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AirStep Basix
Random PlankIn color: Penny
Our Random Plank wood design has the look of traditional oak in three widths: 3 ˝", 4 ˝", and 5". The realistic texture and graining combined with the random widths make this an exciting wood that works well in any decorating scheme.
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Regular Care: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit. Wipe up spills promptly. Wash your floor with Congoleum Bright N' Easy No-Rinse Cleaner for a thorough cleaning.
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The pipelines that run across Ogoniland have repeatedly sprung leaks, due to both old age and sabotage.the oil poisoned their crops and emptied the creeks of fish, and handed me humble petitions asking for outside help.
The UNEP found Shell's environmental stewardship often far below environmental standards.residues that continued to ooze into the lagoon and poison underground water.
Nigerian press reports say the federal government is balking at paying 55 percent of the cleanup bill.villages in Ogoniland began a class action against Shell in London, demanding compensation for two massive spills in August 2011 for which Shell has admitted liability.
MORE FROM YALE e360
Digital Defenders: Tribal People
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subset: commoncrawl


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The Top 10 Metal Furnishings
It's no surprise that navy blue is having a moment in both home decor and fashion – the deep hue has the magic quality of always looking both timeless and up to date. It looks even better when paired with an endless array of different hues which makes it a safe and yet supremely chic choice for gifts.
And don't forget to check out all of the gifts ideas in ELLE DECOR's staff-curated holiday gift guide!
$58 at C. Wonder; cwonder.com
A pair of 8" high statues modeled after the giant stone guardians of ancient Chinese palaces. Perfect for protecting your loved ones' bookshelves.
Holiday Gifts Inspired by: Birds


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Debates of Feb. 1st, 2012
House of Commons Hansard #71 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was plan.
- Question Period
- Outma Sqilx'w Cultural School
- The Environment
- Václav Havel
- Black History Month
- Israel
- Sealing Industry
- The Economy
- Black History Month
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- B.C. Legislative Assembly Black Rod
- National Defence
- The Conservative Government
- Foreign Affairs
- La justice
- Pensions
- Aboriginal Affairs
- Government Services
- Airline Security
- Maternal Health
- Official Languages
- Pensions
- Access to Information
- The Environment
- Post-Secondary Education
- International Co-operation
- International Trade
- National Defence
- Government Contracts
- Foreign Affairs
- Airline Security
- Labour
- Forestry Industry
- Public Safety
- Fisheries and Oceans
- Infrastructure
- Employment
- Veterans
- Pensions
- Presence in the Gallery
- Business of the House
- Points of Order
- International Trade
- Foreign Affairs
- Committees of the House
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Motions for Papers
- Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
- Infrastructure
- National Flag of Canada
- Parliament of Canada Act
Questions on the Order Paper
Routine Proceedings
3:20 p.m.
Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.
Questions on the Order Paper
Routine Proceedings
February 1st, 2012 / 3:20 p.m.
Questions on the Order Paper
Routine Proceedings
3:20 p.m.
Some hon. members
Motions for Papers
Routine Proceedings
3:20 p.m.
Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre
Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all notices of motions for the production of papers be allowed to stand.
Motions for Papers
Routine Proceedings
3:20 p.m.
Motions for Papers
Routine Proceedings
3:20 p.m.
Some hon. members
The House resumed from January 31 consideration of the motion that Bill C-25, An Act relating to pooled registered pension plans and making related amendments to other Acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:20 p.m.
Ted Opitz Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in this chamber today to speak to Bill C-25, an act relating to pooled registered pension plans.
Innovative measures like pooled registered pension plans demonstrate our Conservative government's focus on the issues that matter most to Canadians: economic growth and financial security. This focus has continually achieved results. Under the leadership of our Conservative government, the Canadian economy has maintained the strongest job record in the G7. I'm very proud to say that over 600,000 net new jobs have been created since July 2009. We have also ensured a higher standard of living for Canadian seniors and our government has provided an additional $2.3 billion in annual targeted tax relief for seniors and pensioners, with measures like increases in the age credit amount and the introduction of pension income splitting.
While these are all very positive and necessary developments, there remains much to be done. Unlike the members opposite, who continue to promote job-killing tax hikes that threaten the growth of wealth and prosperity in Canada, our government has been working hard at crafting prudent, responsible and creative plans to move Canadians forward in these very fragile economic times.
I have just recently spent some time in Europe and seen first hand the difficulty that the EU is in and I am thankful that this government has ensured that we have stayed ahead of all the G7 nations. However, this requires continual improvement, vigilance, innovation and flexibility in how we manage our economy and the long-term financial prosperity and security of all Canadians well into their golden years. We must encourage all Canadians to save for their retirement and to plan for it early. To help the many Canadians who presently have no plan, the pooled registered pension plan is a vehicle that would help address that very need.
While some of the provinces raised serious concerns about expanding the CPP, there was unanimity among the provinces about pursuing the PRPP framework. Continued consultations with our provincial partners have revealed that a key area to help the Canadian economy move forward is the retirement income system. How else can we explain the fact that there are still Canadians who face a serious risk of not saving enough for retirement? This is especially true for the self-employed and Canadians working in companies that presently do not offer a pension plan. Pension reform is a key priority considering that over 60% of Canadians have no workplace pension.
Existing retirement income structures, while good vehicles, are not the key to addressing this problem. Instead, programs like RRSPs continue to be underutilized. On average, each Canadian has approximately $18,000 in unused RRSP room. Shortcomings and holes in our pension options pose a real threat as our population ages and more people reach retirement age. With this in mind, our government is proposing new low-cost and accessible pooled registered pension plans. Their introduction would widen the range of retirement savings options for Canadians and allow a greater percentage of our citizens to reach their retirement goals.
Employers would be drawn to the pooled registered plans because these would allow them the opportunity to forego the prohibitive burdens that traditional pension plans generally carry. Instead, a third-party administrator would take on most of the legal and administrative duties associated with the maintenance of the plan. Plan members would rest at ease, knowing that this third-party administration would come from regulated financial institutions that have already demonstrated a capacity to fill fiduciary roles and to act in the best interests of potential plan members.
Canadians joining PRPPs would also gain greater purchasing power, as they would essentially buy into a pool of investments. This would allow members to benefit from greater economies of scale and lower management costs, which would be an improvement over the existing smaller RRSPs. The fact that the regulatory framework of PRPPs would be harmonized between the provinces would also reduce the cost of these measures and remove administrative burdens. PRPPs would also be flexible enough to allow members to easily transfer between plans. This feature would undoubtedly also increase the attractiveness of the plan to small business owners who may find the locking-in provisions of other plans too much of a barrier.
The innovative design and new features of PRPPs have garnered universal praise. All of our provincial partners are enthusiastic about the positive effect of PRPPs on small and medium business. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Association of Canadian Pension Management and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation have all declared their support for PRPPs.
In my riding of Etobicoke Centre, PRPPs would be a very effective means to help many of my constituents start a pension where many do not have one today. I have a huge number of small and medium-sized businesses that this will apply to perfectly. I know that the people of Etobicoke Centre working in those businesses will benefit from this tremendously.
The introduction of the pooled registered pension plans does not preclude us from continuing on our work on other retirement savings vehicles. However, our government understands that in these economic trying times Canadians cannot afford further increases in CPP contributions. Because of this, the provinces have stalled their debate on reforms to CPP.
Already entrepreneurs are making plans to enrol their employees in new PRPPs.
The Ontario Medical Association recognizes the tremendous positive potential PRPPs will have on essential professions, like doctors, and praises the government for creating savings opportunities that have hereto been unavailable to them.
At this point, the introduction of a new alternative pension plan like PRPPs has been far better received than have other reforms.
Pooled registered pension plans have an enormous potential to improve the retirement security of all Canadians, particularly the 60% of Canadians who do not have the luxury of a workplace pension. This program has already drawn the interest of small business employers and relevant stakeholders, including all of our provincial partners.
In these fragile economic times, sound and innovative policy like that behind the pooled registered pension plans is essential for Canadian competitiveness and for the welfare of our citizens.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Bruce Hyer Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON
Mr. Speaker, this PRPP proposal reminds me of another debate.
Canadians called for years, and are still calling for, for a national childcare program and the Conservatives gave them $100. Now Canadians are asking for secure pensions and Conservatives are giving them a weak and voluntary program so they can roll the dice in the marketplace.
There are already private pension investment vehicles out there, so can somebody explain to me how yet another voluntary risky program is an improvement?
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Ted Opitz Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I reject entirely the premise of the hon. member's question.
This is not risky at all. As we said, 60% of Canadians do not have a pension plan of their own, especially those who are self-employed or work in small and medium-sized enterprises. This is an important ability for them to save for their future in the long term and well into their golden years.
This government is a very innovative government in that we provide many tools, vehicles and abilities for our Canadian seniors to benefit and live in dignity in their golden years.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Kevin Lamoureux Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I would ask if the member would try to put himself in a mindset of an individual who has been working 25, 30 years, maybe in a manufacturing industry, or the restaurant or hospitality industries, and who is now in the age range of 55 to 57 years of age. He or she watching the news now sees the Prime Minister and the government talking about increasing CPP up from age 65 to 67.
I am sure the member can appreciate the nervousness those types of individuals would have, when the government of the day is talking about making those types of significant changes. It is all a part of pensions, whether it is this bill or government pensions, something for which we have long advocated.
Those individuals are looking for a very simple answer. We could not get it today during question period. My challenge to this member is this. Is he prepared to say that the Conservative government will not increase the CPP age from 65 to 67? Could he give that simple guarantee that this will not happen?
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Ted Opitz Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member spent too much on his laptop. I was talking about pooled registered pension plans.
I can put myself in the mindset of those individuals. Starting off as a young teen I bussed tables, I cleaned toilets, I was a waiter, I built cars and I delivered furniture. I had so many other jobs that put me through school, but they were very difficult jobs in their time. I understand what Canadians go through.
On the pooled registered pension plans, this is another opportunity for Canadians to save. It is never too late to start planning and saving for retirement, with good prudent tools that the government is providing all Canadians.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Mark Adler York Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, given the fragile economic times that we currently face, what would an increase in CPP premiums do?
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Ted Opitz Etobicoke Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, it would be a very difficult time because this is a fragile economy. It also takes two-thirds of the population in order to change that rule. Right now, in very difficult economic times, like those I observed in Europe recently, this would be a burden that we could not fairly place upon Canadians.
Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act
Government Orders
3:30 p.m.
Ryan Cleary St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Mr. Speaker, the image that haunts me from the May 2011 federal election, from campaigning in my riding of St. John's South—Mount Pearl in the great province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is that of the seniors I met at their doors, in the middle of the afternoon, in their winter coats. They wore their winter coats inside their homes, decent homes in the suburbs of St. John's and Mount Pearl, because they could not afford to turn up the heat.
The number one issue in my riding is seniors, people living on fixed incomes, people trying to make ends meet.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, 1.6 million seniors across the country live in poverty, and it is slowly and steadily getting worse. The cost of everything is going up, the cost of food, the cost of oil, the cost of gas, except their incomes. Seniors are having a hard time. People are worried about their retirement years. Lately, people are practically panicking about the thought of retirement.
The Conservative government has thrown out the idea of raising the age of eligibility of old age security to 67 from 65. I have to stop myself there and offer an apology to the man in my riding who wrote to me to complain about the term "old age security", which he finds, "disgusting". To quote the man further, he said:
—it is very obvious that the term is not only outdated and lacking creativity as a program title, but it is insulting and downgrading to individuals reaching age 65, and are very active and independent members of society.
That is a very good point.
However, my speech is not about OAS, although it is what most Canadians are talking about from coast to coast to coast. I am on my feet in this esteemed chamber today to speak about pooled registered pension plans and to speak against them.
Pooled pension plans are not the solution for the retirement security of Canadians. Why? Because they amount to gambling even more of their retirement savings on failing stock markets.
Here is the $64,000 question. Will they have a decent retirement income from a pooled registered pension plan? The answer is, who knows. Roll the dice and see, but do not count on it. Do not take it to the bank, do not dare take it to the bank. Is that how we want to see their retirement, as a big fat question mark, as a gamble, as a crapshoot?
Bill C-25 is designed to appeal to the self-employed, as well as workers in small to medium-sized businesses, companies that often lack the means to administer a private sector pension plan. The plan created would be a defined contribution plan, and Canadians need to understand that. Employees will kick in a portion of their salaries into a retirement account where it could be invested in stocks, or bonds or mutual funds. Companies can contribute or they can decide not to. It is up to the individual company. Canadians have to understand there is no guarantee how much of their money will be left when they retire. Their pension will depend upon how well their money is invested. This is not a defined benefit plan. Again, it is a defined contribution plan.
Anyone who has watched their RRSPs nosedive in recent times knows how incredibly risky it is to tie savings to the stock market. Most people have taken losses in recent years, and that is most people who can afford to put money into RRSPs.
When people think about retirement, they want stability. They want to know that their retirement years will be comfortable years. Forget that with the pooled registered pension plan.
Here is what the New Democrat position comes down. The NDP will not support pooled registered pension plans. Although this is not a pension plan so much as a savings scheme. Canadians need to understand that as well.
The NDP will not support this savings scheme because the Conservatives are offering this up instead of taking real action to protect both existing pensions and enhance pension retirement security for those who lack a workplace pension plan.
An estimated 12 million Canadians do not have a workplace pension plan. That is more than one in three Canadians. Bill C-25, an act relating to pooled registered pension plans, or pooled registered savings schemes, would not give them one.
A New Democratic government would double the guaranteed Canada pension plan. The CPP is a universal program for all Canadians, whether self-employed, in small or large businesses, or in the public or private sector.
Why give workers a savings scheme to roll the dice on their retirement when we could simply expand the CPP? Participation in the CPP is mandatory, meaning its expansion would impact everyone. No one would be left behind. Is Canada not all about leaving nobody behind? That is the New Democrat line. That is what New Democrats are about.
However, the Conservative line is about money for prisons. The Conservative line is about money for fighter jets. Prisons and fighter jets have a higher priority than our seniors who are most vulnerable.
The Conservative's safe streets and communities act was debated here last fall. It would make it much safer for seniors to line up outside of soup kitchens. That is what our country is coming to. Our Canada is changing. The safety net that makes our country a great country, one of the best in the world, is under Conservative attack.
At the recent World Economic Forum in Switzerland, the Prime Minister said, "Our demographics also constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish". Funny, I would say the Conservatives constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish. The Conservatives pose that threat.
The Conservatives have only been a majority government for nine months and already they have attacked or are in the process of dismantling core services across the country and across my province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Look no further than to the closure of the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John's, a service that is vital to our mariners. It is a closure that the regional minister defended by sneaking away in a decoy car.
Look no further than to the defence minister using our search and rescue Cormorant helicopters as a taxi for his holiday on the Gander River.
Look no further than Service Canada and how it is being gutted. Just last week two EI claimants tried to kill themselves because their claims were delayed or rejected.
Look no further than the Canadian seal hunt and how the Conservative government has allowed market after market to ban products from an industry that is central to our heritage and our culture.
Look no further than to our precious seniors. The Conservatives would have it so that the retirement of so many Canadians is a crapshoot.
Again, the Conservatives constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish.
The Prime Minister also said in Switzerland that there would be major transformations coming to Canada's retirement pension system. The only transformative change that Canada needs in terms of retirement security is to lift every senior out of poverty and expand the Canada and Quebec pension plans. However, all the Conservative government proposes is yet another privately administered voluntary savings scheme like several others already on the market. It is the same old, same old. Canadians are not impressed.
I will conclude with this quote from a constituent in my riding, one of about a dozen who have written my office in recent days concerned about retirement and the Conservative agenda that transformed Canada into a warped shadow of itself, "Young people do not stand a chance in this world. Everything we have worked so hard for to make things better for them is slowly being taken away. What a sad message we are sending".


