- talks aimed at avoiding a reached before any job action Shore for the past week, CBC to General Hospital found al in November 2005, with na, lingerie and truck tires in strike or lockout of dock fore- begins, a spokesman said yes- News Online reports. Ivory the location and design of severe pneumonia, which return for sex. Kori Harrison, men at Canada’s Pacific Coast terday. The two sides would gulls, the only all-white gulls, sinks in the ICU led to the worsened, according to the 27, was awarded $32,000 yes- ports. The threat of a work have to issue a 72-hour notice usually do not venture even as spread of Pseudomonas claim, when he became in- terday at the conclusion of the stoppage has hung over the before launching a strike or far south as Newfoundland. aeruginosa in the ward. The fected with pseudomonas. three-year hearing. ports since the beginning of lockout. METRO NEWS SERVICES details of their discovery TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE MOUNT ROYAL CONTINUING EDUCATION Computer Skills that Work for You Get career-ready skills in record time with expert instruction in our state-of-the-art computer training labs. Publishing Certifi cate Web Design Certifi cate Up-to-date training in the latest graphic design and publishing soft- With comprehensive training in the leading software and ware cantake your career to the next level. technologies in web design you can work virtually anywhere. Computer Skills for the Offi ce Certifi cate or MCAS Certifi cation Offi ce Computer & Bookkeeping Certifi cate The Microsoft Business Certifi cation Program enables you to show that you have something exceptional to offer – proven expertise in Interested in rejoining the work force or simply updating your Microsoft Offi ce programs. computer and/or bookkeeping skills? These certifi cate programs are designed to do just that. INFORMATION: 403.440.6929 REGISTRATION: 403.440.3833 http://conted.mtroyal.ca/computers metronews.ca metro Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Ex-Nepali ‘slave girls’ demand rehabilitation 5 Hundreds of Nepali girls, rescued after being sold off by their poor parents as domestic help, marched in Kathmandu yesterday demanding rehabilitation such as jobs and an education, activists said. Traditionally girls as young as six or seven from the ethnic Tharu community in five districts of west Nepal were “sold” by their parents for as little as 1,500 Nepali rupees ($20 US).REUTERS World/Business Israel, Hamas study truce plan Site makes inaugural style easy STYLE Andrew Jones con- in conjunction with Barack fesses he is the last person Obama’s swearing in as the Israel and Hamas studied Troops would be pushed you would turn to for fash- next U.S. president. an Egyptian proposal for a deep inside Gaza’s cities Israel reacts ion advice, but his new Jones, who has a bank- ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and refugee camps in a bid website launched last ing background, said he yesterday that won instant to end rocket salvoes into (cid:129) Israel said yesterday it will (cid:129) An Israeli ambassador said month allows women to got the idea for dressreg- backing from the U.S. and Israel by Islamist militants. set up a “humanitarian corri- late yesterday it plans to take register which gown they istry.com several years ago Europe, hours after Israeli In an attack that wound- dor” to allow Gazans periodic Egypt’s truce proposal “very, will wear to dozens of din- from his more fashion-con- shells killed 42 Palestini- ed dozens of civilians, the access to vital goods. very seriously.” ners and balls being held scious wife. REUTERS ans at a UN school. Israeli army accused However, Israeli officials Hamas of using civilians as mortared their positions Obama to break his silence, also said a major escalation “human shields” and said from inside the school. saying civilian deaths were News in brief of their 12-day-old offen- its troops had fired at the The attacks prompted “a source of deep concern” sive would be discussed. premises after gunmen U.S. president-elect Barack for him. REUTERS ASIA China faces surging could spark anger among mil- protests and riots this year, a