H2 Systems Inc. Founder and Owner Highlights New Trends in Home Theatre Seating

By Paul Fitzgerald - From fabric seats to leather recliners, Clinton Howell offers tips on getting the right chairs for your home theatre or media room

Seating comfort and viewing angles are critical in a home theatre, according to Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. in Burlington, ON.

The most theatre-like experience is where each person has their own seat, complete with table or cup holder.

“Seating choices run from recliners to theater seats and can include couches and love seats,” says Howell. “Seats can be movable or mounted and in just about any material that meets your design scheme. What is important is that they are comfortable. Most movies last over two hours, and any seating should allow comfort for long periods.”

H2 Systems Inc., located on Harvester Road, just recently unveiled its expansion and the launch of its new Experience Centre, a first of its kind in Canada. While the entire facility is wired with the latest and greatest in home theatre and home integration technologies, a large space is devoted to showcasing an array of seating options.

“Reclining seats are ideal,” suggests Howell during an interview at H2 Systems Inc. headquarters. “They allow custom seating angles and also adjust to viewing of the screen from different distances. For this reason, recliners are a popular option. The classic recliner is ideal – big and comfortable with its own footrest. Some models now have built-in drink holders.”

If you're ready to choose theatre seats, here are some features you should consider: Durable and easy to clean; Reclines with "zero wall clearance" to not interfere with seating or walls behind it; Substantial in weight or floor mountable; Comfortable for long seating sessions; Has built-in drink holder or storage

Premiere Popcorn machines are a classic that provide the look, and smell, of a movie theatre, says Howell.

“In addition to seating, other elements are important to have in a home theatre. A popcorn stand, concession stand and even theatre ‘now showing’ marquee all good to add to the entertainment experience,” he says.

When planning your home theatre layout, remember that even such theater accessories require power connections and lighting for use. It is good to think through which items you wish to have, where they will be in the room and plan for power and lighting for them early in the process.

Theatre accessories can be found in a variety of places, but there are many online sources that have a wide selection. You will be surprised how many varieties of popcorn makers and concession stands are available.

“Get creative and go with seating needs that suit your budget,” says Howell. “Most of all have fun. Having the seating you want will ensure you and your family, as well as your guests, are comfortable and entertained. Home theatres and media rooms are now more important than ever as they prove to bring families and friends closer together – it’s a unique bonding experience.”

H2, which specializes in Home Theatre and Home Integration, is the next generation in the home theatre and home integration. H2 Systems Inc. has also won five CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards in its past four years of operation; two in 2010; two in 2011; one in 2012; and two in 2013. The company is now a household name in Burlington, across Halton and the Greater Toronto Area.

Sudbury IFFB Pro and Arnold Champ Named 2014 New Age Performance Sponsored Athlete

By Paul Fitzgerald, The London Free Press/The Sudbury Star

Jessica MacMillan-Falls is making a real name for herself these days.

Last month she was crowned best at the World’s Top Figure Competition at the Arnold Sports Festival, which earned her an International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Pro Athlete Card. There were over 600 top amateurs vying for this unique designation.

And today, the New Age Performance Group announced that she is a 2014 Sponsored Athlete for the company, which is an honour on many levels.

“The New Age Performance Team is thrilled to have Jessica on board,” says Rob Charlton, co-owner the popular company based out of Mississauga, ON. “Being named a Sponsored Athlete only solidifies Jessica’s leadership and commitment to the Figure industry and her staunch dedication with community outreach.”

MacMillan-Falls says she is elated to be given such a title.

“Words just can’t describe how I feel with being named as a member of the New Age Performance Team,” she says. “This is a unique and rare opportunity and marks a truly unique chapter in my career.”

The New Age Performance offers a unique and cutting-edge mouthpiece. The New Age Performance Mouthpiece is based on the principals of neuromuscular dentistry. The device is placed on your lower jaw, placing it in its optimal position.

Years of scientific research proves that when your jaw is aligned, it has positive benefits on the body.

