Latest news with #Schell
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Cold Lake welcomes sister city delegation from Hugelsheim, Germany
For three days, the four-person delegation explored the community, strengthened international ties, and embraced the laid-back spirit of Alberta's Lakeland. The relationship between Cold Lake and Hugelsheim goes back to the 1980s, rooted in a shared connection through NATO and the presence of a Canadian Forces base in Germany. 'Our sister city, Hugelsheim - we became sister cities in the 80s, and we've carried this relationship ever since,' said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. The City of Cold Lake sent its own delegation to Hugelsheim this past May for Spargelfest, which is a famous German festival celebrating asparagus season. 'They put on a great event,' Copeland said of the festival, describing the residents as being among 'the warmest, the friendliest people you're ever going to meet.' Hugelsheim's CAO Max Schell said the last visit to Cold Lake by his city's representatives was in 2007 and so it was time for a return visit. 'I said we had to go there (Cold Lake) because Craig is always coming to Spargelfest. So, we had to return the favor, you know.' The group's itinerary included a tour of local oil fields, a visit to the Cold Lake Air Force Museum, and a scenic boat trip on Cold Lake itself. 'We learned a lot about the native culture yesterday. There's a section in the museum with all the native stuff. It's really interesting, the history,' said Schell. 'We did not have natives in Germany.' The German visitors also soaked in Cold Lake's natural beauty. 'Oh, it's great. It's wonderful. The landscape and the lake is just beautiful. The people are so welcoming, and we are treated so well here. It's really nice,' Schell said, comparing the atmosphere to back home which he said is 'a little bit more strict and formal and not as chilled out.' 'Germany is too serious,' added Hugelsheim Coun. Uwe Holzer with a laugh. The delegation planned to end their Canadian trip with a visit to the Calgary Stampede, followed by a tour through the Rocky Mountains. 'We got ourselves tickets and we're really looking forward to that,' said Schell. 'We try to visit Banff, Jasper . . . just a little round trip and catch everything.' As the delegation prepared to leave, they encouraged Cold Lakers to visit Hugelsheim, especially during Spargelfest. 'Just come over. The people are so friendly,' said Schell. 'Everybody likes it - the fest, the beer, and the music,' he said, adding, 'And I can just say, 'Welcome to Hugelsheim'.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
2025 Penticton Elvis Festival ready to rock and roll
The King is gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. With record-breaking advance ticket sales, the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival promises to be another resounding success, says festival board president Mike Schell, who is marking his 21st year on the organizing committee and third year as president. Canada's largest and longest-running Elvis festival is ready to rock and roll in downtown Penticton, starting with a pre-kickoff party and continuing through Sunday afternoon. A total of 33 Elvis tribute artists are signed up to perform and compete as they pay homage to the legendary Elvis Presley, the man who shook the world when he rose to fame in the 1950s. He remained a music and entertainment juggernaut until his untimely and tragic death on August 16, 1977. Unlike many others, Elvis's stature and popularity have remained remarkably strong nearly 50 years after his death, Schell noted. The festivities begin tonight (Wednesday) with a pre-festival kickoff party at Bar One in the Sandman Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring early-arriving tribute artists. The official kickoff event for the 2025 Penticton Elvis Festival takes place Thursday evening at The Hub on Martin Street. That event is already sold out. 'We're completely sold out for that event,' said Schell. While the festival has used Okanagan Lake Park in recent years, it returns to its original location in Gyro Park this year, Schell added. The official opening ceremonies will take place in Gyro Park on Friday at 1 p.m. 'The actual contests begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday and run until 5:30,' said Schell. 'Friday evening, we're showcasing four professional Grand Champions from our festival in a special performance.' Each of the four champions—Mat Shank, Sylvain Leduc, Vino Macris, and Corny Rempel—will perform a 45-minute set, providing eight full hours of entertainment in Gyro Park on Friday alone. On Saturday, gates open at 8 a.m., with performances starting at 9 a.m. 'This year, we have 15 professional Elvis tribute artists, 15 amateurs, and three Little Kings competing,' said Schell. 'They're coming from all over the world—Italy, Ireland, Branson, Missouri, Toronto, and more. The love for Elvis is global, and so is the talent that pays tribute to him.' A special addition this year is a visit from Charles and Linda Stone. Charles, who served as Elvis's tour manager during the height of his career, and his wife will host Q&A sessions in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday. 