Friday, September 9, 2011 NewsLeader A7
The power of critical thinking skills: Wasting a phone scammer’s time So guy phones me up, mystery number, asks if I have a Windows computer. I say yes. He says they are phoning all Windows users to do a security check. You know where this is going… I interrupt his script to suggest that is a daunting task, with there being something like 2 billion Windows computers. I express genuine interest in the logistics, asking him about his staff levels, work hours and management team. Trying to stay on track, he quickly says they have 10,000 staff working around the clock. I act impressed, but suggest that this seems hardly enough, as each of the 10,000 people would need to make 250 calls a day each to get to all the Windows computer users within a three-year timeframe. That is only if they are lucky enough to get everyone the first try: what about the people they miss the first time, and need to call back? Or need to call back more than once? That must at least double the number of calls needed. Starting to feel trapped, he said something about them working very hard… I assured him I believe he did, but what do they do about the database problem? How to keep track of calls made by 10,000 staff, and to keep track of the JOHNSTONE people who may buy a windows computer during the three years it takes to get through all the users. He started to get itchy now. And went back to his first question: did I have a Windows computer? Then it occurred to me that he was asking IF I had a windows computer, which leads me to believe they are making up the database as they go along. Ay Caramba! What are they thinking!?! They need to call everyone on Earth, hoping to catch the two billion with Windows computers! He suggested these things were management’s problem, not his. Pretty creative response, if you ask me. But I was more undaunted than he. I then asked if the 10,000 included management, because that just makes the numbers worse. I started to compliment him on the astounding task he and his massive team have undertaken. Then started asking how they manage the language problem, as the majority of Windows computer owners likely don’t speak English. Were there, I suggested, some sort of regional language teams, and how many languages do the 10,000 staff speak? I had him going on this line for about five minutes before he hung up. Never got my security check...
■ Patrick Johnstone is a New Westminster resident, who blogs at greennewwest.blogspot.com.
SANDY LONGRIDGE
This week students are heading back to school at a cost. After 25 years of federal cuts to education, the share of university operating budgets funded by tuition fees has more than doubled, leaving the average BC university graduate with a debt of $27,000. Students today face the highest tuition fees in history, a cost that, for many, places post-secondary education out of reach. Gone are the days when a student could work over the summer and finance their DONNELLY education with the proceeds. Students today are taking on crippling debt in order to pursue higher education and the federal and provincial governments are doing little to help them. British Columbia places last in the provision of non-repayable assistance and actually cut provincial grants in 2002. We have an obligation to provide the next generation with the tools necessary to achieve their goals. As a New Democrat, I take that obligation seriously and will work with my caucus to invest in accessible, quality postsecondary education that ensures a strong future for Canada. Fin Donnelly Member of Parliament New Westminster – Coquitlam
Fletcher ‘agent provocateur’ Re: ‘People’s victory’ means pain ahead (BC Views, NewsLeader, Aug. 31) Tom Fletcher, never fails to champion the difference between the wages and ben-
efits of public and private employees. His constant mantra that public workers [mostly unionized] are bad, private workers [not unionized] are good is the antithesis of correct subject commentary. His Aug. 31 column once again places him in the untenable position of defender of the corporate sector. His snide remarks to belittle any opposition to any corporate involvement may be grist for his mill but the end product is unappetizing to the average private sector wage earner. According to his slanted version of democracy the public worker is king while the poor struggling corporation is forced to not only pay its private worker but also provide a slowly diminishing pension plan. In order to underscore his point on this subject he quotes Canadian author, Mark Steyn, an ultra right wing writer on a par with the American author, Ann Coulter, another fanatic conservative. It is obvious the “people’s victory”, as he describes the HST defeat, does not sit well in his version of democracy. The $3 billion he mentions is a direct result of the B.C. Liberal MLA’s being scared witless of Gordon Campbell’s demanding ways. It is his and their fault [except for Blare Lekstrom who later recanted his decision] that B.C. is in such a financial sinkhole. Despite agent provocateur Tom Fletcher‘s magnum opus pieces in favour of “free market” economies and deregulation the reality remains that the “people’s victory” aroused a sleeping giant that will turf out the B.C. Liberals. Brian J. O’Neill Burnaby
WRITE TO US Letters to the Editor must identify writers by proper name, and provide address and phone numbers for verification. The NewsLeader reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity and legality. Letters over 400 words are less likely to be considered for publication. Send letters to letters@ newwestnewsleader. com, or mail or drop them off to 7438 Fraser Park Dr., Burnaby, V5J 5B9.