Take the recent study by Rutgers University as an example. The esteemed institution via its sports and athletes research division have released a study on proper jawalignment and concluded it has a beneficial impact on overall athletic performance.

MacMillan-Falls is now using the device during her workouts in the gym and she is more than impressed with the results.

“I feel better, more alive, stronger, and I have better balance, strength, flexibility and overall range of motion,” she says. “This device even helps alleviate pain of sorts which is an added bonus.”

MacMillan-Falls has always been into fitness and sports. While in high school she religiously played volleyball and running cross country.

However in 2002 she was involved in a car accident that injured her neck and back.

She found herself in constant pain and exhausted every avenue for options in full recovery.

It was then that a friend suggested that she look into strength training as a remedy. Intrigued with the idea, MacMillan-Falls got into the gym and she was hooked right away.

The rest is history.

By 2008 she had that true athletic moment calling to become a competitive bodybuilder. She set her sights on being a serious, natural competitor and a positive role model for women and girls of all ages.

MacMillan-Falls has been receiving all sorts of awards at many notable Figure competitions provincially and globally. She recently won the first place Figure Award from the Ontario Physique Association (OPA) and placed second overall at the 2013 IFBB North American Championships in Pittsburgh PA.

The list of notables using the New Age device is impressive. They include: Andew “Cobra” Rhodes, star on AMC’s Game of Arms; Jill Bunny who owns Team Bunny: Fit Bunnies Fitness and who was the only Canadian to place in the Top 5 for the Bikini Class F Competition at the 2014 Arnold Sports Festival; Ania Anvaryfar of A2 Fitness Inc. who just crowned the second place winner in the World’s Top Figure Competition the 2014 Arnold Sports Festival; and Peter Czerwinski, known as the popular ‘Furious Pete,’ who once battled against anorexia and was hospitalized at the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and recovered through bodybuilding. There are also a large number of athletes in all sports biting on this new technology.

Leadership = Success

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. Of Burlington Wins a 2014 Business Excellence Award from Burlington Chamber of Commerce

H2 Systems Inc. of Burlington, ON, has just joined the elite ranks of companies which have been recognized as demonstrating the best in business leadership.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announced that the well-known home theatre and home integration company on Harvester Road have won a 2014 Business Excellence Award.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., and his team, will be formally presented with the unique accolade at the Chamber’s Annual Gala Awards on April 10, 2014 at the Burlington Convention Centre.

Howell is elated that his company has been recognized for its excellence in leadership. After all, the long list of nominations are from his clients and which speaks volumes to the company’s innovative and forward thinking approach and its staunch commitment to its clients.

“We are tremendously proud to win the 2014 Business Excellence Award from the Chamber,” says Howell.

“Winning this award speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication our team provides and our promise of loyalty and top notch service to each and every client we work with.”

He adds with a smile, “And when you when an award like this it simply means you are doing things just right.”

Howell has built more than just a successful home theatre and home integration company here in town. Simply put, he evolved the company from a small "mom and pap" shop to a growing first class business that is a household name here Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Howell’s expertise for homeowners is second to none on many levels. He is also a popular media figure as news outlets including The Toronto Sun, The London Free Press, The Burlington Post, The Oakville News, HOSS Magazine, WOW Magazine, The Examiner and the Digital Journal, rely on his experience and insights when it comes to home theatre and integration solutions.

His company has just announced that are part of the Baeumler Approved contractor network. H2 will soon be showcased on Bryan Baeumler's House of Bryan 3.

The home electronics entrepreneur has been in business since the mid 1990’s and each year his company only continues to grow. He was the founder of Howell & Associates Inc. (H&A) in 1995, and after a decade of growing and developing the business, he sold Howell & Associates Inc. to Best Buy Canada. Best Buy worked directly with Howell to leverage his experience and knowledge to consult on the design and implementing of a home theatre installation program for Future Shop. Following this dynamic project, he negotiated the re-purchase of all of the business assets of H&A. With a fresh new vision, heightened focus and an optimized business model Howell launched a new chapter in his career, H2 Systems Inc.

Under his leadership, his roster of staff have grown through new job creation and his locale on Harvester Road in Burlington is now being expanded due to the ever-increasing volume of business from existing and new clients. The company’s facility even houses a dynamic state-of-the-art Entertainment Room like no other.

As well, under Howell’s leadership, H2 Systems Inc. has won seven CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards in its past four years of operation; two in 2010 and two more in 2011, one in 2012; and two in 2013. Between H2 Systems Inc. and Howell & Associates they have 17 awards to date for home theatre and integration which is more than any other company in Canada.

Source: Examiner

Black Sabbath’s Guitarist Tony Iommi Wraps up Chemotherapy Treatments

By Paul Fitzgerald – Get ready Hamilton, ON, this Friday night at the First Ontario Credit Centre one of the world’s most popular heavy metal bands of all time will take to the stage and perform to an audience of over 15,000 people.

Yes, Black Sabbath is coming to town, and their North American tour is getting superb reviews. So, it’s going to be an electrifying night on many levels.

While the band has reunited and are now touring with their newly released Grammy-winning album, 13, keep in mind this just might be the last time you are going to ever see them together live. Let’s hope not though.

Only a week ago the band’s lead guitarist, Tony Iommi, completed his last chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma.

While the 66 year-old - one who has influenced many rock greats on the guitar – is back on the road, he is still cautious on saying he is cured for good.

“It's not too bad at the moment, dare I say,” Iommi, 66, says in his pleasant British accent in an interview with the Metroland Media and the Hamilton Spectator. “I'm bearing with it. I don't have any option so I just plod on. I finished the course of treatment last week. Now, I've just got to wait and see,”

When Iommi was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, many around him assumed right off the bat that we would pack in music, recording, and performing live, and focus mainly on getting better.

However, this rock star decided to up the ante and get back in the studio with his band mates and launch a worldwide tour like no other.

“I thought it was best for me to still focus on doing something as opposed to sitting at home moping about," he explains during his interview which has been published in local papers promoting the big show this Friday. “You can't help but worry about it. To me it meant that I was going to die. (At first), that's what I kept focusing on.”

“Then I realized I can't just sit here wondering how long I've got. It was great because the guys came to England and we worked in my studio here at home. They got my mind off it. They were keeping me occupied with jokes and things. They were caring and concerned for me. They were really supportive. I think it pulled us more together.”

Singer Ozzy Osbourne says that Iommi never let his treatments slow him down during the making of their new album and tour.

“My hat goes off to him 'cause he really is Iron Man," he says. "I mean, that chemotherapy knocks you sideways, you know. I mean, when my wife had cancer a few years back, she was having three chemo things a month and it would knock the life out of — literally every time she'd have a treatment, she'd have a seizure. It's scary stuff. But he came down, plugged in and carried on. He's my hero, I swear to God he is."

Set List for this Friday Night’s Show:
War Pigs
Into the Void
Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes
Snowblind
Age of Reason
Black Sabbath
Behind the Wall of Sleep
N.I.B.
(Preceded by "Bassically" … more)
End of the Beginning
Fairies Wear Boots
Rat Salad
(with "Supernaut" instrumental and Drum Solo)
Iron Man
God Is Dead?
Dirty Women
Children of the Grave
Encore:
Paranoid

Better Bite, Better Gains: Fitness Expert

By Paul Fitzgerald, Special to the QMI Agency 

At local gyms and fitness studios there is always chatter among people on how they can improve their performance. 

Taking the workout to a whole new level is an innocent addiction among bodybuilders and workout buffs alike. It always has been, always will be. 

From new ways of exercising, to dieting and nutrition plans, to new supplements, there is never a shortage of tips and information as well as new products on the market. 

However, Ania Anvaryfar, a popular fitness coach and nutrition specialist based in downtown Toronto, says there’s a new and simple solution out there now for getting better gains in your game. 

