From The Editors

Big Mac attack fix seems closer to downtown

Posted by Phil Andrews

I noted with some appreciation the sign posted for weeks outside the Gordon Street McDonald's restaurant site that stated it would be serving customers in another six weeks.

The signage was brilliant because it never was fixed to a start date and six weeks was a nice time range to roll out there for the reno project to end. Six weeks just sounded both not-today and also not-so-far-off.

Well, the six weeks sign that amused me is down. Another is up calling for applicants to work at the new extremely madeover eatery. I wonder which restaurants benefitted during the down time at that McDonalds.

 

Alice Cooper recalls Guelph gig without fondness

Posted by Phil Andrews

Alice Cooper suggests his worst gig ever was one he played at the University of Guelph in the 1970s.

I'm thinking Cooper saw some tough crowds. To lead his list is saying something.

 

Mercury in Rome

Posted by Phil Andrews

 

We've just finalized booking arrangement to be in Rome for the elevation of Guelph's Thomas Collins to the College of Cardinals.

Scott Tracey will take on the assignment.

In addition to filing stories for the paper, we'll soon launch a blog about this news story and be preparing associated multimedia and other online features as well.

 

The search for Candy

Members of the Barlee's Angels Rescue Network are desperately seeking a cockapoo named Candy that went missing Thursday night. Here’s a plea for help sent by email from Jennifer Windh, founding director of the Guelph-based non-profit organization, a small grassroots all-volunteer non-profit all breed animal rescue:

We recently took in a severely neglected and unsocialized two- to three-year-old white with black cockapoo from a southern Ontario shelter that we have named Candy.  She is very traumatized and suffers from "global fear" due to her neglect and lack of socialization.  Thursday night at approximately 6:30, she spooked while being walked by her foster parent in the area of Victoria and Woodlawn roads.  She was further spooked by her new plastic flexi-lead dragging behind her and hightailed it.  She was last seen crossing Victoria onto the west side, and heading towards the Upper Grand District School Board building.
A search party was to be out in force Friday night and, if unsuccessful, again on Saturday morning.
To keep up to date on the search, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/126711074116257/
A video clip has been posted to YouTube of Candy and the other dog she was picked up with, in the shelter. If you see this video I think you'll understand why we are considering her being lost a very serious situation.  She has been traumatized, neglected and possibly abused and may flee if approached.
Because of her trauma, we expect she will flee if approached, and hide out and not respond to calls. Therefore our only potential hope of getting her home safe and sound is sightings and a live trap. If she is seen we are asking people to please contact us immediately and to approach with caution, only if she does not retreat.  Best approach is slow and quiet, facing 45 degrees away, and using food.  Approaching will likely make her flee, but walking away will likely make her follow.
There are a lot of dangers in the area, including coyotes, cars, the elements, and she was recently spayed and treated for an infection.  She is also still attached to her new retractable leash which presents a strangulation/ensnarement danger.

Barlee's Angels Rescue Network - http://www.barlees.org
Barlee's on Twitter!  http://twitter.com/BarleesAngels
We're on YouTube!  http://www.youtube.com/user/BarleesAngels
We're on Facebook!  http://www.tinyurl.com/BarleesOnFacebook
Join our Forum!  http://barlees.org/forum

Sexual assault story and placement criticized

Posted by Phil Andrews

 

Our reporting in, editing on and decision to place the James Bourdeau story as our main front-page item Thursday have generated some criticism.

At least one letter to the editor has been received and is soon to be published on this subject.

I've also heard from relatives of newspaper delivery carriers upset that that youth they know doing this work will be obliged to look at that content.

Sexual assault stories present many challenges for media outfits. One issue is that the charge 'sexual assault' covers a huge range of criminal acts. I think coverage of such cases needs to provide some detail of the acts to allow for readers/audiences the context to evaluate the justice provided by the courts.

This particular case has jarred the community since it first became news. I also received several calls from local residents furious at reporting about Boudreau being charged because they were certain he was innocent.

I regret disappointing some readers. This story received considerable pre-publication attention.

 

Marty Burke on 'bitter' suggestion

Posted by Phil Andrews

 

Marty Burke has sent a response to one of the letters to the editor recently published arising from one he had sent in about this month's federal Liberal policy gathering.

I have shared with him that his latest proposed letter will be published next month -- as we guard against allowing more than one letter to be published per month from any contributor. I also shared with him that I would first publish the response on this blog.

