Car-Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!

Buying unnecessary add-ons
Things like rust-proofing, VIN etching or fabric protector are unnecessary. Research features you do want online and print out the info before heading to the dealer. Also, price several different variations in case the dealer doesn't have the exact model you want.

Not enough cross-shopping
On average, people only shop about three vehicles. If someone's shopping a mid-sized car, there are probably at least 10 different vehicles that would meet their exact specifications and needs. In terms of safety, reliability and features, there are very few lemons for sale anymore. Cast a wide net when comparing models online.

Settling for whats on the lot
Don't be impatient. Only5% special-order a vehicle through a dealer and wait for it to be delivered. The others either find exactly what they want on the lot, or settle for something that's not quite what they wanted. There's no reason to do that when making such a large purchase. They can also custom-order exactly what you want from the factory.

Skipping the test drive
The recommended time spent driving the car is half an hour. While on the tour, enter and exit a highway, take it on roads like those you drive every day. Be sure to take competing models for a spin, too.

Focusing on the monthly payment
One of the first questions salespeople ask is, "So, how much were you looking to spend per month?" It's to your benefit not to focus on that number, because doing so can make the final price of the car a moving target. Adding "only $50 a month" to get leather and more power might sound tempting, but it will add thousands to the bottom line.

Buying more care than you need
If you end up buying a V8-powered pickup truck when all you need is a four-cylinder commuter car, well, you are your own worst enemy in that case.

Telling the salesman you have cash
This might seem like a power play, but it is usually not. This let's them know they won't be making any money in the loan department, and could make them less willing to negotiate the price of the car as they seek to maximize their profit. First negotiate the final price of the car, and then tell them you will pay in cash.

Being clueless about financing
Learn your credit score and find out from several banks or credit unions what kind of rates you can get on a car loan before you go to the dealer. Then you'll know if the financing terms that the dealer offers are worth taking, or whether to fall back on another loan.

Negotiating without knowing what you're doing
Before you set foot in a dealership, go online and research the prices of vehicles you're considering. Not just the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), but the invoice price, which is what the dealer pays for each car. Also look up consumer rebates, direct-to-dealer incentives and dealer holdbacks, which are a percentage of the invoice price that dealers sometimes get back from the manufacturer.

Fumbling on the trade-in
Understand the value of your trade-in before you go to the dealership by looking it up on websites such as MSN Autos or KBB.com. Once at the dealer, negotiate the trade-in only after you have settled on the price of the new car. If a dealer asks upfront about a trade-in, focus his attention back on the process at hand, whether that is selecting the car or negotiating its price.

Found on msn.ca

The Hair-Raising Truth About Straighteners

Do you own a hair straightener? More importantly, do you use it every day? I naturally have curly hair, so a nice straight doo is nice once in awhile!

But here's the truth about straighteners... trichologists say that the damage caused by straighteners can actually make hair frizzier and curlier, setting up a ‘straightener addiction’ cycle that can, eventually, cause hair to appear thin and dull because the hair breaks off due to the heat.

According to a new survey, a third of all women — and one in five men — now owns a straightener! And more than a quarter refuse to leave the house without first ironing our hair.

The evolution of Straighteners...
The started out steel-plated and took 20 minutes to reach an effective temperature. Then in the 90's, Ceramic straighteners started a straight hair revolution and took less than one minute to reach more than 200c. It’s the new technology, however, that's creating the real damage. Hair is very tough, but any heat over 180c will damage the cuticle of the hair — the hard outer protective coating on each strand.

Repeated straightening causes a breakdown in the cuticle. The ‘slates’ start to lift and the rough, uneven surface exposes the cortex, allowing the fibres to unravel. This starts as split ends, but can reach all the way up the hair, causing it to break off.

Sallis says that straightener addiction starts when women use them regularly at a high heat. He explains: ‘Straighteners are easy to use, so women become reliant on them. But too much heat and inadequate protection makes hair dry and frizzy.