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A14 NewsLeader Friday, September 9, 2011
Victims of arson, shots fired connected to Justice Institute Several incidents of threats, arson and shots fired at or near the homes of 10 people connected to the New Westminster-based Justice Institute of B.C. are being investigated by the RCMP. RCMP say of the 10 who were targeted, three are employees of the JIBC, while two are past
suspected to be linked to any criminal activity. “In late July an astute investigator recognized a link between seemingly unconnected criminal events occurring throughout the Lower Mainland,” RCMP chief superintendent Janice Armstrong said. “Disturbingly, it
students. The other five have indirect links to the institute. None of the incidents took place at the JIBC. A JIBC press release said as far as officials there are aware, none of the victims is a current student, was physically harmed or was known to the police or
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Wonderful character hme in the West End. Built in 1946 + a fabulous addition added upstairs in 1999. Main flr feats 2 bds (one currently used as an office), spacious LR w/gas f/p & hrdwd fls, spacious white kitch w/tile flrs & newer applcs, dining area w/dble glass drs leading to sundeck w/hot tub & view of river & Alex Fraser Bridge. Up boasts a great open games/media rm, beautiful mstr bd w/ lots of wndws to take advantage of the view, large ensuite w/Jacuzzi tub & sep shower, WI closet w/ organizer & access to crawl space. Bsmnt is full height & fully fin’d w/2 bdrms, gas fp & separate entrance. Home has beaut wndws throughout, great lot w/ mature trees & Japanese grden in private fenced back yard, new roof & lane access.
Bright & Spacious 3 level 1942 character home featuring cove ceilings, wood floors, wood burning f/p, large updated country kitchen leading to covered deck & nice landscaped private back yard, super quiet, family neighbourhood close to parks, schools, shopping & skytrain. Layout features 2 bdrms upstairs, open main with den (or 3rd bdrm), LR, DR, big kitchen and eating area + updated 4 pce bath, and 2 bdrm suite down. Home just painted outside & has 2 yr old roof, 4 yr old furnace & hw tank, lots of storage, green house & dry walled, insulated garage. Flexible possession.
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Greg Freedman art work is being displayed at the Arts Council of New Westminster’s satellite gallery at the Starlight Casino until Oct. 1. For more about his paintings go to www.jgfreedman.com or www.gregfreedman.ca
The Heritage Life Drawing Society took a break in August and is starting up again in September at a new location, 50 Lorne St., just below Douglas College in New Westminster. The society offers artists of all levels and backgrounds the
increased, but classes will continue as usual. “JIBC is very concerned about this situation, and the impact it has had on innocent victims,” JIBC president Jack McGee said. “We are doing everything we can to support the police investigation, and taking all possible steps to protect the safety and security of students, staff, faculty and the public who access our campuses.” Anyone with any information on the cases should contact their local police department. ggranger@newwestnewsleader.com
opportunity to practice the art of life drawing with a professional model. Bring own supplies, including easels. When: Starting Sept. 11, every Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: $11 members, $14 non-members; Info: herirtagelifedrawing.com or Gillian 604-524-0638.
Monogatari: Discover the many monogatari (tales) of Powell Street - the vibrant pre-war commercial and residential district of the Japanese community in Vancouver. By 1921, most of Vancouver’s 4000 Japanese residents lived in or within walking distance of the area, but after the internment starting in 1942, only a few ever returned
after the Second World War. When: Until Oct. 1. Where: Japanese Canadian National Museum, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby. Admission by donation. Info: 604-7777000.
Richard Major Art Group: This non-instructional group has openings for new members, from beginners to advanced. For artists interested in oils, acrylics, watercolours, ink pens, pencils and pencil crayons. When: Meets Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby. Info: Eileen, 604515-0371 or Sheila, 604436-7709.
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seems innocent people have been subject to arsons of their homes and vehicles, and some have had their residences or vehicles shot at.” Armstrong emphasized the RCMP does not have any information to indicate anyone else is at risk. A team of investigators from forces across the Lower Mainland are working on the case. With the new school year beginning Tuesday, the RCMP and the Justice Institute decided to alert the school’s staff and students. Security at the JIBC has been
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Fabulous unobstructed river view from this near new well laid out 741 sf, 1 bdrm suite in the Prestigious “Interurban” in the heart of New Westminster re-developing downtown area close to the upcoming new mall with 10 theatres, skytrain station, shops, entertainment and Quay. This immaculate suite features open plan, kitchen with granite counters, ISLAND & stainless steel appcs, insuite lndry/storage room, large LR & DR , floor to ceiling windows, spacious curved deck, computer nook, laminate floors & much more!
Spacious 1713 sf, 3 bdrm + den/rec room, 3 level townhome in “Royal City Terrace”. 1st level features den/rec room, main floor has open kitchen with granite counters & laminate floors and opens to living room area, great family room or dining area adjoining the kitchen, balcony with SE views and the 3rd level features 3 bedroom with ensuite in the mstr bdrm. Complex is conveniently located with walking distance to both Uptown and Downtown New Westminster.
Substantially renovated 3 level, 2371 sq ft 1936 character home with 4 bdrms + 1 bdrm in fully finished bsmt. Features new kitchen w/ dark wood cabinets & granite counters & island, wood floors, stained glass, moldings, coved ceilings, 2 bdrms on main, 2 lrg bdrms & new bathroom up (w/ pedestal sink & claw foot tub), double windows & new drain tiles. Close to skytrain, shopping, parks & schools.
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Bright & Spacious, top floor corner 1000 sf, 7 year old 2 bdrm + Den and 2 full bath immaculate suite in the well built“Brockton” by award winning Cabinet House, just steps away from shopping and transit, justice institute, Canada games pool, Queens Park, schools + more! This open plan features wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, great city views, large covered balcony, Built-in carpenter desk, walk-through closet and insuite laundry. Balance of the new home warranty, Shows well & flexible possession.
Great west facing, 2 bdrm in award winning, Whistler style“Crofton”building near Queens Park. This wonderful unit features gas fireplace, insuite lndry with upgraded washer/dryer, kitchen w/ tile floors, maple cabinets and ceramic cooktop stove, newer laminate floors, newer paint & ceiling fan. Complex is well maintained & managed and is in an excellent location just steps to Queens Park, Canada Games Pool, transit & schools.
Gorgeous 5 bdrm, 2 bath, 2400 sf character home on large corner lot in Victory Heights with amazing river, mountain & city views. This beautiful home features hardwood floors, coved ceilings, gas fp, updated kitchen with maple cabinets & newer appliances, 4 pce bath on main with soaker tub, mostly all double windows, 3 bdrms on main, large rec room & 2 more large bdrms down, large nicely landscaped lot with hot tub, view deck off kitchen, security system, single concrete garage, updating to drain tiles & wiring (no knob & tube). Lovely home & area close to transit, Crest shopping centre, parks & schools.
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A20 NewsLeader Friday, September 9, 2011
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Friday, September 9, 2011 NewsLeader A19
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A18 NewsLeader Friday, September 9, 2011
BC SPLITS FIELD LACROSSE NATS
MARIO BARTEL/NEWSLEADER
Team BC’s Quinton Pavan, right, battles a Team Alberta forward for contol of a loose ball in preliminary round action at the U-16 national field lacrosse championships, Saturday at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West. BC went on to win the Alumni Cup, edging Team Ontario in the final 11-10. In the U-19 division Team BC lost the final to Team Ontario 13-12.
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