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Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 2nd, 2012
Evidence of meeting #23 for Natural Resources in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was refineries.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- John Quinn General Manager, Integration and Planning, Refining and Marketing, Suncor Energy Inc.
- Michael Ervin Vice-President, Director of Consulting Services, MJ Ervin and Associates, The Kent Group
- Keith Newman Director of Research, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
- Joseph Gargiso Administrative Vice-President, Quebec, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
8:50 a.m.
The Chair Leon Benoit
Good morning, everyone. We're here to continue our study on the current and future state of oil and gas pipelines and refining capacity in Canada.
We have with us today three groups of witnesses. The first is from Suncor Energy Inc. We have with us John Quinn, general manager, integration and planning, refining and marketing.
From The Kent Group, we have Michael J. Ervin, vice-president, director of consulting services, MJ Ervin and Associates.
From the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, we have with us Joseph Gargiso, administrative vice-president, and Keith Newman, director of research.
Welcome to you, gentlemen.
We will have the presentations today in the order that you're listed on the agenda. After the presentations, we'll go directly to questions and comments from members.
We'll be starting with John Quinn, general manager, integration and planning, refining and marketing, for Suncor Energy Incorporated.
Go ahead, please, sir.
8:50 a.m.
John Quinn General Manager, Integration and Planning, Refining and Marketing, Suncor Energy Inc.
Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.
On behalf of Suncor Energy, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to attend this morning's meeting, and I look forward to discussing with you how we view our refining business and some of the challenges and opportunities we are facing.
I'm going to focus my opening remarks on three areas: one, to provide you an overview of Suncor's Canadian refining business and its impact on jobs and the economy; two, to outline what we have been doing to ensure the competitiveness and ongoing viability of our refineries; and three, perhaps most importantly, to share with you our view of the future for the refining sector here in Canada.
Suncor Energy is the largest integrated energy company in Canada and the fifth largest energy company in North America. We are, of course, best known for our leading position in oil sands production and development, but we also have extensive operations in refining and marketing, North American natural gas production, and oil and gas production both off Canada's east coast and internationally.
But I'm here today to primarily represent our Canadian refining business. We have four refineries in Suncor. Three of them are located here in Canada: one in Edmonton, Alberta; one in Sarnia, Ontario; and one in Montreal, Quebec. Our fourth refinery is located in Commerce City, just outside Denver, Colorado.
The combined crude capacity of our three Canadian refineries is roughly 350,000 barrels per day. Our refineries are closely integrated with the other businesses inside our refining and marketing division. Those businesses include our retail business, with 1,500 Petro-Canada sites here in Canada, entirely operated by independent business men and women; our wholesale business with over 200 Petro-Pass locations and a base of more than 26,000 wholesale customers; and we also have a world-class lubricants facility located in Mississauga, Ontario. That facility sells more than 350 highly specialized products in more than 70 countries around the world.
We run an extensive distribution and product terminal operation across the country, and we also have Canada's largest ethanol plant located just outside Sarnia, Ontario.
The divisional headquarters for these combined businesses is in Mississauga, Ontario. In total, our refining and marketing business has 3,300 full-time employees and creates thousands of jobs directly in our retail and wholesale associate networks and indirectly with contractors and suppliers across the country.
I also want to mention that our upgraders in Fort McMurray, although not quite refineries and not managed within our refining and marketing division, do produce some high-quality diesel fuel. Their primary purpose is to upgrade bitumen to higher-quality synthetic crude, but as part of that process there is some diesel fuel produced as well. We currently operate two upgraders at Fort McMurray, and between them they produce about 25% of our western Canada diesel supply.
With that quick overview of our refining and marketing business, let me refocus on our Canadian refinery operations.
As I think you are aware, they are a significant contributor to the economy. A recently released report by the Conference Board of Canada, which studied the Canadian petroleum refining sector, estimates the contribution made by this sector to be at about $2.5 billion of real GDP in 2009. Based on our refinery capacity, Suncor represents about 20% of that sector, and I expect we contribute at least our share of that economic impact.
I think it's also important to note that the industry does employ highly skilled workers, and accordingly we pay well above average wages and salaries. That same Conference Board report states that refinery workers now earn 50% more than workers in the overall manufacturing sector in Canada, and this wage premium has continued to grow over the years.
We are highly committed to all of our refineries and will continue to operate them as long as we can do so in a competitive and profitable manner.
We also recognize the importance of building sustained relationships with all our stakeholders. Our refineries are actively engaged in their local communities through our community liaison committees, with organizations like the United Way, and our extensive support of educational, training, and scholarship programs.
We're also a highly regulated industry, so we work closely with policy-makers and regulators at all levels of government to try to ensure regulations impacting our industry are clear, harmonized, and science-based, while still meeting the needs of Canadians. However, we are in a business that must compete globally, and we must continue to work together to ensure that playing field is as level as possible.
So what have we been doing to help secure the long-term competitiveness and profitability of our refineries? We work particularly hard on those areas of the refining business that we control directly, such as safety, efficiency, and reliability. We have made substantial progress in each of these areas in recent years, and we will continue those efforts.
We also make significant investments in all of our refineries: investments that allow us to improve their safety, reliability, and environmental performance, fuel quality, and also adapt the refineries to the changing composition of Canadian crude oil.
I'd especially like to highlight the multi-billion dollar investments we've made in recent years at Edmonton and Sarnia to adapt those facilities so they can run 100% western Canadian crude oil, and in the case of Edmonton, 100% oil-sands-derived crude oil. These investments have positioned those two refineries to move away from the declining availability of conventional light western crudes and to take increasing advantage of the growing oil-sands-based crudes.
At this time, Montreal is our only Canadian refinery that is not linked to western crude oil. It does source approximately 25% of its current crude supply from Canada's east coast offshore oil production, but the remainder of its supply is foreign sourced. It's capable of running some western crudes today, but there's no pipeline connection to allow that to happen at a cost-effective level. So we are supportive of the reversal of Enbridge's line 9 crude pipeline. If reversed, that line currently running from Montreal to Sarnia would allow our Montreal refinery to connect to western crudes. That, in turn, could foster possible investments at Montreal to allow it to more fully adapt to those crudes. We believe that would help secure Montreal refinery's long-term flexibility, its performance, and its viability.
With regard to how we see the future of our refineries in Canada, as I said, we're committed to our plants as long as they are competitive and profitable, but the reality is that currently Canada is a net exporter of refined petroleum products. Recent reports I have read certainly also suggest that in 2011 the United States also became a net exporter of refined petroleum products, for the first time in sixty years.
According to the IEA's World Energy Outlook, although there will continue to be growth in world oil demand for many years to come, and some modest growth in diesel in North America, overall gasoline and diesel demand in North America and the other OECD countries is forecast to decline. The current surplus of refining capacity in North America, coupled with declining demand, does not easily support the expansion of domestic refining capacity.
Refinery capacity will certainly be needed in the developing world; it will almost certainly be built there. However, we do believe that our refineries are well positioned to compete in their local markets, and we will continue to work hard to make the necessary investments to support that, but our current view of the future does not support significant capacity expansions at our refineries here in Canada.
Having said that, Suncor does have plans for a 200,000-barrel-per-day expansion of its crude oil upgrading operations in Fort McMurray, targeted for completion in 2017. This will result in an increase of about 30,000 barrels per day of additional diesel supply at that site. We are currently in the process of assessing how we will market that increased supply.
In closing, we look forward to continuing our work with governments to ensure that necessary conditions are in place to support a sustainable refining industry in this country and to ensure we are able to compete on a level playing field with our global counterparts.
I'd also like to extend an invitation to any of you on the committee, any of the other members of Parliament, or whoever is in the audience here today who might be interested, to tour one of our refineries. I'd be happy to make arrangements for that.
Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
8:55 a.m.
The Chair Leon Benoit
Thank you very much, Mr. Quinn, for your presentation and for your kind offer. There may be some discussion on that. We'll see.
Now, from The Kent Group we have Michael J. Ervin, vice-president, director of consulting services, MJ Ervin and Associates.
Go ahead please, sir, with your presentation.
9 a.m.
Michael Ervin Vice-President, Director of Consulting Services, MJ Ervin and Associates, The Kent Group
Mr. Chair and members of the committee, good morning. Thank you for your invitation to appear before this committee on the subject of the current and future state of oil and gas pipelines and refining capacity in Canada.
My firm, MJ Ervin and Associates, which is a division of The Kent Group, is a petroleum consultancy that specializes in the downstream, or refining and marketing, side of this industry. Our clients span a broad range of interests, and I believe we are well regarded for our unbiased views of this industry. My remarks today will focus on the refining sector and its current and future state.
The North American refining sector has seen a significant decline in the numbers of plants, having dropped from over 360 in the 1970s and 1980s to less than 140 today, of which the Canadian refinery population has dropped from over 40 to its current level of 15 refineries capable of producing a broad range of fuel products. One might guess that this declining demand might have been responsible for the decline in refineries, but in fact during that time petroleum demand in North America was steadily climbing. Instead, the closure of about 200 refineries since 1970 was a consequence of poor returns on capital, which in turn was a consequence of excess capacity and poor crack spreads.
A crack spread is the difference between the revenue per barrel that a refiner sees from the sale of a product, such as gasoline, and the cost of the crude oil that went into making that volume of gasoline. It is really the key performance indicator used by industry, financial, and investment analysts to determine the health of the refining sector.
