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T H E P E R S O N A L I T Y O F B U S I N E S S I N T H E C A P I T A L R E G I O N

2 EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009

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THAT WAS THE DECEMBER THAT WAS

hat a special night…I was at the Hotel Macwhen HIV Edmontonannounced its 25th

anniversary plans. The highlight of themid-November shindig was hearingMichael Phair, former city councilor andnow director of community relations atthe UofA, tell the story of how theorganization was formed. Edmonton’sfirst public case of AIDS was that ofOlympic swimmer Ross Armstrong. Agroup—including Bernard Dousse, LizMassiah, Dr. Larry Jewell and TomGale —gathered around Michael’skitchen table

to figure out what to do about AIDS.They created the AIDS Network in 1986to provide a system of support andadvocacy. Now called HIV Edmonton, itoffers information on harm reduction,treatment information, a contemporaryresource library, a toll-free phone line,and volunteer training.

“Penultimate director of the Citadel Theatre,Joe Shoctor loves his scotch. He asked thebar at the Citadel to hold a bottle of ChivasRegal for him for opening nights. Three yearslater, he’s still working on the same bottle.”

~ Maureen Hemingway Movers and Shakers1990

“Anne Bilinske… the soft-spoken proprietor ofWalt’s Klothes Kloset… offers the following:‘Men who own their own tuxedos have bettersocial lives.’”

~ Lois Bridges Business Profile 1991

“Art Jones… lauds Connie for her work as amember of the Board of Governors of theEdmonton Realtors Foundation which iscommitted to community service andphilanthropic activities.”

~ Lois Bridges Entrepreneur of the Year—Connie Kennedy 1992

“When Children Sing… recording of ChristmasClassics by 44 members of the St. AlbertChildren’s Theatre is a terrific gift… afundraising effort for the Friends of the St.Albert Children’s Theatre Society.”

~ Fred Keating Arts and Entertainment 1993

“The Effort Auction, now in its 26th year, isTHE society gathering… Alberta’s mostsuccessful one-night charity auction; thisyear’s event grossed $160,000 in support ofbeneficiaries in the arts and health sciencefields.”

~ Faces photo feature 1994

“Caritas Chair Marilyn Kane hopes to see $3million raised this year by the HospitalFoundation.”

~ Drake McHughEdmonton General Hospital

100th Anniversary 1995

“750 of Edmonton community and businessleaders came together to hear Barbara Bush,Larry King and Mike Duffy. The event raisedfunds for the Alzheimer Centre. Eva and PeterPocklington dropped $5200 for a replica ofthe desk used by Larry King, and $2500 forthe signed oil of the talk show host andBarbara Bush. Who else?”

~ Leaders Summit photo feature 1996

“…the Courvoisier Collection Erté went state-side to a telephone bidder for $10.000…Edmonton’s first Fine Wine & Art Auction, thebrainchild of Irv Kipnes… raised an estimatedgross of $130,000 and a net of $65 to$70,000…”

~ A Classic Evening photo featurefundraiser for Edmonton Symphony and

Beth Shalom Synagogue Arson RestorationFund 1997

“Tracy Tremblay is a extraordinary doll artist.She creates doll-like sculptures of people(Bryan Hall, Hugh Campbell, Ron Hodgson,Tom Mayson, Jack Agrios). She donates apiece to the NAIT Foundation Art Auction andCruise and the Festival of Trees.”

~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair1998

“Maureen Hemingway-Schloss… sets thestage, designs the scenery, provides stunningprops, and allows her guests to be the stars.”

~ Marg Pullishy Dining-in for the Millennium1999

“December 7th: You could support theChildren’s Health Foundation at theirSnowflake Family Gala at the Shaw… lots offun and all for a good cause.”

~ Eva Marie Clarke Calendar Cogitations 2000

“The highlight of the Public Library Ball waswhen Stan Milner presented a cheque for $500thousand… John Poole provided the projectwith $50,000, which helped the library hit itstarget of $1,350,000.”

~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair2001

WWwith Mark & Marty

Bernard, Liz, Michael,Dr. Larry and Tom

20022003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

EDMONTONIANS DECEMBER 2009 3


The 25th year will feature variouslegacy projects. A permanentinstallation, such as a garden or a groveof trees, will be created. “Somethinggreen and living,” says Michael. Aswell, there will be a special coffeetable book published.Award winningphotographers DaleRoth and MichelleRamberg have giventheir time and talent toshoot the faces ofHIV/AIDS inEdmonton. Theproject will be led byTed Kerr, the formerartist in residence or,as HIV Edmontoncalls the position,Artist in Red. By theway, Ted was anEdmontonians Sizzler in 2007.

The year of celebration will windup with a gala that should be a dandy.Years ago, my band—The BigBreakfast Band—played a few HIVEdmonton galas, then called theBlack and White Affair. If the 2010gala is anything like those, it shouldbe quite the night.

Playing at MichaelPhair’s Kitchen’s Tableevent at The Mac wereGeorge Koufogiannakisand some of his superbmusician friends. Theylaid down some fine,sweet and funky jazzgrooves. The next dayGeorge was off toOttawa. He wasnominated for “worldsolo artist of the year” atthe 2009 Canadian FolkMusic Awards. I recentlymentioned his latest releasecalled Generations–GreekOud Jazz in this column.Congratulations Geo foryour outstanding work andyour nomination. When yousee George’s name for a gig intown, go see him. You won’tbe disappointed.

NYE… Heard about a great NewYear’s Eve event. Singer/songwriterJames Murdoch will lead a crackgroup of musicians such as AnneVriend and David Aide through anight of Rumours at the HavensSocial Club. The Fleetwood Macalbum will be played from stem tostern by James’ band. Get yourduckets now.

Marina Michaelides shared a biteand original stories during StorySlam night at the Blue Chair Cafe,

with good friend and Italian businessprincess Teresa Spinelli. Marinajoined the Story Slam board given herpedigree as a TV producer fromEngland where she told stories for theBBC and all the major networks.Here in Edmonton, the wordsmith

applied hercraft to abook onsmart andsassyCanadianwomen,RenegadeWomen ofCanada,and alsopenned abest-sellermost oftenread in thewashroom,

the Bathroom Book of Alberta Trivia. Teresa, owner of the Italian Centre

stores, just returned from a trip toSilicon Valley where she and otherEdmonton business champs wereentertained at Microsoft headquarters.She’s still not sure why they wereinvited but she was impressed withall the gadgets of the future they gotto play with.

Marina recently left her life as seniorproducer at Citytv, and has taken on anew role as director of businessdevelopment at Donovan CreativeCommunications. Brave move…lucky firm. She’ll add her video, TV

and PR expertise to thecreative team at theaward-winning, full-service marketing,branding andcommunicationscompany.

LongtimeEdmontonianscolumnist DavidNorwood was amongthe recipients of theCity of Edmonton Arts& Culture CitationAwards. He was thefounding chair of theEdmonton ConcertHall Foundation, thegroup that led thecharge for theconstruction of theWinspear Centrefor Music and theinstallation of theDavison Organ.The consummate

volunteer is known forbuilding bridges “between businesses,academic institutions, governmentand the arts.” David served as thepresident of Edmonton’s FringeTheatre Adventures and oversaw theredevelopment of the TransAlta ArtsBarns. The Civic Buzz writer says hewas “overwhelmed” by the honour. √

Mark Scholz, owner of MESCommunications Inc. offers a varietyof services including production,creative and entertainment. For moreinformation or to suggest a storyidea, [email protected]

Dale, Ted and Michelle

David

Teresa and Marina

George

o doubt you have seenthe newspaper or televisionads over the past few monthsregarding the friction between

the television and cable industry in Canada. When you have many friends on both

sides of the issue, as I do, it’s really hard todiscern who is right and who is wrong.

In my opinion, both are right and bothare wrong... and the problem lies in highlyoutdated CRTC regulations and a failure-to-communicate issue.

Very simply, when cable started about 40years ago, it cost around $8 a month for afew channels delivered either via cable orsatellite. As time went on, several tierswere granted by the CRTC and most ofthose had different rules and fee structures.For example, TSN—arguably the mostsuccessful cable channel in Canada—wassubsidized by cable fees and allowed to selladvertising. Many other channels wereprevented from selling ads, or highlyformatted to a specific audience.

Over the years, more and more local/regional television channels were added,and virtually all major CTV/Global/AChannel/CITY TV channels becameavailable through what the industry calledtime-shifting subscriptions.

Further to that, our 50-channel universehas expanded to 500 channels—even morewhen you consider the music, and pay tierswhere you can pay upwards of $55 to $60for one-time events like UFC or liveconcerts. Monthly fees now probablyaverage about $50.

Suffice to say, the rules have not beenrealigned significantly and, while thecable/satellite industry has becometremendously profitable, the localtelevision industry is suffering from asevere decline in traditional advertisingrevenues. Many of those dollars areactually going directly to some of thosespecialty channels as well as web,promotions and special events.

The television industry is required to bepeople strong to provide local newscoverage while the cable industry is,according to the television people, takingthat product for free and charging you, theconsumer, for the service.

“We are no longer in a position tosubsidize cable and satellite with theprovision of free signals,” says Lloyd Lewis,VP/GM of CTV Edmonton. “To put it intoperspective, the regulations that govern ourindustries have been in place since EdSullivan was on the air and they no longermake any sense. This is why we say themodel for our industry is broken. We have aproduct that is used heavily by the consumer,but we can no longer monetize in today’sfragmented advertising world.”

In fairness, I should point out that thereare special taxes the cable industry doespay through CRTC licence agreements, andthose monies go into a CanadianProgramming Fund. However, they do notflow, cash wise, to the networks.

Charles King, vice-president ofgovernment affairs for Shaw Communi-cations, explains, “CRTC regulationsrequire cable and satellite companies tocarry all local over-the-air broadcasts withpriority channel locations. The over-the-airbroadcasters earn revenues through theexclusive sale of local advertising. Cableand satellite companies then distribute ahigh quality signal to 90 percent ofCanadian households yet receive nothingin return.

“Broadcasters also receive approximately$350 million annually in simultaneoussubstitution; where they impose theiradvertising over foreign signals showingthe same program.” King further states, “Inaddition, they currently get over $1 billionannually in federal subsidies and grants andtransfer fees from cable and satelliteconsumers such as: $467 million in federaltax credits, $200 million in provincial taxcredits, $350 million from the CanadaMedia Fund, $102 million from the LocalProgramming Improvement Fund, and $10million in Small Market ProgrammingFund.

“There is lots of money available to thesebroadcasters for local TV; their problemsare not local TV,” he concludes.

In discussing all the sides of this issuewith my broadcast peers, it ends up in along point-counterpoint issue.

The thing they all do agree on? It’s ahighly outdated agreement that needsdrastic review to work in to today’s mediastructures.

So how do we fix this? Hopefully withlong and very open CRTC hearings whichare currently underway in Ottawa.

The TV and cable industries have notbeen able to work out a mutuallyacceptable solution themselves. Both haveradio, cell phone, Internet and other primebusinesses that also affect their bottomlines.

