converting a music CD to MP3 files

Have you ever wanted to listen to one of your music CDs on your MP3/iPhone/iPod player?
By using iTunes, you can easily import the CD to your computer and then copy the MP3s to your portable player. 


See pic (left-click to enlarge) for instructions.


It may not be important, but I changed the CD Import setting to create the MP3s at 320kbps (highest quality). See/incorporate into step 2.


iTunes saves your tunes in a folder you may not find easily, if you didn't know to look in Preferences -> Advanced. You might want to change this folder, when setting up iTunes.


If you need more help with this, let me know, or submit a comment to this blog. 

MicroFIT - power to solar!

OPA seems to be - slowly - getting the message but a lot more incentive is required.

01/13/10 - Berkeley California seems to be one of the cities actively looking into methods of reducing the shock of solar home installations.
There is a plan being implemented in a few cities to soften the blow of installation with a 20 year low-interest payback plan ... to encourage home owners to get into the self-sufficiency mode. I am optimistic Ontario will rise to the challenge, at some time.


Why not install a system to generate all the electricity you require for your home and have some left over to feed into the power grid to reduce your costs ... if your municipality subsidizes your good efforts?


Stay tuned. I feel confident more effort will be made to encourage Ontario home owners to get involved ... without the installation shock.
   
12/17/09 - Ever thought of placing solar panels on your roof?
The Ontario gov't is helping offset some of the costs ... and you get to contribute energy back into the power grid!


The Ontario Power Authority's website has all the details.


The microFIT pgm Overview has details to better understand what a home project  would generate in excess electrical energy. Page 5 has  tools (RETscreen and PV Watts) to help you understand these aspects.
The PV Watts calculator (here is Toronto - looks like a profit of 10 cents per kWh delivered to the grid) indicates the estimated annual energy production and cost savings for a crystalline silicon PV system.


More on this (installation cost, ROI, etc), as I get a little deeper in the details.


Have you looked into and/or have details on any aspect?

Discarding fluorescent and buying CFL dimmers

Now that we have converted to fluorescent and discarded all our incandescents, we will need to know how to get rid of the burnt out lights (after many years use).
In Markham, there are 4 depots you can take them to.

Did you know, they now have dimmer CFLs ... no excuse now for those chandeliers with dimmer switches (not the small base variety).
Yes, I know they are quite expensive ... but they may last as long as 20 years!

The best rust protection for cars

(left-click to enlarge a pic)

When I purchased my MX-5 last month, I decided to try to improve the rust protection already on the car.

I had noticed Helen's car has an electronic device that is guaranteed for the life of the car (by Honda).

I checked with Honda and it would cost approx $800 to buy/install.

I did some forum research on the Web and was surprised by how well it appeared to work after quite a few years. As luck would have it, Canadian Tire had a device (CounterAct) on sale that week ($300 buy/install) with the same lifetime guarantee. I take the car back to CTC for a check each year (no charge).

Let see how long it does the job...  

Copenhagen summit - a failure - what's next?

01/13/10 - Time for border taxes? 
A positive step must occur soon! This economics Nobel prize winner (in the Star today) has an approach that might work ... if only countries could see the value.
Instead of wasting billions on unprofitable companies, why not invest in saving a dying planet?






 12/19/09 - As has been said before ... "a lot to do about nothing".

This summit mtg was a bust!
These 'heads of state' should be embarrassed for creating a lot of CO2 and making no progress. Another boondoggle...


The 'resulting agreement' is a draft to re-look at  things without committing to anything. 
350.org is also not happy about the progress ... 

approx 770ppm of CO2 instead of 350ppm. Can't keep the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees with that commitment.






12/17/09 - Well I guess nothing of substance ia going to happen in Denmark ... so says the Star today. 
Harper is not participating, as we had hoped.
The world leaders don't appear to want to be leaders. 
Are you surprised?
After all, why should they consider others, when their personally well-being is at stake?


They seem to have decided to not take the necessary steps to restrict temperature increase to only 2 degrees (20B tonnes per year vs expected 90B) by 2050.
It appears scientists will now need to accurately specify exactly what will happen each year as greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) continues to rise.


If the most ambitious plans under discussion were agreed to, the increase in GGE would be triple the "acceptable" level (2 degree temperature rise) by 2050.

This chart outlines the key sticking points at the conference . Seems to be like immature children ... "I won't play unless the others treat me as special".
Harper is a total embarrassment ... to-date.



