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Every so often, a data journalist comes up with a story that, without requiring anonymous sources or leaked documents, still manages to capture the attention of the national agenda. Recall the work of Glen McGregor and Stephen Maher, they ofMcMaher robocalls fame, a few years ago when the federal government was doling out stimulus funding to thousands of projects across Canada. The reporters found the money disproportionately ended up in Conservative ridings, which fuelled opposition fury about perceived pork barrelling. McGregors at it again today, reporting that 90 percent of lakes protected by the amended Navigation Protection Act sit in Conservative-held ridings, including a dozen in Treasury Board President Tony Clements riding. Thats the same riding where millions of dollars were spent in advance of the 2010 G8 summit to refurbish, among other municipal infrastructure, gazebos. Will McGregors latest data work catch the attention of the opposition? Were curious what NDP MP Megan Leslie will ask the government when she stands in Question Period today.

The Globe and Mailleads with Hurricane Sandys disastrous impact on New York City. So does the National Post. So does the Toronto Star. So doesthe Ottawa Citizen, which headlined the mayhem left in Sandys wake. iPoliticsfronts Canadas modest gainsin a think tanks economic index. National Newswatch leads with TheGlobe and Mails story about incumbent parties likely winning three upcoming federal byelections.

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Tease the day: Tories protect lakes in their own backyards

Governor Christie took a four-and-a-half hour helicopter tour of the storm ravaged Jersey Shore looking at homes surrounded by water, some blocks ending in the bay.

Now weve got a big task ahead of us that we have to do together, Christie said, according to pool reports. This is the kind of thing New Jerseyans are built fore were plenty tough and now we have a little more reason to be angry after this. Just what we need in New Jersey, a chance to be a little more angry.

He stopped in Belmar to meet with residents and local officials.

I was just here walking this place this summer and the fact that most of it is gone in just incredible, he told Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty while he surveyed the damage on Ocean Avenue.

One resident cried in his arms and Walter Patrickis, 42, told him, Governor, I lost everything.

The boardwalk south of 10th Avenue washed away in the storm. A seaside trailer was knocked of its foundation and the continued high winds were preventing power crews from starting repairs.

Christie said it would probably be at least seven to 10 days before the power is restored statewide.

Gazebos were submerged underwater, sand drifts made roads impassable and there were a few smoldering fires where foundations used to be. Boats were piled on top of one another like toys.

From the air, the hardest-hit area appeared to be where Sandy made landfall, from Seaside to Belmar.

Doherty, the Belmar mayor, said pre-storm conference calls with the governors office and local mayors helped towns be as prepared as they could.

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Christie tours Jersey Shore devastation

Photo by Alex Boerner, Treasure Coast Newspapers

FILE PHOTO More than 13,000 people were in Tradition Square last Sunday to get a glimpse of Mitt Romney during his campaign stop.

PORT ST. LUCIE A slice of Americana is what presidential candidate Mitt Romney's camp was looking for when it chose Tradition as one of its stumping grounds this month, according to a spokeswoman for the 2,416-home planned community.

Tradition's "good old America" feel, with its decorative gazebos, brick roads and tranquil lakes, is finally getting the positive recognition it deserves, said Jane Rowley, who manages outdoor events for the 8,200-acre community west of Interstate 95.

On Oct. 7, more than 13,000 people flooded Tradition Square, the heart of a community with nine neighborhoods, two shopping centers and a research hub. Rowley said it's not a common sight, but it was good to see the 9-year-old space attract more people than the outdoor concerts typically held there.

Rowley and some business owners said the Romney event could put Tradition and its shopping centers on the map, and that's good news given its beleaguered past since selling its first of 6,945 planned houses in 2003.

In 2008, imported Chinese drywall plagued Tradition homeowners and renters who filed a class-action lawsuit over health-related issues they blamed on inhaling sulfuric gases. In 2011, the crippled economy stalled construction, causing PSL Acquisitions to foreclose on Tradition's developer, Core Communities, leaving scores of homes unbuilt. And last month, Digital Domain Media Group shuttered its Tradition Studios, laying off 346 workers.

Those events have left many in the area, like business owner John Vernaglia, saying "How much can everyone take?"

Vernaglia, who owns Johnny V's Pizza Trattoria in Tradition Square, said the Romney rally gave business owners the positive buzz they needed. He called the rally "fantastic" and said it was nice to have something positive happen in Tradition for a change.

Rowley, who manages regular weekend events that typically attract about 2,500 Treasure Coast residents, worked with Romney's logistics team to stage the event.

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Tradition in spotlight during Romney's Port St. Lucie visit

Solage Landscape Exteriors Provides A Complete Package Service for Landscaping Design Described on Their New Website

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) November 01, 2012

The secret to a successful exterior living space is planning, said Steve Luna, Owner of Solage Landscape Exteriors. A landscape designer can evaluate the yard and design an individual plan that usually includes; amenities from drainage to hardscaping to a swimming pool or outdoor cabana. Solage Landscape Exteriors is launching a new website, http://www.landscapingoc.com, so customers can find a one stop shop for exterior designs, the extension of outdoor living spaces and outdoor kitchens.

Beauty, functionality and cohesion are created in a well- designed landscape. Solage Landscape Exteriors provides a complete A-Z package for exterior design. Their turn-key package involves the client throughout the process with weekly meetings. As the job progresses, the project sometimes evolves and we want the client to have a hand in the process, said Steve. A client consultation begins the process. It is an opportunity for the client to interview the team and the team to assess the clients style, desired amenities, and personality. The conceptual design is discussed next. During this phase we like to get the customer thinking outside of the box and go a step beyond their imagination, said Steve. The next step will take place at the design center where the client has the opportunity to make a selection of materials and the project beings to come to life.

It would be unfortunate to live in Southern California and not take advantage of the sunny days and mild evenings. Moving outdoors does not mean creature comforts have to be sacrificed. Solage Landscape Exteriors can transform a yard, porch or patio into the ultimate outdoor experience. Comfortable living rooms with a fireplace and flat screen TV are perfect for parties or a quiet night at home. Putting greens can help work off stress while golfers brush up on their skills. The appropriate lighting can add ambiance and drama against the backdrop of the nighttime sky. Fountains and ponds are water features that add serenity and calm to the landscape. Many customers enjoy a roof or some sort of overhead coverage like a bonnet roof or pergola, it allows them to enjoy the outdoors all year long, said Steve.

An outdoor kitchen provides the perfect alfresco dining experience. The secret to a successful outdoor kitchen is planning, said Steve. Consideration should be given to water sources, heating and cooling sources, refrigeration, storage, lighting, prep space and appliances. Outdoor kitchens are as individual as the homeowner; they can be simple or elaborate. The production of high-end outdoor kitchen equipment like grilling stations and wood-fired pizza ovens will not leave a homeowner feeling they are forfeiting a gourmet experience. Beverage coolers, specialized storage, a bar area and spacious countertops, seating and dining areas complete the full outdoor entertaining experience.

To learn more about this company please call (714) 412-1008 or to see photos of their work, please visit their website http://www.landscapingoc.com

About Solage Landscape Exteriors

Solage Landscape Exteriors began with a vision to provide Orange County with landscape design and installation services that were unmatched in terms of customer satisfaction. Solage Landscape Exteriors provides design and installation services for landscape architecture, interlocking pavers, decorative concrete, hardscaping, masonry, patios, decks, swimming pools, gazebos, cabanas, water features and fountains, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. Their attention to detail and focus on customer service has quickly earned them a reputation as one of the top landscape contractors in Orange County.

Steve Luna Solage Landscape Exteriors (714) 412-1008 Email Information

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Orange County Landscape Design Firm Announces Launch of New Website

HPotter.com has been offering home furnishing products and outdoor furniture for past several years and now the company has expanded its line of products with the latest offerings in outdoor patio furniture as well as garden dcor.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (PRWEB) November 02, 2012

HPotter.com has been offering home furnishing products and outdoor furniture for past several years and now the company has expanded its line of products with the latest offerings in outdoor patio furniture as well as garden dcor.

The Idaho-based home dcor firm specializes in garden dcor and it offers a wide range of garden gifts ranging from the beautiful flower ball lantern, glass votive, leaf platter with antique copper finish, mercury glass containers, mini-copper torch, down to six sided terrariums, rectangle terrarium with door, and much more.

They have also got some impressive terrariums and display cases, which simply stand out from other similar products available in the market, mainly on account of their 17 long years of experience in the industry. HPotter terrariums are not just beautiful, but also fully functional. And, thats not all, their website also offers helpful guidance on planting, and offers a number of resourceful tips as to what plants may perform the best in their new Wardian Case (the Classic Wardian Case Terrarium has been the flagship product of the company).

Check out more about HPotters terrariums here

Apart from the stunning terrariums, HPotter also produces striking Trellises, Gazebos, and Garden Arbors too. The Large Garden Arbor has been their flagship product, which has been tremendously popular among the garden centers.

Customers can also choose from a number of Garden Planters such as urns, planters and Pots as well as window boxes. The company is known for creating distinctive home and garden accents, not to mention very high quality of products.

In the department of outdoor furniture, the company offers a flurry of outdoor candle lanterns, patio torches, and other outdoor patio furniture items too. HPotter has got one of the largest collections of outdoor furniture pieces on the Internet, and they intend to expand their current range to become one of the largest designer, manufacturer and distributors of terrariums over next couple of years.

To complement their main website, HPotter also runs a resourceful blog offering handy tips on choosing outdoor furniture and home products, to help the customers make a well informed decision.

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Grab Unmatched Deals on Outdoor Furniture and Home Products on HPotter.com

Test subject: San Diego Comic Fest 2012

The big picture: A San Diego-based comic-book, sci-fi and fantasy convention with no lines, tons of personal space and $4 parking? Had I died and gone to pop-culture heaven? Nope. It was just Saturday at San Diego Comic Fest 2012, an intimate mini Comic-Con organized by the conventions first chairman to celebrate the Cons 40th anniversary.

In residence through Sunday at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, the fest offers panel sessions, art exhibits, comic-book and toy sales, and appearances by such luminaries as sci-fi author Tim Powers and filmmaker Paul M. Sammon .

It also buzzes with the off-the-grid spirit of the original Con, before it became the entertainment Hulk it is today. Here are some notes from the underground.

House of cult worship: With its grab-bag look (New Orleans-style courtyards! Gazebos! Tiki pavilions!) and damply funky atmosphere, the Town and Country turned out to be the perfect gathering place for the many kinds of people who follow their passions to fan conventions like this.

In the Crescent room, an intense panel discussion about comics and Hollywood had room for Batman morality (Batman will not use a gun. Thats the Number 1 rule of Batman.) and creative minutia (Were you involved in the decision to scrap the Human Torch?). Then it was on to some spirited bashing of Hollywood, where one panelist summed up the studio mentality thusly: What do you have thats just like The Avengers?

Meanwhile, down the hall in the Garden Salon 1, old-school fans sat in awed silence while comic-book expert Gary Carter interviewed famed DC Comics illustrator Murphy Anderson about his craft.

I brought samples for everyone, Carter joked, holding up one of his many vintage Murphy Anderson covers. And it only cost me $140,000.

Clothes make the (time traveling) man: Unlike the Con, the Fest was not a sea of costumed humanity, so a man in a wool frock coat, plaid suit and top hat actually stood out. The goggles perched on the top hat were particularly eye-catching. Which was precisely the point.

Maybe there is no reason for anyone to be wearing goggles, said Randy Burks, who was here to talk up the Gaslight Gathering, a convention celebrating the steampunk sci-fi movement. Except to say, Hey, they look cool!

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Comic-Con tribute has old-school spirit

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cal Spas, the world leader in luxury Home Resort products, is pleased to announce its donation to the 21st Annual Dinner & Auction, "Growing Minds, Supporting Our Future", for The Child Development Center at Fairplex on September 27, 2012 in Pomona, California.

"This donation was the perfect opportunity for our company to help the children in our local community," said Casey Loyd, President of Cal Spas. "Since the goal of this auction was to raise money towards educational programs for children in need, we felt it was necessary to support such an amazing cause and organization."

Cal Spas donated an 8-foot Family(TM) Series hot tub, which was used for the evening's live auction. The auction was the most successful to date for the Pomona, California-based child development center.

"Cal Spas' hot tub donation was a huge hit at our event," said Holly Reynolds, Director of Children and Family Services at the Child Development Center. "We are so grateful for their support and donation, which will help change the lives of children, families and teachers in our community."

The Child Development Center hosts an annual event in effort to provide local children in need of high-quality child development skills with the proper training and preparation for school. The center held a live and silent auction at the event to raise money towards their annual budget.