lions of migrant workers and Indian PM slams state-run magazine said in a university graduates left blunt warning of the hazards jobless, said a report in Mexico Awareness tour Pakistani inaction to Communist Party control be- Outlook (Liaowang) Magazine, cause of a sharp economic run by the country’s official H EN NEW DELHI Indian Prime downturn. Faltering growth Xinhua news agency. REUTERS RY RO Minister Manmohan Singh M accused Pakistan yesterday ERO / REU oinf ga ctNinogv eirmrebsepro’sn siMbluym, sbaayi- (cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:29)(cid:65)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:29) TERS attacks must have had sup- TO ADVERTISE CALL ADAM SEELY 403.444.0136 port from some of Pak- istan’s official agencies. LEGAL Pakistan rejected the ac- cusation as unacceptable, Canadian Legal Resources Centre Inc. saying India had begun a propaganda offensive and 403-229-2774 • www.canadianlegal.org such charges jeopardized UNCONTESTED CRIMINAL chances of co-operation. DIVORCE RECORD? Singh’s comments show Legal Separation AgreementsCanadian Pardons • US Travel Waivers New Delhi’s growing frus- Spousal Land Transfers Fingerprinting tration at what it sees as Is- 21+ years experience. lamabad’s slowness at Voted #1 Paralegal. Why pay more? identifying and arresting Open Monday to Saturday. the attack’s planners. India blames Pakistan PSYCHIC Antonio Tomaselli, 30, rides his bike yesterday in Mexico City. Tomaselli started a bike tour eight militants for the organized months ago in northern Alaska, making his way through Canada and the United States, to bring strikes by 10 gunmen in MysticEyeSpiritualReadings attention to violence against women. November that killed 179 people. REUTERS 47 YEARS EXPERIENCE 100% Guaranteed Results • Palm • Tarot • Crystal Ball • Energy Readings • Come in Business PH: (403) 228-2258 tao dbaeyt tfeorr ByAppointment Only tomorrow Solve all Problems of Life Canadian, U.S. markets Business in brief DIVORCE TELECOM Rogers Communica- bucking gloomy feeling tions Inc. posted strong wire- DIQUVICK, EAOSY, INREXPENCSIVE E less subscriber growth yester- day, but said its weak cable re- sults point to a tough economy. Despite a seemingly end- But those gains came on Rogers said it added 199,000 LOWEST PRICES $399 less tide of bad economic More U.S. rallies the same day Canadian au- net wireless subscribers in the I N C A L G A R Y From news and forecasts, tomakers said sales had traditionally strong fourth 10 years as family mediators and out-of court divorce specialists Canadian stocks experi- (cid:129) Strength in the tech sector plunged 21.2 per cent. quarter, up from 183,000 a Call now 403-477-8895 enced a sixth straight boosted U.S. stocks yester- Monday’s gains on the year earlier. [email protected] day of gains yesterday. day, overshadowing data TSX showed a growing The recent rally on the showing slumping factory pattern in recent weeks ECONOMYU.S. president-elect TSX has raised the index orders and dismal pending on both Bay and Wall Barack Obama said yesterday HEALTH 14 per cent from its pre- home sales. streets: the markets seem that he expects to inherit a U.S. Christmas woes. to be rallying on days budget deficit approaching $1 Having closed yesterday “From a macroeconomic filled with poor economic trillion US and that his adminis- at 9,472.09 points, the point of view, we do still data. tration would have to make Herbalife Independent Distributor market lows of November have job losses ahead of us David Rosenberg, econo- some tough budget choices. (when the TSX dropped to and we’ll certainly see the mist with Merrill Lynch in Men & Women’s Health, Immune Solutions, Weight 7,724.76 points) seem to Canadian economy strug- New York City, said in a re- DISMISSALS Air India sacked 10 Management, Energy & Fitness, Healthy Aging & Personal Care be fading into the past. gle throughout the first port: “As economists keen air hostesses for being “excep- WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? But with war in the Mid- few months of 2009,” says on assessing the markets, tionally overweight.” The staff dle East and the national James Marple, economic