The verdict is in. Blog comments stay. For now.
Reading 500 comments in the comments section on what to do with said comments section was an interesting experience. Thank you. Many couldn’t care less what other readers have to say, after being dazzled and rendered speechless by my blog post. They want comments gone. Others insist that as weird and dangerous as many commenters obviously are, this part of the site is valuable for on-the-ground observations, disparate views and unvarnished gems of info.
Finally, there are many who think any attempt to moderate, edit or delete anything anyone wants to publish is censorship and I’m a Nazi. Well, tough.
So my decision is to retain the comments aspect of this pathetic blog, but at the same time to mercilessly crush those who waste our time with their banal or hateful drivel. I reminded you the other day of how extremists and bullies, over time, naturally infect public blogs until they’ve succeeded in killing debate and replacing it with dogma. And while we love dogs here, there are limits.
So here’s what comes next:
Expect tighter editing and more moderation, not to stifle opinion or free speech but to make sure it survives and thrives.
Those using this blog to brag about their masculinity, alcohol abuse, unworthy spouses, sexual prowess, debauched lifestyle, trucks or pet cats will be singled out and summarily deleted.
No more shortcuts around the ban on vile language. We all know what ‘fk’ means and dropping letters makes it no less offensive, nor will this protect you from painful, instantaneous deletion.
Misogyny, racism, homophobia, ageism, xenophobia or the promotion of healthy, vegan lifestyles may be fine on other sites, but not this one. Go away.
People with no lives who post multiple times daily will have both our pity and a deletion after an entry or two (at my imperious discretion).
Don’t come here to mindlessly promote gold, anarchy, Trump, Norway’s tax system or Kias. We already know what kind of people you are.
Firsters will be shot. Then waterboarded by Amazons. Afterwards, deleted and shot a second time, just for the sake of irony.
As a result of the above moderate measures, the whole Internet will be better. Expect fewer comments every day, but hopefully all will merit publishing and reading. As there will likely be many more deleted comments, an attempt will be made to explain why, so shame and public ridicule is correctly allocated.
Clip this handy reference card and store in your wallet, purse, or car. Of course, never leave it within the reach of children.
DELETED CODES & OFFENCE DETAILS
1. Language – offensive, potty-mouthed, juvenile, worthy of the HuffPost site.
2. Slur – deliberate demeaning of an identifiable group (gays, Chinese, immigrants, Costco shoppers etc.).
3. Ad hominem – disrespectful comments attacking a person, rather than his/her ideas or opinions. Especially mine.
4. Anti-canine
5. Verbal garbage – blathering comments, unrelated to blog topic, which nobody cares about. Seriously.
6. Ennui – Stop, already. You’ve posted too much today or this week.
7. Garth’s List – I don’t like you. This is your invitation to go away.
8. Firster – yes, Jimmy, you.
9. Bully – any combo of the above used to intimidate others and assert your pathetic masculinity or dubious superiority.
10. Evil linker – trying to bury a link in your post to porn, white power, gold nut, Adele or doomer sites.
11. Illegal dumping – no, we don’t want to scroll through a complete Trump speech or a twisted Zero guy column. Post a reference.
12. Blog terrorist – your IP’s also been sent to the CRA, CSIS, the RCMP plus you have been subscribed here. Suffer.
If you have a complaint, you know where to go.
GreaterFool part-time blogger and full-time know-it-all Ryan Lewenza told BNN (yuck) viewers this week why investors should expect a boffo year-end rally on equity markets. Here’s the vid.
231 comments ↓
I love what you do Garth.
Thanks!
Is that Michael Jackson under the bed ?
Speechless.
I’ve only ever posted stuff I thought contributed to discussion, or asking questions about it, etc.
So is it bad, that after reading all of this.. I want to write “first”!
(I guess I’m banned now)
*Adele*
You chastise us for swearing and then you use words like the above.
Shame.
Does pejoratively calling someone a Realtor count as an ad hominem?
Awesome, glad to hear it! And on that note, here is an article in the venerable Province about how Canadians’ personal debt has now exceeded GDP. I thought we had attained that years ago?
http://www.theprovince.com/canada+household+debt+bigger+than+first+time/12195729/story.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
New rules up and no comments… Hmm – tough to crack the new regs.
Some further mixed signals through the data today.
Anecdotally, the US feels strong with my businesses. Until we start to see a slowdown in the growth, I am thinking that I will continue to underinvest but capture decent profits.
In Canada, outside of our siege in August, I am more concerned as the trend had been slowing.
You really do have a funny sense of humour.
T2 agrees with you. You and him are of the same mind!!!
Justin Trudeau @JustinTrudeau 2h2 hours ago
A more open, digital democracy is one that works for more people.
…would really appreciate it, if you would also offer to moderate for the National Post. For the most part, comments on your blog appear to be written by 60 year old Librarians compared to the mindless drivel at NP.
Thanks
I’ll admit I had to look up “ennui”.
Does that mean no more one liners that make ya groan?
PS- Looks like Smoking Man is done.
DELETED
(Ok! that was a joke! My first attempt this year, and I chose Garths’ Blog – I’m certainly not a “first”er)
A little censorship does not hurt here at times,
Just don’t let the off the wall people shut any good things down
any predictions on USD/CAD pair within a year?
What if you have a foofoo dog breed. Is that like having a cat?
Wife/kids want a wuss dog. Help?!?
DELETED 8
Your work over the years with this blog is probably appreciated by many Garth.
I’d bet that many current and former politicians read what you write every day.
The comments are obviously not the draw. I don’t read them very often. It would be nice if the quality of the comments was better with fewer entries. It looks like that will happen with your new plan.
Love the coding system Garth! I think this will foster further debate and allow the dogs to share info. I definitely find interaction with others a learning experience.
Just for clarification since you are not the CBC…… I can still relentlessly criticize Trudeau here correct? (assuming it meets the other guidelines-I’ve never had a comment banned in many years of posting)
SUGGESTION: Add this list of offences to your “HELPFUL REMINDERS FROM YOUR FORUM HOST, GARTH TURNER” comment preamble.
I am not a big fan of censorship, however , this is Garth’s blog, not ours. We are guests.. “oh, behave!”
Here in Markham, a realtor indicated that although the market is still hot, several ‘offers nights’ did not sell in
August.
Just checking if I get #7 (or my comment just won’t show up, without any explanation, as about half of the time in the past :)
Censorship is too often seen as negative by definition.
But in reality it’s just a too.
Sometimes hurtful, sometimes useful, to a healthy discussion and society.
In my previous post, read “But in reality it’s just a tool”.
A great step forward Garth, I’m looking forward to every one of the changes, well needed.
nice I can still post….
an Excellent economic report from the Harvard Business School…
Details the Obama-led post “great recession” Jugger’NOT’…
“Obama Recovery”? not according to this report….
definitely worth a look/read….if you don’t want to continue “Drinking the Kool-Aid”…
https://www.scribd.com/document/324137454/Harvard-Study-on-US-Economy-Under-Obama#from_embed
# 15…Jose,
any predictions on USD/CAD pair within a year?
***************************************
I think that we will see the CAD higher a year from now than where it is today. Why? Because commodities such as oil to be higher a year out.
I Like it.
That’s harsh.
Even Moses had only 10 commandments.
“If you have a complaint, you know where to go”
—————-
Wow. The first blog with a complaint department.
Always the innovator, Garth.
What bother spending time posting the name of the person whose comment is being deleted (along with the reason for the deletion – eg., DELETED 8)? Everyone then knows what was originally posted. It then just becomes a game to them. If you’re going to delete them, then just delete them so that they don’t even show up at all in the comments. Out of sight, out of mind. Agree?
And smoking man didn’t even get a mention. Still waiting on his tax return though.
#66 Mark on 09.14.16 at 9:48 pm
Give it another good 10-15 years before there’s another major investment cycle in the oilsands, IMHO, and the pipeline capacity issue will need to be resolved with actual in-ground infrastructure before there’s major new investment commitment in upstream.
———————————————
I have never heard anyone mention the possibility of using Churchill Manitoba as a pipeline deep water port.
I would think the Manitoba Government is pro oil as they are producers as well.
Also the main industry generating jobs in Churchill and their raison d’etre is the Grain terminals that are now shuttered.
Even if they are closed due to ice a few months a year it would be a great way to get oil sands oil out to world markets.
Could anyone enlighten me as to why this would not work and has anyone ever studied it?
Comments are important as, it takes a village to raise an idiot.
Looking forward for the first ‘Deleted 1-10’
Glad to see the attempt at moderation. I’ve seen too many discussion forums go to utter shit because of bullies and the ranters who post far too regularly.
The upvote/downvote system on reddit especially drives certain subreddits to a very weird groupthink.
Goodbye Freedom First… maybe now you can spend more time with all those ex-girlfriends who still love you and find you so irresistible. They were real, right?
Not that I’m not thankful for the help, but your new rules put me out of work!
Great guidelines! I wish these applied to Facebook. I don’t care about swearing but putting other people down because of their gender, religion, race, etc., is offensive.
You are such an interesting read.
#12 Bytor the Snow Dog on 09.15.16 at 5:41 pm
PS- Looks like Smoking Man is done.
……
If I just don’t post between 9pm and late night I’ll be fine. That’s were I get into trouble. It’s going to make me a better writer. Good thing lying was not on the, do not do list or I would be finished.
Garth can you shed some light on why you think US growth is very strong when the GDP is barely floating over 1% even after pumping 10 trillion dollars into the market. Your input will be highly appreciated.
All very well and good, but back to real estate. The change in mass psychology with respect to the Vancouver market is staggering. Even the news media are putting our reports about how housing is headed for a downturn. There are stories on the benefits of renting.
The party is over.
So getting back on topic, some big developments in YVR land today. First, a media scrum with a local MPP where he claimed that a student flipped a house for $1.5m and that 9 people who listed occupations as “students” purchased $57m in real estate in YVR last year. Next, the housing minister here said that his department is looking into changing the horrific fixed term lease option that landlords use against renters. And finally we have an op-ed in the Van Sun calling for the removal of the tax exemption on real estate cap gains.
The bad news just keeps on coming. Funny how fast things can change!
JOLLY GOOD STUFF ST. GARTH OF WISE CHOICES
The days are now gone where blogs have resembled garbage dumps of the human mind and spirit. Just because someone can anonymously unload any damn ideas they want HAS to go.
As a result of such excesses community standards, free speech, and the like have been roundly abused over the years, on the I-net, by license pure and simple. Some adherents of this insane mob have never learned the difference between freedom and license. There IS vast difference.
There is a difference between doing what you will and do and what is expected of you in a so-called democratic society.
A place for posters to contribute and stay for a while, during which time they may decide to rinse out their brains or recoup their collective thoughts before they dive back into the moiling crowd of whiners and bitchers is a relief, trust me; a safe harbour in a mentally-violent tempest.
All told your decision should raise the intellectual bar and other blog-“owners” may decide to follow suit. Would be nice.
It takes guts to say “no” to dross and sloth because, like junk food, it is cheap, tasty, good for a while, but gives you gout by day’s end.
Ever forward, I say!
Well that eliminates a good chunk of what I have to say here. Guess I’m heading back to reddit.
I recently started reading /r/personalfinancecanada over there, terrible advice in that sub.
It makes sense now why you call it the “poor people’s hang out”. And if they follow that advice they will stay that way lol.
en·nui
änˈwē/
noun
a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
synonyms: boredom, tedium, listlessness, lethargy, lassitude, languor, weariness, enervation; More
———
With this rule alone you should have 99% less comments now, Garth. Well done!
You forgot one Garth – those who use too may words. Keep it brief folks. Those with a lot to say should start their own blog.
Justin’s Twitter feed?! That’s cruel and unusual punishment, that…!
Thanks Garth, I love reading your blog and with the new rules I might actually risk commenting more instead of being put off by the volume and the noise.
I might get banned though, as I’m actually a cat owner. So I’ll be pro-cat but I’ll try my best not to be anti-dog… :)
Oh ya, one more thing. I can’t believe people try to hide porn links in their posts, that’s unbelievable.
#7 pathcontrolmonk on 09.15.16 at 5:31 pm
Awesome, glad to hear it! And on that note, here is an article in the venerable Province about how Canadians’ personal debt has now exceeded GDP. I thought we had attained that years ago?
http://www.theprovince.com/canada+household+debt+bigger+than+first+time/12195729/story.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
————————
Thanks for this. Total Canadian debt is $1.97T.
I was curious of what the ratio of household debt vs. GDP is in the U.S. This is what I found:
Total debt owed by U.S. consumers: $12.25T
Total GDP $17.95T
Americans would have to hit $18T in total debt today, to exceed their GDP.
Americans learned the hard way in 2008-9. We haven’t learned anything yet!
If your anti-feline RACISM were to disappear, Garth, how would we even know it’s you?
Carry on. Cats will get even, just wait and see
Meow.
2. Slur – deliberate demeaning of an identifiable group (gays, Chinese, immigrants, Costco shoppers etc.).
————————————————————————–
Kia and Vespa Drivers?
Not going to comment about comments. Instead, some worthy drivel from the CP:
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6859228-household-debt-rises-to-record-level/
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6859476-canadian-home-sales-drop-for-fourth-month/
Great guidelines and great decision!
I’ll be sure to temper my pro-feline stance, so it doesn’t come out as anti-canine!
How is reading “DELETED 8” different from reading “FIRST”.
Excellent decision Garth!
As a plus, consider moving the comments to something like disqus (as already suggested) so we can like/filter/be notified of replies.
Questioning Rachel’s or Jr’s policies is still allowed?
Good rules Garth, I don’t see anything bad about them.
I’ll probably get deleted most for posting drivel nobody cares about but hey. Nobody’s perfect. I’ll try and respect the rules and if something’s out of line delete it because I can’t.
On the multiple posts, hopefully you’ll allow responses to people who responded to other people’s comments. Wow that’s a circle but you know what I mean. Sometimes people comment on my comments, sometimes I comment on other people’s comments, and then sometimes we respond to those comments, almost like a twitter conversation. Ok I realize I have no life but the fact is I can’t stand anything on TV and Netflix except Cosmos with Neil deGrasse Tyson and I’ve already seen it. Really? Another Captain America movie? I’d rather bury my head in an ant hill (I expect about 4 responses telling me to do just that). I have a lot of expensive AV equipment around here but the old adage “200 channels and nothing’s on” is true, except for the Turner channel.
Anyway Garth, I am glad you are keeping the comments and want to say thanks because I realize it is a substantial investment of your time in helping others, even if they don’t listen. Sort of like coaching minor sports or herding cats. Ha a phrase I’ve heard before came to mind: “You can teach a pig to sing, but all it does is waste your time and irritate the pig”. I don’t think that is the case here though you’ve help thousands of people even if thousands more remained outside your influence.
#23 Ilona
I’ve long thought that what happens is Garth’s computers rate you as the next person after the previously moderated comment, but once moderated you get the real number. My comments almost always go through unless I screwed up and violated a blog rule but sometimes if the subject is popular there can be quite a delay. For example Garth’s original blog entry on this subject told me I was going to be number #1 kicking off the discussion and I came in over 70. I stopped following after about 200. Even I have to go to bed at some point.
Glad I read the rules. I was planning on sneaking in a link to Adele’s new music video about cats.
# 28…WallOfWorry,
Thanks for your input.
How about the different paths that interest rates in the US and Canada seem about to take?
Specially now that housing is wobbling in Canada?
There is no such thing as half pregnant.
Why do we think half freedom of ideas and speech can exist?
Good on you, Garth. I think you’re going down the right path.
Excellent Garth. Also, please ban Victoria Estate Stats. No one cares.
Next thing you know, the comments will be de-monetized. Oh wait. I’m thinking of a different social platform.
You have full right to do whatever you want, Garth. This is your ship and you’re the captain.
Muskoka residents launch $900-million suit against Ontario after flooding: People living on Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau say they suffered extensive damage during this year’s spring, due to rising water levels and drifting ice.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/09/15/muskoka-residents-launch-900-million-suit-against-ontario-after-flooding.html
I wonder if being in favor of lower immigration is considered racist or a policy discussion?
I saw your Guy on BNN today, he has a nice haircut, that was my only takeaway.
And for Alex N Calgary, I come for the same comments as you, boots on the ground stories about the economy, jobs and RE.
My latest observation in Cow Town is many properties being de-listed rather than being sold. Financial position of most companies getting worse, I think it will be crunch time for many Service and Oil/Gas firms over the next 6 months.
DELETED 3
NZ site http://www.interest.co.nz (currently a fairly even mix between people calling imminent collapse to spectacular bubble in Auckland, and people frenziedly buying everything in sight, however leaky and mouldy) is editorialising that BC government is taking in lots of money in the new Vancouver tax, so therefore it hasn’t worked, and speculation will just continue. What say you guys?
