Superman Renounces U.S. Citizenship

April 27, 2011 - L.A. Times

Superman renouncing his U.S. citizenship is the newest wrinkle of the fascinating life of the man of steel.

In the latest issue of Action Comics, Superman becomes overly concerned that his heroism is being viewed as a tool for the United States exclusively.

"I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship. I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy," the superhero says in issue No. 900.

" 'Truth, justice and the American way' -- it's not enough anymore," the man from Krypton says, refocusing on a more global approach to crime-fighting.

"Superman is a visitor from a distant planet who has long embraced American values. As a character and an icon, he embodies the best of the American way," DC's co-publishers, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, said in a statement to the N.Y. Post.

"In a short story in ACTION COMICS 900, Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never-ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville," they said.

The controversial story in question is titled "The Incident,"  written by David S. Goyer with art by Miguel Sepulveda. In the tale, Superman is reprimanded by a Secret Service staffer for appearing at a nonviolent protest in Tehran against the Iranian regime. It's then that he realizes he doesn't represent the U.S.A.; he is on Earth to protect everyone.

Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Member of Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

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Professional Advice Puts More Money In Your Pocket

Be sure that one of the most important financial decisions of your life is the right one: choose a Toronto Real Estate Board REALTOR® to guide you through the process of buying or selling your home.
REALTORS® are licensed professionals who must abide by a strict code of ethics and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their status.

Only REALTORS® have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), a state-of-the-art database of property information that is designed to match people with the properties that fit their exact requirements.

The MLS® system is one way REALTORS® provide their clients with insight into market trends and current market values of similar properties.
REALTORS® can also advise you about current Government Programs that benefit consumers, and use their experience to offer valuable information about the character and amenities of specific neighbourhoods.

When dealing with the purchase or sale of your home, you need the best advice possible. Get it from someone who will commit in writing to represent your interests. Use a Toronto Real Estate Board REALTOR® and have the confidence that a professional is on your side.

 
Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Compostable Bags and the Green Bin Program

The use of compostable bags in the Green Bin program will be mandatory for households receiving Green Bin curbside collection as of May 1, 2011.

Why are compostable bags better?

Certified compostable bags and paper bags are a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative. Unlike plastic bags which must be removed at the end of the composting process and sent for disposal, compostable liners are made from cornstarch or plant-based material that breaks down completely during the composting process.

How will I know if I'm using the right bag?

Please be aware that there are a number of brands that market their bags for use with compostable Green Bin waste, but some of these may not be compostable. Some bags may also be branded as biodegradable rather than compostable. Biodegradable bags break down into smaller pieces of plastic. These smaller pieces will not decompose and will become a contaminant in the final composted product.

Certified compostable bags will display a Compostable logo on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paper bags are also compostable but these do not require the Compostable logo.

Where can I get compostable bags?

Compostable bags are available at many grocery and hardware stores throughout York Region. Below is a list of some of the retailers who carry compostable bags. Please note that this is not a complete list.
 
Grocery Stores:
- Concord Food Centre
- Foodland
- Food Basics
- Fortinos
- Fresh Co.
- Highland Farms
- Loblaws
- Longos
- No Frills
- Metro
- Oak Ridges Market
- Price Chopper
- Sobey's
- The Real Canadian Superstore

Hardware Stores:
- Canadian Tire
- Home Depot
- Home Hardware
- Lowes
- Rona

Other:
- Costco
- Dollarama
- Giant Tiger
- Michael Angelo's
- Nature's Emporium
- Pharmasave
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Walmart
- Zellers

Does York Region still currently accept diapers, sanitary products and pet waste?

Yes. York Region still accepts diapers, sanitary products and pet waste. These contain significant amounts of organic material that can be composted. Weekly pickup of these materials is also appreciated by residents when compared to bi-weekly garbage collection. However, we strongly encourage residents to place these items in a compostable bag.

  
More Questions? Contact us at
greenbin@york.ca
1-866-665-6752

 
Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Member of Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Arrests Made in Deadly Home Invasion in Markham

York Regional Police have charged two Toronto men with first-degree murder in a deadly "staged" home invasion that occurred in Markham last November.
In the Markham incident, a 53-year-old woman was fatally shot and her husband was wounded when three armed assailants broke into their home on Nov. 8, 2010.

The couple's 24-year-old daughter, Jennifer Pan, is accused of plotting the home invasion. She was previously charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The daughter was tied up during the home invasion but wasn't harmed by the suspects, police said previously. She claimed she escaped the home and called police.

Pan was arrested two weeks later after attending her slain mother's funeral.

Police haven't disclosed the motive.

Investigators announced the new arrests at a press conference in Aurora on Friday afternoon.

31-year-old Eric Carty and 22-year-old David Mylvaganam are both charged with first degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Carty was arrested at the Maplehurst Detention Centre where he is awaiting trial on a charge of first degree murder in connection with a shooting in Toronto in December 2009.

Mylvaganam was arrested in the Jane and Finch area yesterday.

Homicide Det. Sgt. Larry Wilson says additional arrests are expected. He is urging those suspects to speak to a lawyer and surrender to police.

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects is asked to call York Regional Police homicide detectives at 1-866-287-5025 ext. 7865 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

With files from CP24's Sue Sgambati

Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Member of Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

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Bank Of Canada Holds Overnight Lending Rate

As expected, The Bank of Canada maintained their overnight rate in an announcement this morning.  This is great news as, as it keeps your prime mortgage or line of credit at 3.00%. In their statement, the BOC said that global economic recovery is becoming more firmly entrenched and is expected to continue at a steady pace.  Japan's significant losses from the disasters in March will severely affect its economic activity in the first half of this year and create short-term disruptions to supply chains in advanced economies. The instability in the Middle East may cause havoc over oil prices.   Despite the significant challenges that weigh on the global outlook, global financial conditions remain very stimulative and investors have become noticeably less risk averse.  The persistent strength of the Canadian dollar could create even greater headwinds for the Canadian economy, putting additional downward pressure on inflation through weaker-than-expected net exports and larger declines in import prices. The BOC expects the economic recovery in Canada to continue.   Although the prime rate will increase at some point this year. If you are on a variable rate, stay with it for now. Since 1992 the increases have only been by 0.25% at any one time. Therefore, any increase is expected to be gradual and controlled in line with economic recovery, both in Canada and globally. Fixed term rate increases this past week caused a bit of a stir amongst home buyers. As I said last week, fixed term increases at this time of the year are absolutely normal. They will come down again by the end of summer/beginning of fall as they do each year. The next announcement on any change to the prime rate is May 31st, 2011. Should you have any questions, or would like us to recommend a mortgage expert near you, please call me. Regards,

Asif

Asif Khan, Sales Representative
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan