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The hon. member for Winnipeg North.
House of Commons Hansard #121 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was judge.
House of Commons Hansard #121 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was judge.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:30 p.m.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer
The hon. member for Winnipeg North.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:30 p.m.
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, here we go again. This is yet another bill where the government is likely more concerned with how it will be perceived by the public for bringing this bill forward and trying to portray an image of getting tough on crime. If the government really wanted to get tough on crime, it would show it in the types of expenditures and programming that would ensure fewer crimes would be committed.
Bill C-48 has appeared before the House in the past, in a different form of course. That was prior to the time when the Prime Minister and government House leader saw fit to prorogue the session, ultimately killing everything on the order paper at that time.
Following caucus, cabinet or, more specifically, the Prime Minister's office discussions, the determination was made that the government could still get more points on this bill by reintroducing it in the form we see today, Bill C-48.
To make matters worse, the government often tries to give the impression that the Liberal Party is causing problems with the bill not passing. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Liberal Party has gone out of its way to try to accommodate the government in regard to coming up with legislation and supporting legislation that would be of benefit.
The members for Newton—North Delta and Mississauga East—Cooksville had championed a private member's bill that dealt with concurrent versus consecutive sentencing. We only wish the Conservative government would give the same sort of attention to that bill such as it gives to its own bills. The private member's bill had a great deal of merit and ultimately could have been brought before a committee.
Instead of doing that, because it did not necessarily fit its agenda, the government felt it was in its best interest to reintroduce a bill that previously failed because the it decided to prorogue the session, killing a number of bills that were on the order paper.
Today we find ourselves, once again, at second reading, with the government asking members of the opposition to allow the bill to pass. The bill is pretty straightforward. I suspect there is a sense of co-operation in wanting this bill to go to the next stage to see if there is the possibility of the government being willing to accept friendly amendments that would give it that much more appeal and would ultimately allow it to receive passage in the House.
Opposition members look forward to the government having an open mind as this bill goes through the stages. We are a little bit skeptical in terms the government's willingness to acknowledge ideas that come from the opposition.
In terms of the actual need for the legislation, one of the things we need to take a look at is some statistical information in regard to homicide. In terms of public response to different types of homicide, there are very few that are viewed as horrific as those involving more than one victim. There are examples.
Canadian history shows we have had some fairly horrific cases involving a number of victims where one individual took a toll on social justice. These individuals did so much damage or caused so much concern when in fact something could have been done if more programming, services and supports were in place to prevent some of these horrific acts.
I understand we are at third reading stage of the bill. I recognize there is always the opportunity for changes. I look forward to the bill ultimately going through its final stage in the House of Commons.
I want to focus my attention on some of the statistics. The information the legislative library provides us with is great. In 1999 the number of cases involving 2 victims was 26, 3 victims were 2 and 4 and more victims was 1. The number of victims has been relatively consistent through the years. In 1999 there was one multiple homicide case involving four or more victims. In 2001 there were two. In 2002 there was one. There were no convictions in 2003-04. There was one case in 2005. In 2006 there were three. In 2007 there were three. In 2008 there was one. Fourteen cases involved four or more victims. This bill would apply to them.
If we canvass the different stakeholders, some would ultimately argue to what degree individuals have been convicted of four or more murders and have been released before serving 25 years. This question has been posed to me, but I did not know the answer. I am not sure if the government provided that information. However, it is relevant to know to what degree individuals within our system who have been convicted of four or more murders are provided with the opportunity to be released prior to serving 25 years. I suspect, and I could be wrong, that we would not find any at that level. I look to the government to please inform me if I am wrong.
In regard to three victims or less in that same period of time, we are talking somewhere in the neighbourhood of 31 cases. Where the increases get significant is the multiple factor of 2 where the number jumps up to 210 cases between 1999 and 2008.
The issue of multiple murders is something that gets a great deal of attention from the media as the public responds hastily toward individuals who commit these types of crimes. The public wants to know that punishment is taken into consideration when someone commits a horrendous crime such as murder.
A number of different cases in the history of Canada clearly highlight the need for us to look at the difference in the wording of consecutive versus concurrent based on different reports, whether it is through the media, or stakeholders, or individuals or discussions with constituents over the years.
As a justice critic at the provincial level, I often have to meet and consult with a wide variety of individuals at that grassroots level. Over the years I have heard from literally hundreds of victims of crime; there is that sense of helplessness, a sense that the government is not listening to what is being done or what is happening in the communities, and they do have a high expectation that the justice system will in fact work for them.
When I look at the legislation as it is, in third reading and in these final stages, I am interested in seeing how it fits in with what the expectation of the public really is. What I find is that generally speaking, the public as a whole will support it. They support it, I believe, because they want to feel comfortable in knowing that there is a significant consequence to some of these horrific crimes that are being committed in our society.
I have looked at the government over the last couple of weeks in particular. I started off my comments by saying, "Here we go again". What I was referring to is that the bill before us today would have very little, if any, impact in preventing crimes from occurring. Having this piece of legislation is not going to stop a multiple murder from occurring--at least, I do not believe that to be the case--yet the government seems to want to put its priorities in terms of bringing in legislation of this nature, while at the same time--and maybe I would not be as offended if it were not doing it at the same time--it is cutting back on what I believe are some programs that would go a long way in protecting society.
Ultimately I would make reference to the cutbacks happening in Winnipeg, in particular in the Winnipeg North-Winnipeg Centre area, which I believe is most affected. These cutbacks will ultimately prevent organizations from being able to keep kids out of gangs and gang activities. I say that because in reviewing some of those statistics that I referenced, we will find that a number of those individual cases are in fact gang-related. There are gangs that do commit multiple murders. That is nothing new to the House of Commons. I am sure that the House has heard that on numerous occasions. However, the point is that by cutting back funding or by not allowing the funding to continue for these anti-gang measures in Winnipeg, we are causing potential harm going forward.
We can look again at some of the statistics that have been provided. We will find that in most cases multiple murders are family-based or relation-based situations, but there are areas where on numerous occasions it has come from a stranger, and quite often strangers or unknowns involve, in essence, elements such as gang activities. In Manitoba we have had some gang incidents involving murder, and the government, I believe, could have played a role in being able to address those types of crimes going forward.
It is nice to see a government respond to the issue of multiple murders and consecutive versus concurrent sentencing. This is nothing new per se. It has been talked about for a while; I made reference that some of my Liberal colleagues have introduced a private member's bill dealing with that particular issue. It is nice to see some action being taken on it, but the real concern for me is that we take advantage of opportunities such as this to say to the government that there is so much more it could be doing that would make a difference.
I am very disappointed that the government has chosen not to make the commitment for the funds necessary to keep kids out of gangs. Some of the programs the government is effectively saying "no more" to include things such as O.A.S.I.S. in Manitoba, which has helped refugees to not slip into potential gang-type activities by ensuring that there are skill sets programs, English as a second language, and other similar programs. There are intense mentorship programs engaging high-risk youth. These programs will be disappearing unless alternative funding is found, because this government is pulling the money away from these groups. As a result, we are putting those kids at risk.
I believe it is dishonest to do that and think that the issue of crime is being dealt with. To deal with crime, we need to provide support. We have to start dealing with the issue of what is causing crime to take place. It is great that we are able to deal with legislation for crime after the fact, but at the end of the day I am just as interested in trying to prevent some of those crimes from happening in the future.
When we look at this bill and at some of the murders that take place, we may find that some could have been prevented if we had better programming at the other end. I suggest that it would be far more cost-efficient to invest at that end than to have to store individuals who have committed these types of crimes in jails for 25-30 years and beyond, especially when we get into the area of multiple murders.
At the end of the day, with the information provided to us, there is a strong argument that the bill will be passing in the House of Commons and ultimately become law if we believe, as we do, that at this point the government is prepared to see the bill carry its way through. We see that as a positive thing.
However, yesterday we talked about the faint hope clause. In dealing with issues such as this, involving concurrent versus consecutive sentences or the faint hope clause, what we are really talking about is longer periods of time of incarceration. Many would argue that having consecutive sentences or getting rid of the faint hope clause may cause other issues within the system that would need to be dealt with.
Those issues are related in good part to behaviour. Typically an inmate will review many different things in terms of how their behaviour might impact--
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:50 p.m.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer
The member has run out of time for his speech, but we have time for questions and comments.
Resuming debate. Is the House ready for the question?
I see the member for Vancouver Kingsway may wish to speak to the bill. I will give the floor to the hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:50 p.m.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to speak to this important bill, Bill C-48, which deals with the issue of the desirability or undesirability of concurrent or consecutive sentences when dealing with multiple murderers.
The bill, by way of background, would amend the Criminal Code and make consequential amendments to the National Defence Act, and was given first reading in the House in October of last year.
The bill specifically amends the Criminal Code with respect to the parole inadmissibility period for offenders convicted of multiple murders. This is done by affording judges the opportunity to make the parole ineligibility period for multiple murderers consecutive rather than concurrent.
Consecutive parole ineligibility periods for multiple murderers would not be mandatory under the bill. Instead, judges would be left with the discretion to consider the character of the offender, the nature and circumstances of the offence and any jury recommendations before deciding upon whether consecutive parole ineligibility periods were appropriate or not. The bill would require that judges state orally or in writing the basis for their decision not to impose consecutive parole ineligibility periods on multiple murderers.
The current law is this: in 1976, when Parliament repealed the death penalty, it imposed a mandatory life sentence for the offence of murder. Offenders convicted of first degree murder serve life as a minimum sentence, with no eligibility for parole for at least 25 years. For offenders convicted of second degree murder, a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment is also imposed, with the judge setting the parole eligibility at some point between 10 and 25 years, depending on the circumstances.
Those serving a life sentence can only be released from prison if they are granted parole by the National Parole Board. Unlike most inmates who are serving a sentence of a fixed length--for instance, two, five or 10 years--people who have received a life sentence are not entitled to statutory release. If granted parole, however, they will, for the rest of their lives, remain subject to the conditions of parole and under the supervision of the Correctional Service of Canada and the parole officers who would be assigned to them.
It is important to understand that parole may be revoked and offenders returned to prison at any time if they violate the conditions of parole or if they commit a new offence. Of course, it is important to understand that not all people who have life sentences will be granted parole. Some--in fact, many--may never be released on parole, because they continue to represent too great a risk to reoffend.
We talked yesterday about the faint hope clause, which gives people who have been given a life sentence and who have not committed more than one murder the opportunity to apply for parole earlier than 25 years. In the House yesterday we went over the many stringent conditions that would have to occur before that would be allowed to happen.
I think it is important to understand that what we are talking about here is something different, which is what the appropriate sentence would be for someone who has murdered two or more people. The Criminal Code typically provides that all sentences shall be served concurrently unless a sentencing judge directs sentences to be served consecutively or legislation requires that they be served consecutively. For example, subsection 85(4) of the Criminal Code requires that a sentence for using a firearm in the commission of an offence shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events. Section 83.26, which mandates consecutive sentences for terrorist activities, is an example other than in the case of a life sentence, and section 467.14 requires consecutive sentences for organized crime offences. One example of when a consecutive sentence may be imposed by a sentencing judge occurs when the offender is already under a sentence of imprisonment.
We see that in our criminal law we have situations in which consecutive sentences are specifically provided for automatically, and in some cases we have situations in which a judge has the discretion to impose sentences to be served consecutively, as opposed to concurrently or at the same time.
In cases in which more than one murder has been committed, at present the offender serves his or her life sentences concurrently. A sentence of a term of years imposed consecutive to a sentence of life imprisonment is not, under the present law, valid.
Life imprisonment means imprisonment for life, notwithstanding any release on parole. The consequence of this is that a consecutive life sentence cannot take effect until the offender has died. The courts have held that Parliament cannot have contemplated this physical impossibility, which would tend to bring the law into disrepute. Nor is the faint hope clause available, so long as at least one of the murders was committed after January 9, 1997.
What we are dealing with today is a legislative proposal that would give judges in this country the discretion, in the case of a person convicted of multiple murders, two or more murders, to consider the advisability of levying consecutive life sentences, which would mean 25 years for one conviction and then a further 25 years for the second.
The New Democrats are supporting this bill at this stage and I want to go through some of the reasons we are supporting it.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:55 p.m.
James Moore Conservative Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam, BC
It's the best thing you have done so far this year.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:55 p.m.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