Just Throw Your Garbage Down the Toilet! Wait... WHAT?!

According to the 4th annual Canadian Water Attitudes Study, an online survey commissioned by RBC and Unilever and endorsed by the Canadian Partnership Initiative of the United Nations Water for Life Decade, almost 3/4 of Canadians admit to flushing items down the toilet that they could get rid of elsewhere.

In British Columbia it's most often dead pests that are flushed while other Canadians get rid of food, hair and cigarette butts. Albertans are most likely to admit to using the toilet as a general garbage disposal unit.

Canadians claim to care about conserving water, yet knowingly engage in water wasting activities, including using fresh, clean water to dispose of garbage.

However, Canadians do seem to know about the quality of their water. 80% know the water in their toilet is just as clean as the water coming out of their faucet and 75% are aware that nearly half of water used in the home is flushed down the toilet.

Tidbit... A toilet uses 6-20 litres of clean fresh water for every flush; the higher amount is almost equal to an office water cooler container!

So if it's yellow... let it mellow! And use the garbage can for pete's sake!

I've Got Some Catching Up to Do!

According to a survey of 2,000 people on an on-line dating site....

Before the average woman finds Mr. Right, we have to go through this checklist!

• 22 kisses from different guys

• 4 long-term relationships

• 5 heartbreaks

• 6 bad dates

• 6 one-nighters (ironically the same as the bad dates)

• 4 times being cheated on

• 1 love met on-line

• 3 long-distance relationships

• 3 getaways with different men

I don't know about you, but I have a few things to get done before I meet Mr. Right!

By contrast, this is the average mans checklist...

• 23 kisses from different girls

• 6 heartbreaks (more then ladies!)
  

• 10 one-nighters
  

• 5 times being dumped

How to Help Japan

Several Canadian branches of international development agencies have opened their lines to accept donations to help rebuild parts of Japan after the country was devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Avoid online donation fraud. Take care to donate to a reputable organization.

Humanitarian Coalition
Under the banner of the Humanitarian Coalition, four aid agencies — CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada — have joined together to raise funds for Japan relief operations.
Phone: 1-800-464-9154
http://humanitariancoalition.ca/

Oxfam Canada
http://www.oxfam.ca/node/3003

CARE Canada
http://www.care.ca/main/index.php?en&japanearthquake

Plan Canada
Plan International has sent emergency response teams and has a warehouse of emergency kits on standby.
http://plancanada.ca/Page.aspx?pid=3369

World Vision Canada
World Vision sent in emergency assessment and will remain to help with rebuilding.
http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/Pacific-Tsunami.aspx

Salvation Army Canada
Salvation Army Japan sent emergency team to Sendai, the hardest hit city, to assess damage and plan its next aid effort.
http://www.salvationarmy.ca/2011/03/11/the-salvation-army-in-canada-will-allocate-75000-to-the-earthquake-relief-effort-in-japan/
Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
By mobile text "QUAKE" to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada to make a $10 donation

Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is also encouraging Canadians to support relief, evacuation and emergency response efforts with donations to its Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund. Wireless users can text ASIA to 30333 to donate $5 to relief efforts.
Phone: 1-800-418-1111
http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=000043&tid=016

Doctors Without Borders
Medical and logistics teams from Doctors Without Borders were racing to the worst-hit areas in Japan's Iwate and Miyagi prefectures by helicopter, as roads are blocked by flooding. The organization relies mainly on donations to support field operations for medical assistance.
Phone: 1-800-982-7903
http://www.msf.ca/news-media/news/2011/03/msf-continues-to-assess-in-quake-and-tsunami-devastated-areas/

Federal government
Canadians can also find out how to provide assistance to Japan through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website, where there is a list of experienced humanitarian organizations.
http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/canadians_help-aide_canadien.aspx?lang=eng#organizations

Which Canned Foods are Better Then Fresh!