So why did we see so many refinery closures? In that time, crack spreads were insufficient to sustain smaller and less efficient refinery plants, as their returns on capital did not justify their continued operation. One might argue that once a refinery is built, return on capital is less important a factor in deciding its fate. But due to a progression of fuel quality mandates, such as those for reductions in lead, benzene, olefins, vapour pressure, and sulphur—all of which have had beneficial effects from an environmental and quality of life point of view—many smaller refineries could not justify the multi-million-dollar investments needed to comply with these mandates and they were forced to close.
It was only in the mid-1990s that crack spreads began to achieve rates of return that actually attracted capital investment beyond that required by fuel quality mandates. In fact, due to a steady increase in petroleum demand, North American refineries began to experience utilization rates well above 90%, and many expanded in order to meet this growing demand and take advantage of improved crack spreads.
For a few years leading up to 2008 the refining sector began to experience profits that met objective thresholds for additional growth investment, and a few North American refineries even announced plans for new greenfield refineries. Since then, of course, we have witnessed a global recession that has led to a large drop in the demand for refined products in the United States and other regions, and to a lesser extent in Canada. Where a few short years ago refineries were all running at full capacity, we are now witnessing refinery closures and the shelving, if not total abandonment, of previous plans to build brand-new refineries.
That brings us to the present. What about the future?
A number of factors will contribute to a long-term decline in demand for gasoline in North America, all as a result of changing consumer practices, improving automotive technologies, or future government interventions such as the recent mandating of renewable content in gasoline and diesel fuel. Gasoline is the most commonly produced petroleum product in North America, comprising about 40% of the barrel. So its decline in demand will have a significant influence on the U.S. and Canada's net refinery throughput, even considering the likely improvement in diesel consumption once the U.S. economy gets back into full swing.
In light of these demand projections, and considering the spate of recent refinery closures in North America, there's virtually no chance, in my opinion, of North American refiners considering major capacity expansions in the foreseeable future.
I sometimes hear speculation that the building of more Canadian refineries would lower the price of wholesale and retail fuels for Canadian consumers. It is important to understand, however, that Canadian refineries are really just part of a North American capacity pool, and lower wholesale prices in Canada brought about by more capacity would quickly attract U.S. wholesale buyers, thus negating any hopes of sustained lower prices in Canada.
Another topic that may be relevant to this committee's work is the matter of bitumen upgrader capacity. To be clear, as Mr. Quinn has said, we don't define upgraders as refineries, so when I project a lack of demand for more refinery capacity, there will be a need for continued expansion of upgrader capacity as the production capacity of Canada's oil sands continues to increase.
One school of thought suggests that a considerable opportunity might exist to make Canada a significant exporter of refined petroleum products instead of exporting Canada's growing production of bitumen. This would have the benefit of creating and retaining more highly skilled jobs in Canada. While that prospect is appealing, it would create the paradoxical situation in Canada of undertaking a massive expansion of refinery capacity, concurrent with the United States undertaking a massive downsizing of its refining infrastructure. To say that such a scenario would be an inefficient use of capital is a gross understatement.
I will conclude by pointing out some wild-card factors that could have a significant impact on future refinery capacity in Canada, and indeed in North America. First, it is a certainty that in the next decade there will be an expansion of refinery capacity in some regions, notably the so-called BRIC countries. This, combined with a glut of capacity in North America and Europe, will likely keep crack spreads depressed for the foreseeable future.
Similarly, the building of one or more of the Keystone XL pipeline and the Northern Gateway pipeline, or the possible re-reversal of line 9 will improve access by mid-continent crude oils to world markets, thereby bringing those crude prices back up into parity with waterborne crudes, such as Brent. While this will be good news for Canada's upstream industry, it will have the effect of reducing crack spreads on the downstream side for those refineries that currently process crudes from the western Canada sedimentary basin.
Finally, any future product specification mandates will have the inevitable consequence of necessitating more capital investment that does not increase capacity, and will therefore reduce the sustainability of the more marginal players in this industry.
All of these add up to a prognosis that we are unlikely to see any significant expansion of Canadian refining capacity in the next decade and perhaps beyond. Depending upon the outcomes of those wild-card factors I mentioned, it may even lead to a contraction of capacity. All of those factors are beyond the control of refiners, and all but one are beyond the control of Canada's policy-makers, the one exception being product specifications.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my perspectives with this committee. I look forward to the ensuing discussion.
9:05 a.m.
The Chair Leon Benoit
Thank you very much, Mr. Ervin, for your presentation.
We will now go to the final presentation of this morning from the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. We have Joseph Gargiso, the administrative vice-president from Quebec; and Keith Newman.
Go ahead, gentlemen, as you have planned, for up to 10 minutes.
9:05 a.m.
Keith Newman Director of Research, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
Mr. Chair and members of the committee, I would like to thank you for inviting us here this morning.
My name is Keith Newman, and I am the director of research for the union. We have some notes, but we will provide the committee with a translation later. Once again, thank you.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union would like to thank the committee. We represent 120,000 workers in Canada, including 30,000 in the energy sector: in offshore oil and gas extraction at Suncor and in oil refineries, gas plants, petrochemical plants, and gas distribution all across Canada. We are vitally concerned with the provision of fossil fuels to Canadians in ways that are safe, environmentally sound, and that provide—and this will be the focus, I believe, today of what we have to say—a secure supply to Canadians in an uncertain world.
In recent years, with respect to refining, there have been two major refinery closures in Ontario and Quebec that have pushed us into a position of dependency on foreign suppliers for refined petroleum products, gasoline in particular. Many people in eastern Canada now depend on the goodwill of strangers to drive their cars and trucks.
At the start of 2005, Petro-Canada shut its Oakville refinery in the Toronto area. Annual production of refined petroleum products in Ontario dropped by nearly 20%, forcing Ontario into a position of dependency on other regions. Prior to the closure, Ontario's production of refined products was in balance; that is, domestic consumption was equal to production. After the shutdown, the balance was lost and Ontario had to rely on surplus production in Quebec and foreign countries to make up its shortfall of about five million cubic metres yearly of refined product.
The refinery closure also cost 350 highly skilled, well-paid workers their jobs. That was only part of the impact. Thousands of additional jobs were lost by contractors and suppliers, and people in the community lost out because the spending of these other workers was lost.
While the shortfall in Ontario's production could be made up by excess capacity in Quebec about equal to Ontario's deficit, Ontario was still in a precarious position. In 2007, a fire broke out at the Imperial Oil Nanticoke refinery near Hamilton, and southern Ontario faced a gasoline shortage for several weeks as a result. It was widely understood the tight supply in the province was the main cause of the shortage. Not only did Imperial Oil have to close 100 gas stations, one-quarter of its total, but Petro-Canada also closed 30 stations and imposed rationing at another 80. Shell, too, had to close five stations, and gasoline prices rose 10¢ to 15¢ a litre during the time of the shortage.
Since October 2010, about a year ago, the situation has grown worse. On October 1, 2010, Shell Canada closed its refinery in Montreal, now forcing the Quebec-Ontario region as a whole into a situation of dependency on foreign supply. Prior to the closure, Quebec produced about five million cubic metres of refined products above its consumption and was able to supply Ontario's deficit. With the recent closure, Quebec is barely self-sufficient. Again, when the Shell refinery shut, hundreds of workers were thrown out of highly skilled, well-paying jobs, and many additional direct and indirect jobs were lost.
Based on a study by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, a department of the Quebec government, the CEP estimates that at a minimum of 2,000 jobs were lost. A recent study by the Conference Board of Canada dated October of last year, 2011, studied the effects of the closure of 10% of Canadian refining capacity, what it would mean to the Canadian economy. They estimated that over a five-year period, if 10% of refining capacity were closed, 38,300 person years of work, $4 billion of cumulative GDP, and $508 million of provincial and federal income taxes would be lost.
In the study, they note you can use their results in a linear fashion. Doing that, we calculate that the closures of the Oakville and Montreal refineries produced a loss over a five-year period of 25,000 person years of work—I should point out again this is direct, indirect, and what they call induced jobs—$2.6 billion of GDP, and $330 million in lost taxes, both federal and provincial. Now Ontario and Quebec are at the mercy of supply disruptions in Europe because that's where the excess supply or the shortfall must come from. It's made up of a flotilla of tankers heading down the St. Lawrence Seaway into Montreal. The Port of Montreal had a record year last year. Of course, given the extra tankers going down there, there was more environmental damage because of spills.
Ontario, however, still remains vulnerable to supply disruptions because it's short—still. Last August they experienced gasoline shortages—again. In the summer of 2011, a few years after the ones in 2007, they experienced shortages. This was because—now get this—the repairs at the Shell refinery in Sarnia took longer than expected. This was not some kind of odd accident. This was routine maintenance that took a bit longer than expected. People in the greater Toronto area, Sarnia, and London experienced shortages.
We believe this is the new normal in Canada—at least, that is to say, in eastern Canada. The supply of product is now so tight that a disruption at home or in Europe, a refinery accident or other serious event, will cause shortages and rationing of gasoline. We've allowed ourselves to get into a very awkward, even dangerous, situation.
9:15 a.m.
Joseph Gargiso Administrative Vice-President, Quebec, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
I will continue.
My name is Joseph Gargiso. I am the administrative vice-president of CEP as well as the union's bargaining program coordinator for the oil sector.
Since the document is in English, it will be easier to read it in English rather than translate as I go. But we will send you the French version.
In regard to oil supply, Canada is blessed with remarkably large deposits of oil and natural gas. Most is extracted from western Canada, but the Atlantic region also extracts significant quantities. On paper, we are self-sufficient in oil, but in practice we are not. Despite our apparent abundance of fossil fuels, we could face serious shortages—even rationing—in the future.
The biggest problem we face is reliance on imports of crude oil in eastern Canada. The Atlantic provinces, and Quebec in particular, import most of their oil from overseas. Quebec refineries receive only 13.5% of their crude oil from Canada. The rest is imported from foreign sources, principally Algeria, the North Sea, Kazakhstan, and Angola. Some of these countries have experienced political turmoil and even civil war in recent years. Fortunately, oil supply was not disrupted, and we hope our luck holds.
As with Quebec, the Atlantic provinces receive only a small percentage of their crude oil from Canada—a modest 17%. The rest is imported from foreign sources. About half is from OPEC countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Angola. The remainder is sourced from the North Sea and a variety of other countries, such as Russia, Brazil, and Equatorial Guinea. Some of these countries have experienced political turmoil and civil war in recent years. Fortunately, the oil supply was not disrupted, and we hope this continues.
Finally, while Ontario also imports a significant quantity of its crude oil from foreign sources, it does enjoy the most secure source of oil of the eastern provinces: Canada. Nearly 80% of the oil refined in Ontario is sourced within Canada, but the energy security of the province remains uncertain because its inadequate refining capacity leaves it dependent on foreign sources for refined products.
In regard to misguided pipeline proposals, two pipeline projects recently have been proposed that CEP believes are contrary to the public interest as they would lock Canada into dependency on foreign suppliers for our basic energy needs. If built, the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline to the United States and the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline to the Pacific coast would commit Canada to exporting large quantities of raw bitumen from western Canada for processing out of the country. We should not export this energy source before ensuring our own energy independence and security.
It is unimaginable that the United States, any European country, or China would ever allow themselves to be dependent on other countries for their energy supply if they could avoid such a potentially difficult and even dangerous situation. Our energy security is already partly compromised by NAFTA's proportionality clause requiring Canada to export the same proportion of its energy to the U.S. even if we experience shortages at home. We shouldn't make matters worse by building more U.S.- or Asia-bound pipelines.
There is also the matter of jobs. Michael McCracken, the CEO of Informetrica and a leading economist who is very familiar with the Canadian oil industry, has estimated that for every 400,000 barrels of raw bitumen exported out of the country for upgrading and refining, 18,000 jobs in Canada will be lost—18,000 well-paid jobs, as you heard from the representative from Suncor, the kinds of jobs we have in this industry.
That is a very conservative number, because Mr. McCracken did not estimate how many jobs would be foregone in downstream activities such as the manufacture of chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, or other derivative products. It is clearly not in the interest of Canadians to export this raw bitumen, for reasons of both energy security and job creation.
We understand that oil companies, foreign- and domestic-owned, want to maximize their short-term profits by exporting raw bitumen out of the country, but allowing thousands of jobs to be shipped to the United States or China smacks of the most elementary excesses of our colonial past. We should process our natural resources at home. It is high time our federal government spoke for Canada.
In regard to energy independence and security for Canada, it is a truism that we live in an uncertain world. In recent months, this has been underlined by talk of a military attack on Iran. If such an attack were to occur and were Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation, as it has threatened, 40% of oil from the Middle East would be cut off.
Can we reasonably believe we would be first on the list to receive our full share of a much smaller overseas oil supply from our foreign suppliers? The reality is that if a disruption were to occur, we would be forced to cut back drastically. If the disruption occurred in the winter, we would face rationing of heating oil, and many thousands of people would need to be moved into shelters.
Would Europe, facing severe shortages of oil at home, continue to supply us with the refined products we were importing, or would it supply itself first? To pose the question is to answer it. Eastern Canada would be cut off from European supply and face rationing and economic disruption.
The regions most vulnerable to a disruption in oil from the Middle East are the Atlantic provinces, which currently rely on that region for one-quarter of their oil supply, and Ontario, through its dependence on refined products sourced from foreign countries themselves dependent on the Middle East.
Some of our suppliers have faced civil strife in the past. If such problems flare up and intensify in the future, our oil supply could be adversely affected, with serious consequences. Let us hope this does not occur, but to rely on good fortune is not prudent policy.
There is also uncertainty of a less dramatic nature with respect to imports of refined products from Europe. Currently Europe is experiencing a glut of gasoline production and is happy to sell its excess production to us. However, in the medium term, European refiners may try to reorient away from diesel and push for higher consumption of gasoline, or, failing that, they may shut their gasoline capacity entirely. Either way, their exports to Canada could be jeopardized in the medium term, at least at a reasonable price.
There was one potentially hopeful development in 2011. Enbridge proposed the reversal of its line 9 between Sarnia and Montreal to bring western crude oil to eastern Canada. If this proposal is accepted and the oil is refined in Canada, it could reduce eastern Canada's reliance on foreign oil by 20% to 25%. This would be a positive step toward energy independence, if it goes ahead.
Just to conclude, in short, CEP believes Canada should strive for complete energy independence and security for fossil fuel supplies, and eastern Canada must source its oil from western Canada. An east-west pipeline that joins Alberta to Ontario already exists: the TransCanada natural gas pipeline. We need an all-Canadian oil pipeline as well. It is the only way to be certain our oil supply will not be disrupted by competing interests in a time of crisis. Prior conditions to building the pipeline must be that aboriginal rights are fully respected and more stringent environmental standards are met.
To conclude, CEP calls on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources to recommend that the federal government ensure Canadian energy independence and security by re-establishing our independence in refined petroleum products in the Quebec-Ontario region by offering incentives to expand refinery capacity there; reducing our reliance on foreign oil by supporting the reversal of Enbridge line 9; and imposing the condition that the crude oil from western Canada be used to replace imported oil, thus ensuring complete Canadian energy independence and security by having a cross-Canada oil pipeline built to bring western crude to eastern Canada, conditional on the full respect of aboriginal rights and the highest environmental standards.
Thank you for your patience.
9:20 a.m.
The Chair Leon Benoit
Thank you all for your presentations.
We'll go now to the seven-minute round, starting on the government's side with Mr. Trost for up to seven minutes. Go ahead, please.
February 2nd, 2012 / 9:20 a.m.
Bradley Trost Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the witnesses for being here.
Mr. Ervin, I'd like to turn to you as a consultant and someone who looks to the broader industry. I'm trying to reconcile a few things I've heard here today and the previous day.
There is talk about Canadian refinery capacity not being at the optimal 95%, somewhere about 80-some percent at times, and our two witnesses here from the union have just pointed out some shortages that have happened in the recent past in Ontario. I'm not endorsing Ralph Klein's old views about Ontarians and letting them freeze; we don't want that to happen.
Could you reconcile this thing about refineries not being fully used and yet we're having problems and shortages in Ontario? This at times has got people very concerned.
9:25 a.m.
Vice-President, Director of Consulting Services, MJ Ervin and Associates, The Kent Group
When a refinery goes offline unexpectedly, it certainly does create a disruption in supply. Refineries so affected have to very quickly scramble for makeup supply, which they will achieve by importing from the United States, bringing in product from other regions, often by rail, or borrowing from their next door neighbours within the same region. I've never seen a case of cars stranded on the 401 for lack of being able to get gasoline. Although we certainly have, in Canada, witnessed rotating closures of gas stations as a result of these shortages, generally they have been associated with the early stages of these supply disruptions before makeup supply could be put in place.
The fact is that certainly up until 2008, the consequences of unexpected supply disruption, whether it's refinery or pipeline, have created problems. With supply capacity now being a little further removed from actual demand, the consequences are not as severe as they used to be. Although that has an effect on crack spreads, making them not as attractive for investment as when refinery capacities are running at full, I really don't see that as being a problem, with spare capacity being available now.
9:25 a.m.
Bradley Trost Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK
One of the other things is that it was being pointed out that we have.... We're exporters of petroleum products, both refined and unrefined, in this country as a net basis, even though it's been pointed out that eastern Canada imports in areas.... If we are going to expand our refinery capacity in Canada, that would then be for export market. We would have to sell that abroad because we export already, which leads me then to wonder where our cost-competitive structure would be versus the BRICs. I know in Saskatoon, where I live, labour costs have gone up quite a bit over the last few years for things like construction and the trades.
Could either Mr. Quinn or Mr. Ervin give me an idea of what would be the capital cost comparison for a country like Canada versus a country like Brazil, Russia, or India for building a new refinery? Say I want to build one on the Pacific coast in Canada. How much more or less would I pay to build it there, against some of my competitors around the world?
9:25 a.m.
General Manager, Integration and Planning, Refining and Marketing, Suncor Energy Inc.
I probably don't have the answer you are looking for in terms of the numbers. It's certainly something we could.... There is lots of literature out there on this. Certainly, we would be at a cost disadvantage in Canada relative to BRIC countries for sure in terms of labour costs and in terms of the northern operation of our facilities, which is more of a challenge in terms of energy efficiency and the heat required in our refinery operations. I think we would directionally be at a disadvantage.
Where we do have an advantage, however, is on source of crude. We are close to good crude sources, so that is helpful.
9:25 a.m.
Bradley Trost Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK
Mr. Ervin, would you have any idea about the cost structures we would be facing?
9:25 a.m.
Vice-President, Director of Consulting Services, MJ Ervin and Associates, The Kent Group
No. Relative to BRIC countries I don't, although certainly we already have seen countries such as India building very large, very technically advanced refineries—Reliance Industries Limited being one, for example. They are building. The refinery configurations they are putting in place are very capable of exporting gasoline, for example, that does meet North American standards.
9:30 a.m.
Bradley Trost Saskatoon—Humboldt, SK
To the gentleman from the paperworkers union, I heard you point out that the Enbridge line reversal is one thing you are in favour of. I assume, from what you say, that you'd also be in general agreement that the Canadian production in the oil sands, the back-in, and so forth, would be a good thing to increase Canada's energy security.
With that in mind, the question I have for you is this. How do we increase Canada's energy security without going to a national energy program too? As you may guess, western Canadian MPs have a fairly bad memory of that—Alberta ones in particular, but Saskatchewan lost $10 billion by some estimates. We get fairly nervous when we hear about things that might restrict our ability to export to make a good profit off our product. How would you increase Canada's energy security without damaging the export profits that Alberta and Saskatchewan enjoy and, through equalization, spread to the rest of the country?


