text:
Debates of Oct. 19th, 2001
House of Commons Hansard #98 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was crtc.
- Customs Act
- Bernard Mascarenhas
- Marine Conservation Areas
- Organ Donations
- Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
- Amnesty International
- Canada Winter Games
- Order of Canada
- Canadian Museum of Civilization
- Diamond Industry
- Air Canada
- Peacekeeping
- Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion
- Tax Havens
- National Security
- The Environment
- National Security
- Airline Industry
- Immigration
- Anti-terrorism Legislation
- National Defence
- Health
- Anti-terrorism legislation
- Justice
- Health
- Immigration
- National Security
- Employment Insurance
- Health
- Anti-Terrorism Legislation
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service
- National Security
- Health
- Agriculture
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Public Works
- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
- Highway Infrastructure
- Health
- Infrastructure
- Heritage Canada
- Anti-terrorism Legislation
- Privilege
- Interparliamentary Delegations
- Canadian Tourism Commission
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Customs Act
- Broadcasting Act
The House proceeded to the consideration of Bill S-23, an act to amend the Customs Act and to make related amendments to other acts.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:05 a.m.
The Deputy Speaker
There are two motions in amendment standing on the notice paper for the report stage of Bill S-23, an act to amend the Customs Act and to make related amendments to other acts.
Motions Nos. 1 and 2 will be grouped for debate, but voted on as follows.
A vote on Motion No. 1 will apply to Motion No. 2.
I shall now propose Motions Nos. 1 and 2 to the House.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:05 a.m.
Stéphane Bergeron Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC
Motion No. 1
That Bill S-23 be amended by adding after line 22 on page 91 the following new clause:
"85.1 At the end of the first year after the coming into force of this Act, the Minister shall prepare a report on the application of its provisions and of any regulations made under those provisions, and shall lay the report without delay before the Standing Committee on Finance."
Motion No. 2
That Bill S-23 be amended by adding after line 22 on page 91 the following new clause:
"85.2 After concluding its proceedings and hearing all the witnesses whose attendance it considers necessary, the Standing Committee on Finance shall report to the House of Commons on its findings, assessments and recommendations with respect to any amendments to be made to this Act."
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak to the two amendments I introduced today.
I should point out, first of all, that the Bloc Quebecois is in favour of Bill S-23 overall.
It should also be pointed out that examination of this bill was undertaken long before the events of September 11.
I will return to this point later, but perhaps those events cast this bill in a new light and perhaps they also cause us to have a number of concerns in connection with it.
Generally speaking, we are in favour of this bill, because it is worthy of note that the government wishes to facilitate or enhance the flow of trade, particularly between Canada and the U.S., as well as border crossings by individuals.
I am often told just how strict Canada's customs system is compared to other countries, and how this causes delays at its borders. I do believe that the desire to facilitate or enhance border crossings is a laudable decision.
That said, we must not be lose sight, specifically because of the lessons learned from the events of September 11, of the need to maintain and ensure the security of Canada.
This focuses attention on the two basic functions of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, which are, on the one hand, to facilitate the crossing of persons and goods between Canada and other countries, the United States in particular and, on the other, to ensure the security of persons and goods entering Canada, and perhaps those leaving it as well.
We have a number of reservations about this bill, among them its considerable vagueness as to the precise application of its provisions.
Much latitude is left to the regulatory authority. We have not been very satisfied with what we have been able to see so far, in terms of projected regulations,
On the one hand, we do not have a good idea of what this bill's regulations will actually be and, on the other, what idea we do have leads us to believe that the minister will have very considerable arbitrary powers, which creates certain misgivings about the long term application of the bill.
It is for this reason that we would like the proposed legislation, once adopted, to be reviewed and debated in one year's time, in order to allow us to assess the effect that it, and the related regulations, have had. This will also give us the opportunity to see if, given the very particular context we now find ourselves in, we have succeeded in maintaining the delicate but important balance that I mentioned, between smooth trade flow between Canada and other countries, particularly the United States, and the flow of persons on the one hand, and maintaining and ensuring the security of Canada's borders, on the other.
This is essentially the purpose of my amendments, which would allow us to review the legislation in one year and also to hear from witnesses in committee.
It was pointed out to me earlier that there may be a jurisdiction problem.
I had an informal discussion with the government House leader, who told me that this bill specifies the particular committee we would like to review the legislation. We only mentioned the House standing committee.
The reason for this may be the Bloc's natural tendency to want to leave the job of assessing what is good for the population to duly elected members. We have some reservations regarding the other place, which is made up, as we know, of persons who are appointed, and not always for the right reasons. We acknowledge that there are some individuals in the other place who have exceptional professional and personal qualities. However, the fact remains that regardless of the intrinsic qualities of the individuals who make up the other place, the appointment process casts a shadow on the credibility of the institution in a so-called modern democracy such as Canada.
Obviously our natural inclination would be to have the House of Commons, which, as I said, comprises duly elected representatives, study this sort of thing. But if the technical nature of the amendments presents a major obstacle for the government or the other house and would lead ultimately to the defeat of these amendments, we would rather, and I will perhaps have the opportunity to discuss this informally with the minister, go the route of a single amendment by unanimous consent to have the appropriate joint committee of both houses look after the revision.
However, what is important, if only to lessen concerns and shadows of doubt in the bill, is for us to be able to integrate this clause in the body of the law. There is a lot of talk about it at the moment in what is perhaps not the right terminology in French. The aim essentially would be to use the terms used with respect to C-36, a sunset clause. In other words, the bill would have to be reviewed after a year.
I invite all my colleagues to support these amendment proposals. It goes without saying, as I said a few moments ago, that I would not want my colleagues to oppose these two motions just for technical reasons, even if they are important enough to them to cause their defeat. If our colleagues share our concerns, we could work things out to find a formulation that suited all the parties involved.
However, the objective of these two proposed amendments is valid. It is to ensure that we can review the bill after a year. It will mean that, in the present context and given that the bill was drafted long before the events of September 11, we could maintain this fragile but vital balance between the movement of goods and persons between Canada and abroad and the protection of Canadian borders.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:15 a.m.
Canadian Alliance
Inky Mark Dauphin—Swan River, MB
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on behalf of the coalition and take part in the debate on Bill S-23, an act to amend the Customs Act and to make related amendments to other acts.
Let me begin by reiterating how important trade is to Canada. We are historically a trading nation, going back to the beaver pelt. Without the free movement of goods and services between our borders, our standard of living would certainly be threatened. September 11 has changed how our economy is operating, including the movement of goods and services between our two borders.
There is no doubt the goal of the legislation is reasonable. However September 11 changed all the parameters on how we treat our borders. Provincial leaders are currently calling for perimeter security. Canadian ministers are travelling to Washington weekly to discuss trade and border issues with our counterparts.
Bill S-23 was drafted long before the September 11 event. The bill needs major changes in light of the present day discussions. The coalition believes the bill needs to go back to the drawing board or be scrapped all together. There is no doubt some of the amendments do have merit.
The coalition certainly understands how important trade is with up to a billion dollars a day going back and forth across our borders.
In a time of crisis our governments must work together to ensure that the flow of business services is not interrupted. Both countries benefit from this free flow of goods and services.
At this time I would like to quote from a trade quarterly report written by the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group. On the topic of border crossings it does an excellent job in summarizing the problems. The report begins by saying:
One need look no further then the border to see the problems we are facing with a continental economy. While there are 116 border crossings between the United States and Canada that handle commercial traffic, almost 76% of commercial traffic uses only 9 crossings. Much of the infrastructure is obsolete, even at those crossings that were recently upgraded. Physical infrastructure appears to be only part of the problem, as some suggest that our borders are enforcing a 19th century attitude in a 21st century global economy.
I presume that is why the bill has been tabled. The report goes on to say:
NAFTA and the Shared Border Accord were supposed to facilitate border crossing between Canada and the U.S., although anecdotal evidence from those involved in cross-border activities suggest that crossing the border has actually gotten more difficult over the past five years, rather than easier.
Many propose a completely open border between Canada and the U.S., à la those European Community countries that signed onto the Schengen Agreement. These individuals point out that if Europeans, who were fighting each other as recently as 55 years ago, can open their borders to each other, then surely Americans and Canadians, who have not fired at each other in anger for almost 200 years, could do likewise.
There are others in both countries who believe that our border is already too open and would like to see more restraints put on border travel. In the U.S., Canadians are only temporarily exempted from the provisions of Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, which requires all foreigners to be documented in and out of the country. If Section 110 were ever enforced, the consequences for those industries that rely on cross-border commerce, like the auto industry, would be devastating.
Proponents for stricter border control in Canada argue that without the border, Canada would be inundated with American fugitives, firearms and drugs. Those in the United States claim a tight border is required to keep out illegal immigrants, terrorists and drugs. While there is some validity to these claims, in reality over 99% of people crossing the border do not pose any security threat.
An official with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (USINS) pointed out that with the approximate 30 million crossings at the various Niagara Falls-Buffalo border points, only 10,000 Canadians were deemed ineligible for entry into the U.S. However, 9,500 of these individuals qualified for a waiver to regain the eligibility.
The Canada-United States border does provide an effective tool for law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border. The border provides these agencies with greater latitude to question and search individuals than is permitted elsewhere in either country. The challenge is to utilize these powers only with that small percentage of traffic that poses a threat. We need to balance legitimate security concerns with traffic management. The current process is adding millions, if not billions, of dollars to the cost of cross border business.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance has calculated that for every minute that all trucks are held at the border, an additional $8 million is added to the direct cost of cross-border shipping. With an average delay of twenty minutes for trucks at the border, that means an additional $160 million has been added to shipping costs.
Both the American and Canadian governments have tried a number of experimental projects to reduce the time spent at the border. There is general agreement that there should be a minimal amount of paperwork done at the border, but there are concerns about the accuracy of the information currently being forwarded electronically. This is one area where the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the answer to many of the problems, but it must be shown to be beneficial to all parties involved.
With regards to the movement of people, pilot programs where individuals are pre-screened have had some success. These programs provide border authorities with more information about the individuals than they would otherwise obtain through the usual primary interview at the border. However, the success of these programs has been generally limited to those locations where the pre-screened individual benefits from a dedicated commuter lane that significantly reduces the crossing time.
In closing, we understand that trade is very important to the health of both countries. We believe that there is merit to some of the amendments, but we would like to see the bill go back to the drawing board in light of the events that occurred on September 11.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:25 a.m.
Canadian Alliance
Myron Thompson Wild Rose, AB
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak to Bill S-23 today. The Canadian Alliance is supporting the bill because it will speed up the flow of goods and people entering Canada.
Bill S-23 is actually the product of indepth consultations with trade and tourism sectors. As far as the amendments which have been introduced this morning, we will support these as well. We do not have any problem with them and it only makes sense to do that.
What I would like to address more than anything else is what is not in the bill that is so important at this time. While assisting with trade issues, the bill does address some equally important issues that we consider to be positive including new penalty structures, improved equipment, more strict controls over export mail and customs-controlled areas at international airports.
We all know that the world as we knew it before September 11 has changed a great deal. I strongly feel that Canada customs must change as well. Since September 11 our frontline officers have done an excellent job in securing our borders. Security is of the utmost importance. To date, Canada customs has been about collection and not about protection. It is time to reverse those. It is now about protection.
The Canadian Alliance would like to see Canada customs removed from the tax collection agency of revenue Canada and moved into a law enforcement department of the solicitor general. Long before the terrible events of September 11, the auditor general recognized the fact that with more than one hundred million travellers a year entering the country at 147 border points and 13 international airports, the risks to Canada's safety and security were extreme.
Last April the auditor general wrote about customs officers and said that their main role now was to protect Canadians against illegal activities such as smuggling or contraband or the unlawful entry of inadmissible people. He said that their audit raised some concerns about how well these risks were being managed. Since the tragedy on September 11, he had the opportunity to meet with the Canadian Police Association and customs and excise union. He said that both of these organizations, among many others, were in full support of moving customs out of revenue Canada and into the solicitor general department.
The role of customs officers is already very similar to other peace officers. Customs officers in the last year have been issued bulletproof vests, batons, pepper spray and have been given self defence and use of force training to better enforce our laws. Recruitment requirements are now more difficult. Labour Canada has also just contracted a consultant to study the inherent risks of the job and this consultant will undoubtedly look at the question of whether customs officers should be equipped with firearms.
Let me just read a paragraph out of the regulations that customs officers are required to follow in regard to security. Paragraph 16 of the regulations states that Customs officers shall not use force against members of the public where it is known or strongly suspected that the individual is carrying a weapon and considered dangerous if, in the judgment of the officer involved, the use of force would present an undue risk to their personal safety or to the safety of another officer or the public. In these circumstances officers shall note the pertinent details of the case, permit the individual to proceed unobstructed and then the officer shall notify police immediately.
One of the problems with this policy is that in our vast country many of the border crossings are hours away from local police response.
In other words, some dangerous character who arrives at the border can come into Canada because customs officers are not properly equipped or trained to detain and arrest and keep the individual from coming in.
I can understand why the revenue agency would not be equipped in that sense. In one agency we issue both bullet proof vests and calculators. That will not detain the most ardent of criminals. It is time to start issuing the proper equipment so customs officers can do a good job at the border of being able to arrest, detain and hold individuals for the police.
It is possible to do that but we must equip them properly. Under the circumstances customs officers are at risk because they do not have the tools to look after their needs. In particular they do not have the tools to do their work at border crossings where there is only one guard on duty. What chance would they have?
Across the southern border they have increased personnel by 5,400. The last figure I heard was that possibly somewhere around 100 to 130 individuals would be moved into these positions in Canada. It does not make any sense, particularly following September 11.
Why would we want to allow a known criminal, smuggler, big drug pusher or terrorist into Canada for any length of time to roam around and then hope the police would be able to round him up before the individual caused any real problem? That does not make sense. The people at the border crossings are our first line of defence. Let us give them the proper equipment and tools so they can do their job as the front line of defence. We must let them detain and let them arrest. Let us give them the tools to do that.
Another thing I find amazing is that at some border crossings where they only have one individual they are only open for eight hours. They shut the port down for anywhere from 12 to 16 hours. They put up a little orange cone indicating that the border is closed. That would really mean a great deal to somebody who wanted to get into Canada. It would not stop them whatsoever.
If anyone thinks the criminal element or terrorists will only try to come through our major ports they need to give their heads a shake. They know about these ports. They know about the ability to come into Canada. These crossings exist and they know it. That is where they will go.
Let us get serious about tightening them up. Let us get them out from under a collection agency and get them under a protection agency that knows what is required to enforce the law to better protect Canadians. It only makes sense to do that. I do not understand why we are hesitating or reluctant to do that at this time.
