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paulina rubio todo mi amor

2009-08-21T11:41:00.001-07:00

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #20

2009-08-17T09:55:00.001-07:00

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #20
by: Tami Close
Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #20
Do you remember the movie, Bambi? During spring time all the animals begin to notice the opposite sex and the magic of "love" takes place. The word, twitterpaited, is used to illustrate this magical phenomenon. Well guess what, I am twitterpaited!!
As you know I am divorced and have a great relationship with my ex-husband. We share stories about our dating experiences and only desire happiness for each other.
For the past eight months, I have been dating on-line and it's been a wonderful experience in practicing how to date again after twenty seven years. I am so grateful for these men who I have attracted and given me the opportunity to learn how to communicate better. Have I learned a lot? YES!!! Am I ready to write a book about my experiences? YES!!! I'll share a funny story about one man who asked me if my teeth were my own. It seems that he had gone on a date and the woman had borrowed a friend's false teeth. Pretty funny, huh? I have others to share, but I'll save those for my book.
Remember how I've written about the Law of Attraction. Recently, I met someone who is absolutely incredible. He e-mailed me on the dating service and I wrote back that I love to laugh. Thus, I told him to make me laugh and that he would be graded. Of course, I expected that he would just send these knock, knock jokes, but he blew me away with his hilarious story about high school pranks. I was rolling on the floor with laughter. Then when I met him, I felt like I was in the presence of Robin Williams; I had to hold my cheeks as they hurt from laughing so hard. It's a great feeling!
I'm sharing my story because I believe in the Laws of Attraction. Three years ago I wrote down the characteristics of the man I intended to attract--I got this idea from Tony Robbins, who is a motivational speaker. This man has all those characteristics. Each day I express gratitude for my great relationship knowing that I'm sending out that higher vibrational thought. I get to surrender this to God and leave it in His hands. I get to enjoy and live in the moment and it feels tremendous. Whatever you send out is what you will get back so why not make it positive?
I am feeling so wonderful that I want to give back to you.
For a short time I am offering discounted energy sessions and on my e-book, Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss. Go to my website at http://www.tamiclose.com to take advantage of this special offer.
What value will these energy sessions and e-book bring to you?
Spend a productive hour to discuss my integrative weight loss program, establish your goals, go over stress release techniques and then put together a daily plan for optimum successlaughing as we talk! On-going weekly support calls will be included in this as well. These calls feature others who are focused on their goals and will offer encouragement and a lot of laughter too. The e-book includes a lot of my lessons and other beneficial informationall in a condensed package.
Giving back is important to me. Be open to receive and let everything that you intend to manifest flow to you. I can't wait to talk to you on the telephone. Getting to hear your voice will be awesome!
Love and hugs,
Tami
http://www.tamiclose.com
http://www.closekeptsecrets.com

Listen Up to Raise a Great Pup by: Jillian Gregory The cute, loveable puppies you see prancing down the street with their owners has got you thinking.
It was never then on the scale to rival long time favourite Greece, but it was large enough to get itself noticed as an attractive coming destination. Then came the various Balkan wars - one of them involving Croatia itself - and the disintegration of old Yugoslavia.

Enjoyable Activities With Your Dog

2009-08-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

Enjoyable Activities With Your Dog
by: Jack Russell
A dog is more than just a pet. It is a friend one can always count on when things go wrong and no one seems to care. Having a dog for a pet is not just about feeding it and giving it a good home. It also takes maintenance to keep that dog strong and fit.
Spending time with man's best friend further deepens the relationship one has with a pet. It tells the dog that the owner loves being with it and by either playing or working together; it strengthens the communication, understanding and respect between man and animal.
There are many ways to teach a dog discipline and learn new tricks and by teaching it through games instead of the normal routine added with a little imagination, it can both be fun for the dog and the owner.
One game is called follow the leader. This activity consists of a group of owners and the dogs. By placing objects such as cones or cans on the ground and making the group go around these objects, the dog will learn to follow when it is called. Further strengthening that could be by switching who the leader is and doing the entire process all over again.
Another game is hide and seek. Children play this game with other children but by teaching the dog to stay in one place then have the dog search for the person when the dog's name is called, it teaches the dog discipline and will make the dog learn to wait until being called.
One can modify this game by a hiding a treat in a certain area and have the dog look for it. The animal will learn to use its keen sense of smell to search for things and be rewarded for it.
Waking up in the morning and taking the dog out for a jog is another good chance to spend time with the dog. This gives both the owner and pet a good exercise keeping both physically active and in shape. Dogs like to play often and by sometimes changing the game with a little twist like catching the Frisbee or fetching the stick; it not only strengthens the limbs but also involves some thinking on the part of the dog to successfully catch the object.
Spending quality time with ones dog through a variety of activities is fun. It gives the animal an opportunity to learn good manners making it easier to live with and make the owner enjoy how wonderful the experience can be.

You Have To Love The Location, Say These Owners Of Orlando Florida Villas by: David Leonhardt It has been said that in real estate there are three things that count the most: location, location and location.
Selecting Flies for Pacific Steelhead by: Cameron Larsen Popular flies for Steelhead vary greatly whether you are fishing in the Pacific region or in the Great Lakes. The fisheries have developed separately and so have the preferences anglers have for flies cast to their intended prey.

Homemade Rollercoaster

2009-08-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

Get To Know Yourself

2009-08-07T07:53:00.001-07:00

Get To Know Yourself
by: Kimberly Fulcher
Eight Baby Steps To Knowing Your "Self"
Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you believe in? What engages your passion? What brings tears of gratitude and joy to your eyes? Do you know, or have you lost yourself? In my work as a professional coach, I've helped many people rediscover themselves. The first step on the road to rediscovery involves spending time with you, which is why I liken the process to dating yourself.
When you began dating your last partner or the person you share your life with, didn't you move heaven and earth to make time for them? When you were with them, didn't you go out of your way to get to know them? What if you were to take a similar approach to rediscovering yourself? Here are some "baby steps" you can take to get reacquainted with yourself.
Journal
Writing your thoughts on paper can be profound. The process of journaling can support you in learning about what you're afraid of, what you're passionate about, and what you aspire to.
Buy yourself a beautiful notebook, and a pen you enjoy writing with. Find 20 quiet minutes in your day, and steal away to a comfortable place in your home. Begin your process by writing as if you were talking with yourself. Write about how you're feeling, what's bothering or exciting you, or the day ahead of you, or answer questions from books or personal development programs you've been reading.
Remember that your journal can be messy and illegible. It's for your eyes only, and doesn't need to be presentable. Enjoy the process of establishing a connection with you through the written word.
Meditate
Meditation is not about attaining a state of emptiness while sitting in the lotus position. It's about observing yourself in the present moment. Find 10 quiet moments in your day, and sit comfortably. Your goal should be to "empty" yourself of any anxiety or worry. Focus on your breath, and allow the thoughts that enter your mind to be there. Acknowledge them, but don't focus on understanding what they mean, or solving any problems. Just allow yourself to be still.
Move
There are numerous studies documenting the physical and emotional benefits of moving your body. Exercise can be a meditation in and of itself. If you're the type of person who has a really hard time slowing down, this may be a great way for you to begin committing to time to be with yourself.
Walk
Walking is a moving mediation. It allows you to slow down, and notice what's going on around you. If you usually move a million miles per hour, walking can allow you to focus on being fully present, while indulging in the movement you find so vital. It can provide you with an opportunity to mull over something that may be on your mind, or simply to notice the beauty and bounty of what surrounds you.
Drive
Though not a common "vehicle" to self discovery, driving can prove to be an interesting process, especially if it's difficult to find a quiet place in your home. Fill your tape or cd changer with your favorite music, and hit the road to an unknown destination. See where your "self" leads you.
Authentic Outings
A day spent wandering boutiques, a stolen hour in a bookstore, a mid-afternoon matinee, a journaling session in a coffee shop, or an afternoon being pampered at your favorite spa. These are authentic outings, and indulging in activities like these is similar to dating yourself. This is where you take time to be with you, with no purpose in mind other than sheer enjoyment.
Old Hobbies
What did you love to do when you were a small child? Did you scrapbook? Did you take dance classes, or write short stories? The authenticity of childhood interests cannot be denied. Revisit the things you used to love to do as a kid. You will be amazed at the passion within you, just waiting to be rediscovered.
New Interests
Investigate and research things you find intriguing. Do you have a friend who spends her time in ways that you envy or admire? Did you used to dream about being great at something? Did you used to wish for your family to support you in the pursuit of a special talent or interest? Give yourself the permission and the support to explore it now. Who knows where this new path could lead?
The approach you take is not important. The fact that you make the time to reconnect with yourself is. Try a little of each approach, and see what works for you. Have fun, and continually explore!
Interested in reading more, or in finding out about our programs and services? Join our FREE newsletter community at www.compasslifedesigns.com.
Written By: Kimberly Fulcher
President, Compass Life Designs
Professional Coaching and Speaking Services
Kimberly_Fulcher@compasslifedesigns.com
This material is excerpted from "Your Life Is Your Business", written by Kimberly Fulcher. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.
Publication authorized solely for newsletter or website use. Not for resale. Edits not authorized.

For these folks there are dog clothes. Cute sweaters, doggie tee shirts, dog booties, stylish bandanas, and precocious little hats are among the items people will purchase to adorn their dogs with style.
Strength training is the best way to cut through fat and burn through calories. There's no difference between strength training for the obese and strength training for everyone else.When we strength train, we add lean muscle mass to our body.

Ontario man accused of mass online pranks

2009-08-05T22:04:00.001-07:00

The Smoking Gun identified Tariq Malik as the person resposible for Pranknet. (The Smoking Gun)

An investigative U.S. website says an Ontario man is the leader of an online community responsible for a rash of malicious pranks in which some victims are convinced to vandalize hotel property and undress in public.

The Smoking Gun website said in a report that a 25-year-old Windsor man was the brains behind Pranknet, an "online chat room" whose members make prank phone calls that were broadcast live on the internet.

The Smoking Gun вЂ" typically known for posting elusive, sometimes racy, documents concerning celebrities вЂ" identified the man as Tariq Malik.

The Smoking Gun also identified William Marquis, a Toronto man, as a prominent accomplice.

CBC News tried to contact both Malik and Marquis by visiting their homes. In both cases, no one answered the door.

Pranknet linked to 60 incidents

The Smoking Gun says its reporters joined Pranknet and undertook a seven-week investigation following hoaxes that were broadcast live on the internet.

The site traced nearly 60 incidents to the Pranknet group. The managing editor of the Smoking Gun pointed to one prank as being particularly malicious.

"There's one from New Hampshire where you understand the ultimate end goal is to humiliate people вЂ" just to embarrass, humiliate them and to degrade them as much as possible for sheer entertainment," Andrew Goldberg told CBC News.

In that February incident, two female employees at a KFC outlet were told by a caller posing as a head office representative to turn on the store's fire suppression system.

The system rained down chemicals on the employees, which the prank caller said was hazardous. The caller then successfully convinced the employees to head outside and strip naked in the freezing cold in order to minimize contact with the chemicals.

In another February incident, a man in a Pennsylvania hotel is told to smash open a window in his room in order to let in fresh air to combat a purported gas leak. The man, acting on the caller's advice, also smashes a television set for fear it may spark an explosion.

The Pranknet website appears to now be down. Police from several jurisdictions are investigating separate incidents, but there is no word yet if the RCMP or FBI will begin a full-fledged Pranknet investigation.

14-year-old accused in 2 sex assaults

2009-08-05T21:04:00.001-07:00

The face has been obscured in this frame from a surveillance video that police allege shows the suspect in a sex assault that took place in July. (New Westminster Police Service)

A 14-year-old boy is in police custody in New Westminster, B.C., in connection with a pair of sexual assaults.

Investigators are recommending the youth be charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement, and break and enter after two women were attacked in separate incidents, according to a release issued Wednesday by the New Westminster Police Service.

Police said that on July 4, a teenaged girl was followed into an apartment building elevator and sexually assaulted. The male involved fled the scene.

Investigators have obtained surveillance video from the night of the incident from the apartment building.

A media release about that incident generated a number of tips, police said.

On Wednesday, a 20-year-old female was accosted by a male who dragged her towards some bushes. Police said she fought off her attacker who fled on foot.

Officers arrested a 14-year-old boy from Surrey, B.C., in the area shortly after the attack. Due to his age, he cannot be identified.

Investigators believe he is responsible for the attacks on both women.

The youth is due to appear in New Westminster Provincial Court on Thursday.

New Westminster is located about 25 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Yankees double Blue Jays for mini sweep

2009-08-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

The New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez took a two-game sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays with a win on Wednesday night in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

Make that another come from behind win for the New York Yankees.

Trailing 3-2 in the seventh inning, the Bronx Bombers tagged the Toronto Blue Jays for four runs to take an 8-4 win on Wednesday and a sweep of the two-game series.

New York's Alfredo Aceves (7-1) scooped up the win as Blue Jays rookie Marc Rzepczynski (1-3) took the loss, giving up five runs off of six hits in six innings of work.

Aceves cleans up Mitre's mess

The two teams were tied at two going into the fifth when Adam Lind grabbed his second hit of the game by launching a second-deck shot to right field to put the Blue Jays on top. The next batter, Lyle Overbay, put the kibosh on Yankees' starter Sergio Mitre's night with a single up the middle.

That hit brought New York manager Joe Girardi out of the dugout to replace his starter with Aceves. The reliever took the ball and escorted his squad out of the inning without sustaining any more damage by forcing Vernon Wells to fly out and striking out Alex Rios, both Blue jays who notched RBI singles off of Mitre in the first inning.

One pitch removed from nearly being plunked in the head by Rzepczynski in the top of the sixth, Damon was robbed of extra bases by a running, jumping catch at the wall by Wells.

After the Toronto starter struck out Teixeira for his seventh strikeout of the night, Wells would snag another long, fly ball off the bat of Alex Rodriguez to help his pitcher retire 10 straight.

It would be the last out Rzepczynski would register.

In an almost mirror image of what happened to Mitre in the fifth, the Blue Jays starter would leave the mound in the seventh after giving up a solo shot and a hit up the middle. Nick Swisher hit a leadoff homer and Robinson Cano tagged Rzepczynski with a double to bring new addition Jeremy Roenicke to the mound with the game tied at three.

Yankees take over in the 7th

While the New York reliever cleaned up the mess left by his pitcher, Roenicke struggled as the Yankees went through their batting order. After Melky Cabrera pushed Cano to third, Matsui would get a ball to drop in shallow left to score Cano and give his team the lead.

Despite striking out Jeter, Roenicke couldn't stop the bleeding there and proceeded to walk two more batters and give up RBI singles to both Damon and Teixeira to complete the four-run inning.

Facing a 7-4 deficit, leadoff man Marco Scutaro lit up Aceves for a solo home run of his own to draw Toronto within a pair of runs.

The Yankees quickly clawed back the run and then some.

Cano, doubling for the second time in the game, scored off a sac-fly to restore the three-run cushion in the eighth and Damon would add a home run in the ninth to put the game out of reach.

Pic

2009-08-02T22:03:00.001-07:00

Looking for a Holiday with a Difference?

2009-08-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

Looking for a Holiday with a Difference?
by: Chloe Lim
Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado chasing safari? Care for a camping safari across the desert? How about a night in an Igloo? Or perhaps you may want to attend a winter driving school and receive your reindeer license!
Chloe Lim goes in search of holiday spots with a difference. You will reach areas that are totally remote, stunningly beautiful, rich in history and heritage, away from mainstream tourism and not in any guide book.
For those seeking an energetic adventure, complete relaxation, a romantic interlude, or a holiday that combines all of these elements, the following holiday packages are particularly appealing. Offering inspiration for travellers, each itinerary is a complete package. The accommodations may not have satellite TV or air-conditioning - but they offer an unforgettable experience.
By way of a taster, here are just a few of the unusual holiday packages on offer...
6 Day Ayers Rock Adventure
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Commences: Perth, Western Australia and concludes Alice Springs, Northern Territory
For those adventurous travellers who wish to travel overland through Central Australia, this is the 6 day camping safari for you. This is a classic outback adventure that passes through some of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Australia. Journey by 4WD vehicle from Perth to Alice Springs, along the Gunbarrel Highway and across the Great Victoria Desert. Camp under the desert stars as you travel to one of Australia's most famous outback destinations - Ayers Rock.
This tour is designed for those who are looking for adventure and who want to experience the beauty of Central Australia whilst enjoying the reward of camping and meeting new friends.
For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/AyersRockAdventure.htm
7 Day Tornado Chasing Tour
Duration: 7 Days / 8 Nights
Commences: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
F5! Tornado Chasing Safaris are chasing tornadoes with clients on-board. Their approach to chasing storms is extremely personal and focused on comfort and safety. With no more than FOUR clients in each GMC Suburban, every seat is considered first class!
For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/TornadoChasingTour.htm
A Night in an Igloo
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Commences: Ivalo, and concludes in Ivalo
A night in an igloo - what more could you ask for!
Step inside, come into the heart of snow, the warmth of its blue lap. Come alone, with someone special or with a group, there will be a soft and comfortable bed for you in one of the 15 Igloos in Saariselkä, the Heart of Lapland. A reindeer hide and a woolen rug will provide you excellent insulation against the snow and keep you warm. The padded sleeping sacks will keep you warm. Although surprisingly comfortable inside the igloos, the temperature does hover between -3 and -6 degrees Celsius!
After your night in igloo you'll feel so exhilarated you will want to take on the world!
For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/NightInAnIgloo.htm
Lycksele to Ekorrsele
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Commences: Ekorrsele, Sweden
Be pulled along by a team of 10-14 dogs on a dogsled. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the vast expanses of this gorgeous landscape that will unfold before you. Because you are travelling so quietly, there's some great opportunities to spot elks/moose, reindeers or other Swedish wild animals. The tour takes you over lakes, through forests and frozen wetlands. The light, the colors, the fresh air and the silent are something you have to experience in person. It can't be explained in words.
All warm clothes and boots are provided and at the end of the day you can reminisce about the adventures in a hot tub before feasting on a delicious dinner - pure indulgence!
For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/LyckseleToEkorrsele.htm
Winter Driving School in Lapland
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Commences: Rovaniemi, and concludes in Rovaniemi, Lapland
For travellers looking for something different - how about this tour?
Welcome to Rovaniemi - the capital of Finnish Lapland! Enjoy spending some time in the Arctic Circle! Learn how to drive a snowmobile on ice; braking and fending off a sudden obstacle; driving and steering; using hand brakes and how to handle the snowmobile in everyday traffic. Then, visit a reindeer farm and learn how to harness a reindeer and ride a reindeer sledge, and if you pass these tasks, you will receive your reindeer license!
For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/WinterDrivingSchool.htm
You're just a few clicks away from finding your perfect holiday.

It is a very humbling experience but a nice feeling nevertheless. I had one of those moments.Spring time has many activities for kids.
Which do you want first? I'll give you the good news first. YOU can!! It's very simple.

Whose Decision

2009-07-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

Whose Decision
by: Wayne and Tamara
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 5, 2003
I'm very disturbed these days, and if it continues, I might get mad soon. I am 28. I recently went to see my parents in India and met a girl for marital purposes. I got convinced by my parents and family she is a perfect match for me.
In an impulsive moment I said yes and got engaged. Very soon afterwards I realized I don't like her, and there are major compatibility and personality issues between us. Now my parents and her parents are pushing for marriage as soon as possible.
I tried to speak to them and the girl about all the things going on in my mind. From that moment on I was like a rebel in the family, and everyone is against me. They want me to marry this girl. I told the girl I want to call it off, but she doesn't agree to my theory.
I know deep inside me it's not going to work, but at the same time I love my parents and don't want to make things ugly. If we marry, I can see we will both live a miserable life as I won't be able to develop love for her, and it will end in a dreadful divorce.
Ajay
Ajay, what a way to step into marriage! You thought you were going home for a family visit, and your parents thought they were planning the rest of your life. You don't like your prospective bride, and now you have to weigh why this decision does not belong to you.
In these circumstances many people cave in. In an odd twist of fate those forced into marriage often become defenders of arranged marriage, just as those hazed joining a fraternity enthusiastically haze new members.
You would like to find a reason which will silence all arguments on the other side, but the more you justify yourself, the more they will wear you down with counter arguments and "success stories." The problem with letting other people make decisions for us is that we, not they, have to live with the consequences.
The only thing they can't argue with is, "No." There is no appeal from a simple no. The worst thing your family can do is disown you. But they can only do that once. If you accede to their wishes now, they can use the hammer of disapproval over many other issues.
You have to decide what your life will be. That is part of growing up and becoming an adult. When you make your own decisions, good or bad, you will feel life is under your control. There is a sense of justice, a deep sense of fairness, in a life lived this way.
Tamara
Upstairs Downstairs
I met my downstairs neighbor on a Saturday morning a month ago when he complained about my loud music. He noted it's good music, but this particular day it was past his breaking point. I felt horrible, but I couldn't remember his face because I hadn't put my contacts in. I recall another time he banged on the ceiling at 1 a.m.
Last week we spoke again about neighborly ground rules. It was a comfortable and easy conversation. I wore my contacts, and yes, he is cute. He noted whenever I see his car in the driveway, he's home, except for next Thursday when he'll be at a game. Is this a hint to follow up on?
Torri
Torri, this is definitely a hint to follow up on, but the question is what is he hinting.
My guess is he thinks you are his annoying neighbor who plays her music too loud. If that's right, he wants the car in the driveway to be a warning to you to keep the music down and stop dancing on his head. But he could have other intentions. If so, they will soon be plain enough.
Wayne

Finding discount prices on European vacations. by: Mike Yeager Imagine saving 30%-40% in airfare expenses as you get ready to travel to an exciting, exotic location. How exciting would that be? Inexpensive European vacations to travel Italy and Ireland travel can be found if you're willing to do just a little research.
So Many DietsÂ So Much Failure. What's A Person To Do? by: Ed Kalski What's the biggest reason diets are so difficult to implement successfully? Are you ready? Here's the answer: All diets require you to change your lifestyle in a major way.

Monaco Yachts

2009-07-26T09:15:00.001-07:00

Monaco Yachts
by: Laura Ciocan
Sea and rich people: where else to find a better combination than in Monaco! A real yacht parade can be admired throughout the year in the Hercule Port besides the local yearly yachting events. From imposant, big-sized ones to neat, small, jewel yachts. If you are a yachting amateur or if you are hardly interested in the matter (as I was before seeing this impressive display) you will find something to like here.
There is a restraint, exclusivist rich group that has a thing for yachting, mainly because they can afford to! You and I, we both know that we'd like to own even a small, "unpretentiuos" sailboat, don't we? And have at least once dreamed to relax on the deck of a luxury yacht in Monaco. But, hey, who needs a yacht in a so busy world? Do we wake up in the morning with nothing better to do than dress in white completely (maybe some blue too), have our cafe au lait (maybe a croissant also if not on diet) and go to the quay ordering around the employees to rub up better that side? We certainly don't! If you say you do, that's another story!
What better place (and object) for a competition: who has the bigger, more expensive model, envies arise, disputes start... Shirley Bassey reportedley complained of the big size of "Le Grand Bleu" belonging to the Russian billionaire Abramovich. The yacht appearantly spoiled the view on the port of her uphill apartment. Well, what else would you like rich people to do?...
Besides occasional cruises and constant care some rich peolpe find a practical use to their yachts: some rent them, others live there. Owning a yacht can be extremely useful if you are a tax exile, especially UK citizens who live in Monaco but work in the UK. Renting is very profitable, especially during holidays season or when big events happen in Monaco: prices go from EUR25,000 per week to EUR365,000 per week, depending on the size and facilities.
Some of world's famous yachts rest in the waters of the bay. Some of them are so big that they have helicopters on their top decks. Among worlds' 100 largest yachts are: Octopus - owned by Paul Allen, the Microsoft cofounder; Tatoosh - owned also by Paul Allen; Atlantis II - owned by the Niarchos family, descendants of Onassis' rival Stavros; Le Grand Bleu - owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich; Delphine - owned by the American car magnate Horace Dodge; Montkaj - owned by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, son of Saudi Arabia's King Fahd.
Following its policy of capitalisation of all (though scarce) natural resource, the Principality quickly became aware of the potential of the Hercules Bay and started a yachting tradition. There is a Yacht Club founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and it was all along supported by himself and his son Albert, who is also its President. The Yacht Club de Monaco gained international fame attracting worlds' greatest names in sailing to came and do battle on the Monegasque waters.
Naturally, there are also prestigious yachting events of international interest, excellent opportunities for yacht owners all over the world to show off. There is Primo Cup Trophée Credit Suisse, Challenge Inter-Banques, Monaco Classic Week, Fête de la Mer, Régates Corporatives, Monaco Yacht Show. The events are organised with the support of H.S.H. Prince Albert I and of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III. All of these events have display and competitions parts, except for Monaco Yacht Show which is the greatest in-water yacht exhibition in Europe, without competitions show.
So, rich or less rich, you can enjoy for free at least a great show if you happen to be in Monaco at the right time. Welcome aboard!

The Power of God Makes Life Easier by: Missionary Georgia Jackson When the storms in your life are raging, just believe, "the power of God makes life easier." Additionally, the real key to dealing with problems that challenge us daily while seeking peace, is found in the wisdom of God's Word. He plays a vital role in every aspect of our character, and life's journey requires help that only God can provide.
Most often Thrush are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores. Often thrush will feed from the ground.

Stop The Itchy Fleas!

2009-07-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

Stop The Itchy Fleas!
by: Disney Pieces
"No, your dog is not pregnant but she has fleas", said the vet.
"Excuse me?"
(She lifts up the dog's tail) "You see all these fleas"
I was stunned. I give my dog flea preventative every month! She bathes monthly and she rarely goes outside. So how could she get fleas?
I learned that all the things I thought mattered did not. After all, what good is flea preventative if it doesn't work?
Based on my experience, I am going to tell you how to treat and prevent dog fleas.
First, an ounce of prevention is worthwell you know the rest.
It's easier to prevent fleas than to treat them. I recommend using a high quality flea preventative monthly. Avoid the cheap ones you find in the grocery store and the flea collars. You want to get a treatment that is applied directly to your dog's skin in between the shoulder blades.
If your dog gets fleas, you not only have to worry about getting the fleas off of your dog, but you have to get the fleas out of the environment. That means everywhere your dog has run, jumped, rested or thumped is full of flea eggs that you have to eliminate.
When you notice that your dog has fleas (If your dog has a lot of fleas, they will be easy to spot. But if it's only a few fleas you will need to check under your dog's belly. Then look under their tail)
If you notice fleas, it's time to act quickly. First you need to treat your dog. Your dog needs a Capstar pill which is a pill that immediately kills all adult fleas within a half hour. You can get this from your vet which will run you about $7 a pill, or you can check out some online stores where you can find it for $14 for a package of 6 pills.
After you apply the Capstar you need to follow up with a flea preventative. This is because the environment still has fleas and you don't want your dog to get re-infested during the treatment process. Though it can get pricey, I would recommend using Frontline or Advantage.
Next you need to treat the environment. Remove all the dog bedding and immediately wash it. Vacuum all the floors where the dog has had free run; after you vaccum throw away the vacuum bag because it probably contains flea eggs. Next you need to get your pet out of the house and spray your house down. I would recommend getting a bottle of Knockout ES from your vet. Spray all the carpet, all couch cushions, under all furniture and all nooks and crannies. If you use Knockout ES you will need to leave the house for a few hours after you spray because it is very strong.
Now you should have your dog and the environment under control. But there is still a chance that flea eggs did not get treated and are ready to hatch so in 2-3 weeks you need to repeat the environment treating. In 4 weeks, reapply toe Frontline or Advantage to your dog.

10 Simple Ways to Honor Your Uniqueness by: Julie Jordan Scott One message we hear from the time we are children is that it is better to give than receive. It is best to be humble.
But at certain times each day, a train would come along and the bridge would be turned sideways across the river, allowing a train to cross it. A switchman sat in a small shack on one side of the river where he operated the controls to turn the bridge and lock it into place as the train crossed.

How To Pack 48 Hours Into Your Day

2009-07-23T10:44:00.001-07:00

How To Pack 48 Hours Into Your Day
by: Ayesha Dean
Too much to do, too little time, constant stress. Most of us have been there. Not too long ago this is how I lived my life. I had deadlines to meet but I would constantly come up with excuses not to do the work that needed to be done. "I'll start after watching this TV show." or "I don't have time to complete this tonight. I'll start on it first thing in the morning." are some of the things I'd tell myself.
Of course the result would be that I was always rushing to finish things at the last minute and I'd produce poor quality work.
Usually, there's not much you can do about the amount of work that needs to be done. But there's a way you can increase the time you have to do it in. A recent time management study by the University of Leicester, in England, found that for every hour we spend working only 30 minutes are actually productive work. The rest of the time, we waste on little or no value tasks. The study also found that most people worked in short bursts followed by periods of waiting, distraction or mini-breaks. Just think: If you could do an hour's worth of work every hour, you'd be able to pack 48 hours into each day!
Bad work habits usually result from some form of fear of failure or procrastination. You learn over time to protect yourself from the hurt of failing by making excuses. "I would have done better if I had more time" becomes a self fulfilling reality. In order to have that excuse you unconsciously leave things to the last minute. Watching a show you always hated suddenly becomes very appealing when you have work to do.
So how can you learn to pack 48 hours into each day? Surprisingly, it's not that difficult. Most bad work habits tend to be sub-conscious. To avoid them, you first need to be aware of them. Try these five tips to a more productive way of working.
Break tasks down. It's much easier to get motivated to start and finish a small task than a large one. For example if you need to do yard work tomorrow, chances are that tomorrow will come and you'll find a dozen excuses why you can't work on the yard. However, if you break the task down into smaller pieces: (a)Rake the leaves. (b)Mow the lawn. (c)Trim the edges. (d)Mulch the flower beds. Then tell yourself that tomorrow, you'll start by raking the leaves. Chances are pretty good that when tomorrow comes, you will rake the leaves because you know exactly what to do and it's not a big job. If you do that, then guess what, you just started on your goal of doing the yard work.
Set achievable goals. Break tasks into bite-sized pieces. Don't say I'll tidy the lawn because that's too vague and too big. You'll find a dozen excuses not to get started on that. Far better to say rake, mow, edge the lawn instead.
Reward your successes. It's very important to give yourself a mini-reward for achieving your mini-goals. For example, if you tell yourself "I'll start by raking the leaves but I'll have a can of coke after I finish edging the lawn." You'll be amazed at how fast you finish edging.
Start on the best tasks first. The hardest thing is to make a start so if you schedule your favorite tasks first then it's much more likely that you'll start on them. Once you make a start, the momentum will carry you over into the other tasks.
Keep records. I use 5 x 3 index cards to list all the things I want to do on any day. In the top left corner of each card I write the date in red ink. Everything else, I write in pencil. At the start of a day, the card usually has three or four high level items listed in order of priority. Then I expand each of them into sub-tasks (here's where using pencil becomes important). Some days, I might reprioritize tasks onto the next day's card. The point of the cards is to train myself to be more disciplined. I never remove a high level task from a card. I may only write down a few sub-tasks under it but it's important that I make at least a start on each high level task. As I work, I jot down task related notes on the card itself. By the end of the day, not only have I used the card to pack more into my day, the card itself becomes a record of what I did that day. I use the date in the top left corner to file the card.
Technology can also help in your quest for the 48 hour day.
The most underrated piece of technology for managing your time is your watch. It's very easy to spend way too much time on tasks that you enjoy and too little on ones you don't. A glance at your watch or clock every now and then will give you a balanced sense of time. It's OK in the beginning to be way off on your time estimates. You may write down too many or too few items on your 5 x 3 card. Eventually, you'll gain an instinctive feel for how long tasks will take you and what you write on your card will exactly fit your 48 hour day!
PDAs are really useful for 48 hour dayers. They can be used to store all your to do lists and almost all have schedulers and clocks built in. When shopping for one, be sure to get the lightest, slimmest one that has the features you want. I can speak from personal experience that once the novelty wears off, you won't want to carry around that bulky PDA. Which kind of defeats the purpose of owning it.
Another invaluable time management tool, if you work in an office is the online group calendar. In our office, we rely on our web calendar as a centralized office notice board. We've set up sub-headings for each person in the office and use them to communicate with the group on our schedules, our vacations, important deadlines, whose turn to make the coffee etc. Another really useful feature, for when I'm away from the office, is that our group calendar can also be accessed from a cell phone or a PDA.
It's not difficult to gain control over your work habits. It is mostly being aware of the excuses you make to yourself and countering them. If you start saying to yourself: "I may not be able to finish this today but I'll start now and see how far I get." You'll be surprised how many times you actually do finish today.

I took all of the necessary precautions Â drank bottled water, did not eat from street vendors and peeled my own fruit Â but it got me anyway Â Travellers' Diarrhea.Travellers' Diarrhea can be a debilitating illness and may be difficult to manage in remote surroundings. Adults who experience Travellers' Diarrhea usually feel ill for three to five days and the symptoms can last much longer in small children.
You now have the power to adjust your rhythm, volume, tone, and pitch to exactly how you like! When you want to change the way your meditation sounds, you can easily do this by re-recording the script! All the more power to you!Setting the MoodBefore you begin your recording session check out the next 10 points first:1. Choose the quietest room you can work from. Will there be background noise? Close off doors and windows and shut down (where possible) anything that will create background noise.2. Pencil in some recording time in your diary and let people know you're going to be off-line for an hour or so.

US Women Soccer Superstars - Victims of Their Own Success

2009-07-20T09:23:00.001-07:00

US Women Soccer Superstars - Victims of Their Own Success
by: Chris Lauber
With the imminent retirement of long-time veterans Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett from the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, I often find myself thinking how fortunate my family has been to witness their heroics on the field and their positive influence off of it.
But the last game we saw in person stands out as a very different experience from the first game we saw nearly nine years ago.
Last summer, I attended a soccer match between Brazil and the United States Women's National Team in New Orleans with my teenage daughter, Leah. It was a great game with plenty of action on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and the U.S. Team won on a Tiffeny Milbrett goal in the 90th minute.
For Leah and I, it was a bittersweet experience.
It was a wonderful "dad and daughter" 42-hour trip from our home in St. Petersburg, Florida to New Orleans and back again. We talked, we laughed, and we listened to each other's music for each of the 20 hours and 1393 miles in the car. During our short stay, we visited Bourbon Street at night and the Cafe du Monde for breakfast.
But our journey's focus was to see our soccer heroes in action again. That's right, I said OUR heroes. Ever since that rainy night in February of 1996 when we first saw our National Team play in Tampa, these outstanding women became my heroes every bit as much as my daughters' heroes.
I remember being awestruck as I watched them for the first time their skills, their strength, and their obvious passion for the game. But it was after the game, that I was won over as a dedicated fan.
Earlier that day, Nicole, my younger daughter, asked me if she should bring her Official U.S. Women's National Team Calendar for autographs. My response - "This is our National Team with the best players in the world. I really doubt you will get any autographs," I said. "With the rainy weather, you don't want to ruin your calendar, but bring your autograph book, just in case."
When the game ended, I couldn't believe my eyes. Every single player came over to the bleachers where about 1,900 spectators anxiously waited. Not only were they willing to sign autographs, but EACH OF THE PLAYERS HAD THEIR OWN PENS! They talked with the fans, posed for pictures, and most importantly, they really seemed to enjoy doing it. We were immediately hooked.
Since then, we've been extremely fortunate to witness some of their most important games: the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal match in Atlanta, the historic 1999 Women's World Cup Championship game in Los Angeles, and even Mia Hamm's record-breaking moment for career goals in Orlando in 1999.
We've had several encounters with the players, including clinics, autograph sessions, and we even attended a few training sessions in Orlando. Five years ago, while Leah worked as a junior reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, she wrote five features for the weekly X-Press Page for kids.
Along the way, Leah interviewed nearly every team member and even Head Coach Tony DiCicco. Afterwards, at the age of twelve, she wrote a book, Soccer Dreams, to share her adventure, promote the positive values she learned from the team, and to encourage readers to DREAM BIG! It was published last year and has earned very positive customer reviews at Amazon.com.
So our commitment to the Women's National Team runs deep. As a family, soccer has been a unifying force ever since Leah and Nicole played on the same U-8 team, which I coached. This great sport has provided us with countless memories, as participants and as spectators.
So why, you might wonder, was it bittersweet in New Orleans, to see our team again after more than four years of nothing but televised games? Most of the players were the same, and they all had the same intensity on the field we've come to expect.
But this time, the team had already broken through. Ever since the 1999 Women's World Cup, huge crowds cheer them on wherever they play. In New Orleans that day, they played in front of 15,000 spectators, with a live national television audience and a horde of media members reporting their every move.
They were enjoying all the fruits of their many years of labor. Their dreams of just a few years ago, playing in front of huge crowds, of being recognized, had been realized - repeatedly.
In the beginning, we wanted nothing more than for these players to be given their due, for them to enjoy their success. Now they are living like the superstars they have always been, with fans hanging out in their hotel lobby and screaming for autographs wherever they go. Easy access is probably gone forever. Recognizing and understanding that was an eye-opener.
Imagine being a Bruce Springsteen fan in the early Stone Pony days, before he rocketed to worldwide fame and glory. Perhaps you had a chance to talk to him, maybe even hang out with him. While you knew he was something special and you wanted him to reach the rarefied air of superstardom, once he did, your little secret was out. No more casual chats. No more hanging out. Now you're lucky to get an overpriced ticket in the nosebleed seats from a scalper.
But of course, like Bruce, try as they might, our National Team can no longer satisfy everyone. They still carry their own pens for autographs after the games, but now there are increased post-game media demands.
While goalkeeper Briana Scurry did the post-game ESPN interview that day in New Orleans, forwards Cindy Parlow and Mia Hamm were the first to be interviewed by the local media, followed by forward Tiffeny Milbrett, defender Brandi Chastain, and Head Coach April Heinrichs. The rest of the players signed autographs, but with 15,000 fans, it was simply impossible to accommodate every fan.
Leah didn't try to acquire autographs that day. She already has plenty, and on that day, we also had field photo credentials. Not only is autograph-collecting taboo for "objective" journalists, but our memories of the game will be in the photos we captured.
After the game, as the players boarded the bus, I saw one woman approach a team official. She was ranting and raving that she had driven five hours to bring her daughter to the game and that her daughter didn't get any autographs from the players. The team official explained that the players signed autographs for a half hour INSIDE the stadium, which was true.
Apparently, this woman and her daughter had been positioned in the wrong place and were headed home empty-handed. As she stormed off, she yelled, "BOOO Women's National Team!! I'll never come to another game! BOOO!"
I am certain other fans left empty-handed as well or disappointed with just one or two autographs. I am also certain this woman's experience will be repeated during the current 10-game Fan's Celebration Tour and at future games as well.
Our National Team players are victims of their own success. After working so hard, for so long, to develop their fan support, it is simply impossible for them to continue to be so accessible and provide autographs to every fan who wants one.
So if you are lucky enough to see our National Team play this year or in any other games in the future, go to enjoy the skill, the intensity and the passion these gifted athletes put into their effort. If you are really lucky, and do get an autograph or two, even better.
But you shouldn't be disappointed if you don't get any autographs. And you should forewarn your kids that it might not be possible this time around, which will lessen their disappointment.
Finally, as you're driving home, take advantage of the opportunity to focus with your kids on the positive values (hard work, commitment, perseverance) these incredible athletes exemplify. Those are lessons we should want all our children to learn.

5 Tips for Successful Bird Watching by: Chuck Fitzgerald Can you name the number one spectator sport in North America? It's not baseball, figure skating or racing.
Another reason is it could be a vitamin deficiency. One other reason for the poop eating is that it is an instinctual behavior in the wild to eat the poop to keep other predators from tracking their movements.

Giants part-owner Burns dies of cancer

2009-07-19T14:04:00.001-07:00

San Francisco Giants' part-owner Sue Burns was at fixture at AT&T Park, including the night Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run in 2007. (Eric Risberg/Associated Press)

Sue Burns, a part-owner of the San Francisco Giants, has died at the age of 58.

Burns died late Saturday night of complications from cancer, team spokesman Jim Moorehead said. She was recently diagnosed with the disease.

Giants players and coaches had their annual picnic with Burns at her suburban Atherton home on July 8. Always dressed in orange, Burns was a fixture at the ballpark in the lower-box seats near San Francisco's dugout.

Her husband, Harmon, died in 2006 at age 61.

The Burns family was involved with keeping the Giants in the Bay Area in 1992.

Halladay turns heads in win over Red Sox

2009-07-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay mows down the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

Toronto ace Roy Halladay ended his four-game winless streak on Sunday as the Blue Jays defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-1 at the Rogers Centre.

The Jays ace had some trouble early but settled in nicely down the stretch.

He went the distance, holding the Red Sox to only one run on six hits. Halladay (11-4) tallied seven strikeouts on the way to the win.

Boston lefty Jon Lester (8-7) almost matched Halladay pitch-for-pitch, throwing seven innings and giving up three runs on five hits and four walks.

Toronto catcher Rod Barajas drove in all three Blue Jay runs, two with a double in the second, and another with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Neither team looked very good with runners in scoring position. Toronto was 2-for-10, stranding seven, while Boston was 0-for-4 and left five men on base.

It's the first series win in six tries for Toronto, which last took one back in late June. The Jays are now 10 games back of the American League East-leading Red Sox.

Boston took an early lead off the Doc, as David Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly to score Dustin Pedroia, giving the Red Sox a 1-0 advantage before Toronto came to bat in the first inning.

But Toronto gained a lead it wouldn't relinquish in the bottom of the second when Barajas drove his double down the left-field line to bring home Lyle Overbay and Alex Rios, who were put on base by a couple of walks from Lester.

The Red Sox threatened again after the Jays took the lead when the top of the order came around in the third, but Halladay managed to retire both Ortiz and Jason Bay with runners in scoring position to end the threat.

Toronto loaded the bases in the fourth, but leadoff hitter Marco Scutaro grounded out and the Jays came up empty.

They would take advantage of their chance in the sixth, again thanks to Barajas. He hit a sac fly to deep centre field that scored Overbay from third, putting the Jays up 3-1.

Boston right-hander Manny Delcarmen came into the game for Lester in the eighth inning.

Evacuation orders and alerts in effect for the Kelowna area

2009-07-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

Details follow of the evacuation orders and alerts in place for residents affected by wildfires in the Kelowna area, as released by the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Residents in the following areas are now on evacuation alert:

West Kelowna Estates to Bear Creek Road
The area on the north side of Shannon Lake Road from Stevens and Bartley including Talus Ridge Drive, Boulder Lake Boulevard, Pebble Place, Stonegrove Crescent, Cobble Stone Drive and Tuscany in the Talus Ridge s

Acne Control The Natural Way!

2009-07-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

Acne Control The Natural Way!
by: Kirsten Hawkins
Want to get rid of those zits in your face but you are currently low on budget? How about looking for acne control to avoid the sudden appearance of acne in your skin? So how do we do this?
First, what is acne? Acne is a skin disorder caused by the hormones action on the oil glands of the skin which is called the sebaceous glands. The excretion of oils from this glands can lead to congested skin pores. This is when acne occurs. The face, neck, chest, back and shoulders is where the glands are most profuse, that is why most acne are found on this locations. People who are with this kind of disorder often tends to be depressed, and humiliated.
There are a lot of factors that can generate acne to transpire. First is our Genes. Genetics can't be changed but other factors like our daily routine and the way we take care of our skin can be improved to make acne control no problem at all. Don't feel so sad about your acne because there's lots of things you can do. This acne control tips will help you say bye-bye to those zits.
1. Include Fruits and Vegetables in your daily Diet. A healthy diet consists of at least four to five servings of fruits and vegetables. Acne control will be a lot easier if you start including this in your daily habit.
2. Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser. Dipped in a cotton, clean your face using this everyday for at least two to three times each day.
3. Don't wait for your pimples to form. If you see a bit of it in your face, do something. Acne control is best done early. Pat some ice on the affected area for this will make it less swollen.
4. Acne control is easier when accompanied with multivitamins. Start taking vitamins that contains zinc supplement. Zinc helps in making your skin stronger and acne resistant.
5. Cucumber can help in acne control. Blend it with some water to form a mask. Put it in your face and leave it for about half an hour before rinsing it off. This is a good and affordable acne control remedy that can also refresh your skin.
6. Use only mild soaps and avoid soaps that contains petroleum based products and animal based ingredient for this causes your skin to get dry and irritated.
7. Using alcohol free facial cleansers makes Acne control trouble-free. Alcohol tends to dry your skin more.
8. Makeup also prompt the occurrence of acne. Choose your makeup wisely. Most of the makeup available contains petroleum based ingredients that makes skin dry. An all natural makeup helps acne control become more effortless.
9. Lastly, Drinking loads of water is very important. It flushes out the dirt in our body, Making acne control more natural.
Now you have a list of some helpful tips in acne control. It is your choice if you are to do these methods. There are lots of ways in acne control, be it naturally or by technology. Skin products are always around for you to pick your choice. The thing is, these products are very costly. If you are the innovative type of person, better try this methods in acne control. It is all natural and wont do any harm in your body. No side effects of course! Plus, you can really save a bunch out of this. There's no harm in trying! Saying goodbye to those acne is just a step away!

Dog Breeds: How To Choose The Perfect Dog Breed For You! by: Richard Cussons If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is, how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dog breed.Don't let your puppy become a statistic.
Double Calories Burned With Five Minutes Of Exercise! by: Tim Webb Recent studies have shown that if you perform just five minutes of reasonably intense exercise in the morning you can potentially burn up to twice as many calories you normally would during the day! What this means is that for those people who often claim "I don't have time!" there really is no excuse now for not doing five to ten minutes of physical training each day.

Are You a Wildflower?

2009-07-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

Are You a Wildflower?
by: David Leonhardt
Wildflowers grow from mere dust to reach their full potential.
Wildflowers grow well, even in adverse soil conditions.
Wildflowers don't require late nights at the office to grow.
Wildflowers grow thick and stick together.
Wildflowers grow strong and tall.
Wildflowers display their brilliant personalities for all to see.
Wildflowers withstand drought and grow all the more beautiful when watered.
Wildflowers withstand frost and hale.
Wildflowers last late in the season, when other flowers have given up.
Are you a wildflower?

If you called an airlines reservation desk and asked for cheap airfares information to a given city, you would be quoted a rate that may not be the lowest you could find. Many times you'll find that the cheap airfares are only offered on the internet, because when booking your ticket online your not taking up staff time telephone expense.If you've never done it before, explore the exciting options available to you when booking your next trip by doing your research on the internet.
Take a Vacation---You Deserve It. by: Mike Yeager A vacation is just what the doctor ordered for many people.

What started it all - the History of Volleyball

2009-07-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

What started it all - the History of Volleyball
by: Rebecca Blain
Surprisingly, one of the most well loved sports in the world is also relatively young. Despite the game's youth, it has gone through a wide variety of changes and evolution as a part of its rich history.
Believe it or not, but at one time there wasn't Asics or Nike women's volleyball shoes or even volleyball uniforms for sale anywhere, let alone online!
To fully understand and appreciate how much the game has changed and how much work was put into to make it successful, you need to search back to the very origin of Volleyball, and study when and why changes were made.
Just over 100 years ago, in 1895, William G. Morgan developed the first game of Volleyball. At the time, Morgan dubbed the game "Mintonette". "Mintonette" was created for business men as a game that involved less physical contact at the chapter of the YMCA where he worked at in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan borrowed aspects from several games to create his own game. The first aspect was from tennis, borrowing the net. Instead of the standard net, however, he raised it to be 6 foot 6 inches high, so it was just over the heads of average men. Other sports he borrowed from include basketball, baseball and handball. During one of the demonstration games of the sport, one of the spectators commented the game was more about volleying, and the games name was changed to Volleyball.
That was only the beginning.
In 1896, the first official game of Volleyball was played at Springfield College. This game signified the first real take-off of the sport, and led into further games being played at a variety of different Colleges. In the year 1900, Volleyball had taken off enough where a special ball was designed just for the game. Another feat also accomplished in 1900 was that the YMCA took the sport from America to Canada, the Orient and the southern hemisphere. Five years later, Volleyball also spread to Cuba. This spreading was what signified the start of the Volleyball era. Unlike most sports, Volleyball moved International in its early days, allowing for the game to evolve to meet the players needs world wide.
In 1907, Volleyball received its first recognition of being one of the most popular sports at the Playground of America convention. This was the first recognition the sport received, and helped to further its popularity. In the following ten years, the YMCA continued to spread the sport to Brazil, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In 1913, the first official Volleyball competition was held in the Far Eastern Games.
1916 saw Volleyball have its first true evolution. In the Philippines, the set and spike offensive pass was introduced, and game play was altered to involve this new form. The Filipinos developed the "bomba", which is the kill, and the named the hitter the "bomberino". In this same year, the NCAA was invited by the YMCA to alter the rules of the game, and it was initiated into Colleges and other schools as a part of the standard physical education courses and intramural programs. A year later, the scoring system was also adjusted so that a game ended after 15 points instead of 21. This allowed more games to be played within the same span of time, in an attempt to make the sessions a little shorter for the players.
Three short years later, in 1919, the American Expeditionary Forces donated 16,000 Volleyballs to the troops, which provided a stimulus for growth in foreign countries. With this rise in growth of the sport, new rules began being developed. A year later, the three hits per side rule and the back row attack rules were put into place.
By 1928, players and fans of the sport realized that "official" tournament rules and regulations were required. The United States Volleyball Association was formed, and the first U.S. Open Volleyball tournament was held. The U.S. Open allowed for squads that were not YMCA sanctioned to participate, which was a breakthrough at the time. This evolution permitted lovers of the sport to fully enjoy the game without having to be tied to the organization that created it.
After 1928, the game of Volleyball was forever changed. With the "official" rules set down, and a tournament that wasn't private to the YMCA, the popularity of the sport was allowed to sky rocket. The Men's U.S. Open was held every year thereafter, with the exception of three years. 1943, 1944 and 1989 did not have the yearly tournaments, due to wars and other obstacles.
In 1934, Volleyball saw another extensive change through the recognition of official referees to oversee the games. This change in particular drastically altered the calls and the fairness of the game.
The 1940's held several special events for Volleyball. Not only was the forearm pass introduced into the game, the first world championship Volleyball game was held. It was during this time that the volleyball movement saw fruition, and squads from all over the world could find out who was the best. This became a yearly event, allowing for more publicity of the sport, which aided in its growth. Around this time, over 50 million people were playing world wide, in over 60 different countries.
By 1964, Volleyball had spread enough to warrant introduction into the Olympic games. The first games took place in Tokyo, where a rubber carcass with leather panels was used for the ball. This ball became the one that would be used in most modern competitions. As a part of the Olympic games, Volleyball was allowed to grow even further, until it secured a place for itself as the second most played game in the world.
Despite this high level of popularity, it wasn't until 1986 that the Women's Professional Volleyball Association, or the WPVA, was formed. With the growing rate of professional interest by both sexes, Volleyball was finally allowed to reach its full potential for popularity. Elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges all invested into the game by providing courses in Volleyball in their physical education, so that the sport was known in most households around the world.
While still trailing behind Soccer for popularity, Volleyball has done extremely well for a game with roots so young.

Tantra is derived from two Sanskrit words - Thanoti ( to expand ) & Trayate ( to liberate). This Science has the power to expand and liberate ! Expansion means to grow beyond one's boundaries.
Ready to Lose Your Glasses? Ten tips to choosing a LASIK or Laser Vision Correction Center by: Robert K. Maloney Ready To Lose Your Glasses? Ten Tips To Choosing A LASIK or Laser Vision Correction Center The world of ophthalmology is one of the fastest evolving fields of medicine.

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2009-07-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

Predator Tropical Fish

2009-07-08T21:20:00.001-07:00

Predator Tropical Fish
by: Nate Jamieson
Some tropical fish, either because of their size, feeding habits, or just their natural behavior, are not suitable for beginners to try and raise in a community tank. These are some of the big and bad, that you may want to avoid until you're more experienced.
Oscar- This native of the Amazon River and its tributaries, is a large fish, reaching 13-14" in length, although it can be sexually mature and laying eggs at 4". They do best in a tank with no "fussy" things like slender plants or ornaments. They prefer a medium texture substrate because they're great diggers, but do like wood or rock platforms that create a cave. The recommended food for Oscars is feeder goldfish, because they basically will eat anything small, that moves. This is why they can't be kept with smaller fish, or livebearers that will have young. Most hobbyists use a special large stick food that absorbs some water and moves with the motion in the aquarium, so it mimics prey.
Jack Dempsey- Another South American native, the Jack Dempsey comes in many of the same dark colors and spotting as the Oscar, featuring greens, brown and gray areas, which may help large species like this to hide amongst the bottom rocks. The Dempsey is similar to the Oscar in other ways as well, being a bottom digger, and preferring caves and wood to rest under. They are also a live feeder that will devour anything that moves, but unlike the Dempsey, they pursue their prey, and are considered to have "attitude" that makes them best suited to a tank of like-minded fish.
Discus- While not the bottomless pits that Oscars and Jack Dempseys are for feeding, the Discus is still a large fish, even at 6", and because of their native Amazon River environment, require a fairly specific habitat. In the wild they lived where trees had fallen into the river, and made their homes under and around the branches. In an aquarium, that means keeping a thick substrate where the light does not reach down to, as well as lots of wood pieces for hiding, and vegetation that goes from bottom to top. They are live feeders as many large fish are, but generally subsist on a diet of shrimp, tubifex and daphnia in good quantity. They are a fish that lives naturally in groups of five or six, and in the home environment, do not take well to upsets or changes in the tank.

Aquarium Supplies Part 1 - My First Experience With Bettas by: Jonathan Wangsa Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them and changing the water every once in a while.
The History of Erectile Dysfunction and Prescription Drugs by: David Turner Modern sciences have changed the concept of erectile dysfunction, beforehand impotence was linked with age; people used to believe that ED was common with the growth of age. Fortunately modern sciences and changing attitude has debunked this myth, people nowadays are more conscious and do not hassle in discussing the issue with doctor.

Acne - a Nightmare!

2009-07-07T21:01:00.001-07:00

Acne - a Nightmare!
by: Luna Sol
Saturday night is coming and you are planning with your friends what to do during the weekend. You don't know if you go to the movies or if you go to that brand new dance club in that fancy neighbourhood. The thing is that all of you have plenty of things to study and because of that you decide to go to the movies. However, the cutest guy from the football team comes to you and asks you out. It is obvious you accept that invitation that you have been waiting for so long.
You and your friends spend the rest of the week planning this date. Everything seems to be ready and perfect. Saturday finally comes. You wake up happy and as soon as you got up and walk to the bathroom... Ahhhhhhhh! A big pimple is there! In the middle of your forehead! And you are not havig a nightmare: the pimple is really there.
Just who had been through something like this can describe the feeling. That's why learning about acne is so important. Keeping skin healthy can be the difference between being gorgeous on the date of your life or being noticed due to something on the forehead.
But acne doesn't have to be a nightmare. If everyone learns about this skin condition, many problematic stuff can be avoided. And every body will be able to live their dream life without worrying if a flare up will occur.
An important thing about acne is anxiety. It's not that you'll have acne everytime you get anxious, but this can increase the chances. Since acne is related to stress, it sounds common that it is also related to anxiety, which is a sort of stress manifestation.
Many are the option for someone to treat acne. However, nothing is more important than knowing how it develops and why are some people more affected than other. And it is not just a matter of poor higyene as many people think. Acne is far beyond that. In fact, hygiene does not play a major role when it comes to acne.
A healthy diet habits is another thing that should be taken into account. Some people say that "we are what we eat" and if it is true and since skin is considered to be the largest organ of human body, it is not impossible nor abnormal that a lack of nutrients can be noticed by a sign on the skin. This sign can be acne.
Squeezing your pimples is not the right way to get rid of that. In fact, when you squeeze you may help o spread the inflammation over the skin. It is not necessary to say that it can get worsen acne.
Besides all of these, some extra care are needed, some products have to be used in order to keep acne under control and to restablish the skin balance and health.

Aquarium Supplies Part 2 - My First Experience With Goldfish by: Jonathan Wangsa If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or are just starting out, I would like to stress again the importance of having some basic knowledge about aquariums and fish keeping in order to enjoy the hobby for a significant length of time and to avoid frustrations and disappointments.In the first article I illustrated this by sharing my own childhood experience with bettas, and now I shall share my experience with goldfish.While I still had my bettas I also wanted to keep some goldfish since I also found them attractive and interesting.
4 Surefire Ways NOT To Lose Weight At Your Health Club by: Dr Jeff Banas Everyone has their own individual reason for joining a health club, lose a few pounds, tone up, lower your blood pressure, strengthen a bad back or shoulder, perform better in sports, or just keep in shape by playing some basketball or racquetball.By joining the gym you have shown a time, and a financial commitment to achieving your goals, congratulations! However, joining the gym is only the first step.

Silent Macau

2009-07-06T08:52:00.001-07:00

Silent Macau
by: Ieuan Dolby
A failed or neglected city springs to mind when walking around Macau during the day time. Around the outskirts of the Islands the doors of modern buildings never seem to open. Hotel restaurants tend to sole customers with reluctance: public gardens remain empty except for the lone tramp rooting around in the bins, roads remain unsullied with tyre tracks and the silence is loud all around. Inside and up the hill cracked and uneven pathways run along to meet the next, weeds compliment the falling cement on graying walls. Unpainted fences balance precariously around crazy paved basketball pitches whilst graffiti gives color to an otherwise drab setting.
The Portuguese gave the place some amazing buildings when they ruled and controlled, in fact Macau was the first European Settlement in the Far East. The Portuguese beat the Dutch and the British by a hairs breadth with their establishment of this well positioned and soon to be rich trading post. Hong Kong, Singapore and .Malacca followed many years later as the British, Dutch and other nations established a presence in Far East Asia but at the beginning Macau ruled the roost. The Dutch tried many times to get hold of the Islands as did the Spanish and the British once or twice. A prize jewel had Macau become and Portugal managed to retain control throughout, only really giving it up in 1999 when they handed it back to mainland China.
China now rules Macau under what has become known as a SAR. This stands for a Special Administration Region and basically comes under the Mainland Chinese Policy of "one rule, two systems". A status-quo in which Macau governs itself for the most part, and it makes and lives under its own laws, but it belongs to China however it is run or seen to be run.
Today it is a little paradise steeped in history and culture. Large imposing, century old structures now vie for space amongst the tattered remnants of shoddily built 20 century brick houses and classily built modern glass offices that reach to the sky. Massive and squat stone offices of a colonial era sit regally and steadfastly among haphazard and leaning towers of steel girders: gray stone snubs orange brick and the slate roofs still keep out the water were the tin cladding has long since failed.
New roads lead around the coast in smooth patterns, over long and impressive bridges they flow before swooping gracefully in arcs around flashing advertisements and over reclaimed land that oozes intent. Newly built high speed, two-lane, motorways pass futuristic glass structures and cloud hitting spirals, they zoom over decorated spanned bridges that are a feat to modern engineering, they whiz past glittering hotels that invite money to be spent and all before lowering themselves in stature to greet and pass over to times gone by.
Working inwards and upwards modern tarmac meets old cobbles as the flat ground turns into the steep climb. Little lanes hobble through culture that crowds-in upon itself. Houses of times past squash and bulge against each other and hang precariously over paths that defy the eyes to follow. Hanging baskets swing delicately from balconies that threaten to pull down the houses that they belong to, whilst open windows give glimpses to the crowded life beyond.
The modern steels and glass facades of hotels and office blocks, the colonial stone museums and Portuguese Officialdom of yesteryear that grace the flatlands around the coast are left behind when walking inland. The hilly centers of the Islands house the main population: looking at houses from many years ago the place strikes chords of a fishing village in Portugal when looking one way and China Town the next. These small houses built along old cobbled streets crowd in upon each other and bring life and activity all around.
But all is not as it seems. From the heat of the day, when cool drinks and light foods go together with a swimming pool and air conditioning, the evening brings change. From the dull and fading brick work and overgrown flowerbeds, from the graffiti and flaking paint on shop walls springs lights of dazzling proportions. From a forgotten City lying to waste in its own decay grows a glittering display of neon power, one that transforms the place and everything within. As the sun sets on the horizon people come out to play, tourists put aside their bathing towels and no longer think of cold air, workers get ready for the night ahead and hotel lobbies transform from desolate halls to crowded and bustling bee hives filled with action and intent.
Public Gardens become noisy meeting points for those going out on the town, overloaded buses groan along roads that are a mass of spinning wheels and alert taxi drivers fight for the needy customers with skill and adeptness. Policemen wipe the sleep from their eyes and come out of their cubby holes, ready and watchful for the evening ahead. Bars stock up with large muscled men who hang around the doorways with folded arms silently saying, "make trouble and you will have me to deal with". Hopeful jewelers open their doors and invitingly offer tourists the once in a lifetime chance to buy gold at the cheapest prices in Asia, the Indian on the corner suggests that he can measure and make a suit in a day and the electronics stores beckon where they had not during the day.
But what is really going on? Aside from the tourist scene, apart from the night life and the activity that springs up after the sun hides away, what is really going on. What makes Macau what is today and why do most people prefer to sleep during the day, workers and tourists alike and what changes the city from a neglected and desolate place under the sun to a fun filled bundle of activity in the night?
Gambling.
It is all about Gambling. The Macau government makes seventy percent of its revenue from Gambling. Most Hotels are built with gambling in mind and thus they boast many a casino and gambling dens on its premises. Limousines carry the rich gambler to his seat for the evening, the one who has not yet sniffed defeat. Hotels lay on special packages for those with money to loose and girls lie in wait to help spend money that prospectors may have had thoughts of keeping. Bars keep drinks flowing to loosen punters stiff fingers, fast food flows to produce contentment and security in the high rollers and the large muscled men act positively when throwing out the losers.
Banks close down and turn over their business to rows upon rows of fast acting machines that spout out money like it is going out of fashion. Urgent and edgy punters queue at these machines, itching to get into the action, worried that they have no money left. Security guards watch metal detectors closely and search handbags with vigor, hidden cameras turn circles as unaware gamblers throw their money on luck and doormen's arms ache as they ceaselessly open doors for the excited newcomers and help the defeated out. Receptionists check-in new arrivals by the hundreds as tours from Mainland China pour off trains like ants from a mole hill. Airport-staff sweat freely, as planes land in quick succession to throw out more determined miners from Taiwan, the Philippines, from Singapore and other corners of the world.
Newly arrived punters race against time to grab their bags, get through immigration and to catch a cab for their hotel and the casinos next door, above or beneath. Time is precious and time is money money that will be spent despite dreams that suggest otherwise.
Not all arrivals and visitors to Macau are gamblers on a mission. Some visitors are genuine tourists who wonder why the city is so bare and drab during the day, those that have no idea as to the other face of Macau. And from Taiwan and other expensive Asian economies comes another bunch of visitors, the group or package tour and should one see the tour as it engorges itself from the plane, one will notice that it is all men. These men are on a mission, they will also be all over the age of fifty and the average age will probably be about seventy. This is a specially arranged tour that may for example start off from Taiwan and fly to Macau for a three day visit. And it is special in that it is for men only, that they are going to Macau to get a woman, to have three days of sex and romp and then to climb back onto their plane alone and back to Taiwan: maybe to repeat the process in a years time, if they can afford it or their wives don't find out. Yes, another side of Macau; the availability of prostitutes who service the Taiwanese or overseas visitor or who relieve punters and gamblers of any change that they may still have jangling in their pockets after the gambling halls have shut for the night.
Prostitutes hang around doorways and exits from casinos, they balance precariously on high heels that defy gravity and they are covered in layers of make-up that gives competition to a skilled plasterer. Skimpy skirts ride high on slim legs and breasts push eagerly against tight tops that are all but not present. Little purses swing invitingly from hands that wander fleetingly as males pass by, smiles are issued freely to those that look and glares are given as those looked walk on.
Innuendos are made and promises of a new life are given as punters exit casinos for new ground or with nearly empty pockets. New entrants are given the choice of female company as they prepare to spend and while away the night and whatever one can think of it is there. Slim girls with long legs, short girls with big busts, tall girls with big busts and short girls with long legs are all around leaning against doorways and offering hope and suggestion in husky voices. Slim waists peek out as hips thrust invitingly, nipples protrude as tongues are run along lips and eyes smile to all who see. Men dressed as woman, large woman with massive breasts and large men with even bigger breasts stand in the background for those inclined and little girls with spirit and enjoyment run around touching bottoms and kissing cheeks like they are in love.
A neglected city it may be during day light hours, but prostitutes, bouncers, gamblers, airport staff, taxi-drivers, croupiers, fast food hall owners, barkeepers, bus drivers, doormen, receptionists, bankers, service engineers, thieves and security guards need to sleep during the day so that when the sunsets they will be ready for a new night of action.
And the only daylight customers are the tourists who never knew the other face of Macau and the cleaners who must make the city ready for the next plane load of enthusiastic passengers and the next train full of excited amateurs with their pockets full of cash and dreams of a rich and enjoyable future ahead of them.

Break And Move Beyond The Length Of The Chains by: Ty Howard "Never let fear, procrastination or the longing for approval from others to take possession of your mind, they become self-forged chains." ~ Ty HowardHave you ever experienced a moment in your life where you wondered "What to do next?"Have you ever had a bolt of confidence spring into your being just as you were going to start working towards a new goal, but your comfort zone held you back?Have you ever had the feeling "It's now or never!" but you didn't make your move?If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, you at one time wore the self-forged chains.I think we all have, or at least will don the self-forged chains in our lives at one time or another.
Strangely enough, when she lived in Beverly Hills the seclusion loving Hepburn developed the habit of sneaking into her neighbor's houses as a hobby. She became expert at climbing trees, avoiding alarms and dogs, and revealing herself just before her nervous neighbors called the police.

German Sheperds

2009-07-03T03:36:00.001-07:00

German Sheperds
by: Keith Davies
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why there are a lot of german sheperd breeders.
The German Shepherd is sometimes called an Alsatian because that's where they originated in Germany. Many Germans still called them Deutscher Schaferhund because of their original sheepdog function but the breed is not very old and was really developed from a variety of sheep herding farm dogs in the late 1800s. In 1899 Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, was president of the first German Shepherd association in Germany. Since then German Shepherds have turned up all over the world and they came to the USA as early as 1908 where they were popular with the Red Cross, the police and as guard dogs.
This was partly because they are extremely loyal and courageous dogs and they are very intelligent and retain specialized training for a long time. Temperament is what ensures the usefulness of the German Shepherd and since this comes from good breeding it is essential to find a good and reputable breeder. With a bad temperament these dogs are a disaster. They are highly territorial and will know and recognize their people and place by about six months of age. This is when their protective loyalty starts to show itself!
There are many german sheperd breeders and you should have no problem finding a good one, but just remember that they come in a range of colors and will protect you no matter what!
They have proved a popular breed over the years for use in both the police force and as guard dogs for security companies. They have a very acute sense of hearing which means that they are invaluable to anyone wanting to protect both themselves and their property.Because they are a large dog they are a very useful deterrent against theives.

Argos hammer Ticats in CFL opener

2009-07-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Kerry Joseph threw for 227 yards on Wednesday. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

There wasn't much of a Canada Day celebration at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Wednesday.

The visiting Toronto Argonauts took a 20-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back, handing their arch rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats a 30-17 defeat and silencing the hometown crowd at the CFL season opener.

The Boatmen led from start to finish, scoring early and often to spoil the opening night party in Hamilton.

Argos quarterback Kerry Joseph threw touchdowns on Toronto's first two possessions of the game and added one more in the third quarter, passing for 227 yards and going 14 for 29.

Jamal Richardson ran for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Argos' victory.

Hamilton quarterback Quinton Porter, who got his feet wet as a starter last year and earned the No. 1 spot for this season, was picked off twice.

Porter threw for 234 yards, two touchdowns and went 26 for 39.

Toronto got on the board just before the 10-minute mark when Joseph rolled right and found slotback Arland Bruce III streaking to the corner of the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

On the Argos' next possession, Joseph hit wide receiver Reggie McNeal in the end zone with a 7-yard touchdown pass.

Andrus wins his 1st as Argos coach

Robertson scored Toronto's third when he broke through the middle on the last play of the first quarter to make it 20-0 with the conversion.

Kicker Eddie Johnson was seeking medical treatment on his arm and wasn't able to kick the Argos' first conversion of the game, which running back Jarrett Payton attempted and missed.

Johnson returned and was perfect the rest of the game. He was also good for a 25-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Wednesday marked the first regular-season CFL appearance for Argos coach Bart Andrus, who coached in the NFL Europa league and last season served as an offensive assistant with the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

Andrus got a water from a water cooler dumped on his head at the end of the game to celebrate his first CFL victory.

Porter got the Tiger-Cats on the board in the second quarter when he hit running back Terry Caulley with a three-yard outlet pass, and Caulley ran it into the end zone.

Kicker Nicholas Setta hit the conversion to make it 20-7 and later in the quarter made an 18-yard field goal attempt to bring the Ti-Cats to within 10 points of the Argos.

With 30 seconds to go in the half, the Ti-Cats were in the Argos' red zone, but Porter's end zone pass to wide receiver Chris Davis was picked off by Argos defensive back Lin-J Shell.

Ti-Cats score with 58 seconds left

Porter threw another interception earlier in the half, a floater that was picked off b

U.S., Afghan forces launch major operation against Taliban

2009-07-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

Thousands of U.S. Marines and hundreds of Afghan troops moved into Taliban-controlled villages with armor and helicopters early Thursday in the first major operation under U.S. President Barack Obama's revamped strategy to stabilize Afghanistan.

The offensive was launched shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday local time in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold in the southern part of the country and the world's largest opium poppy producing area.

The goal is to clear insurgents from the hotly contested Helmand River Valley before the nation's Aug. 20 presidential election.

Dubbed Operation Khanjar, or "Strike of the Sword," the military push was described by officials as the largest and fastest-moving of the war's new phase, involving nearly 4,000 of the newly arrived Marines and 650 Afghan forces.

British forces last week led similar, but smaller, missions to fight and clear out insurgents in Helmand and neighboring Kandahar provinces.

"Where we go, we will stay, and where we stay, we will hold, build and work toward transition of all security responsibilities to Afghan forces," Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson said in a statement.

Southern Afghanistan is a Taliban stronghold but also a region where Afghan President Hamid Karzai is seeking votes from fellow Pashtun tribesmen.

The Pentagon is deploying 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in time for the elections and expects the total number of U.S. forces there to reach 68,000 by year's end. That is double the number of troops in Afghanistan in 2008, but still half as much as are now in Iraq.

Capt. Bill Pelletier, a spokesman for the Marines, said the troops involved in the Thursday operation were sent in by a mixture of aircraft and ground transport under the cover of darkness.

The operation is aimed at putting pressure on insurgents, "and to show our commitment to the Afghan people that when we come in, we are going to stay long enough to set up their own institutions," Pelletier said.

Bouwmeester most comfortable with Flames

2009-07-01T18:04:00.001-07:00

Defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, left, and Flames GM Darryl Sutter meet the media Wednesday at the Pengrowth Saddledome. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

Defenceman Jay Bouwmeester celebrated Canada Day in his native Alberta with family, friends and the Calgary Flames.

Bouwmeester, 25, was welcomed aboard Wednesday by the Flames, who signed the Edmontonian to a five-year contract worth $33-million US.

"All my family and friends are pretty excited about it," he said. "Some people give you a hard time because it is Calgary."

Had he not reached terms late Tuesday, Bouwmeester would have become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday at noon ET.

"We had no intention of waiting for today," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said. "We prioritized the position and the player.

"We talked a lot of different ideas for him in terms of longer, shorter [contracts]. But what it always kept coming back to was this was the market he wanted to play in."

"It just got to the point where I was totally comfortable with things here," Bouwmeester told reporters at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

"It probably wouldn't have really mattered what else was out there. I liked the situation.

"I cannot really explain it. It is just one of those things [where] you just kind of know."

Calgary acquired Bouwmeester's negotiating rights at last Saturday's NHL draft in return for the rights to fellow defenceman Jordan Leopold and a third-round pick.

Known as a workhorse, Bouwmeester brings durability and mobility to Calgary's defence corps, which already boasts Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich.

"That is what was one of the things that was real attractive here," Bouwmeester said. "You look at the solid group of guys they already have вЂ¦ it seemed like it would be an easy place to slide in and, hopefully, have some success."

'It is about young players'

Bouwmeester, Phaneuf, Regehr, Sarich, netminder Miikka Kiprusoff, captain Jarome Iginla and forwards Olli Jokinen and Daymond Langkow account for roughly $44 million US of Calgary's player payroll.

With the NHL's salary cap set at $56.8 million US next season, that leaves little else to re-sign unrestricted free agents like Adrian Aucoin, Todd Bertuzzi, Anders Eriksson, Carsen Germyn, Andre Roy and Rhet Warrener.

Mike Cammalleri, also an unrestricted free agent, signed Wednesday with the Montreal Canadiens for $30 million US over five years.

"We're not walking away on anybody but, at the same time, the philosophy doesn't change," Sutter said. "It is about young players."

Players like Bouwmeester, a perfect fit for Calgary's blue-line blueprint.

"You can put him in any situation вЂ" power play, penalty kill, 5-on-5, 4-on-4 вЂ" and because he is such a smart player and such a great skater, he brings a lot of things to the table," Flames head coach Brent Sutter said. "He has a great understanding of how to play when the team doesn't have the puck and how to pay attention to detail."

Bouwmeester had spent his entire NHL career with the Florida Panthers, posting 53 goals and 150 assists for 203 points in 471 games since being drafted third overall in 2002.

He had 15 goals and 42 points in 82 games last season.

With files from the Canadian Press

Homers can't help Jays in Phillies series finale

2009-06-28T15:04:00.001-07:00

Jamie Moyer wasn't at his best for Philadelphia on Sunday, but recorded his 252nd career win. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

The Philadelphia Phillies overcame three Toronto home runs to post a 5-4 comeback win over the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Chase Utley tripled to drive in the go-ahead runs in a four-run fourth inning for the Phillies after Toronto led 4-1.

Philadelphia starter Jamie Moyer and relievers Chan-Ho Park, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge kept the Blue Jays off the scoreboard the rest of the way. Toronto threatened late against Madson and Lidge, but could not capitalize.

The 46-year-old Moyer (6-6) earned the win despite giving up two home runs to Aaron Hill and another longball to Jose Bautista over the first four innings. He has now yielded 19 homers this season, putting him first in the majors in the dubious category.

Moyer struck out four and walked two in five innings pitched. With the victory, he passed Hall of Famer Bob Gibson and moved into 43rd position with 252 all-time wins.

Toronto pitchers were overly cautious against former Jayson Werth, who had homered five times in five games against the Blue Jays over the past two weeks. Werth walked four times and singled.

Brian Tallet (5-5), reliable since being thrust into a starting role for Toronto, struggled on Sunday. Tallet was on the hook for all of Philadelphia's runs, walking six and allowing eight hits in six innings of work.

Toronto third baseman Scott Rolen extended his hit streak to 16 games with a double in the third. He finished with two hits and is now 32-of-66 (.485) since his streak started on June 8.

Tallet was in a spot of trouble in the first after Werth walked and Chase Utley doubled, but he rebounded to strike out big Ryan Howard before inducing rookie John Mayberry Jr. into a long fly ball to end the threat.

Hill smacked his 18th home run in the first, setting a new franchise record for Toronto second basemen. The drive hooked inside the left-field foul pole.

Bautista got to Moyer with two out and first baseman Lyle Overbay aboard in the second for a 3-0 lead.

The Phillies got one back in the third when Howard's ground out brought Shane Victorino across the plate. Werth landed at third, but Tallet struck out Mayberry to end the inning.

Hill replied promptly, taking Moyer's first offering in the bottom of the inning over the left-field wall.

Tallet yielded singles to Pedro Feliz and Eric Bruntlett in the fourth and walked Chris Coste to set up Philadelphia's big fourth inning. Carlos Ruiz and Victorino earned RBIs despite making outs to bring the Phillies to within 4-3.

After Werth singled, he and Victorino easily came home when Utley bashed a pitch off the centre-field wall for a triple.

Moyer settled down after being provided with the boost from his teammates. His only blemish from that point on was hitting Rolen with a pitch in the fifth inning.

Toronto catcher Raul Chavez helped end another run possibility for the Phillies in the sixth when he threw out Ruiz attempting to steal third. Wells then made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch in centre for the final out.

Chan-Ho Park came on in the sixth for Moyer and recorded six consecutive outs.

Rolen hit a one-out single in the eighth off Madson, ending a streak of eight consecutive Toronto outs. The Blue Jays then caught a break when Bruntlett botched Adam Lind's ground ball, but Alex Rios and pinch-hitter Russ Adams could not cash the runners in.

The Blue Jays again threatened in their last at bat. Chavez led off with a bunt single and Marco Scutaro walked, but Hill popped up. John McDonald вЂ" a pinch runner for Chavez вЂ" then made a huge error, getting caught in a rundown for the penultimate out.

Charles defends Canadian triple jump title

2009-06-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Tabia Charles, seen at the Beijing Olympics, competes in both the long and triple jump. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Tabia Charles successfully defended her title in women's triple jump on Sunday afternoon at the Canadian track and field championships in Toronto.

Charles made her first two jumps at 12.62 and 12.89 metres and faulted on her next two before taking a pass on her remaining jumps to win the event for the second straight year.

"I am happy with where I am at in this event," said Charles, who holds the Canadian record of 13.94 metres. "This is an event that I have put on the backburner because I have not had a jump coach for a while.

"With this event, you have to be technical all the time."

Charles, who graduated from the University of Miami where she made the dean's list, said her main focus is on the long jump, in which she finished second on Saturday with a leap of 6.75 metres.

Charles, who intends to pursue a career in either modelling or fashion design, made an expected fashion statement at Varsity Stadium.

"I am representing pink today," the stylish athlete said. "People come in and pay their money and I gave them a show. I couldn't just wear the regular briefs because everybody looks the same.

"I like to come out there and represent and let people know it's me. I like to put a little spice into it."

Espanola, Ont., high school student Caroline Ehrhardt, who broke Charles's record leap of 12.36 metres seven years ago at last month's OFSAA championships at Varsity with a jump of 12.76 metres, was second with a mark of 12.45.

Neb Zachariah of Guelph, Ont., was third with a jump of 12.38 metres followed by Alicia Smith (12.00) and Tiffany Sprenkels (11.77).

Military forces Honduran president into exile

2009-06-28T12:04:00.001-07:00

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya arrived in Costa Rica on Sunday after what he described as a coup and a "brutal kidnapping" by soldiers opposed to his efforts to reform the country's constitution and run for another term.

Soldiers patrol in front of the residence of President Manuel Zelaya in Tegucigalpa on Sunday. (Esteban Felix/Associated Press)

Zelaya said troops beat his bodyguards and rousted him out of bed at his home earlier in the day.

His personal secretary, Carlos Enrique Reina, said Zelaya was then whisked away to an air force base on the outskirts of the capital, Tegucigalpa, before being expelled from the country.

"We're in the process of filing an international complaint," he said as Zelaya was flown to San Jose.

Witnesses reported seeing dozens of heavily armed troops surround the president's residence around dawn.

"We're talking about a coup d'etat," labour leader and Zelaya ally Rafael Alegria told Honduran radio Cadena de Noticias. "This is regrettable."

Zelaya was taken away shortly before voting was to begin on a constitutional referendum he had insisted on holding, even though the Honduran Supreme Court ruled it illegal and everyone from the military and Congress to members of his own party opposed it.

The military arrest was carried out after the armed forces commander, Gen. Romeo Vasquez, announced on Friday that he would remain at his post after the country's highest court overturned the presidentвЂ™s decision to fire him two days earlier for refusing to support the referendum.

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya answers questions during a news conference at the presidential house in Tegucigalpa on Friday. (Esteban Felix/Associated Press)

Voters were to be asked to place a measure on November's ballot for general elections to allow the formation of a constitutional assembly that could modify the country's constitution to allow the president to run for another four-year term.

Zelaya's non-renewable term expires in January.

On Saturday, Zelaya said the results of the vote would be "non-binding." He said its only purpose was to learn whether Hondurans favored "a switch from representative democracy to participatory democracy."

Zelaya was elected as a conservative in January 2006 and shifted to the left. He is the latest of a string of Latin American leaders, including Venezuelan President Hugo ChГЎvez, to seek constitutional changes to expand presidential powers and ease term limits.

Chavez, speaking on Venezuelan state television, said he would do everything necessary to "abort" the coup.

White House, EU express concern over events in Honduras

U.S. President Barack Obama said he was вЂњdeeply concernedвЂќ by the reports of Zelaya's detention and expulsion, and he called on вЂњall political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic normsвЂќ in a statement issued by the White House.

"I call on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter," Obama said in a statement.

"Any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue, free from any outside interference," he said. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Zelaya's arrest should be condemned.

A statement released by the European Union's 27 foreign ministers described the overthrow of Zelaya as an "unacceptable violation of the constitutional order in Honduras."

"The EU calls for the urgent release of the president and a swift return to constitutional normality," said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kohout, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency.

Speaking from Costa Rica, Zelaya said he would not recognize any de facto government and pledged to serve out his term.

It was not immediately clear who was running the government. Soldiers appeared to be in control, but the constitution mandates that the head of Congress is next in line to the presidency, followed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Surrey couple had murder convictions before wife's fatal stabbing: police

2009-06-23T14:04:00.001-07:00

IHIT investigators secured the area around the apartment after RCMP officers found a woman's body inside on Monday. (CBC)

Both the only suspect and the victim of a fatal stabbing in a Surrey, B.C., apartment on Monday were out on parole for prior murder convictions, according to police.

Homicide investigators said they believe the woman, 59, was stabbed to death inside the apartment she shared with her husband, Thomas Robert Elton, 54, in the Guildford neighbourhood, east of Vancouver.

Elton was arrested Monday for violating his parole conditions and remained in police custody on Tuesday while Crown prosecutors considered charges, police said.

"Elton was on parole in relation to a 1975 murder while incarcerated at Matsqui Prison," Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokesman Cpl. Dale Carr said in a statement released Tuesday morning.

Court records show Elton was serving a 2ВЅ-year sentence for armed robbery at the Fraser Valley prison when he stabbed another inmate to death. His criminal file includes a string of offences and convictions for violent crimes stretching back to his youth.

Police have not released the woman's name, but did say she was also on parole for a 1987 murder in nearby Burnaby, B.C.

Neighbours told CBC News on Monday that the couple had lived together in the apartment for several years. They said the woman had terminal cancer and other serious health issues.

CAW, Bombardier have tentative agreement

2009-06-23T13:04:00.001-07:00

Bombardier Inc. and the Canadian Auto Workers Union members at the company's de Havilland aircraft manufacturing plant in Toronto reached a tentative agreement Tuesday afternoon.

The company was not successful in two areas it was targetting вЂ" hiring more temporary workers who wouldn't be covered by the union contract and cutting retiree benefits, union spokesmen said.

"We were under a lot of pressure to make concessions, but were able to resist these demands," Merv Gray, CAW Local 112 Bombardier plant chairman, said in a news release.

The union did get wage increases, but details weren't released.

The CAW had set a 10 a.m. ET strike deadline, but the parties continued to talk Tuesday.

The union represents 2,750 workers at the company's Downsview plant, which makes two complete aircraft вЂ" Bombardier's Q400 turboprop and its Global Express business jet вЂ" as well as the wing for the Learjet 45.

Negotiations began two months ago. Union members include production workers, skilled trades and office workers.

A ratification meeting is set for June 28.

With files from The Canadian Press

P.E.I. approves 2 new schools

2009-06-23T12:04:00.001-07:00

Stratford and Souris have waited long enough, Premier Robert Ghiz said in announcing that the P.E.I. cabinet has approved two new schools.

'Quite frankly they were impatient with government and the Eastern School District.'вЂ" Premier Robert Ghiz

On Tuesday the cabinet approved a proposal by the Eastern School District to build the schools and put an addition on a third. School trustees voted in favour of the projects last Wednesday.

Work on all three projects, expected to total about $30 million, is expected to begin immediately.

The Souris area will take the largest share of that budget, $20 million, for a single school that will include students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Stratford will get a new elementary school on the same site as Glen Stewart, to ease overcrowding there.

The classrooms at Glen Stewart School are crowded. (CBC)

Some trustees voted against the new schools, saying a more comprehensive zoning study was needed, but Ghiz said due diligence has been done.

"The Parents for Learning in Souris have been working on this for the last number of years. Quite frankly they were impatient with government and the Eastern School District for taking too long," he said.

"We know in Stratford they've got over 600 students there, there's major problems out in that area and it's been going on for quite a number of years. And I've heard a lot of complaints about the Eastern School District and about the provincial government that we're too slow."

In addition to the two schools, cabinet approved an addition to Westwood Primary School in Cornwall to accommodate another 160 students.

While timeframes are tight, district officials believe it may be possible to have some of the new schools open in September 2010.

Managing Stress Without The Use of Drugs

2009-06-20T11:33:00.001-07:00

Managing Stress Without The Use of Drugs
by: James Brann, MD
In today's fast paced environment, many people are under a lot of stress. Women are even more susceptible to the strains of everyday life. Some are single mothers that work full time jobs and then come home and care for their baby. They are over worked, underpaid and under extreme stress.
Many women go to their family doctors complaining about headaches, lack of sleep and mood swings. The doctor will calmly explain to them that they have stress problems, and to take a few days off, and then prescribe them a drug to alleviate the symptoms.
While the drugs may work in the short term, it doesn't treat the root problems. When you stop taking the drug, the stress will still be present. And who has the time to put their feet up and relax, especially if you have a toddler causing mayhem at home?
So what are the alternatives?
Well there are many and we will explore a few of them in this article, but the first thing you have to do is figure out the cause of your stress. Stress can be caused by many things. What is stressful to one person can be joyful for the next. For instance, speaking in public can cause some people a lot of anxiety, but to some it is a joy.
Once you have located the reasons for your stress try to think of ways to alleviate it. Here are some more helpful tricks and tips for managing stress levels without the use of drugs.
Take a Deep Breath: The reason why stress causes headaches in a lot of cases is because when a person is under significant stress they will tend to breath shallowly, or hold their breath without even realizing it. Your muscles then get a lack of oxygen and you cramp up in such places like your neck and abdomen and you get a headache. Sometimes it just makes you feel uptight.
If you feel a headache coming on, or you feel uptight, stop and check your breathing. Take a few minutes to rest and take deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth.
Talk to People: Being lonely is a terrible thing, and this can cause stress all by itself. Try joining a club or something you enjoy that will connect you to other people. Sometimes just talking and having fun can do wonders for your stress problems.
Regular Exercise: It has been scientifically proven that exercise helps relieve stress. Try joining a gym, or just going for a walk each night. You will boost your energy level making it easier to cope with the stress of daily life.
Managing Time: Nothing causes stress like being late for an appointment. Avoid this unnecessary stress by planning your day. Insure that you have enough time to get to all of your appointments. Maybe invest in a day planner.
Body Break: Your mind and body are one. Make sure that you eat proper nutritious meals, and sleep well at night. Avoid excess sugar and caffeine. These foods will give you a temporary high, but will cause you to crash later. A body that is properly maintained will be better able to cope with stress.
Avoid The Use of Illegal Drugs: Many people turn to alcohol and drugs to relieve their stress. While it may seem that these things are helping with your stress they are really harming you. Not only are they wrecking your body, but they are only a temporary fix. When you wake up in the morning, the problem that you were trying to escape will still be there.
Change Your Surroundings: Make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. If your chair at work is causing your back to hurt, change it. If your bed is causing backache and lack of sleep, change it. Why put your mind and body under stress that can be easily avoided.
Go to Your Happy Place: Try daydreaming for a minute if you feel stressed out. Imagine a sunny beach, or a quiet cottage. Imagine the tastes and sounds. A few minutes of imagined vacation can do wonders for your mental outlook, and relieve stress.
These are just a few techniques that will help you cope with your stress levels. Try concentrating on the positive aspects of your life, and not the negative. Without some stress life would be boring, but too much of anything can kill you.

The Top 10 Tips on Managing Conflict, Emotional Tension and Anger

2009-06-20T09:34:00.003-07:00

The Top 10 Tips on Managing Conflict, Emotional Tension and Anger
by: Dr. Clare Albright
To be a safe and predictable person for those around you at work and at home, it is essential that you are able to maintain your composure when you feel like your 'buttons' are being pushed. This strength will help you to achieve your goals in business as well as your goals for your personal relationships.
1. Share negative emotions only in person or on the phone. E-mails, answering machine messages, and notes are too impersonal for the delicate nature of negative words. What feels like a bomb on paper may feel like a feather when delivered in person.
2. Pepper your responses with the phrase, "I understand". This phrase will support your goals when the tension is high and you need to find common ground to form compromises or agreements with the other party.
3. Take notice when you feel threatened by what someone is saying to you. Resist the temptation to defend yourself or to "shut down" the other person's communication. It will take this kind of discipline to become an open, trusting communicator.
4. Practice making requests of others when you are angry. It is often much more useful to make a request than to share your anger. For example, if the babysitter is driving you crazy by leaving dirty dishes in the sink, it is better to make a request of them than to let your anger leak out in other ways such as by becoming more distant.
5. Try repeating the exact words that someone is saying to you when they are in a lot of emotional pain or when you disagree with them completely. This mirroring technique can keep both the speaker and the listener 'centered' in a difficult conversation, especially when the attitude of the person doing the mirroring is to gain understanding of a different point of view.
6. Take responsibility for your feelings to avoid blaming others. Notice when 'blameshifting' begins to leak into your speech. "I feel angry when you are twenty minutes late and you don't call me" is much better than, "You make me so mad by being late."
7. Learn to listen to the two sides of the conflict that you are in as if you were the mediator or the counselor. If you can listen and respond in this way you will bring peace and solutions to the conflict more quickly. For example, in response to an employee's raise request, you might say, "On the one hand I understand that you really need the raise, and on the other hand I represent the company, whose funds are very scarce at this time. Is there a way that I can work on your compensation package that does not involve cash?" Here, the mediator's point of view can look for the creative compromise that takes into account the limits and the needs of both parties.
8. Take a playful attitude towards developing the skill of emotional self-control in high conflict situations. You could view maintaining self-control in a tense, angry converstion as an athletic feat. You could also view developing this skill as similar to working out at the gym with weights - the more that you use your self-control muscle the bigger it will grow and the easier it will be to remain calm when tension is great.
9. Wait a few days to cool down emotionally when a situation makes you feel wild with intense feelings, such as rage. As time passes, you will be able to be more objective about the issues and to sort out the truth about the situation more clearly.
10. Make a decision to speak with decorum whenever you are angry or frustrated. If you give yourself permission to blow up, people will not feel safe around you. They will feel that you are not predictable and will carry 'shields' when they are near you. The fear and walls of others will not support your goals for success in relationships or at work.

Breeding Discus 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

2009-06-20T09:34:00.001-07:00

Breeding Discus – 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning
by: Rob Clarke
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that have shown an interest in each other but there not laying any eggs.
The most important factor in discus breeding in the water quality, make sure it is soft, acidic and clean. If you have this water, your most likely stressing over why there isn't hundreds of eggs in the tank. If you have discus ready to lay eggs there are a few ways in which you can give them a helping hand.
The first way you can tempt them to lay is to feed a rich diet of frozen bloodworms for about a week. Feed it everyday as well as their other meal. This should condition the female and get her ready to breed. Other foods that are good for breeding discus are white worm, adult brine shrimp and chopped up crab sticks or prawns. Make sure you buy frozen food as there is less chance of disease.
Another way to encourage your discus to breed is by doing a 25% water change but drop the temperature by a couple of degrees of the water going in. This imitates there natural habitat and can trigger spawning. This is a little trick I use on all my young pairs when trying to get them to spawn. Make sure all the pH and hardness is the same making only the temperature different.
The third trick in getting your discus to breed is by separating them for a couple of days before reintroducing them. To do this you can add a tank divider or move the male to another aquarium. Make sure the female gets plenty to eat when the male is away. When you reintroduce the discus just keep a close watch over the next 24 hours as males have known to be aggressive towards the female. They should start the courtship over the next couple of days and hopefully lay eggs after.
There are more ways to encourage your discus to breed as well as many more tips on breeding and caring for discus fish on my site www.discus-fish-secrets.com

Summerside man gets 4 years for raping friend

2009-06-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

In what he called a tragic and horrendous case, P.E.I. Supreme Court Justice Wayne Cheverie sentenced a Summerside man to four years in federal prison Friday.

Sean Travis Pineau, 25, had earlier pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting at knifepoint a woman he had been friends with for two years.

The Summerside courtroom had heard that at one point in their relationship, Pineau had asked the woman out, but she had told him she just wanted to be friends. Last October, the woman and Pineau went with a group of friends to a concert in Summerside. The woman knew it was going to be a late night, so arranged to spend the night on Pineau's couch.

At one point, Pineau tried to pull the woman into his bedroom. When she refused, he grabbed a knife, pushed her down on the couch, shoved a sock in her throat and raped her repeatedly. When she begged him to stop, he said if she moved or resisted, he'd slit her throat and hide her body in the woods.

Mother discovers the victim

Pineau told the woman he heard voices telling him to kill her. He bound her with duct tape and gagged her. He then called his mother in tears and then left the apartment.

Pineau's mother arrived at the apartment to investigate, found the woman, and called police.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she's suffered from depression and nightmares since the attack, and she has trouble with trusting men.

"I'll never understand how someone could pretend to be my friend for two years, then rape me and take such pleasure in torturing me," she said.

A psychiatrist has diagnosed Pineau with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and said he is subject to fantasies and hallucinations.

Pineau stood in court and apologized to the woman.

"When I hear the facts of this case, it makes me sick," he said.

"My actions don't seem human."

He said his mental illness doesn't excuse what he did, and he hopes to get rehabilitation in prison. He said he would like to go back to school and become a productive member of society.

Cheverie accepted a joint recommendation from the Crown and defence for a four-year sentence. With double credit for the eight months in jail he served before sentencing, Pineau will serve another 32 months behind bars.

Canada's Weir leads at U.S. Open

2009-06-19T14:04:00.001-07:00

Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., watches his putt on the 17th green during the first round of the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Bethpage State Park's Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y., on Friday. (Morry Gash/Associated Press)

Canada's Mike Weir shot a career-best 64 at Bethpage in the opening round of the U.S. Open on Friday, where he leads the field at 6-under.

The lefty from Brights Grove, Ont., finished the day one shot off the best round in U.S. Open history.

Weir nearly matched that mark, but missed the green on the par-4 15th hole, and three-putted for a double bogey.

It was his lone error of the day and even with it, Weir was at 4-under and still tied for the lead. He followed that up with a pair of birdies to finish the day at 6-under.

Peter Hanson was second at -4 and Americans David Duval and Todd Hamilton finished the day at -3.

Tiger Woods swung away on the 18th tee Friday morning, watched his ball fly into a bunker on the way to another bogey, and turned away in disgust.

Little came easily for the world's No. 1 player after resuming the rain-delayed U.S. Open.

Woods gave back four shots over his final four holes to finish his opening round at 4-over 74, five shots behind a group that included amateur Drew Weaver, the former Virginia Tech player who posted a 1-under 69 in what's already the third major of his career.

"I was even par with four to go," Woods said. "I mean, it's not like I was hitting it all over the place. I was hitting a lot of good shots. Unfortunately, I just didn't finish off the round the way I needed to."

Reigning major champions struggle

So unlike what happened on his last trip to Bethpage in 2002, this U.S. Open won't be a wire-to-wire victory for Woods.

Minutes after Woods finished, Mickelson вЂ" a favourite of the Bethpage gallery, especially after the news that his wife, Amy, is about to begin treatment for breast cancer вЂ" began his U.S. Open on the 10th tee, with the gallery stretching nearly the length of a football field down the fairway.

Mickelson's quest opened with a drive well off the fairway, and drew an ovation anyway.

Among other early finishers of the first round: Jeff Brehaut and Ian Poulter were at even par, Justin Leonard вЂ" who started Friday with two quick birdies вЂ" finished 1 over, Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk were 2 over, and Steve Stricker and Geoff Ogilvy were among those at 3 over.

It wasn't a good day to be a reigning major champion. Playing alongside Woods, Masters champ Angel Cabrera finished 4 over, and that was still two shots better than British Open and PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington.

Plans called for the first round to be completed late Friday afternoon, with the second round starting and continuing until dark. Ideally, the second round would be finished to establish the cut by day's end Saturday, although the forecast seems to suggest that's doubtful.

More rain expected Saturday

Woods' side of the field will not start its second round until Saturday, when more rain is expected to pound the waterlogged course. The U.S. Open hasn't had a 72-hole Monday finish since 1983, but any significant interruption in play over the coming days would likely ensure that no champion will be crowned on Sunday.

With another inch or more possible Saturday, the USGA is already bracing for a Monday finish.

And yes, Tuesday has even been discussed.

"That's possible," USGA executive director David Fay said.

Industrial Park, green space go side-by-side at Upton Farm

2009-06-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

The Upton Farm Preservation Network settled on a compromise to keep more than half the land as green space. (CBC)

A new BioCommons industrial park, a long-term care facility, and a large protected area are all part of the provincial government's plan for 110 hectares of green space in the north of Charlottetown.

The property, known as Upton Farm, is currently held by Canada Lands. There have been several development proposals for the land that have encountered opposition from a local group that want to keep it green. Premier Robert Ghiz praised that group for agreeing to his government's plans.

"I want to thank the Upton Farm Preservation Network for their compromise, for their understanding, in knowing that you can't just ask for everything. You have to compromise along the way," said Ghiz.

"They were very instrumental in making sure that today's announcement was possible."

The plan sets aside 60 hectares of the site that will be governed by a public trust, which will have equal representation from government and the Upton farm Preservation Network.

Piece of development strategy

The land is situated on the North River. (CBC)

The announcement also included a key part of Ghiz's economic development plan, the BioCommons industrial park, which is intended to be a centre for bioscience research and development, manufacturing and support services.

"We believe it's important to preserve the land but also look for opportunities for sustainable development as well," said Ghiz.

The building will be 60,000 square feet and will include lab and office space for new and established companies, as well as a boardroom, meeting areas and a cafeteria.

The BioCommons will go on 26 hectares of land across from the West Royalty Industrial Park. Initial site servicing work is expected to begin this fall, with construction scheduled to begin in the spring. The BioCommons will officially open in the fall of 2011.

The final aspect of the plan announced Friday is a new provincial long-term care facility, to go on six hectares of land on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Ghiz noted the green space to be protected is more than three times the size of Victoria Park, which is currently Charlottetown's largest park.

Crosby dismisses handshake controversy

2009-06-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

Sidney Crosby, right, shook hands with goalie Chris Osgood but missed half of the other Red Wings after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. (Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

Sidney Crosby is playing down the handshake controversy at the end of the Stanley Cup final, saying he didn't realize some Detroit Red Wings players were leaving the ice while he celebrated with his teammates.

"I really don't need to talk to anyone from Detroit about it," the Pittsburgh Penguins star said Sunday. "I made the attempt to go shake hands. I've been on that side of things, too. I know it's not easy, waiting around.

"I just won the Stanley Cup, and I think I have the right to celebrate with my teammates."

While Crosby and the rest of the Penguins celebrated their 2-1 victory Friday in Game 7, several Red Wings left the ice, tired of waiting to shake hands with the winning captain and his teammates.

Players who left before Crosby lined up to shake hands included Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom and Kris Draper.

Boos rain down

A chorus of boos rained down on the Penguins at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena during the celebrations, as many fans were upset that some Pittsburgh players took a long time to line up for the handshakes.

"Nick was waiting and waiting, and Crosby didn't come over to shake his hand. That's ridiculous, especially as their captain, and make sure you write that I said that," Draper said after the game.

Crosby said he shook hands with about half the team, including goalie Chris Osgood and coach Mike Babcock, who congratulated him on his leadership.

"I had no intentions of trying to skip guys and not shake their hands," Crosby said. "I think that was a pretty unreasonable comment [from Draper]. The guys I shook their hands with, they realized I made the attempt.

"If I could shake half their team's hands, I'm sure the other half wasn't too far behind. I don't know what happened there."

Crosby said he understands why some Red Wings wanted to leave quickly after the final buzzer sounded, and any notion that he would intentionally avoid the customary handshake is ridiculous.

"It's the easiest thing in the world to shake hands after you win.вЂ¦ On their side of things, I understand if they don't want to wait around.

"I have no regrets. I've been on both sides of it, and it's not fun being on the losing end. But it doesn't change anything. You still shake hands, no matter what."

With files from The Associated Press

Residents return home after part of B.C. forest fire evacuation order lifted

2009-06-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

Smoke billowed from a wildfire raging Sunday near Lillooet, B.C. (B.C. Wildfire Management Branch)

Some residents chased from their homes by a wildfire in B.C.'s Cariboo region have returned to their properties, while others might be out for quite some time.

An evacuation order for three communities affected by the Tyaughton Lake blaze, about 65 kilometres west of Lillooet, B.C., has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.

Leslie Lloyd, spokesperson for the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, said some residents and property owners of Tyaughton Lake, Gun Creek Road and Mud Creek went home Sunday.

"Certainly there was a collective sigh of relief and applause and appreciation and certainly the people are indicating that they're very happy to be permitted to return home," Lloyd said.

B.C. fire information officer Elise Riedlinger said crews have about half of the 80-square-kilometre Tyaughton Lake fire contained.

"The southwest and west flanks of the fire have been very quiet. They are holding the containment lines there, although they did have to work on putting out a few hot spots [Saturday]," she said.

"Now their main focus is going to be on the north flank of the fire, as well as the east. This is an area with very steep, difficult terrain."

Riedlinger said fire crews have been helped by cooler temperatures and lighter winds.

Crews have been battling the wildfire near Tyaughton Lake in B.C. for more than two weeks. (B.C. Wildfire Management Branch)

Some evacuees still itching to return

Evacuation orders remain in effect for three other communities and Riedlinger said that would remain the case for some time.

"It's not in the immediate future for Marshall Lake, Liza Lake and Carol Lake [residents to return home] because that fire is still so active on the ridge above Marshall Lake," she said.

Evacuation alerts also remain in place for Gun Lake, Gold Bridge, and Bralorne.

Several of the evacuees had been pushing the district to lift the evacuation order that was enforced for more than a week.

Lloyd said of the 75 evacuees, approximately 60 are from the three areas where Sunday's evacuation order was downgraded.

RCMP were on site to control the re-entry process. Information handouts were made available to those returning to the area to ensure they were aware of any potential hazards.

The Tyaughton Lake fire, which was discovered May 29, is believed to have been human caused.

Northern B.C. blaze continues to burn

Meanwhile, near the B.C.-Yukon border, fire crews continued their battle against the province's other major blaze.

The Smith River fire is about 230 square kilometres in size and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

The fire is about 30 per cent contained and is being battled by 84 firefighters.

Three communities with a total population of about 15 people are on evacuation alert.

Convicted murderer escapes from prison in eastern Ontario

2009-06-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

Police in eastern Ontario have launched a public appeal about a convicted murderer who escaped from a minimum security prison.

Andrew John Wood, 42, was discovered missing Saturday from Frontenac Institution in Kingston, Ont., during an inmate count. He is serving a life sentence for the 1989 death of a Toronto man.

While police would like to hear from anyone with information on Wood's whereabouts, the public is not advised to approach him, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kristine Rae said.

There are no fences at the minimum security prison Frontenac Institution, so it's not difficult for a prisoner to escape, said Holly Knowles, a Correctional Services of Canada spokeswoman.

Anyone who has information about Wood's whereabouts is asked to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.

U.S. retail sales higher in May

2009-06-11T07:04:00.001-07:00

U.S. retail sales rose by the largest amount in four months in May, as a rebound in demand at auto dealerships and gas stations helped to offset continued weakness at department stores.

The Commerce Department said Thursday retail sales increased by 0.5 per cent last month, in line with economists' expectations. It was the largest increase since sales surged by 1.7 per cent in January following six straight declines.

The May advance could be another signal that the worst of the recession is over. However, the all-important consumer sector is not expected to come roaring back, given all the troubles facing households as the country slogs through the worst recession in decades.

The 0.5 per cent May increase followed two straight declines including an April drop of 0.2 per cent, which was originally estimated as a larger 0.4 per cent fall.

Auto sales rose by 0.5 per cent last month, the best showing since a 2.7 per cent surge in January. Even with the gain, sales are still 21.5 per cent below where they were a year ago as automakers continue to struggle with the worst sales environment in decades. In an effort to spur demand, automakers have stepped up their incentive offers.

Excluding autos, retail sales were up 0.5 per cent in May, better than the 0.2 per cent gain that economists had been expecting.

Much of that strength, however, came from a 3.6 per cent jump in sales at gasoline service stations, an increase which reflected in large part rising gasoline prices. The retail sales are not adjusted for inflation.

Sales were also up at hardware stores, grocery stores and health stores.

Those gains helped to offset a 0.2 per cent drop at general merchandise stores, a category which includes department stores and big retail chains such as Wal-Mart.

N.B. girl, 16, charged with 1st-degree murder in senior's stabbing

2009-06-08T03:04:00.001-07:00

A 16-year-old southern New Brunswick girl has been charged with first-degree murder after a 78-year-old man was found dead in his Damascus home on Friday night.

The RCMP laid the charge on Sunday, two days after discovering the man's body in his residence.

The accused, who is from the Hampton area, cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

RCMP Sgt. Claude Tremblay said an autopsy determined that the elderly man died of a stab wound.

But he said police will release few other details.

"I canno

North Korea convicts, sentences 2 U.S. journalists to 12 years

2009-06-07T23:04:00.001-07:00

North Korea's top court has convicted two U.S. journalists and sentenced the women to 12 years in labour prison, the country's state news agency reported Monday.

The Central Court tried American TV reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee and confirmed their unspecified "grave crime" against the nation, and of illegally crossing into North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency said.

It said the court, which tried the women from June 4 to 8, "sentenced each of them to 12 years of reform through labour." The report gave no other details.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul said it had no immediate comment.

The circumstances surrounding the trial of the two journalists and their arrest three months ago on the China-North Korean border have been shrouded in secrecy, as is typical of the reclusive nation.

There were fears that the two women would be used by Pyongyang as bargaining chips in its standoff with South Korea and the United States, which are pushing for UN sanctions to punish the country for its latest nuclear blast and barrage of missile tests.

The journalists вЂ" working for former vice-president Al Gore's California-based Current TV вЂ" were arrested March 17 as they were reporting about the trafficking of women. It's unclear if they strayed into the North or were grabbed by aggressive border guards who crossed into China.

Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider did not have an immediate response to the sentencing.

The women cannot appeal as they were tried in North Korea's highest court where decisions are final.

The sentences are much harsher than what many observers had hoped for.

The trial was not open to the public or to foreign observers.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visits Edmonton church

2009-06-07T22:04:00.001-07:00

It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Sunday as Edmontonians geared up for a royal visit.

Prince Edward's wife was in Edmonton to meet with members of the Southern Alberta Light Horse Regiment.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, inspected crisply lined rows of soldiers outside the church before attending a service inside.

Royal watchers and the curious got as close as they could to the countess with their cameras, while others perched on the front steps of surrounding homes to get a view.

Children from the church presented the Sophie with homemade cards and flowers.

Serafina King, 13, said the day was exciting for the young children.

"I think it will be really interesting for the kids to have met someone and see what it is like and they talked to her a little bit, they learned a little bit, like, we did a little bit of history, so I think it is really good for them."

Parishioner Richard Baird said it was an honour.

"I'm a royalist and I think those that aren't royalists should contemplate what they would replace it with," he said.

"We don't want a George Bush, if I may say so, as representing the country, and some of the best countries in the world are monarchies and we're part of it and I greatly support that."

Prince Edward, the Queen's son, was in Calgary where he handed out the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Awards to 100 students for their academic standing and community responsibility.

with files from the Canadian Press

Petro-Canada shareholders approve merger with Suncor

2009-06-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

Shareholders of Petro-Canada voted in favour Thursday of the company's merger with Suncor Energy Inc.

Petro-Canada investors approved the deal with a 96 per cent favourable vote at a company meeting in Calgary.

Suncor shareholders are due to vote at 1 p.m. MT.

The marriage of the two heavyweights was announced in March. Petro-Canada equity holders receive 1.28 shares in the new company for each Petro-Canada share, resulting in existing investors getting a 40 per cent piece of the merged entity. Suncor shareholders would own the remaining 60 per cent of the new firm.

If approved, the union would make the merged company one of the five largest in North America, and the second-largest firm trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, trailing only Royal Bank.

When the deal was announced, Suncor CEO Rick George said the combination would make for a more efficient player in Canada's oil patch, which will insulate the new Canadian firm from potential foreign takeovers.

Montreal's Letko Brosseau & Associates, a comparatively small investor in Petro-Canada, has come out against the deal. Letko Brosseau claimed the transaction undervalues Petro-Canada and overvalues Suncor.

If shareholders approve the merger, it must still be approved by regulators.

With files from The Canadian Press

Man shot and killed in Mississauga

2009-06-04T06:04:00.001-07:00

A man was shot and killed in Mississauga on Tuesday night, and police are looking for suspects.

Police said a caller to 911 reported gunshots at the rear of an apartment building on Shipp Drive, near Hurontario Street and Highway 401, at about 10:30 p.m. ET.

A man was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead.

Peel Regional Police say they are searching for three suspects who they believe fled the scene in two vehicles.

One was a dark-coloured Mercedes SUV and the second was a smaller silver-coloured passenger vehicle.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Andres David Buritica-Marin.

It's the eighth homicide in Peel Region this year.

Obama calls for new beginning between U.S., Muslims

2009-06-04T04:04:00.001-07:00

The "cycle of suspicion and discord" between the United States and the Muslim world must end, U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday in Cairo.

In a highly anticipated speech delivered at Cairo University, Obama urged Muslims to enter with the United States into a "new beginning."

The tensions between the U.S. and Muslims around the world are "rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate," Obama said.

"The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and co-operation, but also conflict and religious wars," he said.

Islamist extremists and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. have led some "to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust," he said.

"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," he said.

"America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition," he said. "Instead, they overlap, and share common principles" of justice, tolerance and dignity.

Obama is hoping to usher in a new era in U.S. relationships with Muslims.

The speech is directed at building mutual understanding but also to bluntly urges Muslims to embrace democracy, women's rights and economic opportunity.

The president wants to build coalitions with Muslim governments as part of reviving stalled Middle East peace talks and U.S. efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program.

Obama has vowed to chart a new path in the U.S. relations with the Muslim world after policies under the Bush administration had alienated allies in the Middle East.

Obama acknowledged that a single speech won't resolve the long-standing challenges in the region. But a way must be found to move forward in a constructive way, he said.

Violent extremism must be confronted, the president said, who discussed the influence of the Sept. 11 attacks on the American psyche, the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq.

But America is not at war with Islam, Obama said.

"We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children."

Islam is not the problem, he said, "it is an important part of promoting peace."

Palestinian suffering 'intolerable'

Many in the Muslim world had been waiting to hear from Obama speak regarding a Palestinian state.

Speaking in a domed lecture hall draped in red, Obama said U.S. ties with Israel are unbreakable. But the Jewish pursuit of a homeland has caused suffering for Palestinians, Muslims and Christians, he acknowledged.

"They endure the daily humiliations вЂ" large and small вЂ" that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own," he said.

But the Palestinians need to change their approach, he said. "Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist."

Israel must also acknowledge Palestine's right to exist, he said, adding the U.S. "does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."

The only resolution will be for Israelis and Palestinians both to live in peace and security, Obama said.

"That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest," he said.

He added that the U.S. will align its policies with those who pursue peace.

Obama's words have the potential to be instrumental in reversing some of the rifts between the U.S. and the Middle East, said Abdel Monem Said Ali, an Egyptian political analyst.

Obama arrived in Cairo after visiting Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

The tour is Obama's first visit to the Middle East since being sworn in as president.

With files from The Associated Press

Air France jet missing over Atlantic Ocean

2009-06-01T04:04:00.001-07:00

Air France has lost contact with a jetliner carrying more than 200 people from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, officials said Monday.

The flight went missing over the Atlantic Ocean and a search is underway near the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, said a spokesperson for Brazil's air force.

The search was mounted after the jet failed to make regular radio contact, said the official.

"Air France regrets to announce that it is without news from Air France flight 447 flying from Rio to Paris," said Air France spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand.

The plane was carrying 216 passengers and 12 crew members.

Fernando de Noronha is more than 300 kilometres off the most eastern point of Brazil.

With files from The Associated Press

Shediac seeks compromise in flap over migrating birds near marina

2009-06-01T03:04:00.001-07:00

A New Brunswick tourist town hopes environmentalists and boaters can compromise on how to deal with the ongoing issue of common terns taking up residence on a barge near the local marina.

Common terns have been migrating to the Shediac area for nearly a decade and boaters in the coastal community have placed a net over the barge, which was approved by the Canadian Wildlife Service.

But the birds keep coming back.

Now Gerard Belliveau, the town's manager, said he is fielding calls from people who are for and against the birds' chosen nesting ground.

"You can expect if the situation doesn't get any better that some of the boats might move to other marinas other areas. So from the boaters' point of view, I have to say that yes they have reacted quite strongly," Belliveau said.

"From the town's point of view, well, this is not the type of publicity that you want because it's not necessarily all that positive, but let's expect something positive to come out of it."

Belliveau said he would like environmental groups to come forward with ideas on how to solve the problem.

Compromise sought

Tammy Laforce and her daughter came to see the terns and the controversy up close.

"I feel sorry for them. They're sliding off the net and they really look distressed cause any time anybody approaches, they take off. And they're just all worked up," Laforce said.

Laforce said she would like the town to come up with a solution that would suit everyone.

She added it would be a great learning experience for the public to be able to come out and enjoy the common terns.

Malkin avoids suspension for instigator penalty

2009-05-31T22:04:00.001-07:00

Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, left, takes a shot at Henrik Zetterberg late in Game 2. (Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will not be suspended after receiving an instigator penalty in the closing seconds of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final, the NHL announced after Sunday's contest.

Malkin was hit with a five-minute major for fighting, plus the instigator penalty and a game misconduct after fighting with Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg during a melee with 19 seconds left in the Penguins' 3-1 loss.

NHL rules state that "a player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five minutes or at any time in overtime shall be suspended for one game, pending a review of the incident."

Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive in charge of discipline, decided that a one-game ban for Malkin wasn't warranted.

"Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight," Campbell said in a statement. "A suspension could also be applied when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here and therefore the one game suspension is rescinded."

Campbell made a similar ruling earlier in the playoffs, electing not to suspend Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker after he punched Boston Bruins defenceman Aaron Ward in the face in the third period of Game 5 of the teams' second-round series. Walker was fined $2,500 US.

Malkin, who leads all playoff scorers with 30 points, had his team's only goal in Sunday's defeat in Detroit, which put the Penguins in a two-game-to-none hole in the best-of-seven series.

Game 3 is set for Tuesday night in Pittsburgh (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 8 p.m. ET).

N.B. paramedics union raised ambulance concerns before report

2009-05-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

New Brunswick's paramedics union says it raised many of the concerns more than a year ago that were outlined in an independent report released on Thursday into an ambulance mix-up in Fredericton Junction.

The report written by Richard Brady, a senior Ontario health department official, indicated the delay in arriving at the home of Cody Jones, 14, was caused by road closures in the area and a lack of communication between the emergency vehicle and the dispatch system.

Ralph McBride, the co-ordinator for Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 4848, said many of these issues have been highlighted by the union since Ambulance New Brunswick took over the province's ambulance service in December 2007.

"The paramedics in the field have identified these issues to Ambulance New Brunswick EMS, through management meetings with the union," McBride said.

"There's nothing that hasn't been brought up. It's very unfortunate that they had to have a tragedy in Fredericton Junction for the government to finally listen."

Jones died on April 2 after it took 57 minutes for a second ambulance to get to his Fredericton Junction home after the original emergency vehicle went down a road closed due to flooding and got stuck on a different back road.

ANB working on reforms

Arnold Rovers, the interim chief executive officer of Ambulance New Brunswick, agrees that the union did raise concerns about support systems to orient paramedics to rural areas. Rovers said Ambulance New Brunswick has been working on improvements to the system.

"We were in the process of developing those support systems in the ambulances," Rovers said.

"The mapping books that are in the ambulances are part of the process. They need to be improved and we were working on that process. We've escalated that process obviously as a result of this particular event."

Rover said a global positioning system will soon be installed in all emergency vehicles that will provide maps of where the ambulance is and where the call is coming from.

He said that should help eliminate problems that led to the incident in Fredericton Junction.

4 new faces to join Sask. cabinet

2009-05-29T07:15:00.001-07:00

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said he'll be appointing four new people to cabinet Friday, while four others will leave their posts to make room for the newcomers.

"It's important for us, if we want to have a strong bench as they say, to give others a turn," Wall said.

The word from Wall that there would be "four replacements" appeared to slip out Thursday while he was talking with reporters.

"Did I say that?" he said. "Well that's one of the numbers I'm looking at. I've already said between three and five."

Wall said because he doesn't want a cabinet that's any bigger than it is now вЂ" 18 people, himself included вЂ" four people will give up their ministerial titles and other perks.

The alternative, moving to a bigger cabinet, would send the wrong signal when he's trying to ensure the rest of government finds "some efficiencies," Wall said.

The NDP's Pat Atkinson thinks that means new cabinet ministers will be presiding over cuts to government services.

"They have a problem. They're spending beyond their means and I think the problem is significant," she said.

Of the ministers who remain in cabinet, Wall says about half of them will get new jobs.

That's as important as bringing in new people, he said.

The swearing-in ceremony is set for 10 a.m. at Government House in Regina.

Venus falls, Ivanovic advances at French Open

2009-05-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

Venus Williams fell in the third round at the French Open for the third straight year. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Venus Williams was eliminated from the French Open on Friday, losing in the third round of the clay-court major for the third straight year.

The third-seeded Williams, who reached the 2002 final at Roland Garros, lost to No. 31 Agnes Szavay of Hungary 6-0, 6-4.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion was playing for the third straight day. She lost the first set of her second-round match against Lucie Safarova on Wednesday before play was suspended because of darkness. Williams saved a match point before beating Safarova on Thursday.

She was also stretched to three sets in the first round.

Ana Ivanovic had little trouble in her match, advancing to the fourth round by dominating another opponent in a 6-0, 6-2 win over Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic.

The defending champion from Serbia has lost only eight games since being taken to a tiebreaker in her opening match.

"[The] score doesn't indicate how hard I had to work for some points," Ivanovic said. "She started playing much, much better in the second set, and started hitting the ball much heavier. I just played really good and stayed in the moment and did what I had to do out there."

Ivanovic, a former No. 1-ranked player, won her only Grand Slam title at last year's French Open. She lost in the final at Roland Garros in 2007.

Djokovic advances

Novak Djokovic reached the third round in the men's tournament, quickly completing his suspended match by easily winning the final set and beating Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

The fourth-seeded Djokovic won the first two sets Thursday, but the match was stopped because of darkness. He broke Stakhovsky to open the third set and had little trouble the rest of the way.

"It's not pleasant when you don't finish a match in one day," Djokovic said. "But I was lucky to come back and be two sets up."

Djokovic won his only Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open, but the Serb has reached at least the semifinals at all four major tournaments.

No. 29 Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany also advanced to the third round, beating 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 in another match suspended by darkness Thursday night.

Later Friday, top-seeded Dinara Safina was scheduled to get back on court, as were four-time defending champion Rafael Nadal and third-seeded Andy Murray.

Dokic unable to continue

On Thursday, Jelena Dokic's professional comeback took a painful turn.

The Australian was leading fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva in the second round of the tournament when she twisted her body into position for a backhand. Not too long after that, she retired from the match in tears.

"Don't know what it is yet," said Dokic, who reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open after a three-year absence from Grand Slam tennis. "It was very painful, and I just hope it's not too serious."

The withdrawal, with the unseeded Dokic leading 6-2, 3-4, sent Dementieva into the third round at Roland Garros along with Serena Williams, and Jelena Jankovic.

Roger Federer also made it through, rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the third set on his least favourite surface to beat Jose Acasuso of Argentina 7-6 (8), 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2. Fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro and No. 6 Andy Roddick also advanced.

Ont. families in court seek more disability funding for religious schools

2009-05-28T05:45:00.001-07:00

The mother of an Ontario boy denied disability funding because he attends a Jewish school had her day in court Wednesday, two years after a lawsuit was launched claiming the province discriminates against disabled children who attend private religious schools.

Max Greenberg, 13, has a non-verbal learning disorder, but does not receive funding from the government for special computer resources, said his mother, Missy Hecker.

"What bothers me is my son sees the discrimination and how unfair it is and how unjust it is," Hecker said outside court.

Hecker and Max are among eight families taking the Ontario government to court because it does not fund services at private religious schools for blind, deaf and learning-disabled children.

Parents are instead forced to pay for the programs or move their children to a public or Catholic school вЂ" both of which are publicly funded in Ontario вЂ" where students with similar disabilities do receive support.

Yet children with other disabilities, such as speech impairments, can still receive government-funded therapy and services at private religious schools.

In 2000, the province began funding students in faith-based schools who required nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

That list left out children with other disabilities, Raj Anand, one of the lawyers representing the families, told the court.

"You're left with under-inclusiveness," Anand said. "We are talking about people who are equally disadvantaged."

Anand used the example of a 10-year-old student who is non-verbal, has a neurological impairment, and is attending a private Jewish school.

While the student was approved for funding for a speech therapist, Anand said the boy could not get help for his language delay problems, even though the therapist was capable of helping him in both areas.

2 different ministries provide funding

The issue of funding support is further complicated by the fact that two government ministries provide funding for disabled children.

The Health Ministry delivers services for children medically diagnosed with a disability, while the Education Ministry provides services for kids who have undergone an educational assessment.

This means children who come into the publicly funded educational system will have their educational needs met if they are blind, deaf or have a learning disability.

"How can being deaf or blind be an educational matter rather than a health matter?" Anand said.

Court also heard the government has a $14.4-million annual budget to assist students with a disability, but only uses about $4.5 million of that amount.

Anand said that shows it's not a matter of cost and there is no rational basis for refusing the funding.

"These are not experimental or untested therapies," he said, describing the support that many children need, such as computers to print out large print items if they are visually impaired.

The lawsuit was launched in June 2007, a few months before the issue of religious schools funding became a political hot potato during the provincial election campaign.

Former Progressive Conservative leader John Tory put his party in jeopardy during the campaign after he promised to extend funding to faith-based schools, upsetting voters and costing him the election.

The case continues Thursday with arguments from government lawyers.

European commission to hold talks on GM plants

2009-05-28T05:30:00.001-07:00

The European Commission says it will host talks on Friday to co-ordinate government efforts to save General Motors Corp.'s European operations.

EU spokesman Ton Van Lierop said finance and industry ministers from EU countries have been invited to share information about potential plans to save jobs.

GM officials will not be present.

The U.S. carmaker has operations in Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Sweden, Spain, and Hungary.

The EU is increasingly worried about the company's fate and job losses at its European brands Opel and Vauxhall.

All-night talks in Berlin on the future of Opel failed to make headway before ending on Thursday. Some 25,000 people work for Opel in Germany, nearly half of GM Europe's total work force.

OPEC to maintain production levels

2009-05-28T05:15:00.001-07:00

OPEC has decided to keep its production targets unchanged, oil ministers said Thursday at a meeting in Vienna.

The 12-country oil cartel appears to be counting on a recovering world economy to lift crude prices without their having to cut back output.

The decision had been widely anticipated, with most oil ministers saying ahead of the meeting they expected the status quo to be kept unchanged.

Even Oil Minister Golam Hossein Nozari of Iran вЂ" one of OPEC's price hawks вЂ" said Wednesday he expected OPEC to keep output at present levels.

Asked about a formal decision as ministers streamed out of their closed meeting Thursday, Nozari said: "Unchanged."

And Saudi oil minister Ali Naimi said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries had decided to "stay the course."

An OPEC statement formally confirming the decision said the organization "reiterated their firm commitment" to their quotas вЂ" organization members under quotes are still producing more than 800,000 barrels a day above the group's overall target level of just under 25 million barrels.

The move to keep to the status quo appeared due to optimism that the U.S. вЂ" the world's largest oil consumer вЂ" is gradually emerging from a severe recession.

A barrel of crude already fetches more than $60 US compared to levels near $30 just four months ago. And that spike has come despite continued anemic worldwide demand, plentiful supply, and gloomy future forecasts.

Benchmark crude for July delivery was up 13 cents at $63.58 US a barrel after earlier getting as high as $63.93.

Greater demand

Naimi on Wednesday suggested greater demand later this year would come only from Asia, with the U.S. and Europe continuing to lag.

Instead of being powered by demand, analysts say oil prices have risen because of international stock markets. But although stocks normally rise 6-9 months before the actual economy starts growing again, a series of economic reports have recently suggested that the recession is bottoming out, if not yet ending.

Some investors have been pushing up the price of oil by buying it as a hedge against a weaker U.S. dollar.

About 74 per cent of the forecasters in a survey by the National Association for Business Economics in the U.S. expect the recession, which started in December 2007, to end in the third quarter. Another 19 per cent predict the turning point will come in the final three months of this year and the remaining seven per cent believe the recession will end in the first quarter of 2010.

Balsillie offer for Coyotes expires at end of June

2009-05-26T18:30:00.001-07:00

Jim Balsillie has offered $212.5 million US for the Coyotes. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press)

Jim Balsillie's bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes has an expiration date.

According to court documents filed Tuesday by Coyotes majority owner Jerry Moyes, Balsillie will withdraw the offer to purchase the financially troubled team if the sale isn't approved in bankruptcy court by the end of June.

"If a decision on the proposed sale of assets is not made by the end of June, the debtors have been notified that PSE Sports [Balsillie] will withdraw its offer," Thomas Salerno, Moyes's lawyer, said in the document.

"Neither PSE Sports nor any other known entity will fund another year of significant losses вЂ¦ sustained by Coyotes Hockey," Salerno noted.

Moyes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 5, a move intended to facilitate the sale of the franchise to Balsillie for $212.5 million US, but on the condition he can relocate the team to Hamilton.

A formal application from Balsillie was filed Monday with the NHL seeking a transfer in ownership from Moyes to the Canadian billionaire, who is the co-chief executive officer of Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the popular BlackBerry mobile device.

Salerno said in Tuesday's document that completing the sale by the end of June is critical because Balsillie needs "adequate time to, among other things, get

the new arena ready for the 2009-10 season, obtain and line up sponsors and television contracts, and sell tickets to games."

But the NHL is, first and foremost, committed to trying to keep the team in Glendale, Ariz., so has challenged Moyes's legal authority to file for Chapter 11 protection, arguing it has assumed control of the franchise and removed him as majority owner.

Judge Redfield T. Baum, who is presiding over the bankruptcy hearing, ordered mediation between Moyes and the NHL to determine who is in control of the team.

Baum is expecting a status report on mediation on Wednesday.

'A sale cannot drag'

Balsillie's representatives told Baum at a May 20 bankruptcy hearing that he expected to file the application to purchase the Coyotes early this week вЂ" which he did.

If the NHL's board of governors rejects Balsillie's application, Baum has scheduled a hearing for June 22 at which time he is expected to rule on whether the team can be relocated to remove it from bankruptcy.

After that, a court-supervised auction will likely be held, with Balsillie's bid expected, by far, to be the biggest.

"A sale cannot drag through the summer of 2009," Salerno said.

Moyes has claimed to have lost more than $200 million US in equity and more than $100 million US in debt since buying the Coyotes with developer Steve Ellman for $90 million US in 2001.

Court documents detail $73 million US in team losses between 2005 and 2008.

Forbes Magazine figured last fall that the Coyotes were worth an estimated $142 million US вЂ" lowest in the NHL.

With files from The Canadian Press

Canada's Munro wins international Booker prize

2009-05-26T18:15:00.001-07:00

Canadian author Alice Munro has won the Man Booker International Prize, an award honouring her lifetime of work.

The nearly $103,000 prize, which is awarded every two years, honours a living fiction author writing in English, or whose work is widely translated into English.

"Alice Munro is mostly known as a short story writer and yet she brings as much depth, wisdom and precision to every story as most novelists bring to a lifetime of novels," the three-judge panel said in a statement.

"To read Alice Munro is to learn something every time that you never thought of before."

This year marks the third edition of the young prize, which was founded in 2004 and has been awarded to Nigeria's Chinua Achebe and Ismail Kadare of Albania.

Authors E.L. Doctorow, V.S Naipaul and Joyce Carol Oates were also among this year's finalists.

Munro, 77, is among the most accomplished writers on the Canadian literature scene and the author behind short story collections such as Lives of Girls and Women, The Love of a Good Woman, Runaway and Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage. She was also nominated for the international Booker in 2007.

Munro, who is originally from the small southwestern Ontario community of Wingham, has garnered praise for her tales of women living in small towns.

She is a multiple winner of both the Governor General's Literary Awards and the Giller Prize.

Pair beat man to train for contest, then left him to die

2009-05-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

A man and his nephew who drunkenly beat a man to death as a training exercise for a fight contest have been sentenced in Battleford to lengthy prison terms.

Anthony Wapass, 47, was jumped without warning by Russel Clifford Paddy and his nephew Jamie Lindsay Paddy in June 2007 on the Thunderchild First Nation, near the community of Turtleford, about 230 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.

Court was told the two attackers had been talking about how the younger one could train to become a fight-night champion, and the attack followed.

They were originally charged with first-degree murder, but their cases recently concluded with convictions for lesser offences. Jamie Paddy, now 22, entered a guilty plea to manslaughter during a court appearance in February.

His co-accused and uncle, Russel Paddy, now 40, opted for a trial before a jury. After a three week trial in April and May, the jury returned a verdict of guilty to second-degree murder.

Crown prosecutor Nicole Leinenweber told CBC News on Tuesday that she presented evidence to the jury that Wapass suffered a vicious beating. A pathologist said Wapass had 26 fractures on his 24 ribs. There were massive head wounds that left bruises on his brain and his liver was damaged in the attack.

The prosecutor said the uncle and nephew had been drinking on the day in question and were talking about the younger man participating in a fight contest.

Attack was unprovoked

Leinenweber said the men came upon Wapass, who was walking along a reserve road, and jumped him. The younger man was bragging about being tough. She said Wapass did not fight back and was knocked cold by the first blow.

The Crown said the attack, which included kicking, stomping and punches, was severe but Wapass was still alive. The two men left him in a ditch beside the road.

Later, according to the Crown, the men returned to show off the victim to two teenage girls.

That group also left Wapass behind, still unconscious.

Then, the two Paddy's returned to the scene and dragged Wapass 100 metres to a shallow slough. He was left, face down, in a pool of water less than half a metre deep.

Leinenweber said it was likely the men moved the victim over concern that the girls would report what they saw. In fact, one of the girls did call 911.

The nephew, Jamie Paddy, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. His total time behind bars will be reduced by three years and four months, after the judge gave him credit for pre-trial custody time.

His uncle Russel Paddy was sentenced on May 13 to life in prison with no chance at parole for 14 years. He has 30 days in which to appeal his conviction.

Police search for Tori Stafford's body enters its sixth day

2009-05-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

Victoria (Tori) Stafford disappeared after she left her school in Woodstock, Ont., on April 8. (Canadian Press)

The search for the body of Victoria (Tori) Stafford entered its sixth day Monday as Ontario provincial police combed the Guelph Lake Conservation Area in boats and on horses.

The officers, who have been looking for the eight-year-old girl's body after two people from Woodstock, Ont., were arrested and charged last Wednesday, began the search of the conservation area early Monday, the CBC's Stephanie Matteis reported.

"It's slow going," Matteis said. "The Guelph Lake Conservation Area is huge вЂ" hundreds of hectares, the size of more than 2,000 soccer fields."

Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, and Michael Thomas Rafferty, 28, face charges in Stafford's disappearance. (Facebook/Canadian Press)

Police also sifted through rocks on a nearby county road and throughout Wellington County on Monday with the help of Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, who was charged last week with abduction and being an accessory for allegedly helping her boyfriend Michael Thomas Rafferty, 28, elude authorities.

Rafferty faces charges of first-degree murder and abduction in Stafford's disappearance.

Since the arrests, officers have been searching rural areas north of Guelph, with the help of McClintic. A court order allowed her to assist investigators in the field but that ended Monday, Matteis said.

Police released pictures Friday of a 2003 blue and black Honda sedan believed to be involved in the abduction. (Oxford Community Police)

On Sunday, police released a photograph of a 2003 Honda four-door car that they say was the vehicle used in Stafford's abduction and murder.

They hope the public in Woodstock, Guelph and surrounding area can help locate the entire back seat of the car, which is missing.

Stafford disappeared April 8, the day the Grade 3 student was captured on surveillance video leaving her school with a woman who police now allege is McClintic.

McClintic and Rafferty are scheduled to make their next court appearance on May 28.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Oxford Community Police at 519-537-2323 or toll free at 1-877-537-6277.

Tagliani named Indy rookie of year

2009-05-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

Alex Tagliani makes a pit stop during the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. (Seth Rossman/Associated Press)

Canadian Alex Tagliani has been selected Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year.

The 37-year-old driver from Lachenaie, Que., for Conquest Racing started 33rd as a late replacement for veteran Bruno Junqueira and steadily improved to an 11th-place finish, the biggest gain by any of the 33 drivers in Sunday's race.

He received a prize of $295,305 US at the victory dinner Monday night, including a $25,000 bonus as the race's top newcomer. The other first-year drivers were England's Mike Conway, who wound up 18th; Brazil's Raphael Matos, who ran as high as fourth before a late crash left him 22nd; France's Nelson Philippe, who was 25th; and Robert Doornbos of the Netherlands, who was 28th.

The 2008 rookie of the year, Ryan Hunter-Reay, crashed on the 20th lap Sunday and finished 32nd.

The race was won by Helio Castroneves, the third Indy victory for the Brazilian.

GM workers in 4 Ontario cities vote in favour of new deal

2009-05-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

GM workers in four Ontario cities voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new collective agreement, the union said Monday.

Workers at GM plants in Oshawa, St. Catharines, Windsor and Woodstock ratified the deal struck late last Thursday by 86 per cent, the Canadian Auto Workers union said in a release.

"This has been a grueling restructuring process, and no one has felt that more than our members and retirees," CAW president Ken Lewenza said in a release. "Although we were forced to make a number of important sacrifices, the support we received from our members is proof that they recognize the incredible challenges the industry is facing."

The agreement would slash annual labour costs by more than $8,000 per worker, but wages and pension benefits are protected.

Under the deal, the company is also committed to addressing a shortfall of more than $6.5 billion in the pension plan, the CAW said.

The union said the agreement will lower GM's hourly labour costs by $15 to $16 per hour per worker. That is in addition to the $7 per hour in cuts reached through a labour deal between the company and the union in March.

Union members will forgo a $3,500 lump-sum payment to each worker for lost vacation time. That money, said Lewenza, is expected to be funnelled toward the pension fund.

Pension issues were one of the major items, with Lewenza saying Friday that the union has agreed to a pension benefit freeze extending through 2015.

He pointed out that the pension plan for the workers is only 39 per cent funded on a windup basis.

Union pension official Sym Gill said the pension shortfall is roughly $6.5 billion to $7 billion, adding that the pension is expected to be back on a fully funded basis in 10 years.

A money-saving deal between the automaker and the union is a key requirement of General Motors Canada getting financial backing from the governments of Canada and Ontario.

The tentative deal came just a day after General Motors reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers, a development that seemed to spur both sides in the Canadian negotiations.

Lewenza said he expects GM will file for bankruptcy protection in the United States, although he was unsure if GM Canada will file for court-ordered creditor protection.

He said the new labour agreement is protected even if the company files for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

Winnipeg Strike musical staged on Main Street

2009-05-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

It was a scene reminiscent of a day in June in 1919 as thousands crowded onto Main Street in Winnipeg and watched as mounted police charged into a group of striking workers вЂ" all staged as a history lesson about the Winnipeg General Strike.

Playwright and composer Danny Schur put on an abbreviated version of his musical Strike! for the public in front of City Hall on Saturday afternoon, attracting a crowd of 5,000. Schur's play was first staged in 2005.Street scene during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. (Collections Canada)

"It was a logistical nightmare," admitted Schur, who needed to close off the southbound section of Main. "It took [Mayor Sam Katz's] personal intervention."

In the re-creation of what many consider a seminal moment in Canadian labour history, dozens of actors dressed as the North West Mounted Police herded the audience around.

They watched as a group of police charged into a crowd of striking "workers." One officer on horseback drew his pistol and shot a worker вЂ" dramatizing the death of striker Mike Sokolowski, a Ukrainian immigrant.

"The performance was just stunning for me. I saw people looking on in wonder," noted Schur. "It exceeded my expectations."

Families, cyclists and seniors all stared on as the play unfolded вЂ" many observing in silence.

"It's kind of surprising that nothing has been done before this. It's 90 years," said high school student Anna Currie who volunteered to play a striker. Currie says she had never heard about the event until her Grade 11 history course.

30,000 workers leave their jobs

In May 1919, the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council called a general strike after talks broke down between management and labour over the contract for building and metal trades.

Some 30,000 workers left their jobs, including firemen, telephone operators and utility employees in a massive display of solidarity.

On June 21, the mounted police charged into the demonstrators, injuring 30 and killing one. The day ended with federal troops in the streets, with the strike ending four days later.

NDP member of the legislature Rob Altemeyer says the musical should be staged outdoors every year: "It's the arts that are teaching us."

Schur says he would like to stage it annually outdoors, not on the street but rather at The Forks вЂ" the city's downtown park area.

A full version of the play is being staged this summer at The Canwest Performing Arts Centre from July 30 to Aug. 5.

With files from The Canadian Press

Jays continue search for missing offence

2009-05-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

Toronto Blue Jays clean-up hitter Vernon Wells has gone 15 games without an RBI. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

With all the rookie pitchers the Toronto Blue Jays have sent to the mound, it should come as no surprise that the team is sputtering after a strong start to the season.

But pitching isn't the reason the Jays are on a season-high five-game losing streak. Lately, the Jays offence has been, well, offensive.

After averaging more than six runs a game for most of April and May, the Jays have managed just eight runs in their last five games вЂ" all losses.

Toronto manager Cito Gaston cautions followers from pushing the panic button.

Gaston presided over the 1991 Blue Jays club that lost seven in a row in August, and still went on to win th

Ignatieff has fighting words for Harper

2009-05-24T08:15:00.001-07:00

Provincial Liberals in Newfoundland and Labrador brought in some star power to their weekend convention in Gander, with federal party leader Michael Ignatieff issuing a warning to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Michael Ignatieff, seen here Saturday night on the convention's final day in Gander, said he's personally unfazed by the Conservative TV ads. (Carolyn Ray/CBC)

"If you mess with me, I will mess with you until I'm done," Ignatieff said Saturday.

He said the new Conservative TV ads attacking his commitment to Canada don't bother him on a personal level. Ignatieff said they're offensive because they attempt to define who is and who isn't a good Canadian, based on the amount time they've lived in Canada.

The television ads point out that Ignatieff spent 34 years outside Canada and accuse him of having "no long-term commitment" to the country.

In a video posted on YouTube last week, Ignatieff dismissed the ads as "spite and spin."

More than 300 people attended the Liberal gathering in Gander for the biggest convention of its kind in years. The Liberals may be the official opposition at the provincial level, but they have only three out of 48 seats, so this is a time of rebuilding.

Leader Yvonne Jones said Ignatieff offered her some good advice.

"You know he looked at me this evening and he said, 'Yvonne, I have been where you are. And I know what it's like, and I know that it's tough, but you hang tough and you keep doing what you're doing, because you're making a difference.'

"To me that's very inspiring when it comes from a man like him, who I know today, will be the next prime minister of this country," she said.

Both Jones and Ignatieff stressed the importance of united politics as a strong way to gain the public's trust. In a province where the relationship with the federal government is strained, Ignatieff extended an olive branch.

"The prime minister of Canada has only one job, and that is to unite Canadians and neve

Patients anxious to get results in radiology review

2009-05-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

Joanne Sigurdson, from Canora, Sask., is considering traveling outside the province to get a new mammogram test. (Photo submitted by Joanne Sigurdson)

The review of thousands of diagnostic tests in Saskatchewan is creating anxiety for some patients who have been told their exams are being rechecked.

The review was ordered because of questions raised about the work of Yorkton radiologist Dr. Darius Tsatsi. Some 70,000 mammograms, X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound exams are being looked at, a second time.

On Wednesday, the Yorkton-based Sunrise Health Region announced it suspended Tsatsi from privileges at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on May 14 after serious problems were found in cases he had been involved in.

Tsatsi has agreed to stop practicing medicine while the review is underway.

Joanne Sigurdson, from Canora in east-central Saskatchewan, told CBC News on Friday that she contacted a toll-free free information line, to learn more about two mammograms performed on her in September 2008.

She said Tsatsi examined her test results and determined there was nothing to be concerned about. However, Sigurdson is anxious to learn if that was a reliable finding.

Sigurdson said that she was told, in her call to the information line, that she would be contacted only if a problem was detected in the review of her file.

She said that she is on pins and needles, wondering what news she will hear. She added she is considering travelling outside the province to get another mammogram test, to put her mind at ease.

Flagman dies in Holyrood industrial accident

2009-05-22T12:15:00.001-07:00

One man is dead after an industrial accident Friday in the eastern Newfoundland town of Holyrood, 52 kilometres from St. John's.

RCMP Sgt. Wayne Newell didn't have many details except to say the victim is a flagman who has died from his injuries

The accident happened between the town hall and Route 60 вЂ" the Conception Bay Highway. Police expected to reopen the road by 4:30 p.m.

Police and Occupational Health and Safety investigators have been at the scene since 1:30 p.m. Newell said the investigation is ongoing.

U.S. prosecutors drop remaining tax charge against Castroneves

2009-05-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

Helio Castroneves has the pole position for Sunday's Indy 500. (Ben Margot/Associated Press)

U.S. federal prosecutors dropped the remaining tax evasion conspiracy charge against two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves and his sister on Friday, clearing the Brazilian driver of all the charges that once threatened to derail his career.

The pole sitter for Sunday's Indy 500 and his 35-year-old sister, Katiucia, were acquitted of other tax evasion charges by a jury April 17. His tax lawyer, Alan Miller of Michigan, also was cleared of all wrongdoing.

The jury failed to agree on the conspiracy charge, resulting in a mistrial on that count. Now prosecutors have decided not to pursue a retrial on that charge, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Castroneves, 34, one of Indy racing's most popular and successful drivers, vaulted to even greater worldwide fame in 2007 when he won the television competition Dancing With the Stars.

Lawyers for the Castroneves siblings, Roy Black and Howard Srebnick, said it would have been illogical to try them again on a conspiracy charge when they were found innocent of the underlying tax evasion counts.

"The jury finds him not guilty, then he wins the pole position at Indy, and now the government drops the case completely. All he has to do now is win the race and climb the fence," said Black, referring to Castroneves's Spiderman-like practice of scaling racetrack fences after his victories.

Faced six years of jail time

The Castroneves siblings and Miller would have faced about six years in prison had they been convicted in the tax case.

The Internal Revenue Service claimed they plotted to evade some $2.3 million US in taxes using a Panamanian shell corporation and supposedly crooked dealings with a former Castroneves sponsor, the Brazilian firm Coimex.

Castroneves's lawyers contended all along that the Coimex deal was legitimate and that he simply set up a deferred income account in the Netherlands for $5 million US he was paid by Penske Racing under a contract signed in 1999.

When that account comes due, Black said Castroneves will pay his U.S. taxes as he intended to do all along.

Castroneves resumed racing immediately after the court case ended, finishing seventh in Long Beach, Calif., and second at a race in Kansas. Now he's a favourite at the biggest race of them all.

"This is part of me," he said at a recent Indy 500 media event. "This is where I belong."

City grieves as police continue search for Victoria Stafford's body

2009-05-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

Sarah Ditchfield writes "We will miss you Tori" on the sidewalk near Victoria "Tori" Stafford's home. Charges of murder were laid in court today, May 20, 2009 in Woodstock, Ontario in the case of the eight-year-old girl has been missing since April 8. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press)

Grief counsellors returned to Oliver Stephens Public School in Woodstock, Ont., on Thursday hoping to help the grade school students deal with the emotions over the death of their classmate, Victoria Stafford.

The Grade 3 student was abducted as she left the school on April 8. Police said Wednesday they believe she was killed that day, or shortly after, by her abductors.

The search for the child's remains continues in a number of locations and a command post has been set up in Fergus, just north of Guelph. Police say they won't stop looking until they can reunite the eight-year-old with her family.

Victoria's father, Rodney Stafford, said he needs to see his daughter's body before he believes she is dead.

Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, and Michael Thomas C.S. Rafferty, 28, have been charged in Victoria Stafford's death. (Facebook/Canadian Press)

"I love her with all my heart and until I see her, I will not lay this to rest," Stafford said Wednesday.

Tori's brother Daryn, 11, is devastated and bewildered, he said.

On Wednesday, a man and woman from Woodstock were charged with the abduction and killing of Victoria, known as Tori to her friends and family, who was last seen on a security camera leaving her school alongside a woman with dark hair and wearing a white coat.

Michael Thomas C.S. Rafferty, 28, and Terri-Lynne McClintic, 18, have been charged. Rafferty was charged with abduction and first-degree murder, while McClintic is charged with abducting the child, assisting Rafferty in escaping the area and being an accessory to murder after the fact. They make their next court appearance on May 28.

Children told of events, mother 'holding up'

At Tori's school, the children were told about the events.

Police officers use a dog to search through a pile of debris in a rural field north of Guelph, Ont. on Wednesday, the day a man and a woman were arrested in connection with the abduction of Victoria Stafford. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

"We've basically been saying to the children ... that Tori won't be coming back to school," said Bill Tucker, the director of education for the Thames Valley School Board.

"It's a very difficult situation for us to explain вЂ" and my experience is that children take the news differently. So we're trying to be as sensitive as possible. It depends on the age group of the children. Some are able to comprehend and understand the situation better than others. We just don't know how

Accused in N.Y. bomb plot case intent on holy war: top police official

2009-05-21T08:15:00.001-07:00

Four men who were arrested late Wednesday after allegedly plotting to bomb two New York City synagogues and shoot down nearby military aircraft were bent on waging holy war, but weren't associated with any terrorist organization, officials said Thursday.

David Williams is led by police officers from a federal building in New York, early Thursday, after being arrested on charges related to a bombing plot in the Bronx district of New York City. (Robert Mecea/Associated Press)The four were arrested after planting what they believed were plastic explosives in one car outside the Riverdale Temple and in another outside the nearby the Riverdale Jewish centre, an orthodox synagogue in the Bronx district of New York City. The explosives were fake.

The men вЂ" James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen вЂ" also planned to shoot military planes at the New York Air National Guard base at Stewart Airport in Newburgh with Stinger surface-to-air guided missiles, authorities said.

They were charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction within the United States and conspiracy to acquire and use anti-aircraft missiles, the U.S. attorney's office said. If found guilty, the men face life imprisonment terms.

"They stated that they wanted to commit Jihad," police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at a news conference outside the Riverdale Temple. "They were disturbed about what happened in Afghanistan and Pakistan, that Muslims were being killed."

Kelly quoted one of the men as saying, "If Jews were killed in this attack вЂ¦ that would be all right."

All four men were Muslims and hailed from Newburgh, N.Y. The defendants are due in federal court later Thursday in suburban White Plains, N.Y.

Informant infiltrated group last June

New York Senator Charles Schumer said if there can be any good news out of this case it's that "the group was relatively unsophisticated, penetrated early and not connected to any outside group."

An FBI informant gave the men inert plastic explosives and inactive surface-to-air missiles. The informant first contacted Cromitie in June 2008. Cromitie told the informant that his parents lived in Afghanistan before he was born and that he was upset that Muslim people were being killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan by U.S. military forces, officials said.

James Cromitie, right, is led by police officers from a federal building in New York, early Thursday. (Robert Mecea/Associated Press)Cromitie told the informant that he wanted to "do something to America," prosecutors said.

From October 2008, onward, the informant met regularly with the four men at a house in Newburgh otufitted with hidden federal surveillance cameras.

Beginning this April, the four men selected the synagogue and the community centre they intended to hit, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint. They also conducted surveillance of military planes at the Air National Guard Base, the complaint said.

Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, issued a statement praising law enforcers "for their efforts in helping to prevent any harm to either Jewish institutions or to our nation's military."

"We repeat the American Muslim community's repudiation of bias-motivated crimes and of anyone who would falsely claim religious justification for violent actions," the statement said.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a Jewish human rights group, said in a statement that the plot "is dramatic proof that the dangers from such fanaticism have not passed and that American Jews must maintain their vigilance."

With files from The Associated Press

Canadian Olympic gymnastic champion Kyle Shewfelt retires

2009-05-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

Kyle Shewfelt, seen here competing in Beijing, announced his retirement from gymnastics on Thursday. (Matt Dunham/Canadian Press)

He broke both legs 11 months before the 2008 Olympic Games and then accomplished the unthinkable: he came back and competed for Canada.

In 2004, Kyle Shewfelt made Canadian history with a gold medal performance in the floor exercise at the Athens Games, capturing Canada's first-ever Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics.

Now, the 27-year-old Calgary native and three-time Olympian, is calling it a career, announcing his retirement Thursday on his blog.

"After much thought and consideration, I have come to the decision that itвЂ™s time to hang up the grips, put away the stinky gym shoes, remove the singlet, take my hands out of the chalk bucket and start embarking on new journeys," he wrote.

"Today is a bittersweet day. I am really overwhelmed with feelings of nostalgia, excitement, sadness and anticipation."

Shewfelt is a three-time world championship bronze medallist, four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and three-time World Cup Finals silver medallist.

More to come

Delta, Air France, KLM team up on transatlantic venture

2009-05-20T06:30:00.001-07:00

Delta Air Lines Inc., Air France and KLM signed a deal Wednesday to combine two separate joint venture agreements into one to create a more integrated transatlantic powerhouse that they said will generate $12 billion US in annual revenue.

The airlines said they will share costs and revenues, as well as co-ordinate branding at airports and global advertising.

Air France-KLM Group and Delta also will share governance of the joint venture. An executive committee consisting of the three CEOs and a management committee including representatives from the three carriers will work together on strategy.

The joint venture represents approximately 25 per cent of total transatlantic capacity.

The co-operation agreement between Europe's largest airline and the world's largest airline operator will mean the carriers will operate more than 200 daily flights and offer about 50,000 seats per day.

The joint venture covers all the airlines' flights between North America and Europe, between Amsterdam and India, and between North America and Tahiti, the companies said.

'Unprecedented' agreement

The joint venture will not lead to the creation of a subsidiary, the airlines said at a news conference in Paris that was broadcast on the internet.

No new routes were announced beyond what the two previous agreements provided for separately.

Delta chief executive Richard Anderson called the joint venture agreement "unprecedented."

Anderson said there will be seamless booking, single contracts of carriage, co-ordination through sales and distribution, and more access to frequent flier upgrades and other redemption opportunities.

KLM signed a joint venture agreement with Northwest Airlines in 1997, while Air France and Delta signed a joint venture agreement in 2007. Following Atlanta-based Delta's acquisition of Northwest in October 2008, the carriers decided to work on forming a single joint venture.

Alliances between U.S. and foreign carriers are not new. They allow the carriers to offer more options to passengers, while allowing the carriers to share revenues and costs.

Antitrust laws

There's a pending bid by American Airlines and British Airways to co-operate on transatlantic flights without fear of breaking antitrust laws. Regulators are looking at the issue.

American and BA have been thwarted twice before in seeking closer ties, but their prospects appear brighter this time because of changes in the airline industry over the past several years.

American and its partners in an alliance called oneworld argue that they should get antitrust immunity because two competing alliances already have it вЂ" Star (Lufthansa, United, and beginning this fall, Continental) and SkyTeam (Delta, Air France-KLM).

American also notes that the U.S. and Europe have signed an open-skies treaty, increasing competition at Heathrow, since its last failed effort to work more closely with BA.

The Delta-Air France-KLM joint venture is structured around six main hubs: Amsterdam, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York-JFK and Paris-CDG, together with Cincinnati; Lyon, France; Memphis, Tenn., and Salt Lake City.

NFL star Vick released from prison

2009-05-20T05:45:00.001-07:00

Michael Vick will spend the last two months of his prison term on electronic monitoring at his home in Hampton, Va. (Rob Carr/Associated Press)

A person familiar with the release details says suspended NFL star Michael Vick has left a Kansas prison to begin home confinement in Virginia.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because no public announcement has been made, said Vick left the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth before dawn on Wednesday.

He had been serving a 23-month sentence for financing a dogfighting ring. Vick will spend the last two months of the term on electronic monitoring at his five-bedroom home in Hampton, Va.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is expected to be released from federal custody July 20, but he will be on probation for three years.

He hopes to persuade NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reinstate him.

N.B. MLAs sign up to new rule allowing online petitions in assembly

2009-05-20T05:30:00.001-07:00

The right to petition the New Brunswick's legislative assembly appears to be heading for a hi-tech overhaul, opening the door for citizens to table online petitions.

House leader Michael Murphy said it is about time to modernize the rules after Bill Fraser, the acting Speaker, was forced to reject on Tuesday a petition from more than 7,400 New Brunswickers demanding government funding for a cancer drug.

Murphy said the antiquated rule overseeing how petitions are collected will be discussed the next time the legislature's procedures committee convenes.

"I'm not sure exactly how it'll be done. The rule can probably be changed quicker than the technical aspect, but I don't know," Murphy said.

"I don't see any objection coming from anywhere. The time certainly has come, sure."

Blaney's petition denied

The shortcomings in the legislature's rules were exposed when Conservative MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney tried to present the petition calling on the government to fund the cancer treatment Avastin.

Blaney acknowledged that many of the names were gathered online.

Blaney referred to a recent high-tech ranking of Fredericton as she acknowledged to Fraser that gathering names online was contrary to the legislature's rules.

"Although we live in one of the smartest cities in the world, apparently we in the legislature are not set up for an online petition, and perhaps you can advise me on that," she said.

Legislature rules require that petitions tabled in the chamber include signatures, so Fraser was forced to turn down the petition.

"Currently there is no rule in the house that would allow the acceptance of online petitions," he said.

Sex Life After Menopause

2009-05-13T18:14:00.005-07:00

QUESTION: I often read magazine articles offering advice about sex to older men.
They are of little use to me, for as I advance in age and pass my menopause, I could use some information too.
How about giving us older gals some help and advice?

ANSWER: I am truly pleased to answer your question.
Actually, I get more letters from older women about this subject than I do from the fellows. An older woman can indeed have a wonderful, healthy sex life after menopause.
Despite some physical changes, an older woman's sexual response cycle usually remains in good working order.
Multiple orgasms can still be achieved, although in some cases the intensity and duration may be slightly less than in the premenopausal woman. The physical changes that might hamper sexual activity include atrophy of parts of the vagina, which increases the risk of trauma, infection and vaginitis.
The pH factor rises and necessary secretions diminish.
Elasticity is lessened in the vaginal wall, and the cervix shrinks.
However, most women are still very capable of achieving sexual pleasure, and should consider it a healthy part of their lives.
Aging ovaries produce less estrogen than they used to, and many doctors recommend estrogen replacement therapy.
In many cases, the added estrogen helps relieve or reduce hot flushes, atrophy of the genitals, and osteoporosis.
The therapy may also promote a sense of well being.
There are some possible negative side effects though, and every patient must discuss the benefits and risks with her doctor before estrogen is prescribed. Another factor that may impede the sex life of an older woman includes the availability of an acceptable partner.
Because women statistically live longer than men, many elderly women are either widowed or their husbands are seriously ill or disabled.
The woman herself may have nonsexual physical ailments such as arthritis, neuromuscular disease, or osteoporosis, which can impair sexuality. The older woman may sink into depression because of her own or her partner's physical ailments and lose interest in activities that are pleasurable, such as sex.
It is important for both older women and men to continue to develop hobbies, interests, friendships and loving relationships, so that their self-worth remains high and interest in their own sexuality will be maintained.

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.

Sneaker Foot

2009-05-13T18:14:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: I caught a look at grandsons feet the other day, while he was on holiday with us.
His feet looked red and seemed to be covered with little blisters.
I tried to caution the boy, but he laughed it off, called it "sneaker foot", said a lot of the kids had the same thing, and that he was curing it with some powder.
Do you know anything about this, and would you please tell us?

ANSWER: Whether its called the "sweaty sock syndrome" or "sneaker foot" it is the same problem, found mostly in youngsters who wear sweat socks and sneakers continuously, and are not as careful as they should be.
With a long day in school and social activities, as much as 16 to 18 hours can go by while the feet sweat constantly in their wool and rubber prisons.
After a period of time the soles of the feet become dry and scaly, and then irritated, red and tender with little pin sized blisters.
The next step is an infection that could have been prevented.
Powder won't clear it up, but getting out of those sneakers into other foot gear will.
Changing into slippers at home is a start.
Use cotton socks, change them regularly and keep feet dry and clean. You had best alert his parents.
Get your grandson's attention on this before his burning and infected feet do.

What Causes "Sweet's Syndrome"?

2009-05-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: My daughter (33 years old) broke out with an extremely painful and ugly rash.
After all the tests and everything was checked, the doctors called it "Sweet's Syndrome".
Could you please elaborate on this, as no one seems to have much information as to why she has it and what causes it? Thank you.

ANSWER: Sweet's Syndrome originally described by the physician of that name in 1964, also goes by the more scientific name of "acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis".
It occurs mostly in women, usually coming on in middle age.
An infection precedes the eruption of painful plaques on the skin of the limbs face, and neck.
Later on they can change into a pus filled rash.
The cause is not well understood, but may be a reaction or hypersensitivity to the germ that caused the original infection.
Although antibiotics may be used to fight the infection, they are not effective in combatting the rash.
Steroids (cortisone-like medications) can help wipe out the rash for as long as they are taken.
The condition can last for 2 weeks or more before it runs its course, but relapses are frequent, although in each case it is usually preceded by another infection.

Inconsistent Blood Pressure Readings

2009-05-11T05:30:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: Despite my best efforts, I keep getting different readings each time I take my own blood pressure at home.
Do you have any ideas on what I am doing wrong? Please help.

ANSWER: There are many things patients and sometimes even doctors and nurses do wrong when taking blood pressure.
The result can be inaccurate and inconsistent readings.
First of all, you should make sure you are comfortable before taking your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association recommends that prior to taking the measurement, you relax in a quiet room for a half hour.
During that time, avoid anxiety, exertion, eating or smoking, and be sure your bladder is empty.
Wear loose fitting clothes so that the flow of blood is unrestricted, and don't cross your legs or fold your arms.
Try to relax your arm muscles as much as possible, as muscle tension can lead to distorted blood pressure readings. Always take your blood pressure while you are in the same position, whether it be sitting, standing or lying down, and use the same arm.
Make sure you have the proper size cuff for your arm.
A cuff too narrow could give you a false high reading, while one that is too wide will give you a false low pressure reading.
Inflate the cuff rapidly (in 7 to 10 seconds) to minimize trapping of venous blood a common cause of false readings. Have a doctor or nurse show you the proper way to read your measurement. Don't be shy; if you don't understand, ask again until you get it right.

Is It Possible to Become Pregnant While Nursing a Baby?

2009-05-11T05:30:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I am writing to you for my daughter, for she is too busy to write. She has a newborn baby that she is nursing.
She believes that this is enough protection against another pregnancy, which would be most difficult at this time.
Is she safe now, or is it still possible to become pregnant while nursing a baby? I am sure that there is more than one young mother who would be interested in the answer to this question.

ANSWER: The long held belief that the process of nursing a new born is a safeguard against another pregnancy may not be the absolute truth that some think it is.
It makes sense that nature would provide a mechanism that allows a mother to devote all her attention to a baby, and that may lend some support to those who tell of their lack of fertility during this period, but there is more to the story.
It is clear that there are fewer pregnancies immediately after child birth in nursing (lactating) mothers then in women who do not nurse.
The period of relative infertility lasts only six weeks in nonnursing mothers, but the presence of a hormone (prolactin) that is stimulated by the baby's sucking can suppress the actions of the hormones that promote ovulation in nursing mothers for a prolonged period. However, this protection only seems to last for as long as nursing continues uninterrupted.
While total breast feeding provides protection against another pregnancy, any schedule that reduces regular nursing can reduce the amount of prolactin in the blood, allowing ovulation and a possible pregnancy to occur.
One of the overlooked reductions in nursing is the elimination of the night feeding.
This allows for a period of from 8 to 10 hours to pass without the sucking stimulus, and the levels of prolactin may return to normal.
Thus the protection your daughter seeks depends upon maintaining a timetable that most families find unacceptable, as it disturbs the sleep schedule so necessary for the rest needed to keep up with our daily occupations and activities.

Breast Implants and Breast Cancer

2009-05-11T05:29:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I am very concerned about my sister, who had breast surgery several years ago using breast implants.
She is now almost crazy about the reports that this could cause breast cancer to develop and wants the implants removed at once.
What information can you give me that will help me to talk with her and help her make the right decisions?

ANSWER: The recent flood of reports in newspapers and on television about these breast implants has caused many women the same distress your sister is now suffering, and to my thinking is a shame.
I am certainly for giving you all the information you need to make correct choices in medical care, but also believe that this advice must be based on substantial scientific evidence that helps bring us as close to the truth as possible.
That is not the situation in this case.
To start with, the reports were based on preliminary data in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study that was "leaked" to the press before even the FDA had a chance to examine the data completely.
Just who leaked the data or why is unknown, but even the FDA believes that some of the reports in the media "may have overstated the risk of cancer to woman who have these implants".
The source of the discussion is the polyurethane foam that is used as a coating for certain kinds of silicone gel-filled implants. It is possible that this material might break down into another substance that has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
The key word here is "might", as well as the fact that there is no evidence of cancer ever having been linked to the implants in humans. Despite this, the manufacturer of the implants, Surgitek, a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb, voluntarily stopped shipment of the implants and advised doctors to delay any surgery using these devices.
This responsible action will allow the FDA to complete its evaluation of the results of the study, and should publish its results in but a few weeks.
In a statement released by Bristol-Myers Squibb, it said that "it is confident in the safety of the product and that it deplored the uncertainty created by the anonymous reports of research results". The FDA, in a TALK PAPER issued about this question, stated "While still assessing the data, FDA believes that the statistical values expressed in some media accounts may have overstated the risk of cancer to woman who have these implants".
It also said, "It is unfortunate that preliminary FDA laboratory results reached the public before FDA's analysis of the data was complete. This has created an unnecessary climate of fear in patients who have been implanted with these products." In speaking with a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, she too agreed that the sensationalism of press reports had been a disservice to the public and suggested the following advice.
Patients with these breast implants in place should not seek surgery to remove them.
This is not always a simple procedure and the risk of removal could outweigh the risk of keeping the implant.
In fact there may be no risk for cancer at all, or possibly one that is very small.
Women considering implant surgery should delay the operation until final analysis of the results of the FDA study. And that is my advice to you and your sister, as well as anyone else now facing this situation.
Once again, it is clear that you must carefully analyze anything you learn from the media, and I am here to help you.

The Need For Fiber in the Diet

2009-05-10T06:41:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I keep reading about fiber as a must in my diet, but even the term makes it sounds as if it isn't very pleasant to eat.
What is all the noise about? Can you please explain the need for the stuff and where I may be going wrong in my present diet?

ANSWER: To the best of my knowledge, we began reading about the miracles of fiber in the diet back in the 1960's when Dr.
Denis Burkitt began writing about the people in rural Africa.
Their diet was much richer in fiber than those in the Western world, and their incidence of bowel cancer was much less. The statistics on gallstones, appendicitis, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, some forms of coronary disease and diabetes were all in favor of the Africans. This started a lot of investigations, and turned up even more data that indicates that fiber is a very important part of the healthy diet, and that Americans just do not get sufficient amounts.
Total dietary fiber is composed of two types, soluble fiber (which dissolves in water), and an insoluble type which provides the "bulk" in the diet.
Fiber is only found in fruits and plants, and not in meat nor milk.
Soluble fiber is found in oranges, pectin, and various vegetable gums, while insoluble fiber is found in large quantities in wheat bran, brown rice, bananas, kidney beans, cauliflower and nuts amongst other foods.
Both types of fiber are found together in apples, soybeans, whole grain oats, barley, apples and potatoes.
While there are absolute recommendations for the amount of fiber needed daily, many experts feel that a total of from 20-35 grams is about right.
That means concentrating on including vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads, and cereals in your daily diet.
Not only will you be reducing your risk for some ailments, such as heart disease, diverticulosis, certain types of cancer, and obesity, but you may find that your bowel movements are more regular as well.

Where Did the Name "Fifth" Disease Come From?

2009-05-10T06:40:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: Do you know what the thinking was in giving a number as the name of a disease.
I am referring to "Fifth" disease, a recent addition to my daughter's medical history.
Where did the name come from?

ANSWER: I can see you are a bit confused, but it is easy to straighten out. Normally diseases have names that describe the condition or bear the name of the discoverer.
However, in the case of children's diseases, there are five of them that have similar rashes.
Four received names.
They are German measles, measles, scarlet fever, and roseola (once known as Filatov-Dukes disease or Fourth Disease).
When the fifth childhood rash was discovered it was simply named Fifth Disease (it's also known as Erythema Infectiosum). This disease affects school age children worldwide, infants and adults only being affected infrequently.
Only a low grade fever accompanies the infection, which characteristically produces a rash that gives the child a "slapped-cheek" appearance.
This rash fades after about 11 days, is usually itchy, and becomes worse if the child is bathed in warm water, becomes upset or rubs the skin.
No treatment is required, complications are rare, and this childhood disease is considered to be a very mild one.
Compared to some of the jawbreaking names we give diseases, I think Fifth Disease is a simple one to remember.

Different Causes for "Floaters"

2009-05-10T06:40:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I have two wonderful maiden aunts that have had the same problem, but each was treated in a different way.
They complained of specks jumping around in front of their eyes.
One aunt had it for years, and her doctor told her that there was nothing to worry about.
However, when the second aunt suddenly began to see the same things, her doctor put her in the hospital as an emergency and then treated her there.
Can you explain to me what happened?

ANSWER: The condition known as "floaters" is generally a simple, benign situation with little cause for alarm.
They are caused by tiny flecks of material in the jelly-like "vitreous" that fills the globe of the eye.
Many people have this experience, especially in brightly lit environments. However, the sudden appearance of floaters, particularly when accompanied by flashes of light, are entirely another thing.
They speak of an acute problem within the retina, the light sensitive tissue that lines the eye.
When a pathological condition produces a yanking on the retina, it interprets the pulling as a flash of light.
This precedes a "detached retina," a condition in which the retina is pulled away from its normal position against the wall of the eyeball.
The floaters may be caused by blood cells that have escaped from a leak in the vessels of the retina or as a result of a tear in the retina itself.
Prompt treatment can stop the progression of the detachment and preserve the vision of the patient.

What is Known About Seborrhea?

2009-05-07T10:10:00.005-07:00

QUESTION: Please can you tell me all that is known about seborrhea? Recently I was diagnosed as having this skin problem, and there doesn't seem to be much known about the cause.
Since I have had three recurrences in six weeks, it is most depressing.

ANSWER: I am happy to tell you all I know about this distressing skin disease, but that's a long way from ALL that is known about it.
It is defined as an inflammatory scaling disease of the scalp and face, and occasionally other areas of the body.
The name comes from two words, one from the Latin "sebum" meaning "suet" and the other a Greek word "rhoia" translated as "to flow".
Sebum is a thick, semifluid liquid that is composed of fat and the remains of epithelial cells, and is secreted by the sebaceous glands located in the skin.
Despite all this, it is probable that the amount, composition and flow of sebum in people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis is pretty close to normal.
It starts in adults in a gradual fashion, showing itself as a greasy scaling of the scalp leading to dandruff, and being just a bit itchy. When the condition is severe, we can see scaling yellow-red papules (round, raised, solid elevations of the skin) along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows and bridge of the nose, and even down over the sternum (middle bone of the chest).
You're right, not much is known about its cause, but seems to appear most in the middle aged and elderly.
However children in the first month of life can also develop seborrheic dermatitis, at which time it is called "cradle cap".
It may be related to our genetic make-up, but emotional stress, diet, hormones and even climate may effect the condition. It's a condition that once started is with you for life, and each episode may last from weeks to months.
A number of treatments do exist, and the choice depends upon the location of the rash and its severity.
Dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, and coal tar may be effective when used on a daily basis.
To control the redness and inflammation, a corticosteroid (cortisone-like) cream or lotion may also be used.

Is There Some way to Live With a Pet While Being Allergic?

2009-05-07T10:10:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: We have a pet that has been with the family for about a year now. However, my physician has found that I am allergic to the little fellow, and has recommended that I part with my pet.
I just can't! Surely there must be some way for us to exist together.
Can you provide me with any suggestions or help?

ANSWER: You haven't told me just how bad your symptoms are, probably so I won't restate your own physician's advice.
However, the only way you can eliminate all your discomfort is to bear the temporary pain of separation, in exchange for total relief.
Understanding your problem with this solution, let us try for some tips that may help you coexist with your pet.
Since your symptoms depend upon contact with a certain allergen level, keeping these low may help you avoid some discomfort.
Keep your animal as clean as possible. Have a nonallergic member of the family brush and clean your pet outside your house, thus reducing the number of hairs and the amount of dander shed with your home.
Since soiled litter may also contain some allergen sources of your trouble, it too is another task that should be delegated to someone else.
If feasible, allow your pet to spend as much time as possible outside, taking care to provide all the necessities for its comfort.
To further reduce unnecessary contact, keep the animal out of your bedroom or other places in your home where you spend a good deal of your time.
You may benefit from an air cleaner in your home, which can greatly reduce the amount of airborne allergens.
Inquire about immunotherapy from your physician or allergist. Allergy shots may be just the ticket to building up your ability to tolerate those annoying allergens.
In the meantime, antihistamines and decongestants may offer you some relief, and permit you to enjoy the companionship your pet offers.

What is "Pheochromocytoma"?

2009-05-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: At age 47, my husband has been diagnosed with a rare type of high blood pressure, for which surgery is being advised.
Although his doctor tried to explain the facts about a "pheochromocytoma," we are still confused and distressed.
We hope you will find this question interesting enough to publish an answer in your column.

ANSWER: It is certainly an interesting condition, but can also be most confusing.
Even the name is more than most people can manage to say.
Broken down to its Greek origins the word means "dusky (pheo) colored (chromo) cell (cyt) tumor (oma)", and it is in fact a tumor of chromaffin cells that secrete chemicals called catecholamines.
These chemicals produce a number of reactions in the body.
Typically a patient will experience episodic sweating, headaches, and palpitations and will be found to have an elevated blood pressure when tested.
Additional symptoms of flushing, abdominal pain, constipation, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting may occur, but not all symptoms occur in all patients.
At first the symptoms come on infrequently and last for but fifteen minutes or so, but with passing time, both the severity and frequency of the attacks increase.
Although the physical examination may be normal, a urine test will show an increased level of catecholamines.
Testing a 24 hour urine specimen for various other chemicals which result from the chemical breakdown of catecholamines will usually lead to an accurate diagnosis.
The next problem is to determine the location of the tumors.
They average 5 to 6 cm.
in size, usually weigh from 50 to 200 gm, but can grow as large as several kilograms.
About 80 percent of the time they are found in the adrenal gland, which perches on the kidney.
However they may be found in the glands on both sides of the body (in about 10 percent of the cases) and may be located in other areas of the body as well.
A variety of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to complement scintigraphy, which uses radio active isotopes to locate the tumors.
Surgery is needed to permanently remove the tumors, and the patient usually passes through a period of medical management when various medications are used to assure that the hypertension and other symptoms are controlled before the operation is performed.

Will Brisk Walking Do Any Good?

2009-05-04T09:48:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I am no athlete and never have been one.
Now, in my middle years, I am considering brisk walking, something which I do enjoy, as an alternative to all the jogging, aerobics and other exercise activities that get such a play in the press.
My question to you is whether you think that this type of activity is going to do me any good?

ANSWER: Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of debate in the medical community over the aerobic benefits of walking versus a good hard run. Certainly walkers have fewer injuries.
But the question has always been can they achieve the all important training effect? In checking the medical literature on this one, there seems to me to be enough important evidence to warrant a big "yes" to your question.
In one study, under controlled conditions, 343 subjects, both men and women between the ages of 30-69, were asked to walk a mile as fast as possible.
The result was ninety-one percent of all the women and 83 percent of the men over 50 easily reached a training heart rate. A training heart rate (THR) is calculated using a person's maximum heart rate, which can be figured either by subtracting your age from 220 or by taking a treadmill test.
In this case, each of the people who were part of the study began by running in place on a treadmill until they reached the point of exhaustion, during which time their heartbeat and ability to use oxygen was monitored.
This record was then compared to data recorded during a 30-minute walk. The benefits of aerobic exercise depends heavily on intensity, or the ability to use the oxygen we take in while moving fast enough to maintain 70 percent of our maximum heart rate.
For women and for men over fifty, this was easy to achieve when walking at speeds just under 3.4 mph.
Younger men could only achieve a THR by walking a good deal faster. If you add it all up, it means good news for the middle aged person who wants to be just a bit healthier through exercise.
A good brisk walk that is performed long enough and often enough may be just your ticket.
And the fact that it is an activity you enjoy makes it a fine choice.

Febrile Seizure

2009-05-04T09:47:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: This is the third time in as many months that my 4 year old son has had a seizure during an illness with high fever.
What am I doing wrong? Is there any chance that he will have some permanent damage? Please answer these very important questions for me.

ANSWER: Up to 5 percent of all children may experience a febrile seizure or convulsion (febrile means fever) by age five.
For most, the major side effect is scaring the dickens out of parents.
However, a convulsion can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a brain infection.
Febrile seizures can either be simple (a single seizure) or complex (more than one or one that lasts longer than 15 minutes).
Most febrile seizures last less than five minutes and are associated with fevers above 102 F.
Removing excessive blankets and quilts may help to cool the child a bit and can help prevent seizures.
Usually, children who have febrile seizures are better by the time they see the physician; and aside from giving acetaminophen to reduce the fever, there is no treatment. Your child has had repeated febrile seizures and should be followed more closely.
Up to 40 percent of children who have one febrile seizure will have one again during a fever, usually within a year.
Your physician may discuss the advisability of your child taking anticonvulsant medications until age 5 or so to prevent future episodes. Only 2 percent of all children who have febrile seizures develop epilepsy and another 1 percent have nonepileptic seizures.
Occasionally, children are found to have mental retardation, coordination problems, or sensory or perceptual abnormalities after febrile seizures, but these problems probably existed before the seizure and are only noted because the child undergoes testing afterwards.

What is Fibromyalgia?

2009-05-04T09:47:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: It is a new one on me, but the frequent aches and pains I have been experiencing for some time now have finally been diagnosed as "fibromyalgia". However, even with that knowledge I have been unable to find real relief, though I have used just about everything available.
Can you tell me about this disease, and possibly suggest some treatments that may help? This has really got me down.

ANSWER: Many of our readers may not know about fibromyalgia.
It's a chronic pain condition that is thought to affect three to six million persons in the U.S., primarily women.
Also called "fibromyositis" and "myofascial pain syndrome," the complaints and symptoms may be so general and nonspecific and difficult to evaluate that fibromyalgia is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and doctors and patients alike become frustrated with the problems.
The good news is that it doesn't threaten life, deform or debilitate. Symptoms include chronic pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, especially the neck, shoulder, lower back or hip.
Morning fatigue, abdominal pain, disrupted sleep, sensitivity to temperature extremes and headaches are often reported.
Patients with fibromyalgia have many tender spots around the shoulder and knee.
Before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made, other systemic diseases like arthritis should be ruled out. Relief can sometimes be gained with stretching exercises, improved sleep, local applications of heat and gentle massage.
The condition may disappear when some stressful life situation is resolved.
If you have tried all the ordinary pain relievers without much help, suggest the use of amitriptyline hydrochloride or a combination of amitriptyline and naproxen sodium to your physician.
Benefits reported from bedtime treatment with this combination of a low dose tricyclic antidepressant and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication include improved sleep and reduced fatigue, pain and tenderness. However, even with the hope of some improvement using these medications, you will have to realize that this is a chronic condition, and your own resolve to overcome by developing your own coping mechanisms may be the best treatment available to you today.

Can Stress Actually Bring on an Asthma Attack?

2009-05-02T22:02:00.005-07:00

QUESTION: My young daughter is under constant care for asthma.
In general we are doing well, but when she gets off base, and I try to correct her, I'm in real trouble.
She begins wheezing, and I'm afraid she'll have a full blown attack, so I let her get away with what she's done.
Can the stress of our disagreement actually bring on an attack? Please help this distressed mother.

ANSWER: It's true that any extremely frustrating, frightening or upsetting situation may trigger some wheezing in the asthmatic child.
But discipline is essential for any child.
Start by having a good heart to heart chat with your daughter.
And pick a time when there is nothing else brewing.
Explain that you love her, but that everyone, including adults as well as children, must live by certain rules.
When we don't, we must accept the consequences. Many asthmatic children suffer from added emotional problems.
They may be afraid of dying.
They often suffer from feelings of inferiority because they can't compete in some activities or because of repeated absences from school.
These emotional problems may lead to depression. If you can't regain control of the discipline problem, I strongly suggest seeing a psychologist or social worker to help you and your daughter. Frequently, a calm voice of reason from outside the family can bring about the desired effect. Also, be sure to check that your daughter is taking her medication when she is being corrected.
Some children purposely skip medication while "grounded", knowing full well it'll spur symptoms.
It's their way of getting back at concerned parents.

Does Arthroscopy Hold the Promise of Real Help for Knee Injury?

2009-05-02T22:02:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: I have been retired for quite a few years now, but try to maintain an active life, taking regular brisk walks each evening.
Recently however I fell, and my left knee became swollen and painful.
Despite several weeks of medication, I still can't walk properly, because my knee seems unable to straighten out as it should.
Now my doctor wants me to go for "arthroscopy", but I am very hesitant.
Do you think this is a good idea and does it hold the promise of real help?

ANSWER: I think it is a fine idea for a number of very good reasons.
If your injury had resulted in only a minor injury, the medications and the length of time you have already been taking them should have reduced all the symptoms to a near normal state by this time.
Your description of reduced motion in your knee can be caused by several situations, including torn cartilage in the knee, damage to ligaments, or loose bodies of bone and calcium broken off during the accident from the bones of a knee that was already affected by arthritis.
While x-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful in making a diagnosis, arthroscopy will permit the physician to see the actual state of your knee and actually repair some of the damage during the operation.
The arthroscope is a telescope-like instrument which is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision.
Another incision, also quite small, is made on the other side of the knee, through which various surgical instruments can be inserted and used to perform the operations which might be indicated by your condition.
Damage to the cartilage may require that it be partially removed.
Loose bodies can be removed, and other potential areas that might become loose can be cleaned up, reducing potential irritation and giving your knee a chance to heal.
The operation is a simple one, holds few risks for someone who is in otherwise good condition, and the recovery period is quite brief, which will get you back to your regular activities in the shortest possible time.
With this information in hand, you would be wise to discuss this with your physician once again, to more fully understand your problem and the potential benefits of the procedure he has advised.

Is There any Medical Reason for Someone to Have B12 Shots?

2009-05-02T22:02:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: My physician has me on a regular series of B12 shots, which he insists I need.
My friend tells me it is all hog wash and there is no such thing.
Is there any real medical reason for someone to have these treatments?

ANSWER: Anywhere from 3 to 10 percent of all people over the age of 65 are deficient in vitamin B12.
The only way to treat this problem is with injections. Detecting a deficiency of B12 isn't easy.
In fact, diagnosis of this problem is elusive and difficult, at best.
No one test can tell your doctor whether you are low in B12, and the symptoms of the problem can be confusing and vague.
Most of us consume diets that are sufficient in their content of B12.
Meat, dairy products, yeast and certain vegetables are good sources. However, some people don't absorb B12 as they should, and thus they can't depend on a balanced diet to take care of the problem.
Pernicious anemia is the most common result of the lack of B12 absorption.
People who have had extensive stomach surgery cannot absorb sufficient B12, and some people with intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease can't absorb it either. Alcoholics are often deficient in B12, because alcohol interferes with its absorption, and because alcoholics often consume poorly balanced diets. Strict vegetarians who don't take care to balance their diets and elderly people on fixed incomes are also particularly susceptible to B12 deficiency. Symptoms of a lack of B12 in the body are a bit vague.
Fatigue, confusion, apathy and lack of appetite are common.
The skin may have a lemon yellow tint, and the tongue may be sore and beefy red.
The patient's family may report personality changes and unusual behavior.
The patient may report unusual sensations in the extremities, or a decrease in pain and temperature sensation. A reason for a vitamin B12 deficiency can usually be found.
Simply replacing the B12 with injections doesn't cure the problem; it only treats the symptoms.
If your diet is well-balanced, you don't abuse alcohol and you are truly deficient in B12, your doctor should be able to inform you as to the origins of your particular need for these vitamin injections.

If You Get Caught in the Cold, You Get a Cold, Right?

2009-05-01T02:39:00.005-07:00

QUESTION: If you get caught in the cold, you get a cold, right? Help me win two tickets to the ball game on this one.

ANSWER: Sorry, no tickets; you are wrong.
There is no medical evidence to show that cold or wet weather either causes a cold or aggravates one you already have.
If that idea were correct, Alaskans would have constant colds and Floridians wouldn't get them at all (well, almost never!). Colds are caused by tiny organisms called viruses and they have nothing to do with the weather.
You catch a cold by either coming into contact with someone who has a cold or by touching a surface that is infected with cold viruses.
Cold viruses can survive for several hours on hands, objects, or in cloth handkerchiefs, and are probably spread most often by direct contact, such as touching a contaminated surface.
Many people think sneezing and coughing spreads the virus, but since the mucus spray they produce carries little virus, this is unlikely. The best way to prevent the spread of colds is to wash your hands frequently if you've been exposed to someone with a cold.
If you catch a cold, then all those simple rules become quite useful.
Get plenty of rest and stay comfortable, and drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids.

What is a D & C?

2009-05-01T02:39:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: My problem has been irregular menstrual bleeding and now it seems I am to have a D & C.
I suppose I should know what this means, but I don't. Would you please tell me what I should know?

ANSWER: A dilation and curettage (D & C) is a relatively simple diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which the neck of the womb is expanded with a tool called a dilator, and the lining of the womb is scraped off with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.
The lining is then studied in the lab to rule out any abnormal pathology, such as a benign or cancerous tumor. Although D & C is used less frequently than it once was (to spare the patient the risks and costs of surgery), a physician will still recommend it for a few specific clinical situations.
For instance, a D & C is used to clean out the uterus and/or reduce the amount of bleeding after a miscarriage. Also, if a potential problem is detected by biopsy in the office, if the patient is experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, or if the office workup does not yield enough tissue for evaluation, a D & C is the best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
In your case it may provide the answers needed to help correct your problem.

Exercise as a Prescription for Depression?

2009-05-01T02:39:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: I gather from my reading that exercise is helpful in a lot of situations, but I can scarcely believe that a respected doctor would offer it as a prescription for depression.
My doctor insists that a regular schedule of walking will help me.
Is he stringing me along or something?

ANSWER: Over the last ten years, health professionals have been pleased to find that people who do regular exercise report significant reductions in anxiety and depression, improved sleep and appetite, better concentration and even better academic performance. There are several reasons that doctors are combining or replacing exercise therapy with older approaches to treat depressed patients.
Old treatments include the use of antidepressant drugs, shock therapy, and sleep deprivation.
Research shows that exercise increases oxygen uptake, improving circulation and allowing more oxygen to reach the brain. Exercisers with higher oxygen levels have shown significantly lower anxiety and depression levels when compared with sedentary control groups. Another factor is that depression is characterized by prolonged sadness, inactivity, dullness, a feeling of helplessness and loss of control.
With exercise, people gain a sense of mastery and achievement.
They feel they are doing something positive for themselves and by being able to do something for themselves, there is a renewed feeling that they can control at least some parts of their lives.
No pill could have that effect! People who embark on exercise programs start to feel better because their cardiovascular systems are in better condition.
Blood pressure goes down, and so does body weight.
People can actually feel and see their lives improving. Vigorous aerobic exercise also encourages the body's production of a natural morphine-like substance called endorphins, which have been linked to feelings of well-being. Why introduce medication which can have side-effects into the body when a brisk walk can lift the spirit and have many other positive effects? Give your doctor's prescription a chance, I think you will be very surprised at the help it can offer.

What is Ischemia?

2009-04-28T10:29:00.003-07:00

QUESTION: I read your column each day and today it was about angina.
A mention of myocardial infarction or heart attack was included.
Is this the same as myocardial ischemic disease? If not, what is ischemia? Thank you in advance for your answer.

ANSWER: It is not difficult to get lost in the maze of terms we doctors use about disease, and though I should know better, I guess I wasn't as clear about these conditions as I want to be.
So let's go back and do it again, and hopefully get it right this time.
Ischemia (from the Greek word "ischein" to suppress, and "haima" blood) literally means a deficiency of blood supply to the heart, usually from an obstruction or constriction in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Because it is this blood supply that supplies the oxygen that heart cells need to live, ischemia is also used to describe situations in which there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to tissues. When the coronary arteries are the affected vessels, it may be called "coronary artery disease" as well.
When a sudden blockage of these arteries occurs, perhaps due to the formation of a clot inside the artery, the heart muscles are suddenly deprived of their needed oxygen supplies and a "heart attack" occurs, with all the well known symptoms of acute chest pain and shock.
If the situation cannot be speedily reversed (and it can in some incidences, due to new medications and techniques), the muscle tissue dies. And that's when the word "infarct" is used for it means "an area of tissue death due to local ischemia resulting from the obstruction of circulation to the area".
Add the word "myocardial" to the term ("myo" for muscle, "cardio" for heart), and the diagnosis is complete.
In the case of angina, the circulation blockage may not be complete, and the partial reduction of blood flow to the heart is enough to cause heart muscles to suffer an oxygen lack without dying.
The pain that this condition causes may make the patient stop all other activity, reducing the strain on the heart, and giving it a moment or two to catch up on its oxygen requirements.

MDifDirect

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