The impact of China is increasing

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We all knew China would increase their demands for oil.

As the USA is doing, so now is China - stockpiling (hoarding?) oil at lower prices ... which helps drive up the price.

If you check my May 30th item, it indicated $77/barrel in one year. This has now increased to $81 and it won't stop there.

Get ready for increased gas and air flight prices ... coming soon!

p.s. It may be time for a hybrid, if considering a new car.

Time to get back into selected stocks and RRSPs?

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For us more cautious investors, it may be time ot get back into RRSPs and stocks.

As this article (today's Star June 30th) indicates, investors are tired of holding back and want to get in before prices climb higher.

Energy and financial stocks appear to be the magnets at this time. See my other item added today on oil demand in China.

All indicators support this as a blip in the markets and much more time will be required to come out of the recession. It is a time to be very cautious and, if buying into energy high investments, be sure to watch carefully. Having said this, it does appear unlikely that major energy stocks (oil and natural gas) will decrease in value in the future ... demand will only increase (see China oil item in this blog).

yellow headlights?

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Canadian Tire has the solution, if your headlight covers are starting to fade.

I tried it and it works very well.

Saves quite a bit of money in replacement cost.

Trust Google to come up with something like this for free.

It is very simple and all you do is dial 1-800-466-4411.

I entered it as a speed-dial number in my cell phone.

Just respond to the prompts: say where you are, and what you are looking for.

I have used it and it is very easy and quick ... and free.

December Climate Change Conference

Just wanted you to be aware of the worldwide upcoming mtg in December ... to be 'actively' attended by Canada.

10 energy myths.

Understand climate change basics.

Understand which gases are greenhouse gases.

China is doing some good - what about Canada?

Read what Climate Action Network Canada (CAN) has to say.

Read the CAN International position paper.

all building should have white roofs

I have always wondered why our roofs used black shingles, as they significantly increased the heat within our homes in summer. White shingles always seemed better.

It won't help reduce CO2 in the atmosphere but will reduce heat build-up in the atmosphere.

Our earth is a closed system with only sunlight able to enter and leave. If we find ways to reflect the sun's energy rather than absorb it, it might help provide time to "figure out ways to limit greenhouse-gas emissions or remove the gases from the atmosphere".

The USA Energy Star site has more details and a roofing calculator which i used to see the difference between black shingles and white shingles with reflective coating. There are real savings each year (as well as, I suspect, longer shingle life).

There appears to be good development underway by Dow Chemical to develop a solar panel roofing tile. If these tiles do not cause home heat retention, we might turn a negative into a real positive!

"Necessity is the mother of invention" used to be a standard saying.

Now, it may be more appropriate to say "people will force beneficial innovation", as hybrid cars would not be here if the public hadn't demanded, Kyoto wouldn't be in place if people hadn't demanded (or if Harper had his way), plastic shopping bags and water bottles wouldn't be on the way out, etc.

We always must remain cognizant that big business will only develop reasonably priced environmentally friendly consumables if buyers demand them.

touch-screen programmable thermostat

Power Stream is now offering to pay you $25 to have them install this new thermostat.

Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to us who had them install the previous model (no touch-screen).

We have had it installed all last year and didn't notice anything different.

This model allows you to program it from the Internet (as with the previous model) which allows you to set it while traveling.

Read the details and if you haven't taken advantage to-date, call 1-866323-0206 to set an install date.

Support for CEO pay structure change

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Well, I guess there weren't only a few of us wondering how stupid Board of Directors (and shareholders) can be when it comes to defining CEO pay structures.

This article in the Star today (June 5th), by Roger Martin, supports the need for more realistic approaches - pay for performance (IBMers, sound familiar?) - and that should be solely real market performance (such as market share, profit, book equity return.

In my opinion, revenue growth is questionable unless tied directly to profit.

Any company should be cognisant how it looks if it is failing and their CEO is making a killing.

The bottom line should be:

1. low base salary

2. bonuses completely tied to the above business measures (by outside accounting firm only)

3. no revenue/profit - zero bonus compensation.

Canada's Internet Services are Poor

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In the Star June 1, 2009, Canada was compared with 29 other countries on Internet quality.
Canada did very poorly:

14th - monthly subscription price
24th - Internet speed
30th - price and speed combined
28th - price per megabyte

Only 4 countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium) have data transfer caps.

I just checked with Rogers and they increased their 2nd tier service (7MB speed with 60GB data transfer) to 10MB speed with 95GB storage. In my case, it came with a $20/mo reduction in cost (from $55/mo to $35/mo) ... without advising me. Quite a surprise!

Bell has a comparable up-to-10MB service at $43/mo with 100GB data transfer cap.

While I am surprised on Canada's low world-wide ranking, I am pleased with the very recent reductions in cost from Rogers.

Bicycles on Jarvis

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Here is one perspective of increasing availability of bicycle lanes in Toronto.

When I think of downtown Toronto, I see a sea of automobiles and remember how long it took me to get there and find a parking place.

Metropolitan Toronto does not have high-flow north/south arteries.

Rather than finding ways to allow more vehicles, Toronto needs to encourage drivers to feel good about alternate means of access.

This may be a bold (i.e. non re-electable) step by David Miller but it is necessary in the survival of the city core.

When I think of Copenhagen and Paris, I see people bike-riding, walking and sitting at outside cafes.

In my lifetime, I would like to envision Toronto in the same way.

Considering a tankless water heater?

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It would be beneficial if tankless water heaters really worked ... but that is not the case.

This article, in the Sun Star May 31, 2009, indicates more improvements need to be made before they should be considered.

The bottom line is it will cost you approx $100 more per year and more water will be used.

Heater rental still appears to be the cost-effective approach.

Perhaps the low-mass tankless approach will prove to be more appropriate.

I would think solar panel water heating would be a good fit here in Canada. More research will be done, as solar roof tiles become more viable in the next few years.

Oil and the Loonie

May 30, 2009.

Here is a site that not only indicates the current oil price but also forecast for one year hence.

The forecast is $77 in one year. This will mean gas prices should continue to move upwards.

Another reason gas will increase in price is oil reserves are being depleted at a rate of about 9% a year.

Another reason gas will increase is Chindia's insatiable desire to store oil.

Good reasons to consider a hybrid as your next car.

The loonie is increasing too quickly due to lack of confidence in the USA dollar (and the fact the USA is printing more money - should automatically deflate the value). This increases cost of our exports to our main trading partner and will probably increase the $50B deficit Flaherty indicated earlier in the week. WE NEED LESS DEPENDENCY ON THIS TRADING PARTNER.

On the other hand, it puts more money in our pockets and will, in the opinion of many, drive prices down ... which is also good for you and me.

It is difficult to sacrifice our benefits for the good of corporate Canada...

Can anyone explain why the price of gas does not come down when the loonie goes up?

CPP problem

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In the Star today Fri May 29, 2009:

It isn't bad enough the mgmt of the CPP funds were responsible for a loss of $24B in 2008 (19.3% of the retirement fund).

It also is disconcerting the conservatives didn't respond to this news immediately.

It is disturbing nothing has happened to the senior mgmt after the disclosure.

It is most distressing Canada acts like the USA and pays senior mgmt bonuses for failure.

"Harper told MPs the Canada Pension Plan, worth about $100B at the end of the fiscal year , is "actually sound," will benefit Canadians for many decades to come and doesn't need politicians sticking their noses into the operation.". This is what we expect from our governing party???

What really bothers me is it takes the NDP to bring the heat onto the governing party. Where were the Liberals? The conservatives use attack ads on Ignatieff and he doesn't jump at the chance to discredit them in a legitimate way.

More to the point, is capitalism and free enterprise structured to pay for failure?

