Childrens Car Safety - 05/31/11 08:45 AM
I was shocked to learn that the number one cause of death of Canadian children under 14 is Car Crashes!
What is even more alarming is that if these children were properly secured in the appropriate car seats or booster seats, there risk of severe injury would be greatly reduced.
My son, Alec, was involved in two car crashes before he was eighteen months old. My parents were on the Q.E.W in Mississauga when they were involved in a collision (they were rear-ended while completely stopped). Several occupants suffered minor injuries (whiplash, bruises etc) while my son slept through the accident. … (4 comments)

Fiddlehead season is here!! ... but not for long - 05/30/11 09:22 AM
What are fiddleheads? They are a fern, recently sprouted, so young and new that it hasn't opened it leaves yet or "unfurled", aptly named as they resemble the coiled end of a violin. Fiddlehead ferns are delicious when picked and cooked during their very short season, a few weeks in early spring.  The have a remarkable "wild" flavour some say is similar to green beans with a hint of artichoke.  This description fails to convey the flavour of this delicious plant. If you are not an expert, I would not recommend trying to pick them yourselves as not all varieties of … (9 comments)

Live in an area affected by the West Nile Virus? - 05/29/11 02:54 PM
West Nile Virus is primarily spread to humans by the bite of a mosquito which has previously fed on an infected bird (or person).
There is currently no vaccine against West Nile virus, which can cause encephalitis (a, possibly fatal, inflammation of the brain or the membranes covering the brain) or meningitis (a swelling in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cords) in 100 species of birds and 9 mammals (including horses, gorillas, and humans). Here is an analysis of dead birds in Canada from 2010 Since 2002, 42 Canadians have died of West Nile virus, 13 in 2009 and … (4 comments)

Cookstown Wing Ding 2011 - 05/28/11 10:18 AM
Cookstown's 27th Annual Wing Ding will take place on June 4th and 5th, 2011 and is Ontario's longest running and largest community garage sale and spring fair.
Crafters, Artists, Antiques and Food Vendors from across Ontario will participate in this weekend country spring fair.
Other features will include:
live music Saturday 1 pm to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm,
and a display by the Georgian Bay Steam Show (behind the Royal Bank).
Free Parking and a shuttle bus is available from the Cookstown Outlet Mall (located at the Southeast corner of Hwy 400 and Hwy 89)
Looking … (3 comments)

Arts On Main 2011 - 05/27/11 07:04 AM
The Millpond Arts Group started Arts on Main seven years ago to continue the Youth Arts by the River program as part of the Festival of the Arts.
The festival has grown to include the works of seventy visual artists displayed in participating storefronts on the Main Streets of Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham for a period of four weeks.
May 28th to June 11th, 2011 - Youth Arts by the River - two and three dimensional art by young people preschool to Grade twelve will be available for viewing at the Millpond Centre, 106 Victoria Street, Alliston from 11:30 am to … (4 comments)

Beeton Honey and Garden Festival 2011 - 05/26/11 07:16 AM
Want your family to experience a Spring Fair in small town Ontario?
The Annual Beeton Honey and Garden Festival is just the ticket
The Main Street of Beeton will be closed to traffic on Saturday May 28th, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm for this Spring Fair.
View Larger Map
Entrance is free and there will be more than 140 vendors including Honey Products and Beekeepers, Plant and Garden Products, Home Decor, Crafts, Fashion, Jewellery, Home Decor, Farm Market produce and Food, Drinks and Candy. Don't miss the Pancake breakfast!
There will be fun for the whole family and a variety … (5 comments)

Pay it Forward at the Soccer field - 05/25/11 11:14 AM
Our local soccer house league started on Monday with a resounding "thud" as thunderstorms and heavy rain washed out the initial practice.  My son's Coach, Tracy, called an impromptu practice last night at a soccer field in Tottenham to meet and familiarize herself with her new team.  Those of us that could make it found the evening cool (seasonally COLD) and damp.  Alec and Iarrived at 6:45 pm, he was full of energy ready to start his third year.  As a seasoned parent, I come prepared, bringing water, lawn chairs, bug spray and an assorted pack of supplies.  The parents of … (4 comments)

Subway is doing it again!!! Free Breakfast May 31st! - 05/24/11 09:10 AM
My Family and I were in Niagara Falls when I heard that Subway was having a Customer Appreciation Day last August (in Canada - not sure if the event was extended to the U.S.) and I wrote a blog about it.Subway Canada Customer Appreciation EventFree Breakfast at Subway in Niagara Falls, CanadaWell, it looks like they are doing it again. Subway Canada is offering free breakfast sandwiches on May 31st, 2011. If you happen to be nearby, why don't you try one of their breakfast sandwiches?Last August was the first time that I had tried one, and it opened up another … (10 comments)

OPRAH - the end of an era! - 05/23/11 11:33 AM
If anyone in North America doesn't know yet, Oprah Winfrey's last daytime show airs on Wednesday. I am sure I didn't have to add her last name for most people to know to whom I was referring. I will say that I am definitely not a regular watcher, perhaps seeing no more than five or six full episodes of her twenty five year run, and probably seeing segments of twenty or so more shows (probably many more as segments on other television shows). That said, one cannot deny the force of nature that she is, nor her impact locally, nationally and … (5 comments)

Gas Shut-Off Valves - Know where they are! - 05/23/11 10:44 AM
 
Jay Maranich, a very knowledgeable Home Inspector hailing from Bristow VA, wrote this informative post that I am sharing with you.  As a safety precaution, if you have gas appliances in your home, knowing where the gas shut-off valves are very important.  If you have gas appliances, and do not know, I urge you to take a minute and find out where they are, and make sure people in your household know where they are...
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
When a house has gas appliances, the gas shut-off valves should be easy to get to.  … (0 comments)

Wanting to sell a home in Alliston, Beeton or Tottenham? Here are Six Essential Elements you should consider - 05/23/11 10:25 AM
 
Lisa von Domek, an active rain blogger from Dallas Texas, recently posted this great blog outlining six elements crucial to every sale.  If you live in or have a property in Caledon, King, Orangeville or South Simcoe and are thinking of moving in the near future or selling a property, call me to more fully understand how these elements can impact on your net proceeds.
 
Via Lisa Von Domek - Broker/Associate (Lisa Von Domek & Associates / Real Living Real Estate Group):
The Six Essential Elements to Selling a Home While your Real Living Sales Professional handles the details … (1 comments)

Save Our Planet and some $$$ - 05/22/11 12:46 PM
Although there are some studies that do not confirm the following, there are also studies that do... Three pragmatic and cost-effective ways to improve your gas mileage, reducing the money you spend on fuel and the negative effect on the environment are: 1) Oil - there is evidence that synthetic oil is much more "slippery" than conventional oils and will help improve your gas mileage.  I have used synthetic oil in various gasoline and diesel powered cars over the last fifteen years and will attest that synthetic oil flow much better and maintains viscosity at temperature extremes.  Most manufacturers will allow … (3 comments)

Victoria Day Weekend is here! - 05/21/11 10:44 AM
This long weekend has traditionally marked the official start of spring in Ontario.  Today has started sunny with few clouds, though rain is forecasted for the rest of the weekend. Some of us will visit our cottage for the first time and open it up for the rest of the spring and summer. Today seems ideal to spend outdoors, and if we are not going out with our families, many of us will work on our lawns and gardens and engage in spring planting earnestly this weekend.  Traditionally it will frost extremely rarely after this date. If/when it rains on Sunday … (4 comments)

Tis the season for gutter maintenance - 05/21/11 10:12 AM
 
Valerie Zinger, a fellow active rain blogger hailing from the Ottawa area, posted this blog on gutter maintenance.  A little preventative maintenance now can save you money and headaches in the future. 
 
Via Valerie Zinger (Royal Lepage Gale Ottawa-Ontario-Canada):
Are your gutters so packed with debris that things are growing in the muck? 
There is definitely no market for a house with little trees growing in the gutters.  Not only is it unsightly but it also risks water penetration into the house.   This is one of the things that a Home Inspector will notice first when he or she takes a look at … (0 comments)

As our reliance on electricity grows, so does the potential for electrical safety hazards. - 05/21/11 09:32 AM
 
Barbara Michaluk, a realtor and fellow active rain blogger from Maryland, recently posted this blog and potential electrical hazards.  I want to share it with you, becuase I have seen evidence of extension power cords used permanently many times of late, and had missed the potential hazard.  Do you have permanent extension power cords in your home?  If so, are you aware of the potential hazard?
 
