Myth #1:  Canada is just a nation of immigrants

Since 2001, there have been 221,352 to 262,236 people immigrating to Canada every year.  Although this seems like a huge figure, immigrants to Canada in 2001 did not make up more than one percent of the total population growth during that year.  This seems like such a small percentage of the population to call Canada a nation of immigrants.  Most inhabitants of Canada are those who have been there since birth, or native Canadians who have opted to stay in their homeland.  It is best that you don’t assume that there will be more immigrants in Canada than “real” Canadians.  Many people make the mistake of thinking that they will be able to find lots of people there from their native country and eventually blend into the scene.  These people, who come to Canada expecting to fit in right away, usually end up disappointed.(2)

Myth #2:  Just about anyone can immigrate to Canada

If you think you can easily qualify to immigrate to Canada, then you might be overconfident.  Just like in the United States, Canadian immigration is ruled by comprehensive legislation that only allows admission to those who are able to meet the legislative requirements.  This doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t even try to immigrate to Canada because immigration rules are strict.  After all, denial of entry is limited to individuals who are threats to national security or public safety.  Make sure that you meet the statutory criteria related to criminality, security, and medical requirements, and you’ll probably get admitted to Canada.(3)

Myth #3:  The federal government extends more financial assistance to refugees than to Canadian pensioners

Do you want to run away from the oppression you’re experiencing in your own country?  Is immigrating to Canada one of the options you’re considering simply because you think you’re going to get much financial assistance there?  Well, the truth is that the federal government of Canada does give financial assistance to refugees.  But this financial aid is only for a short term and couldn’t compare to what Canadian pensioners make.  To sustain your life in Canada, you would still need to work.  It’s still vital for you to support yourself and your family financially.  It’s not enough for you to just rely on financial aid from the government, because this might not be enough to meet your needs.(4)

Myth #4:  Illegal immigrants in Canada are not detained

The legal basis for detaining immigrants in Canada is almost the same as that of the United States.  If you’re an illegal immigrant in Canada, don’t think that legal action won’t be done in case your real status is discovered.  If you are deemed to be a flight risk, or if you are found to be a danger to the public, or if you are a security threat, then you may be detained.  Once detained, you need to complete a security screening assessment before you gain a refugee or asylum status.(5)

Myth #5:  Once a married individual person becomes a permanent resident in Canada, the kids and spouse will immediately be allowed to immigrate

Think it’s easy to immigrate to Canada and it will only take a short time for you to get approved for immigration once your spouse has already been deemed a permanent resident of Canada? You might be in for a surprise.  Currently, it takes approximately eight to ten months for your application to be processed.  You can’t immediately join your spouse once permanent resident status is gained.  You and your kids will have to wait several months.  It would be good for you to make the necessary arrangements and to apply as early as possible if you wish to immigrate immediately.(6)

Myth #6:  It’s easy to find jobs in Canada if you’re a skilled worker

Canada keeps on enticing skilled workers to immigrate, but not all of them are able to find jobs immediately.  In fact, many of them arrive feeling positive and hopeful, only to find out that they will be rebuffed by different professional entities.  Some choose to be underemployed, starting from the bottom of the corporate ladder, just so they can find work and earn enough money to sustain their living.  This doesn’t mean, though, that all skilled workers who immigrate to Canada suffer from this fate.  If you plan to immigrate to Canada, it would be good for you to secure a job first through employment agencies before you go there.  This way, you are assured of a job and you won’t have to go job hunting when you get there.(7)

Myth #7:  Canada is a nation with no identity and no culture

In 1995, Sheila Finestone, who was then the Multiculturalism Minister, proclaimed that Canada has no culture.  This message got some people to think that Canada is looking for immigrants because it needs diversity — it needs people with culture because the country is so bereft of identity that it needs to fill itself with immigrants who have cultures of their own.(8)  Canada has culture, albeit one that is heavily influenced by French and British culture and traditions.(9)  The culture of the Aboriginal people in Canada has also become incorporated into the mainstream culture of modern Canada.(10)

Myth #8:  Canada is home to a large number of illegal immigrants

Although Canada has its share of illegal immigrants, the number of illegal immigrants in Canada is small compared to that in the United States.  There are around 60,000 to 200,000 illegal immigrants in Canada, which is a fairly small number compared to the 12 million illegal immigrants in the US.(11)

