Halloween Health and Safety Tips

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

	Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
	Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
	Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
	Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
	Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
	Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
	Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
	Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearingdecorative contact lenses.
	Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
	Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
	Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
	Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
	Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
• Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Hurricane Sandy: Toronto’s blue sky a brief break before storm’s remnants hit city

Much of Toronto woke up to a gloriously blue sky Tuesday morning after Superstorm Sandymeted out punishment on New York and New Jersey last night, a bizarrely sunny contrast with the images of flooding, fire, and general destruction dominating the morning news.

Sandy leaves death, darkness in its wake

But the sunshine is deceptive, says Geoff Coulson, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

“We’re in a bit of a break,” he said. Toronto can expect more bad weather throughout the day as Sandy, diminished somewhat but still dangerous, spins off “bits and pieces” of storm.

While the total amount of precipitation expected for the city is less than 5 mm, the rain will be unpredictable. The GTA will get a pocket of rainfall before noon and periodic bursts of shower activity throughout the day.

Sandy’s core is currently over lower Michigan and Ohio, and even down into Virginia. “They’re really getting the worst of it at this point,” said Coulson.

The storm is expected to track over Pennsylvania by late this afternoon and then drift into Ontario by Wednesday morning.

Sandy will pass directly over Kingston if its forecasted path is correct, but the storm will be much less powerful at that point. That means the GTA will see stormy bursts of weather until late Thursday.

“The peak really was last night,” said Coulson.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1279584--hurricane-sandy-toronto-s-blue-sky-a-brief-break-before-storm-s-remnants-hit-city

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Hurricane Sandy set to hit Ontario, Quebec Monday afternoon

Hurricane Sandy gained strength overnight and is expected to sweep through Southern Ontario and Central Quebec by Monday afternoon, bringing with it raging winds and heavy rainfall that could uproot trees, down utility lines and cause flooding.

Hundreds of flights to Canada were affected Monday as the country started to feel the effects of the storm, with warnings that high winds and storm surges would pound the country from the Great Lakes east.

A wind warning for Toronto was issued Monday morning by Environment Canada. Some flights were continuing at local airports, though a passenger landing at the island airport downtown called the arrival “blustery.”

The massive storm “continues to be an extremely large and dangerous tropical cyclone,” according to Environment Canada’s Canadian Hurricane Centre latest update Monday morning. The centre is based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Canadian airlines warned that flights from a long list of cities in the Northeastern United States would be affected. People seeking travel alternatives quickly booked solid all bus and train options.

In a statement Sunday, the Canadian Red Cross urged people in the storm’s path to have supplies on hand that would allow them to survive 72 hours without power.

“By taking some time now to store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire family during a power outage or evacuation,” Denis Dion, national director of disaster management was quotedsaying.

There are predictions that Sandy could strengthen even more before moving inland by Monday night, says the Hurricane forecast. It is heading towards the New Jersey coast.

But its danger lies in its size, covering a huge swath of area that is far from the centre of the storm. This means that highly populated cities in Southern Ontario, including Toronto, will be affected by Sandy later Monday night and into Tuesday morning. They will be hit by gusts of 90 km per hour winds or even higher along Western Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, says the Hurricane Centre. Forecasts are predicting waves up to seven metres high over southern Lake Huron.

Environment Canada warned early Monday that the Toronto area could experience “severe winds” gusting up to 100 km/h beginning this evening.

“Potentially hazardous winds are expected in these regions,” the warning said. “... Sporadic power outages are quite likely across the warned regions due to falling limbs and the odd toppled tree taking out hydro lines.

As far as rainfall, the forecast right now shows between 20 and 30 millimetres for Southern Ontario. Complicating this, however, is the possibility that the rain could change to snow, says the centre’s forecast, over parts of Ontario and Western Quebec as temperatures dip.

The Quebec City region could also face flooding as because of expected higher than normal water levels on the St. Lawrence River. Flooding could happen Monday and Tuesday evening.

The Maritime provinces, meanwhile, could see significant amounts of rain – more than 50 millimetres to fall Tuesday morning and into Wednesday. This is because of another system, however, that is not related to Sandy.

In terms of wind and waves, coastal communities along the southwestern part of Nova Scotia will see five to seven metre waves. Gale and storm force winds are predicted for the three Maritime provinces, says the centre’s more recent report.

Meanwhile, the storm diverted Empress Princess, a Florida-bound cruise ship that had departed Quebec City. More than 5,000 passengers got an unscheduled look at Saguenay after the cruise line cancelled planned stops in the Maritimes because of the storm.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/hurricane-sandy-set-to-hit-ontario-quebec-monday-afternoon/article4718848/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

World's Top Five Friendliest Countries

By Beth Greenfield | Forbes – Wed, Oct 24, 2012 4:12 PM EDT

The Cayman Islands tops this year's list of friendliest countries for ex-pats.

The Cayman Islands, Australia and the United Kingdom: Those are the three nations where it’s easiest to befriend locals, learn the local language, integrate into the community and fit into the new culture, according to the results of HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey, which was released earlier this month.

The Cayman Islands scored well in all those categories, putting it first on our list of the Friendliest Countries. Seventy-five percent of expat respondents living there reported that they were integrating well in the local community; in Australia it was 72 percent and in the U.K. 73 percent.

HSBC surveyed 5,339 expatriates in nearly 100 countries between May and July 2012. Respondents rated their host countries on a slew of factors related to economics, raising children and overall experience. (Because countries with fewer than 30 respondents were deemed statistically insignificant, its final rankings include only 30 countries.)

To determine which were the friendliest, Forbes isolated the results in four categories: ability to befriend locals, success in learning the local language, capacity for integrating themselves into the community, and ease in which they fit into the new culture.

1. Cayman Islands

“There’s no income or payroll tax, summer all-year-round, hardly any crime, and no pollution,” notes happy Scottish expat Steve McIntosh. “Grand Cayman has all the amenities of a city with the close-knit community of a town. That’s why most people who come here for a short assignment end up staying long term.”

2. Australia

Expats living Down Under had much to praise about their new country—from the pleasant climate and easy social integration to friendly locals (including at work, where 73% said they felt welcome) and a better work-life balance than in their previous country.

3. United Kingdom

Despite low economic confidence among expats here, 71% are looking to settle here long term, with the same percentage agreeing they have integrated well into the local community.

4. Canada

This country ranked as the top destination for raising children in this year’s survey, but also received top scores for its friendliness of locals (praised by 62%) and social integration (felt by 70%).

5. New Zealand

Though it’s fallen from its top spot in last year’s list of friendliest countries, this country still gets high marks for its work culture, friendliness, weather and ability to organize local finances.

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.
Re/Max Hall of Fame
 
click here: http://bit.ly/Phzcqe

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

PRESS RELEASE - RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Expands Into The Recreational/Cottage Country Markets

For immediate release
 
RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc. expands into the Kawartha Lakes
 
Lindsay, ON (October 25, 2012) – Firmly entrenched in Toronto, York and Durham Regions, RE/MAX All-Stars Realty has expanded its reach once again, officially opening its doors for business in the Kawartha Lakes Region.
 
The growth was achieved by joining forces with the former RE/MAX Country Town franchise, which will now operate under the RE/MAX All-Stars banner at its existing locations in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Bethany.  The move will see RE/MAX All-Stars increase in size from six to eight offices, plus two additional satellite locations, while its sales force climbs to over 220 realtors.
 
“Bringing the former RE/MAX Country Town office into the fold made perfect sense for our organization,” says Daniel Sarafian, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc.  “We’ve achieved strategic growth that not only allows us to serve four flourishing regions, but also establishes the RE/MAX All-Stars brand in Canadian cottage country.   We’re now well-positioned to cross-service both residential and recreational markets and better serve our clientele.”
 
The former Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Country Town, Barry Rainsforth, will remain with RE/MAX All-Stars Realty to manage the Kawartha Lakes locations through the transition.  “This is a tremendous development for RE/MAX Country Town and its existing clientele,” notes Rainsforth.  “Both Daniel Sarafian and Leo Barrasso are progressive and supportive leaders.  Their franchise is renowned for excellence and is rooted in family values, something I know will resonate.”
 
RE/MAX All-Stars has experienced strong and steady growth since first opening its doors in 1991, with just 13 realtors working under its banner.  It now serves the areas of Toronto, Markham, Stouffville, Unionville, Ballantrae, Uxbridge, Port Perry, and the Kawartha Lakes.  For more information about RE/MAX All-Star Realty Inc., visit: www.remaxallstars.ca.
 
“With increasing marketshare in growth communities, RE/MAX All-Stars continues to expand its potential in tandem with its footprint,” says Gurinder Sandhu, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.  “Barry Rainsforth created an impressive foundation in the former RE/MAX Country Town operations, and we’re certain those offices will continue to thrive under the guidance and direction of Daniel Sarafian and Leo Barrasso.  It’s a new chapter for RE/MAX All-Stars, and we’re thrilled to share in its ongoing success.”
 
RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with nearly 18,900 sales associates situated throughout its more than 720 independently-owned and operated offices in Canada.  The RE/MAX network, now in its 38th year, is a global real estate system operating in 87 countries, with close to 6,300 independently-owned offices and over 87,700 member sales associates.  RE/MAX realtors lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management.  For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.
 

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.
Re/Max Hall of Fame
 
click here: http://bit.ly/Phzcqe

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

ALERT: Popular Energy Drink Linked to Five Deaths

This Monday, the FDA announced an investigation into five deaths and a heart attack allegedly tied to consumption of Monster Energy drink.

The investigation was launched after the death of a 14-year-old girl, who died of a heart attack due to caffeine toxicity after drinking two 24-ounce cans of Monster Energy, which together contain 480 milligrams of caffeine. That’s the caffeine equivalent of 14 cans of Coke.

“In moderate levels, caffeine is not harmful,” says Keri Peterson, M.D., physician on the Women’s Health advisory board. Even in not-so-moderate levels, caffeinated beverages typically aren’t deadly. Death from caffeine toxicity is rare, with toxic levels estimated to fall between 150 and 200 milligrams per kilogram of body weight—that’s about 50 cups of coffee for a 150-pound woman, consumed in a very short period of time.

But because energy drinks are considered dietary supplements, their contents aren’t currently FDA regulated.

“Many of these drinks not only have very high caffeine levels, but they also combine them with other herbs that contain caffeine such as guarana and yerba mate, which can cause significant side effects,” Peterson says.

While the FDA isn’t certain whether Monster Energy drinks were the direct cause of the reported deaths, or whether preexisting conditions, alcohol, or drugs played a role, there were more than 13,000 emergency department visits related to consumption of energy drinks in 2009—up nearly tenfold since 2005, according to a 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report.

In light of this alarming stat, one thing’s for sure: it can’t hurt to be more mindful of your caffeine consumption. While your caffeine tolerance depends on your size and current consumption habits, the American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs recommends no more than 250 mg of caffeine, or about three 8-oz cups of coffee, a day.

And if you really want to avoid common caffeine side effects such as sleeplessness, jitters, irritability, headaches, and nervousness, Peterson recommends no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day. Top that, and you could suffer from a host of even more serious health issues: a Polish study presented by the European Society of Hypertension in 2012 found that subjects who drank an energy drink containing 360 mg of caffeine developed anxiety and insomnia, with significant increases in heart rate and blood pressure compared to a control group that took placebos, and participants who took energy drinks with just 120 mg of caffeine. (Find out more about how caffeine effects your bod.)

