88.5 CJSR's annual FunDrive is off to a successful start last Wednesday, which many volunteers and staff believe is due to the major changes seen over the past year.
Edmonton's only independent radio station kicked off their fundraiser on September 23, with key amendments put in place Lesley Vaage and Desiree Schell, the Fun Drive coordinators, after a rather unsuccessful event last year.
"We didn't reach our financial goal last year, which is always disappointing," Schell said. "Volunteerism was low because of issues with the station, and then you have the economy."
So with 2008 being a tough year for most charities, Vaage and Schell arranged for a drastic overhaul to structure the event to be more fruitful. Schell has arranged for bigger and better giveaways and swag to be ready for the donating public, as well as making sure all the volunteers have an assignment.
"Everything is a lot more structured. Everyone is more organized this year," Schell said. "If you can put more structures in place before the event, you can be more flexible during the event. Something will bite you in the ass, you don't know what, but something will. Being more flexible can help that out a lot."
Even many of the other volunteers can see the new changes and excitement around the radio station, including "25 to Life" hosts Aaron Levin and Andrew Keenan, who are participating in their fourth Fun Drive.
"This FunDrive, volunteers have come to the forefront. I wish we had this much volunteer support year round," Levin said. "It seems everyone is coming out of the wood work and stepping up to the plate."
The great start to the fundraiser is extremely important, because financially speaking, the station couldn't stand another poor year.
"We would be able to keep going, but at a drastically reduced level," Schell said. "I hate to say it, but less staff cost less money, and that means more work for everyone."
But with the continued growth of corporate broadcasting, Edmonton needs an independent station like CJSR to be working at full capacity, rather than a "reduced level." Volunteers like Keenan believe that the community needs an independent voice, for an alternative view.
"Aaron and I need a public forum. It's important for people like us to have a creative outlet and voice. It's really nice to have a space to be this creative," Keenan said.
Both Keenan and Levin feel very strongly about the role of CJSR in society, both stating that the station’s unique option has become a part of Edmonton after 25 years on the air.
"Every city needs an organization that can act as a counter cultural epicenter that brings people together on the measures of society," Levin said. "CJSR is the best for that."
The FunDrive runs from September 23 to October 3 and as of Sunday night, have raised nearly $48 500.
*** AND LISTEN TO YOURS TRULY ON AIR, THIS WEDNESDAY AT 9AM. MAKE SURE TO CALL 780-492-CJSR TO DONATE AT THAT TIME AS WELL***
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Full Metal Pen starts off a new season with a visit to the raceways!
Participants of the Bracket Championship and Oval Track Championship test and put the final touches on their ride early Friday morning at Castrol Raceway. The drag race teams work hard in anticipation for the this weekend, as the Bracket Championship is on Saturday the 19th, and the Oval Track Championship is on Sunday the 20th at Castrol Raceway near the Edmonton International Airport.
Friday, May 1, 2009
What is the real cost of cosmetic surgery?
Botox clinics and patients have shown little concern about Health Canada’s official warning in January of the dangers of Botox.
Jacqueline Laine, manager of Urban Body Clinic on 11528 Jasper Ave., believes that Botox is still the safest and most efficient form of cosmetic procedures, despite Health Canada’s warning of the injections made on January 13th.
“You hear a lot of horror stories when it comes to Botox, but the media likes to play things up. Our physicians are certified doctors, not somebody off the street,” Laine said.
Botox injections utilize the botulinum toxin, which is the most toxic protein known. Extremely small and diluted amounts are injected into the skin where they obstruct nerve impulses to the muscles, numbing and forcing them to relax.
Since it is such a deadly toxin, over injections may cause the toxin in the body to spread, which Health Canada warns about. Symptoms include muscles weakness, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, pneumonia, and in the most extreme cases, death.
These procedures can be used cosmetically by relaxing the skin and getting rid of any wrinkles. But they can also be used for medical reasons, such as joint pain relief, headaches or limb spasms.
