07.11.11: We just returned from the stampede yesterday and I couldn't help but wonder why gas was approx 18% cheaper in Calgary (same for other Alta cities).
The current price is approx $1.07 ... confirmed with my iPhone GasBuddy app just now.
Did a quick google search - to no avail.
Anyone know if it is just provincial taxes or what other variables are involved?
p.s. Hard to talk about global warming - or reducing dependency on fossil fuels - with Albertans ...
Jul 11, 2011
May 18, 2011
Texting
This really is quite surprising. I have found children don't have a lot to say around adults. Must be exhausted from texting all day and night.
I find it hard to believe a 60% increase in 2010 over 2009. There were 56 billion texts ... 154 million texts a day ... 107,000 a minute ... every minute!
I wonder if it will continue to increase, now that the rate has gone up 33%.
May 14, 2011
Electricity rates - Time of Use - summer
I think this rate is the same as the standard rate used to be before Time-of-Use.
(left-click to enlarge)
Apr 14, 2011
It's all about Harper
I said I wouldn't use this in my blog ... but I can't resist due to the enormous amount of response so far.
As you already know, I am not a Harper supporter.
It's not that I am a Liberal or not a Conservative (whatever Harper conservatism is), I am not a Harper fan and want him replaced as soon as practical.
If you happen to read the comments after watching this video, I wonder if you are surprised to see the anger in the under-40 population (the new 40s is the old 30s).
I also wonder if you know what a "hipster" is.
I also wonder how anti-politics we (probably mainly under-40s) have become - very low voter turnout at last election.
I also wonder how Harper maintains his popularity, with the negative things he has done in the last couple of years.
I also wonder how Canadians aren't deeply concerned about the perception other countries have of us (exclusion from UN council, non-recognition of climate change, withdrawal of African aid, aggressive position in Iraq and Afghanistan, etc).
The older I get, the more I wonder ...
RIM in trouble?
04.14.11: In the Toronto Star April 14th
RIM has not been doing well lately. Losing ground to Apple and other smartphones and unable to resolve the server access concern of India.
I was considering investing in RIM a couple of weeks ago (buy low, sell at 20% gain) but will wait a while longer as the bottom hasn't happened yet - in my opinion.
The stock is at $51.38 as of 10:44 today (down $1.41 this am) and continuing to move closer to it 53 week low of $44.94).
As a true Canadian success story, I am hoping RIM comes out with another barn-burner product, as the Blackberry (in present form) is in denouement now.
Lazaridis' reaction to questions on BBC last night about middle east server access hasn't helped the company. And what about the UAE non-disclosure??
I am amazed at how a chairman/CEO (never have one person hold both jobs), who will probably make many millions this non-profit year, can represent a company in this manner!
Probably best to wait a while to invest in RIM ...
Apr 13, 2011
Water Timer
I have not seen one for less than $49 at most stores.
Last year, in my endless searching for bargoons, I came across this one at Walmart.
It works very well. I set it for up to 2 hours and forget it.
As some of you are aware, I installed an inground sprinkler system myself, a couple of years ago, for approx $200.
It works very well but doesn't cover the area between us and the house on the north side. I may do it this year.
I have bought it twice now (reason for 2nd one later in this post).
I buy it because it is cheap and works.
As you might expect, it is only sold at Walmart.
The reason I just bought a 2nd one is I left it out over the winter and the water froze and broke it.
At $6.98, I am not too disappointed ... but will bring it indoors next winter.
Apr 10, 2011
Airlines - how do they get away with it?
It really is annoying how they get away with it. But, we only have ourselves to blame.
Where else, other than telephone rates and hydro and water ...
Maybe a little more regulation is necessary.
Well, Quebec is taking steps to try to correct this 'false' advertising.
Good for them and we should all get behind them and support this initiative!
Might make a good federal election campaign item, rather than promising more deficit spending.
Apr 4, 2011
Tar Sands should be an election issue
04.16.11: In the Toronto Star today by Michael Lewis. Michael seems to understand.
I haven't seen much on this since the campaigning started. Maybe someone can explain it to me...
The articles I have seen indicate I am on a different planet! Other than this article, no one is focusing on the tar sands since the debate.
Maybe it is time to capitulate, as our time appears to be wasted thinking we can change the election outcome (replacing Harper).
Harper is the man.
The average Canadian deserves him ... and Peter Kent's 'ethical' crude.
Is it time to consider other things ... golf comes to mind?
