text:
Thomas Reid
Mr. REID:
If I might ask my hon. friend a question, was the committee given any figure as to the number of civil servants being retired for inefficiency?
Mr. THOMAS REID (New Westminster, for Mr. MacLean, Prince) presented the second and final report of the standing committee on marine and fisheries, as follows: The standing committee on marine and fisheries begs leave to present the following as its second and final report. Your committee has had under consideration an order of reference dated Thursday, March 2, 1939, viz: That Bill No. 15, an Act to amend the Fisheries Act, 1932, together with the proposed amendment of Mr. Neill thereto, be referred to the said committee. The committee has held twelve meetings and has heard three witnesses, including representatives of the Department of Fisheries. Your committee has agreed to recommend the adoption of Bill No. 15 with the following amendment: Insert after the word "obstruction, in line 3 of 57A (1), the words "which he deems necessary for the public interest." In connection with Mr. Neill's amendment, your committee recommends that the question of salmon trap-net fishing in the Sooke area be referred to a royal commission forthwith for investigation and report, and that the following be embodied in the order of reference to the commission: To fully investigate and hear evidence under oath, and to determine and report, whether Civil Service Superannuation Act or not it is in the public interest that trap nets for the capture of salmon should continue to be authorized in the Sooke area, British Columbia, i.e., between Beachy Head and Sombrio Point along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, such investigation and report to have regard to all such points as in the judgment of the commission require consideration and without restricting the generality of the foregoing to include the following: 1. Destructiveness of trap nets from the standpoint of conservation and/or depletion, as compared with the use of other varieties of fishing gear. 2. Feasibility of successful operation of other types ol fishing in Juan de Fuca straits and waters of and adjacent to the Sooke area, keeping in view, among other things: a. Nature of waters, specially exposed or otherwise. b. Tidal and current conditions. e. Unusual phosphorescence, if any, in water. d. Proximity of international boundary. e. Fog, prevalence of sharks, etc. 3. The significance of continued operation of trap-net fishing in the Sooke area in relation to the possible reintroduction of trap nets in the State of Washington. 4. Whether or not unemployment is accentuated by the operation of trap nets in the Sooke area. Your committee further recommends that all parties wishing to do so be allowed to attend and give evidence, and that all transactions and evidence be recorded and obtainable by the public. Your committee wishes to express its appreciation of the assistance and ready cooperation received from the officials of the Department of Fisheries. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken by the committee is tabled herewith. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Mr. MALCOLM McLEAN (Melfort) moved that the third and final report of the special committee on the Civil Service Superannuation Act be concurred in. He said: The special committee on the Civil Service Superannuation Act has made a report, which has been before the house for some time, in pursuance of studies of that question made by the committee during the present session and by a similar committee during the last session of parliament. I am going to deal very briefly with some of the changes recommended, in order that they may be perhaps a little more clearly understood than they would be from a reading of the report itself. Recommendation No. 1 asks that every contributor whose compensation does not exceed SI,200 per annum, with less than ten years' service at the time of his separation from the service, or his legal representatives, have a return of contributions made, which is not possible at the present time if the service is under ten years. The committee asks that every contributor, regardless of length of service, if dismissed for political partisanship, shall be eligible for a return of the contribution made. An important change recommended is that the right to elect under the statute of 1927 be reestablished for a period of one year from the date on which the amending act receives the royal assent. A good many civil servants represent that they either did not have sufficient notice or did not clearly understand the provisions at the time, and your committee thought that they should be given a further opportunity to be transferred from retirement to the superannuation fund. It is recommended that provision be made to allow each person who is a contributor, but who failed to elect to make contributions in respect of past non-contributory service, to make such contributions now in respect of the whole or any part of such service. Contributors who were not able to pay their portion of arrears before they came under superannuation received fifty per cent of the time allowance from the government at that time without payment, but it is thought wise now to give them an opportunity, by paying their arrears, to earn and ultimately to receive superannuation for the rest of that time upon payment. Recommendation No. 4 asks that provision be made for counting active service overseas during the great war, which cannot now be counted, subject of course to certain restrictions. Certain men who left the civil service of Canada on leave at the beginning of the war were given credit for their service overseas. At a later date that terminated and many men who had been in the civil service before the war are not now eligible to count their time overseas for benefits. New employees who joined the service after the war have not been able to receive credit for time overseas. All organizations of returned men have made representations for many years urging that such service be allowed as a matter of fair play and justice, the principle of which is established in connection with the mounted police and, I believe, one other branch of the service; and your committee has decided to recommend that a change be made. I am not going to deal specifically with some of the minor recommendations that do not involve either an important principle or a large number of contributors or a large
Civil Service Superannuation Act amount of money. I come then to recommendation No. 6, which asks that provision be made in the statute for the compulsory retirement from the public service of every contributor on attainment of his sixty-fifth birthday without provision for extension of service, subject to the proviso that this amendment shall not become operative until two years after the date the amending act receives royal assent; and recommendation No. 7 asks that provision be made in the statute for retiring any contributor on account of age on his attainment of his sixtieth birthday. The cost in the one case would be very small and in the other a little higher. For years it has been felt in and out of the civil service that there should be a compulsory retirement age, which has been set here in the recommendation at sixty-five, with the proviso that two years shall elapse before the change becomes effective so that it shall not bear harshly upon anyone. The committee was of the opinion that ultimately this provision might not cost the service anything but might possibly bring about a saving in the retirement from the service of men who have passed the age but who for various reasons wish to be kept on. Provision for retirement at the age of sixty, if it is implemented, as is intended, will provide that under certain circumstances contributors may apply for and be given permission to retire, and that it may be more or less optional at or after the age of sixty. Recommendation eight asks that provision be made in the statute to render prevailing-rates employees eligible to become contributors, subject to designation by the governor in council on the recommendation of the treasury board of the various classes and individuals to be so rendered eligible. There are a large number of men employed in the service throughout the country at prevailing rates. For many years they have been trying to become eligible and to earn superannuation. They have not been able to do so, with the result that many men having no provision for the future are kept on to an age and under conditions when in many cases they are not thoroughly efficient. By this change it is believed that the service will benefit to a great extent. It may be that at the beginning it will not be found feasible to include all classes of these prevailing-rates employees and therefore that provision was inserted, that certain contributors and classes should be designated. This should have a wholesome effect on the service, particularly as regards the employees concerned. Recommendation No. 9 asks that provision be made in the statute to empower the governor in council, on the recommendation of the treasury board, to admit as contributors employees of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation who had previous service under the Canadian radio commission or elsewhere in the public service of Canada. This is a minor recommendation dealing with about seven or eight employees of the broadcasting corporation, who for some reason or other were not allowed to come under superannuation, and until such time as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has a superannuation scheme of its own, a certain hardship is being wrought on these persons. Recommendation No. 10 is an important one, because it is intended to prevent the arising in the future of some of the problems that exist at the present time in the service in connection with superannuation matters. It asks that provision be made in the statute to render temporary employees occupying positions of continuing indeterminate duration eligible to become contributors subject to designation by the governor in council on the recommendation of the treasury board of the various classes and individuals to be so rendered eligible. At the present time and for many years back there have been continuing indeterminate duration employees in the service. They have not been permanent and have not been called upon to make contributions to superannuation, retirement or other funds. If and when they do become permanent, as many of them do in the course of years, there is no accumulated provision whereby they can receive full benefits of superannuation. They have either to pay in a lump sum or to pay in instalments their contribution for the years during which they were temporary, even though their work was continuing and in reality permanent, which means that a considerable burden is placed upon them, and spread over years it amounts to a good deal of money. If they did not make that contribution they were in the past eligible to receive fifty per cent from the service, which was given by the government. We make another recommendation in that regard, asking that such free service be discontinued in the case of employees who do not choose to subscribe their own fifty per cent payment. This provision will ensure that in the future there will be no such class of employees in the civil service. All who will be there will be making the same contribution. In the event of their not becoming permanent employees, and therefore eligible under the superannuation act, their contributions will be returned to them on separation from the service with the appropriate interest. If they become Civil Service Superannuation Act permanent, their contributions will be transferred to the superannuation fund. No. 11 asks that provision be made, by amendment of part II of the Civil Service Superannuation Act and the Retirement Act, to require each temporary employee, on appointment to a position of continuing indeterminate duration, or to a position for which the remuneration is prevailing rates in the public service, to pay contributions to the retirement fund. Under this provision, if any such temporary employee should become a contributor under the superannuation act the amount of his contribution to the retirement fund will be transferred to the superannuation fund. But otherwise the amount of his contribution with interest will be returned to him or his legal representative on separation from the service. I assume practically all hon. members know that there are in the service a certain number of men who have been in it for a long time but are still classed as temporaries-the common phrase used to describe them is "temporary permanents." Some have been in the service ten, fifteen, twenty years without having been able to make any provision for superannuation; therefore when they become permanent they are faced with that long arrearage of service, the contributions for which amount to a burdensome figure. It is to meet that condition that these two provisions are recommended. In No. 12 we ask that provision be made for transferring the balance at the credit of superannuation fund No. 2 to superannaution fund No. 5. On March 31, 1938, the balance at the credit of fund No. 2 was SI,823,596. There are only thirty annuitants drawing superannuation from that fund and two contributors still to be retired. That is an old fund set up some forty or more years ago. It is not now being subscribed to except by those two contributors. The amount at its credit is considerable; by transferring that to superannuation fund No. 5, which is the one now in effect, there is no possibility of increasing the load on the present fund No. 5 or of any injustice being dome, because the income from that 81,800,000 will be more than sufficient to take care of the present thirty annuitants and the two contributors still to be retired. In No. 13 we ask that provision be made in the statute for transferring from the retirement fund to superannuation fund No. 5 the contributions of employees who automatically become contributors under the superannuation act. That is, in the event of one of our earlier recommendations being adopted-that an opportunity for election be given again for a period of a year or such other time as par-71492-2801 liament may decide-that automatically their contributions to the retirement fund be transferred to the superannuation fund. In No. 14 we ask that provision be made for crediting superannuation fund No. 5 with interest at a rate to be fixed by the treasury board. My understanding is that this is being done now, in effect, but by regulation; we are asking that it be made statutory so as to remove any doubt. No. 15 asks that provision be made in the statute requiring contributions to be made from the effective date of a contributor's appointment, reclassification or increase of salary, rather than from the date of the instrument authorizing the same. In many cases, I think in all cases, an employee coming into the service has to wait for perhaps six to twelve months before he is made permanent, and sometimes he is reclassified or appointed to a permanent position. We ask that contribution be made from the date on which the employment or change in classification is made effective, rather than the date on which the civil service commission issues a certificate, which may be six to twelve months later.. It is not very important, but it will be of some value. * No. 16 asks that provision be made in the statute requiring persons hereafter appointed to positions exempted from the operation of the Civil Service Act, or to temporary positions, which have in either case been designated under the statute, to furnish the same evidence of health as is now required of persons appointed to permanent positions under the Civil Service Act. There are from time to time under all governments, and have been in all years since the superannuation act was set up, occasions on which persons were brought into the service as temporary em ployees. They may remain there one year or five years or longer, and then, either by civil service commission action or by order in council, become permanent employees. We believe that in order to protect the superannuation fund and the treasury as well, the same evidence of health should be required from such temporary employees on their first appointment as would be required if they were going into the permanent service. Very interesting evidence was presented to the committee by a medical officer from the Department of Pensions and National Health indicating the incidence of illness and consequent loss of time in the civil service. Hon. members would find it interesting to compare the figures set forth therein with that of some large industrial corporations. I am sure that we can be reasonably satisfied that the
Civil Service Superannuation Act civil service employees are not taking too much advantage of the provisions governing absence through illness without certificate, and that the general health of the service has shown a decided improvement, particularly since certificates of the Department of Pensions and National Health have been asked for. No. 17 provides for the discontinuance of the superannuation allowance to a dependent child if such person marries before attaining the age of eighteen years. No. 18 seeks to authorize the treasury board to direct payment of benefits to a person other than the annuitant where the annuitant is not capable of looking after his affairs, and for some other reasons. No. 19 asks that a change be made to render the right of any contributor incontestable after contributions by him have been accepted during a period of at least three years. This would bring the practice under the superannuation act more in line with insurance practice at the present time. There have been a few cases where errors have been thought to have been made, and where the status of certain persons now in the service and paying to the superannuation fund is in doubt. No. 20 seeks to authorize the treasury board to discontinue any benefits to a contributor if, subsequent to the granting of such benefits, it is established to the satisfaction of the board that the contributor was guilty of misconduct as defined in the act while employed in the civil service; and in such case to approve of the payment of such benefits in whole or in part to persons dependent upon the contributor for support. No. 21 asks that provision be made to limit the counting of past non-contributory service of any new contributor, or of any additional past non-contributory service allowed to any present contributor under the amending act, to such service in whole or in part as that in respect of which the contributor elects to pay contributions. If the contributor does not elect to pay his share for past service, then we suggest that the government should not give the fifty per cent free to any new contributor. A simple change is asked in No. 22: that provision be made to extend the definition of "dependent" to stepmother, stepfather, or widow of a contributor who might now be ineligible for benefit. Following that we ask for the repeal of subparagraph (c) of subsection 2 of section 9 of the act, which at the present time prevents the widow of a contributor who married after he had attained the age of sixty from receiving any compensation. In No. 24 we recommend a change that is quite far-reaching in principle, and which the committee believes will do something to allay friction or perhaps jealousy in the minds of some who are at present in the service. It asks that provision be made to limit the superannuation allowance which any new contributor shall be eligible to receive to the maximum sum of $4,200 per annum, and in consequence to provide for an adjustment of contributions in respect to the foregoing limitation. The highest figure ever given to any official of the government service under superannuation was $8,400. It is felt that that sum might well be reduced, that a better feeling would exist in the service if such a wide disparity were done away with. Consequently of course contributions must be required only on the basis of the maximum provided in this case, which would be $4,200. A very far-reaching change is recommended under paragraph 25, as follows: That provision be made in the statute to require new contributors to make contribution at the following rates, namely: Salary Contribution $1,200 and under 5 percent Over $1,200 and not exceeding $1,500 54 percent Over $1,500 6 percent This would apply to male employees only; female contributors would continue to pay the present rate of five per cent per annum, regardless of their salary. The reason nochange is recommended in regard to female employees is that as a rule they enjoy lesser benefits; for instance they seldom leave dependents, as many male contributors do. The evidence given before your committee did not make it possible to state with absolute certainty the cost of superannuation, but from all the evidence that was presented your committee believe that cost to be somewhere between 11 and 12 per cent. That belief is reflected in the change here recommended. As a matter of fact some suggestion was offered that it would not be inequitable to raise the rate even for present contributors, but your committee did not make any recommendation in that connection, the only recommendation being with respect to new contributors or to present contributors who will be offered advantages which they do not enjoy at the present time. Paragraph 26 of the report asks that provision be made in the statute that any new contributor who has over ten years' service and whose position is abolished shall be granted an allowance equal to two-thirds of the allowance he might have been granted if at the date of the abolition of his position Civil Service Superannuation Act he had been retired on account of age or ill-health. This is inserted to deal with a practice which I am glad to say is not common, by which an employee, perhaps wishing to get into some other business, or to get married, or for some other reason, who has not the length of service that would enable such contributor to be retired and receive the fud amount of superannuation in the ordinary way, very often asks, or brings pressure to bear, to have the position abolished, in which case he or she becomes eligible for the full amount of superannuation which has been earned. We believe that by reducing the superannuation payable to two-thirds of the full amount, that practice will be very materially checked. Paragraph 27 asks that provision be made in the statute to authorize the granting to any new contributor who, having served in the civil service for ten years or upwards, is retired on account of inefficiency, two-thirds of the superannuation allowance which he might have been granted if at the date of his retirement on account of inefficiency he had been retired on account of age or ill-health. This is in line with the previous recommendation, and deals with a situation which is somewhat troublesome in certain departments where employees have become inefficient. If there is no provision for retiring them with superannuation, human nature being what it is and heads of branches and departments being what they are, it is very difficult to secure such retirement. If this provision were made, under which two-thirds of the superannuation possible in the event of retirement for ill-health would be made available, then your committee felt this difficulty might be remedied.
Mr. REID:
If I might ask my hon. friend a question, was the committee given any figure as to the number of civil servants being retired for inefficiency?
Mr. McLEAN (Melfort):
I would not likj to answer that question categorically. My impression is that a few have been retired for inefficiency, but it is not an easy matter to retire men or women for inefficiency after years of service, if no superannuation is available to them or if the superannuation is so small that it would be of no value. So your committee thought it would be well to make this recommendation.
I have taken more time, Mr. Speaker, than I thought would be necessary in order to offer these interpretative remarks in regard to some of the more important phases of the report. I move that the report be concurred in.
Mr. A. A. HEAPS (Winnipeg North):
am in favour of this report in a general way, and its importance can be easily gathered from lhe fact that it will affect approximately
50.000 employees of the government. However, there is one aspect of the question to which the hon. member for Melfort (Mr. McLean) did not refer, except indirectly. It is intended to give extended benefits to a very large number of those employed by the government. I am in hearty agreement with that;
I think we should try to bring under the superannuation fund every person working for the government, and I believe that has been the purpose of the committee, which has done its work fairly well. I should like to say a word or two, however, in regard to the fund itself. The hon. member for Melfort made no mention of the status of the fund, as to whether or not it is solvent, and what is likely to be the situation when these additional benefits accrue to those who will be entitled to them if this report is adopted. I hope before that is done we may have from the government some statement of policy and some indication as to whether it is their intention to implement this report by legislation at the present session of parliament. Personally I hope they will. Committees have been working on this matter for several sessions. ' They have called many witnesses, heard a great deal of evidence and spent much time on the question. I believe the civil service are anticipating that at this session the government will implement the report by the necessary legislation.