Another study found that consuming over 200 mg of caffeine can lead to a blood pressure spike of up to 14 points, putting you at heighten risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, and more especially if you already have high blood pressure. For these reasons, Peterson recommends that those with high blood pressure steer clear of caffeine altogether.

Finally, check the chart below to help you put a cap on your daily intake of caffeine.

Beverage	Standard serving (oz.)	Caffeine Content (mg)
Mega Monster Energy	24	240
Red Bull	8.3	80
5-Hour Energy	1.93	207
Espresso	2	30-90
Brewed Coffee	8	102-200
Brewed Tea	8	40-120
Bottled iced tea	16	10-100
Soft drink	12	71 or less
Coffee-flavored ice cream	8	50-84
Dark chocolate bar	1.45	31
Hershey’s Chocolate Bar	1.55	9
Excedrin (Extra Strength)	2 tablets	130
NoDoz (Maximum Strength)	1 tablet	200

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/thisjustin/alert-popular-energy-drink-linked-to-five-deaths/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

3 Simple Ways to Fix Your Posture

Been singing the blues lately? You might want to straighten up—your posture, that is. Turns out, fixing your posture can actually make you feel like a million bucks. A new study from San Francisco State University found that slouching and slumping can put a damper on your mood and drain your energy levels.

Researchers asked 110 university students to rate their energy and depression levels. Then they divided the students into two groups: One group went into the hallway and walked in a slouched position, while the other group skipped down the hallway. Both groups then rated their energy levels once again. Next, the group that skipped the first time was asked to walk in a slouched position, and vice versa. After two or three minutes, both groups again rated their energy levels.

All participants reported that skipping, which involves standing tall and looking up, made them feel happier and more energized. And that’s not all. Participants in the study with the highest levels of depression not only started off with lower energy (based on their self-rating), but also reported significantly lower energy levels after the slouched walking than those that weren’t depressed.

“Putting yourself in a ‘collapsed’ body position will evoke in you a depressed feeling—this is especially true with people who have a history of depression,” says Erik Peper, PhD, study author and Professor of Holistic Health at San Francisco State University. “Every thought has a corresponding body activity,” he says. “And every change in your body will change your thoughts and feelings.”

When you slump or “collapse,” you’re more likely to experience negative feelings. And when you feel bad, you want to make yourself look small, says Peper. On the other hand, when you move in a positive way, like skipping, you experience a boost in energy levels and positive emotions, according to the study.

It makes sense, then, that people with better posture are perceived as stronger, more vital, and self confident, according to Janice Novak, author of Posture, Get It Straight! Look Ten Years Younger, Ten Pounds Thinner, and Feel Better Than Ever and director of ImproveYourPosture.com.

“We give tons of information to the world around us just by how we carry ourselves,” she says. So while people who strive to straighten up are viewed in a positive light, those that hunch over are seen as insecure, weak, and depressed.

Here, 3 tips on how to go from sad sloucher to powerful (and happy) person.

Reposition Your Computer Monitor
“We’re a nation of professional sitters,” says Novak. When plopped in front of a computer screen, you spend a good amount of time craning your neck forward into what Novak calls a “vulture position.” An easy fix: Make sure that both your monitor and keyboard are at the right level. You want your eyes to be level with the middle of your screen so that you don’t drop your head to look below, says Novak. And to figure out where your keyboard should be, try this: While seated, extend your arms by your sides. Then, lift your forearms so that they form a 90-degree angle. Where your fingertips are in this position is where your keyboard should be to lessen the strain on your upper back and neck, she says.

Perform the Ribbon Test
While sitting at your desk and without leaning back, lift your ribcage up about one or two inches from your hipbone, recommends Novak. Doing so repositions your ribcage to where it needs to be, she says. Then grab a ribbon and two safety pins. Lift your ribcage up a few inches and pin the top of the piece of ribbon to your shirt (about chest-level). Pull the ribbon taut and pin the bottom to the bottom of your shirt. When you see slack, know that you’re slumping and reposition yourself once again.

Build a Buffer Back
Weak back muscles may be to blame for some amount of shoulder slumping, says Novak. By strengthening your midback, you take the pressure off your neck muscles. One easy exercise to try: “Shift your ribcage up an inch or two, pull your shoulder blades back toward your spine, and press them together and down slightly toward your waistline for about 10 seconds,” she says. Perform this exercise three to five times a day.

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/thisjustin/3-simple-ways-to-fix-your-posture/?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-WomensHealth-_-Content-Health_Blog-_-PostureCheck

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

How to Save on Halloween Costumes

Here it comes: the time of year when little ghouls, goblins, and witches prowl the streets in search of sugary treasure. In addition to the candy, one of the greatest joys of Halloween is getting dressed up. But costumes can cost more than an arm and a leg, and if you're outfitting more than one creature of the night, the expense can be brutal.

Whether you're shopping for your child or yourself, there are multiple ways you can save on Halloween costumes. Here are four to get you started:

1. Make Them Yourself. Homemade Halloween costumes can be more impressive than store-bought ones. And though doing it yourself means more work, the savings can be tremendous. If you sew, look for free costume patterns online or peruse your local fabric shop for patterns and ideas. Alternatively, you can skip the pattern and put together a costume with your own ingenuity. The dollar store or Goodwill are potential goldmines for materials. Just be sure to check what you already have lying around the house or in storage. Old sheets and curtains are great—and free—materials suitable for a range of costumes.

2. Buy Online. Before you go running to Party City or the pop-up Halloween store, consider buying costumes online. Research multiple sites to find the best deals and don't forget to check eBay for new and barely used costumes for all ages. Just be sure to order far enough in advance to avoid steep costs for last-minute shipping.

3. Organize a Costume Swap. Clothing swaps have become all the rage these days, so why not do the same with Halloween costumes? After all, who wants to wear the same costume two years in a row? And most kids won't fit into last year's costume anyway. Even though you missed out on National Costume Swap day (it was October 13th), plan your own day. Get together with friends and neighbors to see if you can swap your old costume for something new-to-you free of charge.

4. Use a Coupon. Search websites like RetailMeNot.com forprintable coupons for costume stores in your area, and peruse the weekly ads delivered to your mailbox. If shopping online, do a quick Internet search for a discount code. Even if you just get the shipping fees knocked off, it's still well worth the effort.

Final Thoughts. Once the holiday is over, save costumes and decor for next year. Costumes can be reused for younger children or at next year's swap, and Halloween decor is pretty much timeless. And remember, it doesn't take a scary amount of money to have a good time on Halloween—just a little ingenuity and effort!

* Picture : Predator vs Star Wars Clon, Predator costume handmade, using recycle stuff only the mask was buyed but custumize by owner.* 

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2012/10/24/how-to-save-on-halloween-costumes

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Getting Them Going #letsgomarlies

IMG_1086.MOV Watch on Posterous

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Glove Taps #letsgomarlies

IMG_1088.MOV Watch on Posterous

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Canada’s Business Tax Rates Among the Lowest

A new KPMG study shows Canada ranks second-best among 14 key countries for taxation of companies

There's (almost) no place like home when it comes to competitive tax rates. So says a new KPMG study ranking Canada as having the second-lowest tax burden for businesses among 14 major countries.

Only India was ranked as more tax competitive than Canada, and Canada came out on top among the 10 major developed countries measured. The KPMG study, done every two years, measured a complete roster of corporate income taxes, capital taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, miscellaneous local business taxes and statutory labour costs as they apply to large businesses, particularly those that are foreign-owned. KPMG looked beyond nominal rates to calculate the actual taxes owing by taking into consideration typical business deductions.

"The study is based entirely on effective tax rates," says Elio Luongo, Canadian managing partner, tax at KPMG LLP in Toronto. The audit, tax and advisory firm took into account the generally available tax credits or deductions for each jurisdiction. Although the study compared effective tax rates for businesses among the 14 countries, it didn't analyze the pattern specifically for SMEs.

The study assigned a Total Tax Index (TTI) to each location, comparing the business-tax burden in each country against a benchmark of 100 for the U.S. As in golf, the lower the score the better.

For the first time, this study included four major high-growth countries: Brazil, India, China and Russia. Canada (59.1) ranked just behind India (49.7) in tax competitiveness, followed by China (59.7) and Mexico (63.6), with Russia (71.7) at the fifth-lowest rate. Among developed nations, the U.K. (73.3) ranked second behind Canada, followed by the Netherlands (77.2), the U.S. (100), Germany (122), Australia (125.1) and Japan (152.3). Canada's score is 4.9 points lower now than it was in 2010—a significant improvement.

The study also compared tax burdens in specific cities. Among the 55 cities with populations of more than two million that KPMG studied, Vancouver (49.2), Toronto (56.0) and Montreal (62.1) all ranked in the top 10. In comparison, the biggest U.S. city, New York (101.3), was in 38th place.

The study noted that tax rates vary widely from industry to industry. Labour costs, for example, likely make up a higher share of total costs for service-sector companies than those in other sectors. For these companies, therefore, statutory labour costs—such as taxes and other charges on payroll to cover social security, medical care, employment insurance and workers' compensation—are more of an issue. Manufacturers are typically more capital intensive, so capital taxes, property taxes and the availability of tax incentives for manufacturing are more important considerations in their location decisions.

The lower tax rates facing Canadian companies may help firms based here to compete on the global stage despite the country's higher costs for labour, transportation and real estate, as well as the strong loonie. And because tax costs are likely to range more widely among countries than other costs, says Luongo, lower rates can be the deciding factor when businesses decide where to locate.

http://www.profitguide.com/news/canada%E2%80%99s-business-tax-rates-among-the-lowest-41703

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Be Better to Yourself

Having a little self-compassion will help you grow, learn and accept when things don't go as planned.

You have probably thought a lot about the idea of self-esteem. Self-esteem is how good you feel about yourself. Since the 1970s, there has been a lot of work on self-esteem. We know that people who feel good about themselves are socially successful. They project a beautiful image to the world. They act with confidence.

But, have you heard about self-compassion?

Self-compassion is the extent to which you treat yourself kindly. That is different from just feeling good about yourself. You can have a lot of self-confidence and a strong feeling of your own importance and still be hard on yourself when things go wrong.

Do you have self-compassion?

When you make a mistake, what is your first reaction? Do you kick yourself repeatedly over the error? Do you spend time worrying about all the ways you could have handled it differently? Are you anxious about how your mistake will be seen by others?

Self-compassion is the ability to recognize that you are fallible. You will make mistakes. The key to self-compassion is to realize that those mistakes are a result of your actions in a situation and not a sign of a character flaw.

Obviously, it is useful to feel a little remorse when you make a mistake. It can be helpful to review the problem to make sure you don’t make the mistake again.

But, it is also valuable to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. It is important to give yourself the same freedom to err that you give to the people around you. After all, a little failure can be a good thing. You can only move forward in life when you try new things, and you cannot expect to try new things without making a few mistakes.  

Having a little self-compassion will help you grow, learn and accept when things don't go as planned.

This self-compassion can help you in all phases of your life. Instead of obsessing over things that you should not have said in social interactions, allow yourself to move on from a discussion that didn’t go well or a fight with a friend. In relationships, recognize that when something does not go the way you wanted it to, that is not a sign that you are the problem. And in your work life, realize that failure is common. Indeed, one reason why Silicon Valley has been the seat of so many new and vibrant companies is because the entrepreneurs there are given the freedom to fail and to learn from their mistakes.

Next time you make a mistake, try to treat yourself like you would treat others. Give yourself some understanding. You will find that this self-compassion helps you project a more beautiful self to the rest of the world.

http://www.youbeauty.com/mind/columns/a-beautiful-mind/self-compassion?page=2

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

The TRUTH About The Canadian Real Estate Market #realestate #breakingnews

Headlines in magazines and newspapers have been quick to signal the demise of Canada's economic engine - the Real Estate Market. Bold statements such as 25% declines in home values have been thrown around and questions have been raised about the long term viability of real estate investments. Statistics are being manipulated and reported out of context to instill fear amongst buyers and sellers alike.

The Real Estate Market has, arguably, single-handedly saved our nation from the effects of the global financial turmoil that surrounds us. Why the obsession with trying to take down the Real Estate Market through spreading fears of a collapse?

When looking at the true facts about our market today, one can take comfort and know that the reports are false and unsubstantiated. Here are five reasons why:

1. You cannot take a small sample of the annual sales data and make assumptions such as double digit price drops. The reports being circulated focus on a decline in the number of sales for September 2012 (5879) compared to the same month last year (7422). Sure this is approximately a 20% decline in sales when compared to last September, however if you look at the year to date numbers it is quite clear that many sellers that would have hit the market in late summer/early fall have likely moved up into the winter/early spring selling season. January to May 2012 saw healthy increases in sales over the same period last year. Year to date we are at 69,909 sales. Since 2004, the annual average for number of sales has been approximately 84,000. (2004 83,501, 2005 84,145, 2006 83,084, 2007 93,193, 2008 74,552, 2009 87,308, 2010 85,545, 2011 89,099). In 2012, a conservative finish to the year with 15,000 sales will put us at a very respectable 85,000 total. The 15,000 sale estimate is calculated from last year's 18,920 sales in the last quarter less 20%. What does this mean? It means that 2012 will finish as a typical year for the Toronto Real Estate Board. Typical in number of deals as well as showing a rather healthy, yet stable 6-8% price growth.

2. With steady price appreciation, the Canadian real estate market has never been the victim of artificially inflated prices that played a key role in the demise of the American market. Even during the recession of 2008, our housing market showed 1% growth in average sale price. A recent report in Canadian Business magazine stated that between August 2008 and March 2009, the average home prices FELL 8.5%. I would love to meet ONE person, whose home fell 8.5% in value at that time. The "average price" during that stretch was lower due to the luxury homes segment of the market slowing down. Homes priced in the lower price points were predominant and as such "average sale price" was of course lower. There is a huge difference between home values and average sales price, a difference that is being overlooked to deliberately cause confusion and panic. Looking over historical sales and average price data, going back to 1966, we have never shown double digit price decreases as those being suggested. Even in the lean years from 1990 to 1993, Canadian Real Estate showed declines between 2.5% and 7% approximately. During a recession, the first segment of the market which starts to slow is the luxury home market ($1Million plus). Take those sales out of the equation and naturally your average sale price will drop. What this means is that a decline in average sale price does NOT mean a decrease in value. Should the value of a home decrease at all, homeowners would just wait to sell. Real Estate always increases in value over time. It is not a penny stock that gets traded daily, it is a long term investment. There's no need to purchase in a frenzy or sell in a panic.

3. The comparison to the American housing market is not realistic. The crash in the States was due to many unique factors. They had a subprime mortgage market caused by a hyper competitive banking system focused on profits without controlled recourse laws. The lack of accountability afforded Americans an out without significant penalties. Canada's banking sector is rated number one in the world for stability and regulations. There are also laws protecting the banks and allow banks to pursue the borrower for punitive measures. Offsetting home prices is the fact that Canada's interest rates have remained at historically low levels. Rates will continue to stay low and should they rise, and in turn cause a negative impact on the housing market, rest assured the government will be quick to act and restore rates to their lower levels.

4. Household debt is of course on the rise. There is no arguing that. However, with the changes our government has made to protect the number one rated banking system in the world, homeowners are forced to retain greater equity in their properties. With the changes to Gross and Total Debt Service Ratios, and the banks qualifying prospective home owners at 5 year posted rates, affordability is not as big an issue as it is being made out to be in the media. Every report seems to point out Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal home prices and deeming Canada unaffordable. These cities may no longer be affordable to all home buyers, however there are many affordable alternatives throughout our country for all income levels.

5. Reports in reputable magazines suggest you sell your home now and rent in anticipation of a double digit price drop. This is one of the most ridiculous suggestions ever made. Owning your home is your inflation hedge. Real Estate is a long term investment. The opportunity cost of leaving the market will prove to be huge. Taking yourself out of the market for a year or two will not only cost you the amount you'll pay in rent, it also costs you your inflation hedge. At the same time, you're still paying a mortgage, just not your own.

A recent article in Canadian Business said "If psychology is indeed driving the market then any event that destroys confidence can touch off the fall". Ironic how they continue to play with the psyche of Canadians with negativity and unsubstantiated figures in an effort to destroy confidence. I'd be curious to know how many of these writers would sell me their home for a 25% discount. For the truth about the market, consult your Real Estate Professional and do not rely on news stories aimed at selling papers, magazines or air time. As your Realtor, we will assist you make the right decision to protect your greatest asset and build your Real Estate Portfolio.

Your home is, and will continue to be your greatest and safest investment.

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.
Re/Max Hall of Fame
 
click here: http://bit.ly/Phzcqe

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Canadian Home Prices Expected To Drop 25% ? The TRUTH About The Real Estate Market

Headlines in magazines and newspapers have been quick to signal the demise of Canada's economic engine - the Real Estate Market. Bold statements such as 25% declines in home values have been thrown around and questions have been raised about the long term viability of real estate investments. Statistics are being manipulated and reported out of context to instill fear amongst buyers and sellers alike.

The Real Estate Market has, arguably, single-handedly saved our nation from the effects of the global financial turmoil that surrounds us. Why the obsession with trying to take down the Real Estate Market through spreading fears of a collapse?

When looking at the true facts about our market today, one can take comfort and know that the reports are false and unsubstantiated. Here are five reasons why:

1. You cannot take a small sample of the annual sales data and make assumptions such as double digit price drops. The reports being circulated focus on a decline in the number of sales for September 2012 (5879) compared to the same month last year (7422). Sure this is approximately a 20% decline in sales when compared to last September, however if you look at the year to date numbers it is quite clear that many sellers that would have hit the market in late summer/early fall have likely moved up into the winter/early spring selling season. January to May 2012 saw healthy increases in sales over the same period last year. Year to date we are at 69,909 sales. Since 2004, the annual average for number of sales has been approximately 84,000. (2004 83,501, 2005 84,145, 2006 83,084, 2007 93,193, 2008 74,552, 2009 87,308, 2010 85,545, 2011 89,099). In 2012, a conservative finish to the year with 15,000 sales will put us at a very respectable 85,000 total. The 15,000 sale estimate is calculated from last year's 18,920 sales in the last quarter less 20%. What does this mean? It means that 2012 will finish as a typical year for the Toronto Real Estate Board. Typical in number of deals as well as showing a rather healthy, yet stable 6-8% price growth.

2. With steady price appreciation, the Canadian real estate market has never been the victim of artificially inflated prices that played a key role in the demise of the American market. Even during the recession of 2008, our housing market showed 1% growth in average sale price. A recent report in Canadian Business magazine stated that between August 2008 and March 2009, the average home prices FELL 8.5%. I would love to meet ONE person, whose home fell 8.5% in value at that time. The "average price" during that stretch was lower due to the luxury homes segment of the market slowing down. Homes priced in the lower price points were predominant and as such "average sale price" was of course lower. There is a huge difference between home values and average sales price, a difference that is being overlooked to deliberately cause confusion and panic. Looking over historical sales and average price data, going back to 1966, we have never shown double digit price decreases as those being suggested. Even in the lean years from 1990 to 1993, Canadian Real Estate showed declines between 2.5% and 7% approximately. During a recession, the first segment of the market which starts to slow is the luxury home market ($1Million plus). Take those sales out of the equation and naturally your average sale price will drop. What this means is that a decline in average sale price does NOT mean a decrease in value. Should the value of a home decrease at all, homeowners would just wait to sell. Real Estate always increases in value over time. It is not a penny stock that gets traded daily, it is a long term investment. There's no need to purchase in a frenzy or sell in a panic.

3. The comparison to the American housing market is not realistic. The crash in the States was due to many unique factors. They had a subprime mortgage market caused by a hyper competitive banking system focused on profits without controlled recourse laws. The lack of accountability afforded Americans an out without significant penalties. Canada's banking sector is rated number one in the world for stability and regulations. There are also laws protecting the banks and allow banks to pursue the borrower for punitive measures. Offsetting home prices is the fact that Canada's interest rates have remained at historically low levels. Rates will continue to stay low and should they rise, and in turn cause a negative impact on the housing market, rest assured the government will be quick to act and restore rates to their lower levels.

4. Household debt is of course on the rise. There is no arguing that. However, with the changes our government has made to protect the number one rated banking system in the world, homeowners are forced to retain greater equity in their properties. With the changes to Gross and Total Debt Service Ratios, and the banks qualifying prospective home owners at 5 year posted rates, affordability is not as big an issue as it is being made out to be in the media. Every report seems to point out Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal home prices and deeming Canada unaffordable. These cities may no longer be affordable to all home buyers, however there are many affordable alternatives throughout our country for all income levels.

5. Reports in reputable magazines suggest you sell your home now and rent in anticipation of a double digit price drop. This is one of the most ridiculous suggestions ever made. Owning your home is your inflation hedge. Real Estate is a long term investment. The opportunity cost of leaving the market will prove to be huge. Taking yourself out of the market for a year or two will not only cost you the amount you'll pay in rent, it also costs you your inflation hedge. At the same time, you're still paying a mortgage, just not your own.

A recent article in Canadian Business said "If psychology is indeed driving the market then any event that destroys confidence can touch off the fall". Ironic how they continue to play with the psyche of Canadians with negativity and unsubstantiated figures in an effort to destroy confidence. I'd be curious to know how many of these writers would sell me their home for a 25% discount. For the truth about the market, consult your Real Estate Professional and do not rely on news stories aimed at selling papers, magazines or air time. As your Realtor, we will assist you make the right decision to protect your greatest asset and build your Real Estate Portfolio.

Your home is, and will continue to be your greatest and safest investment.

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.
Re/Max Hall of Fame
 
click here: http://bit.ly/Phzcqe

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Download our iPhone, iPad and android Apps

Toronto Home Search by Team Khan RE/MAX
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/toronto-home-search/id567737870?mt=8

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Get your car ready for winter

Seems like just yesterday I was lying on the beach trying to make the most of a difficult decision: Do I want lemon or lime in my libation? Love the dog days...

As the old adage goes; there's not much we can do about the weather. However, we can lessen some of the stress and worry by at least getting our cars ready for the onslaught of the most wonderful time of the year.

For many, winterizing a vehicle can be a daunting task and in most cases it is a daunting task because let's face it, as humans we do two things very well:

1. We've turned procrastination into a science, and

2. We rely too much on the technologies built into the modern vehicle.

To make the winterizing process as painless as possible, I've compiled a list if essentials for fully winterizing your car.

What you should keep in your car

• Emergency kit. This can always be tailored to each individual situation and should be dictated by the expected driving conditions, but at least should consist of:

• Blanket, gloves, spare coat, safety triangle or flares, flashlight, spare engine fluids such as oil, pre-mixed coolant (see coolants below) and windshield fluid, boots, ice scraper, battery jumper cables, light weight shovel, first aid kit, tire chains, granola bars, bottled water, paper towels, etc.

• Dress for the weather. So may of us dash to the car, start up the engine, crank up the heat and turn on the seat heaters thinking we're good to go. What happens if you find yourself in an emergency, low on fuel and having to wait for help? Dressing warm will lessen the need to run the engine to stay warm and if you have to venture outside the vehicle, you will at least be dress somewhat appropriately.

Vehicle fluids

• Engine coolant. Have the condition as well as strength checked out. If the coolant is more than two years old, it's time to have it replaced. A word of caution; modern engines are very picky as to which coolant should be used. Nowadays, there are three types of coolant available. Do not be fooled into thinking you can tell the difference by the colour of coolants. Read that little dust-covered book buried deep in the glove box - your owner's manual.

Coolants and anti-freeze needs to be mixed with water in a 50 per cent solution and if you live in an area that has a high mineral content in the tap water, use a jug of distilled water. This is very cheap insurance considering the possibility of expensive repairs caused by the interaction of the minerals against the different metals used in a modern day engine.

• Engine oil - get it changed if you can't remember the last time it was changed. Check owner's manual for cold weather viscosity options.

• Top up the windshield washer fluid and keep the excess jug in the trunk. The liquid makes a great de-icer for frozen wipers.

• Keep the gas tank full for two very good reasons:

• You may find yourself idling in traffic for extended periods of time. How comforting to know that you won't be a feature on the evening news because you caused the biggest traffic tie-up of the season.

• Finding yourself in a ditch on a lonely stretch of road can be frightening. Having enough fuel to run the engine for 10 minutes every half hour to keep warm is always a good thing.

Hardware

• Wiper blades - If you can't remember the last time you replaced your wiper blades - now's the time. An easy rule to remember is to replace the blades at each Daylight Savings/Standard time change. If you live in Saskatchewan or North Eastern British Columbia, you're on your own to remember to change the blades in the fall and the spring. I suggest a winter blade replacement in the fall and a normal blade replacement in the spring. If a heavy snowfall is expected, pull the wiper arms off the windshield. Snow can be heavy and the weight bearing on wiper arms can damage their mechanisms.

• Exhaust system integrity. A leaking exhaust is another recipe for disaster. Much more time is spent idling in the winter than in the summer. With the doors closed and windows rolled up, the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning is very real with leaking exhaust pipes or mufflers.

• Check the battery. Batteries are good for three to five years of service in a perfect world, and unless you live in Arizona or another hot locales, plan on three so you won't be left stranded.

• Get the brakes checked. Poor braking performance is dangerous enough in the summer - imagine how much worse things can get if you throw in snow, rain and ice.

• Install four new-tech winter tires as opposed to the old fashioned "snow tires." The new compounds are amazing in adverse conditions but a word of advice: don't install them too soon. The compounds are soft and the tread wears out much more quickly on dry pavement than summer or regular all-season tires.

• Check your tire inflation pressures. Pressures drop drastically in the cold causing the sidewalls to collapse and pinch the tread together as it comes in contact with the road. This lessens the "bite-ability" of the tire.

• Check the air pressure in the spare tire - is there a spare tire and do you have tire changing equipment on board?

• Make sure that all your running lights work - especially the four-way flashers.

• Inspect engine drive belts and hoses. What may have worked well enough in the summer may not work well in cold adverse conditions. Old rubber components harden quickly in the cold, losing their flexibility which can lead to failure.

• Have an air conditioning performance check done. I've mentioned this before - the A/C system is used in most vehicles during the defrost mode and aids in the de-humidifying of the cabin.

Tips and tricks

• Keep a container of lock de-icer handy. It not only helps unfreeze a frozen lock, it works on frozen wipers and window rubbers.

• Power antenna - clear away ice that may have formed over night around the base of the antenna. Last year my wife learned the hard way. After turning on the radio, she noticed a loud grinding noise coming from the front fender - where the power antenna is located. This spring I replaced the antenna mast drive.

• Don't try to pull open a frozen door. You could damage the latch and/or hurt your hand. Instead, push on the door with your hip or shoulder. The inward force will break away the ice that may have formed around the weatherstrip.

• Don't add weight to the trunk of a FWD car. You could actually make front-drive traction worse. With a rear wheel drive, consider using bags of salt if you feel that adding weight is an advantage in your particular situation. It doubles as a quick fix for a slippery surface.

• Clear all the snow off your car. Blowing snow can blind the driversbehind you, and the added weight of the snow, especially on the roof, will adversely affect the handling of the vehicle.

• If you own an SUV, test the AWD or 4WD system now before you end up in an emergency. Discover the operating dynamics AND limitations of the AWD/4WD system, and please remember that all the AWD/4WD systems in the word will not make your vehicle corner or brake better than a two-wheel drive vehicle. Although you may be able to accelerate more effectively, braking and cornering are still a function of tire grip.

• Slow down.

• And finally - if all else fails - keep your cell phone charged and handy.

Procrastinate no more - prepare early before the most wonderful time of the year catches you off guard...and good luck out there!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/car-tips/get-your-car-ready-for-winter/article1461433/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Lets Go Stars!!!

IMG_1035.MOV Watch on Posterous

Markham Stouffville Stars take on the Toronto Wildcats.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Lets Go Stars!!!

