Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1960 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best friends. Nobody goes to jail, nobody arrested, nobody expelled.

2006 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

******************************************************

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1960 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by Principal. Sits still in class.

2006 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. School gets extra money because Jeffrey has a disability.

******************************************************

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his father's car and his Dad gives him a whipping.

1960 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2006 - Billy's Dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Billy's sister is told by psychologist that she remembers being abused herself and their Dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.

******************************************************

Scenario: Mary turns up pregnant.

1960 - 5 High School Boys leave town. Mary does her Grade 12 year at a special school for expectant mothers.

2006 - School Counsellor calls Planned Parenthood. Mary is driven to the next province and gets an abortion without her parents' consent or knowledge. Mary given condoms and told to be more careful next time.

******************************************************

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from Halloween, puts them in a bottle, blows up a red ant hill.

1960- Ants die.

2006 - Fire Department and RCMP called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, Provincial Government investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list.

******************************************************
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary, hugs him to comfort him

1960 - In a short time Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2006 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in prison.

Leo- Saturday, December 4, 2010

The sky above is offering help. There is the realistic and practical hope that you will soon witness the manifestation of a great dream. The events that are now taking may not be moving fast enough, but the pace will soon quicken. Just remember that flexibility will allow the entry of some wonderful elements into the equation.

Booth Stars

November 17, 2010 By Bryan Borzykowski

Gas prices in Toronto may have jumped 4.4 cents yesterday to $1.08 a litre, but in Peterborough the cost stayed at just 98.9 cents a litre.

What's going on, readers wonder? How can it cost a dime less a litre in more rural areas with presumably less competition?

Jason Parent, a senior associate with MJ Ervin & Associates, a London, Ont.-based petroleumm consulting firm, says it boils down to local price wars and stations and stores wanting to get people to buy goods rather than gas.

Parent lives in London where gas is about four cents higher than in nearby St. Thomas.

“The town just got a big box store so they’re selling gas with minimal margin to try and bring people to the store,” he says. “Local stations have to compete with that.”

Scott Maxwell, manager of website TomorrowsGasPricesToday.com, adds that areas outside of Toronto have more independents trying to grab market share from each other. These stations need to sell in-store wares to make money.

Another reason why prices are higher in Toronto is that we don’t get a lot of choice. Drive around the city and you’ll see big names such as Petro-Canada, Shell and Esso. Maxwell says the more popular brands have wiped out the independents who are usually freer to charge what they want.

Maxwell adds that Toronto drivers aren't likely to travel far to find the best price.

“If the big stations put stores everywhere and know they can charge more to make more, what’s forcing them to drop prices if they all do this?” he asks.

The oil companies companies argue that the price of fuel is set independently and based on a number of factors including the oil, refining and marketing costs and supply and demand in the particular market.

So why did Toronto’s gas prices increase so much yesterday?

“When you’ve got a majority of people located in one area we see lock-step pricing, gas companies take advantage of it,” Maxwell says.

By ROBERT LEE HOTZ

Researchers on Thursday said they had bred microbes that absorb the notorious poison arsenic into their DNA, in an experiment that could rewrite the rules of life.

Until now, all organisms were thought to have six essential elements in common: oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, carbon and phosphorus. The researchers say the bacteria they grew in the lab now "very likely" use arsenic instead of phosphorus in critical parts of their working biology, including their spiral backbone of DNA. If the new findings hold up, scientists will have to add noxious element 33 to the construction kit for existence.

Moreover, by depending on an element so toxic to normal life, the microbes are a living demonstration of the exotic substances that biochemistry might, at least in theory, use in other worlds.

"It is building itself out of arsenic," said geo-microbiologist Felisa Wolfe-Simon at NASA's Astrobiology Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey, who led researchers from eight federal and university laboratories conducting the experiment. "All life we know is the same biochemically, and this is a little different. It is suggesting there is another way to be alive."

The researchers conceded that the odd microbes, in and of themselves, don't prove yet that there is a fundamentally different basis for life on Earth. "It is beginning to open the door a crack to possibilities," Ms. Wolfe-Simon said.

Several independent experts were convinced that these unusual organisms weren't so far out of the ordinary. "This is an interesting curiosity, a novel discovery but not a paradigm-breaking one," said New York University chemist Robert Shapiro, an authority on DNA and the origin of life who was not involved in the project. "It is a cousin of known living things that has some peculiar habits."

To be sure, life on Earth knows few bounds. Microbes can be found in rocks a mile underground and in clouds overhead. Some bacteria thrive in toxic waste or survive in brine five times as salty as the sea. Many species of single-cell creatures readily grow in the absence of oxygen, warmth and light.

Until now, however, they were all thought to share the same biochemistry, based on the Big Six, to build proteins, fats and DNA. Even the synthetic cells made in the laboratory, as announced earlier this year, rely on the same six elements. Phosphate is an essential building block for various macromolecules present in all cells, including nucleic acids, lipids and proteins.