Good. Less comments, faster read.
#42 James,
So even you admit the market is based on mass psychology. Kind of how a few notables on here have described it all along?
I wonder what Toronto will do to stem the tide.
What is next, $5 a comment?
Garth, threatening waterboarding by Amazons may attract rather than repel the ‘firsts’. Just saying.
In other news, apparently despite calls for moderation the great Canadian debt snorffle continues unabated. Accelerating, even. That may be due to a growing number of out of work Canucks coming to the end of EI benefits. Or did Canada call for its citizens to shop till they drop to stimulate the economy as a patriotic meme vide the USA way back before the 2008 meltdown?
THANKS, that will help clean up this site a lot, and keep it focused on REAL ESTATE.
I just read some stuff about the New Zealand real estate bubble. It seems that not only is their bubble bigger than ours, it is also bigger than the Australian bubble. Wow, when that bubble pops, its going to be epic !
I post this with great trepidation after the new regime is now in place. I have to say I love and believe everything Garth says about anything with no reservations . I believe interest rates are going to skyrocket and house prices are going to crash tomorrow. I love dogs. I love mom and apple pie. There! Please don’t delete and ban me!
Amen! (Although I would add Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the acceptable promotion list.)
https://youtu.be/X7hjgxRbTM0
Garth,
Harley = Kia, only less practical. Heavy, noisy, poluting, slow and ugly, I find them as offensive as some things you list above. Can we drop Harley talk too?
Censorship is easy.
Banning reality is not.
Communists learned this by the end of the 19eighties.
North-America is behind the curve, unable to digest the continued existence of Trump and the sudden death of “democracy”.
They would nuke it if there was a button for that. Easier than to figure it out.
Good luck Garth with trying to define all the “sins” you listed and volunteer to police them.
He says don’t pay down your mortgage but borrow instead to invest. Interesting…
http://www.bnn.ca/household-debt-levels-now-larger-than-canada-s-gdp-as-mortgage-borrowing-mounts-1.567342
Bridle Path townhouse customers left in limbo after Urbancorp bankruptcy: Insurance company will not reimburse full $5.6 million in deposits for Bayview site
http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/Do/September-2016/Bridle-Path-townhouse-customers-left-in-limbo/
Need to renew. Only 10 years and 100k left, so I’m having trouble getting a good rate (and I’ve got one of those nasty collateral mortgages from the green bank).
My choices:
2 yr fixed – 2.19
4 yr fixed – 2.33
5 yr fixed – 2.46
5yr var – 2.3
Leaning 4 yr. Thoughts?
It’s a lousy 13 basis points in a five-year period rates are guaranteed to rise. Get a grip. — Garth
LMFAO
…you can hit delete
#15 look for continued strength in the USD as for the Canadian its pooched in the near term i don’t see any strength in commodities near term- next 4Q’s
oil will continue to lag well into 2017 if not 2018, and interest rate differentials between ours stuck at.25 and the US fed moving up will punish the loonie near term
look for the double nickle 55 cent loonie vs USD
if our bank cuts again the loonie is a dead duck
#180 not so fast there on 09.15.16 at 12:57 pm
#149 For those about to flop
“I have another few questions that I am hoping someone will put in survey format for the guys on the blog to answer.”
Which part of yesterdays post (Bullies) did you not understand??? Garth moderates on average 200 posts per day, an enormous time consuming workload!
Now you want to add even more to that workload by running yet another one of your surveys???
Here’s an idea, how about providing an email address so that those so inclined to answer said survey can send their answers directly to you. Ditto for all your ‘blog buddies’.
You are one of the worst offenders on here with your multiple posts. Yesterdays post was about trying to reestablish some decorum and cut down on Garth’s workload. Please try to be part of the solution instead of the problem.
//////////////////////////////
How would posting a survey question one time make Garth do any extra work?
That is why last time NoName helped me out and it streamlined everything and we post the result a few days later.It actually gives the boss less work to do which is why I asked to do it in this format.
No one has come after me this hard for no reason since I dressed up as Nancy Kerrigan for a Halloween Party…
M42BC
Thou shalt not violate this blog.. Or no amazons at the pearly gates.
Having a dog and the cat teaches you to recognize and accept very different views about life.
Being a sole cat or dog owner automatically disqualify the master to be a valid judge of other people.
#76 Sebee on 09.15.16 at 8:07 pm
______________________
Never.
Bravo Garth. Right on the money (pardon the pun. Are puns allowed?) :) while I agree this blog can be full of interesting and insightful comments as well as a source of entertainment there are times, especially within the last year (a reflection of the herd in general) where it has become somewhat depressing to read some of the ignorant, hateful comments here.
Hope our USA buddy Boom is Ok he been absent lately.
lol
Perfect
DELETED 7
I also believe interest rates are going to skyrocket. Housing is going to melt any day. There is stable immigration. There is no foreign money. A balanced portfolio is God. Gold is evil.
Hopefully I can stay and not be banned.
Loved the new rules and had a good laugh at the associated post! Thanks for the great humour and the good work!
Next, what should we make of the Asset-based Household Balance Sheet, on today’s CBC website? It seems to play down the potential impacts of the debt and RE bubbles. Could things simply level off while inflation and wages catch-up?
Oh ya, one more thing. I can’t believe people try to hide porn links in their posts, that’s unbelievable.
—
It must be the Garth kind of porn: after the moist lust foreplay having a climax of making the property yours, leaving you limped. Financially.
http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/08/24442014/hot-money-and-seattles-growing-housing-crisis-part-one
”Hot Money and Seattle’s Growing Housing Crisis: Part One”
interesting analysis….Seattle’s next on the radar for housing price stupidity…already underway, but not quite as stupidly overpriced as vancouver in price increases over 5 yrs.
Personally I’m not sure what all the fuss was about with the comments. While it seemed the overall volume of comments was up, the ratio of nutso to normal looked about the same to me. Personally I think our host is just getting burnt out and could use a vacation. I mean that solicitously, not facetiously. Tone is so difficult in written form.
Please don’t go to the comments rating system. All that does is water down everything so only the most feely-good, milquetoast comments rise to the top. Just because a majority of people like something doesn’t mean it’s any good. (See: Justin Bieber’s music.)
That previous sentence I would have previously ended with “doesn’t mean it isn’t shit”, but now it’s watered down to “not any good”. Progress, right? *sigh*
On the plus side, maybe now Flop can spend more time on his dance lessons with all the time freed up from not posting 47 times a day.
Yay, so no more deplorables on this blog
Thanks, and thank you for the delete codes. CBC deletes comments and then it’s almost impossible to find out why. Usually it’s because some who doesn’t like your opinion – or even the facts of the case – trying to silence you. The codes give good people the chance to re-phrase, and, over time, will identify the people who refuse to learn and perhaps even drive them away.
In my eyes, you are attempting the most important of political reforms – the return of respect, thoughtful public discourse. My hat is off to you, and I will likely comment more, not less.
Wait. Pet cats? Does that mean I have to get a dog now or is a husband sufficient?
DELETED 7
#RuleNo.1… #GeorgeCarlin’s… #BriefEtymologyOfVulgarity… #MPAA:X
https://youtu.be/exp54hStoGY
Garth, Well done and long overdue! Too many use this site for the wrong reasons. Keep up the good work!
Interest rates are rising south of the border
One year term deposits now yield 5.2% plus
sorry, didn’t know this is a 3-pt series by Cary Moon of http://www.thestranger.com, examining Seattle’s housing crisis (and miami…and san fran…and NY and…)….not as crazy (yet) as Vancouver’s but fast growing….
btw: $6/sq ft for rentals in San Fran?!!!
”Hot Money and Seattle’s Growing Housing Crisis: Part One”
http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/08/24442014/hot-money-and-seattles-growing-housing-crisis-part-one
”Parasitical Finance and Seattle’s Growing Housing Crisis: Part Two”
http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/09/24444282/parasitical-finance-and-seattles-growing-housing-crisis-part-two
”Why NIMBYs And Their Haters Can’t Offer a Deep Solution to the Seattle’s Growing Housing Crisis: Part Three”
http://www.thestranger.com/slog/2016/08/10/24446897/why-nimbys-and-their-haters-cant-offer-a-deep-solution-to-the-seattles-growing-housing-crisis-part-three
And we care so much about Seattle, why? — Garth
Great news!
Focus on dogs, digs and dough.
And the Amazons are back?
Is it too late to go buy a lottery ticket now?
So if you move to the cottage on retiring and make it your primary residence what is the capital gains status of your home in the big smoke when you sell it?
Darn if I don’t agree with everything for once, including the vegetarian gibberish.
Yet, will I get deleted for a e pur si muove type of comment regarding the psychological vs physical nature of money, and it’s role in reinforcing the narrative as long as there’s energy to convert? It’s captivity to the impossible math?
Garth, you have managed to keep this blog alive and interesting for much longer than many (any?) have manage to do, aand I’ve read all of them as they ventured into the rabbit hole and got scared of what they saw. You used a cold one, then a hot one, repeat, used flair, used wit, no holds barred, trout-slapping left and right. That kept things running, but, we have reached the point (that point you were warning about) where the tide is shifting. At this point, it is commendable to fight the incipient narratives, but it is also futile, a waste of energy and resources.
Delete or not, I appreciate your blog, even you label “Garth’s List” :)
Many people flee rural areas to go live city life, in hi density living, there are many studies that look in to quality of living and standard of living big hi density vs lo density small city, results vary. There is a reason why commies confiscated arable land and sent peasants to government build high rises, but that is a story for another day. story for today is about mouse city, where everything is provided (playground, food, shelter). maybe we can learn something from this.
In late October, the first litter of mouse pups was born. After that, the population doubled every two months—20 mice, then 40, then 80. The babies grew up and had babies of their own. Families became dynasties, carving out and holding down the best in-cage real estate. By August of 1969, the population numbered 620.
Then, as always, things took a turn. Such rapid growth put too much pressure on the mouse way of life. As new generations reached adulthood, many couldn’t find mates, or places in the social order—the mouse equivalent of a spouse and a job. Spinster females retreated to high-up nesting boxes, where they lived alone, far from the family neighborhoods. Washed-up males gathered in the center of the Universe, near the food, where they fretted, languished, and attacked each other. Meanwhile, overextended mouse moms and dads began moving nests constantly to avoid their unsavory neighbors. They also took their stress out on their babies, kicking them out of the nest too early, or even losing them during moves.
Population growth slowed way down again. Most of the adolescent mice retreated even further from societal expectations, spending all their time eating, drinking, sleeping and grooming, and refusing to fight or to even attempt to mate. (These individuals were forever changed—when Calhoun’s colleague attempted to transplant some of them to more normal situations, they didn’t remember how to do anything.) In May of 1970, just under 2 years into the study, the last baby was born, and the population entered a swan dive of perpetual senescence. It’s unclear exactly when the last resident of Universe 25 perished, but it was probably sometime in 1973.
https://goo.gl/FDMLL7
Yes. Albertans are hurting much much more than the msm is letting on.
And they don’t know who to blame. Looks like anger is now spreading across Canada. Truth hurts.
World is getting crazier, including me.
#1 Jimmy on 09.15.16 at 5:26 pm
I love what you do Garth.
Thanks!
…….
The alpha dog has barcked, and all the puppies tails are down. This is going to be real hard for me.
Mind you First is stupid.
Good changes, Boots!
You will find that what passes muster sets the benchmark. The tenor of submissions will refine towards meeting the published threshold. Quality will improve.
#93 BillyBob on 09.15.16 at 8:48 pm
Personally I’m not sure what all the fuss was about with the comments. While it seemed the overall volume of comments was up, the ratio of nutso to normal looked about the same to me. Personally I think our host is just getting burnt out and could use a vacation. I mean that solicitously, not facetiously. Tone is so difficult in written form.
Please don’t go to the comments rating system. All that does is water down everything so only the most feely-good, milquetoast comments rise to the top. Just because a majority of people like something doesn’t mean it’s any good. (See: Justin Bieber’s music.)
That previous sentence I would have previously ended with “doesn’t mean it isn’t shit”, but now it’s watered down to “not any good”. Progress, right? *sigh*
On the plus side, maybe now Flop can spend more time on his dance lessons with all the time freed up from not posting 47 times a day.
/////////////////////////////
Billybob the pilot.
Thankyou for taking one hand off your joystick and taking the time to do this post…
M42BC
Garth,
I predict that once the average daily responses drop below 50, you’ll beg Smockey to come back.
Come on let the blog dogs have some fun.
Who wants a blog full of Victoria Real Estate guys.
By the way, what happened to Mark?
Is he still banned?
A couple of points here:
1) This new regulation of the comment-bubble on your blog will likely drive comments to the next blog.
2) Wait, did you just say “Those using this blog to brag about their masculinity, alcohol abuse, unworthy spouses, sexual prowess, debauched lifestyle, trucks or pet cats will be singled out and summarily deleted.” So is Lewenza going to delete all of Garth’s posts?
Amen!
#103 Rural Rick on 09.15.16 at 9:05 pm
So if you move to the cottage on retiring and make it your primary residence what is the capital gains status of your home in the big smoke when you sell it?
===================================
You really need to get yourself a tax accountant. The capital gains on your big smoke house is determined by whatever appreciation happens after it stops being your principal residence.
#90 TRT on 09.15.16 at 8:37 pm
I also believe interest rates are going to skyrocket. Housing is going to melt any day. There is stable immigration. There is no foreign money. A balanced portfolio is God. Gold is evil.
Hopefully I can stay and not be banned.
———————-
See, Garth, it’s working.
The bad blog dogs are obeying their master.
By the way, did I mention that your advice made me a millionaire.
Thank you so much.
#91 Keen Reader on 09.15.16 at 8:39 pm
Loved the new rules and had a good laugh at the associated post! Thanks for the great humour and the good work!
Next, what should we make of the Asset-based Household Balance Sheet, on today’s CBC website? It seems to play down the potential impacts of the debt and RE bubbles. Could things simply level off while inflation and wages catch-up?
—
I think that’s always been the hope of policy makers, but it’s up against the ticking time bomb of debt accumulation, which seems to be reaching critical mass.
Inflation’s been pretty minimal, and wage growth has flatlined so we watch and wait. Also, the wealth affect giveth and taketh away, especially when net worth gains are almost exclusively tied to house prices.
If you think about it, I’ve probably had a lot to do with the lunacy on the comments section of this pathetic blog.
Garth has let me away murder because back in the days when I wasn’t such a self-destructive drunk, my contributions were really good.
Turner investments from my sources is getting huge.
Reputations are at stake. He’s got to reign us in.
I’ve proudly triggered a lot of lefty loons. Communism has failed every time it’s showed it’s ugly face.
Perhaps this pathetic blog is heading toward, just a blog.
Patheticness is the weird charterers that contributed was it’s entire charm.
I’m not changing. No matter how many cat people bark. Let me self-destruct, I find it fun. Not everyone is addicted to money and see through the UCC what’s important. If I’m booted so be it.
Ryan and Doug can fill in.
I bow to no Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The changes have zero to do with my day job and 100% to do with this blog. Whether you stay or not is entirely in your hands. — Garth
Dollar Rally Fades as Odds of Fed Move This Year Drop Below 50% – Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-16/dollar-rally-fades-as-odds-of-fed-move-this-year-drop-below-50
Keep convincing yourself that rates will rise thus year…..dream on
What if instead of using an ‘F’ for a certain 4 letter word we use ‘Ph’ instead making it a 5 letter word. Voila no more cursing.
Go ahead. Make my day. — Garth
Jimmy if you want respect, determined to be first, I would go with equations like this.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=big+equation+that+equals+zero&sa=X&rlz=1C1CHZL_enUS689CA689&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=653&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwjKnc2l65LPAhXLpR4KHQiJCBQQsAQIKA&dpr=1
@ #105 NoName on 09.15.16 at 9:22 pm
Mice are not humans, which is why other experiments on mice fail miserably when the results are applied to humans.
Mice live happily in nature by the looks of it, or they would get depressed, and go extinct in a flash.
I’m not going to touch with a 20 ft pole the primary reason why humans did what they did (Jared Diamond, Daniel Quinn, and others managed to moralize the subject to an extreme, while trying to be completely un-moralizing and objective). Marvin Harris was a bit less moralizing, may be worth a read.
Let’s just say, if it has happened, it is by definition evolution at work, not some other explanation of “what would have been if” we did not “invent” agri***ture. You have to deal with it. We’re here, and the first perfect uppercut will be handed gracefully by debt evaporation, i.e.deflation. Understanding the problem helps, but when the metallic taste is in your mouth and the knees are becoming weak, reasoning is forgotten. You have to dodge a bit before the blow.
To poster #34 regarding Churchill.
Send some realtors up there.
Maybe that will change things as well as make your post more relevant.
“Could things simply level off while inflation and wages catch-up?”
Why would inflation accelerate, or wages ‘catch up’? An industry which represents 25% of GDP is decelerating rapidly, along with the obvious deceleration in O&G investment. With little to nothing to replace it.
At least in the funk of the 1990s housing downturn, the tech industry stepped in and provided a lot of jobs. As did the export sector with the weak CAD$.
But neither are poised to be factors this time around.
DELETED 5
Garth, could you put the delete codes please on the right side of the page, maybe under the General Store info, for the record?
I don’t know why you guys don’t agree that housing is a great investment. Also you should all be eating kale, its a great meat alternative. Try visiting http://adele.veganfun.com/boringstuff/keepout/lewenzanudes/index.html
#108 Smoking Man
…….
The alpha dog has barcked, and all the puppies tails are down. This is going to be real hard for me.
===
Roger that.
Public display of suck-up should be a deletable offense.
DELETE 0 code would be appropriate, to reflect the value of the comment.
Blog terrorist – your IP’s also been sent to the CRA
—
I didn’t know the CRA was a anti-terrorist law enforcement agency.
Thanks for the breaking news.
This is how all blogs should be. Garth makes the rules and you can follow them or hit the long and winding road. Gonna miss some of those posts–not
“Interest rates are rising south of the border
One year term deposits now yield 5.2% plus”
In what currency? Almost certainly one that is destined to be worth less next year. Plus at least as a Canadian, you’d face taxes on that nominal rate of interest, probably yielding a negative real return.
People who pine for the days of “higher interest rates” really should be careful what they wish for. These are the halcyon days for cash “savers”, whether they know it or not. No interest, minimal inflation, if not deflation. No tax to pay on the non-existent interest. What’s there not to love?
Thanks for taking my advise Garth…..rules are rules, takes the average normal person 5 seconds to get them.
Slim, streamlined, on subject reporting from blog dogs…what a joy !
103 Rural rick
to paraphrase WW1
once you deem your cottage to be your principal residence (you can only have one at a time) the big smoke house would be valued and any capital gain from that point on would be taxable on selling. the trick is to figure out which will save you the most. Be aware some people I know go to great lengths with establishing a paper trail to “prove” that the property is in fact a principal residence.
Bad enough giving thought to what you have written…but oh no…now I have open on my desktop your Blog + Comments in the left hand window and your 12 Golden Rules open in the right hand window. Thank you for that added dimension of computing whilst drinking my morning coffee.
Too funny Garth…you have managed to clean up, add a quirky, unexpected dimension of humor to the Comments section and engender more thoughtful Commenters.
I cannot wait to read future Comments from some poor unsuspecting soul that is an infrequent Blog reader daring a Comment asking about what the numbers mean.
Watch the Conoscenti jump right on top of that…I wait with baited breath…I suppose that is why Rule 9 lurks menacingly in the shadows.
Still laughing at your TRT coding today:
#89 TRT = Rule 7
#90 TRT = begging not to be banned
#97 TRT = back to Rule 7
#115 Ponzius Pilatus = glad for 2 out of the 3 above
Poetic.
As usual Garth, you rock and apparently educate (i.e., Ennui causing quite the furore).
bsant54
Thanks for regulating Garth. Your free daily posts are insitvule and informative.
And a well relulated comment section can make that even better. It was making it worse.
Don’t take any from the bad part, you are the good part of the Internet.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NCZevHRLiEo
Dear Garth,
appreciate: your work and service to readers;
respect: most of your insights into finance;
acknowledge: your blog means your rules, whatever your restrictions may be;
regret: everybody’s “right not to feel offended” leading to stricter moderation;
alternative: on the internet “bullies” are just a post, no real threat like guys with knives on somebody’s doorstep >couldn’t “skip and ignore” take care of it well enough?
Your lively writing style and the blog environment relatively unconcerned with PC, hypersensitivities, and various neuroses were attractive traits.
I’ll mourn their passing.
Best wishes,
LN from Vancouver
PS: What was that line about “good intentions” and “the road to hell”?
Home sales eclipse resources as B.C.’s top source of revenue
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/hot-real-estate-market-lifts-bc-budget-into-billions/article31901625/
Trump gets blasted for his rhetoric on Ford….
http://m.cnnmoney.com//article?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2Fmobile%2Fjson%2F2016%2F09%2F15%2Fnews%2Fcompanies%2Fford-trump-jobs.json
Now we can talk about all my friends homes have devaluated by $10k/day for a while.
Had a conversation at work over the lunch table. None of the home owners know when their mortgage will be paid off. Also don’t know what 1% margate increase means for their payments.
Used to think Garth was exaggerating some stuff. Having a five minute conversation with home owners is friking scary. Don’t even want to get into retarment…,,.
Garth, so glad you decided to keep the comments! Sometimes I read them when I have insomnia. Not that they are boring, in fact some are really interesting and entertaining, but eventually I fall asleep.
What, no comments on the G&M ‘scoop’ today regarding different mortgage qualification rules for foreign purchasers?
Aw shucks. My cat just drove the Kia to Costco. (ducks)
Glad you’re doing this Garth. I might further suggest not even bothering to write deleted; don’t give them the satisfaction of being deleted as they may like that. Your rules are completely fair especially because it’s your show. Keep going Garth!
Easy there. Scotch is technically vegan and any Scotsman will tell you part of a healthy lifestyle.
I’m sick of uninformed people commenting on Islam.
Read the Koran and research what a infidel is.
Quit following the herd and do your homework.
Make up your mind on facts not ignorance.
Looks like the yield curve is going inverted.
I guess the banks want borrowers go 5 year.
Maybe they expect negative rates coming soon.
Wait… when do the new rules start?
Can we lobby for a phased system, to give Smoking Man some time to adapt to the new editorial line?
Smokey could start hittin’ the bottle hard if he is fully completely DELETED.
Lewenza: Solid video. Lots of gesturing and the hair…. Perfect. Trump looks to be a real threat to win this election now. Get ready
Hi Garth! Great posts today! I agree with the new blog rules.
anyways just off topic, how did it feel getting kicked off your own liberal party on live tv? Were you actaully upset? Or was it a big relief for the
Most part? Would
Like to know the real reason why? I am also thinking about running locally. Any advice would be great. Thx
John
Cons punted me, not Libs. I wrote a whole book about it. — Garth
DELETED 7
Does that mean I have to change my handle?
How does ‘Korean Kar Driver’ sound?
What about Shawn’s comments or replies? Most on this blog already know he makes up everything and expects everyone to believe it all.
I almost forgot “AK” but I haven’t seen him on this blog in awhile.
Huh, no rules about crappy ASCII charts?
Forgot to add that if you keep comments perhaps you could add diquis so readers can follow comments and reply to other comments, would make the blog much more useful.
Garth, if possible, can you go into some details about how the rich uses trust funds? I am especially interested in the pros and cons of having it in Canada or having it off shore.
I want to establish one for my offspring, but there really isn’t much info on these.
Interesting thing is that this is prompted by people like me attacking those that post the same repeated stupidity or just plain stupidity. Apparently imaginary planets and civilisations have been okay up till now. Praising yourself and bragging lies have until now been acceptable. Does this crap continue? I only ask because most times I wouldn’t even post a comment unless these comments strike me as lies, repetitive nonsense and long winded diatribes important only to the poster for the most part. Eventually it wears on me that these people continue unchallenged and even praised by some “Greater Fools”.
Your blog but you have garnered a group of “interesting” people that fit in to exactly the things you say you don’t want but dominate the comment section. I personally would not be even tempted to type anything mean until I’ve read the same idiotic stuff multiple times and we all know exactly who those people claim to be. Hell one of them issued an unsolicited challenge not long ago that I’d have loved to accept, wrote a reply then thought I’d better just delete it because I don’t need to actually confront someone who only runs their mouth on the internet and get an assault charge.
Dogs
Sold my house and will need a bridge for a week or two to move into new house early. TNLATB told me the bridge would be 6 percent or more . Does this seem high ?
Good decision on moderating Garth, this blog will only get more interesting. I believe all the crappy and pointless comments attracted the wrong crowd and pushed away more interesting participants.
BTW I appreciate your colleagues input, great addition to this blog.
Ottawa making housing fix a top priority, minister says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-making-housing-fix-a-top-priority-minister-says/article31924658
During an interview with a local CTV affiliate in Vancouver in June, Mr. Trudeau summarized the debate inside the government as it considers options. He listed the Australian example, but appeared to rule out copying it exactly.
“Australia faced similar changes, and I don’t think applying a different model to us straight on is going to work, but that’s exactly the kinds of conversations we’re having,” he said. “The federal government does have some pretty big tools and levers to pull, except anything we do for Vancouver – and maybe for Toronto, which is facing it a little bit – would possibly have unintended consequences in housing markets across the country that aren’t facing the same pressures. … And that’s why, yes, it’s an urgent situation to deal with, but it’s all the more important that we deal with it right the first time.”
#152 Darryl on 09.16.16 at 5:14 am
——————————
No that’s standard rate as they are taking on significant risk.
#126 new roles for the new times on 09.15.16 at 11:03 pm
—————————-
Of course the reference was to tax cheats, who in fact could be viewed as terrorists against Canadian tax payers.
What’s wrong with Cats???
I have occasionally found the comments section to hold useful gems of information or links posted as an adjunct to the main GF post of the day. I am glad that the comments remain.
I am even more glad that the Firsters are gone. Yay!
The Internet would be a much nicer place if everyone remembered their manners more.
Thank you Garth, for all that you do here!
Can we still slander kia’s or poke fun at basement dwelling millenials? (Disclosure I am one of these two)
Language censorship really? Come on Garth. Us Millenials articulate using colourful language as part of our speech. If someone asks how you day was “pretty shitty” is a whole lot more realistic than a Mr Rogers type “Not very good”. Surely you can exercise common sense judgement rather than the blanket all curse words are banned. That’s like thoxen silly American network stains that will show Arnold Schwarzenegger blowing up and shooting people, but dub over and swear word.
Gratuitous profanity is a linguistic crutch for the lazy. English is a flexible and generous language, so if potty-mouthed moisters want to murder it, they can do so everywhere else on the net. — Garth
#156 Darryl on 09.16.16 at 5:14 am
I would expect prime + 3%, but I guess just be happy if they waive a $200 application fee. Take your position at the table, it only hurts for a little while
I agree with what you’re doing Garth. The comments section has gotten out of control.
Comments should be concise and pertain to politics, financial markets, the real estate market or general financial planning & advice.
#7 pathcontrolmonk on 09.15.16 at 5:31 pm
http://www.theprovince.com/canada+household+debt+bigger+than+first+time/12195729/story.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
So now debt outpaces GDP and seems to be the major controlling force of the economy…..what a cb accomplishment. Bravo!
It’s beyond tragic that prudent savers and investors are forced to tread in a seemingly endless quagmire of anemic returns due to the enticement of stupid-low interest rates which causes and promotes excess borrowing.
I can’t really say that I agree with the way people are constantly being messaged as to how to use their money and accumulated wealth. The whole risk-reward thing is skewed in a truly unhealthy way and not nearly inclusive enough of a variety of investment profiles.
An appropriate level of debt can certainly be a bridge to future fiscal well-being, however Canada’s debt levels are out of control and we are at serious risk of falling behind other countries. Or worse. Canada is already practically unrecognizable as compared to its former economically stable self.
This mess will not clean itself up.
@Garth- None of the rules involve censoring posts like #155 Internet Tough Guy?
Not a cop. — Garth
It’s all good here. |
Cheese anyone?
Wow, the comment section feels so much lighter! Thank you very much for all your work and advise Garth.
over 800 of these hate groups hide behind free speech
https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map
“Shock for shock’s sake is old at this point
DeGrippo was asked why Encyclopædia Dramatica was closed and replaced with Oh Internet. She replied: “We were unable to stop the degradation of the content. It just kept getting longer and longer and dumber and dumber and less and less coherent over time.”[55
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia_Dramatica
ARe the digital ad viewers human?
http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2015-click-fraud/
Obviously your blog. I sorta enjoyed when the blog took crazy side tracks… it was often somewhat interesting and an efficient avenue to other links of interest. I’m not really that interested in RE which is kinda boring. Don’t buy too much house!! It’s pretty simple really but yeah people are nuts and have gorged.. which impacts whole Canadian economy which then is of broader interest. Someone was discussing whether a buyer had thought of the potential impact of developing flat feet – that was funny!
Too much eunui though and definite slurs. That stuff I’d nuke. Hopefully it stays interesting with an edge as the world has become way too PC.
We still see a lot of comments here from people with a modest amount of savings who clearly fear managing their own investments, and are generally shunned by the pro money managers.
Perhaps an article detailing the steps in opening an online trading account (including the investor risk tolerance and other paperwork), setting up a registered account (RRSP or TFSA), funding the account and buying ETFs (including purchasing with market price vs. limit, etc.)
You’ve touched on this stuff before (including what RRSPs and TFSAs are, balance/diversity, and tax strategies), but I don’t remember seeing a detailed guide to setting it up.
I like the forum guidelines. Long live the new world order!
How is this censorship different from the censorship deployed by the communist party in China? Is the plan to hire an army of censors to review the comments on this blog? Garth, your time is too valuable for this so I would recommend outsourcing the censorship to a low cost country. Or you can hire them to create a bot that will review the comments for you.
#27 it’s only Trump and coal (but I like it)…. on 09.15.16 at 6:06 pm
“an Excellent economic report from the Harvard Business School…
Details the Obama-led post “great recession” Jugger’NOT’…
“Obama Recovery”? not according to this report….
definitely worth a look/read….if you don’t want to continue “Drinking the Kool-Aid”…
https://www.scribd.com/document/324137454/Harvard-Study-on-US-Economy-Under-Obama#from_embed
……” In essence, America’s economic strategy defaulted to trusting that the Federal Reserve could solve our problems through monetary stimulus”
Cogent analysis and well worth the time.
#30 Ponzius Pilatus on 09.15.16 at 6:15 pm
“That’s harsh.
Even Moses had only 10 commandments.”
How ’bout just one……respect.
Garth,
I feel that it’s long past time that the Internet was “cleaned up” and vile posts deleted. People may complain about censorship but in the end this is your blog and what streams out is your responsibility. Good decision!
Thanks Garth,
Love your writing and sense of humour!
Agents of Orange working hard in Alberta.
http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/09/15/ndp-announces-partnership-for-southwest-calgary-ring-road-construction
Supposed to generate 15000 jobs over the next 5 years and the tender came in 700 million under their target budget for this build. Well we will have to see about that as somehow I dont have faith in the NDP government. I smell a cost overrun…and its not my Moose farts either.
Not so sure about a post election market rally.
Nice hair though.
8months ago: Residents and visitors to New York City will be given access to free high-speed, secure Wi-Fi under a program that will see 7,500 payphones converted into hotspots.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/linknyc-begins-rolling-out-free-gigabit-wi-fi-across-new-york-city/
=============
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/nyregion/internet-browsers-to-be-disabled-on-new-yorks-free-wi-fi-kiosks.html?_r=1
Just watched Ryan’s video analysis re Q4. Excellent thoughts and valuable commentary there. Thanks for posting.
Canadian factory sales fall short of expectations in latest disappointment
http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/canadian-factory-sales-fall-short-of-expectations-in-latest-disappointment
There are people here threatening to leave or get banned. They keep pushing the envelope. Please leave now and do this site a service. You know who you are!
Garth
What about adding cats to the list, no anti-feline please. Also I love my budgie…no bird remarks, and then, and then and then
You just can’t make this stuff up. Any signers?
http://action.ontarioliberal.ca/support-lower-hydro/
Hope I don’t get a code 7. And I hope Leitch is shown the door by Conservatives. I can’t believe she is a pediatric surgeon, it’s a disgrace.
“Conservative MP and party leadership contender Kellie Leitch doesn’t really want a conversation on Canadian values. The callous Leitch, who has been insisting lately that we consider a values test for prospective immigrants, simply wants to boost her brand by playing to racist and xenophobic fears of some Conservative party supporters. Modern conservative groups keep questioning immigrants’ values because they know their liberal political opponents, who are prone to the same prejudiced scapegoating, will struggle to condemn them.” – https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/09/15/suspicion-of-immigrants-is-a-canadian-value-cole.html
#157 pBrasseur on 09.16.16 at 7:16 am
”Good decision on moderating Garth, this blog will only get more interesting. I believe all the crappy and pointless comments attracted the wrong crowd and pushed away more interesting participants.
BTW I appreciate your colleagues input, great addition to this blog.”
————————————————————-
Totally agree PB, this blog was being monopolized by a few individuals and was getting a bit boring. It got so that I pretty much just came to read Garth’s postings. Wondered how you could put up with some of this stuff day after day Garth. Love this blog and have learned a lot over the past 8 years. Would be nice to see some of the old bloggers come back like Dan from Victoria. Always good to hear from people on the ground and what is happening in their communities. The foolishness of others got to be a bit much. Glad that you are going to crack down on some of this. Keep up the good work. Also, welcome the writings of your two associates.
Perhaps an article detailing the steps in opening an online trading account (including the investor risk tolerance and other paperwork), setting up a registered account (RRSP or TFSA), funding the account and buying ETFs (including purchasing with market price vs. limit, etc.)
Honestly if someone cannot figure out how to open an account, they probably should NOT be managing their own money. It’s usually as simple as following instructions after you call the direct investing service for your banking/investing location. I’m assuming you want a no-advice account. In that case there is very little paper work other than the basic set-up details and acknowledging you’re opening an account with no advice. Every trade confirm I get from my accounts reminds me “No advice offered on this account” and “Unsolicited”.
Wow.. quite the set of changes.
I reflected on them last night as my pet cat and I drove home in the pickup to our McMansion where my shiftless spouse awaited my manly, sexually powerful presence.
We had a drinking party planned for before the orgy, you see.
Did I cover all the bases ?
barriers to drywall market: from Andrew Woburn yesterday: at the height of the US housing boom, cheap Chinese drywall was brought into the US. It was inferior in fact toxic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_drywall
Victor V: Muskoka residents sue the Ontario Government for damage suffered because of high water levels: from your link:
Cassandra Ford, who operates a marina and restaurant in Bala, says she is looking at up to $400,000 to rebuild a damaged boathouse.
Ford says she wants the ministry to explain why there was no flooding for 60 years and then three major floods since 2010.
“Nobody seems to care,” she said. “They don’t care.”
me neither
Never Give Up: I have never heard anyone mention the possibility of using Churchill Manitoba as a pipeline deep water port.
it’s a good idea but requires political leadership which we don’t have. You know I think Justin Trudeau is captive to Toronto where oil sands are controversial. I do remember I was working at the U of T ( Huron Street ) when I was asked to sign a petition against fur trapping. I refused. I said there’s a man who lives across from my uncle near Sundridge. He’s dirt poor but does get a little money from trapping.
james: The change in mass psychology with respect to the Vancouver market is staggering
Long Branch apprentice: I wonder what Toronto will do to stem the tide.
Toronto? like the municipal government? I’d say as property values fall, the municipal government will raise the mill rates.
the problem is there are no fundamentals! Fundamentals means the average family can afford the average house. It’s pretty simple.
About the comment censorship.
Yes, please.
The scams and scammers in Vancouver real estate are coming out of the woodwork now.. When everyone was making money ,, there was not a whisper of possible wrong doings… http://vancouversun.com/business/mortgages/couple-claim-they-were-told-to-fake-assets-to-buy-richmond-home
I can only imagine the stuff Gartho does to clean up this blog behind the scenes
U guys should thank him for doing this for free!
LOL! one of the funniest posts I’ve read from you in a long time! nice!!! I love Anti-Canine, hee hee hee.
Hopefully a more constructive comments section, I always wondered who the people who bragged about how rich and financially independent they are, who are they talking to? Keep up the good work.
Soooo…if I come on here and prove that the US numbers are all fudged and that “balanced” portfolios are a bad idea…. I will get deleted, right?…. but then, it isn’t really important to me one way or another.
Wow Garth, you really vented some build up anger in form of some kind of humour on this last post. Are we really that bad?
DELETED 7
Newspapers lived for centuries without comment section. Well, Letter To The Editor were there, but were edited.
I visit a website to read thoughtful information, not to overhear a bar room discussion on what fool is correct. I stopped reading comment sections long ago, and the quality of my life improved drastically.
cheers,
@#80 John Foster
I disagree with Garth..Canada actually has one of the highest rates among global developed countries right now and the trend continues to point down (sorry Garth, but you’ve been – and continue to be – wrong on this point). Basically you need to ask yourself this: if the BOC didn’t raise rates when oil was over $100 and we had the strongest global economy post-financial crisis than what makes you think they’re going to raise when we are weak and getting weaker? Go variable
#117 Smoking Man on 09.15.16 at 10:10 pm
If you think about it, I’ve probably had a lot to do with the lunacy on the comments section of this pathetic blog.
Garth has let me away murder because back in the days when I wasn’t such a self-destructive drunk, my contributions were really good.
Turner investments from my sources is getting huge.
Reputations are at stake. He’s got to reign us in.
I’ve proudly triggered a lot of lefty loons. Communism has failed every time it’s showed it’s ugly face.
Perhaps this pathetic blog is heading toward, just a blog.
Patheticness is the weird charterers that contributed was it’s entire charm.
I’m not changing. No matter how many cat people bark. Let me self-destruct, I find it fun. Not everyone is addicted to money and see through the UCC what’s important. If I’m booted so be it.
Ryan and Doug can fill in.
I bow to no Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The changes have zero to do with my day job and 100% to do with this blog. Whether you stay or not is entirely in your hands. — Garth
……………………………………………………………………
You have been served by the almighty Garth. Epic Mike Drop here please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I generally oppose deletions, I like to see what is really going on inside other folks heads – I’ve got thick enough skin. It was one of the things that came with the advent of the internet – honesty – raw and wriggling. Might as well get a real understanding of what floats around in other peoples heads, just so long as you’re man enough to handle it. But the poopiedisturbers can get the D by me.
In other news, Ford is moving all small car production to Mexico, Canadians broke another consumer debt record in Q2 2016, and Unifor looks to be setting up for a final battle with GM Oshawa in a manner that saves face after they lose it all. Also, keep an aye open for US Steel to extend their palms in the next couple months for another year of no city taxes, less pension payouts, and less compensation for current employees for 2017 – and if the answer is no, they’ll be packing up as well.
Good decision, Garth. Less is more. Maybe I’ll read more than a few comments of you filter out the chaff.
Selecting the most interesting posts and discarding the garbage is your prerogative and will greatly improve this section. Maybe I’ll even read to the end sometime, for the first time.
Some people forget this is your site, and your rules. Readers come here to see what you have to say and less so the static and occasional gem from the blog dogs.
Most of us seldom read the comments and when we do, we just go away shaking our heads. For each meaningful, informative contribution, there must be ten posts that are distractions and drivel. (That’s being generous).
Those who don’t like how you run your site are entirely free to go elsewhere. They can start their own site. it’s easy. Anyone can start a website, but only a few can draw crowds daily and no one has a right to ride your coattails. For that matter, no serious publication publishes every letter to the editor sent in.
IMO, no one one has a right to post here (except you).
We are all guests and should behave as such.
Two thumbs up for finally improving the signal to noise ratio, even a little. IMO you could turn up the filter even more.
#156 Darryl
Just moved in July, we were offered prime+2.75% by The Big Green Bank. Fortunately, as it turned out, we didn’t need the bridge loan. It was a bit nerve wracking though – the market here in West Van seemed to turn on a dime in June/July, from multiple offers to crickets in a matter of a few weeks.
Like #165 says, watch out for the fee(s) …
http://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/couple-claim-they-were-told-to-fake-assets-to-buy-richmond-home
Pretty shocking allegations, and if widespread, certainly would unify the statistical data (that foreigners are not bringing money to Canada) with what a lot of people seem to be claiming anecdotally (that ‘foreigners’ are buying significantly).
“The prospective buyers of a $2.46 million Richmond home put down a $120,000 [5%] deposit. When they were turned down at three major national banks for [95% LTV] financing to complete the deal, an employee at RBC Royal Bank of Canada and a real estate agent at Richmond-based Metro Edge Realty advised them to exaggerate and/or fake assets in China in order to qualify for a mortgage here, according to a notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court. None of the allegations in the claim have been proven in court.”
The ‘question’ in my mind is this just a one-off, a rogue bank employee? Or is it widespread? We know that ‘foreign’ participation, numerically, isn’t that significant in Vancouver (said to be 5% or less). But its still very concerning to see allegations of fraud and willingness to lend at very high ratios without insurance at the banks.
Be careful in jumping to conclusions. That article is literally one datapoint.
#171 jess on 09.16.16 at 9:31 am
over 800 of these hate groups hide behind free speech
https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map
___________________________________
If that definition was universal for a hate group – then the Ontario and Federal Liberals are both hate groups.
“Hate” is subjective, one man’s cultural upbringing is another mans oppression.
99% of all Western activists should be given a shovel, a pick, and a decent wage.
Americans are richer than ever
http://scottgrannis.blogspot.ca/2016/09/were-richer-than-ever.html
And contrary to Canadians that wealth is not based on a mountain of debt, American household’s leverage is as low as it has been since the 80s…
Great job, Garth
Your 10 commandments for the blog are common sense. Better to put them in place now before it goes to the “dogs”.Thanks again for all you do for many of us and using your wit and sense of humor to get your points across
DELETED 5
http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/young-money/rise-of-the-moonlighters-why-more-canadians-are-taking-on-side-jobs-and-how-to-make-it-work-for-you
Arthur, a financial analyst making about $80,000 a year, often arrives at his office at 6 a.m. In addition to his 40-hour work week, he works two 12-hour shifts valeting vehicles, bringing in at least $350 a week in extra cash.
“The money is just too easy to pass up,” says the 36-year-old Brampton, Ont. father. He declined to give his real name to protect his jobs. “Originally, I did it to supplement our income when (my wife) went on mat leave…. Now we have daycare and that’s pretty much a mortgage payment each month and that’s why I’ve kept it up.”
#IfIt’sInTheGuggenheim… #ItMustBeArt,Or… #
TheGoldenRumpTrump’sFlushRoyale?…[Guardian] – On the throne: what it’s like to use the Guggenheim’s solid gold toilet – Putting the flash into flush, the museum installed America, a fully functioning, 18-carat gold toilet made by Maurizio Cattelan
…“The aesthetics of this ‘throne’ recall nothing so much as the gilded excess of Trump’s real-estate ventures and private residences,” it said. While Trump is known to have golden chairs in his New York City penthouse, it is not known whether he has a golden toilet.
Cattelan told the Guggenheim that he had the idea for the toilet before Trump’s political rise, but said “it was probably in the air”. He said the golden toilet is in part a nod to Marcel Duchamp’s 1917 artwork Fountain, which was a urinal.
Nathan Otterson, senior conservator, objects at the Guggenheim, is responsible for maintaining the toilet. He said a cleaning crew will attend to the toilet every 15 minutes.”…
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/sep/16/gold-toilet-guggenheim-america-maurizio-cattelan
#175
……” In essence, America’s economic strategy defaulted to trusting that the Federal Reserve could solve our problems through monetary stimulus”
Cogent analysis and well worth the time.
—————-
the authors of the Harvard Study must have been reading the comments on this blog.
Some of us blog dogs have been saying this for years.
Get rid of the FED. Useless, gutless bureaucrats.
gut butterflies
“liquidity illusion” “tourist” investors
Do you think Sponsors and Authorized Partners would have put their own capital at risk to arbitrage ETF prices?
——————————
aladdinizing – the platform
“It is not about the flow of securities anymore, it is about the flow of information and indications of interest.”
“You are effectively becoming the supplier of liquidity of last resort — beyond the central banks,” Mr. Cryan said to Mr. Fink.
“Well that is not our role — we won’t play that role,”
(new york times dealbook )
===========================
“fragility”
Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) said it would fight a $14 billion demand from the U.S. Department of Justice to settle claims it missold mortgage-backed securities
The cost of insuring Deutsche Bank debt against default rose by around eight percent
DELETED 7
Enjoyed listening to Ryan on BNN. I’m hoping he’s correct in his belief of another 6 or 7 percent. I’ve never been able to predict the market and don’t pay too much attention to the ups and downs of it. I always stay fully invested with a little cash on the side. I appreciate listening to the ideas of smart people with a good track record like Ryan.
01 James on 09.16.16 at 1:15 pm
#117 Smoking Man on 09.15.16 at 10:10 pm
If you think about it, I’ve probably had a lot to do with the lunacy on the comments section of this pathetic blog.
Garth has let me away murder because back in the days when I wasn’t such a self-destructive drunk, my contributions were really good.
Turner investments from my sources is getting huge.
Reputations are at stake. He’s got to reign us in.
I’ve proudly triggered a lot of lefty loons. Communism has failed every time it’s showed it’s ugly face.
Perhaps this pathetic blog is heading toward, just a blog.
Patheticness is the weird charterers that contributed was it’s entire charm.
I’m not changing. No matter how many cat people bark. Let me self-destruct, I find it fun. Not everyone is addicted to money and see through the UCC what’s important. If I’m booted so be it.
Ryan and Doug can fill in.
I bow to no Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The changes have zero to do with my day job and 100% to do with this blog. Whether you stay or not is entirely in your hands. — Garth
……………………………………………………………………
You have been served by the almighty Garth. Epic Mike Drop here please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…
……..
Yeah, I had that coming for a while… No one’s perfect. Except for Freedom First.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/review-flags-concerns-money-laundering-120003632.html
Is organized crime using Canada’s real estate market to launder money?
————————–
With the high moral and ethical standards of the Real Estate and Mortgage lenders and insurers and financial regulators (most prudent/conservative in the world, blah blah blah) this is certainly not possible.
*** “Don’t come here to mindlessly promote gold, anarchy, Trump, Norway’s tax system or Kias. We already know what kind of people you are.” ***
——————————————————————
OK, then. I will only post “mindful” comments on gold; you can reciprocate by avoiding ad honimem attacks (ie. calling anyone who has any sort of affinity to the yellow metal as “bullion-licker”).
Deal?
Let me see your tongue. — Garth
I would expand Rule 5 to “Verbal Garbage/Garbled Verbiage” for a little extra irony.
Let me see your tongue. — Garth
———————————-
I think silver licker’s tongues will have more distinct traces and colouring, gold is very hard to lick…
#221 Sheane Wallace on 09.16.16 at 5:05 pm
Let me see your tongue. — Garth
———————————-
I think silver licker’s tongues will have more distinct traces and colouring, gold is very hard to lick…
—————————————————————-
I would much prefer to lick silver. It is known for its antibiotic qualities. Much better than gold.
http://www.nature.com/news/silver-makes-antibiotics-thousands-of-times-more-effective-1.13232
The only thing that bothers me is the “pet cat” rule. Are fixed, dewormed wild cats allowed, just kidding. I love all animal stories.
Like the new rules but have to agree with #203 IHCTD9 on liking the “honesty, raw and wriggling.” I like reading all points of view.
I do like the referral websites on different opinions of different issues.
The rules are basic knowledge.
# 211 Victor V
http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/young-money/rise-of-the-moonlighters-why-more-canadians-are-taking-on-side-jobs-and-how-to-make-it-work-for-you
Arthur, a financial analyst making about $80,000 a year, often arrives at his office at 6 a.m. In addition to his 40-hour work week, he works two 12-hour shifts valeting vehicles, bringing in at least $350 a week in extra cash…
Multiple streams of income!
Probably the only thing the MLM folks get right and long practiced by me.
Of course passive income is best but if you don’t have a string of rental homes start with anything…even a paper route. Call it exercise if you need to but start.
there are only two ways to do it.
1) Spend less money than you make.
2) Make more money than you spend.
I vastly prefer the second option.
#16 Joe Schmoe on 09.15.16 at 5:50 pm
What if you have a foofoo dog breed. Is that like having a cat?
Wife/kids want a wuss dog. Help?!?
01010101010101010101010101010
I hope a cat makes your foofoo wus rodent cry like a little girl.
I wonder when the market starts makes gains… or when do the losses stop? I’d like to load up my TFSA cash soon…
I’m also thinking extra heavy on ZPR since they should go up in value when interest rates rise. At least that’s what I’ve read. I have no idea. They look an attractive buy today $9.87, lost 7% YTD. (or up 12% since Jan 21st, depending on how you look at it).
“Let me see your tongue.” — Garth
——————————————————————
Sure, it always starts with an innocent request – but then it leads to other more ‘private’ areas…LOL
In all seriousness, I try to treat gold/silver etc. just as another asset class – hence, there’s a time to buy it (when cheap), a time to hold it, and a time to sell it (when expensive) – as with Real Estate!
Surely we can agree on that!
Peace!
DELETED
“…In other news, Ford is moving all small car production to Mexico, Canadians broke another consumer debt record in Q2 2016, and Unifor looks to be setting up for a final battle with GM Oshawa in a manner that saves face after they lose it all. Also, keep an aye open for US Steel to extend their palms in the next couple months for another year of no city taxes, less pension payouts, and less compensation for current employees for 2017 – and if the answer is no, they’ll be packing up as well.”
———————————————-
The price of globalization.
Not a squeak out of T2 to stem the tide of job loss. Without jobs, Canadians are in big trouble generally.
When’s T2 going to go after the “Canadian head offices” of companies who’ve sent all their manufacturing to other countries?
T2 needs to tax any company that has only a head office in Canada. And heavily.