Canned salmon

Not only is this fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it's actually better for you when canned because it’s packed with the bones intact, meaning more calcium for your bones and teeth. Also, some of the fat is removed, making it a healthier option.

Canned pinto beans

There is virtually no difference between the nutritional value of canned and fresh pinto beans; both require cooking for similar amounts of time. The canned beans are much more convenient and can easily be added to soups or stews. They’re a good source of folate and manganese, relatively high in protein, and rich in vitamin B1 as well as a slew of other minerals.

Canned tomatoes

Scientists have been talking about ketchup being a healthy part of your diet for a while now, and this is mainly because lycopene, the antioxidant component of the tomato, becomes more potent when heated. Thus, canned tomatoes are a high source of lycopene and are also rich in vitamins A and C while containing no fat or salt.

Canned smoked mackerel

Although cooked mackerel is generally healthier for you than smoked (as it doesn't contain any of the nitrates associated with this method of cooking), we’ve gone for the smoked because it is infinitely more versatile and delicious. Canned smoked mackerel is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids and is very inexpensive.

Canned sardines

Like salmon and mackerel, sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They are often packed in a tomato sauce, which is great for its lycopene content, but often this sauce has high levels of sodium as well. Instead, go for a low-sodium option packed in water. Sardines are sustainable and inexpensive, and they contain high amounts of vitamin B12 (second only to calf liver), which promotes heart health.

Canned kidney beans

Like pinto beans, kidney beans require long cooking times. Thus, there is little difference between those cooked for long periods of time for canning and the dried ones you cook at home. They are high in fiber, iron and memory-boosting B1, release their energy slowly (meaning no sugar spikes), and contain a relatively good amount of protein.

Canned pumpkin

Go for natural canned pumpkin flesh, which is low in calories, high in fiber and fat-free. It contains over 500% of your RDA of vitamin A, 8% of magnesium, 10% of vitamin C, and 10% of iron (among others, including beta-carotene). As canned pumpkin has less water than the fresh variety, some of these vitamins and nutrients are actually more concentrated.

Canned clams

These shellfish are high in protein and zinc -- critical for the well-being of your immune system -- and rich in iron (containing far greater quantities than found in red meat) and selenium. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids and are a good source of phosphorous, manganese and potassium. They do contain a bit of cholesterol, but nowhere near the quantities found in prawns.

Canned chicken

It might not sound massively appealing, but a can of cooked chicken is a versatile ingredient that is packed with protein and incredibly low in fat for a relatively low calorie count. Chicken is high in selenium as well as cancer-preventing B-vitamin niacin. It also contains B6, which is important for energy metabolism.

Found on askmen.com

Rude Karaoke Moves

1. Don't boo or hassle the performer...ever.
   


2. Applaud at the end of a tune. Even if they tripped and knocked themselves unconscious for a few seconds, forgot how to read, and displayed the musical ability of a dead fish. You should be kind since you may deliver a sub-par performance someday yourself.
   


3. Upstaging someone else by joining them onstage or wrestling at the mic uninvited is bad behavior. Respect the rights of others to own their solo moment, unless they issue an invitation.
   


4. Never throw a diva tantrum on karaoke DJ. If your track hasn't come up in the rotation, don't yell or whine. It's okay to ask when you're coming up, especially if people who showed up after you are going on before you. But throwing a drink in their face will surely not get you on the list.
   


5. Handle the songbook and the karaoke mic carefully. You are usually using the personal property of the karaoke DJ.
   


6. Cursing over a karaoke mic is ridiculously rude. Profanity doesn't need to be cranked up through a 350 watt speaker.
   


7. Singing while you are drunk is only fun for you. (Though I bet you will wake up the next morning without that happy memory of your time on stage the night before.) Taking a shot before you sing in order to build up a little karaoke bravery is an honored part of the process, but if you can barely stand up to perform then you probably ought to stay seated. As a general rule, If you're going to drink till you fall down don't sing karaoke!

