Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Cayman Islands

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

2. Australia

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

3. United Kingdom

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

4. Canada

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

5. New Zealand

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

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

Alexsia shuts the door an the Stars get a big point to remain undefeated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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