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Earning a Place at the Table: How Do Marketing Executives Get a Spot in the C-Suite?
June 10, 2009
A panel of financial executives from Ernst & Young, OfficeMax, Diageo North America, Citi, and Johnson & Johnson discussed how marketing can learn to work more effectively with finance.
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text:
The Motorola Bravo brings a large, 3.7-inch touchscreen with a powerful 800MHz processor and 3MP to AT&T. It also features the Motoblur UI atop Android 2.1.
Announced Date:
October 5, 2010
Android Central Reader Rating:
(20 votes)
Top Motorola Bravo Stories
Recent Motorola Bravo Forum Threads
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Unigine 'Heaven' DX11 Benchmark 3.0
|File size:
|Mar 6, 2012
|Mar 7th, 2012
|Operating System:
Heaven Benchmark is a DirectX 11 GPU benchmark based on advanced Unigine™ engine from Unigine Corp. It reveals the enchanting magic of floating islands with a tiny village hidden in the cloudy skies.
- Support of DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11 and OpenGL
- Comprehensive use of tessellation technology
- Advanced SSAO (screen-space ambient occlusion)
- Volumetric cumulonimbus clouds generated by a physically accurate algorithm
- Simulation of changing light conditions
- Dynamic sky with light scattering
- Interactive experience with fly/walk-through modes
Hardware Tessellation
The distinguishing feature of the benchmark is hardware tessellation, a scalable technology aimed for automatic subdivision of polygons into smaller and finer pieces, so that games gain drastically detailed and more elaborated look almost free of charge in terms of performance.
There are three tessellation modes available in this version of the benchmark:
Moderate Mode
This mode is targeted to provide reasonable performance on a wide range of DX11 hardware.
Normal Mode
Default mode available in the benchmark shows optimal quality-to-performance ratio. That's the way to achieve prominent visual difference with hardware tessellation technology.
Extreme Mode
It is designed to meet the perspectives of the next series of DX11-capable hardware pushing up the tessellation level to the extreme in the next 1-2 years.
System Requirements
Graphics card: ATI Radeon HD 2xxx and higher or NVIDIA GeForce 7xxx and higher.
Tessellation feature REQUIRES both video card with DirectX 11 support and MS Windows Vista / 7!
Version History
Changes in version 3.0
- Added Mac OS X version compatible with 10.7+ (no tessellation).
- Added support for Intel HD 3000 GPU (no tessellation).
- Improved support for multi-monitor configurations.
- Added support for NVIDIA 3D Surround (multi-monitor stereo 3D).
- Enhanced NVIDIA 3D Vision support.
- New cross-platform launcher without .NET dependencies.
- Fixed Phoronix Test Suite compatibility issue.
- Fixed minor visual artifacts.
- Improved compatibility with Mesa drivers.
- Improved detection of new GPUs.
Changes in version 2.5
- Added the Professional edition (see details below)
- Improved support of various GPUs
- Added support of indirect occlusion (SSDO) to simulate real-time global illumination
- Improved the stability during multi-hour running
- Fixed Windows GUI launcher compatibility issues
- Improved the quality of ambient occlusion
- Fixed minor content glitches
- Added a user manual
- Improved an installer for Windows
Changes in version 2.1
- Support of OpenGL 4.0, including hardware tessellation
- Added stereo 3D support in several modes:
Anaglyph, Separate images, 3D Vision, iZ3D
- Several minor optimizations
Changes in version 2.0
- Heavier tessellation load
- Several major optimizations of the engine
- Added new elaborated objects in the world
- Physics-driven flags
- Enhancements of some old assets
- Introduced "moderate" and "extreme" tessellation modes