If my memory serves me aright, the amount to the credit of the superannuation fund at the present time is approximately 858,000,000. That is a fairly large sum of money, but in my opinion, after listening to the evidence submitted to the committee, it is questionable whether or not the fund ia solvent. Personally I have great doubt as to its solvency. We were told in the committee that whether or not it was solvent the government were behind it and, that being so, it was bound to be solvent. The very fact that the committee has recommended that persons who subsequently enter the employ of the government and come under the superannuation fund should be required to make a larger contribution to the extent of one-half or one per cent, is an indication that the fund at present is not on a sound actuarial basis. I should like to have seen the fund thoroughly examined by competent men. No doubt we have competent men in our department, but I should have liked that question
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investigated and the fund put on a proper, sound, scientific basis so that we would not be told at some subsequent time that it is not on a sound footing. I should like the mover to have informed the house as to the anticipated contributions the government would have to make in order to keep the fund on a sound basis and to provide the benefits set out in the report which I hope we are about to adopt. No mention has been made at all of this aspect of the question, but I suggest it is important. If we are to give benefits to an additional 15,000 employees in the employ of the government, we should have some idea of what the cost will be. I believe that point has not been touched on in the report. In my estimation-and I believe the view is held by some members of the committee and by some of the government experts who worked on the question- if we are to put this vast number of civil servants under the superannuation fund and extend to them the benefits of that fund, it will involve a large capital expenditure on the part of the government to keep the fund on a sound basis. What the approximate amount would be, I cannot say; but I do feel we should have some estimate from the committee on that particular point.
I feel, too, that when these additional members of the civil service attain the benefits mentioned in the report, within a reasonable time
probably two or three years-there ought to be a survey of the fund to see how it is operated. On that point we have heard nothing from the committee.
These are the few remarks I wanted to make this morning. Personally, however, I hope the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dunning) will intimate to the house this morning that the recommendations of the committee are likely to be implemented at this session by legislation. As I said a moment ago, large numbers of employees of the government have been looking forward to this report for a number of years. Now that the report is before the house, unless it is accepted by the government and implemented by legislation, thousands of civil servants will be greatly disappointed.
Mr. A. W. NEILL (Comox-Alberni):
Mr. 6peaker, I should like to congratulate the hon. members of the committee and its chairman for this excellent, useful and practicable report. If implemented it will remedy grievances and injustices, and perhaps certain inequalities, from which civil servants in these days and for many years have been suffering. They had almost despaired of having any
action taken on their behalf. Other hon. members and myself have appeared before committees from time to time in years gone by, and in many cases the result was a mere stalling report. In some instances the matter was referred to officials who had nothing at all to do with it, and in other cases there was the statement that there was not time to consider the matter. But this is a real, practical and comprehensive report, dealing without fear or favour, apparently, with a lot of cases.
I am particularly interested in paragraph No. 8, which states:
8. That provision be made in the statute to render prevailing rates employees eligible to become contributors subject to designation by governor in council on the recommendation of the treasury board of the various classes and individuals to be so rendered eligible.
I presume that that will apply to and cover a class which for many years has been overlooked, namely, the masters, mates, officers and petty officers on board government boats. That is certainly a very necessary thing and I am sure it will be appreciated.
I have only one note of criticism to add with respect to the whole report-and possibly my criticism arises from the fact that I do not sufficiently understand it. Paragraph 21 is as follows:
21. That provision be made in the statute to limit the counting of past non-contributory service of any new contributor or of any additional past non-contributory service allowed to any present contributor under the amending act to such service in whole or in part as in respect of which the contributor elects to pay contributions.
Let us assume that certain employees are receiving $90 a month, as some of the men on the steamers do. We will say that they have put in thirty-four years. Under the old act they could come into seventeen years' superannuation without making any payment. If they elected to come in for the whole period they had to pay the arrears. I believe that was a proper procedure. But if I read this aright it will mean that any man coming in now will have to pay up, in full, the whole sum, a procedure which he would be quite incapable of doing, and he would thereby be prevented from coming in at all. It may be that the paragraph in the report is subject to the clause now appearing in the present act whereby a man or woman who wishes to pay up his or her arrears is permitted to do so by making monthly payments, which would carry over not only their period of service but after their superannuation. If that is to be understood it would be satisfactory. But
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if it is, as I fear it is, it would mean that it would have to foe taken care of in some way, or it would not be of much value to some people.
I join with the hon. member for Winnipeg North (Mr. Heaps) in impressing upon the government the necessity of taking steps, even this late in the session, to implement the report. If necessary they could do so by legislation, or if the Department of Justice rules that it may 'be done by order in council or through the Civil Service Act, a pronouncement should be made so that the people concerned may have their long anxieties set at rest so far as their future is concerned.
Mr. J. J. McCANN (Renfrew South):
Mr. Speaker, the detailed explanatory remarks of the hon. member for Melfort (Mr. McLean) in presenting the report and moving its adoption do not call for additional observations upon my part, as seconder. I wish to point out merely that the government, as the largest employers in the country, should at all times find it to its advantage that proper protection be given to its employees.
During the sittings of the committee and in the preparation and presentation of the report we considered and studied the superannuation schemes of a large number of industrial concerns in Canada. No doubt in the report we have incorporated some of the better recommendations and practices of those industrial concerns. Speaking a few moments ago the hon. member for Winnipeg North (Mr. Heaps) referred to doubts that were in his mind as to whether the fund was insolvent. I have taken the stand throughout the deliberations of the committee that the contribution made by employees was a deferred payment of salary, and that that part of the contribution made by the government was a bonus. I believe that is a fair way of looking at it. Any employee who has given good service throughout the years and has been a contributor to superannuation, whether or not he has been an employee for less than ten years, should have that money returned to him when he quits the service. That will be done, if the report is implemented.
I took the stand also that so long as the credit of Canada is behind the superannuation fund it is not at any time, nor can it be declared, insolvent, so long as the country is solvent. Whether or not a separate fund is set up and the money in that fund put into separate securities, earmarked and kept apart for this particular purpose of superannuation
does not make a great deal of difference. It is being administered by the Department of Finance and the treasury board has complete supervision ow it. Recommendations must be made when amounts of money are to 'be taken from the fund. There has never been any question in my mind with reference to its solvency.
I do not believe it was the duty of the committee to make a note in the report as to what the increased costs might be in the event of implementing the different provisions. If and when legislation is brought down enacting some of the recommendations, I have no doubt the minister in charge of the bill will be in a position to give details with respect to any added costs there may be.
I ask that hon. members study this important report, and I urge the government to implement the recommendations contained therein, if possible this year. The government is the largest employer in this country and we owe a duty to those in the civil service who have been waiting for years for the benefits they would receive as a result of the implementation of these recommendations. I hope the necessary legislation will be passed at this session.
Mrs. MARTHA LOUISE BLACK (Yukon):
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the chairman of this committee upon this voluminous and carefully considered report. As hon. members on the government front benches know, for many years we in the Yukon have felt that a grave injustice has been done to the civil servants there. These civil servants are required to contribute on their salary and living allowance. For a time those who retired received superannuation on the basis of their salaries and living allowances, but due to the caprice or whim of an official in the department this was changed without any warning or excuse.
Mr. ILSLEY:
When was it changed?
Mrs. BLACK:
I think in 1927. It was thoroughly dishonest and corrupt. That practice was continued by the Conservative government. WThen I made a similar statement in the house before, the former leader of the Conservative government corrected me. I did not catch his remark at the time, but I told him afterwards that two wrongs never make a right. Because one government did this to the civil servants was no reason why another government, even a Conservative government, should carry on the practice. I have tried to be entirely independent and impartial. These men who paid in on both
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salary and living allowance looked forward to receiving superannuation on the same basis, just as anyone would who had paid into an insurance company.
I know of one very sad case, that of a civil servant who has been retired. This man has
an invalid wife, and an invalid daughter, and instead of receiving about $72 per month, as he should, he receives less than $50. The doctors ordered him to take his family out of the country because of the cold weather. It was very difficult for him to do this. I have hoped against hope that at some time the government would see fit to remedy this injustice. There are only a few civil servants in the north and they have rendered good service. Anyone who has lived in the north knows the prices that must be paid for everything. When I consider the prices asked by the fruit stands in Ottawa. I cannot help but think of what we in Yukon must pay for the few luxuries we have. How would hon. members like to pay $3.50 to $5 for a watermelon? How would they like to pay from $1 to $1.50 for a pound of cherries? We should have some luxuries, and our civil servants find it very hard to get along. I beseech the government again, as I have before by letter and by word of mouth, to remedy this injustice. I believe the recommendations in this report will help to a large extent, but there is still much more that can be done.
Mr. N. J. M. LOCKHART (Lincoln):
Mr. Speaker, I desire to say a word or two in connection with the splendid presentation by the chairman of this committee, of which I happened to be one of the humble members. I concur in what was said by the hon. member for Winnipeg North (Mr. Heaps), that it was disappointing that the committee did not get full and adequate information as to the exact actuarial standing of the superannuation fund. However, I appreciate that because of the way in which this fund has been handled over a long period of years it might be difficult to give this information at the present time. I believe that the members of the committee did their best. The officers of the department cooperated in every way, and every effort was made not to break faith with those who have contributed over a long period of years. We also endeavoured to take in as many as possible of those who did not elect to come under the superannuation act when the opportunity was afforded some years ago.
