We thank the many local and non local writers who contribute every month to the Almohajer Aljadeed sections of business, trade, culture, art and science. Your articles enrich our publications and continue to benefit our readers. Your contributions have a new venue online, and will continue to be published on our monthly newspaper. New contributions are welcomed always.
Articles
Most common buying and selling mistakes.
By Adelle Youssef Adele Youssef, ASA Real estate sales representative Manor Windsor Realty Ltd. Brokerage 519-250-8800 / 519-566-6514 www.sellwithadele.com adele@sellwithadele.com |
Vision Problems Masked as Learning Disabilities
By Dr. M. Moussa |
Omega 3/6/9's, Fish Oil and Your Mouth
By Dr. Iskandar To understand why these essential oils could possibly be good for our oral health we need to understand a little bit about what omega 3's are. An omega three and fish oils are forms dietary fats. There are three main types of fats in our diet, they are saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. saturated fats are fats that come from animals or dairy and are contributors to heart disease, these are considered the "bad" fats. Monounsaturated fats are fats that come from plants and olive oil these are good forms of fats like omega 9. polyunsaturated fats are fats that come from plants oils dairy and some animals depending on the animals diet, these fats are omega 3 and 6's and are all good for you. monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are often referred to as fatty acids. these fatty acids are key in developing parts of the cell that send messages to other cells telling them to help with anti inflammatory responses. Many adults suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums, bleeding and redness. when this is not taken care of it can progress in to periodontal disease. periodontal disease is when the gums become unattached, bone loss occurs which allows teeth to move freely in the mouth and possibly come out. so how are these essential fatty acids a benefits to our mouth? when taken regularly these fatty acids help reduce the inflammation of the gums and help keep the gums attached. this in turn helps reduce the amount of bone loss so patients can have there teeth for longer. To see the benefits of these essential fatty acids patients should consume two tablespoons of flax seeds, walnuts, soybean oil or canola oil and at least two servings of a fatty fish a week. |
International Women’s Day Gala – March 8th, 2015
Windsor, ON – Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) will be celebrating our annual International Women’s Day Gala on Sunday March 8th, 2015 at St. Clair Centre for the Arts. For more than 26 years, WEST has been providing training to visible minority and immigrant women who are trying to champion their situational barriers and reach their employment goals. Each year WEST provides training and support to approximately 2,000 women and their families within the Windsor & Essex County area. On Sunday March 8th, 2015 WEST’s IWD Gala will be an opportunity to commemorate our participants, businesses and community partners within the Windsor & Essex County area, who demonstrate a commitment to embracing diversity in our community. This year theme is “Working Towards Women’s Equality Today and in the Future.” The event will highlight the accomplishments achieved by women in the past, present, and future; advancing women further towards equality. During the event, WEST will recognize Journey Towards Success Recipients. The Recipients are WEST clients, who have gone on a challenging journey and been successful in achieving their goals, as well as Community Partners that have demonstrated a belief in the WEST mission and continue to actively support women on their journeys toward success. WEST is pleased to announce Saadia Muzaffar as the Keynote Speaker for our IWD Gala 2015. Saadia is the founder of TechGirls Canada (TGC), a national organization focused on building community and amplifying ideas around women’s leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. TGC provides leadership and community to hundreds of non-profit and industry groups working to engage more girls to pursue a career in Technology. The organization is continuously working to break down silos; advocate for resources, funding, private and public sector partnerships opportunities along with catalyze joint programs. In addition Saadia is the Senior Director of Marketing for AudienceView. AudienceView has been providing business solutions to the entertainment industry for more than 10 years. “It is a complete e-commerce solution that enables organizations to offer a true shopping experience.” For more information about Saadia Muzaffar visit: TechGirls Canada at http://www.techgirls.ca/ , or AudienceView at http://www.audienceview.com/ All proceeds will go towards providing training to women in Windsor & Essex County, as a result ‘investing in our community’. Tickets are $85 person and includes a full dinner. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact us at 519.256.6621, or via email at iwd@westofwindsor.com. Also, tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-womens-day-gala-2015-tickets-15137721332?aff=es2&rank=190 We look forward to you joining us at this year’s celebration! Media Contact & for more information, please contact: Rose Anguiano Hurst, Executive Director Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) Phone: (519) 256-6621, ext. 222 Fax: (519) 256-3963 Email: rose@westofwindsor.com Website: www.westofwindsor.com |
How do I know if I have the Common Cold or the Flu?
By: Rocco D’Angelo Many of you will likely experience a Cold or the Flu during this winter season. There are certain symptoms unique to the Common Cold and the Flu. If you are experiencing the Common Cold you likely have a runny nose with clear mucous at the start of your cold that changes to a yellow-greenish colour towards the end. You may also have a stuffy nose. You may also have a mild sore throat and a mild to moderate dry cough. Your cough may become productive, meaning that you are coughing up mucous as your cold progresses. Your cold usually lasts 5 to 7 days but may last up to 2 weeks. If you have the Flu, you will be experiencing some similar symptoms as a cold but with some differences. You will likely have a runny nose without any congestion. You may have a sore throat and will likely have a dry cough. With the Flu, you will have a fever, body/headaches and will also feel very tired. Your symptoms will last for 10 days. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the Common Cold or the Flu. Once you catch the virus you’ll be stuck with it until it runs its course. However, there are medications that can be used to treat the symptoms and help you feel better. Your Pharmacist can provide you with medications to treat these symptoms. There are certain things you can do to prevent catching the Common Cold or Flu. Hand-washing is one of the most important and effective prevention methods. Always wash your hands after touching door handles, public telephones etc. You should also carry around a bottle of alcohol sanitizer to use after you wash your hands or if you cannot get to a washroom. The most effective way of NOT catching the Flu is to get your Flu shot. Although you may hear that the flu shot will actually make you sick (there is a small percentage of people that do experience this), the flu shot works. It is safe and effective. Speak with your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the Flu shot. If you already have a cold or the Flu, make sure you take precautions to prevent spreading. Use the same precautions as you would to PREVENT catching a cold or flu. Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or elbow. Avoid public places so take a sick day from school or work. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. |
Your teeth can last a lifetime with proper home care and regular dental checkups.
By Dr. M. Iskandar No matter what your age, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Enforcing good oral hygiene habits early in a child’s life is essential for his overall well-being. According to a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cavities in children between the ages of two and five has escalated by 15 percent. Proper oral hygiene habits in kids must start as early as the child begins to bottle feed. This is when babies are prone to baby bottle carries. Baby bottle carries are cavities that are a result of drinking formula breast milk or juice from a baby bottle. Baby teeth should be cleaned using a washcloth, young babies should eventually have their teeth and tongues brushed using soft brushes on a regular schedule. It is important for parents to teach children the proper way to brush their teeth with toothpaste that has fluoride in it, to take them for regular dental check-ups, and to serve food that will maintain optimal health. Kids should eat foods that will strengthen their teeth, such as milk, cheese, and vegetables. Good oral hygiene starts at a young age but must be maintained for a life time. As children get older they should be encouraged to take good care of there teeth. Teenagers care a lot about how they look. Help your teen understand that bad oral hygiene can lead to stains, bad breath , missing teeth and many other dental problems. As we get older it becomes more important that we floss regularly to remove plaque from under the gum line. If we don't take special care to remove this plaque it can harden into tartar and will only be able to be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Tartar under the gum line can also lead to problems such as gingivitis which is an early stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush them. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist before serious problems develop. Advanced stages of gum disease may lead to tooth loss but in the early stages can be reversed. A beautiful healthy smile can last a life time with these simple guidelines. |
Why Math Word Problems are Worrisome to Children
By: Giovanna Russo-Romao Windsor Sylvan Learning Word problems take math concepts, such as arithmetic, geometry and algebra, and relate them back to the real world. But somehow, in the conversion from numbers and symbols to the written word, even students adept at math can become confused and discouraged. In fact, children often find it easier to solve a problem that explicitly asks them to multiply two numbers rather than tackle a word problem that requires the same mathematical skills. In addition to knowledge of core math concepts, word problems also require strong reading comprehension skills. Before a child can solve a word problem, he needs to be able to translate the problem into a math equation. Once a child deciphers a word problem and is able to convert it into a simple equation, most students can easily calculate the answer. Unfortunately, determining the right equation is often the most challenging part of problem-solving. By applying reading comprehension skills to their math homework, students are better able to solve word problems correctly. To help children boost their critical thinking and word problem-solving skills, the math experts at Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offer parents the following tips to help their children decode word problems, gather key information, solve equations and check their answers: 1. Read the question carefully. Ask your child to read and reread the question to make sure that he understands what he is being asked to solve. Encourage him to read the question aloud and pay close attention to the final question of the word problem. 2. Understand the problem. Encourage her to simplify the word problem by highlighting the main words and important ideas. Have the student ask herself the following questions: What am I being asked to do? What are the important facts? Do I have enough information to solve the problem? What operation will I use? 3. Convert the verbal statement into a mathematical equation. Help him break the word problem into manageable, ordered steps. It's a good idea to do the work step-by-step, particularly if it’s a complicated problem with several parts. It's easier to keep the pieces of the problem in order if he works this way and easier to avoid mistakes. 4. Generate the result. Encourage her to solve the mathematical problem using a technique such as drawing or mentally acting out the problem. After she finishes, make sure the results make sense and that she writes the answer in the appropriate units (e.g., hours, metres, kilometres, etc. |
Four Poems from Syria
(1934- April 3, 2006) / Translated By: Reda Mansour Muhammad al-Maghout is a poet, playwright, and columnist, born in 1934 in al-Salamiyaa, Syria. His best collections are: -- Huzn fi Daw' al-Qamar [Sadness in Moonlight, 1959], Ghurfa bi-malayin al-Judran [A Room with Millions of Walls, 1964] and al-Farah laysa Mihnati [Joy is not my Profession, 1970], and was the first modern Arab poet to bring attention to the colourful complexities of the simple life. He introduced Arabic poetics to current and newly-coined words, sometimes even slang-words juxtaposed in simple phrases creating a cadence previously unknown. Written during his exile in Beirut, his poetry -- which is among the pioneer works of non-metrical Arabic free verse -- is a cry in the jungle of language against the ruthless world of exile. He presented a new vision of life that was an access to the unknown for new generations of poets, and is still an influential force in modern Arab poetry. He has also several plays, among them; The Hunchbacked Bird (1967), The Clown (1974), a novel, The Seesaw (1991), and ten collections of his satirical articles. Since 1970 Al-Maghut has published no new poems, but poetry still remains the hidden passion of this clear-sighted man, as he says himself: "To be a great poet in the Arab world, one must be sincere; to be sincere one must be a free man; to be free one must live; and to live one must keep mum . . . You sicken me, poetry, you immortal and divine carrion!" To A Tourist Here I sit – equidistant between the innocence of childhood and the decline of old age Tourist – help me see – I need your binoculars What calls for my attention – I cannot fathom I, a poet from the East Your white scarf – place it on the sidewalk Please sit at my side as the rain – soft as the yellow sun Soothes – a balm for the soul. Guides and maps are impotent They are unable to help you Your writing do nothing for you as time winds down like a cheap watch Peasants of multiple decades deliver folk wisdom Just two quatrains will deliver in a folk song the history of the east The Tattoo This the third hour of the twentieth century Corpses everywhere in this hollow land pedestrians crying tears of hopelessness Watch as I lie down in the middle of the street I resemble an old Bedouin who lives with bars of steel Policemen victimize demonstrators who in vain seek justice Watch as I write in the dark My pen and my tears are now one. My pen is impotent but still i write – words as hollow as a life without hopelessness Prison bars seek what i no longer am as my pen scribbles like a child with language hiding in the dark Where does this fear originate? When will it be no more? My bones are old; my hopes mock me like blood losing its redness My love – in vain I try to restore my courage even my misery All EYES ON THE HORIZON The Aroma of bread Or the scent of nations on travelers’ clothes In my finest dress- like a lover Anticipating my first date Flooded with excitement. Catching sight of her (the revolution) my, soul sings A song of enchantment and young love Evenings I plan to accompany her To both alleys and country sides Where I can open my heart and fill her With all that I am and wish to be. Until sleep overtakes her Like a grandmother by a fire place. But suppose she fails to come. Then sorrow will assault me And hope hide among the trees And I will curse the heavens. WHEN THE WORDS BURN Poetry no longer becomes me I see Lebanon Burning I seek escape from this conflagration What can one do when his nation is collapsing A village girl can do me no good Only collapse I see Poetry hides its light from my sight An unknown girl is seeking my love or is it the love of all? The mountains swell with passion in the desert of my days I am not your typical citizen My words fail and mock my efforts I – a ruthless eagle not knowing what to do Arabs skirt to and from lost among the mountains their voices of sadness weigh on me Graves of the unknown mar the land My eyes of treachery stare in blindness My brothers are now unknown to me Lebanon – nation hiding her treasures from me as women captive and alone shed tears on lonely crags. My nation is voiceless all of my efforts futile How can I write poems of trees and other treasures of nature My words fade like ice in temperature of ultimate heat Days of gladness – are they no more? A bullet in my throat my only answer (Beirut 1958) |
The A-Z of Real Estate Terminology
The one thing about participating in the real estate market that confounds most consumers is the terminology and jargon that must be learned. But, as with any business, in order to be successful as a buyer or seller, it is necessary to become familiar with certain concepts and words. The real estate business is somewhat unique in that it is not confined to one particular set of dealings. Instead, it encompasses a number of professions: financial, legal, governmental, building trades, and of course, real estate itself. So, from A for amortization to Z for zoning regulations, here is a quick run-through of some the important real estate terminology you’ll encounter: Amortization: The number of years it will take to pay off the entire amount of a mortgage. In Ontario, most mortgages are amortized over 25 years. Appraisal: An estimate of a property’s market value. This is used by lenders to determine the amount of your mortgage. Assessment: The value of a property set by the local municipality. The assessment is used to calculate your property tax. Assumable Mortgage: A mortgage held on a property by a seller that can be taken over by the buyer. The buyer then assumes responsibility for making payments. An assumable mortgage can make a property more attractive to potential buyers. Blended Mortgage Payments: Equal or regular mortgage payments consisting of both a principal and an interest component. Broker: A real estate professional licensed in Ontario to facilitate the sale, lease or exchange of a property. Bridge Financing: Money borrowed against a homeowner’s equity in a property (usually for a short term) to help finance the purchase of another property or to make improvements to a property being sold. Buy-down: A situation where the seller reduces the interest rate on a mortgage by paying the difference between the reduced rate and market rate directly to the lender. Or, the difference can be paid to the purchaser in one lump sum or monthly instalments. A buy-down can make a property more attractive to potential buyers. Closed Mortgage: A mortgage that cannot be prepaid, renegotiated or refinanced during its term without significant penalties. Conventional Mortgage: A first mortgage issued for up to 75 per cent of the property’s appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. Debt Service Ratio: The percentage of a borrower’s gross income that can be used for housing costs (including mortgage payments and taxes). This is used to determine the amount of monthly mortgage payment the borrower can afford. Easement: A legal right to use or cross (right of way) another person’s land for limited purpose. A utility’s right to run wires or lay pipe across a property is a common example. Encroachment: An intrusion onto an adjoining property. A neighbour’s fence, shed or overhanging roof line that partially or fully intrudes onto your property are examples. First Mortgage: The first security registered on a property. Additional mortgages secured against the property are termed ‘secondary’. High-Ratio Mortgage: A mortgage for more than 75 per cent of a property’s appraised value or purchase price. Listing Agreement: The contract between the listing broker and an owner, authorizing the Realtor to facilitate the sale or lease of a property. Mortgage: A contract between a borrower and a lender where the borrower pledges a property as security to guarantee repayment of the mortgage debt. Mortgage Term: The length of time a lender will loan mortgage funds to a borrower. Most terms run from six months to five years, after which the borrower will either pay off the balance or renegotiate the mortgage for another term. Payments are calculated using the interest rate offered for the term, the amount of the mortgage, and the amortization period. Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A comprehensive system for relaying information to Realtors about properties for sale. Open Mortgage: A mortgage that can be prepaid or renegotiated at any time and in any amount without penalty. Partially Open Mortgage: A mortgage that allows the borrower to pre-pay a specific portion of the mortgage principal at certain times with or without penalty. Realtor: A trademarked name describing real estate professionals who are members of a local real estate board and the Canadian Real Estate Association. Transfer Taxes: Payment to the provincial government for transferring property from the seller to the buyer. Vendor Take-Back Mortgage: A situation where sellers use their equity in a property to provide some or all of the mortgage financing in order to sell the property. Zoning Regulations: Strict guidelines set and enforced by municipal governments regulating how a property may or may not be used. Source: Reprinted with permission from OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) An expert REALTOR® gives you support to buy or sell a house. They are an ally who'll help you make the most out of your home. REALTORS® can guide you through every step of the process, explain the current market, help navigate complex paperwork and offer invaluable advice. Before you Buy or Sell, call a REALTOR® you can trust to be with you every step of the way. Adele Youssef, ASA Real Estate Sales Representative Manor Realty Windsor Ltd. Brokerage Address: 3276 Walker Road Windsor, Ontario N8W 3R8 Phone: (519) 250-8800 |
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