Thursday: Russian economy - KHL, Alberta defections, Gavle goat, and more...

President Vladimir Putin says it might be two years before the Russian economy stabilizes -- and that's cold comfort for the country's national hockey league, which is already on thin ice..After a mass defection -- including that of leader Danielle Smith -- Alberta's opposition party is most definitely not in the pink...and so far this year, in the town of Gavle, Sweden, a full-size straw goat has not been set on fire, for a change -- but its baby straw brother has been knocked off its perch.

Part One

Russian economy: KHL
Today, at his annual news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin predicted it could take two years for his country's economy to recover. That doesn't cut any ice with the country's ailing hockey league -- whose very existence is threatened right now by the collapse of the ruble.

Dalhousie professor on misogynistic Facebook page
The President of Dalhousie University says "restorative justice" will be pursued in the case of offensive Facebook comments by male dentistry students -- but our guest says that's not the right route to take.

Gavle goat
This year, officials in the town of Gavle, Sweden, are taking unprecedented steps to protect their giant straw goat from being burned up for the 25th time.

Part Two

Alberta defections
If you've RSVP-ed to a party, it's rude to go to the one across the way. Especially when it's a political party that you lead. But that's what Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith did in Alberta yesterday -- taking eight other party members with her to the PCs. Now her former party's former president shares his extreme disappointment.

Part Three

Repeat - As it Happened: Forgiveness
we take a look in the "As It Happens" archives for the sorriest stories we can find: tales of apology and forgiveness.