In 1998 the government passed Bill C-18 which for the first time in the history of Canada customs extended criminal code powers of detention and arrest to customs officers. Does it not make sense that if officers are to be given the power to enforce the criminal code they should come under a different agency than tax collectors or Revenue Canada? One would think that would be the case.
We are supporting Bill S-23 because we want the flow of goods and services to continue in an uninterrupted manner and we want to do the best we can to keep them going. However we must not forget that the top priority today as a result of September 11 is the protection and safety of Canadians, so let us do that.
Having said all that I have said, let us make sure we make it a lot easier and safer for our front line officers by equipping and training them properly, getting the right individuals into position and getting them out of collection and into protection.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:35 a.m.
Réal Ménard Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to address Bill S-23. My comments are based on the discussions that our caucus had following the proposals made by the hon. member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, who followed this bill on behalf of our party.
For the benefit of those who may not know it, Bill S-23 will change Canada Customs' controls and rules of operation within the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
First I want to mention two points. This is a bill that came from the other place. We are always somewhat uncomfortable with this way of doing things. We do not question the fact that the Parliament of Canada is bicameral, which means that it has two chambers. The same legislative process must be followed in each of the two chambers. We know these rules of operation and we do not question them.
However, the legitimacy of each chamber is not the same, since we feel that any legislation should first be dealt with by the true holders of democratic legitimacy, who are of course the elected representatives sitting in the House of Commons.
Let me do a bit of history. The reason our benches and the floor here in the House of Commons are green is because the Commons represent the grassroots, it is the people's chamber and it reflects the diversity found in the public.
It is no coincidence that, in the other place, the furniture and the floor are red. Why are they red? Because it is the chamber of the monarchy. When the Queen, who is theoretically the head of Canada, comes to our country, she never goes to the House of Commons. She goes to the Senate. There is even a chair reserved for her in the Senate. That is the big difference.
We examined this bill very seriously. The hon. member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles did so, but I also want to mention the rather exceptional work done by Sylvain Boyer, who helped us make the appropriate distinctions. Sylvain Boyer is a kind of behind the scenes thinker who very discreetly sets the tone for all our interventions.
Since we are discussing the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, we should remember that this agency is special in that it is not, in theory, part of the public service.
In the House, we debated a bill in which there were problems regarding unionization and labour relations. I think we will have the opportunity to come back to these issues.
We are generally in favour of Bill S-23. However marginally, it is a reminder of the events of September 11. It is obvious that Canada, a large continental country, which shares several thousands of kilometres of border with the United States, must have border controls. But these controls must not prevent freedom of circulation between Canada and the United States.
Why is it important to ensure that the flow of goods and people between Canada and the United States is as streamlined as possible? Because economic imperatives demand it, of course. Every day, thousands of people cross the Canada-U.S. border, as do thousands of dollars in goods.
We want there to be the necessary controls when circumstances require, but we also want fluidity between the two countries.
This brings me to another point. In our plan for a sovereign Quebec, it is clear that there will be no customs post between Quebec and English Canada. We will welcome any measure that encourages freedom of circulation.
This was in Mr. Lévesque's 1967 white paper. It was part of the 1980 referendum plan and the 1995 agreement: there will be no customs offices between a sovereign Quebec and the rest of Canada.
The bill before us contains a number of measures. The first has to do with providing for the expedited movement of persons who are precleared and authorized to travel freely between Canada and the U.S.
There will also be streamlined clearance procedures for low risk passengers by pre-arrival risk assessment of passenger information. This is the crux of the bill.
There are people who travel on a regular basis, such as MPs going from one place to another, business people, people in positions of authority which require them to make representations at various times. Obviously, because they travel frequently, are honest citizens and are known to customs officials, these people do not represent a threat to the integrity and security of either country. Provision must be made for very streamlined procedures for these individuals.
This bill addresses such a measure as it relates to requests for information provided by individuals and how it will be handled. We welcome this measure, and have no problem with it.
Another provision of this bill addresses the requirements for provision of information under the existing act. We have no problem with that either.
Obviously, we understand that people do travel and that information must always be available on who is on a plane, who is preparing to go through customs. This is a matter of security, and there may be a need to contact people quickly. We are, of course, in agreement with such a provision.
There is also going to be a harmonization of the provisions relating to the recovery of monies owing under this act, the Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act. This is self-evident.
Where the problem lies, and the reason, I believe, for the amendments presented by the hon member for Verchères--Les Patriotes, is the coming into effect of this law and the extremely important role played by the regulatory context.
The categories of individuals to be processed more rapidly are determined by regulation. Implementation of the law is determined by its regulations.
As for the various administrative penalties, the fact that there is provision for 250 different ones to be set out in the regulations concerning the various offences relating to the transit of goods and individuals poses a problem for us.
Moreover, this government's predilection for such vague provisions in a piece of legislation is most unacceptable.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:40 a.m.
Jocelyne Girard-Bujold Jonquière, QC
Unclear provisions.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:40 a.m.
Réal Ménard Hochelaga—Maisonneuve, QC
The hon. member for Jonquière calls them unclear. Why not make it a habit in this House to introduce bills that are clear as to their intent, with provisions that can be evaluated, that will not present ambiguity to parliamentarians?
This is unfortunate, because the bill is based on good intentions. Of course, we disagree with the fact that it came from the other place but, overall, the Bloc Quebecois supports the harmonization of customs procedures.
Customs must be much more effective at clearing persons and goods. However, a power that is much too broad will be granted through future regulations, and the discretionary power given to the minister is also very broad.
We proposed amendments and I will read one:
85.1 At the end of the first year after the coming into force of this Act, the Minister shall prepare a report on the application of its provisions and of any regulations—
I will conclude by saying that, after the act has been in force for one year, we hope that an evaluation will be made of the measures triggered by this act.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Canadian Alliance
Darrel Stinson Okanagan—Shuswap, BC
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise here today to speak to not only the amendments but also the bill.
We all know that since the attack on the United States on September 11 the world has changed. Most important, North America has changed. We have to look at many areas not only to tighten up Canada's security but also to address the fact that through some of these measures our trade routes might be impacted.
Canada is a nation of trade. It was built on trade. Our biggest trading partner is the United States which we depend mostly upon. In order to achieve the goals that are needed in Canada and the United States, it is necessary for all government employees to address this concern. It impacts on our daily lives, particularly on the lives of those who are trying to move trade back and forth. We already have some information that companies are looking at moving their operations south of the 49th parallel because of some of these concerns.
Bill S-23 will address some of those concerns. That is why I say here today that I give qualified support to it. I still have many concerns with regard to what has not taken place, what has not been introduced in this bill, and the speed with which this has taken place, which in my opinion has not been fast enough on a number of issues.
There are concerns expressed by the public, not only here in Canada but also in the United States. One of the big concerns we hear is that here in Canada many people think that through co-operation with the United States we will lose some of our sovereignty, that we will lose what we take to be wholly Canadian. That is not true. That part of it is a myth.
Americans have concerns that Canada will not implement a lot of what it has been talking about with regard to our borders. That has grown over the years. Even as the ministers have stated in the House, we have been very lax. We have allowed a lot of our laws and policies to be abused. That can be addressed. All of those concerns can be addressed.
What we have to understand first is that it is only a border and we are dealing with a continent. In order to achieve that, we should be harmonizing as close as possible with the allies we trade with. That becomes the most important thing. We have to be able to move our goods back and forth. We have to look at ways of speeding up the movement of the legitimate people that come to Canada.
I will quote something by Gordon Giffin who was the U.S. ambassador to Canada until last April. He talks about harmonizing, but there is another issue he discusses. "We have talked about a perimeter of defence to try and offset some of the concerns that are happening at the border and I am strongly in favour of that".
He goes on to mention: "Perimeter policy does not imply unilateral action. Actually, it offers an opportunity for Canada to define the agenda for this dialogue". Here is the interesting part: "Since the 1950s we have jointly defended North American airspace through NORAD, American and Canadian military personnel working together with seamless binational command authorities. Both procedures were not unilaterally imposed by the U.S. and Canada is not less sovereign for its role in that initiative. Surely if we can have a military perimeter policy, we can find better ways to collaborate on the civilian side as well. Canada and the United States share much more than geography as our shared goals that provide the foundation for this task".
The good news is that there are people here in Canada and the United States that are working toward achieving those goals. If Europe can figure out how to simply enact legislation that allows goods to flow freely, surely we can do no less here in Canada and the United States. It becomes mandatory.
In order to achieve that, we have to look at our customs agency. Most people in Canada have the mistaken impression that the customs agents are our first line of defence. In some aspects it is true on the inspection part. A real strange thing is that our customs agency is basically underneath the revenue department and not the justice system. The citizens of our country are depending upon those customs agents out there to stop the flow across our borders of certain goods or people yet they have no power to detain them nor the equipment to stop them.
I find that very strange as do the people in the United States and other countries. If we are going to base customs strictly on revenue and taxation, then at least give our customs officers calculators and let them know that is their mandate.
If we are going to do what is necessary in order to secure our borders, then let us properly equip our customs officers. Let us train them to be officers and not tax collectors. Let us put our first line of defence back where it should be, at our borders.
Today if a customs officer has a problem with people coming into Canada, if somebody coming across the border threatens a customs officer, if a customs officer feels that he is being threatened, if he or she feels that the people coming in are armed or dangerous, they are supposed to let them cross our border unimpeded and phone the RCMP. Coming from a province where some of our customs officers may be an hour to an hour and a half away from the closest RCMP detachment, I find that very strange. In a province like British Columbia, within an hour to an hour and a half people can disappear awfully fast. They can also swap any goods being brought across the border illegally without being noticed. That is a major concern. We hear this across the board regarding our custom agents and also the American agents.
Another area of concern is the sharing of information. This must be mandatory. As we receive information about safety concerns regarding the flow of people across our borders, we should be obligated to share those concerns not just with one or two, but with all law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States. Until we are able to harmonize that information and finally come to the realization that we are no longer innocent people in the world and can no longer live underneath the old rules that we were used to, that we must tighten our security, we will always have these concerns.
To do that we have to implement some of the amendments that are put forward in this bill and hope that the government will listen and act upon them. That becomes of primary importance. If we are to have free travel and trade routes and keep that trade flowing to eliminate hours of backlog at the border, we must address not only the concerns of the American people but also the concerns of Canadians who have come forward so strongly since September 11.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:55 a.m.
Joe Comartin Windsor—St. Clair, ON
Mr. Speaker, it gives me pleasure to speak to the bill today, not because of what is in it but for the opportunity to address issues that should be raised concerning the travel of people and commercial goods across the border between ourselves and the United States.
Before I address the specifics of the bill I will express our party's displeasure with the fact that this very important issue has been addressed once again at the Senate level. The issue, which before September was crucial for my riding in terms of ongoing economic viability, has become extremely important since September 11 yet is being addressed by a body that is unelected and unaccountable. This is a policy that the government has unfortunately followed all too often.
I will emphasize a point that a number of other members have made, that the bill and the issues it addresses were all addressed prior to September 11. We have said ad nauseam that our lives as individuals and as a society as a whole in North America have changed dramatically since September 11. As a result the bill is inadequate to deal with the issues around moving goods and people across the border between ourselves and the United States.
To digress for one moment, the Bloc has raised a couple of amendments. I express our support for those amendments. Since both the amendments deal with an early review of the legislation we would like to see the bill withdrawn and sent back to the planning stages because it is inadequate for the needs we faced before September 11 and even more so since the tragedy and the outflow from those events.
I will begin to address the balance that the bill attempted to reach, and that it clearly has not achieved, between the issues of security, the free flow of goods and people across the border, and, because it has raised its head, the issue of civil liberties for both travellers and employees on the Canadian side of the border.
Customs Act
Government Orders
10:55 a.m.
The Deputy Speaker
I wish I did not have to interrupt the hon. member but I must proceed to statements by members at this time. After question period he will have approximately seven minutes remaining in his intervention.
Bernard Mascarenhas
Statements By Members
10:55 a.m.
Karen Kraft Sloan York North, ON
Mr. Speaker, a constituent of mine from York North, Bernard Mascarenhas, worked as the managing director at Marsh Canada. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Bernard was working at the company's offices at the World Trade Center in New York City. He did not survive the catastrophic destruction of the terrorist attack.
Over 20 years ago Mr. Mascarenhas adopted Canada as his new country. He was a hardworking man who did very well in his profession. He was also a very humble man who gave much of himself to help those less fortunate. He loved his family and was devoted to his wife Raynette, son Sven and daughter Jaclyn.
In honouring the thousands of people who perished on September 11, we must remember that they were individuals like Bernard Mascarenhas who worked hard, gave to their community, loved and were loved.
Marine Conservation Areas
Statements By Members
October 19th, 2001 / 10:55 a.m.
Canadian Alliance
Andy Burton Skeena, BC
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a matter of great importance to my constituents. I have been working to amend Bill C-10, the badly flawed government bill on marine conservation areas.
Over 25 organizations, municipalities, chambers of commerce and fishing groups have made their concerns known to me and through me to the committee. Unfortunately less than half will have the opportunity to present their concerns to the committee. The government has done a poor job of consulting with British Columbians.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities passed a unanimous resolution calling on the government to consult widely prior to passing the bill. The bill has the potential to seriously hamper offshore oil and gas exploration on the west coast, a resource an ailing British Columbia economy badly needs to build its future.
I ask the government, on behalf of my constituents, to please listen to our concerns and delete clause 13. I ask it not to stand in the way of B.C.'s offshore oil and gas development.
Organ Donations
Statements By Members
11 a.m.
Peter Adams Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, Canada lags behind other countries in organ donations despite the efforts of various groups and individuals.
The problem appears to lie with the relatives of people who are unexpectedly taken. Often the driver's licence or other documents declaring the deceased's wishes to donate organs are found too late or those wishes are simply not acted upon.
Organ transplant technology has advanced very rapidly in recent years. It is tragic that sick people cannot take advantage of this for lack of available organs. A national organ registry would help. Those who wished to donate organs would all be listed in the same place, making verification of their wishes easier. This would ensure that their wishes were carried out.
Let us all work to improve organ donations in Canada.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
Statements By Members
11 a.m.
Mac Harb Ottawa Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, October is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. The purple ribbon members of parliament have received represents the campaign to make Canadians aware of the importance of early intervention and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Ever since the purple ribbon campaign was started by the Durham Children's Aid Society in 1992, a growing number of organizations dedicated to protecting children and children's rights have joined in. Last year 39 agencies participated.
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies reports that by working together these agencies are accomplishing their objective to educate the public and take the message to wider audiences.
During the month of October I encourage all my colleagues in the House to support this campaign and to focus on the work of children's aid societies so that one day, child abuse will become a thing of the past.


text:
SysAdmin Day Infographic: 7 Facts about Sys Admins – from Vibrant Technologies, reseller of Used Servers Read more: http://www.vibrant.com/blog/sysadmin-infographic/#ixzz2aDN61cEA
Sysadmin Day
HBR on defining your organizations work habits
On defining your organization's habits to work more efficiently: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/05/define_your_organizations_habi.html
"…there is great richness and breadth in the reasoning behind how organizations have defined standard ways of doing things. But it struck me that the reasons broke down into three broad categories: (1) to ensure people comply with "must do" procedures (e.g., safety checklists), to achieve consistency, avoid safety or regulatory problems, or handle emergencies; (2) to make people aware of "should do" practices (a routine that has been determined to be the best way to do things), to achieve adaptability, flexibility, and even innovation; and (3) to let people know where they have discretion in what they "may do" (e.g., give up to $50 to customers who have been treated badly), to foster creativity, innovation, flexibility to meet customer needs in real-time, and worker job satisfaction."
HBR on what value creation will look like in the future
What value creation will look like in the future: http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/05/what_value_creation_will_look_like_in_the_future.html
A teaser from the article:
"Organizations have nearly perfected implementing the industrial model of managing work — the effort applied toward completing a task. For individuals, this model ensures that we know what we're supposed to do each day. For organizations, it guarantees predictability and efficiency. The problem with the model is that work is becoming commoditized at an increasing rate, extending beyond manual tasks into knowledge work, as data entry, purchasing, billing, payroll, and similar responsibilities become automated. If your organization draws value from optimizing repetitive work, you'll find that it will be increasingly difficult to extract that value."
What you can do:
- Master the machines.
- Get obsessed with value.
- Make creativity real.
Running IT like a business
Some older but really good articles on running IT like a business:
- http://www.cio.com/article/print/32254
- http://www.busmanagement.com/article/How-to-run-IT-like-a-business/
There are a few additions IT Managers should think hard about:
- Businesses have customers, not users. We have to be customer focused and look at everything from the customer's view at service levels, not at each of our component levels.
- We should treat the allocation of our human resources, where our staff time goes, just like we treat our financial budgets.
- Our major goals should include improving business-IT communication and creating value for the business. The more we integrate with the business the better the value we can add.
- Business models are moving to cloud strategies. We're only going to get busier and need to respond quicker to business needs as our product and IT strategies evolve. Every little bit we do to improve and standardize processes now will pay us back with dividends as our new world evolves.
We're embarking on a major culture change in IT if we are going to keep pace with the changing business strategy.
EDC Manifesto
Seen on Reddit, Ashley wrote this great EDC Manifesto:
The Everyday Carry Manifesto
While a person's everyday carry—EDC—may be first and foremost a collection of items, what we choose to carry every day signifies the way we choose to live our lives. An EDC represents a sense of ownership, personal responsibility, and the baggage we choose to maintain to improve and enrich our day-to-day existence. A proper EDC should be comprised of items with the following characteristics:
Each EDC item should be functional, and should serve a clear purpose, such as convenience, preparedness, or entertainment.
Selecting EDC items is not about materialism or consumerism. On the contrary, curating an EDC means to find items that will last for a lifetime. Quality includes aesthetic appeal, but should first and foremost mean that an item will be durable and reliable. Items that can be repaired easily by the owner should be encouraged to reduce unnecessary economic and environmental waste.
EDCs should aid in preparedness depending on the potential crises in one's daily life. For some, this may mean preparation for large scale catastrophes like natural disasters; for others, this may mean having necessary tools to use for small occurrences at work or home.
Striving for minimalism means to weed out the unnecessary. An EDC should not cause burden, but rather, should aid in a feeling of completeness. Only essential items should be carried, and should be selected thoughtfully with the above purposes in mind.
Having a strong EDC is helpful in aiding an individual, but should also be evaluated by the ability to help others when needed. This does not mean loaning out sacred or beloved items, but should represent a desire to aid others in tasks or emergencies.
Ultimately, a person's EDC is more than just a collection of items—it's indicative of one's personality, professions and priorities. Above all, an EDC should be chosen with the discretion of the person who will carry it.
Inside the INTJ
Replacement for Google Reader
After the announcement of the future demise of Google Reader, I searched for every alternative I could find got down to a few viable choices. After importing my feeds into those and playing with the UIs, it a clear winner surfaced. And that winner is: Tiny Tiny RSS!
Of all of the options The Old Reader was a close second as runner up. Tiny Tiny RSS won out by being open source, web based, relatively easy to set up, feature rich, and under my control so it won't get turned off by a 3rd party. I've also set it up in multi user mode so if you know me and would like an account shoot me an email and I will hook you up

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Westchester Resident Saluted
as Power Authority's Black Achiever In Industry
Michael Saltzman
printer-friendly version
April 1, 2005
WHITE PLAINS—A New York Power Authority (NYPA)
senior systems analyst and Ossining resident, Jackie Copeland, was among
those honored Thursday night at the Harlem YMCA's 35th Annual National
Salute to Black Achievers in Industry (BAI) dinner at the Sheraton New
York Hotel & Towers in New York City.
"Jackie Copeland is well deserving of this honor
for the significant contributions she has made as one of the leaders of
our information technology group, which affects a broad area of the
Power Authority's daily activities," said Eugene W. Zeltmann, NYPA
president and chief executive officer, who attended the black-tie event.
"She has also been quite active in her community, helping to spearhead
efforts to encourage area students to pursue science and technology
careers, and through her past involvement in a national campaign to
promote childhood immunization. All of this attests to the dedication
and excellence Jackie brings to whatever she is doing, and the reason we
nominated her to be the Power Authority's 2004 Black Achiever in
Zeltmann noted that Copeland was also honored at
Gov. George E. Pataki's Tribute to African American Leaders in State
Service, at a Feb. 1 event in Albany, to kick off New York State's
observance of African-American History Month.
A NYPA employee since 1998, Copeland was project
leader on development of new software, known as TRIP (Travel Reporting
Information Package), for the Power Authority's business travel,
including trips by staff members to its generating plants and
transmission facilities around the state. She coordinated work of
several teams of IT analysts and programmers to adapt standard travel
reservation information for reports required by NYPA's Travel Desk.
"This was a challenging project that called for
in-depth analysis for the design of a data collection and reporting
system, and understanding of the operations of the Power Authority
Travel Desk," said Copeland. "I was honored to take on this assignment,
just as I'm honored by the recognition of being selected the Power
Authority's Black Achiever of the Year."
As a key member of NYPA's IT group—part of its
Business Services business unit—Copeland supports a broad range of
informational needs for various functions. Her tasks involve developing
and analyzing programming systems, selecting staff members and vendors
to fulfill project needs, developing specifications, assisting with
planning and cost analysis, administering user and system testing, and
providing training and technical support.
Before joining NYPA, Copeland worked for the Sony
Corp. of America, where she held IT positions of increasing
responsibility, from 1988 through 1998.
She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science
and mathematics from Clark College in Atlanta, GA., and a master's
degree in management science from the Lubin School of Business at Pace
Copeland is vice president of the Parent Advisory
Council for the Mercy College Science and Technology Program in Dobbs
Ferry—a position she has held since 2002, except during 2003, when she
filled in as acting president. Through her involvement with the advisory
council, she has worked on a campaign to encourage minority students in
area school districts to pursue careers in science, engineering and
technology. She also helped to promote the importance of childhood
immunization through a national program, HOPE for Kids.
Copeland and her husband, Chris, who is also a NYPA
employee, are raising two daughters, Marissa, 15, and Mykaela, 10. Both
girls were recognized by their schools in 2003 as Students of
Distinction. Last year, Marissa, now a high school sophomore, was
accepted into the National Honor Society.
In addition to sharing the parenting of two
daughters, the Copelands now have something else in common. That's
because Chris, who works in the Power Authority's Marketing and Economic
Development business unit, was NYPA's Black Achiever in Industry in
The annual BAI event is an opportunity for numerous
corporations in New York City and other employers to honor staff members
who are making a difference to those organizations and the communities
they live in. The event is also intended to support the Harlem YMCA's
youth-oriented activities, as well as college scholarships for promising
New York City students.


text:
Pueblo County sheriff clears labor audit
Responding to deputy complaints about overtime, wage compensation and a new work schedule, the federal Department of Labor has cleared the Pueblo County sheriff of any violations.
The sheriff's office was audited in July.
Interviews were conducted with civilians, deputies in the law enforcement and detention divisions and with management.
Auditors reviewed policies and procedures, time sheets and accounting documents.
"The sheriff's office is performing well and has not violated any labor laws," according to a sheriff press release.
Taylor said the audit came about from complaints from some employees about the 28-day work schedule the office implemented in 2011.
"I had some complaints when I went to the schedule and it was just the right thing to do," Taylor said.
Taylor scrapped the traditional 40-hour work week for the 28-day model, adopted from other law enforcement agencies.
Taylor said that alleviated overtime costs and increased deputy coverage in patrol and detention.
"With this schedule, we're able to flex folks out and give them time off in lieu of giving them overtime. Overtime was killing us. There are times when they can still get overtime. I was hoping to soften that by giving them shift differential pay and pay for (instructing) training (classes) which they didn't have before," Taylor said.


text:
0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
I'm trying to branch out from two comfortable pizza ruts: One is the very narrow range of permissible ingredients in Pizza Napoletana, and the other is the somewhat trite roster of "American" pizza toppings - pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc. I love these, but I want to think of new combinations of traditional Italian ingredients that will make truly delicous pies that taste traditional and don't taste like they were made by a hippie named Chet with dreadlocks and a tounge stud.
I grew up eating a lot of Pizza from a company called Pizza Express in the U.K..They used to dominate the Pizza business and really had no competition back then.They had a combination of onions, capers, olives, sultanas and pine kernels,that was unique and I still enjoy, to this day and it still remains on thier menus.


text:
Portales outlasts Tucumcari
September 30, 2006
Tucumcari quarterback Matt Smith tries to escape Portales linebacker Taylor Teague in Friday's game at Greyhound Stadium. (CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks)
BLACKWATER DRAW — Portales held on to beat Tucumcari 7-6 in a defensive struggle Friday night at Greyhound Stadium in the Rams' homecoming game.
Minutes after a 55-yard field goal attempt by Tucumcari (1-5) fell short, Portales coach Andy Correll said the Ram defense deserved the credit for the win.
"The defense did great tonight, they did exactly what they had to do to win the ball game," Correll said. "They kept us in it all night, the offense struggled."
Portales senior running back Eric Segovia agreed, and also pointed to distractions surrounding the homecoming game.
"I think the homecoming distractions killed us," said Segovia, who rushed for a team-high 61 yards and scored Portales' touchdown late in the first quarter. "It made us overlook (Tucumcari)."
Portales finished the contest with 148 yards on the ground, while completing just two passes for 16 yards. Tucumcari ran for 155 yards and threw for another 72.
It took the Rams just two plays in their second drive of the game to score. Segovia went off tackle to the right, broke a Rattler tackle, and scored from 32 yards out to put the Rams up 7-0 in the first quarter. The teams traded stalled possessions and turnovers the rest of the half.
The Rams (2-3) nursed the seven-point lead until the fourth quarter when Tucumcari junior defensive back Wesley Martinez intercepted a Chris Mosier pass at midfield.
The Rattlers (1-5) faced a fourth-and-4 from the Portales 29-yard line, and converted on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Matt Smith to fellow senior Drew White. Two plays later, senior running back Brian Lopez went up the middle and scored from 11 yards out, but senior kicker Anas Badshah had his extra point kick partially blocked.
Portales fumbled its final play of the fourth quarter, setting up the Rattlers' final drive, which ended in the missed field goal attempt.
Correll was not happy with the Rams' offensive effort.
"We never really got in our rhythm," Correll said. "We scored early; we made some good drives; and we would just stall out."
Tucumcari head coach Dub Smith was impressed by what he saw on both sides.
"We played against Portales toe-to-toe," Smith said. "I feel tonight was the marking of a championship team. We showed a lot of improvements."
Portales has a bye week next Friday before traveling to Roswell High. Tucumcari travels to Dexter Friday night.


text:
Contact Us
Staff contact information. To call, dial 970.704.1442 then enter extension of person you would like to reach (see below). Or use the form below to send an email.
Duane Raleigh, Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, x 126
Paula Stepp, Associate Publisher, x 116
Jeff Jackson, Editor, x 127
Alison Osius, Executive Editor, x 111
Hayden Carpenter, Online Editor, x 114
Andrew Bisharat, Editor at Large
Randy Levensaler, Art Director, x 121
Quent Williams, Production Manager, x 122
Jeremy Duncan, Circulation Manager, x 117
Nick Spencer, Subscriptions Fulfillment Services, x 118
Casey Weaver, Events Manager, x 115
Ben Yardley, Advertising Sales Manager, x 119
FOR NEWS TIPS, please send any relevant information and photos to our online editor Hayden Carpenter at email@example.com.
FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRES, ISSUES OR QUESTIONS, please e-mail Nick Spencer directly at firstname.lastname@example.com. Thank you!
Message Form:
Due to the high volume of messages we receive daily, please allow a few days for a response. Thanks for your patience.


text:
Ignite New Outdoor Cooking Traditions for a "Happy Thanksgrilling!"
Turkeys can be fried in less than an hour, smoked over low heat for several hours or even cooked on a grill - offering mouthwatering flavor, crisp texture and time to spare for more family time this holiday. With nearly 90 percent of Americans cooking out during the peak outdoor season, it's no wonder family chefs are turning to outdoor cooking methods to spice up Thanksgiving traditions.
Media Contacts:
Leslie Wheeler Carrie Soforenko
HPBA Fleishman-Hillard
703.522.0086 ext. 116 202.828.8811
email@example.com email@example.com
Fire up grills, smokers and fryers with tips from HPBA for full-flavored cooking this holiday season
Arlington, VA (November 3, 2010) - Turkeys can be fried in less than an hour, smoked over low heat for several hours or even cooked on a grill - offering mouthwatering flavor, crisp texture and time to spare for more family time this holiday. With nearly 90 percent of Americans cooking out during the peak outdoor season, it's no wonder family chefs are turning to outdoor cooking methods to spice up Thanksgiving traditions.
In fact, Americans agree that there are many reasons to be thankful for their grill this holiday season - and all year round - according to HPBA's 2010 National Poll. Consumers say the top reasons to give thanks for outdoor cooking include:
- More flavorful food than oven preparation (81 percent),
- Allows you to spend time out of the kitchen (80 percent),
- Cost savings compared to eating out (76 percent),
- Easier clean up (67 percent),
- Healthier preparations to explore, and
- Often less cooking time compared to oven recipes (53 percent)!
"The ease, affordability and delicious results of outdoor holiday cooking methods are becoming more popular each year," said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director. "Even though temperatures may be cooling down outside, outdoor cooking remains a popular tradition because it frees up oven space and can cut down on cooking time, allowing more to be spent with family on Thanksgiving, or any special occasion."
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) agrees: "We are seeing an increase in requests for deep frying recipes and outdoor cooking preparations for holiday turkeys," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, NTF Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "With all the tasty meal options turkey provides, Americans are looking for ways to spice up tradition with grilling, smoking or frying."
NTF estimates 46 million turkeys will be cooked this holiday. With grilling, smoking or frying the whole turkey or turkey breast gaining popularity, HPBA and NTF offer preparation and cooking tips to ensure a safe and delicious meal.
HPBA and NTF Tips for the Ultimate Thanksgrilling Meal:
Safety First
- Check to make sure the grill, smoker or fryer is in working order.
- Be sure to read the owner's manual for safety precautions.
- Stock up on enough charcoal, propane, oil or wood chips needed to cook the meal.
- Be sure to use the grill, smoker or fryer outside only - never indoors and make sure that it's set-up on a flat, stable surface, preferably on a protective grill pad, and away from any combustible materials.
Turkey Time
- Purchase a whole turkey according to the weight recommendations in your grill's, smoker's or fryer's owner's manual.
- Thaw the turkey completely and pat it dry. Cook the bird un-stuffed.
- Brine the turkey for increased flavor and moisture.
- Outdoor cooking times depend on many factors: the size and shape of the turkey, the distance from the heat and the outside air temperature. Allow more time on cold or windy days and at high altitudes. Allow less time in very hot weather.
- Have a food thermometer handy to measure the internal temperature of the bird; the temperature should be 165° F to 170° F in the breast and 175° F to 180° F in the thigh.
Outdoor Cooking: Not Just for the Birds!
Delight holiday guests' taste buds with a dessert or side dishes from the grill. The deep and delicious flavor will keep your recipe on the books for seasons to come. Everything from vegetables, to grilled breads and stuffing can be prepared out of the oven. Try this easy recipe to enhance dessert pies or serve as a standalone dessert:
Fruit Cap: A special occasion dessert or holiday dessert garnish
Ingredients: Peaches, plums, nectarines or apricots
Instructions: Simply place halved peaches, plums, nectarines or apricots on the grill for about 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Serve warm with ice cream or frozen yogurt.
For more recipes and tips on grilling, smoking and frying turkey, visit HPBA at www.hpba.org or NTF at www.eatturkey.com .
About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The 2,800-member Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.
About the National Turkey Federation (NTF)
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for all segments of the $14 billion turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities that increase demand for its members' products by protecting and enhancing their ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products. Its award-winning Web site, www.EatTurkey.com, offers consumers, food professionals and the media an extensive library of information including healthy eating and restaurant trends, turkey cuts and purchasing tips, turkey nutrition and cooking techniques, and turkey facts and trivia. Additionally, the site presents a searchable database of more than 1,800 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C.