Via Barbara Michaluk REALTOR® in Maryland (Weichert Realtors, Leisure World Office, Silver Spring, MD):
As our reliance on electricity grows, so does the potential for electrical safety hazards.
Electricity is an increasing presence … (0 comments)

Make every day Earth Day - 05/20/11 06:43 AM
Earth day is over for another year, so is April, Earth Month. The short term effects of our changes, if they were only for the day or the month have been realized. Have your thinking, your choices been influenced for a lifetime?
The Give It Up for Earth Day campaign identified four daily changes that could add up to a great environmental savings.
1) Turn off the TV,
On average, Canadians spend 1,500 hours out of 5,824 waking hours a year watching TV, about 10% of their residential electrical consumption. If you can't turn it "off", can you reduce the … (4 comments)

Do You Have Money growing on trees? - 05/19/11 08:01 AM
Do you have money growing on trees?
If you have an established garden with mature trees, it is quite possible that you do!
Did you know that a mature Japanese Maple could cost $7500 to replace? That a mature Mahogany tree could be worth as much as $100,000!
Grab your attention?
When we bought our home, we attributed value to the mature maple, oak and various other trees and shrubery on the property. We did not want to wait thirty or forty years for saplings to mature.
A 2009 report by Delloitte and Touche for the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association … (67 comments)

Planning to Purchase a Home in Beeton, Tottenham or Alliston? - 05/19/11 07:29 AM
 
Chrissy Doremus, a fellow Active Rain blogger, recently shared this information, a useful guide to prepare a buyer for what to expect when they have a home inspection.  Chrissy makes a great point when she states that, for many buyers, the is the first really objective (purely rational) look at what up to now, probably has been a mainly subjective (primarily emotional) decision.  Are you soon to be or in the process of finding a home for yourself?  ... this information is a great primer for an important part of the process...
 
Via Chrissy Doremus ~ U.S. Inspect ~ … (0 comments)

Pay It Forward at Tim Horton's in Tottenham =) - 05/18/11 02:19 PM
Wednesday May 18th started out like most days in the last week, gray sky and raining... It was promising to be a busy day and I had to get started early.  I decided to stop at Tim Horton's in Tottenham and get breakfast at the drive-thru.  I wanted the Sausage Biscuit, but opted for the healthier Homestyle Oatmeal and milk (my first good choice of the day ;-) I drove up to the window to pay and asked what was the bill for the Pick up truck behind me, and was told $5.72.  I told the lady to add it to … (9 comments)

The Killing - imho - Television worth watching - 05/17/11 11:21 AM
In my humble opinion, AMC has a television masterpiece in its hands with The Killing, their entry into the murder mystery genre.
This show, available in the U.S. and Canada on AMC, follows the murder investigation of Rosie Larsen, the daughter of Mitch and Stanley Larsen, in Seattle, Washington.
The show not only focuses in on the grisly and grim murder investigation but also on the grief suffered by the Larsen family.
The Killing, based on a Danish series Forbrydelsen, stays true to the original, focused on the interconnected worlds of parents, police and politics.
The show is set over thirteen … (6 comments)

A week in the life of our Magnolia... - 05/16/11 12:15 PM
To fully understand my fascination with the Magnolia you must travel back in time more than thirty years ago, when I first got my driver's license and started to drive on my own... During a drive through the surrounding country, probably in late spring 1978, in the heart of a neighbouring town, Bolton, ON, I saw a century plus home with a magnificent tree. It must have been twenty feet tall and probably even wider.  It was covered with magnificent large pink flowers and no leaves.  I parked my Orange 1972 Duster across the road and just soaked it in.  I … (7 comments)

Another Day, Another milestone! - 05/15/11 11:43 AM
Turning over... Sitting Up, Standing, his first tooth, Walking... his first words... his first day at pre-school, his first day at school, his first concert, Kindergarten graduation.

 
Life is an accumulations of so many memories, so many feelings... Alec woke up on his sixth birthday disappointed that he did not lose his first tooth.  I guess he has seen some of his friends start to lose their baby teeth, and apparently an older and wiser friend at school told him he would lose his first baby teeth when he was six. He has been anxiously waiting for this … (6 comments)

Signs of rust in your electrical panel? Be concerned! - 05/14/11 10:35 AM
 
I have seen similar signs of rust in electrical panels in and around my marketplace... I noted them, but didn't think much more about it, other than possible mentioning that new owners might want to replace the box...  after reading this post by Jay Maranich, a fellow active rain blogger and home inspector from Bristow VA, I realize that the new homeowner must also address the cause of the problem, excess moisture...
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
The electricity in a house comes and goes.  It arrives, happily flows around the house, and is continually connected … (0 comments)