Business senior mgmt get substantial bonuses if their business does well ... and they receive substantial bonuses if their business fails!!

I really can't blame Denison, Wiseman, Raymond and Eadie. I have to blame their employer ... the ones responsible for administering their salary guidelines.

It does seem odd. I know not to gamble with my retirement funds and I made 3% on my investments in 2008. And I don't make quite as much as these four make ...

I guess it is time to Twitter Stephen again ...

good time of year

Ah, spring. Nice to see crabapple trees in bloom. I thought our tree was dying and i was about to cut it down ... but it seems to be coming back.

Compare Cellular Rates

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Best Buy has a site where you can select various service providers and compare their rates.

You need to go to their mobile site -> Ontario -> Toronto & Area -> Small Plans -> and then the size of plan.

Select up to five plans and click on Compare. 

Here is a comparison of the $25-$30 plans. Note the line "First Month Costs".

Nutritional Fallacies - as we age

An article from my Bicycling mag on nutrition indicates we should be changing the way we eat as

as we get older.

fallacy 1: you can eat  the same at age 40 as age 20

As we age, we lose muscle and gain fat. Cycling and strength training help stem the loss. Because of age-related  kidney change, our blood becomes more acidic and we excrete nitrogen faster than we take it in. Nitrogen is an essential component of muscle protein.

Preserve muscle mass by increasing the alkalinity of your blood to neutralize the acidity ... take Acid Zapper supplement and/or enhance alkaline by eating more fruits and veggies. All other foods have an acid increasing effect. If you don't get most of your carbs from fruits and veggies, you are losing muscle mass and calcium from your bones. 

  

fallacy 2: all fat makes you fat

For years the american gov't preached low-fat carb-heavy diets ... and americans got heavier. It appears healthy unsaturated fats are essential for firing up fat-burning metabolism. In fact, starchy foods turn into stored fat more quickly. Fat is slower to digest than carbs which helps you stay hunger-free longer.

As our bodies become more conditioned (cycling, golfing, jogging, etc), fat will help you go longer and burn more calories. However, it is important to choose healthy fats such as almonds, avocado, olive oil and olives.   

cell phone usage -how will it affect us?

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Did you know there are more home with cell phones only than those with home phone only, in the USA?

I suspect it is trending this way in Canada and other countries.

How will this affect telemarketers?

How does it affect our communications techniques? For instance, I am now calling my daughter or my son-in-law, instead of whoever answers the phone at their place.

Why have both a home phone and a cell phone?

TSX rising - premature optimism?

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Things are beginning to look optimistic. 

If I were 30-something, I would get into energy stocks at this time. 

As I am past the risk age, I will wait until things become more stable, as economists are indicating another year before stability in the markets.

I have often wondered about what causes a heart attack. There is a lot of information out there but we seldom connect the dots.

Atherosclerosis (hardening of artery due to plaque) is a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of artery) and is one cause of heart attacks. 

From what I have read, the main contributors to atherosclerosis could  be:  diet, smoking, exercise, stress mgmt  and genes.

Genes are difficult to overcome but knowing about them does prepare us.

The other factors are ALWAYS within our control.

Better to be educated than surprised ...or worse!

The exact cause of atherosclerosis, in addition to natural aging,  is not known (surprise, surprise) but here are some details that might help you:  

Manageable Causes - smoking, cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, obesity, diabeties

Unmanageable Causes - accidental artery damage, chronic inflammation, genes, aging  

Prevention - reduction of causes you can control ... and don't get old 

Detection - If you suspect you (or someone you know) may be affected, ask your doctor if one of these might be appropriate: echocardiogram,  electrocardiogram, or coronary angiography. 

easy/inexpensive long-distance

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If you are looking for a long-distance service that is easy to use, KeepCalling is the one i use for 1.2 cpm (cents per minute) in Canada. 

