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Right on Jumeirah beach and only five minutes from Emirates Golf Club. Complete business and leisure facilities, wide choice of restaurants.
Right on Jumeirah beach and only five minutes from Emirates Golf Club. Complete business and leisure facilities, wide choice of restaurants.
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text: OverviewBack to top Earnest Eats - Hot and Fit Cereal American Blend - 12.6 oz. Item# :123994UPC# :891048001797 Brand:Earnest Eats Size/Form:12.60 oz. Ship Weight:1.05 Servings:8 Dosage:0.50 Cup(s) Earnest Eats - Hot and Fit Cereal American Blend - 12.6 oz. For over two years Earnest Eats has been traveling the world working on their dream to craft a whole new breakfast adventure. The result? Earnest Eats Hot and Fit American Blend Cereal inspired by cultures, traditions and knowledge from around the globe. Not simply a bag of plain oats, Earnest Eat's Hot and Fit Cereals have superfood grains - whole oats, amaranth and quinoa - plus fruits nuts and seeds like almonds, mango, cranberries, cocoa and cashews for a powerhouse of nutrition, energy and flavor to power your day. Earnest Eats Hot and Fit Cereal made a transition from canister to eco-bag for a greener format that also has nice ziplock closure to ensure freshness. 100% Natural Vegan Wheat-Free Superfood Grains Quinoa Amaranth Oats Where will your breakfast adventure take you today?From the moment you open the package to your very last bite, you can see, taste and smell that Earnest Eats are different. Full of rich flavors and amazing aromas, with lots of whole nuts, fruit and other goodies that you can actually see, Earnest Eats are a feast for the senses. What's the difference? For starters, they believe in the nourishment of whole foods. Not only does food taste better when you use whole ingredients, it keeps you feeling full longer. They source organic ingredients whenever possible, and most importantly, they leave them whole-they don't macerate, extrude or otherwise mush them to a pulp. Earnest Eats are made in small batches and baked in real baking trays. They're minimally processed-which is why you'll sometimes notice that you'll get a big chunk of nuts on one side of your plank and a big chunk of oats on the other. They don't use spray on vitamins, or soy protein powders, they just let the ingredients be themselves. And there you have it. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They hope you enjoy their foods.Frequently Asked Questions1. How organic are they?Right now both of their products are about 40% organic. They totally believe in organic and source organic ingredients whenever possible. However, they also want you to be able to enjoy their products and at the present time it would be prohibitively expensive to buy some of their super-premium ingredients organic. Organic almond butter, for example, costs about $18 for a 16oz. jar-as compared to $9 a jar for conventional almond butter. Maple syrup is another ingredient that costs about three times more when you buy organic. The costs of these and other organic ingredients are dropping daily as the demand for organic increases-as soon as prices become more competitive they will make the switch. Almond butter is one of the main ingredients in their bars, so once they can source organic their bars will be 70% organic. 2. Why do they use almond butter in their bars?Most bars use conventional cooking oils to add moisture. They've got nothing against oil, but it doesn't add much in the way of flavor. Almond butter provides a really nourishing heart healthy base for their bars and is a great binder. It keeps their bars nice and moist and naturally brings out the sweetness of the dried fruit. Almond butter is a great source of energy and is full of "good fats" which keep you feeling full longer. Almond butter is also slightly alkaline which is why people often tell them their stomachs feel more settled after eating their products. 3. How do Earnest Eats stack up against other bars nutritionally?They think they stack up pretty good but they'll let you be the judge. The first four to five ingredients in most bars are usually different kinds of sugar. The first two ingredients in their products are oats and almond butter. They use a little bit of brown rice syrup as a sweetener but most of the sweetness in their products comes from dried fruit. Getting down to specifics, their bars have four times more fiber than most bars (3-4 grams as compared to 1 gram in most bars on the market-there's even more fiber in their planks) and as much or more fiber as the typical bowl of cereal. They have a little less protein than other bars (7-8 grams as compared to 8-10), but the almond butter and oats combine to form a high quality protein that tastes great, not chalky from protein powders. Plus they didn't want to use nutritionally questionable ingredients like soy protein isolates just to bulk up their label. There's a big misconception that they're lacking protein in the American diet, but the fact is-they're not. The real deficiency is in whole grains and fiber. Finally, because they use whole grains, their products are full of complex carbs which are very satiating and a good source of sustained energy. Their bars also are a good source of omega 3s - a benefit found in very few other bars on the market. 4. How are Earnest Eats made?Before they answer how their foods are made, they want to address how they aren't. Have you ever noticed an unpleasant artificial smell when you first open a food or breakfast bar? Or taken a bite of a bar and noticed a strange chalky taste in your mouth? That's because most companies today use spray on vitamins and minerals or dry powder mix-ins to boost nutritional content. They prefer to use whole food ingredients so that what nutrition they get comes from the food, which makes any vitamins and minerals more easily absorbed by the body. Now let's talk about how are foods are made. You may have noticed small differences in their foods. One bar might be thicker than another. The edges of the plank might be a bit uneven. There might be a big chunk of nuts on one side and a big chunk of oats on the other. You'll find these variations because their foods are made in small batches and baked in regular baking trays. Their foods aren't mixed to death by a mechanical mixer, so they're fluffier, there's more air in them. Instead of lots of little tiny pieces, they'll actually see whole nuts, oats and other goodies. They come out a wonderful brown color with a rich toasty flavor. There's a reason most companies don't use clear packaging. It's because most foods are processed so much that even if they do taste good, they usually don't look very good. Not only do their foods taste delicious, they look delicious too. They use clear packaging because they want to show off their product. They have nothing to hide. 5. Are they gluten-free?No. They are wheat-free, but not gluten-free. They would eventually like their products to be completely free of gluten, but right now their foods are packed on the same machinery as products containing gluten. Some gluten-free individuals tolerate oats just fine, and some don't. So always consult your nutritionist or dietician if you are in doubt! What are earnest eats?Mainly, they're good common sense. At Earnest Eats, they are inspired by the flavorful simplicity of whole grains, hearty nuts and seeds, and the natural sweetness of fruit-they are the real stars here and we let them shine in everything we do. Their snacks are minimally processed, free of preservatives and artificial ingredients, made in small batches and baked in real baking trays! We use only premium, all-natural, whole food ingredients to give you an anytime snack you can feel good about.Honestly DeliciousThey source ingredients from around the world to create deliciously unexpected combinations that taste amazing and are good for you too.Honestly NutritiousThey believe in the nutritional benefits of whole foods. Instead of spray on vitamins or protein powders, they use only natural, whole food ingredients that aren't messed with in any way.Honestly ConvenientThey are here to prove that convenient snacks can be healthy too-all that's required is a little ingenuity.Honestly SustainableThey are committed to using responsibly farmed ingredients. They want to do our part for the sake of both your health and the planet's.Honestly FreshThey make all our products in small batches using only high quality ingredients to ensure that Earnest Eats taste and smell just like homemade.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gucci Leather Script Flip Flop
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Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # dsw12prod4610456
Known best for its Italian craftsmanship and elegant style, Gucci is a worldwide legend in designer fashion. This leather flip flop is perfect for your casual beach style.
- Leather upper
- Petite script logo ornament
- Fully lined in leather
- Leather sole
- Made in Italy
- Exclusively at DSW
- View more Women's Gucci Shoes
- Online Exclusive!
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Everyone has an opinion. Here's your chance to share yours! Be the first to write a review of this product and help your fellow shoppers pick the best of the best.


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C Label Alisa Bootie
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 234869
Take your style to new heights with the C Label Alisa bootie. A fierce platform and heel will liven your lace-up look in no time.
- Faux leather upper
- Pinking trimmed edging
- Cut-out details and peep toe
- 2" platform, 5¾" covered heel
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
- Online Exclusive!
By: mbeewayne
Location: Philadelphia, PA
December 29, 2012
"These looked so great in the pic but were very narrow and made my feet look terrible - I sent them back!"
By: fewsteps
Location: columbus
October 09, 2012
"order online.they are so uncomfortable to walk i return them:("
By: Storm360
Location: Birmingham,Al
September 16, 2012
Back to the Store
"I purchased these boots, but they are not built well. The shoe's is not balanced. The back of the shoe is higher than the front, so your toes are being jammed in the peep toe hole!"
By: Christina226
Location: Seattle, WA
April 15, 2012
"For the price, great shoe. Does look a little cheap in person. Can easily be styled to be dressed up or down."
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Cozy Double Bedroom (209)
Size20 m²
Floor No.
- Balcony/terrace
- Lockable room
- Towels
- Family/child friendly
- Washer/dryer
Accommodation summary
Family-run Hostel within 1 minute walk from Marbella City Center and 200m from the holy beach.
Many shops, restaurants, bars & tapas around.
Single, double, triple and king-size bedrooms.
Two minutes walk from the beautiful sandy beaches of Marbella and the promenade. Right across from the Old Town (20 metres), which takes you back as if you really were in the 16th century; 200 metres from the well-known Plaza de los Naranjos, la Casa del Corregidor building, the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación); 600 metres from the Main Square of Marbella and the City Centre.
Marbella is also ideal for leaning Spanish!
Bedrooms: single, double, triple, king-size.
Every bedroom has balcony and washbasin.
Shared bathrooms (cleaned daily).
Wonderful tours in Marbella: the Old Town, the Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz, the Ermita del Calvario, the Bonsai Museum, the Ralli Museum, the Roman village of Río Verde, the Guadalmina Roman Baths, Playa del Fuerte, Playa de la Fontanilla, Puerto Banús, etc. Surrounded by golf courses, open to the public the whole year.
Coffee machine
Laundry room
Kitchen room
Not yet Wifi connection but many around.
- 200 metres from the beach and sea promenade.
- Open-air gym on the beach
Old Town:
- 20 metres from the historical area, which takes you back to the 16th century.
- 200 metres from the famous Plaza de los Naranjos, la Casa del Corregidor building, the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación
- 600 metres from the Main Square of Marbella and the City Centre.
- 600 metres from the Main Square of Marbella and the City Centre.
- Public transport:
1) Urban bus:
Tickets available on the bus. € 1,18 with exact change.
Stops near the hostel:
Puerto Banus and GLEN Mall
2) Intercity bus:
Bus Station at Avenida del Trapiche s / n. 1,300 meters away from the hostel. Buses to all destinations.
3) Service station from anywhere and from there to Malaga with Service Express link AVE Marbella - Estepona
4) Maritime transport: 30 minutes ferry sailing to Puerto Banús, Marbella between the hours of 10 and 17.
House rules• Please be considerate to your neighbours regarding noise :)
• Please leave the flat in the same condition as you found it
• Please show consideration for the environment and take care not to leave lights or air conditioning/heater on when you go out.
• Smoke is allowed, but only on the sun terrace.
• Be respectful to others by keeping the installations in the same conditions as you found them.
• Keep the rooms clean if you eat inside.
|Check-in after
|On arrangement
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|On arrangement
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews for this host's other properties
Lovelly place, Eduardo is so nice and willing to solve all your doubts. Ask him about local restaurants :)
Will repat with no doubt.
Great value for the money if you need a place to sleep for the night :-D
Well situated, directly connected to the old part of town :-D
excellent, highly recommend! muy bien :)
Eduardo is very nice person. Localisation of the hostel is perfect! 5 minutes to the beach and the same to the old town. Room is clean and cozy, the bed is comfortable. When I will have opportunity to visit again Marbella, for sure I will ask Eduardo for room once again:)
salve sono stato da edoardo tutto bene anzi gentilissimo x un cambio carmera !!!
se torno a marbella vado sicuramente da lui !!!
ragazzo che gestisce i lavori da edoardo e una persona veramente gentille e disponibilissimo !!!
Una experiencia fantástica! Tanto la ubicación del hostal y el precio (muy razonable para el mes de agosto en Marbella), como el amable anfitrión Eduardo y su personal - todos muy simpáticos, educados y útiles. Cinco estrellas!
Eduardo muy amable y atento, muchas gracias por todo!!!!
Super nette Leute.
Saubere Zimmer.
Gerne wieder
Sehr zum empfehlen
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9 Smoothies That Will Turn Your Mood Around
Sweet peas and mint give the cheesy favorite bright flavor.
Recipe: Sweet Pea and Mint Stuffed Shells
Crispy pan-fried chicken served with spicy butter is the best thing that's ever happened to peas.
Recipe: Crisp Chicken Thighs with Peas and Carrots
Sweet and Savory Switcheroo: 14 Fabulous Flavor-Swapped Recipes


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Now THIS is how you do a manga. Bleach, Naruto, Hitman, all crap but this weeks One Piece, I can't remember the last time so much badassery was packed into a single chapter of anything. Give us some good panels and something to look forward to next chapter. Why does Oda always have to teach his competition how to write? When I saw Kidd my only reaction was "Shit just got real!!" We're looking at two separate alliances among the Supernova and wow if Law and Luffy team up with Kidd and the rest the government may be dealing with a threat bigger than the yonkou. OK, I'm getting ahead of myself but damn these boys are badass!! I got the chills. I LITERALLY had chills going down my spine. Let's get the Supernovas some theme music.
I needed a cigarette after reading page 15. Wow. Just wow.


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We use this product for music enrichment lessons. The sound is good but the plasyic is kinda thin and I'm concerned that it will be broken through easily. Not sure that I would buy this again as made but love the concept!
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By COREY BLUEMELStaff Writer
Old England paid a visit to Green River during the month of March. The theme at the Green River Community Center has been the Renaissance, and many activities were held surrounding this theme.
Medieval times were studied, lived, and watched as the month progressed. On March 1, everyone was welcome to come into the Green River Community Center and create a medieval banner like the type seen in movies and stage production depictions of this era. Then on March 3 and 11, everyone learned about and constructed period costumes, followed on March 16 with a lesson in Renaissance headdresses.
On March 4, the town was given the opportunity to see a live production of William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew. Green River High School drama department performed and enlightened the town as to the popular theater available during the Renaissance period.
Sky Dinkins came into the community center on March 7 and she taught about catapults, how they worked and their construction. Then on March 10, the group built and painted models of castles from everyday items such as paper cups, boxes and paper towel rolls.
To culminate the events at the community center, on March 18, a dinner, costume ball and lecture was given at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. At 5 p.m., Diane Spencer, of the Utah Humanities Council, gave a talk concerning the dietary habits and medical theories during Shakespeare's time in Old England.
Shakespeare died seven years before the discovery of how the circulatory system worked, by means of the heart pumping blood throughout the body. Before that discovery, people thought that the four humours (liquids in the body), were the predominant elements in the human body. Today the periodic table contains more than 100 known elements.
In the days of Shakespeare, the four elements thought to control a person were blood, yellow bile, phlegm and black bile. These four bodily fluids governed the condition and temperament of each human. Many of his written works contain references to these four humours that would have been found to be very comical in those days. Today, a person would be required to know the meaning of those theories to find Shakespeare's works humorous.
The medical thought in those days was that one of the humours was predominant in each person. People with blood as the dominant element were thought to be very sanguine. They were cheerful, optimistic, confident and hopeful. Those with predominant yellow bile were choleric, or easily angered and extremely irritable. If phlegm was the predominant element, a person was considered phlegmatic, or not easily excited, calm and apathetic. For those with black bile as the controlling element, they were considered melancholic, with the personality traits as gloomy and depressive.
These four humours were entered into a chart that was a square divided into four parts. Each humour was listed as to moistness and temperature: moist and hot-blood; dry and hot-yellow bile; moist and cold-phlegm; and dry and cold-black bile. On the chart were foods that were thought to correct the undesirable conditions of the humour. To change a person's disposition, all one need do was to feed them the foods from another humour.
Another word that is commonly used today which had a different meaning during the Renaissance, was complexion. Today we think of complexion as the trait or condition of a persons skin. During Shakespeare's time, complexion was the total of the traits of a person. His body type, hair color, and personality, were all taken into consideration when talking about a person's complexion.
Spencer read through many lines of the play, The Taming of the Shrew, and explained how the meanings of the words and phrases have changed through the years, and how the audiences in Shakespeare's day would have taken them.
When Spencer finished her presentation about the dis-ease during the Renaissance, the group proceeded to the dinner and ball that was held downstairs at the museum. Dinner was served on wooden boards, much like in the days of the Renaissance. Dinner consisted entirely of finger foods, loaves of bread (which a person broke a chunk from), chicken, vegetables, and fruits.
The children in attendance were treated to Ling Lee, the magician, a fortune teller, face painting, games, and jousting contests. Music and dancing followed dinner.


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Skip to comments.How to put Democratic leaders on the defensive just like Chris Matthews 'got' Cong. Pence yesterday
Posted on 05/06/2009 3:36:34 PM PDT by BlueStateBlues
Chris Matthews used a gotcha question about evolution to ambush a GOPer off his game yesterday, and gloated about it today. Now here's a way conservative reporters can get prominent Dem. leaders and other liberals to cross a line, hem and haw, or look stupid: "Sir or Madam, are you an ape? Are you a great ape? Answer this question directly, yes or no."
I just wanted to point out the following...
If Evolution was indeed "settled science" then it would no longer be officially called the THEORY of Evolution, and would instead be official considered the LAW of Evolution.
I don't want to argue about which belief is correct either, but isn't the above a pretty basic fact of science regarding the naming thing? A theory has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and when it is, it is said to be a LAW. [For instance Newton had a THEORY of Gravity, long before it became Newton's LAW of Gravity.]
See my post at #51, if you'd like... Might be a little too much "Bible quoting" for your taste, but essentially I agree with your point of view. I've never understood the argument from a scientific vs. religious viewpoint.
Sounds reasonable, to me.
LOL - nice visual there.
For some of us, our existence will end there by our own choice (.i.e., denying God.) For others, the journey will continue on.
Quite a decision to make, isn't it?
DH routinely had Matthews and his leftist friends for lunch...
Care to provide a source for that?
Care to provide a source for that?
I'm curious, myself.
I'll second that question.
You aren't actually mistaking dog breeding for evolution, are you, balls?
That comment is just too funny in light of all the evohysertia that occurs when some creationist makes the same suggestion, that evolution can happen in one generation.
Too many people equate variation within species as evolution. Extrapolating evolution from variation within species is just wishful thinking.
Thanks for the ping!
It's "settled science", hereafter called "SS", so no sources will be provided. Just take it on faith (oops! sorry about using forbidden words for "SS", I slipped a bit).
I'll second that question. You aren't actually mistaking dog breeding for evolution, are you, balls?
See: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/807641/posts
You are correct, of course. I misspoke. Evolution is still a theory.
Absolute gobledegook!
Balls, you have zero understanding of what you're talking about. There has been a 150 year search for any possible support for evolution, and there has yet to be any evidence found in its favor (but massive evidence against it).
You come here pretending to be a conservative, but spew the ridiculous talking points of the far left.
Problem for you is that its the evolution gang that is banking on magic.
Mathematics demolishes evolution right out of the gate; chemistry comes right behind, with 150 years of intense work in an attempt to 'aid' the process of bringing life from non-life, on the back of over 500 billion dollars of funding, without even a glimmer of success.
Meanwhile the 'fossil record' proves itself to be simply the aftermath of the "flood."
You're looking for some powerful magic!
I'm not saying that I'm not interested in the findings, but an article that has "bred for" in the first sentence has as much relevance to evolution as the existence of a Dodge Dart does.
LOL!!!! I figured you were linking to that post on domesticating the silver fox same as has been done with dogs. I read Dawkins "The Blind Watchmaker" years ago and agree with him on some things. I also read EO Wilson books.
Evolution explains a lot but not everything. There might be a lot of intelligent design going on. Morphic resonance is also a factor
The strident, hard core evolutionists also are atheists and libertarians which is quite revealing. They are also scientists who get irrationally upset when evolution is challanged
Chris Matthews had a Catholic school education up through college even.....
So I would have said to Chris:
Are you still a Catholic today who goes to church?
Does God exist?
Are living in God's creation?
When Chris answers "yes" to the last question he has been checkmated
A nice essay, thanks.
Of course a creator exists, although this wasn't meant as an evolution thread but a "gotcha' democratic leader" thread. "Darwin's Black Box" is one of the great books, and has freaked me out in wonderment ever since I read it and saw some TV about it.
To China Threat, what did you mean about the size of the beds 300 years ago? Sounds interesting.
Nicely put!
The last line should be — "Are you, Chris Matthews, living in Gods creation?
*** DING DING DING *** No more calls; we have a winner!
Beds used to be much shorter in length for two reasons. People used to sleep in a more reclined position than modern beds, but people on average were smaller. The majority of this difference can be accounted for to some degree by modern diets and healthier environments. But on average, people were shorter than they are today. Some of that is genetic.
Actually, it looks like we have a loser, just like all evos....
"This account has been banned or suspended."
So far,almost all the dogs that have been so intensively, selectively bred have done nothing more than shown a propensity to a multitude of undesirable traits, like hip dysplasia and nasty personalities.
Don't worry, he'll be back. You can count on it.
Thanks. People became larger, as well, after 1955, when McDonald's went national. Ummmmmmmm, weighty burgers.
And they expect us to believe that he did the same thing in one generation?
In setting up our breeding experiment, Belyaev bypassed that initial trauma. He began with 30 male foxes and 100 vixens, most of them from a commercial fur farm in Estonia. The founding foxes were already tamer than their wild relatives. Foxes had been farmed since the beginning of this century, so the earliest steps of domestication-capture, caging and isolation from other wild foxes-had already left their marks on our foxes' genes and behavior.
Ooops. Tainted sample already. If he was trying to prove the point of how our ancestors domesticated WILD dogs, he needed to start with WILD foxes, same as they.
Lazy, careless short cut.
To ensure that their tameness results from genetic selection, we do not train the foxes. Most of them spend their lives in cages and are allowed only brief "time dosed" contacts with human beings. Pups are caged with their mothers until they are I/2 to 2 months old. Then they are caged with their litter mates but without their mothers. At three months, each pup is moved to its own cage.
No, they did not tame the foxes. They left them alone in cages to ensure their wildness.
Honestly, if this is what passes for science, it's no wonder that most evos believe the TOE.
And that's just skimming the first part of the article.
Do you know everything they know?
It wasn't my call. Tell that to the mods.
"To ensure that their tameness results from genetic selection, we do not train the foxes. Most of them spend their lives in cages and are allowed only brief "time dosed" contacts with human beings. Pups are caged with their mothers until they are I/2 to 2 months old. Then they are caged with their litter mates but without their mothers. At three months, each pup is moved to its own cage."
What is described here is a form of training, caging with contact with humans, humans who feed them, caging with and without mothers, constantly seeing humans close up as non threatening....as food providers, as dominate.
No training there!
Oh wellllll.
Fake but accurate!
I agree that the fossil record appears to disprove evolution but I don't view it as proof of creationism.
Sorry, that doesn't make any sense at all. The theory of evolution says that men and apes have A COMMON ANCESTOR. It doesn't say that humans are DESCENDED from apes themselves.
Of course it makes sense, since species classification comes directly from Darwinism. 100% of people that believe human beings are merely soulless great apes believe in evolution.
And frankly yours is a cop-out answer because it supposes men evolved from an even lesser creature than an ape.
But that's what evolution is, a cop-out on flim-flam so-called "evidence".
It's proof of the flood. As for the rest, I guess you'll believe whatever you believe.
"Believe" is an interesting word. It almost presupposes a lack of evidence. As opposed to "know" for example which (in an idyllic sense) suggests that plenty of evidence exists to honestly use the word.
I am not the one expounding on beliefs as you imply. I have no axe to grind. I enjoy my search for truth, just so you know... :{)
"I know, but for some reason the ones who dont seem to congregate on FR..."
Ummmm....you were saying....?
Headline: Americans Overwhelmingly Support Teaching Scientific Challenges to Darwinian Evolution, Zogby Poll Shows From March 2006.
Free Republic Poll on Evolution
Creationism makes a comeback in US
Teaching creation and evolution in schools
Solid research reveals American beliefs
Survey Finds Support Is Strong For Teaching 2 Origin Theories
Public Divided on Origins of Life
Americans Believe in Jesus, Poll Says (creation poll results included)
Actually, it looks like we have a loser, just like all evos....
This account has been banned or suspended.
I noticed a few of the usual closet liberals yammering him on, got really really quiet. LOL
Maybe our definitions of "proof" differ... and back to "believe". You can probably find at least one volunteer from each religion willing to bet his life that his beliefs reflect the truth. (Include evolutionists in this group religions for arguments sake.) Either only one of the aforementioned are correct or none of them are.
Sounds like an abuse of moderation; there's certainly nothing sanctionable from OH4life on this thread.
That's because in the liberal world, up is down and down is up....cry us a river.
btw, two thumbs up to Ad. Mod. for the cornfield banning...I loved that episode on Twilight Zone.
Palin could not address simple questions and looked not ready for prime time by any standard.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Adobe Air  126.96.36.1990
# New features:
* Debug stack trace in release builds of Flash Player — This feature enables developers to display stack trace info in release and debug builds.
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text:
Conference Information
|Full Title:
|Language and Law in Social Practice
|Short Title:
|Caserta, Italy
|Start Date:
|15-May-2014 - 17-May-2014
|Girolamo Tessuto
|Meeting Email:
|click here to access email
|Meeting URL:
|Meeting Description:
|We are pleased to announce the 3rd International Conference on Language and Law in Social Practice to be held at the Royal Palace of Caserta, National School of Public Administration (Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione - instituted by the Italian Council of Ministers), Italy.
Drawing on some of the topics and discussions covered in the 2nd International Conference (10-12 May 2012), this third symposium seeks to expand on the relationship between law and language by exploring the role of legal discourse in a wide array of social/institutional settings, where it is an integral and constitutive part of the 'social practices' manifested in different languages, cultures and societies. The understanding of legal discourses and practices includes not only the legal rules, institutions, and processes constructed as part of social structures and systems, but also their impact on other diverse social categories and values where the agency of language-discourse is involved in various aspects of social life. This broad understanding provides the analytical framework for a socio-critical interpretation and application of legal discourse practices and procedures relevant to the forms that legal language assumes in a variety of social realities and contexts.
Department of Law
Second University of Naples
Conference Chair: Girolamo Tessuto
Keynote Speakers:
The following keynote speakers have accepted the invitation to speak in the plenary sessions:
Prof. Vijay K. Bhatia
Emeritus Professor, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
President, Asia-Pacific LSP and Professional Communication Association
Prof. Jan Engberg
School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
Prof. Giuliana Garzone
Department of Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
Dr. Tim Grant
Director of the Centre for Forensic Linguistics, School of Languages and Social Sciences, Aston University, United Kingdom
Conference will start the early morning of the 15 and close at lunchtime on the 17.
The conference will take place at the Royal Palace of Caserta, National School of Public Administration (Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione), instituted by the Italian Council of Ministers, Rome.
Equipment and Other Facilities:
Conference rooms in the Royal Palace are equipped with microphone and video projector for PowerPoint (Windows) presentations. In addition to PowerPoint presentations, speakers should bring as many photocopied handouts as they think appropriate. Photocopying facilities are not available on the premises. Speakers and other conference participants will have access to Wi-Fi networking technology for wireless high-speed Internet connections.
Early-bird registration by 28 February: Euro 170
Standard registration by 31 March: Euro 200
Late registration: Euro 235
Registration fees include:
Conference folder, including Book of Abstracts and Certificate of Attendance
Coffee breaks and buffet lunches
Wi-Fi facilities
Registration fees do not include the following optional activities:
Social dinner: Euro 50
Guided tour (to be specified later): Euro 15
Accompanying persons pay Euro 78 (includes coffee breaks and buffet lunch, social dinner, guided tour)
Other conference attendees (under/postgraduate and PhD students) pay reduced fees: Euro 70 (includes VAT, conference folder, coffee breaks, buffet lunch, Certificate of Attendance)
Method of Payment:
Bank draft to the following Conference Administrator:
Meeting & Words s.a.s
Banca della Campania, Maddaloni (Caserta)
Reason for payment: 'erillconference2014'
Credit card: online
|Linguistic Subfield:
|Discourse Analysis; Forensic Linguistics; Philosophy of Language; Sociolinguistics; Translation
|LL Issue:
|Calls and Conferences main page


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Housing Operations is combines all of the areas of Residence Life & Housing that relate specifically to the facilities. Here you will find information about the room selection process, how to let the College know when something is not working in your room or apartment by completing a work order, and even a copy of the room and board agreement and our gender neutral housing policy.
For additional questions about housing operations, contact Dan Confer, assistant director for housing operations.


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|Maps & Directions
|2016-17 Academic Calendar
|Stockton 2017 Spring Schedule
|Modesto 2017 Spring Schedule
|Online Registration
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program is designed for students who wish to pursue teaching or administrative opportunities in early childhood education. In this program, students gain an understanding of the needs and characteristics of young children; the ability to provide productive learning environments; an understanding of the importance of a child's familial and community support system; the skills to design, implement, and evaluate curriculums for positive development; and the ability to successfully administrate and supervise early childhood education programs.
Degrees in Early Childhood Education qualify students to work in fields such as infant or preschool teaching, child and family advocacy, early intervention, research, or licensing. Students who complete a program in this department will qualify towards placement on the Child Development Permit Matrix issued by the California State Department of Education, Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Classes for the Early Childhood Education major are offered mostly late in the day or at night to accommodate the schedules of working students. Select day classes are also available. The major offers a master of arts, bachelor of arts and an associate in arts degree which meet state requirements.
Early Childhood Education Department faculty members are qualified individuals who are deeply dedicated to the field of child education, as well as to the success of their students. The faculty consists of a department chair, one full-time faculty member and a number of adjunct instructors who work as Early Childhood Education professionals.
Degrees Offered
|Early Childhood Education
|► Master of Arts in Education
|Early Childhood Education emphasis
|► Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
|► Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education
Degree requirements are presented in the college catalog.
Our faculty is what makes the difference.
Pamela Wood
Ms. Wood has served as the chair of the Early Childhood Education Department since 2000.
Beverly Clark
Dr. Clark joined the Early Childhood Education Department as a full-time staff member in 2008.


text:
LFR6 - Game 3 - JVR's Arrival
Steve Dangle
January 24 2013 02:17PM
JVR nets his first pair as a Leafs, Colton Orr basically dents Deryk Engelland's face, and Lupul is out for six weeks.
It was Brian Papineau's 2,00th game as equipment manager.
January 24 2013, 02:47PM
Stupid Phaneuf is a danger to his team mates on the PP. Can't the guy keep the shot down low? This is not AHL hockey for pete's sake. And how in the world can Lupul deflect that puck that is that high. I would keep Phaneuf on 5v5 and PK but he is too dangerous to be on PP. Watch him take out Kessel's head next.
Anyone who knows Phaneuf, knows that most of his shots go top left. Hence why it was up so high and hit Lupul's arm.
Dangle, what happened to the card give aways after games? You also missed a bonehead bordering penalty to Komisarek, his next shift after drawing the same penalty from Kunitz. Unnecessary penalties and out of position are like the staple to his game in Toronto. I no longer have hope of seeing a decent season from him in Toronto. Maybe I'll be proven wrong as well, doubt it. (Not on my NHL 13 team).


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text:
The application process at Wayland is offered in very much the same way as everything else here—with a personalized touch.
The first thing to do is determine at what level and what status you will enter the University. While many steps will be the same regardless, variations do exist depending on whether you enter as an undergraduate or a graduate student, and if you're coming straight from high school or transferring from another college or university. Additionally, while most students enter at degree seeking status, others enter as non-degree seeking students.
Undergraduate—Degree Seeking
First-Time Freshmen
This option is available for first-time freshman applicants who have not been enrolled at any college-level institution except while in high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation and before enrolling in the University for the subsequent fall. To be considered for this option, you will be asked to submit the following:
Transfer Students
Students who have previously been enrolled in a college or university may be admitted as a transfer student. To be considered for transfer status, you will be asked to submit the following:
Transfer students with less than 24 transferable hours will also be required to submit:
Any fully admitted student returning to Wayland Baptist after an absence of a fall or spring regular semester must apply for readmission. There is no application fee required for this procedure, and you will be asked to submit the following:
Undergraduate—Non-Degree Seeking
Concurrent High School
Students may apply to be concurrently enrolled with Wayland following the completion of two-thirds of the required credits for high school graduation. Applicants must submit:
Transient Students
Students who desire to enroll in courses for transfer to another university may enroll as non-degree transient students. This status must be verified prior to each succeeding semester. Applicants must submit:
Self-Improvement Students
Self-improvement admission is designed for individuals who do not intend on completing a degree program but wish to take courses for credit. Applicants must submit:
After 12 semester hours of enrollment within self-improvement non-degree seeking status, an undergraduate student must apply for and complete admission requirements to enter a degree program or reapply to continue in non-degree seeking status.
Audit Students
Students may attend classes for a course without receiving credit if they complete an application for admission, submit a course audit form at the time of registration, and have the permission of both the instructor of the course and the dean of the school in which the course is offered. The fee is one-third tuition in addition to all course fees. No credit is awarded and no record of the student's attendance is maintained. Students will not be given permission to audit a course until the first day of classes. Audits are on a space-available basis and no refund will be given if the course is dropped.
Graduate Students
Students desiring to enter the graduate program must submit the following documents:
Application files will not be evaluated until all of the above requirements have been met.
Admissions Checklist
Required Documents


text:
Debates of April 23rd, 2012
House of Commons Hansard #108 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was refugees.
- Question Period
- Board of Internal Economy
- Canada Post Corporation Act
- Committees of the House
- Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act
- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
- Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Earth Day
- The Budget
- Léonard Otis and Gilles Roy
- Transcona Centennial Celebration
- Community Contributions by Firefighters
- Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Awards for Bravery
- Plast
- Food Inspection
- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
- Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- The Environment
- Status of Women
- Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Government Services
- The Environment
- National Defence
- Public Safety
- Elections Canada
- Ethics
- Elections Canada
- Official Languages
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Justice
- Employment Insurance
- Seniors
- The Environment
- Health
- Immigration
- Natural Resources
- Government Programs
- Government Appointments
- International Trade
- Economic Development
- The Environment
- Presence in Gallery
- Points of Order
- Government Response to Petitions
- Committees of the House
- Ways and Means
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Questions Passed as Orders for Returns
- Privilege
- Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act
Board of Internal Economy
11:05 a.m.
The Speaker Andrew Scheer
I have the honour to inform the House that for the purposes and under the provisions of Article 50 of the Parliament of Canada Act the following members have been appointed members of the Board of Internal Economy, namely: Mr. Cullen, member for the electoral district of Skeena—Bulkley Valley in place of Mr. Comartin, member for the electoral district of Windsor—Tecumseh; Ms. Turmel, member for the electoral district of Hull—Aylmer in place of Ms. Charlton, member for the electoral district of Hamilton Mountain.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:05 a.m.
Merv Tweed Brandon—Souris, MB
moved that Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to be before the House again to introduce a bill that would amend the Canada Post Corporation Act dealing with library materials.
As many members here know, this is the fourth attempt to get this legislation through the House. We have had great support from members across the way and I am looking forward to that same support today.
Historically, Canada Post has allowed libraries to move books between libraries to constituents at a reduced postal rate. That has been a handshake agreement for many years. In the last several years, Canada Post, obviously with pressure on it to increase revenues, has seen this as one of the areas where it might make a change and revert back to the full retail price, which, in my estimation, would devastate our small rural libraries.
The bill would solidify that reduced rate and protect libraries from any other rate increases without a debate in the House to verify how much and when it should take place.
I have said all along that I am not trying to handcuff Canada Post. I feel that it is important that it not only recognize what a great service this is to the communities that take advantage of it but also that many small communities could not afford to take the hit if they were to go to full retail prices overnight.
My bill also proposes some adjustments to the definition of library materials. In years gone by, a book was a book and libraries transferred books back and forth on a regular basis. My bill would expand the definition and over time this would allow Canada Post to reduce its costs in the sense that it will be shipping lighter materials, and obviously weight plays a big role in the cost. My bill would expand the definition from books to magazines to records to CDs to CD-ROMs to audio cassettes to video cassettes to DVDs and to other audiovisual material.
Having toured a lot of libraries across Canada, I have seen many of them moving into the electronic age. Their books are being transcribed electronically and, over time, I suspect that this will be the mode. Perhaps the long range view is that rate will disappear or at least stay the same for many years to come.
There are some people in Canada who do not have access to libraries either because of where they live, of a disability or for some other reason. Giving people the ability to access a libraries across Canada brings the world to them. This bill would benefit a lot of Canadians. I am told that about one million Canadians use this service directly on a regular basis and up to three million people use it on an occasional basis over a year. It is important that everyone in Canada has access to a library's resources. I see it that way and I see it as a way for libraries to share material.
I will give the House one instance that brought this to my attention. I have a small community library in my riding. It was brought to my attention during a campaign that this rate increase may happen. The annual cost to the library was about $1,800 and to see the rate change overnight would probably cost $15,000 to $18,000, which the library cannot afford. My bill would fix the rate.
I appreciate the good work that Canada Post does in providing this service. I encourage libraries to make people aware of the service and I encourage people to access a library. I travelled to Alberta last week and the library there told me that this was a good way to build traffic because people do need to go in.
I am not sure I started the expression but I have used it many times. Many years ago, if a community had an elevator it was a thriving community. However, we know what has happened in the past several years, sadly, but if we have a library, maybe it will make up the difference. That is the gist of what I am trying to do.
I thank my colleagues on all sides of the House. I have received tremendous support so far. The last time I introduced the bill, it made it to first reading in the Senate. However, due to changes in the electoral environment I need to start again, which I am prepared to do.
I thank all the people who have written letters and have had libraries write letters of encouragement. I look forward to debate on this. I appreciate this opportunity and I look forward to the bill going forward.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:10 a.m.
Jamie Nicholls Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand in the House today to talk about Bill C-321. I salute the member for Brandon—Souris for his work on this bill and for the many years that he has tried to pass the bill through the House. I would like to underline that I will miss his chairmanship now that I am no longer on the same committee. I was vice-chair of the committee on which he is chair. I have always found him to be a very fair member and that his ideas are very practical and pragmatic. He takes a balanced approach to public administration. I know he has tried to pass this bill in the House many times. Therefore, it gives me pleasure to say that our party will be supporting this bill at second reading.
We will be supporting this bill at second reading because it is a practical proposition. We believe that rural communities are dependent on this postal rate. In order to give access to everyone across Canada and fill the gap between the rural and the urban, we need measures like this so that people in rural communities are not deprived of library materials. We believe this bill would allow Canadians to get the library materials they need and would allow Canada Post to do it at a reduced rate.
Usually from the government side we see a desire to privatize public services such as Canada Post. We often hear rhetoric about how the government should not get involved with these arm's-length corporations. We are glad that the government is not taking that approach with this bill. We believe that government does have a role to play and that it can make practical propositions to benefit all Canadians. A crown corporation does not necessarily need to be privatized in order to achieve those aims. Therefore, we are delighted with the fact that members on the government side are willing to make propositions that make sense and are pragmatic.
The one provision I would like to see explored at committee is the five year time limit for the first definition of library materials. In other words, the definition would be decided In five years' time and after that it would be ten years' time.
We never know the pace of technological change. Ten years ago we did not have resources such as YouTube. Then, from 1992 to 2002, technological change went crazy. Therefore, we have put a question mark on the period for the review of library materials just because the pace of technology change in the past 20 years has been fairly accelerated and we would not want libraries to lose out on this reduced rate just because the review period is too long.
Other than that, we believe the bill, as it is, with some minor discussions at committee, will probably pass quite quickly. We do not see any roadblocks. I am sure the member for Brandon—Souris is quite happy that this bill will finally see royal assent.
As a member of this place, I am sure it is a great pleasure to see a bill that comes from one's heart make it through all of the stages of legislation and finally gets passed. That is a great achievement and the member for Brandon—Souris can be proud of that achievement. We salute him.
Other than the things I have mentioned, which perhaps need to be discussed at committee, we plan on supporting the bill.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
April 23rd, 2012 / 11:15 a.m.
Denis Coderre Bourassa, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to echo the compliment paid by the hon. member for Vaudreuil-Soulanges to the hon. member for Brandon—Souris with respect to the value of this bill. The latter must have Irish blood, because he certainly is tenacious. This is the fifth time he has introduced this bill. I find that interesting.
More interesting still is his bill, which the Liberal Party of Canada is very pleased to support. The House passed it during the previous Parliament. I believe the bill made it all the way to the Senate. The House passed it unanimously.
This bill is important for a number of reasons. On behalf of my party, I would like to salute Canada Post workers for their extraordinary work.
I think that even if they were mistreated by the current government, we have to make sure that we salute them for the amazing job they do and their contribution. I would also like to salute the member for Brandon—Souris, whose private member's bill sends a clear note to the government that it has a role to play in this crown corporation.
The name of the game, as they say, is access to literacy and making sure that all people, whether they live in rural, urban or suburban communities, are treated like first-class citizens.
Without a doubt, this bill will ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, have access. It makes sense to establish a library book rate to help people become better citizens and fight ignorance and illiteracy.
My party and I have no choice but to vote for this bill.
The questions that my NDP colleague raised are valid. Technology is changing extremely quickly, and that is why this bill will really emphasize access to those kinds of documents. This is about audiovisual materials, not just books. Books come in many guises now, including paper and electronic versions. We have to take that into account, but we should not get bogged down in the details. This bill deserves our support because Canadians need it.
I believe that there were over 713,000 packages sent, each containing one or two books. The Canadian Library Association also supports this bill.
I just want to say that we are very happy to support this bill. Nevertheless, we will ask questions. The chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities bombards us with questions from time to time. Now it is our turn, but this bill has our enthusiastic support all the same.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:15 a.m.
Pierre Poilievre Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport
Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons that I am proud to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport is the essential nature of transportation in a country with a geography such as ours.
If we consider the facts of our country, the longest distance north to south on land is 4.6 thousand kilometres from Cape Columbia on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut to Middle Island in Lake Erie, Ontario. The longest distance east to west is 5.5 thousand kilometres from Cape Spear in Newfoundland and Labrador to the Yukon territory at the Alaska boundary. Despite this fact, we have the 39th biggest population in the world, meaning we have one of the less populated lands, despite our enormous geographic breadth.
In short, Canada has one of the lowest population densities in the world. That means that we have enormous challenges moving people and things to their destinations. One of the things that matters most is books and other reading materials that come in the form of magazine publications, journals and specialized articles that are very hard for some people to get other than at their local libraries. This bill seeks to address that challenge.
Before I discuss how it does that, I would like to talk a bit about the changing nature of the marketplace of cultural products. I have been reading a book called The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson. He talks about how, not so long ago, sales of music products, for example, were overwhelmingly concentrated in the top 20 or top 100 artists or albums. That was because of something called shelf space. Music stores had only so much shelf space that they could offer to musicians. As a result, they had to dedicate that shelf space to those products that sold at the highest volumes. That meant that promising artists who had a dispersed following with a moderate but no less significant demand would not even get into music stores. They could not get shelf space. As a result, it was always the top 20 and top 100 that had most of the sales.
Something interesting happened with the growth of the digital world, which was infinite shelf space. No longer was physical space required to store the books, cassettes, CDs or records, as used to be required in the pre-digital era. Now there is literally infinite shelf space at our fingertips as we sit in front of our personal computers, laptops, iPads or any other devices that connect to the Internet. This means two things: one, it eliminates the barriers of transportation that afflicted a vast country such as ours; two, specialized artists, which is to say people who write or produce music in areas for which there is a small niche demand, can now have an easier time reaching their market because they do not need to secure shelf space at major retailers. This is true for music and books, and it is an exciting development in the democratization of literature and reading.
People who have unique interests and live in remote communities will not have to travel long distances or wait long periods of time for books to be delivered to them. In fact, they can order them online as long as they have some sort of Internet connection, which increasingly they do.
In 2007, 65% of rural Canadians used the Internet, compared with 76% of urban Canadians; by the end of 2009, 84% of rural households had access to broadband, compared with 100% of urban households. Less than 80% of rural households in the territories, Newfoundland, Quebec and British Columbia had access to broadband. Nearly 100% of rural households in P.E.I., New Brunswick and Nova Scotia had access to broadband.
To summarize all of these statistics, what is most interesting is that in a two-year period, from 2007 to 2009, we saw Canada's rural communities go from two-thirds with broadband access to three-quarters. That trajectory is very promising. It means not only the democratization of the Internet but also increased digital access to literature and other cultural products.
This is very positive. What we need to do as a government is more or less stay out of the way and allow, in a low-tax, free-trade, limited regulatory environment, the marketplace to provide this great explosion of digital opportunities to the Canadian people.
There remains a gap, however. That is the gap that my hon. colleague and chairman of the transport committee is seeking to address in moving this private member's bill. We all congratulate him for doing that.
His bill would allow Canada Post to continue to take advantage of its enormous economies of scale in delivering things from one place to another. One very important thing, as I said earlier, is literature: publications, books and other materials. There are certain people who are either disabled, do not have the financial means or are, for whatever reasons, suffering from an inability to access written materials; this bill would help them to do just that.
By taking advantage of the economies of scale of this vast crown corporation, which already delivers vast amounts of mail across the country, we can provide a low-cost opportunity for these Canadians who would otherwise be excluded from publications that interest them to have access to those publications. It is in that spirit that we support this bill.
At the same time, we celebrate the fact that the free enterprise economy is delivering to Canadians of all incomes, of all walks of life, in all geographies, access to knowledge that was not even contemplated only a couple of decades ago. To call the transformation in communications technology that we witnessed in the last quarter century "revolutionary" would be an understatement. It is a tribute to the enormous power of free enterprise economics that this commerce has brought us these new tools that make it possible for people of limited means to have extraordinary access to knowledge and to thereby have incredible upward mobility in our economy.
Every day that I wake up, I celebrate the fact that I was born in a free country with a largely free economy, a country that is now the sixth-freest economy in the world, four spots ahead of the United States of America. This government made its decision to reduce the cost of the state by $5 billion over the next three years, to expand free trade, eliminate excessive regulation and keep taxes low. We are building upon that Canadian tradition of free enterprise. That is the source, the fundamental source, of our prosperity; we celebrate it and we build upon it.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:25 a.m.
Guy Caron Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to speak to Bill C-321.
As indicated by my hon. colleague from Vaudreuil-Soulanges and all members on both sides of the House who have spoken on this issue, the NDP will gladly support this bill, which the House has been trying to pass for the past few session and which, for various reasons, has never passed third reading to receive royal assent.
I would like to take this opportunity here today to address a few issues related to this bill. These issues are not necessarily part of today's debate, but I think they are worth pointing out.
As hon. members probably know, the postal subsidy program has existed since the 19th century, but it was modified in 1939 specifically to include the shipment of library books. I mention library books because that is probably one area that will have to be revisited in committee, in order to increase the bill's scope.
We must not forget that in the 1990s, the program was cut by 50%. I am sure we all recall the cuts made by the Liberal government of the day, including the social program review, in particular. So, funding to this program was cut by 50% and the eligibility criteria had to be tightened considerably in order to promote Canadian owned and controlled subscriber-paid publications.
However, in March 1996, the legality of the postal subsidy was challenged before the WTO, which revived the whole issue of cultural exclusion in international trade relationships. Indeed, Canada and especially Quebec have always defended the notion that the cultural industry—books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, movies, DVDs, music—and, to some extent, broadcasting express and reflect ideas, opinions, values and traditions, and as a result, contribute to the structure and identity of a community, a population or a nation.
Canada had to comply with the terms and conditions of the GATT agreements in 1998. The program's preferential postal rates were converted into direct subsidies through separate accounts at Canada Post for each registered title. The costs related to these rates therefore had to be absorbed by the crown corporation. That decision likely contributed to putting the nail in the coffin for this program, which officially stopped being a government program in 2005. However, thanks to pressure from libraries and industry organizations, Canada Post has granted an extension of the rates every year since 2005.
Since that time, the rates have never increased, which is a credit to Canada Post. However, that is about to change, since Canada Post announced for the latest year of the program—this year—a 5% increase to the library book rate, effective January 16, 2012.
For example, sending a package that weighs just over two pounds at the library book rate currently costs 92¢. That amount increased to 97¢ in January 2012. Without the library book rate, the same service of sending and returning a book would cost $18 through a post office. There are truly very significant savings when it comes to library books and they benefit the entire Canadian library network, whether we are talking about public libraries or university libraries.
In general, I believe that this shows the importance of being able to vote for a bill such as the one introduced by my colleague from Brandon—Souris. However, the library book rate program is scheduled to end on December 31, 2012, after being renewed for more than five years. For almost 30 years, and especially since the 2008 Canada Post strategic review, the corporation has been trying to reinvent itself, sometimes even abandoning the fundamental principle of universal and accessible postal services. Thus, it is a pleasant surprise that this program is still in place.
In defence of this crown corporation, I have to agree that it is not just up to Canada Post to cover the cost of this program to promote culture and knowledge. Hence the Canadian Library Association, as well as most stakeholders, recommended that the federal government ensure the continuation of the program. However, stakeholders do not agree on whether the program is part of the universal service obligation—the USO—that Canada Post has toward Canadians. The strategic review advisory panel's conclusion was as follows:
As a matter of principle, Canada Post should not be required to subsidize or otherwise pay for those public policy objectives that are not an explicit part of the USO. If a government department or agency proposes public policy activities like the ones above, the government should open the service to a competitive bidding process on a contract basis where such options exist.
To quote further from the advisory panel carrying out the strategic review of Canada Post:
While Canada Post as provider of postal services to all Canadians has been delivering publications since before Confederation, it does not have the mandate to promote Canadian culture by subsidizing postal rates for Canadian publications. That is the responsibility of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
One thing is clear: if Canada Post does not receive assistance, it will end this program, be it in 2013 or at some other time.
The crown corporation estimates that in 2007 alone, it lost $6 million because of this program. On the other hand, if the library book rate is raised or eliminated, libraries could pay postage fees that are up to 24 times higher, which would significantly curtail our access to information, knowledge and library services.
In Quebec alone, some 800 small public libraries use Canada Post's library book rate. In 2010 alone, over 115,000 interlibrary loans were made. A lot is at stake for them.
Public libraries are gateways to knowledge. That is why high-profile organizations like UNESCO promote them. In fact, UNESCO adopted the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto in 1995 in collaboration with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions to guide the creation and evolution of public libraries around the world.
The manifesto states that public libraries are a living force and a natural ally for education, culture and information. It also says that libraries are an essential agent for the fostering of civic-mindedness and peace because certain values "can only be attained through the ability of well-informed citizens to exercise their democratic rights and to play an active role in society. Constructive participation and the development of democracy depend on satisfactory education as well as on free and unlimited access to knowledge, thought, culture and information."
In that sense, government support is key, if not crucial, to encouraging and promoting these local institutions, which open doors and minds to knowledge and possibilities.
I would like to add that this bill and the difference it could make are of particular concern to me given that I represent a riding that is largely rural and that depends on this kind of program so that libraries that would normally have a hard time accessing many books and library materials would be able to access them without necessarily blowing their budget. In rural settings, it is often difficult to properly fund organizations that are key to the vitality of several municipalities, because of the lack of resources. Interlibrary loans are an essential tool in sharing these costs in a uniform manner so they can all benefit.
If the book subsidy program currently offered by Canada Post as part of this interlibrary loan program were eliminated, libraries in small municipalities would suffer first and foremost.
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to what the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport said about the issue of the availability of information. He was quite right to mention that the free market in information and the development of new technology have increased knowledge through various media such as the iPad, the Internet and so on. However, this is not all that different from what bookstores were offering in terms of library materials. One can easily go and buy a book at a library, just as one can buy access to documentation online for iPads and for other devices.
In that sense, this provides part of the equation. Public libraries represent opportunities for those who cannot afford to buy books and documents, so they can consult them for free, which democratizes information and knowledge. That is why it is important that we do not confuse the issues. The issue of access to information in the private sector is an important one and we fully support that, but we need to ensure thoroughly democratic access to information and its public availability.
As I said, we will be supporting this bill. We would like to propose some amendments in committee, including, for example, increasing the number of materials that can be exchanged—not only books, but also other materials that can be accessed by various devices.
I am pleased to announce the NDP's support for this bill.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:35 a.m.
Blaine Calkins Wetaskiwin, AB
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today and address such an important issue. This bill has appeared before previous Parliaments but this is the first opportunity I have had to stand in this place and speak to this bill. I want to thank my colleague from Brandon—Souris for his dedication and commitment to ensuring this legislation goes forward. It is of critical importance and very vital to the lifeblood of, particularly, smaller and rural communities, much like the communities that make up my constituency of Wetaskiwin, which I am very honoured and privileged to represent.
Bill C-321 is an act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, dealing specifically with library materials, as we have been hearing from all the speakers today. Librarians in my riding have been talking to me about this piece of legislation ever since I was elected in 2006. First and foremost, the library book rate supports the intellectual needs of remote or small communities. This is paramount to ensuring that Canadians have timely access to the information they need. We all know the value of libraries in providing intellectual and reading materials to keep our communities current and our education systems working well. It is the principal underpinning of the concept that the collections of all libraries across our country be accessible to all Canadians, and as such support those education and lifelong learning needs as well as help maintain our global productivity and competitiveness.
I started my post-secondary education in 1987. I was at the University of Alberta taking a bachelor of science but of course I had to take some arts courses. There were a number of libraries on the campus at the university. The main science library was Cameron Library. Occasionally, I would have to get some materials that would be referenced out of one of the smaller libraries on campus. While I could look up the information, I had to go from one library to another to get the materials. If I happened to be in some other library off campus, I would not have access to look up those materials. As I was on the university campus, the information from the main database was shared among all those libraries on that campus. However, if people were not hooked into that system, they did not know that those materials and resources were even there.
I left Red Deer College in 2006 when I was first elected to this House. I was a tenured faculty member there, teaching computer systems technology. We could go to the library at Red Deer College and access any vast number of resources from across the country, through various interlibrary loans and online catalogues. The advancement over that short time, with the implementation of various information technology advances, is incredible. Now we have Canadians from coast to coast to coast able to go to their small municipal library if they are fortunate to have one in their community and look up reference materials all over Canada. That is why this bill is so important. It is important to rural Canada, to western Canada and to the communities I represent.
Being able to access the catalogue of materials in major libraries and have these books sent to communities at a reduced rate allows those small communities to put forward a larger range of reading materials and opportunities without bearing the expensive shipping costs of sending books across the country, of purchasing large amounts of materials to keep in collection and of having the square footage to keep large collections. Coming from rural Alberta, I understand the limitation of not always having access to some of the larger city centres. With a library book rate, library members can easily participate in interlibrary loans, allowing urban and rural library membership alike to have access to the vast library collections across our great country.
Canada Post has been offering this highly discounted postage rate for library books for over 70 years. The rate is significantly discounted, up to 95% of regular parcel rates available to Canadians at Canada Post counters. As staff of public institutions, librarians seek to minimize their costs while maintaining a high level of service to Canadians, a paramount principle. Saving on this postage rate would allow librarians to increase their investment in educational programs and to expand their offerings to all Canadians. This was originally funded directly by the Government of Canada. In 1997, however, a ruling by the World Trade Organization required the cost of the program to be incurred by Canada Post Corporation.
The library book rate is not a government program and is not currently financially supported by the federal government. Members of the library community all across Canada, as well as in my constituency, continue to be concerned about its sustainability, given that Canada Post is a crown corporation with a mandate to generate a dividend for its shareholder, the Government of Canada. Yet the rate contributes to the public policy goals of literacy, lifelong learning, inclusion and vibrant rural and remote communities.
The library book rate remains very economical and will continue to be substantially lower than the most discounted commercial parcel rates. Consider this. A package weighing about 1.3 kilograms mailed at the library book rates today costs about 97¢ to cover both the sending and returning of a book. This reflects an increase of about 5¢ in January 2012. However, if we did not have the library book rate, the same service of sending and returning the book would cost $18 if mailed at a post office.
As I have gone across my riding, I have spoken at many libraries and to volunteers who have expressed their concern about what may happen to their libraries if this legislation does not pass. This is a legitimate concern, because this is a musing from Canada Post that comes about from time to time. Of course, as soon as that happens, virtually every library across the country contacts its member of Parliament and brings this issue forward with deep concern.
Many people believe an unfair library service, as those who can afford to pay to expand their libraries will, and those who cannot afford the shipping costs would be left in the dark. This is an issue of fairness. It is making sure that all Canadians have access to those materials and that Canadians in small communities are not prohibited from using their libraries to expand their knowledge in the information economy of the 21st century. Not only that, but the level of service libraries provide would be reduced if the program were forced into a cost-recovery basis, with patrons and distance learners having to bear the cost.
As a matter of fact, my colleague from Brandon—Souris was out in my constituency to talk to people at libraries. We stopped at the Blackfalds Public Library, and I congratulate Yvonne Ketcheson and her staff. Ron Sheppard was there from Parkland Regional Library. Later on in the day we went up to the Pigeon Lake Library at Ma-Me-O Beach and we met with Opal and her staff as well as some folks from the board. We had municipal councillors come out, who are on the various library boards. They talked about the impact it would have on their communities if they lost the library book rate. Someone would have to pick up the difference, which could be so great that it would be hard to imagine the continuation of some of these small libraries in some of these small communities.
Every so often Canada Post muses over raising this rate to make it on par. However, one of the things my colleague and I heard was that if Canada Post were to raise the library postage rate to make it on par, then instead of paying to mail a DVD out and receive it back via mail, a library would be further ahead to send the person the money for the DVD. A person could go out in their local community, buy the DVD or the reference material and keep it, if the postal rate were conducted at cost. We can see the dramatic expense it would be if, every time a person went to the library, the library actually bought the person the material rather than lending the material. This is the impact that an on-par cost for postage would have for libraries. It would simply become unaffordable.
Thankfully, Bill C-321 proposes that before Canada Post could increase the library book rate it must receive approval from the Government of Canada. This would ensure that the opinions of the constituents of every member of Parliament in the House can be expressed. If that were to come about, members can be assured that every MP in this House would know right away that the library book rate was proposed to change, because the libraries in their communities would be the first to let them know.
Just as technology improves and as innovation goes on, our laws need to be updated to keep up with the pace. I am very pleased that this bill not only proposes to ensure Parliament is aware of any proposed changes but it also broadens the definition of what library resource material is. Right now it includes only books. However, as we move into the digital age, it is not unreasonable for someone who is visually impaired to order a library book in Braille or in large print, an audio book or a book formatted for a computer screen or reader. These are the kinds of things the bill proposes.
It makes complete sense for Parliament to pass this legislation. I would again like to thank my colleague from Brandon—Souris for bringing this forward. I urge all members of the House to speak up and make sure they do the right thing and vote in favour of Bill C-321.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:45 a.m.
Brian Masse Windsor West, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials). It is an important bill.
I know this bill may not be the flavour of the month, so to speak, in terms of being a bill that people across this country can sink their teeth into, and is controversial, and so forth. That is a good indicator, though, of a Parliament that is functioning well, that we can actually move legislation forward that we do agree on.
New Democrats do agree with this and congratulate the member for bringing this forward yet again. It has been through this House a number of times. Unfortunately elections have interrupted its actual final delivery for Canadians.
It is important. We do live in a technology-based age. At the same time it is really good to see the Conservatives actually supporting good solid public institutions today, be they the library or the Canada Post Corporation, which is a public institution. They were formed because the private sector cannot do everything. To assume that the private sector should or could do everything is a fallacy not only in our country but across the globe.
We founded the Canada Post Corporation to provide for those services to be done efficiently, so Canadians could communicate from coast to coast to coast. We continue to do so because of the principle that we need to communicate amongst ourselves and bind ourselves as a nation in a way that is cost effective. It is not just about making money. If it were just about making money, then we would charge as much as we could for a stamp, for example.
Canada Post Corporation does do very well. It is an important employer for our country. However, the principle element behind it is to make sure we continue to be able to communicate as a nation. Whether or not we live in Windsor, Ontario, in my riding and want to send a letter to a relative who might have had to move out to British Columbia or somewhere else, like Alberta, we can actually do that.
I know the digital age has taken up a lot of the different types of communication, whether they be email, Skype, electronic books or video games that people can play online at the same time. However, we still have the old-fashioned written letters, as well as distribution of hard materials that takes place.
As a former job developer for persons with disabilities, I can say it is very expensive to keep some of the library content available. For example, large-print books, talking DVDs or CDs and audio books are very expensive. This bill actually defines those materials as library content so they can be shared with other libraries, be they rural or urban. That is important because, again, as a former job developer for persons with disabilities, I know it is really important for those large-print books to be shared. Often they are more expensive, and different titles are not available across the country. This is an opportunity to be able to share them with other people.
The intent of the bill is to enhance public institutions, enshrining the fact that libraries are a critical component for Canadian learning and should be enhanced. I know a lot of municipalities are under a lot of strain right now, including my own, with regard to keeping these institutions going. If they disappear or we withdraw services, the institutions will be weakened and Canadians will be weakened.
When we look at and think about the bill, on the surface we might think it is just a convenience to be able to have the latest book available, but it is actually the learning experiences necessary for training, education, employment, health and safety and a series of different things that are key to the materials that are out there.
I think it is important to really home in on a couple of things. Canadians do support this. It is interesting that it was unanimously passed in the last Parliament. Every member of Parliament recognized that these institutions are critically important to the foundation of communities.
In my own community of Windsor West, we are going through a process right now with our library where there is the possibility of the re-districting of it. It is generating a lot of interest and lot of different types of commentary. It is all based on trying to enhance it, not actually withdraw services.
The municipal politicians are under difficult financial constraints with regard to their budgetary process right now, but at the same time there is a loud voice out there saying that the library is very important to it.
What is interesting is that we have moved beyond libraries just being a place to go to pick up books. I remember when I used to go as a kid. It was essentially a place to go to get books and bring them home. Now, they are tapped in with the Internet and with computer resources and they support learning services. Our main library has a wood carving museum as well. Libraries have public meetings and functions that take place. They have become social places where people gather. There is a café and all those different things.
The bill would provide that repertoire of enhanced services to other places. I remember in university, as well, going down to the book store and the library. We had a choice to make. If we could find that book in that library or someone else's library, we could order it and it would only cost about $1 or $2 as opposed to paying $20 to $40 for a resource we only needed for a week or two. This would provide, again, an opportunity for people to do that at low cost.
The service part of it is really important too, because this would also protect jobs at those institutions. I am glad the Conservatives are protecting the jobs in the public institutions in this particular case, because it would provide more need for staffing and more need for services, but the value we would get out of that is way more than the actual cost to Canadians. In fact, there is no real way to estimate what this would cost, but it would be modest in the overall budgetary picture for Canada. What it would do is re-enhance some of the services necessary to keep these institutions going.
Some countries have moved to privatize parts of their postal services, and that has been to the detriment of the public purse. It sounds good on the surface to privatize some of these services, because we say we will get that revenue stream at the immediate point, but at the same time we weaken the overall organization, so then it appears to be a failure because it is doing the hard work and heavy lifting that the private sector will not do.
Therefore, this would provide more work and activity to enhance that service and also to provide some stability, which is necessary.
We on this side of the House have been fighting significantly to maintain postal services over the last number of years. In Sandwich Town, for example, the management of the Old Sandwich Town post office actually tried to build a business case to move a lot of the services to the University of Windsor, which would actually damage the service to the Sandwich Town area and cost the businesses, the community, seniors and even some of the students a number of services, which they might eventually employ.
I was thankful the union came forward with leaked documents that it provided me. These showed that when it looked at the business case of the closing of the Sandwich Town facility, it saw that the regional manager's salary was included in the business plan, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, when the manager was not even at the Sandwich Town post office but at another location. However, his salary was included to make it appear much more costly than it was. Thankfully, we were able to reverse the trend, and that post office is still open today. It has been open for a couple of hundred years in that area, and we are very proud to have that now as another stable point.
The member has brought the bill back to the House of Commons several times. We have seen a few of these bills where that has taken place. I am hopeful the Senate will dispose of this bill rather quickly, that it will move rather expediently and we can be done with this. We have a majority government and more stability now with more opportunity to finish legislation.
As I conclude, unfortunately, there have been several bills that have gone to the unelected chamber that have not been passed. I hope that will not happen to this bill and it will get through rather quickly.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
11:55 a.m.
Olivia Chow Trinity—Spadina, ON
Mr. Speaker, having been a former board member of the Toronto Public Library, libraries are one of the most important services for many Canadians. In fact, the Toronto Public Library is the second most popular library in the world, second to Hong Kong in terms of its per capita population.
A tremendous number of people use libraries. Whether in small towns or big cities across Canada, libraries provide the kinds of services that for some are almost like a lifeline. Some Canadians do not necessarily have the space for a lot of books or have the money to them. They may not have the financial wherewithal to have ongoing subscriptions to magazines or newspapers.
My house in Toronto is about 20 steps away from the library in my neighbourhood and I have seen people line up to get into it. Some go there every morning to use the Internet to look for jobs. I have seen young and old having a grand time in the library, borrowing books, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, just name it. It is not just a place for people to read, it is also a place to gather.
Canadians who are shut-in, or are disabled, or are from rural Canada or live far away have no access to libraries and cannot borrow books. What do they do? They probably go online. For example, another book of poetry by Margaret Atwood recently came out and I imagine Canadians will ask their local libraries to send them the book. However, if the mailing rate is too high, it can be prohibitive for some to access these tremendous collections from their libraries.
There are more seniors in our country and I imagine, especially for homebound seniors, that it is very important for them to have discounted mailing services available to them, and the bill deals with this. There are also distant learners who want to finish their degrees, or post-secondary education or high school. They too would need library books mailed to them. In addition, people who are disabled or have various challenges cannot go to libraries.
Over a million people per year use this kind of mailing service from libraries all across Canada. This bill would impact 2,000 libraries across Canada.
This is not just about the users, it is also about the collections in libraries. Some libraries focus on certain areas. I would imagine that libraries in Brandon, Manitoba would have different kinds of books than some of the collections in Toronto, for example. I know for a fact that libraries loan books to each other. It is very important for libraries to access collections from each other. This is good for the libraries and it is good Canadians.
Why is the bill important? It would provide the guarantee of a reduced postal rate for libraries and Canadian users. We want to ensure that the term "library books" used in the bill is changed to "library materials" so it will include DVDs, CDs, et cetera.
This is the third time the bill is in front of the House and I am sure the member for Brandon—Souris will ensure it passes in the Senate after the House of Commons and that it will be fast-tracked at the transport committee so it can become law and the one million users will feel confident that the reduced book rates will be made available to them.
Canada Post Corporation Act
Private Members' Business
The Acting Speaker Barry Devolin
The time provided for the consideration of private members' business has now expired and the order is dropped to the bottom of the order of precedence on the order paper. The hon. member for Trinity—Spadina will have four minutes remaining when this matter returns before the House.
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
Philip Toone Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Mr. Speaker, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:
That the following change be made to the membership of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: Nycole Turmel for Chris Charlton; and, Nathan Cullen for Phillip Toone.
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
The Acting Speaker Barry Devolin
Does the hon. member have unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
Some hon. members
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
The Acting Speaker Barry Devolin
The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Procedure and House Affairs
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
Some hon. members