ONLINE EDITION

Welcome to the online edition of the Central Alberta Coffee News!

Jan 20th, 2025

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Trophy Loft ad. Promotional Items. trophyloft.com.

“News To Be Enjoyed Over Coffee”

Delivering Smiles Since 1988

Everybody’s Talking

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Underground group: A group of security guards who work in the underground transportation system in Sao Paulo, Brazil, do more than just watch out for the safety of the traveling public. They also perform concerts in the stations for commuters. A group of nine guards with musical skills took their talents to a charity after being encouraged by the underground’s management. They were so successful that they continued practicing and, calling themselves The Security Guards’ Band, they now put on monthly shows. With voice and numerous instruments, including guitar, keyboards, trombone, and drums, they play everything from rock to samba. Although the band is successful, the members are playing for fun and don’t intend to give up their day jobs.

Hamster problem: Police in Coquitlam, British Columbia, (CAN) receive their share of unnecessary 911 calls, and it usually takes a patient operator to explain the difference between criminal and civil complaints. For example, if someone’s home is being burglarized, victims should definitely call 911. However, one caller wanted police to intervene after he purchased a hamster that had become aggressive after giving birth. Apparently, the pet store refused to take back the mother and its babies, and the caller wanted to drop the brood off at the police station. The operator managed to calm the man down. Captain Jamie Chung explains that 911 calls need to be reserved for true emergencies.

Relax to the music: Those who want to relax might want to try listening to slow music, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s classical, rock, or a slow rap tune. Researchers in Britain found that heart and breathing rates were reduced in participants who were listening to slow-paced music. On the other hand, those listening to lively music experienced faster heart and breathing rates. The researchers also found that it was the tempo of the music that was most important in bringing on these responses, not whether or not the listener enjoyed the type of music being played.

Clean up the mess: Mothers are always telling their kids to clean up their rooms and there is more merit to this request than at first blink. A study done by the American Demographic Society found that Americans spend 9 million hours looking for important items they have misplaced, often because they are not tidy and organized in their daily lives. This is a huge waste of time, and it can make people emotionally and physically tired. As the saying goes, “A cluttered environment tends to clutter one’s mind.” The solution? Tidy up messes and make sure items are stored in an organized fashion.

Quotable Quotes

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“Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself, the most comforting words of all—this, too, shall pass.” — Ann Landers

“Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.”

— Richard M. DeVos

Trivia

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Who invented bifocal lenses?
Which poet wrote “Leaves of Grass”?
Dendrochronology is the science of calculating the age of what?
Pepsi-Cola was patented in 1888, 1903, or 1935?
What king was known to turn anything he touched into gold?

▼ Trivia answers at the bottom of the page! ▼

What’s Happening

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January 2025

Red Deer

Celebrate Family Literacy Day
Date & Time: Saturday, January 25, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Red Deer Public Library Dawe Branch (56 Holt Street)
Details: Fun and social program of discovery, exploration, and imaginary play for ages 2 to 5 (with an adult). Registration is not required. Part of the City’s Winter Wonderland Family Fun Day. Visit Family Literacy Event.

Self-Improvement Course: BOSS – Building our Stronger Selves
Date & Time: January 28 through March 20, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: EPSS (2830 Bremner Avenue)
Details: Free for anyone over 18. Covers topics such as Knowing Yourself, Problem Solving, and Conflict Resolution. Call 403.343.6249 for more information.

Lacombe/Blackfalds

Mary C. Moore Public Library Children’s Programs
Date & Time: Winter 2025 Registration Day, Wednesday, January 22, at 10 a.m.
Location: Mary C. Moore Public Library
Details: Register in person at the library or by phone.

NOWCO Studio Time
Date & Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: NOWCO Fireside Room, Lacombe Performing Arts Centre
Details: Drop-in studio time for adults to work on personal projects. Bring your supplies and create in the company of others. Free to attend. Supplies not included. Registration is not required. Visit Lacombe Performing Arts Centre for more details.

Lacombe Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Next door to the Chamber office
Details: Join the first Lunch and Learn featuring Define Aesthetics. Network, learn about the new program, and enjoy lunch. RSVP to ExecutiveDirector@LacombeChamber.ca. $1500 door prize!