'They've got some amazing stories and photos from their time with Elvis,' said Schell. Saturday night's sold-out Headline Show at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will feature renowned Canadian Elvis tribute artist Pat Dunn and last year's professional division champion, Moses Snow. They will be backed by Schell's 11-piece show band, The Cadillac Kings. On Sunday, the Lions Club will host its annual pancake breakfast in Gyro Park, followed by the always-popular Elvis Gospel Show at 9 a.m. 'Every year, we donate $3 from each ticket to a local charity,' said Schell. 'This year, we've chosen the music program at Penticton Secondary School. 'The funds will help them continue with band trips and other music programs. We want to keep that legacy going—something The King would surely support.' The festival's final concert will take place Sunday afternoon at the PTCC, featuring the top seven professional and top seven amateur tribute artists, along with performances by the three Little Kings. As of Monday morning, fewer than three dozen tickets remained for the Sunday finale. The winner of the professional division will earn an invitation to compete in the world's largest Elvis Tribute Artist competition, held in Memphis, Tennessee, during Elvis Week in August. 'There are 30 Elvis tribute contests recognized by the Elvis Foundation worldwide,' said Schell. 'Winners from each are invited to Memphis to compete for the title of the world's best Elvis tribute artist. Our winner will represent Penticton on that global stage.' Next year, that winner will also be invited back to perform in the headliners concert. Schell, a lifelong fan, continues to be amazed by Elvis's enduring appeal. 'His legacy is as strong as ever,' he said. 'We're seeing more and more young fans in the audience. The recent Elvis movie really helped bring him back into the public eye, and two Netflix documentaries have also played a big role in keeping his name and music alive.' Schell also praised the City of Penticton for supporting the event. 'They've been very accommodating and deserve credit for helping ensure the festival's ongoing success,' he said. And 2025 is shaping up to be the best year yet. 'This is the strongest year in the past 23 when it comes to advance ticket sales,' said Schell. 'The festival continues to grow, and we're thrilled about how big it's become.' An after-party will follow the Sunday concert, just a few doors down from the PTCC at the convention centre. The Penticton Elvis Festival attracts around 2,000 visitors annually, with a significant impact on local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. 'We're expecting 3,000 people in Gyro Park on Saturday and Sunday,' said Schell. 'Many of them arrive early in the week and stay through Sunday, spending big on accommodations, dining, and more. Over 25 years, we've brought millions into the community.' All four contest judges are approved by the Presley Foundation, ensuring fairness and quality in the competition. The Elvis festival originated in Osoyoos but when it folded, then Penticton Mayor Mike Pearce encouraged a committee of volunteers to move it to Penticton. The gospel show was the idea of James Ludvigson. Tickets are $30 for Friday or Saturday, or $45 for a two-day pass. Sunday's gospel show is $5 (cash only) at Gyro Park. For more information, visit: . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
German watchdog finds no abuse in companies' pre-results calls with analysts
By Tom Sims FRANKFURT (Reuters) -An investigation by Germany's financial watchdog has found no reason to change companies' practice of communicating with analysts before publishing results, following media concerns about the potential disclosure of insider information. Regulators have taken a closer look at so-called pre-close calls after media reports highlighted an apparent connection between high volatility in share prices and the communication with analysts. Germany's BaFin watchdog disclosed at a conference on Monday the findings of a study it began last year. Details will likely be published this week. "We do not currently see any systematic problems with the execution of pre-close calls," Christoph Schell, a BaFin official who studies market surveillance and abuse, said at the conference. Strong price reactions are isolated cases, and there is no need to tighten rules around the calls, he added. Last year, the European Union's securities watchdog warned that companies should not share market-sensitive information with external analysts ahead of their financial statements. The practice of pre-close calls is widespread - not just in Germany. It is typically communication before the publication of financial statements, between a company and analysts who generate research, forecasts and recommendations on the company's shares and bonds. Supporters say the calls contribute to the orderly functioning of markets. Schell said that BaFin found in its study that 63% of companies listed on Germany's DAX index of blue-chips and the MDAX of smaller companies hold pre-close calls. More than 90% of those companies conduct individual chats with analysts, he said. BaFin found that 70% of the market trading around calls it investigated showed no significant market reaction, while only 10% did. "We have investigated these cases and have so far found no evidence of any unauthorized disclosure of insider information," Schell said. He added that companies should nevertheless be as transparent as possible, by announcing the calls on their websites and holding them in a group format rather than individually.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian women dominate Australia in 45-7 Pacific Four Series rugby win
