Identity theft has become an increasingly popular crime in Canada as a result of recent advances in technology. Identity theft involves stealing or hijacking the identity of another person - or in some cases of a business - and provides an effective means to commit other crimes.

Vital information such as name, address, date of birth, social insurance number, and mother’s maiden name need to be acquired in order to complete the impersonation. The identity thief can take over the victim’s financial accounts, open new bank accounts, transfer bank balances, apply for loans, credit cards and other services, purchase vehicles, take luxury vacations, and so on.

Review and remember the following points to avoid becoming an easy target:
• sign all credit cards when you receive them
• never loan your credit cards to anyone
• cancel credit cards you do not use and keep a list of the ones you use regularly
• immediately report lost or stolen credit cards and any discrepancies in your monthly statements to the issuing credit card company
• never leave receipts at bank machines, bank wickets, in trashcans, or at unattended gasoline pumps; ensure you destroy paperwork you no longer need
• never provide personal information such as SIN, date of birth, credit card numbers, or PIN over the telephone unless you initiate the call
• promptly remove mail from your ‘secure’ mailbox after delivery and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your residence or work site
• shred or otherwise destroy pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bills and related information when no longer needed
• avoid keeping a written record of your bank PIN number(s), social insurance number and computer passwords, and never keep this information in your wallet or hand bag
• avoid mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions or surveys offering instant prizes or awards designed for the purpose of obtaining your personal details including credit card numbers

… as found on http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams/identity_e.htm.

Visit http://www.safecanada.ca/identitytheft_e.asp for more information.

November 6 to 12 is National Seniors’ Safety Week, a good time to discuss Safety Tips for Winter Walking.

There’s nothing like a walk outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the season. Yet, while walking is an excellent way to keep fit, it can be downright dangerous.  According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, almost 12,000 people visited an emergency room in 2002–2003 after falling on ice in Ontario alone! Over half of the incidents took place in January and February.

It can also be challenging at this time of year to get out and about. Slippery surfaces lie in wait for the unsuspecting pedestrian. Seniors are at particular risk; over one-third of all people hospitalized after falling on ice were 60 to 79 years of age and were hospitalized for an average of over 7 days.

As winter approaches, the first ‘step’ for safe walking is a good pair of winter boots. Ideal features include good insulation, waterproof, non-slip soles, light in weight, with wide, low heels.

The Canada Safety Council offers seniors some practical suggestions to stay active in winter:
• Ice grippers on footwear can help you walk on hard packed snow and ice. But be careful! Grippers become dangerously slippery and must be removed before walking on smooth surfaces such as stone, tile and ceramic. Before buying the grippers, be sure that you are able to attach and remove them from your boots, this is best done sitting down.
• Use a cane to help with balance. Have it fitted to the right height for you. When your cane is held upside down, the end should be at wrist level. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or local public health department about how to use your cane properly.
• Attach an ice pick at the end of your cane. Cane picks will be slippery on hard surfaces so be sure to flip it back as you get indoors. Picks are available at most drug stores.
• If you need further support use a walker. The cost can be covered by government programs; talk with your doctor.
• Wear a hip protector (a lightweight belt or pant with shields to guard the hips). It can help protect the hips against fractures and give added confidence.
• Help other road users see you by wearing bright colours or adding reflective material to clothing.
• Prevent heat loss by wearing a warm hat, scarf, and mittens or gloves. Dressing in layers may also keep you warmer.
• Carry a small bag of grit, sand or non clumping cat litter in your jacket pocket or handbag, to sprinkle when you are confronted with icy sidewalks, steps, bus stops, etc.
• Ask a passer-by to help you cross an icy surface.

We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened.

Each year on Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve. And in addition to the Canadians involved in World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War and other past conflicts, this November 11th let’s also think of those Canadians serving in conflicts today. October marked the 5th anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. Canada has about 2,300 troops in Afghanistan, with most stationed at Kandahar Airfield. Others are scattered across the globe helping those less fortunate.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) - Canadian Army

Thinking about shopping online for holiday gifts? The Internet is an exciting tool that not only puts vast information at your fingertips but expands your shopping options like never before. Whether you're buying direct from a business or an individual, an online “retailer” or an Internet auction, shopping online can make sense. But, just as in the bricks and mortar world, the Internet shopping experience can be marred with unscrupulous dealers focused on separating consumers and their money. Consumers who take a few precautions when they’re online can help minimize the chance of an online Scrooge causing problems.

Know who you’re dealing with. Anyone can set up shop online. Confirm an online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you need to get in touch with them.

Read between the lines. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out” may indicate that the product is in not-new condition; name-brand items with “too good to be true” prices could be counterfeits.

Calculate the costs. Check out websites that offer price comparisons and then, compare “apples to apples.” Factor shipping and handling into the total cost of the order. Then, stack these costs against your budget and needs.

Pay by credit card. Do not send cash under any circumstances. Ideally, designate one credit card with a "low credit limit" as your primary card for all web based transactions. Tell your bank that you do not want them to raise the limit on that card without your prior written permission. Try to use your designated primary card whenever possible. 

Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates. Can you return the item for a full refund? If you return it, who pays the shipping costs or restocking fees? When can you expect to receive your order? Can the recipient return your gift? If so, ask that a gift receipt be included in the package.

Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of any email you exchange with the seller.

Read your credit card statements as you receive them to be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.

Hockey Facts
• The National Hockey League was founded in 1917.
• The ice for pro hockey games is usually 3/4th of an inch thick, and kept at a temperature of 16 degrees Fahrenheit. (Thicker, warmer ice is typically a bit slower, used primarily for ice skating).
• The markings (lines, circles, creases, etc.) are painted onto the ice when it is about ½ inch thick.
• Pucks are frozen before entering play to reduce bouncing.
• The Stanley Cup weighs 16 kg (35 lb) and stands just less than 93 cm (3 ft) in height.
• In the 1920’s the average size of NHL players was 5' 9" and 168 lbs. In the 1990s it was 6' 1" and 202 lbs.
• On a relatively long-distance shot, 60 feet away from the goal, the goaltender will have about one half of a second to react.
• Most shutouts by a rookie, one season: Tony Esposito with 15 shutouts with the Chicago Black Hawks, 1969-70.
• The first player to wear protective headgear was George Owen of the Boston Bruins in 1928.
• The last helmetless player, the St. Louis Blues’ Craig MacTavish, retired in 1997.
• It was the New York Rangers who first pulled their goaltender for an extra skater in either 1939-40 or 1940-41. Frank Boucher, the club's coach at the time is generally credited with the innovation.

“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” ~ Winston Churchill

“It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” ~ Yogi Berra 

“He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

“Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people once a year.” ~ Victor Borge

Cool Websites

The Underground Railroad
Angela, age 12, says “The is a very interesting website that tells a story of what slaves had to go through when they escaped into Canada from the white supremacy of the southern states in the mid 1800’s. They sure did have it rough.”

Hot Wheels Rebellion Race
Georgio, age 8, says, “This is a fun site. I get to race all sorts of different cars around the courses. They’re easy to steer and drive. You just use the arrow keys.”

All About Weather
Janet, age 7, says, “This website has funny games you can play that tell you all about the things that make weather good or bad. I learned a lot!”

Myth Busters
Ben, age 11, says, “My little brother and I watch this show all the time. Those guys are crazy – and funny. This site has lots of pictures and info. I especially liked the puzzles.”

NHL Uniforms
Arvid, age 14, says, “I love this site! It has drawings of every NHL uniform back to the beginning of the league. I like to use them show me what teams were in the league when. I didn’t even know Pittsburg had a team in the 1920’s.!”

“On a wing and a prayer”

Meaning - In poor condition, but just managing to get the job done.
Example - “The team is going into the finals on a wing and a prayer since their top scorer is injured.”
Origin - This phrase originated with the WWII patriotic song, "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" (1943), by Harold Adamson and Jimmie McHugh, which tells of a warplane with a damaged wing, barely able to limp back to base.

There are always lots of items to be put together for the holiday season and things that need to be tightened. Time for a few Screwdriver Tips:

• Never use a screwdriver as a chisel, or for prying, punching, scoring or scraping.
  
• Make sure the tip fits the slot of the screw; not too loose or tight.
  
• Always discard a screwdriver with a worn or broken handle.
  
• Never use a screwdriver on a work piece held in your hand. A slip could cause serious injury.
  
• Never depend on a screwdrivers’ handle or covered blade to insulate you from electricity.

In short, mp3 is a file format for audio. Like pictures, audio files can be saved in many different formats. Think of .mp3’s as the .jpg of the audio world. With .mp3’s, the sound quality is preserved better than by many other audio file formats. That’s why they have become a standard format for music files, audio books, and internet radio shows.

The .mp3 file extension stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3. (MPEG stands for Motion Picture Experts Group) Mp3s can compress sound data into a small file, making it the format of choice when saving/sending sound files. Like .jpg’s, .mp3’s can be compressed to different file sizes, depending on the need for high end quality.

"You can be pleased with nothing when you are not pleased with yourself."
~ Lady Mary Wortley Montagu