Be on the alert for boiler room tactics
TORONTO, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - If you get an unsolicited telephone call about an investment opportunity, be alert to the signs of fraud, warns the Ontario Securities Commission. You might be a target of a boiler room operation. Boiler room operations wear many disguises, and they are once again rearing their ugly head in Ontario. Boiler room operators hope to give you a false sense of security with promises of quick profits - but the only ones that profit are the s cam artists, at your expense.
They may be located in the financial district near reputable firms, but their address may be nothing more than a rented space tucked away from the public eye. Rarely, if ever, are the offers they peddle to your benefit. Why would a complete stranger call to offer you a no-risk, high-return investment? It is too good to be true.
To gain your trust, the salesperson may boast of a business idea that sounds probable - perhaps a company in the medical industry with a new technological breakthrough for detecting cancer. The pitch is that with your investment, the company could go public on the stock exchange and make you more money. The scam artist may also try to play on your sympathies - he or she may know that cancer has taken the life of someone dear to you. Or perhaps they know that you are a busy professional, with extra income to invest, and little time to do your own research. Regardless of the background, the investment opportunity will be sold on the promise of quick profits.
If the offer is really such a great deal, there should be no need for a broker to cold call strangers to promote it. Ask yourself why they are calling you. To avoid becoming a victim of a boiler room, watch out for:
• Unsolicited phone calls. Don't be afraid to tell a salesperson not to call again, or to simply hang up.
• High pressure sales tactics and repeat callers. Take the time to research any investment opportunity and get a second opinion.
• Promises of high returns with no risk. Any investment that offers returns higher than the bank rate has risk. If you invest in a high-risk investment, you must be financially prepared to lose your money.
• Setups. With the first call, the scam artist may only try to gain your trust by offering information about the company and their alleged success. This is a setup for future calls, when you will be pressured to buy.
• Unregistered salespersons. Check the registration of the person offering you the investment. Call the OSC Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-785-1555 to verify that they are registered, and what services they are registered to provide.
If you suspect a scam, try to collect as much information as possible about the caller, their name and the company's name, the investment, and the date and time of the call, and contact the Ontario Securities Commission at 1-877-785-1555. You can learn more about investment fraud and other investment topics on-line at www.investorED.ca.

Vincent Ramcharran of Prince George, BC is a member of the DEVELOPMENT AND
PEACE delegation to the World Social Forum IV in Mumbai, India
TORONTO, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Vince Ramcharran of Prince George, British Columbia is a member of the Canadian Catholic Organization for DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (CCODP) delegation to the World Social Forum IV (WSF) in Mumbai, India.
He will return to Canada at the end of January. DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is one of Canada's most influential and respected international development agencies.
Mr. Ramcharran and delegation members will take part in one of the WSF's major panel discussions, "How to Redistribute Wealth and Power Globally?".
The event, scheduled for Monday, January 19, from 2 pm to 5 pm, is expected to attract 4,000 people, and will focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). One of the panellists, Maitet Diokno of the Foundation for a Sustainable Society in the Philippines, will attend at the invitation of DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.
In addition to attending the WSF, Mr. Ramcharran will be meeting with CCODP partners in Asia involved in issues related to water. DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE has launched a new three-year education and action campaign, Thirsting for Justice, focussing on issues related to water, such as accessibility, privatization, and the common good. CCODP will host a workshop at the WSF examining water issues. Mr. Ramcharran will visit villages and partners in India, asking about privatization of water systems and threats to the poor's access to fresh water.
Mr. Ramcharran has been actively involved with DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE for many years. He was one of three co-chairs of the Prince George, B.C. Diocesan Council from 1997 until 2003. He is currently the zone representative for Central Prince George Diocese, as well as the Materials Coordinator for the Regional Executive. At the national level, Mr. Ramcharran is a member of the organization's Diversity Committee.

Big benefits to a university education, say Canadians
OTTAWA, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - A large majority of Canadians see the benefits of a university education and believe government should do more to ensure there's a spot for every qualified student, according to a recent poll by Ekos Research Associates.
At least three-quarters of Canadians say a university degree greatly improves one's chances of getting a job and has a big impact on a person's quality of life and personal growth. An even larger number, 82 percent, believe a degree positively affects lifetime earnings and career advancement opportunities.
However, when asked if they thought universities have enough room for all qualified students who want to go, two-thirds of Canadians said no.
This is not an idle concern. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada estimates that rising demand will push enrolment up at Canadian universities by at least 30 percent, or 200,000 additional full-time students, in the decade ending in 2011. And this estimate may actually be too conservative. As of fall 2003, following the two largest year-over-year enrolment increases ever seen in Canada, full-time enrolment has already risen by nearly 100,000 students - half way to the total enrolment growth predicted in the 30-percent growth scenario.
This sort of enrolment growth is not sustainable if universities don't receive additional funding to hire more staff and expand their physical and technological infrastructure to meet student demand, says Robert J. Giroux, president of the AUCC. "Without adequate government investment in universities' institutional capacity, either access or educational quality - or both - will suffer," says Mr. Giroux.
The public is firmly behind increased funding, with nearly four-fifths of Canadians supporting additional government grants to universities to expand their capacity. As well, 85 percent say it's time for the federal government to invest more in support of university education. An overwhelming 89 percent - nearly nine out of 10 Canadians - see this spending as a good long-term investment for the country.
An equal number (89 percent) also support university research and its benefits to Canadians and Canadian society. In addition, there is strong support for preparing students for a global future, with 85 percent of Canadians agreeing that knowledge of other cultures and an understanding of the world are increasingly important qualities for employees to have in
today's labour market.
The poll results, part of the Rethinking Government Study by Ekos, are based on 1,550 telephone interviews with a random sampling of Canadians aged 16 and over between Dec. 3-16. The results are considered accurate plus or minus 2.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

Toronto M.D. Conquers Exercise-Resistant Fat
TORONTO, Jan. 13 /CNW/ -
When Exercise and Diet Just Don't Work
"Flab" is usually associated with the couch potato but surprisingly, even body builders and models suffer from localized pockets of excess, mushy tissue. Exercise-resistant fat (ERF) is the newest challenge in the battle of the bulge. Prime examples of ERF are love handles in men; post-partum tummies, butts and thighs in women. When the personal trainer can't make a dent in a problem area, many turn to the liposuction surgeon as their last resort. The brave and the solvent suck out what they can't burn off! A breakthrough solution for the rest of us (a less expensive, non-surgical way to spot-reduce ERF) has been developed by Toronto cosmetic surgeon Dr. Stan Gore.
    Infusion Lipolysis(TM) is a medical technology that allows him to rapidly shrink fat cells in targeted areas. Shrinkage is the result of stored fat being broken down and exiting engorged cells. One injection procedure into the problem area kick-starts fat breakdown. Patients then sustain accelerated fat breakdown and block new fat formation with daily home treatments. No pills or further injections are required. Custom-compounded medications are simply rubbed on and delivered transdermally into fat. Following their 10-12 week treatment program, patients can sustain their results with transdermal maintenance meds applied before exercise.

The Ideal Procedure?
    Dr. Gore predicts that Infusion Lipolysis(TM) may replace liposuction as the world's most popular cosmetic procedure. Because surgery is not involved there is no downtime and no recovery period. Although reduction in bulk may not be quite as dramatic as liposuction with his transdermal treatment, the compensating benefit is tightening and smoothing of overlying skin. In contrast, liposuction often results in unsightly folds of loose skin. Dr. Gore's procedure is equally effective for exercise-resistant areas of cellulite, whereas liposuction is generally not recommended. The fees for his injection procedure and three months of transdermal medications are less than half the cost of liposuction to a comparable area.

Visible, Measurable Results Without Dieting or Surgery!
    Dr. Gore is the first to acknowledge that the technology sounds too good to be true. He asserts that Infusion Lipolysis(TM) is based on sound medical science that has been carried out in the laboratory for years. "But the proof is in the pudding. At LIPIDOCTOR(TM) Medical Slimming Clinics, we pre-screen prospective patients with a trial dose of transdermal medication. In only 30 minutes we determine, by objective skin-fold measurement of fat shrinkage, how effective the procedure could be for each candidate. We are encouraged that Infusion Lipolysis(TM) works for flab reduction in the unfit and motivates them to exercise to boost results. What really excites us is that it provides the only solution for fit individuals with exercise-resistant fat. Within weeks of treatment, they can finally see the effect of exercise on areas that were unresponsive for years".

The top ten tips for selecting a residence for your aging relative
TORONTO, Jan. 21 /CNW/ - In recognition of January being Alzheimer month, The Care Guide today issued its top ten list for choosing a residence for an aging relative.
Selecting a residence for your aging relative can present challenges. The variety of residences available (from long-term care to retirement to Alzheimer-specific residences) can cause confusion. In addition, many people have entrenched ideas about what a residence is and looks like - and given that residences have changed drastically in the past several years, those
ideas can be wrong!
Finding the right residence is as individual as you are - it's where you or your loved one will make a home, make new friends and live life to the fullest. There are some basic steps that should be taken in order to ensure that the residence fits the individual.
The top ten considerations when choosing a residence for a senior
relative, as outlined by The Care Guide, http://www.thecareguide.com, are:
1. Define your requirements and distinguish between wants and needs. Do you need a residence - or home health care services?
2. Where should the residence be located? Make sure it is proximate to friends and family; visitors are very important!
3. What is the demeanour of people currently at the residence? Visit at different times and on different days during the week.
4. Decide how much you can afford to spend. Cost varies depending on the type of provider. There may be wide variances in cost - and availability.
5. Review the residence's latest inspection report. What are the provisions for safety and ease of use?
6. What is the demeanour of residence employees and are they certified?
7. Tour the residence's kitchen and ask to review menus.
8. What type of activities does the residence run?
9. What type of amenities does the residence offer?
10. Arrange for a trial stay. Many residences permit overnight or short-term stay.
For additional recommendations and specifics on this list please visit
http://www.thecareguide.com/?viewpage(equal sign)toptentipsres&viewsection=resources. To access The Care Guide's other top ten lists, visit their website at
http://www.thecareguide.com/toptenlists.htm.

About The Care Guide
The Care Guide and TheCareGuide.com are Canada's most popular seniors' housing and care directory and website with over a million directories distributed. Print copies of the Guide are currently available in Ontario and British Columbia and will be available nationally in 2004. The guides are available free of charge to associations, organizations, health care professionals and the general public; individual copies or bulk quantities can be ordered from TheCareGuide.com or toll free at 1-800-975-9736.

Coping with the winter: Canadians are still hot when the weather's not -- according to AXE national survey
AXE celebrates the Canadian winter with winter dating handbook on AXE.ca
TORONTO, Jan. 20 /CNW/ - Young Canadians are turning the harsh weather to their advantage by adapting their dating styles to the doldrums of winter. A recent national survey by AXE reveals 78 per cent of Canadians aged 18-24 don't let winter weather hamper their hottie-hunting. In fact, the survey discovered that freezing temperatures and blowing snow actually help 34 per cent of Canadians aged 18-24 to meet new people. So where's the most popular hot spot to meet sweeties when it ain't so sweet outside? House parties take the lead with 73 per cent of respondents choosing to cuddle up close and mingle indoors. Pick up lines also seem to work just fine in wintry weather, with 37 per cent opting to get a little closer in line-ups outside of bars and dance clubs - uh, hey baby, you're hot, it's cold - wanna warm me up?
Embracing the ice - and the AXE effect
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AXE, maker of the world's No. 1 deodorant body spray for men, is encouraging Canadians to show off their winter pick up skills with the chance to attend the once-in-a-lifetime AXE Ice Party at Quebec City's landmark Ice Hotel on Saturday, March 6, 2004. Twenty lucky winners will be invited with a friend for a weekend getaway to party it up with Canada's own "A Simple
Plan."
To enter the contest for a chance to attend the AXE Ice Party and for more contest details, visit www.axe.ca.
AXE is also helping provide Canadian guys with all the tools to help them boost their confidence and attract that special someone this winter. A special AXE Wearer's Handbook, available online at www.axe.ca is the perfect dating guide for coping with the Canadian winter - with tips on everything from "How to tell if she's hot with all those layers on" to "How to undo a bra with gloves on."
"Our national AXE survey revealed that the Canadian dating scene is not in a deep freeze - no matter how cold it gets outside. To celebrate this spirit of partying and hooking-up, we are throwing an unforgettable AXE Ice Party," says Michael Alexandor, Marketing Director, Skin and AP/Deo, Unilever.
"When guys plan on creating a little heat with the ladies this winter, www.AXE.ca has a humourous AXE Wearer's Handbook, for coping with dating in the winter." Avoid the body odour cold shoulder!
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Picking up in the winter definitely means keeping warm and getting a little closer - and that means people are even more aware of how they - and others - smell.
Other survey results revealed the two biggest turn offs to cause the cold shoulder are bad body odour (95 per cent) and good ol' Canadian bacon breath (82 per cent). Even attractive people aren't off the hook - 40 per cent of males and a whopping 75 per cent of females would not take an attractive person's phone number if they had bad body odour. These results reinforce the importance of scent in the Canadian dating game from previous AXE surveys.
The AXE Effect Surveys of 2002 and 2003 both revealed that guys need to smell great to be successful in attracting new love interests.
Foul odours beat out hat head (2 per cent), ice-cold hands or feet(11 per cent), bulky clothing (5 per cent), and wearing winter socks to bed (5 per cent) as the worst winter turn-off. Winter turn-ons include wearing tight sweaters (66 per cent), sporty ski jackets (41 per cent) and toques (38 per cent), the all-Canadian winter fashion accessory. Long live the toque!
Regionally, Quebec respondents were most likely to say they wouldn't take an attractive person's phone number if they had bad B.O. (77 per cent), while B.C. residents are most forgiving at 45 per cent. Prairie residents were tops in using the winter to their advantage to hook up (41 percent), while young Canadians in Atlantic Canada were the most aware of their own smell when trying to get a little lovin' (94 per cent). Wearing long johns is considered a turn-on by 16 per cent of BC survey respondents.