“Our clinic mostly does cosmetic Botox procedures, but we also do a lot of medical injections,” Laine explained. “We use Botox to relieve serious headaches and TMJ pains.”
In addition, these Botox injection recipients are extremely pleased with the outcome, some recipients admit that their pleasure outweighs their fear of the procedure going wrong.
"[The Health Canada warnings] probably won't stop me from getting Botox again. The effects are too great," Stefanie Raschke said.
Raschke had her injections done at the Urban Body Clinic. She received injections in her forehead and upper lip to "prevent aging through wrinkles and crease lines."
The lack of fear amongst the patients in clinics is due to the amount of regulations and measures that credible clinics go through to protect the people.
Laine explains that botched Botox procedures aren’t by accident, but are the fault of the injector. They may use too much of the solution when they inject, use unsanitary tools or do not mix it properly.
“Using too much Botox in the mix or not cutting it with 100 per cent pure Botox may cause problems,” Laine said. “But normally, there are very few side effects. Too much may cause a little droop in the eyelids, but nothing permanent.”
Those who oppose Raschke and her openness to Botox injections include Suzanna Martin, Raschke’s roommate. Martin is not against Botox for any major health risks or the Health Canada warning, but rather for its moral reasons.
“The warning doesn’t scare me. There are warnings about everything,” Martin said. “I decided not to get Botox because after visiting a clinic, I didn’t like what I had seen.”
The botulinum toxin was first used for cosmetic reasons due to the work of Canadian physicians Dr. Alastair and Jean Carruthers in 1987.
Jacqueline Laine, manager of Urban Body Clinic on 11528 Jasper Ave., believes that Botox is still the safest and most efficient form of cosmetic procedures, despite Health Canada’s warning of the injections made on January 13th.
“You hear a lot of horror stories when it comes to Botox, but the media likes to play things up. Our physicians are certified doctors, not somebody off the street,” Laine said.
Botox injections utilize the botulinum toxin, which is the most toxic protein known. Extremely small and diluted amounts are injected into the skin where they obstruct nerve impulses to the muscles, numbing and forcing them to relax.
Since it is such a deadly toxin, over injections may cause the toxin in the body to spread, which Health Canada warns about. Symptoms include muscles weakness, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, pneumonia, and in the most extreme cases, death.
These procedures can be used cosmetically by relaxing the skin and getting rid of any wrinkles. But they can also be used for medical reasons, such as joint pain relief, headaches or limb spasms.
“Our clinic mostly does cosmetic Botox procedures, but we also do a lot of medical injections,” Laine explained. “We use Botox to relieve serious headaches and TMJ pains.”
In addition, these Botox injection recipients are extremely pleased with the outcome, some recipients admit that their pleasure outweighs their fear of the procedure going wrong.
"[The Health Canada warnings] probably won't stop me from getting Botox again. The effects are too great," Stefanie Raschke said.
Raschke had her injections done at the Urban Body Clinic. She received injections in her forehead and upper lip to "prevent aging through wrinkles and crease lines."
The lack of fear amongst the patients in clinics is due to the amount of regulations and measures that credible clinics go through to protect the people.
Laine explains that botched Botox procedures aren’t by accident, but are the fault of the injector. They may use too much of the solution when they inject, use unsanitary tools or do not mix it properly.
“Using too much Botox in the mix or not cutting it with 100 per cent pure Botox may cause problems,” Laine said. “But normally, there are very few side effects. Too much may cause a little droop in the eyelids, but nothing permanent.”
Those who oppose Raschke and her openness to Botox injections include Suzanna Martin, Raschke’s roommate. Martin is not against Botox for any major health risks or the Health Canada warning, but rather for its moral reasons.
“The warning doesn’t scare me. There are warnings about everything,” Martin said. “I decided not to get Botox because after visiting a clinic, I didn’t like what I had seen.”
The botulinum toxin was first used for cosmetic reasons due to the work of Canadian physicians Dr. Alastair and Jean Carruthers in 1987.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Edmonton and Fashion go hand-in-hand
Many volunteers and participants in Edmonton Fashion Week are pleased with the event this past week in our city.