About Cal Spas

Cal Spas(R) was founded in 1979 as a provider of luxury hot tubs. Today, the celebrated hot tub giant is world renowned as the #1 Global Manufacturer of Home Resort Products(TM). The company produces premium collections of lifestyle products from its headquarters in Pomona, Calif. and distributes worldwide through a network of specialty dealers. The Cal Spas brand family of products includes Cal Spas hot tubs and swim spas, Cal Designs gazebos, Cal Heat indoor and outdoor saunas, and Cal Flame high-end BBQ grills, outdoor barbecue islands, outdoor fireplaces and firepits. Learn about Home Resort Living and find a dealer near you at http://www.calspas.com.

About Fairplex

Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the world, as well as The Learning Centers which encompasses Fairtime Learning, The Child Development Center, The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) and the Junior Fair Board. Fairplex also operates a diverse hospitality business with the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center, McKinley's Grille, KOA RV Park, Finish Line Sports Grill and Cornucopia Foods. The campus is also home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona; horse-racing and Barretts Equine Limited; as well as the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more information, please visit http://www.fairplex.com.

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Cal Spas Supports Local Child Development Center

The Auditor-Generals fall report, as always, made for interesting reading. Particularly catching was the third chapter, which analyzed Canadas planning and preparedness for a major cyber attack against our government or national infrastructure. Canada seems to have adopted Meh, probably wont happen as its official cyber-security policy.

There are, of course, the usual groaners found in any A-G reports. Since 2001, the federal government has theoretically spent $780-million on cyber security initiatives. Except not really. Much of that money was packaged together under plans that dealt with cyber security, but not exclusively. While no ones suggesting it paid for any gazebos, the Auditor-General wasnt able to precisely determine what it was spent on. One instructive line from his report notes that Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) received $570-million of the total, but that the funds were directed to the CSECs overall program capacity in says that could directly or indirectly support cyber protection.

Looking deeper into the governments preparedness, the Auditor-General discovered that some components of the plan are working well. The major players in the energy and natural resources sector, for example, has excellent co-operation both with the government and among themselves, the A-G reports. Other parts of the government and broader economy, however, seem to have little understanding of their responsibilities and tasks. It notes that the government has strategies and goals, but few plans.

But the real kicker in the report something that ought to make every Canadian who ever uses a phone, bank account or, you know, electricity, take note is that the governments central cyber security operations centre keeps regular business hours.

Dear enemies: If youre going to try and hack us or launch a major cyber attack on us, please dont do it on weekends or at night. The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) is currently staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ottawa time, on Mondays through Fridays

Dear enemies: If youre going to try and hack us or launch a major cyber attack on us, please dont do it on weekends or at night. The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) is currently staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ottawa time, on Mondays through Fridays.

The CCIRC, which the A-G notes is the focal point for monitoring and reacting to cyber threats, would be the command centre in the event of a major cyber attack against a Canadian government agency or industry. So long as someones actually in the office.If a cyber attack were to occur outside of business hours, its supposed to be reported to the Government Operations Centre, a federal command post for national-level emergencies that is staffed around the clock. Theyll then call someone from CCIRC. (Assuming, of course, the phones still work.)

There might well be an argument for folding the CCIRCs functions directly into those overseen by the operations centre. Indeed, the CCIRC is already a component of the operations centre. But it would be an imperfect fit. While some cyber attacks could rise to the level of a national emergency, there are also a range of possible cyber attack scenarios that, while serious, dont quite make it that far. Imagine, for example, an attack that seeks to steal intelligence secrets. Or personal banking information. It would be nice to have some ability to respond to that without having to put the entire federal government on red alert.

And the government seems to agree. It has allocated additional funds to get the CCIRC running seven-days a week, 24 hours no, wait, sorry. Seven-days a week for 15 hours a day. The other nine hours will still be unstaffed, except for the guy on call. Oh, and the money is spread out over five years. So it might take until 2017 to get there.

This is typical of Canadian emergency response planning, which tends to bank more on good luck than good preparations. And it also calls into question how committed any branch of the government is to cyber security. Its a real problem Canadian networks have been attacked before, as the report notes. The government has promised to do better. Lets hope those who mean us harm will give us the time we need to follow through.

Continued here:

Dear enemies, please don’t attack us at night or on weekends