Sylvan Lake

Cancelled Events: Big Jig Fishing Derby and Polar Dip
Details: These events were cancelled due to warm temperatures and potentially unsafe conditions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Bring Your Own Book Club
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Lakeshore Café (#130 5003 Lakeshore Drive)
Details: Share your latest read and discover new recommendations. Meet other book lovers over tea, coffee, and dessert. Visit the library website for details.

Your Weekly Horoscope

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Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favour Leo winners with the luckiest number being 2.

This weeks edition is sponsored by:

Red Deer Food Bank

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

You may discover that the ethics you hold may change radically through some new experiences. You could find new and exciting ways to set off on a high-tech adventure. Lucky Numbers: 17, 28, 33, 42, 45, 47.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

You may be able to discover new methods to help you with your own responsibilities. If you deal with words, ideas, or communication, your efforts could be very productive. Lucky Numbers: 27, 28, 32, 35, 45, 48.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

The urge to demonstrate your creativity and your ability to produce results may be strong. You may also have a desire to connect with others in intense emotional exchanges. Lucky Numbers: 9, 12, 13, 28, 38, 40.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

Perhaps you need to get out and meet people. Accept all invitations to attend social and family events. You may be surprised to discover those interactions to be mutually valuable. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 14, 17, 20, 46.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 23)

Don’t allow an annoying hitch involving contracts or business deals to wear you down. The entire force of your colleagues may prove you to be the perfect negotiator. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 22, 24, 30, 43.

Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23)

People from different places could be singing your praises. Be humble, but enjoy the limelight. It’s time for you to start to feel more confident in your place of work. Lucky Numbers: 6, 12, 16, 26, 42, 43.

Virgo (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23)

There is good potential in entertaining and accepting invitations to celebrate with others. Social networking may help to promote new endeavours. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 20, 44, 46, 47.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Effectively communicate your ideas to someone who, perhaps, didn’t understand you. You may be able to share your spiritual concerns with others in a very satisfying way. Lucky Numbers: 19, 23, 27, 41, 48, 49.

Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)

Express yourself about those things that are important to you. In doing so, your own ideals will become much clearer. Your search for a creative outlet could be realized. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 34, 43, 44, 49.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19)

You may be feeling especially perceptive and sensitive to those around you. Being a little too subjective could cause your mood or feelings to control your thoughts. Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 13, 19, 40, 43.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)

Perhaps you need to ask pertinent questions about your status. If you don’t hold back, you may find yourself in the driver’s seat. Plan some time to get away and take full advantage of the change of scenery. Lucky Numbers: 18, 20, 22, 23, 31, 40.

Pisces (Feb. 20 - March 20)

Your sensitivity could help you to establish some good emotional bonds with your family members. Your rational judgments or decisions may give you an upsurge of energy. Lucky Numbers: 4, 18, 22, 24, 26, 46.

Did you Know?

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Museum stop: Mustard lovers should put Middleton, Wisconsin (US) on their list of places to visit. It is home to The National Mustard Museum, where 5,400 types of mustards from around the world are on display.

Big burn: The year 1871 was when the Great Chicago Fire occurred in this American city. When it happened, 17,000 buildings were destroyed over an area of 3.3 square miles. It burned from Sunday, October 8 to Tuesday, October 10.

Stone heads: The stone statues found on Easter Island are known as moai. Many are in the shape of heads with torsos and, so far, 887 have been found. It is thought that they were carved by people of a Stone Age civilization called the Rapa Nui.

Flavourful plant: Vanilla is a well-known flavouring used in cooking. Vanilla beans come from an orchid that grows in tropical climates. Originally, vanilla was from Mexico.

Cultural icon: The late Dick Clark, founder of the popular television show, “American Bandstand,” donated the show’s podium and background props to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. (US), thus establishing the show’s place as a fixture of American culture.

On the Lighter Side

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A closed mouth gathers no foot.

One golfer to another golfer: “Beating you is only half the fun. Rubbing it in is the other half!”

You know you’re getting older when you bend over to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.

Joe: “I keep three pairs of glasses with me—one for my nearsightedness and the other for my farsightedness.”
Jim: “And the third one?”
Joe: “To look for the other two.”

What did the corn chip say to the potato chip? Let’s go in for a quick dip!

Trivia answers: