This year, the Unionville Home Society will celebrate 40 years of providing York region with high quality long-term care and seniors housing. Set on a 19 acre campus in the heart of Unionville, the Unionville Homes Society Foundation hopes to once again raise much needed funds to ensure that Union Villa and its other facilities continue to provide a wonderful home for the seniors entrusted in its care.

WHERE: Le Parc Conference & Banquet Centre, Markham

WHEN: Friday May 7, 2010 — tickets $175 each or $2,000 for a corporate table. Ticket price includes host bar/reception, gourmet meal, silent auction and a chance to bid during the live auction on a trip for 2 to Scotland valued at $7,000 (courtesy of Denure Tours)

TO PURCHASE TICKETS: Contact: Mary-Ruth Flood: 905-477-2839, ex.4270 or e-mail: gala@uhs.on.ca

Join us on Friday and LISTEN to the performance and interview, or WATCH LIVE from our video player.

And later, most of us are familiar with the idea of a werewolf-that someone can change, either deliberately or unwillingly, into a ravenous creature-but is there some justification for such a belief? And if so, how is it achieved-through magical potions or ointments or simply by the light of the full moon? Or is the whole thing simply a form of delusion, the product of a disturbed mind? Find out now:

Coming up this week:

No matter how many beers you’ve chugged while cheering on Team Canada, you don’t want to miss the big goal, hard hit or key save in a crucial hockey match.

Now the whole world can see a graphic illustration of this Canadian cultural phenomenon.

That’s thanks to a hilarious – and highly informative – chart, showing water use in Edmonton during the Vancouver Olympic Gold Medal game between the Canadian and the U.S. men’s ice hockey teams.”

- FARK.com

Bill Gable interviewing Casino Rama’s Chef Nick live on the air during our very special LIVE broadcast of The Heart & Soul of Rock n’ Roll. He prepares a very tasty dish!

AM 740 and Chubby Checker fans getting ready to enjoy the amazing performance by Mr.Twister himself.

Bill Gable interviewing Chubby Checker in the rotunda before his performance at Casino Rama.

AM 740 Programming Director and Vintage Favourites’ host Gene Stevens with Chubby Checker.

Bill Gable interviewing long-time AM 740 listeners and Chubby Checker fans live on air!

Everyone was doing “The Twist!”

For more pictures from Casino Rama with Chubby Checker, check out our Facebook Page. Be sure to upload any photos you have from the evening too!

Crave adventure or an opportunity to live more intensely? These 8 off-the-beaten path destinations make a midlife crisis seem a little, well, fun…

Feel a midlife crisis coming on? Whether it’s a genuine case of midlife muddle or simply a good dose of wanderlust, an off-the-beaten path adventure just might do the trick. In the newly released guide 1000 Ultimate Experiences, the experts at Lonely Planet list some top spots where you can shake things up, and perhaps even reinvent yourself.

Route 66, USA

Find your freedom by following the route of film, literary and music legends on this iconic stretch of open highway from Chicago to Santa Monica. The best way to ‘get your kicks on Route 66′? In a classic convertible, of course — or if you’re feeling daring, on a Harley.

Rishikesh, India

If life seems more meandering than meaningful, there are any number of places that can inspire a spiritual epiphany. (See 8 sacred sites.) Lonely Planet’s top pick to help you find your calling? Rishikesh, located on the banks of the sacred Ganges in the foothills of the Himalaya. Made famous by the Beatles, the region is a centre of Hindu philosophy and learning and dubbed the yoga capital of the world.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

If it’s glamour you seek — and your pockets are deep — join the jet set crowd in sun-drenched Monte Carlo. Take in the beautiful people (and their yachts), try your luck at the famous casino or attend the adrenalin-fueled Monaco Grand Prix.

Round the Bend, Silverstone, England

Speaking of adrenalin, it’s never too late to seek your dreams — you, too, can become a racing driver (at least temporarily). Book a thrill package at the legendary Silverstone track, home of the British Grand Prix, and you can take your victory lap in an Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Phuket, Thailand

Time for a nip and tuck or two? Cheaper prices and state-of-the art facilities combined with a chance to recuperate in privacy (and sunshine) make surgery in Phuket a popular choice among many medical travelers. Other popular destinations for facelifts (and other surgical procedures) include Manila and Kuala Lumpur.

Petra, Jordon

Journey back in time, to a place so magical it seems it can only exist in a film. Described as “a rose-red city half as old as time” in a prize-winning sonnet by John William Burgon, Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the large valley from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba, the ancient city is famous for its rose-colored, rock-cut architecture.

Sydney and Melbourne, Australia

In the centuries-old tradition of humans pitting themselves against beasts (think trophy hunting in Africa or running with the bulls in Pamplona), head to Australia if you have a desire to get up close and personal with sharks. For those with no diving experience, tank dives are available in Melbourne’s aquarium and Sydney’s oceanarium.

Dubai, UAE

Badda bling! An expedition to Dubai means retail therapy gone mad. Fashion is serious business in this designer-laden, shopping-mall heaven. Just to give an example, according to some estimates no less than 25 tons of gold are on display in the city’s jewellery shop windows.

Misunderstandings can get in the way. We debunk some common myths and misconceptions about arthritis.

Arthritis: we think we know what it’s all about, but the misconceptions surrounding this common condition can have a serious impact. They might stop us from getting the right kind of treatment to manage our symptoms, or send us to the drug store instead of the doctor. Worse yet, many people don’t understand what people with arthritis go through, and how the disease affects their daily activities, family, careers and social life.

It’s more than just “aches and pains”. Here are some top myths that experts warn we should avoid.

Myth 1: It’s not a serious health concern

Cancer and heart disease sound scary and get a lot of attention, but arthritis is just as common and as costly. According to statistics published in Arthroscope: Revealing the impact of arthritis (a report from the Arthritis Society), it’s one of Canada’s top three chronic conditions. Arthritis affects more than 4 million Canadians — about 20 per cent of women and 11 per cent of men.

That number continues to rise, thanks in part to an aging population. Experts warn that every ten years we can expect to see another one million people added to that total (that’s another 275 people each day). By 2026, more than one in five Canadians (about 6.3 million people) will have been diagnosed with the condition.

We also feel the effects in dollars too. Arthritis costs our economy more than $4 billion a year in health care expenses, lost productivity and long-term disability payments. (Not to mention the personal costs like home modifications and lost wages.) After cardiovascular disease, muscoloskeletal diseases are the second most expensive disease category in Canada. They’re more costly than cancer.

And while arthritis usually isn’t fatal, some types can kill or shorten life expectancy. According to Statistics Canada, just over two deaths per 100,000 people each year are caused by arthritis or a related condition. That number may not sound like much, but that’s more deaths than are caused by asthma or HIV.

Myth 2: It’s just part of the aging process

Like many health conditions, the incidence of arthritis increases with age. Statistics show that people over the age of 55 are four times more likely to have arthritis than younger people. By age 80, more than half of all women and about 40 per cent of men are living with the condition.

However, arthritis isn’t an “old person’s disease”. It can strike at any age — even infants. In fact, 1 in 1000 children and teenagers under the age of 16 have been diagnosed with arthritis, and an estimated 200,000 Canadians between the ages of 25-40 live with it too.

Worse yet, studies show that people under the age of 45 are less likely to receive the help and medical attention they need to properly manage their condition.

Myth 3: All arthritis is alike

Arthritis isn’t a single condition: it’s actually an umbrella term referring to more than 100 related diseases involving joint and muscoskeletal pain. Some of the names are well-known — like fibromyalgia, gout and osteoarthritis — while others are less familiar, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or ankylosing spondylitis. They can affect only certain joints or tissues, or even the whole body — like systemic lupus.

Different types also have different causes. The most common form is osteoarthritis, where the deterioration of cartilage causes pain and joint damage — often in the hands, feet, knees and hips. Some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are autoimmune disorders where the body attacks its own healthy tissues. Related conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by the stress of repetitive motion.

Myth 4: It only affects the joints

It’s easy to spot red, swollen joints, but many forms of arthritis are more subtle than that. Depending on the type, other body parts are targets too — like muscles, tendons, connective tissue, ligaments, bones and bursa (the fluid-filled sacs around joints). Systemic conditions like lupus can even affect the body’s vital organs.

