Financial Independence

Winter weather today, frost overnight, black ice caused accidents. It's a cold one. I heard Christmas music playing at the mall this morning. Hoping not to buy too much junk this year and steer towards more meaningful gifts. That usually means more expensive. We'll see.

I just found this link to non-clutter gift ideas
http://www.jdorganizer.com/GiftsNotClutter.html

News

The dollar (U.S.) is slip slidin' away (a story of financial independence)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/fool/20071107/bs_fool_fool/119445302812

Loonie (Cdn dollar) surge
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071107/loonie_rise_071107/20071107?hub=TopStories

Many employees throw out their Secret Santa gifts
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16520.aspx

The life she saved was her mom's and more

Went for a brisk walk in my fleece pants before lunch. It's cold, but I couldn't face the treadmill at the gym today, it can get boring. I called a new piano tuner, it's that time, heard he's good.

News

How to retire at 30
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16507.aspx

Bloor Street condo draws a crowd as units about to go on sale
http://www.thestar.com/article/273716

The life she saved was her mom's
http://www.thestar.com/article/273716

Poll finds nearly 80% of U.S. adults go online
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/tc_nm/internet_poll_dc_2

Australian researchers find hunger switch
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/sc_nm/australia_weight_dc_3


New versions of curry ingredient to fight cancer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071106/sc_nm/cancer_curry_dc_1

Top Toys 2008 and more

I heard these young men from Canada called Ryandan on the radio this morning, they sound really good. They are identical twins (Ryan and Dan). They are singing 'The Face' from Phantom of the Opera in this video. In the second BBC video, you can meet them. They will sing at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.







Here is another neat video. I got it from my sister. It was meant to get teachers talking about the future and it's been spreading worldwide.




News

List of top toys for 2008
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/top_toypicks_071205/20071105?hub=TopStories

Gene explains why breast feeding makes kids smarter
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071105/sc_nm/breastfeeding_iq_dc_1

CT scans effective at finding heart blockages
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/ct_scan_heart_071105/20071105?hub=TopStories

Pain medications may ward off Parkinson's
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071105/Parkinsons_071105/20071105?hub=Health

Pay by cell phone and more

News

Pay by cell phone
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16371.aspx

Is your computer keyboard filled with germs?
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16360.aspx

Vitamin cocktail warnings
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16400.aspx

Time shift effects

News

Study ties time shift, pedestrian deaths
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071103/ap_on_sc/time_change_accidents_10

About smoke alarms and more

I noticed 'The Amazing Race' is starting up again this Sunday on tv. Hope I catch it, I like that show.

This morning at the gym I happened to be talking to this unassuming looking lady. It seems that she works at home in her own consulting business as a statistician. She worked in bio-statistics for an institution before going out on her own. Turns out she has a Phd (doctorate) degree. Her son is also a Phd and has an MBA and works in banking. Her daughter is an engineer. What a smart family. I didn't ask what her husband does!

I finally picked up a winter coat at the Gap for K. And it was on sale. It looks nice and warm and fits him perfectly with a bit of room to grow.

L had her asthma checkup at the doctor. Her readings were 4% higher than the last time, which pleased him. She stays on that new singulaire medication and will see him in another 3 months, hopefully not before.

News

What you don't know about smoke alarms can kill you
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16396.aspx

Assembly kitchens and more

We only had 4 kids trick or treat at our house yesterday. We usually get at least 20, sometimes 40. Wow. Now I have all these treat bags left over. The Christmas season is here. The stores could barely finish with Halloween, then the Xmas stuff went up. Have to start thinking in earnest about the Christmas list, and soon it will be time to do the Christmas cards. I notice people are starting to hold their Xmas parties in November now.

Someone at the gym asked me today if I was retired. I thought, do I look old enough to be retired? Makes you think.

I just heard about this new concept called assembly kitchens, all ingredients chopped and prepared, you assemble a few weeks' worth of meals to take home to cook, they clean up. Supposed to be a real time-saver and a nutritious alternative to fast food.
http://www.easymealprep.com/

News

Canadian wins award for artificial arm prototype
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071101/prosthetic_arm_071101/20071101?hub=TopStories

Major retailers cut prices as dollar hits new high
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071101/loonie_high_071101/20071101?hub=TopStories

Middle class money
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071101/lf_nm_life/wealth_millionaires_dc;_ylt=Apw5Rwfk_aiQvYRhTdXqECTq188F