I hear some welcome applause from members on the opposite side.
One of the major reasons we are supporting this bill is that it enshrines in law a concept that we New Democrats have been championing and pushing for consistently for decades, and that is the concept of judicial discretion.
One of the cornerstones of our justice system is the notion that we have an independent judiciary and that within that judiciary, judges have the ability to exercise their discretion to fashion the appropriate remedies in the appropriate cases. That is a hallmark of the western judicial system, and that is because no two cases are alike. It does not matter how many cases we read: each individual has some unique circumstance present in his or her case that requires the judge, or judgment, to reflect.
Our country is based very strongly on what, of course, are sometimes two competing values. One is the concept of collective rights and the other is the concept of individual rights. In a modern democratic society, respect for the rights of the individual is something that is very important as a bulwark against the excesses of the state.
We are seeing right now in Egypt a people rising up against an oppressive autocratic regime that has not respected the democratic rights of people. We see what happens when people join together and say that is enough. It is important to build into any respectful society strong respect for the rights of an individual.
Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders ActGovernment Orders
1:55 p.m.
The Deputy Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer
The hon. member for Vancouver Kingsway will have 12 minutes remaining to conclude his remarks after question period.
Elizabeth BuhlerStatements By Members
1:55 p.m.
Candice Bergen Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Mr. Speaker, on January 23 of this year, Manitobans and Canadians alike mourned the loss of their oldest living citizen. Elizabeth Buhler died just two weeks short of her 112th birthday, in her long-time home of Winkler, Manitoba.
Elizabeth was a pillar of the community and active until the very end. When asked the secret to her incredible longevity, Elizabeth, a regular participant in Winkler's fundraising walkathons, simply answered, "It takes much walking".
Elizabeth lived a rich life, extraordinary not just for its length but also its content. Her incredible strength and kindness were firmly rooted in her faith in God. She was a mother of six who also worked on the family farm, helped in her local church, and opened her home to new Canadians.
In her last days, Elizabeth was surrounded by her loving family, her three daughters, 23 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 40 great-great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth Buhler was an amazing woman who will be remembered fondly by the residents of Winkler and all Canadians.
VeteransStatements By Members
2 p.m.
Bryon Wilfert Liberal Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all Canadian veterans, but in particular to those who have fallen on hard times since leaving the Canadian Forces.
In early 2009, the Veterans Affairs ombudsman noted the serious constraints the government faces when trying to help homeless veterans, who often require urgent assistance but lack the required proof of identification to obtain it.
More recently, a study conducted by the University of Western Ontario drew attention to the plight of some Canadian homeless veterans. Often afflicted with addiction or mental health problems developed during their military careers, the study found that many of these once-decorated Canadians now find themselves in grave need. While this study identified only a few dozen homeless veterans in two Ontario cities, there is no doubt that countless others need help in cities from Victoria to St. John's.
For this reason, I encourage all members of this House to make great efforts to identify and assist the homeless heroes in their communities, and I ask all of them to rise to pay tribute to these brave men and women.
Lucien MessierStatements By Members
2 p.m.
Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to inform the House of the death in January of Lucien Messier, the mayor of Stanbridge Station, at the venerable age of 91.
Mr. Messier was the dean of Quebec mayors when he retired before the last municipal elections in November 2009.
Mr. Messier devoted his life to his municipality. He worked as a municipal inspector before being elected councillor. He was subsequently elected mayor 14 times, from 1971 to 2009. He served as mayor of this municipality for a total of 38 years.
The Bloc Québécois and I extend our deepest condolences to the people of Stanbridge Station, his family and his friends.
Food LabellingStatements By Members
2 p.m.
Megan Leslie NDP Halifax, NS
Mr. Speaker, currently the ingredient labels on pre-packaged foods sold in Canada are not sufficiently clear or comprehensive enough to protect the health of Canadians living with food allergies or celiac disease. Consequently, organizations like Anaphylaxis Canada and the Canadian Celiac Association have been advocating for improved labelling for over a decade.
In 2008, the government announced that it had drafted regulations to update these labels. However, here we are two and a half years later, and the government continues to stall the introduction new regulations, possibly because of last-minute lobbying by industry groups. In December, the health minister wrote that the new regulations would be ready in early 2011. However, a week ago the department spokesperson stated that it was still in the consultation phase.
These regulations are long overdue and the health of millions of Canadians is being jeopardized by the delay, putting them at risk of eating or drinking something that could have serious consequences. When will the government introduce these critical regulations to help ensure the good health of Canadians?
Multiple SclerosisStatements By Members
2 p.m.
Bernard Généreux Conservative Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to congratulate a team of extraordinary adventurers who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in January to raise money for multiple sclerosis. Cindy and Mélanie Simard, Patrice Gagnon and Denis Lafrance—who has multiple sclerosis—rose to the challenge and, together with other participants, raised more than $600,000 for the cause.
I am extremely proud to recognize the dedication of people from my riding to a cause that touches thousands of people in Quebec and Canada.
Congratulations to the entire team. You are shining examples of commitment.
Black History MonthStatements By Members
2 p.m.
Bernard Patry Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Mr. Speaker, before being officially recognized by Parliament in 1995, the celebration of African-Canadian history and culture was just a modest community-based movement.
February is Black History Month and an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts and accomplishments of the African community in Canada. Whether we are talking about athletes, politicians, artists or businesspeople, the contribution by this community over the years has been truly outstanding.
I know first-hand that through their perseverance, determination and courage, they have proven to us that dreams can come true, that we can overcome obstacles and succeed at anything we do.
I am very proud to join Canadians in thanking Canada's black community for contributing its rich African heritage to our multicultural society.
Black History MonthStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Thierry St-Cyr Bloc Jeanne-Le Ber, QC
Mr. Speaker, my Bloc Québécois colleagues and I would like to highlight today's launch of Black History Month.
Quebec has celebrated Black History Month for the past 20 years. This year's celebration is about reclaiming back history and values and is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the significant contribution that people of black heritage have made to the development and advancement of Quebec. It is important to reflect on their history and celebrate all that they have brought to our culture, no matter where they have come from.
Events will be taking place all over Quebec, and particularly in Montreal, throughout the month of February, to teach us more about black heritage and to ensure that Quebec society remains a place where everyone is equal and we all enjoy the same rights, no matter what colour our skin.
Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary RelayStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
John Weston Conservative West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to one of Canada's most inspiring citizens, my fellow British Columbian, Mr. Rick Hansen.
Despite a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Rick was able to accomplish the impossible by wheeling across Canada and 33 other countries, covering enough distance literally to circle the globe.
Since that amazing journey, Rick's momentum has not slowed a bit. Canadians watched with pride as Rick became an Olympic hero, both as a gold medal athlete and more recently for his contributions to the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics.
It has been 25 years since Rick's round-the-world tour, and for this year's special anniversary he has decided to celebrate by repeating his Canadian tour. Following his original 12,000 kilometre path from coast to coast, he will raise awareness, engage communities, celebrate heroes, and leave behind a Canada that is more inclusive and accessible.
I invite all members of the House to join me in paying tribute to this incredible Canadian hero. He has done amazing work for spinal research and shown us all that the human spirit knows no bounds.
Black History MonthStatements By Members
February 1st, 2011 / 2:05 p.m.
Derek Lee Liberal Scarborough—Rouge River, ON
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, recognizing the innumerable achievements and contributions of black Canadians who have helped build our country from its earliest days into the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous Canada we are today.
In celebrating Black History Month today, 90 members from the Children's Breakfast Club are visiting Parliament Hill. The breakfast club is a registered charity that serves a warm, nutritious meal to over 5,000 children a day in the greater Toronto area to start their day.
The group is accompanied by five prominent members from our community who have made valuable contributions to Toronto, Ontario, and Canada, including our former colleague, the Hon. Jean Augustine, Ontario's Fairness Commissioner; and Richard Gosling, the president and founder of the Children's Breakfast Club.
Following question period, a reception is being held in honour of Black History Month in the Centre Block, room 238-S, to recognize this important component of our culture and history. I know that all members will want to join with my constituents in celebrating Canada's Black History Month.
RCMP Heritage CentreStatements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Tom Lukiwski Conservative Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP Heritage Centre is a treasure to all Canadians and one of Saskatchewan's foremost tourism and historical attractions. It educates and inspires Canadians about the historical role of the brave men and women in the RCMP.
However, the previous Liberal government and the member of Parliament for Wascana failed to support the Heritage Centre in preparing a long-term plan to stabilize its operation.
That is why today the Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced one-time support that will help provide the Heritage Centre with the time it needs to develop a business plan based on sound business practices. This will ensure that the Heritage Centre can remain a strong part of Regina's cultural landscape and a proud symbol of the RCMP.
Black History MonthStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise on behalf of New Democrats in the House of Commons and from coast to coast to coast to recognize Black History Month.
As members know, people of African descent have helped build this country. In my great riding of Sackville—Eastern Shore, I have the privilege of representing the Preston area. The folks who live in the Preston area can trace their roots back all the way to Mathieu da Costa. It is the largest indigenous black population in Canada.
As well, the Black Cultural Centre in my riding is a tribute to all black Canadians throughout the country. It is an amazing museum of historical facts on what black people have done for our country.
On behalf of all of us in the House of Commons, we wish a special tribute to all African Canadians. We encourage all other Canadians to learn their history and to celebrate Black History Month.
The EconomyStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Mr. Speaker, our main priority is still the economy. The economic recovery remains fragile, and we must focus on job creation and economic growth. This plan, which translates into low taxes, helps more than 110,000 companies that create jobs throughout the country.
The results of this plan are clear: close to 400,000 jobs have been created since July 2009 and the Canadian economy has steadily improved over the past five quarters.
Increasing taxes would be very risky for our economy.
Given that the economic recovery is still fragile, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is cautioning that the coalition's plan to increase taxes is a disastrous idea. On this side of the House, we are working to strengthen our economy rather than to trigger an unnecessary and costly election.
ElectricityStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Paule Brunelle Bloc Trois-Rivières, QC
Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador's efforts to build an underwater cable, using taxpayers' money, in order to sell electricity to the Americans are going full steam ahead. An agreement has been reached with partners from Nova Scotia and a request for as much as $375 million in federal funding has been submitted.
Prince Edward Island would also like to obtain federal funding to build a third underwater cable that would allow electricity to travel between the island and the mainland.
It would be completely unacceptable for the federal government to agree to pay for any of that using Quebec taxpayers' money, when the underwater cable project would mean competition for Hydro-Québec, which pays for its electricity distribution network entirely on its own and has not received a dime from Ottawa.
The Minister of Natural Resources must stop hiding behind PPP Canada to conceal the federal government's intention to fund these projects and ensure that Quebeckers' money is not used to compete unfairly with Quebec.
Senate AppointmentStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, Larry Smith's appointment to the Senate of Canada after announcing he would run to become a Conservative MP makes a mockery of the Prime Minister's pledge to eliminate Senate patronage and only appoint elected senators.
At the same time the Prime Minister is threatening to eliminate the level playing field for political parties, the Prime Minister is using Canadian tax dollars to pay for the office, telephone and staff of a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party. This is the most egregious example yet of the government's hypocrisy and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
If Mr. Smith has any idea of fair play or any respect for the taxpayers of Canada, he will choose between the Senate or running for MP in the next federal election, but not both. He must either give up his seat in the Senate or give up on his campaign in Quebec.
The core Canadian value is fairness and what Canadians expect is for Mr. Smith to play fair.
Animal CrueltyStatements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Cathy McLeod Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are shocked by reports of the sled dog massacre in British Columbia. I know that my colleagues across the floor will join me in condemning this senseless act.
Our government supports the fight against animal cruelty and the need to send a strong and clear message that it is totally unacceptable in our society. That is why our government helped pass Bill S-203 into law during the last Parliament, a bill that increased the maximum penalty to five years for these terrible acts.
The bill also granted judges the discretion to order, as part of a sentence, that a convicted offender be prohibited from owning or residing with an animal for any length of time considered appropriate, up from the previous maximum of two years.
Our government believes that Bill S-203 delivered an added measure of protection for all animals but remains open to future initiatives to combat animal cruelty.
Post-Secondary EducationOral Questions
2:15 p.m.
Etobicoke—Lakeshore Ontario
Michael Ignatieff LiberalLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, nearly 80% of Canadian families say that they are not sure whether they will be able to afford post-secondary education for their kids. The government has done nothing to help those middle-class Canadian families. Instead, it borrowed $6 billion on top of a $56 billion deficit to lower taxes for the most profitable corporations in the country.
Will the Prime Minister explain why he is borrowing from our kids instead of investing in their education?
Post-Secondary EducationOral Questions
2:15 p.m.
Calgary Southwest Alberta
Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister
Mr. Speaker, this government has made unprecedented investments in Canadian families, including tax reductions for those families because we care about the future of Canadian families and we understand on this side of the House that a $6 billion tax hike on employers would hurt job creation and hurt Canadian families.


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text: University ID Each person within the University's student, employee and financial databases has been assigned a personal University ID number. If you need to know or have forgotten your personal University ID number, you may look it up by going to https://www.drexel.edu/it/univid. You will be asked to authenticate your identity with your Drexel computer account Login Userid and password.With the implementation of the University ID number, it is University policy that any report, web page or data extract NOT contain Social Security Numbers unless required by law or by prior approval of senior management of the University. This includes those specialized reports that contain parts of the Social Security Number.By law, the University must collect and maintain Social Security Numbers for reporting and communicating to various legitimate agencies. It is therefore imperative that each person's Social Security Number is recorded accurately within the database. If you have additional questions or require assistance you may call the IT Help Desk at 215-895-2020.


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At the last AeHIN General Meeting in Manila on 23-24 September 2013, more than 60 participants from 16 countries expressed interest in a structured methodology for formalizing the national eHealth strategy into a set of action lines. Experts were invited and several confirmed the relevance of a blueprint in guiding the countries into their national eHealth development which can clarify the important components required for an effective and responsive eHealth system.
On May 2014, AeHIN is sponsored officials from ministries of health, academe, and NGOs for a training on IT Governance using the Control Objectives for Information and related Technologies (or COBIT).
Click on the names of each scholar below to view the profile.
This training is scheduled on May 7-9 in Manila, Philippines
This is meant for chief information officers, senior managers, and IT managers.