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Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith added a new role Tuesday: proud father.
Keith, 29, flew home to Chicago on Tuesday morning to be with his wife for the birth of their first child, a boy. He missed the Hawks' morning skate at the Xcel Energy Center, but he will return to Minnesota in time for the team's 8:30 p.m. CT start of Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild.
"That's good news all the way around," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.
Quenneville said he was glad Keith was able to leave on a short flight to Chicago.
"Family comes first in a situation like that," Quenneville said. "We'd want him to be there before his child was born.
"In this situation, it's an easy decision. We're very happy that he was there in time. It's all worked out."
-Tom Musick


text: Game Photos Lifestyle Social Media Rock Stars: St. Mary's College Lacrosse Team Zach Heffner / March 2, 2011 As a former NCAA player, I have to give a lot of respect to all those MCLA players out there. Talk about 'For the love of the Game'!! I recently teamed up with Agent Odgen and MCLA Continue Reading Share


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The Wall Street Journal • O: The Oprah Magazine • BookPage • Kirkus Reviews • Booklist • School Library Journal
In this striking literary debut, Carol Rifka Brunt unfolds a moving story of love, grief, and renewal as two lonely people become the unlikeliest of friends and find that sometimes you don't know you've lost someone until you've found them.
1987. There's only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that's her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn's company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June's world is turned upside down. But Finn's death brings a surprise acquaintance into June's life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.
At Finn's funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn's apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she's not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.
An emotionally charged coming-of-age novel, Tell the Wolves I'm Home is a tender story of love lost and found, an unforgettable portrait of the way compassion can make us whole again.
Praise for Tell the Wolves I'm Home
"A dazzling debut novel."—O: The Oprah Magazine
"This compassionate and vital novel will rivet readers until the very end. . . . The narrative is as tender and raw as an exposed nerve, pulsing with the sharpest agonies and ecstasies of the human condition."—BookPage
"Tremendously moving."—The Wall Street Journal
"Transcendent . . . Peopled by characters who will live in readers' imaginations long after the final page is turned, Brunt's novel is a beautifully bittersweet mixture of heartbreak and hope."—Booklist (starred review)
"Carol Rifka Brunt establishes herself as an emerging author to watch."—Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Touching and ultimately hopeful."—People
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2012: In Tell the Wolves I'm Home, Carol Rifka Brunt has made a singular portrait of the late-'80s AIDS epidemic's transformation of a girl and her family. But beyond that, she tells a universal story of how love chooses us, and how flashes of our beloved live through us even after they're gone. Before her Uncle Finn died of an illness people don't want to talk about, 14-year-old June Elbus thought she was the center of his world. A famous and reclusive painter, Finn made her feel uniquely understood, privy to secret knowledge like how to really hear Mozart's Requiem or see the shape of negative space. When he's gone, she discovers he had a bigger secret: his longtime partner Toby, the only other person who misses him as much as she does. Her clandestine friendship with Toby—who her parents blame for Finn's illness—sharpens tensions with her sister, Greta, until their bond seems to exist only in the portrait Finn painted of them. With wry compassion, Brunt portrays the bitter lengths to which we will go to hide our soft underbellies, and how summoning the courage to be vulnerable is the only way to see through to each other's hungry, golden souls. -- Mari MalcolmAbout the Author:
Carol Rifka Brunt's work has appeared in several literary journals, includin g North American Review and The Sun. In 2006, she was one of three fiction writers who received the New Writing Ventures award and, in 2007, she received a generous Arts Council grant to write Tell the Wolves I'm Home, her first novel. Originally from New York, she currently lives in England with her husband and three children.
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Book Description The Dial Press, 2012. Hardcover. Book Condition: New. Bookseller Inventory # DADAX0679644199
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Book Description The Dial Press. Hardcover. Book Condition: New. 0679644199 We guarantee all of our items - customer service and satisfaction are our top priorities. Please allow 4 - 14 business days for Standard shipping, within the US. Bookseller Inventory # TM-0679644199
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Book Description The Dial Press, 2012. Book Condition: New. Brand New, Unread Copy in Perfect Condition. A+ Customer Service! Summary: Tell the Wolves I''m Home was named one of the Wall Street Journal ''s Top 10 Novels of 2012 , one of Oprah.com''s Best Books of 2012 , one of Kirkus Reviews '' top 100 books of the year , and one of Booklist ''s Top 10 First Novels of 2012 as well as a 2012 O Magazine Favorite Read . It is also a Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Fiction and a Shelf Awareness Reviewer''s Choice pick for 2012. "A dazzling debut novel." O Magazine "Tremendously movingBrunt strikes a difficult balance, imbuing June with the disarming candor of a child and the melancholy wisdom of a heart-scarred adult." - The Wall Street Journal "In this lovely debut novel set in the 1980s, Carol Rifka Brunt takes us under the skin and inside the tumultuous heart of June ElbusDistracted parents, tussling adolescents, the awful ghost-world of the AIDS-afflicted before AZT-all of it springs to life in Brunt's touching and ultimately hopeful book." -- People "[A] transcendent debut Peopled by characters who will live in readers' imaginations long after the final page is turned, Brunt's novel is a beautifully bittersweet mix of heartbreak and hope." - Booklist (starred review) "Carol Rifka Brunt's astonishing first novel is so good, there's no need to grade on a curve: Tell the Wolves I''m Home is not only one of the best debuts of 2012, it's one of the best books of the year, plain and simple. In a literary landscape overflowing with coming-of-age stories, Tell the Wolves I''m Home rises above the rest. The narrative is as tender and raw as an exposed nerve, pulsing with the sharpest agonies and ecstasies of the human condition." -Bookpage "A poignant debutBrunt''s first novel elegantly pictures the New York art world of the 1980s, suburban Westchester and the isolation of AIDS." - -Kirkus "In [ Tell the Wolves I'm Home ], 15-year-old June must come to terms with the death of her beloved uncle Finn, an artist, from AIDS in 1980s New York. What begins as a wary relationship between former rivals for Finn's affection blossoms touchingly." - PW "[This] gut-wrenching portrayal of a 13-year-old coping with her beloved Uncle Finn's death from AIDS more than delivers."- Daily Candy "[A] striking first outingBrunt weaves a terrific coming-of-age story, painting a vibrant picture of June's dreams and insecurities as she teeters on the border between childhood and maturity." -The Onion A.V. Club "An uplifting debut novel about loss, love, and unlikely friendships in the midst of the 1980s AIDS epidemic a literary pleasure read."- BookBrowse "[A] beautiful novel of love and loss accessible, sensitively told, and heartbreaking."-- School Library Journal Blogs (Starred Review) "If summer reading means being wholly transported to another era, I recommend Carol Rifka Brunt''s brilliant and thoughtful debut novel Tell the Wolves I''m Home ."-- David Gutowski , of Largehearted Boy , on The Atlantic Wire "With this debut novel that flawlessly encapsulates the fragile years during the mid-''80s when the specter of AIDS began to haunt society at large, Carol Rifka Brunt establishes herself as an emerging author to watchTELL THE WOLVES I''M HOME will undoubtedly be this summer''s literary sleeper hit." Minneapolis Star Tribune "Brunt''s debut novel is both a painful reminder of the ill-informed responses to a once little-known disease and a delightful romp through an earlier decade. The relationship issues with parents and siblings should appeal to YA audiences, but adult readers will enjoy the suspenseful plot and quirky characters"- Library Journal "A fresh yet nostalgic debut novel about a 1980s teen who loses a beloved uncle to AIDS but finds herself by befriending his grieving boyfriend. Filled with lost opportunities and second chances, Tell the Wolves I''m Home delivers wisdom, innocence and originality with surprising sweetness. Its cast of waifs and strays will steal your heart as they show each othe. Bookseller Inventory # ABE_book_new_0679644199
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Book Description The Dial Press, 2012. Hardcover. Book Condition: New. book. Bookseller Inventory # 0679644199
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Book Description The Dial Press, 2012. Hardcover. Book Condition: New. Bookseller Inventory # P110679644199
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Established in 1876, Penrith Farmers' and Kidd's plc is now one of the foremost firms of auctioneers, surveyors, land and estate agents in Cumbria.
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The company's head office is located off Junction 40 of the M6 Motorway, just outside Penrith and there are other offices in Whitehaven, Penrith town centre, Keswick, Appleby-in-Westmorland and Kirkby Stephen. The residential estate agency operates mainly in the Eden Valley and North Lakes, but other services are offered on a regional or nationwide basis.
As a member of the National Homes Network, the company has strong regional connections and the National Homes referral system provides the facility to assist homeowners moving from, or to, most parts of the UK.
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PK&F are also a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme.
Devonshire Chambers Devonshire Street Penrith CA11 7SS


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Social Listening: Overcoming Challenges and Getting to Value
August 15, 2012
Jason Widup, market research director, CMG global research & insights, Microsoft, discussed the benefits of social listening and Microsoft's Social Intelligence Platform, which measures social media marketing impact.
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TRAINING LEVEL: Basic
The Highway Beautification Act (HBA) of 1965 mandated a state program, based on Federal rules and regulations, for improving motorists' visual experiences on the roadway. The HBA affects billboards and advertisements along State roadways. The Outdoor Advertising and Litter Control course familiarizes maintenance personnel with the rules and regulations governing placement and control of outdoor advertising along highway rights-of-way to ensure they are in compliance with the standards stipulated in the HBA. Additionally, the course covers litter control safety for public groups assisting State DOTs in litter pickup.
Participants learn about the rules and regulations for maintaining and controlling outdoor advertising, guidance on administering an outdoor advertising program, the steps involved in the permitting process, and appropriate actions for non-compliance by sign owners. Additionally, participants are encouraged to compare the standards outlined in the HBA to their State's rules and regulations, which may include stricter provisions than those in the HBA.
This training was developed as part of the Maintenance Training Series. To access all the courses in the series, enroll in the 134109 course.
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Last weekend in Tunis, Secretary Clinton made a powerful statement supporting the revolutions that continue to impact North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on backing the Syrian people in their ongoing struggle for freedom. One particular moment in her remarks stood out to me, which was her praise for the people of Tunisia, where the revolutions were first sparked. She said, "I think it was quite remarkable, especially on such short notice -- and thanks to Tunisian leadership and Arab League leadership -- that all of us gathered here today reached consensus."
I saw this same leadership firsthand when the Global Partnership Initiative hosted the Tunisia Partnerships Forum at the State Department on November 15, less than a month after the free and fair elections in Tunisia. In many ways, just as the Tunisians set the example by overthrowing a dictator and transitioning to more open and inclusive political systems, they are now also the trailblazers for creating more open and inclusive economic systems as well.
We are working with the leadership of the Tunisian advisory board for our U.S. North Africa Partnership for Economic Opportunity (NAPEO), the regional network that is advancing the goals of one of our flagship partnership programs, Partners for a New Beginning. These local leaders are working with American CEOs and other global leaders to focus on fostering entrepreneurship, developing market-relevant skills training, and creating opportunities for job matching and cross-border exchanges -- and it has been an honor to support this partnership network in the Maghreb through the launch of the Department's Global Entrepreneurship Program in Tunisia and our other efforts.
Secretary Clinton and I believe that by encouraging private business, empowering Arab Spring entrepreneurs and developing public-private partnerships, we can create jobs in both of our countries, which will enhance both of our mutual interests and foster long term ties between our two nations. The Tunisians' leadership has not ended with their elections on October 23 or their first ever investment forum hosted at the State Department on November 15. Instead, they have consistently shown their willingness to work with the U.S. Government and American companies, in a true sense of trust and partnership, to forge a better future for us all. Whether it meant revising their franchising laws, which immediately sparked investments by U.S. companies with the support of the International Franchise Association, to organizing the first investment roadshow to meet with business leaders in three U.S. cities, the Tunisians are setting the example.
And America has responded. Since last year's revolution, the United States has committed approximately $190 million in total assistance to support Tunisia's transition, focusing heavily on support for Tunisia's economy and private sector, including a new franchising facility that will create thousands of local jobs for Tunisians. Secretary Clinton has stated, "As Tunisia's brave citizens chart a new democratic future, they continue to set an example for the region and the world." While they continue to lead the way, the United States of America is proud to support their efforts and invest in our shared future together.
Patrick in Maryland writes:
I like the Tunisia Example ! It sounds like a good investment in the future progress of our partnership.
C.Ya have a nice weekend.....:)
Brad B. in Canada writes:
There is a transcription on the state.gov website dated Feb. 25th 2012 titled: "Town Hall With Tunisian Youth."
Secretary Clinton engaged with young Tunisians carrying a similar hopeful message as is contained here.
The penultimate question ran roughly as follows: In US elections, both sides run to Zionist lobbies for support. Afterwards they show support for countries like Tunisia. How would you reassure and gain the trust of Tunisians and Arabs given the fact that you are supporting his enemy as well at the same time.
Her answer I summarize with the following excerpts:
".. in political campaigns … comments (are) made that certainly don't reflect the United States, don't reflect our foreign policy …†"(in) the United States, you see mosques everywhere, you see Muslim Americans everywhere.â€
" … watch what President Obama says and does. …. he will be reelected President … that will be a very clear signal to the entire world as to what our values are and what our President believes.â€
Clinton missed a golden opportunity to turn these children away from the concept of having enemies, being natural. Her answer was in fact quite chilling and leaves the impression that the administration shares in the negative ideas voiced by the questioner.