One of the significant points at Copenhagen is to take immediate steps to stop rainforest destruction. This is now a world-wide mgmt responsibility! 
This article (Star today) speaks of the obvious - PLANT TREES. Seems to be another aspect of government now being overlooked.


May be time for cities and provinces/states to take action and embarrass federal gov'ts into action.




12/02/09 - There is a lot of build up to this summit meeting. 
Various articles in the Toronto Star highlight the reticence of our federal leader (does he really represent the majority?) to promote Canada's enthusiastic adoption of global warming reductions.


Are we in for a Canadian surprise next week? 


For some reason, I am optimistic ... maybe it's the scotch martini (my own concoction to soften the Harper oil sands conundrum) and the Everly Brothers Greatest Hits are responsible.


Follow the action at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

move to left lane quickly

Did I miss this important item?

Apparently, when seeing police lights flashing on the right side of the road, you are "required" to immediately move to the left lane as you proceed by the incident.
If you do not, you may be subject to 3 demerit points and a fine of almost $500!!


Are you aware of this?
While I agree it is important to be cautious of police flashing lights, should we allow the discretion of the officer to decide if this severe penalty is just?
I would suggest, to any penalized motorist, contact x-coppers or get a lawyer!

wheelchairs for sale

With the passing of both Helen's mother and my sister, in the last month, we have a few wheel chairs available.
They are/were listed on Craigslist and Kijiji.


No longer available - The first one is well used and collapsible with a secure tray.


No longer available - The second one can tilt, recline and has an adjustable headrest and secure tray.


The third one can tilt and has an adjustable headrest and secure tray.


No longer available - A walker (wheels) with cage and carrying bag.

hands-free mini speakerphone - alternatives

Nov 27, 2009 - More bluetooth enabled GPSs at lower prices. The Christmas sales are starting!

Canadian Tire has the Garmin 265T for $189. 

The Source has the Garmin 265W for $189 (11/27-28) and then $199.

Best Buy has a bluetooth Garmin for $179 (11/27-29). They don't indicate models in their ads.

Nov 26, 2009 - Last month, I indicated an inexpensive device for hands-free cell phones in your car. My son (the new techies) now tells me the way to go is a GPS that is bluetooth enabled. This is not an inexpensive solution but a good one, if you were planning to buy a GPS (another blog item). I wish I had thought of it when I bought my Garmin 350 a few months ago. Anyone want mine for $100? 

After some research, the 'best' solution appears to be a Garmin 265WT which sold for $191 at Walmart two weeks ago. Unfortunately, my son didn't respond when advised and he had to pay $219 at Costco.       
More on ease of use, as feedback arrives.


Oct 28, 2009 - As you know, you require a hands-free device in your car, if you are taking or receiving phone calls.
Now I know none of you are part of that group that ignores our laws (northern rednecks) so each of you has purchased some sort of hands-free device ... or are not using your cell phone in your car until you do.
As I let you know in a previous item, I am trying the inexpensive yada mini speakerphone ($20 at CTC).
I am pleasantly surprised how well it works, compared to my Nokia earphone ($20 at CTC a while ago). With the earphone, I had to remember to charge it and bring it in the car, and locate it before starting the car, set my cell phone to accept it, turn the earphone on, etc.

With the mini speakerphone, I just hold the on/off button for 8 seconds when I enter the car (as it is clipped on the sun visor) and it automatically sets my bluetooth ready cell phone.
To place a call from the speakerphone, I hold the on/off button for a second and then use voice dial to place a call. No touching or looking at my cell phone.
To receive a call, I just touch the on/off button.








You might suspect I am a high user of cell phones while driving. You are wrong. While I needed to be available at all time for personal reasons, at heart, I am a techy and want to check out new (inexpensive) technology.

Global Warming - hoax?

I am now seeing more and more people supporting the hoax theory.
The SPPI, for instance, appears to not be scientific ... may be a lobby group for fossil fuel energy producers.

Any scientific group with this in their mission stmt is very suspect:

Davis Suzuki succinctly articulated the current global warming on CBC radio this morning (11/25/09 - in an interview with Al Gore - pushing his new book). It is happening and Canada is an embarrassment for not getting on board and allowing oil sands development.

In my opinion, we need to be very careful how we proceed (and expect how our children proceed) when digesting (and regurgitating) related pieces of information.