At the outset of the hearings, the CRTCchair chastised all of the players for theirhigh profile attack ads on each other...stating that they had scared their ownconsumers. And more than once, hesuggested that the two parties better get ina room and work out a solution... that theymight not like the way the CRTC handles itif they don’t settle the issue themselves.

As well, the federal government alsoweighed in and suggested it was quitepossible it would “overrule” the CRTCshould the Commission decide to grant thenetworks’ request for fee payment. Thefeds fear the probable negative publicresponse to the decision if it meant theywould be paying the freight on this issuewhich will be decided just about the timeCanadians might go to the polls.

Speaking of the general public, we getour say this month. The networks havespoken… cable/satellite providers havespoken… producers and distributors havespoken: Now, you and I can voice ouropinions on this most complex scenario.

Stay tuned. √

Marty Forbes is the recently retired VP andgeneral manager of The Bear, EZRock andThe TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. [email protected]

NN



FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

DECEMBER 2009Vol. XX

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. Nopart of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced inany form without written permission from the publisher.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts.

All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Circulation DepartmentC-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDECELEBRATING 20 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

VOX POPMark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3POLL STATIONTravel/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

8TH ANNUALSOCIAL CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6, 8-10

COVER STORYSwedish Jewellers 60th/Barlott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

VISIONARIESHaines/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Prion Research/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

PHOTO FEATUREHolger Petersen/CKUA Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda BodoLes Brost

Marty ForbesBruce Hogle

David NorwoodErin RaynerMark Scholz

Walter SchwabeNizar J. Somji

FEATURE WRITERSCaroline BarlottCheryl Croucher

Barb DetersGreg Gazin

Marg. Pullishy

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Cheryl CroucherTracy Kolenchuk

Rocco Macri

SPECIAL PROJECTSEdmontonians Transformers

Tom BradshawLes Brost

Steffany HanlenDr. Larry Ohlhauser

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Al Rysko of Swedish JewellersPhoto by Rocco Macri

No. 12

2020YEARS

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE CANADA IN THE PAST YEAR?

To begin the survey, respondents were asked whether they, or someonein their household, had traveled outside Canada within the past year.More than half (58 percent) of all respondents reported they had, while42 percent indicated they had not. Those who traveled outside ofCanada most frequently indicated they went with family (55 percent) orfriends (21 percent). Of the remaining 24 percent, seven percent left thecountry with a travel group, while the remainder traveled alone (17percent).

DO YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE CANADA IN THE NEXT YEAR?Next, respondents were asked whether they or someone in theirhousehold is planning to travel outside of the country within the nextyear. The majority (59 percent) indicated they are, while 39 percentare not, and two percent are unsure.

Of those planning to travel abroad, 83 percent considered healthissues (i.e. H1N1 virus) in destination countries an importantconsideration when making their travel plans. Seventy-seven percentof those planning to travel also considered security issues (i.e. politicalunrest, crime, etc.) an important factor when deciding whether or notto travel.

WHERE DO YOU GET INFORMATION?When asked where they would turn for information about passports,travel visas, currency rates, and other related issues before leaving ontheir trip, the majority of respondents reported they would use theInternet (59 percent). Respondents also frequently said they would usethe Government of Canada website (17 percent), a travel agent oragency (15 percent), AMA Travel Services (nine percent),newspapers/TV (seven percent), or find out by word of mouth (fivepercent).

HAS THE ECONOMIC RECESSIONAFFECTED YOUR TRAVEL PLANS?

One-third of respondents (34 percent) indicated the globaleconomic recession has had an effect on their travel plans. Ofthese respondents, financial constraints (35 percent) and reducedincome due to unemployment (15 percent) were most frequentlymentioned as ways in which the economic recession has affectedtravel. Twenty-one percent of total respondents also indicated thevalue of the Canadian dollar has affected their plans. When askedhow the value of the Loonie has impacted their travel plans, thestrong dollar was most frequently mentioned as being a travelincentive (38 percent), followed by exchange rates being a factorin general (24 percent).

Finally, respondents were asked if any other factors haveimpacted their travel plans. While 24 percent indicated no, ninepercent cited being too busy, six percent mentioned the generalexpense of travel, five percent stated personal health issues, fourpercent indicated having young children, and three percentreferred to their age as other factors that have impacted theirtravel plans. √

Monthly Poll Station Online QuestionVisit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail

[email protected].

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner ofBanister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider ofmarket research and program evaluation services.Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

STATIONs winter sets in, many Edmontonians dream of traveling south to exchange the ice and snowfor the sun and the sand. However, this year’s top newsmakers are sure to influence thechoices of many eager adventurers. For this month’s Poll Station, we asked Edmontonianswhether security concerns, the global H1N1 scare, or the continuing economic downturn has

had an influence on their travel plans.

With Linda Banister

PollPoll

55% 35%

21%15%

21%17%

7%

Perc

ent

Perc

ent

AA

C E L E B R A T I N G

Reported theytravelled with

family members

Reported theytravelled with

friends

Reported theytravelled alone

Reported theytravelled with a

travel group

Indicated that financialconstraints affectedtheir travel plans

Indicated that Canadiandollar affected their

travel plans

Indicated thatunemployment affected

their travel plans

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december 2009Faculty of Arts Winter Solstice 3& Silent AuctionJoin us at the Faculty Club for thissplendid cocktail reception between5:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Anopportunity to mingle, sip on a glass ofwine and bid on one-of-a kind silentauction items.Visit www.christmasbureau.ca for updates

Realtors® Association 4of Edmonton and Realtors®Community Foundation ChristmasLuncheonRealtors and guests are invited to jointogether to raise funds for theEdmonton Realtors’ CharitableFoundation at Northlands Agricom.Santa’s Auction provides a wonderfularray of live and silent auction items,plus a Holiday Raffle, 50/50 Draw andDiamond Mine. Contact Jill Didow at780.453.9343 for more information.Visit www.ereb.com and follow thelinks.

Rock for Santa Charity Concert 5A group of rock bands have joinedtogether to bring a huge event to ThePawnshop on Whyte Ave. Catch someof Alberta’s best independent acts andhelp feed families at Christmas.Contact [email protected] for moredetails about acts, tickets and theproceeds.

Share the Spirit Open House 6Celebrate the holiday season withfriends and supporters of PilgrimsHospice at the Christmas Open Houseand Annual Cookie Trot.Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca

Snowflake Gala 2009 7The Shaw Conference Centre will betransformed into a winter wonderlandas 1500 guests from across thecommunity come together to support,

celebrate and become engaged in thework of the Stollery Children’s HospitalFoundation.Contact Jolene Johnson 780.431.5437or [email protected] www.stollerykids.com

The 10th Annual 11Copper Jackets LuncheonHosted again at the Shaw ConferenceCentre, there will be live and silentauctions during lunch, with allproceeds going to the ChristmasBureau. Come and take part in thislively event. Tickets are $100 perperson (a $75-tax receipt will beissued). Contact Lindsay at780.409.5889 for tickets(must be purchased in advance).Visit www.christmasbureau.ca

Christmas Bureau Breakfast 17The 28th Annual FMC ChristmasBureau Breakfast sponsored by FraserMilner Casgrain LLP, Sobeys and theWestin Hotel takes place from 7:00a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The tradition ofsharing continues with this annualfavourite. Visit www.christmasbureau.caor contact Jenn Muir 780.423.7385.

Edmonton International 31New Year‘s Eve GalaA spectacular evening of entertainmentin support of Doctors without Borders.The Edmonton Marriot Grand Ballroom.Tickets $140. Call 780.486.9506 [email protected] Visit www.edgala.comfor more details.

Latin New Year’s Eve 31The 10th annual extravaganza featureslive entertainment, DJs, and salsashow. This family event is held at theDelta Edmonton South Hotel. Tickets attixonthesquare.ca $80 for dinner,dance and party favours and must bepurchased by December 26.Dance only $35. Visitwww.morenoproductions.com.Contact Bayron at 780.691.0835.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!january 2010

New Year’s Day Levee 1Join the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta,the Honourable Norman Kwong, atGovernment House in this traditionalcelebration of the New Year. The annualNew Year’s Day Levee is open Fridayafternoon to the public for lightrefreshments and tours of GovernmentHouse.For information call: 780.427.7243.Visit www.lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca forupdates and event times

From Tears to Laughter 12Franklin Fund presents From Tears toLaughter, a comedy night featuring“Comedy’s New Rock Star” Sugar Sammy.Enmax Hall at Winspear Centre. Tickets$55-$65 by phone 780.428.1414or on-line www.winspear.com.Visit www.franklinfoundation.ca for moredetails.

15th Annual Law Show 15-16This annual variety show is created,written, performed and produced by lawstudents. Law Show 2010 will be donatingall proceeds from ticket sales and thesilent auction to the Alberta Council ofWomen’s Shelters. The Law Show is arecipient of the U of A Governor’s Awardsof Distinction which recognizes individualsand groups who make outstandingcontributions to the community.Myer Horowitz Theatre. Tickets:$14/person Friday; $17/person Saturday.Visit www.ualberta.ca/-lawshow/or contact [email protected]

5th Annual Luncheon 19for Public HealthJoin the U of A Faculty of Nursing insupport of this fundraiser for theNursing Chair in Public Health. Learnmore about new approaches to healthcare as you enjoy this luncheon and

silent auction at the EdmontonPetroleum Club. Tickets: $50 each or$400 table of eight.Contact Lynn McCaw at 780.492.5617.Visit www.nursing.ualberta.ca

Back to Basics Charity Dinner TBAEnjoy a traditional Italian meal at thisfundraising dinner in support of a localcharity. Sorrentino’s Downtown.Call 780.474.6466 for tickets.Visit www.sorrentinos.com

Sturgeon Hospital Foundation 23Friend Raiser Gala18th annual fundraiser gala to benefitpatient care programs and equipmentat the Sturgeon Community Hospital.Enjoy a four- course gourmet meal withcomplimentary dinner wine, live andsilent auctions followed by a danceband. Held at the Sutton Place Hotel,the event is black tie optional.Tickets: $160.Contact Katrina Black 780.418.7361. Visitwww.sturgeonhospitalfoundation.org

One! International 23Poverty Relief2nd Annual Gala FundraiserOne! International Poverty Relief whichhelps to alleviate poverty througheducation in the slums of Mumbai wasfounded by Tania Splichen, a native ofSherwood Park. Bhinder Sajam of OmniTV will emcee. Gourmet Indian dinner,silent auction, door prizes and dance.Art display by students from the One!International schools. Held at MeridianBanquet & Conference Centre. Tickets$50 ($25 tax receipt). Contact MarilynSpilchen 780.467.6254 or Julie Hawkins780.458.6509, or visitwww.one-international.com

8TH ANNUAL SOCIAL CALENDARine... dance... donate. Edmontonians love to have a great timewhile making a difference to others in the Capital Region. Everyyear, millions of dollars are raised in support of charity and not-for-profit societies. In the current economic climate, the

continued support and generosity of patrons is more important than ever.Edmontonians proudly provides its readers with the most

comprehensive guide to galas and balls with receptions, silent and liveauctions, dinners, entertainment and dancing… charitable events thatsupport health and research, education, the arts and social programs.Whether they are black tie and ball gown or high-end casual chic, we are

happy to support the efforts of thousands of volunteers who contribute tothe vibrancy of our community.