text:
Swingers | Swingers Groups | Swingers Clubs | Swinger Forum | Swingers Answers | Swinger Parties | Swinger Stories | Swingers Blog | Articles | Flirts | Resources
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SwingTowns is the free adult dating site for swinging couples, men and women. Many times couples also want to find single women and/or men for threesomes. So, if you're an open-minded single who is respectful of others' relationships, feel free to create a free adult swingers ad. Every day, singles and couples are making their threesome fantasies realities at SwingTowns.
Our free local swingers groups can be very useful in finding swingers to connect with near you. We love our group owners and know you will too! With the latest forum postings from our most active local groups, you'll have the opportunity to state your opinion, share a laugh, ask a question, learn about the lifestyle, or attend local meet and greets and house parties.
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text:
LTAD: Training To Compete for Rugby (T2C)
This page is based on the LTAD.ca website, the Irish LTPD, the RFU LTAD Booklet and our implementation for the Dutch Rugby Union: Meerjaren Opleidingsplan Rugby (MOR). You can download related pdf documents on the Free Download section of my website.
Players in this category are 17/18 and older.
Now we can have a better understanding of the players physical development we can start optimizing their potential and develop rugby positional and unit skills.
Quote LTP: [Players who are now proficient at performing both basic ad rugby specific skills learn to perform these skills under a variety of competitive conditions during training. The emphasis is now on individual preparation which addresses each athlete's individual strengths and weaknesses]
In the Netherlands we believe that tactical development is the first priority and is done in the earlier LTAD stages. This phase of the LTAD model we can detail positional requirements like restarts, counter attack, collective defensive patterns and more. Remember to work from the tactical context.
The Rugby Facilitator
Since the characteristics of players are such that they have the capacity for greater input, the role of the coach shifts towards facilitation. Allowing opportunity for opinions and problem-solving is critical if players are to develop confidence and relative autonomy.
The coach will still need to employ guiding, teaching and challenging skills where appropriate, the emphasis should be on developing players' ability to 'navigate' rather than 'replicate'.
This fits well with the Adaptive Game where we want our players to play to the defense that is in front of them. Opposing to the Planned Game where the coach suddenly needs to organise an enormous pile of things.
The Rugby Facilitator is involved in the next activities:
- KSS 2.1: Prepare for and delivering training sessions for his team
- KSS 2.2: Managing the team at games & tournaments
- Make rugby safe: injury prevention
LTPD Rugby Facilitator Coaching Course
Finally, I have set up a special coaching course for The Rugby Facilitator alone, it takes you five workshops to become one. A Study DVD and a Rugby Facilitator Coaching Manual are part of this course. Offering more information and giving you the confidence to succesfully work with youngsters. Forget IRB Level I and II it does nothing to help you to become the Rugby Facilitator. (Strange when you come to think of it, now we have a development model for our players, the development model of the coach does not reflect this.....)
Relevant topics:
- LTAD Model explained
- The different development stages and the perspective for the coach in more detail: Rugby Guide, -Teacher, -Challenger,-Facilitator, -Empowerer.·
- The Free Download section


text:
by Anton Shilov
Just four years after entering the market of smartphones with a promising device, Apple became the No. 1 maker of smartphones on the planet. In the second quarter of 2011, Apple sold more smartphones than Nokia Corp. and Samsung Electronics.
Based on financial reports from the companies as well as estimates of the analysts Apple sold 20.3 million of iPhone smartphones in Q2 2011, Samsung Electronics shipped 19.2 million of its advanced handsets in the same period and Nokia only supplied 16.7 million of phones running Symbian operating system.
Despite of the fact that Apple currently sells only two models of its smartphones – flagship iPhone 4 and low-cost iPhone 3 GS that is sold through various third-party stores – it managed to outsell tens of variations available from Samsung and Nokia.
Sales of Nokia's smartphones powered by Symbian operating systems started to plummet in February after the company's chief executive officer announced transition from Symbian platform to Windows Phone operating system. End-users slowed down purchase of high-end Symbian devices and started to look at Apple iPhone and Google Android-based handsets. In mid-Q2 2011 several operators started to boycott Nokia's smartphones following purchase of Skype by Microsoft Corp. as well as Nokia's plan to start selling dual-SIM handsets.
In the second quarter of 2011 Apple refreshed its smartphone line with white iPhone 4 and continued to aggressively work with carriers to expand the geography where its phones are available. At present Apple iPhones are available in over 100 countries from over 225 operators.
Samsung Electronics introduced its Galaxy S II flagship smartphone in May, 2011, and sold three million units of the device by early July. The model is available from more than 140 vendors in 120 countries.
Nokia only introduced its N9 and Oro smartphones in Q2. The N9 is the first and the last and smartphone powered by MeeGo operating system. The handset sports impressive design and feature-set, but it will only become available in September, 2011, which means that it will face competition from loads of rivals, including Apple and Samsung. Nokia Oro is a smartphone in golden enclosure that is based on C7 low-cost smartphone platform from Nokia.
It remains to be seen how strong Apple can get on the market of smartphones now that 550 thousand of Google Android-based devices are activated every day. It will be also interesting to see whether Nokia will be able to recover once it releases its Windows Phone 7-based devices in late 2011 or early 2012.


