A Day of Remembrance
These wars touched the lives of Canadians of all ages, all races, all social classes. Fathers, sons, daughters, sweethearts: they were killed in action, they were wounded, and thousands who returned were forced to live the rest of their lives with the physical and mental scars of war. The people who stayed in Canada also served - in factories, in voluntary service organizations, wherever they were needed.
Canadians departing for active service in Europe during the
second world war, 1940.
National Archives of Canada C38723
Yet for many of us, war is a phenomenon seen through the lens of a television camera or a journalist's account of fighting in distant parts of the world. Our closest physical and emotional experience may be the discovery of wartime memorabilia in a family attic. But even items such as photographs, uniform badges, medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life of their owner. For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives.
We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."
By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.
How to do-it-yourself, but smarter (NC)
Using power tools can be more of an art than a science when tackling a new project. Most of us never look at the settings of our drill or sander. Instead we turn it on and just opt for the most power - assuming that will get the job done quickly. But more power doesn't guarantee the best results, and can actually cost you time to fix mistakes. We all know that a stripped screw or over sanded project can leave us, quite literally, in the (saw)dust.
Size and speed do matter. And so do the clutch and torque settings. The problem is that the standard numbered settings don't explain how best to set the tool for specific projects. For example, when you want to drive a screw into 1/4” plywood what gear should the drill be in and which torque level should you select? Or, if you'd like to sand down the dining room table for a fresh coat of stain, how can you set your sander to avoid deep scratches?
The best bet for the home handyperson who expects more from his/her tools is Black & Decker's new generation of products with “Smart Select” technology. These specially designed drills, sanders, jigsaws and screwdrivers will help your loved one avoid DIY disasters and finish projects faster with fewer hassles.
“We found that many do-it-yourselfers have to do a lot of guessing when it comes to setting a tool for optimal performance on jobs,” says Jocelyn Stephen, marketing manager at Black & Decker Canada. “The Smart Select series eliminates the guess work; each tool has simple icons to help select the appropriate application. Just set the tool to the icon that matches your task and the tool automatically selects the right settings to get the job done right.”
Drilling a 1/2” hole into metal, or a 7/8” hole into wood? Simply line up the icon and voila you're using the tool like the pros. Both experienced and beginning do-it-yourselfers will appreciate taking the guesswork out of DIY projects at any level.
Currently three different voltages of drills are available (12v, 14v, and 18v), as well as a jigsaw, a complete sanding kit, and a very handy compact screwdriver with a magnetic bit holder. No more dropped screws. Prices range between $50 - $100.
So this holiday season, give the “handyperson” on your shopping list “Smart Select” tools that will work harder so they don't have to. Smart Select products are available at home centres across the country. More information is available online at www.blackanddecker.com .
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This Month's info4yourLife |
A “pet choice” for paint (NC)
Painting, inarguably, is the most economic home makeover. And for any pet-populated household where the roller and brush are being readied to hit the walls, you may want to take pause for the paws and make sure the paint being used is a smart choice for your pet as well as for all of your family.
Going green—eco-friendly—in your selection will help assure the safest solution. When it comes to paint, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are no-nos. Without getting too scientific, VOCs are groups of chemicals often found in conventional paints and other building and decorating materials. Exposure to them can pose health risks. So, a zero-VOC interior paint, like Benjamin Moore's new Natura, is an ideal choice, especially since it remains at zero-VOC even with the addition of the colourants needed to tint it the deepest, most saturated of hues.
Natura enjoys a checklist of other advantages. It is virtually odourless, dries fast, has excellent adhesion and provides a durable finish. What's more, while Natura is sustainable “green,” the colour green is just but one of more than 1,800 colour choices available, plus it can be custom colour-matched to personal specifications.
For any of the millions who open their hearts and homes to pets—Canada's pet dog population is estimated to be at about 2 million, and the cat count at about 2.3 million—it's reassuring to know there are ways to make their living space a safer, and even more colourful, environment.
You can learn more online at www.benjaminmoore.ca .
Take it inside (NC)
The eavestroughs have been cleaned, the mower has been put away, the trees are trimmed, and the garden “winterized” – so now that the season of outdoor projects has passed, what's a home handyman to do?
Plenty. This is the perfect time to head inside and tackle your workspace clutter. After a busy summer, workbenches are often in rough shape so now's the chance to take inventory and get organized in just a few simple steps.
1. Zone it. Assign zones for each function. For example, a typical garage might store automobile supplies, sports equipment, gardening and lawn care tools, holiday decorations, and of course, your tools. Focus on 3-5 zones and organize your work space accordingly. This will help keep your workbench free of frisbees, soccer balls, Christmas ornaments and anything else that will interfere with your projects.
2. Store it. Proper storage solutions make all the difference when you are searching for the right tool for the job. Don't just pack things in a box and put it on a shelf above your bench. Look at purchasing an organizational tool chest, and be sure to label each drawer for fast and easy retrieval. And don't forget about those loose screws, nuts and bolts. If you don't tackle this job, you'll always be running out to get extra fasteners for each project – costing you time and money. Many home hardware centres sell organizing cabinets, but even a tackle box from your local sporting goods store will do wonders.
3. Get it. Do you really need a 12v, 14v and an 18v drill? Multifunctional tools are a great way to help minimize clutter. If you have an 18v drill and a small screwdriver you'll be able to tackle nearly all of the jobs around your house. A brand-new product that can help to keep your work bench clutter free is the ReadyWrench by Black & Decker. The ReadyWrench is made of durable vanadium steel with a nickel chrome finish and puts 16 of the most popular standard (SAE) and metric socket sizes at your fingertips, in one convenient hand tool. No more searching for lost sockets and best of all its small size is perfect for most projects from assembling furniture to fixing up that old bike for next spring. The ReadyWrench is available at major home centres and hardware stores and makes a great gift.
4. Maintain it. Stick to your new system and return things to their right place after each project. An organized workbench will save you time, money and aggravation so you can get back to work – and play.
Holiday tragedies may be avoided by following a few simple tips regarding the three biggest threats: gas, fire and smoke. Here are some tips to ensure a safe season:
• Fireplaces: Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken. Glass panels and frame assemblies should be replaced only by a qualified service professional. When purchasing or installing a gas fireplace, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization, such as the Flame mark from CSA International. And remember to keep pets and children away from fireplaces (and other hot surfaces).
• Carbon-monoxide alarms: Install at least one carbon-monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms. Use more than one CO alarm if sleeping areas are located on different levels of your home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and maintaining your CO alarms. When purchasing a CO alarm, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization such as the certification Flame and CSA 6.19-01 reference mark from CSA International.
• Smoke alarms: Test your smoke alarms monthly. One smoke alarm is not enough; install them on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Only working smoke alarms can give you the precious seconds you may need to escape a fire.
• Store it safely: Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace. Gasoline or propane cylinders must be stored outside the home. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids anywhere near your gas furnace or water heater. Look for the familiar CSA International certification Flame mark on your gas-fired furnace or water heater to ensure it has been tested and certified to the applicable standard. Have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system.
More information is available online at www.csaholiday.com , www.csasafetytips.com , and www.csa-international.org/certification_marks .
Recycled glass countertops latest trend in “Green” home décor (NC)
Global warming has become a top of mind concern for most North Americans over the last few years thanks to the devastating tragedies from tropical storms around the world due to climate change.
As a result, more and more people are increasingly sensitive to the environment and show a stronger desire for preserving our resources and recycling. Countless corporations are following suit by incorporating “green” philosophies to their regular product offerings.
This “green” trend has made its greatest impact in home decorating with consumers and decorators now gravitating to more eco-friendly alternatives for interior décor.
One trend that is leaving a “green” mark in homes across the country is the choice of recycled material countertops over more conventional surfaces.
Green countertops are recycled or renewable surfaces that minimize impact on the environment during their production. They are comprised of different combinations of natural and man-made materials and often include some form of recycled glass. Many are attractive and viable alternatives to conventional countertop materials.
The latest entry into this category, Elements by Durcon, is creating quite a buzz as it's a “green” countertop surface that also offers unmatched durability, cleanliness and aesthetic qualities.
Durcon, the leading U.S. manufacturer of epoxy resin quartz countertops and sinks for the last 35 years, recently launched an eco-friendly surface variation - Elements by Durcon for the residential and commercial markets. Stone fabricators, dealers and architects across North America agree that the product's unique qualities and highly durable characteristics set it apart from first generation eco-friendly surface products currently available.
Molded from a proprietary blend of fine quartz, epoxy resin, and recycled glass (ie. clear beer bottles), the material is solid, non-porous, never requires sealing, and is homogenous in consistency. Its unique manufacturing process produces an incredibly silky smooth and durable countertop surface.
“Elements is ideal for the discerning customer who desires a unique eco-friendly product for kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, and commercial applications,” explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of premium countertops such as Elements by Durcon.
Elements is an incredibly safe and durable countertop surface ideal for kitchens as it is certified by NSF, is a very low VOC emitting material and boasts the highest heat resistance rating available.
“Elements is stylishly sleek with a distinctly silky feel that works beautifully with any décor,” Hanna added. “From Old World to ultra-modern it provides a look that is very unique, timeless and clean.”
Its versatility is its strongest attribute. In addition to custom colours, Elements by Durcon is available in two alternate design variations – “Titanium” and “PUR”. Titanium features a dramatic metallic flecked surface. The highlight of the PUR line is Pristine that is “already a hit with designers”, said Hanna, due to its rare, deep, and absolute white quality that is in high demand in today's décors.
Elements surfaces are so durable that unused and old countertop material is recycled by Durcon for use in road construction. More information on these eco-friendly countertops is available at www.leezadistribution.com .