The Edmontonians Annual Social Calendar has become a staplereference for individual and corporate patrons who plan their participationand support of causes, as well as organizers who want to avoid conflictingdates for their fundraising events.

Keep the print version on hand… and make a habit of checkingEdmontonians new and improved on-line calendar for additions andrevisions, or to submit updates or new events using our on-line form.

Enjoy yourselves and keep on giving. √

DDCompiled by Maria Jose Politti

2010 SOCIALCALENDARContinued on page 6



Fork it Over 29The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield andthe Compassion House Foundation teamup for this dinner in support ofSorrentino’s Compassion House. Held atthe Marriott Edmonton at River CreeResort. Ttickets are $75. Visitwww.compassionhouse.org andwww.mayfieldrotary.shawbiz.ca.Contact 780.425.7224

2nd Annual KCP Winter Gala 29The Kenya Ceramic Project is an excitinginternational health pilot project, led byUniversity of Alberta students, that aims tointroduce innovative ceramic water filtersand high-efficiency wood-burning stoves torural areas of Kenya. This black-tie gala isat the University of Alberta Faculty Club.Tickets $80 early bird ticket price byDecember 1, 2009, $100 late-comer priceby January 15, 2009.Call Subir Sutradhar 780.935.9516 Visitwww.kenyanceramics.org for more details.

february 2010

Laughing for Cancer TBAWho’s laughing now? You will be at this10th annual event to raise funds for theCross Cancer Institute. Join Graham Neiland another all-star line-up of comediansfrom right here in Edmonton with specialguests from across Canada. The eveningincludes live and silent auctions, and thecomedy show. The new Laugh Shop onWhyte. Tickets are $50 each atwww.laughinqforcancer.com for ticketsContact 780.908.2047 for information.

Fiesta Mexicana Gala 6Join the Blauen Funken Mardi GrasAssociation at the German CanadianCultural Centre for this gala costumeball. Performances by the Blauen Funkenand special guests. Prizes for bestcostumes. Music provided by TheBavarian Boogie Band.Visit www.BlauenFunken–edmonton.comor contact Will Moellering at 780.456.0941

Annual Art Auction 6Profiles Public Art Gallery, Arts andHeritage Foundation of St. Albert presentsits annual fundraiser An Evening withArtists to support education programs forall ages. Held at Hole’s Greenhouse andGardens, St. Albert.Visit www.artsheritage.ca.Contact 780.460.4310.

Johann Strauss Ball 6This formal evening celebrates the JohannStrauss Foundation scholarships forAlbertans seeking advanced music studiesin Austria. It is an elegant evening ofpageantry featuring Viennese music, diningand dancing. Held at the Crowne PlazaHotel. Tickets $225.Contact Maegan Kuehne 780.492.6580 [email protected] www.arts.ualberta.ca/ball

Chocolate Affair Special 610th Anniversary CelebrationProceeds from the 10th Annual ChocolateAffair Gala benefit The Courage Centre, ahub for new rehabilitation equipment andtechnology at the Glenrose RehabilitationHospital. This black tie event will be heldat the Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D.Visit www.glenrosefoundation.comor contact 780.735.6024

The Edmonton Chamber Ball 2009 6Feature entertainment and ticket TBA at afuture date. Held at Edmonton Northlands.Visit www.edmontonchamber.com forupdates. Contact Melissa to reserve yourtickets and/or tables of 10 at780.426.4620

Costello in Concert 7Elvis Costello performs at the WinspearCentre for Music to benefit the FortEdmonton Foundation.For tickets, contact 780.428.1414 orwww.winspearcentre.com. Visit www.fortedmontonfoundation.orgfor updates.

13th Annual Winemakers’ 10Valentine’s GalaThis Gala raises money in support ofAlzheimer’s care and education. This

elegant black-tie evening begins with acocktail reception, followed by a four-course meal; each course is paired withdifferent wines selected by a featuredwinemaker. Held at Fairmont HotelMacDonald. Tickets $350.Call 780.448.2413 [email protected] www.capitalcare.net

Flavours of Portugal 10Wine Tasting & Auction Fundraiser An epic wine tasting event! Come and jointhe Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Heldat Winspear Centre. Tickets $125 perperson (tax receipt issued for a portion ofthe price). Call Winspear Box Office780.428.1414 or 1.800.563.5081 fortickets. Visit www.edmontonsynphony.comfor more details.

Have a Heart for Mental Health 11Gala DinnerThe Canadian Mental Health Association– Edmonton Region will host its thirdannual fund raising gala dinner insupport of mental health. This is a non-gala gala with limited speeches, noauction and great prizes. Held at BisteccaItalian Steakhouse/Wine Bar.Tickets: $150.Visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.Contact Canadian Mental HealthAssociation 780.414.6300, [email protected]

Edmonton Opera Gala 14An evening of sumptuous food,breathtaking entertainment and plenty offun are all part of one of Edmonton’spremier events. Proceeds help to bringworld class opera to Edmontonians. Heldat the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.For more information, visitwww.edmontonopera.com or contactPat Rodenburg at 780.760.2698

53 Ways to Leave Your Lover 20A fun event with an anti-Valentine’s themefor the newly single, newly attached, oranyone who wants to have a good time.Bid on and take home amazing original artfrom local and regional artists, enjoygourmet food and cocktails, and dance.Fundraiser in support of operations andprogramming at Latitude 53 ContemporaryVisual Culture, 10248 – 106 St. Tickets$10 members, $12 non-members. Visitwww.latitude53.org. Contact780.423.5353 or [email protected].

Mardi Gras Dinner & Dance 26Mardi Gras Dinner Dance with Basic Black& Pearls. Come join Les Amies DanceClub for incredible evenings of great diningand ballroom dancing at one ofEdmonton’s largest formal dance floors.Held at the Italian Cultural Centre andfeature three course meals servedhomestyle or plate service with wineavailable for purchase. Tickets $110 percouple. Contact Linda 780.642.9739.Visit www.lesamies.ca

Edmonton Festival Ballet’s 2825th Anniversary Gala Come to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.Enjoy dance performance, reception, wineraffle, and auction. Guest Performance byVanessa Lawson and Gael Lambiotte,Edmonton contemporary dancers, andothers. Arden Theatre. Tickets $25.Call 780.413.0985 or [email protected] www.efbdance.com for more info.

march 2010Bennett Jones LLP 12Fundraising Breakfast Bennett Jones LLP raises funds for ZebraChild Protection Centre. Held at The SuttonPlace Hotel. Tickets $125.Contact Carmelita Hallett at 780.917.5235or [email protected]

The Alzheimer Benefit Dinner 12of Nations-Memories from AsiaEscape the winter blues and join theAlzheimer Society of Alberta andNorthwest Territories at The CrownePlaza for fun formal evening to supportresearch, education and services. Guestswill enjoy a five-course Asian meal.Celebrity waiters will be on “staff’ to earntips for research. Live and silentauctions, and comedy entertainment willcomplete the evening. Tickets: $125, or$875 for a table of eight.Visit www.alzheimer.ab.ca or call780.488.2266

Art & Entertainment 13Charity Affair Support the Black Gold HealthFoundation with this evening of fine art,fine entertainment and fine food with atouch of class. Held at McLab Centre forthe Performing Arts in Leduc, fundsraised are used to enhance health

services at the Leduc CommunityHospital and area public Health Centres.Contact Lorraine Popik 780.980.4536.Visit www.blackgoldhealthfoundation.com

DanceSport Alberta Edmonton 13FundraiserWatch some of this area’s best amateurdance competitors as DanceSportAlberta raises scholarship funds atEdmonton’s Northern Lights Classicballroom competition. Held at St. JohnsCultural Centre.Tickets are $20 (advance) or $25 (door).Contact Theresa Jenkins 780.909.4332

23rd Mayor’s Celebration 22for the ArtsThis tribute to Edmonton’s world-classcreative community is produced by theProfessional Arts Coalition of Edmonton(PACE) and recognizes achievement in thearts at this annual event. Winspear Centre.Tickets: $25 to $60; reception $125.Call 780.428.1414.Visit www.pacedmonton.com for details.

Spring Fling 25Get a head start on Spring! TheatreNetwork’s fresh and frolicking annualfundraiser is packed with engaging liveentertainment, stand-out selection of lavishauction items and a fabulous four-coursemeal. Bask in a special spring-likeatmosphere created at The Sutton PlaceHotel, while supporting Theatre Networklive at the Roxy. Sponsored by EPCOR.Tickets: $150.Visit www.theatrenetwork.ca.Contact 780.453.2440.

april 2010Edmonton Fashion Week 1-8Kicking off the week is a semi-formal eventat the TransAlta Arts Barns. Edmonton

Fashion week supports local designers,models and performers in a unique andentertaining art production. Don’t forget tobe creative in your dress – you’re part ofthe show too. Tickets $20 at Trans Alta-Barns Box Office or tickets.fringetheatre.ca.Visit www.edmontonfashionweek.com formore details

California Wine Fair 8The Citadel Theatre presents theCalifornia Wine Fair featuring 350 winesaccompanied by delectable appetizers—allincluded with the cost of your ticket.Adding to your wine cellar? Choosing winewith dinner? Come and talk to the experts.Held at Shaw Conference Centre.Tickets are $ 60+gst. Call 780.428.2134,or visit www.citadeltheatre.com. A Food for All Seasons Gala 15The Food for All Seasons Spring Gala willfeature a delicious four-course meal, wine,live musical entertainment, a keynotespeech, and silent and live auctions. Animportant fundraiser for the Food Bank.Dress is business formal. Held at theSutton Place Hotel, tickets are $100 perperson or table of eight, $750.Visit www.edmontonsfoodbank.comor contact 780.425.2133

Walk in My Shoes 16The annual auction and dinner in supportof the Pilgrim’s Hospices’ end-of-life careprograms for caregivers and bereavementservices. Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca orcontact the Pilgrims Hospice Society at780.413.9801

Wild Elk Federation 17Annual Fundraising Dinner & AuctionsThe Leduc & Greater Edmonton AreaChapter of the Wild Elk Federation willhost its 5th Annual Fundraising Dinner &Auctions in support of elk and otherwildlife. Contact the Wild Elk Federationfor more informationwww.wildelkfederation.ca 780.980.1600

Avenue of Hope Gala 17A first-class evening of dining and dancingwith live and silent auctions. Proceeds helpsupport Lurana Shelter Society’s missionto provide a place of safety, opportunityand promise for women and childrenimpacted by domestic violence. Tickets:$100. Visit www.luranashelter.com.Contact 780.422.7263 [email protected]

Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp 17Each year a new recipient is selected asthe beneficiary of this annual dinner. Heldat the Shaw Conference Centre, DannyHooper will emcee the evening’s festivities.Ticket price includes dinner, dance andlive entertainment.Visit www.sorrentinos.com or contactPriya Bhasin 780.474.6466.