text:
Schumer urging on FDA for stricter painkiller regulations
The use of pain killers containing hydrocodone as an abused prescription drug is becoming more common and Sen. Charles Schumer is urging stricter regulations on the prescription.
Schumer is calling on the Federal Food and Drug Administration to approve stricter regulations to make it harder for patients to access medicine containing hydrocodone. The Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee met recently and recommended hydrocodone be classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. While Schumer does respect patients do use the drug for legitimate uses – hydro-codone is one of the most prescribed painkillers with more than 40 million Americans using the prescription in 2011, he is worried about patients who abuse the drug. The drug was used in more than 14,800 overdose cases in 2008, according to the CDC. That number is more than heroin and cocaine combined.
In 2011, the Upstate New York Poison Control Center reported over 12,000 cases of prescription drug abuse. In Western New York, there were over 2,300 cases; 187 cases of abuse in Cattaraugus County; 379 in Chautauqua County; and 1,340 in Erie County. One in 20 people misused prescription pain killers in 2010, according to the Center for Disease Control.
"Each day that passes means rising abuse, and even death, at the hands of hydrocodone-based drugs," Schumer said. "With a key hurdle recently cleared, the FDA must tighten up control of one of the most highly prescribed and abused drugs on the Upstate New York market."
The Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee met in late January to discuss the reclassification of hydrocodone. Their recommendation was to increase the drug's classification from Schedule III to Schedule II by a vote of 19-10. Drugs classified in Schedule II are narcotics, such as oxycodone and morphine, and stimulants, such as methamphetamine and amphetamine. Schedule II controlled substances require stricter regulations at pharmacies. All prescriptions must be written or electronically filled and must be signed by the doctor. Every time the prescription must be filled, a new prescription must be issued each time. If multiple prescriptions for Schedule II are given to a patient, a doctor may write a 90-day supply provided several conditions – a legitimate medical purpose for each prescription with written instructions on each prescription. All drugs must be permissible under state law and the risk of abuse is not created with each different drug.
"The federal government must do everything in its power to restrict the use of hydrocodone to those patients who actually need it, and I'm urging the Food and Drug Administration to support its drug safety panel's recommendation to reclassify hydrocodone as a Schedule II drug, to help end this scourge that has caused our country to see more overdose deaths from this drug than seen with heroin and cocaine combined," Schumer said. "Stricter federal rules must be put in place regarding the regularity and quantity with which we prescribe these painkillers, so that our children, parents, spouses and friends don't continue to fall prey to them each day."
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg must approve these recommendations. Once approved, they will be sent to the Department of Health and Human Services for a positive recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Schumer noted the FDA is the biggest hurdle, seeing as the DEA already wants the reclassification. The FDA has declined the categorical change in the past. In December, the FDA's Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Products Advisory Committee voted down a recommendation to allow a pure hydrocodone product to be prescribed. Schumer worked closely with the FDA in January 2012 to urge the denial of the proposal.
Comments on this article may be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Click HERE to check out a bonus excerpt from Paramore's interview in the new issue of Alternative Press. In it, the band expand on how they leaned on each other and their fans to get through a tough year, explore the idea of home, talk about what Warped Tour means to them and reminisce about their early touring days — and how things have changed.
"It was nice just getting back to our fans. They're the reason we're still here, anyways. Being so close with the ones that kind of built us up since we started, those are the people that were in the front row of every Warped tour date. Every single date we played, I saw at least 2 or 3 people in the front row that had been coming to our shows since 2005. And that was huge for me. I could have cried every single day, cause it's just like, 'Why are you still here?'"


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Debates of Dec. 13th, 1999
House of Commons Hansard #38 of the 36th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was agreed.
- Blood Samples Act
- Division No. 534
- Nisga'A Final Agreement Act
- Mna For Abitibi-Est
- Revenue Canada
- Communities In Bloom
- Canadian Executive Services Organization
- Divorce Act
- Logging
- Minister Of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Club Italia
- Thérèse Perrier
- Canadian Forces
- Children
- Bilingualism
- President Of The Treasury Board
- Economic Development Of Montreal
- Agriculture
- Big Ben
- National Unity
- Taxation
- Referendums
- Child Poverty
- National Unity
- Referendums
- Transitional Jobs Fund
- Referendums
- Agriculture
- Referendums
- Prisons
- Referendums
- Treasury Board
- Coast Guard
- Health
- Coast Guard
- Children
- Rcmp
- Referendums
- Canada Health And Social Transfer
- Natural Resources
- Industry
- National Unity
- Taxation
- Referendums
- Criminal Code
- Natural Resources
- Points Of Order
- Order In Council Appointments
- Government Response To Petitions
- Committees Of The House
- An Act To Give Effect To The Requirement For Clarity As Set Out In The Opinion Of The Supreme Court Of Canada In The Quebec Secession Reference
- Criminal Code
- Competition Act
- Committees Of The House
- Division No. 535
- Nisga'A Final Agreement Act
- Points Of Order
- Nisga'A Final Agreement Act
- Division No. 536
- Points Of Order
- Supply
- Division No. 537
- Division No. 538
- Division No. 539
- Division No. 540
- Division No. 541
- Division No. 542
- Division No. 543
- Division No. 544
- Division No. 545
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- Division No. 610
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- Division No. 617
- Division No. 618
- Division No. 619
- Division No. 620
- Division No. 621
- Division No. 622
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- Division No. 627
- Division No. 628
- Division No. 629
- Division No. 630
- Division No. 631
- Division No. 632
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- Division No. 634
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- Division No. 640
- Division No. 641
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- Division No. 643
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- Division No. 650
- Division No. 651
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- Division No. 655
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Canadian Forces
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
The Speaker
The hon. member for Hull—Aylmer.
Statements By Members
December 13th, 1999 / 2:05 p.m.
Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC
Mr. Speaker, this morning, UNICEF released a report on progress made over the past century in improving the plight of children. This progress is very real but, unfortunately, it is jeopardized by scourges such as AIDS and military conflicts.
The report calls on governments around the world, and on our collective and individual conscience, to find concrete solutions to the problems experienced by children all over the world.
Canada is making great efforts to alleviate human suffering. For example, our country is taking part in several military missions to maintain peace in various parts of the world. We also contributes to economic and social development projects in poor countries.
A tremendous amount of work remains to be done to reduce human suffering. However, we can be proud of the leadership role played by our government in improving the quality of life of children around the world.
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Yvon Godin Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Speaker, the Harris government's decision to ignore advisor Glen Shortliffe's recommendation that Ottawa become a bilingual city, and now its intention to appeal the Montfort ruling, are insults to the Francophonie of Canada and Ontario.
As the nation's capital, Ottawa must reflect the bilingual nature of our country. As well, francophones and anglophones living in our capital must have access to services in their mother tongue.
Since this shocking announcement, we have had a motion from the Standing Joint Committee on Official Languages calling for bilingual status for Ottawa. But the Prime Minister prefers to wait until he has a chance to speak to Mr. Harris.
Our Prime Minister must show leadership and intervene immediately with Premier Harris in order to defend the bilingual nature of Ottawa.
There is nothing tricky about it: Canada's national capital must be bilingual.
President Of The Treasury Board
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
René Laurin Joliette, QC
Mr. Speaker, we read in the weekend newspapers that the President of the Treasury Board said she was delighted with her government's bill to fetter the Government of Quebec.
But, on November 27, 1991, the President of the Treasury Board, then a member of Quebec's National Assembly, voted in favour of a motion that the National Assembly call on the federal government to respect the process set in motion by Bill 150 and reaffirm the right of Quebecers to take responsibility for their own destiny and determine their own political and constitutional status.
Such an about-face should not surprise us. In 1995, as the minister responsible for the UNITY operation, she spent the $4.8 million her government gave Option Canada, in contravention of Quebec's referendum legislation.
Clearly, when it came to choosing between the Canadian limousine and the rights of Quebec, the member for Westmount—Ville-Marie went for the limousine.
Economic Development Of Montreal
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Denis Paradis Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak today of an excellent initiative taken by our government to develop Montreal's international vocation.
On December 6, the member for Outremont and Secretary of State responsible for Canada Economic Development announced that our government was contributing $24 million to ensure the development of the international quarter of Montreal, a strategic growing point for the orientation Montreal has set for itself.
This $60 million plus short-term project will generate more than $1 billion in property investment in the long term.
Through the project, Montreal will develop into a world-wide pole of attraction for international organizations.
It represents a clear commitment by our government to the future of Greater Montreal. I am sure that the economic benefits will spread as far as Brome—Missisquoi and throughout Quebec.
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Progressive Conservative
Rick Borotsik Brandon—Souris, MB
Mr. Speaker, I would like to report back to the House on last week's informative committee hearings in western Canada on the farm income crisis. The hearings were very revealing, to say the least.
In a committee meeting in Dauphin, Manitoba, we heard one of the witnesses comment on the Reform Party. The farmer stated that the Reform Party had very clearly stated that it was opposed to subsidies, did not think government should be supporting agriculture out of taxpayer dollars, and was not speaking on their behalf.
Not only was the Reform Party not speaking on their behalf but its chief agriculture critic did not show up for any of the meetings. What was even more revealing were comments made by Liberal members of the committee. Perhaps they should have checked with the minister before speaking.
The Liberal committee chairman stated "AIDA has been an absolute failure and we have got to get out of the ad hoc programs". The Liberal rural caucus chair also went on to say "I am ashamed". I too am ashamed and I hope that the government will now place agriculture in a much higher priority on the national agenda.
Big Ben
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Ian Murray Lanark—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute today to Big Ben, Canada's most famous show jumping horse that died on Saturday at Millar Brooke Farm at the age of 23.
Big Ben, ridden by Ian Millar of Perth, won two World Cup titles, two Pan-American Games gold medals and appeared in three Olympic Games. He was one of only two animals, Northern Dancer being the other, to be inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. Big Ben retired from competition in 1994 following a national farewell tour.
Canadian interest in show jumping was greatly enhanced through Big Ben's international appearances, and the pride inspired by his spirited competition will long be remembered.
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:10 p.m.
Grant Hill Macleod, AB
Mr. Speaker, we support the bill to clarify referendum rules. There are ways to improve that bill. There should be a clear question in the bill.
Why does the Liberal government not lay out one clear question as a suggestion for a province that might want to secede?
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Windsor West
Herb Gray Deputy Prime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the support of the Reform Party for our measure. I would suggest that the hon. member wait for the debate to begin on the bill. There will be an opportunity to consider the point of view of the hon. member.
Basically our approach is that this should be something taken through a decision by the House of Commons after due consultation. I hope that on reflection the hon. member will continue to support that position.
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Grant Hill Macleod, AB
Mr. Speaker, we support the bill to clarify the referendum rules but there is room for improvement. The required majority is not at all clear.
Why does the government continue to be so vague about such an important issue?
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Stéphane Dion President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
Mr. Speaker, the bill is not about the clarity of a referendum. It is about this Chamber's responsibilities relating to the possibility of negotiating secession.
According to the bill, if it is clear, the government will negotiate, and if it is not clear, it will not. The conditions of clarity are what would lead the government to negotiate. That is what the bill is all about.
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Grant Hill Macleod, AB
Mr. Speaker, this referendum bill has no focus on improving the federation, no improvement to the way parliament works, no improvement to the way our court system works and no improvement on democracy.
Why is the bill so silent on the issue of improving the federation?
National Unity
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Windsor West
Herb Gray Deputy Prime Minister
Mr. Speaker, we have already been carrying out a number of important steps to improve the federation. There is a resolution of this House on Quebec being a distinct society. There was the bill adopted by the House on the matter of a veto on constitutional reform for Quebec, British Columbia and other regions. There was the development of the social union framework.
We have been doing a number of important things to improve the federation, and this is shown by the fact that most Canadians, including Quebecers, continue to believe that Canada is the best country in the world in which to live. We will continue to work to ensure that is the case.
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Monte Solberg Medicine Hat, AB
Mr. Speaker, now that the government is moving our way on unity, maybe it will move our way on taxes.
Canadians are now paying record high taxes. They have never paid taxes higher than they are today and they want immediate tax relief. The grassroots Liberal resolutions made at their spring convention are calling for record increases in spending, just as the Prime Minister has said and just as we saw in the throne speech.
Does the finance minister agree with the Prime Minister and with grassroots Liberals that tax relief should be pushed to the bottom of the agenda?
Oral Question Period
2:15 p.m.
Paul Martin Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made it very clear, as have the Liberals on the finance committee and grassroots Liberals from coast to coast, that they support the necessity of bringing down tax cuts. They support the government and the last two budgets have brought down tax cuts.
In terms of who is moving whose way, we brought them down. The Reform Party policy in Fresh Start was not to bring down taxes.