text:
Shakira looks hot and sexy with this long wavy hairstyle. The length is fantastic and the look is chic and classy. Shakira's hair falls long all around and looks so healthy.Shakira's haircut is long.Her hair colouring is blonde with a slighter darker shade thrown in for streaks.
Pictures provided by Retna


text:
Firefighters in Madison Township are hoping to honor their fallen comrades by raising funds for a permanent building to showcase the extensive collection of 9/11 artifacts currently in storage at Groveport's Motts Military Museum.
Madison Township Firefighters IAFF Local 2507 is sponsoring the first Motts Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk to help raise funds for the new museum building.
The event will be held at 9 a.m., Sept. 15, at Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport.
The not-for-profit museum was established in 1987 by Groveport resident Warren Motts who, since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, says he has acquired the largest collection of 9/11 artifacts outside of New York.
Last fall, the Motts Military Museum added its largest piece to that collection, the 41-foot hook and ladder fire engine that had been crushed at the base of the fallen World Trade Center towers.
Motts has since been soliciting donations to build a $500,000 addition to the museum to house the artifacts.
Firefighter and 5K organizer Ron Greene said he and his fellow firefighters wanted to help Motts achieve his goal.
"This is really an opportunity to get involved in the community outside of our normal duties, which keep us so busy that we often can't do things like this," Greene said.
"Three-hundred-forty-three firefighters died that day, so it's really important to us to commemorate that loss," he said.
According to Greene, all race proceeds will be donated to the Motts Museum.
He said the event is set up to allow for family participation with the one-mile walk and the display of a fire truck in addition to the more competitive 5K run.
Early registration is $25 per person, available online at www.ultrafit-usa.com under the events page. The registration fee after Sept. 12 will be $30 per person.
"This has been a lot of work to pull together, but I'm sure we'll have a good crew of firefighters out that day, as well as participants," Greene said.
For more information about the 9/11 artifacts visit www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org.


text:
Advanced Micro Devices has reaffirmed plans to start production of its code-named Llano microprocessors in the first half of next year. While the sign seems to be generally good, given track-record of Llano and surrounding rumours, it is hard to make projections.
"Production shipments of Llano, our 32nm APU, are planned to occur in the first half of next year," said Dirk Meyer, chief executive officer of AMD, during his recent conference call with financial analysts.
Up to the middle of 2010 the Sunnyvale, California-based chip designer convinced the world that it would ship to customers code-named Llano chips with high performance x86 cores and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in late 2010. But then the company said that the 32nm SOI process technology - jointly developed by AMD, Globalfoundries, IBM, - had been too immature to produce commercial yields. Due to low yields, AMD had to delay the roll-out of code-named Llano product, as some reported, until the second half of the year 2011. Meanwhile, AMD's claim causes some optimism.
In general, the company hopes that accelerated processing units with both x86 and graphics stream processors inside them would provide it a major source for further growth.
"We expect the APUs to provide an opportunity for us to get more platform design wins and get a greater percentage of sell-outs based on the differentiated value proposition, which comes really in two forms. Number one, superior graphics performance at better price points and better power points than is available from the competition," said Mr. Meyer.
Quite a lot is known about Llano processor, which is a part of Sabine platform. As reported earlier, AMD Llano accelerated processing unit (APU) will have four x86 cores based on the current micro-architecture each of which will have 9.69mm² die size (without L2 cache), a little more than 35 million transistors (without L2 cache), 2.5W – 25W power consumption, 0.8V – 1.3V voltage and target clock-speeds at over 3.0GHz clock-speed. The cores will dynamically scale their clock-speeds and voltages within the designated thermal design power in order to boost performance when a program does not require all four processing engines or trim power consumption when there is no demand for resources. According to sources familiar with the matter, different versions of Llano processor will have thermal design power varying from 20W to 59W: high-end dual-core, triple-core and quad-core chips will have TDP between 35W and 59W; mainstream chips with two of four x86 cores will fit into 30W thermal envelope and low-power dual-core Llano chips will have 20W TDP. Llano will be made using 32nm SOI process technology.
AMD Sabine platform will also include code-named Hudson input/output controllers that will support PCI Express graphics port, 16 USB ports, USB 3.0 support (Hudson M3 only), 6 Serial ATA ports with RAID support, 1Gb Ethernet, integrated video DAC, integrated clock-generator and so on. Besides, Sabine may also feature optional Vancouver-series graphics processing units.
Tags: AMD, Fusion, Llano, 32nm, Phenom, Evergreen, Radeon


text:
by Anton Shilov
Corsair Memory, a leading supplier of advanced memory modules and other computer parts, has released new Dominator GT memory modules capable of running at whopping 2133MHz clock-speed amid standard 1.5V voltage for DDR3 memory. At present the memory modules have no rivals with the same features in the industry.
The new Dominator GT 4GB kit supports maximum clock-speed of 2.13GHz with CL9 11-9-27 latency settings at 1.5 voltage. Typically, ultra-fast memory modules designed for overclockers and PC enthusiasts utilize 1.60V, 1.65V or higher voltages, which naturally affects life expectancy of both modules as well as mainboards. The new modules operate at 1.5V, which means that it is standard speed for DDR3 memory standard. The lack of voltage increase by the manufacturer means that the end-users can almost safely boost the voltages as well as the frequency.
"We have seen an increasing number of requests from overclockers for memory that can achieve high clock speeds at lower voltages. At 2133MHz, this 4GB memory is the world's fastest commercially available memory at 1.5 volts," said Thi La, vice president of memory products at Corsair.
The new product by Corsair is one of its kind at the moment. But the natural increase of new DDR3 clock-speed potential means that there will be more similar products shortly. Alternatively, this means that Corsair and its rivals will soon launch new breeds of ultra-speed memory modules with higher voltages that feature frequencies never seen before.
The new CMT4GX3M2B2133C9 Dominator GT memory kit, complete with signature racing-red livery, will be available within two weeks from selected Corsair distributors and resellers. This kit includes Corsair's patented DHX+ heatsink, as well as the GT Airflow module, for maximum thermal performance. MSRP for this memory kit is $169.99.


text:
Hunt 6207: CWMU Bull moose
Ensign Ranches
Season dates
9-1-2014 to 10-31-2014
- Nonresident permits: No
- Resident permits: 1
- Total permits: 1
The Wildlife Board establishes timeframes for hunting on CWMUs. Hunters should expect to hunt at least five days within these timeframes
Type: CWMU
Species: Bull moose
Weapon: Any legal weapon
Ensign Ranches
DescriptionThe Ensign Ranches Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) is up Echo Canyon on both sides of Interstate Highway I-80. The highest point on the Unit is in the southeast at 9200 feet. This drops down to 5900 feet in Echo Canyon. On the other side of I-80 the elevation ranges from 7600 feet to 5900 feet. To the north elevation is around 6800 feet, to the east 7300 feet, to the south 6400 feet, and to the west 7600 feet. There are relatively flat areas in the southeast (7600 feet) with many waterbodies. The terrain on the north side of I-80 is steeper than on the south side. The most common elevation is 6900 feet but ranges from 5900 feet to 9100 feet with an elevation difference of 3200 feet. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the CWMU elevation ranges between 6900 feet and 8100 feet an elevation difference of 1200 feet.
Over fifty percent (50%) of the land cover on the Ensign Ranches Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) is Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe (62). Towards the southwest are areas of Rocky Mountain Gambel Oak-Mixed Montane Shrubland (41). Towards the southeast and some in the northwest area areas of Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest and Woodland (22). There are areas of Colorado Plateau Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (36), and in the north patches of Southern Rocky Mountain Montane-Subalpine Grassland (71). Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Steppe (66) adds to the Shrub-Steppe component, and there are large patches of Recently Burned (116) areas.
One of the Ensign Ranches Cooperative Wildlife Mangement Unit (CWMU) nearest weather stations, COALVILLE (421590), is about 5.4 km south from the south edge of the CWMU. COALVILLE has thirty-four (34) years of records, 1974 - 2008. During the FALL (September, October and November) the average precipitation is 3.71 inches, but it can be as high as 7.09 inches or as low as 1.68 inches. During the 91-day FALL period, 19 days will experience greater than or equal to 0.01 inch of precipitation, 10 days of greater than or equal to 0.10 inch, or 2 day of the greater than or equal to 0.50 inch of precipitation. Snowfall during the FALL averages 14.8 inches but can be as high as 32.0 inches. FALL temperature at COALVILLE averages 43.4 degrees F. but can be as high as 87.0 degrees F. or as low as -17.0 degrees F. During the FALL, 61 days will be below freezing (32 degrees F.) and no days above 90 degrees F. This map is provided for general reference only and does not constitute a legal hunt boundary. The Division does not guarantee access to any private or public land. Hunt unit boundaries may include private property or other excluded areas.
Hot subjects
Getting involved
Reaching us


