iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Attention shoppers: I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me.

CBC story with the headline "50-storey towers, new security approach part of developer’s plans for Edmonton City Centre" and an excerpt that reads: "Let’s just try this: at every entrance, at every pedway, we are going to put four security guards and a police officer there, a metal detector and a bag scan,” he is heard saying in the video recorded of the session on Monday.
“If you look like you should not belong at the City Centre mall, you’re not working there, providing services or spending money, you’re not coming in.”
When asked by reporters Tuesday about his plans for security measures, Lam said those plans are still being determined and might change. He added plans could include more cameras and securing the open northwest parkade."

Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I voted. Mailed my ballots. Hated all of it. This referendum could have been 3 questions: 1. Do you wrongly believe Alberta can separate from Canada just because you're a grumpy little guy? 2. Do you misunderstand the constitution and division of powers? 3. Do you want to be racist?

My referendum voting package envelope inside a Canada Post mailbox.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

"We don't want your money. We support survivors."

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We've gone from 80% vaccinated to just 8% in five years. This is why everyone is sick all of the time. Get your Covid and Flu boosters this fall, stay home when sick, and wear a mask as much as you can.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Also, the photo and headline here are *chef's kiss*

Ed Sheeran with a bit of a vacant stare on some red carpet. Headline reads "Ed Sheeran loses early 100,000 Instagram followers since Macklemore's Israel controversy

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The advanced votes popped in last, and a UCP lead of a couple hundred votes disappeared just like that.

Final byelection tally is 7,461 votes for the NDP candidat to 6,879 for the UCP, flipping the seat.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Now at 19% ballots counted and it's looking like a tight race in Calgary-Shaw. 😬

NDP candidate leading the byelection 875-722 over the UCP.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We only have the special ballot results in Calgary-Shaw, but with byelection turnout historically pretty low, do we just call it for the NDP and go to bed?

Elections Alberta results tracker with 440 votes from the special ballot putting counted results at 1%.

Special ballot results showing the NDP candidate ahead of the UCP 279 to 111.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

How dare you, TELUS House at ATB Place.

Seen from the southside of the river, the iconic Christmas tree lights are already lit up on the south tower of the downtown Edmonton building.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

No lunar eclipse in Edmonton, but we do get a nightmare lightning storm. So there's that.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Big nope. finance.yahoo.com/news/america...

Graphs with country flag bars to represent answers to the question of who Americans think supplies the most imported oil (Saudi Arabia) and who actually does (Canada).

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We're going to find out that one guy in the neighbourhood has been lobbying on this for years.

A man in a white helmet rides a yellow penny farthing on 81 Avenue in Edmonton.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Can't even have full-size stop signs anymore. We used to be a proper country.

A much smaller than usual stop sign at an intersection in Edmonton.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Nice try, Save-On Foods, but that's gonna be a big nope.

Salad kits from Taylor Farms - the diarrhea lettuce people.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Can confirm that we hit no.50 today with Sip slinging dirty sodas on Whyte Ave.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

All of this brought to you by my non-scientific method of walking around and taking photos. I was happy to see that we're actually trending ahead in terms of places opening vs. closed (but it always sucks to lose some favourites). What are your new and old go-to spots when you're on Whyte?

A massive mural stretches across the wall beside SouthBark dog park, featuring a frog in a baseball cap with a looooong wavy Tonge and a couple of giant mosquitos.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Coming soon! These places were not yet open when I walked up and down Whyte last week. Sip looks like it might be open this weekend for dirty sodas though. Other pending launches: Jeune Studios, Lazzarone, Oxygen Yoga, Reformed Infrared Pilates, ro Nordic spa

Paper-covered window with a small piece of paper inviting folks to follow Lazzarone pizza for opening details

window covering for reformed, infrared heated pilates, opening in the fall

fencing surrounds the white storefront of ro nordic spa

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

We also have a couple of gold buyers and a pawn shop. Which is, well, I mentioned them. Meh: Canada Gold Edmonton, Pawn Princess, Premium Gold Buyer umm, what is the "culture" of gold buying?

Premium Gold Buyer sign that includes the values of "integrity, trust, culture"

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

It's not sexy, but for the thousands of people who live around Whyte Avenue (I know! it doesn't just close up at 2am Sunday morning), having two new convenience stores, two new daycares and the Whyte Ave Medical Centre & Pharmacy is great.

The Whyte Ave Medical Centre & Pharmacy, with bold lettering above the entrance of a new commercial building

Alam convenience store, a simple window with product photos and poster and white signage with red lettering above

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Nice Time Pilates and Tone Physiotherapy both opened in the last few months. Gun Shy Tattoo is above Lonza shoes, inside or beside Wildrose Vintage (I am too old and uncool to venture upstairs to confirm).

Tone Physiotherapy, with a flower as the T, on a light purple awning

Small signage above a doorway for Gun Shy Tattoo, as well as Wildrose Vintage and The Designer Hub

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Old Strathcona is about experiences. From nightlife to arts, and pop-ups to event spaces. I was genuinely surprised by the number of new bars and event spaces opening recently. They are: Absurd, aSuperRare Gallery, Chalkag, Chiers, Euphoria, Safe Haven, Skybar, Spade's

Chalkag's bright pink signage in front of a silver glitter background

Chiers pub and grill in the old Rosie's location south of Whyte

Gold lettering signage of Spade's on a black building

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

We've got a dozen new spots for shopping, most on West Whyte and in Station Park. Buy: Biggle Souvenirs, The Craft Vault, Downstairs Cellar, European Antiques, Foil City Cards, HappyH0use Apparel, Happy Stash, Last Call Vintage and Thrift, Marshy Mallows, Rock On Records, Vintage Games and Junque.