Most helpers and designers seemed impressed with the improvement of the event that took place from April 2 to 9 at the Transalta Arts Barn on 10330-84 Ave.
Fiona Fung, a participant in the Emerging Designers Contest and a volunteer was extremely satisfied this year.
“They definitely didn’t have as much funding, but they stepped it up from last year with more shows, with over 2000 people attending,” she said.
Fung believes that all the positives came out of how organized and professional the event planners were, and how they used their volunteers.
“They were really organized and creative this year, “ Fung said. “They found their new home at the Transalta Arts Barn on Whyte, which is a plus because in previous years, they have been floating around venues.”
Maggie Chan, a first time volunteer, said she found out about the event quite easily and had lots of work to do once she got there.
“I like fashion, and I found out about the event by just searching the Internet,” Chan said. “I helped out in front of the event with info, passing out pamphlets or raffle tickets. I also helped photographers in the back take pictures of collections and models.”
All though she had tremendous amounts of work to do, Chan didn’t feel stressed out or displeased with giving up so much of her time. She even hopes to take on more work at the next Fashion Week.
“I do plan to get involved next year, but I hope to do a larger role though, like help plan the actual event,” Chan said.
The volunteers don’t walk away empty handed though. The experience they get will help them greatly down the road, especially with Fung.
“I’m interning as a production assistant for Zac Posen in New York this summer,” she said. “They will be preparing for their Spring 2010 Collection and Edmonton Fashion Week really helped me understand the whole fashion industry and people in the community.”
Edmonton Fashion Week will be expected to elevate themselves again this Fall, as they set up the runway again from September 17 to 24.
Most helpers and designers seemed impressed with the improvement of the event that took place from April 2 to 9 at the Transalta Arts Barn on 10330-84 Ave.
Fiona Fung, a participant in the Emerging Designers Contest and a volunteer was extremely satisfied this year.
“They definitely didn’t have as much funding, but they stepped it up from last year with more shows, with over 2000 people attending,” she said.
Fung believes that all the positives came out of how organized and professional the event planners were, and how they used their volunteers.
“They were really organized and creative this year, “ Fung said. “They found their new home at the Transalta Arts Barn on Whyte, which is a plus because in previous years, they have been floating around venues.”
Maggie Chan, a first time volunteer, said she found out about the event quite easily and had lots of work to do once she got there.
“I like fashion, and I found out about the event by just searching the Internet,” Chan said. “I helped out in front of the event with info, passing out pamphlets or raffle tickets. I also helped photographers in the back take pictures of collections and models.”
All though she had tremendous amounts of work to do, Chan didn’t feel stressed out or displeased with giving up so much of her time. She even hopes to take on more work at the next Fashion Week.
“I do plan to get involved next year, but I hope to do a larger role though, like help plan the actual event,” Chan said.
The volunteers don’t walk away empty handed though. The experience they get will help them greatly down the road, especially with Fung.
“I’m interning as a production assistant for Zac Posen in New York this summer,” she said. “They will be preparing for their Spring 2010 Collection and Edmonton Fashion Week really helped me understand the whole fashion industry and people in the community.”
Edmonton Fashion Week will be expected to elevate themselves again this Fall, as they set up the runway again from September 17 to 24.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Photo of the Week Apr 5-11
Arashi-Do Martial Arts held their city-wide tournament at the Alberta Aviation Museum on April 4th and had a huge turn out. This is Rahul Deol as he competes in his first Men's Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
PATs just don't make the grade.
Teachers and parents are in full support of the MLAs decision to look into abandoning the Grade 3 provincial achievement tests after the motion was voted on Monday March 23.
MLAs voted 29-18 in favor of the motion proposed by Genia Leskiw, an MLA from Bonnyville-Cold Lake, which could see the end of standardized testing at the Grade 3 level.
Teachers and parents seem united with Alberta Teachers’ Association President Frank Bruseker on the matter, who believes that these achievement tests have become futile and fruitless.