There are many exaggerated claims being made about Canada and its immigration policies.  What you should learn is that immigrating to Canada is a serious issue, one that you should think long and hard before doing.  You may be tempted by the prospect of greener pastures there, but make sure that you migrate legally so that you can enjoy all the benefits that being an immigrant in Canada has to offer.(12)

Sources:

(1)  http://blogs.chron.com/immigration/archives/2008/05/post_130.html
(2)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Canada#Immigration_rate
(3)  http://www.connect2canada.com/getthefactsimmigration/
(4)  http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/department/media/facts/aid.asp
(5) http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/san_francisco/bilat_can/misperceptions-mythes.aspx?lang=eng
(6)  http://www.workmatics.com/Mythbusters_immigration_style.aspx
(7)  http://deletetheborder.org/node/464
(8)  http://www.canadafirst.net/myths/myth12.html
(9)  http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/fr-rf/visit-eng.cfm
(10)  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Canada
(11) http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060307/website_myths_060307/20060307?hub=Canada&s_name=
(12)  http://www.nowpublic.com/world/canada-immigration-change-good-chequebooks-better

So in case you’re one of the people who believe that penis enlargement is the way to maximize sexual pleasure, it’s best to first consider the myths about the many different products and procedures available for you.  Take caution in this matter because, after all, the last thing you want is to work hard, spend a lot, and fuss over your enlarged penis when it really hasn’t been enlarged at all!(2)

So let’s get the facts straight.  Here are the top five myths about penis enlargement products, methods, and procedures you might want to avoid as they may lead to nothing but disappointment:

1.  Penis enlargement creams

Of all the methods of penis enlargement, the easiest, most painless, and most convenient method seems to be applying creams.  These creams are made by many different brands, each one claiming to deliver results “in time.”  How do they work?  Well, these creams are act on the cells of the genitals by encouraging blood flow in the penis, which, as a result, dilates the veins and eventually makes the penis appear larger.  To be more specific, these creams are supposed to increase the girth and thickness of the penis due to the swelling of the veins caused by the cream.  But what’s the truth? Even if, let’s say, the creams do cause the veins in your genitals to swell, it does not happen overnight. In fact, it takes several applications of the cream to yield any kind of result, if any.  Furthermore, the fact that the cream causes the veins to dilate and swell is an obvious fact that the product is affecting your penis negatively.

Swelling in the different parts of the human body almost always occurs only when the body is experiencing an adverse reaction to the product applied.  If these creams really did enlarge your penis permanently, they would not be on the market anymore because every customer who applied them would now be satisfied and would no longer need to keep purchasing the product.  The fact that these creams are still on the market, however, is proof that: first, even if they did show results, they would only be temporary, and second, the fact that there is swelling in your penis means that there is some sort of allergic reaction due to the unknown chemicals absorbed not only by your skin, but by your penis.(3, 6)

2.  Penis enlargement pills

Based on human anatomy studies, penis enlargement pills cannot possibly work.  This is because no amount of herbs or chemicals can cause your penis to grow—at least not permanently.  What this means is that although there have been no medically approved claims of permanent penis enlargement through the intake of pills, certain chemicals and herbs can cause temporary swelling of the penis.  Similarly to how Viagra increases male sex drive by causing erections, enlargement creams are capable of causing an increase in the blood flow, and therefore a temporary swelling of the penis.  Unfortunately, this is not a permanent enlargement and will only last temporarily, leaving your penis back to its original size.  Also, you must take caution when swallowing these pills.  Since most of them are available almost anywhere and everywhere, there’s no way of telling what chemicals are in them.  Some might even be severely dangerous to your health.(4, 6)

3.  Penis enlargement oils

The application of oils on the penis can really make the penis appear larger.  But this is certainly not permanent.  The only reason certain oils can make the penis bigger is because the oil substance heats up the penis area, causing increased blood flow in the genital, and thus making it appear more engorged.  On the up side, the heated effect of the oil may “up” your libido and put you more in the sexual “mood.”  But on the down side, this is only temporary.  It will not, and cannot, lead to the permanent enlargement and alteration of the penis size.  When applying oils to the penis, it is important that you do so with caution.  There is really no telling what chemicals are put in these oils, and you certainly wouldn’t want your penis to show any allergic reactions.  Some allergic outbursts include itchiness, rashes, discoloration, bumps, and lumps.(5, 6)

4.  Penis enlargement weights

Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard this mythical penis enlargement method many times before, and you’ve probably fallen prey to its great big claims. After all, since weightlifting and gym exercises can make your muscles bigger, why shouldn’t penis weights work the same way, right?  Newsflash: the penis is not the same body part as your arms.  Neither does it function in the same way that your chest and abdomen do.  The truth of the matter is simple: penis weights are not only uncomfortable, but they can be incredibly painful as well.  Even worse, they can cause stretch marks on your penis, leaving it not only the same size as when you started, but wrinkly as well.  The only visible effects that penis weights give, therefore, are swelling and redness.  It is scientifically impossible for this method to cause your penis to be enlarged—and certainly not permanently.(6)

5.  Penis enlargement surgery

Okay, this isn’t a myth: penis enlargement surgery really does make your penis larger.  This is because the surgical procedure involves the addition of fat to the penis, making it thicker and bigger in girth.  However, as the penis is used during intercourse, there is a great possibility that the inserted fat will soon move around, thereby leaving your penis lumpy and clumpy.  This deformity is certainly not attractive, and can in fact have many lovers running away from you (and your clumpy penis) as quickly as possible.  Therefore, the myth about penis enlargement surgery is not that it doesn’t work, but instead, that it doesn’t always stay in that perfect shape forever.  In a nutshell, penis enlargement surgery is not only expensive, it’s incredibly risky.(7) (8)

All about penis enlargement exercises

Because using such products are risky, a more natural and safer way to improve your stamina and penis size is through the right exercises.(9)  Milking exercises, or Jelqs and Kegel exercises are just two techniques that can help you increase blood flow into your penis and increase its stamina.  Milking exercises aim to direct blood into the areas of your penis where erectile tissues are found.(10)  The movements that these exercises require is somewhat similar to the milking motion, thus the name.  To do these exercises, encircle your penis with your forefinger and thumb.  While maintaining a moderate pressure, slide the gripping hand along the length of the shaft.  By doing this, you are increasing the blood flow into the erectile tissue.(11)

Kegel exercises can help you increase your stamina and control erection.  To do these exercises, you first have to identify your PC muscle, which is the muscle you use to stop the flow of urine.  This is located between the anus and the scrotum. Simply contract the PC muscle and once the muscle is tensed, hold the contraction for a few seconds.  Then relax and repeat the exercise to make your PC muscle stronger.(12)

In the end, size isn’t the only thing that matters.  Yes, some women may prefer guys with bigger equipment but the size shouldn’t be the only factor to be considered.  Stamina, performance in bed, and intimacy can also sizzle up your love life.  Instead of trying out several products that may only temporarily make your penis bigger, opt for more natural methods such as exercises that can increase your stamina and make you sustain longer erections.  After all, a big penis that can’t perform well is nothing compared to a medium-sized one that can make your girl ask for more.

(1)  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penis_enlargement
(2)  http://www.penisenlargementinc.net/
(3)  http://ezinearticles.com/?Penis-Enlargement-Cream—How-Does-Penis-Enlargement-Work-And-Does-It-Give-Permanent-Results?&id=843297
(4)  http://gaylife.about.com/od/healthfitness/qt/biggerpenis.htm
(5)  http://www.penisadvantage.com/methodstoavoid.htm
(6)  http://health.indiatimes.com/articleshow/804958.cms
(7)  http://www.livescience.com/health/070601_penis_myths.html
(8)  http://www.talksurgery.com/consumer/procedures/penile_enlargement.html
(9)  http://www.attachmentglue.com/penis-enlargement-pills/the-disadvantages-and-dangers-of-supplements-for-sexual-enhancement/
(10)  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/do-it-yourself-penis-enlargement-techniques.html
(11)  http://www.4-men.org/penisenlargementexercises.html
(12)  http://www.penishealth.com/articles/male_kegel_exercises.html

Think about it logically: how can credit card companies research each and every household they plan to send an application to?(1)  The time they could spend on doing just that they’d rather spend on making mailing lists and sending as many applications as they can.  It is just like a more personal take on advertising.  The credit card companies just want you to be aware of the services that they are offering.  So when you get a handful of credit card applications from various banks, it does not mean that you can afford any of the deals they are offering.  Maybe you are even better off without a credit card at all.

Myth #2: Pay the minimum balance and you will be fine

If you are so confident about your credit card debt because you tend to zero in on how much the minimum payment is, you will end up in deep financial trouble.  Think about the balance that you left last month and then add up the balance you will leave this month because you are paying only the minimum.  Calculate the interest that will result in all those left-over balances and you know that you have gotten yourself deep under a pile of debt.  Not only that, think about the state your credit score will be in after all this: terrible, just terrible.(2)

Myth #3: Using a debt consolidation company is easy

You probably think that since you are deep in debt, there is no other way for you to pay everything off but by hiring the services of a debt consolidation company.  It won’t be easy, however.  There are many things that you should consider about a consolidation company.  Can you afford its service?  Remember that you are already deep in debt.  Is it a reliable company?  There are debt consolidation companies that operate under the radar; they cannot be trusted with your money.   Is it superior to your ability to pay off all your debts yourself?  Maybe, it is. However, if you have enough discipline to pay the company a certain amount, you can have enough discipline to consolidate your own debts.(3)

Myth #4: You only have one credit score

Having one credit score may be neat, especially for those with nice scores.  It may be a disaster if your score is a mess.  You actually have three credit scores from three main credit agencies.  Pray that your best-looking record will be referred to when your credit history gets checked out.(4)

Myth #5: You only need to cancel a credit card to improve your credit score

When you close a credit card account, you only give yourself a little bit more control over your finances.  You have fewer or no credit cards left after the cancellation.  However, closing the account will not improve your credit card score at all.  You also shorten your credit age, which is an important factor in your credit score.(4)

Myth #6: Your negative record remains in your credit score for seven years

Bad credit record does not have to stick around for seven years or for any other period of time.(5)  In fact, you can actually negotiate to have a record removed.(4)  One way to negotiate with creditors is, of course, by paying the debt.  You will just ask for the creditors to eliminate the record that states that you have been awfully late with your payments.  You do not even have to be completely paid to negotiate with your creditors; you can actually promise to pay them within a certain period of time.(6)

Myth #7: All three major credit bureaus will have identical reports

Refer to the debunking of the myth that says you have only one credit score.  The three companies do not have the same records. The reason for this?  Not all of your creditors get to report to every company.(7)  So, the more creditors you have, then the more likely your three reports are completely different from each other.

Myth #8: Credit cards are your little helpers

Credit cards may seem like free cash, especially at first.  However, they are also very expensive to maintain.(8)  Instead of paying for the retail price of a product, you end up paying not only the retail price but also the interest.  If you have not been able to pay all your balances every month, you will end up paying so much more.  To put things to the extreme end, credit cards cannot really offer a lot of positive things, except letting you buy things that you should not buy anyway.(9)  Most people have become so dependent on credit cards that one of the popular myths has arisen:  credit card makes you afford things and without it you cannot afford anything.  The truth is that you should not use your credit card to buy extremely expensive items in the first place: it would take a long time and heavy interest fees for them to get paid.

There are still a lot of credit-related myths out there.  Educate yourself about credit cards in general.  This way, you can debunk the remaining myths and keep away from credit mistakes that can drive you towards bankruptcy.  If you can manage your finances with cash, try to stick with it.  Remember the time when you applied for a credit card for emergency purposes?  Try to steer yourself back in time.

SOURCES:
(1)    http://myvesta.org.uk/pubs/20-greatest-myths-about-credit-debt
(2)    http://www.directlendingsolutions.com/myths_about_credit_debt.htm
(3)    http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/8-myths-about-settling-credit-card-debt-1265.php
(4)    http://bettercreditblog.org/2008/09/10/6-most-common-credit-myths/
(5)    http://ratebox.com/tl/10-great-credit-myths-exposed/
(6)    http://bettercreditblog.org/2007/11/16/negotiating-with-creditors-to-get-negative-records-removed/
(7)    http://www.zeromillion.com/financial-services/common-credit-score-myths-by-gary-gresham.html
(8)    http://www.debteliminator101.com/credit-myths.php
(9)    http://www.daveramsey.com/the_truth_about/credit_card_debt_3478.html.cfm

However, despite the scary stories about bankruptcy, we also hear some good things about it.  Some say that those who file bankruptcies can get away without paying their taxes and even the purchases that they have made.(1)  Though there may be some truth behind this assumption, there is still a lot to learn as to how bankruptcy can actually be helpful to the financially challenged.

Declaring bankruptcy is actually a right afforded to people who are in dire financial situations and who can no longer fulfill their financial obligations to the state, to financial institutions, and to their lenders.  In the US, there are two kinds of bankruptcies that people can file for — liquidation bankruptcies (Chapter 7) and reorganization bankruptcies (Chapter 13).  Each type of bankruptcy helps a person or an entity in a state of financial trouble.  To set the record straight, here are some myths and misconceptions that will be clarified and explained in order to give a clearer definition of bankruptcy.(2)

Bankruptcy Myth #1: Declaring bankruptcy is embarassing

A lot of people think that declaring bankruptcy is embarrassing, once word gets out that you can no longer pay for your mortgage or even for a purchase at the grocery.  Friends and family may take pity on you, but at the back of everyone’s minds is a persistent sense of distrust.  Being in this situation is unsettling; however, embarrassment can be avoided by keeping your bankruptcy status to yourself or just to the select people you want to inform.  Financial institutions and your creditors are also bound by law to keep this information discreet and confidential.  Unless you’re someone prominent enough to consider the attention of the media, you shouldn’t have any problems in keeping your financial status a secret.(3)

Bankruptcy Myth #2: You have zero chances of applying for a new loan or credit once you’ve declared bankruptcy

Credit hounds are the most thorough background investigators because the nature of their business entails that they put a lot of their trust and their money on people.  A bankruptcy is certainly not something that would slip past their noses, but it certainly won’t cut your chances of getting a credit card or a loan.(4)  A bankruptcy, however, can affect the terms and the cost of interest that a credit company or a lender will offer to you.  Bankruptcies stay on your records for, at most, ten years; however in these troubled times, if credit companies chose to forego anybody with a bankruptcy in their records, they themselves would go bankrupt.  As a precaution instead, credit companies and lenders will offer different terms and rates in order to ensure their financial safety as well as yours.

Bankruptcy Myth #3: Bankruptcy will take away everything you own

People often dread filing for bankruptcy under the assumption that their lenders and other financial institutions will close in on all of their properties.  While this may prove true for properties such as real estate that have been mortgaged, there are limits as to what the banks and other institutions can take away from a bankrupt individual or entity.  Bankruptcy laws differ from state to state and most laws offer protection to some assets and properties such as vehicles and real estate.(5)  In order to get back any property that has been repossessed already, you should be able to pay off the loans for it before the government or a private lender sells it.  Otherwise, if you haven’t paid off your loans, then there’s a bad chance you’ll lose property due to bankruptcy.  A bankruptcy should allow you to regain your chances at financial responsibility, and it would be next to impossible if the banks and the government would take away everything that you own.

Bankruptcy Myth #4: You must be totally broke to declare bankruptcy

People often have a misconception that those who file for bankruptcy have already reached the end of their lines.  This is definitely not true. In fact, you can declare bankruptcy even if you still have a few assets left to your name.  You can even file for bankruptcy even if you have a spouse who has relatively a stable income.  Bankruptcy claims are filed when the individual or entity can no longer fulfill his or her financial responsibilities to the state or to lenders.  However, you don’t have to be jobless, homeless, or even penniless to file for bankruptcy.(6)

Bankruptcy Myth #5: If you file for bankruptcy, you can skip out on the taxes and other bills

This is where the two types of bankruptcy can help you and limit you when it comes to the financial aid that you can get.  With a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you allow the government to repossess your assets and sell these off to pay your debts.  However, this kind of bankruptcy will have you living within a certain kind of lifestyle for a period of years.  Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, is a type of bankruptcy that allows you to skip out on a few taxes.  However, certain financial responsibilities such as child support and student loans among others must still be fulfilled on a timely basis.(7)  A Chapter 13 bankruptcy doesn’t actually free you from paying debts, but rather helps you schedule a payment system that can go on from three to five years.

SOURCES:

(1) http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/bankruptcyguide/P77617.asp
(2) http://financialplan.about.com/cs/creditdebt/a/Bankruptcy.htm
(3) http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/bankruptcyguide/P77617.asp
(4) http://www.arizonadebtrelief.com/11%20Misconceptions.htm
(5) http://www.arizonadebtrelief.com/11%20Misconceptions.htm
(6) http://www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/2005/505/perspectives/p18.htm
(7) http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bankruptcy/20051219a1.asp