04.04.11: In the New York Times Sunday - NO to new tar sands pipeline. The council of Canadians also reported the article with more details.
Food & Water Watch (USA based environmentalist group) also speaks out about the real problems it will bring.
I must be missing something that most people are aware of.
Canada's tar sands are tremendously important to Canadians ... right?
We are sitting on a gold mine and have a lot of wealthy people keen and eager to develop the oil for export. They understand how beneficial this business is to Canadians.
Without it, we would not survive in this global economy ... correct?
Or is it the case of Harper satisfying a lot of people who will reward him after he leaves politics (did someone say he was leaving??).
Greenpeace is very good at identifying negative impact of tar sands development:
1. open pit mines scorching the earth
2. the process uses more water than a city of 2 million people
3. 36 million tonnes of CO2 a day
4. toxic lakes leak more than 11 million litres a day
5. The EPA estimates 82% more GGEs than conventional crude production
More videos explaining the devastating impact:
These two are very informative:
1. What are the tar sands?
2. What is the impact of the tar sands on the climate (Dr Andrew Weaver)?
The Council of Canadians is also speaking out on this subject. Apparently, Harper is going ahead with another contempt of parliament initiative.
It really amazes me there isn't a powerful group involved with deterring this environment irreparable destruction. Perhaps Greenpeace needs more significant (benevolent) support ...
I can understand the USA need for their pipeline from northern Alberta and their total disregard for our environmental impact...dramatically reduces their dependency on middle east oil.
While it may prove beneficial that americans become concerned about pipeline leaks, in my opinion it will not deter them. Even serious environmental impact won't deter them.
As with any large country running out of resources, the USA will exploit whoever they can to ensure their continued drain on natural resources, before understanding the importance of the word "renewable".
It sure would be helpful, in a federal election, if there was real benefit in promoting preservation of our environment for future generations!
If none of our three major parties use this as a major platform in this election, again I will be disappointed in our political system!
Mar 18, 2011
Libya positioning is very interesting
In looking more closely at Germany's decision, it appear to be a result of some state elections in the near future and the understanding the electorate would not like their leaders to engage in a potential war and play a more humanitarian role instead.
Again, I wonder how many Canadians are interested in Canada being on the offensive in Libya rather than a humanitarian role. Can we really play with the big boys or should we maintain the international role we had for so many years? Why are Canadians not speaking up? Maybe the military has a stronger say than I thought here in Canada...
03.18.11: It never ceases to amaze me how countries use problems to attempt to create opportunities.
Libya has a problem with a exposed dictator ... and England and France are taking advantage of the situation ... and exposing Germany's decision.
Germany has "sided" with India and China and Russia.
Is this futuristic thinking or is it a mistake? Has Germany given up on the EU?
Meanwhile Harper is attempting to make use of our F-18s ... when not required and incurring substantial taxpayer expense.
Is he still trying to support the ridiculous and exorbitant purchase of new fighters?
Isn't it amazing how a problem becomes an opportunity?
Here is a quote from The Telegraph:
...and Germany's unprecedented decision to break ranks with France and Britain, Europe's two diplomatic heavyweights, by abstaining with Brazil, Russia, India and China against action has raised new questions over the future of the EU's foreign policy.
Feb 25, 2011
Harper - more negative support
The G8/G20 fiasco only exacerbated my dislike.
Here is an article in the Star Tuesday outlining more things he has not done ... yet promised to do.
He has initiated great expense (more than 2 billion $s over 5 years) for harsher sentencing and being tougher on crime. This part I have a tendency to agree with - yes agree.
The problem is his hidden agenda style and lack of transparency on many significant items - see the article for 5 key items.
One of the items seems to be extremely significant but I don't see too many people making noise about it.
The G8/G20 security and expense - A lot of law cases and analysis still have not come to the logical conclusion ... it was his responsibility alone to ensure it was handled correctly by the police and to curtail the ridiculous expense. Image what good (internationally and nationally) 1 billion $s (OUR tax $s) could have achieved!
Hopefully, there will be a suitable replacement candidate available at the next federal election.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In addition, ASA and ibuprofen three to four times a week.
This web link has quite a bit of information supporting the use of omega-3.
"omega-3 fatty acids found in fish appeared to help those fragile DNA tips -- called telomeres -- stay younger longer."
Eat more good fish and take supplements!
