I Ask You How: These prices are so darn low

For the last few months I’ve been checking the price of air compressors and nail guns (my oldest son said I’d be able to bang birdhouses together faster if I parted with some hard-earned cash) and I’ve noticed the combined price has come down just about every time a Canadian Tire flyer hits my door step.

Believe it or not, in the last four or five months the price has dropped at least by half - to an all-time low of $99.99.


How can Canadian Tire (and other stores, I’m sure) sell the items so cheaply?

The one I’m looking at is sold by Campbell Hausfeld (a company founded in 1836 and headquartered in Harrison, Ohio), and I’m pretty sure the men and women of Harrison couldn’t survive on the wages that result from sales of fairly complex machines (that now include the nailer/stapler kit and other accessories) for a hundred bucks.

Are the compressor and nailer manufactured in another country perhaps, one that pays paltry wages and powers its factories with coal-fired furnaces?

My money says the products are made in China, just like my two-in-one sander that had to be repaired recently.

I know many in North America are in love with low, low prices, but isn’t there is a higher price to pay farther down the road?


[Photo taken from Campbell Hausfeld website]

For example: Just like I had to wait 3 - 4 weeks for a very simple fix to be made to my broken sander (poor workmanship and design: I’ll look more closely at my next purchase), we’ll all be waiting a long time before good jobs return to North America if we search for the lowest price overseas.

For now, I’ll recycle the latest CT flyer and stick with my old-fashioned hammer and nails.

It’s good exercise (yeah, I need it) and I’ll breathe easier.

***

Does the ever-present ‘Made in China’ label present you with a problem on occasion?

How so?

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Link and Learn: Justin Sandercoe can play guitar

During Ollie’s 3rd birthday party (before Thomas the Train cake was served) I talked with his other grandfather, a man who plays guitar a bit, like I do.

He recommended I go to Justin Sandercoe’s website to view his guitar lessons and UTube offerings, and this morning I did.

The boy can play guitar.


["Ma, I wanna be a rock star": GAH circa 1965]

And he offers guitar lessons, from beginners to advanced, that are quite easy to follow and advice that is quite worthwhile.

Like, I already know 6 chords so I’m well on my way.

I just thought, if you are like me, i.e., a bit shy about playing in public but still like to sing or write a few songs, you might find it worthwhile to link to Justin’s site and learn more than you already know.


["Like this song?": GAH 2008]

One day you too might be a star and play one of your own songs at a local music club.

And a one and a two...

***

With lessons I might be able to make my latest hit single sound more bluesy.

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Climate Does Change: Carbon emissions are set to dip in 2009

Hopes are growing on the climate change front as world leaders pack their bags for Copenhagen.

Canada likely won’t supply much leadership even though our Federal Conservative Environment Minister Jim Prentice has dismissed the conspiracy theories attached to the ‘climategate’ allegations and is on record for insisting “global warming is real and Canada needs to cut emissions.” (Dec. 3, Sun Media)


["The environment minister finally looked out his window"]

However, the Danish climate minister is hoping a substantive political pact can be agreed upon at the December meetings, because she is aware that the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), mainly from burning fossil fuels, should peak in 2020.

That being said, those who have been watching the global carbon emissions rising fast in recent years will be pleased to know that emissions are set to dip by up to 3% in 2009 because of the recession.

When I read that (Dec. 1, London Free Press via Reuters) a few thoughts tumbled out of my little round head.

For example: While governments discuss cap and trade, what a healthy level of CO2 in the atmosphere might be, who does what by when, every day consumers like you and me have our hands at the switch.


["A hard rains a-gonna fall"; GAH]

We can give new meaning to the word ‘dip’ by reducing our spending just in time for Christmas, the season that in modern, materialistic times has become synonymous in North America with gift-buying blitzkriegs that shock the rest of the known world.

Why, if more of us attempted to pay off debt (rather than add to it) and save money for tough times ahead, then 2010 could be known as the year that GHGs were reduced by 4%.

Now that’s a dip I’d like to be a part of. You?

***

Maybe one of my New Years resolutions should relate to saving a certain amount of money in 2010. (Say, $2,010).

I mean, how exciting would it be to tell readers once per week how my savings account is doing, e.g., “I’m up to 14 bucks!”

It’s got potential!

Well, it’s got something. Right?

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The Lighter Side of the Classifieds: Why do people go shopping?

While looking through today’s classified ads I noticed several people were selling off things that were brand new.

I asked myself, why did they even buy the items?

For example:

For Sale - Duster, long handled, extendable, new, paid $20, for sale for $10

Maybe the shopper had the following thoughts:

“You know, I got home, thought of all the dusting I’d have to do, and decided the house didn’t look so bad.”


["Seriously? I'd have to do it myself?"]

For Sale - Ed Hardy T-shirts, new with tags. $60

“When I got home I remembered I had other T-shirts.”

For Sale - Electronic puzzle solver and games. New, $15

“Later in the day I got watching TV and realized I don’t like solving stuff.”

For Sale - Grey fur coat, brand new. $60

“I found four other coats when I went to hang it up in my closet.”

For Sale - Raised seat for toilet, never used. $25

“When I got home I didn’t have to go to the bathroom anymore.”

***

Spend less money. Cut down the clutter.

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Zoom w a View: If the rain was snow I'd be happier

Yesterday, the weather was so mild the postman wore Bermuda shorts as he made his daily rounds with bills and flyers and Christmas cards from people who are just way too organized.

At 1 p.m. the skies became overcast and I thought, finally, snow is on it’s way to kill the bugs.


I hoped for 18 inches.


["Snow is on its way?": photos at 1 p.m. by GAH]

But after my mid-afternoon hockey game I exited the arena not to find a fresh blanket of snow but tarmac made wet by an afternoon shower.

(I initially typed ‘not to find a fresh blanket of snow but wet tarmac from an afternoon shower’ but I felt some readers would be surprised that when in rains in Canada wet tarmac falls from the sky. I’ve heard of frogs and fish falling from the sky but not wet tarmac. Sorry, I digress).

As I rushed to cram my hockey bag into the trunk of my car I wished the rain had instead been snow flakes.

With a foot and a half of snow on the ground I bet we’d have a healthier winter and I wouldn’t have to cut my grass this afternoon.

***

Does anyone have snow in their yard yet?

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The postman was wearing shorts today

The snow came and went yesterday and today was mild enough at noon for shorts and t-shirts.

Not only was the postman dressed for spring-like temperatures but when I got home after coffee I felt I should cut the grass.

Then I thought, thanks to global warming and climate change I’ll likely have another opportunity this week to take care of the lawn. Today I should get my skates sharpened for afternoon hockey.


["Long enough to get out the mower": photo GAH, moment ago]

It’s so mild that if my hockey team played on an outdoor rink we’d be soon sweating into our socks.

I know some people feel that global warming is over and we’re headed for the next ice age but I think they’re dead wrong.

Though I haven’t seen the average global temperatures for 2008 posted yet by NASA I do know that in the last decade we’ve experienced many of the warmest years on record (since the late 1800s).

Is this going to be another one?

I’ll think about it while cutting the grass tomorrow.

***

I still want at least 18 inches of snow before Christmas to kill off the bugs.

Will I get it?

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If not a carbon allowance, then what? Pt 2

I’ve been plodding my way through The Suicidal Planet (see Read This, right margin) and am nearing the end.

One personal conclusion so far: It sounds more like homicide to me.

The author, among other things, encourages North Americans to consider a policy related to personal carbon allowances for reducing the carbon emissions associated with our high-energy-use lifestyle rather than price rises via taxation - the key alternative to carbon allowance.


["Too many good years has spoiled us rotten"]

He does go on to say, however, “taxation of energy in the United States is at much lower levels than in European countries, so in theory there is much scope for raising taxes.”

And I started to think... (did you smell wood burning?) why don’t we just raise taxes on energy? The taxation system is already in place. We wouldn’t need to establish a costly carbon allowance administration complex.

Answer (in part): North Americans don’t like taxes. Many feel they were born to be free and taxes just get in the way of free enterprise.

(Many of us grew up to a song called Born Free, My Father’s a Doctor, or something like that, so low taxes and expenses feel like a birth right).

Some may wonder, how can the Europeans tolerate such high fuel prices and in some countries, a carbon tax system as well?

Maybe it’s because they haven’t seen oil spill out of the ground for as many years as North Americans and don’t take cheap oil prices for granted. And the fact Europe has had to import a large portion of its supply for many years may help citizens appreciate it more and be willing to tolerate the higher price e.g., for a liter of fuel. (What is it now in Copenhagen? About $400?)

Not only do North Americans not like taxes but our governments, for some reason, would prefer not to be in the business of public education related to climate change, or share the need to conserve limited fossil fuels for the sake of future generations, or pass on information about the advantages (related to all natural resources) of living in a smaller house, or driving a smaller car or buying fewer material goods (many made very cheaply off-shore) and paying off debt.

So, there may be room to raise taxes but no heart for it in North America. Perhaps too many good years has spoiled us rotten.

Perhaps soon a carbon allowance will be arranged and promoted in North America in such a way as to appear more positive in nature than taxes even though (as the author of The Suicidal Planet writes) “though seen as little different from traditional energy taxes under a new guise, several European nations have introduced a tax on carbon.”

And then, won’t it be nice to see many citizens choose to live small, stay within their carbon allowance (and save money while they’re at it) without all the complaining normally associated with a rise in taxes?

***

I still don’t mind more taxes associated with energy use, as long as the proceeds can be seen to move us toward more sustainable fuels.

Could you live with more targeted taxes or a carbon allowance?

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Men are from Mars: Don’t throw out that knife

I came to the bottom of a peanut jar this morning, and due to my Scottish nature, immediately started looking through the knife drawer for the right tool for the job.

The job: Get as much peanut butter off the bottom of the jar before rinsing it out for the blue box because every little bit counts toward getting proper PB coverage on my toast.

Four decades ago my wife purchased a full cutlery set but the butter knives are pointy and poorly designed for PB removal, in my opinion. (I could be mad).


["The one on the left is too pointy": photo GAH]

Now, about twenty years ago I found a discarded knife at a camp site and realized it was the right tool for some jobs.

It could be used immediately to add sugar to and stir a cup of camp coffee because of its rounded tip and wide blade.

It could be used later to remove a stubborn screw from a camp chair.

And it was perfect for cleaning off the bottom of a PB jar.

Though I’ve been reminded ever since it doesn’t match our cutlery set I refuse to get rid of it.

“It’s my PB knife,” I’ll say. “And it’s the perfect tool for many jobs.”

My wife will roll her eyes. Details. (We agree on a lot of other stuff).

As you can see from the photo, it did a darn good job again this morning and helped me get maximum coverage on my toast.

***

When I find an old spatula with a 1/2 or 3/4-inch-wide blade I’ll have it made in the shade.

Is there a better solution? I doubt it.

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If not a carbon allowance, then what?

I have been reading (it's more like plodding my way through with a highlighter in hand) The Suicidal Planet and am nearing the end.

Very good book. (See Read This, right margin).

Makes a person think about their fossil fuel use, excessive carbon production and an alternative lifestyle. (I grew up in the 1960s, so I don’t mind thinking about changing my lifestyle, or hairstyle at the very least).


On page 205, the author asks, if not this, then what?

“Are there any alternative policy options to personal carbon allowances for reducing carbon emissions?”

In other words, if there isn’t a plan or system in place that expects us to live within our fossil fuel means and gradually reduce our high-energy-use lifestyle then what else would work to get corporations and individuals to use less fossil fuel?

The author goes on to say, “The usual policy instrument used to reduce consumption is price rises via taxation - and this is the key alternative to carbon allowance.”

As I read, my mind went to work.

Would I rather have an allowance to spend, i.e., be allowed to use a certain amount of fuel each year for my house and car and try to stay within my limit, or confront higher prices on fossil fuel related purchases (everything?) each and every day?

I suppose the end result would be the same thing, e.g., I’d try to reduce spending in order to save a bit of money for tough times ahead.

But what else does the writer say?

I’ll continue shortly, but right now I have to do two other important tasks.

One, plug a few leaks in my 70-year-old house with insulation before my second energy audit on Thursday.

If I get a better score than after my first audit I’ll get some money back for completing certain renovations.

Then (I hate to admit this), I need to continue work on eight more Muskoka-style birdhouses in order to have more on hand at an upcoming sale.

Yes, you’re right. I should have stayed out of my workshop yesterday.

***

Hey, it’s only eight more. I could have pushed for 12.

BTW. Does anyone know about dominating personality traits?

I think I’ve got a few tough ones to deal with on a regular basis.

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Zoom w a View: Mild winter ahead?

The squirrels in my neighbourhood are getting fatter by the minute.


I think October and November were good months for the squirrels, i.e., for storing nuts and putting on weight for the long, cold winter ahead.

But will all their scrounging be for naught?


["Not much snow this winter?": photos GAH]

I recently heard we’re in for a winter without much snow.

Is that the plan?

I bought new tires for no good reason?

***

My dad used to say he wanted a cold winter and lots of snow to kill the bugs. (Now, I say the same thing).

Do you wish that too?

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Canada will attend Environmental Conference in Copenhagen Pt 2

In Copenhagen Canada will likely not sign any agreement to reduce carbon emissions that is too stringent or significant, unless the US agrees to do so.

If the US signs on (very unlikely, the economy is job 1) to significant carbon reductions then PM Harper (aka ‘lap dog’) may have to change the made in Canada plan which follows:

“The government’s current targets call for shrinking greenhouse gas emissions 20 per cent by 2020 from their 2006 levels.” (Nov. 30, London Free Press)


Whatever targets we set to reduce carbon, businesses and home owners will likely be expected to participate in a plan that measures or tracks our fossil fuel use (corporately and personally).

We’ll each be expected to live within our means after we’ve become aware of our personal carbon allowance (say 10 tonnes per person).

Those that wish to pursue a high-energy-use lifestyle (at present, most North Americans) will likely be asked to purchase more carbon credits to support excessive burning of fuels from a bank (of sorts) that collects unused credits or allowance from those that conserve energy.

No such plan exists in North America at this time for a variety of reasons:

Governments don’t believe they are in the business of telling citizens to live small in order to conserve energy for future generations.

Media might like to support green initiatives but piles of ad revenues come from the automotive, travel, home-building and lifestyle industries.

Businesses love profits more than people.

And individual citizens are used to doing what they want around here.

So, in Canada, it seems as if we have until 2020 to make a small reduction in fossil fuel use without much of a plan in place for corporations or citizens to follow.

I wonder how we’ll do.

***

Unless PM Harper has a plan up his sleeve.

Does he?

Does Conservative Environment Minister Jim Prentice?

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Canada will attend Environmental Conference in Copenhagen

Our Prime Minister will make a showing at the final leaders’ session and, if all goes as usual, will miss the photo op due to a call on his Blackberry or because of a lengthy bathroom break.

But at least he’ll be there for a few hours (phew) after months of saying he wouldn’t attend.

What changed his mind? As far as I can recall, he didn’t agree to attend until after he heard the US President was finally going to make an appearance.

Q: Is PM Harper Pres. Obama’s lap dog or something?

A: Or something.


Am I proud of Canada’s commitment, or lack thereof, to reducing our current carbon emissions?

It’s like asking, am I proud that my country is a world leader in greenhouse gas emissions and doesn’t really have any plan to reduce them in any significant way?

No, I’m not proud yet, but one day I think I will be.

Until then, live small, reduce spending, pay off debt and save your loonies and toonies for a geothermal heating unit.

***

You are saving your loonies, right?

And you have indoor clotheslines to reduce your hydro consumption? What else?

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I’m afraid to step into my workshop

I’m pretty sure I left it a mess.

And though I’m also pretty sure I have enough birdhouses already made to fill a table at an upcoming Christmas bazaar, I’m all sold out of my Muskoka-style four-plexes, and as soon as I step into my workshop I’ll think about making another half-dozen for the sale.

“They seem to be selling quickly, so make some more,” I’ll say to myself.

Earlier my wife said, “Take the one you made for me and just take orders.”

I said I could do that but, truth be told, I don’t like taking orders.

When someone sees a birdhouse and wants to buy it I want to hand one right over, and not say I’ll have one ready by Tuesday and feel obligated to rush lumber through the saw and have to deliver one across town. Too much added pressure.

Besides, I’m tired right now and I don’t want tiredness to be the theme for the week.

So, I’ll head out to the shop to clean up the mess - a small mess is easy to deal with - but I sure hope I don’t talk myself into taking on a new batch of four-plexes.


["No big mess! Just one job left on the bench"]


["And four on the ceiling that need stain": photos GAH]

***

Maybe the flu took more out of me than I at first realized.

Have you had the flu and been dragging yourself around the house?

I could just make a pot of strong coffee and push ahead but I’ve been trying to cut back.

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It’s Monday morning of a busy week and I’m tired already

Do you have weeks like this?

My dance calendar for the week is filling up quickly and I’m already weak in the legs.

So far, I’ve got hockey on Wednesday and Friday, company coming and shed night on Thursday, insulation to install by Friday, a birdhouse table to man at a bazaar on Saturday (I finally found a bazaar. Sure hope I can sneak away from my table to buy some homemade white bread!) and a column due on Saturday.

Yipes. The combined drive from London to Fenelon Falls on Friday and return trip on Sunday was 8 hours long and I guess, for a guy my age, that’s long enough to make me wish for a nap before noon today.


Sleep deprivation related to helping with the twins doesn’t at all help.

(I sure hope my wife has energy to heat up some soup for lunch).

Oh yeah, we squeezed in a few hours at Ollie’s third birthday party once we were off the highway yesterday.


["Ollie delivers the pizza on time": photo GAH]

Maybe the third slice of pizza or thick slice of chocolate cake is slowing me down.

Hopefully, if I go to bed early tonight (there isn’t a good football game on tonight, is there?) I’ll be myself tomorrow and flying down the wing during Wednesday hockey.

Too much to think about. Time for a nap.

***

How is your week shaping up? Relaxing? Wanna trade?

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