"They made their case, and it is quite remarkable," said geo-microbiologist Clara Chan at the University of Delaware, who has studied the findings. "But it remains to be seen how common it is."

The scientists published the research in the journal Science and discussed their work at a NASA news conference Thursday.

"This will fundamentally change our definition of life and how we look for it," said astrobiologist Pamela Conrad at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "This is a huge deal."

Their finding comes as the hunt for Earth-like planets accelerates. With 22 space-based observatories and 100 ground telescopes, researchers are scanning tens of thousands of stars for evidence of a planet that could support life like that on Earth.

Scientists have speculated that an alternative scheme of biochemistry could give rise to other kinds of life in the solar system or on one of the 504 planets astronomers have discovered so far around other stars. In forms too strange to readily recognize, exotic life might thrive in seas of liquid methane, in plumes of exotic gases or in caverns of nitrogen ice.

Indeed, rumors about the pending announcement this week fueled a fever of anticipation among space enthusiasts, with rounds of speculation about the discovery of life elsewhere in the solar system. But the researchers made it clear that their discovery was entirely down-to-earth.

The bacteria were dredged from the briny sludge of California's Mono Lake, where the water is richly laced with arsenic and with bacteria that can survive in it. In the lab, the researchers grew the bacteria in Petri dishes in which phosphate salt normally essential for life was gradually replaced by arsenic, until the bacteria could grow without needing phosphate. They confirmed their finding through a battery of tests with mass spectrometers, radioactive tracers, X-rays and conventional genetic screening.

The researchers weren't able to entirely eliminate all traces of phosphorus, leaving open the possibility that these bacteria were still eking out their existence in a normal way, the researchers said. "There does seem to be a low level of impurity," Dr. Wolfe-Simon said. But the traces of phosphorus were so minute, the researchers said, that no normal microbes could have survived.

"It probably has large implications for the evolution of life on Earth," said USGS microbiologist Ronald Oremland, a senior scientist on the project. "We want to see if there are more kinds of microbes that can do this, and we are trying to find that out.

The Lock it or Lose It campaign is urging people so lock their cars even if they’re dashing into the store.

Some statistics provided by the campaign:

•Auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion every year, which includes emergency response, court, policing, legal, and out-of-pocket costs, such as the deductible

•In 2009, 108,172 vehicles were stolen in Canada; of those, 27,175 were stolen in Ontario. This is a 13% reduction in Ontario compared to the previous year

•Auto theft is not a victimless crime — or just a property crime. Every year innocent people die or are seriously injured as a direct result of auto theft

•On average, auto theft costs every policyholder an additional $35 on his or her insurance premium

•Auto theft can mean a 10-year prison sentence, and a mandatory minimum sentence of six months in jail upon a third conviction

—Source: OACP, IBC

Ontario auto theft statistics | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun

Bloomberg's Michele Steele reports on the U.S. Women's Water Polo Team and its recent bare-all cover for ESPN The Magazine. Bloomberg: source

Leo- Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Leslie Neilson

Leslie William Nielsen, OC (February 11, 1926 – November 28, 2010)^[1] was a Canadian American actor and comedian. Nielsen appeared in over one hundred films and 1,500 television programs over the span of his career, portraying over 220 characters.^[2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Nielsen#

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Daniel Whitney before he started his Larry the Cable Guy acts.



This is Daniels Alter Ego Which Launched Him Into The Multi Million Dollar Redneck Humour

Leo- Sunday, November 28, 2010

The River War: An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Soudan is an 1899 book written by Winston Churchill while he was still an officer in the British army.

The book provides a history of the British involvement in the Sudan and the conflict between the British forces led by Lord Kitchener and Dervish forces led by Khalifa Abdallahi ibn Muhammad, heir to the self-proclaimed Mahdi Muhammad Ahmad who had embarked on a campaign to conquer Egypt, to drive out the non-Muslim infidels and make way for the second coming of the Islamic Mahdi.

The River War was Churchill's second published book after The Story of the Malakand Field Force, and originally filled two volumes with over 1000 pages in 1899. The River War was subsequently abridged to one volume in 1902.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_River_War

About Mohammedanism he wrote:

“

How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - either as a child, a wife, or a concubine - must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.[13]

WASHINGTON—Sarah Palin is drawing criticism from around the world after declaring that the United States has to stand with “our North Korean allies.”

Palin’s gaffe, made Wednesday during an interview on Glenn Beck’s syndicated radio show, was quickly corrected by her host. But it drew immediate fire from liberal bloggers, who cited it as an example of the 2008 vice-presidential candidate’s lack of foreign policy expertise.

Newspapers in Asia and Europe are repeating the criticism. The Times of India says Palin “did it again,” while London’s Daily Mail says she “may want to brush up on her geography.”

The conservative U.S. website The Weekly Standard came to Palin’s defence, pointing out that “she correctly identified North Korea as our enemy literally eight seconds before the mix-up.”

I had to share this talent ....
Look at the length of the fingers on this young musician...and enjoy a perfect performnce.

This is amazing!