text:
Dear Friends
Global Footprint Network congratulates African Development Bank (AfDB) and WWF for The Africa Ecological Footprint Report: Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security. This benchmark study of the health of Africa's ecosystems and resource trends, which has been covered by Le Monde and other media, reports a decline of nearly 50 percent in Africa's biodiversity in the last four decades, but also offers recommendations on implementing the green economy concept through improved infrastructure investments.
The joint report, backed by Global Footprint Network data, shows that population growth and changing consumption patterns linked to increasing prosperity are causing Africa's total Footprint to increase rapidly.
Indeed, Global Footprint Network estimates that the continent's Ecological Footprint—that is, the population's demand for the resources and services that Earth provides—is expected to double by 2040. Meanwhile, the ability of Africa's ecosystems to meet these demands, or "biocapacity," is unlikely to increase enough to match the growing Footprint.
Global Footprint Network's data show that if current trends continue, Africa's resource demand will outstrip domestic availability by 2015. The continent as a whole would then be in ecological overshoot.
Ecological Footprint and biocapacity per capita trend lines, from 1961 to 2008, show an almost continuous decrease in the availability of natural resources(biocapacity) for everybody. In several countries ( Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe, for example) , the size of the Footprint per person is also decreasing, largely because their ability to access resources is limited by the country's biocapacity and because their financial constraints for importing resources from elsewhere. Without reversing these trends, progress in human development is unlikely to last.
Africa's overall story masks the rich variety of situations and trends of individual countries. As the national Ecological Footprint of countries such as Uganda and Zimbabwe has been growing, population growth has driven down both per capita Footprint size and availability of domestic biocapacity. In short, many countries' total consumption of ecological resources and services has been increasing while their citizens are able to use less and less resources.
Many low-income countries lack the economic ability to cope with the growing need to access external resources, especially as prices reach historical peaks. As they burn through their natural capital to meet current demand, they face an increasingly dire future: a growing demand for resources, less biocapacity to meet this demand, and little financial assets to buy resources from abroad.
In contrast, countries with large financial current account surpluses, such as Nigeria and other oil or mineral exporters, have long run biocapacity deficits but have had the means to import resources. Their ability to use fossil fuel also allows them to use the global atmosphere as a waste sink for the corresponding CO2. But even without considering carbon emissions, this dependency on resources from elsewhere, and the need to sell off one's non-renewable resource stocks, puts these countries' economies at risk if revenues are not used to secure a sustainable future.
Global Footprint Network's data show that access to, and sustainable management of, resources is becoming increasingly critical to a country's economic performance and a key to its future competitiveness. Economic growth in past decades has often been accompanied by increasing resource consumption to levels that are no longer sustainable. Indeed, to maintain their consumption levels, many countries are increasing imports, overusing biological stocks or increasing their dependence on the global commons.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for African nations to improve their quality of life, and to do that in lasting ways. Too easily, development that is dependent on resources that are not available gives only short-lived solutions. Global Footprint Network's research in Africa with WWF, UNESCO and other international organizations leaves us confident that there's still time to reverse these destructive trends, so long as nations have the will and the tools to track their progress.


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
He has chosen not to tell people that they can't take photos of his pizzas.
So, let me get this straight- he does allow photos of the pizzas or he doesn't?
Just found out that our episode of DDD airs on 4/30!Jay
My dear loving beautiful wife set the dvr for 9:00 central per the time slot advertised on Direct TV. I am on pins and needles, I'm going to mow part of the 5 acres to calm me down.
Same here, minus the cutting 5 acres part.I always wondered how DDD was shot. Is he there all day or multiple days?
I always wondered how DDD was shot. Is he there all day or multiple days?
I want to say I read that is was over a couple of days. I remember Jay writing that it was crazy what they needed to do. Maybe it was posts on his Facebook page?
For 7 minutes of footage to air, they shot on different occasions for 4 days: 7am - 2pm for food/recipe close ups on 1 day, 7am - 2pm on the "Guy" day, 3pm - 6pm on the day me and Dino were making pizzas (Did you hear me say "the fire is hot"...really??), and then one more day of 7am - 2pm for "busy restaurant day". We had to be closed during the filming...so we missed a couple of lunches.
but with our volume of 500-600 per day,
The dough recipe is Dino's from Naples, so I'm not sweating any authenticity or flavor concerns. We do let it rest in bulk for about an hour before balling it up. Whatever we don't use that day goes into the fridge and is brought to room temp before we stretch it. The dough is really light. We don't use any starter - just flour, water, salt, & yeast. I'd love to do a 24 hr bulk ferment at room temp then ball for 6-8 hrs, but with our volume of 500-600 per day, it is logistically not possible. Dough that has never been refrigerated makes fantastic pizza. Room temp is the absolute key for us. When it's cold dough, the cornicione is flat and dense.


text:
Posted on November 18, 2010
Display this slideshow on your own site:
21 Grams: Trailer
The trailer for the Focus Features film 21 Grams.
Maybe Next Time
Paul starts a conversation with Cristina.
Next Time, They're Gonna Lock You Up, Brother
Jack tries to talk sense.
Were You Able to Find Anything Out?
Paul meets with a private investigator.
It's Different Now
Paul and Mary talk about their relationship.
We're Gonna Go Home Now
Cristina apologizes to Paul.
We Made You a Cake!
Jack comes home to his family.
Sign up for updates on new film releases, casting announcements, special offers, & more.


text:
If you would like to receive email notifications of changes to this grant opportunity click . You only need to provide your email address.
If you would like to receive email notifications of changes to this grant opportunity click . You only need to provide your email address.
Version History
Click on Version Name to view previous versions of this grant opportunity. Modifications from the previous version are highlighted with a light gray background. For more information on versions, see Online Help.
The awarding agency has not posted any Opportunity Packages for submission through Grants.gov. Refer to Synopsis tab and Related Documents tab for additional information about this Opportunity.
Select Grant Opportunity Package
Before you can view and complete an application package, you MUST have Adobe Reader installed. Packages are posted in Adobe Reader format. You may receive a validation error using incompatible versions of Adobe Reader. To prevent a validation error, it is now recommended you uninstall any earlier versions of Adobe Reader and install the latest compatible version of Adobe Reader. If more than one person is working on the application package, ALL applicants must be using the same software version. Click for more information on Adobe Reader Compatibility.
Below is a list of the Opportunity Package(s) currently available for the Funding Opportunity.
Click the corresponding link to continue.


text:
Taste of Valley held to benefit Second Harvest
The 23rd Annual Taste of the Valley was held Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium.
The 23rd Annual Taste of the Valley was held Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Investigators believe the man was riding alone when he lost control of the vehicle and it flipped on top of him.
Over 60 groups and local organizations participated in the parade to promote peace in the city.
Two women told the police chief the officer was sexting on the job.
Security forces investigating the role of municipal police in deadly clashes with protesters have found burned human remains in mass graves.
The shooting happened just after midnight Sunday.
Authorities in central Pennsylvania say two teenage boys are dead after their vehicle crashed into a home near Hanover.
More than 100 people overcame obstacles to help the West Branch Local School District.
The event benefits the Michael Fox Foundation, named after a 22-year old Ohio racer who died in an accident.
Awesometown Oktoberfest was back for its fifth year Sunday in Austintown.
The walk included entertainment, featuring comedians and a rapper.
The tractor-trailer went into a ditch and rolled onto its side.
About 100 members of the United Steelworkers union voted 58 to 20 to accept a new contract.
Fire departments used Sunday's open house to talk to kids about fire safety and remind parents of the basics.
Two women are facing several charges after a traffic stop in Campbell.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, the house was engulfed in flames.
President Barack Obama paid tribute to disabled U.S. veterans on Sunday.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is noon on Nov. 1.
The officer said he felt a tug on his holster.
Among the stranger items on display are a jar of peanut butter and a cast-iron skillet.
Important Notice About Our Privacy Policy: We have modified our Privacy Policy to update and clarify our data collection, use, and disclosure practices.
By using this site, you agree to the updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Use


text:
At the end of 2008, only 11% of worldwide wireless subscriptions were 3G. By the end of 2013, the percentage of 3G and 4G subscriptions will reach 30%, reports In-Stat market tracking firm.
"Based on contract awards, WiMAX deployments are remaining resilient in the face of the economic slowdown, although some operators are slowing the deployment rate. The WiMAX equipment heavy weights of Alcatel-Lucent, Alvarion, Motorola and Samsung are benefiting from the trend. Other vendors to watch include Cisco, Huawei and ZTE," said Daryl Schoolar, In-Stat analyst.
Looking forward, WiMAX will have to prove itself over the next couple of years with the rise of HSPA and LTE. In-Stat expects mobile WiMAX to be attractive in developing countries and remote locations in which fixed broadband networks are not yet deployed. It is still unknown whether or not mobile WiMAX will be competitive in locations with existing 3G cellular and fixed broadband networks.
According to In-Stat, 802.16e, the mobile standard for WiMAX, has been mainly deployed for fixed and nomadic services. Clearwire, Korea Telecom, and UQ of Japan are among a few notable exceptions that are embracing 802.16e for mobile data applications.
InStat also notices that there were 132 announced deployments in the fourth quarter of 2008, consisting of 95 HSPA, 18 WCDMA, 12 mobile WiMAX, six CDMA EV-DO, and one TD SCDMA.
Based on the contract award activity over the past few quarters, In-Stat expects most of the deployments through new live networks to be WiMAX and HSPA. In-Stat has seen a significant slowdown in contracts for WCDMA and CDMA EV-DO equipment.