March is Fraud Prevention Month

The RCMP are reminding people to take precautions so you don't become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, New Brunswickers reported losing more than $800,000 to frauds and scams in 2010... and that's just the people who actually reported it!
Meanwhile, reports of identity theft decreased significantly, down by 229%! Although some skeptics believe it's because people are not reporting it, or even know about it.

So if you've been a victim of fraud or identity theft, there's 4 things to do.
1. Contact your local police
2. Contact your financial institution
3. Contact the 2 National Credit Bureaus
4. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center

Here's some tips you can take in order to protect yourself from Identity Theft:

1. Keep a photocopy of all of your credit cards, bank account numbers and other important information in a safe place. Making back-up copies will help you trace and cancel your stolen or lost cards if they are lost or stolen.
2. Credit card receipts should be disposed properly because they contain information about yourself and your account. This information may help thieves to possible steal your identity. Shred your bills and receipts to ensure that personal information is not made easily available. However the best way to totally destroy your documents is by incineration.
   
3. If a credit card that you have applied for does not arrive on time, contact your credit institution and relay the problem.
   
4. Create a good combination of numbers for your PIN or passwords. Make sure that you choose difficult to guess PIN numbers. Birth dates, mother’s maiden name, pet’s name, usual or famous number combinations, etc. should not be used for your PIN or passwords.
5. Do not give your personal information to anyone who sends you an email, calls you, or sends you snail mail.
6. Observe the area surrounding the bank machine you're about to use. Make sure no one can observe your transaction. Make sure there isn't unusual equipment attached to the ATM.
   
7. Check bills every month. All entries in the bill must be made with your permission. If there are charges included in the bill which you do not know, immediately report it to your credit institution and ask for an investigation.
8. Do not keep personal documents in your car. If you must keep something in your car, put it in your glove department and lock it.
   
9. Secure all your personal information in your mobile phone and laptop with a password. Remember that laptops and mobile phones are personal gadgets that are not to be used by anyone else and these items can be easily misplaced, lost or stolen.

15 Easy Ways to Rev Up Your Metabolism

Found on Mens Health!

Don't Diet
It isn't about eating less, it's about eating more - more nutrition-dense food, to crowd out the empty calories and keep you full all day. By restricting food, you're telling your metabolism to slow down to hold on to existing energy stores. What's worse, if the food shortage continues, you'll begin burning muscle tissue, which just gives your enemy, visceral fat, a greater advantage.

Get More Sleep
A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that of each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

Stock Up On Protein
Your body needs protein to maintain lean muscle. Researchers recommend between 0.8 and 1 gram per pound of body weight. Add a serving, like 3 ounces of lean meat, 2 tablespoons of nuts, or 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack. Plus, research showed that protein can up post-meal calorie burn by as much as 35%!

Organic
Canadian researchers reported that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experienced a greater than normal dip in metabolism as they lost weight. In other words, pesticides make it harder to lose pounds. Other research hints that pesticides can trigger weight gain. But if it's too expensive, stick to this rule: If you can eat the skin, go organic.

Stand Up!
In one study, researchers discovered that inactivity (4 hours or more) causes a near shutdown in an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism. To keep this enzyme active and increase your fat burning, break up long periods of downtime by standing up - for example, while talking on the phone.

Drink Cold Water
German researchers found that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day can raise the metabolism by about 50 calories daily.

Fire Up Your Taste Buds
It turns out that capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their mouth-searing quality, can also fire up your metabolism. Eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped red or green chilies boosts your body's production of heat and the activity of your sympathetic nervous system by about 23%!

Eat Breakfast
This jump-starts your metabolism and keeps energy high all day. It's no accident that those who skip this meal are 4 1/2 times as likely to be obese. And the heartier your first meal is, the better.

Drink Caffeine
Your daily java jolt can rev your metabolism 5 to 8% - about 98 to 174 calories a day. A cup of brewed tea can raise your metabolism by 12%.

