Derivatives! I finally get it!

Derivatives aren't complicated! Derivatives are gambling! 

The Stock Market is buying an interest in a race horse. Derivatives are betting on the horse race.

Why is this so hard to regulate again, then?

Iceland go boom. Again.

I  have to feel for Iceland. They build themselves a banking system economy using, as near as anyone can figure out, chewing gum, twigs and moxy, and boom! it all explodes.  Refusing defeat, they roll up their sleeves, re-tool, and using their newly flushed currency as a positive, go on a massive tourism blitz. You've seen the advertisements everywhere.

Boom. Volcano explodes.


(and a much bigger one still might!)

Goldman Sachs lawsuit

"Although Goldman Sachs held various positions in residential mortgage-related products in 2007, our short positions were not a 'bet against our clients.' " Instead, the trades were used to hedge other trading positions, the bank said."

Could someone please explain to me how hedging your bet and betting against are at all different. I have to confess to being a trifle confused...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/business/17goldman.html?src=tptw

The 12 Biggest Ripoffs in America (totally applies to Canada too)

http://www.billshrink.com/blog/7636/the-12-biggest-ripoffs-in-america/

Changes to Google Buzz

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-buzz-start-up-experience-based-on.html

Bad Buzz about Google Buzz

http://fugitivus.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/fuck-you-google/

Haitian Relief

This is a re-post written by someone else. Worth circulating:
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HAITI EARTHQUAKE
As most of you know by now, there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday. Last time I checked last night the death toll was at 100,000 with many more people trapped under the rumble. Haiti is one of the most poorest countries in the world and have no way to cope with all this. Parliament, hospitals and even a prison are all crumpled.

I know we have a huge Haitian population in Montreal and many of us most know at least one person affected.

If anyone calls you by phone to solicit monies DO NOT DONATE TO THEM. These people are not legit. Here are some ways to donate which are LEGIT via text messaging that will appear on your phone bill.

"Haiti" to 45678 to donate $5 to the Salvation Army in Canada
"Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to Wyclef Jean's Yéle Foundation
"Haiti" to 85944 to donate $5 to Rescue Union Mission and MedCorp International
"Haiti" to 25383 to donate $5 to the International Rescue Committee


Remember that you cannot donate via text message to the Red Cross, that number is for AMERICANS so it won't work for us. If you want to donate to the Red Cross it must be done by internet or phone. If you want to donate via internet follow the link below to see a multitude of legit places which are accepting donations.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/01/13/f-emergency-contacts-haiti-relief-aid.html