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.

Diesel vs gasoline

Most people agree it is environmentally important to focus on non-fossil fuel car engines NOW. 
This aside, we will continue to buy fossil fuel burning automobiles as long as economically feasible.
How long can we (the planet) afford to continue to refine gasoline and diesel engines? 
I had always thought gasoline was less harmful to the environment than diesel.

I have always thought generation of biofuels was energy expensive. 

Here are two very interesting charts showing lifecycle GHG reduction from biofuels displacing fossil fuels and producers of CO2 in the USA. Biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) are the way to go in the near future, as they produce much less CO2 and will become the fuel of choice (as fossil fuels are depleted).

However, HEVs (hybrid electric vehicle) and EVs (electric vehicle)  engines will produce significantly less emissions and are the longer short-term solution. Hydrogen fuel cell engines will be an even better solution as they produce NO emissions (but do cause emissions in their current production methods).CO2 is, by far, the greatest contributor to GHGs (approx 85%) in the USA.

While we continue to buy gas and diesel fuel, we should understand which is less harmful to the environment (generates less lifecycle greenhouse gas emission (GHG)).

Here is a list of the most environmentally friendly automobiles for 2009. Hybrids and FFVs (flex fuel vehicles using 85% ethanol) lead the chart at this time. Check here for your vehicle or next purchase.

A diesel engine doesn't appear until around number 42. Biodiesel automobiles don't appear in the list as they are not yet available in Canada. 

Here is the list of diesel cars available in Canada. These are clean diesel (see below) engines and their CO2 output is greater than FFVs, gas hytbrids and a few small gasoline engines ... but comparable to the larger gas engine vehicles. The diesel engines, prior to clean diesel technology, were much worse environmentally than gas engines. Previous diesel engines produced more CO2 and NOx than gas engines. Previous diesel engines produce more NOx than gasoline engines. 
Diesel engines have advanced in the last few years and now use clean diesel technology (the ones in the chart above). Mercedes-Benz BlueTec (car engine) and AdBlue (truck engine) are examples.

Clean diesel technology utilizes a catalytic converter to convert all NOx into nitrogen and water only. The clean diesel engine is now comparable to the larger non-hybrid and non-biofuel gasoline engine in lifecycle GHG reduction. 

What will happen in the future?

In my opinion, from a GHG perspective, fossil fuel HEVs with biofuels will overtake FFVs, if the price of fossil fuels doesn't increase too quickly. EVs will take over, if fossil fuel prices increase dramatically, more efficient batteries are developed, and the hydrogen fuel cell isn't ready. Eventually, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will become the clear winner.

British Car Meet in Oakville

 (left-click to enlarge)

I have been looking at 1957-62 Triumph TR3As the last couple of weeks, as I had owned a 1960 in the late 60s. Unfortunately, what I am seeing are too expensive ... but they are very nice.

As well, I saw a few MGAs that really impressed me. These are really quite impressive and quite expensive to buy.


As well, I have been thinking of downsizing to something like a Mazda MX-5 or a year old hybrid (very hard to find at a reasonable price).

Here is a 2008 convertible I checked out in Oakville ... more reasonably priced. 

What are the best MFs to take a chance on right now?

(left-click to enlarge)

Back on June 30th, I wondered if it was time to get back in.

Here is the Star's analysis of the best Mutual Funds over 5 years. It appears precious metals, Latin America and some energy resources have sustained performance during the last 5 years.

Although past performance is no clear indication of future success, it may be the best we have (other than insider information) to go on.

Here is a list of some GlobeFund top performing MFs in late August. Some are getting back to where they were a year ago.  

Here is the Morningstar top performers YTD (in the Toronto Star Sept 18, 2009). 

Here is a Globe Fund top picks list I selected 09/21 (investment made January 2009). I have included a few ETFs (no MER and low mgmt fee). Non-ETF success (in the last 6 months) has been mainly precious metals and oil. Will these continue to climb? The Investors group seems to have done quite well this year. They have a MER of approx 2.75% and mgmt fee of approx 2% and their top two are no load (the others are back end). Might be worth some investment.


I am going to review them and then consider re-entry.


The V or U shaped recovery possibilities may have passed but is the W shape to come? 


Anyone have other thots?

Retractable Screen Door

A while ago, we installed a window and replaced the side glass panels in our front door and got rid of the standard screen door.

However, we always lamented the lack of breezes front-to-back on the main floor ... we missed the screening effect of a screen door.

After quite a bit of research, I located a retractable screen and installed it today.

The research took quite a while, as we wanted it to blend in (not noticeable) and easy to use.

We weren't concerned about the cost (within reason) but wanted something durable, simple and unobtrusive (inset rather than outside).

You would be surprised what is out there (including slow clutch retraction and automation) ...

and how poor the products are ... and how many "require" professional installation.

What it looks like installed with screen closed and door opened (reduces opening width by about 3 inches)

The selected product ($189 at Lowes)

There are various methods of installation and alternate approaches to how the screen works.

Some products try to sell you on ease of installation, ease of use, and controlled release of the screen.

They range from $160 (do-it-yourself) to well over $500 (professional installation).

In the do-it-yourself category, there are versions that don't consider mosquitoes and flies and some that look like cheap screen doors.

I wanted one that didn't allow insects and also appeared to be integrated ... as well as working easily and appeared to be resilient enough over time.

Time will tell but we are pleased today with how it looks and works. Check the Renovation section of our home site for more enlarged pics of this renovation.

If you have any questions, let me know.

cordless lawn mower

So much for trying the light-weight Gardena cordless reel mower. It doesn't cut evenly.

I tried a second one and it didn't cut any better.

It took 1.5 hours last time and still not a uniform cut.

I replaced it today for the Black & Decker 19" cordless mulching mower with rear bag (on sale at Lowe's and Home Depot $299 ... $549 a month ago). It is heavier but cuts much more evenly and quickly and only took half an hour this time. I'll update this post, if things change.

My cord lawn mower finally bit the dust (after 10 years).

I was wishing it would have happened sooner ... but then I might not have found the Gardena Cordless 12V Accu reel mower ... for $279 at Home Depot.

I always wanted to get a push mower but remembered how it jumps up (the back) when going thru thick grass.

Well, this Gardena is a push mower with a lithium (very light) battery. Some of the other cordless mowers have lead batteries (heavy) that take 24 hours to charge...and are quite hard to push.

I did some research and found that Mark Cullen was fed up with his Earthwise cordless mower and purchased a gas mower (within the last month) from Home Hardware. Perhaps the Gardena is a better product. I then thought cordless may NOT be ready for mainstream lawn care ... but I have always felt Gardena had good products.

Rona has the Accu Reel Mower for $350 but Home Depot had it on sale today for $279.

I couldn't resist.

It is very light and very quiet. I'll update this post, if my enthusiasm wanes.