The record, 2 novembre 2006, jeudi 2 novembre 2006

THE RECORD The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 3 * • impaign.See Page 3 75 CENTS + TAXES PM#0040007682 Thursday, November 2, 2006 Desert Beauty PEROT BEATON Hie annual Sherbrooke flower show ends Sunday (die greenhouses dose at 5 p.m.daily, at 1350 Portland Blvd.).Visitors should watch out for die stuffed armadillo.More victims?New BCS allegations By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke New alleged victims, including one Eastern Townships resident, have come forward with sexual abuse allegations against Lennoxville borough's Bishop's College School since a former student sought court permission to file a multi-million class action lawsuit on behalf of himself and others.“I was just advised of a new victim last night," Brian McPhadden.one of two lawyers representing the plaintiff, told The Record Tuesday.The documents, filed in Superior Court in Montreal in mid-October by a man known only by the initials A.B.T., estimate there are at least 10 other victims.“We’re now aware of 10 or 11 male victims," claimed Toronto lawyer McPhadden.The 58-year-old plaintiff lives in Vancouver and states in court documents that he was a BCS resident between 1958 and 1965.It claims he and other school boys were sexually abused by the now deceased Reverend Harold Theodore Gibson Forster, who was a house master, school chaplain, teacher and choirmaster.The alleged abuse, which included beating the boy’s bare buttocks with a comb before massaging them, allegedly Please see BCS on Page 4 Rodier p rothétitce * MAGOG 266, St-Pat-rice West 619.647.2244 • COATICOOK.Clinlcpje familiale 271 Child ei9.ô49.4eoe • STANSTEAD 2e Notre-Dame W.(in Diane VaJllaneourt*» Pharmacy) 1.077.302-2776 • LACOLLE 60 rte 202 1.677.302.2776 I Full service of hearing aide page 2 Thursday, November 2, 2006 ¦ ¦THE ¦ RECORD Townshippers’ Volunteer Bank Volunteer needed in Lennoxville area An adult man living in Lennoxville is seeking a volunteer tutor, preferably another man, to teach him how to navigate the Internet.The volunteer would also be an important social contact for this man.Lessons could be done on the computer at the Lennoxville Library.For more information, or to offer to volunteer, contact Evelina Smith, Townshippers' Association’s Volunteer Bank coordinator, at 819-566-2182 (toll free 1-877-566-2182) or info@townshippers.qc.ca.Animal shelter urgently needs foster families Due to a huge influx of cats at the shelter, the Eastern Townships SPA (SPA de l’Estrie) urgently needs foster families for five adult cats in order to give the kitties a break and a chance to get out of their cages.The length of foster time would depend on the number of places available in the adoption room.For more information, or to foster one or more of these cats, contact Evelina Smith at 819-566-2182 (toll free 1-877-566-2182) or info@town-shippers.qc.ca, or Mélissa Nadeau at 819-821-4727 ext.107.On Volunteering “To do something, however small, to make others happier and better, is the highest ambition, the most elevating hope, which can inspire a human being.” - John Lubbock (Source: Charity Village) About the Volunteer Bank The Volunteer Bank is an initiative of Townshippers’ Association and was created as a result of a need expressed by English speakers to become more involved in their community, as well as to provide English-speaking volunteer support to community groups and organizations.Townshippers’ Association is a non-partisan, non-profit organization serving the English-speaking community in the Eastern Townships.Do you have a special talent, skill, or service you would like to provide on a volunteer basis?Is your group or organization looking for a few good volunteers?If so, contact Evelina Smith, coordinator of Townshippers’ Association’s Volunteer Bank, at 819-566-2182 (toll free 1-877-566-2182), info@township-pers.qc.ca, or George Courville, coordinator of Partners for Health & Social Services - Townships-Montérégie Network at 450-263-4422 (toll free 1-866-263-4422), gc@townshippers.qc.ca.Twenty More Jobs • COURTESY Cowansville's new Canadian Tire was inaugurated Sunday evening, complete with a ribbon cutting and even some live music.The new store, next to the Wal-Mart, occupies 41,000 square feet, up from the former 28,000 square-foot store.Co-owner Sylvie Drolet said the new space is a $10 million investment, adding 20 more people to the existing workforce of 70.Seen here at the ribbon cutting are owners Jean-Pierre Côté and Drolet, Cowansville Mayor Arthur Fauteux, and André Sauvé, Canadian Tire’s regional director for eastern Canada.Briefs Sherbrooke blood clinic Héma-Québec will hold a blood donor clinic in Sherbrooke today, Thursday.It will be at the CHUS - Hôtel-Dieu Hospital gymnasium (555 Murray St.) from 10:30 a.m.to 7 p.m.Roxton Pond donors, too Héma-Québec will hold a blood donor clinic in Roxton Pond today, Thursday.It will be at the Community Centre (905 Saint-Jean St.) from 2:30 to 8 p.m.For stamp lovers Stamp hobbyists can buy their favoured wares this weekend for charity.The Service philatélique de Caritas will offer thousands of stamps, new and used, with proceeds going toward the group’s overseas projects (an April sale led to two $2,175 donations to orphans in Lesotho and Cameroun).The sale will take place Friday, Nov.3 from 9:30 a.m.to 9 p.m.and Saturday, Nov.4 from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.at the Galeries Quatre Saisons in Sherbrooke.Those who want to donate stamps for the sale will receive a tax receipt.Choo-choo trains laid out in Sherbrooke Miniature train nuts will be showing off their work this weekend.The Club des Modélistes Ferroviaires de TEstrie will set up on Saturday, Nov.4 and Sunday, Nov.5 from noon to 5 p.m.The address is 2915 Galt W.in Sherbrooke.The 3700 A group of musical police officers dubbed Les 3700 have raised $5,000 for a little girl named Noémi Côté, who is receiving experimental treatments in a hyperbaric chamber.Côté is the daughter of a Sherbrooke police officer and doctors are still trying to finalize a diagnosis for her illness, said 3700 member Stéphane Gauthier.The treatments aren’t covered by Medicare, and colleagues performed at a fundraiser at Sherbrooke’s Théâtre Le Granada last week on Cote's behalf.Weather Today: Cloudy.Sixty per cent chance of wet flurries in the morning.High 4.Friday: Cloudy.Low minus 5.High 1.Saturday: Cloudy.Low minus 7.High zero.Sunday: Cloudy.Low minus 9.High 1.Ben by Daniel Shelton .RAKING THE LEAVES.WWV?lv/vvV ,*llE SKfi, mm RECORD Thursday, November 2, 2006 page 3 Wales Home taps francophone for fundraiser * 1 i Monthly deficit down to $35,000 By Claudia Villemaire Richmond With almost one year of fiscal review, re structuring and tough sledding behind them, the people at the Wales Home Foundation launched their annual fundraising campaign Tuesday.And for the first time in the history of this private charitable organization, a French-Canadian will head up the project, bringing his expertise as both a lawyer and as mayor of Richmond.Marc-André Martel, seasoned by 20 years in the mayor’s chair, said his admiration and respect for the institution goes back 30 years.