The common factor in parenting styles is the gradual decrease in behavioral control between the ages of 11 and 19

A study comparing Canadian parenting styles with those of families in France and Italy has found Canadian teens perceive they have the most freedom.

The research, which was done at the University of Montreal, the Université de Rennes in France and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy, examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioral control on adolescents. The results describe on how teens perceived their own parents, based on a series of questions. Of the three countries compared, Italian teens said their parents were most strict.

“Italian parents are seen as more demanding in rules and regulations,” said Michel Claes, a University of Montreal psychology professor and co-author of the study. “They take more punitive actions when rules are broken and are less tolerant of peer socialization.”

French parents were found to be more moderate, with fathers perceived by teens as more emotionally distant, rigid and prone to intergenerational conflict. French mothers, by contrast, were reported to have close bonds with their children as they grew into adolescence.

“Our study found Canadian parents to be the most tolerant,” Claes reports. “They had less rules and less disciplinary actions.

Canadian mothers and fathers were seen as less punitive, less coercive and more tolerant than French and Italian mothers.”

Canadian parents were also found to promote more independence and negotiation with their children, while the Italian and French parents were more concerned with ensuring their children fulfilled obligations and respected the authority of their parents.

Canada, France and Italy were chosen for the study because each has a Latin-derived language, Catholic history and advanced industrialization.

The common factor in parenting styles is the gradual decrease in behavioural control between the ages of 11 and 19.

“Our study found parental control is dictated by social codes and culture-specific values, which promote certain parental practices and proscribe others,” notes Claes.

The study looked at 522 adolescents from Montreal, 336 from France and 398 from Italy.

The teens were asked to describe their parents in terms of emotional bonding, communication, frequency of conflict, rules, discipline and tolerance of friend-related activities.

The research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council and published in the Journal of Adolescence.Tweet

Canadian vehicle sales show 2nd monthly gain in a row

Canadians appear to be a vehicle-buying mood, according to July figures in the latest Global Auto Report from Scotia Economics. It says Canadian sales advanced to an annualized 1.65 million units last month, lifting volumes at several automakers to the highest July on record.

It was the second monthly rebound in a row after a weak performance in May.

Scotia Economics says the recent improvement in sales has led it to raise its full-year 2010 Canadian sales forecast to 1.565 million units from 1.525 million.

The bank also says Canadians are shifting away from small cars, with segment volumes declining two per cent year-over-year through July.

Small cars traditionally dominate the Canadian market, but their share of the market has slumped to less than 29 per cent so far this year — the lowest level in more than a decade — and down from a peak of 35 per cent in 2008.

Globally, says Scotia Economics, car sales fell in July compared to a year ago in a significant slowdown from a 16 per cent surge in the first half of 2010.

Senior economist Carlos Gomes says a “double-digit slump in Western Europe, due to the expiry of scrappage incentives, accounted for the fall-off.”

“However, outside of Europe, purchases have also started to moderate, with volumes advancing year-over-year by only nine per cent last month — the smallest gain since last summer.Tweet

Newcomers are welcome in Sensational Smiths Falls…

Newcomers are welcome in Sensational Smiths Falls…Life in Smiths Falls is about great housing, scenic beauty, unique offerings and a myriad of recreational choices.

With a bustling downtown and charming neighbourhoods, Smiths Falls is a safe and ideal place to live, learn, work and raise a family. Smiths Falls has more than 8800 residents in the town and is home to many quality schools and healthcare facilities.

At the heart of the Historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Destination our community receives national attention as one of the most scenic places to visit.

Endless opportunities for recreation are available in Smiths Falls, including 12 parks with trails, golf, bike paths, athletic fields and arena facilities.

Sensational Smiths Falls truly does have something to offer everyone, no matter what their interest. Newcomers will experience a community full of advantages. We look forward to helping you get settled in to your new home.

Immigrate to Smiths Falls – About the area

The beautiful Town of Smiths Falls is located in Eastern Ontario, about 80 km or 1 hour southwest of the city of Ottawa – Canada’s capital! Also located at the midpoint of the Rideau Canal, we are commonly called the Heart of the Rideau Canal. We have a population of approximately 9,000 people, and are truly a Canadian community, complete with four seasons. Our proximity to Ottawa offers residents the opportunity to commute to work but live in a smaller community with a lower cost of living.

Dominantly an English speaking community, we welcome other cultures to our area. We hope that you are able to find the information you are looking for on this website, and choose to make Smiths Falls your new home! To us, you are new friends. Welcome to Sensational Smiths Falls!

For more information contact Kim Leach, Community Marketing Coordinator at 613-283- 4124, Extension #1127 or e-mail at kleach@smithsfalls.ca or please visit www.smithsfalls.ca

To find out more about immigrating to Smiths Falls visit the immigration website which can be found hereTweet

BMW calls it “combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.”

The term Gran Turismo has a rich and storied history, but also remains one of the most abused in recent memory. What started as rapid and luxurious two-door cross-continental transportation ended up as nothing more than a trim level on unforgettable econocars. So when BMW talks about reviving the GT badge on a vehicle with suitable charisma and performance, you can imagine the shock when photos released were of a four-door vehicle that shared its profile with the X6 SUV.

BMW calls it “combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.”

So really, the new 5 Series GT is another BMW ‘reinterpretation’ that confuses more than clarifies.

A drive doesn’t glean many answers. Those looking for a preview of the new-generation 5 Series sedan will be disappointed as the GT shares most of its hardware with the larger 7 Series. The 550i GT that we drove shares the same 407-hp 4.8-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 found in the 750i, and sends power to the rear wheels through a standard eight- speed automatic transmission that debuted in the V12-powered 760i. The wheelbase equals the 750i, meaning more legroom than you could expect in a 5 Series-based vehicle. The elevated seat height is halfway between the sedan and an X5 – or about equal to the lofty perch afforded a Rolls-Royce Phantom driver.

That translates into a large, wide and heavy vehicle that’s difficult to define.

The twin-opening tailgate design that combines both a traditional trunk and a wide-opening hatchback defies description. The trunk design provides added security by preventing access to the cabin through reinforced cargo covers and dividers, while the hatchback gives full access to 590L of cargo space. Folding the rear seats down expands that to a gargantuan 1,700L of room, enough to haul an apartment’s worth of IKEA furniture.

Most of the cabin features are taken directly from the 7 Series, including the Black Panel gauges, HVAC and audio controls, updated iDrive unit and centre console. That equates to luxurious materials and exquisite finishing. Our tester’s two-tone leather interior was brightened immensely by the optional twin-panel panorama moonroof. The GT can be ordered with an optional Comfort package that removes the three manually adjusting rear seats and inserts two powered, heated and cooled thrones with a large fixed armrest between.

Regardless of how many…..READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE OF MUCHMOR CANADA MAGAZINETweet

Most Canadians are concerned about the future of it's health care system

Most Canadians are concerned about the future of health care in this country, finds a new report card from the Canadian Medical Association. The survey found 80 per cent of Canadians worry that the quality of health care will decline in the next two to three years. They also fear the strain of aging baby boomers will be too much for the system to handle.

Another three-quarters of people are worried they won’t be offered the same level of health coverage that they once did as baby boomers start to retire.

Dr. Anne Doig, the outgoing president of the CMA, calls the survey results “a refreshing acknowledgement of reality.”

“Canadians are aware that there are issues and concerns that they must address,” Doig said.

She says Canadians are right to be concerned about the future of their health care, because if the status quo remains, the imminent “silver tsunami” of aging baby boomers could badly strain the health system.

“It’s true if we do nothing, then there will be a major crisis coming at us,” Doig said, adding: “We have the opportunity to plan for that crisis and to do something to prevent it from becoming a crisis.”

Doig noted that baby boomers are now in their 60s and will soon face the diseases of aging.

“We have to recognize that there is a population bulge – and it’s my age group – that is going to live at least another 25 or 30 years. They’re very healthy people now. But as we get older, we get frailer and we get sicker, and those needs will need to be met,” she said.

“The generation behind us is a smaller group of people, so that means strain on the workforce and a strain on the economy.”

The survey found that along with concerns over the quality of health care, Canadians are also concerned about how the country will pay for increasingly expensive health-care services.

The survey found 76 per cent of Canadians are worried they will have to pay more taxes so the health system can provide services to the baby boom generation.

About 73 per cent fear they won’t have enough money to maintain their own health as they age — topping concerns over being able to afford retirement (68 per cent) and losing a job (38 per cent).

The bulk of Canadians polled believe governments need to step up to bring about change. Some 85 per cent agreed that challenges brought on by the aging population signal that the time has come for federal, provincial and territorial governments to negotiate a new health-care funding agreement.

While those surveyed are clearly concerned over health care’s future, the report found little change in public views concerning access and government handling of the health system.

In this year’s report card, 75 per cent of Canadians gave an A or B grade for quality of health-care services available, versus 74 per cent in 2009.

A full 41 per cent assigned the federal government either an “A” or “B” grade on its performance, compared to 40 per cent in 2009. The same percentage of Canadians gave their provincial governments either an A or B grade, compared to 42 per cent last year.

The CMA cautions that the “similarly middling grades” for both Ottawa and the provinces translates into uncertainty among Canadians concerning whether health-care services will improve or worsen in their communities over the next two or three years.

The report found 35 per cent of respondents believed services would get better, while 51 per cent said they would get worse.Tweet

20 tips to make your garage sale a big success

If you have never had a Garage Sale before, or maybe you had one, but it wasn’t very successful…well, we have a few tips that we think will help your upcoming Garage Sale be a big success!!

• The best time to have a garage sale is either Saturday or Sunday. The sale should start early (e.g. 8am) and run at least till noon. The majority of people who are serious about buying anything will be up and ready to go early. In fact, don’t be surprised to find people at your house before the posted time!

• Advertise your sale in the classifieds of your local newspaper. Mention the time, place, and date (include a rain date if you have one). If you will be selling anything unusual or items you think would especially attract people, mention them in the ad.

• Put up a bunch of signs in your neighbourhood a few days before your sale. Make sure the signs are large, legible, and, if possible, waterproof. On the day of the sale, put a large sign and a bunch of balloons at the intersection closest to your house. Remember to take down all signs when your sale is over.

• Ask friends, relatives, and neighbours if they’d like to join in or if they have anything they’d like you to sell for them. Not only does having more sellers mean less work, but offering more stuff will attract more customers.

• When gathering up items to sell, be sure to clean them up. Wipe dust and grime off of dishes and knick-knacks, wash and iron clothing and give furniture a coat of polish. Not only do clean items sell faster, but they will also sell for a higher price.

• Put prices on each item in advance (don’t wait to do it the morning of the sale as many buyers come early and you want to be prepared for them). Either write prices on labels for each individual item, or use a colour-code system (e.g. all items marked with a red dot are $1). If you decide to do the later method, be sure to have several clear signs that state each colour and the corresponding price.

• Remember that people who go to garage sales are looking for deals. So don’t overprice your items. Plus be prepared for people trying to haggle the price (you can either give it to them at their offered price, haggle back or tell them that the price is firm). As it gets later in the day, you should be more and more willing to lower your price.

• Make sure you have enough tables to neatly display all your items (if necessary, make temporary tables out of sawhorses and pieces of plywood). This will allow your customers to check out everything easily without the pain of having to dig through boxes.

• Set up a small table for your cash box, a printing calculator and some used plastic shopping bags that customers can have to put their smaller purchases in. It’s also a good idea to put any expensive items like jewelry on this table so you can keep an eye on them.

• Make sure to have ample change and small bills in your cash box at the start of your sale (you don’t want to have to turn away customers because you can’t break a $20 bill). Mark down the amount of money you begin with so you can figure out your profit at the end of the day.

• Always have at least one person helping you. This person can make sure customers don’t steal anything as well as watch the cash box if you’re off helping a customer.

• Taking the time to organize your items into categories will make your sale more visually appealing and will result in higher sales. For instance, put all of the books together, group all the glassware in a section, and line all the shoes up along the edge of the driveway.

• Put any large or attractive items (e.g. couches, TVs, playpens) in plain view of the street as this will help to attract people driving by.

• Display clothing neatly on a rack or hang them on a broom handle suspended between two ladders. Use a professional tagger (available in most craft stores) to label each item with the size and price. Put the tags in the same spot (e.g. hem of the right sleeve) so people can easily see them without pulling everything off of the racks.

• Instead of selling all kinds of small items for 10 or 25 cents each, package any similar items together and give the package a single price (e.g. bag of assorted hair accessories for $2).

• Have an outlet available so customers can test out any electrical items to ensure they work. Have batteries on hand for the battery-operated items.

• A great way to make extra money is to also sell bottled water, pop and/or snack items like donuts. Many shoppers will be in the mood for refreshments (especially if it’s a hot day) and hungry from all their treasure hunting. Put items in a cooler by the cash table with a visible sign letting customers know what’s available.

• It’s common for there to be lulls in between groups of customers. During these quiet periods, take the opportunity to tidy up. Spread out remaining items to give the appearance you still have many things left.

• Always remember the #1 law when it comes to garage sales – one person’s junk is always another’s treasure!

• Finally – have fun and enjoy yourself……!

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Victoria Keith, a budget-minded Mom in Brantford, Ont., has already dropped over $200 on back-to-school shopping -- and that's only for one of her two school-aged children.

Victoria Keith, a budget-minded Mom in Brantford, Ont., has already dropped over $200 on back-to-school shopping — and that’s only for one of her two school-aged children.

And while her kids would love to show off an entirely new back-to-school wardrobe, Keith feels the current economic uncertainty means it is no time to splurge.

Instead, Keith, who is also the mother of two pre-schoolers, is teaching her kids a valuable lesson in frugality.

She reasoned with her 11-year-old foster daughter: “Okay, you don’t need a new lunch bag, we bought a new backpack because your backpack was damaged and it has a hole in it, but your lunch bag was new last year.”

“Yes, it would be nice to have a new lunch bag that matches your backpack, but there’s nothing wrong with it.”‘

Back-to-school comes this year just as signs point to a slowing economy and reduced consumer spending.

Retailers have slashed prices on everything from lined paper and markers for elementary students to small appliances for university dorm rooms as they try to lure consumers into their shops.

But many Canadians are delaying their back-to-school purchases in hopes that stores will slash prices further, said Daniel Baer, a retail and wholesale industry expert at Ernst and Young.

He estimates that back-to-school sales this year will increase four or five per cent from last year, but points out 2009 sales were very weak compared with prior years.

Consumer sentiment has turned negative in recent months amidst a spate of dismal economic news, including headlines pondering whether the economy is headed for a double dip recession and still high unemployment rates, both of which have sharpened consumer resistance to spend, he said.

“Putting all that together and given what consumers have lived through in the last 18 months, they continue to be cautious,” he said.

“And a cautious consumer obviously thinks hard before they do make a purchase.”

Keith puts it this way: “Everybody’s trying to watch what they’re spending, but at the same time, if the kid needs it, he needs it. It’s a catch 22.”

She has already spent over $100 on clothing for her daughter — all purchased on clearance — and another $70 on school supplies. And like many recession-battered shoppers, she’s planning on waiting to shop for her five-year-old son’s needs until after the first bell rings in September.

An Ipsos-Reid survey released this week found that in some regions of the country shoppers aren’t any more enthusiastic than last year.

In B.C., consumers are expected to spend about the same as they did during the back-to-school season last year, which would be considered a disappointment since the recession was still looming at that time.

Slumping retail spending is also reflected in two major economic reports from Statistics Canada released this week.

The Consumer Price Index released Friday found that prices for clothing and footwear are one of only two categories to show declines in the past year.

And the agency’s leading economic indicator index — a monthly gauge of where the economy appears headed in the coming months — suggests retail will continue to be a drag on the economy.

The index slowed to a 0.4 per cent increase in July, after a gain of 0.7 per cent in June, driven down by a decline in the household goods sector. The contribution of consumer spending to GDP is expected to back off recent highs of three per cent to around 1.5 per cent as households focus on debt repayment.

However, retail analyst Robert Cavallo says that while retailers will be challenged they likely won’t fare as badly as recent economic data suggests.

A delayed back-to-school period this year — Labour Day isn’t until Sept. 6 — could make August sales figures seem weak, with strengthening seen in the last week of the month and first week of September as consumers wait for greater markdowns.

But consumers may be waiting for dramatic sales and clearances in vain, he adds.

“We saw this phenomenon with Black Friday in the U.S. where you saw a weak buildup until the actual weekend because consumers were expecting dramatic price cuts … and we didn’t get that,” he said.

“You’re going to see a strong promotional environment but I don’t think you’re going to see drastic markdowns to drive sales because I still don’t think in this environment it’s worth it.”Tweet

British Columbians claim they are the most dog-friendly province

Eight in ten (82%) British Columbians self-proclaim that they are the most dog-friendly province, according to a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Canada.com. While at least half of those living in every region of the country thought their own province was the most dog-friendly, British Columbians were the most likely to think so – and by a wide margin.

By comparison, seven in ten (68%) Atlantic Canadians think their respective province is the most dog-friendly, while fewer Quebecers (60%), Albertans (56%), residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (50%) and Ontarians (50%) think that their province is the most dog-friendly. And who are the most recognizing of another fido-friendly province? Fully two in ten (20%) Albertans think that British Columbia is the most dog-friendly region of the country.

Overall, one in three Canadians believe that Ontario (33%) is the least dog-friendly region of the country, followed by two in ten (18%) who believe that Quebec is the least dog-friendly. Fewer Canadians believe that Atlantic Canada (10%), Nunavut (10%), Britsh Columbia (9%), Alberta (7%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (6%) the Yukon (4%) or the Northwest Territories (3%) are the least dog-friendly regions.

But who is most likely to admit that there area of the country is least dog friendly? One quarter (23%) of Ontarians admit that they believe their province is the least dog-friendly province, while fewer Atlantic Canadians (13%), Quebecers (12%), residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (11%), Albertans (7%), and British Columbians (5%) believe that their region of the country is the least dog-friendly.Tweet

When one thinks of wine regions, Ontario is not necessarily the first place we think of.

When one thinks of wine regions, Ontario is not necessarily the first place we think of. Normally we look to places such as Italy and France, but we have great wine growing regions across Canada, and Ontario has become one of the fastest growing regions in the Country.

There are five main wine growing areas in Ontario: Pelee Island and the north shore of Lake Erie, the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Prince Edward County and the Greater Toronto Area. We will give an overview of each, but concentrate on one of the newest and fastest growing regions: Prince Edward County.

The world’s best wine growing regions lie in what is known as the wine belt, between 41° – 44° North. This belt include areas such as Southern France, Central Italy and Northern California, some of the best known wine regions. Well it might surprise you to know than many areas in southern Ontario also share this same latitude making for ideal grape growing conditions.

Pelee Island and the north shore of Lake Erie

Because of its southern position Pelee Island boasts the longest growing season in Ontario. Indeed Pelee is the southern most point in the whole of Canada. The added addition of the lake breezes make for ideal conditions for producing full-bodied wines.

Not only is Pelee a great wine region it is also famous for its beautiful countryside and annual bird and monarch butterfly migrations.

Pelee Island was the home of the first estate winery in Canada. Vin Villa was established back in 1866 and wine making in the area has gone from strength to strength ever since. Today the island has over 500 acres of vines.

The north shore of Lake Erie also benefits from the lake breezes and summer heat and so it too has a long growing season.

It was the earliest and most vibrant commercial wine area in Canada until the end of the 19th century.

Niagara Escarpment

This area is probably most famous as the home of Niagara Falls, but it has so much more to offer, including wine. Because of its location and the surrounding topographical features it has a climate similar to that of Bordeaux, France and Rioja, Spain.

The soil in the area is enriched with minerals resulting in complex wines. The area is also blessed with lots of sun and adequate rainfall making for ideal grape growing conditions.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is world-renowned for its wine. It is also famous for being called the loveliest town in Ontario, winning many awards and accolades. But many of its visitors are here for the wine.

The Niagara River provides ideal conditions for wine and many of the wineries can be found along its banks. Most are planted on east facing slopes where the free-draining soils promote deeper penetration for the vines. The river also aids to moderate the climate during the summer months.

Greater Toronto Area

When thinking of wine regions you may not even consider Toronto, however, there are several good wineries in the area, particularly in York region.

This is a great area to visit if you want to combine the shopping in Toronto with the wine and food delights the area has to offer.

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Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is located south of Belleville in Quinte Country. Known locally as simply “The County” the area is the newest of all the Ontario wine regions.

Prior to 2001 there were no wineries in the area, however since the first opened its doors that year, more than a dozen have followed suit. This has made it the fastest growing wine region in the whole of Canada.

The growth of Prince Edward County’s wine and viticulture industry is nothing short of spectacular and Prince Edward County has officially been designated as Ontario’s 4th Designated Viticultural Area (DVA). The area has seen over $30,000,000 invested in the wine making industry.

So what makes this area so special? Limestone soil is found in abundance and this provides ideal growing conditions for vitis vinfera vines. These vines are responsible for wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. In fact many believe that Prince Edward County produces the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Canada. This is a great accolade considering the areas wine making is really still in its infancy.

Within the next ten years it is expected The County’s vineyards will be a $80+ million-a-year industry. This in turn will grow and support the thriving tourism industry already prevalent in the area. As the wineries expand and increase in numbers so will other businesses such as Bed & Breakfast establishments, shops and complimentary food trades.

For many years the area has received thousands of visitors from all over the world. They love to visit the beautiful beaches, such as the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park or take in the culture of the area including the huge artisan community. Prince Edward County has some beautiful scenery and fabulous views across Lake Ontario, so why not incorporate a visit to a local winery?

Most of the local wineries offer tours and tasting opportunities throughout the summer months. There are also many winery tours available that incorporate a visit to several establishments, providing transportation for those who want to leave their vehicle at home and participate in the wine tasting and culinary delights on offer.

Many of the local wineries are included on the “Taste Trail.” This is a self-guided tour promoting the culinary delights of Prince Edward County. With over 31 locations on the Trail you can follow the signs and wander from place to place taking in the delights on offer at your own pace.

The Taste trail includes restaurants, breweries, wineries, vineyards, hotels, cafe’s and spas, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Wines of The County

The type of wine produced obviously relies on the type of grape grown. Although there are over 800 different grapes, only around 20 are grown in any great numbers for wine production around the world. In Prince Edward County most of the varieties used are vinifera, although some hybrids are also grown.

Pinot Noir: This wine is produced from the vinifera grape and is very sensitive to climate and soil conditions. This means that it can be very demanding to grow, needing special handling and care. The County does offer excellent growing conditions for this particular variety and so Pinot Noir is becoming one of the top wines associated with the region.

Chardonnay: Even if you are not a wine drinker you will have heard of Chardonnay. It is probably one of the best known and easily recognizable wines in the world.

One wine expert, Jancis Robinson described Chardonnay as the vanilla ice cream of wine varieties.

Pinot Blanc: This variety of wine has been grown here for several seasons. It is similar to Chardonnay with regard to its hardiness, but is more subdued in taste.

The rapid growth of The County’s wine region is also due in part to the promotion of the area to potential wineries. Local economic development actively encourages vineyard and winery development and investment. Lots of information is available for download from The County’s website for people and companies who may be looking to invest in the areas growth.

Pinot Gris: This wine is another alternative to Chardonnay and can be a bronze or pink-hued wine. It is a full-bodied wine, but the grape is less winter hardy than Pinot Noir, making it harder to grow.

Meunier: This is a still red wine, but can be used in sparkling wine. It is a good winter-hardy variety which suits The County’s growing conditions. This variety is very popular in the Champaign region of France and is the most grown variety there.

St. Laurent: Wines of this variety have a silky texture similar to Pinot Noir and is grown well in places like Austria and Slovakia. Although still relatively new to Prince Edward County, it’s potential in this area is very good.

Icewine: Ontario has become the leading producer of Icewine in the world. It is thought that this type of wine was discovered by accident in Germany in the late 1700’s when the crop was frozen before it could be harvested. The winegrower decided to harvest none-the-less and produced a sweet tasting wine that became very popular as a dessert wine.

As its name suggests Icewine is produced from grapes that have been left on the vine after the fall harvest. The frozen grapes are hand picked once temperatures fall to -8°C or below. They are pressed immediately to release a thick, rich, yellow-gold liquid, highly concentrated in natural sugars and acidity. The making of Icewine is very labour intensive and yields are small which make it an expensive wine option.

Icewine is particularly suited to Ontario as it requires hot summers and cold, sharp winters. No other location, including Germany produces more Icewine on an annual basis than Ontario.

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Useful Links Wines of Ontario

www.winesofontario.org

The Ontario Wine Society

www.ontariowinesociety.com

The Grange of Prince Edward County

www.grangeofprinceedward.com

Prince Edward County Tourism

www.prince-edward-county.com

Prince Edward County

www.pecounty.on.ca

The Taste Trail

www.tastetrail.caTweet

Montreal makes list of world's happiest places

Canada has an entry on the list of the 10 happiest places on the planet no small feat considering the rundown included Happy, Texas, the self-proclaimed “town without a frown.”

The popular Lonely Planet travel guide picked Montreal for its list of cheerful locales, noting that Canada’s second-largest city hosts one of the world’s biggest comedy events every July.

Lonely Planet’s U.S. travel editor, Robert Reid, says the list was drawn by surveying a panel of the guide’s editors and authors.

“Happy is a relative term and the truth is you can find happiness anywhere you go,” he said in a phone interview from New York. “You have to pick some places that have certain things about it that kind of pop out.”

Happy, Texas, for instance, made the cut because its name is “irresistible,” he said with a laugh.

“What works for a place like Montreal is that a lot of travellers, they go there and it feels like a city that loves itself in all the right ways. Food is fantastic, it parties like crazy. I live in New York City and, believe me, this part of the (U.S.) knows where to party: you go north of the border to Montreal.”

First mention on the list went to the South Pacific island paradise of Vanuatu — which has the advantage of being considerably warmer than the next city listed, Montreal.

Lonely Planet says Montreal has a variety of other attributes, especially in the summer when it hosts the Just For Laughs Festival, which wrapped up its latest edition on Sunday.

“Clean, welcoming and refreshingly multicultural, Montreal is happy enough year-round,” the travel guide says.

“Come July, though, it’s downright hilarious. Just For Laughs takes over the city in summer, packing venues with the best in both Anglo- and Francophone comedy.”

Montreal has placed high on Lonely Planet lists before — last year it followed Belgrade, Serbia, on the top 10 list of party towns.

While Lonely Planet loves Montreal, the city appeared nowhere on a similar recent list by Forbes magazine. Forbes preferred famed destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid and Amsterdam.

Lonely Planet’s list highlighted some lesser-known spots. Montreal is the only Canadian location selected, along with places in China, Japan, Colombia and Africa.

Happy, Texas, is described as the “town without a frown.” Although it’s “a disappointing collection of silos and gridded streets,” tourists can find “the best of Texas” outside the city limits with stunning landscapes, sunsets and wildlife.

Of the other spots, Bhutan is described as a “jovial,” “Himalayan Shangri-La.”

Despite Colombia’s history and reputation for violence, the guide says it’s getting safer, calling a visit to the Caribbean coast, coffee plantations and carnival parties “infectious and uplifting.”

Wuyi Shan, China, is “a realm of secret valleys splashed with waterfalls and pocked with mysterious caves.”

Malawi is described as “the warm heart of Africa,” where visitors are greeted generously.

“If it’s grins you’re after — big, unabashed ones — head to Malawi, dubbed the ‘warm heart of Africa’. The country’s people are renowned for the effusive welcome they give travellers, despite living in one of the poorest nations,” says the guide.

“From the woodcarving markets of capital Lilongwe to the sandy shores of Lake Malawi and the elephant-grazed bush of Liwonde National Park, you’ll be accosted with smiles at every turn.”

Still, it’s tough to beat Vanuatu.

“Many a human’s idea of blissful living involves swinging in a palm-strung hammock while the ocean swooshes gently onto a white-sand beach nearby,” Lonely Planet says.

“The water’s ridiculously blue and teeming with life; the interior’s lush and volcanically rumbling, great for exploring amid the breadfruit trees.

“But it’s the sense of community that makes this a truly happy place.”

Reid acknowledges it was tough to pick places and that the list — which was whittled down from 100 suggestions — could easily have gone to 1,000.

“I’d be curious (about) what some of the other Canadian cities think with Montreal being at the top. Maybe Vancouver’s furious. They had the Olympics this year.

“You could easily make a case. Vancouver’s a good candidate, to be honest.” He said he’s had good times in Hamilton, Ont., as well.

And Toronto? Reid says he’s actually headed there for a few days on business at the end of the month.

“I like Toronto. Big fan. But I have two free days at the end of it and I’m going to Montreal.”

This cheerful list comes after several months where Montrealers found it difficult to crack a smile about their city.

Last spring saw the downtown vandalized in hockey-related hooliganism, and there are fears of a blood-spattered power struggle among the city’s organized crime families.

Last fall, Maclean’s magazine ran a cover story about the city’s mayoral election with the headline, “Montreal is a corrupt, crumbling, mob-ridden disgrace.”

While the happiness list was originally published in May, it was picked up Tuesday by the popular U.S. website the Huffington Post, where it quickly generated some discussion.

The page featuring Montreal includes a photo of two young men — their faces painted red, white and blue — wearing Montreal Canadiens jerseys.

There was some debate on a number of the choices, and on those excluded, from the list.

As for Montreal, one person on the Lonely Planet website wrote: “Really glad to see a Canadian city included since I am originally from there.”

Someone on the Huffington Post prompted a debate by writing: “Montreal? Ugh. That place is in a linguistic civil war.”

To which someone replied: “Not a problem if you try hard enough to speak French. It comes handy. Vive (la) joie de vivre!”

And someone else offered a more philosophical measure of bliss.

“Happiness is anywhere you happen to be — with good health, good company, and a fat wallet in your pocket.”Tweet

Newcomers to Canada have a higher risk of drowning in boating and swimming mishaps than those born in the country, a study has found.

Newcomers to Canada have a higher risk of drowning in boating and swimming mishaps than those born in the country, a study has found.

The study, commissioned by the Lifesaving Society, focused on newcomers from China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, and found people in Canada for less than five years are at highest risk of drowning. Even though 20 per cent of immigrants said they cannot swim, 79 per cent reported to the study that they planned to spend time around or on the water this summer.

They could be putting themselves at risk by making those plans, considering a third of the respondents who weren’t born in Canada are afraid of water and half worry their kids could drown, said Lifesaving Society spokeswoman Barbara Byers.

Just four per cent of Canadian respondents said they couldn’t swim.

Immigrants may come from landlocked countries or may have received little water safety training, so they could be unaware of how dangerous water can be, she said.

“They want to do what everybody else is doing, and they just don’t realize that you need to have some training and some lessons and some skill to be safe,” Byers said.

Ilesh Engineer, who immigrated from India nine years ago, doesn’t want any parent to suffer the heartache of losing their child like he did last month.

His 14-year-old son Deep and a friend were playing in an east-end Toronto condo pool when he got into trouble after jumping into water nearly two metres deep.

Despite the efforts of a police officer who dove in to save them, both boys later died. Engineer says his son might still be alive today if he had taken swimming lessons.

“Teach them how to swim,” he urged parents, in hopes that they will never face a similar tragedy.

Nearly 500 people drown each year in Canada, according to statistics compiled by the Lifesaving Society, and five people drowned in Ontario last weekend alone.

No organization appears to keep statistics by ethnicity, but several newcomers to Canada have lost their lives on the water in recent years.

Ghulam Badar, a Pakistani immigrant, drowned in Bala, Ont., last year while trying to rescue his nine-year-old niece who was having trouble swimming. She survived.

Vietnamese immigrant Duy Luong Diep drowned when his fishing boat capsized on Rice Lake in Ontario on the Victoria Day weekend in 2006. He and two others could not reach all the lifejackets on board.

The study looked at responses from 1032 Canadians, including 599 newcomers. The results from the immigrant respondents are considered accurate within 3.94 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Monica Gupta, of the India Canada Association says only the wealthy have access to swimming pools in India.

“There are not a lot of facilities, and if there are, they are very expensive. You have to join an expensive club,” she said from Ottawa.

She said once immigrants move to Canada, pools and lessons are widely available and more affordable, so many choose to enrol their kids.

“It’s not just a hobby. It’s about life saving,” she said, but acknowledged that not everyone might get around to signing up for lessons.

The Lifesaving Society offers a basic water safety program called Swim to Survive which teaches kids how to overcome disorientation and get to safety after an unexpected fall into water.Tweet

National No-Calls-List FAQ

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) gives consumers a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. The National DNCL Rules introduce new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers.

If you are a consumer you can choose to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone number on the National DNCL. You can also check your registration, find out how to remove your number from the National DNCL, and file a complaint about telemarketing calls.

Here are the top FAQ’s about the No Call List

If I make a complaint about a telemarketer, will the CRTC follow up with me?

No. The CRTC will investigate the complaint, and may contact you to get more information about your complaint, but it will not contact you to let you know what happened with your complaint.

What happens to a US telemarketer who violates the Canadian National Do Not Call List rules?

Telemarketers from the US, and other countries, making calls to Canadian consumers must still follow the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, including the National DNCL Rules.

If a Canadian organization hires a telemarketing agency outside of Canada, and there’s a complaint against the organization, it will be investigated by the CRTC. If a telemarketer has violated the Rules, the CRTC may impose a penalty of up to $1500 per violation for individuals and up to $15,000 per violation for corporations.

Unfortunately, if neither the telemarketer nor the telemarketing client has a Canadian address, it can be difficult to enforce the Rules. The CRTC is investigating how it could enforce the Rules with such companies.

Remember that whenever you receive a telemarketing call, you can ask the caller to add your phone number to their internal do not call list.

I received a telemarketing call that I think was fraudulent. What do I do?

Even if your telephone number is on the National DNCL, you may still receive fraudulent telemarketing calls. That’s why it’s important to always be on your guard. If you receive a call that you think may be fraudulent, contact your local police or PhoneBusters (1-888-495-8501), a national anti-fraud service jointly operated by the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Competition Bureau.

About the National Do Not Call List (DNCL)

What is the National Do Not Call List?

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) is a list of telephone numbers of consumers who want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls they receive. Organizations that make telemarketing calls are not allowed to call phone numbers registered on the National DNCL.

Do I have to pay to add my phone number to the National DNCL?

No, registration is free.

If I register my telephone number on the National DNCL, will I still receive telemarketing calls?

When you register on the National DNCL, you will receive fewer telemarketing calls, but there are some exceptions including:

• registered charities
• political parties and candidates
• opinion polling firms or market research firms conducting surveys
• newspapers calling to sell a subscription
• organizations that have a business relationship with you, for example:
• you’ve done business with the organization in the last 18 months
• you’ve inquired about the organization’s products or services in the last 6 months

For more information on exemptions, check Who Can Still Call You.

What happens to telemarketers who call phone numbers on the National DNCL?

The CRTC investigates complaints and determines if the telemarketer violated the National DNCL Rules. If a telemarketer has violated the Rules, the CRTC may impose a penalty of up $1,500 per violation for individuals and up to $15,000 per violation for corporations.

I don’t mind receiving certain telemarketing calls. If I have registered my number on the National DNCL, can I still allow specific organizations to call me?

You can give an organization express consent to call you, even if your telephone number is on the National DNCL. You can give your consent verbally, on a paper or electronic form, or online.

Are there other ways I can reduce the number of telemarketing calls I receive?

Whether or not you’re registered on the National DNCL, you can reduce the number of telemarketing calls by adding your number to individual telemarketers’ do not call lists.

All telemarketers, even if they only make exempted calls, must keep their own internal do not call lists. When you receive a call, you can ask to have your number added to their do not call list, or you can contact the organization directly to have your number placed on their list. The organization must keep your number on their do not call list for 3 years.

Keep in mind that calls made by market research or polling firms are not considered telemarketing calls because they aren’t selling, leasing or renting products or services. Similarly, debt collection calls are not considered telemarketing calls. As well, these organizations do not have to keep internal do not call lists.

What rules must telemarketers follow when they call?

The CRTC has rules for telemarketing calls. For example, at the beginning of a call, the telemarketer must tell you why they’re calling and identify on whose behalf the call is being made. Telemarketers may only call you within specific calling hours. There are also rules limiting the use of Automated Dialing-Announcing Devices (ADADs).

The full set of Rules can be found on the Telemarketing information page in the Consumers section of the CRTC website. You can also read a condensed version of the Rules in the National Do Not Call List and Telemarketing Rules.

Who manages the National DNCL?

Bell Canada was contracted by the CRTC to act as the National DNCL Operator. The Rules are enforced by the CRTC.

What about privacy issues?

Please see the Privacy Statement for more information. If you have further questions, please contact the National DNCL Privacy Officer or the CRTC Access and Privacy Officer.

Registering on the National DNCL

What phone numbers can I register on the National DNCL?

You can register any or all of your Canadian telephone numbers on the National DNCL. The number can be associated with a home phone (i.e., wireline) service, cell phone or wireless (i.e., mobile or satellite) service, VoIP service, or a fax machine.

How do I add my phone number to the list?

You can register online or by phone.

Online:

Go to Register My Number and follow the instructions.

The “Registration Results” page confirms that your phone number has been added to the National DNCL.
By phone, you must call from the phone number you want to register:

Call 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625); or
Call 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889) only if you are calling from a TTY device.
You’ll hear a message confirming that your phone number has been added to the National DNCL.

How do I register my fax number?

You can register your fax number on the National Do Not Call List online or by fax.