Spirit of Spring Fashion Show 18& LuncheonEnjoy a fresh and exciting collection offashions from some of Edmonton’s topboutiques with guest models from allwalks of life, coming together to supportMcDougall House Association. Fabuloussilent auction. Shaw Conference CentreHall D. Tickets $70.Contact Jayne Bawden at 780.498.6216or [email protected] www.mcdougallhouse.com

Mad Hatter’s Gala 24– Silver AnniversaryHats off to the 25th annual Mad Hatter’sGala in support scholarships and bursariesfor Grant MacEwan University students.Roaring 20s theme – Mad Hatsencouraged! Shaw Conference Centre HallD. Tickets: $350.Visit www.macewan.ca/madhatters.caContact Bonnie 780.497.4285

may 2010Canadian Breast Cancer 1Foundation Mother’s Day LuncheonThis annual event raises awareness forbreast cancer and the role that theCanadian Breast Cancer Foundation –Praires/NWT Region plays in creating afuture without breast cancer. FairmontHotel Macdonald. Get your tickets early—this event sells out.Call 780.452.1166 or 1.866.302.2223.Visit www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt

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Continued on page 8



here’s a lot of quiet money in this town,”says Al Rysko. He should know. He’swaiting for a client to pick up his special-order $300,000 Rolex.

Rysko has been surrounded by watches and beautifuljewels since the age of four. He’s now the owner ofSwedish Jewellers, which is currently celebrating its 60thyear of operation. His dedication to perfection is reflected incountless precisely cut and set precious stones that grace thestore’s expansive downtown location in the historic MoserRyder Block.

Swedish Jewellers is known for bringing the Rolex brandto Edmonton in the early 1950s. In the late ’70s, Rysko’suncle, Ted, who had worked as a watchmaker, took over thebusiness. And since that time, Rysko has been fascinatedwith the inner workings of watches; he started fixing clockswhen he was 11 under the tutelage of both his uncle andfather, Anatoli. As a teenager, he worked with smaller timepieces and enjoyed “turning a dirty old watch into a newmasterpiece and seeing the joy on a customer’s face.”

After years of learning from his mentors, Rysko becameSwedish Jewellers’ owner in 1992 and expanded it threetimes in three different locations, culminating in the current10,000 square foot space. He’s gone from working withsmall timepieces with 50 to 75 parts to complicated Rolexwatches with upwards of 200 components.

Over the years, Rysko has seen many repeat customerswhose children eventually became patrons as well. Somewere just a few years old when they first accompanied theirparents to the store and now, this second generation alsoenjoys marking special occasions with a purchase fromSwedish Jewellers. “I am a third generation businessmanand I’ve seen the generational transition with my customers.The service we provide is more than just monetary. It’s

amazing to serve these customers and knowthat someday their children may become customers of mychildren.”

Rysko’s eldest daughter, 17-year old Carissa, is showingserious interest in becoming part of the family businessupon completing an international business degree from theUniversity of Alberta. He’s is proud and excited by hisdaughter’s involvement. With five other daughters rangingin age from three to 14, he muses: “Perhaps, we’ll have sixlocations of Swedish Jewellers eventually.”

From her father, Carissa is learning the importance ofdedication and persistence through both the good and thebad times. As with any business, Rysko says, SwedishJewellers has experienced both economic highs and lowsthrough the course of its 60 years in operation. However,throughout it all, the business stayed strong, something hecredits to consumer attitude.

“Edmontonians have resilience.” Rysko recalls the early1980s when Albertans were still reeling from the NEP-induced recession. “I was working with my dad and starteda new retail store in a mall in 1983. I didn’t even feel therecession… those were our best years. By 1989, the storewas debt-free, my house was paid off, and I treated myselfto a very expensive car.”

Recognizing that the Alberta retail sales figures are flat,Rysko points to his August fiscal year-end figures. “We’redown one percent from last year… that’s pretty good. Ourclients remain the force of power… they are extremelyloyal.”

Overall, he attributes Swedish Jewellers’ success andlongevity to being dedicated to fine workmanship andpersonalized service. “Because I am a trained watchmaker, Iappreciate the quality of craftsmanship we produce here.The sense of pride that’s attached to the work is valued by

our customers.” It takes a full year of exacting materials andproduction to complete one Rolex timepiece and to perfectthe oscillator movement, the heartbeat of every Rolex. Thestore carries an impressive selection of Rolex watches,ranging in price from $5,000 to $60,000.

Since its inception, the business has added nearly 50renowned brands, with pieces reminiscent of the jewels thatbedeck Hollywood celebrities and adorn models on therunways of New York and Paris. Along with carryinginternationally recognized, prestigious brands like Hearts onFire, Chopard and A-Link, known for their precisely-cutdiamonds, the store creates custom designed pieces limitedonly by the customer’s imagination.

Rysko recalls a particularly stunning necklace, containingover 200 diamonds and a ruby centrepiece. The necklacewas a gift from a husband to his wife in celebration of theirfortieth anniversary. He says it was an honour to be part ofsuch a milestone in their lives. “They are a great coupleand, since I’ve known them for several years, it wasamazing to create something to celebrate such an importantoccasion.”

A business, according to Rysko, “needs to have balance;business owners should be dedicated to their craft and alsodedicated to customers and the community.” The companyis involved in numerous charities throughout the year. And,in honour of Swedish Jewellers’ milestone anniversary, hedonated a portion of November sales to children in need.“As a father, I have a kind heart towards children, especiallysince there are those in the world that are ignored or abused.So, it’s our endeavour to keep doing what we can.” √

“T“T

Just watch me...Just watch me...BEATING THE ODDS

in a downturn

COVER STORY

By Caroline BarlottPhotos by Rocco Macri

23-year old Kyle Persaud bejewelled in aquarter of a million dollars worth of diamondsfrom Swedish Jewellers Hearts on Fire series.The Edmontonian is a gerontology student atMount Royal University in Calgary.

Swedish Jewellers owner Al Rysko triedon the $300,000 Rolex, a special orderfor an Edmonton client



Esquao Awards 2010 – 1Angels among UsThe Institute for the Advancement ofAboriginal Women brings the 15th AnnualEsquao Awards to the Shaw ConferenceCentre. The awards honour and recognizeAboriginal women for their accomplish-ments in many different categories.Tickets: $175. Call IAAW central office780.479.8195.Visit www.iaaw.ca.

CNIB Visions Luncheon 6Enjoy this mid-day business gala which willfeature comedian Mike Bullard. This eventraises funds to support programs andservices that help people with vision losslive, work, study and enjoy the things thatmatter most. Held at The Westin. Tickets$100 each, or table of 10 for $900,including applicable tax receipt.Visit www.cnib.ca/divisions/alberta orcontact Sharon McIntyre at 780.453.8333

9th Annual Hervey Foundation TBADinner and Silent AuctionThe 9th Annual Hervey Foundation Dinnerand Silent Auction will be held at theCrestwood Curling Club. A casual, funfilled evening featuring a buffet dinner.Tickets are $35. To purchase tickets, ordonate to the silent auction, contactMarjorie at 780.963.4933.Visit www.herveycats.com for updates

Consular Ball 8The 30th Annual Edmonton Consular Ballis an elegant evening of gourmet food,dancing, spirits and wine. This black tieevent is sponsored by the EdmontonConsular Corps, with proceeds supportingscholarships for the University of Alberta’sInternational Studies. Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe. Tickets: $220.Contact Kristina Williams, Consul forSweden, 780.886.2501.

Eternal Chopin 9Fundraising dinner with silent auction atthe Winspear Centre in Edmonton. The200th birthday of one of history’s mostnotable pianists and composers, FryderykChopin, is being celebrated by the PolishCulture Society of Edmonton. The Societyhas taken a leadership role, working withthe Polish consulate in Alberta inpreparation for this global event.Visit www.chopin2010.ca for updates.

Annual Book Awards Gala 14The Alberta Book Publishing Awardscelebrate excellence in publishing inAlberta. The Edmonton Public Library, inpartnership with the Book PublishersAssociation of Alberta, has created a newAlberta book publishing award. The AlbertaReaders’ Choice Award will promote theworks of Alberta authors and publishers,and encourage the reading public tosupport literary works published in Alberta.Tickets $65. Visit www.bookpublishers.ab.ca for moredetails.

Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner 15and Silent AuctionThe Officers’ Mess is the venue for thisprestigious event in support of theEdmonton Garrison Military FamilyResource Centre. It features a seven-course dinner and special guest speaker.Funds raised support the programs andservices of the military community.Visit www.mfrcedmonton.comContact Moira Smith 780.973.4011ext 6330.

Junior Achievement Alberta 20Business Hall of Fame2010 celebrates the 30th anniversary ofthe Alberta Business Hall of Fame. Thisevent honours business and communityleaders and is hosted by JuniorAchievement of Northern Alberta & NWT.Shaw Conference Centre.Visit www.janorthalberta.org for details.Contact Jay Ball at 780 428 1421 ext 221

Dance-A-Thon Fundraiser 29Mile Zero Dance 25th Anniversary Season2009-2010.Visit www.milezerodance.com.Call 780.424.1573.

june 2010

Homeless for a Night TBAThe Youth Emergency Shelter Societyinvites you to register online as a team orindividually, collect pledges and then be“Homeless for a Night” at Telus Field. Forone night in early June, you canexperience an evening of enlightenmentabout youth homelessness, take in somegreat entertainment or just sit by the fire.Find out what life is like when you don’thave a warm, comfortable home to go to.For more information, to register, or makea pledge to YESS, visit www.yess.org.Contact Tracy Cumming at 780.468.7186ext 288.

Dreamspeakers International 2-5This four day event is presented by theDreamspeakers Festival Society whicheducates and markets Aboriginal culture,art and heritage. Tickets: $20 for theOpening Night, $7 for Film Screening, $75for Youth Day and $20 for Wrap AwardsNight. Visit www.dreamspeakers.org forupdates and submissions of filminformation. Contact Doreen or Helen780.378.9609.

YWCA Women of Distinction 3Awards Gala and Silent AuctionJoin some of the most accomplishedwomen in Edmonton to celebrate theirachievements in style! Uniqueentertainment, delicious food and a luxurysilent auction top off this evening ofexcitement and inspiration. Held atNorthlands Expo Centre Ballroom. Ticketsare $95 (early bird). Call 780.423.9922 orgo on-line at www.ywcaofedmonton.org fordetails or to nominate someone youknow.

Flamenco! 4You will be transported to sultry España asyou experience the soul and passion offlamenco dance. Part of the proceeds fromticket sales will be donated to CrimeStoppers, a charity that works to ensuresafer communities. Tickets: $25 inadvance; $35 at the door.Contact Flavia Robles [email protected] or call780.916.1665.

Earth Angels Unite- for the Love 4of Children GalaThe Kids Kottage Foundation hosts this11th annual black tie gala ball topromote the health and well-being ofchildren and to prevent child abuse.Held at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald,tickets are $350.Visit www.kidskottage.org.Contact Pam Miller at 780.448.2545

Downtown with a Purpose, 19the 24th Annual Downtown RotaryClub GalaThe Rotary Club of Edmonton sponsorsits 24th Downtown with a Purpose Gala.Funds raised will help new Canadianfamilies from Africa integrate into thefabric of Canadian life, and contribute ascitizens in our community. The SuttonPlace Hotel.Tickets $175 (tax receipt issued).Visit www.edrotary.com/gala.Contact Bonnie at 780.429.3256.