In fact it’s so simple some just might not believe it. 

You see, it involves proper jaw alignment, according Anvaryfar. 

“That’s right, when your jaw is better aligned, you perform better on so many levels,” she says. 

“When I first tell people about the benefits of jaw alignment, they don’t get it. Then once they do, they are sold in a heartbeat.” 

Anvaryfar is now educating her clients and athletes at sports expos and festivals locally and globally on the benefits of proper jaw alignment. 

“Having a better bite reduces grinding, relieves muscle tension in the face and naturally improves your overall strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion,” says the owner of A2 Fitness Inc. “And a better bite also helps alleviate a plethora of neck and back pains.” 

So then, how does one get that correct bite they need in order to perform better and feel better? 

There are all sorts of new oral devices out there on the market, in fact hundreds for that matter. 

A case in point is the New Age Performance mouthpiece that Anvaryfar uses. 

It’s a small sport orthotic but it does wonders on many levels, she says. 

“You simply place the device on your lower teeth and it instantly brings your jaw into its optimal position,” she explains. “When you jaw is better aligned, well then your body is more in tune and your performance greatly improves.” 

Sure, it may sound all like hocus pocus – almost like a great gimmick in the making. 

But think again. 

The benefits of jaw alignment is becoming a more front and centre topic these days among amateur and professional athletes alike who train hard and workout. 

And keep in mind that most of the population actually has a bite issue. 

Take the recent study by Rutgers University as an example. The esteemed institution via its sports and athletes research division have released a study on proper jaw alignment and concluded it has a beneficial impact on overall athletic performance. 

Anvaryfar has learned that there have been a lot of scientific studies on performance mouthpieces and jaw alignment dating back to the 1950s. 

“Several research and scientific papers have clearly stated that when one’s bite is in the correct position, the alignment of your body is also affected in a positive way. Better balance, increased strength, and flexibility, is what most people will experience.” 

Anvaryfar encourages everyone to learn more about the benefits of having a better bite. 

“There’s a slew of sport orthotics out on the market, so check them out. Try them and go with the one that works best for you,” she says. “The power of jaw alignment is truly amazing – it’s natural and it works.” 

She adds, “Sure, there are plenty of skeptics out there who are quick to criticize the benefits of having a better bite. But tell that to the thousands of people who are now using reputable sport orthotics and who are taking their performance to a whole new level.” 

Source: CNN iReport

Rev up your engines for Easter Seals

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada host fundraiser for ‘boys and their toys’

H2 Systems Inc. and Supercars Canada are staunch believers in community outreach.

Giving back to the community is a first and foremost priority for these two popular businesses in Burlington.

Their commitment to helping others is solidified in an upcoming major fundraising event they are hosting for Easter Seals, a leading foundation devoted to helping kids with physical disabilities succeed.

On Saturday, May 3, 2014, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, H2 Systems Inc. andSupercars Canada will hold its Boys and their Toys fundraiser at 3245 Harvester Road, Unit 4 (H2 Systems Inc. Headquarters).

This is the chance of a lifetime as car lovers will get to test drive the finest of wheels for $100.00. All proceeds go directly to Easter Seals.

Here are the mint wheels each guest gets to test drive: Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini LP560 Spyder, Aston martin Vantage Roadster, and Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

Models from Fit Bunnies Fitness will be on hand for photo ops with each and every guest who test drives any vehicle.

Each guest will also have the chance to enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a tour of H2 Systems Inc. and its new Experience Centre, a first of its kind in Canada. Of course, projected on the big screen will be electrifying car races.

Shaz Samji, Founding Member of Supercars Canada states, “We are thrilled to be hosting a huge event that will no doubt attract tones of car enthusiasts. And most of all, we are so pleased to be giving back to the community in which we live and work, and we know our efforts will have a positive impact for Easter Seals.”

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc. echoes his view. “Easter Seals holds a special place in our hearts,” says Howell. “We know our event will be a big hit as each guest gets the chance to test drive their dream cars, and most of all our Boys and their Toys fundraiser will help children with physical disabilities on many levels.