Pain and inflammation aren’t the only symptoms either. Arthritis can also cause depression, anger, disrupted sleep, fever, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue — not to mention the psychological stress of living with chronic pain. People who have arthritis may “look fine”, but these issues also have a serious impact on quality of life.

Myth 5: Arthritis can be cured

Barring infectious arthritis (the kind caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus), there isn’t a cure for arthritis. It is possible for some forms to go into periods of remission where symptoms subside, sometimes for several years, but it doesn’t really go away.

What about special foods or diets? Approach with caution. Experts warn that there is no clinically-proven single food, supplement or miracle diet that can cure arthritis. There is too little clinic research and too many variables to provide indisputable proof. (For instance, undiagnosed food allergies or intolerances could be causing symptoms, and “successes” could simply be periods of remission.) The Arthritis Society recommends a healthy, balanced diet with the usual suspects — plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc. (For more information, see Can food fight inflammation?)

Myth 6: Exercise makes it worse

Gone are the days where staying in bed and resting was thought to be the best treatment. Exercise is now recognized as an essential part of a pain management strategy — not to mention its role in a healthy lifestyle. We know that exercise, healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight are all interconnected, and being overweight puts excess strain on the joints.

Besides, exercise is important to maintain strength, balance and range of motion. Some activities like jogging or high-impact aerobics might be given a pass in favour of joint-friendly water aerobics or tai chi, but it’s all about finding things that suit your interests and abilities. (Talk to your doctor for recommendations.)

And yes, people with arthritis can pump some iron (with some professional guidance, of course). Weight-lifting and weight-bearing activities help build strong muscles, which in turn help support and protect joints.

Myth 7: Pain pills are the only treatment option

Forget the smiling people in the drug commercials for a moment — the best course of treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Many people with osteoarthritis find an analgesic like acetaminophen is all they need. Other people need some help controlling inflammation — like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other classes of medications like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological response modifiers (BRMs) may be required for some conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Medications aren’t the only way to manage symptoms. Physical therapy can help restore and improve range of motion, mobility and flexibility. Occupational therapy can help make everyday activities and hobbies easier and more enjoyable by learning new techniques or using new gadgets. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove all or part of an affected joint.

In additional, some people find relief from alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, supplements, laughter and guided imagery techniques. (See Arthritis: how to ease the pain for an overview of treatment options.)

Myth 8: You can’t do anything to prevent it

We’re focussed on preventing cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but can we take similar steps to avoid arthritis? Experts say yes… and no. There are a lot of misconceptions about what causes arthritis. Factors like a poor diet or cold weather can affect arthritis, but they haven’t been linked to causing it.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about arthritis, and we can’t do anything about some of our risk factors — like age, sex or heredity. However, healthy eating, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk (and they’re things we should be doing anyway). In women, excess weight has been found to increase the risk of arthritis in the hips and hands, and in men it can increase the risk of gout.

Pain and inflammation that’s caused by repetitive motion can be avoided by taking frequent breaks and using proper form — like making sure your desk and computer are ergonomically set up to avoid strain. Joint injuries can also lead to arthritis, so avoiding falls and injuries can be a preventative measure as well.

What about cracking joints? While it may annoy others, it’s a myth that it will cause arthritis.

As with any health concern, the more we know, the better we can deal with it — whether we’re directly affected or know someone who is.

ON THE WEB

For more information about arthritis and related conditions, visit the Canadian Arthritis Society and the American Arthritis Foundation.

Additional sources: About.com, Lupus Canada, Statistics Canada

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They’re local traditions, they raise awareness and sometimes they’re just plain weird. Check out some of the sports events to catch this year.

This year, all eyes may be on major events like the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa — but they’re just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to sports events. Thanks to high ticket prices, inflated accommodations and pricey airfares, most people will only get to see them on a television screen.

Enter local events and lesser-known sports. Not only are they a chance to catch some action and culture, they can also make a difference too. If you’re looking for something a little extraordinary this year, check out these unusual sports events from Lonely Planet’s A Year of Sport Travel.

Nude Olympics

Summer sports meets nudist beach — Australia’s Maslin Beach, to be exact. If the idea sounds shocking, remember the first Olympians in Greece competed in the buff. In addition to games like tug of war, flag races and discus throwing, there are some cheeky events too like the “best behind” competition. Anyone is welcome to participate… but sunscreen is highly recommended.

Despite making several media lists of “top nudist events”, the games have been cancelled in recent years due to a lack of volunteers. However, organizers are hoping to keep the tradition alive. (Visit the Australian Nudist Federation website for news about next January’s events.)

National Penny Farthing Championships

Can’t make the Tour de France? Modern bicycles are overrated anyway. Penny farthings, with their Victorian charm and giant-sized front wheels, present an even bigger challenge than a standard bike. Part of the annual Evandale Fair, this event is the largest of its kind in the world and brings in enthusiasts from across the globe. There are races to entertain the crowds all day long, including the Century Ride — aptly named for its 100-mile course.

If you happen to be in Tasmania, this year’s races will be held on February 20. For more information, visit the Evandale Village Fair website.

Cycle-ball World Cup Final

Never heard of this sport? Picture artistic cycling (where athletes perform tricks on their bikes in front of judges) combined with soccer. It takes some serious skill to get a goal because players have to use the front wheel of the bike to manoeuvre the ball. It’s a fast-paced game played by two teams of two, and each player takes a turn at the goal.

Want to get in on the action? Round robin qualifying matches take place throughout the year among the ten member countries (mostly in Europe), and the finale is held around the middle of March (this year’s is in Germany). Visit the Union Cycliste Internationale website for details.

Amputee African Cup of Nations

Civil wars may have taken a toll on their bodies, but it hasn’t stopped these athletes from pursuing their dreams of respect and recognition on the playing field — not to mention raising awareness and improving relationships among countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia. World Cup matches are held in April, and most of the host countries are open to international travellers.

If you’re not planning a trip to Africa any time soon, there are now Amputee Football (soccer) leagues throughout Europe and the Americas too. For more information, visit the World Amputee Football website.

Bay to Breakers

Despite holding the world record for the largest running race, it’s not your usual event. Every May, more than 100,000 spectators line San Francisco’s streets to watch that same number of participants make the 12 km run from the Embarcadero to Golden Gate Park.

Naturally, the event draws amateur runners, professional athletes and people running for charity — but the atmosphere is more carnival than marathon. The colourful floats are matched only by the elaborate costumes of many of the runners. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the World Centipede Championships where 13 runners tie themselves together for the race.

Can’t be there this year? Bay to Breakers will be celebrating its 100th race in 2011. For more information, visit www.baytobreakers.com.

Giostra Della Quintana

Twice a year in June and September, the town of Foligno, Italy goes back to its 15th century roots for this traditional spectacle. The main event involves knights on horseback using lances to capture rings from the Quintana (a statue). Each round, the rings get smaller — and the knight who completes the course in the shortest amount of time wins.

In true Italian style, the event is more than just the competition. Renaissance costumes, food, parades and other festivities are all part of the package. (Visit the official websitefor details.)

Wife-carrying Championships

Who says men and women can’t enjoy sports together? This annual July event involves husbands literally carrying their wives through a challenging 253 metre course — and like every relationship, it has obstacles to overcome. There are prizes for the winners, but the main goals are for couples to reconnect and for participants and audience members alike to enjoy a good laugh.

Anyone can enter this annual competition in Sonkajärvi, Finland, though similar events are popping up around the world. The event website even has tips for would-be participants.

Henley-on-Todd Regatta

The fact that there’s little or no water in Alice Springs doesn’t stop this Australian desert town from holding its own regatta every August. How do they do it? The boats have no bottoms, and they’re manned by crews of barefooted runners. (The Flintstones would be proud.) There are events for yachts, row boats, kayaks and bathtubs — not to mention sand-skiing, sand-surfing and sand-shovelling contests as well.

Anyone can enter this family-friendly event, and proceeds go to local humanitarian charities. For more information, visit the Henley-on-Todd Regatta website.

Homeless World Cup

The idea may sound tacky at first, but this international football (soccer) tournament is about raising awareness about the millions of homeless and displaced people worldwide and changing the lives of participants. Any level of experience is welcome, but to qualify players must be homeless (or were homeless in the past year) or currently seeking asylum. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will host this year’s tournament in September, and next year it’s off to Paris!

Does it work? According to research conducted after the 2007 games, the majority of players reported a positive impact on their lives that lasted far longer than the games. Many participants go on to find a job, get an education, improve their relationships, get help for drug or alcohol issues and find a home. (For more information, visit www.homelessworldcup.org.)

World Rock Paper Scissors Championships

Hard to believe, but this popular game and decision-maker has its own official organization, standardized rules and international competitions — thanks in part to Canadians. The World Rock Paper Scissors Society is based in Toronto, as is the championship tournament held each year in late October.

According to enthusiasts, the game isn’t as simple as you might think. There are patterns in the seemingly random choices, and some people even believe it’s possible to predict your opponent’s move based on human psychology. Players even attempt to throw off their opponents with garish dress and brightly coloured costumes. (Visit the World RPS Society website for more information.)

World Chess Boxing Championships

If there was an “Odd Couple” in the world of sports, this game would be it. Each round starts on a “civilized” note with a four-minute session of speed chess. Then, after a one-minute break, players don their gloves and duke it out in the boxing ring for three minutes. The sport requires a mix of brains and brawn as players have to be masters of both disciplines.

Local events and matches take place around the world, and championship matches are held three or four times each year, rotating through different countries. For more information, visit the World Chess Boxing Organization website.

Of course, these events are just a small selection of the many events that are out there. You don’t have to travel half way around the world — see what’s going on in your area instead. There are events to suit any preference and level of involvement as well.

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Find out the latest tactics criminals are using — and who they’re targeting.

The tactics may be different but the goal of scams is the same: Make money, no matter who gets hurt. Every year, Canadians lose millions of dollars to con artists, hackers and scammers, and they always seem to have a new set of tricks to catch the unwary.

However, our cash isn’t the only thing we can lose. Criminals are also after our personal and financial information, which they can use to commit identity fraud or sell to other criminals. They can ruin people’s reputation and credit scores, and leave them feeling vulnerable, gullible and ashamed.

It takes a lot of effort to stay a step ahead of the criminals, but awareness is a tool we should all have in our arsenal. Here’s a “heads-up” on the state of scam in Canada in the past year.

Top scams affecting Canadians

According to the latest report from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), here are the top scams reported by Canadians in the past year:

Service: Want a lower interest rate on a credit card? An extended warranty for your car, a new service plan, or a deal on long distance calling? Service-related schemes are at the top of the list of scams that Canadians reported in 2009, so it pays to be sceptical of the deals you’re offered.

Another no-no — paying big fees or deposits upfront for services like home renovations. (See Big cash renovation deposits are big mistakes for details.)

Merchandise: These scams can take many forms, but they all involve paying for items and services that aren’t what you bargained for (if you receive them at all). Scams often involve the latest tech gizmos (like Apple’s new iPad) or sought-after items. Watch out for fake e-commerce sites and online auction scams, and be suspicious if you’re offered payment options like money order, cash or wire transfer. Phoney escrow sites are even popping up to fool buyers of big ticket items.

Another common tactic — “free trials” that end up costing customers big bucks.

Sale of merchandise (by complainant): Selling items online? Beware: online classifieds and services like eBay are rife with con artists, and sellers are caught as well as buyers. The RCMP warns the best way to avoid these scams is to understand (and follow!) the terms of service, polices, procedures and precautions suggested by the service itself — like meeting the people you’re doing business with in person if possible.

Prize: You’ve won an exclusive prize like a car, cash or a free trip in a contest you don’t remember entering — but you have to pay a fee, fork over “taxes” or make a purchase. In Canada, consumers don’t have to pay up when they win a prize, so the only real winner here is the crooks.