“When I came here for the first time.I felt at home,” he said.“We are privileged to have such a unique residence for our older citizens.“On the economic side of things, we mustn’t forget over 100 people work here, making this home a major part of the local economy.” Chief operations officer Yves Malette gave a short summary of the steps taken to combat an operational deficit of $1.3 million last year.“We have introduced measures to decrease expenses (and) rebuilt the finance department, managing to bring the monthly operational deficit down from $80,000 to $35.000.” Malette cited an effective management team and better communication between staff members, the introduction of an efficient inventory system and other ongoing work.“We now have a director of residential services and a formal complaint process.And we are once again seriously committed at working towards that elusive ac-creditation which would establish this home I’I KKY BKATON/SI’UCIAI Supporters of the Wales Home turned out for yesterday’s fundraising kick -off.positively in the eyes of government agencies.” (The new director of residential services is Brenda Lee Piironen.And accreditation is a complex process that takes years.) Mayor Martel said: "I am proud to be given the honour of acting as your honorary campaign chairman.The last two years with Malcolm Wheeler, mayor of Windsor, and David (Butch) Crack, member of the foundation’s Board of Directors, in this position, the campaign has reached its goal and then some.That’s a hard act to follow, but I will be dedicated to this goal and ready and willing to do what- ever it takes to record another successful campaign.” Martel also accepted leading donations f rom the assembled guests including political leaders and community members whose support has been constant for several years.The Wales Home presently has 171 residents including 21 occupied apartments.This year’s fundraising goal of $250,000 is the same as last year’s.Diabetes test Briefs Lennoxville Armistice ceremonies The borough of Lennoxville will hold Remembrance Day ceremonies on Sunday, Nov.5.The ceremony will begin at 111:30 a.m.at Civic Park, next to the town hall at 150 Queen St.Some streets will also be closed: Queen, Speid and Samuel-Gratham (formerly Depot) streets will be shut down at 11:30 for an hour for the parade, scheduled for 11:45 a.m.A train for war brides Via Rail is running a special train to help mark Remembrance Day.On Monday, Nov.6, the Ocean train, leaving Montreal for Halifax, has been designated the “War Bride Train.” The company “encourages war brides and their families to travel by train,” reads a press release, “for a unique celebration of their arrival in this country.” Some 40,000 war brides (and 20,000 children) arrived in Canada between 1942 and 1948, arriving at Halifax’s Pier 21.“We are really pleased to be helping the war brides relive, in reverse, their first historic voyage in Canada,” states Halifax train station agent Ron Jackson.“When we heard that many provinces were declaring 2006 the Year of the War Bride, we just knew what we had to do this year.” On Wednesday, Nov.8, Pier 21 will host celebrations to mark the Year of the War Bride.The museum’s activities will include a church service, guided tours of the exhibits and a mass renewal of vows between married veterans and their spouses.The train will feature live music and a historian will interview select passengers.It will leave Montreal at 6:44 pm and arrive in Halifax the following afternoon at 3:55 pm.The Troop Train A second special Via Rail Canada train will run in the opposite direction, from Halifax to Ottawa for Remembrance Day, and been dubbed the Troop Train.The train will leave around noon Thursday, Nov.9 and will arrive at the nation’s capital the following day, in time for Remembrance Day ceremonies.“Last year’s train was such a rich and moving experience for everyone - the veterans and their families, the communities we travelled through, and the employees,” states Ron Jackson, a Via employee and the brains behind the special train.gone wrong Thetford Mines worry By Brion Robinson Sherbrooke The Quebec Order of Pharmacists has begun an investigation into the Thetford Mines mass diabetes test that may have infected more than 100 participants with Hepatitis B and C, said Véronique Allaire, the order’s communication's assistant.“I can’t give any more specifics regarding the investigation," she said.The testing took place at an IGA supermarket last week.Concerns were raised after a health professional contacted the health centre about devices being used to check partici-pants*blood-sugar levels.Dr.Diane Morin, head of public health management for Chaudière-Appalaches said the device, which only has six sterile needles, was not intended for mass use, and the same needles may have pricked fingers more than once.Still, “there’s almost no danger that anyone will have been infected,” she said.Morin blames the incident on miscoinmunication between event organizers and the pharmaceutical company that issued the instrument.Despite the low risk, health authorities aren’t taking any chances.Morin said that, not knowing the identities of the people tested, health officials are trying to reach people through the media.So far, about 100 people have already come forward.» * page 4 Thursday, November 2, 2006 • i ¦ THF- ¦ i RECORD BCS: ConTd from Page 1 occurred in 1962 when the victim was 14.A.B.T.’s Quebec legal representative is Irwin Liebman.He said these types of cases are becoming more common in the legal system.“What we’re seeing is more litigation than before and more people willing to see the process through,” he said.McPhadden said A.B.T.will not speak with media, but he said his client is “upbeat” and “determined to see the court case through.” Papers were served on the school Oct.24, BCS board chairman David Stenason confirmed, noting the parents of some 260 current students and tens of thousands of alumni have been informed of the situation by way of a one-page letter.Stenason, who graduated from BCS 31 years ago, also said he was unaware of any new accusations, adding he expected alleged victims to contact a lawyer before communicating with the school.The A.B.T.suit seeks $13 million from the school for liability in hiring, employing and inadequately supervising Forster, as well as damages of $13 million for “breach of duty of care.” The suit also seeks $4 million in punitive and exemplary damages, $2 million for aggravated damages as well as special damages to be determined at trial.McPhadden, who has been involved in similar cases, also said the dollar figures could rise.“It signifies to the defendant the magnitude of what happened,” he said, noting it would be a benefit to both é sides to reach an early agreement.An early resolution would save the school legal fees and not be so damaging to its reputation, he said.When asked whether a multi-million dollar claim could seriously hurt the private school, BCS spokesman Stenason admitted “any pay out hurts the school.” But he added that “the lawyers can say whatever they want and whatever number they want, but the verdict is up to the courts to decide.” Although the events are alleged to have happened almost 50 years ago and the accused Forster died in 1967, Lawyers Liebman and McPhadden say they are confident they have a strong case.Many former students have already come forward, Liebman said, and they have brought a lot of evidence to the table.There’s little doubt the abuse ended after Forster's departure, McPhadden said, adding that the private school is responsible for its students’ well- t>eing perry BEAT0N “The school was The plaintiffs lawyer is suggesting that an early settlement could benefit the school.staging a parental role,” he said.The Toronto law firm’s Web site states that after the school is served with court documents “the firm will seek a claims resolution agreement with the school.Should agreement not prove possible at an early stage, a court hearing to certify the action as a class proceeding will be scheduled.” Liebman said the hearing could take place as early as mid-2007.Hells Angel denied release Montreal A longtime member of the Hells Angels has been denied a statutory release from a penitentiary because of his loyalty to the gang and for allegedly continuing to do business while behind bars.Claude Giguère, 45, was one of several Hells Angels arrested in Operation Springtime 2001, the police investigation that shut down the gang’s elite Nomads chapter.While he wasn’t a member of the Nomads, Giguère was, and still is, a member of the gang’s chapter in Trois-Rivières.He was snared in the 2001 roundup because police investigators found evidence he purchased large quantities of cocaine and hashish from the Nomads' highly organized drug trafficking empire.When the police sorted out the Nomads’ coded accounting software they were able to link Giguère to an account labeled “Macho,” his Hells Angels nickname.Within months of his arrest, Giguère pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and gangsterism, and received an eight-year sentence, one of the longest among the 51 people linked to the Nomads chapter through its accounting.But it appears Giguère followed the “business as usual” motto even while serving his sentence over the past five years.According to a National Parole Board report released this week, Giguère “co-ordinated and supervised” the entry Vi.ii Mi.iivvi n i •• i «••••«•»••* « .of drugs into a penitentiary where he was held until 2003.The drugs were smuggled in through the penitentiary’s laundry area by inmates indebted to Giguère.The Hells Angel was also suspected of having accomplices send him drugs by launching arrows and tossing tennis balls packed with drugs on to the grounds of his penitentiary.More recently, Correctional Service Canada alleged this past summer that Giguère was smuggling large quantities of cigarettes into his penitentiary through its arts and crafts shop.At his hearing last week, Giguère told the three parole commissioners who heard his case that he intends to be a -Hells Angel when he is released.The commissioners decided that if Giguère maintained his affiliation with the gang he represents a high risk to reoffend — specifically to traffic in drugs — before his sentence ends in 2009.He was ordered to remain incarcerated beyond his statutory release date, Feb.23, 2007, the two-third mark of his sentence.Less than five per cent of inmates are kept behind bars beyond their statutory release date.The parole board is required to review the decision with a year.-CanWest News Service The lawyers are still waiting to hear from the school.“It’s too soon to say if we would consider a settlement,” Stenason said.“I wouldn’t want to comment on behalf of the school too early.” Speaking on behalf of A.B.T., McPhadden said, “It’s his hope the school will do the right thing.” brobinson@sherbrookerecord.com Briefs Résidence Portland seniors to face strike?The employees of Sherbrooke’s Résidence Portland are in a strike position, and their union representatives say they’ll walk off the job if their employer doesn’t make some concessions soon.According to Jean Lacharité, the Estrie representative of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), the workers want a contract in line with those of employees of other private seniors’ homes in the province.But Lacharité stated in a news release yesterday the terms of Résidence Portland’s offer are a step back from the collective agreement that expired in June 2005.“We obtained a 100 per cent strike vote and we’re giving an ultimatum to our employer: Respect us or we’ll forcefully use or strike mandate,” said local union president Suzanne Talbot.MS in Granby People in the Granby area who have been diagnosed in the last two years with multiple sclerosis are invited to four free weekly information sessions throughout November.Under the theme “hope and adaptation”, the sessions will be held every Monday this month at 839 Cowie St.in Granby.If there’s enough interest, the workshops could be held in the Rouville and Brome-Missisquoi regional municipal counties.To register or for more information, call Lucille Dignard at 450-776-1106.Free skiing for Grade 5s Applications for the Canadian Ski Council’s Grade 5 SnowPass program are now available at Sport Mart, Sport Chek, Sports Experts and Intersport stores.The program, according to a press release, offers school children enrolled in Grade 5, or born in 1996, up to three free days of skiing or snowboarding at each participating ski area in the region in which they live.SnowPass applications are also available at www.snowpass.ca.The Canadian Ski Council works on the behalf of the snowsports industry to increase participation in recreational snowboarding and skiing. THF.¦¦¦ RECORD Thursday, November 2, 2006 page 5 MAURICE CROSSFIELD René Giard and Roger Fournier have both retired from their jobs as the top administrators of the Granby Hospital and the BMP in Cowansville.Both know the challenges of the urban/rural split in health and social services.Will health and social services be better in a new region?Retirement allows for freer speech By Maurice Crossfield Waterloo Next week the Estates General on the Creation of a New Administrative Region will look at health and social services, an area where the divide between urban and rural is most keenly felt in the western end of the Townships.“He (co-president Roger Fournier) won’t just be speaking, he will be speaking from experience as well,” said René Giard, who is also heading up the hearing.“I will be giving my opinion as well, I can’t help that.” Both Fournier and Giard are intimately familiar with the challenges facing health and social services in Brome-Missisquoi, Haute-Yamaska, Rou-ville and Acton.As director generals of the Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins and Granby hospitals, both men regularly dealt with the Longueuil-based regional health board.Now retired, they can speak a little more freely on the subject.“In mental health we are lacking enormously,” said Giard.“While I was at the Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital there were three studies that showed the underfunding,” added Fournier.The health and social services issue is at the heart of the drive to create a new administrative region.Being in a rural area that is part of an administrative region with a population of 1.3 million, the eastern end of the Montérégie often felt left out.“It is certain that the pressures of the urban centres like Longueuil or Sorel are more listened to,” Fournier said.“Those pressures make places in the periphery less important.” But the outlying areas in question have their own challenges: A population that is aging faster than almost anywhere in North America; long distances between centres; a lack of long-term care facilities.While many Longueuil residents will seek out services on the nearby island of Montreal, 85 to 87 per cent of those living in the rural areas stick closer to home.Giard noted the effect is also felt on an individual level: He noted that typically 40 people our of 10.000 suffer from chronic intestinal problems.In this region, it’s 70 per 10,000.Despite it being nearly twice the provincial average, the matter has been given little attention.For the hearing, Fournier is preparing a presentation looking at the experiences of other MRCs.In the Gaspé — where he began his career as a community organizer— a distinct region of about 100.000 people was created.“They have come up with some very creative responses to the problems they face,” he said.“It contributed to the regulating of the financing problems and the services became better adapted to the needs of the region." Meanwhile Giard will give a presentation of the possible avenues to take to meet the challenges facing the health and social services network.In the afternoon the hearing will hold workshops and round tables to look at the various issues.Along with administrators from within the network the hearing is also open to the general public.But space is limited, so registering ahead is necessary.You can sign up over the Internet at www.grandeurnature.info, or by calling 450-372-9152.Bruis Police bust bawdy house Six people will likely appear in court in Sherbrooke today following a crackdown on prostitution in the Alexandre Street area.On Wednesday police raided an apartment at 350 Brooks St.There they arrested three men and three women in what officers say was a bawdy house.Also found on the scene was a small quantity of cocaine and syringes used for injecting drugs.This marks the second operation in two days in the neighbourhood.On Tuesday, undercover police arrested two women in their twenties for soliciting, following numerous complaints from residents.“These people all work the same neighbourhood," said Sherbrooke Police spokesman Const.André Lemire.“We're talking about Alexandre, Brooks and Gillespie streets." In early October, the Sherbrooke Police tactical squad raided a residence at 375 Alexandre, arresting another two people and confiscating hundreds of syringes and bags.Police say that apartment was a s|x>t where numerous drug users would go to inject drugs like cocaine and heroin.Arrests at Bar ns ton gjrow op Two men have been arrested and more arrests are expected to follow after a marijuana grow op was busted in Barn ston West on Wednesday.Following an investigation that lasted several weeks, members of the Coaticook detachment of the Sûreté du Québec raided a house at 910 Frappier.Inside they arrested two men and found several hundred jxit plants growing in soil.Also seized were lights and other equipment used to grow the illegal weed.The two men are expected to face chaiges of cultivating marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.SAVE ON THE NEWSSTAND PRICE! HAVE ii— THE — - RECORD delivered to your door SUBSCRIPTION RATES $36,46 for 3 months $71,79 for 6 months $136,74 for 1 year (theite price* include OST A GST) Name; Postal Cods: _________T«l.No.: Please mall with payment to: THE RECORD P.O.Box 1200 Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5L6 819-569-9528 • 450-242-1188 1-800-463-9525 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! page 6 Thursday, November 2, 2006 : ¦¦nu—' RECORD Community Forum |lb.«rf£)!>t>! Q'tlkco.a oaglecartoona.com LOOKS UKÊ TriEV LOWERED -Se FITNESS STANDARDS foR SOLDIERS.Letter to the Editor Hatley United’s centennial, again Dear editor A forgotten cache of hand-written letters and yellowed press clippings arrived unexpectedly this summer in Hatley.And with it, the congregation of Hatley United Church has gone on a'his-torical journey to the beginnings of our beautiftil white clapboard building.In 1835, a small group of people in Hatley sat* down and decided to build a new church.They were Wesleyan Methodists and had met for more than 20 years in homes in the village, with circuit riders from Stanstead and lay preachers from Hatley leading worship.They opened the doors of what was to become Hatley United Church in 1836.This Sunday, Nov.5, at 4 p.m„ the congregation will hold a special 170th anniversary service for our building.We will follow the Order of Service from our 1936 Centennial celebration, with the same hymns and anthem and with our guest preacher coming from St.James United Church in Montreal just as itwas 70 years ago.Former ministers will join in the service, as they did in 1936.The Sunday School will put on a play based on the building committee meeting back in 1835 and we will show photos and historical documents.A potluck supper will follow the service and there will be a birthday cake, just as there was in 1936.Please note that unlike 1936, Hatley United is now peanut and peanut-food free out of respect for those with allergies.So crank up the Model A and join us at Hatley United this Sunday afternoon as we celebrate our first 170 years and look forward to the next hundred as well.Royal Orr Hatley This column may be recorded to ensure quality service Push 8-1-9 “Hello?Hello.?” “Ah.yes, hello?Can I speak to Rose Mary, please?” “Ross Murray?” “Oh yes.I’m sorry, Mrs.Murray.” “Mister.” “Yes.Mister.So Mister Murray, how are you this evening." “Fine.” “Fine.Good.I’m glad to hear it.Mr.Murray, I’m calling this evening on behalf of Belle to offer you some very interesting new services which I’m sure may interest you.You are already a Belle customer, Mr.Murray?” “Yes.” “Good.We thank you for your patronage.May I ask you if you have Internet service in your home?” “Yes, I actually have Belle Stacatico.” “Very good, sir.Thank you.Is it a ULY P,0.Box 1200 Sherbrooke J1H 5L6 or 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax: 819-569-3945 e-mail; newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Website: www.sherbrookerecord.com Randy Kinnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Eleanor Brown Editor .(819) 5696345 Nelson Afonso Corresp.Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mcr.(819) 569-9931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 5699931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 5694856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)569-9511 Advertising .(819)5699525 Circulation.1819)5699528 Newsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88-A Lakeside.Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 plan, sir?” “ULY?” “Yes.‘Uber-LightYear speed.’” “No, it’s one down from that, I think.The DSL plan.” “Ah, yes, the ‘Dumb Slow Loser’ plan.” “What?” “Mr.Murray, you know I could upgrade you to a ULY plan for only $4 more a month for the first three months.” “And how much after that?” “Mere pennies, Mr.Murray.” “How many pennies.” “Sixteen hundred a minute.” “No, I’m pretty happy with what I have.” “But Mr.Murray, do you have children?" MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: 1 year 120.00 7.20 9.54 $136.74 6 MONTHS 63.00 3.78 5.01 $71.79 3 MONTHS 32.00 1.92 2.54 $36.46 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rates for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 7,1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Glacier Ventures International Corp.PM#0040007682 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Record.1195 Galt East.Sherbrooke, QC JIG 1Y7 Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA “Yes I do.” “Don’t you want them to love you?” “I guess so.” “Then you must have ULY.Otherwise they will be filled with rage and I don’t want to be held responsible for the consequences.” “It’s okay.I’m good.” “Very well, Mr.Murray.Now, Mr.Murray, do you subscribe to Belle’s Dis-tressVu?” “No I don’t have satellite.I don’t even-have cable.” “Don’t have.! Mr.Murray.Remember what I said about your children.” “Look, really.I’m fine.Hey, I don’t want to be rude but my supper’s getting cold.” “Yes, I understand.It is good to eat.I look forward every day to earning enough money to feed my own children, all seven of them.” “Uh, yeah.” “You know I’m calling from overseas, Mr.Murray.Veiy poor country.I wish I had cable.” “Anyway.” “Yes, so Mr.Murray, I have a very special offer for you this evening.As you know, our customers in Quebec must now dial the area code for all local numbers.” “Yeah, and it’s kind of a pain in the butt.” “Ha-ha.You are a man of wit, Mr.Murray.While this new dialing procedure has greatly improved efficiency, especially for us, it is already having an effect on individual telephones.Specifically, telephone number pads are wearing out.” “You mean people are dialing the area code so often they’re busting the numbers on their phones?” “Yes, in your area, the 8,1 and 9.The situation is quite critical in the 514 area.In fact, the Is in general are in crisis.It’s called RDS — Repetitive Dial Syndrome.” “You know, I did notice my 8 getting a little wobbly.” “Of course you did, Mr.Murray.Which is why Belle would like to offer you DIP, the Dialpad Insurance Plan.For just 17 cents a month, we can provide you with 24-hour access to fresh dialpad numbers.” “It’s okay.I think I’ll take my chances.” “Demand is going to exceed supply, Mr.Murray.” “I’m fine.” “Think of the 1.” “I dial gently.” “Your children.” “Thanks anyway.” “Mr.Murray, can I interest you in Belle’s new short-term disability insurance?” “No thanks.” “Cellphone ringtones as sung by our CEO?” “No.” “A zero-percent interest MBNA credit card?” “What?No.” “Mr.Murray, there is clearly no pleasing you.I’m going to hang up because you are now just wasting my time.I certainly hope that nothing ‘unfortunate’ happens to your phone service.” “Wait, don’t go.Let me tell you all about my kids.” “I’m sorry, my meager supper is getting cold.” “I have to have an operation.Can I tell you all about it?” “Have a good day, Mr.Murray, and thank you for‘choosing’Belle.” i iiTHE ¦¦¦ RECORD Ross Murray >* • ' / THE RECORD Thursday, November 2, 2006 page 7 Health, it’s all that matters.150 years of health For Valérie Courchesne and her team at the Brunet store in Lennoxville, your health is all that matters.If you have any questions regarding your health, feel free to contact them.They'll be delighted to assist you.brunets 147 rue Queen, Lennoxville 819-569-3601 >4 , •••.*' ¦¦ -x.«•W'-v.'S •.¦¦• ¦ , •" sa«g &%*>& scaftr€o3TNG.A ©' y ?o f-jTtBMMKt- 1 page 18 Thursday, November 2, 2006 Call Sherbrooke: (819) 569-9525 between 830 a.m.and 430 p.m.E-mail: dassad@sherbrookerecord.com or Knowlton: (450) 242-1188 beiween 9:00 aja.and 4:00 p.m.—— i ¦THEmii —¦ _ Record _ CLASSIFIED Deadline: 1230 p.m.one day prior to publication Or mail your prepaid classified ads to The Record, P.O.Box 1200, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5L6 001 Property for Sale 050 Rest Homes 100 Job Opportunities 150 Computers 190 Cars For Sale 230 Tires 320 Livestock 415 Mortgages COWANSVILLE.Bright 1300 sq.ft.2 bedroom condo, near hospital and lake.Heated garage.Entrance with buzzer and camera.Balcony and solarium.$165,000.Call (450) 266-8082 or (514) 884-1606 SHERBROOKE NORTH Town House, 2 stories plus basement, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, fireplace, hardwood flooring.Garage.Superb view of Sherbrooke golf course.Luxury and convenience.Low • maintenance.Call today! 819-566-0446.035 For Rent LENNOXVILLE - Very large 5 1/2, condo style.Available immediately.108 Oxford.Call 819-569-4977.LENNOXVILLE.SUBLET, 4 1/2 room apt., 2 bedrooms, 2nd floor.Quiet area.Oxford Crescent.Available .January 1, 2007.Call 819-822-0209.UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.The White House in Stanstead, a retirement residence has 1 spacious room available immediately with the perspective to add 6 new rooms.If interested to work or rent a room, call 819-876-2013.100 Job Opportunities Selling Christmas Trees No experience necessary.Must have a van.Call: 1-866- 356-9002 CAFE MAIN STREET in Ayer’s Cliff seeks candidates with or without restaurant / food service experience.Full time or part time position.Flexible on days and time.Bilingual.Please tax resume to: 819-838-1190.JOB AT HOME, $487.68 weekly.Mail work, assemble products or computer work.Get free details at: www.TopJobReview.com,, or write to CHR Jobs: 372 Rideau Street, # 916, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G7, Reference A22 PRESSMEN REQUIRED - The Daily Courier (Kelowna, BC) is looking for Journeyman Pressmen.Must have a minimum of 5 years experience on a Goss Community press.We are a fast paced union shop with 13 Goss community units.Competitive hourly rate offered as per collective agreement.Please send resume to: The Daily Courier, attn: Willy Ker-ntopf, VP Operations, 550 Doyle Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V1 Fax: 250-763-0194 Email: willy.kerntopf@ok.bc.ca WORK IN ALBERTA! Log on to www.work west.ca today and see great paying jobs in Canada’s boom Province! Looking to rent an apartment?Or want to rent one?Place an ad in the classifiedsl (819) 569-9525 or (450) 242-1188 140 Professional Services ROOFING & REPAIR Also gutter repairs and cleaning.Call Ian Perkins at 819-578-1910.145 Miscellaneous Services LENNOXVILLE PLUMBING.Domestic repairs and water refiners.Call Norman Walker at 819-563-1491.A NEW PC ONLY $0.99/day! Everyone’s approved for finance*.Get a fully loaded MDG computer with an Intel Pentium D 3.0Ghz only $0.99/day.Includes everything you need: 1 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, 19" LCD flat panel, Windows XP and a Free •printer/scanner/copier for the first 500 callers (‘call for conditions) 1-800-791-1174.NO MONEY DOWN! Dell Giant Christmas Sale PC/Laptop.Credit builder program! Ideal for education, business, entertainment, (‘easy payments, easy approval).1 -866-858-0660 (‘simple conditions apply).190 Cars For Sale 2001 SUBARU FORESTER, 50,000 km., fully loaded, automatic.16” summer tires, 15” winter tires.$13,500.negotiable.Call 819-846-3087.2001 TURBO DIESEL GOLF, 4 door, alarm system, silver, 6 CD changer, AM/FM radio cassette, 5 speed, great on mileage, 249,000 km.$6,500.negotiable.Call 819-826-6737, please leave message or email us at tz@aei.ca It pays to advertise in the classifieds 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS CX, fully equipped, charcoal 2 tone, 92,000 km., excellent condition.$12,050.Call 819-345-2971 or 819-563-5151.Selling a car?Make your classified stand out.For $10.more per day, run a photo with your classified! Deadline: 2 days before publication.Drop by our office in Sherbrooke or Knowlton.819-569-9525.195 Trucks For Sale r 1992 CHEVY CHEYENNE, 4x4, 305 motor, 8 ft.box, cab & 1/2, no rust.New exhaust, new transmission, many new parts and extras.$6,000.Call 819-837-2680.205 Campers-trailers MOTOR HOME - 1993 Southwind, 30 ft., 454 motor, econo, 70,000 km., fully loaded, full basement, driver door, closed room, $31,995.Trade considered with 5000 lb.or less travel trailer.Also available: tow vehicle, 1989 Toyota pick-up with tow bar and lights, $6,000.Call 819-846-3087.4 BRIDGESTONE BLIZ-ZAK, 265/65R17, in excellent condition, $280.4 Yokohama Avid H4, P215/60R16, in very good condition, $180.Best offers accepted at 819-563-2682 after 6 pm.4 WINTER TIRES, Kelly Snow Tracker, 205-60-15, like new, on steel rims that fit Taurus, Windstar and other Ford models.$425.Call 819-572-0998.275 Antiques WE BUY from the past for the future, one item or a household, attic or basement, shed or garage.We like it all, give us a call.819-837-2680.290 Articles For Sale LADIES BLACK FAUX-FUR 3/4 length coat, size M (14-16).Brand new, never worn.Paid $150.Asking $75.Call 819-569-1464.LAROCHE TANDEM STEEL TRAILER, 7 ft.wide, 10 ft.long, 3 opening sides, hydraulic brakes.$1,650.negotiable.Call 819-846-3087.YOUNG GIRLS CLOTHES, snow suit size 1-3 years.All in very good condition.Call 819-569-1464.ORGANIC BEEF CATTLE.Organic baby beef business, certified since 1991, 9 cows, 3 heifers, 1 Limousin bull, complete records, Spring calving, asking $15,000.Also organic hay, complete marketing system, client list, reservation form, newsletter, etc.Must sell for health reason.Call 819-826-3228.340 Garage Sales MAGOG Giant Garage Sale, organized by the Magog Missions Committee, will be held on November 4 and 5 at St.Patrice Church (basement).info: 819-868-1743.395 Home Improvement INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PAINTING.Call F.Davidson Painting 819-868-1413.400 Lost LOST CAT: Inverness Boises area condos.Long haired female calico (white, brown, black), named Colby, with collar.Call (450) 242-1937.LOST KITTEN IN LENNOXVILLE area.Female, 8 months old, black and white splotch on her chest, responds to the name “Tasha".If found please contact 819-823-1094.Reward.LARGE FUND - Borrowers wanted.Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone.1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now.Rates start at Prime.Equity counts.We don’t rely on credit, age or income.Call anytime 1-800-814-2578 or 905-361-1153.Apply online at www.capi-taldirect.ca.Looking fora companion?Place an ad in the classifieds.(819) 569-9525 (450)242-1188 430 Personal ANSWERS! Love * Money * Life.Expert & Caring Psychics.18+.$2.99/min.*24/7.1-900-677-5872 or for Visa / MC / Amex.1-877-478-4410.www.mysticalconnections.ca 440 Miscellaneous YOU CAN BE ARRESTED, Jailed or Deported if you enter the United States with a criminal record.A pardon removes your criminal record.Call now, toll free: (1-8-NOW PARDON) 1-866-972-7366 www.PardonServices Canada.com TO PLACE YOUR PREPAID CLASSIFIED AD IN THE RECORD: E-MAIL: classad@sherbrookerecord.com TELEPHONE: (819) 569-9525 (450) 242-1188 BY MAIL: Use this coupon IN PERSON: Come to our offices 1195 Galt E., Sherbrooke, Quebec, or 88-A Lakeside Street, Knowlton OFFICE HOURS: Sherbrooke: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.Knowlton: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.DEADLINE: Sherbrooke: 12:30 p.m.workirig day previous to publication Knowlton: 10 a.m.working (fay previous to publication ALL ORDERS MUST INCLUDE STREET ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER THE RECORD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT OR EDIT ANY ADVERTISEMENT.PLEASE .25® per word.Minimum charge $6.50 per day for 20 words or less.PRINT Discounts for prepaid consecutive insertions without copy change: 3 to 20 insertions - less 10%, 21 insertions - less 20%.CATEGORY NAME______________________CATEGORY NUMBER MAIL THIS COUPON TO: The Record P.O.Box 1200 COST OF ADVERTISEMENT: Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5L6 (Min.$6.50) $ 0.25® x__words x______days - $ (multiply) x .06 GST SUBTOTAL (multiply) x .075 PST TOTAL POSTAL CODE ADVERTISER'S NAME_______,_____ ADDRESS PROVINCE_________ TEL( )_____________________________________ PLEASE CHECK FORM OF PAYMENT: CHEQUE ?MONEY ORDER ?CREDIT CARD ?CREDIT CARD PAYMENT: MASTERCARD ?CARD NO.EXPIRATION DATE _ visa n (20 words) Special Take a classified ad for 6 consecutive days and well give you 2 consecutive days more FREE."*r NO REFUNDS «V* ^ • 1 « '.¦THE RECORD Thursday, November 2, 2006 page 19 Your Birthday Thursday, Nov.2,2006 SCORPIO (Oct.24-Nov.22) — No grass is likely to grow under your feet.You’ll quickly figure out exactly what needs to be done and you will get right down to it.SAGITTARIUS (Nov.23-Dec.21)-Your popularity is likely to be at a high point, which will lead to great receptions wherever you go.When you enter the scene, your very presence brightens things up.CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19) - If an opportunity presents itself to finalize an important project, don’t complicate matters by nitpicking about minuscule matters.Close the deal.AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.19) - By all means use your splendid mental faculties and logic, but don’t discount that inner voice whispering in your head, either.All factors should be given consideration before acting.PISCES (Feb.20-March 20) — For unrelated reasons, business matters are likely to be far less complicated than they will be tomorrow.So when setting up appointments or laying out your schedule, keep this in mind.ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You may need a bit more wiggle room to function effectively.But it shouldn’t be any trouble for you to act independently of others because that’s the way you prefer things.TAURUS (April 20-May 20) - Should something you check out not seem to make sense, take the time to straighten it out before proceeding, even if it is the work of another.This person will thank you in the end.GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — In a group involvement, you may be destined to play a key role whether your seek it or not.It will be your input that will get things rolling in the right direction to move things along.CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You’re entering a brief span where you may find yourself far more ambitious than usual.Use this new appetite to further yourself at work in ways that can eventually advance your position.LEO (July 23-Aug.22) — If you’re placed in a position of having to make a critical decision, trade on past experiences for the answer.Seek out techniques or patterns that worked out quite well for you previously.VIRGO (Aug.23-Sept.22) — An avenue for advancing a material goal may open up for you through the efforts or knowhow of a close associate or friend.LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.23) — It will seem natural for you to get involved in a partnership situation when asked because you tend to seek them out in most endeavors anyway.The results will be mutually beneficial.Thursday, Nov.2, 2006 North 11-02-06 + A K 4 2 * AK3 ?K Q 6 5 + 63 West East A J 10 9 7 V J 10 9 4 ?92 + A Q 5 ?Q « 6 V Q 8 7 ?J 10 8 7 + 742 South + 53 ¥652 ?A 4 3 + K J 10 9 8 Dealer: North Vulnerable: Neither South West 1 NT Pass North East 1 ?Pass 3 NT All pass Opening lead: + J Do not be in such a hurry By Phillip Alder Sir Winston Churchill said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." What is the truth about this deal?South plays in three no-trump.West leads the spade jack (his stronger major!).Who should finish with a plus score?With two low and three low in the majors, South does not like to respond one no-trump, but he is too weak to bid two clubs, and to raise to two diamonds with only three trumps is not palatable either.South can see seven top tricks: two spades, two hearts and three diamonds.An eighth is possible in the unlikely event of a 3-3 diamond split, but that could wait.Instead, declarer sees that he has to tackle the clubs.He takes trick one on the board (ducking is all right too, but unnecessary) and immediately plays a club to his jack.Now the spotlight falls on West.If he wins this trick, the contract will make.Declarer will win West's spade continuation and drive out the club ace.South still has the diamond ace as a hand entry, and the defenders get only two spades and two clubs.But let’s return to trick two and let West duck, playing his club five.Now declarer’s proverbial goose is grilled, lie gets only one club trick, and when the diamonds do not divide evenly, there are only eight tricks available.The bidding marks South with club length because he denied a major and diamond support.So West should not hurry to help declarer establish his suit.ACROSS 35 1 Native Israeli 39 6 Extended operatic aria 40 11 Opposite of masc.42 14 Communicate by PC 43 15 Tender spots 45 16 Oklahoma town 46 17 Drug agts.47 18 Start of Evan Esar quote 49 20 Lummox 51 22 Piths 54 23 Part 2 of quote 56 27 Phoenician port 59 28 Type of omelet 60 29 End-product purchaser 62 32 Pelvic pieces 66 33 French pronoun 67 Wednesday's Puzzle Solved (C)2006 Tribune Media Services, Inc.11/2/06 CROSWORl) For the time being, briefly Dis or Pan, e.g.Part 3 of quote Words before roll or rampage Proud mounts Letter from Greece Yeah, sure Sports org.Unruly mob Bear dad Part 4 of quote Menu alternative P.Hearst’s kidnappers End of quote Vote in Printers’ measures Dog family 68 Washer cycle 69 Salty sauce 70 Shade providers 71 Family car DOWN 1 Upper Hse.member 2 GPs’ org.3 Cake of soap 4 Italian cheese 5 Region of France 6 Fast plane, briefly 7 Writer/singer Leonard 8 Mocedades hit 9 New Jersey five 10 Tennis great 11 Ornate 12 Lawn tool 13 Billiards shot 19 Musical opening 21 Taiwan, once 23 Nest material 24 Spartan serf 25 Stage whisper 26 Some ones in Paris?30 Joint injuries 31 Before in a poem 34 Sault____Marie 36 American abstract artist 37 Latin American January 38 Taiwan Strait island 40 Four CDs 41 Longfellow’s bell town 44 Pass into law 46 I’ve been framed! 48 Harmonize 50 Impertinent lookers 51 Shows anxiety 52 Texas mission 53 Colorful violet 55 Skater Sonja 57 Part of IRA 58 Lion sound 61 6-pointers 63 Conclude 64 Dixie grp.65 Hamilton bill By Alan P.Olschwang 11/2/06 page 20 Thursday, November 2, 2006 ' ¦¦THE —h .- BFrnwn The “Ring of Protection” Dear Annie: Over the last couple of years, I have come to realize that I am married to an 80-year-old man, even though he is only 31 and I am 29.On a typical day, “Jeremy” leaves for work at 4:30 a.m.and gets home 12 hours later.I know he works hard and is stressed, but he never does anything except eat dinner and then log onto the computer.He isn’t looking at pom or stuff like that, but he does play an online game called World of Warcraft.He even plays during dinner.He logs on the moment he gets home and doesn’t get off until 9 p.m.Of course, by then, he’s too tired to do anything except crawl into bed.We have two children, 8 and 5, and Jeremy never does anything with them.I’m also feeling the big chill.We never go anywhere or do anything.On the rare occasion I can get him to go out, he sulks like a 2-year-old.I won’t go into our sex life, but we average about twice a month.The lack of intimacy is a real problem.We tried counseling a few years ago, but Jeremy refuses to go again.Any thoughts would be nice.— War-ciaft Widow Dear Widow: Jeremy is addicted to his online game.It’s not uncommon, particularly with World of Warcraft, and you won’t be able to wean him off it without his cooperation.It’s become his alternate reality, and he likes it there.(There is actually a website for people who have found reasons to quit at wowdetox.com, or try On-Line Gamers Anonymous at ol-ganon.org.) We suggest you remind Jeremy of the “Ring of Protection” he put on your finger.Now that you have his attention, talk to him about what else is important in his life and where the monthly subscription fee could be better used.Then find interesting things to distract him from the game and take a vacation away from the computer.Dear Annie: I’m the youngest of three children in a singleparent household.Of the three of us, I have the weakest relationship with my mother.If something happens to upset her, I get in trouble.She thinks I hate her boyfriend, which isn’t true, and she has told me that all the problems between her and her own mother are my fault.It is really depressing.I’ve learned to brush off some of these comments.The problem is, I just started college and want a better relationship with my mom.I live on campus and want to be able to call her and talk about school, boys, whatever.What can I do to finally get on her good side?—Anonymous Dear Anonymous: Honey, it sounds like your mother has some serious issues of her own, and it has nothing to do with you.It’s possible that your relationship will improve now that you are no longer living at home, but if not, please try the counseling services available at your college.Also, use this time to grow and develop, make mature friendships, and be the person you know you can be.Your life is what you make of it.Don’t let Mom have you believe otherwise.Dear Annie: 1 am 21 years old and afraid of death.I’m not sick or anything, but I avoid funerals and cemeteries.I recently had to go to a relative's funeral, and now thoughts of death are stuck in my mind.I’ve not told anyone about this.How do I forget about death for a while and continue living?—Louisiana Dear Louisiana: No one enjoys funerals or death, and a certain amount of discomfort is normal.It is a problem only if it disrupts your life.Try talking to your clergyperson, and if that doesn’t help, contact the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org), 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600, Silver Spring.MD 20910.Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.¦HHI ' : - V * ¦ ¦ 2007 Jaguar S-type R: Fast feline too pretty for its own good.The 2007 Jaguar S-Type R is a rewarding car to drive and something of a bargain in its segment.By David Booth For CanWest News Service Perhaps I am a metrosexual after all.Maybe I have never fully recovered from that Editrix-ordered Vespa photo shoot where I wore a cute, mauve “shorty” helmet, a blazer and loafers.Maybe, like an off-cycle steroidal bodybuilder, my testes have shut down, or at least radically curtailed their activity.I thought 1 was over it, but it appears my lowered testosterone level is my motivation behind appreciating the looks of Jaguar’s S-Type R.I’ve been informed by people who should know, i.e.women, that the mid-sized Jag has very feminine lines, the explanation, finally, as to why the R version of the S-Type hasn’t ever sold as well as I expected.1 had been at pains to understand why the 400-horsepower beast hadn't wowed those monied enough to afford the Type R’s $90,395, who have been ignoring its charms in multitudes.When it was introduced in 2003 -before the Mercedes CLS55 and the new V-10 BMW M5 arrived on the scene - it was more than competitive in the performance arena and had what 1 thought were striking looks.But now I leam that all those curves that I thought sensuous are actually threatening to the manly men for whom supercharging is a mating call.That’s a shame, really, for although the R has been eclipsed in the outright performance stakes, it is still a rewarding car to drive and, considering the price of its competition, it’s something of a bargain in this segment.As for the aforementioned performance, the Jag isn’t as far behind the M5 and CLS55 as the spec sheet numbers (400 h.p.versus 507 and 469, respectively) might leave you to believe.The 4.2-litre V-8 is supercharged after all, and that means the low end is prodigious indeed.It’ll scamper to 100 clicks in just over five seconds and leave a stoplight like a scalded cat, piss-poor pun intended.Of course, it has nowhere near the top-end punch of a V-10 BMW.But, other than for those doing track days, that’s more a detriment to barroom bragging rights than real-world performance.I’ll be the first to admit that Jaguar’s AJV-8 is getting a little long in the tooth, but it's still a gem.Besides the aforementioned prodigious low-end torque, it’s a mellifluous beast with silky smooth tappet noise joined by the supercharger’s whine when the game is on.Otherwise, it’s smooth as silk, the 4.2-litre V-8 burbling contentedly when just pottering about.Mated to the six-speed automatic tranny, it makes for a quick combination of performance and sophistication.Ditto for the handling.While you are not - and I repeat not - going to follow a BMW M5 around a tight haiipin, the R has more than enough grip and poise to see off 99 per cent of the cars on the road.The wide tires (245/40 ZR18 in front and 275/25 ZR18 in the rear) offer plenty of grip and the suspension is firm enough that body roll is mercifully absent.Like most manufacturers, Jaguar has a fancy acronym for its suspension system, in this case eCATS, which stands for enhanced Computer Active Technology System.What that means is that the shocks have dual-stage damping that is automatically switched between soft and firm depending on the condition.At low speeds, cCÀTS automatical- ly switches the rear dampers slightly ahead of the front pair at a low speed to reduce understeer few improved turn-in.At high speed, the system automatically switches the front dampers ahead of the rear pair to increase understeer for improved stability.It’s a decent system that manages to walk that fine line between handling and comfort.The one area where the S-Type does fall down is in the cabin or, more specifically, its relatively tight dimensions.While the front-seat passengers are well accommodated, the rear seats are tight in the legroom department.The S-Type is nominally a mid-sized luxury sedan, but its rear-seat legroom is left well in the dust by even a Toyota Camry.It’s not surprising, really, since all of the European entries in this segment - BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi S6 - until recently treated those relegated to back-seat status with something bordering on disdain.At least the interior is well accoutred.There’s plenty of Bird’s-Eye Maple and leather, the sports seats are more than bolstered enough and there are enough high-tech features -Bluetooth connectivity for cellphones, voice-activated controls and a DVD-based navigation system - to satiate anyone’s need for gadgetry.Nonetheless, the interior space is the only logical reason I can find for the S-Type R’s failure to resonate with the independently foolish.But I still don’t think it’s the real reason the R doesn’t sell as well as I think it should.It would appear that the sleek Jag may truly be a victim of what I like best about it -Chanel styling in a segment that demands Hugo Boss.dboothQnationalpost.com CanWest News Service IMPORTS WELCOME HERE! 1205 St S.Locally installed.Nationally guaranteed