A fifth of Friday the 13th...

Another Friday the Thirteenth. I'm sure we had one of those just last month. Ho, hum. We must've gotten all the bad stuff out of the way, already then, right? What could possibly go wrong this time? You have to ask? How about another Top Five list?

1) Strangely, although our PM keeps telling us the Canadian economy is in great shape and we're all gonna be fine, and he's, like, never lied to us (repeatedly) before... markets are still tanking. I can't help but notice that he takes a certain approach to everything that might dispute his worldview, from what's actually happening in the economy (i.e. anything from the parliamentary budget officer he appointed), to Vancouver's InSite safe-injection facility, to, well, just good-quality research in general. Because deeply-held convictions, however unwarranted by facts, are necessarily the only Right things. I am shocked. Shocked! Never saw that one coming at all...

2) Now that mommy's defeat at the American vice presidential polls is a soi-disant distant political memory, Bristol Palin is no longer about to bear her child within the sanctity of holy matrimony. Or a shotgun marriage. Whichever is more, y'know, born-again. I am shocked. Shocked! Never saw that one coming at all...

3) John Baird's fattening fingers - and possibly his hair - are smearing oily DNA traces all over the aftermath of Ottawa's record transit strike. In the absence of any actual, like, unbiased information on the dangers of scheduling, he may wish to consider a prudent wait before plastering on pandering ideological band aids. Oh, wait... See 1), above! I am shocked. Shocked! Never saw that one coming at all...

4) The Ottawa Sun, in the tradition of intrepid journalism, has used promo material from a 5-year-old, just-released, low-budget Canadian Bollywood movie clone - starring current Liberal member of parliament Ruby Dhalla - as an excuse to run a lame-o "Hilltop Hotties" photo gallery online, while Dr. Dhalla tries to wish the whole thing away on grounds of Photoshop. I am shocked. Shocked! Never saw that one coming at all...

5) Heh.

I am shocked. Shocked! Never saw that one coming at all...

Good things about the Economic Downturn

1. I feel less poor than usual.
2. I feel better about myself and my fiscally irresponsible past.
3. I feel slightly more grateful than usual for being employed.
4. My recycled clothing and home furnishings are now chic.
5.
6. Communism might make a comeback. Viva la revolution!!
7. When I shop now, I think of myself as stimulating the economy and that stimulates me.
8. It's fun to nest at home and make crafts.
9. Depression glass may become all the rage again.
10. We'll be able to say we lived through the ED and that it made us stronger as people.

Coping with The Economic Downturn, Part 5

Audrey’s List of 10 Items that You Shouldn’t Scrimp On:

1. A good haircut.
2. Books. If you are buying fewer books due to the economic downturn, be sure to borrow books from friends and family or the Ottawa Public Library. Don’t stop reading!
3. Vacations. Reduce your travel budget and search online for bargains.
4. Gifts. Give more modest gifts but don’t stop giving gifts.
5. Your future. Keep making contributions to your pension plan.
6. A good work wardrobe.
7. If you are drinking less, drink the better quality wine and beer.
8. Tips. Remember those who are less fortunate: tip more generously.
9. Lipstick and perfume!
10. Empathy. If your friends are fearful of losing their jobs, be sensitive. If they lose their jobs, assist them in any way you can.

Coping with The Economic Downturn, Part 4

Audrey’s 20 Tips for Reducing Expenditures:

1. Bring your lunch to work as often as possible. Always eat breakfast at home on workdays. (No need to forgo an occasional breakfast out on Elgin Street as a weekend treat.)
2. Drink the cheap coffee at work.
3. Eat dinners at home more often. When you eat out, order the burger, not the dinner special.
4. Avoid the pubs, or, if you indulge, have fewer drinks.
5. Go to the cinema on nights when the price is lower.
6. Avoid using your car. Use public transit or walk. However, don’t take risks to save money. Walking home in the bitter cold or in freezing rain could jeopardize your health; walking home alone late at night can be dangerous for men as well as for women.
7. Ask yourself if you really need something before you buy it.
8. Wait for your favourite items to go on sale.
9. Only make changes to your home that will add value – e.g. modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, and having a basement professionally-finished.
10. We all know that we should withdraw money less frequently so as to reduce bank charges. However, how many of us meet with our bank to discuss our finances before there is a problem Set up an appointment with your bank and discuss your accounts. Can you prepay some of your mortgage? This will save you in interest in all the remaining years when you have a mortgage. Obtain a line of credit and transfer the balance on your credit cards to this lower rate product.
11. Become more knowledgeable about the income tax system – for example, I’m going to add my charitable donations for 2009 to those for 2010 when I file my 2010 tax return.
12. Review your pension plan at work. If you work for the Government of Canada, can you buy back pensionable service (eg. from when you were a summer student)? This will reduce your fears about not being financially secure in your old age.
13. If you are a renter, make appointments to view less expensive properties. You might be surprised to find one that you like better than your current home.
14. Roll your change. My boyfriend had $35 in nickels and dimes and $40 in quarters!
15. Make greater use of the Internet.
16. Marry your true love and move in together. You’ll have more time together and you will save on household expenses! A co-habiting couple can also take advantage of pension and benefit plans. There are also tax advantages to co-habitation.
17. Have a trusted friend do your taxes for you, instead of an agency.
18. Recycle the beer and wine bottles in your basement. My boyfriend and I had a contest – I made $25 and he made $23!
19. Unplug your beer fridge. Disconnect your vcr and other appliances that are drawing power even when not in use (the “phantom load”).
20. Call your cable company and find out if you can save money by switching to digital services. My boyfriend did this, and he is getting more channels for less money. He also advised that people should ask service providers if there are any discounts available.

Fish Tale

A few weeks ago, when I expressed my pleasure at Bob's series, nasty loos, he suggested that I photograph the fancy ones.

...mabye you can start a tradition of photog'ing fancy loos...

I have followed his suggestion.

Advertising in a toilet - fancy and clever! And, if you don't like the product being promoted, you can feel doubly satisfied at using the loo.