Goodnight Kool Haus 021115

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Photo: Mark Legendre/MK Photography

ENDLESS GOOD TIMES

GOODNIGHT ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

It is the end of an era. The legendary Guvernment Entertainment Complex has officially closed their doors forever. On January 31st, 2015 Kool Haus, located inside Guvernment, had the honor of hosting their last fete ever, the most anticipated Doh Cry Ah Leavin (D.C.A.L). Sold out every year since they began, D.C.A.L celebrated their 20th run with exciting performances by Dr. Jay and an extra special pre-carnival appearance by Kes the Band.

For many, the night was one to remember. The vibes were nice and the atmosphere alive, flags waving and

hands raised towards the heavens. The energy was electric, and the crowd really appreciated the celebration of this historic venue, letting it go out with a bang. Having the chance to attend any event held at Kool Haus was like a rite of passage. To be old enough to have your ID checked at the gate, and to have the ability to walk through those doors with your head held high knowing that it was going to be a night to remember.

The Guvernment Entertainment Complex has been recognized as one of Canada’s longest running nightclubs, playing host to some of

KOOL HAUS

the most memorable performances in Toronto’s nightlife scene. The club is best renowned for its annual “fullcomplex” events where all seven rooms that make up the complex are accessible. They were usually held on long weekends and special occasions that lasted until 7:00am. The Kool Haus has been the stomping ground for some big names such as K’Naan, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and The Black Eyed Peas artists that filled the complex and had the place thriving until the early hours of the morning.

Continued On Page 11

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN ARIBBEAN

Jasmine Fyffe: Dancing her way to the top Jasmyn Fyffe is making her mark on the Toronto dance scene as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. Her work is created within a movement style that is an eclectic blend of her versatile training background while maintaining a strong contemporary foundation.

She founded her company Jasmyn Fyffe Dance, in September 2007 and they have produced two successful seasons of shows with Dance Works CoWorks in 2010 and 2012. In addition, Fyffe has been on the jury for the Ontario Arts Council Dance Initiatives Program, Dora Mavor Awards in the dance division and for the Dance Matters Series: From the Frying Pan. She is the recipient of three travel grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Access and Career Development Grant from the Ontario Arts Council, and her company has received one creation and three production grants from the Toronto and Ontario Arts Councils.

Fyffe has been commissioned by a variety of prestigious associations over the years. Her most recent commission was Ballet Jorgen’s solos and duets choreographic exchange and Earl Haig Secondary School. Not to mention, she has created 11 dance works on her company and has cocreated four works with other local choreographers throughout the span of her career.

As an independent dancer, Jasmyn has performed in the touring musical UMO-

JA and has danced for Grammy Award winning artist Nelly Furtado. In fact, she has worked with: Hanna Kiel, Red Sky Performance, Artists in Motion, Dance Migration, Scott Fordham, KasheDance, Calu Entertainments, Linda Garneau and international musical sensation Kirk Franklin.

She has also travelled to Japan, NYC and Seattle, WA touring with a ‘Pop Idols’ show for the Booking House Agency.

In 2012, Jasmyn was nominated for the first ever Young Center Dance Awards, she sits on the faculty for the Toronto Pre-professional Scholarship Dance Program and was delighted to be a guest choreographer and Mentor for Dare to Dance 2012 and proudly had the opportunity to dance in Washington, D.C. at an inaugural event.

One of Fyffe’s 2012 works ‘Pulse’, was selected to be presented in the 2013 Montreal Fringe Festival and was quite successfully remounted. She received the 2013 Frankie Award for Most Outstanding Choreographer/Choreography in the festival.

In 2013 Ms. Fyffe also co-choreographed and co-produced the highly acclaimed dance-theatre production, “Gimme One Riddim” with fellow choreographer Natasha Powell and remounted the show in Spring 2014 as it was selected to be a part of Harbourfront’s acclaimed NextSteps Series and again at Flato Markham Theatre in the Fall.

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Over 500 people in attendance for the opening of the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit Jordan Maxwell TC Reporter The Art of Gallery of Ontario (AGO) was home to more than 500 people on Thursday as the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit opened to widespread acclaim and fanfare wrapped with a legendary performance from DJ Grandmaster Flash.

The Haitian-born painter was celebrated just as Black History Month took off last week and the event featured a panel discussion from the Toronto Chapter of the Black Lives Matter movement as they addressed key issues surrounding social justice, what it means to be black, methods to press forward for true freedom and equality while paying homage to victims of police brutality in North America.

The panel discussion provided a place for blacks and other key interest groups to learn the experiences of the four intelligent panellists and gave people the opportunity to learn and espouse on the issues affecting not just the black and transgendered communities in Toronto, but abroad as well.

“We have black folk here exploring our blackness while celebrating a black artist,” said Alexandria Williams, a representative of the Black Lives Matter movement in Toronto.

“This is powerful. While celebrating the richness of black-produced art, we feel it is our duty to recognize the politics embedded in this art and more importantly, how relevant it is still to this day.”

And it was exactly that. The panel spoke freely on their views and the crowd was receptive to most of the talking points, responding with boisterous applause towards the panellists – Mustafa the Poet, Randell Adjai, Janaya Khan and Syrus Marcus Ware.

When the panel finished up, the Basquiat gallery opened up and some of the painter’s legendary artwork was on display for the masses to analyze.

One piece, Obnoxious Liberals, was a direct challenge to the wealthy world of art collectors who were around him during that period. The piece features a man holding a fist full of arrows, wearing a sign saying not for sale. The subtle tones of slavery and his loathing of the social elite is heavily expressed in this painting.

Another piece, Dark Race Horse, acknowledges the late great Jesse Owens, a black sprinter who won four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin.

The games were controlled by the Nazis and Owens’ victories at the game were heavily scrutinized by the Nazis and Aryan culture, but also contributed to African American pride.

The painting, which depicts the sprinter’s most important feature — his right foot — also demonstrates the artist’s interest in anatomy.

“By taking on the role of storyteller and referencing the past and the present, Basquiat becomes an agent of change, asserting the perseverance of black life.”

His simple strokes and intricate messages captured the imaginations of gallery-goers and his pieces carried historical relevance against the political elite, poverty, social justice and racism.

Basquiat invaded the New York art scene in the early 1980s and soon took it by storm providing vital dialogue through his artwork. His career was tragically cut short at the tender age of 27 due to a heroin overdose, but remains legendary for his pieces and collaborations/relationship with Andy Warhol. His work will be on display until May 10th.

The night continued and the main event featured Grandmaster Flash, one of hip-hops premier DJs who was also born in Barbados. Interested in music and the art of DJ at a young age, he burst onto the scene with MCs such as Kurtis Blow, Lovebug Starsky, Melle Mel and Kid Creole.

And that wisdom and energy was on full display as he spun an incredible set full of 70s funk, 80s rap and house music and well as 90s classics, bringing the amazing event and night full-circle.

“He was truly the Grandmaster tonight,” said Gabrielle Thompson, an eventgoer. “He killed it.”

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

JN Black History Month essay competition launched TORONTO -- In observance of Black History Month, this February, the Jamaica National Building Society’s Toronto Representative Office will host its annual Black History Month Essay Competition for high school students in the Greater Toronto Area.

Grades 9-12 students are being invited to submit an essay of 400 to 500 words on the topic: “Describe a person of colour who has impacted your life and inspired you to be a better person. Explain how you intend to apply that experience in your future.”

Essays should be submitted to jnbstro1@gmail.com by 11:00 p.m., on Friday, February 27, 2015. The top five entries will be awarded prizes. The first prize will be $1,000 bursary toward enrollment in a college, university, or apprenticeship training, and an iPad Mini 3. The second prize is an iPad Mini 2; third prize, an iPad; JN Prize Packs will be awarded as fourth and fifth prizes.

All entrants are required to include their first and last names, mailing address, email address, Facebook page, contact number, name and address of their school, Principal’s name and grade level.

“As part of our support and commitment to promoting the retention of national heritage and culture among youth, we have launched this essay competition, which is now in its second year,” disclosed Jerrold Johnson, Chief Representative Officer. “We were pleased with the overall response to the competition last year, which compelled us to

include it in our 2015 calendar of events.”

Noting from observation that there is a common disconnect with young people in identifying with figures from black history, Mr. Johnson explained that it was important to connect with the youth to help them to appreciate and celebrate the significant contributions of people of colour who allow others to enjoy the rights and freedom that are common place today.

“As an organisation, we will be making every effort to educate and affirm the value of our heritage to our young people, so that they can be proud of the contributions of people of colour to society and be inspired to make their own mark. This year’s essay has been tailored to allow students to write about anyone, from the past or present, and how they have been inspired and empowered by that individual.”

He said that the Society was pleased to have 19 associate partners on board this year, “who are excited to play their part in modeling success for our young people and help mold them towards the right direction.

“Collaborations like these will no doubt help our young adults experience a brighter future,” Mr. Johnson said.

Jenate Stampp, then a Grade 12 student at the Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, won the competition last year; while, Anthony Huang placed second.

This year’s winners will be announced at a private event hosted by Jamaica National on March 15, 2015.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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6 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Guyanese Author Releases Eye Opening Memoir Emily Singh TC Reporter TORONTO -- “This soul of ours may be that which we need to nourish and provide with learning. Revenge certainly does not fall into the category of nourishing the soul.”

This is just one of many life lessons found in Sheer Ramjohn’s book, Some Observations of the Human Kind.

Ramjohn was born and raised in Guyana and immigrated to Canada at the age of seventeen. It is evident through his command of the English language that writing has been a life long passion of his. Ramjohn has a background in both education and science and has studied and taught in Guyana and the United Kingdom.