Station Park, a sea can/container park with big glass windows on the second floor above retail bays with Marshy Mallows, Last call, HappyHouse

records line the walls and fill centre aisle wood bins at Rock On Records

Temporary vinyl signage for European Antiques and a sandwich board in front of partially opened storefront, right next to Barber on Whyte which has the Downstairs Cellar in the basement

Vintage Games and Junque shingle outside of its downstairs location at the alley formerly known as Rainbow Road

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

This is truly the Dessert District™️ so I'm not surprised to see new cafes and sweet treats. All of these: Big Bear Matcha, Chayan, El Cafesito, Gathr Cafe & Lounge, Heavenly Desserts, hey! I am Yogost, King of Tarts, New Amsterdam Cafe, Nero Cafe, Snowbear Bakery, White Rabbit Ice Cream (pop-up).

Chayan storefront, with a green sign, in a red brick building

Nero Cafe, with lettering signage above the entrance in a new commercial building on east Whyte.

hey! I am Yogost - my absolute favourite business name - it's an Asian yogurt chain BTW

White Rabbit Ice Cream as seen from across Whyte Avenue, with its pink signage in the red brick building of "The Hub" a new rotating pop-up spot.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

There are 19 (!) new restaurants and places to grab coffee, desserts and more. In alpha order: The Bob Story Korean Kitchen, Brunch Glory, Cheese Louise, Cook County Steakhouse (for sloppy steaks?!), da Cecot, Fresh Slice, Live Bowl'd, and Vi Nam.

da Cecot, and Italian restaurant in a red brick building with black awning

Cook County Saloon Steakhouse, in the old Von's Steakhouse location right beside the iconic neighbourhood bar

Bunch Glory, an all day grill in a brown brick building with a window covered in images of breakfast and other foods

Cheese Louise, in a black sea can at the Station Park container shops

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

50 new businesses on Whyte Avenue! With so many folks coming to Old Strathcona for the Fringe, I've started using this point in the summer to check on everything new--and it's a lot. If you're hitting the Ave for the festival, be sure to stop and shop at some new spots. Biz in the thread ⬇️🧵

Station Park, a container business park on a sunny day, with retail bays on the main floor and tall windows on the second floor food hall.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Why would Apple AirPods need cameras when you can just wear a Vision Pro?

Apple CEO Tim Cook wearing the giant, ridiculous Vision Pro goggles in a photo for Vanity Fair.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I hope this dragonfly eats a million mosquitoes.

A dragonfly glows in golden sun before taking flight from a dark grey window ledge.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

"Walking". I love this kind of quirky scam story.

A photo watermarked "HistoricImages" that shows the mom holding or lifting her baby up across the chest as it leans forward and appears to be standing.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Influencers: These Harry Potter donuts are whimsical! Hogwarts Housemates in their replies: hate speech

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Trans rights > Timbits It is 2026 and you cannot ignore that putting money into anything Harry Potter is just giving cash and influence to someone advocating against trans communities. Skip the brand deals and instead #ProtectTransKids.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Fringe is still a week away, but the taco-in-a-bag booth needs the street closed for at least 5 days to prepare.

Edmonton Fringe Festival signage blocks 83 Avenue as night falls on Old Strathcona.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Some days it does feel like that.

Graffiti written in black sharpie that says "assholes live forever"

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Good luck to you, Heritage Fest and Elks game. ⛈️⚡

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

You know when you come across something out in the world and it just makes you stop and stare and wonder. And it's for a steak sauce?

A sticker designed with AI to look like a medal with a man grilling beside Canada and Alberta flags for "the great Albertan steak sauce" with words across the bottom that read "Chef Bryan Goulet, let the good times roll"

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

You are experiencing one of my favourite memes of all time.

A large dalmation-mix dog sits in an armchair, leg over the arm and looking accusingly toward camera. Text reads "Sharon, you and I both know there is a pill wrapped in that slice of ham".

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Another busy rush hour on 83 Avenue. 🚲 #yegBike

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The best poster for a movie I've seen in a long, long time.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

This summer has it out for Edmonton.

Weather Network screenshot showing a thunderstorm watch, tornado warning and stories about flooding Edmonton streets.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Bojack Horseman had so many gutpunch moments.

Bojack and Sarah Lynn holding hands while laying on a bed as she dies from a heroin overdose.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

No way, it's not climate change, we've always had biblical flooding in Edmonton. Nothing a new oil pipeline or two won't fix. 📸 GibbyDavis on IG

Screenshot of a photo from Gibby Davis on Instagram of Mill Creek overflowing, flooding out the main north-south connection between downtown and the southside.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Slight detour on the 83 Avenue bike lane. 🌳⚡🚧

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Time to check the Edmonton weather forecast.

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Jeff Samsonow @jeffsamsonow.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The slight uptick in wildfire mask-wearing has me thinking about that Bane speech about adopting the darkness vs. born in the shadows. Public health should be protecting everyone all of the time. And it would also be nice if leaders weren't grifters or science-deniers.

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