“Evaluation using paper and pen guidelines simply don’t work and that’s part of the concern we have had with the whole provincial achievement testing regime,” Bruseker said. “They impose these tests and we don’t feel they address all of the learning outcomes.”
Like Bruseker, Grade 3/4 teacher Arlene Bujold from Fort Assiniboine School believes that the achievement tests cause more harm than good.
“It puts a lot of stress on all parties involved,” Bujold said.
She believes that standardized testing places a focus on student success rather than actual learning.
“There needs to be more of a focus on an assessment for learning instead of an assessment of learning,” she said. “These evaluations should be ongoing throughout the year.”
Parents don’t seem to be worried about the disbandment of the achievement tests, such as Kali Kirby, a mother of four children. As they all enter elementary school, Kirby says she looks for more than just academic success measured by achievement tests.
“I focus on the atmosphere and moral teachings of the school,” Kirby said.
Kirby is not afraid that there will be no accountability from the teachers towards students and parents. She believes that teachers will always continue to strive for their students learning.
“If you are a good teacher, you’ll do it for the students. You will make sure they do better,” she said. “You will just want your students to do the best.”
Even though the MLAs voted in favor of the motion on Monday, Bruseker reminds the public that changes will not be made over night.
“We aren’t suddenly going to see an instantaneous change. We will still have a provincial achievement test at the end of this year and we’ll probably have one at the end of the next school year,” Bruseker said.
There are no current plans yet for any new diagnostic tests to replace the current 40 multiple-choice standardized exam.
MLAs voted 29-18 in favor of the motion proposed by Genia Leskiw, an MLA from Bonnyville-Cold Lake, which could see the end of standardized testing at the Grade 3 level.
Teachers and parents seem united with Alberta Teachers’ Association President Frank Bruseker on the matter, who believes that these achievement tests have become futile and fruitless.
“Evaluation using paper and pen guidelines simply don’t work and that’s part of the concern we have had with the whole provincial achievement testing regime,” Bruseker said. “They impose these tests and we don’t feel they address all of the learning outcomes.”
Like Bruseker, Grade 3/4 teacher Arlene Bujold from Fort Assiniboine School believes that the achievement tests cause more harm than good.
“It puts a lot of stress on all parties involved,” Bujold said.
She believes that standardized testing places a focus on student success rather than actual learning.
“There needs to be more of a focus on an assessment for learning instead of an assessment of learning,” she said. “These evaluations should be ongoing throughout the year.”
Parents don’t seem to be worried about the disbandment of the achievement tests, such as Kali Kirby, a mother of four children. As they all enter elementary school, Kirby says she looks for more than just academic success measured by achievement tests.
“I focus on the atmosphere and moral teachings of the school,” Kirby said.
Kirby is not afraid that there will be no accountability from the teachers towards students and parents. She believes that teachers will always continue to strive for their students learning.
“If you are a good teacher, you’ll do it for the students. You will make sure they do better,” she said. “You will just want your students to do the best.”
Even though the MLAs voted in favor of the motion on Monday, Bruseker reminds the public that changes will not be made over night.
“We aren’t suddenly going to see an instantaneous change. We will still have a provincial achievement test at the end of this year and we’ll probably have one at the end of the next school year,” Bruseker said.
There are no current plans yet for any new diagnostic tests to replace the current 40 multiple-choice standardized exam.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Photo of the Week March 29-April 4
Everyone's favorite wonder dog, Fonzie, has trouble walking through the snow after last night's flurry added to our already huge collection. Over a week into Spring and Edmonton is still receiving consistent snowfall. But don't get angry, Edmonton had snow storms and nearly -30 weather up until the end of April last year. Maybe this year's Spring will involve a little more Spring weather...one hopes.
Later this week on Full Metal Pen:
The Alberta government has decided to look into abolishing Grade 3 Provincial Achievement Tests. Who influenced them and what could this mean for elementary schools? Find out tomorrow!
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