Issue 102 - 5th April - 1st May

Research released today reveals a change in attitude towards networks and networking - as 68% of people expect to be part of more networks in five years time. With this figure rising to 75% in the 25-44 age group, the survey by international leadership development organisation Common Purpose, suggests greater recognition of the value of networks by generations Y and X.

Furthermore, the research suggests that one of the reasons why the trend for networking continues to grow and diversify is that it is seen as more than a social activity. It found widespread confidence in the benefits of networking as a professional boost, with almost two thirds of respondents saying that networks are important to their career success. What makes a network valuable however, and how people decide which to use and with what frequency, could be a question on many busy professionals� minds.


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Special Assignment: Treating health issues with food

We are what we eat. But we also eat bad and eat fast.

"My diet was open a can and eat it or run up to the nearest fast food place," said Mike Belvin, 46, who just like many of us and had become a walking time bomb. "I'm a diabetic. So of course I had elevated blood sugar... had elevated cholesterol... had a minor cardiac event a couple of years ago. Just basically overweight. You name it I had it."

But a chance encounter on the hike and bike trail with dietitian Deirdre Earls would change his life.

"She started giving me some advise on how to take care of the problems without medication," he said.

And instead -- use diet. Mike tried it.

"Well first thing I did was lost 20-30 lbs. within six months. My blood sugar dropped where I am no longer on any medications.


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CAROLYN HAX: Males can be victims of domestic abuse, too

DEAR CAROLYN: Brother has been married for 15 years. Two kids. Sister-in-law has all the control — brother's and kids' schedules, (over)spending, etc. Her often-heinous attitude has all members of her family and his, who support this family however possible, in various levels of exasperation.

He has completely abandoned autonomy because it causes even more grief from her. What can he do to change the situation? He won't consider breaking up the family because of the kids. — Sad but True

Sad but true: From your (admittedly scant) description, the wife sounds like an abuser. If so, then your brother might not be doing his kids any favors.

It also means the families' sideline exasperation, while common, isn't their only recourse; they can get educated.


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Young people earning less than parents did: census

Extra years in school aren't paying off financially for many of Canada's young people, who are better educated but worse paid than people their age a generation ago.

According to census data released Thursday by Statistics Canada, workers between the ages of 25 and 29 make less than their predecessors, especially men.

In 1980, median earnings for full-time male workers in that age group were equal to $43,767 in today's wages. In 2000, they had dropped to $38,110 and by 2005 they were at $37,680.

While women have statistically always earned less than men, their drop in wages was notably less drastic. In 1980, women aged 25 to 29 made $32,813 in inflation-adjusted dollars. In 2005 they earned just slightly less, $32,104, according to the report, titled "Earnings and Incomes of Canadians over the Past Quarter Century, 2006 Census."

The trend toward reducing wages for young men began in developed countries around the world in the early 1980s, according to StatsCan analyst Rene Morissette.


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Brenda Martin overjoyed to be home

EDMONTON - The anger and bitterness that consumed Brenda Martin during more than two years in a Mexican prison disappeared the moment she landed on Canadian soil today.

"She said that was the most exciting feeling in the world to land on Canadian soil," said Deb Tieleman, Martin's childhood friend and leader of the public campaign to free Martin. "The minute that plane landed in Canada the bitterness just evaporated.

"She is overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who has helped her and it is seriously genuine," said Tieleman after speaking with Martin by telephone from the Grand Valley Institution in Kitchener-Waterloo. "Her attitude, her whole demeanour has changed."

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Letters published in the Times

Having the ability to keep paying to fight in order to satisfy his I-am-always-right attitude (Cook) and that of his followers -- priceless -- since the taxpayers are picking up the tab.

When will the taxpayers of El Paso see that this is not about Asarco, this is about individuals who want change based on what they want and how they view their city (not ours).

You don't penalize a business for following the rules, all the while saying you want to draw new business here.

Asarco now, Western Refinery next, maybe Helen of Troy É followed by whatever other industry the mayor and his cohorts choose as their target.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Embrace your critics for they point out your faults."

We are not perfect, Mr. Mayor, but just because you were elected mayor by a small margin of voters does not make you perfect.

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Hamlin climbs to 4th in points - roanoke.com

The hottest driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series the last five races? It's not Kyle Busch, winner at Talladega last weekend. It's not points leader Jeff Burton. It's Denny Hamlin.

He enters this weekend's race at Richmond International Raceway with five consecutive finishes of sixth or better, including a victory at Martinsville. Hamlin has climbed from 19th to fourth in points during that run.

While Hamlin makes his move, many of the questions he hears are about teammates: Kyle Busch's early-season success or Tony Stewart's contract saga.

Consider the Chesterfield, Va., native, the forgotten driver at Joe Gibbs Racing.

"It's just motivation when we don't get the press that I feel like we deserve,'' Hamlin says.

Hamlin and his team are noted for using unfavorable preseason predictions as motivation.


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