I AM FULLY CONVINCED GLOBAL WARMING IS HAPPENING AND WE NEED TO TAKE STEPS, VERY QUICKLY, TO CURB THE GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSIONS (PARTICULARLY CO2). The Copenhagen summit must succeed!
ANY ATTEMPTS TO DISCREDIT THE GLOBAL WARMING DATA IS DETRIMENTAL TO OUR FUTURE AS A LIFE-SUSTAINING PLANET ... PERIOD.


There are a growing number of skeptics who say Al Gore is wrong and there is no cause for climate change concern .... the data was wrong!

Lord Monckton is the hot item right now and seems to have supporting information on why climate change is not happening and will not impact us. 
He does seem to use his popularity to speak out about the environmental left: 
 - DDT being the correct approach to malaria, 
 - controlling population by raising standard of living of the poor,
 - HIV infected should have been isolated early and permanently,
 - incorrect using one-third of USA farm land for bio-fuels instead of food, etc


 Having prefaced his speech on the above, he then gets right into the lies being told about climate change:
 - Al Gore's nine lies (and many more) in his film
 - by how much will the world warm by an increase in CO2
 - global warming is accelerating in last few years
 - hurricanes getting worse due to global warming
 - not advising the global cooling that has happened in the last years
 - must do something drastic about climate change
 - CO2 levels changed before temperature changes
 - sea ice diminishing due to global warming
 - the seas are warming


Did Al Gore do something wrong about alarming us about global warming?
Are we wise to ignore concerns about allowing CO2 levels to increase?  
Should we be concerned about Copenhagen in December?
Shouldn't we be concerned about the future ... taking action now to not negatively impact the future?


In the Toronto Star Wed Oct 28, John Broome spoke on the ethics (moral philosophy) of climate change at a UofT lecture series.
Is this something we should become interested in and encourage?






In my opinion, the more we are involved, the better the understanding and better the correct and timely action plans.

Getting into the markets - now may be the time

In the Toronto Star today Oct 28 - left click to enlarge.
For those of us who have parked our funds outside the mutual funds and equities markets, today/tomorrow may be the best time to get back in. The profit taking has happened and there is a lot of money on the side-lines ... waiting for a good time to re-enter.


I am checking with my TD bank advisor today.


Anyone have any specific comments on entry timing? 

Swine Flu Shot - yes or no

Interesting subject the last few days ... to do it or not ...
The item on Canada AM this morning brings new light and does suggest it is prudent for those most susceptible.


Every fall there is some kind of flu going around. But this year it’s a different flu season. There will be seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. 
Ontario is prepared to protect people from both kinds of flu.
H1N1 immunization clinics will start in Ontario during the week of October 26. 

Seek care if your child shows any of the following signs:

• fast or difficult breathing
• bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin
• drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened
• severe crankiness or not wanting to be held
• dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not going to the bathroom regularly.

As the vaccine will arrive in shipments over time, immunizations will start with people who will benefit most from the vaccine:

• People 65 and under with chronic conditions
• Healthy children 6 months to under five years of age;
• People living in remote or isolated communities;
• Health care workers; and
• Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines

What are the symptoms and what to do?

CEOs can hide salaries after gov't loans?

In the Toronto Star Wed Oct 28th - left click to enlarge.
So, let me understand, CEOs of Canadian companies, who have received massive gov't bailouts, are able to hide their salaries from their new board of directors (taxpayers)?
Is there any doubt why they won't fail again? 
Is there any doubt this gov't is run for and by big business?
Is there any doubt the lowly taxpayer will take it in the ear again?
Our only recourse is to provide a failing grade and fire the existing gov't and indicate very clearly the next governing party will receive the same fate if they act in the same manner.

Good use of the Internet in China

Interesting article in the Toronto Star on Sat, Oct 24th about the "human flesh search engine".

Some analysts suggest the web vigilantes actually help the government by giving them clear opportunities to relieve the pressure to do something about corruption.

Talk about "effective/timely communication".

This situation really demonstrates the power of the Web, even in China where the government tries to maintain tight controls on print and broadcast media (as well as the Internet).  

However, it is quite possible the government feels uneasy about loss of control over the Internet.

Hands Free in Cars

As you know, hands free is required as of Oct 26th.

Here is an article in the Toronto Star (Sat, Oct 24th) outlining some approaches. The concern is each alternative is quite expensive.
Maybe the best approach is "take a msg" and pull over to review the msg.

Here is an ad from Canadian Tire for an inexpensive mini speakerphone I am going to try, as the ear-piece is a pain to set up each time and turn off whenever leaving the car.
See my update on this device.

350 action - worldwide - Saturday Oct 24th

See my previous item on 350.org.
They are coordinating action around the world for tomorrow. Check the map for specifics.
This action is very important to increase awareness of global warming (specifically amount of CO2) in the hope of changing the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December of 2009.
  
Seems unusual there is only one event in Canada...


There will be over four thousand events taking place simultaneously in over 175 nations. A few highlights:


 . In Cambodia, citizens from across the country will gather at the famous Angkor Wat to take a giant 350 action photo.


 . In Hungary, hundreds of bathers will jump into the public baths in Budapest and do a 350 synchronized swimming performance.


 . In Nepal, over a thousand young people and monks will march to the Swayambhunath world heritage site temple where they will form a large 350 with traditional lanterns.


 . In the United States, 350 people will dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller in Seattle -- because if we don't stop global warming, we might as well be undead.


 . In Panama, indigenous youth will lead a moonlight vigil in Kuna Yala, their vulnerable low-lying islands off the coast of Panama, forming a 350 at sunrise.


 . In Canada, yesterday, Greenpeace delivered a list of KYOTOplus petition signatories to the Prime Minister’s office. No reaction in the papers today...

What is 350? 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Scientists measure carbon dioxide in "parts per million" (ppm), so 350ppm is the number humanity needs to get below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. 
To get there, we need a different kind of PPM-a "people powered movement" that is made of people like you in every corner of the planet.

golf - best score ever

Back in the late 60s, I scored an 83 at Glen Lee  in Aylmer Quebec (doesn't exist anymore). Unfortunately, my buddy, Bryan Cronk, was playing with me and he beat me, as he usually does.


At the time, and for many years thereafter, I came to the conclusion I would never do better than this score, as I didn't have the time (and wasn't patient enough) to hone my skills.


Well, on a short course in Markham, I finally posted a 79 last year which I deemed to be the best I could probably achieve ... and I was quite pleased with my accomplishment ... again thinking it was the best I could ever expect.
However, I did become quite frustrated when I posted a few 80s and 79s this year and couldn't do better.


Today (Oct 20, 2009) at Bushwood Golf Course (white tees), with the temperature in the high teens, I started with two bogies and felt resigned to another low 80s score.
I then began to play much better and birdied a few holes.


As I don't check my score during play, I didn't know I had achieved the best nine hole score of my life ... but knew it was quite good and the inevitable second nine breakdown would probably occur.


The back nine is shorter (par is 35 vs 37 for front nine). My usual breakdown began with a double-bogie on ten, bogies on twelve, thirteen and fifteen and double-bogie on sixteen. 
After sixteen, I checked my first nine total (which I never do) and was surprised it was one under par.
That is when, I put myself under pressure by assessing I would need to finish well to achieve a PB. 
The really unexpected then happened ... I  birdied both seventeen and eighteen.


I may never rise to that level again ... and may now quite comfortably quit the game ... maybe ... 

cardiovacular disease - explained

(left-click to enlarge pic)
I was discussing need for exercise and good diet with a young engineer who didn't seem to know the difference between high cholesterol and hypertension and what were the main causes of each.


In checking to see I was correct in what I told her, I found this good description of cardiovascular disease.


Cardiovascular disease (hypertension , atherosclerosis , coronary heart disease and stroke), and resulting complications, is the main cause of death in developed countries of the world.


It is worth reviewing causes of CVD every few years.

Exercise and good diet, (and possibly supplements) appear to be the simple answers.


I was surprised to see intake of at least 3,500 milligrams of potassium per day is quite beneficial.
I drink a glass of tomato juice a day and noticed most have very high sodium content, except for the low salt version which is quite high in potassium ... and I wasn't familiar with the benefits of potassium.


So, as well as looking for low saturated fats and salt, we should look for higher levels of potassium (hopefully, replacing salt).

minor minor back

(left-click to enlarge)
As you know, I went thru 4 months of 'flat-on-my-back' from January to April.
As time is the best medicine for back pain, I recovered and, due to some specific exercises, my back is better than ever (touch wood ... whatever that means).
While in the doctor's office to renew my prescriptions today, I noticed this article in an old issue (doctor's offices seem to cater to out-of-date women's mags)  Canadian Health mag.
While these exercises weren't part of my regime, they look good and I will use them for the next few months of hibernation (aka Canadian winter).

time to take 350 action (again)

(left-click to enlarge pic)
There is an organization entitled 350.org.
The reason for "350" is:
"The number is 350, and it's now the most important number on the planet. 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, measured in parts per million. Since we're at 390 ppm now, it's a tough number, and getting back to it will require remarkable efforts.
The good news is that people all around the world are mobilizing around 350 in a unique and beautiful movement to solve the climate crisis." 