Here's the pending letter:

How predictable. I comment on a policy Guelph MP Frank Valeriote’s Liberal Party recently adopted. Valeriote supporter Dan Petrie, apparently incapable of defending this policy, writes in- once again- to attack me personally.

 

For the record, I am not “bitter” about anything. I am an airline pilot and I love my job. In my travels I regularly go to Ottawa. Whilst in Ottawa, I am fortunate to explore closely how parliament and government work. I have been doing so for over ten years now. This gives me a perspective on federal politics that is perhaps quite rare in Guelph.    

 

I therefore feel somewhat qualified  to comment publicly- and often bluntly- on federal issues of the moment and have no hesitation in doing so. Such commentary is a right we all have- yet so few bother to do it. I have exercised this right regularly on these pages- long before I was a political candidate, as a candidate, and now as a typical Guelph citizen. 

 

And, yes, it is perfectly acceptable for such commentary to include criticism of party policies (Liberal priority one- legalizing marijuana?) and MP Valeriote’s performance (missing key votes). If Liberals are too thin-skinned to accept such criticism that is their problem. For my part, I will not cower from their vindictive personal attacks. 

 

So Mr. Petrie, back to the issue at hand. At a time of global economic upheaval, high energy prices, Canadians still concerned about job creation, the looming threat of Iran going nuclear, and many other serious issues- just why does the out of touch Liberal Party get together and decide their key policy is legalizing marijuana? Or will you shoot the messenger again.

 

A race is on for running-track dollars in Guelph

Posted by Phil Andrews

The announcement of a $1.5 million private donation to help renovate Alumni Stadium has purportedly led to a huge fundraising push in the local running community to deliver big bucks and fast to ensure a new international-caliber running track is part of the stadium upgrade.

The running community is apparently under pressure to raise $1 million within 30 days or so. What's more, it's pretty confident it's soon going to generate news of a series of significant donations.

We're chasing the story.

 

 

U of G should reveal its $1.5 M backer

Posted by Phil Andrews

I think the University of Guelph should disclose the identity of the family that has just given it $1.5 million to upgrade Alumni Stadium.

The community should know which parties make huge investments in public institutions.

The university hasn't suggested it might ever be placed in a difficult circumstance over accepting this funding and has asserted this is simply just a case of a humble and generous donor. But the public should have the context to test this assurance now and going forward. The university should accept that premise if it supports the notion that it needs to operate in as open and transparent a manner as possible.

We'll be working to explore who the donor is. This is the source of much speculation in the community. Many locals believe it may be a family that has a member who is a prominent employee of the university. We have no information to confirm or refute that.

 

Psychic predicts a year of growth and job creation for Guelph in 2012

Posted by Phil Andrews

The following predictions for Guelph have been provided by Tony Uberoi, one of the psychics participating in next weekend's Guelph Psychic Expo. It takes place at the Best Western from Jan. 27 to 29.

REAL ESTATE: Guelph will expand and grow in 2012. There will be an increase in
investments and the property market will remain stable. Property prices will increase marginally in certain areas only.

UNIVERSITY: Plans to partner with universities in other countries for Joint Ventures and
student exchange programs will be in the works. The University of Guelph will see a
growth in its global importance, due to an influx of international students. The growth
plans for the university will come to fruition. International students paying higher tuitionwill result in financial and social benefits to Guelph.

ENVIRONMENT: Guelph will develop its proud Green City Programs and become an
example for other Ontario towns and cities.

AGRICULTURE: Food prices will register an up-swing, helping agricultural income and
an increase in land prices surrounding the city.

EMPLOYMENT: Due to more jobs being created in Guelph the residents will be a happy
lot.

GROWTH : Astrologically, the planet Jupiter signifies much expansion and growth for
the city of Guelph for the next decade. However, some very quick decisions made in the major construction sites will have to be rectified or corrected. 2012 is a year for an open dialogue.

ECONOMY: Planet Mercury signifies that the city will continue to grow financially.
Although the KW area seems to be a big brother, Guelph's "Mercurial" rise will baffle the many other towns and cities in areas surrounding Guelph. Mercury reflects money, so the city elders must try to keep the taxes low.

 

Non-participant organizers of speed dating event

Posted by Phil Andrews

I chuckled at the photos that came back from our assigmment to look into a speed dating event being staged at the Guelph Public Library.

In all shots, the two women organizing the event are quite conspicuously wearing wedding rings. I suspect they were seeking to signal they were backers of the event but not to be anticipated as participants.

Interesting event. I wonder how it will be received in the community.