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Debates of April 22nd, 2010
House of Commons Hansard #31 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was rehabilitation.
- Question Period
- Government Response to Petitions
- Criminal Code
- Interparliamentary Delegations
- Old Age Security Act
- Bill C-9--Jobs and Economic Growth Act
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Questions Passed as Orders for Returns
- Keeping Canadians Safe (International Transfer of Offenders) Act
- Rail Transportation
- Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
- Ginette Bernèche
- Vale Inco
- Egypt
- Canwest Canspell National Spelling Bee
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
- Earth Day
- Automotive Industry
- Victims of Crime
- Justice
- Food Sovereignty
- Justice
- Turkey and Armenia
- Earth Day
- Firearms Registry
- Ethics
- Afghanistan
- Democratic Reform
- Tax Harmonization
- Rwanda
- Access to Information
- Ethics
- Government Accountability
- Justice
- Afghanistan
- Persons with Disabilities
- Employment
- The Environment
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Affordable Housing
- International Aid
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Business of the House
- Canada's Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
- Points of Order
- Sébastien's Law (Protecting the Public from Violent Young Offenders)
- Italian-Canadian Recognition and Restitution Act
Keeping Canadians Safe (International Transfer of Offenders) Act
Government Orders
1:45 p.m.
Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC
Madam Speaker, today I rise to share my thoughts on Bill C-5, An Act to amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act, with my colleagues.
I want to begin by stating that my deepest desire is to see an environment that promotes safety everywhere in Canada so that all Canadians can be safe no matter where they are.
There are many ways to achieve that goal. Today we are debating one of those ways.
Bill C-5 would amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act. This bill would enable the government to request the transfer of Canadian prisoners serving sentences in countries other than Canada.
Bill C-5 is part of the Conservative government's extreme law and order agenda. The militant western Conservative base strongly supports this vision.
Make no mistake about it, this bill is an opportunistic attempt to garner votes. It seeks not only to protect Canadians, but also to get the law-and-order Conservatives re-elected at any cost.
According to the bill summary, one purpose of the bill is to enhance public safety. Clause 3 adds another objective to the Act:
The purpose of this Act is to enhance public safety and to contribute to the administration of justice and the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into the community by enabling offenders to serve their sentences in the country of which they are citizens or nationals.
I think that if we add this new objective and give the minister discretionary powers with respect to factors he may take into consideration, the minister will be able to use public safety as grounds to deny as many requests for the transfer of Canadians incarcerated abroad as possible, thereby undermining all of the other objectives of the Act.
I will attempt to show that this bill will weaken public safety, not enhance it. Prior to this, the notion of public safety was, in practice, limited to terrorist threats and threats of war against Canada or against the general population.
In a Federal Court case, Getkate v. Canada (Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness), the judge had this to say about public safety:
—the Court also finds that there is no evidence on the record demonstrating that the applicant constitutes a potential threat to the safety of Canadians or the security of Canada. While the minister attempts to invoke the section as a means of demonstrating that the applicant poses a general threat to Canadians should he be returned to Canada, use of the phrase "threat to the security of Canada" has traditionally been limited in other legislation to threats of general terrorism and warfare against Canada or threats to the security of Canadians en masse. In the case at bar, while the applicant may pose a general threat to specific pockets of Canadian society should he re-offend, he clearly poses no "threat to the security of Canada" as the term has been interpreted in other legislation, such as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act...or the Canadian Security Intelligence Services Act.... If the threat to Canada was the mere risk that the offender would re-offend, then such a consideration could be applied to every inmate seeking a transfer.
In this matter, the judge set aside the minister's decision.
Is this bill the minister's way of reacting to the judge's decision in the Getkate case? Is it an attempt to close the door to any judicial control over decisions? It is already very difficult for a judge to set aside a minister's decision.
I am not a legal expert but I know that, to be set aside, a ministerial decision must be found to be "unreasonable". The burden of proof was very high for the individual and he had little chance of winning.
However, in the Getkate case, the judge set aside the minister's decision, despite all his discretionary power and the substantial burden of proof.
Bill C-5 gives the Minister of Public Safety a great deal of discretionary power and opens the door to abuse of power.
Under the current act, the minister considers four factors in determining whether to consent to the transfer of a Canadian offender. Those factors are: whether the offender's return to Canada would constitute a threat to the security of Canada; whether the offender left or remained outside Canada with the intention of abandoning Canada as their place of permanent residence; whether the offender has social or family ties in Canada; and whether the foreign entity or its prison system presents a serious threat to the offender's security or human rights.
Bill C-5 gives the minister some very important additional discretionary power. The minister may consider other factors. The bill does not say that the minister does or shall consider these factors, but that he may consider them.
These are the factors added in the bill:
(b) whether, in the Minister's opinion, the offender's return to Canada will endanger public safety, including
(i) the safety of any person in Canada who is a victim, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, of an offence committed by the offender,
(ii) the safety of any member of the offender's family, in the case of an offender who has been convicted of an offence against a family member, or
(iii) the safety of any child, in the case of an offender who has been convicted of a sexual offence involving a child;
(c) whether, in the Minister's opinion, the offender is likely to continue to engage in criminal activity after the transfer;...
(g) the offender's health;
(h) whether the offender has refused to participate in a rehabilitation or reintegration program;
(i) whether the offender has accepted responsibility for the offence for which they have been convicted, including by acknowledging the harm done to victims and to the community;
(j) the manner in which the offender will be supervised, after the transfer, while they are serving their sentence;
(k) whether the offender has cooperated, or has undertaken to cooperate, with a law enforcement agency; or
(l) any other factor that the Minister considers relevant.
This list includes everything but the kitchen sink. It is broad. It is a very significant power to put in the hands of a single person, especially when we know that the current government is a government of law and order whatever the cost. This is all very subjective and is an attempt to win votes.
We live in a democracy based on the rule of law where every decision must be fair and meet objective criteria.
I sincerely believe that when we entrust so much power to a minister in the absence of any objectivity, we may be abandoning Canadians to the whims of this government. When the public no longer knows how the government will handle requests, it may lose confidence in a system that is neither fair nor transparent.
I would like to read an excerpt from an article by Nathalie DesRosiers, professor of law at the University of Ottawa. Ms. DesRosiers was the dean of the faculty of law and she is speaking on behalf of the Civil Liberties Association about Bill C-59, which preceded the current Bill C-5 before the unnecessary prorogation of last December:
Even if some Canadians believe that Ministers in Canada would never make decisions based on such sordid grounds as political contributions, there is the appearance that they may. Indeed, the lack of boundaries to such discretion prevent an analysis of whether a decision is fair, sound and wise, based on a consideration of all factors.
It also prevents any legal accountability. This, in my view, is going in the wrong direction. Although politicians certainly have the power to conduct international relations on behalf of Canada: they should want to exercise it in a way that is fair and transparent. The absence of rules prevents Canadians from knowing how they will be treated and exposes the government to charges of favouritism when they act or refuse to act. Indeed, when a white Canadian is repatriated speedily from Mexico while an Afro-Canadian is left in jail in Sudan, Canadians wonder whether the government is acting fairly and reasonably or in a racist manner. A stronger legal framework helps dispell such accusations and allow for more transparent ruling.
I believe we must not only avoid putting decision makers in positions that could lead them to abuse their power, but we must also avoid any appearance that they may have such power.
I would like to share with my colleagues the case of a young constituent from Hull—Aylmer, who is currently being detained in a penitentiary in Florida after being found guilty of crimes committed in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, since my presentation on this young resident could take several minutes, I suppose we should stop now so that you can proceed—
Keeping Canadians Safe (International Transfer of Offenders) Act
Government Orders
2 p.m.
The Speaker Peter Milliken
I am sorry to interrupt the hon. member. He will have eight minutes for his remarks when the House resumes debate on this issue. We will now proceed to statements by members.
Rail Transportation
Statements by Members
April 22nd, 2010 / 2 p.m.
Dean Del Mastro Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, over the past 40 years, Earth Day has grown into a global movement that mobilizes more than 1 billion people in more than 190 countries working to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs in a global green economy.
As the chair of the all party rail caucus, I am pleased to say that rail is doing its part. In fact, Canadian rail is increasingly becoming the 21st century's green transportation leader for passengers and freight. Canadian railways are an economic engine for the economy, moving 75% of all freight while transporting 72 million passengers just last year.
While transportation accounts for 26.8% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, rail accounts for only 3% of GHG emissions for the transportation sector.
How efficient is rail? One train can haul 1 tonne of goods 180 kilometres on just a single litre of fuel and, in doing so, remove 280 trucks from our congested highways. Moving to rail unclogs our highways, eliminates destructive emissions and creates jobs.
When Canadians choose rail, they choose to go green.
Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
Statements by Members
2 p.m.
Bonnie Crombie Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Mr. Speaker, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada was formed in Toronto on April 26, 1860. The regiment has been standing on guard for 150 years.
The Toronto branch is the oldest regiment of its kind, in fact, older than Confederation itself. This week, the regiment's colonel-in-chief, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, was supposed to be the guest of honour to commemorate this remarkable accomplishment in Victoria, Calgary and the biggest gala in Toronto. Unfortunately, the volcanic ash disaster hindered her flight plans.
I am sure all members will join me in wishing the Queen's Own Rifles a happy 150th and much continued success.
Now the bad news. The Queen's Own Rifles Toronto branch asked Veterans Affairs for financial assistance for its events in Toronto. Its request was denied. Today I learned that Calgary received money for its commemoration while the Toronto branch did not.
The Conservatives will honour requests from western Canada while the same requests from Toronto fall on deaf ears and that is not fair. It is too bad the Conservatives ignore pleas from the Toronto veterans.
Regardless of the Conservatives' failure to act, I know the Queen's Own Rifles will continue to stand on guard and I wish them congratulations and a happy 150th.
Ginette Bernèche
Statements by Members
2 p.m.
Roger Gaudet Montcalm, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with emotion that I rise to pay tribute to a woman of conviction, Ginette Bernèche, who retired on March 31, after serving as an MP's assistant for 17 years, seven of them on my team.
Ms. Bernèche began her career in 1993 in the service of my predecessor, Michel Bellehumeur. For all these years, she has devoted herself to the sovereignist cause with loyalty, passion and expertise. I would like to take this opportunity to point out what all members of the House know only too well, that behind every elected representative there is a team of dedicated and indispensable people, and that team includes their assistants.
I and all those who were lucky enough to have worked with this very capable woman hope that Ginette will use this well-deserved retirement to take care of herself and her family with the same enthusiasm and dedication that she brought to her job.
Vale Inco
Statements by Members
2 p.m.
Claude Gravelle Nickel Belt, ON
Mr. Speaker, if the government does not end its shameful silence and call on Vale Inco to return to the negotiating table, we could face a possible disaster. Constituents are raising alarm bells about Vale Inco's reported plans to reopen the nickel refinery near the town of Copper Cliff with replacement workers.
Having been there, I can say that this refinery is one of the most complicated and intricate plants in the world. When operated by skilled, experienced workers, it produces high quality nickel pellets and powders.
The process at this plant yields gas and liquid forms of nickel which are stored under high pressure. If inhaled, the nickel carbonyl gas can cause death. A leak, with the wind blowing in a certain direction, could reach populated areas. I cannot overestimate how tragic the consequences would be.
For the sake of the well-being of residents, I demand that the government prevent this plant from reopening with replacement workers.
Statements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Pierre Poilievre Nepean—Carleton, ON
Mr. Speaker, on March 12 of this year, an Egyptian bishop reported: 23 Coptic Christians wounded when a crowd of fanatics attacked them at a western province. January 6, 2010, on the Coptic Christmas Eve: three terrorists killed, six Christians and wounded a dozen more. November 2009: terrorist rioters looted and burned Christian businesses in an Egyptian village.
Those are but three examples of the abuses that Egyptian Christians are forced to endure.
Our government stands with all victims of religious persecution, regardless of their faith. I rise today to call on the Egyptian government to aggressively combat any further abuses of the Christian minority in Egypt.
Canwest Canspell National Spelling Bee
Statements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Joe Volpe Eglinton—Lawrence, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my constituent and grade seven student, Laura Newcombe. On March 28, Laura won the Canwest Canspell National Spelling Bee.
After 20 rounds of intense spelling drama, Laura won the title for a second year in a row. Canspell is a free grassroots initiative designed to engage middle school students in celebrating excellence in academic achievement, promoting literacy and encouraging positive study habits.
In 2010, Canspell engaged thousands of schools from St. John's to Victoria and 250,000 students registered at the entry level to compete in school, regional and national competitions. Laura emerged the victor.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Laura and her mom, Zeuming, when they visited Ottawa for the competition.
On behalf of all constituents in Eglinton—Lawrence and, I dare say, all members of the House, I congratulate Laura. She has done Eglinton--Lawrence proud.
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Statements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Laurie Hawn Edmonton Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, last Sunday I joined the Minister of National Defence at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton to announce a program that will make a huge difference in the quality of life of our wounded soldiers and civilians alike.
Our government has provided $1.5 million to purchase a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment, CAREN, system at the Glenrose. This system immerses patients in a virtual reality simulator that uses a moving platform and surrounding visual system. It will enhance rehabilitation treatment for a wide range of patients, including amputees, spinal cord injury victims and those with post-traumatic stress disorder. It is state of the art and will be one of only two systems in Canada.
Besides caring for our troops, this will give the Glenrose incredible opportunities to collaborate with hospitals across Canada and around the world. Everyone wins.
I am very proud to know the people at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital who have already done so much for our brave men and women of the Canadian Forces. They are truly the gold standard for Canada in rehabilitation medicine.
I am honoured to be part of a government that goes the extra mile for our troops and all Canadians.
Earth Day
Statements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Christian Ouellet Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, today, April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Forty years of climate change, biodiversity loss and deterioration of the environment, but also 40 years of efforts, protection and survival.
A number of projects have been implemented to fight climate change, including the Sauvons le hockey event, an outdoor hockey game on the Toussaint-L'Ouverture rink in Montreal; the Hometown Heroes 2010 program, which recognizes environmental achievement; the Fonds Écomunicipalité IGA, which encourages communities to carry out sustainable development projects; and Une oasis dans le béton, the first exterior green wall in Montreal.
Let us all become eco-citizens. Let us take action for the planet; it needs our help. This April 22 can be an opportunity to launch our promising biodiversity and sustainable development projects.
Automotive Industry
Statements by Members
2:05 p.m.
Colin Carrie Oshawa, ON
Mr. Speaker, just over a year ago, we were in the eye of a global economic storm. The automotive industry was being hit particularly hard and almost half a million Canadian jobs were at stake.
Our government acted quickly and responsibly with the Obama administration and now we are seeing more evidence that the right decisions were made.
Yesterday, GM announced that it had repaid its loan in its totality to the Governments of Canada, Ontario and the U.S. Not only has GM repaid its loan, but we also continue to see the announcement of new shifts at auto plants in Canada. That means more jobs for Canadians and for the people of Oshawa.
Just recently a third shift has been added at the GM plant in Oshawa and laid-off auto workers are being recalled.
CAW president, Ken Lewenza, credited action taken by our government with "saving tens of thousands of jobs in the major auto and auto parts industry right across Canada".
We welcome the news from GM and we will continue our work to see that the economy continues its recovery.
Victims of Crime
Statements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Joyce Murray Vancouver Quadra, BC
Mr. Speaker, on this annual Victims of Crime Awareness Week let us remember that every crime inflicts on its victims not only loss and obvious physical damage but also fear, grief and psychological trauma that changes their lives forever.
So it is ironic that during this week the outgoing Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime should expose the hypocrisy of the government, which spends more on prison systems than on programs and services to help victims heal.
It is also shocking and disturbing that this week the member for Yorkton—Melville poured his vitriol on our police chiefs, the very people in whom victims of crime place their trust. He called police chiefs "a cult", corrupt and in the pockets of lobbyists.
This type of virulent language from government benches happens so often that it cannot be dismissed as mere ignorance but exposes a core culture of deceit. Sad that this time it re-traumatizes victims who have been so hurt already.
Statements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Steven Blaney Lévis—Bellechasse, QC
Mr. Speaker, today our government is introducing a bill that would put an end to house arrest for dangerous and violent criminals convicted of an offence.
Dangerous and violent criminals should serve their sentences in prison and not in the comfort of their living room. Earlier this week, the Bloc leader said his party has done a lot by adopting a constructive and rigorous attitude when it comes to justice.
We will see if the Bloc will adopt a constructive and rigorous attitude and support this bill instead of taking its normal course of action, which is to oppose justice and crime initiatives. It is time for the Bloc to represent Quebeckers and support this Conservative bill.
Our government is implementing measures to get tough on crime and defend the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens. Dangerous and violent criminals will no longer serve their sentences with their feet up.
Food Sovereignty
Statements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Malcolm Allen Welland, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge over 2,200 people in my riding who are concerned about food sovereignty and hunger in the developing world.
These concerned citizens brought thousands of hand-signed cards to my office asking that Canada speak up for small-scale farmers, sustainable agriculture and local food production at the upcoming G8 meeting in June 2010.
Canada needs agricultural and trade policies that support people's access to safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable food. As my constituents have reminded us, that commitment should include people in the developing world.
I applaud the organizers of this campaign and their schools and parishes, including Robert Parent of the Diocesan Council for Development and Peace and Sacre Coeur parish, Linda Bowron and Eileen McCarthy of St. Kevin parish, and Chaplain Steve Marischuk and student Dana Savona of Notre Dame School.
I also applaud the other churches and schools that participated, including St-Jean-de-Brébeuf, Lakeshore Catholic High School and École Saint-Joseph, and all the people in my riding who joined this campaign. Their compassion is an example to all Canadians.
Statements by Members
2:10 p.m.
Shelly Glover Saint Boniface, MB
Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely thrilled to report that today our government tabled legislation aimed at putting an end to conditional sentences or house arrest. A great news story. This is for serious and violent crimes including, among other things, aggravated assault, human trafficking, luring a child, street racing causing death, arson, fraud, counterfeiting, most auto thefts and extortion.
In 2006 our government introduced similar legislation; however, the bill was repeatedly stalled and eventually gutted by the opposition.
House arrest for serious and violent crimes offends Canadians' sense of justice. Our government needs to put an end to it.
Today's legislation is the next step in our efforts to get tough on crime, and to stand up for the rights of victims and law-abiding Canadians. I encourage all members of the opposition to vote in favour of this legislation.


