Food or Rent: Too Many Canadians Face Difficult Choices Every Day

Food Banks Canada asking Canadians and Government to take action on Hunger Awareness Day (June 1)


TORONTO, May 31, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Despite an improving economy, the number of individuals turning to food banks for support remains high. On Hunger Awareness Day (June 1), Food Banks Canada is calling on Canadians to think about hunger in Canada and donate funds, food or volunteer time to a local food bank to help those in need.

Too many Canadians face difficult choices as they struggle to provide for themselves and their families: the senior on a fixed income who has to scrimp on food in order to pay for medication; the working father who can't buy fresh produce because he must pay for child care; the young man on a disability-related income support who skips lunch every day so he can afford a decent apartment. Close to 800,000 people every month face these choices and find themselves turning to a food bank to make ends meet(1).

A real-life example is Theresa Schrader, a mother with a young son in Toronto, who lives on social assistance benefits of $562 a month. Her basic expenses of rent, utilities and other expenses are $371 leaving her with only $191 monthly to pay for food for herself and her child. Theresa, who is currently working towards a degree in Social Work, doesn't know how she is going to make it through the summer on her limited income. "I'm not afraid to say that I'm struggling to put food on the table for myself and my son," says Ms. Schrader. "I am grateful for the support that food banks provide to me while I continue to try to break the cycle of poverty."

Theresa's situation is very common. There are families, students, working Canadians, individuals on fixed incomes facing similar challenges. For example, a senior in Montreal living on maximum Old Age Security benefits of $1,169(2) a month will struggle to cover basic living costs:

- Monthly rent, one bedroom apartment: $604(3),

- Utilities such as hydro, heat and telephone: $75 - $150;

- Transportation: $70(4).


With approximately $350 remaining to cover other essential expenses including clothing and health care cost like medication, there is very little to pay for food. And according to Health Canada's Nutritious Food Basket, an individual requires $309 per month in order to meet proper nutritional needs. Visiting a food bank may become a necessity for this individual.

"It is unacceptable that Canadians cannot afford basic, nutritious food for themselves and their families", says Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada. "On June 1, we are looking to individuals, the business community and government to take action to help reduce hunger in Canada."

Food Banks Canada will be in downtown Toronto on Hunger Awareness Day, June 1st, sharing Canadians' solutions to hunger through an art exhibit at Nathan Phillips Square. The public is encouraged to participate by submitting their response to the question, "What would you do to end hunger in Canada?" at www.hungerawarenessday.ca.

Hunger Awareness Day would not be possible without the support of some of Canada's leading corporate citizens. Food Banks Canada would like to thank this year's Corporate Hunger Heroes who are vital to raising awareness for the cause and are executing a number of events across the country. These Heroes include, Campbell Company of Canada, Canon Canada Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Inc., Great West Life, Investors Group Inc., Kellogg Canada Inc., Kraft Canada Inc., McCain Foods (Canada), NBC Universal, Pepsi QTG, Purolator Courier Ltd., Sodexo and Sony of Canada. We would also like to thank our Hunger Supporters: Clarks Clarks Companies North America, Radical Foundation, and XTL Transport Inc.

About Hunger Awareness Day

Hunger Awareness Day was created to provide food banks with an opportunity to educate about the reality of hunger in Canada and to encourage all Canadians to make a choice to help those in need. Although the first food bank was opened in 1981 as a temporary emergency measure, food banks have become an unfortunate part of the social safety net. Today, 884 food banks and 2,906 affiliated agencies distribute groceries or provide meals for hungry Canadians.

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our members and their respective agencies serve approximately 85 per cent of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.

3,400 Acres of Carolinian Canada Protected Thanks to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation Gift to Nature Conservancy of Canada

Long Point Biosphere Reserve


Part of $100 Million Donated by The Foundation to Organizations across Canada, protecting more than 100,000 acres


TORONTO, May 27, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, a private family foundation, has made possible the preservation and restoration of more than 3,400 acres (1,375 hectares) of Carolinian Canada land in the Norfolk region of south-western Ontario, one of the most biologically diverse regions of Canada. Through a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, these lands will be gradually restored to natural habitat for many species-at-risk.

Since the early 1980s, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has donated more than $100 million to conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada to conserve more than 100,000 acres of significant natural habitats across Canada.

"Canada is blessed with a rich and diverse natural legacy. Through careful science and advanced stewardship techniques and the co-ordinated efforts of private individuals, family foundations, non-governmental organizations, and others, we can protect that legacy for generations to come," said Geordie Dalglish, Chair of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

The Foundation's Norfolk Carolinian Legacy project will help the Nature Conservancy of Canada preserve land on the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain, part of the Carolinian Life Zone - which comprises less than a quarter of one percent of Canada's landmass, but is home to 25 percent of all species at risk. The lands that are part of this initiative are outstanding examples of Norfolk County's best forests, savannahs and wetlands.