Add Some Fibre
Fibre can rev your fat burn by as much as 30%. Aim for about 25 g a day - the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

Pump Up The Iron... Intake
Iron is essential for carrying the oxygen your muscles need to burn fat. Shellfish, lean meats, beans, fortified cereals, and spinach are excellent sources.

Vitamin D
This is essential for preserving metabolism-revving muscle tissue. Good sources: salmon, tuna, fortified milk and cereals, and eggs.

Moooo
There's some evidence that calcium deficiency may slow metabolism. Research shows that consuming calcium in dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may also reduce fat absorption from other foods.

Mmm, Watermelon!
The amino acid arginine, abundant in watermelon, might promote weight loss, according to a new study in the Journal of Nutrition. Researchers supplemented the diets of obese mice with arginine over 3 months and found that it decreased body-fat gains by a whopping 64 per cent. Adding this amino acid to the diet enhanced the oxidation of fat and glucose and increased lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat does. Snack on watermelon and other arginine sources, such as seafood, nuts, and seeds, year-round.

What Your Feet Are Telling You

Dry or cracking skin
As we get older, skin becomes thinner and drier on the feet. While dry skin isn’t a crisis,
those cracks and cuts can open the way to infection. In most cases, some regular moisturizing
will do the trick, but beware of any wounds that won’t heal — they could be a sign of a more
serious illness like diabetes.
Peeling and itching
Dry skin can also be a symptom of a fungal infection like the dreaded athlete’s foot, especially
when accompanied by peeling, itching, scaling and inflammation. Fungus often shows up in
the warm, moist area between the toes where it can easily spread to the nails if left
untreated. Fungus can be easy to pick up, especially if you like to go barefoot on the beach
or in the locker room. Your best defense is to keep your feet protected with footwear and
keep your feet dry with fresh socks and talcum powder as needed.
Thick, yellow nails 
It could be the normal affects of aging, but it could also be a sign of nail fungus which can be
difficult to treat because topical medications like creams often aren’t effective and oral
medications can have potentially harmful side effects like liver damage. However, new laser
treatments are revolutionizing the treatment of fungus — minus any pain or risks. Also, the
chemicals in nail polish can cause damage. It’s a good idea to give your nails a breather
especially during the winter when toes aren’t on display. A little sunshine won’t hurt either
— the UV rays can even help kill unwanted organisms.
Black or dark toenails
Often the result of an injury, a bruise under the nail. Unfortunately, the bruise can lead to
other problems like a fungal infection or a sore that could become infected. Discoloured nails
should be checked out, especially if you have diabetes.
Ingrown toenails
Improper grooming techniques, injury, hereditary and structural problems can all cause the
toe nail to curl under and dig painfully into the skin. Poorly fitting shoes are also a cause, so
it’s no surprise this problem shows up more often in women than men. Luckily, it can be
treated in office by a podiatrist. Make sure to trim your nails properly — always cut straight
across rather than rounding edges — and that your shoes fit properly, especially in the toe
area.
Pain 
Foot pain can have many causes from arthritis to plantar fasciitis, but you’ll need some expert
advice to determine the problem and find a treatment. Osteoarthritis is a common problem,
but it’s not the only cause. Pain and inflammation could also be due to a systemic condition
like rheumatoid arthritis. Injury and repetitive stress can also cause tendonitis. A proper
diagnosis is important because you may need more than painkillers. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can target inflammation, but many podiatrists also use
drug-free treatments like sound wave therapies.
Heel pain
This could mean that parts of your feet aren’t balanced properly. Not only can this cause pain
in your feet, it can also impact your knees, hips and back and even contribute to neck pain.
Supportive footwear and orthotics can help correct the issue. But don’t run out to the drug
store without a consult. Treatment for some conditions may also require stretching exercises
and physiotherapy.
Pain in the toe
The big toe is a popular site for attacks of gout, a form of arthritis where a build up of uric
acid in the body can deposit and crystallize in the sacks that surround joints. The sudden onset
of pain, swelling and redness can be mistaken for injury, and gout is often diagnosed only after
it’s happened a few times. If you experience these symptoms, take notes to help your
diagnosis.
Swelling of the ankles
Known officially as peripheral edema, painless swelling in the feet, ankles and legs should
warrant a call to your doctor rather than a podiatrist. Sometimes swelling appears because
there’s too much fluid in the body and it builds up in the extremities. The causes can be
quite serious — including heart or kidney failure or a blood clot. If it’s accompanied by other
strange symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a trip to the emergency room is in
order. However, swelling could also be a side effect of certain medications like hormone
treatments or blood pressure medications. It can also signal infection or a circulatory problem. (See Medline Plus
Tingling or numbness
Other than your feet falling asleep because you sat funny, numbness or tingling could be a sign
of nerve or circulatory issues. While vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and certain
medications could be behind it, many people with diabetes experience poor circulation as
well as problems with the nerves. Numbness can mask painful problems like foot ulcers and
bone conditions that can get worse quite quickly.
Foot deformities
Whether due to heredity, injury or illness, foot deformities like hammer toes, bunions and
gone spurs can be painful to endure — and they used to be painful to treat. But now, smaller
instruments and new techniques work through smaller openings in tissue. The result? Less tissue
damage and faster healing.
Unusual growths
Yes, cancer can occur in the feet too so any usual growths or lesions should be looked at.
However, a more common condition that occurs between the fourth and fifth toe is neuroma,
an enlarged (but benign) growth of nerves. Pressure from ill-fitting shoes and bone structure
issues is often the cause, and corrective footwear is often a good way to counter it.