IMG_1035.MOV Watch on Posterous

Markham Stouffville Stars take on the Toronto Wildcats.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

One Canadian real estate pro’s journey to cash in on Europe

Don’t tell Michael Polzler the Canadian real estate market is the place to be. He’s got his feet planted firmly in Europe.

The 45-year-old former operations head of Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada has pulled up stakes from this country to establish a stronger footprint on a continent he maintains has been vastly underserved by organized real estate.

People need to buy and sell and that doesn’t change

“It’s been crazy busy,” says Mr. Polzler, now the managing director of Re/Max Europe. “I’ve been in Sweden, Hamburg, Germany, and Austria, where I have been kind of living these days.”

And Mr. Polzler just doesn’t understand the fears that the struggling European economy has nowhere to go.

“It’s all very exaggerated. People need to buy and sell and that doesn’t change,” he says

“In the German-speaking economies of around 100 million in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, there is super-low unemployment and the economies are excellent. Even in the countries that have been written about, there is opportunity. Sure it’s harder to sell in Portugal and Spain, but we are making inroads in those marketplaces.”

The Vienna-based Re/Max Europe group, started by his father Frank Polzler and his partner Walter Schneider in 1994, is now in 33 countries.

The pair brought the Re/Max brand to Canada in 1979, turning the real estate market here on its head. Instead of agents giving up a large percentage of their commission to their brokerage, they were charged a desk fee. The group now has about 8,400 sale associates in Canada.

Mr. Polzler says Europe resembles the Canada of a few decades ago when the Multiple Listing Service was not prominent and there was little co-operation between agents.

“Generally speaking, agents do not sell each other’s listings, though we are changing that,” says Mr. Polzler, adding the practice in Europe of trying to sell a listing to just your own clients or handful of colleagues is very limiting. “In Re/Max, we are selling each other’s listings and that really puts the customer first.”

Exclusive listings may ultimately enrich the agents by keeping them among a select group but it hardly creates liquidity in the market.

“It’s very hard to sell property that way,” says Mr. Polzler, calling the European case “very odd” by Canadian standards.

“I don’t think we did that in 1980s or even the 1970s really.”

He says that is why 50% of the market is sold privately and why it is such a good opportunity for his company.

“You really want to expose your property to a lot more agents and [potential] customers, which, of course, is a lot better for the consumer,” says Mr. Polzler.

In Canada, real estate listings are put on a central MLS system at 100-plus boards across the country. Agents who sell another agent’s property listing are compensated directly and usually get about half of the total commission, usually 2.5% each.

Europe provides an interesting contrast to this country where the Canadian Real Estate Association was sued by the Competition Bureau for controlling listings and not allowing consumers enough choice in the services that can be selected through the MLS. The bureau remains in a court battle with the Toronto Real Estate Board over the issue of how listings are controlled.

Re/Max wants a more open market in Europe, although Mr. Polzler did not say he’s trying to emulate the Canadian model exactly. “Our slogan here is changing the way real estate is sold in Europe,” says Mr. Polzler.

He says you can’t start a pan-European MLS because real estate is more a locally driven product. MLS is available in few jurisdictions.

“People think creating an MLS is coming in and trying to organize everybody but really it needs to start with five, 10 or 20 agents to step in and share each other’s listings because this is better for everybody.”

http://business.financialpost.com/2012/10/11/one-real-estate-pros-journey-to-cash-in-on-europe/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Neighbors hurt your home's value?

If you're trying to sell your home, a run-down or messy house nearby can cost you some serious money. 

Here's what you can do about it.

Bad neighbors aren't just annoying. They can cost you real money when it's time to sell your home.

A nearby property's overgrown yard, peeling paint and clutter can easily knock 5% to 10% off the sale price of your home, said Joe Magdziarz, the president of the Appraisal Institute and a real-estate appraiser with 40 years of experience. A true disaster -- a junky home in deplorable condition and a yard packed with debris -- could cost you even more.

"In reality, there's so much supply right now that people are just going to pass," Magdziarz said. "It might make your home unmarketable."

Magdziarz has personal experience with how a bad neighbor can hurt a home seller's chances. A few years ago, he and his wife were house hunting and found a property they really liked -- until they looked next door.

"He was a hoarder. There was junk all over the yard," Magdziarz said. "The last thing I want to see when I get home is a junkyard."

Even when real-estate markets were in better shape, messy neighbors caused problems. Kamie Dowen put her Harrisburg, Pa., home on the market five years ago but had problems selling because of a nearby property.

Toys littered the lawn, even in winter. The porch sported "a pumpkin that was two years past due," Dowen said. A garage door, damaged after the owner ran into it with his car, was never fixed.

"After I moved out and staged my home, it still took me over a year to get rid of it," Dowen said. "I had to sell it at my cost.

So what can you do?

Frustration can lead to guerrilla tactics. Jeanine Brydges Watt of Windsor, Ontario, got so fed up with her neighbors' yard that she waited until they went on vacation, then mowed the lawn and threw out the trash, which included old diapers and split-open bags of garbage.

Watt said she wasn't worried about being arrested for trespassing. The messy neighbors were renters and probably thought their landlord had done it, she said. And Watt's other neighbors were thrilled.

"If they had been asked, none of the other neighbors would have ratted me out," she said. "They were happy we cleaned up the eyesore."

You may not be willing to risk arrest, but there are other tactics you can try if a neighbor's property is hurting your home's value.

If your neighbor is elderly or disabled and simply not able to maintain her property, for example, you may be able to help her find free or low-cost services that can help. Habitat for Humanity's A Brush With Kindness program offers exterior painting, landscaping, weatherstripping and minor repairs to low-income homeowners who can't care for their homes because of age, disability or family circumstances.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan