On Saturday, the Globe and Mail published a column by Derek DeCloet which quoted the "World's Smartest Man" as saying that the current financial crisis is ending. See the complete article at:

http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081024.wdecloet102...

On July 26, 2007, when the Dow Jones industrial average closed at 13,473, the World's Smartest Man predicted: “There's a whole bunch of companies that just have to hit the wall. They can't survive.” When the Dow was at its peak, he predicted the current turmoil.

On Thursday, the Star Phoenix published a story reflecting the comments of Catherine Swift, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, made to a meeting of the North Saskatoon Business Association. In sum, Swift said: "Don't be swayed by the 'sky is falling' talk. Look again, look at the real things that are happening out there." Read the entire article here:

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/story.html?id=8e5dab90-449b-4...

Last week, the Saskatchewan Legislature reconvened with the reading of the Speech From the Throne. Read the complete story here:

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=cef4ff59-9918-469b-aac7-1453e67a0a2d

Commenting on the Speech from the Throne, Premier Brad Wall said it is designed to create a stronger Saskatchewan and a better life for Saskatchewan people. It is intended to ensure that economic growth continues, and that all Saskatchewan people share in the province's new prosperity.

When the Canadian dollar was rising recently to reach parity with the American dollar last summer, the effect was to shield Canadians from the worst of inflation in imported goods, especially those that are priced in terms of the American currency. Now that the Canadian dollar is shedding value relative to the American dollar, the reverse can be expected: Imported goods and commodities will cost Canadians proportionally more, leading to more inflation in Canada.

This can be demonstrated by considering recent price changes in oil in light of currency changes.

The recent peak price of a barrel of oil was US $147.50 on July 11, 2008. On October 17, that price had declined to US $71.97, a decline of 51.21%.

As ASPA entered negotiations with the University to conclude a revision of our Collective Agreement, we made a commitment to our members that we would include them in the process as much as possible by communicating thoroughly and frequently.

While we are still in conciliation talks, Conciliator Doug Forseth has clearly indicated that we must preserve confidentiality around the substance of the discussions. At the same time, he is aware of our need to communicate with you about the process of conciliation, and is aware that we intend to do this only after both parties have reviewed the content of our message.

The Globe and Mail on Thursday published a story quoting Warren Buffett as saying: "I'm bullish on US stocks." The complete story can be read at:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081017.wbuffettmark...

In the piece, titled “Buy American. I am,” Warren Buffett, legendary investment genius, reiterated one of his favourite maxims: Be fearful when others are greedy; be greedy when others are fearful.

Translation: "When prices are low because everyone else is selling: BUY! When prices are high because everyone is buying: SELL!"

On Saturday, the Star-Phoenix celebrated the fact that Brian Towriss, Head Coach of the football Huskies, reached a milestone of having served for 25 years as head coach. The complete story can be read here:

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=5e7...

According to the story, those 25 years were sneaky; they crept up on the Huskies' football coach until, well . . . there they were.

"When I started, I said we'd try it for two or three years and see what happens," says Towriss. "Things fell into place pretty good. It's never seemed like work."

In a story on Friday, the Star Phoenix recounts predictions for continued growth in the economy of Saskatchewn. See the full story at:

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/business/story.html?id=4...

In its provincial outlook released on Thursday, TD Economics said Saskatchewan's economy will grow by 3.4 per cent in 2008, 2.8 per cent in 2009 and 2.7 per cent in 2010. In this, Saskatchewan will be the lone province to post better economic growth this year than last. Even so, growth predictions for subsequent years indicate that Saskatchewan will feel some effects of the global financial turmoil

The Saskatchewan Government announced recently that sale of exploration rights for petroleum and natural gas on crown land has netted record revenue so far this year. One more sale will be held in December. The complete story can be read at:

http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=1e044e31-3acd-4d7f-8cf1-be45beed9e3c

Industry interest in Saskatchewan's oil and gas resources continues unabated. Sales have been so high this year that the province has just topped the billion-dollar mark for the first time ever.

October's sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights, the third best on record, brought in $223.4 million in revenue for the province. The year-to-date revenue figure from land sales now stands at a record $1.07 billion.

ASPA and the University met for two days of conciliation talks (October 14 and 15). Both parties agree to continue this process and are confirming additional conciliation sessions to be held November 4 and 5.

In light of this development, Conciliator Doug Forseth has underlined to the parties the essential importance of preserving the underlying ground rule of confidentiality for matters discussed during conciliation.

Accordingly, the Information Sessions planned for the general membership on Thursday October 23 and Friday October 24 are canceled.