Personal information: Sometimes your personal information is worth more than your cash. Scammers may ask you to fill out a survey or online quiz, or collect your details through a fraudulent prize entry form at the mall or at a convention. You’ll soon find your information shared and misused, and you’ll be on the receiving end of spam and phone calls. The RCMP warns that the crooks can even analyze your handwriting.

Job: Given the state of the economy, it’s not surprising that online employment scams and work-at-home scams continue to be popular. You might be asked to pay a fee to apply for a job, or purchase a “kit” or list of employers. Often the real purpose of these schemes is to get your personal information — like your social insurance number — which you shouldn’t have to provide until you are actually hired.

Phishing : The hallmark of the phishing scam is that it looks like a real email from a company you deal with — like your bank or an online payment service. However, it could contain a virus or coax you into entering your personal information at a lookalike website. (See Email: what’s safe and what isn’t for details.)

The latest in phishing scams involving “SMiSing” (phishing attacks via text messaging) and “vishing” (where readers are directed to call a fraudulent phone number instead of clicking on a link).

Vacation : The scammers know we’re looking for deals — that’s why travel-related scams continue to be a big problem. Fraudulent companies may disappear with your money, or give you sub-standard services and accommodations. (Read our tips for avoiding vacation scams)

Collection agency : You receive a call or notification that a payment is past due. It could be a fake debt collector, or an agency that refuses to play by the rules. Proceed with caution: check with your provincial government about rules and policies governing collection agencies in your province, and report any suspicious behaviour. Avoid giving out any information until you’re sure you know with whom you are dealing, and check your credit reports to see if you’ve been the victim of identity fraud.

Directory : Scammers attack businesses too, and directory cons are a popular tactic. Your business may offered a chance to advertise or be listed in a local directory (which doesn’t actually exist). You might also receive a legitimate-looking invoice for a listing you never accepted, or get a phone call asking you pay up or to confirm your payment information. (The Competition Bureau has more information about business-related scams.)

Many of these scams originate in Canada — from places like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa — as well as from abroad. Other popular cons include phoney inheritances, fake emergencies and romance (not to mention the infamous Nigerian letter scam). Charity scams also continue to prey on people’s generous nature, especially in the wake of disasters like the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. (See Good cause or costly scam? and the Holy con artist for tips on avoiding these scams.)

Top solicitation methods

How are the scams being perpetrated? You might be surprised that con artists don’t always hide behind anonymous emails or phone calls. In fact, the most costly solicitation method was “in person” — the CAFC received only 344 complaints, but victims lost over $5.8 million.

Criminals are certainly taking advantage of the growth of online media — and it’s a cheap and quick way to reach a broad audience. Scams that were based in text messaging, email and the Internet netted the most money and the most victims — a whopping $14.4 million in losses and about 10,600 complaints.

The most popular method? It’s still the phone and fax machine that earned the most complaints. The good news is that people aren’t so quick to fall for these scams. The percentage of victims was smaller than for other methods, and their losses were less at $3.1 million.

While traditional methods like print, mail, radio and television aren’t as popular, they haven’t disappeared. This category of media had the fewest complaints and the smallest cash losses — but it’s still important to not believe everything you hear or read.

Top targets?

We’re well aware that scammers often target seniors, but experts warn that anyone can be a victim regardless of age, income or location.

Who are some of the top targets? Children and teens appear on the latest fraud warning lists. Experts warn that younger generations aren’t as web-savvy we think. They can be tricked into giving out information online, or they can be involved in scams themselves. (See Keep kids safe on social networks and Stop scammers from targeting your teens for more information.)

Even web-wary baby boomers aren’t immune. According to the CAFC report, people between the ages of 50-59 had the highest rate of complaints and reported higher financial losses than any other group — a whopping $6.2 million. Next in line are people ages 40-49 (approximately $4.2 million in losses) and people ages 60-69 ($3.8 million).

Should the numbers worry you? Statistics only show what people report, so actual numbers could be higher because people may be too embarrassed to admit they were affected. It’s also possible that the large number of Zoomers affected is simply due to demographics — after all, they’re the largest age group in Canada and they control a significant chunk of the country’s wealth.

What can you do to prevent becoming a victim? There’s no sure-fire way to avoid all the scams out there, but being aware of the latest tactics and warning signs can go a long way to preventing these crimes.