Council for Visual Arts Gala 25This gala evening of buffet dinner,dancing, silent and live auctions supportsThe Places, Art & Design in Public PlacesProgram which facilitates the acquisitionand display of art and design inEdmonton. Scholarships are awarded toart and design students. Presented by TheFairmont Hotel Macdonald; The EdmontonBusiness Council for Visual Arts and TheWorks International Visual Arts Society.Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.Tickets: $150 or $2900 for 20.Contact Linda Wedman at 780.426.2122ext 222.

july & augustIt’s festival time in the city. Charity focusshifts to golfing, walking, running andbiking for worthy causes. Check the on-line calendar at www.edmontonians.comfor summer events.

A Taste of Edmonton Jul 23Festival - Aug 1Dozen’s of Edmonton’s finest restaurantscreate menus that allow all to sample theirculinary delights over 10 days downtown,with lots of live entertainment. Sir WinstonChurchill Square.Contact Events Edmonton at780.423.2822 or visitwww.eventsedmonton.ca

Edmonton Heritage Jul 31Festival - Aug 2Servus Heritage Festival 2010 marks the35th annual celebration of this premierthree-day showcase of Canada’s vibrantmulticultural heritage, featuring 62pavilions representing over 80 culturesfrom all over the world. Come taste food,and enjoy entertainment and arts andcrafts. Hawrelak Park. Contact EdmontonHeritage Festival Association at780.488.3378.Visit www.heritage-festival.com

The 29th Edmonton 12-22International Fringe Theatre FestivalThis phenomenal alternative theatre fest isthe largest and oldest in North Americawith over 1,200 shows and performancesfrom over 200 theatrical companies in 27venues in historic Old Strathcona.Visit www.fringetheatreadventures.ca forupdates.

september 2010

Denim Ducks Dinner TBASponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada,this gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe will feature live andsilent auctions in support of thepreservation and conservation of wetlands.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates.Contact Tracy O’Neil 780.444.2354.

Edmonton Eskimo TBAWomen’s DinnerA fun fund-raiser, the annual EE Women’sDinner aims to increase women’s interestin football and raise funds for a charitablecause. Green and Gold Club atCommonwealth Stadium.Visit www.esks.com for details.Contact [email protected].

Canadian Liver Foundation’s TBAMasqueSlip on a mask and become a person ofmystery at this semi-formal event as weun-masque the truth about liver diseases.Held at Muttart Conservatory. Tickets $75($30 tax receipt). Funds raised go towardthe Canadian Liver Foundation – NorthernAlberta chapter’s programs and servicesand to support liver research projects.www.liver.ca. Contact Carmen Boyko at780.444.1547; toll free 1.888.557.5516(Northern Alberta only).

Reflex Manufacturing TBA6th Annual Empty Bowlsfor WIN HouseThe Edmonton Women’s Shelter exists tofurther non-violent relationships andenvironments for women with and withoutchildren. Empty Bowls is an importantfundraiser to advance that cause. Held atThe Sutton Place Hotel, tickets are $25, or$240 for a Full House table of 10. Visitwww.winhouse.org for updates. ContactMatt Baron 780.471.6709 ext 226


2010 Social CalendarThe Capital Region's most comprehensive listing of galas and fundraising events

by registered charities, social and cultural societies, business and professional organizations,and other not-for-profit groups.

Update & add 2010 events • Register your 2011 galas

www.edmontonians.com



Edmonton Meals on Wheels TBA8th Annual Celebrity Box SocialCanadian Western Bank and EdmontonMeals on Wheels present the 9th AnnualCelebrity Box Social. Enjoy a decadentchocolate dessert buffet while bidding forthe company of high profile Edmontoniansin live and silent auctions. This fun eventis also supported by local restaurants thatdonate gift certificates for meals to thewinning bidders and their celebrity guests.For more information visitwww.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org.Call 780.429.2020 [email protected] tickets.

Paws and Claws Gala TBA“Homes for Hounds” is a charity createdby Coventry Homes in support of theEdmonton Humane Society. This eventraises funds and awareness for helplessanimals in need. Evening consists of silentauction, dinner and endless entertain-ment. Visit edmontonhumanesociety.comor www.coventry-homes.com for updates.

“Give the Gift” TBADance for Life GalaEnjoy this fantastic fundraising dinner anddance gala which will feature a sensationaldance showcase by several dance starsfrom across Canada includingperformances in hip-hop, contemporary,ballroom, Latin, belly dance, classicalIndian dance, disco and much more. Allfunds raised at this event go The KidneyFoundation of Canada, Northern Alberta &The Territories in support of raisingawareness of organ and tissue donation.Ticket reservations, log on towww.kidney.ab.ca. Contact TheresaJenkins at [email protected] or780.451.6900 x227

Grandparents Award 11of Distinction Gala Banquetand Silent AuctionThe Bernadette N. Swan Social CareFoundation celebrates the contributions ofgrandparents to family and society. Itrecognizes individuals nominated for theAward of Distinction by their grand-children. Funds from the dinner and silentauction support programs for seniors.Contact Bernadette Swan [email protected].

Duncan & Craig Laurel Awards 13The 16th annual Laurel Awards recognizeand reward creativity and innovation innot-for-profit organizations. Held at TheWestin, tickets are available by invitationonly. For information and nominationforms, follow the link at www.dcllp.com.Contact Sol Rolingher 780.441.4310.

5th Annual Courage Award 16Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital andFoundation presents this event torecognize and award the courage ofGlenrose patients who have overcomegreat challenges in their determination torebuild their lives. The evening alsorecognizes those remarkable donors who

support the Foundation.www.glenrosefoundation.com.Contact 780.735.6024

Sizzling Twenty under 30 16Edmontonians and Lexus of Edmontonhost the 6th annual hot soiree at thedealership. Invited guests celebrate andtoast 20 individuals under the age of 30who have demonstrated trueentrepreneurial and community spirit.Profiles are featured annually in theSeptember issue of the magazine.Nomination forms are available atwww.edmontonians.com and close on May15th. This is one of Edmonton’s “IT”parties! Contact [email protected].

Annual Dr. Helen Hays 17Sunflower LuncheonEach year a prominent speaker delivers akeynote address at this luncheon for thePilgrims’ Hospice Society. Proceedssupport Edmonton’s only freestandinghospice.Visit www.pilgrimshospice.ca.Contact 780.413.9801.

FEASTival of Fine Chefs TBAThis is the 22nd annual ultimateexperience in multi-course gourmetdining where teams from 25establishments prepare Albertaproducts supplied by members of theAlberta Food Processors Association.The event showcases the talents ofapprentice chefs and Alberta foods andbeverages to help raise funds for theStan Ballard Apprenticeship Fund.Silent and random auctions.Tickets go on sale in the spring.Visit www.afpa.com.Contact 780.444.2272 or403.201.3657 ext. 21 or [email protected].

Edmonton International Film TBAFestival – Opening Night GalaOpening Night Gala consists of a moviepremiere and after-party with visitingfilmmakers and actors. This is the kick-offevent to the EIFF - a nine-day feast offeature films, shorts and documentariesfrom around the world.Visit www.edmontonfilmfest.com.

october 2010

Fashion with Compassion TBAEdmonton’s premier fashion show insupport of Sorrentino’s CompassionHouse holds two fundraising events at theShaw Conference Centre on this day—luncheon and evening shows.Visit www.compassionhouse.org forupdates. Contact 780.425.7224.

Rodeo Round-Up Dinner TBAThis annual gala dinner with live and silentauctions is sponsored by Ducks UnlimitedCanada to support the preservation andconservation of wetlands.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates.Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354.

Minerva Dinner TBAThe Minerva Foundation’s mission is toassist the personal growth of individualsand families by providing financialassistance to Edmonton-based charitableorganizations. The evening features anentertaining and inspiring keynote speaker.Guests also hear success stories from pastFoundation recipients who describe howsupport from Minerva has changed theirlives and enriched the community.Visit www.minervafoundation.ca.

Edmonton Eskimo TBAFootball Club’s 47th Annual DinnerA celebration of the Edmonton Eskimosand their contributions to the community.Individual tickets or tables of 10 areavailable. With the purchase of a table of10, you may request a player as your 10thguest. Proceeds from the dinner go towardthe Eskimo’s Champions in theCommunity programs.Visit www.esks.com for updates.

18th Annual Scarecrow Festival TBAExciting changes are in the works for the2010 Scarecrow Festival… but we’re nottelling you here. The focus still remainsraising funds for the ABC Head StartProgram which works with low-incomefamilies and pre-school children to achievesuccess in learning and life. NorthlandsAgriCom. Visit www.scarecrowfestival.org.Contact Bernice Gordeyko at780.484.3242.

13th Annual ADF Gala 16and AuctionA Night to Remember Support vital diabetes research at theAlberta Diabetes Foundation’s ‘A Night toRemember’ Gala and Auction at TheWestin Hotel. Join event sponsor, Colliers’International, in raising necessary fundsfor research at the Alberta DiabetesInstitute at the University of Alberta.Visit adfgala.com for more information orcall Angela at 780.492.8702.

Continued on page 10

Kyle Persaud shows off the $70,000 Tattoo collection,exclusive to Swedish Jewellers. She matched the pieces with a $30,000 Rolex.

raising eventsnal organizations,



ASTech Awards Gala 22ASTech recognizes Alberta’s mostimportant and influential leaders,innovators and contributors in the scienceand technology community. The eveningfeatures a gourmet dinner and awardsceremony, sponsored by the ASTechFoundation. For more information, visitwww.astech.ab.ca. Contact Bev Jones at403.220.9130 or [email protected]

Laugh for Life Gala 23They say laughter is the best medicine andyou will get a huge dose of it at this wackyevening with a well-known comedian. Theevent supports The Mustard Seed andCandeo Housing Association. Held atWinspear Centre. Tickets: $32.Visitwww.laughforlife.ca for updates. ContactWinspear Box office at 780.428.1414.

BMO Boolathon 24for Kids Help PhoneThis is a fun and safe family Hallowe’enevent where everyone dresses up incostumes and bowls two games afterhaving raised pledges in support of KidsHelp Phone. There are prizes for bestcostumes, and best team and individualfundraisers. Proceeds support professionalcounselling service for kids in Edmontonand area and across Canada. ContactLindsay Schalin at 403.645.4058 or [email protected]. Visitwww.kidshelpphone.ca/boolathon.

Nights of Artists 29-3113th Annual Art and Music FestivalA three-day celebration of the artsshowcasing original art, music, dancing,poetry and more. Guests can enjoycocktail galas, concerts and fashion showswhile browsing and purchasing artworksfrom all over the province of Alberta.Tickets available July 1st at Tix On TheSquare: 780.420.1757. More info atwww.NightofArtists.com or by calling780.718.7635.

november 2010

Spotlight on Research 1Start the day off at this educationalbreakfast event. The GlenroseRehabilitation Hospital Foundation/CapitalHealth offers an opportunity to learn how

research at the Glenrose offers hope foran improved quality of life for those withdisabilities and chronic conditions. Held atthe Shaw Conference Centre, Hall D.Visit www.glenrosefoundation.com fordetails. Contact 780.735.7912.