Caroline Wallace, Senior Development Officer, Easter Seals, Ontario, says her organization is delighted to be the charity of choice for this exciting fundraiser. My deepest gratitude to Shaz from Supercars Canada and Clinton from H2 Systems Inc. for helping to raise awareness and much needed funds for physically disabled children in our community,” she says. “Easter Seals has been helping kids with physical disabilities for over 90 years and we rely fully on public donations to offer our programs and services. Children with physical disabilities are the same as other kids: they just want to be kids. The money raised through this event will continue to make a difference in the lives of physically disabled children. I look forward to seeing everyone on May 3rd and I thank Shaz and Clinton for this unique event idea and their extreme generosity.”

Supercars Canada is a membership club and a car enthusiast's dream, located in Burlington.

H2 Systems Inc. is an award winning and leading home theatre and home integration company with clients in Burlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Source: Examiner

H2 Systems Launches Major Expansion, First of its Kind Experience Centre

By Paul Fitzgerald - H2 Systems Inc. has plenty of bragging rights with awards, accolades from clients, growth, and for becoming a household name here inBurlington and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Evidence of this was clearly defined this past Thursday night (March 27, 2014) as the popular home theatre and home integration company unveiled its new expansion and its new Experience Centre for the media.

Members of the press had the chance to have a sneak peak at the company’s newly renovated facility that is spacious and wired with the best in home theatre and home integration technology. The new Experience Centre, unrivalled in every sense, brings the home theatre and entertainment experience to a whole new level.

Clinton Howell, founder and owner of H2 Systems Inc., is thrilled that his company is growing and that they are now offering a new Experience Centre, a first of its kind in Canada.

“We have spent the last year working hard to expand our facility which now includes a dynamic state-of-the-art Experience Centre,” says Howell. “The result of our growth stems directly from the ever-increasing volume of business from new and existing clients and most of all the tireless efforts of the H2 team who are committed to customer service on every level.”

H2 Systems Inc. is now part of the Baeumler Approved contractor network. H2 will soon be showcased on Bryan Baeumler's House of Bryan 3.

The expansion, growth and popularity of H2 Systems Inc. are also clearly evident in the prestigious awards the company has recently won.

The Burlington Chamber of Commerce announced that the well-known home theatre and home integration company on Harvester Road have won a 2014 Business Excellence Award.

And this past fall H2 Systems Inc. walked away with two major awards at the CEDIA (The Custom Design & Installation Association) Manufacturers’ Awards event held in Denver, CO.

The annual CEDIA awards show is considered the Oscars for the home theatre and home integration industry worldwide. Hundreds of people attended the major awards show that was full of style, pizazz and applause from start to finish. H2 Systems Inc. won the Gold Award for $101,000 to $150,000 in Best Technical Design, and they scooped up the Bronze Award for $100,000 and under in Best Technical Design.

This is not the first time the Burlington based home theatre and home integration company has won CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle Awards. They scooped up one award in 2012, two in 2011 and two in 2010, which is unprecedented for a local home theatre company.

Between H2 Systems Inc. and Howell & Associates (former company) they have 17 awards to date for home theatre and integration which is more than any other company in Canada.

Howell himself, hailed as a leader in every sense, has been instrumental in turning his one-time “ma and pa shop” into a major empire.

Howell’s expertise for homeowners never goes unnoticed. He is a popular media figure as news outlets including The Toronto Sun, The London Free Press, The Burlington Post, The Oakville News, HOSS Magazine, WOW Magazine, The Examiner, CNN iReport, and the Digital Journal, rely on his experience and insights when it comes to home theatre solutions.

“The expansion of our facility and our new Experience Centre marks a unique chapter for H2 Systems Inc.,” says Howell. “We are proud with our growth, but the real reason we have grown is stems directly from our commitment to our clients and for being innovative and forward thinking.”

Source: Examiner