Feb 4, 2011
When to Sell Your House
The bottom line appears to be now is the best time to sell, if you are considering it in the next couple of years.
Of course, the real estate folks are saying any price decline will be minimal.
For some strange reason, I put more faith in the economists.
What this news also suggests is rising precious metals prices and possibly oil prices (should any further natural disasters occur to disrupt distribution).
There may be another investment opportunity looking ...
Feb 3, 2011
ETFs Explained
02.03.11: A good article in the Star this morning explaining how ETFs (exchange traded funds) can fit into your investment strategy.
I have been using them for a short time and find them to be a good partner to my mutual funds.
The two things I like about them are explained:
1. lower mgmt fees
2. trade like stocks
Financial advisors probably don't prefer you use ETFs as they don't need to be involved as you can use any online bank to trade them, instantly or at a specific price, anytime you want ... for a fee.
But you do need to maintain your risk balance and not be overly tempted by how easily you can buy the high potential returns (higher volatility) funds.
Some of you have been in ETFs for quite a while and have been promoting them.
I am coming onside slowly but still prefer MFs as my safe haven and ETFs as my riskier investments.
Jan 30, 2011
Markets - Bull or Brains?
I am doing well in the markets these days, as i suspect you are, due to rising global markets.
I had decided, a long while ago, to go it alone without an advisor, as most advisors have hidden agendas and are not focused on my best interests.
My approach, due to my advanced age, is short-term mutual funds and ETFs.
Most advisors aren't interested in this approach for mutual funds.
ETFs are ok as you control them the same as stocks and can buy/sell at will yourself.
With all elongated bull markets, investors get more risky (as i have) and reap the rewards.
To mitigate markets volatility, this article does emphasize ETF type investments as a hedge against significant downward swings, as they represent mainly specific market indexes (such as NYMEC, COMEX, S&P, MSCI, TSX, S&P/TSX, etc) which is an averaging of items within the index.
The problem with ETFs is some are bear and some are bull related. If you selected bear related ETFs, you could have lost a fair amount (except for NYMEX Natural Gas).
So far, the bull ETFs I have been emphasizing (30% of my investing) are doing well.
The trick is to fairly accurately determine timing of the next downturn.
I am trying to reach 20% average gain before a significant downturn occurs. Regardless, my approach is to get out before the downturn.
Anyone have a good idea or tried-and-true method (specific triggers) for fairly accurately guessing the downturn timing?
Jan 8, 2011
Environment - why is coal use increasing in Ontario?
Nuclear power is 55% of total electricity generation in Ontario.
Solar generation is 2.7% (up from 2.3% in 2009). When will it be 50%?
McGinty's liberals r doing something right ... as coal use has dropped dramatically since 2003 (when he came into office).
However, as nuclear or solar couldn't step up when hydro couldn't produce last year (water level were down), coal came to the rescue.
Wouldn't it be interesting if coal COULDN'T come to the rescue...
Another good aspect of this article is we are (for the foreseeable future) a net-exporter of electricity.
Another good investment opportunity?
One CEO Is Paid Correctly - I am impressed!
A lot of us do not like Jobs' arrogance and abruptness but he is an excellent CEO!
Now, if the banks and other large tech companies could employ this strategy, we would all feel much better about senior company employee salaries.
I am an IBMer ... meaning UNIX and OS/2, etc.
I have never been a fan of the Mac computer. However, everything this company does impresses me more than what IBM has done in the last few years.
"The company does not provide perks to the executives other than those available to non-executive employees..."
I should have invested in it a year ago.
Jan 6, 2011
Scarcity of Food in the Future
02.04.11: It may be much sooner than 2050. Time to look for food related investments.
Also time to start lobbying against ethanol production.
01.06.11 - in the Toronto Star today.
It indicates food prices have risen 25% in one year.
With China and India demand only going to rise, it doesn't look good, if we cannot find more ways to grow more food.
The indication is we need 70% more food production by 2050.
I wonder what impact there would be if we stopped allowing ethanol production?
Wherever there is a problem, there is usually an opportunity.
Looks like food commodities (corn, grain, etc) would be a good long-term stock or mutual fund investment.
Jan 4, 2011
Dementia Awareness - time to get testing
Like you, i had thought i was aware of what to look for in this disease that occurs in our advancing years. Alzheimer's disease is one form of dementia.
As the article states, it is important to pay attention to diet, exercise and mental stimulation, as we age, to delay the onset.
Hopefully, you will remember to take the test.
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