ON THE WEB

Read the latest reports from the CAFC .

For more information on fraud prevention, visit the Fight Fraud section on 50Plus.com and check out these sources:

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (PhoneBusters)

Competition Bureau: Fraud Prevention

RCMP: Personal Information and Scams Protection – A Canadian Practical Guide

RCMP: Scams and Fraud

Scambusters.org

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Learn the means to discern the great change that is coming, what you will need to do for yourself and your family and how to find your way. Coming up this week:

These workout videos make exercise fun – in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of workout videos on the market that are effective. There are, however, a select few that are actually fun to do in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Dance around your living room while burning excess calories with these fun exercise videos.

Yoga Booty Ballet
The name alone is fun to say. With this video, you get three workouts in one. With this combination of yoga, body sculpting and dancing, you will feel great and see results after just a few weeks.

Yoga – This classic exercise program combines yoga moves with a modern twist, all while sculpting and shaping your body. Try the basic or advanced video.

Cardio Cabaret – A sassy way to burn calories. Dance along with instructors with this easy-to-follow video while having a great time and feeling sexy. The best part is that because you’re doing it in your own home who cares if all the moves are perfect.

Hip Hop Abs – This video is a little more difficult than the first, but just as effective. Learn cool new dance moves while tightening and toning your stomach.

There are other Yoga Booty Ballet videos that can be purchased separately.

For more information or to purchase online, click here.

Hip Hop Abs
Brought to you by ‘beach body’, the same people that brought you Yoga Booty Ballet, this high-energy ab workout targets all parts of your stomach without making you to do a single sit up. Follow Shaun T and his ’tilt, tuck and tighten’ technique,’ which can help to burn the excess weight as you dance your way to a healthier you.

Secrets to Flat Abs – This step-by-step guide will take you through all of the moves in order to ensure you will not be left behind during the work out.

Fat Burning Cardio – Great music, high energy and fun are what this video is made of. This video says it will help you to burn calories and shed the pounds while dancing along with the instructors.

Ab Sculpt – This work-out focuses directly on shaping and sculpting your abs without the cardio work-out.

Total Body Burn – This ‘head-to-toe’ workout is a combination of cardio and total body sculpting with an emphasis on, you guessed it, your abs.

For more information or to purchase online, click here.

Dance off the Inches – Sizzling Salsa
Learn fun salsa dance moves while burning calories. With 10 easy dance steps, you will be able to follow along through the different routines. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or a seasoned veteran, this video is for anyone who is looking to have fun and workout at the same time!

Instructor Stella Sandoval will take you through various routines such as ‘Spicy Salsa Mix, the Latin Twist and Mucho Mambo Combo.’

Let your hair down and watch the calories melt away.

For more information or to purchase online, click here.

Yogilates
For more the more advanced exerciser with some familiarity with Pilates and yoga. It is the perfect blend of the two, offering viewers over 300 different exercises that flow into one another beautifully. Your flexibility and strength increases as you work through the video and strengthen your core.

Hatha yoga and Pilates instructor Jonathan Urla created this fusion while studying vinyasa yoga as an advanced teacher trainer with Shiva Rea.

This video will challenge, but relax you and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

For more information or to purchase online, click here.

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Dance the blues away

BOOK CLUB – This week’s book club recommendations:

“The True Story of The Bilderberg Group” by Daniel Estulin. Some people believe that this group make the decisions such as who will be the next President and where the next war will be, and Daniel has the true story behind it.

“End Of Food: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Food Supply – and What You Can Do About It” by Thomas F. Pawlick.

“Current food production methods used by corporate-run “factory farms” are sucking the nutrients out of the food we eat. Many times, what’s replacing the missing nutrients is harmful–even toxic–to our bodies. Though the book, backed by hard-hitting evidence, paints a bleak picture, Pawlick makes it abundantly clear that it’s not too late.” – Amazon.ca

Learning about talk radio or television? Producing? Hosting? Richard is offering a 13 week course at the Toronto Media and Film College beginning April 8th. For more information, please visit http://www.richardsyrett.com.