Eco-Friendly Gardening Principles - 05/14/11 09:54 AM
Eco-friendly gardening is a term that has gained momentum in the last few years.I did not happen upon it for altruistic reasons. Honestly, my basic reasons were:1) I am inherently lazy; and2) I abhor waste.My first exposure to eco-friendly gardening was in the late 1990's when Wildflower Farms operated out of a farm just south west of Schomberg. They chose to demonstrate an eco-friendly grass on their front lawn, and I had occasion to see this product in all seasons and over a period of years.I had a friend who lived in Pottageville who overseeded her backyard over a period of … (4 comments)

Squirrels In An Attic Are A Danger! - 05/13/11 07:27 AM
 
Jay Maranich, a home inspector from Bristow VA and fellow active rain blogger recently posted this blog.  Squirrels and Raccoons can be an issue in the attics of South Simcoe homes, so I am sharing this information with you.  Once the critters have been removed, do not forget to seal up the points of entry.
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
I have had squirrels in my attic before, and they were hard to get rid of.  A Havahart trap from the local farm supply center worked great, along with some apple and peanut butter bait, and … (0 comments)

Harvest Food Share Program - 05/13/11 06:58 AM
Don't grow your own fruits and vegetables?
Would you like the opportunity to buy locally grown food, produced using environmentally friendly methods by socially responsible farmers?Are you concerned about reducing your "carbon footprint" by eliminating the long distances your food has to be transported?Do you prefer food rich in nutrition and picked ripe?Carron Farms in Holland Marsh, a certified Local Sustainable farm, offers a variety of packages that will supply you with local farm fresh produce on a weekly basis for twenty weeks beginning Thursday June 16th, 2011.Interested?Find out more at www.carronfarms.ca, or by e-mailing harvestshare@carronfarms.caCarron farms is in the Holland … (5 comments)

Looking for an Adult Lifestyle Detached Bungalow? - 05/12/11 12:51 PM
Open House Sunday May 15th, 2011 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 97 Tecumseth Pines, New Tecumseth Looking to downsize?  Move in and enjoy this updated two bedroom bungalow with a full finished basement featuring many quality updates and a fantastic view of a ravine overlooking Simcoe Forest. Take a look at the virtual tour to more fully appreciate this special property. Open House at 112 Tecumseth Pines, New Tecumseth at the same time
Just Move In and Enjoy!!! … (1 comments)

Open House - 112 Tecumseth Pines, New Tecumseth - 05/11/11 03:07 PM
Sunday May 15th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Follow the signs from Highway 9, west of Hwy 27 and east of Hwy 50. This detached bungalow with a full finished basement is located in Tecumseth Pines, an adult lifestyle community set among the treed rolling hills north of Caledon and King townships.
Open house at 97 Tecumseth Pines, New Tecumseth also. If this Open House is inconvenient for you, please call me to arrange a private viewing of the homes available in this community.
Retire Comfortably with a View … (1 comments)

Pay It Forward - In My Community - 05/11/11 01:38 PM
I live in New Tecumseth, a rural community dotted with a few small towns in Simcoe County, Ontario. We are, what most people would consider to be, a  working class community.  There are many people struggling to make ends meet and a fair number of single parent families. Helen and I adopted our son, Alec, years ago.  He has so much.  As our only child and one of the few young children in my extended family, we, his parents, his grandparents, his aunts and uncles, cousins and our many friends have showered him with many toys and games.  There have been … (5 comments)

Have a deck? When was the last time you inspected it? - 05/11/11 11:26 AM
 
This great informational blog by Jay Marinich, a Home Inspector from Bristow VA, and Active Rain Blogger, illustrates potential issues that could arise in decks.  I, for one, do not have any sort of set deck maintenance program, other than staining it when staining is required...  After reading this post, I will take a walk outside and inspect my deck...
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
One of my bugaboos as a home inspector is deck installation.  Or decks in general.  So often installation is incorrect.  And among decks, my least favorite are the kit decks.
What … (0 comments)

Tottenham's 28th Annual Bluegrass Festival - 05/11/11 09:39 AM
Ontario's top family festival, the 28th Annual Tottenham Bluegrass Festival will take place in the natural amphitheatre by the Tottenham Pond at the Tottenham Conservation Area just west of Tottenham, ON on Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 17th, 18th, and 19th, 2011
View Larger Map
Bluegrass Events occur:
Bluegrass Jam Night every monday night at The Man of Yorke (11 Mill St E Tottenham 905.936.4486)
HOMETOWN BLUEGRASS - 8:00 pm June 14, 2011 at The Man of Yorke
FESTIVAL SPONSORS NIGHT - 7:30 pm June 16, 2011 at the Tottenham Legion (32 Richmond St E, Tottenham)
2011 Festival Line-up Includes:
Audie … (1 comments)

ActiveRainPhotoBloggerContest-My cousin's Wedding - 05/10/11 12:25 PM

Just before Christmas 2010, I saw a status update on Facebook... my cousin's status had changed to "in a relationship". This was news to me, and I thought about "liking" or making a comment.  But that hardly seemed appropriate. My cousins and I were very close growing up, three sisters and one brother, their spouses and nine cousins living barely blocks apart in North Toronto (another brother, his wife and three children lived a few miles to the south).  I have many fond memories of picnics, of days and evenings spent at their home or at my parents home, special … (7 comments)

Today is Census Deadline Day in Canada - 05/10/11 08:19 AM
May 10th, 2011 is the day that all Canadians are to have completed the census questionnaires that were delivered to every Canadian household. Please ensure that you fill out your form and mail it in the green envelope provided, or, preferably, submit your information online @ www.census2011.gc.ca using the secure access code supplied in your census envelope. The information you provide is private and confidential (you have the option of having this information released publicly in 92 years, but this is your option, and you can choose to keep the information supplied private forever. If you have completed your information, either … (9 comments)

Garage Door and Automatic Garage Door Opener Safety & Maintenance - 05/09/11 06:30 PM
 
Chrissy Doremus, of US Home Inspect shares great information about a topic most of us overlook, namely, Garage Door Safety and Maintenance.  Those of us with automatic garage door openers should heed Chrissy's advice and perhaps set up some sort of regular maintenance plan.
 
Via Chrissy Doremus ~ U.S. Inspect ~ Home Inspections (U.S. Inspect):
We expect a lot from our garage doors, and we expect them to open every time, on demand. But, honestly, when was the last time you gave yours a little TLC?
Are you aware that the garage door is the heaviest and largest single piece … (0 comments)

Oatmeal - Nature's Health food - 05/09/11 08:25 AM
There has been an on-going struggle in the Smith household weekend morning for months now...
I have insisted that Alec, my soon to be seven year old son, eat oatmeal for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Now, if I had my druthers, I would have him eat oatmeal five to seven times per week. But this is a battle we will wait for summer to resume. Weekday morning are busy enough without this added layer of melodrama.
Alec will insist he "hates" oatmeal, will never eat it... that we don't love him, that daddy will get a time out if he … (9 comments)

Happy Mother's Day - 05/08/11 07:09 AM
To my wife, the mother of my son... to my mother and my mother-in-law... to all my family and friends who are mothers, Peggy, Pauline, Anya, Sarah, Rita, Anne, Auntie Cynthia, Auntie Millie, Auntie Dolly, Auntie June, and Auntie Phyllis, Wanda, Kim, Mitzi, Meghan (to name a very few), and to all mothers everywhere, I want to wish you, today, a very Happy Mother's Day. It seems we often take a mother's love for granted.  We just expect it always to be there.  Today, especially, I want to thank all the mothers in my life for all the love I have … (6 comments)

Just Listed - 97 Tecumseth Pines, New Tecumseth - 05/07/11 08:05 AM
Another Special home that will satisfy the most discerning of buyers and provide years of worry and trouble free home ownership. This two bedroom detached bungalow is located in Tecumseth Pines, a small adult lifestyle community located between Newmarket and Orangeville, a very comfortable commute from the Greater Toronto Area. The  homeowner has invested $$$ in quality upgrades.  Have a look at the virtual tour to more fully appreciate this special property and see if you could call this "HOME"!
... then call me to book a private viewing
 
Just Move In and Enjoy!!! … (7 comments)

Save $$$ and help Save Our Planet - 05/06/11 04:18 PM
 
Karen Bernetti, a home staging consultant and fellow Active Rain blogger from Southington CT, recently posted this great article on a way we can save some money and help Save Our Planet, something that is near and dear to me.
When you are looking to move, look for used boxes (LCBO and food stores will often give them to you).
If you have recently moved, reather than throwing all your moving boxed away, consider donating them and/or letting someone else re-use them.
 