The committee has made no effort to change the basis of superannuation, leaving it as it is provided for by the old act on a ten-year basis. I think by and large across the country,
salaries are generally considered on a five-year basis. I mention this so that hon. members of this house may give the matter due consideration when the report is being discussed fully. Along with other members of the committee I do hope that the government will consider this report most seriously. I concur in the suggestion by other hon. members that the recommendations should be implemented, if possible at this session. However, I would point out that this report is of particular significance to thousands of civil servants across Canada, and I should not like to see it dealt with too hurriedly. I believe this report will more or less establish the basis for which civil servants have been waiting many years.
I join with all members of the committee in expressing my appreciation of the manner in which the committee was conducted and I appreciate having been given the opportunity to serve on it. I urge that full consideration be given by the house to all the details of this report, and other amendments which may be suggested by the departmental officials.
Hon. J. L. ILSLEY (Minister of National Revenue):
Mr. Speaker, if no other hon.
member desires to speak, I should like to say a few words on behalf of the government. I think everyone recognizes that this is a very able, thoughtful and extensive report. However, if its recommendations are fully implemented, it will be a most costly report. I do not suppose it would prove a service for me to give the house an estimate of the total cost of carrying out all these recommendations, but if maximum advantage is taken of the recommendations by all civil servants in Canada, it will mean a considerable additional annual cost to the government.
Mr. CAHAN:
What would the cost be?
Mr. ILSLEY:
After deducting the increased contributions, the additional annual cost to the government is estimated at $1,533,500. It is estimated that the applications for arrears would cost nearly $15,900,000. These are the estimates which have been placed in my hands. The government has no objection to the house adopting this report, but it is most far-reaching. According to the information I have, it will mean placing from 15,000 to 20,000 temporaries under the superannuation fund. This will mean a considerable drain on the fund, which of course is not self-supporting.
I am not now referring to the solvency of the superannuation fund, but it should be remembered that the government is assumed
to contribute as much as the contributor. Therefore, an additional 15,000 to 20,000 contributors would mean a considerable expense.
I am aware that no government should look at this matter purely from the standpoint of cost to the taxpayers, but the government must have some regard for that and must consider these recommendations with that in view.
There are a number of factors which I might mention. One recommendation is that the option of transferring to the superannuation fund be given to those who have elected to remain contributors to the retirement fund. There are 4,900 persons who will possibly take advantage of this. Periods of election were given some years ago, first from 1924 to 1925, next from 1925 to 1926, and then from 1926 to 1927. These contributors did not avail themselves of the right to elect during that period. If the house adopts this report, and I have no particular objection to the principle if hon. members wish to approve it, they will be giving these persons the right again to come under the superannuation fund. If they pay up their arrears and take advantage of the benefits, a very heavy obligation will have to be assumed in this connection by the government.
Of the twenty-eight recommendations in this report, many have numerous ramifications. I do not think that this is the time or the place for me to go into them. The government can give no undertaking at the moment to implement the report at this session. It will have to give consideration, perhaps extensive consideration, to just where all these recommendations lead. It might be that if parts of the report were _ adopted by legisl* tion at this session important changes would be made. Apart from that I do not know that I can say anything at this time. If the house adopts the report the government will have to reserve the right to take a little time for consideration and not bring in a bill at this session.
Motion agreed to.


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Match from Zero1 Jump Up Fly to the Future
1.ZERO1 World Title: Sekimoto(c) vs Sugawara ***1/4
I was cautiously optimistic here. I mean, Sekimoto is one of my favorites and I wanted to see his latest defense of the ZERO1 strap, but Sugawara is pretty hit or miss. The good news is he played his role well enough here and Daisuke helped elevate him a bit seeing as he's one of the most consistent workers in the world and easily capable of making the best of an otherwise bland situation.
For context, for the WWE-only fans that aren't scared off by my blog, this is the equivalence of seeing Seth Rollins defend the title on a ppv main event against Bo Dallas.
This was actually a fairly good title contest in all, but nothing you should worry about catching.

subset: commoncrawl


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There was a time, probably in your career, when you could say, "I'm not that empathetic," or "people aren't my thing," and advance to a management position in IT. More recently, emotional quotient (EQ) became something that — combined with IQ and technical skills — made an IT leader a unicorn capable of being both an inspiring leader as well as an effective technology producer. In the past couple of years, however, the ability to demonstrate empathy has shifted from "nice to have" to a CIO's force multiplier — the A skill that elevates a team's productivity, keeps hard-to acquire technical people from, and is the sinew leaving and tendon that connects your company's culture.
If you are feeling this is a difficult ask, you have every reason.
"For a long time, empathy was farmed out to the HR department," says Dessalen Wood, chief people officer at Syntax. "And suddenly leaders are expected to have the interest, time, and capacity for discussions we would previously have told them never to have around their staff's personal life, mental health, and issues of social justice."
Why empathy is suddenly a key leadership trait
"Empathy has always mattered," says Heidi Brooks, senior lecturer in organizational behavior at Yale School of Management. "Employees want to feel seen. They don't want to be cogs in a wheel. It matters more now, though, because work has become focused on questions around what work is and why we do it."
All of this is happening because people have options. Your team — and everyone working in IT for that matter — is being recruited for jobs elsewhere, given the massive employment opportunities and the fact that, with the rise in remote work, they don't have to uproot their lives to make a change.
"It's a hot market," Wood says. "Whenever there is unemployment, employers have to raise the bar. We're in a bar-raising moment. And empathy is at the forefront of that raised bar, as is social justice and purpose."
Eric Sigurdson, leader of the CIO practice at leadership consultancy Russell Reynolds Associates, sees firsthand how important an empathetic leader is when his team tries to recruit people. There are some people who aren't interested. "They won't call us back," he says. And when his team asks why, in surveys, the reasons they give are telling. "They say things like they feel valued, their boss shows appreciation both monetarily and emotionally, or 'the company moves me to different jobs so I can round out my skill base.' They are all things that show the leader is empathetic," Sigurdson says.
Empathy has benefits beyond recruitment and retention as well. As Wood puts it, "Leaders who connect with their people have a deeper relationship in terms of loyalty and the discretionary effort they get from their team."
One of the first benefits you, the leader, will experience is knowledge. People will tell you things. "If you have trust and feel like your leader understands you, you are more likely to open up to that person when you're blocked, when you don't have clarity on work streams, or when you have ideas about how to innovate or change processes," says Elizabeth Burstein, CEO and co-founder of Neura Health. "Empathy opens communication."
According to Brooks, the reasons are even bigger than that. Your ability to lead with empathy can change the culture of your company and, through that, the world.
"Leaders embody organizational culture," she says. "And since technology is changing the face of the world and of work, it is important — at a meta level — for tech companies to think about empathy. This is an exciting invitation for people to realize that the way they are doing this is not just for their team or company. These norms may guide how the world thinks about work."
So, not to put too much pressure on you, but you need to embrace empathy in your leadership practices.
What is empathy?
You don't have to get a psychology degree to become an empathetic leader. There are manageable ways to build this skill. The first step? Understand what empathy is — and isn't.
According to Brooks, there are two kinds of empathy. "Cognitive empathy is about understanding where the other person is coming from," she says. "Emotional empathy is actually feeling what they're feeling." Your job as a leader requires cognitive empathy."
Cognitive empathy, Brooks explains, involves two key elements: "First, that you can see the situation the way the other person sees it, which involves imagining yourself in their shoes and asking questions so you can get more textural data on what they are experiencing . And then — and this is very important — you have to express that understanding," she says.
This does not mean that you have to agree with the person's worldview. You only have to understand it and demonstrate that you do.
"People get stuck because sometimes they feel that if they say they get where another person is coming from, then it's like condoning or agreeing with their perspective," Brooks says. "Sometimes you don't agree. But you are just taking it in and letting people know that you see them and where they're coming from."
It sounds simple enough, but expressing cognitive empathy is a complex process that is easy in some instances and difficult in others. And, as a leader, you are being asked to show empathy equally in every situation. That's the challenge.
"There's what I call judgmental empathy," Wood says, "That's where, if I can identify with you, I have a never-ending pool of empathy for you. But if I can't — and this has a lot to do with bias and inclusion — I think of you as a complainer, high maintenance, or full of drama."
If, for example, you are a leader with small children at home, you might easily feel empathy for someone in the same situation. But you might be annoyed by someone struggling with loneliness, mental health issues, or anxiety.
Bring your beginner's mind
IT leaders are acccustomed to being subject matter experts. But empathy can be more difficult to define and master, putting it outside the comfort zone even of those who are good at learning complex — but predictable — subjects. "We don't love to step out of our expertise, where we're comfortable, feel elevated, and have earned the role of expert," says Brooks. "You may have to come to this with a beginner's mind. But think of it this way: You've earned yourself into a new level of problem to navigate."
Rasheed Behrooznia, vice president of campus ID solutions at Transact Campus, agrees. "Leading with empathy was something I had to learn. Early in my career, I lead a small team. I had always worked hard and drove things to complete quickly. My expectation as a new team leader was that I would tell them what needed to be done and they would make it happen. I cringe thinking about that now. A leader must listen, take time to understand the individuals, what they need, how they learn, what's their why, and then provide them with an environment to thrive in."