There’s good reason to see a podiatrist in addition to your family doctor. Podiatrists focus on
the feet so they’re more knowledgeable about foot conditions and the latest treatment
options. They have the expertise to tackle foot problems from many angles, from orthotics to
surgery, and acute pain as well as chronic. You don’t need a physician’s referral to go see
one. You shouldn’t ignore your feet or simply “live with” pain and discomfort. Many conditions
can now be treated with less difficulty, pain or side effects than in the past, and symptoms in
our feet often point to other health conditions as well.

Found on MSN.ca

Reasons to Start Running!

Summer's-a-comin', hopefully sooner than later! Which means more outdoor activities :) With the Relay for Life, Terry Fox Run, and many other cause-driven runs, why not join the fun? It's a great way to meet people and it's super good for your health.

Here's why running is good for you...

*People who run more than 35 miles a week are 54% less likely to suffer age-related vision loss.

*Runners who run 10 miles weekly (or more) are 39% less likely to use high blood pressure meds and 34% less likely to need cholesterol meds.

*Men who burn at least 3,000 calories per week (equal to about five hours of running) are 83% less likely to have severe erectile dysfunction.

*Running strengthens bones better than other aerobic activities. In one study by the University of Missouri researchers, 63% of cyclists had low density in their spine or hips; only 19% of runners did.

*In another study, people who run say they make fewer mistakes, concentrate better, and are more productive on the day they were active.

*A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that women who were active as teenagers were less likely to develop dementia later in life.

*Insomniacs fall asleep in 17 minutes on days they run, compared to 38 minutes on days they didn't. They also slept for an extra hour on days they exercised.

*People who exercise for an hour a day are 18% less likely to suffer upper-respiratory-tract infections than those who are inactive, according to a study from Sweden. Moderate activity boosts immunity.

*Researchers had asthmatics do two cardio workouts and one strength session a week. After three months, they reported less wheezing and shortness of breath.

*A review of 22 studies found that people who work out 2.5 hours a week are 19% less likely to die prematurely than those who don't exercise. A separate study found that active people have a 50% lower risk of premature death.

So if you've been thinking about taking up running, here's a few reasons to motivate you!