Via Karen Bernetti (Staging4Smooth Transitions Connecticut Home Staging):
Here's a great way to save money AND the environment! … (0 comments)

Ten foods you should add to your diet - 05/06/11 03:57 PM
10. Leafy Greens: such as rapini, kale, collards, spinach, brussel sprouts, turnip greens, mustard greens, and Swiss Chard. Many of these greens are full of vitamins such as Vitamin A,C,K, folate, lutein, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and fibre. For best results eat whole and fresh.
9. Chick Peas (also known as Garbanzo Beans): all beans are good for you. Generally, they have plenty of fibre, protein, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Chick peas are so versatile and easy to use. Consider adding them to your salads, soups, stews, rice or other whole grains, or curries.
8. Yams (also known as Sweet … (6 comments)

Shedding "winter" weight? Drink water before meals! - 05/05/11 09:54 AM
A Recent clinical trial has confirmed, what seems common sense to most of us. This twelve week study found that people that drank two-eight ounce glasses of water before meals three times a day lost, on average, about five pounds more than did dieters who did not drink the water first. This, and similar previous studies have found that middle-aged and older people who consumed the requisite two glasses of water during the day consumed an average of 75 to 90 fewer calories per meal. Two possible reasons for this that cross my mind are: 1) it may fill the stomach … (6 comments)

Pay It Forward - at the walk-in clinic - 05/04/11 01:13 PM

Most people like to think of themselves as unique as opposed to "typical"... I guess I am very typical of most people, in this respect. I hate going to the doctor, apparently, among men, I am not alone. I have been floored from most of the past week, coming down with something fast and furious last Wednesday.  I tend to the old fashioned remedies and avoid pharmaceuticals wherever and whenever possible. That said, my symptoms seems to have evolved in the last few days into something very different, with acute throat soreness and sharp earaches. Salt water gargles et al … (6 comments)

Our 15th Decennial Census started May 2nd! - 05/03/11 07:22 AM
Canada's 15th decennial (every tenth year) national census started yesterday, May 2nd, 2011 and every Canadian Household will have received or be receiving a yellow census package. Census reference day is May 10, and counting activities will cease on July 29th, 2011.
The mandatory long form questionnaire has been replaced with a voluntary version, which can be filled out and submitted online or on paper.
Good data is vital to research, public policy and social programs.
Do your part, complete your census form and give our government the information it needs to secure our futures.
Results should be available in … (6 comments)

"Green" or "Greenwash"? - 05/02/11 10:35 AM
 
Jay Markanich, a home inspector from Bristow VA and fellow Active Rain Blogger recently posted this great little reminder for us to scratch a little below the surface and when a builder or manufacturer or salesperson says "green", exactly what do they mean, and whether the benefit (whether in reduced operating expense or in reduced environmental damage) is in proportion with any premium charged fro the "green" product
 
Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
On new construction inspections, I have learned a couple of things.  First, everyone wants to say their product is green, although I am … (0 comments)

Today is Monday May 2nd - if you are a Canadian citizen, VOTE!! - 05/02/11 09:51 AM
Canada's federal election is today! Please make the time to vote today. These elections are important and effect us, whether we choose to vote, or whether we choose not to. If you feel you do not know enough about the candidates in your riding, it is not too late to find out. If you believe you do not know enough about the position of the different parties, go to the source, ask them or find out on their websites or by calling them. Do not give too much credence on what you hear in the media or advertisements in the media, … (5 comments)

The REAL effect of May 1, 2011 TOU Price and Period Changes in Ontario - 05/02/11 09:29 AM
There was adequate warning about the implementation of Time of Use Price Periods and incenting Ontario Hydro Customers to use off-peak electricity. We were told that if we were to consume hydro-electric power wisely, that we would realize savings. However, when October 1st , 2010 rolled around, and the meters installed in Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham, and the rest of New Tecumseth went "smart", and many consumers starting putting in practice off-peak consumption, an interesting thing happened.  Many of us did not see a drop in our Electricity Bills. It seems to be general consensus that the reason we are not seeming … (2 comments)

Our Federal election is tomorrow, May 2nd, 2011 - 05/01/11 11:57 AM
The colour I am using for this post represents my general feelings on this election. I feel that this election was not necessary and will accomplish little.  I do not feel I can trust much of what any of the federal party leaders are telling me.  And have probably not followed this election as much as I should have. That said, one of my mantras are "if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem". Now I am specifically talking about the democracy we have in Canada. We have three branches of Government, namely: Executive … (4 comments)