What if no one will talk to you?
Chances are good that if you are leading a team, you have some history with your staff. Deciding to become a more empathetic leader might mean you have baggage to overcome first.
"You can't just walk into a meeting with somebody you've been harshing on and ignoring and think they are going to disclose to you," says Brooks. "You have to start by creating psychological safety." If people won't talk to you, they have reasons — either the institutional ones or ones you have created.
"I have a rule," says Volodymyr Semenyshyn, president of EMEA at SoftServe. "A leader always speaks last." Because when the leader expresses an idea, it's a decision in the mind of the team and no one is likely to contradict it. "When a general in the army says something, it's an imperative; it's a directive. It's no longer an idea," he says. "So, the general needs to listen to every idea about strategy or tactics and then decide what to do. It's the same with leaders. It's tough because we already know the answer. But speaking first kills autonomy and creativity and shows you are not an empathetic leader."
Fake it until you get there
It turns out that you don't have to start this process by feeling empathy, at all. You just have to practice a couple of very simple steps to start your journey. You will discover empathy as you go.
"Start by asking deeper questions," Wood says. "When you're asking people — as we were all told during COVID — how they are doing, be ready to ask some follow-up questions." What you are doing is acknowledging what the person said and curiously digging a little deeper. "From those three to seven minutes of curiosity, you will gain a greater understanding of that person and that person will feel seen. Both of those things lead to deeper connections and a stronger bond."
Wood tells a story of trying to teach empathy to a difficult tech leader who was reluctant to learn. After a workshop in which she suggested he start by asking questions and follow-up questions, he sent her an email asking a question. She answered. He asked three follow-up questions. Even though she knew he was irritably following a script she'd just given him, it worked. "We ended up becoming collegial colleagues, as a result of that." He also saw the value of the strategy — and of empathy — and worked on it with his team.
Be careful of the words you choose
Language can be tricky, especially in hybrid environments. Words, outside the context of facial expressions and body language, can have unexpected results, as May Habib, co-founder and CEO of Writer.com, points out.
"We did a survey that found that when people communicate asynchronously, the level of perceived toxicity and bullying goes up," Habib says. "I think this has a lot to do with the fact that text-only communication is so two-dimensional."
Watching the language you choose to use over these methods of cultural bias — eliminating terms that seem passive aggressive condescending, or riddled with bias — can go a long way to improve how you are perceived by your team.
"So much of our language gets to undercurrents of culture," says Habib. "When we change the words we use, we can change our thoughts. People may have good intentions but might habitually deliver feedback or communicate a certain way. Checking your language — and having awareness of the problem — is the first step. It also creates an opportunity to connect in a more positive way, which can lead to better performance and."
This is one area where training, even group training, can help. Though there are also tools, Habib's Writer being one of them, that can watch and make suggestions as you write.
Get coaching
Everyone I spoke to for this article suggested that leaders should get coaching on empathy.
"This is a skill that you can develop and learn, if you put in enough time," says Semenyshyn. "But you need to work with a coach. Within our organization, all managers have training on empathy. We explain what it is, what to do, and which questions to ask. It is like a certificate from a university, though," he laughs. "It doesn't guarantee that you have knowledge, only that you had the chance to get it."
Wood suggests that you do a mix of one-on-one coaching and conceptual training.
"When it comes to trust, empathy, or empowerment, it's wonderful to something with your peers," she says. "Then you should have two to four hours of coaching with an HR business partner or external person who can help you see how this impacts your relationships."
She references her relationship with the leader who was reluctant to embrace empathy as a management tool. "Conceptually, we're smart people," she says. "But the action of sending me a message and having a connection with me was like cognitive behavioral therapy. It showed him how these actions do show empathy and improve outcomes."


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DEA Seizes Weapons from ATF's Controversial "Operation Fast and Furious"
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com
Authorities may soon want to rename ATF's controversial "Operation Fast and Furious" gun program "Operation Very Big Headache."
The latest: CBS reports that DEA agents recently confiscated a stash of assault rifles in the Phoenix area linked to the operation, which encouraged gun dealers to sell to straw purchasers — all with the hopes of tracing the weapons to the Mexican cartels. CBS reported that sources said they believed the suspects intended to take the guns to Mexico.
CBS, citing unnamed sources, reported that DEA agents stopped two suspects on April 13 and found two giant garbage cans full of dozens of AK-47 type weapons wrapped in cellophane. A trace of the first weapon found that a suspect in the "Fast and Furious" case purchased it in Nov. 2009, CBS reported.
Station KPHO reported that DEA has refused to give up the weapons to ATF. An ATF spokesman told the station the agencies are cooperating.
To read more click here.
Posted: 5/20/11 at 10:58 AM under News Story.
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text: Mount Trashmore Construction Access InformationPark access from Edwin Drive limited due to ongoing projectsFriday, November 30, 2018VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – With the Mount Trashmore Park office and permanent stage construction projects underway, pedestrian access has now been restricted for safety reasons. At this time, there is no public access in the construction area. The boardwalk and steps located on the lakeside are also closed and there is no direct access from Edwin Drive to the lakeside restroom and shelters. To access these areas, visitors are asked to use the perimeter trail around the lake or mountain to bypass the construction.Over the years, Mount Trashmore Park has maintained great popularity with both area residents and visitors. The volume of use has led to a need to replace and enhance various features. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's Planning Design and Development team has advocated for an update to permanent structures that support this highly utilized and much-loved Virginia Beach landmark. Recently, the scenic boardwalk overlook area was completely redone and a set of stairs leading up the side of the mountain were replaced. In addition to the new park office and the permanent stage area, improved pathways will be installed to accommodate various vendors, food trucks, and pedestrian access.Significant completion of the project is projected for summer 2019. For additional information and project updates, visit VBgov.com/Parks. Page Content Contact InformationJulie Braley(757) firstname.lastname@example.com SearchSearch by Date RangeStart End View News by Category All NewsAgricultureBudget & Management ServicesCity AttorneyCity AuditorCity ClerkCity ManagerCity TreasurerCommissioner of the RevenueCommonwealth's AttorneyCommunications OfficeConvention and Visitors BureauCourtsCultural AffairsEconomic DevelopmentEmergency Communications & Citizen ServicesEmergency ManagementEmergency Medical ServicesFinanceFireHousing & Neighborhood PreservationHuman Resources (City)Human ServicesInformation TechnologyParks & RecreationPlanningPolicePublic HealthPublic LibrariesPublic UtilitiesPublic WorksReal Estate AssessorStrategic Growth AreaVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterVirginia Beach CourtsVolunteer ResourcesVoter Registration & Elections


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Do You Hear The People Sing?
Do You Hear The People Sing?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Mortensen Hall at The Bushnell
Kevin Stites, guest conductor
Eric Kunze, Jeff Mccarthy, Jennifer Paz, Kathy Voytko, Marie Zamora, guest vocalists
Hartford Chorale
Richard Coffey, music director
Do You Hear the People Sing celebrates the music of two of the world's most prolific writers of musical theatre, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, in an epic Broadway-style event. This ultimate concert experience features music from Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen, and many more.


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Five Kaua'i Courses Named "Best of Hawaii" by Golf Advisor | Jan 28, 2019
Posted By: GoGolfKauai.com
Five Kaua'i golf courses have been named "Best of Hawaii" by Golf Advisor, the leading source of golf course ratings and reviews by golfers, for golfers. In a Top 20 listing of the best courses in Hawai'i, Golf Advisor's community of golfers voted Princeville Makai Golf Club No. 2, Poipu Bay Golf Course No. 7, Puakea Golf Course No. 13, The Ocean Course at Hokuala No. 17, and Wailua Golf Course No. 19.
"It's an honor to be recognized by Golf Advisor for having five of Hawaii's finest courses," said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kauaï'i Visitors Bureau. "With so many incredible golf courses and resorts located on Kauai'i, the island is a top destination for golfers from around the world."
According to Golf Advisor, course scores are based on their overall rating and subcategory average as voted on by Golf Advisor readers. Courses need a minimum of 10 reviews over the calendar year to be considered for their Best-of rankings. Golf Advisor is the leading source of golf course ratings and reviews by golfers, for golfers. Golf Advisor's community of golfers share their first-hand experience at thousands of courses worldwide to help other golfers decide where to play their next round.
Nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kauaï'i is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. Princeville Makai Golf Club (Princeville Resort Kauai'i), Poipu Bay Golf Course (Grand Hyatt Kauai'i Resort & Spa), Puakea Golf Course, The Ocean Course at Hokuala (Hokuala Kauaï'i, A Timbers Resort) and Wailua Golf Course all exemplify the stunning views and exceptional golf found on the island.
For more information on Kauai golf, visit www.gogolfkauai.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers


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"Responsibility is not the Truth with a capital T. Its a point of view which I can choose to take regarding all of the events in my life. If I choose to approach life from the responsible point of view, it means giving up my excuses, my avoidances, all the manipulative games I play when I feel like a victim. In return, what I gain is freedom, clarity, and the empowering experience of being in control and in charge of my life."
