Wake Up Winnipeg - MANITOBA FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR ASSINIBOINE RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF SHELLMOUTH DAM

Rain Rain, go away. . .

-Av

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Manitoba News Release
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August 30, 2010

FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR ASSINIBOINE RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF SHELLMOUTH DAM
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Flood Watch Issued for Interlake, Lake Winnipeg, Swan River, Neepawa and Red Deer Lake Areas

· Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued a flood warning for the Assiniboine Valley immediately downstream of the Shellmouth Dam.

· A flood watch has been issued for the Interlake region, Lake Winnipeg area, Swan River, Neepawa area and the Red Deer Lake region. It includes Fisher River, Arborg, Hecla, Little Grand Rapids, Poplar River, Gypsumville, Minnedosa and Bloodvein River.

· Environment Canada indicates that an unstable weather system from North Dakota is expected to move northeast and produce substantial rainfall of up to 70 millimetres (2.8 inches) in the next
24 hours for portions of southern and central Manitoba.

· Recent storms in these areas have resulted in near saturated soil conditions. Additional rain could result in significant run-off and flash flooding in the next two days.

· There is potential for significant increases in water levels in several streams including Netley Creek and the Little Saskatchewan, Icelandic, Fisher and Bloodvein rivers. However, river levels are expected to remain within banks unless additional heavy rain develops after Tuesday.

Assiniboine River and Shellmouth Reservoir Operation

· The Assiniboine River level immediately downstream of the reservoir is still close to bank-full level. Additional heavy rain will cause river over-bank flows leading to localized flooding affecting other low-lying areas.

· The Shellmouth Reservoir level has remained unchanged in the last 24 hours and stood at 429.86 metres (1,410.318 feet) this morning. The spillway flow is 1,525 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the conduit flow has been reduced to 75 from 200 cfs this afternoon. The total outflow is 1,600 cfs while the computed inflow is 1,725 cfs.

· If the forecasted rainstorm fully develops, the conduit operations will not prevent over-bank flows of the Assiniboine River immediately downstream of the reservoir. Agricultural lands between the reservoir and Russell may flood once again.

An updated flood report will follow as the situation develops. Graphical information on lakes levels is updated regularly and posted at www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/levels_flows.html .


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Wake Up Winnipeg - 2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS

Winnipeg MB (August 25, 2010) -- The Manito Ahbee Festival is pleased to announce the nominees for their annual music awards. The full list of nominees is located at the end of this media release.



The 5th annual Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMAs) are handed out in Winnipeg over two nights. The First Night Awards take place on Thursday November 4th. The Awards gala happens Friday November 5th at MTS Centre, and is broadcast live on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).


THE NOMINATION PROCESS

Online voting to select nominees took place from July 14th to August 18th. More than 31,000 votes were cast by music fans and music industry stakeholders to select nominees in the 22 categories, with results tabulated by Meyers Norris Penny. Submissions for voting consideration were received from 134 artists representing Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, NWT, and the US.

SELECTING THE WINNERS

The final round of voting to select the winners for 2010 begins August 25th at 11:00am CST and ends October 6th at 11:50pm CST. Results will once again be tabulated by Meyers Norris Penny, and the winners announced November 4th and 5th. Award winners are chosen by music fans who register online. Registration for the APCMAs is free, with an easy sign-up process available on the website. www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com

ABOUT MANITO AHBEE

The Manito Ahbee Festival celebrates and showcases Aboriginal music, art and culture. The 5th annual festival takes place in Winnipeg from November 3 to 7, 2010. Manito Ahbee – which means ‘where the Creator sits’ – honours a sacred site in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park where Aboriginal people have gathered for hundreds of years to share teachings and wisdom. There are several petroforms at this site including one shaped like a turtle that represents Turtle Island, another name for North America. Manito Ahbee was recognized in 2007 with Travel Manitoba’s Tourism Award in the category of Aboriginal Tourism. The Board of Governors, staff and organizers of Manito Ahbee express deep gratitude for all participants, supporters and communities who have come together to make the festival what it is today. www.manitoahbee.com


LIST OF NOMINEES FOR THE

2010 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES CHOICE MUSIC AWARDS:


Aboriginal Female Entertainer of the Year
Andrea Menard
Inez
Shy-Anne



Aboriginal Male Entertainer of the Year

Billy Joe Green
Joey Stylez
Shane Yellowbird

Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year

Diyet
Don Amero
Inez
Joey Stylez
Lucie Idlout

Best Aboriginal Music Radio Station/Program

Ab-Originals
Across Turtle Island
National Aboriginal Music Countdown (NCI fm)

Best Album Cover Design

Blackfoot Confederacy | Hail to the Chiefs
Bonnie Couchie | Feather for an Elephant
Chippewa Travellers | All My Relations: Kina naag dawen daagnak
Don Amero | Deepening
Jason Burnstick | Where The Blood Mixes
Best Blues CD
Curt Young | Edge of Shadow
Digging Roots | We Are
The Pappy Johns Blues Band | Havin’ A Good Time Now



Best Country CD

Darrelyne Bickel | M.I.A
Desiree Dorion | Soul Back Jack
Jerry Sereda | Campground Cowboy
Kimberley Dawn | Built That Way
Shane Yellowbird | It’s About Time

Best Duo or Group
Black Rain
Digging Roots
Eagle & Hawk
Eric & Winston Wuttunee
The Johnnys
Winnipeg’s Most


Best Fiddle CD

Alex Lamoureux | Groove
Jacinthe Trudeau | Jacinthe Trudeau
JJ Lavallee | A Fiddle Bit of This & A Fiddle Bit of That
Ryan Keplin | Fiddling Lefty Twist
The Gaudry Boys | The Acadian Jig



Best Folk / Acoustic CD

Asani | Listen
Gabriel Ayala | Portraits
Jason Burnstick | Home To Abbey
Kristi Lane Sinclair | I Love You
Leela Gilday | Calling All Warriors


Best Gospel CD

Brian Stoner | Ponca Hymns
Darrell “Boots” McCallum | Rejoicing In Cree II
Darrell “Boots” McCallum | The Old Country Church
Philip Flett | Prophets of Old
Yvonne St. Germaine | My Jesus I Love Thee



Best Hand Drum CD

Big River Cree | Songs From The Healing Lodge
Fawn & Dallas | ‘Til The End
Nakoa Heavyrunner | No Borders
Quinton Tootoosis | Round Dance Love
Red Bull | Fans Favorite Round Dance


Best Music Video

Andrea Menard | Evergreen
Buffy Sainte Marie | No No Keshegesh
Digging Roots | Spring To Come
George Leach | You Got It
Janet Panic | Out on a Limb
Kinnie Starr | It’s All You


Best New Artist

Bitterly Divine
Bonnie Couchie
Joey Stylez
Missy Knott
Winnipeg’s Most



Best Peyote CD

Cecile Moosomin | A Time For Healing
Lance Crowe & Edmond Poochay | First Nations Ceremonial Church Peyote Songs Volume 1
Louie Gonnie | Rhythms Within a Turquoise Dream
Sacred Harmonies | Dakota/Lakota Traditional Church Songs
Wanita Bird | For Our Children Volume 2



Best Pop CD

Don Amero | Deepening

Jana Mashonee | New Moon Born
Joey Stylez | The Black Star
Missy Knott | For No Reason At All...
Shy-Anne | Pseudo



Best Pow Wow CD - Contemporary

Bad Nation | About Time
Cree Confederation | Pakosiyimitan
Eyabay | A Tribute to Hayna Fatz

Red Bull | Live in Minnesota
The Boyz | Boys Will Always Be Boyz


Best Producer/Engineer

Billy Joe Green
Eagle & Hawk
Kristi Lane Sinclair
Lucie Idlout
Shy-Anne

Wab Kinew


Best Rap / Hip Hop CD

Filthy Animals | Sounds of Nature
Reddnation | Grown Folk Muzik
Skelpa Squad | The Thief & Counzil
Winnipeg’s Most | Winnipeg’s Most
Young Kidd | 10x10


Best Rock CD

Black Rain | Under The Gun
Colette Trudeau | Colette Trudeau
Eagle & Hawk | The Great Unknown
Lucie Idlout | Swagger
Wayne Lavallee | Trail of Tears



Single of the Year

Joey Stylez | Kool Runnin
Shane Yellowbird | Barefeet On The Blacktop
Shy-Anne | Pseudo
Winnipeg’s Most | All That I Know
Young Kidd | Hometown


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Manitoba News Release - GRAND OPENING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED AND EXPANDED NORTH CENTENNIAL RECREATION AND LEISURE FACILITY

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Manitoba News Release
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August 13, 2010

COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED AND EXPANDED NORTH CENTENNIAL RECREATION AND LEISURE FACILITY

Winnipeg, MB—Minister of State (Democratic Reform) Steven Fletcher, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino, and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz today participated in a community celebration to officially open the North Centennial Recreation & Leisure Facility at 90 Sinclair St.

"Our government is proud to have supported improvements to the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility, which will help to improve the community's recreational infrastructure and stimulate the local economy. We believe it is important that the community have access to safe and accessible recreational facilities" said Minister Fletcher.

"Recreation centres are important to increasing sports and exercise opportunities for kids. They help them get active, make friends, and learn new pastimes, many that last a lifetime," said Minister Marcelino. "Our investments in recreation centres are important to improving neighbourhoods by creating opportunities to boost the health and well-being of families."

"This facility will not only provide our citizens with a positive healthy alternative and recreational opportunities, but will also meet Silver LEED standards reducing our environmental imprint and will provide an environmentally sustainable facility for the betterment of our community," said Mayor Sam Katz. "By working with all levels of government, Council has remained committed to improving our city's recreational infrastructure across our City and I look forward to many more positive initiatives in the future."

The North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility is the city's newly renovated and expanded community gathering place located in Old Exhibition Park.

A sustainable design and construction strategy was used for the North Centennial, targeting a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. The LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase efficiency, reduce the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improve occupant health and well-being.

The 17,657-square-foot addition includes a 6,000-square-foot gymnasium, a weight room, a teaching kitchen, a classroom and a studio. The 50-metre renovated pool features a sloped entry to allow easy access for everyone. The new specialty change area includes a common locker room and four individual change rooms that are accessible and feature a transfer bench, lift, shower, sink and toilet.

The $7,526,667 expansion and renovation of the facility is a tri-level partnership between the Government of Canada the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The Government of Canada contributed $226,667 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC). Through the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program, the Province contributed $2.52 million and the City of Winnipeg $3.78 million in funding. An additional $208,000 comes from the City of Winnipeg Accessibility Program, and $792,000 in City of Winnipeg Capital funding.

- 30 -

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 54

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 54

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 08/12/2010 in iTunes. - 11:30 PM CST
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 8/18/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

This week, was a busy busy week for me. Lot's of exploring and discovering. Oh, and learning of course!

It started off with a visit to The Noble Thiefs at the Standard Tavern on Saturday night where fellow UMFM Host "Kablaamo" and I had a chance to rock out and enjoy the amazing Friday night event.

Pictures may be found on OUR FACEBOOK FANPAGE. We'll be posting more pictures of Les Sexy very soon!

Then, as mentioned on last weeks episode I had the chance to check out the First Nations Pavilion as part of The Folklorama Series, an ongoing world-wide tour. . . right in our own back-yard.



The First Nations Pavilion was amazing, and well run for a first year pavilion. The Audience enjoyed stories, Native Dancing, and amazing food from the band of nations that worked closely together to bring you this event.

Following that, I took a trip down memory lane and interviewed Anupam and friends from last years India Pavilion. This stems from my Tuesday night visit to the 2010 India Pavilion.

(Photo of the 2010 India Pavilion Live on Location - Photo: Andru Valpy)

As they discussed on last years interview, this years pavilion took us around India, and explored the wonderful diversity, culture and hospitality that India is internationally known for.

You can expect a full report on this pavilion, and the First Nations Pavilion (complete with photographs) later on in the week.

Moving on in our journeys together, Aimless Paul (host of Drifter In The Dark Radio) and I checked out the Irish-Ireland Pavilion back in 2007 as we were hosting The Aimless & Andy Show After Hours, when we were back on UMFM.

Next up, we move down to the Cuban/African Pavilion from 2007 and catch up with Asanti who was the youth ambassador at the time, and his favorite part of the Pavilion.

Finally, we scooted on down to The Cuban Pavilion, in 2007 and talked to their adult ambassador Harold, who describes the spice and heat that their pavilion brings each year to it's visitors.

Paul and I had a chance to eat while at the Cuban Pavilion, and we discussed the food, beverage and the performance.

The common message of all of the Folklorama volunteers I come into contact with, is the community spirit, pride and joint efforts that is put into each pavilion every year. The end results speak for themselves, as fun and adventure are delivered to guests who come in from all around the world to explore Winnipeg's amazing cultural scene.


Finally, I rode on the Down Town Spirit bus on Monday of this week as part of the Down Town Biz/Winnipeg Transit "spirit week", and aired my interview with Philomena and talked to Stephanie from the Down Town Winnipeg Biz who taught us a little more about this weeks events.

All and all it was an awesome week for me, and I loved learning about the various ethnic scenes that Winnipeg is known for.

I played two tracks after our show, including:

1) illScarlett - Take It For Granted (who are coming on Saturday)
2) Michael Buble - Lost (Who is Coming on Friday)

This Episode will air again next week, and will be found in iTunes shortly after we air.

Keep your eyes to our fan-page and twitter for more entertainment and news as it happens!

Rock on,

-Andru

Wake Up Winnipeg - Manitoba News Release - MANITOBA ADDS NEW DRUGS TO PHARMACARE FOR CANCER, DIABETES, HIV AND DEPRESSION

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Manitoba News Release
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August 11, 2010

MANITOBA ADDS NEW DRUGS TO PHARMACARE FOR CANCER, DIABETES, HIV AND DEPRESSION
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Eight New Drugs, 29 New Generics Now Covered; Generic Pricing Framework Achieving Savings for Manitobans: Oswald

Manitobans with serious medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, depression, hypertension, glaucoma, HIV and hepatitis B will benefit from new, effective treatment options now covered by the province's pharmacare program, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

"We continue to seek safe, cost-effective generic alternatives to brand-name drugs and use the savings to expand the list of other life-improving drugs," said Oswald. "For example, the province is able to offset the costs of the cancer treatment agent Revlimid through savings from the use of other new generic drugs."

Previously, Revlimid was approved for reimbursement only on a case-by-case basis. It will now be approved for coverage through the Exception Drug Status (EDS) program for individuals who meet established criteria suffering from multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.

The eight new therapeutic drugs added to the province's pharmacare program are:

· Revlimid, an oral cancer agent;

· Apidra, insulin for diabetes;

· Cymbalta, for depression and diabetic neuropathic pain;

· Coversyl Plus HD, for hypertension;

· Volibris, for pulmonary arterial hypertension;

· Azarga, for glaucoma;

· Viread, for HIV and hepatitis B; and

· Yaz, an oral contraceptive.

Earlier this year, a generic version of the most prescribed high blood-pressure medicine in the world, amlodipine besylate, was added to pharmacare. At that time, Manitoba secured the best published price in the country, resulting in significant long-term savings for Manitobans, the minister said. The price has now been lowered for Manitobans by adding a second generic version. A total of 29 generic drugs are being added to the list of drugs approved for coverage in Manitoba, resulting in annual savings of more than $2 million. These changes come into effect Sept. 9.

The province has added 2,500 new drugs to the approved pharmacare list since 1999. The average annual benefit paid to pharmacare recipients has more than doubled in that time to $2,726 (as of 2008-09).

The Manitoba Pharmacare Program is a universal prescription drug benefit program available for any Manitoban whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Pharmacare covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the annual income-based deductible is reached, regardless of age or medical condition. In the 2008-09 fiscal year, $229 million was invested in pharmacare.

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Wake Up Winnipeg - Release - Manitoba Health Issues Heat Reminder Update

Important news regarding our current weather conditions.

With temperatures hitting the mid 30's and high humidex conditions, our provincial government has issued the following news release:


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Manitoba News Release
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August 9, 2010

MANITOBA HEALTH ISSUES HEAT REMINDER UPDATE

Hot and humid conditions continue to be forecast for much of southern Manitoba over the next few days with humidex values potentially rising close to 40. Manitoba Health is reminding Manitobans to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness.

Environment Canada forecasts predict the high heat and humidity values will be seen across the southern part of the province including Melita, Boissevain, Virden, Brandon, Carman, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, the Morden-Winkler-Altona and Steinbach regions and surrounding areas. The Whiteshell, Interlake and Lake Winnipeg beaches are also included.

Exposure to heat for too long a period can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, other serious illnesses or even death. Heat that persists over many days, particularly without much cooling at night, increases the risk to people's health.

Health risks related to heat are higher for certain groups, such as older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions; however, everyone is potentially at risk. The effects of heat can be reduced by:

· drinking plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, preferably water, before feeling thirsty;

· staying inside during the hottest part of the day;

· wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella, wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and using sunscreen, if you are outdoors;

· going to a cool place such as a mall, restaurant or movie theatre for a break from the heat, if there is no air conditioning at home;

· taking a cool bath, shower or swim; and

· limiting physical activities during the hotter parts of the day.

Remember to check on family members, neighbours and friends when it gets hot, especially older adults and people with chronic conditions. Never leave people or pets alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.

Exposure to heat can lead to a variety of symptoms including headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, and dehydration. If any of these symptoms are identified, move to a cool or shaded place immediately, drink sips of liquids or water, lie down and sponge with cool water, if possible. Emergency medical attention may be required depending on the severity and persistence of symptoms. Confusion or decreased mental alertness are indications of the need for urgent medical care.

For more information on heat and your health:

· Health Links—Info Santé: 788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257

· Environment Canada weather forecast: http://weatheroffice.gc.ca/canada_e.html or 204-983-2050

· Manitoba Government: www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/heat.html

· Health Canada: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/heat-chaleur-eng.php

· Winnipeg Regional Health Authority: www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/news/100719.php

· Workplace concerns: www.safemanitoba.com.


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-Av

Wake Up Winnipeg - On Board for Spirit Week

On Board For Spirit Week
8/9/2010

Photo's and story by: Andru Valpy
The Aimless & Andy Show / CJUM 101.5 FM's Wake Up Winnipeg

If you happen to be in the down-town area this week, and you're looking for a great way to participate in week two Folklorama, why not check out The Downtown Winnipeg Biz "Spirit Week" happening Monday, August 9th through Friday, August 13th on Winnipeg Transit's Downtown Spirit buses.

Riders will have the chance to win a 46" Sony Bravia TV, and will also be treated to on-board giveaways and live entertainment on select dates.

While riding on Winnipeg Transit Route 1 today, I had the chance to talk to a visitor named Philomena who was visiting Winnipeg from Los Angeles California. Philomena did not expect to be entertained while exploring down town. While listening to the steel drum, she stated:

"The Music sounds fine and wonderful! It effects the spirit of the bus, and the tour."

Philomena stated that having the spirit bus available to her was a nice surprise.

She wrapped up by saying she enjoyed exploring downtown Winnipeg without the need of purchasing bus tickets.

When asked if she'd be checking out Week two of Folklorama, she stated she will be looking into it after having been entertained during her downtown travels.

For your chance to win, and to explore downtown, hop on routes 1 & 2 of The Downtown Spirit, now through Friday.

Additional information may be found on the Downtown Winnipeg Biz website.

Stay tuned to Wake Up Winnipeg this Thursday Evening at 6:00pm on CJUM 105.FM for Philomena's story, and additional information.

Reporting Live from Route 1 Of The Downtown Spirit, this is Andru Valpy wishing you 'happy trails'.

-Av

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 53

Wake Up Winnipeg - Episode 53

Hosted Live/Produced/Recorded
by: Andru Valpy
Air Date: 08/05/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:00 PM
Download Location iTunes.
Web: http://wakeupwinnipeg.com
Become a FaceBook Fan: http://www.facebook.com
Rebroadcast: 8/11/2010 on CJUM 101.5 UMFM - 6:30 AM

Well, here I am again. Episode 53. Always growing.

On this weeks episode, I talked about some events happening locally both past and present. Did you know that Dehli 2 Dublin will be coming back to town on November 22nd at 8:00pm?

If you had the chance to check them out at Winnipeg Folk Festival earlier this year, you'll know that they created quite a buzz for themselves going down as one of the best performances at the festival, according to those who saw them.

I had a chance to review "Strike! The Musical", earlier in the week and posted my review about my visit.

I was looking forward to checking out the First Nations Pavilion later on in the evening as part of Folklorama Week 1. You can expect my thoughts on that on Next weeks episode.

Finally, a artist I was excited to work with by the name of Zach, perhaps better known as "J-Ramz" made a visit to the show.

As you heard during this exclusive interview (his first ever), Zach has already accomplished a lot as a 17 year old who is bring "urban noise" to our cities streets.

At the age of 17, he has already been signed by a label, released a full CD, and is in the process of independently producing his second album, to be released very soon.

I was quite impressed with his ambitions, his eagerness, dedication and personal belief in his own work, and was quite fascinated by his story.

The full interview may be found in iTunes post show.

During the interview, Zach released to us his new single Come Clean. You may take a listen in our podcast, or below:

Be sure to check out this weeks episode in iTunes, and stay tuned to next weeks episode as I talk about Folklorama, and more!

In the mean time, you may follow us on twitter, or find us on Facebook.

Take care, and never stop growing!

-Andru Valpy

Wake Up Winnipeg - Manitoba News Release - New Pool in Kildonan Park!

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Manitoba News Release
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August 4, 2010

GRAND OPENING OF KILDONAN PARK OUTDOOR POOL MAKES A BIG SPLASH WITH MANITOBA FAMILIES

Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz today cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool, located at 2015 Main St., inside Kildonan Park.

"Manitoba is focused on promoting healthy, active lifestyles and improving the quality of lives for families, and today's announcement builds on that commitment. This investment will provide better summer living for Manitobans," Marcelino said.

"We are working hard to improve our recreational infrastructure and provide quality destinations for families to enjoy during our wonderful summers," said Katz. "The new Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool will be a tremendous asset for the citizens in north Winnipeg and provide our young people with a positive and exciting summertime facility."

The Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool is the city's newest outdoor family play experience, located in beautiful Kildonan Park.

The amenity now includes a new beach-style entry, wading pool with 21 spray features, double helix slides, and an expanded sundeck with shaded seating and gathering areas. The facility also includes improved accessibility with two specialty change rooms.

The $3,140,220 expansion and renovation of the pool is a joint partnership between the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Through the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program, the province is contributing $1,127,688 and the City of Winnipeg $1,691,532 in funding. The City of Winnipeg is contributing an additional $371,000 to the project.

Today's announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing
$1.8 billion this year, into infrastructure to stimulate the economy and create jobs.

The pool is open daily, from Noon to 8 p.m., weather permitting, up to and including Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Parking is free of charge at Kildonan Park.

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Wake Up Winnipeg - Review - STRIKE! The Musical

Wake Up Winnipeg Review - Strike! The Musical - 08/02/10
By: Andru Valpy

Flashback, 1919 - Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.

(Source: Wikipedia)

The Canadian Government is frightened at the idea of a Bolshevik revolution happening in it's own back yard, as immigrants from all walks of life talk about revolution and change in their new found home.

Soldiers who are returning home from World War I are disappointed that their jobs have been taken over by foreigners and are finding it hard to get by.

Tempers flare, the Government stands firm, and finally at the peak of tension, An approximated 22,000 Winnipeg union and public workers crowd the cities after walking off their jobs in the 1919 General Strike Of Winnipeg.

(Source: http://manitobia.ca/)

91 years later, the voices can still be heard only a few blocks away from their origin as Danny Schur brings "Strike! The Musical" back for another successful year at the Manitoba Theater for Young People, located at The Forks Marketplace in Winnipeg's exchange district.

Now in it's fifth year, Strike has taken Canada by storm, and has found it's way into classrooms, our cities streets (last year Strike was preformed on Main Street) and even CBC Radio.

With a mixed cast of old favorites, and new talent,

"Strike! reminds us to be appreciative of what we have now, and to appreciate what others did for us to live comfortably." - (Andru Valpy)

(Photo by: Andru Valpy)

The play itself focuses on The Ukrainian Mike Sokolowski and his Godson Stefan, and their Jewish neighbors the Almazoff's, and recounts the tale of immigrants, soldiers and politicians and covers the beginnings of general strike of Winnipeg and the build up to "Bloody Saturday", where the strike escalates to a full on riot.

Local student and writer Laura describes her first time seeing the play live as "an amazing production" after reading Strike! The book, and studying it in her schooling.

I first had the opportunity to watch Strike! Last year after having been invited by Danny, and it was there that I had the chance to learn a little more about the production, and Danny's dream.

With The Canadian Museum of human rights being built right in our own back yard, Danny hopes to bring Strike! To their stage, and make a daily run of the play.

When we spoke last year, Danny also mentioned that he had developed a screen play for Strike! To bring it to the silver screen, and when we caught up on Monday evening, Danny informed me that his dream is almost becoming a reality.

Danny has already picked all of the locations for his film, and has most of the funding secured. The only thing missing are the stars, and from what was discussed last year, Danny is reaching for them, and the names that were discussed last year took me by surprise.

His ultimate goal, is to have the film produced and in theaters, just as the Canadian Museum of Human Rights opens it's doors in Winnipeg.

I look forward to seeing Strike! again as it is quickly becoming a summer tradition for me, and you can rest assured that I will be just as excited as Danny when it takes the stage at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

-Av

(Additional information about Strike! The Musical, can be found at: http://strikemusical.com)