Liu Wei lost his arms in an accident at age 10, Liu Wei from Beijing never gives up living strong. He managed to do everything with his feet and started to learn to play piano at age 19. His dream is to become a musician. He is now 22 and just won the China's Got Talent Show on Oct. 10, 2010. In the final, he played piano and sang the song "You Are Beautiful", perhaps his vocal is not the best render of this song, but the power and inspiration of his zest for life won him the final. Bravo! Liu Wei's motto is,"I have two options - I can die as fast as possible, or I can live a brilliant life. And I chose the latter."

Leo- Saturday, November 13, 2010

It would be so wonderful to follow the path of least resistance and coast along from success to success, rather than having to endure this incessant battle against the odds. Sadly, winning the lottery is not a viable modus operandi, but walking straight into an amazing opportunity is. Take time out to relax and calm your mind. If you ask the universe for help, it’ll send a search party out to find you!
For the leo's that surround us! You know who you are !

A man in custody is shown with and without his disguise in this handout image released to Reuters on November 5, 2010.

ANDY CLARK/REUTERS

VANCOUVER—An Air Canada passenger says she spotted a man in a silicone mask on her flight, but was ignored when she tried to warn the air crew.

Nuray Kurtur-Balas says the October 29th flight was still on the ground in Hong Kong when she told three flight attendants she suspected a fellow passenger was wearing a disguise.

She was talking about the young Chinese man who boarded the flight disguised as an elderly Caucasian man.

Kurtur-Balas told C-N-N she feared the man was going to blow up the plane and she kept her iPhone close to call her family should anything happen.

The 35-year old clothing retail production manager says she told the flight attendants the passenger’s heavily wrinkled face looked like plastic and didn’t match his young looking hands.

She says one flight attendant complimented her on her observation, another said he’d look into it, and the third said the man might have a medical condition—but no action was taken.

It was only after the flight took off and the man removed his mask that the air crew alerted authorities to meet the plane when it landed in Vancouver.

The 22-year old Chinese man remains in detention while seeking asylum in Canada.

Maritime community hits jackpot as lottery winners give away prize

Elderly couple give away virtually all of their $11.25-million to close family, charity

After decades of living modestly, Allen and Violet Large suddenly had the money to fulfill their dreams.

But with $11.25-million in lottery winnings, the retired couple who live near Halifax knew that their dreams were a little different. No sports car, cruise or mansion for them. Instead, they worked quickly to give it away.

"We haven't spent even one penny on ourselves," says Ms. Large, 78. "Why spend money when you already have everything you need?"

Now, four months after cashing in their winning lottery ticket, the money is largely gone and they have little to show for their winnings. Nothing material, that is. But a long list of charities is reaping the benefits of their decision.

The decision caused a stir in the tiny community of Lower Truro and drew media attention from around the world. But the couple doesn't see it as a sacrifice. It didn't matter that the winnings would have allowed purchases impossible on working-class savings.

The couple drives the same five-year-old truck and 13-year-old car. There is neither microwave nor voicemail in their 19th-century home. The Larges are content with what they have. So when they hit the jackpot in July, it didn't take them long to conclude that others needed the money more.

"We wanted to look after our community and make sure they all had some," explains Mr. Large, who is 75.

The couple kept about two per cent for themselves, in case of emergency, and split the rest between immediate family and charities. They are unclear about the tax implications, but say they will deal with that next year.

They won't get into exact figures but say that recipients range from animal-protection agencies to churches to health-care services. Ms. Large was recently undergoing chemotherapy and facilities where she received her treatment got an extra chunk, her husband says.

A few possible scammers sniffed around but quickly were shut down.

"If anyone phoned, I would say, 'If you're looking for the money, it's all gone,'" Mr. Large says. "I wouldn't be sour or harsh but would say it gently."

On the long list of those groups that did get money is their church, Old Barns United.

"I've been surprised, they haven't even splurged in one instance that I've heard," said Reverend Ian Harrison, who said their gift will go toward keeping up the old building. "That says a lot about their character, their selflessness."

The couple has lived modestly since meeting in Ontario, where both where working at the time, at a dance.

"She was wearing a tartan skirt and I was wearing a tartan shirt and I said I must ask that girl for a dance," Mr. Large remembers.

They married in 1974 and continued working - he as a steelworker and welder and she at a cosmetics factory. They often didn't have much money and would stay home a lot. He'd watch television while she read, romance novels mostly.

The couple eventually retired to their native Nova Scotia. Their rural home is just close enough to town that Mr. Large can "crawl back" if he "gets souped," he jokes. "He never does that," his wife interjects, prompting him to add, a touch sheepishly, "it's a local expression."

In July their number came up on a 6/49 draw worth $11,255,272.70. At the time local media quoted them as saying that the win wouldn't change their lives. Instead it changed the lives of many other people.

It's a sharp contrast to the classic lottery story of a winner blowing through sudden wealth and ending up in penury.

"We're not big livers, we don't live high," Ms. Large says. "We're country. We weren't born with a silver spoon in our mouths."