Main Street "The Blog" Magazine: April 2010

That’s The Spirit

It is our first year anniversary so let’s break out the fine glassware and raise a toast to our founder and editor in chief. Here are the drinks that our staff (who shall remain nameless) have chosen to celebrate with;

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – a favourite of our boss, this wine delivers the right cross of an angel. A full bodied big red with great complexity this beauty is dense, warm and soft and has great length. Drink it now or let it cellar for as long as 20 years. I’ll drink one now and put the rest away for another special occasion.

Strawberry Daiquiri – our creative genius loves her sweet umbrella drink! A simple recipe keeps her happy and her glass full. All you need is some strawberry schnapps, light rum, lime juice, powdered sugar and of course fresh strawberries. Grab your blender and get to it…and of course the fresh berries are for garnishing. Don’t forget to use a Daiquiri glass and umbrella.

Mudslide – one of our wordsmiths loves this blender beauty. Kahlua, Vodka, Bailey’s, cream, milk and bananas. Throw the ingredients into a blender with some ice cubes, blend until smooth and top with some grated dark chocolate; a very decadent drink. Watch the kids as they will want to give this one a try!

Dirty Vodka Martini – well many of our contributors will be having this twist on a classic shaken vodka martini. Vodka (we prefer Belvedere), Dry Vermouth and Olive Brine. Combine with cracked ice in a shaker. Groove it and strain into a classic martini glass. Garnish according to taste and enjoy!

Scotch – My drink of choice. In a tribute to my father I will be having a 25 year old Cutty Sark from the homeland. As I was taught drink it neat at room temperature in a “proper” glass. Like the gentleman my father was I will be sipping this. I am typically a single malt drinker but this age old blend hits a soft spot for me. A big whiskey that is still graceful and light on its feet.

Here is to our founder; to her vision, unbelievable patience, perseverance and love of great people, prose and the open word. Cheers!

As always enjoy, share and drink responsibly.

Clare Jackson

As seen in the April Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

June 14 2010:

Release a balloon day.

Pick your favorite color of balloon; write the name of the person you have lost due to cancer on the balloon and at exactly 6 PM EST- release that balloon at the end of your driveway! Let's fill the sky with color for all those who fought, and are fighting Cancer. Let's show them that we will NEVER forget their courage. PLEASE pass this along!

Thoughts From an Empty Mind

Almost Home

I love the ocean's salty smell
the color of wet earth as well.
A rainbows' canopy of hues tells
you in no uncertain terms, how
beautiful is life and breath, today
I know, I tasted death.

A Summer in the City by the Sea"'

I've been a bit sick with a very nasty flu, even after having my annual flu and the H1N1 shot. Often when I'm forced to lie in bed, ugh, grr and yuck, my thoughts turn toward life and what it means and if I even understand it! The bit of poetry here was actually written an eon ago over Midway Island coming home from the UK, the long way. I was then an officer in the Intel division of the US Navy and had an almost fatal encounter. The powers that were, thought sending me back to the US the longest way, would avoid anyone from following me, though those "any ones" had been dealt with.

As our plane headed west toward Hawaii, then San Francisco, and finally DC, I began to ponder how in our youth, we are fearless and do many things we would never think of doing once we got older.

Now I am that older person, and as I curse the day and night, waiting for this flu bug to fly away, these are the thoughts that came to mind. My usual personality is basically funny, witty and curious, however when I can't get rid of a simple thing like a cold, I become far more serious and introspective. I’m naturally philosophic, lean toward the glass is always half-full and can find the sunshine on any dark day.
Yet having had a career in medicine after the Navy, I can't for the life of me figure out why this malaise has lingered for a week. My mind tells me it's my body saying stop the frenetic pace of your life and just let things run their course. But my guilty
self says I should be doing more than just lounging about talking to my new best friend Caspi, the most understanding, angelic rare white Persian pedigreed cat.
He seems to comprehend my situation, so has left his owners part of the house, and taken up residence in my bedroom, along with all of his cat accoutrements. He looks at me with his big green eyes and seems to be telling me ''everything will be OK, after all, I'm 19 years old and in human years that's 133, so I’ve seen all there is to see. Just trust me, this too will pass' I think my housemate, who has raised this impeccable wise old man, must think I'm 'round the bend, talking to her cat, but when you're not feeling great, any company is welcomed.'

Am I Disappearing?

'The day they first told me I was starting to disappear, I didn't believe them and so they stopped talking and held my hand up to the sun and it was like thin paper in the light and finally they said '"you seem very calm for a woman who is disappearing"' and I said 'it was a relief after all those years of trying to keep the pieces of my life in one place.'.

Later on, I went to see them again and as I was leaving, they put a package in my hand. '"This is the last piece of your life"', they said,' "take good care of it"' and then they smiled and were gone and the room filled with the sound of the wind and when I opened the package there was nothing there and I thought there must be some mistake or maybe I dropped it' and I got down on my hands and knees and looked until the light began to fade and then slowly I felt the pieces of my life fall away gently and suddenly I understood what they meant and I lay there for a while crying and laughing at the same time.

Time was lost trying to find what was there all the time....’

Judi Rosen

As seen in the April Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Just a moment

~claps hands like an excited child~

One year!

Welcome to our one year anniversary issue of MSM. The time has flown so quickly, we have had so much fun, that it is hard to believe that a year has passed.

This month we welcome to our team Rosemary Peters, who is taking over the Karma-Vore column each month, and Chris Reynolds our new editor. I know you will love the tongue-in-cheek humour that Rosemary brings as well as the delicious recipes. Chris’ first assignment as editor this month was interviewing a hard-nose executive type-, okay so not so hard nosed, and not very corporate at all- but challenging all the same- she interviewed me- Founder of MSM.

We welcome Author Jennifer Rardin, creator of the Jaz Park Series, and explore Goddess Athena in Ancient Mystic. Peter Davis finishes off his three part column in Healthy Relationships and the Chef of Merit column welcomes The Beacher Café’s Jason Stoner.

Of course all of your favourites are here, Main Street Music Scene, That’s The Spirit, Fashion Sense, Quick Tips and of course Judi’s worldly insights in Thoughts From an Empty Mind and so many more!

In closing, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to some pretty special people. 1. You- the reader. Without you we are just another magazine in a sea of paper rags, but you have made us special, your support and loyalty are appreciated. ~A thousand thank yous! ~

2. The MSM team. Your insight, creative expressions and wonderful gift of words adds so much to MSM each month, I appreciate your dedication, your support and putting up with me ~giggles~

As always…kick back…relax…and enjoy

With love ~Tilly Rivers~

As seen in the April Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

Pennies

Ichabod and Lilly

There’s a legend that’s been spoken of and handed down thru time

’Bout a fat ole cat called Ichabod end a mouse named Lilly- Mime

For Lilly was a mimic born – possessed of talent rare

As mischievous as she could be – she just plain didn’t care.

When Ichabod walked a certain way – then Lilly did it too

Exaggerating every step behind him and she knew

That should he catch her in the act – he’d surely feel the Lout

And that would be the end of her – of that there was no doubt.

Now, Ichabod did love to snooze on a tree stump big and round

At times he’d sit and ponder things – which he thought quite profound.

He’d spend long hours in the shade – just lazing time away

He’d pick at this and swat at that – sometimes – till end of day.

The stump that housed old Ichabod was home to Lilly – too

'Twas at the bottom that she lived – a hole she’d gnawed anew

Avoiding him at any cost – became her favourite game ’

Tho Lilly knew that neath the bluster – Ichabod was tame.

And now and then he’d see her from the corner of an eye

But catching her was too much work – he’d do it bye and bye

She’d tweak his nose and knot his tail or pull a whisker out

And then and there he’d had enough and chases her all about.

Some days did pass where nothing happened – peace did seem to reign

As Ichabod slept – our Lilly thought up ways to cause him pain.

