composite index: The S P/TSX composite index climbed 9.29 points to 12,603.25, according to The Star. The Canadian dollar was down 0.39 of a cent to 96.25 cents U.S. and The Toronto stock market closed slightly higher Friday amid a disappointing reading on U.S. job creation last month. The U.S. Labor Department reported that the economy created 162,000 jobs during July, less than the 183,000 that markets had expected. However, the jobless rate ticked down to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 per cent. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

furry companions: If man has such an impact on the environment, why not its best friends especially now that they are so numerous and so often treated like people? The pet society: Why we love our furry companions, according to Globe and Mail. Why theres nothing wrong with anthropomorphism There are 14 million pets in Canada, and we re spending more on them than ever before. These stories explore how the animals among us are shaping us all. The call of the wild: Why some people like exotic pets (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Palestinian officials: Palestinian officials visit Israels parliament, according to Globe and Mail. World War Zs portrayal of post-conflict Jerusalem irks Arab viewers Reuters Video The latest round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations wouldnt be taking place without intense U.S. pressure. The details of that pressure havent been fully clear, but it was almost certainly considerable for example, it reportedly included cutting off aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it participated. More Related to this Story Israelis, Palestinians aiming for peace deal in nine months (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

King Lear: I m not talking about the latest rumour, exclusive to , that Hamlet and King Lear will be two of the shows making up the 2014 playbill. Thats the sort of thing Stratford ought to be doing; no problem there, according to The Star. Both Hamlet and King Lear have insanity real or feigned as an important part of their plot lines and Have they gone crazy at the Stratford Festival ? Especially with Antoni Cimolino directing Lear , a high-powered Canadian star touted as his lead and a whole company of young men capable of playing the Prince of Denmark, it sounds like a perfect fit. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Raymond Huang Hong Chao: The 45-year-old Mr. Huang was shot dead outside his $5-million mansion in 2007. He was known to police, and the Vancouver Sun and The Province quoted sources describing him as a senior figure in the Big Circle Boys, a gang with roots in southern China. More Related to this Story, according to Globe and Mail. Shooting shocks upscale Vancouver enclave The widow of Raymond Huang Hong Chao, a Vancouver man who was killed in a high-profile gangland ambush, is in custody in Hong Kong after she was convicted of laundering proceeds of crime from Canada. Gang conflict claims two more lives in Vancouver (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

the Federal Reserve: The U.S. Labor Department reported that the economy created 162,000 jobs during July, less than the 183,000 that markets had expected. However, the jobless rate ticked down to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 per cent, according to 660 News. The jobs data raised questions about when the Federal Reserve can let up on a key stimulus measure, its monthly US$85 billion of bond purchases and TORONTO The Canadian dollar closed lower Friday as U.S. job creation figures came in worse than expected. The Canadian dollar was down 0.39 of a cent at 96.25 cents US after going as low as 96.14 cents US. The loonie had lost almost 3/4 of a cent Thursday amid a strong reading on the U.S. manufacturing sector. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

unemployment rate: Why did the unemployment rate drop so much after only modest job growth? Because the government does one survey to learn how many jobs were created and another to determine the unemployment rate. The two surveys can sometimes produce different results, according to Times Colonist. The other is the household survey. Government workers ask whether the adults in a household have a job. Those who don't have a job are asked whether they're looking for one. If they are, they're considered unemployed. If they aren't looking for a job, they're not considered part of the workforce and aren't counted as unemployed. The household survey produces each month's unemployment rate and WASHINGTON - The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in June, the fewest since March. Yet the unemployment rate fell to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 per cent the largest decline since February. One is called the payroll survey. It asks mostly large companies and government agencies how many people they employed during the month. This survey produces the number of jobs gained or lost. In July, the payroll survey showed that companies and government agencies added 162,000 jobs. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

retail sales: The provincial government is predicting retail sales will contract this year and the pace of household spending will slow down as employment levels sink, according to The Chronicle Herald. When the budget was released in April, retail sales were forecast to grow almost four per cent in 2013. They are now forecast to shrink one per cent and Retail business owners are facing a hard year as households tighten their belts. These key economic measures were revised downward in the audited financial statements released this week for the fiscal year 2012-2013. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

royal prince: Though the foal doesnt quite share a birthday with the royal prince that honour goes to my roommate Happy Birthday, J! its still a fun, friendly tribute. , according to Times Colonist. It was an interesting question for many reasons, but my favourite part of the royal-baby hullabaloo was the anxiety that the birth of a girl would herald an Age of Anarchy for the Commonwealth. Last week, Victoria greeted a new prince into our midst. He was born healthy and happy, with soft fluffy hair and four strong legs. I m speaking, of course, of the Beacon Hill petting zoos new baby donkey, named Prince George. Despite the slow but persistent waning of popular support for the monarchy in Canada, we went a little baby crazy in July. While this weeks question has been, Whens Kate going to lose the baby weight? correct answer: none of our business , two weeks ago it was all about Boy or girl? (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird: This is not something that Canada would have considered to do, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird told The Canadian Press in an exclusive interview, according to Globe and Mail. Baird adds to global chorus of outrage at Russia #039;s #039;hateful #039; anti-gay legislation Canada has added its voice to those criticizing Russia for granting asylum to U.S. National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden. It is an example where it does show Russia is a bit of an outlier in the G8. More Related to this Story (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.