Some Observations of the Human

Kind provides a personal account of Ramjohn’s life experiences growing up in Guyana. This is just one of few unique aspects of the book that will have readers engaged from start to finish. Ramjohn without a doubt has a knack for storytelling and it translates beautifully through his use of detailed anecdotes.

“It’s about things that have happened in my life and things that have happened in other peoples lives. It’s medically, psychologically and philosophically based.

It’s these entire elements put together that makes one think about life,” says Ramjohn.

Each chapter of this encapsulating memoir ends with a life lesson. The hope is that readers will take on a new perspective and walk away having learnt something. The ending of Chapter One’s lesson is as follows: “If we are not able to inculcate the goodness that life offers, we are most likely to expire on more ways than one as we serve a useful cosmic purpose. Granted, we are humans with all our endowed frail ways, but making them better should be our inner quest. If we do not make an effort to do this but instead choose an egotistical path, we are

most likely to be in a position that creates our own negative destiny!”

From the words of world-renowned author, Louis L’amour, “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” This quote could not hold truer for Ramjohn. Once he took pen to paper it was impossible to turn off the faucet of his mind. Words, thoughts and ideas flowed freely and Some Observations of the

Human Kind was born.

“I went through quite a bit in life and I felt I needed to share that with others.

It is a learning experience, life is a learning experience,” says Ramjohn.

This encompassing memoir can be found at Chapers/Indigo as well as Amazon.

The book is also available in electronic form as an eBook though Kobo, iBooks, Kindle and Google Play.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Mr. Bahamas Kenneth Kerr off to Mr. International in Seoul, Korea BAHAMAS -- Rising Caribbean male model Kenneth Kerr is officially off to represent The Bahamas in the 2015 Mr. International Pageant in Seoul, Korea.

The immigration officer and fitness trainer held a small press briefing at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau before boarding for his 18 hour trip.

Kenneth Kerr’s media blitz included speaking to outlets in Korea, Florida and Atlanta prior to his trip where he was touted as one to watch over the next two weeks leading up to the final night. “As I get ready to board my flight to Seoul, Korea I just want to take this time to thank the individuals/entities who helped make this journey possible through their support,� Kerr stated. “So many people made this a team effort. I wish to personally thank Security Systems International Limited, MOJO’s Restaurant & Bar, CraftCottage Bahamas and Jubilee Dance Studio.� “My wardrobe is an important

ter Bahamas & Manhunt International Bahamas Organization for entrusting this task to him. “As I always say, I am forever appreciative and I never for a minute take for granted what your support means to me,�

Kerr addressed his supporters. “The kind words, messages, texts, social media postings and support in any way already make me a winner. Know that I journey to Seoul as a winner already because of you all! Big hugs and I’ll see you on the other side in Seoul.�

factor and I have to thank Latrell Strachan and Lux Men’s Warehouse Inc who spared no expense to ensure Mr. Bahamas represents well. Also, I have to thank Bahamas Masqueraders & Tonz Dean for my National Costume. As for travel, I must recognize Albert Fazande & Delta Airlines. I also want to thank David Rolle & House of Raphelita and PICOlapĂŠlle.â€? “My mission will not be complete without the support of Valdez K Russell, Shawn Forbes, my Distinct Culture Model Management family in Chicago, my photographers, James C. Lewis, Trevor Green and Roderick Wells,â€? Kerr added.“To my publicist Arthia Nixon you are amazing and I owe you so much!

Thank you!�

Kerr will be making a presentation at the pageant’s charity event and decided to take a painting by Bahamian artist Patrick Hanna to represent the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Kerr also want to thank the Mis-

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10 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Foreign animals to be housed at Zoological Park GUYANA -- Apart from the physical development of Guyana’s Zoological Park, there have been also efforts to increase the animal population as well.These initiatives all fall under the Three Parks Initiative which is geared towards enhancing the biodiversity conservation in urban areas for the protection of Guyana’s ‘green’ space.

Minister of Natural Resource and the Environment, Robert Persaud at the opening of the Zoological Park’s Petting Zoo disclosed that just recently they concluded a zoo-to-zoo exchange programme “which will see us having new animals and species which can’t be found in Guyana or South America; emphasising that these animals are expected to come from as far as Africa and Asia.”

Agreement Signed He added that the animal population at the zoo will increase in the coming months because the agreement in the zoo-to-zoo exchange programme was already signed.

Meanwhile, according to Commissioner of the Guyana Protected Areas Commission (GPAC), Damion Fernandes on Sunday at the opening of the Zoological Park’s Petting Zoo, preparations are underway to develop the cages, in order for them to determine the breed of animals which will be housed there.

Fernandes further stated, when the preparations are concluded, that the animals will be imported from Asia and Africa.

“Apart from just featuring foreign

animals, the zoo tries to teach Guyanese about the animals which are found right here in Guyana, for example, instead of housing a lion who lies around all day, we have seven active pumas,” he said.

Flood Protection The Commissioner of the GPAC emphasised that the newly-opened Petting Zoo is a portrait of what the new zoo is expected to be like.

Highlighting that the Petting Zoo is 3 feet above the normal zoo level, which is higher than the 2005 floods, he said that 3 feet will be the lowest point in every exhibit, so in the event of another big flood, the zoo won’t be affected.

Fernandes stated that although “it might cost a little more; we’re willing to take the risk because the GPAC is planning in the long term.”

“Mostly concrete and metal will be used to build the new facilities and infrastructure so that the maintenance cost is as low as possible,” he said.

Apart from that, the long lost aquarium will now be spread throughout the zoo because the plan is to install a waterfall and filtration system to form a more eco-friendly design.

Outside Support Aside from the support of the Government, corporate persons and individuals have also been contributing towards the development of the Zoological Park. This contribution

came as the donors share the same vision for the future of the Zoological Park as the GPAC. According to Fernandes, just recently the design of the new outlook of the zoo which was done by professionals from Seattle, USA, was funded by the Beharry Group.

Financing and Sustainability He noted that the Petting Zoo now contributes to the financial income of the Zoological Park. There is income through the food bar which is set up in the Petting Zoo, so that persons can purchase food to feed the animals, since they’re not allowed to feed them anything else.

The revenue gathered from the food bar on the weekends is equivalent to that acquired from the entrance fee of the Zoological Park all week; therefore, it comes as a major benefit for the financial aspect of the zoo.

Meanwhile, he alluded to the fact that although the zoo was built in the 1950’s, some of the structures are still standing strong and this is due to the proper maintenance which is practised at the Zoological Park.

In closing Fernandes noted that although “we’ve taken major steps in developing the Zoological Park, we have a long way to go, and with the support of corporate Guyana we can take it a far way.”

- Guyana Chronicle

Sigma Run to benefit newborns at Cornwall Regional Hospital JAMAICA -- Tht nursery for newborns at the Cornwall Regional Hospital is to benefit significantly from proceeds of this year’s Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run given the high death rate of premature babies at the St James facility.

Consultant paediatrician at the hospital Dr Tracy Evans Gilbert said that, of the 700 births per month at the hospital, 60 to 70 are born premature, further increasing the need for incubators, ventilators and vital signs monitors. She added that there were only three functional ventilators at the facility.

Dr Evans Gilbert was part a panel of executives at the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Monday Exchange discussing next week’s staging of the Sigma Run. She said that, although the Cornwall Regional Hospital recently received a donation of vital sign monitors from Sandals Foundation, it can never be enough, as there are always babies needing access to these support equipment.

“Most of the places in Jamaica the population has outgrown nurseries... equipment, structure, facilities, staffing have not changed much, so we need these things to make up for the deficit of equipment,” said

Dr Evans Gilbert.

“If three babies come out and there is one ventilator we have that decision to make as to which baby has the best outcome to benefit from this ventilator,” she explained.

For the other babies, doctors have to employ methods such as using the pressure from a tube in a bottle of water to help to keep the baby lungs open, Dr Evans Gilbert said.

But even as she noted that the donation from Sagicor would come in “quite handy”, the doctor said there is the need for an entire neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital.

According to Dr Evans Gilbert, a room was converted in the regular nursery and outfitted with some donated items.

However, she said, that does not suffice, as what is needed is a fully furnished unit.

“What this event is doing is helping us to facilitate something that is really a temporary measure until we can have a bigger unit. What this funding will do is allow more babies to get the best care,” she said.

Dr Evans Gilbert said, although Jamaica’s child mortality rate has fallen for the under-five age group, there is still a

struggle with deaths within the first 28 days.

This, she said, is primarily because a lot of these babies are premature and the hospital lack resources to sustain them.

She noted that Jamaica has a target to reduce under-five mortality by two-thirds by this year.

“So by choosing (to donate to) the nursery they are actually doing a bigger thing... because the under-five mortality is influenced a lot by that first 28 days, as a third of the deaths within children under five occur within those first 28 days.

Meanwhile, President and CEO of Sagicor Jamaica Richard Byles said Cornwall Regional was selected for assistance because the focus had always been Kingston.

“But the West is growing, and it is dynamic, and it needs our help, so we decided that this year we are going to concentrate on there, but the theme is the same as it is all about kids,” he said.

Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation will also be a beneficiary of this year’s Sigma Run. - Jamaica Observer

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 11

Saying goodbye Alyssa Mahadeo TC Reporter Continued From Page 1 -- On its last night, Kool Haus opened their doors to one of the biggest Soca events of the year. DJ Junya Menace and the Kingdom of Soca kicked things off and hyped up the crowd for the marquee performances to come. The venue trembled with deep rumbling bass and the rhythm of the music had the entire place rocking and wining. Dr. Jay also known as De Soca Prince opened the night’s events, and was ecstatic to have the honour to perform on closing night. “For Soca Music to be chosen by the owners and management of KoolHaus to close that iconic Toronto venue is a great honour. The stars aligned to bring together the 20th anniversary of one of my signature events - D.C.A.L. (‘Doh Cry Ah Leavin’), Kes The Band’s 10th anniversary and the end of the era for the nightclub complex,” he acknowledges, “I am proud

of my team and what we accomplished this past weekend. I look forward to a continued growth for Soca Music, and for the culture in Toronto and beyond.”

Fans screamed with enthusiasm, as Kes the Band took to the stage and gave a performance worthy of saying goodnight to Kool Haus. They performed some of their most new and note worthy hits, such as Million, Fallin, Look Fuh Dat and Endless Summer, just to name a few.

We caught up with Kees Dieffenthaller after the show, lead vocalist for Kes the Band, and he was more than happy to share with us what the future has in store for the band.

“Wow 2015, the new is here, but it’s also yet to come,” he shares. “This year we are celebrating 10 years of the band and it is a successful carnival year I have to say, with a lot of great new songs on the air waves.”

This will be the bands second year for their concert ‘Tuesday on the Rocks,’ held in Trinidad, and we can expect there to be some more new and exciting stuff on the way. “It’s good stuff, and I really hope that the fans come along and support and rally with us on this journey.”

What he really appreciates about our city is the diversity, consisting of all the different types of people. “Toronto really

has some beautiful people, and good souls as well.” He enjoys the variety of different cuisines that we have to offer, and he loves that when he visits, he is able to experience all the cultures at once.

Kees admits that his crossovers and experimentations are not without reason. He enjoys going against the grain, not being satisfied with one thing, searching for new ways to put together sounds. “I can’t lie to you, we’re going to be experimenting again, we constantly grow, and listen to ourselves to try something new.”

The newest trend this year has found a lot of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) being mixed into more Caribbean based music.

We asked how he thought EDM tracks are going to be received in Trinidadian culture, “Well for me it’s all a movement, it’s going to be popular until it’s not.” The influence of different genres many times helps instead of hindering how music has evolved. He explains that Calypso and Soca are infamous for mixing it up, and that EDM offers a new flavor that has the potential of opening up Soca and Calypso to a larger audience. “That EDM mix can bring non-Soca fans to Soca.

It’s all going to happen, it’s inevitable, and I don’t think that we should fight it.”

Looking ahead Kees says that they are always looking into collaborating with

different artists. Recently they did collaboration with Kardinal Offishall out of Toronto with a new track coming soon called, ‘Always’. “It’s different from Kardi’s usual stuff, it’s a different take on Soca. It’s a whole different vibe, but yet so familiar and so accessible.” Some other artists that he wouldn’t mind getting on board with include Bruno Mars, Junior Gong, and Bunji Garlin.

He’s hoping to tap into that flow of energy in which their musical styles will complement each other.

For Kees, he really appreciates his fans and all that they do. He humbly accepts that without them his music and hard work wouldn’t be what it is today. “They bring a passion to the movement like no other. I really hold the fans of Toronto dear, thank you for sticking with us and pushing Soca where it needs to be.” He hopes that their love for Soca will continue to grow, and that they will continue spreading the love locally and internationally understanding that they are the support needed to keep the ball rolling.

Keep up to date with the latest events and exciting things to come. Follow Dr. Jay and Kes the Band on Facebook and Twitter to find out where the party is headed next!

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Machel strikes again Delivering sentimental tribute to Soca music Aba Luke Entertainment Mere days before he puts on what is likely to be another spectacular stage and music production at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad, soca mega star, Machel Montano has pushed the envelope leaving many to question his motives, his mission and his heart.

For years Montano’s name has ruled the soca stratosphere, locally, regionally and beyond Caribbean borders. In his latest delivery, Machel, now dubbed Monk Monte, has taken Soca music to Egypt- the place where he celebrated his 40th birthday.

The entertainer’s new video release for a track called, “On My Way” is in essence, his innermost desire, it would seem, a desire to return to the belly of everything that his life represents. Making cameos are his son and father- a man who has remind out of the spotlight throughout the artiste’s career, but still, a man who has had a symbolic effect on the multiple time Road March and Power Soca Monarch champion.

What is Machel’s mission?

Throughout his career, the soca hit maker

has been loved oved and hated, revered and nd downtrodn the end, triden, but in umphant each ach time.

This his latest duced by work, produced Romell “Smiddy” Smith & Ajari jari Jules u Enof StarBlu tertainmentt and written collaborlaboratively by Montano and Tishon Singh is magescriptive in netic. Descriptive every way, shape and form, Machel ard, again. has stuck hard, - Et-Cet-Era Buzz

Destra, Kerwin give kudos to Blaxx - Artiste assures heʼll keep Soca sweet Aba Luke Entertainment It’s not a normal occurrence- one soca artiste tipping his hat to another, but recently, in separate interviews conducted on two urban frequencies in Trinidad, soca artiste, Blaxx got strong kudos from two of the industry’s well known and highly respected entertainers.

Destra Garcia, in a spontaneous walk through at 96.1WEFM recently, credited the ‘Maddest Crew’ singer for encouraging her during her younger years as a member of the Roy Cape band. She said Blaxx was like a brother to her, admitting that she took a lot of his advice when it came to stage performance and getting the crowd going.

Today, Destra is undoubtedly one of the industry’s most prolific stage performers so it’s safe to say that Blaxx’s input was definitely instrumental in her career.

Also tipping his hat to the Roy Cape frontline man this season was none other than reigning Groovy Soca Monarch king, Kerwin Du Bois. Chatting with Hypa Hoppa on RED 96.7FM, Du Bois was asked who was his favorite soca artiste, and while

he chose to be diplomatic about his response, the young entertainer said he loves Blaxx’s style and thinks he’s a great soca artiste.

Blaxx is in the running for the International Soca Monarch crown in 2015. He will come head to head with Machel Montano who will perform in the major showcase for the last time. Blaxx is also the only artiste who has made it to both the Groovy and Power legs of the competition set for February 13th. He’ll be singing ‘Place In Life’ in the Groovy and ‘Maddest Crew’ in the Power, and already many are saying, Blaxx has their vote.

Recently, the veteran hit maker who remains consistent year after year, told Et-Cet-Era Buzz that he’s happy to be a major contributor to the sweetness of carnival in T&T and admitted that he wears a hat of

honor as one of the purists to the soca music genre. He refused to knock the evolution of soca, noting that he was happy to see inroads being made internationally by many young artistes. He however said the realness of soca must not be lost, explaining that this, more than anything else, is what lures carnival lovers from across the world, to the island. “It has to be authentic, original, ours… during carnival. We can’t kill that. If everybody sings pop and house infused soca, why would the tourists come? They’ll be able to get that outside! I promise to keep the thing sweet.”

Blaxx will be a headline act in this Friday’s Army Fete, which takes place at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

- Et-Cet-Era Buzz

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Aloes, Shadow out Calypso Monarch TRINIDAD -- After 19 years in the National Calypso Monarch competition Devon Seales is hoping to make his mark at Sunday’s finals where he will come up against reigning monarch Roderick “Chucky” Gordon. Both Seales and Gordon will face stiff competition from two former monarchs—Karen Asche and Duane O’Connor— who delivered passionate performances on Saturday before a massive Skinner Park audience at the Calypso Fiesta show.

However, the other two monarchs in the competition Winston Bailey, the “Mighty Shadow” and Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna did not advance. There was no bouncing back to calypso lovers’ favour for Sugar Aloes as he was greeted with toilet paper from the get go. It was a humiliating appearance for the veteran calypsonian who saw only drapes of white plies while performing his calypso, Bounce Back.

Other finalists who sent the crowd into a frenzy were Selvon “Mistah Shak” Noel and Victoria “Queen Victoria” Cooper who delivered hard hitting political commentaries. The Original De Fosto Himself (Winston Scarborough), who was overwhelmed by the crowd’s positive response to him after three years of toilet paper reception, will also return to the big stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

It was a hair raising performance

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from 38-year-old Seales who dubbed himself as Mr Consistent as he had the audience echoing his chorus “Go Now Please” from his song, My Humble Plea. Seales tough talking political commentary brought life to the show, saying afterwards that the audience was in agreement with his song.

He said, “It is a wonderful feeling.

This is my 19th year at the Skinner Park competition and normally I would be considered as Mr Consistent, but I think this is the first performance where I got the crowd so loud in singing along with me. I think it expresses the sentiment of the nation. They are in agreement with me.” Seales said it was important to make a good showing as there were other good contenders in the show and would “leave it up to God” in the finals.

Equally sizzling as Seales was Mistah Shak with Target, which sounded like a second installment of his 2014 calypso, Bois.

Instead of beating Government minister with “calypso bois” like last year, he became the “Kaiso Hitman.”

Saying that the People’s Partnership was destined to lose this year’s general elections, he threatened the People’s National Movement, singing, “Anytime you fail, I shooting all the snakes in the balisier.” Even President Anthony Carmona and his wife Reema came in for some criticism. Karen Asche was also labelled as a favourite for the title with her social commentary Every Knee

Shall Bow, which called on powerful people in society to humble themselves.

Finalists • • • • • • • • • • •

Joanne Rowley “Tigress What you Willing to Die for “ Myron Bruce “The Incredible Myron B” Devon Seales “My humble Plea” Victoria Cooper “Queen Victoria” Venting Heather Mac Intosh “Ah Gone” Duane O’Connor “Citizen’s Pride” Winston Scarborough “The Original De Fosto Himself” Games Selvon Noel “Mistah Shak” Target Karen Asche “Every knee shall bow” Brian London “Wishful” Neville Brown “Bunny B” Multi Crisis - Trinidad Guardian

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015 15

Bravo, Pollard huge loss says Holder AUSTRALIA -- West Indies captain Jason Holder has admitted that the absence of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo is a “huge loss” to West Indies’ chances at the World Cup. Holder described the decision not to select the pair as “beyond my control” and, in an indication that he did not agree with their dropping, pointed out “I’m not a selector.”

Holder became the youngest captain in West Indies’ history when appointed, aged just 23, in the aftermath of the players’ strike that saw the team abandon their tour of India. While the chairman of selectors, Clive Lloyd, has insisted that neither Pollard nor Brave were omitted for disciplinary reasons or out of any sense of vengeance, it is clear that Holder feels that, on ability, they should be in his team.

“They are two players who have done well in world cricket,” Holder said.

“But it’s out of our control. Not having them would be a huge loss to any side. But it’s beyond our control and we have to accept it and move on.”

Holder’s authority as captain was further undermined when, during the media conference, the team’s press officer took the unusual step of calling a halt to proceedings and demanding journalists ask no more questions about Chris Gayle. If the intention was to avoid any uncomfortable questions, it succeeded only in making Holder appear like a young man who needed shielding.

Up to that point, Holder had looked comfortable if a little nervous. Admitting he had taken some time to decide whether to accept the captaincy, he conceded that his side’s form had been “inconsistent” but ex-

pressed confidence in the raw ability of his squad.

“Being captain is a huge thing for me. At 22-years-old I was the youngest captain of all time. Yes, I had to think about it. It was a delicate time. So I gave it some thought and spoke to a few players around the dressing room and made my decision “I’ve seen myself to be a leader in most teams I’ve put myself into. I’ve led teams before. I led West Indies Under-19 and I was vice-captain on the West Indies A team. It’s not something that I’m fresh to.

We’ve been inconsistent and not played to the best of our abilities but we have some world beaters in our team. It’s all about putting it all together.”

One of those “world beaters” is Gayle. But despite Holder’s relative youth and inexperience - he is 12 years younger

and has played 237 fewer ODIs than Gayle - Holder insisted that captaining him would provide no significant challenges.

“Chris is big player for any team he plays for,” Holder said. “He’s a world beater.

He’s been a top batsman for us for a number of years. We just want him to be his normal self and get the best out of him.

“I have built a relationship with some of the senior players. Being captain has not been that difficult thus far. We didn’t do too well in South Africa but we didn’t have our full-strength team out there. I have a good relationship with all the guys.”

West Indies’s final preparations for the World Cup begin with a warm-up match against England, in Sydney Tuesday.

- Trinidad Guardian

16 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Letʼs get it on for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015!

TRINIDAD -- I am as pumped that International Cricket Council’s premier, blue-ribbon event, World Cup 2015—50-overs version—is about to begin as if I were myself playing too!

Four tumultuous years have passed since India won in 2011, with many upheavals, suspicions, question marks and other situations besmirching our beloved game.

But, in the unforgettable words of world-renowned boxing referee, District Court Judge Mills Lane, of Georgia, USA, who refereed several massive ring battles, including “The Bite Fight”, featuring ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson and Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield; “Let’s get it on!”

If you are a West Indies supporter, you could have either of two quite polarized thoughts about our representatives’ chances of ‘getting far’, even winning CWC 2015.

You could either believe that a major miracle will happen, that our cricketing ambassadors will pull off something very special, or you could expect that they will fall at very early hurdles!

Group challengers It is not going to be easy for WI. Their group, “Pool B”, also contains 2015’s favorites in South Africa, India and Pakistan, giant-killers Ireland and Zimbabwe, and confident, never-say-die United Arab Emirates. This could be that proverbial ‘Group of Death’.

I count myself not only very fortunate to have played for WI, but out-of-thisworld to realize that I am one of only very few of our seven or so million people who has actually won the cricket World Cup, and did as well as, if not better than most, in helping WI win CWC No. 2 in 1979.

WI has produced many cricketing legends, but the majority of them never did that. Indeed, only twenty WI cricketers have ever won World Cups, as WI won the first two stanzas; 1975 and 1979.

In 1975, WI’s squad were: Clive Lloyd—captain, Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Deryck Murray, (Sir) Vivian Richards and (Sir) Andy Roberts.

Boyce and Fredericks are already at ‘that massive oval somewhere else’, but the remainder of this original twelve, whose exploits could never be duplicated, as no other team can ever again win the first cricket World Cup, should always be held in our highest cricket esteem!

When WI won CWC No. 1; 1975; I was studying navigation in Trinidad & Tobago, and could clearly remember that no-one worried about any books at all that final day.

In CWC 1975, Kallicharran had tamed dangerous Australian fast-man Dennis Lillee with murderous cuts and hooks; 78 in only 83 deliveries; as WI beat Australia in one preliminary game.

Thus, “Kalli” and the rest of WI were tuned for that first ever CWC final, especially after Murray and Roberts had put WI there, eking out a very close, unlikely knock-out stage win against excellent Pakistan, that last WI pair adding 64 undefeated, winning runs!

1975’s final was captain Lloyd’s day, as WI amassed 291 in 60 overs! “Super Cat” mauled the Australians even worse than Kallicharran had done, getting 102 in just 85 deliveries, including twelve fours and two sixes, after Fredericks had trod on his stumps while hooking Lillee for six into St. John’s Road, outside Lords Cricket Ground.

Then Richards ran out three Australians, and that was that! WI won that 1975 final by 17 runs!

A championships team By 1979, CWC No. 2, Colin Croft (yours truly), Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Collis King, Malcolm Marshall, Desmond Haynes, “Larry” Gomes, and Faoud Bacchus had been added to Lloyd, Greenidge, Richards, Kallicharran, Murray and Roberts, to defend 1975’s victory.

So, that tally of WI cricketers who have won an ICC cricket World Cup, to date, is only 20, of whom seventeen are still alive; Marshall having also already gone to that great beyond.

As in everything else, some are kicking better than some! 1979’s tournament was relatively easy for us. Perhaps the only really difficult games were the semi-final against again Pakistan, and that 2nd CWC final at Lords.

Beating India and New Zealand, having a no-result against Sri Lanka for rain, put us squarely into the sights of always mercurial Pakistanis.

They nearly beat us. Maybe they should have! Batting first in front of 30,000 in bright English sunshine, WI made 293-6, a good but gettable total for a Pakistan team filled with stars.

Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas added 176 for the 2nd wicket before I managed to clean them both up, and Javed Miandad too as a bonus, getting 3-29 from 11 overs, allowing WI to win by 43 runs.

After that, even with WI at one time 99-4 in 1979’s final, (Sir) Viv’s majestic century, and “Big Bird” Garner’s five wickets kayoed England. WI won 1979’s final by a mammoth 92 runs!

Those memories are wonderful.

Now for more reality! 2015’s WI have a much more difficult task to simply qualify for quarter finals. If they can do that, then, as Lloyd used to tell us too, ‘anything can happen’, as each game is then a pure knock-out, and can be won if a team plays well. How Jason Holder and his guys evolve in the next six weeks could even surprise us all. Enjoy!

- Trinidad Guardian

20 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Traditional Caribbean pepersauce yyou yo ou a gl gglimpse lim impsse in imps iinto int nto a gglorious lori lo riou iou ous us pa past.. ast st.. t.. ssomeomee-om tth thing hiin ng we sseem eeem to bbee lo llosing osi sing ing ttouch ouch ou c w with. ithh it

Chris De La Rosa Caribbean Cooking This is as old school as a recipe could possibly get on CaribbeanPot.com. Not just the recipe but the tool and technique I’ll be using. Before the days of blenders and food processors, we had food mills. Used to grind the dhal for making dhalpuri roti, preparing the dried fruits for making traditional black/rum cake, making homemade pepper sauces, grinding dried corn for making chilli bibbi and various other uses in the kitchen.

Luckily my mom brought a mill for me many years back and with the abundance of fiery hot peppers in my garden last summer, I thought I’d dust out the Mr. mill and share this recipe with you all. Hopefully I’ll give

You’ll Need: Hot Peppers (about 4-6 cups chopped) 6 cloves garlic 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup white vinegar Note: As mentioned this past summer I had an excellent crop of Scotch Bonnet, Habanero, Chocolate Scotch Bonnet and Trinidad Moruga Scorpions… all deadly peppers.

But you can use any 1 or do a mix as I did.

Traditionally in the Caribbean we would use Scotch Bonnet peppers for this recipe.

IMPORTANT: Be mindful that these peppers are extremely hot and the oils can cause serious irritation (and pain). Do wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after with soap and water. Do not touch any sensitive areas after handling these peppers.

Wash the peppers and trim off the stems and give the peppers a rough chop.

For a fiery peppersauce leave the seeds, if

nno not ot do do rremove emov em ove them them th m iiff yo you ou wi w wish ish sh tto o ta tame ame tthings th thi hings ddown. ownn G ow Give ivee the iv the ci th cila cilantro ilaant ntro ro ((traditionally trad tr adit itio it i naall io lly in the Caribbean you’d use Chadon beni) and garlic a rough chop as well.

Now it’s time to set up the mill on a sturdy work bench (I used the desk in our kitchen). Assemble the mill, then adjust the settings at the back (2 screw-like things) to control the texture of the ground pepper.

Once you start turning the handle with the peppers in the catchment area you’ll be able to better determine the coarseness you want.

When clamping down the mill to your work surface I would recommend using a piece of cloth or paper towels to protect the area from getting damaged as you tighten it.

Place a deep bowl under the area where the ground peppers will fall, then start adding a mixture of the garlic, peppers and chopped cilantro into the mill and start cranking. Keep a wooden spoon handy as you may have to press down on everything for it to work through the mill.

I would even recommend using safety goggles when cranking and pushing down on the peppers in the event you get hit in the eye with any of the juices. To finish up

all al ll yo yyou u ha havee tto have o do do is mix in the vinegar, salt an and nd li lime ((or or llemon) or em mo juice and mix well with the ground peppers.

This recipe is as traditional and basic as you can get when it comes to peppersauce in the Caribbean. You can now get creative and add other ingredients like papaya (green), bitter melon, carrots and other herbs. Since we used vinegar this pepper sauce can remain on your kitchen counter as the vinegar will act as a preservative. For a longer shelf life you can certainly keep it in the fridge, but I’ve noticed that when you leave hot sauces in the fridge it somehow tames the heat factor! Store in a clean glass container.

Back in the day I remember my Uncle B (I spoke about him in my cookbook) would handle all the peppers with his bare hands and he’d be cool with it. My man hand hands of steel.. and everyone sort his help when they were making peppersauce!

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 21

Meditation: How to embrace the waves As a mindful living trainer and yoga instructor, I teach many people meditation and mindfulness techniques. Unfortunately, most view these practices through a mind conditioned by our American culture. What’s that mean, you ask?

The most common conditioning I see is the desire to gain or attain something – the what’s-in-it-for-me attitude. I can’t tell you how often I am asked, “What will I get out of meditating every day?” My answer to them is generally (with a great big smile), “Absolutely nothing.”

In meditation, the self isn’t supposed to gain anything. In fact, it’s the attachment to this self and all its views and desires that blocks us from the very thing we are searching for. Paradoxically, once we let go of the desire to gain or attain something, we are left with the natural, open awareness we were born with – a peaceful awakened state beyond the conditions of our lives.

Besides the desire to gain something, I often see people using great effort in

their practice in order to better themselves, while trying to get rid of parts of themselves they don’t like. The point being, meditation and mindfulness are not self-help methods to become a better person or to get rid of aspects of ourselves we dislike, but rather are practices of embracing and letting go in order to become liberated from the limitations of attaching to the idea of a solid, separate self.

Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche once said, “…Go through it. Experience it. Give in to it. Then the most powerful energies become absolutely workable rather than taking you over, because there is nothing to take over if you are not putting up any resistance.”

Clearly, we aren’t meant to manipulate our minds, but rather rest in awareness, learning to see ourselves without becoming ensnared with what arises. From this still point of awareness, we then have the freedom to live free from the conditions of our lives, both internally and externally.

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Life’s brighter under the sun

We don’t need to be changed or bettered, and we don’t need to deny or remove the dark, hidden parts of ourselves. We only need to learn how to see ourselves clearly.

If we don’t see the conditions of our inner world, we will become what arises. If we don’t see anger, we will become an angry person. If we instead see anger from awareness and embrace it, we will know it for what it is – an impermanent passing energy – and feel it fully without letting it take over our actions and our speech. This is true liberation.

The effort in meditation and mindfulness practices is most effective when it’s used towards embracing and letting go, rather than trying to gain something or become a better person.

In one of his recorded talks, meditation master Ajahn Sumedho said, “If it arises, it belongs.” This quote is something that can be contemplated and lived each moment of our lives and can help guide our meditation practice. If anything arises, inside or outside

of us, it should be embraced with awareness and seen for what it is.

There isn’t anything that shouldn’t be in our lives, even if it is absolutely horrific or terrifying. What’s in our lives is just simply what’s in our lives. It’s a fact. So rather than wasting time struggling to remove what we don’t like and grasping what we do like, we can instead embrace the changing flow of our lives, and let go of the constant need to control, resist, and struggle with it. We can use our meditation practice not as a way to gain something for ourselves, but as a way to let go into the direct experience of each moment – pleasant or unpleasant.

From this clear, direct seeing through awareness, we can allow our deepest wisdom to take over, rather than going through our lives lost in our limited, conditioned mind. So remember, if it arises, it belongs!

- My Yoga Online

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015 23

Fasting for three days can regenerate entire immune system The immune system is an incredibly important – and incredibly complex – part of the body which helps to protect against illness and disease. It is made up of the lymphatic system, the thymus and spleen and the bone marrow as well as the white blood cells in the circulatory system, all of which work together to kill off pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungus before they can cause serious health problems.

Keeping the immune system fit, therefore, is incredibly important for the health of the whole body. Consuming certain foods like lemons, asparagus and cucumber for instance can help to detoxify the body and improve health, but it has also been shown that short fasts can give the immunity a boost as well.

Fasting and Immunity Going far back into human history,

different peoples from around the world used fasting not only for spiritual purposes but also to improve their health. Modern science appears to be confirming these benefits, including the recent research conducted by the University of Southern California. This research has found that short fasts, lasting around 72 hours, can have a strengthening effect on the body’s immune system and that the elderly or immunocompromised patients like those recovering from cancer can greatly benefit from this.

Why Does this Work?

A short fast is healthy for the immune system because it acts like a regenerative switch, rejuvenating the immune system completely.

While the body fasts, it is able to get rid of old or damaged parts of the system which are recycled for energy in the absence of food.

Professor Longo, one of the lead authors on this paper, cautions that further research is necessary to confirm these benefits. He acknowledges, however, that preliminary results from these studies have proven promising and may lead to new treatments for those who suffer from a compromised immune system.

Fasting and Cancer Cancer patients can benefit from this kind of short-term fast as well. Not only can it help to strengthen a compromised immune system, but it has been shown that even a brief fast can help rid the body of a large amount of toxins, such as those that build up during a course of chemotherapy. Many patients find that combining a course of chemotherapy with a short fast can actually reduce the more difficult side effects of the chemo.

Longer-term fasting may also be beneficial for those who are battling cancer.

According to the USC study, fasting reduces levels of a hormone known as PKA which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

It is good to remember, however, that there are many types of fasts, some more restrictive than others, and it is best to consult with a naturopath or similar professional to discuss which type of fast would be the most beneficial, based on individual needs and medical history. However, this study is part of a growing body of evidence which seems to point to the many benefits that short-term fasting can bring with it.

- Natural News

Naturally maintain dental health with the amazing toothbrush tree Looking for an alternative to traditional toothpaste? We don’t blame you.

After all, many popular toothpaste brands contain ingredients that jeopardize good health, all at the expense of making those pearly whites even whiter. Take Eduardo Arias, a resident of Panama whose story was covered a few years ago by The New York Times. He walked into a discount store one day and noticed toothpaste packaging with the words “diethylene glycol,” poisonous chemicals that are used in antifreeze.

He reported his finding, which set off mass awareness about toothpaste made in China.

As it turns out, such poisonous toothpaste had been in use on a worldwide basis. Over 30 countries reported using it, spanning from Kenya to Canada.

Then there’s the issue of fluoride, which has been the subject of controversy for ages. While the American Dental Association (ADA) says that it helps to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel, others beg to differ. Esteemed journals such as The Lancet Neurology, for example, have identified it as a developmental neurotoxicant.

It’s times like these that going

as natural as possible is ideal. Forget store brands or even spending time making homemade concoctions.

How the toothbrush tree works and where to find it Naturally maintain dental health with the toothbrush tree, scientifically known as Salvadora persica. It’s actually an evergreen shrub with medicinal properties that are capable of keeping oral health intact. Everything from killing the bacteria that cause gum disease to removing bad breath are possible with this “toothbrush,” and it happens naturally, all without the need for questionable toothpastes.

Quite simply, it works by chewing on the end of one of its sticks until the bark is removed and the underneath twig is exposed.

Continual chewing will form bristle-like structures, allowing a person to brush their teeth. As the bristles begin to change color and look old (typically after a few days) people are advised to cut the bristles off and repeat the process once again.

While Salvadora persica is native to hot, arid areas such as Africa, the Middle

East and the Arabian Peninsula, it’s entirely possible to obtain them if you live in other parts of the world. Going online is best; for example, AmericanPreppersNetwork.com recommends ordering them here. Others may be interested in learning more about ordering seeds and trying miswaks, also known as herbal chewing sticks, on Amazon.com.

Such herbal chewing sticks are beneficial, and even dental professionals advocate their use.

For example, an article published in The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine called “Miswak: A periodontist’s perspective,” homes in on its benefits. It notes that its goal was “to discuss various pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of miswak and also to compare the effectiveness of miswak with modern toothbrushes in terms of oral hygiene practice.”

It referred to several studies that “compared the efficacy of miswak and use of tooth brush” ultimately saying that “they found that the use of miswak was associated with a significant reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis along with comparable or superior oral hygiene effect.”

Salvadora persica also has other health benefits Interestingly, Salvadora persica also has benefits beyond keeping oral health intact.

Experts at Norwich BioScience Institutes found that the toothbrush tree contains a compound thought to be beneficial in fighting tuberculosis. The finding, which was published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, states: We have found that these compounds are inhibitors of the supercoiling reaction catalyzed by M. tuberculosis gyrase and other gyrases. Our evidence strongly suggests that the compounds bind to the Nterminal domain of GyrB, which contains the ATPase active site, but are not competitive inhibitors of the ATPase reaction. We propose that naphthoquinones bind to GyrB at a novel site close to the ATPase site. This novel mode of action could be exploited to develop new antibacterial agents.

- Natural News

24 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Top fast food chainʼs french fries found to contain Silly Putty ingredient and petroleum chemical Grant Imahara, host of the eye-opening show Mythbusters, was at it again. This time, he didn’t set out to get involved with crash test dummies or explosives. Instead, he recently focused on a specific food.

Imahara went directly to the fast food chain’s processing plant in the potato-loving state, where he thankfully learned that the fries’ first ingredient are indeed spuds. However, the ingredients that followed are disturbing to say the least. Included on the list of 19 items are dimethylpolysiloxane, a form of silicone found in Silly Putty, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a petrol-based chemical, and hydrogenated soybean oil, which is a manufactured form of trans fat.

Good thing you gave up on their fries a long time ago. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? These ingredients are downright unhealthy, a Franken-food that can wreak havoc on the body. Let’s take a closer look.

Brain damage and cancer with your fries?

According to Vani Hari, more commonly known as the “Food Babe” who helped bring Subway’s bread ingredients into the spotlight in 2014 for their use of a substance that’s also used in yoga mats, dimethylpolysiloxane should be avoided.

The Fast food chain’s french fry ingredient is the same as what’s found in aquarium tank sealants, mold release agents and hair conditioners. In some cases, she explains that it even contains formaldehyde, a highly toxic chemical associated with brain damage, cancer, allergies and auto-immune disorders.

Interestingly, Hari notes that The fast food chain’s fries are worse than those made in Europe. She writes that, compared to the U.S., french fries in the UK are primarily made of a few basic ingredients such as potatoes, veg-

etable oil, and some sugar and salt.

“How can the fast food chain make french fries with such an uncomplicated list of ingredients all over Europe, but not over here?” she asked. “Why does this chain’s french fries in the U.S. have to have an ‘anti-foaming’ agent? Do the [B]rits like extra foam? No, they don’t, Europe actually regulates this ingredient because they know this man-made chemical was never intended to be consumed by humans. This whole time [The famous fast food chain] has known about

this and chooses to continue to serve [its U.S.] citizens silly putty.”

Safe to eat, even though it’s the same ingredient found in lacquers Then there is the issue of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ).

Those involved in making the chemical casually applaud its so-called virtues. For example, the site TBHQTertiaryButylhydroquinone.com says that it’s a “type of phenol”

that is “used to stabilize foods, fats and vegetable oils against oxidative deterioration,” which extends their storage life. Unfortunately, the site also says that it’s found in everything from perfumes to biodiesel. Worse, it claims that it’s safe to ingest.

It states: It is also used as a corrosion inhibitor in biodiesel. In perfumery, it is used as a fixative to lower the evaporation rate and improve stability. It is also added to varnishes, lacquers, resins, and oil field additives. Both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have evaluated TBHQ and determined that it is safe to consume at the concentration allowed in foods.

Sinking your teeth into a “silent killer” Finally, let’s take a look at hydrogenated soybean oil.

Like TBHQ, it’s used in the food industry to prolong shelf life. It’s also referred to as the “Silent Killer,” and for good reason. A report put out by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston noted that at least 100,000 cardiac deaths that take place annually in the United States could have been prevented “if people replaced trans fat with healthier non hydrogenated polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils.”

These are all chemicals that are bad for people’s health. They’re not natural, are found in Silly Putty and added to resins, and play a role in destroying heart health. Be sure to steer clear of the famous fast food chain french fries, and foods from other fast food restaurants for that matter. In doing so, you’ll be vastly improving overall health.

- Natural News

How many globalists avoid eating GMOs, drinking tap water and getting injected with vaccines?

A globalist, in general terms, might be defined as someone who advocates planning of economic and foreign policy in relation to developments throughout the world. Most will claim their efforts are “for the greater good” or to “feed a starving world” -- or something to that effect -- but do they really “care,” or are they only in it for the money (and control), with a publicized plan that they would NEVER and don’t ever engage themselves? That’s the question. A question of ethics and common sense then comes up.

Wouldn’t it be great if, right now, we could polygraph test every globalist and ask them three prolific questions? If each and every one of them had to tell the truth of what they know about Western food, tap water and allopathic medicine choices, well, you can be sure that the results would be mind-blowing and change the way most Americans function from day to day.

Also, if vaccines are safe, why on Earth does Congress give the whole industry legal immunity?

When the president of the US is sworn into office, wouldn’t you think that, if he or she doesn’t already know, his/her advisors would inform him of anything that could, would and does cause health detriment? Of course they would, and that word travels fast,

to friends, cohorts and constituents. Globalists, politicians and the honored “cabinet” all know the facts. They avoid genetically modified “Frankenfood” like the plague, well, at least most of them do most of the time. You really think Obama or Bill Gates and his family get the flu shot, when they ? Ever heard of “round table” discussions?

Why do you think it’s so difficult for cities to successfully vote to stop fluoridating the municipal tap water? That orchestrated, insidious plan has been sent down from the top, and that’s where the decision-making really takes place. Congress is well-informed! Didn’t you know that fluoride is a by-product of fluorine gas common to nuclear industries? It’s a DRUG IN THE WATER, mainly insecticide imported from China that goes unlabeled in the USA. The same goes for GMO food! Just watch, when a state tries to label GMOs, “Big Food” pours in millions to snuff it out. Maybe you’ve heard of some mom-and-pop companies called Monsanto, Coke and Pepsi. No? Industry front groups and the money-making GMO machine Not only do the huge corporations confuse consumers and make them think that labeling GMOs would be expensive, but the US gov-

ernment hires former Monsanto higher-ups to run the FDA, the USDA and the EPA. They all know that pesticide- and glyphosate-laden food causes cancer, but it’s a money-making machine, and they’re all in on it. This is why Congress people will not vaccinate their children, and this is also why they exempt themselves from Obamacare. You see, Obamacare is allopathic care only. Alternative medicine is NOT covered by Obamacare. It’s only sickcare coverage. Most chiropractic care is not covered under Obamacare, nor are naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy or message therapy.

Globalists are all too aware of all the toxic ingredients in vaccines and flu shots, including MSG, formaldehyde, mercury under the guise of thimerosal and, of course, aluminum for autism and Alzheimer’s.

Flu shots and vaccines even list these toxic adjuvants and emulsifiers on the package and the insert warning, but nurses and patients alike rarely if ever read this, or if they do, nobody really takes it to heart. Most globalists and congress people invest their capital in the chronic sick-care industry -- inundated with synthetic pharmaceuticals, toxic chemotherapy medications and useless surgery performed on cancer patients.

- Natural News

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Mind your gut; Stress and your digestion Dr. Lydia Thurton ND BASc

Health Tips This month I had three patients come to me with chronic long standing digestive problems for unknown reasons. It became apparent that all three of them were dealing with chronic, poorly managed, stress. Suffering with gas, bloating, pain, diarrhea, constipation, they were all diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Taking probiotics, and closely watching their diet for trigger foods helps, but never heals the underlying cause of their digestive problems. More than half of people diagnosed with IBS have some form of psychological distress.

We know the brain has a direct

connection to the digestive tract. The mere thought of a delicious meal promotes the acidic secretions of the stomach. The thought of having to do a public speech causes many of us to have “butterflies in the stomach.” Similarly, disease in the intestine causes pain signals and mental suffering. The nervous system and the gut are so closely related that they can be considered to be one system. The combination is one of the easiest to recognize mind body connections.

How do you know if your digestive symptoms are caused by stress? There are other bodily clues that can tell you. Tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, sleepless nights, racing thoughts, and grinding teeth are some examples. Think about what you do to consciously manage stress. Think about what you do to relax and have fun.

Many people are constantly stuck in endless strings of thoughts, never having a chance to simply quiet their minds and breathe.

There is interesting emerging research showing that the bacteria in our digestive tract affects how we produce brain chemicals that help us manage stress. There

are key brain neuron fertilizers that promote the health of our nervous system and brain.

These are produced by the bacteria in our gut.

Mice raised in sterile environments, without bacteria, show changes in neurotransmitter receptors and serotonin building blocks. The combination promotes depression and poor stress management.

Studies looking at mindfulness meditation and IBS symptoms show a reduction in pain, bloating and improved bowel movements when patients begin to meditate.

Medical management of IBS is improved when there is psychotherapy or counseling to help patients learn to manage stress in new, more efficient ways. Learning to set boundaries in relationships and recognizing people that are toxic to your well-being helps your digestion immensely.

If you have been diagnosed with IBS please take time to look at your mental emotional environment. Managing stress and seeking out sources of joy in your life might just be the key to healing your gut once and for all.

Time crunch exercises Monique Bartlett Fitness You’re busy and time is very precious. You don’t have time to work out but you want to get in shape. If you want to build lean muscle mass and increase your strength and metabolism but don’t have time to go to the gym, then here are a few options of body weight exercises you can do in your own home in 15-20 minutes a day.

Squats work several different muscle groups at once. They’re great for burning fat and toning your hips, glutes and thighs.

Lunges are also a great leg builder working the hips, glutes and thighs that can also increase your cardio and strength.

Pushups are great for building a variety of muscles including your chest, back, shoulders, triceps and biceps.

Burpees are a great full body exercise that works your arms, legs, glutes, shoulders and core while increasing your cardio.

Crunches work to strengthen your core and obliques.

The plank also works to strengthen your core as well as your back and helps to increase your stability.

You should also have a goal that you would like to achieve. Whether it’s ten pounds or eight inches overall, write it down.

Make sure it’s achievable and don’t set yourself up for failure. You may think you can do more than you are physically able. You didn’t gain the weight over night and you won’t lose it over night either.

It’s important to warm up correctly, as well as stretch and cool down. Warming up will help prevent injury as well as getting your blood flowing so you don’t start exercising cold. Stretching will help decrease

muscle soreness and reduce the lactic acid that is built up during exercise.

Set up a schedule that you can follow and stick to. If you‘ve never exercised before, start out with two or three days a week. If you’re already exercising then increase the number of days you work out or increase the intensity of your work out.

Once you master your workout routine add in other elements such as yoga, pilates, biking, hiking or swimming. This will shock your body and introduce a new stimulus to keep building your lean muscle, as well as increasing your metabolism.

Drink more water, reduce your stress and get enough sleep. All of these things together will help you achieve the success you seek. As with anything else you need to make sure that you consult your family physician before you begin any exercise program. Weight loss is a journey so take it one day at a time. Reward yourself for your achievements and don’t be too hard on yourself if you suffer a minor setback. Tomorrow is another day for you to start over again.

Oral examinations Dr. Matthew Weekes BSC DDS MTh DMin

Dental Health

There are basically three types of examinations done by the dentist.

1. The emergency exam 2. The specific exam 3. The complete exam All require the patient to complete a medical history questionnaire before the examination begins.

The emergency examination focuses on that area of the mouth that is paining or where trauma or injury to the tissues has oc-

curred. The main goal is to relieve the patient of pain as quickly as possible and provide treatment to stabilize the condition and then set up follow up treatments if required.

The specific examination is in response to a specific problem that is the chief concern of the patient. This area is investigated thoroughly in order to make a diagnosis. The findings are discussed with the patient and different treatment options are offered. After the patient’s consent, the dentist then proceeds with the treatment.

The complete examination is a comprehensive examination of a patient that requests an evaluation of their oral cavity.

Patients who are new to the dental office and have not had their teeth checked for a long time, and are motivated to receive the best possible care welcome this initial experience. This visit is an opportunity to find out what is going on in the mouth and how dental health can be improved. It is a time to discuss how lost teeth can be replaced, straightening crooked teeth and other concerns.

However before questions can be

answered it is necessary to have x-rays taken and a clinical exam done in order to discuss the findings.

The exam may include an examination of the head, neck, lymph nodes and skin. The joints between the jaws are examined (TMJ). The extent of opening and closing the mouth fully and pain free is determined. Structures inside the mouth including tongue, tonsils, cheeks, floor of mouth, teeth, bone, gums, and throat are examined. Also thorough examination may detect lesions which may indicate early to advanced stages of cancer. Harmful habits such as clenching, teeth grinding or tongue thrust may be detected. The presence of advanced periodontal disease, cavities and abnormalities will be brought to the attention of the patient. At the end of the examination a treatment plan would be presented to the patient and payment options discussed.

Well informed patients tend to achieve the best treatment results. We are always happy to partner with you in your pursuit of improved dental health.

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TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Making a Will; Ensuring all requirements are met Valerie Dye Legal Matters Having decided to make a will to ensure your estate will be distributed according to your wishes, it is important to note some special requirements to make sure your will is valid. What are the formal requirements in making a will?

The will must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. The testator’s signature should be placed at the bottom of the will. It is important to note that neither the witnesses to the will nor their spouses should be a beneficiary in the will. If a beneficiary or his or her spouse signs as a witness their gift in the will becomes void. This means they are no longer entitled to the gift left to them in the will.

There may be instances when the testator may be unable to place his or her signature on the will. This may occur where, although the testator has mental capacity he may not physically be able to sign his name.

In these circumstances, someone else may sign on behalf of the testator provided that the signing takes place in the presence of the testator and under his or her direction.

For obvious reasons a beneficiary should not sign on behalf of the testator.

Apart from the formal requirements to ensure the will is valid there are other requirements which, if not observed can lead to challenges to the validity of the will. It is important to ensure that at the time the will is made the testator has the mental capacity (referred to as testamentary capacity) to do so. As established in a number of court cases a person has testamentary capacity if he or she understands the nature of a will, recollects the extent of the property he or she owns, understands the extent of what he or she is giving under the will, remembers the people he or she might expect to benefit un-

der the will and understands the likelihood that claims will be made by persons who will not benefit under the will (see for instance Laframboise v. Laframboise 2011 ONSC).

Claims of lack of testamentary capacity are numerous and are often made by persons who expected to benefit under a will and did not. If a solicitor is appointed to draft a will it is expected that he or she will ensure that the testator has testamentary capacity before taking instructions to prepare the will.

Wills can also be challenged on the ground that the testator was under undue influence when giving instructions to prepare the will. This means that one or more beneficiary may have coerced the testator to leave a gift or the entire estate to that beneficiary.

To prevent such challenges one suggestion would be for the testator to give instructions for the preparation of the will when none of the beneficiaries are around. Note that if a beneficiary signs the will as a witness this may lead to the presumption of undue influence. Having a beneficiary as a witness is totally unacceptable.

How does marriage and divorce affect will?

Section 16 of the Succession Law Reform Act provides that unless it is mentioned in a will that it is being made in contemplation of marriage, a will is revoked when the testator marries.

The SLRA further provides that unless a contrary intention is shown a gift in a will to one’s spouse becomes void if the testator divorces after the will is made. If the spouse had been appointed executor under the will that appointment also becomes void and the will shall be read as if the spouse has pre-deceased the testator. Of course if the testator intends his spouse or former spouse to benefit even after a divorce the will should be worded in such a way that this is made clear.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that a will is a very important piece of document. If it is not prepared and executed in accordance with the legal requirements this may lead to many difficulties after death. It is therefore worth the while to ensure that all the requirements are met when preparing and executing your will.

First round of Express Entry candidates invited to fill labour market needs and contribute to Canadaʼs economic growth OTTAWA -- Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced that the first round of top-ranked candidates from Canada’s Express Entry system is already helping to fill demonstrated and verifiable gaps in Canada’s labour market.

On Saturday, January 31st, 779 skilled workers, including professionals in natural and applied sciences, and industrial, electrical and construction trades, were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Each of these candidates declared that they already have a valid job offer or provincial nomination.

Under Express Entry, skilled workers who want to apply to Canada’s key economic immigration programs are able to

create an online profile and express their interest in coming to Canada permanently.

Candidates who are accepted into the pool are ranked according to various factors, including language proficiency, education and work experience. Each is a leading indicator of one’s likelihood of integrating fully and quickly into Canadian society and making an optimal contribution to the economy.

Canada will regularly invite the highest-ranking candidates from the pool to apply to immigrate. With most applications being processed in six months or less, candidates will be able to contribute to Canada’s economy and job market more quickly than ever before.

- CIC

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

Honouring newcomersʼ contributions to Canada OTTAWA -- Today, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander congratulated winners of the Third Annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, which recognizes the entrepreneurial success of newcomers who have made Canada their home.

These awards, organized by the City of Ottawa in partnership with the Economic Club of Canada, recognize four exceptional individuals who have made great

contributions to the entrepreneurial community in Ottawa.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award winners include: Anand Aggarwal, Manor Park Development; Abdul Haseeb Awan, BitAccess Inc.; Mona Kalra, Maple Care Physiotherapy Inc.; and Peyman Yazdani – Subway Restaurants.

- CIC

WARNING: This article may cause an uncontrolled rage and/or projectile vomiting!

Tammy Flores 407ETR Matters 407 ETR just won a customer service award. It is touted to be not just any regular award, but the highest, most prestigious award there is to bestow upon a company for customer service… I just up chucked.

When you hear the words Oscar or Academy, you recognize it as a prestigious event that awards excellence in the film industry. The Academy strives to promote ethics in an industry that has always struggled with image. The Academy’s award of merit is the coveted Oscar.

What comes to mind when you hear “The Service Quality Measurement (SQM) Group”? I hear crickets, however, according to their website, they are the Oscars of customer service. Since 1996 they have been a leading North American research firm for benchmarking and tracking the voice of the customer (VoC), first call resolution (FCR) and customer satisfaction (Csat) call center performance. They sell themselves as an accredited business member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

This means that SQM group meets BBB accreditation standards, which focus on the commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

When you read what this group strives to accomplish for businesses, you think that they walk on water. But really what they are is a PR firm disguised as consultants. We all know 407 ETR has an image problem and it isn’t going to matter how prestigious or how high of an award for customer service they receive, it isn’t going to do anything for this company’s image. This company needs to get off their high horse and listen to us about what their problem is.

I have already called out the

Better Business Bureau for claiming 407 ETR was in good standing with them.

To quote the Better Business Bureau’s response to me they said, “We regret to inform you that your BBB can not process your complaint. The case has been reviewed and was found to contain issues that are out of your BBB’s Purview.

It is our policy to process only those complaints that fall into your BBB’s scope. Items such as landlord/tenant issues, criminal allegations, requests for punitive damages, employer/employee disputes, cases already involved in litigation, civil rights violations, business to business collection issues, etc...are not handled by your BBB.” In other words the Better Business Bureau is nothing but window dressing. The BBB does nothing for the rot that exits within the businesses they claim are in good standing. I would say the same goes for The Service Quality Measurement (SQM) Group. It’s has nothing to do with the ethics of a business. The scope of their operation stops at how much the company is paying them to appear to look good. The 407 ETR sure didn’t listen to the voice of this customer, nor the thousands of customers that fell victim to this company’s predatory behavior of lying in wait for years, under ambiguity to pounce on unsuspecting victims for thousands and thousands of dollars. Not only did they not resolve our issues on the first call, but we have about 10 years’ worth of communications with this company and our issues remain unresolved. We are not satisfied customers. We went into 407 ETR’s offices in 2012 to negotiate a resolution and there was no commitment from the company to make a good faith effort to resolve any of our complaints.

Our voice wasn’t part of the vote that bestowed this award on this company.

The company cannot buy their way out of their image problem with “accredited” groups bestowing upon them awards when their operations are rotten to the core. They have to apologize for their mistakes, make us whole and conform their business operations to consumer protection laws.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 27

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30 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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Your Horoscope - February 11th 2015 ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

There may be imperfections, the unfinished, or the bill to contend with, but overall your week ends on a high and happy note. There could be something to celebrate. There’s even more to look forward to—Mercury ends retrograde next Wednesday, but it will continue to boost your income and sociallife prospects through the middle of March.

Feeling restless? Want/need more? A fresh infusion, a spruce-up, or a change of scenery will do you worlds of good. It’s an appropriate time for a major career or personal-life overhaul. Look around, put your feelers out, and watch for something new to jump out at you. There’s risk involved in all new undertakings. Don’t let it hold you back.

Big plans for the weekend? Big plans for your future? Sun/Jupiter keeps both prospects on the front burner. Enjoy being social, take a trip, scout for new digs, or spruce it up right where you are; attend a workshop or study like crazy. The recipe is a simple one: make full use of time and opportunity. Your cake will deliver great gain and pleasure.

It’s an excellent time to get at the research or legwork. Start a conversation—better than average mileage can be gained. Explore a new financial or health option, scout for a new agent or lender, seek advice or a second opinion, sign up for a mentorship program.

You’re likely to stumble onto something that’s well worth your time, money, or heart.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Where do you see yourself now? Where do you want to see yourself next? Sun/Jupiter says go for it big-time. This breakthrough and/or liberation transit can thrust you fulltilt into brand-new territory. You’ll hit a rapid learning and growth curve. On a more immediate note, it’s an excellent top-up transit for play, reward, and pleasure-seeking.

Thursday/Friday could be full of the unforeseen and/or saving graces. It’s easy to get distracted, overwhelmed, or pulled away by the immediacy of the moment. The Virgo moon keeps you on the ball. Intuition and instincts serve as great first responders and/ or troubleshooters; heed their advice. Sunday’s a full plate. Monday onward, it’s on a smooth roll.

Thursday/Friday can put extra on your plate and escape on your mind. Sun/Jupiter keeps you hot-wired and hitting it full steam through the weekend. Sunday/Monday, you’re a dynamo. Tuesday/Wednesday, go by feel, read between the lines. You’ll find a talent for spotting a bargain or an advantage.

Mercury ends retrograde but will continue to keep you fully switched on through mid March.

A family gathering, a special anniversary, a move, an announcement, a getaway, or an exit plan can claim your undivided attention. It can take it out of you, too, especially Thursday/Friday. Even with a surprise tossed into the mix, it’s all good and/or a big step in the right direction. Tuesday/Wednesday, the Scorpio moon and the end of Mercury retrograde have you fully refuelled.

You’ll hit it just right.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

News, visits, test results, firsts, lasts, and everything in between—Friday onward sets major wheels in motion. Someone special could show up or make their exit. The sun/Jupiter transit sets a great backdrop for travel, relocation, sports, performing, and celebration. Spring yourself free, express yourself, impress us, go exploring. Luck and synchronicity are at peak. Don’t text while you drive; guard your health.

Thursday and Friday could be moneymaker days. As well, they can push the repeat or refresh button in a significant way. Through the weekend, you can spend, consume, or output plenty more than usual. Ready, set, blast off. Once sun/Jupiter strikes flint, it’s an immediate domino effect. Monday begins a productive week.

Birthday or not, you can feel gifted now.

Thursday through Sunday can bring special attention, favour, or luck. Shine on; claim your ticket to fame. Put a greater distance between yesterday and today. Sun/Jupiter keeps it social and exciting. Perhaps there’s added cause for celebration. As of Wednesday, Mercury in Aquarius waves you through the turnstile.

The end of the week could produce a major work, health, personal, or creative breakthrough. Sun/Jupiter is also ideal for a vacation or a weekend escape. Thursday/Friday, stock up on the extras, soak up the attention, make it easy on yourself. Monday onward, there’s no need to force a thing. Let it flow—it will.

March 20 - April 19

July 22 - August 22

November 22 - December 21

April 19 - May 20

August 22 - September 22

December 21 - January 19

May 20 - June 21

September 22 - October 23

January 19 - February 18

June 21 - July 22

October 23 - November 22

February 18 - March 19

Across 2) End with a punch 4) Go on hands 6) Where coaches stay 8) Standing ____-count 10) Ringside scorers 11) Three minutes 12) “Iron” Mike ____ 14) Quick punch 16) Marquee weight class

Down 1) Canadian champ George 3) Man in the middle 5) Unanimous or split 7) Squared circle 9) Shiny shorts 11) Legendary boxing movie 12) Throw in the ____ 13) Championship prize 15) Greatest of All Time

TORONTO CARIBBEAN

The best option:

Leasing vs. Buying

ty, lowering costs for repairs. As well, you can upgrade your vehicle to a more reliable model over time rather than using the same model for years on end.

Jelani Daniel Automotive Corner A lease and a loan come with different perks and downsides. By looking at both, you can decide which suits your financial situation and lifestyle costs both currently and in the long run. Since both options can be costly, the long term decision should be researched in depth before considering one or the other.

In short, a lease may cost less on a month-to-month basis but come with more restrictions and a longer series of monthly payments. On the other hand, purchasing may cost more initially but result in no monthly payments over time. A lease can be compared to renting a home while financing or buying a car can be compared to buying a home; one has more extras included, but one adds to your assets column.

Leasing: Leasing is a very common option for those who cannot afford a hefty initial down payment, but have a good credit score. While financing is a great option, a lease can give you the satisfaction of driving with a warran-

The cons of a lease: Monthly payments for a lease are affordable, but limits regarding the amount of kilometers may come into play. You have less freedom in terms of monthly payments since they continue for years on end until you stop leasing. Ending a lease may also cost you extra, adding to the cost.

Purchasing: When you buy a vehicle, you may have to get an initial loan to pay back the amount that your vehicle costs, but in the end, you have a vehicle that is your own. The quicker you pay back the loan, the quicker you have your own car without monthly payments.

The cons of buying: Buying may cost you more in the long run if you have to pay back a third party. Considering the difference between a short-term and a long-term loan option may be important since shorter loans may cost you more but help you reach your financial goals quicker, and a long term loan may stretch out payments but be cheaper overall.

In short, you can compare leasing to renting a house, and purchasing to taking out a mortgage on a home. While one has a series of benefits and afforded, the other adds to your asset column.

The costly consequences of missed insurance payments!

Sherene Cole

CIP, CRM, CAIB, LLQP

Insurance Matters

When their annual family life insurance premium came due recently, the Johnsons just did not have the funds available. The insurance premium statement and reminder notice was filed in their “to be paid” folder, untouched and unpaid for several weeks until they received the final “lapsed” notice.

When their financial situation did improve, the Johnsons decided they needed the protection of their life insurance policy back, but they soon found out that this was no easy matter.

New applications, new medicals (and a hope that their good health continued to qualify) were required and now at much

higher premiums reflecting their current ages.

In another scenario, the Lawsons leave the country on an extended vacation, and while away, both their home and automobile policies are cancelled for non-payment due to insufficient funds. Imagine the financial loss had they suffered a fire or water damage claim during their absence, or their car was stolen from the driveway? Not only must they now find new insurance, but they are unlikely to get the same rates now with a ‘rateable’ non-payment cancellation on their record. In addition, there’s a good chance that they will not qualify for a monthly payment plan for the next year and must pay in full for the new policy.

As you can see, allowing your policy to ‘lapse’ at renewal or be cancelled for non-payment at any time can have serious consequences. By taking the necessary precautions to ensure you remain on top of your premiums, you can avoid both the stress and potential disaster that comes from being uninsured.

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Asking the right questions Colleen Lindberg Business Development Have you ever considered how much asking questions plays on your business and relationship success? You might be thinking, what do you mean by this.

Asking questions is our way of gathering information in order to make informed decisions, delve deeper into something and get to the root of issues, challenges and most often peoples concerns.

In business, I find that this is one of the key pieces to my business growth and it’s success as it allows me to better connect with my clients. I offer potential clients a complimentary consultation. Why do I do this? It allows me to go into their place of business, office, etc. and sit with them to determine their needs. I am able to ask questions, engage and build reports, however it’s not just about me selling them something,

it’s about me figuring out whether what I have will fill their needs. The only way I am able to determine this is by asking them questions, getting to the bottom of their concerns, finding out why they say no to certain things/or won’t do aspects of the business certain ways and then I will have a foundation to make it worth their attention.

I am not sure about you, but I specialize in key areas of business. Yes, granted I can do a lot of things, but I am expert in a few and that is where my main focus is. If I didn’t ask my potential clients qualifying questions then I could possibly take on jobs that are not exactly what I want to be doing or within the scope that they require, which of course will equal out to both of us not being satisfied with the end result.

Sometimes we are fearful as people to ask questions as it seems like we are too eager, here’s what I say to that, ask the questions, be eager, take the bull by the horns and be the authority. People want to do business with people that are confident and that they believe in! So start believing in yourself.

On another point, asking questions in relationships… this is so much

fun. It’s a great way to get to know each other. I was on this online dating site, I know we were just talking about business, but this is relevant I swear. They have a list of all these questions to ask to get to know each other and I think that some of them are awesome, here are a few.

“Looking back on your life, what are you most proud of?”

“Describe an interest that you have that you would truly hope your partner could share with you?”

“If you had three wishes what would they be?”

“What do you like most to do on a day off?”

And the list goes on….now if you actually look at these questions, these would be more substantial questions that get to the core of people. You start having more connected conversations, learning about their deeper thoughts, what drives them.

If you were to look again at

these questions, can you see how they could also translate into business questions, example “Looking back into your business, what are you most proud of?”

“What new interests are you looking to take on in the company that you hope the rest of your team will buy into?” “If you could change three things about the company, what would they be?” (If there is three of course)…. So you see where I am headed with this. These types of questions set you apart of the other people that have tried to sell them… whether in business or in life and it starts getting to the root of who people are, why they do what they do and what’s important to them. It opens other doors and the report is established at a quicker rate and people start to really connect. I really feel that is what this day and age is about…connection.

I challenge you, which I pretty much do all the time, to start to think about your industry, what your ideal clients would want and then formulate some different, open ended questions to get to know them better. Build those foundations in the relationship and maybe then you will see what you can really do in business. Best of luck! Ask away!

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