Edmonton Ladies Dinner TBAThis is the annual fund raising dinner andauction, sponsored by Ducks UnlimitedCanada in support of wetlands,preservation and conservation.Visit www.ducks.ca for updates, andsimilar events in Stony Plain, SherwoodPark, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, St.Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Devon andArdrossan.Contact Tracy O’Neil at 780.444.2354.

World STONE Nina’s Cake Walk TBABest described as a “fashion show forbaked goods”, local celebrities, chefs,sponsors and actors from the cast of DieNasty team up to create fabulous cakes,and then battle it out on the runway forfirst place honours. The Nina HaggertyCentre for the Arts supports a collective ofartists with developmental disabilities andthe on-site Stollery public gallery, as wellas free and low cost community artprogramming. The Sutton Place Hotel.Tickets: $75. Call Tix-on-the-Square at780.420.1757 or on-line atwww.tixonthesquare.ca.Visit www.ninahaggertyart.ca.

Rocky Mountain Wine TBA& Food FestivalEducate and tempt your palate withwonderful food and wine at this three-dayevent. A portion of tickets sales will gotoward creating scholarships for culinarystudents at NAIT.Visit www.rockymountainwine.com fordetails. Contact 1.866.228.3555.

20th Annual Chili Cook Off 5In support of Rodeo Week Downtown, theDowntown Business Association’s 20thAnnual Chili Cook Off is a tongue-scorching event to raise money for charity.This year, all monies collected will bedonated to the Alberta Council ofWomen’s Shelters. Come on out and seethe city’s hottest chili cookers whip upsome of the best chili in the west. Enjoylive western-style entertainment and loadsof entertainment. Held at Scotia Place.Tickets $2.Visit www.edmontondowntown.com.Contact: Downtown Business Association780.424.4085

Voices for Hospice 6Support the Pilgrims Hospice Society at theWinspear Centre for Music. Details for thisbenefit concert and art auction areavailable at www.pilgrimshospice.ca.Contact 780.413.9801.

Concordia’s 10th Annual 6Grande Masque GalaExperience an evening of elegance andfine dining in support of students and adistinctive education at ConcordiaUniversity College of Alberta. This is one ofEdmonton’s must attend black tie events!Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.Visit www.concordia.ab.ca.Contact Katherine Hutton at 780.479.9247.

Northern Lights Classic 6-7Ballroom Dance CompetitionAttracting top Western Canadian dancersto Edmonton, the 7th annual NorthernLights Classic Ballroom Dance competitionwill be held at the Polish Hall. Tickets are$35 - $55. This event will undoubtedlyraise the profile of Edmonton’s ballroomdance. Contact Theresa Jenkins780.909.4332.Visit www.northernlightsclassic.ca

Christmas on the Square TBAHoliday Light UpThe Downtown Business Association andCity of Edmonton present the light up ofthe massive Christmas tree in Sir WinstonChurchill Square and amazing fireworksshow. Enjoy arts and crafts, mascots,roving entertainment, shopping, activitieswith the Art Gallery of Alberta, liveperformances on stage, and Santa Claushimself. Spread the holiday cheer bybringing a donation for the EdmontonFood Bank or Santa’s Anonymous.Visit www.edmontondowntown.com.Contact the Downtown BusinessAssociation at 780.424.4085.

Denim & Diamonds TBAJoin the Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation as it hosts the 19th annualDenim & Diamonds evening to raise fundsto find a cure for diabetes and itscomplications through the support ofresearch. A dazzling event with big nameentertainment. Held at Shaw ConferenceCentre. Visit www.jdrf/ca for updates.Contact [email protected]

Volunteer Recognition Gala TBAThe Edmonton Federation of CommunityLeagues is rolling out the red carpet forneighbourhood volunteers. Each year wehonour specific projects in communitiesaround Edmonton at a successfulrecognition event.Visit www.efcl.org for up-dates.

Poor Boy’s Lunch TBAIn 1994, CTV Edmonton established itsown registered charity, the GoodNeighbour Fund. The Fund assists peoplein Edmonton and Northern Alberta whohave fallen on hard times. The Poor BoysLunch is the group’s major fundraisingevent. Visit www.goodneighbourfund.ca fordetails. Contact 780.486.9215.

Homes for the Holidays TBAEnjoy a viewing tour of private homesdressed in their holiday best. Localdesigners, florists and many volunteers willjoin together to decorate “Homes for theHolidays”. Funds raised will support JuniorLeague of Edmonton and Kids Help Phone.Visit www.homesfortheholidays.com forupdates.

Csardas Ball TBAThe 42th Annual Csardas Ball is a blacktie/evening gown event to supportscholarships for the study of advancedmusic at the Kodaly Pedagogical Instituteof Music in Kecskemet, Hungary.Sponsored by the Hungarian Society.Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe.Tickets: $180. Contact Gyongyi & ArpadCsanyi at 780.457.2396.

The Fine Art of Schmoozy: TBALive the Beautiful NightThe Fine Art of Schmoozy is a fun andelegant evening featuring a silent artauction, live music, and fabulous food anddrink. Bid on (and take home!) someamazing original art from local andregional artists and have a nibble on somegreat gourmet food. Get into theSchmoozy spirit, dress in your cocktailfinery at Latitude 53 Contemporary VisualCulture. Tickets $15 members, $20 non-members. Visit www.latitude53.orgCall 780.423.5353, [email protected]

Sorrentino’s Annual Truffle TBAand Wine DinnerExperience and exquisite truffle dinnerprepared by Sorrentino’s Corporate ChefSonny Sung. Sorrentino’s Downtown.Tickets $100. Contact Priya Bhasin780.474.6466 or [email protected] www.sorrentinos.com for updates.

National Philanthropy Day 18Awards and LuncheonJoin the Association of Fund RaisingProfessionals Edmonton and Area Chapterto celebrate and acknowledge thephilanthropic achievements of ourcommunity. Tickets: $65. Nominations forthe awards may be made atwww.afpedmonton.ca.Contact Jen Panteluk 780.960.4188 orvisit [email protected]

Twas the Night 26This 13th annual fundraiser promotes finecraft in Alberta. Proceeds go to the AlbertaCraft Council’s 2011 exhibition program.Held at Alberta Craft Council. Tickets: $20.Visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca.Contact Nancy St. Hilaire at 780.488.6611ext 234.

december 2010

Festival of Trees Gala Evening 1The Festival of Trees celebrates its 26thanniversary year with a gala dinner andauction to support the University of AlbertaHospital. This black tie event is hosted bythe University Hospital Foundation. ShawConference Centre. By invitation only.Visit www.festivaloftrees.ab.ca.E-mail [email protected] or contact780.407.2786.

Realtors® Association 3of Edmonton and Realtors®Community Foundation ChristmasLuncheonRealtors® and guests are invited to jointogether to raise funds for the EdmontonRealtors’ Charitable Foundation.Northlands Expo Centre – Hall E. Tickets:$60. Enjoy a special luncheon and liveentertainment.Visit www.ereb.com and follow the links.Contact Lixmila Serrano 780.453.9350.




uring a recent educational presentation onwireless security to a group of ITprofessionals at the Canadian InformationProcessing Society’s annual ICE

Conference in Edmonton, it didn’t take long for BradHaines to give the attendees what would amount to anenlightening wake-up call.

“If your consultants say your system is secure,they’re lying.” His boldness caused even those busytexting on their Blackberrys to stop and take notice.

Over a 50-minute period, Haines wowed delegates byillustrating how insecure things really can be.

But Haines is not your average presenter. Oftenbilled as a security expert or chief researcher atRenderLab.net, he’s also known as RenderMan.

“I’m first and foremost a hacker… a securityenthusiast and consummate geek who is curious andloves knowledge.”

And while his fedora is black, as is the rest of hissignature attire, RenderMan is a white-hat hacker—oneof the good guys. Black-hat hackers are typically out forpersonal or financial gain.

Haines has a strong penchant for discovering andreporting on systems vulnerabilities and ensuring thatpeople are aware of them. His issue is with consultants’declarations that imply “secure from now on andforever”. While perhaps true at that moment, he’d preferthey rephrase them as “vulnerabilities not yet found”.

Once a secure technology, WEP (Wired EquivalencyPrivacy) protocol can now be broken in 60 seconds. “Andif you didn’t know about that transition,” Haines says,“you’d think it still was.”

Wireless has changed the rules of the game. A networkcan physically be locked down, but adding wirelesscapability could be akin to using a megaphone toannounce your presence to the world. “With wireless,

we’re back to a shared medium. It’s easy to eavesdrop oncommunications.”

With readily available hardware—sniffers and analyzersand open source tools like Airpwn, Karma andMetasploit—hackers can monitor, intercept and modifytransmissions resulting in the loss and theft of data. Thisincludes private corporate information, personal info suchas passwords, bank account and/or credit card numbers, andinformation leading to possible identity theft.

More than 25 percent of wireless networks in homes andoffices are not even password protected. “Many are left atthe (factory) default settings… unencrypted, unsecured,with an SSID (station ID) of Linksys.” Not only does thisleave the access point vulnerable to attack, it presents anopportunity to an unscrupulous hacker to set up a trap whenyou take your wireless- and Bluetooth-enabled devices(laptop, PDA) outside to WiFi spots at cafes and airports.

By Greg Gazin

DD

Continued on page 14

The guy in the

i s a c t u a l l y a w h i t e - h a tBLACK HATBLACK HATH A C K E RH A C K E R

ust mention the term prion and you’ll draw a blanklook from most people. But say mad cow, andyou’ll get a reaction.

Mad cows have spongy brains. They fall over.And, if you eat their parts, you might get thedisease, too. That’s what most people remember of

the mad cow crisis that swept Britain in the late 1980s.Thousands of cattle were destroyed before the epidemicwas contained.

The culprit turned out to be cattle feed which containedground up sheep offal contaminated with scrapies, aneurodegenerative disease of sheep.

Scientists eventually figured out misfolded prions werebehind the infection that had crossed the species barrier

from sheep to cows and, sadly, to humans. In humans, it iscalled Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

In May 2003, Canada’s first official case of mad cowor BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) popped upon a farm in Alberta. Overnight trade borders closed,stifling a $4.1 billion dollar a year beef export business.While barely a dozen mad cows have appeared in theensuing years, the BSE crisis here cost billions in losttrade and lost jobs.

The Alberta government responded with a $35 millionfund to support research into BSE and prion relateddiseases through Alberta Ingenuity and the Alberta PrionResearch Institute. The federal government pouredsupport into PRIONet, a member of the Network ofCentres of Excellence. The University of Alberta set up

the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Over the past few years, the scientists involved with

these groups have collaborated on some of the mostimportant prion research in the world.

This year, I have had the opportunity to interview someof these scientists, thanks to a journalism award from theCanadian Institutes for Health Research.

What I find remarkable is the breadth of their researchprojects and the advancements they are making here. Whatstarted with one mad cow in Alberta has evolved into anintriguing investigation of a host of neurodegenerativediseases that impact all of us.

Two of the many talented researchers working in thisarea are Dr. David Westaway and Dr. David Wishart. Bothare professors at the University of Alberta, although Dr.Westaway arrived from Britain via the University ofToronto. He is director of the Centre for Prions and ProteinFolding Diseases.