For instance, England, Australia, Ireland, India, Italy are only 3.5 cpm. Zambia is only 6 cpm.

It has an easy method of speed dialing numbers. 

I just code my most called numbers into their website and refer to them in my phones (home or cell) and one click does it.

If you know of one that is easier and/or cheaper, let me know.

bottled water has to go

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If you were wondering about the global impact, this link describes in vivid detail (even if it isn't 100% correct).

Time to STOP using plastic containers for water.

Cars - India and China - significant impact

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Well, there goes any CO2 reductions we could hope for over the next few years. Just another example of disregard for global warming impact.

China has out-produced the USA for automobiles for three consecutive quarters...and their vehicles will have significant impact on CO2 levels.

It is good to see other countries can product inexpensive vehicles ... a sign the USA will eventually be out of the automobile manufacturing business.

Two concerns:

1. why India did not wait until an inexpensive electric (or hydrogen) vehicle was possible

2. why does General Motors continue to cry poor and product high priced inefficient vehicles ... could it be the expensive labour force or the high exec salaries or both 

The worst may be yet to come this year

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I suggest you don't consider any large purchases for a few months. 

The prices may come down further ... or you may have less disposable income.

The Bank of Canada cut its borrowing rate to .25% ... the lowest in 75 years and lowest practical level possible. 

The governor of the Bank of Canada said "the recession in Canada will be deeper than anticipated, with the economy projected to contract by 3% in 2009."

pesticides/herbicides - April 22nd - Grubs

I have mentioned this before but now is the time to prepare your lawn for 2009.

Ontario has new laws (effective today) .

Rona has the right products and u should consider something like nematodes to take care of grubs. 

U will know if there are grubs; holes in your lawn right now (raccoons go for grubs at this time), round bare spots in July (tooo late). 

Canadian Tire has Nemaglobe has this product and April/May is the right time (as long as temps are between 13 and 35).  

Taking care of your back

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Well, my pain from sciatica is slowly reducing. 

I am now using the Costco version of Robaxacet (2 pills) and one Arthrotec a day ... instead of the Percocet/Arthrotec combination. The generic product also has Methocarbamol and one of these three:  acetaminophen, ASA or ibuprofen.

Costco (or Walmart) is half to third the Robax prices.

For those who sit a lot, this item in my Bicycling mag offers good information - lean back.

  

can't find the special on TV?

Have you ever had to flip thru the TV listings trying to find the time for the Formula One or special golf event, etc?

Rogers doesn't have a search facility. Bell does but it is tedious.

Well this  site may help.

KYOTOplus - nothing changes

12.14.11: Back in 2009, i was optimistic we (aka Harper) would see the light and correct the illiterate understanding many Canadians have of the Kyoto accord.


I was wrong! Nothing has changed (literacy or parliamentary) in the past 2.5 years.


Canada has done extremely little to improve our carbon footprint ... and plans to do no improvements in the next few years. It is getting even more embarrassing.


It seems our parliamentarians (those WE elected) feels USA, China and India need to do a lot before Canada gets on-board.
Many Albertans agree with Harper and Kent. But is it enough to get re-elected next time?


If only the world could rid itself of oil without doing irreversible damage.


Check out this Canadian blog for more comments.


04.05.09: We really need to ensure our government in on board in this next round of KYOTO protocols in Copenhagen in December. Pls sign the petition now.
Canada's commitment has to be strengthened and firmly committed, as right now we looks as bad as the USA.
The top four countries appear to be (in order of negative climate change impact) are USA, China, India, Russia.

While Canada is not a serious contender, it is a global initiative and world view of Canada could be a lot better.
We do not look good in Afghanistan (while we are on the offensive) and ignoring KYOTO really does NOT help with our image.

Maybe this time, we can show a truly committed Canadian position.

Phishing and Pharming

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You have probably heard the terms ... not related to agriculture.