Robert White
I have been playing the victim in my life for a quick minute now. I was able and willing to fess up to all of my mistakes, issues and most of my excuses, but because I couldn't have the one thing I wanted, I moped and cried and overall just let my emotions run rampant. Since I don't like to deal with my emotions (I hate crying for sure!), I got angry that I was having to deal with all of these crazy wild emotions. Then I got angry because others didn't/could't/wouldn't deal with my emotions and so on and so forth.
Today is the start to a new week. It is the start to a new holiday season. Today is the day that I take back my control on my emotions and the things in my life that I need to stop letting others control. I am going to be responsible for myself and my words. I am going to do my best to stop letting my emotions control the decisions I make and start thinking with my head. Where my heart is, is not necessarily where my body can be and letting my heart do all the talking is certainly not helping me take back my control.
I am making a vow to myself to think before I speak, not let myself be controlled my emotions, give up what I can't control, and take control of what I can. I am no longer going to do what others want just because I don't want to deal with their feelings. Their feelings, wants, needs are no longer my concern. My feelings, wants, needs are my concern (this statement excludes my daughter). If someone doesn't like what I have to say, what I am doing, how I am handling things, well guess what? Tough crap, that's not my problem.
I realize I was letting others have all the control in my life because I thought if I did, then they would stay. If I give up myself, they'd realize I'd changed. When I gave them all the control, I gave up myself and they let me. Maybe they didn't know I'd given them all the control, maybe they were taking my approach and didn't give a crap. My guess would be the latter.
I read this last night on one of my new favorite blogs High Existence. It pretty much sums up my new life philosphy and has some great reads in there too!
"I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries."
Theodore Rubin


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Hey everyone!!
I'M FINALLY BACK! I took a long hiatus from the blog for a month to focus more on myself and my work. There has been so much going on right now with Covid-19 and everything. It's been legit 3 months that I haven't stepped out of the house even a bit and I can't believe how I'm doing this. I have severe allergies/respiratory problems and have a weak immune system so I'm being really careful when going out. It has been a real struggle but I've been keeping myself really busy for the last couple of months. I really hope you all are doing well and staying safe and healthy. Lockdown period is almost over here in the US but to be honest, I'm pretty scared to step out of the house but I've been stocking up on wipes/disinfectant so that everything is sanitized.
PLEASE take care of yourself and wear a mask at all times. Take this seriously and practice social distance but I recommend going out for just fitness and groceries.
Also, there's been a lot of protests regarding George Floyd and I've been showing a lot of support through social media. We are going through a lot of hardships as a world and we should show each other more love and empathy. We all are fighting battles so please be kind and be there when someone needs a shoulder to lean on. We are all in this together and so be united, compassionate, and spread positivity as much as possible ❤
In the meantime, I've been focusing more on career development and decided to join women networks to advance my career and leadership skills.
I joined an incredible network full of inspiring women in tech called WomenTech Network which suddenly invited so many unexpected opportunities for me.
- I was recognized a Global Ambassador and Tech Influencer for the network and ranked #1 among thousands of ambassadors!! It's such an honor to be part of this amazing team of beautiful souls and we all worked together to unite 100K women in tech to join the network to become a leader and make a difference 🙂 I encouraged team leaders and members of superior talent to promote the network and help the community grow via social media marketing
- I volunteered as a Community Director as I engaged with women who code, women in tech and other community leaders from around the world to team up, promote their initiative and to join us as a partner / collaborate with us. My blog Beyoutiful is one of the community partners for WomenTech Network 🙂
- I also received the Influencer and Country Leader Badge representing USA for uniting 362 women in tech along with 3K other ambassadors
- I also got the opportunity to be a keynote speaker for the Global Tech Conference that we will be having next Wed. This is my first time being a speaker for a large conference so don't know how to feel. I'm nervous yet excited but I've been preparing really well for the past couple of weeks.
I never dreamed that this would open opportunities for me but I'm pretty happy as I've put in a lot of hard work into this. My goal is to empower women in tech and science and pursue STEM careers. I really hope I can keep making a difference to really inspire more women to advance their careers by providing valuable advice and tips.
Here's a little more about the Global Conference we are having next Wed, June 10th-12th:
Would love it if you could take the time to sign up for the Women Tech Global Conference held this next week with 200+ inspiring speakers and 3,000 global ambassadors whom you can learn from and ask questions. This conference also provides deep-dive summits and training as well as virtual networking and career fair!
Even though maybe I endured some hardships for the past few years and now with the COVID crisis, I always try to stay positive and optimistic 🙂
I'm working on some other projects as well but will keep you posted 🙂
How have you guys been doing?? Please let me know how you all are feeling and don't hesitate to reach out to me! You can always count on me as your good friend ❤❤
Will try to catch up with your posts but hope you enjoyed this and stay safe 😘
Please reach out to me if you're looking to get into the tech industry or trying to advance your career. I would love to help you out and share my tips for you to be successful 💙
Hope you all have an amazing weekend 💖
Until next time,
Let's connect on social media ❤
Facebook: Be-you-tiful
Instagram: The Beyoutiful Blog


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Nobody's Perfect: Katie Kropas VS Barack Obama
Nobody's Perfect:
This week we have two people who amazingly had no clue of what was happening around them: Katie Kropas, who didn't know she was pregnant for a whole nine months, and 'President' Barak Obama, who had no clue he was supposed to go to Paris and join the Western leaders in solidarity against Jihadists who are waging war on everybody. …
Or he could have at least send somebody.
Let's start with Katie first.
Katie was having back pains one morning, and they were so bad she went to the hospital. Wondering what the heck was wrong, she rushed to the hospital, where an hour later, she gave birth to her 10 pound daughter!
Lovely! An added ten pounds is just the usual Christmas cookie caving right?
And then there's forgetting you are the President of America and you have a duty to actually represent America. After all, it is your job. So when Obama didn't show up in Paris last week to stand up with the other 40 leaders of the world–the world got rather insulted: Evidently, he just forgot, and to get everything together at the last-minute, would take too much time.
In other words: All the best hotel suites were already booked.
So, President Obama, spent the afternoon sitting at the White House, watching football.
So who wins the Nobody's Perfect Award for the week?
On the one hand, nobody says how the boyfriend feels about his girlfriend not telling him she was pregnant, and if he will buy her story…but another baby born? That's always a good thing, and Katie looks like a happy mom.
So…once again, the Nobody's Perfect Award goes to 'President' Barack Hussein Obama. We might be able to forgive him for not wanting to hang out with other snobby European elites, but he could have at least sent Jeb Bush. (LOL!) Or Hillary. Or even Jerry Lewis.
It's not like it was Super Bowl Sunday.
Why We Should Worry About Obama's State In the Womb
Nobody Reports
My husband and I have a battle going on in the car: Tell me if this sounds familiar: He has a tendency to drive too close to the car in front of him. He KNOWS that's a death waiting to happen, so why does he do it? For years I have wondered about this.
I am always shouting "HEY! SLOW DOWN! I WANT TO LIVE!"
If traffic ahead suddenly stops, I, in the passenger seat see it, but he doesn't. WHY? Because he is, a man. His concentration is on everything around him. His peripheral vision is excitedly tuned in to just about everything. (Including all good looking women.) IF a helicopter should fly out of the sky in the blind spot of his car, he will take quick action and miss it.
He also does another thing…..he dares. Other drivers. Ladies? You know what I mean?
Needless to say, it's a matter of extreme frustration to him when I hold my head down and cover my eyes. He thinks, he's driving fine.
On the other hand, when I drive, I tend to focus on the car in front of me. And so, if someone is coming up behind or besides me, he sees them, and I don't.
This causes the usual blaming and typical 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" comments until one day, I figured it out. His brain was taking in all aspects of the scene except the front, my brain was taking in a more narrow view. And it was because of our brains.
Either way of driving could get us both killed. Now, we work together. I watch the front, he watches everything else.
So, let's discuss something nobody is talking about these days:—Something that not too many people are reporting: The scientific FACT that men and women's brains are VERY different. There are shades of gray of course, but on the whole..guess what? FACT: Your mother's hormones flood your brain with testosterone in the womb if you are a boy and this shapes your man brain. Of course, mother nature does this all by herself, unless s of course, your mother is under great stress during the pregnancy, which if you are a boy, you might get blasted with a bit of estrogen, which will add a bit of the female to that brain. You might end up loving to shop for some unknown reason.
Here's what the scientists have found:
Female brains are more lit up and colorful than male brains. On the whole female brains have 15 percent more blood flow than the males. Thus, far more cortical areas, are processing emotions in the female. The female also has a lot more connection between the two hemispheres of the brain This little nerve bridge that connects the two hemispheres is called the corpus callosum and these nerves in women are about 25 percent bigger.
Male brains tend toward more development of such complex spatial skills as mechanical design, measurement, direction, abstraction, and manipulation of physical objects. Testosterone surges have a special effect on spatial functions in the right hemisphere of the male brain. Because the man does not have the corpus collosum nerve connection between the two hemispheres, he doesn't connects as many feelings to words, or even thoughts to words. If the feeling or thoughts needs to move from the right to the left hemisphere, it takes a while for men. While women use six or seven cortical areas for languages in both hemispheres. Men on average use about half the amount of words that women do.
And then you have the brain chemicals.