Dr. Wishart is a bio-informatics specialist and he was thelead scientist on the Human Metabolome Project. Hedescribes prions as “small proteins that we all have. They’rein every living organism as far as we can tell, from yeast allthe way to humans.”

By Cheryl Croucher

JJ

he Alberta BiodiversityMonitoring Institute haslaid out a grid of 1656points across the entire

province, with each point 20kilometres apart. The data collectedfrom these sites gives scientists ameasure of the changing state ofbiodiversity in Alberta.

When ABMI researchers collectsamples from these sites, they checkfor various kinds of flora and fauna inthe water, in the trees, on the ground,and in the soil. And it’s not uncommonto discover new species.

Of particular interest are mites, tinyinvertebrates that play a big role inmaintaining the health of our soils.

Jim Herbers, director forinformation for the ABMI, says,“We’revery proud to report that there are well

over 100 new species to Canada thatwe’ve identified and well over 30 newspecies to the world.”

These mites are microscopic, butdon’t let their diminutive size fool you.Herbers explains, “Some of them arelike the grizzly bears of the soil world.They go around and they’re predators.Many of them are frugivores. Many ofthem eat fungus and mushrooms. Andthen there are a number of other speciesthat live in the soil that break down thesoil organic matter, making sure that it’sturned over and that the nutrients areavailable for plants to use.”

These new species of mites wereidentified for the ABMI whenscientists at the Royal AlbertaMuseum analyzed soil samplescollected from the grid points. √

~ Cheryl Croucher

BRIEFS

TT ow that David Cox has leftTEC Edmonton for a newpost at RadientTechnologies, TECEdmonton is looking for a

new CEO to take his place.And, according to Pamela Freeman,

the interim CEO, TEC Edmonton islooking for a very special leader. “Thatperson would have experience working inthe private sector… public markets,private markets, to raise capital forcompanies… and will also have a verystrong and effective way of working withour research community. So we haveretained a recruitment firm to help us findsomeone who can help take TECEdmonton to the next level where we

continue to expand our programs andservices that reach out to theentrepreneurial community... for thosewho have a technology who wish todevelop a company, and that can alsointeract effectively with our Universitycommunity.”

Freeman says TEC Edmonton iscontinuing to build on three verysuccessful years under Cox’s leadership.New programs include TEC Source whichprovides free consults to technology basedcompanies. And there’s the new regionalalliance which sees five Edmontonincubators collaborating to provide “one-stop shopping” for entrepreneurs andinventors. √

~ Cheryl Croucher

NN

Searchesfor New



the mysteryof misfolding

Unfolding

PRIONS

Jim Herbers

NEW MITE

SPECIESDISCOVERED—

of the Soil World

GRIZZLYBEARS

TEC

CEO

Edmonton

Pamela Freeman

The exact purpose of prions is not known, although theyare thought to play a protective role. The normal or cellularprion protein is harmless. But sometimes things go wrong.

“Occasionally, if the protein has been mutated or if someexternal agent modifies the prion protein, it changes shape.Once it changes shape, it starts doing something bad. Itactually starts self-assembling into what arecalled fibrils. And these fibrilsstart filling up brain cells,leading to brain celldeath,” explains Dr.Wishart.

His most recent workuses a variety of techniques,including nuclear magneticresonance spectroscopy,mass spectronomy andcircular dichroism, to observethe prion protein at an atomicscale. The point is to observethe folding process in real timeand hopefully find a way tostop it.

“Prions are naturally helical,meaning they look like a bunchof springs stuck together. But,when they misfold,” Dr. Wishart says, “they turn from ahelical protein to something that’s called a beta strand or asheet. And the beta sheet is in a sense a bunch of ribbons.And, in fact, silk is an example of a fibre that is made upalmost exclusively of beta sheets. So when prions go fromthe helical to a beta sheet, they say that they convert orthey misfold. This is something that proteins will oftendo. Normally, the body gets rid of them but, in the case ofprions, when they misfold, they aggregate and they actuallybecome toxic.”

It’s this aggregation the gives rise to the term“infectious”. A chain reaction starts and cannot be stopped.

According to Dr. Westaway, a normal prion or protein isa solo operator. As such, the outside of the molecule iscovered with chemical charges that like water.

“The positive and negative charges interact with the watermolecule and the protein molecule stays under control. It’sbasically dissolved in water and everything is fine anddandy. But, in the context of disease, the proteins start toassemble into aggregates and very often this aggregationproperty is somehow linked to the fact that the non-water

loving part of the molecule gets turned inside out. So, inchemical jargon, the hydrophobic parts of the molecule,instead of being hidden inside, come to the outside. Thehydrophobic parts of a molecule like to interact withthe hydrophobic parts of other molecules. So you startto get an assembly where the contact between themolecules is a bit more like an oily interface thatpushes water out of the way.”

This initiates a domino effect where the proteinsbuild up on one another.

In his lab, Dr.Wishart has beenexploring how theprion converts ormisfolds and hasidentified that the tailend of the moleculeseems to be the partthat gets disrupted orunfolded first.

“It aggregates firstin what we call dimersor pairs, then intetramers or sets offour and then,ultimately, in octamers,or groups of eightmolecules. These

aggregates are all hung together near the back end from lastto about 70 residues. So they produce this insoluable,tightly massed core that can’t be cut… that can’t be brokendown. Then these octamers eventually start forming fibrilsor threads.”

Dr. Wishart goes on to say that it appears the tetramerand octamer, the groups of four and eight proteins, become

highly toxic and form theprinciple seed that leads toinfection.

It’s an exciting discoverythat opens up the door todeveloping a means ofstopping the misfoldingprocess.

Dr. Westaway suggests thatonce you define themisfolding process inmolecular terms, “then youcan create an anti-moleculeto stop it from happening. It’swhat is called smart therapy.”

Over in his lab at theCentre for Prions and ProteinFolding Diseases, Dr.Westaway has uncovered atleast two important pieces tothe prion puzzle. These arechaperone and shadooproteins.

Chaperones are helper

molecules. Sometimes when proteins start folding into theright shape, they get stuck, so along comes a chaperone tosmooth it out so it goes into the right shape. This is wellknown in the science of cell biology for proteins inside thecell.

Says Westaway, “The field of chaperones is well knownin the science of cell biology for proteins inside the cell.But prion disease is a bit more cutting edge because itseems there may well be chaperone-type activity involvedin the wrong way, in helping a good protein go bad. Someof the crucial events of refolding or misfolding may not begoing on inside the cell. In fact, they may be going onoutside the cell. This is an important frontier that will bearclose scrutiny in the coming years.”

A student in Westaway’s lab, Joe Watts, confirmed thatthis protein exists. It is quite abundant in the brain and has alot of features similar to normal prion proteins.

“We think that shadoo may be part of a family ofmolecules on the surface of brain cells that help brain cellsdeal with damage,” Dr. Westaway explains. “We havelooked at what happens to the shadoo protein in an animalthat has a prion disease and we were very surprised to get avery simple answer: that the shadoo protein starts todisappear when animals are replicating prions. It is what wecall a tracer. We didn’t expect to make this discovery but,somehow when the protein is disappearing, it’s telling youthat prions are replicating.”

He goes on to speculate that in a disease state, the shadooproteins are being cannibalized by what he calls choppingproteins known as proteases. These get rid of proteins thatare no longer needed by the body. What triggers the suddenattack warrants further investigation.

So what is it that brings home all this talk about howprions fold?

Catching Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease from a madcow is still a very rare event. The odds in Canada are one ina million. However, there are other protein folding diseasesthat are all too common: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and LouGehrig’s Disease.

The research of Westaway and Wishart goes a long waytoward informing discovery on this front.

A provocative article, published in the journal Nature inearly 2009, suggests that normal prion proteins, thought tobe the protectors of nerve cells, are involved in the killing ofbrain cells. It appears the misfolded protein aggregates thatcause Alzheimer’s bind to the normal prion proteins toinitiate the killing.

Dr. Westaway is adamant. “We’ll check that out, andother labs will check that and very likely some importantnew knowledge will come out of looking at those ideaswith a fine tooth comb.” √

www.prionresearch.cawww.prionet.canada.cawww.prioncentre.ca

To hear more on prion research, visitwww.innovationanthology.com

Cheryl Croucher hosts InnovationAnthology which is broadcast onCKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pmTuesdays and Thursdays. Or downloadthe podcasts atwww.innovationanthologyy.com

ew homes in China’searthquake zone will now bemade from wheat strawinstead of bricks and cement.

A Dutch company has licencedtechnology developed by the AlbertaResearch Council to make wheat strawpanel board—OSSB or oriented strawstrandboard—for the Chinese market.

According to architect BoewerBesseling of Panel Board Holdings, thewheat straw panels are superior for thisearthquake zone since they are framedwith light gauge steel.

Says Besseling, “First of all, thebuildings are all made out of concrete andbricks. And the quality of these bricksand concrete is a little bit less than whatwe are used to in Europe and also inCanada. So if there is an earthquake,

there is a big possibility that it just cracksbecause it is not flexible, and it comesdown. Unfortunately, that happened a lotlast year during the earthquake. And thislight gauge steel is more flexible, so itcan withstand an earthquake much betterthan concrete and bricks. And togetherwith our OSSB, which we can use like abracing element, it stands better inearthquakes than what they have rightnow.”

The wheat straw panel boards alsooffer an environmental break for China.ARC’s forest products technologistWayne Wasylciw says the OSSB panelboards make use of straw that in Chinawould otherwise be burned. They alsosave agricultural land from being dug upfor clay to make bricks. √

~ Cheryl Croucher

NN



December 3The Business LinkBrown Bag Session E-Commerce ApplicationsSuite 100, 10237-104 Street12-1 pmwww.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm

December 3ACAMP SeminarHealth and MedicalAlberta Research Council Auditorium8 am to 5 pmRSVP to [email protected]

December 15novaNAIT Innovation Speakers SeriesIncubate Your Business for Success12 – 1 pmwww.novanait.ca

February 25TEC VenturePrizeBusiness Plan CompetitionDeadline for Fast Growth CompetitionCompete for over $150,000 in prizeswww.tecedmonton.com

On theHORIZONDECEMBER

Wheat StrawPanel Board

Houses

EARTHQUAKEZONE

for China’s

Boewer Besseling

Dr. David Wisehart

Dr. David Westaway



ow to effectively gain entry intothe social media ecosystem asit continues to grow inrelevancy is top of mind for

many, not only here in the Edmonton areabut around Alberta and the rest of theWorld. 2010 will be the year many alterbehaviors by integrating certain social webpractices into overall business processesacross the enterprise resulting in a “socialcalibration” of the corporate culture.

Veterans of at least one social mediacampaign will refine their approach as therealization that social influence is reliant oncertain sustainable actions. In other words,there’s an understanding of the differencebetween being a blogger and being ablogger with influence—which means thatsocial media integration into the 2010marketing and communications planhappens at the outset rather than as an add-on later. This change in process should drivesupport for internal policy development anda concerted effort to build social capacity.