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Department: School Programs
Position Summary: Individuals will be responsible for greeting groups of children arriving for Field Trips at the Museum. You will check groups in, give them their wrist bands, orient them to the building and procedures, and help them with lunches if needed. Responsibilities will also include on the floor evaluation, data entry, managing supplies, and reviewing surveys.
Skills and Abilities:
• Enjoys working with students
• Comfortable managing large groups
• Flexible
• Timely
• Comfortable learning basic skills to use programs on computers, iPods, and iPads
• Capable of standing or walking for long periods
Training Required: Field Trip Greeters will be required to attend a total of three training sessions: a four-hour basic Volunteer Orientation training and two two-hour Field Trip training sessions. Additional tranings will be available throughout the school year. On the job observations will follow.
Training Schedule:
NMHU Orientation (choose one):
Saturday, October 20, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday, November 17, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Field Trip Training schedule (choose one):
Session A
Wednesday, October 10, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, October 17, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Session B
Friday, October 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Friday, October 26, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Available Shifts:
M-F 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
M-Th 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Time Commitment: One shift per week, September 10, 2012 - June 6, 2013
Age Requirement: 18 years minimum
Apply Online for this Volunteer Opportunity


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Oct. 25, 2012
MALTA—The Carl Sandburg College volleyball team closed its regular season with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-21 loss at 16th-ranked Kishwaukee on Tuesday in Arrowhead Conference action.
Freshman setter Lexa Mahr led the Chargers with 26 assists and five digs, and sophomore middle hitter Caitlyn Godfrey had team-highs of 10 kills and two blocks for Sandburg.
Freshman outside hitter Courtney Learned added six kills and sophomore outside hitter Mercedes Sazone had five kills, eight digs and a pair of aces for Sandburg. Sophomore libero Dani Lessard tied Sazone with a team-leading eight digs.
The Chargers will open the Region IV playoffs on Oct. 31.


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Fair ~
High: 55°F
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017
Should burglary victims' names be printed?Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 2:16 PM
Should the Times-Gazette publish names of victims of relatively minor crimes -- specifically, individuals whose homes have been broken into?
From one point of view, home burglary reports are public record -- and, if a residence is entered, neighbors need to know so they can watch for the possibility of further incidents. It's simply helping keep your neighborhood safe. Also, if neighbors see a police car outside a home, they want to know why.
This issue came into focus after an individual whose home was entered asked that we not publish their name, exact street address or estimated worth of the stolen objects. The investigating officer was asked to keep the report from the newspaper; he wisely said he'd pass on the request but that the newspaper would make that decision.
I've been considering each report individually for years. For example, if suspects are named (often family members, neighbors, etc.), as opposed to a true burglar invading at random, we usually don't publish the report. That's because, often, no charges end up being filed. This applies to the specific burglary in question.
The victim, who never contacted me directly, was told I'd said that "we can't leave anything out" -- but that's my usual stock answer until I get full details. I do that to make sure no one wants something withheld just because of their supposed prominence in the community (yes, some people expect that), which didn't apply in today's case at all.
Examples of burglaries I've gone lightly on or not published include: Antique-filled homes whose elderly occupants are in nursing facilities; divorcing couples disputing what belongs to whom; or especially-vulnerable people who live alone or have reasonable reason to fear more burglaries. In most of these cases, we'll figure out ways to get the story in without identifying the victim.
For the record, we also receive calls from victims specifically asking that their burglaries be published.
I'm aware that some high-quality newspapers have eliminated publishing burglary victims' names. My view has been that burglary listings should be handled on a case-by-case basis rather than a blanket 'no names' policy.
These types of discussions come up frequently, in the newsroom and even at journalism seminars we regularly attend.
But there's often one missing element in these discussions: Your thoughts -- and I'd really like to know your views.
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]
It should be completely up to the victim. Major crime proceedings are part of the public record, and usually involve some sort of police report to the press in the interest of public safety...but a car break-in in my driveway is NOT newspaper material. As far as I am concerned, a reporter picking up "news" on a scanner is no different than John Q. Public, and, if I choose, I want them nowhere near me or my property (business or residential).
-- Posted by nmonajjem on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 2:46 PM
I don't think names are necessary but I do want to know if someone's home close to my home has been burglarized. Even if it is just their car I still like to have a heads up that something may be going on.
-- Posted by Disgusted on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 2:59 PM
I agree . . . it's good to know about a burglary in the neighborhood so people can be more aware in case it happens again. The person's name really isn't important and could be left out but the location definitely needs to be reported so everyone else can be warned.
-- Posted by jaxspike on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 3:05 PM
I don't feel everything that is Public record needs to be published in the newspaper. Most of what is published now is just there so people can gossip about who got a speeding ticket or who got a divorce.
Although burglarized homes probably need to be published saying what area they are in but there is no reason what so ever to publish the name of the victim or the amount of the stolen property.
-- Posted by Dianatn on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 3:17 PM
Good points, but what would you do differently if you knew a home in your neighborhood was robbed? Hopefully you are already locking your doors (home and car) at all times, watching your kids, keeping valuables out of your car, looking for suspicious behavior in the neighborhood, etc.? A good neighbor, out of courtesy, should let friends know of their unfortunate event...word gets around in subdivisions. The whole town doesn't need to know, and I certainly don't believe the paper is doing it for such noble purposes. Cynically yours,
-- Posted by nmonajjem on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 3:27 PM
I probbaly wouldn't do much different except be sure the alarm was set everytime I leave the house. I don't always lock my car when setting in the drive but I would if I knew someone was in the area breaking into cars.
-- Posted by Dianatn on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 4:00 PM
Maybe not the name and exact address, but a street name would at least be nice. I just learned about a burglary here in BB on Monday night, from the victim, that I hadn't heard of before that. It's really none of my business that they were broken into, but I would like to know about these things that are close to my home.
-- Posted by Thom on Wed, Apr 23, 2008, at 11:37 PM
Actually, it is good for it to be posted in the paper because someone may know the robber or may come across the items stolen and let the police know or give them information.
-- Posted by jaxspike on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 7:39 AM
In the 80's the house I was living in was broken into, it was published in the paper my name included. It didn't bother me, and don't know why anyone would have a problem with it. Being informed about what goes on around you is never a bad thing. I moved because I never felt safe there again, and to this day won't put nice jewelry in a jewelry box. I hide all the small expenise things in wierd places, so if someone breaks in they will have a hard time finding it.
If I felt the burglary was a inside job (family, friends) and would not want to press charges, I wouldn't report it to the police in the first place.
-- Posted by wahoo on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 8:26 AM
I believe that it should be up to the victim. I think they should be asked if they want their name and address in the paper..Then on the other hand if the address is listed without the persons name then maybe someone may read it and say hey I was in that area around that time and I saw some people or a car in that area at that time that seemed odd.As far as the people seeing a police car in your drive way well i don't think anyone needs to explain anything that goes on in your home or your yard since they do not pay your bills ...The victim came go to the people later if he knows them and tell them if he wants to that he was robbed and they should make sure their home is locked up when they leave..
-- Posted by rebelrose on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 8:40 AM
I don't think the name of a victim or their exact address needs to be published. Can't you just go with "a home on the 1900 block of Maple Street" as an identifier? My main fear is that people who don't want to be recognized, such as victims of domestic violence who are trying to keep their abuser from finding them, can be found though something as innocent as having their name and address appear in the paper.
-- Posted by cubicalgirl on Thu, Apr 24, 2008, at 3:04 PM
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David Melson is a copy editor and staff writer for the Times-Gazette.
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by Anton Shilov
Advanced Micro Devices on Friday said that it had invested in ViVu, a designer of videoconferencing solutions, using its Fusion Fund. The company claims that the investment is a strategic one and it will help Vivu not only to develop software that takes advantage of AMD's accelerated processing units (APUs), but also to create various display technology.
"The AMD Fusion Fund program was designed not only to invest in promising companies, but also to stimulate ideas around next-generation computing applications. ViVu is a prime example of AMD's commitment to working with emerging developers and established industry leaders to bring new user experiences to life," said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president, AMD Fusion Experience Program.
ViVu is developing a new generation of powerful video applications, leveraging AMD Fusion APUs to enable engaging and vivid multimedia experience. Among other projects, AMD and ViVu are collaborating on ViVu's VuRoom videoconferencing solution and a prototype wireless display technology. The prototype wireless display technology, based on industry standards such as 802.11 wireless technology, enables real-time streaming of a 1080p HD video wirelessly from an AMD-powered notebook PC to one or more network-connected display devices, such as flat panel TVs, tablets or notebooks, without requiring any additional hardware.
ViVu is a pioneer in the delivery of HD-quality video content to some of today's most popular devices, through its patented MXTP technologies. Thanks to the scalability, security and extensibility of its solutions, ViVu has established itself as a technology leader in enterprise-class videoconferencing. AMD's investment will provide ViVu with additional resources to help make these technology benefits available to enterprises and small businesses worldwide.
The amount of investment was not disclose.