Men have less serotonin than women, the chemical that calms us down. They also have less oxytocin, the empathy chemical. So men choose action first, talk later.
The male brain also does not hear as well.
That's right ladies…you think he is ignoring you, but maybe he really didn't hear you.
The amygdala and the hippocampus is also different. The hippocampus is why the female remembers how the husband was trying to hide his attraction to the female sitting next to him on the plane, and she remembers every single denial that he uttered as he practically went into a coma.
And this one is the one advantage that as a woman, I really don't like: The female brain never rests. This is probably due to the fact that she was responsible to making sure the baby wasn't eaten by the hidden panther in the cave while daddy slept.
Men on the other hand, can ZONE OUT. Men can take mental naps. That's right. They can be watching football and ZONE OUT. NOTHING is going on there ladies.
Yes, it's true. At times the men are just…not thinking anything.
For a good example of female and men brains at work, someday watch the morning FOX show called "Outnumbered." The show has one man on, and he sits in the middle of four females who basically, never shut up.
They can't help themselves.
The poor guys, just sit there quietly, and once in a while, when they think he can back up some point they have made, they let him talk.
Any man that goes on this show, should get a medal. Or more than likely, he doesn't care if he talks, he's just enjoying the view.
So, right now, my husband is killing someone in his video game, and if I went in and said something to him, he wouldn't' even hear it.
I could say, "I have been seeing Chris Pine while you are at work honey," and he wouldn't even blink. In fact, even if he did hear it, he would know I was kidding. No emotion whatsoever would surface on his face. A woman on the other hand, might emote over it for days even to the point of having a mental breakdown.
And that brings me to "bridge brains."
A male brain that has some female aspects, or a female that has some male aspects.
Some conspiracy theories think they are putting female hormones in our water to make the world full of Obama's pajamas boys. I'm not so sure they are wrong. As for Obama's lame action against all threats to the United States? Who knows what tremendous stress his mother was going through while flying all over the world pregnant? Maybe pajama boy really IS Obama.
Having said that…it's all the more reason that whatever brain you have, hang on to it! Especially if you are a man, playing video's or watching football…tell your wife to go read a book, or go shopping…it's your man brain controlling you and unless she wants to find herself a woman to live with— it is, what it is. We need all the male brains we can muster at this point.
And if you are a man…just let your wife talk away. Zone out.
After all, her poor brain just won't let itself rest.
Have a little pity.


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In-game description, Last Day on Earth is the place to be. It is all about a new experience when you choose to move away from the other gaming deals. Open up your understanding of the game if you must keep your resources and gather more and ensure you lose none in the process. This might seem like Greek if you are not well established in the game.
What is the Last Day on Earth?
The trick of Last Day on Earth is based on your creativity. In this article, I am going to give you all the information you need about the game. I will also give you a few tips and tricks that will help you level up in the game without much hustle. The game has revolutionized the gaming world with its unique character. It would help if you equipped yourself with the right weapons to protect yourself.
Clearing the five enemies you face in the game, you are given an option to design your base or not. The trees you get on the land can be used to design your base. However, it is important to understand that once you chop down these trees, you will not recover them.
Your first few days in the game can be very challenging and rough. This has driven us to provide you with these fellow survivors and orient themselves in the new, treacherous world! Although the game is still in its early BETA, things will change over time. Your goal is to survive in a tough environment. Collecting resources, building up your base, and fending off invaders both dead and alive.
Your First Shelter
We all need a place to call home whether permanent or temporary homes provided you have a cover over your head. In this case, you will require some wood to complete your home. The twigs are collected from the ground, and alternatively, you can chop trees using a hatchet to get pine logs. To craft a hatchet, you must have three limestones and three pine logs.
Point To Note:
Do not rely on Level and two walls to protect your house from being invaded by the horde. You first need to upgrade the floors before you upgrade the walls. Floors are of great importance and strong as hordes cannot destroy them. At the same time, some objects can only be placed on upgraded floors.
Your shelter should also have some doors since you cannot access the shelter without doors unless you break the walls. The Last Day on Earthworks more like a normal life. Just as you need a door to access your own home, you will need a door to access Your First Shelter.
In-Game Characters
In the Last Day on Earth, you deal with computerized players who base their activity on the "auto" status. As long as you are marked as an enemy, the computerized players will attack you. Fighting with a naked enemy with a spear is not a problem. The challenge comes when you are dealing with a greater enemy.
The dangerous enemy you can deal within the game is an enemy with a Nail Board who runs at you. If your enemy is not an AI, take extra care and run as fast as you can. Dangerous enemies can do more than AI. Such activities include; eating to restore health. They are termed dangerous if they can use special tactics like animation canceling and killing.
When you are out scavenging, it is important to pay attention to the lagging in the game. New players might not be able to notice the lagging, which endangers their lives. However, for those who have been in the game for long, they understand how dangerous the lagging is. This is because it is an indication of an oncoming "player."
Take good care of your health in the game, and if your health goes down by mistake, revive yourself by eating any food you get hold of. You will never get an appropriate time to feed, and if you are caught unaware, they will easily destroy you.
Make a Basic Backpack using the Rope you get on zombies. The Basic Backpack makes your life significantly easier. If you have solid food or water situation, it is easy to trip to Bunker Alfa. However, if you don't have, you can keep running limestone ridges or green level forests up your base.
If you don't have enough food means you will need to look for a way to survive, which is only done by growing carrots in the Garden Bed. Harvesting Plant Fibers obtain the carrot seeds, and the rain catcher can be used to fill up Empty Bottles. With this, you will be assured of sufficient food and water to keep you going.
The Use of Alfa Base
Glock 17 makes it possible for you to get hold of Al Alfa Base, which is only available on a dead guard's corpse. The door to the Shelter can be accessed using a CAC Card A for unlocking the door. The door gives you access to a room with a set of military clothes and two guns. Claiming the rewards might take two trips, but they are worth the effort. This terminal will need a code to access it.
Luckily, accessing the code at the CB Radio is easy when you get to level 7. But never try to go on the lower floors without armor and enough weapons as the Frenzied Giant can have more than 500 Health Points.
It is very tempting to use the guns in the green or yellow zone, but there is no need for that. Repairing the weapons once they get broken is impossible. Therefore, keep them safe and use them only when necessary. There are more dangerous zones when the use of guns is essential. Hence, make use of all the other tools you have available to survive longer in the game.


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MP Moha Jicho Pevu gives police officers goats, KSh 100K as early Christmas gift
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali alias Moha Jicho Pevu has kicked off the Christmas mood with gifts for police officers in his constituency.
The outspoken politician took to his social media where he shared photos gifting the officers with the animals as well as KSh 100,000 in appreciation for their dedication to service delivery.
READ ALSO: Kenyan nurse treated to KSh15k shopping after randomly meeting former patient at supermarket
READ ALSO: Seneta Millicent Omanga amjengea mama mjane nyumba, amnunulia mtungi ya gesi
While acknowledging police work was not an easy job, the lawmaker noted he was appreciating their work with gifts.
"Police work is a dangerous, challenging and often thankless job. Every day they are thrust into difficult situations and expected to make decisions in seconds. Met officers from my constituency, gave out early Christmas gifts and my personal donation of KSh 100,000. Happy holidays," he said.
Apart from the money and goats, other items that were given to the officers included bottles of soda and rice.
READ ALSO: Deposed Sudan president Omar al Bashir now staring at possible death sentence
However, despite his goodwill, some Kenyans were quick to point out there was no need to show off or to gift the officers in full glare of cameras.
Others congratulated the MP for the good gesture of supporting the men in uniform.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke


text: Does Trump have Israel's back? May 11, 2018 Former U.S. President Donald Trump (r) and former Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (Flash90)(Flash90)Does Trump have Israel's back? If Iran decides to escalate the conflict with more attacks on Israel, will Trump have Israel's back? By: Daniel Krygier, World Israel News The Iranian regime has lately faced many setbacks, directly or indirectly attributed to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu humiliated the ayatollah regime by unmasking its duplicitous nature and showing the world the staggering amount of nuclear files that Mossad secretly smuggled from Iran. President Donald Trump explicitly referred to Israel's intelligence scoop when he declared that the United States was pulling out of the Iranian nuclear deal. Iran's rocket attack against Israel was a big failure. No Israeli soldier or civilian was hurt, and there was no damage on the Israeli side. By contrast, Israel responded with a massive attack that caused significant damage to Iran's military assets in Syria. At least 25 Iranian and Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed in the Israeli military operations that targeted military installations belonging to Iran's elite Quds force. The US and even the Europeans and some Arab states expressed support for Israel. If Iran decides to escalate the conflict with more attacks on Israel, will Trump have Israel's back? The Jewish state has rarely, if ever, had a more friendly administration in the White House. However, Trump knows that much of his power base supporters are not interested in another costly Middle Eastern military adventure with an unknown exit strategy. It is unlikely that the US will engage militarily against Iran any time soon. Read US meddling in internal Israeli politics, pressuring Netanyahu not to appoint right-wing ministersHowever, it is important to keep in mind that Israel has always taken pride in being the only US ally capable of defending itself by itself. The Jewish state has never outsourced its military operations and has demonstrated that it is fully capable of taking on Iran by itself in the military battlefield. Israel's vulnerability is in the diplomatic arena, where Jerusalem has been slandered and under attack for decades. The Trump administration has already demonstrated that it has Israel's back by combating anti-Israel bigotry at the UN and planning to put harsh sanctions on Iran. Unlike Obama, Trump is not tying Israel's hands and treats Israel like the important US ally it is. This will severely limit the Iranian regime's capabilities for future military operations against Israel. The combination of American economic sanctions and Israeli military operations is seriously challenging the stability of the ayatollah regime that is already widely resented at home. Trump IranTrump IsraelUS-Israel relations


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Don't miss out on the latest CyclingTips updates.
