Satellite Confusion

Many members have asked us if it is legal to use their Canadian satellite system in the U.S., and vice versa. We have been contacting satellite providers (DirecTV in the U.S., Bell ExpressVu and StarChoice in Canada), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and the answer, in a nutshell, is no.

DirecTV is licensed to provide service in the U.S. only, and in fact are working to "zap" all currently bootlegged cards in both the U.S. and Canada as they move to a new operating platform for their programming.

Bell ExpressVu and StarChoice are only licensed to provide a signal in Canada, however their call centre staff may be able to provide information to individual subscribers on where to point your dish in the U.S. (keep in mind that it is technically illegal to do so).

The House of Commons is currently debating proposed changes to the legislation that covers satellite service to make it an offense to be in possession of or caught manufacturing boot-legged satellite signals and equipment in Canada. For now, it's a "grey area," and we recommend you ask your satellite provider before taking your satellite across the border.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors for the RV and the Boat

Many home owners have been thoughtful enough to purchase Carbon Monoxide Detectors for the house, but don't forget to protect you and your family when you are out in your recreational vehicle or boat! Hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and thousands get sick. Save yourself the trouble, spend the $40 and protect yourself from the invisible killer.

Pick a Colour...

Buying a new car? A recent study showed that silver cars are 50 per cent less likely to be involved in collisions compared to white, blue, red and yellow cars. In contrast, black and brown cars were considered to be the least visible vehicles on the road.

Make sure everyone buckles up!

A recent study conducted by the Journal of American Medicine determined that a vehicle occupant is 20 per cent more likely to die in a crash when another vehicle occupant is not wearing a seat belt. When people don't wear seat belts, they become projectiles in vehicle collisions. Protect yourself. Always make sure the passengers in the back seat are wearing their seat belts, too.

Don't Get Burned!

The number of deaths resulting from fires caused by unattended candles has increased over 300 per cent in the last 20 years. This is largely attributed to the ambiance created by burning several candles at once and the growing popularity of the scented candle. Nice gifts for the holidays when they match the scented bath oils, but they can cause a lot of trouble, too.