Also, as decision-makers come on board,I see more I.T. departments benefiting. Theenterprise remains protected while I.T.enables social technologies behind theirfirewall by using open API authorizationcode like “OAuth” as appropriate. Thissuccess may also inspire the enterprise topursue internal social media solutionsrelated to human resources, such asemployee retention, training, communi-cations and knowledge capture.

Additionally, look for more organizationsto embrace “cloud computing.” Despite stillsuffering from a bit of hype, trust has been

strengthened in terms of data privacy andsecurity… so the cloud will continue toinfluence collaborative innovations such asGoogle Wave for all to use.

As well, we’ll likely see more govern-ments, (primarily municipal) embrace“open data” policies and concepts. And whynot? Citizens are willing to contribute andeven provide services for free. Participationin this area will continue to rise as access topublic data truly becomes public. For moreinfo on the open data topic visit eaves.ca

and get ready for more city run contests,data mash-ups, and location aware servicesbased widgets.

Maintaining consumer trust by way ofsocial influence will remain a central goalbehind social media performance metrics.Reputation 2.0 and the ever present need foractive brand management online becomes areality for more decision-makers in 2010.That said, this isn’t good news for laggingexecutives still employing the big plan ofshutting down all access to the social

web… but it’s certainly good news for theircompetitors who are consuming the socialmedia Kool-Aid by the litre. That gap willcontinue to widen especially in areas ofbrand awareness, loyalty, customer supportand rapport.

Experience suggests that concrete socialmedia performance can only happen oncethe organization has truly committed. Up tonow, there has been considerable experi-mentation and that’s to be expected.However, for measurable conversions totake place, an enterprise-wide commitmentor social calibration must take place.

Ultimately, I believe 2010 will be a yearof recovery, modest growth and prosperity.Social calibration should allow leaders whohave a foothold within the social web(Twitter account and Facebook fan page) toaccelerate and deepen relationships withcustomers. In other words, if your organi-zation has been building social mediacredibility and customer love throughout atough 2009, the next year will most likelyrequire management teams to be betterprepared to support future initiatives withmore than just budget, they’ll need tosupport with a will to engage.

I’d like to wish all my readers, clients, thefusedlogic team, family and friends afantastic Christmas and New Year’scelebration. √

Walter Schwabe is the Chief EvolutionOfficer of fusedlogic inc., a social mediastrategy firm and Alberta company since2000. You can learn more atwww.fusedlogic.com

HH

Getting attacked can be as simple asturning on your laptop. If your ownSSID matches a possible rogue, thenyour computer may automaticallyconnect. “Windows likes to auto-matically connect to recent networks it’sseen before.”

Haines can’t stress it enough: There isno authentication process for free WiFiat hotels and gyms, for example, makingit hard to determine if it’s real or fake.The transmission could be routedthrough an intermediary and all yourdata would be exposed.

“Even with a secure login, the loginmay be encrypted but not the session.”

Haines shows the audience a pictureof a suspicious looking van with “FreeCandy” painted across it. “Users likefree WiFi. Who wouldn’t? What’sadvertised is not necessarily what’sinside.”

And it’s not just the networkconnection. Accessing a malicious sitecould cause you to get viruses, installspyware, and make modifications toyour system. Browser exploits—codesthat take advantage of bugs in yourbrowser—could also cause unexpectedresults.

“Once you’re on someone’s site,you’ve given them a conduit to accessyour system,” concurs Ed Rusnak, CEOof ENC Security Systems and creator ofEncryptStick (featured in Edmontonians,November 2009). “When you leave thesite, you could also be taking theinfections and Trojans back with you toyour secure network.”

“How many of you will regret usingthe free WiFi here?” Haines askedconference participants. At the end of hissession—to make his point—he revealedthat he had scanned all wireless enabled

devices in the room and within range ofhis equipment.

Haines interest in network securitystarted at W.P. Wagner High School inSouth East Edmonton, where computerteacher Don McDonald gave him thetask of keeping their classroom networkrunning.

“It was the most hostile network onthe planet. Teachers weren’t alwaysaround; Kids wanted to play gamesduring school hours.” He learned tothrive on the constant challenge ofhaving to find new solutions to lockthings down in an ever-changingenvironment. “It was a classic cat andmouse game.”

But it wasn’t until he attended his firstDEF CON, the world’s largest under-ground hacking conference in 1999where he says he met the mostembracing community of like-mindedpeople, that he realized he was not aloneon his quest.

He’s now 30, “but going on 18”.RenderMan fills his days working withhis clients to advise them on securingtheir digital assets. He fills his nightsfinding new ways to subvert technologyto do things it was never meant to do.

Haines prefers to work with small-and medium-sized enterprises, smallerdepartments and professional servicescompanies, acting as a resource forperformance tuning and networksecurity audits. “They can’t afford thebig guys and often don’t know they needadvice. Often their network expert is theson’s friend’s brother who happens tohave a computer… so he’s their IT guyand this is a clinic.”

For Haines, it’s also a social obligationand a soft spot for the Mom and Popenterprises. “Businesses shouldn’t go

under because they used a crappyproduct and didn’t know better. How doyou expect a guy who sells popsicles toknow about security? It’s not hisbusiness focus.”

He’s also motivated as a user of theseproducts who doesn’t want his datahijacked—possibly by some people heknows.

Haines speaks frequently at hackerand security conferences. Just prior toICE, he exposed wireless vulnerabilitiesfrom a hacker’s perspective at CyberSecurity Protection Strategies 2009,hosted by the Conference Board ofCanada in Gatineau, Quebec.

He pointed out, “There are things youhave not even thought of yet that alreadyexist and can bite you. Be much morediligent and proactive becausesomething that was secure last night,now isn’t.”

Revealing a picture of a circuit with0.2mm wide solder points, Hainesreminds that hackers who are also drivenby curiosity will find value in the mostinnocuous of things—like hackingthrough the memory of Nintendo DSi.“If someone is willing to solder througha microscope to play video games, howmuch effort do you think is going intosomething with money?”

He preaches diligence about securityeven if you think it doesn’t haveanything to do with what you’re doing.“You could be selling ice cream, butyou’re processing money… you’re ofinterest to someone.”

Regardless of his audience, Hainesinsists he’s not trying to scare them butrather shake things up so they don’tbecome complacent by creatingawareness that “the Emperor has noclothes”.

“We need guys like him to make thepublic totally aware… someone to findthese vulnerabilities. We have to work inthis environment,” says Rusnak.

Interestingly, on a trip to the House ofParliament a few days after his Gatineauspeech, RenderMan was singled out of atour group and asked to check his cellphone and briefcase.

“I’m thinking that announcing myintentions at the conference probably ledsomeone to call ahead… and making theOttawa Citzen’s front page probablydidn’t help at all.”

Despite obvious temptations, Hainessays he’s never been in trouble, butadmits he finds the bad guys much moreinteresting. “The Joker always seems toenjoy what he was doing for a living.Batman always seems depressed.”Haines prefers to be the spy.

“People don’t like what I do, but I donothing illegal. If anything weirdhappens, I better keep my nose clean. Iwould automatically be one of the usualsuspects.”

Strangely enough, Haines’ businesscard is a Joker from a deck of cards withhis info stamped on it.

“At a conference, it stands out.” √

Greg Gazin, “TheGadget Guy,” is aserial entrepreneur,freelance technologycolumnist, smallbusiness speaker, anavid Podcaster andproducer ofToastcaster.com. Gregcan be reached at780.424.1881, gadgetgreg.com [email protected]


1012010with Walter SchwabemediamediaSocial

The Year of Social Calibration


Proof__1 _________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

You gotta believe these twohave hatched serious planstogether over the years. HolgerPetersen and PR veteranRichard Flohil who came Westto emcee his friend’s evening.

ne of the worstthings aboutliving in Torontois not havingCKUA,”

quipped Richard Flohil. Hemade the trip to celebrateStony Plain Records founderHolger Petersen’s anniversaryparty, titled 40 Years of Natch’lBlues. The party was hostedby CKUA Radio last month atCook County Saloon.

CKUA plays alternativemusic, folk, rock, jazz andclassical music, courtesy of thestation’s network of 17transmitters. Canada’s firsteducational and public radiostarted broadcasting in 1927from the University of Albertaand went online in 1996.Listeners are fiercely loyal;they went to bat for the stationwhen it was suspendedsuddenly in 1994. Fans ralliedand created a foundation tohelp keep the radio and theirfavourite programming on air.

CKUA is where manylisteners first heard the likes ofk.d. lang, Corb Lund, Teganand Sara, the Polyjesters andWendy McNeill. In an Internetworld that promotes citizenjournalism, everyone fromfarmers to politicians toscientists and business leadershave had their say on CKUA.

“O

Joe Louis Walker,Grammy award-winningBlues Artist

“I remember Holger fromBonnie Doon High School…used to sit in front of me,”recalled the not-really retired radiomogul and Edmontonians scribeMarty Forbes with wife Kim. “Hehasn’t changed.”

Larry Reese and Bob Hunka were part of the Procol Harum concert performed in the ’70s with the Edmonton Symphony

Orchestra. Hunka was assistant GM of the ESO for that epic gigbefore taking his career on the road to Nashville where hemanaged Dolly Parton’s music publishing companies… and toLos Angeles to run Monument Records— the original label ofRoy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoferson,and subsequent label for the Dixie Chicks.

No slouch himself, Reese heads the motion picture artsprogram at Red Deer College. He toured North America in JesusChrist Superstar and opened for Procol Harum. He’s worked inmovies alongside Clint Eastwood, James Caan, Heath Ledgerand Gene Hackman, to name a few acting luminaries.

Rob Edwards fromVictoria with Ken Regan,general manager of CKUA.Edwards performed with TheRoyal Family that morphedinto Troyka with Rumor (Ron)Lukaweitski and MichaelRichards on drums.Psychedelic, baby. RollingStone reviewed Troyka in its1970 issue #58. Edwards isstill looking for a copy and forthe whereabouts of Richards.

Petersen with his black-haired beauty, “partner and

soul mate, Anne Green” who’sbeen with the Banff-CalgaryInternational WordFest since itlaunched 14 years ago.

Harold Wollin hosts the Story Slam monthly at hisBlue Chair eatery withLionel “Mac” McKernan.

“Blues fans know real music when theyhear it,” notes music scribe Peter North,shown here with Phyllis Wooley who is notin the music business.

Former CKUA board member Linda Hall and Brian Dunsmore.

Hall started the charming HomeRoutes concert series in her livingroom last year: world-class musicians,known and unknown, perform inprivate homes throughout WesternCanada.

Jack Worthington Hagerman, CKUAstation manager from 1955 to 1974,with former CKUA Board Chair Bud Steen.“Nobody loves music and radio more thanJack,” according to Peter North.

Photos by Tracy Kolenchuk

Mayor Stephen Mandelcongratulates Holger Petersen.

Ron Rault of The Rault Brothers.

Royal LePage realtor andsponsor Frank Bawden (right)with Brenda Lizotte and FrankKlemen who produces theannual Nite of Blues that fundsSIRENS (Support to Individualsat Risk in Everyone’sNeighbourhood Society).

Dave Babcock of Jump Donnie Walsh-front man for theDown Child Blues Band andmusical muse for Dan Ackroyd’sBlues Brothers

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