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Stay Calm. Higher Mortgage Rates Aren't That Big a Deal
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- The Federal Reserve is out with its latest projections for the U.S. economy, and those estimates lean toward the bullish.
At an Open Markets Committee meeting Wednesday and Thursday, Fed officials released the following benchmark projections :
U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2013: 2.3%
2014: 3.1%
2015: 3.5%
Unemployment rate in 2013: 7.3%
2014: 6.8%
2015: 6.2%
Core inflation in 2013: 1.3%
2014: 1.7%
2015: 2%
With those estimates, the Federal Reserve is projecting a strengthening economy but stopping short of easing its monetary stimulus strategy, and it will continue to buy up agency mortgage-backed securities at a rate of $40 billion per month and longer-term U.S. Treasuries at $45 billion per month.
"Taken together, these actions should maintain downward pressure on longer-term interest rates, support mortgage markets and help to make broader financial conditions more accommodative, which in turn should promote a stronger economic recovery and help to ensure that inflation, over time, is at the rate most consistent with the committee's dual mandate," the Fed says in minutes released from the Open Markets Committee meeting .
Ostensibly, that should keep interest rates low and mortgage rates from rising too high. But as homebuyers who have done their homework know, rates have risen this year, especially in the all-important summer buying months.
According to the BankingMyWay Weekly Mortgage Rate tracker , rates have risen from about 3.9% on June 1 to 4.6% this week. That's a fairly significant rise in a short time, and one that could scare off homebuyers who see higher mortgage payments when they see higher interest rates.
But should those rates really scare off potential homeowners? Not really, says Rick Allen, chief operating officer of Mortgage Marvel , an online mortgage services provider.
"Since Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the Federal Reserve might slow the pace of its bond-buying stimulus this year, mortgage rates have jumped dramatically," Allen says. "Potential homebuyers might be discouraged, but they shouldn't be."
Allen lays out the following scenario for homebuyers, maintaining that the difference in mortgage payments from a 3.9% mortgage rate to a 4.6% mortgage rate isn't all that dramatic.
Take out a $100,000 loan, for instance, and your total monthly payment at 3.9% will be $471.67, while at 4.6 it's $511.45 -- a difference of $39.78. Take out a $300,000 loan and those payments are $1,415 and $1,534.35 respectively, for a difference of $119.35.
While forking over an extra $40 or $120 a month (or somewhere in between) to your bank or lender isn't optimal, it shouldn't be a deal breaker to own your own home, Allen says.


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News Advisory and Photo Opportunity: Dedication of New Facilities for Whittaker Park
August 17, 2005
Al Schriver, regional manager, Northern New York, New York Power Authority (NYPA) will be joined by Liz Phillips, mayor, Village of Waddington, and other local officials to formally dedicate the newly renovated facilities for Whittaker Park on Friday, August 19 at Whittaker Park in the Village of Waddington.
EVENT: Dedication of New Facilities for Whittaker Park
DATE: Friday, August 19, Rain or Shine
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Village of Waddington, Whittaker Park
CONTACT: Carol Simpson, Community Relations, regional manager, NYPA, at (315) 764-0226, ext. 304, or (800) 262-NYPA, if calling from New York State. On August 19, please contact Ms. Simpson at (315) 842-0155.


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Category: Personal Information
What Tax Records to Keep
You probably already keep records in your daily routine. This includes keeping receipts for purchases and recording information in your checkbook. Keeping these and other records will help you avoid headaches at tax time. Good record keeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn, may make filing your return a less taxing experience.
Records help you document the deductions you have claimed on your return. You will need this documentation should the IRS select your return for examination. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years, but some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer.
In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return. Basic Records that you should keep are broken down into four (4) main categories:
* Form(s) W-2
* Form(s) 1099
* Bank statements
* Brokerage statements
* Form(s) K-1
* Sales slips
* Invoices
* Receipts
* Canceled checks or other proof of payment
* Written communications from qualified charities
* Closing statements
* Purchase and sales invoices
* Proof of payment
* Insurance records
* Receipts for improvement costs
* Brokerage statements
* Mutual fund statements
* Form(s) 1099
* Form(s) 2439
Good record keeping throughout the year saves you time and effort at tax time when organizing and completing your return.
For more information on what kinds of records to keep, visit the IRS website and refer to IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, which is available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).


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May 1, 2009
Richard Croy
Stories this photo appears in:
Grants drive big Payson budget jump
Payson's total spending could jump as much at 86 percent to a whopping $52 million in the coming fiscal year, thanks largely to a potential inrush of federal stimulus grants.
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Classy Messy Style for Men
How bout that clean "puffy" look for a change? A lot of people sport this style but not on purpose and it tends to look a little weird, when done properly it looks super sexy, clean and very stylish. It takes a confident man to give their hair this kind of volume. Sport it well and you will definitely get some women breaking their necks to get a second glance at you, so men dare to change a little and be bold and stylish with this cool alluring and rich look.


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Howdy folks!
I'm at home now, just enjoying my time off and relaxing, if it's not apparent from the picture above. It's been almost two weeks and I still haven't really done anything productive. I'm totally ok with that too. Mostly, I've been hanging with friends that I haven't seen in two months and that's it.
I saw Gwar and Every Time I Die on Monday which was so wild and such a fun experience and then I hung with our friends in Go Radio on Tuesday which is always a blast. Other than that, I'm just living the easy life. I hope you all are enjoying life as well. If not, get on that!