BRISBANE - Defending champion Canada ran in seven tries en route to a lopsided 45-7 women's rugby win over Australia on Friday, completing an unbeaten run through the Pacific Four Series. The second-ranked Canadians must now await the outcome of No. 3 New Zealand's home game against the ninth-ranked U.S. on Saturday in North Harbour to see whether they retain their title. Canada and New Zealand went into the final round tied on eight points after their 27-27 draw last Saturday in Christchurch. But New Zealand held the tiebreaker edge over Canada — a plus-26 points differential compared to plus-12 for Canada. The Canadians (2-0-1) achieved their goal Friday by defeating Australia (1-2-0), scoring four tries for a bonus point and running up the score. A New Zealand bonus-point win Saturday and the title will be decided by points differential. Canada's points differential now stands at plus-50. But the Black Ferns will undoubtedly add to their differential, having thumped the U.S. 57-5 when they met in last year's Pacific Four Series. Canada improved to 7-0-0 all-time against No. 6 Australia. Canada dominated set pieces, pushing back the Wallaroos in the scrum and winning lineouts. The Canadians led 26-0 at the half and could have added to the lead, with another try called back for obstruction and handling errors ending other attacks. But the Canadian passing was silky-smooth for most of the game with the backs looking dangerous and hard-running forwards pounding the Australian defence. McKinley Hunt, Karen Paquin, Julia Schell, Laetitia Royer, Krissy Scurfield, captain Alex Tessier and Fabiola Forteza scored tries for Canada. Schell booted five conversions. Desi Miller scored Australia's try with Faitala Moleka adding the conversion. The two teams could meet again in the World Cup quarterfinals this summer in England. The game at Suncorp Stadium was the first half of a doubleheader, followed by a Super Rugby matchup between the Queensland Reds and Hurricanes. Canada had lost just one of its nine previous matches (7-1-1) while the Wallaroos had won five of their last six. Canada opened tournament play with a 26-14 win over the U.S. on May 2 in Kansas City. Australia lost its opener 38-12 to New Zealand in Newcastle, Australia, before bouncing back to beat the U.S. 27-19 in Canberra. The Australians were under pressure from the get-go Friday and Canada went ahead in the third minute with Hunt touching down at the back of a prolonged rolling maul after Canada stole a Wallaroos lineout. Paquin went over in the 11th minute after a powerful run by prop DaLeaka Menin for a 14-0 lead with Schell scoring in the 19th minute off another errant Wallaroos lineout. A Canada try off a rolling maul in the 25th minute was called back for obstruction. When the Wallaroos did make it deep into the Canadian end later in the first half, they were unable to penetrate the defence. Royet scored Canada's fourth try, earning the bonus point, on the stroke of halftime after Australia was penalized at the breakdown. The Wallaroos came out with purpose in the second half, only to see a try in the 43rd minute called off for a knock-on. Australia kept coming and Miller scored two minutes later. Canada added tries by Scurfield (48th minute), Tessier (52nd) and Forteza (72nd) to complete the victory. Another Forteza try was called back for a forward pass while Schell, looking to improve Canada's points differential, missed a penalty in added time when her kick hit the goalpost. The match was refereed by transplanted Canadian Maggie Cogger-Orr, a native of Markham, Ont., and former McMaster University rugby player who moved to New Zealand in 2014. All four Pacific Four Series teams are preparing for the World Cup, which kicks off Aug. 22 in England. The Canadians have been drawn in Pool B with No. 7 Scotland, No. 10 Wales and No. 16 Fiji. Canada's next games are against No. 12 South Africa in Pretoria on July 5 and Gqeberha on July 12. Its final tune-up is Aug. 9 against No. 5 Ireland in Belfast. Canada won last year's Pacific Four Series with its first-ever victory over New Zealand, defeating the Black Ferns 22-19 in Christchurch. The Canadian women had lost all 17 meetings with New Zealand before that. Canada also won the inaugural Pacific Four Series in 2021, when the event consisted of a two-game series with the U.S. due to COVID travel restrictions. The Canadians finished runner-up to New Zealand in 2022 and 2023 when the competition was expanded to four teams. Canada improved to 12-5-1 since losing 36-0 to France in the third-place game at the World Cup in November 2022. Four of those losses were to England, with the other to New Zealand. —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian women dominate Australia in 45-7 Pacific Four Series rugby win