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GCH CH Kepley's Showbiz Razzle Dazzle
Day two in soggy Millwood VA ended with Karen Wilson considering the Pointer, CH Tahari's To (sic) Wild To Be Serious, the Afghan Hound, CH High Kaliber's First Light SC, the Rottweiler, CH Ivos Rotly Crew V Calossa Ranch, CD, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH J'Cobe Vigilante Justice, the Toy Poodle, GCH CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the Bulldog, GCH CH Kepley's Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Belgian Malinois, GCH CH Broadcreek's Marcus Junis Brutus. Her BIS was the Bulldog, Uli. It was Uli's 38th career BIS and tied a four decade old record for Bullldog bitches. Congratulations to breeders Marjorie D Kepley & Jack Kepley, owners Joan Fisher, Robert D Speiser & Barbara Wolfe, and handler Phoebe Jordan Booth.


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As some of you know we changed our name at the start of the year to ADEMOV Luxury Electronics. Our new website can now be found at www.luxuryelectronics.com or www.ademov.com. For the latest and greatest products, head over there. We'll be adding content daily. Enjoy!
Our first units of the 24kt Gold iPhone6 are finishing up this week. We have over 20 engraving designs along with the standard finishes (satin or polished) and a few jeweled models available as well. The iPhone6 Plus is up next.
We will be releasing the iPhone6 in custom plating starting on the release date of the phone. You may already be seeing photos of what appears to be a gold or platinum iPhone 6 but many are from very good clones and/or knockoffs. Be wary when pre-ordering from anyone before the actual item is released from Apple. The clones of this phone are incredibly similar to what the iPhone6 may look like. Be sure you are getting the real thing!
Our ADEMOV Executive, Signature, and new Emerald custom iPhone 6's will be available shortly after the release. We will have new engraving designs, new jewelry, and host of other customizations available.
If you wish to be updated with the newest photos and information, send us an email and we'll respond within a few hours.
Buyer Beware. It's taken 7 years but China and Hong Kong are beginning to make PVD gold and other fake gold laptop parts. Be wary of examples showing up on Ebay auctions and other fake luxury companies who try to copy our work. You get what you pay for in this industry, believe us.
If you want real quality plating and customization, look for the Computer Choppers / ADEMOV logo.
A beautiful polished and engraved 24kt Gold Macbook Pro 13" (Retina) with purple keyboard, trackpad, and logo. Some of the most detailed engraving we've done to date.
There is nothing like a little competition to get us working on some extreme customizations. Rather than polish another Gold iPad (like you've seen from us many times), we decided to up the ante a little bit to show everyone who creates the baddest gadgets on the planet. The pictured Gold iPad Air is polished, engraved, and machine cut with a black acrylic layer to match the black Apple logo. About the only step we left out was diamonds in the entire thing.
Our ADEMOV Signature Series Gold iPhone5s available with a 2-3 day turnaround. You won't find plating like this anywhere else in the world.
There has been a great number of new product releases this winter and we've been saving most of the new products for our ADEMOV release party. Since we keep having to delay the release, we hate to keep quiet about all of the new customizations. We have the new iPad Air in house and have experimented with some new customization techniques on it. The Playstation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One were also released and we've got those in the plating line this week. Expect photos of all three in the new year. The Mac Pro desktop system is also being released this month and we're looking to one-up Jony Ive's candy red anodized Mac Pro by creating something a little more dazzling. Stay tuned for more on that Gold Mac and our new ADEMOV branded products.
Computer Choppers has come a long way in the past few years from a hobby store to a luxury boutique so it's rather fitting for us to revamp the website and brand into something a little bigger. We've been working diligently to create a new online boutique for all of our customization services and will be releasing the site (soon) under the new brand ADEMOV LLC. We will have a host of new products including the soon-to-be-announced iPhone5s. The website will redirect to the new www.ademov.com once we're finished.
In the mean time, we've already started receiving inquiries about the new iPhone5s (including the rumored Gold or "Champage" iPhone5s), iPad, iPad Mini, etc. We will be plating all of them in due time. If you wish to be the first to have a custom 5s, give us a call. And if you really want to try something new, why not plate your phone in our Champagne or Almond Gold plating?
Pictured is the polished 24kt Gold iPad Mini. Available in Wifi or Wifi+Cellular.
Happy new year everyone! We're starting the year off right with some custom plated Retina display Macbook Pro laptops.
We've been a little slow to show off our latest creations due to the increasing number of orders this holiday season. The iPhone5 has been plated in a variety of finishes shown below. We also have a number of new releases coming this new year including the iPad Mini and retina display Macbook Pros. Happy Holidays!
After a 2 year hiatus, the Macbook Air is now back in our product lineup. Our first example is a 24kt Gold Macbook Air 11" with custom engraving, a color matched keyboard and trackpad. These laptops are now offered in plating and anodizing with all of the same customization techniques used in the Macbook Pro lineup. You won't find this kind of Macbook Air anywhere else in the world. Call or email us for a quote.
Pink Anodized Macbook Pro 13" with Gold color keyboard, trackpad, and 24kt Gold Logo
Polished Gold Macbook Pro 15" (24kt with clear coat)
Miscellaneous customizations: Black Anodized Macbook Pro with Gold Logo, Black Anodized iPad3 with 24kt Gold Logo, Polished Gold iPad3 with custom graphics, Polished Gold & Diamonds Macbook Pro with custom scrolling engraved graphics.
Here's a recently finished polished 24kt Gold (with clear coat) iMac 27". This monster desktop system is a rare commodity in the luxury world and you won't find it anywhere else. Call or email us for a quote on your custom system today!
From 2010, here's a Polished Rose Gold & Diamond iMac 21.5" model.
Our custom iPads receive the same graphic plating treatment as our laptops. Pictured is two of our most recent items with paisley and scroll work graphics. Call or email us to see what we have in stock for fast delivery times during the holiday season. Happy holidays!
Our latest and greatest Gold & Diamonds Graphic-Plated Macbook Pro will be showing in Dubai October 10th-13th at the Gitex conference. This customized Macbook Pro laptop features polished 24kt Gold and graphics in the plating in addition to a VS diamond logo. To design your own graphics and receive a quote for your custom laptop, call or email us at any time.
Another custom Polished Rose Gold iPhone4 with 14kt White Gold & Diamonds logo.
Pictured is a polished 24kt Gold Macbook Pro 13" with color matched keyboard and trackpad. The plating is given a baked on clear coat so you can handle the it just like a regular laptop without worry of scratching. Pricing for the 13" model starts at $5,000 USD and will vary based on the hardware specifications you choose. Build time is 3-4 weeks or 2 weeks expedited (additional fee applies). Be one of the few people in the world with a flawless 24kt mirror finish on their Macbook Pro. Give us a call.


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The Blues began their reign under Sir John Kirwan with a hard-fought 34-20 bonus-point win over the Hurricanes as Frank Halai scored two tries on debut.
The big winger enjoyed an eventful debut, scoring a try in each half and spending 10 minutes in the sin-bin midway through the second half for deliberately knocking the ball out of play, an incident that resulted in a penalty try for the Hurricanes.
Halai's brace bookended five-pointers for Charles Piutau and Rene Ranger, and the scoreline could have been bigger had Piri Weepu brought his kicking boots with him.
The halfback, playing his 100th Super Rugby game on his old stomping ground, missed four of nine kicks at goal but it failed to put a dampener on his celebrations.
The Hurricanes led 13-11 after a tight first 40 minutes, thanks to a Julian Savea try and a conversion and two penalties from Beauden Barrett, but they were blown away in the second half.
Halai scorched over in the corner in the 21st minute for the first try of the game after Weepu and Barrett had traded penalties in a scrappy opening quarter.
Both teams showed their attacking intent from the start, with Blues flanker Steven Luatua making some strong carries and fullback Piutau and second-five Francis Saili making ground from the back for the visitors.
Alapati Leiua, playing on the right wing in place of the injured Cory Jane, was also busy for the Hurricanes.
But some early season rustiness meant some passes went astray, and it was left to Weepu and Barrett to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The Hurricanes led 6-3 when George Moala fended off Conrad Smith to set up Halai's score in the right-hand corner, which Weepu couldn't convert.
The powerful winger was untouched as he dived over to give the visitors the lead.
All Blacks winger Savea grabbed one back for the Hurricanes five minutes later, and Barrett's conversion gave the home side a 13-8 lead.
It was a patient build-up for Savea's 10th Super Rugby try. The Hurricanes recycled the ball well and simple draws and passes gave the left winger the space to evade Ranger.
The Hurricanes could have had another just before the break when Smith fended off Blues fly-half Chris Noakes and popped the pass to the ever-lively TJ Perenara.
The halfback wasn't held in the tackle initially, but he lost the ball in contact just short of the line.
Weepu got the Blues back to within two points on the stroke of half-time with a long-range penalty.
The Hurricanes spent the first 10 minutes after the break on defence as the Blues camped in their 22.
The Blues recycled the ball time and time again through the forwards, and it was only a matter of time before they spun it wide to profit from the overlap created.
Tim Bateman rushed out of the line, and quick ball from Moala put Piutau over in the corner to give the Blues the lead for the second time in the game. Weepu couldn't add the extras.
The game swung on a moment of controversy in the 57th minute, when referee Glen Jackson, on the advice of TMO Vinnie Munro, awarded the Hurricanes a penalty try and sin-binned Halai.
The young Blues winger and Savea were chasing a Barrett kick, and Munro said that Halai had deliberately batted the ball out of play to deny Savea the try.
It was a tough call because there was no absolute certainty the Hurricanes winger would have scored.
The decision didn't make the Blues retreat into their shells, however, and a superb break by Saili eventually resulted in a penalty kick for Weepu to get the visitors back within one point.
The lead changed hands again 10 minutes from full-time when Ranger powered over for the Blues' third try after getting through Smith, who left the field with concussion, and Victor Vito. Weepu again missed with the conversion.
But the Blues halfback was on target a few minutes later, after Halai had grabbed his second, and then he rounded off the match with a successful penalty.


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May 09, 2021 - May 14, 2021
WHEN: May 14-15, 2021
WHAT: Stay Friday night, May 14th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 15th for just $20*.
WHY: The Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps all across North America. Kids fighting cancer deserve a chance to attend a summer camp and to just be a kid again. Funds raised from May 15 support the KOA Care Camps Trust which distributes more than $1 million dollars annually to support 125+ Care Camps each year. Learn more at koacarecamps.org.
* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one-site, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. Not valid with other discounts.
For more information please call 800-562-2482 and reference hot deal code: *P.
September 13, 2020 - September 18, 2020
WHEN: September 18-19, 2020
WHAT: Value Kard Rewards holders stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 18 at any participating KOA campground and get Saturday, September 19 for FREE*.
WHY: VKR Appreciation Weekend is designed exclusively for Value Kard Rewards holders to say thanks for your loyalty and for trusting your camping memories to us. On this late-summer weekend, we gather to celebrate friends, family and fun in the great outdoors we all adore.
*Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one-site per a VKR account, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. Not valid with other discounts.
For more information please call 800-562-2482 and reference hot deal code: *V.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA.com Account.


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Mold Removal Largo FL Company
Able Restoration, a wholly owned subsidiary of Able Builders Inc, serving Largo Florida has been helping Homeowners, Property Managers and Commercial Building Owners with Mold Removal Largo Florida & Remediation since 1991.
Local Mold Removal Largo FL Restoration
Mold Removal Largo Florida services at Able Builders are vital because various types of Mold can impact your health, where you live and your office. These bacteria are harmful micro-organisms that can grow on organic material when water is present. It is also able to grow on dry in-organic material using organic material and moisture found in the air and on its surfaces.
In Largo Florida mold typically grows in areas that contain high humidity. These places include such locations as closed up houses or condos where the A/C system broken or turned off. If Water Damage occurs and the property is not properly dried out, mold generally will develop.
Mold growth and bacteria is due in part from moisture damage. Moisture damage in buildings is caused by the moisture exceeding the tolerance of building materials and structures. This helps produce the growth of mold. Building materials become weakened and damaged after time due to the mold. These organisms will have permanent effects and the requirements for repairing the problems and damages may increase the longer you wait before making the necessary repairs.
The Mold Removal Largo Florida team at Able Restoration, Inc can inspect your home or office for mold and if needed, provide the necessary Mold Remediation services. Call our office (866) 331-3770 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Hire a Licensed Mold Removal Largo Company
When your home or office requires Mold Removal Largo Florida remediation & restoration services, you should always hire a licensed Mold Remediation Specialist who is certified by the State of Florida. The best Mold Restoration contractors, like Able Builders, can take care of everything from A to Z. Only a licensed contractor with a license for mold removal is qualified to perform mold remediation and then rebuild.
At Able Restoration serving Largo Florida, we are licensed for Mold Removal and as a General Contractor to ensure that the structural integrity of your home is never compromised.
Largo Florida Mold Remediation Process
The process in your home for Mold Removal Largo Florida consists of multiple items including:
- Establishing containment around the affected area
- The removal of damaged materials
- Cleaning and HEPA vacuuming to remove mold spores on surfaces
- Running air scrubbers with HEPA filters to eliminate or drastically reduce airborne mold spores.
Our Mold Removal services are performed by The Able Logistic Emergency Response Team, or ALERT, and performs a variety of additional emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ALERT team is trained in mold removal by the IICRC and follows S-520 standards for the removal of microbial growth. Proper removal also always includes clearance testing from a license industrial hygienist or laboratory to assure the work has been completed successfully.
When the Mold Removal job passes the clearance test, it is time to put your home back together. Able Restoration in Largo has a great reputation for both, mold removal and home remodeling services. If you are experiencing problems with mold, or think you may, call Able Builders today at (866) 331-3770.
Water, Leak and Mold Resources
Able Builders, Inc is committed to helping homeowners & property managers understand the causes & potential damage that could arise from water leaks. Visit a few of the links below to learn about Leak Detection and Water Damage.
What to do When a Home Suffers Water Damage
Visit your Local BBB for Reviews & Information
5 Principles of Mold Remediation
Request Immediate Service
Local Mold Removal Companies Pinellas County Including
Able Restoration serving Largo Florida helps homeowners, property managers and commercial building owners with Mold Restoration & Removal throughout these following cities:
Mold Removal Pinellas County Including:
Belleair | Belleair Beach | Belleair Bluffs | Belleair Shore | Clearwater | Dunedin | Gulfport | Indian Rocks Beach | Indian Shores | Kenneth City | Largo | Madeira Beach | North Redington Beach | Oldsmar | Palm Harbor | Pinellas Park | Redington Beach | Redington Shores | Safety Harbor | St. Pete Beach | St. Petersburg | Seminole | South Pasadena | Tarpon | Tarpon Springs | Treasure Island
Mold Removal Hillsborough County Including:
Apollo Beach | Balm | Bealsville | Bloomingdale | Brandon | Cheval | Citrus Park | Dover | Egypt Lake-Leto | Fort Lonesome | Gibsonton | Greater Carrollwood | Greater Sun Center | Gulf City | Hopewell | Keysville | Lake Magdalene | Lithia | Lutz | Mango | Orient Park | Palm River-Clair Mel | Pebble Creek | Plant City | Progress Village | Riverview | Ruskin | Seffner | Sun City | Tampa | Temple Terrace | Thonotosassa | Town 'N Country |Turkey Creek | Valrico | Westchase | Wimauma | Ybor City
Mold Removal Pasco County Including:
Aripeka | Bayonet | Point Crystal Springs | Dade City | Elfers | Gulf Harbors | Holiday | Hudson | Jasmine Estates | Lacoochee | Land O' Lakes | New Port Richey | Odessa | Port Richey | San Antonio | Shady Hills | Trinity | Wesley Chapel | Zephyrhills


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When people speak from their hearts, before our minds have had a chance to reason, the voice is loud...clear, and a statement of initial chemistry. Fireworks.
I like to write from this place, and have a hard time putting guidelines or limitations on the things that come to mind. This is true inspiration, wild thoughts racing through your head, flashing images so quick you can barely write them down fast enough.
The truth is, that I found this Styleathon a bit difficult and outside my norm. The fashion aspect of it was completely foreign to me. I had such a hard time actually putting conscience effort into what I needed to be wearing. Normally, it's whatever is clean (and sometimes not clean) and comfortable. Posing for the photos was even more taxing, and I found myself to be very unnatural and uncomfortable. Michael even accused me of taking too big of steps as I was walking :) An obvious sign that I was putting too much thought into how everything looked (and trying not to trip in the process).
But like everything else that we come across in life that makes us step outside of our comfort zone, I did learn a thing or two.
Throughout this project, I have been worried about what the people that come here would think.
I know a majority of my friends are not typical Fashionistas. Lots of yoga pants and flowy skirts around these parts. There's not a lot of my $12, knit Target skirts, flip flops, and denim cut offs on any runways. I don't read any fashion magazines, and tend to be super lazy when it comes to actually getting ready. This was a reminder that we have a tendency to worry about our appearance entirely too much. Women have a habit of being overly critical of themselves, and others. Sometimes I think our preoccupation with having the perfect hair, makeup, and clothes comes from the assumption that other women will be judging us. In reality, we are so much harder on ourselves than anyone else…our own worst critics. The last couple months have been full of gentle reminders to be confident and kind, and to appreciate myself for who I really am. To capture the real moments with Elodie, as they were happening. Even if they were simple, and not so glamorous in the process. My careful observer, I love that she watches the world through her curious eyes and learns through me being myself, that she will one day be herself, as well.
Wearing Elodie has become an absolute joy and freedom I was searching for, and finding the words to describe that came naturally to me.
With this Styleathon also came a lot of new readers to the blog (we are over 100,000 visitors a month) and also, some unwanted negativity.
It's not too much of a surprise, because in life, you will always come across people that dislike you. I don't have an issue accepting criticism from others, but I do have an issue accepting criticism from people who have not bothered to read what I have to say.
I have no space, room, desire, or patience for adults with child-like behavior, and those comments will be deleted and not given second thought.
I've said it a thousand times, but apparently words can fall short on deaf ears, closed minds, and covered eyes.
Be kind.
And if not? Then it's your loss, not mine.
Be you, and speak you.
The ones that matter, don't mind. And those who mind?
They don't matter at all.
Finally, I wanted to say how interesting it was to see the stark contrast in personality between the other Mothers and myself. We are all so different, and there is something strikingly apparent about that. I think that after this entire thing, I came out understanding that even more. We are all unique…individual components that make us up into our own true self. Designer high heels, flip flops. Coffee or tea breaks, walks to the park and strolls through a museum. We are women, Mothers, friends, sisters…not competition. We live in our own corners of this world and all see it through different eyes. And the most important thing?
To love our beautiful little babies with everything inside of us.
Thank you to Leigh from Marvelous Kiddo, for thinking of me and bringing me along for the ride.
Lilla P, for showing me what a nice skirt looks and feels like, compared to my $12 one from Target :) Your clothes are both beautiful and versatile for a trip down the runway or a trip to the garden store. I have to admit that it took all of 3 weeks before I got a stain on it, though. Either dry breast milk, hair color, or mystery fluid. I haven't decided which it is, yet.
Selima Optique- I have never in my life owned a pair of sunglasses that cost more than $18. Hence why the big, cheap, plastic clunkers always made me so hot and sweaty that I ended up not wearing them. Who would have thought that it was easier to be outside and slave over my garden in 110 degree weather if I had spent a few extra dollars on a nice pair :)
Marla Cielo – Her work is so unique. I wanted to cry when I found out that she specifically chose a piece for us based off of our personalities. There is something so wild and romantic, flattering and heart-warming to know that someone can read who you are as a person. For me, she chose her "Purple Heart" bag.
I can't wait to pass this onto Elodie someday and have a little piece of who I am stained onto the threads.
And Thank you to Sakura Bloom for allowing me to be a part of this. For keeping Elodie close to my heart, just like she was for 39 and a half weeks. To be near me, just like she is supposed to be.
Round Three of the Styleathon Freestyle Video.
After a Summer of Adventure, we knew we would want to spend this one close to home. We can't wait to show Elodie the world, and it was in fact the first time she would ever get to experience an Oklahoma summertime.
Gardening, Mini road trips to our watering holes, fireflies, Arts Festivals, Summer thunderstorms in the Midwest, concerts in the park, fireworks, and lazy days in the hammock. These are the simple joys of life that we wanted to include her in. Wearing Elodie, I am able to bring her up to my eyes and tell her and show her all the little things she will one day learn to love herself. The things that will make her who she is.
to Be near you.
*song is "Noche Nada" - Givers.


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Savings accounts have traditionally provided an excellent source of both security and income. With saving account interest rates near zero, the income-producing role of those accounts has become outmoded — at least for the time being.
However, given the absolute security of FDIC-insured savings accounts, they can still play several roles in your financial mix.
Here are five useful roles savings accounts can still play, even in today's low-interest-rate environment:
1. A starting point for savings
At the beginning of your career, the most important decision you can make about retirement saving is simply to start saving. There will be other decisions to make later, involving what targets to set and how to invest. However, the risk is that if you try to start with a comprehensive plan, it is too easy to get bogged down in all the decisions involved and put off starting to save. There is a tremendous amount of power in starting retirement saving early, and beginning with an ordinary savings account may be the simplest way of getting started.
2. Your financial distribution center
People tend to have their paychecks directly deposited into a checking account, but consider a savings account instead. Having your pay go into a checking account makes it easy to access, but not all of your income should be made available for spending. Having wages deposited into a savings account gives you a better base from which you can transfer a budgeted amount into checking, but also designate some money for investment and leave some reserve in savings.
3. The emergency fund
An emergency fund is supposed to meet unexpected needs, so a savings account is a good choice for this purpose. An alternative would be a CD, if you can find one with a low penalty for early withdrawal — earning higher CD rates in the meantime can more than make up for a reasonable penalty. The typical stint of unemployment these days is about four months, so try building up a minimum of four months' worth of essential expenses in your emergency fund, and more if you can manage it.
4. A volatility buffer
As you build up your nest egg, the bulk of your assets should be in growth investments until you are close to retirement. However, there is always a need for some buffer against volatility, and with an FDIC guarantee behind them, savings accounts are as safe as it gets.
5. A liquidity source
When you reach retirement and start drawing from your retirement savings, you should start investing more conservatively, but not completely unwind your growth investments. So that you do not disrupt growth investments at the wrong time, it is good to have a liquidity pool in a savings account from which you can make your regular withdrawals.
All markets tend to go through cycles, and for interest rates those cycles tend to be extremely long. However, savings account rates may someday return to more normal levels of around 5%, in which case those accounts can resume their traditional role as a source of reliable income.
In the meantime though, while the value of savings accounts may have been diminished by near-zero interest rates, it has not been completely eliminated. There is still a great deal to be said for absolute security.


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Last night was the first concert I've been to in 8 months, and it was Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak. The last concert that I went to was Sam Smith: In the Loneliest Hour on January 2015. My life has been pre-occupied with work and traveling now that I barely keep up with concerts. But enough about my life, this post is to recap what happened last night at Mr. West's concert at Hollywood Bowl, LA. A night performance full of melancholy vibes, characterized upon alienation, loneliness, heartbreaks, and insomnia.
He performed about 13 songs, all taken from his critical-acclaim successful album in 2008; "808s & Heartbreak." The stage was lit up with monochromatic lights and color hues of white, light pink, and light brown. Set of orchestra groups, back-up singers, and muscular African-American men filled up the Hollywood Bowl's stage last night. There was so much auto-tune happening last night while he performed with his seemingly nervous & shaky voice. It's not going to be easy for this common over-confident singer to relive his dark past. The "808s & Heartbreak" album was released on 2008, chronicles his mother's death, his split with his long time fiancee, and his bad reputation from the public regarding his comment about George Bush.
Overall, his performance was raw that he showed his emotions and fears to the public on a night of an-expected entertaining performance, which was not easy for him. But he managed through, and ended his show with a wide smile and a bowing appreciation with all other performers to his fans.
pics are from NY Times and StereoGum