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A popular jazz haunt amongst locals, Café du 38 Riv is one of Paris' best kept secrets. This intimate venue will see you seated up close to the live band while sipping on some of France's best vino. Between the cavern-style interior and the lively music, Café du 38 Riv makes for a truly Parisian experience.
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Perfect for foodies – this gastronomic tour combines French gourmet specialities with an afternoon of walking. Which means you won't feel guilty as you sample mouth-watering chocolates and pastries from some of Paris's leading chocolatiers and pastry shops. Your tour is led by a food connoisseur, who will give you an overview of French culinary habits and an introduction to the shops' specialities. You will also learn about how these sumptuous treats are produced and how to prepare your own.


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We need you!
FAS Educational Technology Program is collaborating with Muzzy Lane Software to create a series of video games that help middle school students and teachers prepare for middle school science proficiency exams. The collaboration is intended to draw in teachers, students, game designers and anyone interested to contributing to the design of the games. Since middle school science covers a wide range of topics (Physical, Chemical, Earth and Life sciences) there is something to interest everyone. The collaboration is called The Clear Lab Project, and is funded by a SBIR grant from DARPA to Muzzy Lane.
To get involved, go to the project website, http://clearlabproject.com/
Soon, you will be able to access our very first draft of a game design. You can also find a "Game Design Template," which is a list of the necessary components of an excellent video game design draft.
I look forward to many rewarding interactions with many of you as we design games for science together!


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Chip wrote:[This will also be located on page 1 for easy reference.]
Brewing Guide for Shincha OTTI
Speaking of water quality, I suddenly noticed sub par results with Aquafina which had been giving me very good results for a while ... now just no discernable highs. So, I switched to Deer Park spring water. Why has water suddenly become so confusing to me when it never was before
Poohblah wrote:Nothing in the mail for me today
saxon75 wrote:Got my package tonight. Very excited to start in on these teas!
Is might be kind of a dumb question, but when you're measuring your brewing time do you include the time it takes to fill and empty your brewing vessel?


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Title: [Christmas tree at Grand Army Plaza] [picture]
Source: Brooklyn Eagle.
Date: [195-?]
Format: 1 photographic print: b & w, gelatin silver; 8 x 10 in.
Call #: NEIG 1340
Description: Christmas tree with decorations on raised and festooned platform at Grand Army Plaza; Memorial Arch, Bailey Fountain, and tree line of Prospect Park in background; portion of Brooklyn Public Library in left background; snow-covered ground in foreground.


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CollectionsSee all
CenterpiecesSee all
Bridesmaid BouquetsSee all
More Categories in Wedding Flowers
What should I consider when purchasing wedding flowers?
- Think about your personal style. Do you desire a classic look? Would you like your wedding to adopt a beach theme? Do you want a combination of various styles? The choice is up to you, but it helps in purchasing your wedding flower arrangement to define a style.
- Your wedding dress and that of your bridesmaids can help determine your floral arrangement. In addition, consider the style of the tuxedos and the architecture of the church or venue in which you will be married.
- Decide on a color scheme for your wedding flower arrangement. It can be a combination of one color via various tones, or you can decide on having multiple colors to implement into the color scheme.
- Some people like to incorporate the season into their wedding flower arrangement. Certain colors work better in particular seasons. For instance, choose wedding roses of a beach color or citrus hue for a summer wedding.
- Many people elicit the help of a wedding organizer. Talk with your organizer to help you come up with an idea for a wedding pack, and then visit samsclub.com to find the perfect wedding flowers.
- Many people decide to supplement their wedding flower bouquets by adding gems, fruits, feathers, and vegetables to the arrangement. This is also a good idea if you're going with a seasonal theme.
- If you're getting married in a smaller venue, then it is good to choose wedding flowers that do not have a strong bouquet of scent.
Wedding Bouquet Buying Tips
- An arm bouquet is old fashioned. Long-stemmed flowers are best for retro-themed weddings.
- A biedermeier wedding bouquet provides a structured look. It is a round style of bouquet that features rings of flowers that fan out at the center.
- A cascade bouquet provides a free-flowing look. The flowers and greenery spill down from a base creating something of a waterfall image. This look is great for a large wedding.
- A hand-tied bouquet provides a loose and casual look. The stems and flowers are bound by ribbon. This look is best for casual weddings.
- A nosegay wedding bouquet provides a classic look. The bouquet is tightly wound and round.
- A pomander bouquet is structured and globe-like. Best for romantic weddings, the round bouquet is attached to a ribbon in a loop handle.
Wedding Flower Arrangement Buying Tips
- A floral arch provides a romantic sentiment. Flowers are woven into a tall arch. The bride, groom, and official stand underneath the arch during the ceremony. It is great for ceremonies without altars.
- A garland arrangement is natural. Wedding flowers are woven together into a rope-like structure and adorned on railings, doorways, or church pews.
- Pew vase arrangements feature small vases that are clipped to the end of pews.
- A spray wedding flower arrangement provides a contemporary look. Branches bearing buds, flowers, or berries are displayed in potted arrangements.
- A trellis arrangement provides a casual look. Best for outdoor weddings, a structure of wooden latticework supports high-climbing plants and flowers.


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Some that I will be looking forward to in particular....
Survivor: Samoa (CBS), 8:00 PM/ET
The 19th edition of the series begins with 20 castaways being stranded on the South Pacific island nation of Samoa. They are immediately divided into two tribes: Galu and Foa Foa. Next, without speaking to each other, the tribe members select a chief who will make all of their decisions. At tribal council, the first person is voted out of the game.
Parks and Recreation (NBC), 8:30 PM/ET
In the Season 2 opener, Leslie tries to drum up publicity for the Pawnee zoo by arranging for two penguins to wed, but she inadvertently causes an uproar when both penguins turn out to be male. Elsewhere, Mark sets his sights on Ann and asks her out on a date.
The Office (NBC), 9:00 PM/ET
In the mockumentary's Season 6 opener, the Dunder-Mifflin staffers share gossip about the summer interns. Michael, feeling left out of the fun chatter, desperately goes hunting for the next big rumor to spread. Meanwhile, opposite-sex issues rattle Andy.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), 10:00 PM/ET
Frank, Mac and Dennis try their hand at real estate; Dee arranges to be a surrogate mother for a rich couple; Charlie squares off with a lawyer over the intricacies of the judicial system.


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"Here's Where The Magic Happens"
"And by magic, I mean me drinking a lot of coffee and not bathing for days while sitting in my PJ's and drawing comics until the wee hours of the morning." Gasp at comics creator Mike Allred's lovely home! Admire artist Stuart Immonen's tastfully furnished work area! And marvel at writer Mark Waid's piles and piles of comic crap! Click the [more inside] for more studio tours guided by your favorite funnybook creators! And Mark Millar, too! [more inside]
Page: 1


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- 4 cooked chicken breasts (3 ounces each), boneless, skinless
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
- 4 small tomatoes (about 3 1/2 inches in diameter) or 24 grape tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber (about 8 inches), sliced thinly
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 4 ounces green onions
- 1/4 cup canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 packets Splenda
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 dashes salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Cut chicken into bite-size cubes and set aside. Place 1 cup torn iceberg lettuce on each of four salad plates. Quarter each tomato and place quarters around each plate, or place 6 grape tomatoes on each plate. Distribute cucumber slices evenly between tomato slices on each plate. Top with grated carrots (1/4 cup per plate) and chicken.
Trim the roots and 2 inches from the tops of the green onions. In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients and blend thoroughly until well mixed. Pour approximately 1/4 cup dressing over each salad. Top with cilantro if desired.
Yield: 4 servings. Serving size: 1 breast on 1 1/2 cups salad.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Calories: 255, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 18 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 56 mg, Sodium: 411 mg, Fiber: 3 g
Exchanges per serving: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat. Carbohydrate choices: 1.
Kathleen Stanley is a Diabetes Educator at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kathleen Stanley is a Diabetes Educator at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.


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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (134 votes).
In short: Mud and hills made it tough and interestingIn full: This was my first "competitive" race. I had done plenty of training with similar ascents/descents, but this was tougher than expected, mainly I think due to the mud. It probably didn't help that I got carried away and ran too fast at the start as well (20 minutes faster in the 1st half than the 2nd!). Enjoyed it though. It was well organized with clear direction markers on the trail, regular water stations and friendly cheerful marshals (I thought they ALL did a good job, no singling out the lady at 8 miles ;-). I'm definitely interested in doing this again!Date of review: August 4, 2009
In short: Mud, Hills and great viewsDate of review: August 3, 2009
In short: TOUGH!In full: Tough but if an old girl like me can do it you can too! Very hard cross country course not a trail run. With the wet weather, the course was treacherous; last year was easy in comparison. (but last year I said it was the hardest thing I had ever done!). Thank you to the lady marshall at mile 8/9 (?) who was very encouraging to everyone - just what you need. I will be back..... I think....!Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: A trial of endurance........In full: A race must for anyone aspiring to be a trail runner, even for a day! The course is set in beautiful country with enough undulations and narrow trails to satisfy anyone looking for a challenging test over varied terrain. The recent rains made for a muddier course this year, with some of the descents a really slippery affair...ouch, but the views on top were well worth it. The organisation by Liss was again first class, with very clear signage around the course and excellent marshalling. The event felt low key and friendly with tea and cakes, but ran like clockwork. Well done to all involved. I have to admit I was glad to finish this year, running 14 minutes slower than last year, with a mile less to run?!!! However, will be back next year to try again.Thanks again everyone for a great race.Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: Mud, hills, more mud and then a few more hills, with mud of courseDate of review: August 3, 2009
In short: A gently trail 13 miler......in your dreams. Hard as nails mud feast.....but enjoyable.In full: Wow - I didn`t expect that. I suppose its like cross country meets trail running but 13 miles of it!! 90% off-road other 10% was necessary. Great scenery, directional signs everywhere - bit like the mud. Great route which made each mile very different from the last. Marshalling was spot on - special mention to the lady at mile 8 - she brought the smile back.Well done Liss Runners & thanks to all the helpers. Tough but great event but thank goodness its over for another year.Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: Slip sliding away!In full: Superb never done this one before, would do it again my legs know about it today. Lots of people injured was the only down side you got to keep your wits about you on this one!Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: Very tough but enjoyable raceIn full: This race was very tough due to thick slippery mud and steep descents but the very encouraging marshals, great organisation, beautiful scenery and supportive other runners well and truly made up for it. Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: Absolutely first classIn full: First time I've done this one and understand its not usually that muddy so I'm glad to have done it this year - I just love these hard hilly muddy courses!! Great course impeccably marked, very supportive marshalls (including the lady at Mile 8), excellent organisation. Great day out - nothing but praise for the whole event. Thank you Liss Runners.Date of review: August 3, 2009
In short: A brilliant tough warm muddy run with big big hillsIn full: Did this last year and thought it was tough. Running it reversed this year seemed much much tougher. Nice and sunny but extremely muddy is some places. Were the hills much bigger this way around or I am now less fit? Regardless it was a top class event again. Great marshalls. Good course. Good atmosphere - I pulled up for half mile or so when I thought I might have pulled a muscle when I slipped on a muddy bridge - the number of people who checked if I was ok as they passed by was unusual and helped motivate my restart (so thanks). Only wish I had read the race details as I was expecting another mile at the end - so might have been able to run it a bit quicker. Will be back next year.Date of review: August 3, 2009
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The Limited Offer of the day comes from A Rocket To The Moon! Only 25 of these are available! Each bundle includes a Vintage T-Shirt and an autographed 18x24 poster of the guys wearing some Snakes & Suits gear. Check out a photo of the poster HERE then click HERE to order yours before it sells out!
Other deals you can get today include FREE Shipping on orders over $100 and 10% - 30% off select items! We also have free sticker packs to anyone who orders $25 or more! *While Supplies Last
Also check out a note from Nick Santino & Andrew Cook of A Rocket To The Moon on the main holiday sale page!. We have one from Eric & Justin as well that will be featured tomorrow!


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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in International Relations has a comparative advantage in training scholars to engage in cutting-edge, problem-driven, interdisciplinary research in international affairs and political science. Our doctoral research not only contributes to academic literature, but also to resolving pressing policy problems. Students engage in significant fieldwork grounded in rigorous methods and supported by a comprehensive theoretical framework, helping Fletcher doctoral candidates produce research that contributes to both theory and practice.
With approximately seventy students engaged in coursework or research, the PhD Program is an integral and vibrant component of The Fletcher School. After completing their degrees, our graduates go on to high-level careers in academia, research, non-profit organizations, government, and the private sector.


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Health Watch/Aspirus Keweenaw/Cindy Griffin/Patient Services Director
As a certified Hospice and Palliative Care nurse, I am often asked, "What does Hospice care mean?" In healthcare we know this term, but I realize "Hospice care" is not used very often in day-to day conversations and many people do not think about it- until they or a loved one have a serious illness or health condition.
Hospice Care: How we define it
Hospice Care is for a person with an illness that their physician believes "if the disease takes its normal course of progression, the person would be expected to have less than six months to live."
Our goal is to promote quality of life when a "cure" for a disease is not an option. Hospice care concentrates on relieving symptoms and supporting patients and their families.
The Hospice team can help by instructing patients and their families about comfort care and symptom management. Symptom management means providing cares that give more attention to symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, lack of appetite, nausea, delirium (acute confusion), anxiety, seizures, sleep problems, skin or wound problems and other symptoms. Our trained staff and volunteers are experienced in dealing with the special physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs at the end of life. We work with the patient and their physician to manage pain as comfort is Hospice care's number one priority.
Here are some good recommendations for when Hospice care should be started:
If you have difficulty with pain control or other symptoms(described above)
If you have been in and out of the hospital frequently and are not functioning well
If you have been told you (or a loved one) are in the end stages of advanced cancer, dementia or another disease.
Hospice Care services include:
The Hospice team- works closely with your physician to give complete care
Medications for pain and comfort-are provided at no cost
All equipment and supplies for safety and comfort- are provided at no cost
Nurses, social workers, home care aides, therapists and volunteers are available to make regular scheduled home visits
Spiritual/chaplain services and a bereavement program are also provided
Hospice Medical Director- oversees all aspects of Hospice services
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare, Medicaid and many other insurance policies. Hospice is a covered benefit in your own home, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
For more information or if you have questions, talk to your health care provider or call Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice at 906-337-5700.
Editor's note: Cindy Griffin is a Patient Services Director at Aspirus Keweenaw Home Health and Hospice


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Bourguiba Mausoleum
Burchell's Zebras
At the grasslands of Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland
observed by Jane Goodall Institute researchers in Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Crested Barbet
Found in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
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The South African women's hockey team came back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to a 3-2 victory over Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Nairobi on Saturday. ...
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Stocks Mixed; Wal-Mart Tumbles, Burger King Jumps
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Major U.S. stock averages were mixed Friday after the Dow turned positive in the final minutes of trading. Investors digested stronger-than-expected consumer sentiment and New York manufacturing data and awaited the results of the weekend G-20 meeting.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average tacked on 8 points, or 0.1%, to 13,982. The blue-chip index is up 4.9% from its 2013 closing low Jan. 8. The Dow closed off 0.1% for the week.
Winners overtook losers 16 to 13 in the Dow. The biggest losers were Wal-Mart(WMT) , Bank of America (BAC) , Hewlett-Packard(HPQ) and American Express (AXP) .
Wal-Mart shares dove 2.2% Friday as Bloomberg News reported an internal email from the company that said February sales have been "a total disaster."
Gainers included Walt Disney (DIS) , United Technologies (UTX) and Coca-Cola(KO) .
The S&P 500 dipped 1.6 points, or 0.1%, to 1,520. The index added 0.1% for this week. The Nasdaq was off 6.6 points, or 0.2%, to 3,192. The tech-heavy index shed 0.1% for the week.
Most sectors across the broader market traded lower. The basic materials and energy sectors drifted down. Consumer-cyclical and consumer non-cyclical sectors led gainers.
Volumes totaled 3.82 billion shares on the Big Board and reached 1.85 billion shares on the Nasdaq. Decliners overshadowed advancers incrementally on the New York Stock Exchange, and by a 1.1-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
Adam Sarhan, founder and CEO of Sarhan Capital, said "the markets had a big run, and at this stage of the game we're simply pausing to digest that move, which is very healthy. The fact that we're not pulling back is a subtle, yet very important, signal of strength. ... If this market pulls back, it deserves a bullish benefit of the doubt."
Sarhan said that the stock market looks very healthy both on the surface, looking at the major averages, and underneath, where there's been many "mini" industry or sector rotations.
Sarhan explained that groups that were underperforming are now outperforming the broader market, while leading performers such as financials remain strong but are now stalling a bit. Sarhan also noted that the housing sector remains strong and the oil sector popped this week.
Major U.S. stock averages ended little changed Thursday amid a number of high-profile corporate deals and better-than-expected jobs data.
A number of U.S. economic data points were released Friday morning, most of them positive.
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index showed a reading of 76.3 for February, which was stronger than the expected 73.5 and above the previous 73.8.
Capital Economics said that consumer confidence likely improved on a mixture of better labor market headlines and the continued rally in stock markets.
The New York Empire State manufacturing survey showed a reading of 10 for February, above expectations for a flat read and up from negative 7.8 in the prior month.


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