Phishing - an e-mail trying to acquire personal information for fraudulent purposes

Pharming - re-direct you to a fraudulent site

A full description of both.

A quick test to determine how good you are at detecting Phishing.

Earth Hour is approaching (March 29, 8:30pm)

14.02.27: Earth Hour continues again for the fifth year with emphasis on the Great Barrier Reef.

Having visited the reef (Agincourt reef), and a few other reef areas, I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of the GBR (and I am envious of those who can descend lower than 10 feet).

This initiative continues to receive increased attention from those people around the world who understand the impact of carbon dioxide to our environment. This, of course, excludes our federal govt (especially Harper) who have their heads in the oil.

I encourage you (and your children) to participate and spread the word.

For those interested in HD views of coral reefs.


March 28th at 8:30PM.

Turn out your lights for one hour.

Why not sign up?

WWF is asking people to register your participation at EarthHourCanada.org. Even if you are already planning to turn out your lights for Earth Hour, please lend your name to the cause so WWF can track and report on participation here in Canada, and around the world, to show world leaders that Canadians want action on climate change, and are ready to be part of the solution. Make your voice heard today - sign up atEarthHourCanada.org! 

Income Tax Online

It's that time of the year again.

I use WebTax4U, as it is quite simple and groups family members ... and costs under $20 for husband and wife. They also have an easy connection to Netfile, so everything is online. 

If your income is less than $20,000, they do it for free.

FYI, Canada Revenue Agency has a handy site outlining opportunities for seniors (and other less important taxpayers) to reduce your taxes.

DDD - one of the joys of the aging process

Degenerative Disk Disease can go unnoticed ... or (in my case) can really let you know it is happening.

Back.com has a very easy to read analysis of DDD and these two images illustrates how the disk collapses.

In basic terms, DDD is the collapse of the disk between two vertebrae.

Check this site and follow the arrows to see what happens when DDD occurs. 

When this happens, it can go unnoticed or it can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve which translates into PAIN in the lower back or the neck or the right leg (which can be manageable or can be debilitating to the 

degree you cannot sit or stand for more than a few minutes). This means you spend most of the day (24 hours) flat on your back or stomach.

Causes - aging. injury. improper posture. one leg shorter. sports, etc.

In my case - all of the above caused herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

Treatment - this site lists the various options of which I did not plan to follow.

The two options I looked into were Inversion Table (together with exercises) and DRX9000.

  

I believe most people (with continuous debilitating pain) succumb to the DRX9000 approach that boasts at least 86% success rate ... an offers your 

money-back, after 7 visits, if you are not satisfied with progress.

It didn't take very long to conclude a $200 

Inversion Table was a worthwhile approach before investing in a $4,600 DRX9000 therapy solution, even though the DRX9000 folks offer a convincing argument (as I would expect, after investing in a $100,000 piece of equipment). 

I will be seeing an orthopedic surgeon in early April. Hopefully, I see substantial improvement with the table before then ...

BMI and Wii

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Once again, more information on the importance of maintaining a BMI between 20 and 25.

In fact, this study suggests 23 to 24 is ideal.

If you don't have one, a very good toy for ascertaining and improving your BMI (and having fun at the same time) is Wii Fit.

I recently received it for my birthday and everyone who visits has a great time with the various fitness routines (such as ski jump, ski slalom, soccer header, tightrope, etc).

Even with a bad back I am able to enjoy the relaxed competition and the re-testing of my BMI every few weeks.

Time to have a little fun, as we enter our declining years.

More Stupidity from Harper and Baird - $3B Trust Us

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Have you read this in the Star today?
Harper surprised the opposition by including an additional $3 billion 'emergency fund'. Baird has refused to indicate how it will be spent right away to "jump-start" the economy. Can you imagine our government refusing to outline expenditures of this size?
Our tax dollars  being used wisely ???

The Liberals are preparing a motion requiring the government to list the departments and programs. If they don't, there may be an election.