Do you hear that? The rattling of bottle cages on carbon, the distinct sound of tires flying over stone, a peloton frantically shifting through gears … It is time — the cobbled season is upon us.
The original schedule forecast a busy weekend for the teams, with the Amstel Gold Race and Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields running back to back, but with Amstel canceled due to COVID restrictions in the Netherlands, the riders will now spend a lot less time driving between races.
In 1934, the first edition of the men's Gent-Wevelgem took place in September. Now in these strange times, the race has returned to its birth-season. Usually, the more hardcore riders would be performing rain dances and hoping for the added madness of some wet cobblestones. With the shift of the calendar, these riders are in luck.
In spring the odds of having a wet race are high, and if the races had been held in the summer it's possible we could have seen the warmest Classics season ever. A 50% chance of rain and 5-10 mph winds are predicted for Sunday, October 11, the day of the first of the cobbled classics. As we get closer to the race the predictions could change, but that's part of the fun of these "transition" seasons.
The Course
Interestingly, the organizer of Gent-Wevelgem, Flanders Classics, has not published the route for its upcoming races. On the race's website under "race information" it reads:
"On Sunday, October 11th Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields is on the program. Given the current health situation in Belgium, we as an organization call on you to follow the race at home. It was, therefore, decided not to release any information about the course".
What we do know is that the peloton will line up under the Menin Gate in Ypres, the home of the In Flanders Fields Museum, which details the horrors of World War I in West Flanders. The gate itself is also a memorial to the war and the unknown British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the Ypres Salient, the battles around Ypres.
The crucial information on the course that we do know is that the final hour of racing is going to be nuts. Since the women's race doesn't cross into France, the course is supposedly similar to previous editions. The first two climbs are the Scherpenberg and the Vidaigneberg; the final climb will be the iconic Kemmelberg. After the Kemmelberg there is 35 km of relatively flat roads to the finish, where the race can either come back together or get completely blown apart.
The Kemmelberg is billed as the most crucial climb of the race, and even though it's only 400 meters long, the fact that it's cobbled and reaches gradients of 14% means it will have a role to play. However, the race has come down to a sprint in the last three editions. In 2019 the race was won by Kirsten Wild.
Riders to Watch
The pure sprinters have not been able to test their speed since early on in the pre-COVID season. Since the re-start of racing, it's been strong riders going off the front and elite groups of the top names that have won the WorldTour races. Sure, there were a few sprint finishes at the Giro Rosa, but they were not sprint finishes like the ones we would see in the flat races, most of which have been canceled in 2020.
When looking through the race days of the sprinters on the start list for Gent-Wevelgem a lot of them have barely raced in 2020, making the act of picking riders to watch a little more interesting. Here are a few that are sure to impress on the Vanackerestraat in Wevelgem.
Lotte Kopecky (Lotto Soudal Ladies) – One of the few "pure sprinters" to be able to show off this season, Kopecky has been extremely impressive. Impressive enough to land herself a new contract on CCC-Liv for the 2021 season. Although, she may not be a pure sprinter anymore, after a few of her performances at the Giro Rosa.
The Belgian won the penultimate day of the Giro and walked away from the race with a third and second as well. After the Giro, she won the Belgian national road race title. She may have missed Worlds, but she won the bunch sprint in Brabantse Pijl on October 7, landing herself in fourth place after the three riders who were off the front. Kopecky has been building up to these races, and will likely be on the list of riders to watch for the next few as well, given how well she's been going this season.
Team Sunweb – At Brabantse Pijl Sunweb took the second and third steps on the podium behind Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott), who was off the front solo. The team lining up for Gent-Wevelgem is a strong one. Coryn Rivera was the winner of Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2017 and has been one of the strongest sprinters in the peloton for years. Floortje Mackaij won Gent-Wevelgem in 2015 and has been getting stronger and stronger all season, timing her form perfectly for the next couple of races.
Liane Lippert won the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race earlier this year and was just recently second at Brabantse Pijl, fifth at the Worlds RR, and eighth at Flèche Wallonne. And finally, there's Lorena Wiebes, who joined Sunweb partway into the season after a lot of talk about her jumping ship from Parkhotel Valkenburg mid-contract.
Wiebes is an incredible rider, with a long list of accomplishments so far in her career. Oddly, we have not seen a ton of Wiebes since changing her kit on June 1, probably partly due to the lack of racing in June and July. Wiebes was not able to defend her Dutch national road title, although she was up against the strongest rider of 2020 in Anna van der Breggen that day. She's did win a race in Belgium this summer though, Grote Prijs Euromat on August 31.
Wiebes was second last year at Gent-Wevelgem and third in 2017, so she is no stranger to the course. Overall, Sunweb is lining up with one of the strongest squads on the start list, and most of the team would have been targeting these last races, so it's likely we will see a lot of white and black on the front of the peloton in Wevelgem.
Emilia Fahlin (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) – Unfortunately Fahlin missed a good portion of the 2019 season due to a concussion. The Swedish rider was back for the World Championships in Yorkshire and the last couple of races of the season but did miss a lot of the key races. In 2020 she has had as many race days as the rest, only missing out on the second half of the Giro Rosa after going home before the start of stage 5 to recover from a stage 3 crash.
Her most recent result was fifth at Brabantse Pijl, second in the bunch sprint behind Kopecky. Going into these next races Fahlin is looking to be in good form. She can climb faster than the sprinters, so she will make it over the Kemmelberg no problem, and with fresher legs than some of the others, but she's got a kick on her, so if anything goes in the final 35 km after the climb, Fahlin will be there.
Ellen van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo) – After an incredible third-place performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and also some strong showings at the Giro Rosa, Van Dijk looks more than ready for the top step in the cobbled Classics. When Paris-Roubaix announced a women's edition in 2020 one name came to mind immediately, and that was Ellen van Dijk. Sixteen days before the first-ever women's Paris-Roubaix on October 25 the race announced that it would not take place in 2020, due to COVID. Be that as it may, Van Dijk is finding her form at the perfect moment to take a late season victory.
At the finish of LBL, she didn't wait for the sprint but rather powered away from the rest of the riders in her group, so fast that when Marianne Vos did sprint she couldn't catch up. With that result on her mind and Van Dijk's ability in the Classics, she is hands down a favorite for Gent-Wevelgem.
Chloe Hosking (Rally) – Since Hosking is on a non-WorldTour team this year there were a bunch of races that the Australian rider missed out on; that the team was either not invited to or was unable to get to because of COVID. Even without those races under her belt this season Hosking still has a few wins in the last month, most recently at the Grand Prix International d'Isbergues in the Netherlands and the final stage of the Tour Cycliste Féminin International d'Ardèche in France.
Hosking has always been an incredible sprinter, with a win on the Champs-Élysées at La Course in 2016, two general classification wins at the Tour of Chongming Island — a sprinters race — and a stage win at each of the last four Santos Tours Down Under. If Hosking is ever in a race that looks likely to come down to a sprint finish, she is a favorite to win.
There are a few notable riders who should not be forgotten. Firstly, Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott), who won Brabantse Pijl solo after placing second at Liège-Bastogne-Liége, also solo. Brown is putting herself forward as one of the riders capable of filling the shoes that Annemiek van Vleuten will leave behind at Mitchelton-Scott when she joins Movistar next season.
Brown's teammate Gracie Elvin also deserves a mention. Elvin just announced that she will be stepping away from cycling after an 11-year career. She has barely raced this year but these next couple of races are some of her favorites. She has been second at Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2017, second at Ronde van Drenthe in 2016, and second in Dwars Door Vlaanderen in 2017. It's no secret that Elvin loves the Classics, and even if she isn't going to be on the top step of Gent-Wevelgem, she has most definitely earned a shout-out, or 10.
Finally, an interesting omission from the race is Marianne Vos (CCC). The Dutchwoman did not start Brabantse Pijl due to a positive COVID test within the team. Vos finished fourth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and has been looking strong all season. The reasoning behind her not racing Gent-Wevelgem might have something to do with the positive COVID test, however, four of the CCC-Liv riders on the roster for GW were also supposed to start Brabantse Pijl.
Hopefully, there is more information to come on Vos, and we see her on the start line for the final races of the year.
Where to Watch
Gent-Wevelgem can be found on all the usual channels: Flo Sports in North America, SBS in Australia, and Eurosport (and its digital platforms) in Europe and elsewhere. Since the race organizers have asked for no fans to actually be at the race, it's possible we will be watching a woman's race from start to finish, just as we did at Brabantse Pijl a few days ago.