The timing of this project is especially significant as 2010 is the U.N. International Year of Biodiversity. Areas of Norfolk County and Long Point are part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, an area that has been designated as one where conservation and sustainable land use can exist in harmony.

"We are inspired by the commitment of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation to champion conservation in Canada," says John Lounds, President and CEO of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. "The Weston family's generosity and foresight have allowed us to dream and plan for projects of this scope across the country. They have ensured a remarkable legacy."

About the Project

The Norfolk Carolinian Legacy land is home to many species at risk of extinction in Canada including the Acadian Flycatcher, Prothonotary Warbler, American Badger, Eastern Foxsnake, Spotted Turtle, American Chestnut and Eastern Flowering Dogwood. In fact, Norfolk County is home to 60 nationally listed species-at-risk and 221 provincially rare species.

The area is home to a number of key conservation initiatives including Backus Woods, Long Point, the South Walsingham forest and the St. Williams Conservation Reserve.

"We're particularly pleased that this project will contribute to the significant progress already made by the Norfolk community to have conservation co-exist productively with agriculture and other land uses," said Dalglish. "Walking trails will be established for local community access and also to support local tourism."

Facts

- The Norfolk Carolinan region is Canada's biodiversity "hotspot";
- This portion of the Carolinian Life Zone contains one of the highest densities of species-at-risk in the country;
- The area has the highest level of forest cover in south-western Ontario;
- The W. Garfield Weston Foundation's investment in the Norfolk Carolinian Legacy project will increase the amount of natural habitat on the landscape and improve corridors and linkages among existing protected areas at Long Point, Backus Woods, South Walsingham and the St. Williams Conservation Reserve;
- Clean water in Dedrick Creek and Big Creek are essential to maintaining the health of Long Point Bay and its significant sport and commercial fisheries;
- Each year tens of thousands of ducks, geese and swans, and hundreds of thousands, to millions of smaller birds stop in the region to rest and feed during spring and fall migration;
- Long Point is the longest freshwater sand spit in the world.

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation first established in the 1950's by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife Reta. The Foundation directs the majority of its funds to organizations and projects in the fields of land conservation, education, and science in Canada's North. For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has maintained a family tradition of helping charitable organizations to make a difference and enhance the quality of life for all Canadians.

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has long played a leading role in helping to preserve Canada's unique landscapes. The Foundation has previously worked with NCC to support the conservation of ecologically significant land from coast to coast, including the Waterton Park Front in Alberta, Old Man on His Back in Saskatchewan and the Musquash Estuary in New Brunswick.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our valuable natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain.

Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) coast to coast. By investing in conservation we are ensuring our natural world remains a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that filters the air we breathe and the water we drink. Through strong partnerships NCC works to safeguard our natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them.

What existed before the big bang?

from HowStuffWorks.com
by Robert Lamb

It is difficult enough to imagine a time, roughly 13.7 billion years ago, when the entire universe existed as a singularity. According to the big bang theory, one of the main contenders vying to explain how the universe came to be, all the matter in the cosmos -- all of space itself -- existed in a form smaller than a subatomic particle.

Once you think about that, an even more difficult question arises: What existed just before the big bang occurred?

The question itself predates modern cosmology by at least 1,600 years. Fourth-century theologian St. Augustine wrestled with the nature of God before the creation of the universe. His answer? Time was part of God's creation, and there simply was no "before" that a deity could call home.

Armed with the best physics of the 20th century, Albert Einstein came to very similar conclusions with his theory of relativity. Just consider the effect of mass on time. A planet's hefty mass warps time -- making time run a tiny bit slower for a human on Earth's surface than a satellite in orbit. The difference is too small to notice, but time even runs more slowly for someone standing next to a large boulder than it does for a person standing alone in a field. The pre-big bang singularity possessed all the mass in the universe, effectively bringing time to a standstill.

Following this line of logic, the title of this article is fundamentally flawed. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time only came into being as that primordial singularity expanded toward its current size and shape.

Case closed? Far from it. This is one cosmological quandary that won't stay dead. In the decades following Einstein's death, the advent of quantum physics and a host of new theories resurrected questions about the pre-big bang universe. Keep reading to learn about some of them.

First Synthetic, Self-Replicating Cell Created with Manmade DNA

from TreeHugger.com
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, Californi


If you thought cloning was a big deal, you might want to sit down before reading this. We've gotten so far in trying to create life that scientists have actually been able to create life from technology alone. Calling this "the first self-replicating species we've had on the planet whose parent is a computer," scientists have developed a completely synthetic cell fully capable of reproducing. Yep, life borne of a computer.