On one occasion – she had tied his tail to his hind legs

And on awakening – Ichabod did taste some bitter dregs

He hatched a plot – he thought would work – he’d catch her unaware

And just pretend to be asleep till he felt she was there

And then he’d pounce upon the mouse to teach her a thing or two

And contemplate her for his lunch for it was overdue.

Now Ichabod did get his chance – alas – it came and went

For as he thought about his scheme – his anger just got spent

What if I squash the little pest – he asked himself one day

Who will I have to haunt me then – who will I find to play?

So Ichabod and Lilly-Mime continued in their mode

She taunted him – he lunged at her – all in the same abode

How long they carried on like this – no one’s left to tell

For at the bottom of it all – they loved each other well.

T’is said that Ichabod and ’Lil’ have gone to who knows where

And all that’s left is just a stump to show that they were there

Except that every now and then – it seems that one can see

A fat ole cat called Ichabod bounce Lilly on his knee.

Therese Morin

As seen in the April Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

Chef of Merit

Jason Stoner, The Beacher Café

This month Chef of Merit welcomes Jason Stoner of “The Beacher Café.”
The Beacher Café is located in Toronto Ontario has been around since the mid 80’s- it is one of the favourites in the area, if you are there in the summer months, you will be able to tell that very quickly, by the line ups.

Along with the regular fare of burgers and pizzas you will find full service breakfasts, week end brunches, and wonderful entrees from seafood to pasta.

What impressed me was their variety of foods for such niche clients as vegetarians, offering an amazing Pita Zucchini Bianca, fruit plate, and other menu items for the vegetarian or the health conscious, and being a vegetarian, I was not disappointed with the selections or the taste!

Chef Jason Stoner, joined The Beacher in 2008, before that Jason was the Executive Chef at the Bungalow Café, also in Toronto. Watching the many faces, it was easy to tell that the customers where enjoying the food, and that many of them were regulars.

Peter Martineau, owner, calls The Beacher, The Landmark Beach restaurant, as they have been there now for over 25 years, it does not take you long to discover why people keep coming back, not only does Jason do a great job with the food, but the restaurant itself is very laid back and comfortable, often with great Jazz music to accompany your meal.

I highly recommend The Beacher Café the next time you are in Toronto!

5 STARS!!

The Beacher Café, 2162 Queen Street East, Toronto. http://www.thebeachercafe.com/

~Tilly Rivers~

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Healthy Relationships

The cycle of violence in domestic abuse

Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of violence:

§ Abuse– Your abusive partner lashes out with aggressive, belittling, or violent behaviour. The abuse is a power play designed to show you "who is boss."

§ Guilt– After abusing you, your partner feels guilt, but not over what has been done. There more worried about the possibility of being caught and facing consequences for their abusive behaviour.

§ "Normal" behaviour– Your abuser does everything they can to regain control and keep you in the relationship. They may act as if nothing has happened, or they may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give you hope that your abusive partner has really changed this time.

§ Fantasy and planning– Your abuser begins to fantasize about abusing you again. They spend a lot of time thinking about what you’ve done wrong and how they'll make you pay. Then they make plans for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.

§ Set-up– Your abuser sets you up and puts their plan in motion, creating a situation where they can justify abusing you.

Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures in between the episodes of abuse can make it difficult to leave. They may make you believe that you are the only person who can help them, that things will be different this time, and that they truly love you. However, the dangers of staying are very real.

Recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence and abuse

It's impossible to know with certainty what goes on behind closed doors, but there are some telltale signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse. If you witness any warning signs of abuse in a friend, family member, or co-worker, take them very seriously.

General warning signs of domestic abuse

People who are being abused may:

§ Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner.

§ Go along with everything their partner says and does.

§ Check in often with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing.

§ Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner.

§ Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness.

Warning signs of physical violence

People who are being physically abused may:

§ Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents.”

§ Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions, without explanation.

§ Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors).

Warning signs of isolation

People who are being isolated by their abuser may:

§ Be restricted from seeing family and friends.

§ Rarely go out in public without their partner.

§ Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car.

The psychological warning signs of abuse

People who are being abused may:

§ Have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident.

§ Show major personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn).

§ Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal.

§ Signs of sudden drinking, smoking or drugs use

§ Negative self talk (e.g. oh, you wouldn’t want me to spoil your good time anyway, I’m such a dummy)

If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitating—telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the abused person might not want to talk about it—keep in mind that expressing your concern will let that person know that you care and may even save a life.

Talk to the person in private and let them know that you’re concerned about their safety. Point out the things you’ve noticed that make you worried. Tell them that when and if they want to talk about it, you’re there for them. Reassure them that you’ll keep whatever they tell you between the two of you, and let them know that you’ll help in any way you can.

Remember, abusers are very good at controlling and manipulating their victims. Abused and battered victims are depressed, drained, scared, ashamed, and confused. They need help to get out, yet they have often been isolated from their family and friends. By picking up on the warning signs and offering support, you can help them escape an abusive situation and begin healing. The best thing to tell them is that you are not judging, that abuse happens to so many, and that it is in ‘silence’ that it grows! One should never be ashamed of being in an abusive relationship no matter how long it has been going on, and that there is always hope for a safe, abuse free life.

Peter Davis

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Do you have a Creative Cutie?

We have a new article in Main Street Magazine for all those artistic little people who need a place to show off their artwork and creations.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 13, grab your camera and snap those works of art and the little artists behind them.

Send them into MSM care of editor@mainstreetmagazine.net we will share your Creative Cuties with the rest of the world.

Be sure to include their name and age!

As well as your name and email address

Legal Beagle

*Please note, “Legal Beagle” articles are general legal guidelines and are not meant to replace legal counsel. Please see your local Paralegal, or Lawyer for detailed case-by-case information.

Ontario Closing Costs Buying a Home or Condo Land Transfer Tax

There are several items that need to be attended to prior to closing a real estate transaction in Ontario. These include certain items imposed by the government; certain items that lending institution require as well as certain items that should be attended to in order to ensure clear title to the home or condo that you buy. In general, home buyers should budget up to 5% of the purchase price of their new home or condo to cover these various items. While these vary depending on the situation, typical costs include:

Survey

In most cases, the agreement of purchase and sale will have a clause asking for the vendor to provide a survey to the purchaser at their cost within a certain period of time. If the vendor does not provide you with an acceptable survey, you may need to obtain a new survey. Approximate cost: $650 . In most cases however, the survey is provided by the vendor.

Title Insurance

A title insurance policy can eliminate the requirement for a new survey. Title insurance is an insured statement of the condition of title or ownership of real property, at the time the policy is issued. Approximate cost: $250-275 (residential).

Title to Property

Title is the legal term for ownership of property. Buyers want "good and marketable" title to a property - good title means title appropriate for the buyer's purposes; marketable title means title the buyer can convey to someone else. Prior to closing, public records are "searched" to determine the previous ownership of the property, as well as prior dealings related to it. The search might reveal, for example, existing mortgages, liens for outstanding taxes, utility charges, etc., registered against the property. At closing the buyer expects property that is free of such claims, so normally they must be cleared up before closing. For example, the seller's mortgage will be discharged and outstanding monetary expenses (such as taxes and utility charges) will be paid for (or adjusted for) at closing.

Sometimes problems (or defects) regarding title are not discovered before closing, or are not remedied before closing. Such defects can make the property less marketable when the buyer subsequently sells and, depending on the nature of the problem, can also cost money to remedy. For example, the survey might have failed to show that a dock and boathouse built on a river adjoining a vacation property was built without permission. The buyer of the property could be out-of-pocket if he is later forced to remove the dock and boathouse. Or, the property might have been conveyed to a previous owner fraudulently, in which case there is the risk that the real owner may come forward at some point and demand their rights with respect to the property.

Who is Protected With Title Insurance?

Title insurance policies can be issued in favour of a purchaser (on new/resale homes, condos and vacation properties), a lender, or both the purchaser and lender. Lenders will sometimes require title insurance as a condition of making the loan. Title insurance protects purchasers and/or lenders against loss or damage sustained if a claim that is covered under the terms of the policy is made.

Types of risks that are usually covered under a title insurance policy include: survey irregularities; forced removal of existing structures; claims due to fraud, forgery or duress; unregistered easements and rights of-way; lack of pedestrian or vehicular access to the property; work orders; zoning and set back non-compliance or deficiencies; etc. For a risk to be covered, generally it has to have existed as of the date of the policy. As with any type of insurance policy, certain types of risks might not be covered, for example, native land claims and environmental hazards are normally excluded. Be sure to discuss with your lawyer what risks are covered and what are excluded.

The insured purchaser is indemnified for actual loss of damage sustained up to the amount of the policy, which is based on the purchase price. As well, some policies have inflation coverage, which means that if the fair market value of the property increases, the policy amount will also increase (up to a set maximum).

How Long is the Insurance Coverage?

In the case of title insurance covering the purchaser, title insurance remains in effect as long as the insured purchaser has title to the land. Some policies also protect those who received title as a result of the purchaser's death, or certain family members (e.g., a spouse or children) to whom the property may have been transferred for a nominal consideration.

In the case of title insurance covering a lender, the policy remains in effect as long as the mortgage remains on title. A lender covered under a title insurance policy is insured in the event the lender realizes on its security and suffers actual loss or damage with respect to a risk covered under the policy. Lenders are usually covered up to the principal amount of the mortgage.

The premium for title insurance is paid once (at the time of purchase). Generally speaking, in Canada the purchaser of the property pays for the title insurance, though there can be situations where the seller pays for it. Some policies automatically cover both the purchaser and lender; others will cover both for a small additional fee.

Protection and Peace of Mind

Title insurance can help ensure that a closing is not delayed due to defects in title. And, if an issue relating to title arises with respect to a risk covered under the policy, the title insurance covers the legal fees and expenses associated with defending the insured's title and pays in the event of loss

Land Transfer Tax

The Land Transfer Tax is payable on all purchases. The tax is calculated on the purchase price of a home according to a specific formula.

Visit: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/tax/ltt/index.html

Legal Fees

Legal fees will vary according to the lawyer. Shop around, this should be $600 to $800, plus Disbursements.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs that you lawyer will have to pay on your behalf, such as registration fees, photocopies, etc. Approximate cost: $400 to $600.

Statement of Adjustments

The purchaser and the vendor are each responsible for their share of taxes, fuel, and utilities. These costs will be reflected in the statement of adjustments which the lawyer puts together. Approximate cost: Varies depending on type of property (condo vs. freehold) and time of year.

Home Insurance

Home insurance premiums will vary from one insurance company to another and according to your insurance needs. In a condominium, the building insurance is included in your maintenance fees and does not form part of the closing costs, unlike a house purchase. Approximate cost: Varies

Mortgage Application

Your lending institution may charge a fee for processing your mortgage application. Approximate cost: Varies

Mortgage Appraisal

Approximate cost: $200. This may be waived depending on how you negotiate.

Home Inspection

Prior to buying a home, you should have a home inspection performed to identify any significant structural, electrical or plumbing problems with the home. Some lending institutions require that you have a home inspection completed before approving financing. Approximate cost: $200 - $450 tax.

Status Certificate

Prior to buying a condo, you should request a Status Certificate. This document provides detail on the Condo Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, as well as Finances. Any In-suite restrictions or common element restrictions are also detailed in the Status Certificate. Most importantly, it includes information on the condo's Reserve Fund, which is the amount the condo corporation has set aside to cover unexpected expenses. The Status Certificate is usually paid for by the seller. Approximate cost: $100.

Be prepared for all of the above fees ahead of time and know your budget in advance to avoid headaches, or worse, a deal falling through.

~Donna Kaye~

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/