Generation Y - Really interesting article about us..

I was reading Fortune magazine this past week and came across this article...

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/05/28/100033934/index.htm

It is about GEN Y and the workplace, expectations and how needy we are.... and how we put ourselves first. Well no disagreement there.....

Anyways this is worth a read!!!

Real Estate Bubble..... here is an example...

So I was checking out one of the blogs that I normally check out, which is where I got this info and picture from (Trader Tim) . He pointed out that Real Estate in the US is still out of control. I sort of assumed that when I heard models were competing for a spot on a house flipping show. Prices increase etc, but if you look at what our parents paid compared to what we will have to- it almost is bubble like.

Here is what this guy saw a few blocks away from his place

"It features no landscaping. 950 square feet of living spaces. And sixty year old plumbing. It can be yours for $2 million."

Um now that you have seen the picture- enough said!!!

Taiwan fight video - Politicians Gone Wild!

Wow it's unfortunate that we dont get this kind of excitement in canada...

A fist fight between politicians in Taiwan- click the picture!

Artist Akon grinds on stage with underage girl

So there I was watching TV before my day started and noticed a nasty little video of Akon simulating sex acts with a 14 year old girl at a concert.

I must admit I like his music!

I guess you can form your own opinion..... is this too far?

http://www.vibe.com/blog/vc/2007/04/akon_under_fire_for_dirty_danc_1.html

David Miller and Taxing Toronto.....

Now I used to be a fan of David Miller but now he wants to implement more taxes or "levies". (make sure you see the list down the page)

He wants to put a surcharge on parking in downtown TO, because apparently it isn't expensive enough as it is. If he is the socialist mayor I think he is, then why is he not thinking about the people who can't afford to drive downtown.....
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_5624.aspx

Oh but he will say that people are supposed to take the TTC for $2.75 a person. It almost makes more sense to own a car.... That is expensive for a family of 3 or 4. Would that be close to $10.00 per trip or something!! I want to know why there is so much staff on the TTC, wouldn't it be better to have a trust system and have someone monitor tickets on the train like other sophisticated cities????

If that isn't enough here is the list courtesy of pulse 24....this guy is NUTS. He just got re-elected and now he is doing everything that nobody has any interest in. Why doesn't Montreal have these problems, or Vancouver.
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_8824.aspx

Proposed Tax: AlcoholAmount: $70 (tax on store sales only), $70 (licensee tax)Total Raised Annually If Implemented: $25.3 millionComment: A tax on store sales has several benefits over a tax on licensee sales since a store tax would be broader in scope and easier to administer. The affect of an alcohol tax on Toronto businesses would also be lower if a tax on store sales was implemented.

Proposed Tax: CigarettesAmount: a 5% increase totaling about $137 annuallyTotal Raised Annually If Implemented: $43.7 million for stores sales, $25.3 million on licensees.Comment: A cigarette tax could be used to reduce consumption levels. However, tax avoidance could be a significant problem as tobacco products could be easily purchased in adjacent municipalities. The large number of cigarette vendors may also make the administration of the tax more challenging than for some of the other options.

Proposed Tax: Movie Tickets, Sporting Events, Live Theatre Amount: a 5% increase totaling about $6Total Raised Annually If Implemented: $17.1 millionComment: A tax may be contrary to City policy objectives such as promoting the arts.

Proposed Tax: Road TollsWhere: On the DVP or the Gardiner; or a "congestion tax" similar to the one in London, England.Amount: $655 annually based on weekday toll trips for one year Total Raised Annually If Implemented: More than $75 million.Comment: The start-up and ongoing administration costs of a road pricing system are substantial. Additionally, a road pricing system would have implications for the wider transportation network.

Proposed Tax: ParkingWhere: Downtown coreAmount: $100 per stall per year charged to lot ownerTotal Raised Annually If Implemented: $7.2 millionComment: A parking tax would specifically target downtown businesses which may run contrary to existing City policies on reducing the tax burden of commercial properties.

Proposed Tax: Vehicle RegistrationAmount: $40 for each passenger and light commercial vehiclesTotal Raised Annually If Implemented: $42 millionComment: Administration costs would likely be small assuming an administration agreement can be reached with the Ministry of Transportation and licensing agents. A rate structure corresponding to an environmental policy would likely take more time and money to implement than a flat rate.

Proposed Tax: Property Land TransferAmount: $1,650 per home when sold at 0.5% tax on sale priceTotal Raised Annually If Implemented: $102.7 million assuming 2006 transaction levels and sales prices.Comment: A land transfer tax is narrower in scope than the property tax and revenue is susceptible to real estate market fluctuations.

Proposed Tax: Outdoor BillboardsAmount: VariedTotal Raised Annually If Implemented: $2.6 millionComment: A billboard tax would be very narrow in scope and accordingly its revenue generating capacity is small.

I say GET HIM OUT NOW!!!

Helicopter Ben

Anyone who follows the markets/economy in the US should get a kick out of this picture.

Ben Bernanke aka Helicopter Ben said in his testimony last year that he would throw money out of a helicopter just to make sure the US economy was healthy....

Now you can get your action figure!!!

George Bush Blooper with the Queen...

Check this out: George Bush screws up a date .......while the Queen is in town!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF0MIB6U-jM

Famous Opinions...

I was doing my daily blog search and came across famous opinions.... these are pretty funny. I got them from the blog The Big Picture- great blog- one of the ones I follow daily...Enjoy

http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2007/05/famous_opinions.html

How stores trick you into buying their merchandise!!!

Ever wonder what tactics stores use to lure you in..... check this link out.

I didn't realize there was so much thought put into stealing our dollars....

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/FindDealsOnline/15WaysStoresTrickYouIntoSpending.aspx?page=all&f=25&MSPPError=-2147197912