BRISBANE – Defending champion Canada ran in seven tries en route to a lopsided 45-7 women's rugby win over Australia on Friday, completing an unbeaten run through the Pacific Four Series. The second-ranked Canadians must now await the outcome of No. 3 New Zealand's home game against the ninth-ranked U.S. on Saturday in North Harbour to see whether they retain their title. Canada and New Zealand went into the final round tied on eight points after their 27-27 draw last Saturday in Christchurch. But New Zealand held the tiebreaker edge over Canada — a plus-26 points differential compared to plus-12 for Canada. The Canadians (2-0-1) achieved their goal Friday by defeating Australia (1-2-0), scoring four tries for a bonus point and running up the score. A New Zealand bonus-point win Saturday and the title will be decided by points differential. Canada's points differential now stands at plus-50. But the Black Ferns will undoubtedly add to their differential, having thumped the U.S. 57-5 when they met in last year's Pacific Four Series. Canada improved to 7-0-0 all-time against No. 6 Australia. Canada dominated set pieces, pushing back the Wallaroos in the scrum and winning lineouts. The Canadians led 26-0 at the half and could have added to the lead, with another try called back for obstruction and handling errors ending other attacks. But the Canadian passing was silky-smooth for most of the game with the backs looking dangerous and hard-running forwards pounding the Australian defence. McKinley Hunt, Karen Paquin, Julia Schell, Laetitia Royer, Krissy Scurfield, captain Alex Tessier and Fabiola Forteza scored tries for Canada. Schell booted five conversions. Desi Miller scored Australia's try with Faitala Moleka adding the conversion. The two teams could meet again in the World Cup quarterfinals this summer in England. The game at Suncorp Stadium was the first half of a doubleheader, followed by a Super Rugby matchup between the Queensland Reds and Hurricanes. Canada had lost just one of its nine previous matches (7-1-1) while the Wallaroos had won five of their last six. Canada opened tournament play with a 26-14 win over the U.S. on May 2 in Kansas City. Australia lost its opener 38-12 to New Zealand in Newcastle, Australia, before bouncing back to beat the U.S. 27-19 in Canberra. The Australians were under pressure from the get-go Friday and Canada went ahead in the third minute with Hunt touching down at the back of a prolonged rolling maul after Canada stole a Wallaroos lineout. Paquin went over in the 11th minute after a powerful run by prop DaLeaka Menin for a 14-0 lead with Schell scoring in the 19th minute off another errant Wallaroos lineout. A Canada try off a rolling maul in the 25th minute was called back for obstruction. When the Wallaroos did make it deep into the Canadian end later in the first half, they were unable to penetrate the defence. Royet scored Canada's fourth try, earning the bonus point, on the stroke of halftime after Australia was penalized at the breakdown. The Wallaroos came out with purpose in the second half, only to see a try in the 43rd minute called off for a knock-on. Australia kept coming and Miller scored two minutes later. Canada added tries by Scurfield (48th minute), Tessier (52nd) and Forteza (72nd) to complete the victory. Another Forteza try was called back for a forward pass while Schell, looking to improve Canada's points differential, missed a penalty in added time when her kick hit the goalpost. The match was refereed by transplanted Canadian Maggie Cogger-Orr, a native of Markham, Ont., and former McMaster University rugby player who moved to New Zealand in 2014. All four Pacific Four Series teams are preparing for the World Cup, which kicks off Aug. 22 in England. The Canadians have been drawn in Pool B with No. 7 Scotland, No. 10 Wales and No. 16 Fiji. Canada's next games are against No. 12 South Africa in Pretoria on July 5 and Gqeberha on July 12. Its final tune-up is Aug. 9 against No. 5 Ireland in Belfast. Canada won last year's Pacific Four Series with its first-ever victory over New Zealand, defeating the Black Ferns 22-19 in Christchurch. The Canadian women had lost all 17 meetings with New Zealand before that. Canada also won the inaugural Pacific Four Series in 2021, when the event consisted of a two-game series with the U.S. due to COVID travel restrictions. The Canadians finished runner-up to New Zealand in 2022 and 2023 when the competition was expanded to four teams. Canada improved to 12-5-1 since losing 36-0 to France in the third-place game at the World Cup in November 2022. Four of those losses were to England, with the other to New Zealand. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2025