According to the J Craig Venter Institute, eukaryotic yeast was a critical player in the process to create a synthetic bacteria M. mycoides. The yeast filled the gaps in the broken genome sequence of M. mycoides, creating a new species. Scientists "watermarked" their new creation so it wouldn't be mistaken for a natural species. The synthetic genome was then transplanted into another type of bacteria, Mycoplasma capricolum, where the synthetic genome started producing new proteins. As the cell replicated themselves, cells were produced solely of the synthesized genome. And voila - the scientists had a bacteria created completely from synthesized DNA.

The institute highlights that the potential for this technology is enormous - it is, after all, life completely designed by lab scientists. Engineers at the research institute are looking in to engineering algae designed to trap carbon dioxide and change it to biofuel, and are dreaming up other applications from environmental clean-up and energy production.

Of course, these are some great key words for a research company to toss out right now, since everyone is interested in quick, easy fixes for the gulf oil spill and alternatives for energy to decrease our reliance on oil. However, we have to be intensely wary about the unintended consistences these advancements may have... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Study finds seniors with depressive symptoms have worse health status, poorer quality of life

Nearly 45% of seniors in residential care live with depression or symptoms of depression

OTTAWA, May 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire Telbec/ - More than two in five (44%) Canadian seniors living in residential care homes are diagnosed with or have symptoms of depression, according to a new study released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

The study, Depression Among Seniors in Residential Care, is one of the largest of its kind in Canada to examine the prevalence of depression and the impact it has on persons living in residential care facilities, such as long-term care, nursing or personal care homes. Based on data from CIHI's Continuing Care Reporting System, the study included nearly 50,000 residents age 65 and older across four provinces and one territory (Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Yukon).

CIHI's study found that, while about one in four (26%) seniors living in a residential care facility had a diagnosis of depression, a further one in five (18%) had symptoms of depression with no documented diagnosis. Residents were considered to have symptoms of depression if they had a score of at least 3 on the Depression Rating Scale, which measures symptoms such as persistent anger, tearfulness and repetitive anxiety.

"Depression can have a major impact on individuals' quality of life and also represents significant costs to society. Research also suggests that among seniors depression often goes unrecognized and therefore untreated," explains Nancy White, Manager of Home and Continuing Care Development at CIHI. "As Canada's population ages, and more people could potentially move into residential care, it is important to understand how this population is affected by depression or depression symptoms in order to be able to identify the right treatment options and improve quality of life for these seniors."

Quality of life worse for seniors with symptoms of depression


CIHI's study shows seniors with symptoms of depression experienced significant medical, social, functional and quality-of-life challenges, regardless of whether they were diagnosed with the mental disorder.

Seniors with symptoms of depression were more likely to display aggressive behaviour, have conflicts with family members or staff and withdraw from activities of interest. They were also three times more likely to experience sleep disturbances, were less self-sufficient than seniors with no symptoms of depression and were more likely to have difficulty communicating.

Dr. Marie-France Rivard, chair of the Seniors' Advisory Committee of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and professor of psychiatry at the University of Ottawa, explains,

"Moving into a care facility is usually quite stressful and often prompted by significant losses in terms of health, degree of independence and/or social supports. This can contribute to the development of a depressive disorder that may include feelings of hopelessness, self-blame and loneliness, possibly accompanied by physical symptoms such as poor sleep, decreased appetite and lack of energy, often leading to social withdrawal."

People diagnosed with depression more likely to receive mental health evaluations


The study showed that seniors who were diagnosed with and had symptoms of depression were twice as likely to receive a mental health evaluation from a licensed mental health practitioner and more than twice as likely to receive antidepressant medication than those with symptoms but no diagnosis. Very few residents received psychological therapy, regardless of the presence of symptoms and/or a diagnosis. Two-thirds of seniors with a documented diagnosis showed no or only mild symptoms of depression on the Depression Rating Scale, suggesting that their symptoms were being effectively managed.


Clinical tools allow for better detection of depression symptoms


Previous research has shown there can be challenges with diagnosing depression among seniors. Standardized clinical assessment instruments like the RAI-MDS 2.0 used in this study offer better information to identify seniors at risk of poor outcomes as a result of depression or depression symptoms. By focusing on symptoms and behaviours, the RAI-MDS 2.0 provides a more holistic view of the challenges faced by seniors with depression or depression symptoms and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions put into place.

At Copper Ridge Place in Whitehorse, Yukon, care providers have been using the outcome scores of this assessment instrument since 2007 to better understand their patient population and provide more focused and comprehensive care plans.

