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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Food company charged after death.

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Ray Muzyka

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not the mistake that matters, it’s how you interpret the lesson.”

—Michelle C. Ustaszeski

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Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What historic Edmonton street was originally the main thoroughfare for fur trading?

A) Jasper Avenue

B) 124th Street

C) 118th Avenue

D) Whyte Avenue 

Last Week's Trivia:

Which famous bridge in Edmonton offers panoramic views of the river valley and downtown? Answer: B) High Level Bridge

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Food processing company charged after man dies in Edmonton smokehouse.(link)

Alberta company ordered to abandon wells following months of regulatory failures.(link)

🏦Finance

Alberta to fund $50 million for new drilling test site.(link)

🏒Sports

Death of amateur fighter after MMA event in Alberta raises questions.(link)

Rebels held scoreless in Edmonton.(link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🩰 Barre Fitness Class with Natasha
3696 97 Street Northwest, Edmonton,
Tuesday, December 3 | 6:30 - 7:30pm MST | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Scott Helman
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Wednesday December 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton,
Monday, December 2 · 12pm MST | (more info)

🔬National Geographic Glow-in-The-Dark Slime Lab Staples Edmonton Common 150
Staples South Edmonton Common Store 150 1960 101 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Wednesday December 4 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM MST | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmonton illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1938: The first flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport.

In 1938, Edmonton marked a significant milestone in its aviation history with the inaugural flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport, known affectionately as ""Blatchford Field"" after Kenny Blatchford, a former mayor of Edmonton and a fervent supporter of aviation. This event heralded a new era for the city, positioning it as a pivotal node in Canada's and the broader North American aviation network. The establishment of the airport and the initiation of its first flight underscored Edmonton's ambitions to become a major center for air transportation, reflecting the growing importance of aviation in connecting remote regions and facilitating commerce, communication, and travel.

The first flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport symbolized the city's rapid adaptation to modern transportation technologies and its readiness to embrace the future. The airport itself, equipped to handle the era's aircraft, quickly became a bustling hub of activity. It facilitated not just passenger flights but also mail delivery and freight services, linking Edmonton more closely to other parts of Canada and the world. This connectivity was especially crucial given Edmonton's geographical location, serving as a gateway to the North and reinforcing its role in the exploration, development, and defense of Canada's northern territories.

Over the decades, the Edmonton Municipal Airport played a central role in the city's development, contributing to its economic growth and enhancing its strategic importance. While the airport eventually ceased its operations to make way for urban development and the expansion of the newer Edmonton International Airport, the legacy of its first flight remains. It is a testament to Edmonton's pioneering spirit in aviation and its contribution to the history of flight in Canada. The story of the airport and its inaugural flight continues to be celebrated as a landmark moment in Edmonton's rich history, highlighting the city's role in advancing aviation and connecting communities across vast distances.

Famous Edmontonians

Ray Muzyka (1969–2012): Co-founder of BioWare, a video game developer.

Ray Muzyka: The Early Years and Education (1969–1991)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1969, Ray Muzyka was fascinated by technology and storytelling from a young age. Pursuing a combined interest in science and the arts, he attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a degree in medicine. However, his passion for video games and interactive storytelling was evident, setting the stage for a unique career path that would blend his medical training with his love for gaming.

The Formation of BioWare (1991–1995)

While still in medical school, Muzyka, along with Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip, founded BioWare in 1995. The company was born out of their shared passion for video games and a mutual desire to create interactive narratives. This period was marked by intense learning and development as they set out to create their first video game, navigating the challenges of the burgeoning game development industry.

BioWare's Early Successes (1995–2000)

Under Muzyka's leadership, BioWare quickly made a name for itself with the release of Baldur's Gate in 1998. This game was hailed for its deep storytelling and immersive gameplay, setting a new standard for role-playing games. Muzyka's vision for creating narrative-driven games was becoming a reality, establishing BioWare as a leading developer in the industry.

The Golden Era of BioWare (2000–2007)

The early 2000s marked a period of significant growth and critical acclaim for BioWare, with Muzyka at the helm. The release of games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect further solidified BioWare's reputation for excellence in storytelling and innovative gameplay. These titles were not just commercial successes but also critically acclaimed, earning multiple awards and solidifying Muzyka's reputation as a visionary in the industry.

Leadership and Innovation (2007–2012)

As BioWare continued to expand, Muzyka's role evolved from hands-on development to strategic leadership. He guided the company through partnerships and acquisitions, including the pivotal sale to Electronic Arts in 2007. Despite these changes, Muzyka ensured that BioWare's commitment to storytelling and player-driven narratives remained at the core of its development philosophy.

Connection to Edmonton (Entire Career)

Ray Muzyka's connection to Edmonton was foundational to BioWare's identity and success. Choosing to base the company in his hometown, Muzyka was a prominent figure in the local and national technology scene, contributing significantly to Edmonton's reputation as an emerging center for video game development. His commitment to the city was reflected in BioWare's community engagement and its role in promoting the tech industry in Alberta.

Entrepreneurship and Beyond (2008–2012)

Beyond BioWare, Muzyka became known for his entrepreneurial spirit, investing in and mentoring other technology and entertainment startups. His vision extended to fostering innovation and creativity across various industries, demonstrating his belief in the potential of technology to transform society.

Philanthropy and Retirement (2012)

In 2012, Muzyka announced his retirement from BioWare and the video game industry to focus on his philanthropic interests. His decision to shift his energy to social impact investments and charitable work was in line with his lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Key Achievements

• Co-founding BioWare, a company that would become a leader in narrative-driven video games.

• Leading the development of groundbreaking games like Baldur's Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Mass Effect.

• Steering BioWare through its acquisition by Electronic Arts, ensuring the studio's creative vision and independence.

• Contributing to Edmonton's emergence as a center for technology and game development.

Ray Muzyka's career was characterized by a fusion of his passions for medicine, storytelling, and technology, culminating in the co-founding of BioWare, one of the most innovative and respected developers in the video game industry. Under his guidance, BioWare created some of the most memorable and influential games of their time, known for their deep narratives and immersive gameplay. Beyond his contributions to gaming, Muzyka's commitment to his hometown of Edmonton and his philanthropic efforts showcased his belief in the power of technology to effect positive change, leaving a lasting legacy in both the gaming world and his community.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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