Online:

Go to Register My Number and follow the instructions. The “Registration Results” page confirms that your phone number has been added to the National DNCL
By fax, you must send the fax from the fax machine you want to register: Send a fax to 1-888-DNCL-Fax (888-362-5329)

Include the number you want to register (the number you’re faxing from) and the instruction: Please Register

You’ll receive a confirmation fax. If you don’t receive a confirmation fax, your number hasn’t been added to the National DNCL. Try registering again.

Your fax number will be added to the list within 1 business day.

When will I notice a reduction in telemarketing calls?

When you register, your phone number is added to the National DNCL within 24 hours. Telemarketers have 31 days to update their own lists, and you may receive calls within those first 31 days.

Is my registration permanent?

When you register a number, it stays on the National DNCL for 5 years. After 5 years, you must re-register.

You won’t be contacted when your registration is about to expire. It’s up to you to maintain your registration. You can also re-register any time, which resets your registration period to 5 years from the date you renew.

If you change you phone number (for example, if you move), be sure to register your new number with the National DNCL.

How can I make sure my number is registered? How do I check the expiry date?

You can verify your registration and the expiry date, online or by phone.

Online:

Go to the National DNCL Web site

By phone:

Call toll-free 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625) or
Call toll-free 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889) only if you are calling from a TTY device

Can I remove my telephone number from the National DNCL?

Yes. You can only remove your number by phone.

You must call from the number you want to remove:

Call toll-free 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625) or
Call toll-free 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889) only if you are calling from a TTY device
Your number will be removed within 24 hours.

Can I register telephone numbers for other people?

You can register telephone numbers belonging to others only if they have given you the authority to register for them.

Can I register my business telephone number?

No. The National DNCL is only for personal telephone numbers.

If I register my telephone number, how will my information be used and who will have access to it?

Your telephone number will be stored on the National DNCL. Telemarketers must access the National DNCL within 31 days of making telemarketing calls and remove registered numbers from their call lists.

Your telephone number will be accessible to the National DNCL Operator and telemarketers. If you make a complaint about a telemarketer, your number may also be used by the CRTC (or a third party authorized by the CRTC) to investigate your complaint.

My phone number and/or area code has changed. What do I do?

There are different ways in which your phone number may have changed. Check to see if one of these situations applies.

I have a new phone number because I moved:

You’ll need to register your new telephone number. If the number was registered by a previous owner, the registration may still be in effect. You can remove your old number from the National DNCL, but you don’t have to.

My area code has changed because a new area code was introduced in my region:

Your registration remains in effect. The system automatically updates your area code without extending your registration expiry date.

When I tried to register by phone, I got a message that my number could not be verified. Why not?

A small percentage of Canadian telephone numbers do not have calling line identification capability which is used by the National DNCL system. In this case, you may:

Call the National DNCL Operator during business hours (8:30 am – 4:30 pm) to speak to a representative or
Register your phone number online using the National DNCL Web site.

Making a complaint

How do I make a complaint about a telemarketing call?

If your number is on the National DNCL, and you still receive telemarketing calls more than 31 days after you registered, you can file a complaint.

You can also make a complaint if you have received a telemarketing call that breaks any of the Telemarketing Rules, such as calls made to you outside of allowable calling hours, or calls made using an Automated Dialing-Announcing Device (ADAD).

The full set of Rules can be found on the Telemarketing information page in the Consumers section of the CRTC website. You can also read a condensed version of the Rules in the National Do Not Call List and Telemarketing Rules.

You can make a complaint online or by phone.

Online:

Go to the National DNCL Web site

By phone:

Call toll-free 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625) or
Call 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889) only if you are calling from a TTY device.
When filing a complaint, you must provide the following information:

• name and/or number of the telemarketer
• date of the telemarketing call
• nature of the complaint

How do I make a complaint about a telemarketing fax?

Keep a copy of the fax. You can file your complaint online or by phone. After completing this process, you will receive a Fax ID number.

Clearly print this Fax ID number on the fax you received, then send this fax (with the FAX ID number printed on it) to 1-888-DNCL-Fax (888-362-5329).

You’ll receive a fax confirmation that your original fax was successfully received.

If you do not receive this confirmation, it means that the National DNCL Operator did not receive your fax. Please try again, making sure that the Fax ID number is clearly printed on the page you are faxing.

What happens to my complaint?

The National DNCL Operator assesses your complaint to determine whether a rule was broken.

The complaint is sent to the CRTC or to a third party (authorized by the CRTC) for investigation. If a telemarketing company has broken the National DNCL Rules or the Telemarketing Rules, the CRTC may impose a penalty of up $1,500 per violation for individuals and up to $15,000 per violation for corporations. For more information, see How the CRTC handles telemarketing complaints.

I want to make a complaint about a telemarketing call, but I didn’t get the telemarketer’s name or telephone number.

In order to investigate your complaint, you must provide either the telemarketer’s name or the telemarketer’s phone number, as well as the date of the call.

You may be able to see the telemarketer’s number and name from your telephone’s call display if you subscribe to that calling feature. You may also be able to hear the number of your last caller by dialing *69 (you can subscribe to this Call Return feature or pay a fee per use). If the telemarketer calls again, you can ask for their number and name.

What else can I do when I have a complaint about a telemarketer?

You can contact the telemarketer directly and have your phone number added to their internal do not call list.

I have a complaint about privacy and the use of my personal information.

If you feel that an organization’s handling of your personal information breaks applicable privacy laws, contact that organization directly. You can also contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or your provincial privacy commissioner if you have questions.

Examples of privacy laws are the federal Privacy Act or the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

I received a call from someone offering to put my telephone number on the National DNCL for a fee. Should I let them?

No. The National DNCL is a free service to all Canadians, and only you can register your phone number. The phone call you received may have been fraudulent. Contact PhoneBusters (1-888-495-8501) to let them know about the call.

How do I withdraw my complaint?

You may withdraw your complaint at any time by contacting the CRTC. The withdrawal of consent for a filed complaint may not result in abandonment of the complaint’s investigation. The CRTC can be contacted at:

Toll-free: 1-877-249-2782
Local number: 819-997-0313
Toll-free TTY device: 1-877-909-2782Tweet

A recent survey revealed that an increasing number of Canadians are in the pursuit of ways they can enrich their lives

A recent American Express survey revealed that an increasing number of Canadians are in the pursuit of ways they can enrich their lives. This group of people, called “potentialists”, are particularly interested in immersive travel experiences, and many—more than 25 per cent, in fact—indicated that they would like to further enrich their lives by taking travel one step further, and actually living in another country.

Here are a few life-enriching reasons to consider taking the leap to either visiting or settling down in another country, whether you’re a recent graduate, someone who is mid-career or a soon-to-be retiree:

• Enjoy the (new) view: While it might be tempting to want to spend your vacation time laying on a resort’s beach, consider taking home something other than memories of a spectacular sunset. Find interesting local places to eat, shop and visit, and maybe even consider combining your time away with a volunteer project. Many Canadian organizations offer volunteer travel experiences—a great way to make the most of vacation time.

• Learn from every experience: Every task in another place can take the form of a learning experience. Whether you’re shopping at a local outdoor market or a mega-supermarket, make the most of your exposure to new food, new traditions, new recipes, new music and new ways of thinking. And the quicker you make new friends, the faster you’ll absorb the nuances of the new culture and maybe even pick up a new language along the way.

• Gain a stronger sense of appreciation for life: Spending time in another country can allow you to gain a sudden appreciation for all the small things, whether it’s better weather, the sea views, your new friends or waking up every day in a whole new world. It also just might strengthen the ties to the friends and family back in your home country.

“We’re seeing people take action on their dreams to make them a reality and truly enrich their lives, and one of the most significant ways to do this is to travel,” said David Barnes, vice president of communications at American Express. “It’s beyond simply escaping the everyday grind of work and the responsibilities of life. It’s experiencing what the world has to offer in a meaningful way.”Tweet

Homeownership increased quickly with the age of the owners in the period before they reached the age of 40

Homeownership increased quickly with the age of the owners in the period before they reached the age of 40. Thereafter, homeownership continued to climb, though at a slower pace until it reached a plateau as owners neared retirement age.

The homeownership rate changed little in the early years of retirement, but started declining when people reached their late 70s. Thus, the majority of seniors continued to receive services associated with homeownership for more than 10 years after the age of 65.

This study, based on data from censuses of population conducted between 1971 and 2006, showed a strong consistency in the age profile of homeownership across generations of Canadians.

It found that the level at which homeownership plateaued has risen steadily across birth cohorts since the 1970s. The peak level of ownership increased from 73% for those born in the 1910s to 78% for those born during the Second World War.

This trend appears to be continuing as the early baby boomer group, those born in the late 1940s and early 1950s, achieved higher ownership rates before age 60 than had earlier generations.

Family income has been closely related to both the level of homeownership and the increase in homeownership since 1971. There was a substantial difference in homeownership across income quintiles throughout the period.

This difference increased over time, as a result of the fact that the homeownership rate declined for the lowest-income group but rose for higher-income groups.

Families with children were the most likely group to own a home in 1971. This trend continued into 2006. However, the difference with other groups in this respect has declined over time.

The likelihood of homeownership increased at a greater rate for couples without children and for non-family individuals over this period. The proportion of these two groups in the overall population also increased over this period. These two groups still were less likely to own a home than were couples with children. However, the increase in the ownership rates of these two groups offset the effect of the shifting composition of the overall population to the two groups with lower ownership rates.

Owned homes provide shelter and associated local amenities for both owners and non-owners in the same household. Young adults in their 20s and 30s, particular young men, tend to benefit the most from the housing services that derive from homes owned by others, in most cases, their parents. The tendency of adult children to remain living with their parents has increased over the last three decades.

Note: This study uses data from eight censuses between 1971 and 2006 to examine the extent to which Canadians of different ages, incomes, and family structures (including couples with and without children) acquire and retain homeownership, particularly after the age of 65.Tweet

Tips and advice on avoiding work burnout

Many workers have been tackling large workloads for months and slowly but surely losing their “get-up-and-go.” If routine assignments have taken on mammoth proportions, you may be suffering from burnout. Long work hours and seemingly relentless deadlines can lead to low morale and reduced productivity — not to mention decreased job satisfaction. Following are additional warning signs that you may be “running on empty”:

• You have trouble getting out of bed when you have to go to work.
• You frequently arrive to work late.
• You feel bad about your performance.
• You feel withdrawn.
• You watch the clock excessively.
• Work stress spills over into other areas of your life.
• You get into frequent disagreements with your manager or co-workers when you didn’t in the past.
• You feel you aren’t making progress, despite your best efforts.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to make some changes. Here are some strategies to help you renew your enthusiasm and get your career back on track:

1. Evaluate your role
If your company has experienced layoffs or has a hiring freeze in place, you might be shouldering more responsibility than in the past. Although taking on new assignments can be a good career move, doing so can lead to burnout if the scope of your responsibility has expanded beyond what you can reasonably manage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t try to “tough it out.” Instead, meet with your supervisor and be honest about your situation. Work with him or her to reprioritize projects or look for ways to delegate some of your work.

2. Look at your schedule
The way you manage your time also can affect your ability to rebound from job exhaustion. If you are overbooked or expending too much energy on non-critical initiatives, you may be creating additional pressure at work. Try keeping a simple record of your activities for a week and divide the findings into categories such as “researching,” “reviewing proposals” and “responding to e-mails.” Are you devoting adequate time to the highest priorities?

3. Identify your stressors
Understanding the factors that contributed to your decline in motivation can help you move in a more positive direction. Think about what has contributed to your burnout: Is it the feeling that projects are out of your control? Have your own actions exacerbated the problem? For example, you may have set an overly ambitious timeline for completing an assignment, creating unnecessary stress and obstacles to its success. Even small changes to your routine, such as seeking assistance from your manager when you have too many projects on your plate, can help brighten your outlook.

4. Ask for help
A common symptom of burnout is a feeling of isolation. You may think you’re the only one who can review a particular document because you understand the project best, but someone else might bring in a fresh perspective — not to mention relieve some of the burden. It’s OK to let others know that you’re facing difficulties and request their assistance. Keep in mind that you won’t be perceived as a complainer if you objectively outline the specific issues you’re trying to address and ask for guidance.

5. Take a break
Make sure to allow time to periodically recharge. Even if you’re working long hours, you can counteract stress and maximize your performance on the job by taking five- or 10-minute breaks throughout the day. Stand up and stretch or go for a short walk. Instead of eating lunch at your desk, try the break room or outside courtyard. When you’re able, try to use your vacation days, as well. Getting away from the office, even for a day or two, can give you a fresh perspective on your situation and allow you to return with new focus and energy.

A certain amount of stress is inherent in any job, but when the pressure gets out of hand, it’s important to act quickly. Burnout can negatively affect not only your overall job performance but also your personal life. By taking measures to reduce the amount of stress you’re facing, you can regain your motivation.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/roberthalf.Tweet