text:
3 Faster, Smarter, Better Customer Service Strategies to Boost Your Business: What Are Your Secrets For Excellent Customer Service?
Posted Feb 08, 2012 in Marketing
In this economy, working faster, smarter, better is the key to riding out the storm. Here are 3 easy-to-implement tips that can lead to a leaner, meaner, more efficient laboratory operation.
Problem: I want to find a concrete way to reward customers who have remained loyal to us and haven't been lured away by lower prices in this economy.
Strategy: Consider a loyalty rewards program; many laboratories have programs that award dentist-clients cash, credit or even travel credits equal to 2-5% of their total volume. In 2009, Doug Egts, Owner of Esthetic Dental Creations in Rawson, OH, was spurred by the challenging economy to implement the loyalty program he had been considering for a few years. He awards clients 3% of their monthly volume in "Creation Credit Points." Doctors can then use each point for a dollar off future lab work or 50 cents in cash back.
"I always think it's unfair when businesses give new customers all the perks, while it's the loyal, long-term customers that keep a business alive," says Egts. "I couldn't be happier with the program; it's a great way to thank my clients, some of whom have been with us for 25-plus years."
Problem: I've been working on ways to re-energize our customer service effort and I need to get my employees as fired up about it as I am.
Strategy: Before you can expect your customer service ethic to be embraced, you must be sure that you are servicing your internal customers--your employees--effectively. If low morale is rampant in your laboratory, it's going to be difficult to rally the troops.
On the flip side, employees who feel valued and are shown how their work contributes to the success of your business are more likely to "buy in" to service goals and supply the enthusiasm you need to fire up your service effort.
But even the most motivated, eager-to-please employees need some guidance.
For example:
• Give employees "the big picture." Share your goals for the business and explain how the renewed concentration on service can help achieve them. For example, are you focusing on added-value benefits to combat the loss of clients to offshore laboratories? Are you striving to be seen as a technical resource to encourage more customers to transition to digital dentistry?
• Share customer feedback. Keep employees motivated by letting them know customers have noticed and appreciate their efforts.
• Empower your staff. If you own a larger laboratory that employs customer service representatives or other front-line staff, you must allow those employees to make decisions or offer solutions to customer problems. Set guidelines for employees to follow and be sure they understand how their decisions affect the laboratory's profits and work flow. This avoids putting off a customer and shows him that service is a matter of course at your laboratory. It also gives your employees a chance to "own" making a customer happy.
Problem: I picked up a few new customers last year but lost two of them within a short time. Neither of them gave me a concrete reason but assured me it wasn't due to quality or price.
Strategy: Always roll out the red carpet for new customers. The first few cases are a precarious time because the client is trying something new and watching results very closely. Plus, he's not yet invested in your laboratory so the smallest detail can turn him off. Be sure you know his preferences inside and out. Whether it's with a technical preference questionnaire or simply a phone call, develop a clear understanding of the new client's expectations. Does he like tight contacts? What style of laterals does he prefer? What about occlusion?
Laboratory Owner Jeff Hucek uses his introductory phone call to not only cover technical and esthetic preferences, but also business-oriented expectations. "We establish a game plan, which includes topics like whether he wants the case back one week or one day before the seat date, does he prefer UPS or FedEx, will statements be paid by check or credit card...those kinds of things," says Hucek, Acorn Dental Ceramics, Crivitz, WI. "During that 'settling in' period, you don't have the luxury of assuming a single thing."
© 2017 LMT Communications, Inc. · Articles may not be reprinted without the permission of LMT


text:
What is the President's budget?
Technically, it's only a budget request—a proposal telling Congress how much money the President believes should be spent on the various Cabinet-level federal functions, like agriculture, defense, education, etc.
Why does the President submit a budget to Congress?
The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires that the President of the United States submit to Congress, on or before the first Monday in February of each year, a detailed budget request for the coming federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1.
If it's due the first Monday in February, why are we just now hearing about it?
President Obama turned in his budget late—again. This will be Obama's fifth late budget submission in five years, making him the first President to present three consecutive late budgets. According to the House Budget Committee, "All presidents from Harding to Reagan's first term met the statutory budget submission deadline in every year." Reagan and Clinton both missed their deadlines once in eight years.
What is the function of the President's budget request?
The President's annual budget request serves three functions:


text:
Get an overview of this hotelQuiet Venice hotel close to Rialto Market
+VIP Access™ Hotel
Our customers receive consistently exceptional service at these hotels.See details
Opposite Ca d'Oro
The Grand Canal laps this 14th-century Venice palazzo set in a quiet residential neighbourhood, opposite the Ca d'Oro, 200 metres from the Rialto Market, and 700 metres from Piazza San Marco.
Waterside terrace, complimentary WiFi
The hotel retains its atmosphere as both medieval palazzo and former artists' home; guests enjoy views of Venice's Grand Canal from the waterside terrace and the traditional breakfast room.
Satellite television, free WiFi
Hotel San Cassiano Ca'Favretto's guestrooms are decorated in a traditional marble-dust finish in rich red and gold tones; all have satellite LED TVs, minibars, free WiFi, and direct-dial phones.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Hotel San Cassiano Ca'Favretto
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
The San Cassiano Ca'Favretto is the only Grand Canal palazzo previously owned by a Venetian artist. Home to Giacomo Favretto, one of the city's favorite painters during the second half of the 19th-century, lively pictures of Venice and its subjects are dotted all around the hotel, giving it an artsy, bohemian atmosphere. Arriving by water taxi to the canal-level front door, this red-painted 14th-century palace on the Grand Canal is a handsome sight. The pedestrian entrance, reached via quiet residential alleyways, features a small open courtyard with stone columns and a well planted with a tree. The reception is a dramatic, high-ceilinged, covered courtyard with original beams, huge chandeliers, a large Venetian flag and artworks.
The San Cassiano Ca'Favretto has a terrace and breakfast room providing romantic waterfront views. A complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast is served each morning. The hotel also has a typical Venetian bar a collection of precious Murano glass figures. Just off here is a small salon with green-baize covered card tables. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a drink on a small terrace outside directly overlooking the Grand Canal.
Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can exchange currency, offer information on Venice, and help book tours and tickets. Free WiFi is available for guests.
- Bar/lounge
- Total number of rooms - 35
- Multilingual staff
- 24-hour front desk
- Porter/bellhop
- Number of floors - 3
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Coffee shop or café
- Concierge services
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Express check-in
- Luggage storage
- Rooftop terrace
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Year Built 1975
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Room Amenities
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Daily housekeeping
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bidet
- Satellite TV service
- In-room safe
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Free WiFi
- Private bathroom
- Shower/tub combination
- Room service (limited hours)
- Cribs/infant beds (surcharge)
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
- Desk
Where to Eat
Guests of the San Cassiano Ca'Favretto enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning in a traditionally decorated breakfast room with a balcony (room for two tables) overlooking the Grand Canal.
The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are several dining options within the surrounding area.
Nearby restaurants:
Alla Madonna
Poste Vecchia
Vecio Fritolin
Nearby Things to Do
Lido, two kilometres away (15 minutes by waterbus from San Marco) is the recreation and beach area of Venice and offers sporting and leisure opportunities. From the water bus stop, the beach is a five-minute bus journey or 15-minute walk.
The recreational activities listed below are available near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 2 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for EUR 30 per night.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available for EUR 10 per night.
- Pets stay free
- Dogs and cats only
- 1 per room (up to 8 kg)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- No onsite parking is available.
Service animals exempt from fees/restrictions
24-hour check-in
No elevators
Pets allowed (no fees)
This hotel will place an advance authorization for any bookings where payment for the stay will be made on site instead of at the time of booking. For more details, please contact the office using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 4.50 per person, per night for adults; EUR 2.25 per night for guests aged 10-16 years old. This tax does not apply to children under 10 years of age.
Optional extras
- Crib (infant bed) fee: EUR 10 per night
- Rollaway bed fee: EUR 30 per night
Hotel Name
- Hotel San Cassiano
- Hotel San Cassiano Ca'Favretto
- Hotel San Cassiano Ca'Favretto Venice
- San Cassiano Ca'Favretto
- San Cassiano Ca'Favretto Venice
- Hotel San Cassiano Venice
- San Cassiano Ca Favretto Hotel
- San Cassiano Residenza d`Epoca Ca` Favretto Hotel Venice
- Ca'Favretto Hotel San Cassiano
- Ca'Favretto San Cassiano
- Cassiano
- Cassiano Hotel
- Hotel Cassiano
We should mention
All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport. Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 2999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation. Up to 2 children 2 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.