All posts tagged with: Canada

Spencer Chandra Hebert, BC Provincial MLA for Vancouver-West End. Photo contributed.

Canada is regarded around the world for having created an environment of equality. Thanks to the Constitution of Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides same-sex couples equal rights to employment, health benefits, adoption, immigration, housing, finances and pensions, and marriage. Even with all these rights, bullying, specifically in schools, remains a sensitive and important issue today.

There are number of recent cases in Canada that have received international media attention where youth have committed suicide because they were faced with bulling by their school classmates. The public has been outraged and has are now calling on governments to take action.

Studies have shown the rate of suicide and depression of LGBT youth is higher than non-LGBT youth. To date, it has been the responsibility of schools to provide a safe education environment for students, free of discrimination and harassment. Most schools in Canada, public or private, can be held liable for harassment, name-calling and bullying of both students and staff under the Humans Rights Act.

Across Canada, most schools have not implemented specific anti-gay bullying or name-calling policies. The Yukon has excluded minors from protection of sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act, leaving youth vulnerable and at the highest risk of any other jurisdiction in Canada. Polar-opposite is British Columbia, which in updating school curriculums to incorporate LGBT topics; however, many believe more work needs to be done.

Without having specific policies or laws in any Province or Territory in Canada, some schools have taken action by setting up gay-straight alliances.

“One thing we’ve called for, for a long time now, is ensuring Codes of Conduct in all school districts across the province explicitly protect LGBT youth, and to ensure there are steps to deal with homophobia and trans-phobia,” said BC Provincial MLA for Vancouver-West End, Spencer Chandra Hebert.

“It’s not good enough to say we don’t think people should bully,” Spencer explains. You actually have to name the grounds of discrimination and explain them because people will sometimes discriminate against someone just because they don’t know any better, not because they actually hate gay people or because they’ve been told that gay people are bad.”

The BC Government is an advocate for Pink Shirt Day, a public awareness day in Canada asking for everyone to put a stop to bullying for both youth and adults. While the movement has sparked media attention and has raised awareness of the issues around bullying, the fundamental issues remain. The public is asking for new legislation to protect youth in British Columbia, and across Canada.

“A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work,” Spencer said, explaining how new legislation needs to be specific. “It’s not one-size-fits-all bullying. It is explicit targets on LGBT kids back, and thus you need to respond to that specific action. The approach so far of ‘don’t do it, don’t be a bully’ hasn’t been all that successful.”

The Vancouver School District has been the most progressive district in the province, hiring an anti-bullying coordinator. School Boards are also working through co-governance, to find ways to help share knowledge around the province, educating both students and teachers. Other organizations, including, Out in Schools, are working with school districts on programing and resources to provide education and facilitate safer environment in public schools.

LGBT youth need the same rights as any other child in British Columbia. They deserve an opportunity to learn in a safe and welcoming environment, free of harassment and bullying. Although the BC Liberal Party has been in power for the last three consecutive terms, spanning 12 years, they have yet to announce plans to move forward with legislation or an all-encompassing strategy, and have left the duty and responsibility to the local school districts.

The BC Liberals were given the opportunity to respond to interview requests, however, at the time this post was published, all interview requests were denied citing it was too risky.

Since when is the protection of youth in British Columbia a risky subject? Leave your comments on this blog post.

Whether you’re training to run a marathon, lifting weights at the gym, attending a yoga class, hiking up the Grouse Grind, or kayaking in Deep Cove, you’re body is working hard, burning calories and pushing your muscles to keep you going. Understanding how to refuel your body and repair your muscles after a workout is key for success.

During every workout, cells, tissues and bones throughout the body are pushed and pulled. At the end of the exercise, the body instantly goes in to recovery mode. The body needs to be refueled to begin the repair cycle. The two key nutritional requirements the body needs are protein and carbohydrates.

Protein keeps the body healthy and maintained. Both the enzymes and hormones in protein are needed for growth, healing, digestion, fitness, and immunity. Protein is also beneficial for weight management and is associated with alertness and attitude.

Daily fitness levels determine the amount of protein required each day. Very active people require 0.75g of protein per pound of body weight per day, 0.6g for moderately active people, and 0.5g for mildly active people. For example, a moderately active male weighing 170lbs would require about 102 grams of protein per day.

Sources of Protein:

• 3.5 oz Chicken: 15 grams
• 8 oz low-fat yogurt: 12 grams
• ½ cup black beans: 8 grams
• 1 scrambled egg: 6 grams
• 1 cup of broccoli: 5 grams

Post work-out the body requires 20-25g of protein within 25 minutes of completing exercise. Most people who work out miss this incredible window of opportunity. Within this time period is the biggest benefit to rebuild muscles, delivering greater strength and maximizing the workout. After 25 minutes without consuming protein and carbohydrates, the workout is essentially complete without long-lasting benefits, other than the calories burned during the workout period. Anything in excess of 25g of protein per serving is wasted because the body can only process that amount at one time; the rest is removed from the body as waste.

While you’re probably not going to have four scrambled eggs ready and waiting for you immediately after showering at the gym, or able to consume five cups of broccoli after running 29km, or having 1.5 cups of black beans, there are other options available to quickly get protein in your body as you travel from your exercise program to your work, home, or next activity.

Protein bars are an option post-workout, however, the fastest method for the body to absorb protein is in liquid format. Protein bars are better used throughout the day as a longer sustaining energy source.

A second option is to get a to-go shake. To-go shakes are high in sugar or calories, especially if they are from coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, and do not contain a significant amount of valuable protein. Juice bars are expensive and not always conveniently located near a gym or where you have completed your fitness.

The third option is to mix protein powder with milk or water. There are a number of really great protein powder options, however, protein powder can be clumpy if it is  not made using an expensive shaker bottle, and potentially make a big mess in your gym bag if it spills.

A fourth and convenient option is to bring a pre-packaged protein shake. Muscle MLK* is a good option because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Each bottle has 20-25g of protein, 9-11g of carbohydrates and is lactose and gluten free. Muscle MLK does not contain milk; however it does have dairy based proteins (calcium & sodium caseinate, milk protein isolate, and whey) that are derived from cow’s milk. Muscle MLK is available in 12-pack cases or can be purchased individually at 7-Eleven stores.

What’s most important is that you refuel your body immediately after working out.

*In Canada, Muscle MLK is a different formula than Muscle Milk in the United States, because of different requirements by Health Canada.

Around the world, Canada is seen as a leader in rights and equality for the gay community. Canada has lead the way as a progressive nation on same-sex marriage, equality, and adoption by same-sex couples; however, Canada is still far from protecting the rights of the entire LGBT community, specifically for transgendered people.

In recent years, the rights of transgender people have become a hot topic, especially with the international news stories surrounding the controversy of BC resident, Jenna Talackova and her right to participate in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada competition.

Last summer, Alberta Premier, Allison Redford spoke with myWebbSite.ca and was clear that she recognized the importance of protecting existing rights of the LGBT community, and to keep the dialogue open around the rights of the trans people in her province.

In British Columbia, trans-gendered people do not have explicit rights under the Human Rights Code. In just over a month, British Columbians will be headed to the polls to cast their vote to determine which party will form the next provincial government. While each party will be announcing their platforms and taking their positions on a number of topics including education, health care, and the all-important balancing of the budget, the BC NPD party is clear; the LGBT community plays an important role for their party.

“The one important thing to remember is that there is currently protection for trans folks under the Human Rights Code, but it’s not explicit,”said  Spencer Chandra Hebert, BC NDP MLA for Vancouver-West End, explaining the sensitivity around the wording in the current laws. “Most trans folks do not know that. It’s not explicit, so most people do not know about it. Lawyers don’t necessarily know it, and schools do not know that.”

The BC NDP party made a conscious decision to take action and for years have been working to get equal rights for the trans-gendered community in British Columbia.

“I brought forward a private members bill a number of years ago that would explicitly protect the rights of transgendered people,” Spencer explained. “I was encouraged by everyone in the [BC NDP] caucus to craft legislation and bring it forward. I brought the bill to the legislature twice, once before Christy Clarke and once to Gordon Campbell.”

Both times the private members bill was proposed it was declined. Not to be defeated, Spencer reached out to the Attorney General, who replied thanking him for his letter, but the Human Rights Code was not currently being updated.

“Private members bills can get on to the floor as a second reading and can potentially be brought into law if the government allows it,” Spencer said, explaining the process it takes to get a bill passed. Frustrated by the governments lack of cooperation, Spencer opened up the door for the BC Liberals to made amendments. “Take it, call it whatever you want, pretend it’s a government bill – do whatever you need to do – just do it! It’s the right thing to do!”

“It’s important to remember that the Liberals were against same sex marriage until the laws came in, forcing them to change,” Spencer said. “They opposed same sex marriage. They are a party in conflict of LGBT equality through their past statement and actions. They’ve said bullying was a top concern, but then did nothing about it. Sure, they have some members who are in support of the LGBT community, but for whatever reason, it’s a community they feel they do not need to support.”

For the transgender community, action is what’s required. To deliver true equality for all British Columbians, regardless of how they identify their sexual orientation.

“They’ve had 12 years to do something – it doesn’t have to come from me,” Spencer said frustrated over the BC Liberals in-ability to update the Human Rights Code in British Columbia. “As a government they have the responsibility to protect human rights.”

Interview requests to the BC Liberal party asking for comments were declined, citing it was too risky.

Today, there are plenty of examples of members of the BC NDP who are hard at work addressing the concerns of trans-gendered people in British Columbia.

“Carole James is working with one of her trans constituents to deal with ID issues and hospital issues,” Spencer explained.

While British Columbia and Canada appear to be the leaders of equal rights, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Spencer said it best in his final remarks, “Human rights are for everyone, and when trans folks get rights, it’ll be a day of celebration for us all!”

You could win 2 pairs of Joe Boxer Modern Fit Stretch underwear. Contest details below.

It feels good to put on a good, comfortable fitting, no-nonsense pair of underwear. A pair of underwear that you know will be comfortable all day long while you go about your business. That underwear is the new Modern Fit Stretch low-rise trunks by Joe Boxer.

The Modern Fit Stretch are a tight-fit trunk that are fitted. This means everything will be kept nice and snug. They are made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex materials, making them soft and comfortable – the way you want underwear to be. They are available in either solid grey or solid black so there’s no hassle in the morning trying to decide what colour to wear – just grab a pair and go.

Cotton underwear, like the Modern Fit Stretch, are perfect for days at the office, a night out for dinner and movies, or wearing in bed. Cotton breathes, keeping you cool. Oh, and guys, cotton is not ideal for activities like the gym because cotton absorbs moisture and causes irritation – so put these on after your shower at the gym!

The 1.25” waistband has the prominently displayed Joe Boxer embroidered logo repeating all the way around. The waistband is double-stitched, reducing the risk of being torn from the material – something more men need to pay attention to.

The legs are sewn with a double layer, creating a cuff, which has also been double-stitched. This keeps them in place and reacting with your every move.

These cotton underwear are super easy to take care of too (another great advantage of cotton). Most guys don’t want to fuss around with hand washing and air-drying expensive underwear. Joe Boxer’s Modern Fit Stretch can be washed with all your other dark clothes in cold water and tumbled dry. Easy, right?

Joe Boxer Modern Fit Stretch are available in Canada at The Bay, Sears and independent menswear and sporting retailers. The 2-pair pack are $32.00 CDN – amazing value!

Stay up-to-date with Joe Boxer by following them on Facebook.

Original Style / Design: ★★★

Material / Workmanship: ★★★

Makes a Statement: ★★★★

Comfort: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Contest:

Enter for a chance to win two pairs of Joe Boxer Modern Fit Stretch low-rise trunks. To enter, tweet:

I need new underwear! @br_webb is hooking someone up with @JoeBoxerCanada Modern Fit Stretch trunks. Enter: http://ow.ly/impOo #WinJoeBoxer

Once you have tweeted this contest you can receive up to four additional chances to win by doing the following:

1. Follow @br_webb on Twitter and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you are a new follower for an additional entry.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post describing your funniest underwear moment.
3. Share this blog post on Facebook and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have shared on Facebook for an additional entry.
4. Subscribe to myWebbSite.ca and leave an additional comment on this blog post confirming you have subscribed for an additional entry.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Monday, March 11, 2013. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Friday, March 15, 2013. Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Keith Reynolds, you are the lucky winner of two pairs of Joe Boxer Modern Fit Stretch! 

Thank you to everyone who entered by sharing on Facebook, twitter, and subscribing to myWebbSite.ca. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the celebration of a boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, Billy stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion inspiring his both family and community. The Tony award winning musical comes to Vancouver from April 2-7, 2013.

Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the Musical is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 singers, dancers and actors. Director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall, along with music legend Elton John, has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”.

Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production has been awarded 81 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”

The show is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, associate direction by Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.  Touring production direction is by Justin Martin and choreography is by Kathryn Dunn.

The performance runs April 2-7, 2013 in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Billy Elliot plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm; Saturday matinee at 2:00pm; Sunday matinee at 1:00pm and Sunday evening at 7:30pm.

Tickets for Billy Elliot vary in range depending on performance, seat location, and date of purchase and start at $35.00. Tickets go on-sale 10:00am, January 21, 2013, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000.

Billy Elliot in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of a five city tour in Canada including dates in Ottawa January 1 – 6, 2013, Montreal January 8 – 13, 2013, Edmonton March 19 – 24, 2013 and  Calgary March 26 – 31, 2013.

12 Drinks of Christmas – Day 7

The North Pole is located in Canada. Santa lives at the North Pole. So technically, Santa is Canadian, right? Of course he is!

Just as Canadian as Santa, the Santa’s Sleigh cocktail is made with Canadian whisky, which brings this cocktail to life. The vibrant red cocktail will have you relaxing this holiday season.

• 1.5 oz Canadian Whisky
• 1.5 oz Orange Juice
• 1 Tsp Grenadine
• 1 Tsp Lemon Juice

Fill a martini shaker half full of ice. Add all ingredients. Shake for 20 seconds. Pour into a chilled Old Fashioned glass.

12 Drinks of Christmas – Day 6

In the winter in Canada, sometimes the ice and snow gets so cold that is has a blue hugh. The Winter Storm cocktail will chill you to the bone, and then warm you up. It’s a fun, easy to make cocktail, perfect for the Christmas season.

• 1 oz Citrus Vodka
• 1 oz Blue Curaçao
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz Lime Juice

Fill a cocktail shaker half full of ice. Add all ingredients. Shake for 20 seconds. Pour into a chilled martini glass.

It’s been three decades since Canada brought in the 1982 Constitution Act, proclaiming the Charter of Rights and Freedom, granting equal rights to all Canadians. It was a momentous moment in Canadian history; something that has become celebrated, honoured and highly regarded in our culture.

After decades of protests, marches, and court battles court battles, the gay and lesbian community won the rights for same sex marriage across Canada in 2005. It brought a renewed commitment and new meaning to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for the lesbian and gay community. It brought hope and faith to the LGBT community.

Canada has been a recognized leader in equal rights around the globe. Although much work still needs to be done, including securing the right for men who sleep with men to donate blood, and for equal rights for transgendered people, Canada’s laws and equality rights have become a template for other nations.

Unfortunately, it’s not happening quick enough. In fact, 80 countries have laws that impression LGBT people, and seven countries still have the death penalty. It’s a harsh reality. The motivation is primarily based upon religious and cultural beliefs.

But there is hope. Today, 50 countries have anti-discriminatory laws, and 11 countries and two First Nations have legalized same-sex marriage, while another seven recognize same-sex unions. Adding to the count are a number of local jurisdictions which perform or recognize civil unions and/or marriage, including the most recent addition of three States in the recent US election.

While in Canada we celebrate our diversity openly and freely thanks to the Constitution Act of 1982 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is important to recognize that oppression and silence can still be found around the world. It is important that every Canadian show respect for the LGBT community, and to get involved in helping to bring change in Canada and for those that still need our support around the world. Life is happier under the rainbow.

The issue of same-sex marriage in Canada was finally put to rest in 2004 as the Canadian government passed legislation granting equal rights for gay and lesbian couples to marry.

In the heart of Montreal is Notre Dame Basilica; an impressive Catholic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows, ornate hand-crafted wood carvings, and an impressive illuminated alter.

Notre Dame is open to the public on a daily basis and welcomes all to see the sanctuary for a $5 entry free. It is also available for special events and weddings.

“Unfortunately, we do not celebrate marriage between two person of the same sex,” said Daniela Staffa, Weddings Coordinator at Notre Dame Basilica.

So while the rest of Canada, including many churches, Notre Dame is one location you’ll want to cross off your gay wedding venues of choice. Seems the Catholics still don’t want to recognize equal rights of all Canadians, even though the Canadian government does.

From beavers and maple leaves, to a double-double and hockey, there are just some things that are iconic of Canada. It really is the land of the true north, strong, and free. Every Canadian is proud of their heritage and knows every word to the song, O’Canada.

This week’s cocktail of the week, Oh Canada, is made with another Canadian favourite, Canadian Club 10 year reserve Canadian whiskey. It’s smooth and rich in flavour. What makes this cocktail totally Canadian is the sweetness from the maple syrup. Yum!

And for those that did not know, the North Pole is located in Canada. I guess that means Santa Clause is Canadian, right?

Oh Canada 

• 1 oz Canadian Club 10 Year Reserve
• 1/3 oz Maple Syrup
• 1 oz Club Soda
• Juice from two freshly squeezed lemon wedges

The American Red Cross is in dire need to restock the United States blood supply. The current shortfall of available blood has left only half of the readily available blood on hand than the same time in 2011. In June 2012, the American Red Cross issued an urgent message to all eligible donors to “step up, roll up a sleeve and give blood or platalets as soon as possible.”

Since 1985, the American Food and Drug Administration has banned, for life, sexually active gay men from donating blood.

“The FDA’s ban was put into place during the very early days of the AIDS epidemic when so little was known about the disease,” said Dr. Steve Ganzell, Christopher Street West Board of Directors.

During the June 8-10, 2012, LA Pride events, festival organizer Christopher Street West held a “blood drive” campaign. The campaign had 2,085 attendees sign a petition to support the efforts to lift the outdated ban. Each signature represented one pint of blood that could have been collected, and according to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save three lives; meaning 6,000 lives could have been saved.

Last year, a similar ban was revised in England, Scotland and Wales which now allows gay men to give blood if they haven’t had sex with another man for at least one year.

Also in the month of June, Senator John Kerry and Rep. Mike Quigley voiced support for a new pilot study reviewing the policy being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In an op-ed, Kerry and Quigley wrote, “In the 27 years since [the FDA ban was enacted], we have seen vast advances in blood screening technology, policy changes in other nations, and staunch opposition from the nation’s blood banks who have called the current ban medically and scientifically unwarranted. Our current policies turn away healthy, willing donors, even when we face serious blood shortages.”

Richard Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross, recently told The Washington Post, “…HIV was a much bigger threat to the U.S. blood supply decades ago but that scientific advances have allowed much earlier and better detection of the virus that causes AIDS.” Benjamin is calling for the ban to be shortened to one year.

In Canada, several lobbyist groups are calling on the Canadian Federal Government and related agencies to reverse a similar ban on men who sleep with men for not being able to donate blood.

It has to be one of the most stunning 18 hole golf courses in all of Western Canada. It’s the Ridge Course at Predator Ridge near Vernon, BC. The natural elements of the modern course, coupled with breathtaking lake, mountain and Resort views are unparalleled.

The Ridge course opened in 2010 as part of the master planned development of Predator Ridge. The casual course is the original 27 hole course Predator Ridge course that was re-worked into what is now two beautiful true 18 hole courses.

When the course was redesigned, much of the natural rock and terrain was used, which brings out the true character of each hole. Essentially only the tee boxes have been man built.

Located at the top of the horseshoe shaped canyon, at the 5^th and 13^th tee boxes, is the Outlook Cabin. It’s a great stop to sit and enjoy a beverage and snack mid-play and it has the most spectacular views!

The course also passes through some of the residential areas at the Resort and past a natural pond stocked with trout and full of turtles.

The Ridge is one of the more expense courses in the Thompson Okanagan region, however, it’s well worth making it part of your summer golf getaway this summer!

Across the globe, there are ten countries that legally recognize same sex / gender neutral marriage. Here is a brief breakdown of the marriage laws:

• 2000: Netherlands was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage, which came into effect on April 1, 2001.
• 2002: The Province of British Columbia legalized and granted the rights of same-sex marriage.
• 2003: Belgium was the second country to grant same-sex marriages
• 2005: Spain declares same-sex marriage rights. A weeks later, Canada’s Prime Minister and Liberal government officially recognize same-sex marriage across Canada.
• 2006: South Africa signs same-sex marriage into law.
• 2008: Norway approves a gender-neutral marriage law that came into effect on January 1, 2009.
• 2009: Sweeden adopted gender-neutral marriage laws.
• 2010: On June 10, same-sex marriage became legal in Portugal. A day later, on June 11, Iceland’s government approved same-sex marriage. Just weeks later, on July 15, Argentina follows suit, however, they do not have the support of the Catholic Church.

After a long, uphill battle with many court cases and levels of government involved, Canada has become a leader and influencer on the global stage for same sex marriage.

In early 2012, Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, openly declared same sex marriage will not be re-opened for discussion in the House, reassuring Canadians that the rights of the LGBT community are here to stay.

In 1997, the then teen pop-rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hanson, hit #1 on the charts in 27 countries with their hit song, MMMbop. The trio, Isaac, Taylor and Zachary, just wrapped up a 13 city Canadian tour from Vancouver to Montreal, promoting their new album, Shout It Out.

Hanson has sold over 16 million albums around the world, have eight top 40 hits in the UK and six in the United States. Throughout their music career they have  raised funds and supported charitable causes, including raising funds for AIDS research and prevention in Africa.

Creating a positive image for young gay men to make a difference and be accepted within their own communities is the goal of the Mr. Gay Canada competition. Through positive, authentic and empowered role models, Mr. Gay Canada is a champion for Gay Human Rights within the community and global stage.

To do this, Mr. Gay Canada raises awareness of issues including safer sex practices, bullying and self-acceptance. The applications for Mr. Gay Canada are now in and the delegates have been selected to compete in the coveted title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

Today I am pleased to announce I have been selected to compete for the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

An intensive three-day competition will take place during WinterPRIDE in Whistler, BC and will include a series of challenges. These challenges include modeling photo shoot, sport, fashion show, swimsuit, public speaking and local outreach for a local charity to give back to the host community.

To qualify to be a delegate for Mr. Gay Canada 2012, delegates must:

• Be 19 years of age.
• Be Canadian and self-identify as a gay or bi-sexual male.
• Not have any direct participation in pornography or as an escort before or during the competition (or term if awarded).
• Be free of open criminal proceedings or criminal record.

The organizers of Mr. Gay Canada have worked hard to have representatives from across Canada represent as many Provinces and Territories as possible.

The announcement of the winner of Mr. Gay Canada will take place as the Apres Ski event on Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Whistler, BC.

Titleholders of Mr. Gay Canada include:

• 2007: James Coburn (Hospitality; Sherbrooke, Quebec)
• 2008-2010: Darren Bruce (Engineer; North Vancouver, BC)
• 2011: Rob Goddard (Hospitality: Vancouver)

Please leave a comment on this blog post on why you think I should win the title of Mr. Gay Canada 2012.

Since the age of six, when his mother put him into piano lessons, Jeffery Straker has been into music. The Canadian singer / songwriter / pianist from small town Saskatchewan released his third album in June 2011, Under the Soles of my Shoes.

“I studied classical piano until I was 19,” Jeffery explained. “By then I was practicing 4 hours a day; I was quite obsessed with it, learning big concertos, sonatas and the like.”

Jeffery took a short break from music to study science at university but returned to music to fulfill is passion for pop and folk music , and to begin writing his own music.

“I’m a folk-pop singer-pianist and my music has a cabaret twist,” Jeffery said as he described his music style. “There are a lot of singer-songwriters out there, most play guitar, fewer play piano and even fewer have cabaret as and element in their sound.  Some of my songs are more classically influenced, but still maintain a pop sensibility.”

Jeffery’s biggest personal music achievement was performing an orchestral debut with a full symphony – the Regina Symphony Orchestra.

“We performed to a sold out house of 2000 people and it was a pretty special night for me,” Jeffery explained. “Those things just don’t happen on their own. Someone didn’t just call me one day and say ‘would you play with our orchestra’.”

Jeffery is now focused on finishing his next album set for release in early 2012. It was recorded at the CBC studios in Toronto and it is being produced by singer/songwriter/producer, Danny Michel.

“I’ll be touring all across Canada in 2012, there is talk of more orchestra shows too,” explained Jeffery. “My aim is to have a new album out each year for the next 5 years and hopefully continue to grow my audiences.”

Jeffery’s music is available on iTunes and YouTube. You can follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook, and connect with him on MySpace.

Yes, it truly is the most wonderful and stressful time of year.  Shops and malls are bustling with shoppers searching for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones, there are holiday parties almost every night of the week, and at home there is baking and decorating to be done before the guests arrive.

The holiday’s are all about fun, and the makers of Naked Boxer brief have launched a special holiday gift pack available exclusively at Holt Renfrew and a new boxer brief.

The package includes their new Naked Men’s Fashion T and a pair of micro fibre Naked Boxer briefs. The combination package sells for $95 CAD (great value because the shirt is $65 and the underwear is $44 separately), and is available in white or black.  This is the perfect, holiday gift pack for anysexy and stylish guy.

For the ultimate comfort, Naked has released the new micro modal boxers. They are based on the traditional Naked Boxer Brief design, however they have been updated with an elastic waist band enclosed in the fabric and are now made of modal fabric which feels lighter than cotton and softer than silk. The re-design is a testament to how Naked is dedicated to delivering the premium quality with ultimate comfort.

Naked has also recently launched a new microfiber boxer brief. The seamless garment is designed and manufactured in Canada and is made from Italian microfiber. The light-weight material forms comfortably to your body and feels like your wearing nothing at all. Although these premium underwear are hand wash and hang dry, you will appreciate wearing these underwear every day and they will last an extremely long time.

Get your holiday shopping done early. The Naked collection is available at Boys’co, Holt Renfrew, Top Drawers and online from the Naked Boxer Brief website.

Exclusive Contest:

This week myWebbSite.ca is exclusively giving away the Naked Holiday Gift Pack. The gift pack includes one Naked Fashion Tee and one traditional Naked Boxer Brief.   To enter this contest, leave a comment on this blog post (valid for one entry), or tweet (also valid for one entry):

I entered for a chance to win a @NakedUnderwear holiday gift pack from @br_webb. http://ow.ly/7JrmK #NakedHoliday RT to enter.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, December 2, 2011. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Monday, December 5, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Brock McLaughlin, you are the winner of a @NakedUnderwear holiday gift pack!

Thank you to everyone who entered. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Since American President Barack Obama had the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy repealed, gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women on the front lines are finally allowed to serve for their country loud and proud. Something their fellow Canadian soldiers haven’t had to deal with for years.

“I served with a lot of gay people over seas,” said Travis Irons, a former member of the United States Military Police. “Some of the best soldiers I ever worked with were gay.”

At that time in his life, Travis believed he was heterosexual and was married to a woman. He was stationed out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina during his three year military career.

After serving a mission in Iraq, Travis returned to the United States and began exploring and discovering his sexuality.

“I didn’t know anything,” Travis said as he recounted his experiences in the US Army.   “When I came back I got divorced. Then I came out.”

So what does the former military man turned gay porn star and exotic male dancer think about the decision to repeal the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy?

“I really hope we don’t take advantage of it,” Travis explained. “I hope that just because they are allowed to come out that they don’t walk around with handbags and everything. I think it’s a good thing.”

This week the makers of Naked Boxer Brief, have launched their latest premium men’s line, the Naked Undershirt.

The Canadian designed and made undershirt is made from Italian micro modal. The soft, light weight fabric has been spun on a 44 gauge machine, making the premium garment stay fitted to the skin.

“I’ve never been as excited about a fabric as I am about the Italian micro modal fabric for our newest undershirts,” said Naked CEO, Joel Primus. “We set ourselves apart by showing people fabrics that will feel absolutely perfect against their skin.”

It’s true. The high-end undershirts fit comfortably. The seaming is similar in style to the Naked Boxers where the seams are minimized, so there are less undergarment lines. It also has a nice, long length, which means it will stay tucked in throughout the day.

“I’ve never understood why guys will buy a beautiful cashmere sweater or premium dress shirt and then put a beat up, cotton shirt they won for entering a weekend road race underneath,” said Primus. “Naked is about ultimate comfort and fashion from the inside out.”

The undershirt, which has launched exclusively in retail at Holt Renfrew in Canada, is available in crew or v-neck styles. It also comes with a special wash bag to protect the fabric from pilling during machine wash.

Overall Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)

Exclusive Contest:

This week is the only place you can enter for a chance to win a Naked Fashion Tee.  To enter this contest, leave a comment on this blog post (valid for one entry), or tweet (also valid for one entry):

I just entered for a chance to win the new @NakedUnderwear Fashion Tee thanks to @br_webb. #WinNakedTee http://ow.ly/70sSY  RT to Enter.

Contest closes at 5:00pm PST, Friday, October 21, 2011. One random drawn winner will be announced on this blog post on or before Monday, October 24, 2011.

Read the complete contest rules.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

This contest is now closed.

Congratulations Aaerelon, you are the lucky winner of the new Naked Mens Fashion Tee.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Please keep watching for more contests coming soon.

Even though summer is coming to a close, Canadian men’s underwear designer and maker, PUMP!, is at it again, releasing the hot new College Boy 21 boxer.

College Boy is a varsity style boxer that has a sporty cut, a rubberized ‘21’ and faux-mesh stripes. The square-cut boxer will bring out the jock in anyone. The red, white and blue collegiate colours are bold and sexy.

As with the entire PUMP! collection, the 1.25” waistband has the large silver PUMP! logo across the front and the smaller PUMP! logo on the back, this time on the left. The metallic waistband  also had a silver strip, adding to the athletic theme.

The contoured front pouch is double-layered and blue piping and cross-stitching highlights and accentuates the area. The pouch also features a false vertical fly.

The right front hip features a red reverse ‘21’ on a white rubber oval. The PUMP! logo is also splashed across the backside using the signature white rubber.

The underwear is made from 96% cotton and 4% spandex, giving them a soft, comfortable, form-fitting fit. They are comfortable enough to wear all day; and the cotton is easy breathing.

Machine wash warm, only non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry on low head. Cool iron if needed (avoiding rubber areas). Wash with bright or white colors separately.

Pump! underwear tends to fit small; consider purchasing one size larger than you normally wear.

College Boy 21 boxers are $36 and are available at select retailers across Canada and are available world-wide by Ordering online.

Rating:

Overall – ★★★★

Style – ★★★★

Fit – ★★★★★

Quality – ★★★★★

Fabric – ★★★★★

About Pump!

Pump! is a Montreal based company. They are focused on delivering high quality products at an affordable price. They have a wide variety of underwear collections and also make tank tops and tee-shirts. A swimwear collection is in the works.