WHTI, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, is the US law that’s changing what documentation we’ll need when crossing the border. In partial effect now, it’s going full tilt on June 1st 2009. That’s a little less than a year. What will you need to cross at a border? One of the following;

• a valid Canadian passport or
• a NEXUS card or
• a FAST card (land travel only) or
• an Enhanced Driver’s License (land travel only)

The first two are good at any border crossing — land or air. We all know what a Canadian passport is, but what about a NEXUS card? “NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.” So it’s basically EZPass for regular border-crossers. If you work in the states or travel their on business frequently, it might be worth looking into.

FAST cards are for commercial transport, so there’s not much reason to go into too much detail there.

Now for the really interesting one: an Enhanced Driver’s License, or EDL. EDL’s are new driver’s licenses that meet WHTI standards for confirming both identity and citizenship. The only province to offer EDL-approved licenses so far is BC. Ontario Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley believes the new Ontario licenses will meet the requirements as well, however no official word has popped up from the US about whether or not it will be adequate.

So there you have it. Now you have 10 months to prove yourself the “smart” in SmartCanucks. It may not save you money, but it will save you time and frustration.

[Canadian Border Services Agency]

[youtube]gMsi9OmaMJ0[/youtube]

Northern Ontario’s a big, empty place — unless of course you’re a tree.  If you’re a tree, you’ve got all the friends in the world.  But I digress.  We’re not trees.  Trees don’t have the internet or RSS readers (though they should probably be grateful to both — think of how much paper we’ve saved!)

That’s why, even though the whole idea of Bigfoot is far fetched, the possibility of a Sasquatch in Northern Ontario isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility.  After all — people treated giant squids with the same skepticism until we found one.

Anybody here ever have sighting?

Calling all import tuner car enthusiasts! Importfest is heading to Toronto and right now you can order your tickets online for the upcoming show and save a whopping 9 bucks! Advance tickets are $16 and at the door you pay $25.

Want to check it out a bit before you decide to go? Click here to check out the site, and purchase tickets!

Hope to see ya’ll there on September 6th!

This weekend starting today at 4pm, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will once again play host to the annual geekstravaganza known as FanExpo.  For those of you that don’t know, FanExpo (which years back started as Canada’s largest comic book show) brings several major conventions under one roof. Comic books, anime, horror, sci-fi and gaming all have their own conventions with special guests and events.  Check out the official website for more info.

Click here to grab a coupon for a free child admission (normally $10) with the purchase of an adult pass.

There’s also a great coupon for ubergeeks such as myself — $4 off the $49 3-day deluxe pass (which includes early admission at 2pm today).

Happy geeking!

My favourite store is having a sale, and save 30% off of everthing at there online store. Also right now is gymbuck earning time (see faq for details on the site)They carry newborn to size 10 and ship Usps priority, at a decent rate to Canada!

Great deals for back to school is a given! Click here to shop and use code ”gymfriend” at checkout for your extra 30%  off, while your there sign up for the emails and get the deals right to your inbox!

This promotion ends August 24th so act quickly!  Simply add yourself to receive email notifications and the code will be emailed to your account…The code is EMAIL30 but I think you have to sign up because it is only valid on new email addresses that are added to their database. 

Also, if you are unable to make an online order the store has 50% off summer items and 20% off certain fall collections!

 

5 days only save an extra 10% on virtually everything on the Sears.ca outlet

click here to shop! August 21-25th 2008

Retailer: Holt Renfrew
Minimum amount you need to spend: $50 CAD (before taxes)
Duration: ends September 3, 2008

Yes, the minimum amount is a little high, but this is a really unique and cute bag!

What you get:
РSecret de Vie Ultimate Cellular Reviving Cr̬me
РSecret de Vie Eye Ultimate Cellular Reviving Cr̬me
– Nutrix Royal Intense Restoring Lipid-Enriched Lotion
– Color Design Eye Shadow Palette & Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder
РVolumizing Hypn̫se Mascara
– Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolour
– Color Fever Gloss Sensual Vibrant Lipshine
– Signature Lancome bag

On Saturday August 23rd and Saturday August 24th only, if you spend $60 or more (before taxes) on almost anything in the store at any Shopper’s Drug Mart you will get a $20 gift card for Future Shop (this gift card valid from August 23rd until September 21st)!

Thank you to willowsprite for this great deal!

I know, I know  It’s a little late in the month.  But still — there are two more Saturdays between now and September and if you’re in the market for a new DVD or box set you couldn’t pick a better time.  All new DVD’s at Blockbuster will be ringing up at 25% less than the ticketed price every Saturday this month.

If you happen to be a fan of TV shows on DVD this couldn’t have come at a better time.  The last few weeks in August see a mountain of TV DVD releases every year, and they’re not always so cheap.  The latest seasons of Dexter, House, Terminator and Gossip Girl all came out this past Tuesday, and Heroes hits next week.

Just so we’re clear, this is for new DVD’s only.  It doesn’t apply to used product or video games.  Happy watching!

From now until August 31st, if you spend $100 before taxes you get a $20 gift card! Valid exclusively at Jcob Connection stores in Canada. Not applicable towards the purchase of gift cards.

Visit www.jacob.ca for more details!

Thank you to Freebie Chick for this great deal!

GRAND OPENING SALE at all the Smart Set stores in Smart Centres Scarborough!

– The first 100 customers get a free goodie bag!
– Henna artist, mini-manicure and photographer on August 23rd
– Free tshirt with $75 purchase (before taxes) from August 20-August 24
– Fill out a ballot in store to win a $500 shopping spree!

Thanks to FreebieChick forthis freat deal!

Bluenotes online is having a 4 day sale from August 19th – August 22nd where EVERYTHING on their website is 50% off! This a great deal, as their prices are pretty low to being with. Add items to your cart and when you get to the checkout, put in the code “4daysonly” to get your discount.

Click here to make your purchases! Happy shopping!

Thank you to lena13 for this great deal!

We appreciate your interest in TYLENOL* ARTHRITIS PAIN, and would love to hear your comments. In exchange for providing us with some valuable information below, we would be pleased to arrange for you to receive a trial package of TYLENOL* ARTHRITIS PAIN!

Click here to get yours today!

Get $10 off your next in-store purchase at Body Shop Canada of $10 or more.

Coupon expires September 15, 2008

Click here to print your Body Shop Canada coupon