"We assess our residents with the RAI-MDS 2.0 when they first enter the facility and we often identify people with depression symptoms that would have previously gone undetected," says Cynthia Fraser, a licensed practical nurse and an MDS assessor at the facility. "Once we identify a problem we present this to the team who can work with the residents to address their needs. As a result, we have seen real success in reducing residents' depression symptoms and improving the quality of their lives."

About CIHI

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI's goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI's data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.

About the CCRS

The Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS) was launched in 2003-2004 to collect and report on standardized information from continuing care hospitals and residential care facilities that provide 24-hour nursing care across Canada. The interRAI Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set, Version 2.0 (RAI-MDS 2.0) is a comprehensive clinical assessment instrument that is the foundation data standard for the CCRS and is being implemented in eight jurisdictions across Canada. The assessments provide clinicians with a rich source of high-quality information on clinical outcomes and resource use to guide resident care planning and, through CIHI's reports, provide organizations with comparative information to support planning and quality improvement.

Author Encourages Older Adults' Faith

from Christian Newswire
by; Janice Neely

NASHVILLE, U.S.A. May 17, 2010 /Christian Newswire/ -- Missy Buchanan is a woman on a mission to spread the news that aging is part of God's plan for the journey of life. In honor of Older Adult Month, Buchanan chose May to launch her new show on BlogTalkRadio, "Aging and Faith with Missy Buchanan." Her next live show will be Tuesday, May 25th at 3:00 p.m. CST. Buchanan's program is meant to be a resource for older adults and those who love and care for them.

As a middle-aged adult, Buchanan attributes her passion and mission to her experiences with her parents, who struggled physically in their later years. When they moved to an independent living facility, Buchanan visited her parents for several hours each day to help them with specific needs. Along the way she built relationships with other residents of her parents' facility.

"All around me," Buchanan remarks, "I saw a huge need for spiritual nourishment and for families and churches to more fully empathize with the feelings of aging loved ones--both the joys and the challenges. These people were desperate to hear that their lives still mattered--that they still had value." Unfortunately, too often, the attitude toward homebound adults is, "Out of sight, out of mind."

...read more story at ChristianNewswire.com

The Salvation Army Opens Doors to Public During National Red Shield Campaign

Largest Non-governmental Provider of Social Service in Canada Hosts Open House Events at Facilities Nationwide


TORONTO, May 19, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public, inviting Canadians to tour its facilities and see firsthand the social services it provides to more than 1.5 million people in need each year. The Salvation Army's 2010 National Open House is the largest one-day event culminating a month-long fundraising and public awareness campaign that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.

"Every day, The Salvation Army works in more than 400 local communities to deliver primary care services to the poor and homeless," said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada. "Today, we are inviting community members into our facilities, and we ask for their continued support."

The national open house events will spotlight the issues of homelessness and poverty, which currently affect more than three million people across Canada. Nationwide, there are more than 21 open house events taking place in many provinces across Canada. Earlier this month, The Salvation Army released a report, entitled "Poverty shouldn't be a life sentence." The primary findings indicate that one out of every nine Canadian adults have experienced or come close to experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army also released data showing that demand for general social services has increased by 26 percent since 2008.

"Homelessness and poverty are two problems growing in size," said Commander Francis. "The Salvation Army serves the poor largely from contributions made by local community members. We invite all those who want to help in the fight against poverty to visit our centres on May 19th."

Members of the public can visit Salvation Army community centres on May 19th. Visitors can participate in open house events and activities within their community by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca.

The National Red Shield Campaign runs through May 31st. This year's goal is to raise $2.75 million. Money raised during the campaign directly supports those living in poverty through Salvation Army social services like emergency shelter care, substance abuse counselling and employment training.

Financial contributions can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by mailing donations to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H1P4 or by dropping off financial donations at the closet Salvation Army facility in your area.

Donors can also support the May Red Shield Campaign by texting HOME to 45678 from most wireless phones in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly wireless phone bill.

About The Red Shield Campaign:

The National Red Shield Campaign is an annual fundraising and public awareness campaign held annually throughout the month of May. The Salvation Army utilizes online, phone, direct mail and door-to-door appeals to solicit donations from generous Canadians. Giving to The Salvation Army offers an opportunity to invest in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. 86 cents of every dollar raised by The Salvation Army goes directly to support those in need.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community

Gates Foundation Funds 78 New Innovative Global Health Projects

Grants From 18 Countries Poised to Help Prevent and Diagnose Infectious Disease and Promote Family Health


LONDON, May 10, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation today announced 78 grants of US$100,000 each in the latest round of Grand Challenges Explorations. Grants include the development of a low-cost cell phone microscope to diagnose malaria, study of the strategic placement of insect-eating plants to reduce insect-borne diseases, and investigation of nanoparticles to release vaccines when they come in contact with human sweat. The grants support research across 18 countries and six continents.

"Grand Challenges Explorations continues to generate unique and creative ways to tackle global health issues," said Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Gates Foundation's Global Health Program. "We are convinced that some of these ideas will lead to new innovations and eventually solutions that will save lives."

This year's European grantees are based at universities, research institutes and non-profit organizations. The winners represent groups in Germany, Sweden, Norway and the UK.

Some examples of the breadth of projects funded this round include:

More effective vaccines:

- Sweat-triggered vaccine delivery: Carlos Alberto Guzman of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany with Claus-Michael Lehr and Steffi Hansen of the Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research will develop nanoparticles that penetrate the skin through hair follicles and burst upon contact with human sweat to release vaccines.

- A "seek-and-destroy" laser vaccine: Owain Millington and Gail McConnell of University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom will use existing imaging systems to identify and destroy Leishmania parasites with a targeted laser.

- Treating worm infections to improve vaccine effectiveness: Susanne Nylen Spoormaker of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden will research whether treating patients for worm infections prior to vaccinations can improve the ability of the immune system to respond effectively to vaccines.

New strategies to fight malaria:

- Insecticide-treated traditional scarves: David Sintasath of the Malaria Consortium in Thailand will research whether treating traditional scarves worn by migrant workers along the Thai-Cambodia border with insecticides will reduce the rate of drug-resistant malaria.

- Using carnivorous plants to control mosquitoes: Jasper Ogwal-Okeng of Makerere University in Uganda will test whether insect-eating plants can reduce the population of malaria transmitting mosquitoes and their larvae.

- Cell phone microscope to diagnose malaria: Aydogan Ozcan of the University of California, Los Angeles in the U.S. will test a low-cost, compact cell phone microscope to diagnose malaria in field settings. Solutions to promote family health:

- Ultrasound as a reversible male contraceptive: James Tsuruta and Paul Dayton of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in the U.S. will study the ability of ultrasound to temporarily deplete testicular sperm counts for possible use as new contraceptive method for men.

- Vitamin A probiotics to combat diarrhea: Douglas Watson and colleagues of SRI International in the U.S. will develop probiotic bacteria that produce Vitamin A to stimulate a healthy gastrointestinal tract in children and reduce diarrheal diseases, the second-leading cause of childhood death.

Grand Challenges Explorations is a five-year, $100 million initiative to promote innovation in global health. It is part of the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative which is supported by the Gates Foundation to achieve major breakthroughs in global health.

Applications for the next round of Grand Challenges Explorations are being accepted through May 19, 2010. Topics for Round 5 are:

- Create Low-Cost Cell Phone-Based Applications for Priority Global Health Conditions
- Create New Technologies to Improve the Health of Mothers and Newborns
- Create New Ways to Protect Against Infectious Disease
- Create New Technologies for Contraception

Grant application instructions, including the list of topic areas in which proposals are currently being accepted, are available at the Grand Challenges Explorations website: www.grandchallenges.org.

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people - especially those with the fewest resources - have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at www.gatesfoundation.org.

Canadian women campaign to standardize 25 hour day

Join the 25th Hour Coalition at www.25thhour.ca

TORONTO, May 10, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - A growing group of women have changed to a 25 hour clock and are inviting all Canadians to join their mission to add more time to the day. The group, which was started by one Canadian woman looking for more time, has evolved into an assemblage called the 25th Hour Coalition.

The coalition is committed to fighting a serious global epidemic facing women - a lack of time. Canadian women can join the fight at www.25thhour.ca.

"More than 2,000 years ago, the day was set at 24 hours, but scientific studies, published by Harvard University and others, show our bodies' circadian rhythms are intuitively set to a 25 hour clock," says Jessie Behan, president and founder of the 25th Hour Coalition. "All we are asking for is a slight adjustment by adding another hour - a 4% increase in the day, which is basically just time inflation."

Behan started researching and found articles saying that the body's clock is intuitively set to a 25 hour day. The Coalition wants the world to acknowledge that after 2,000 years there is a need for change.

"Women who have joined the movement and adopted a 25th hour reinforce my belief that the structure of a 24 hour day feels arbitrary," says Behan. "It is women's natural intuitiveness that led us to start asking questions - why is the day only 24 hours when our body clock is set for 25?"

25 HOUR CLOCK - HOW DOES IT WORK?

Making the change to a 25 hour day requires a very basic adjustment to the standard 24 hour clock. The current 360 degree clock has 720 minutes, giving each minute 0.5 degrees. With the new 25 hour day, 30 minutes is added to each 12 hour period making each minute 0.48 degrees.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SHOWS THE VALUE OF A 25 HOUR CLOCK

Several independent, scientific studies have been published supporting the need for a 25 hour day. These include a study published in the Harvard Gazette which showed the human body's clock is naturally set to 25 hours*. A chronobiologist, Dr. Gerard Kennedy, at Australia's Victoria University determined that while each person's circadian rhythm is different, most people's body clocks are set to 25 hours(xx).

"Ultimately, the research proves what we have intuitively felt all of our lives - there should be an extra hour in the day. But it's not just about adding an extra hour to the clock; it's about having more time for the important things. I'm amazed at how my life has changed for the better since adopting a 25 hour day," says Behan. "By adding 30 minutes to every 12 hour period, I have had the extra time to rebuild my deck and teach myself Mandarin."

TIME THROUGHOUT HISTORY

For those detractors, the 25th Hour Coalition wishes to point out that throughout history the measurement of time has evolved and this would simply be the latest adjustment.

For example:

- Weekends were not invented until 1732 when the British prime minister closed parliament to get in a day of hunting

- The Gregorian calendar used today adds an extra day every four years but some cultures following a lunisolar calendar add an extra month

- The controversial daylight savings time, known to have effects on circadian rhythms, changes the daylight hours and is practiced across Canada with the exception of Saskatchewan and few small towns in BC

THE 25TH HOUR COALITION

The 25th Hour Coalition is calling on all Canadian women to trust their intuition and join the movement. Women can pledge their support and connect with like-minded individuals at www.25thhour.ca. Women who feel that there is not enough time in the day, who could use an extra hour to get ahead or who are tired of continually trying to do more with less are encouraged to join.

To learn more and pledge your support, visit www.25thhour.ca and follow the 25th Hour Coalition on Twitter

Dual-income families struggle to balance increasing demands

Women more likely to sacrifice to live up to "traditional" role


LONDON, Ontario, May 7, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - A new study on the workload for dual-income families gives us one more reason to remember mom on Mother's Day. It reveals moms are as dedicated as ever to their families, despite taking on additional work outside the home.

In fact, working moms will sacrifice their own needs to meet family responsibilities and don't find relief in outsourcing home duties.

"In the face of role overload and competing expectations, women attempt to cope by cutting back on the time they have for themselves," said Chris Higgins, Statistics Professor, Richard Ivey School of Business. "It may be that the demands associated with obtaining support, such as hiring and monitoring outside help, counterbalance the demands one has outsourced."

An expert on work-life balance, Higgins is lead author of the study, which will be published in an upcoming edition of Journal of Marriage and Family. "Coping with Overload and Stress: Men and Women in Dual-Earner Families" is co-authored by Linda Duxbury of Carleton University's Sprott School of Business at and Sean Lyons of Guelph University's College of Management and Economics.

It looks at how men and women use four coping strategies, "scaling back, "seeking support," "family-role restructuring" and "work-role restructuring," to deal with role overload. Scaling back involves limiting personal time, while seeking support involves hiring outside help. Family-role restructuring includes streamlining family roles to accommodate family members' demands, while work-role restructuring involves restructuring work roles for family demands.

Results show women report higher levels of overload and stress than men, despite having the same family responsibilities and fewer work demands. This suggests women may be more concerned than men about the consequences of doing less at home because it takes them away from their "traditional" role as caregiver. Women are also more likely than men to cope by scaling back, which may increase stress.

In contrast, men are affected by activities that take them away from work. They also choose household chores defined as "masculine tasks," such as home maintenance and playing with their children, which combine work with leisure and have a well-defined beginning and end.

"These findings suggest that traditional gender-role socialization still has a powerful influence on the dual-earner employees of today," Higgins said.

The study also found work demands were the main cause of role overload and neither men nor women would cut back in that area.

"People still ascribe to the 'myth of separate worlds,' which puts work first and family and personal life second," said Higgins. "It may be that scaling back and restructuring within the family role are the only coping strategies available to many families."

In light of that, both men and women could benefit from having their families do more at home, the study showed.

About the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario

The Richard Ivey School of Business (www.ivey.ca) at The University of Western Ontario is Canada's leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today's complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Development at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.

No More Baptisms in the Jordan River - Expected to Run Dry by 2011

from TreeHugger.com
by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California

Even the most famous and admired places aren't immune to the problems of abuse and pollution - the Jordan River being a prime example as it's expected to run dry by 2011 due to overexploitation, pollution and lack of regional management, according to Friends of the Earth, Middle East. Over 90% of the river's water has been diverted by Israel, Syria and Jordan, and what's left is an unappealing mix of sewage, saline water, and run-off from cropland. And by the end of 2011, there won't even be that left.

It would be a major piece of history lost if drastic measures aren't taken to restore the river. Planet Save writes,

"Today the river has been diverted, dammed and sourced too many times. Raw sewage gushes into the river at points leaving it brackish and horrible. Despite this, however, thousands of pilgrims still make the journey each year to step into the river that is believed to be the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist."

But there won't be a place to visit in the very near future, other than a dry bed, if a few things don't radically change.

According to FoEME, the river once had a flow rate of of 1.3 billion cubic metres a year, but now it trickles at less than 100 million cubic metres. The organization says that a rush of fresh water released into the river could save it... read more on TreeHugger.com

Bono and Bob Geldof to Guest-Edit The Globe and Mail

Monday May 10th Edition of The Globe and Mail to Focus on Emerging Africa


TORONTO, May 4, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - In a first for the newspaper, The Globe and Mail will be edited on May 10 by two guest editors - anti-poverty activists Bono and Bob Geldof - who will produce a special issue focused on the future of Africa and its importance not just for the more than 1 billion people living on that continent, but for Canadians and the rest of the West as well.

The Globe is partnering with Bono, Geldof, and their organization ONE (www.one.org) to explore these issues in advance of Canada hosting two critically important summits of world leaders in June - the G8 and the G20. The crisis of extreme poverty in developing countries, particularly in Africa, will be a focus of the G8, while the G20 will centre on financial and economic reform. This will be the first time The Globe has invited guest-editors into the news room, and the first time Bono and Geldof have guest-edited a North American newspaper.

The online and new media component of this project will be critical, and extend into early June as part of The Globe's G8 and G20 coverage. To oversee this part of the project, the celebrated Kenyan activist and blogger Ory Okolloh will join the team as guest-editor of globeandmail.com on May 10. Okolloh will oversee stories from and about Africa and participate in a series of online discussions.

"As the only Canadian newspaper with an African bureau, The Globe has dedicated resources and reporters to deliver in-depth and ground-breaking news as it relates to Africa, its people and the issues that matter most," said Phillip Crawley, Publisher, The Globe and Mail. "Bono and Geldof have valuable insights and knowledge on the future of Africa, and The Globe is delighted to collaborate with them to bring a new perspective to Canada."

The Globe's Africa correspondent Geoffrey York, who regularly reports on evolving issues and news from the continent, is exploring two bellwether stories, specifically for the May 10 edition.

The special edition will feature content and commentary from African political leaders, business owners and grassroots activists; it will also include contributions from other well-known international political leaders and advocates.

"I'm a huge fan of great journalism - I can't wait to show up for work at The Globe. Our aim in this special edition is to crack down on a few stereotypes and showcase the opportunities surrounding the African continent, not just the problems," said Bono.

"The world will be coming to and looking at Canada this June. The older and the emerging economies will be once again be struggling to learn the new 21st century dance of cooperation and possibly even compromise, and this time under Canada's leadership. The Globe and Mail, one of the world's great papers of record, has, in a mad rush of blood to the head, agreed to let two Irish pop-singers edit their august journal for one special day, one special edition. It will be dedicated to that huge, emerging resource continent of Africa and the global necessity of coming to terms with its opportunities and obstacles. I've gone from being an old editor of the Vancouver Georgia Straight to the new editor of the The Globe and Mail and it's only taken 36 years! Now that's a career trajectory," said Bob Geldof.

The Globe and Mail is inviting readers to send in their video questions for Bono and Geldof. Video questions should be sent via www.globeandmail.com/africaone by May 6th. Select questions will be chosen, and the guest-editors will answer these questions from The Globe and Mail and shared online at globeandmail.com during the month of May.

"It will be a pleasure to hand over the editor's chair to people who have given decades of their lives to the cause of bringing world attention to Africa, a place that is now a very different, and more aspiring, continent than we've ever known it to be," added John Stackhouse, Editor-in-Chief, The Globe and Mail. "I know Bono and Geldof will bring startling and stimulating conversations to the newspaper, and Ory to our website. It's an honour to share the newsroom with such an esteemed team, and I'm delighted to extend this experience to our readers."

Bono is the lead singer of Irish rock band U2 and the co-founder of ONE (www.one.org), an advocacy organization backed by more than 2 million people around the world who are dedicated to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. As part of his work with ONE, Bono has lobbied U.S. Presidents and Congressional leaders, along with the heads of many other G8 nations. He was a leader in the global campaign that has cancelled nearly $100 billion of debt for African countries. Bono is also cofounder of (RED), an initiative that has to date delivered $150 million in corporate funds to fight AIDS in Africa through the Global Fund. Bono has received a number of awards for his music and activism, including the Legion D'Honneur from the French Government in 2003, TIME Magazine's Person of the Year for 2005 (along with Bill and Melinda Gates), and an honorary British knighthood in 2007.

Sir Bob Geldof is a musician, businessman and activist. His involvement with Africa started in 1984 with founding Band Aid and then putting on the Live Aid concert in 1985 which raised $150 million. He organized Live8 - ten concerts on July 2nd 2005 with an estimated global audience of 3 billion, timed to put pressure on the G8 leaders who then made many significant poverty alleviation pledges. He works continuously to compel the politicians to keep these promises. He is currently a member of the Africa Progress Panel and works closely with ONE, effectively lobbying world leaders - directly and through the media and campaigning. He has written and recorded 12 albums with The Boomtown Rats and as a solo artist and has received many music awards. He is currently founder and director of Ten Alps, the UK's largest independent factual television production company.

Ory Okolloh is a Kenyan activist, lawyer and blogger. When parts of Kenya were swept up in violence after the disputed presidential election in 2007 she created a website called Ushahidi (Swahili: "testimony) where people could record and report incidences of violence. She runs her own blog, The Kenyan Pundit www.kenyanpundit.com, and is a frequent speaker at conferences including TED Global and Poptech on issues around citizen journalism, the role of technology in Africa, and the role of young people in reshaping the future of Africa. She has also She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her law degree from Harvard Law School.


The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, is a division of CTVglobemedia, a dynamic multi-media company, which also owns CTV Inc., Canada's number-one private broadcaster.

Report: Three Million Canadians Have Feared or Experienced Homelessness

Salvation Army study shows increase in demand for social services


TORONTO, May 3, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - A new report shows that approximately three million people - one in nine Canadian adults - have either worried about or personally experienced homelessness. This report, released by The Salvation Army indicates that demand for social services are on the rise. At the same time, the public perceives homelessness and poverty as two of the nation's most critical social problems. The report is being released today to kickoff The Salvation Army's National Red Shield Campaign, a month-long effort that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.

"Our study found that the need to assist the poor and homeless is more important now than ever before," said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda "The public understands that there are numerous factors which lead to life on the streets, and the public believes that more can be done for the poor and homeless."

The new report, "Poverty shouldn't be a life sentence: a report on the perceptions of homelessness and poverty in Canada," surveyed a representative sample of Canadians to understand where perceptions exist and realities emerge on homelessness and poverty. The results indicate that the public has a heightened awareness of poverty and homelessness, but still, these two problems continue to grow. In 2009, The Salvation Army helped more than one million people by providing food, clothing and other practical assistance. Demand for these services increased by more than 25 percent in one year. Locally, The Salvation Army has seen increases in shelter bed occupancy and stay rates.

"The increase shows us just how much the economic recession has exacerbated long-existing problems in Canada," said Commissioner Francis. "The Salvation Army is leading the fight against homelessness and poverty as Canada's largest nongovernmental provider of social services."

The public believes that homelessness and poverty are two of the most pressing issues in Canada today. Nearly two-thirds of all respondents ranked poverty, homelessness and related issues as the most pressing social problems in Canada.

The release of the homelessness and poverty report coincides with The Salvation Army's National Red Shield Campaign, which runs through May 31st. For more than 90 years, the campaign has raised funds to support Salvation Army programs - aimed especially at the more than three million people currently living in poverty in Canada today. To spread awareness, the Army will run several public service announcements, spotlighting the issue of poverty. The advertising campaign's message, that "Poverty shouldn't be a life sentence," will run in-print, online and on-air throughout May.

Money raised during the campaign directly supports those living in poverty through Salvation Army social services like emergency shelter care, substance abuse counselling and employment training. Each year, The Salvation Army serves more than 1.5 million people in more than 400 communities across the country.

This year's goal is to raise $2.75 million by May 31st. Financial contributions can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by mailing donations to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H1P4 or by dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army facility in your area.

Donors can also support the May Red Shield Campaign by texting HOME to 45678 from most wireless phones in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly wireless phone bill.

To view the "Poverty shouldn't be a life sentence" report and to find out how you perceive the problems of homelessness and poverty in Canada, please visit www.SalvationArmy.ca


About The Red Shield Campaign:


The National Red Shield Campaign is an annual fundraising and public awareness campaign held annually throughout the month of May. The Salvation Army utilizes online, phone, direct mail and door-to-door appeals to solicit donations from generous Canadians. Giving to The Salvation Army offers an opportunity to invest in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. 86 cents of every dollar raised by The Salvation Army goes directly to support those in need.


About The Salvation Army:


The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.