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Old Man From Nicaragua See's Himself As The Seducer! (Talking About He Seduced 36 Women In A Month)
Submitted by: twitter.com/YungAlchemist - Jimmy
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The Filibuster
If you were in the A's bleacher section, and you could only choose one, would it be bacon or beer?
New Albany, IN
Jeff continuously tells me how engaging the NBA has become. According to him, it's not just the quality of the professional game, it's also the personalities and all the drama surrounding them. To use a direct quote, "It's a goddamn soap opera."
Baseball, on the other hand, is rather tame. Sure, there are historic villains like Ty Cobb and uplifting stories like Jackie Robinson and Josh Hamilton. But it's all kind of "Touched by an Angel" while the NBA is more "The Wire."
The perfect example of this is Jeff Francoeur and his love affair with the Oakland fans. Sure, it's great that Francoeur has made a personal connection with the fans of another team. But is that really good for baseball? Wouldn't it be better if Francoeur had left Oakland after coming up with the team and was greeted by a beer shower while trotting along the warning track?
That kind of rancor just doesn't exist in baseball today. Albert Pujols left behind a city that adored him and although St. Louis fans are heart-broken, most of them still respect Albert and remember him fondly. Johnny Damon not only left the Red Sox, he went to play for their arch-enemy and shaved his beard. Boston fans were upset but they didn't hate him with the cold intense hatred that Cleveland has for LeBron James.
Maybe it's because baseball is played in summer and draws families out to watch games together. Maybe it's the stir-craziness of winter and the 60 minute intensity of a basketball game that creates an aura around the game as a whole. Or maybe baseball just doesn't have the same type of personalities you find in basketball. Let's be honest, how often do you hear about a baseball player choking his coach or punching out a fan?
I don't see that changing. Sure, I'd love to say that if I was one of those fans in Oakland, I'd keep the money and throw the baseball back. The fact is, though, I'd be thrilled to death. And that's not just because being an A's fan is even worse than being a Royals fan.
Somebody needs to spice things up a bit, give people a reason to hate. And no, I'm not talking about Milton Bradley, preschool-esque drama. I'm talking pure, LeBron James type anger. I think Francoeur has a golden opportunity to start it off, too, by taking that relationship he has built with the Oakland fans and totally misusing it. In fact, I even have the perfect recipe:
I bet no one would choose a caramel onion.
Have a topic you want to see us Filibuster? Send us your Filibuster questions by emailing email@example.com or by commenting below.


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How it possible to lose a Super Bowl game with gaudy statistics like these: 33 points; 505 passing yards; 613 total yards? In fact, the 33 points was the most scored by a losing team in the 52-year history of the big game. Even in defeat, the New England Patriots continue to smash records.
The answer to the above question lies in another statistic that also ended up setting a new NFL postseason record. While the Patriots collected 613 yards in total offense, the Philadelphia Eagles put up 538. It all adds up to 1,151, a number that probably won't be touched for quite some time, even in a league that favors offense after rewriting the rule book for the past 15 years. For the record, the old record was established way back in 1950 in a game between the Los Angeles Rams and the now-defunct New York Yanks. Those teams combined for 1,133 yards.
There are many takeaways from this historic game that should keep everything in perspective, while the city of Philadelphia cleans up after a night of riotous celebration, and the Patriot haters rejoice after a rare postseason loss. The Patriots now possess a 27-10 playoff record in the last 17 years, a record that includes five Super Bowl championships and eight conference titles.
No. 1 on the list is that Tom Brady didn't do anything to diminish his title as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All-Time). He did everything he could to will his team to its second consecutive Super Bowl fourth-quarter comeback victory, the third in four years. Unfortunately, his defense played like a bunch of goats, to put it kindly. He's certainly not falling off any proverbial cliff, as ESPN's Max Kellerman continues to claim in his daily rants.
Sunday's game also featured the controversial catch rule that has stirred up debate throughout the last several years. Philadelphia's Corey Clement apparently caught a touchdown, but slowing it down it appeared he was bobbling the ball with both feet in-bounds. When he finally corralled it, one foot stepped ever so slightly on the backline of the end zone, which should have negated the score.
On another Eagles touchdown, tight end Zach Ertz in his haste to cross the goal line after catching a pass from Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, looked like he didn't "survive the ground," another one of those weird rules that only the NFL could make up. It hearkened back to the Steelers' loss to the Patriots in December, when Jesse James' touchdown was ruled incomplete.
Of course, all of America was screeching "payback time" after both those scores, and the NFL replay officials acquiesced to the court of public opinion.
The Ertz touchdown was probably the right call after — upon further review — it looked like he made a football move, according to the bizarre rule book. But let's still try for consistency here, folks, and not allow a close game be decided by the vagaries of individual interpretations of the rules.
That being said, probably the most bizarre aspect of the heartbreaking loss was the apparent benching of Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler. Coach Bill Belichick claims it was a "football decision," but after watching his secondary get torched by a career backup quarterback you'd think there was a time that Butler could have been inserted into the game to try and rescue a beleaguered defense. History was definitely on his side.
There are so many other questions still left unanswered from a game that certainly epitomized an entire season, which was just as chaotic as intriguing, but through it all the Patriots were once again one of the last two teams standing at the altar.
While America's football fans are savoring New England's loss, maybe they should just worry about their own teams that come up short perennially. Buffalo fans are still lamenting their four Super Bowl appearances in a row without a win. New York Jets fans are still waxing nostalgic over a team that was last in the Super Bowl 50 years ago, led by a quarterback that has probably been an AARP member for the past 20 years.
Kansas City fans are in the same boat as the Jets, because their team hasn't played in the big game since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, when they just happened to beat the woebegone Minnesota Vikings, another organization that has been there several times without getting a win. And why bring up the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, who have yet to play in the Super Bowl among teams that have been around for 20 or more years?
While the Patriots have plenty of questions to answer in the off-season — chief among them being, how will the two new coordinators work out in order to maintain the team's same level of success? — the rest of the league seems to remain flummoxed as to how to make sure neither of the teams in next year's Super Bowl has a name that starts with "New England." That's probably why even after the loss to the Eagles, Vegas has already made Brady's Bunch the favorites to play in Super Bowl LIII.
— Joe McConnell is a sports editor for GateHouse Media New England's North Unit. You can reach him by email at email@example.com.


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We get this question all the time. The short answer, at least here in Washington state, is no. But agents and insurance companies are required to offer Personal Injury Protection coverage, and when you get a quote, it will include PIP coverage.
If you don't want PIP coverage, you'll need to sign a waiver to eliminate the coverage from your policy. If you don't, then the insurer must issue your policy with the coverage, and you will be charged for it. (If you get a policy with this coverage and don't want it, you can still get it removed if you sign that waiver.)
The same is true, incidentally, for uninsured motorist coverage, which goes by the acronym UIM. It's included when you get a quote, and if you don't want it, you'll need to sign a waiver to eliminate the coverage from your policy. Otherwise, you'll get the coverage and be charged for it.
Monday, April 15, 2013
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text: A future Europa lander mission would present great science opportunities for the astrobiological exploration of Europa. A mission to discover whether Europa moon is habitable. There is a sci-fi film that was released this Summer called Europa Report TrekBBS thread here that is a hard science manned mission to Europa. While a manned mission is not possible in the next 10-15 years we could send a unmanned lander and in the future humanoid robots to explore the surface. 2 years ago NASA was in the concept phase of planning the The Jupiter Europa Orbiter mission would launch 2 landers in 2020. and a pair of landers to Europa by 2026. let's discuss the science of it. the full text article Science Potential from a Europa Landerincluding so unlike the mission in the plot of the sci-fi film Europa Report the Jupiter Europa Orbiter (JEO) would not seek to tunnel into this ocean under the ice. let's keep this on topic with the science. If you want to discuss the funding and politics of funding please go here funding for NASA/ESA mission to Europa [financial/political ONLY] Sending humans that far is decades away. In the mean time humanoid robots are far more likely to land on a distant moon or planet first. See the plans on this thread for uses: Japan taking humanoid robots to moon by 2015 a related Europa mission exploration thread from a few years ago: All these worlds are yours... including Europa (and perhaps Enceladus)