Regardless, this is REALLY WORTH GETTING INVOLVED IN.

The critical date is Oct 24th:

"On Oct. 24th, the International Day of Climate Action, people from over 150 nations will come together in creative climate actions to take a stand for 350 and a safe climate future. There will be 1000s of creative on-the-ground actions everywhere from the slopes of Mt. Everest to the underwater reefs of the Maldive Islands to the streets of our biggest cities. 

All designed to drive the 350 message into the human imagination -- and help our leaders realize we need a real solution that pays attention to the science." 

What Can I Do?

Easy! Just start or join an event in your community. 

Easier? Just make sure to sign onto the pledge on the front-page of 350.org.

You'll be adding your name to the largest ever global climate mandate!

Cells Phones in Cars - Oct 26th

Kenzie, the car guy, in the Star Sat Oct 10th, and UofT grad, believes Ontario should either ban completely or allow phones (hand-held and hands-free) in vehicles.
A UofT analysis indicates (as you would expect) mental distraction is the problem ... and this occurs whether hand-held or hands-free.
The ban on hand-held becomes law Oct 26th but, for three months, the police won't give tickets.
Kenzie thinks this added time provides the government with time to really solve the problem.
I have been using an ear-piece for a while and it is a nuisance to set up each time (as I prefer to not place it in my ear every time I get in my car).
There are some good alternatives such as replacing your mirror with a hands-free that will interrupt your radio when a call occurs. However, the price is at least $100.
One simple solution is to turn your phone off when in your vehicle.  

Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize!?

Is this the beginning of a new process ... awarding the prize as incentive to do something? 
There is much discussion on this award, as it doesn't appear to follow the procedure.

Michael Moore has entered the frey with his USA twist and it does have merit ... if the Nobel is now a motivation award.
Here is a portion of it "There are those who say you've done nothing yet to deserve this award. As far as I'm concerned, the very fact that you've offered to walk into the minefield of hate and try to undo the irreparable damage the last president did is not only appreciated by me and millions of others, it is also an act of true bravery. That's why you got the prize. The whole world is depending on the U.S. -- and you -- to literally save this planet. Let's not let them down.".
Here is Obama's response.

More justification from Michael Moore.

Canada looking good

Compared to the USA, we are looking quite good in the markets today (9/29/09).
The USA dollar has slipped internationally and the CDN $ has improved to over $.920 US.
I have been watching some CDN MFs (including ETFs) the last few weeks and like how they are doing.
MFs have done quite well since March and I am wondering if it is time to buy Canadian ... or is it a W recovery and the second dip is coming ... good time for younger risk takers.
Here are the results (as per the Financial Post) after today's TSX close.
"Canada's benchmark index was on track to post a second day in positive territory as the close approached Tuesday, with the lion's share of the gains attributable to gold stocks.

The S&P/TSX was up 53.29 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 11,392.01 at the close, driven by the materials sub-index and a surge in gold shares.

Kinross Gold was up more than four per cent on the day after announcing Tuesday it would boost production at its mines in South America by about 57 per cent in the next five years. Goldcorp rose 3.4 per cent and Barrick Gold was also up 2.9 per cent as the price of gold closed at $994.40 U.S. an ounce, up 30 cents.

The price of crude oil fell Tuesday, closing at $66.71 U.S. a barrel, down 13 cents.

The Canadian dollar was up 24 basis points to 92.19 cents U.S. in late-afternoon trading.

Economic news on Tuesday included a report from the Conference Board of Canada that the level of consumer confidence in the country was up for the seventh month in a row, to its highest level since April 2008.

The same could not be said of confidence levels in the U.S., where they were reported Tuesday to have fallen unexpectedly in August.

The Dow Jones industrial average was unable to shake off that data, falling 46.25 points, or 0.47 per cent, to 9,743.11 by the close Tuesday. The Nasdaq composite index was also down 6.7 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 2,124.04.

The main European markets were down Tuesday, while Asian markets posted gains.

© The Financial Post"

Not often seen in the sports world

(left-click to enlarge)
Tiger Woods continues to impress me. 
In the Toronto Star Saturday Sept 25th.
I don't know of another instance where a top competitor gave advice to another top competitor during a competition.