we have to say that we had been grounded for years Want to be a healthy weight, increase your energy, economic outlook even forecaster with TD Eco- find it absolutely fascinat- and were fired after medical maximise your nutrition or nourish your skin and hair? grimmer today than three nomics. ing that since equities bot- board declared them unfit for SandeepGill, 403-966-3713, 6th Ave, 9th St, SW Calgary months ago, many remain On Monday, Canadian tomed on Nov. 20, the duty. Some of the hostesses weary of branding this re- bank and commodity Dow has managed to rack took the case to New Delhi Gurdeep Kaur, 403-870-9792, Bay 113, 4851 Westwinds Dr., NE cent rally as a return to stocks led the way for a up 1,482 rally points.” High Court, but their case was Also opportunity to work from home. the bullish days of yore. modest gain in the index. TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE later thrown out. REUTERS metro metronews.ca Wednesday, January 7, 2009 6 LOCAL NATIONAL Assoc MngingEditor, Tarin Elbert Art Director, Laila Hakim Publisher, Steve Shrout Group Publisher, Bill McDonald Assoc Night MngingEditor, Jim Reyno National Sales Director, Susan Courtney Managing Editor, Darren Krause Distribution Manager,Dave Mak Editor-in-Chief, Dianne Rinehart Enter/Lifestyle Editor, Dean Lisk Interactive/Mrktng Director, Jodi Brown Comment & Views Comment Give banks some credit M ICH A EL D E A D D ER Despite war of words, stats show loans are still flowing Money sustained throughout the Matters Even the Bank of Canada admitted in its crisis.” December financial system review that Banks could be forgiven if they were a whole lot Charles “credit growth … has generally been tighter. Ironically, Ottawa’s Davies sustained throughout the crisis.” bank regulator, the Office of Superintendent of Fi- nancial Institutions, has Veteran Business Writer governor Mark Carney, the Bank of Canada’s own sta- been signalling that it may A banks are shutting off the tistics, Toronto Dominion raise regulatory capital re- s a onetime in- lending taps just when we Bank argued recently that quirements this year, a mate of the Cana- need credit most. The loans have kept flowing good reason to hoard cash. dian banking sys- banks are charged with through the crisis. From Besides, in a weak econo- tem, I can tell sopping up the liquidity September to November, my, banks normally be- you from first- that Ottawa and the Bank household credit was up come more scrupulous hand experience that of Canada has provided to more than 12 per cent year lenders and boost reserves bankers are prone to ex- stimulate lending and us- to year while business because there’s a greater cesses and lapses in judge- ing it to strengthen their credit rose 13.4 per cent — likelihood of loan defaults. ment. The bank I worked own balance sheets. A war hardly suggesting a credit That’s only prudent, given for — one of the Big Five — of words has been waged squeeze. It’s also been not- that the banks’ first re- has long had an eerie profi- between the two sides ed that Canadian banks sponsibility is to assure vi- ciency at messing up, find- since early December, and made up some of the dif- able operations in order to ing itself covered in goo af- this week Flaherty and Car- ference as foreign banks protect depositors’ funds. ter the bursting of every fi- ney called top bankers in and auto financing arms Staying healthy also helps nancial bubble in recent for a meeting to apply di- fled the market. preserve shareholder val- decades. Banks are also the rect pressure. Even the Bank of ue, which affects a majori- institutions we love to On the evi- Canada ad- ty of Canadians who, di- Obama’s silence on Gaza hate. We may need them, dence, Fla- mitted in rectly or indirectly, own but there’s always that herty and its Decem- bank stock. What’s good sense that, like the unre- Carney ber finan- for them is at least partly may allow him a fresh start constructed Scrooge, they don’t cial sys- what’s good for most of us. are gouging us. have tem re- But are they turning us much of view Even as Israelis and Pales- G anwomayi ci ncr iosiusr? Ihf oyuoru boef lieecvoe- acase. “crthedaitt aznCadhti aoerndlesits oa Drn awdv hpieousb hilsai casa wtvieootnerksr aeinndc bflouurds niinnegews Bssu wosrirgnitaeensrsi- ttoin icaonnsf lpiclut,n Uge.Sd. dpereespiedre nint-- ETTY IM Week, Canadian Business, Report On Business AG Finance Minister Jim Fla- Using growth … has magazine, Reuters, and Financial Post. elect Barack Obama re- ES herty and Bank of Canada the generally been mained silent, refusing to budge from his one-presi- dent-at-a-time mantra. Obama takes office Jan. Word on the street: What’s your new year’s resolution — and have you broken it? 20, but has not comment- ed on the Middle East crisis ing point where a new since Israel launched at- president, untarnished by tacks on Gaza nine days previous comments, can Jen Zach Simon Vanessa Jamie Sarah ago. make a difference with a Galligan Pipes Kursa Backman Hunter Rushton His advisers insist that fresh start. age 43, Calgary age 19, Calgary age 31, age 31, age 36, age 22, Halifax only President George W. “If I were Obama, I Edmonton Edmonton Vancouver Bush can speak for Ameri- wouldn’t want to talk A: Mine is to A: I didn’t really A: It’s an infor- ca until then. about it either. Frankly, it’s hopefully drop make any this A: I wanted to A: I didn't make a A: To take salsa mal resolution to While most prominent a lot more comfortable to 20 pounds. So year. I never make sure I do new year's reso- dancing classes. go back to the U.S. politicians have let this one hang on the far, I’m sticking went along with yoga or go to the lution this year, I’ve paid my gym. I broke my backed Israel, critics have president,” said Edward to it. That’s one it for the last two gym at least because I knew I money, so I’ll ankle during the noted that Obama joined Walker Jr., who served as resolution I can years I made three times a would break it. have to go. My summer, so I Bush in condemning the U.S. ambassador to Israel say I didn’t them ... so what's week, and I girlfriend won’t wasn’t able to go killing of civilians in at- from 1997 to 1999. break. the point? haven't broken it let me skip out. this semester. tacks in November in He also knows any state- yet. Mumbai, India. They ment is fraught with traps. would have liked him to Pro-Israeli comments by say something about the Obama risk upsetting the fate of Palestinian civilians Arab world even before he caught in the fighting. takes office. Domestic politics and in- Comments that seem ternational diplomacy critical of Israel would could be factors in Oba- anger its American sup- ma’s silence. He may hope porters. the crisis will reach a turn- DEBORAH CHARLES/REUTERS It’s your turn to tell others what you think. E-mail your thoughts and opinions to: [email protected] Letters must include sender’s full name, address and phone number –street name and phone numbers will NOT be published. We reserve the right to edit letters. METRO Calgary 3030 – 3 Avenue NE, Suite 120, Calgary, AB T2A 6T7, Tel: 403-444-0136; Fax: 403-539-4940; Advertising: [email protected]; [email protected]; News: [email protected] metronews.ca metro Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Romero, Mitre get big suspensions 7 Philadelphia Phillies reliever J.C. Romero and Yankees minor-leaguer Sergio Mitre were suspended for the first 50 games of next season after testing positive for a banned substance.METRO NEWS SERVICES Sports [email protected] Calgary downs Sharks TO NHL RESULT DD KO RO Sharks 2Flames 5 L /REU VS TERS LAURENCE HEINEN for Metro Calgary THE SKINNY:The Flames jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and held on to defeat their Western Con- Curtis Glencross celebrates his goal during the first period ference rivals in front of an against the Sharks last night. appreciative sold-out crowd. The victory helped avenge the first shot of the game for Curtis Glencross and David the sting of a 6-1 loss in San the Sharks (29-5-5) at 16:51 Moss each had a goal and an Jose on Oct. 13. of the opening frame. assist, while Rene Bourque set up a pair of goals. SHOOTING GALLERY: HOT FLAMES:Daymond The Flames (24-12-4) fired Langkow scored twice to THE NEXT GAME:Calgary the first 15 shots on net and give him five goals and four plays the New York Islanders built up a 2-0 lead before assists on his current six- tomorrow (7 p.m., Mike Grier finally recorded game point-scoring streak. Sportsnet, Fan 960). A biting loss for Senators NHL RESULT RICK STEW A Senators 2 Sabres 4 RT/G VS ETTY IM A G ES THE SKINNY:Jarkko Ruutu al- legedly bit the Sabres’ Andrew Peters on the hand during a first period skirmish, and Buffalo held on to defeat the Senators by a pair, handing Ottawa another road loss. THE QUOTE:“The last time I Andrew Peters of the Sabres reacts after allegedly being bitten saw that was in boxing ... Tyson- on the hand by Jarkko Ruutu last night. Holyfield,” said Peters. seconds for Ottawa midway in the Eastern Conference. THE REBUTTAL:“His finger through the middle frame to was in my mouth but I didn't narrow the Sabres lead to 3-2. THE NEXT GAME:Ottawa bite it,” said Ruutu. plays one more road game at THE PLAYOFF SPOT:With Boston tomorrow night before TWO IN THIRTY-TWO:With the loss, the Senators are 13 returning home to Scotiabank Buffalo ahead 3-0, Jason Spezza points behind the eighth place Place for the first time since Dec. scored two goals in a span of 32 Sabres and the last playoff spot 20.MIKE BEASLEY/FOR METRO CANADA Bowl advertisers think twice The Super Bowl is always makes the $3 million US million U.S. viewers. Still, high pressure for advertis- price tag for 30 seconds of NBC sold most of its advertis- ers. But this year, expect commercial time during ing time for the Super Bowl more nail biting, pacing NBC’s broadcast of the Na- by the end of the summer at and hand wringing than tional Football League’s prices around the $3 million ever before from chief championship game on Feb. mark. At the moment, it has marketing officers. 1 even more conspicuous about 10 per cent of its com- They have good reason to than usual. Commercial mercial time left to sell. This be anxious. A recession that prices for the Super Bowl are year, General Motors and has companies closely always eye-popping, far FedEx decided against run- watching expenses — and above what is paid for any ning commercials during cutting everything from other TV event, partly be- the Super Bowl, citing the re- staffing to travel costs — cause it draws more than 95 cession. REUTERS metro metronews.ca Wednesday, January 7, 2009 8 sports Brees named offensive player of year New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award yesterday. Brees threw for 5,069 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, coming up only 15 yards short of Dan Marino’s all-time single season record for passing yardage.METRO NEWS SERVICES Economy strikes NBA Sports in brief NHL St. Louis Blues forward NBA Denver Nuggets forward confirmed he has a non- Q Paul Kariya underwent success- Carmelo Anthony will miss displaced metacarpal fracture ful hip surgery yesterday and three to four weeks after a visit in his right hand. uietly, but sure- YorkReport (cid:129) Speaking of Houston, will be sidelined indefinitely. with a hand specialist METRO NEWS SERVICES ly, NBA clubs ex-Raps star Tracy McGrady have been dis- is upsetting Rick Adelman COLUMBIA COLLEGE counting seats Marty these days. The Rockets’ Calgary, AB for their games York coach suspects the six-foot- in recent weeks. eight guard has been dog- It’s a delicate, unprece- ging it on occasion. “Tracy’s Begin a new journey... dented strategy — created, been very unaggressive at of course, by the economic [email protected] times,” Adelman said. “He crisis — and it’s become can’t keep playing like this commonplace throughout Phoenix next week. or we just won’t be any the NBA, including Canada, NBA commissioner David good.” where the Toronto Raptors Sternhas issued a gag order (cid:129) The CFL’s first major sur- are suffering through a lam- on the meeting but a league prise of the year has come in entable, losing season. exec told Metro: “There’s a the first week of the year. Despite the discounts, at- fear that our fans can’t af- Toronto native Mike Bene- Which career is for me tendance figures through- ford or won’t keep paying vides— despite receiving a out the NBA are plummet- what they’ve paid in the multiyear head-coaching of- Over 10,000 Graduates with careers in: ing. Empty seats are some- past for tickets. So next fer that sources figured he times outnumbering those week’s meeting is critical.” would gladly accept from Criminal Justice Human Services Healthcare with keisters in them. And Best guess: The NBA soon the beleaguered Argonauts Law Enforcement Family Youth Counsellor Health Care Aide NBA executives are so con- will announce a decrease in — has elected to stay on as Corrections Residential Youth Worker Practical Nurse cerned, sources tell Metro, ticket prices across the the B.C. Lions’ defensive co- (cid:22)(cid:138)(cid:135)(cid:148)(cid:139)(cid:417)(cid:495)(cid:149)(cid:3)(cid:7)(cid:135)(cid:146)(cid:131)(cid:148)(cid:150)(cid:143)(cid:135)(cid:144)(cid:150) Immigrant Aid Worker Registered Nurse Refresher they’ve called an emergency board. ordinator. “Can’t figure it meeting, to be held in (cid:129) The NBA’s problems out,” an Argos source said Courts Education Assistant Dental Assistant here are unquestionably yesterday. “The guy (Benev- Customs Youth Worker Dental Hygiene Coordinator complicated by the fact that ides) all but officially signed. By-law Service Child Development Facilitator Dental Assistant Educator Camby to NY? some of the Raptors’ games We’re puzzled. Are we this are carried on TSN2, which undesirable?” Pre-Career Business Additional Programs: (cid:129) NBA sources tell Metro is not available on the coun- (cid:129) CFLers such as B.C. de- Academic Upgrading Marketing and Sales Community Support Services sports columnist Marty York try’s — and Toronto’s — fensive lineman Cameron that a three-way trade could largest cable carrier. Rogers Wake, Edmonton Eskimos LINC Human Resources Job Search Strategies be imminent, with ex-Rap- is depriving Canadian bas- offensive lineman Patrick ESL Finance & Accounting tor Marcus Camby return- ketball fans by excluding Kabongoand Calgary Stam- Production & Operations ing to the New York Knicks TSN2 from its menu, and in- peders long snapper Pat www.columbia.ab.ca from the Los Angeles Clip- dustry sources suspect its MacDonald have been im- Contact Us: Phone: (403) 235-9300 pers and the Knicks sending motive is at least partly at- pressing NFL types during 802 Manning Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 7N8 forward David Lee to the tributed to its desire to see recent workouts and may be Portland Trail Blazers. less competition for its own close to bolting to the bigger all-sports network, Rogers and better-paying league. Sportsnet. And Greg Marshall has Whatever, it’s a sad and jumped from his longtime silly situation. And, last Fri- position as defensive co-or- day, TSN2 drew a mere dinator of the Winnipeg 18,000 viewers for a Rap- Blue Bombers to become tors-Houston Rockets game. the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ de- That’s pathetic, consider- fensive co-ordinator. ing that many Raps games on the main TSN network Marty York has been a groundbreaking attract audiences of around sports columnist and broadcaster in Canada for decades. 200,000. Career Finder North America’s largest producer of Family entertainment has immediate openings for full and part time call center staff. Weekly pay, bonus incentives and Medical for long term staff are just some of the benefits. Top salespeople earn up to $50k + per year! If you have the attitude we are looking for, or would like to earn some extra part time $$ we want to talk to you today! Call Anthony or Marty 9am to 9pm 403 531 6179 >> Take winter by storm . 2009 smart fortwo coupé Lease For Finance From 5.9% or 3.9% The 2009 smart fortwo starting from $14,990*. for 39 months** for 60 months** Everything’s under control this winter. With its myriad of performance features engineered to keep you on course, the smart fortwo offers innovations such as electronic stability program (esp®) which keeps you in control at all times, and brake assist (bas) which automatically initiates controlled braking. All of which keep you safe and on the straight and narrow in less than ideal conditions. Visit your local smart Centre for a test drive today! ©2009 smart Canada, a division of Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. *MSRP for a 2009 smart fortwo pure coupé. **See your local smart Centre for details. thesmart.ca MCA 0107 metronews.ca metro Wednesday, January 7, 2009 9 New Cadillac at auto show Metro Drive General Motors announced this week that the 2010 Cadillac SRX will go on display at the 2009 North American Internation- al Auto Show in Detroit later this month. The floundering firm is hoping the car’s new design and improved features will help it better compete with other luxury rivals. METRO NEWS SERVICES EDITOR: KUMAR SAHA, [email protected] 135i: No The BMW 135i ’09 BMW 135i coupe Type:Compact sports car Price:$41,700 MSRP small feat Engine:3.0L twin turbo inline 6 cylinder HP:300 hp@5,800 rpm Highlights coupe out for a drive to ex- JIM KERR perience the power and •Sport seats for Metro Canada came back smiling about •Automatic dual zone the complete package. climate control BMW’s 1-series is a Outside, the 135i has •Stability control compact 2+2 sports car BMW’s traditional twin kid- • Tilt/telescopic steering available in both coupe ney shaped grille but in a and cabriolet form. This is smaller form, putting more the coupe’s roofline. Black trim with the optional sport is optional. The important pedal and the engine feels the smallest BMW but emphasis on the large air on the B-pillar provides the illu- bucket seats. This $800 op- features for the driver are like it would pull strong for- great things can come in intakes across the bottom sion of a longer side glass, but tion gives 12-way adjust- the start button on the dash ever. small packages and the 1- of the front facia. when viewed directly from the ment to both front buckets, and the six speed shifter be- This is a performance car series certainly fits that A sharp bodyline starts at side, the short rear window with manual control of tween the seats. with 300 horsepower in a description. the headlights between the and trunk lid are obvious. A height, tilt, fore/aft, recline The six cylinder twin tur- 1,530 kg body and it has Two models are offered. junction of the hood and rear spoiler is integrated into and thigh support. Power bo engine comes to life with brakes to match the power. Both the 128i and the 135i the front fender and runs the trunk lid design. side bolsters allow the seat a muted rumble and gets It is nimble on corners and come with a 3.0-litre, 24- straight back the length of Inside, front seat room is sides to adjust to the driver’s the adrenaline flowing. feels effortless to drive even valve DOHC inline six-cylin- the body separating the great but rear seat and head- profile. Maximum torque starts at when pushing it hard. It is der engine, but the 135i car’s greenhouse area from room are limited. The front The dash gauges are large only 1,400 rpm, so the car also surprisingly economi- gets a little boost in horse- the lower body. bucket seats slide forward and round while the rest of pulls smoothly away from a cal on fuel. The direct fuel power with the addition of A chrome strip runs above for rear seat access, but en- the dash is conservative and stop sign and doesn’t tire injection and variable cam twin turbochargers and an the frameless door glass and try is best left for agile uncluttered. A navigation you out in stop and go driv- timing enable 7.9 litres/100 intercooler. I took a 135i rear side glass, highlighting friends. Our coupe came system with idrive control ing. Step firmly on the gas km on the highway. 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(I know, I know, GM Pilot and the future aren’t entire- (GM’s Larry ly a done deal, but that’s a Murphy) believes business story, this is more Michael of a technical one.) that the automotive He noted that the DNA DNA is about to Goetz of the automobile hasn’t change, to one changed much in 100 years. Internal combustion based around Veteran auto journalist engine. Fuelled by some electrical I kind of petroleum prod- drivetrains, and to recently completed my uct. Lots of on-board me- first test drive in an all- chanical and hydraulic sys- one also based on electric vehicle. tems. This type of vehicle the notion that I have no idea how many also operates independent- vehicles will be kilometres were possible ly of other vehicles — you with a full charge, because have to pay attention to connected to each half way through my test the car and to the traffic. other on a grid. the salesman took the keys “A relatively dumb ma- away. He also said if I ever chine,” says Murphy. came back to Toys “R” Us, He believes that the auto- compelling, even if you go and got on that pink Bar- motive DNA is about to beyond the obvious one of Find your savings number by bie Escalade again, he change, to one based sustainable and clean ener- would call security. around electrical drive- gy consumption. going to InsuranceHotline.com I wish this guy had spo- trains, and to one also based (cid:129) Electric motors are ken with Larry Murphy, as I on the notion that vehicles small and do not need had. Then he might have will be connected to each transmissions. This re- better understood my de- other on a grid. (Murphy duces weight and complex- sire to experience the elec- considers fuel-cell technolo- ity. This also means less trical movement. Murphy is gy a branch of electrical; fu- maintenance, not more. best described as GM’s fu- el cells convert hydrogen to (cid:129)Electric cars have less in- ture strategist. His job is to water and electricity.) herent design constraints. predict what personal trans- Not everyone agrees Designers will be free to re- portation will look like in with Murphy, but the argu- think what vehicle shapes the future and how GM ments for shaping cars are possible, and where to Your Search Engine for the Lowest Insurance Rates might position itself in that around this model are put people and their cargo. (cid:129) Once connected to a grid so that congestion is relieved and cars don’t e crash into each other any s more, then you can take i In this time of economic uncertainty, you need to save your a even more mass out of the ç car — because you won’t hard earned dollars. The best and easiest way to save lots of n need all the on-board safe- money is to shop for the lowest rate on your car insurance. a ty systems we need today. r (cid:129) If all the above works InsuranceHotline.com can help you fi nd the best price by F as advertised, and safety and environment issues quoting over 30 major insurance companies and arranging e are under control, then the c “automakers” will be able them by the 3 lowest rates. n Begin 2009 with to concentrate more on a the fun side of personal It’s fast, safe and FREE. i transportation. He figures l New session of they could eventually oper- l Annual savings shown based on actual consumer quote data and results on InsuranceHotline.com A French courses ate more like the fashion industry, and bring out startingJan. 9th fashionable exteriors and RATE COMPARISON interiors almost on a sea- Rates between LEARN FRENCH & MORE sonable basis. Driving Lowest Highest Price insurance companies Before we get there, Record Price Price Difference www.afcalgary.ca / 403-245-5662 there are a few technology can vary by 100’s, bits to work out. Battery Clean Record $958 $2,213 $1,255 even 1,000’s of technology, for example, is dollars for the THE GOLD STANDARD acting like that four-year- 1 Ticket $1,018 $2,552 $1,534 same car and driver. old kid that refuses to keep 1 Accident $1,849 $3,753 $1,904 up with the group. But Look at this chart. he’ll come along, surely. And when he does, I’m sure we’ll all be singing our happy little electric 3 LOWEST RATES song. GET THE Michael Goetz has been writing about cars FROM OVER 30 MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES Accepting applications for our accredited and editing automotive publications for more than 20 years. He lives in Toronto with his DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM family and a neglected 1967 Jaguar E-type. Job At Home For Admissions Tour or Appointment Go online to (DOWNTOWN TORONTO) $487.68Weekly. MailWork,AssembleProducts Phone: 416-341-0100 ext 11 or 14 InsuranceHotline.com orComputerWork. Toll Free: 1-866-666-0481 www.TopJobAlberta.com Email: [email protected] OrWriteto: CHRJobs 900 Greenbank Road Suite #415 • #916-MC1 We look forward to meeting you! OttawaON,K2J4P6