text: Pubdate: Sat, 08 Oct 2011 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Copyright: 2011 The Sacramento Bee Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1 Website: http://www.sacbee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376 Author: Peter Hecht Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California) FEDS UNVEIL CHARGES AGAINST SOME MEDICAL MARIJUANA OPERATORS IN CALIFORNIA Declaring that California's medical marijuana law "has been hijacked by profiteers," U.S. prosecutors announced charges Friday against dispensaries, growers and financial speculators throughout the state's medicinal pot market. California's four U.S. attorneys also said they have seized properties of landlords facilitating the marijuana trade. And they delivered a rhetorical indictment of medical marijuana's evolution into cannabis commerce. "The California Compassionate Use Act was intended to help seriously ill people," said San Francisco U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag, referring to the 1996 initiative that made California the first state to legalize marijuana for medical use. "But the law has been hijacked by profiteers who are motivated not by compassion but by money." In a Sacramento news conference, Haag and U.S. attorneys from Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego detailed criminal cases against people who they said were pocketing mountains of cash from dispensaries that are supposed to operate as nonprofits under state law. The charges come as the U.S. attorneys are sending out dozens of letters across California, warning dispensaries and landlords of potential prosecution and telling them to cease selling or growing marijuana within 45 days. "Our intention is not to prosecute everybody in the state," said Benjamin Wagner, the U.S. attorney in Sacramento. "Our intention is to get people's attention in order to deter this activity." On Friday, Wagner announced a criminal complaint that alleged a Los Angeles attorney, Nathan Hoffman, raked in millions of dollars while organizing a vast growing network for marijuana dispensaries in Southern California. Wagner said Hoffman's "wide-ranging conspiracy to organize and finance major marijuana grows" brought in people such as prize-winning Sutter County tomato growers Thomas Jopson, 62, and David Jopson, 60. The brothers were indicted this summer along with an Oakland medical marijuana entrepreneur, Yan Ebyam. Los Angeles U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. also announced an indictment charging six people from a former North Hollywood dispensary, NoHo Caregivers, with illegal drug trafficking. The L.A. indictment alleged dispensary operators, pot growers and alleged couriers were sending 600 to 700 pounds of purported California medical marijuana to New York and Pennsylvania. Birotte said he is seeking to seize $14.7 million in proceeds from the operation. In another case, Birotte said he is seeking seizure of an Orange County strip mall, where a landlord leased space to eight marijuana stores across the street from a preschool. Holding up a marijuana magazine showing a pot leaf and wads of cash, Birotte assailed "brick and mortar Costo/Wal-Mart dispensaries" that he contended are turning huge profits "in a new California Gold Rush." Outside the Sacramento federal courthouse where the news conference was held, marijuana advocates, including people with doctors' recommendations for medicinal use, marched and chanted, "We're healers, not dealers." They charged that the federal government is launching an assault on the will of California voters who legalized medical marijuana and on sick people who need places to buy it. David Brock, a Sacramento attorney who advises marijuana dispensaries on how to follow California's medical marijuana law, said prosecutions of alleged misconduct in the industry should be dealt with in state court not through federal raids. "They (federal prosecutors) need to respect the rights of the states instead of coming in with these heavy-handed and bullying tactics," Brock said. Dan Rush, whose United Food & Commercial Workers International Union has organized 700 medical marijuana workers in California, said the U.S. attorneys were broadly and unfairly tainting an industry that largely operates legally and professionally. Besides providing marijuana to people with medical needs, Rush said, dispensaries "are providing well-paying jobs and health care to thousands of families in the middle of the recession." Wagner said U.S. prosecutors in California have no intention "to target the backyard grows and small amounts of marijuana" cultivated "for use by seriously ill people." But he said pot stores are illegal under U.S. law. Outside the courthouse, F. Aaron Smith, executive director of the Cannabis Industry Association, a Washington D.C., lobbying group, said dispensaries are necessary for delivering marijuana to medical users. "If they're saying they want cancer patients growing in their backyards, that means we are going to have thousands of unregulated grows," Smith said. "What we're asking for is a legal, licensed regulated system ... for people to obtain their medicine." The U.S. attorneys offered a starkly different picture. Birotte decried Los Angeles billboards advertising services of medical marijuana physicians, whom he blasted as doling out medical recommendations "solely for the purpose of recreational use." San Diego U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy, who on Sept. 30 unsealed an indictment against two dispensaries and a network of growers, alleged the pot stores were marketing to customers under 21, including some likely to provide marijuana to children. She took issue with dispensary pot treats, including "marijuana-laden cotton candy, flavored like bubble gum, and packaged with pictures of a clown. "This is not a marketing campaign that is aimed at people under the supervision of a doctor," Duffy said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom


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There's no stopping Andrew Damelin when he starts talking about sports. The 29-year-old chartered accountant and aspiring sportscaster has been a sports fan since he was a child. One of his earliest memories is of attending a Toronto Maple Leafs game for his seventh birthday.
But even though his love for sports continued throughout high school – he said he was the only "white guy" on the Vaughan Road Academy Vipers basketball team, and was called "Screech" by the home crowd because of his "Jew-fro" – he never really considered turning it into a career.
"I was so terrified to go into a career that the pay is so dicey," said Damelin, who grew up in Forest Hill in Toronto. "You know the pressures of the Jewish community – you've got to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant. I just decided to go for the safe route."
The safe route, in his case, was to become an accountant. He never looked back, until he saw an ad for Gillette Drafted, a reality show searching for "Canada's next sportscaster." He tried out every year for three years, never making it past the first auditions.
This year, he impressed the judges with his knowledge of the financial and economic side of basketball and his video interviewing Boston sports fans about the controversies surrounding their sports teams.
"This year was different. I went there with the attitude that I don't care and I'm just going to be myself," he said.
He was one of 24 finalists, out of about 800 who auditioned, and made it to the next round: sportscasting boot camp. They went through challenges including a sports trivia test, a co-hosting challenge and a teleprompter read.
"Obviously, I was terrified to do it. I had no experience at all in front of the camera, except for my cousin's bar mitzvah, when they had this Entertainment Tonight theme and they asked me to be the host," he said.
The finalists also made their own promotional videos. Damelin made a parody video about the Leafs, which he called A Franchise that I Used to Know to the tune of Gotye's hit summer tune, Somebody that I Used to Know. It went viral and has had more than 120,000 views.
"It went totally beyond any of my expectations," Damelin said. "It got lots of people saying that I'm meant to do this, that I've created something different, unique, and no other competitor created a video that had any mass appeal."
This helped him land a spot as one of six finalists chosen for the reality show itself, which was filmed over 10 days in August, without quitting his accounting job.
"In the beginning, everyone was rather friendly, but as days went on, people got more tired, more stressed, and tensions went up," he said. "There are 50 people on set staring at you while you do your talent, and you only get one shot at everything. I had a great time doing it."
The winner will be chosen on the basis of on-air presence, sports IQ and online voting.
Despite the pressure and competition, Damelin said this has been the most unforgettable experience of his life. "To have an opportunity to enjoy life, and [to spend it] on something safe or not so meaningful to me is such a waste, and I'm going after that dream [job] now," he said.
His blog, which can be found at damelin.net, is about the NBA and NFL, and was also just picked up by another publication.
The results of this year's Gillette Drafted will be aired in a live show on Nov. 12.
"If I don't win, then Nov. 13 I'll get my application ready and contact as many people as I know in the industry and try to get in. I'm going to pursue this and keep writing and keep making videos," he said. "I haven't gotten paid for any of this, but this is the most fun professionally I've ever had."


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Police charged two men with DWIs in Gaston County between Monday night and Tuesday morning, each of whom had at least two previous driving while impaired arrests.
Police charged two men with DWIs in Gaston County between Monday night and Tuesday morning, each of whom had at least two previous driving while impaired arrests.
Habit of drunken driving
Justin Dwayne Sain was charged with DWI and habitual DWI after police pulled him over on I-85 just before 7 p.m. Monday.
The 22-year-old Lincolnton man was speeding while driving a 2002 Jeep, according to arrest citations. The officer reported that Sain also smelled of alcohol and had red, glassy eyes.
Sain was taken to Gaston County Jail and given a Intoxilyzer test. He blew a 0.19. Drivers in North Carolina who register a 0.08 are considered impaired.
Sain was charged and held on a $100,000 secured bond.
According to the N.C. Department of Correction website, Sain has four prior DWI convictions. He was convicted of the charge once in 2010, once in 2011 and twice in 2012.
Sain has mostly been sentenced to probation for his infraction, but he has served some time in prison on the charges.
Three times in three months
James Manual Holland has been charged with three counts of DWI in three months.
Holland was driving a 1987 Chevrolet Tuesday around 1 a.m. when Gastonia Police pulled him over on Ransom Street.
According to arrest documents, the officer stopped Holland because his license plate was not properly illuminated.
The officer instructed Holland to take a sobriety test, and the 53-year-old man failed, according to the citation.
Police said Holland of Mill Street in Lowell told the officer that he�d taken prescription medication.
Holland was taken to Gaston County Jail. A blood test was taken to determine his level of intoxication, and he was assigned a $10,000 secured bond.
According to the Gaston County Sheriff�s Office website, Holland was also charged with DWI on Dec. 7 and Jan. 1. He also has a pending charge of intoxicated and disruptive from Nov. 18.
You can reach reporter Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.