http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/03/BUBB1DONJ2.DTL&type=tech
Summary:
This article talks about a case by Watchdog against Google Inc. Watchdog states that Google is abusing their market share dominance, however Google states that their practices are designed to benefit users. Google doubled its market share in online video to nearly 80 percent since 2007. A report states that after Google put the Google Map in, the market share for onetime leader MapQuest has dropped from 57% to 32% and now Google controls 51% of the market share. Google stated that, the reason for MapQuest’s downfall was because they did not add features such as street view or bike directions while Google did.
Connection:
The connection between chapter 10 and this article is that the article talks about Google becoming a monopoly. Monopoly is when there is only one company for that industry. However, you may be considered a monopoly when you have obtained control in many industries, for example like how Boeing did back then. For this case, Google took over several industries, such as Google Map or Google Finance. Google may not have total control in each and every one of these industries, but they possess so many that it makes them a monopoly, similar to Microsoft.
Reflection:
I think that Google has earned its right to achieve monopoly. They did not abuse their powers and forced us to use their site. We chose to use Google Map when we need to plan a trip to some place we have never been to before. And it is also our choice that typing google.ca is more convenient than typing yahoo.ca. Also, it’s like a trend in fashion, when something’s hot, people talk about it. And that becomes their source of advertisement. Also, it is more convenient when you just have to access one website to obtain many different programs such as maps, emails, search engine, and finance.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chapter 8
http://www.canada.com/business/Inflation+rate+slows+unexpectedly+March/2942390/story.html
Summary:
The consumer price index rose 1.4% in March from a year earlier in Canada, following a 1.6% annual pace the month before. The Bank of Canada decided that they would keep its trendsetting interest rate at 0.25%. The reason for the record low 0.25% interest rate was to aim to pull the country out of recession by encouraging spending by both consumers and businesses. The central bank said that the first quarter economic growth will be near 6%, the fastest pace in 11 years. The overall inflation is forecast to reach 2.4% later this year. Consumer spending is expected to grow strongly for the remainder of the year and the next. The consumer prices rose in all provinces in the 12 months to March. The drive from gasoline pushed the prices up.
Connection:
The connection in the chapter is the monetary policy. Monetary policy is an economic stabilization tool that operates through changes in the money supply. When the money supply changes, the interest rate changes as well. The article talks about Canada’s interest rate at a record low 0.25%. This is a way to encourage more spending to boost up the inflation. As the article stated, the inflation rate is projected to reach 2.4% compared to the target of 2%. Canada wants to leave the interest rate for now to drive the economy up to get ready for July.
Reflection:
I think that this is great for Canada. This will definitely boost our economy and make it stronger than before. As we get closer to our target point, the interest rate will begin to grow. This way it will cause us consumers to spend less. Hopefully this will slow our inflation down also. The inflation rate has already been projected at a higher percentage than the targeted. It will turn down consumers if the interest rate continues to grow. As inflation rates increase, however, it does create more opportunity for jobs. This is like a double-edged sword.
Summary:
The consumer price index rose 1.4% in March from a year earlier in Canada, following a 1.6% annual pace the month before. The Bank of Canada decided that they would keep its trendsetting interest rate at 0.25%. The reason for the record low 0.25% interest rate was to aim to pull the country out of recession by encouraging spending by both consumers and businesses. The central bank said that the first quarter economic growth will be near 6%, the fastest pace in 11 years. The overall inflation is forecast to reach 2.4% later this year. Consumer spending is expected to grow strongly for the remainder of the year and the next. The consumer prices rose in all provinces in the 12 months to March. The drive from gasoline pushed the prices up.
Connection:
The connection in the chapter is the monetary policy. Monetary policy is an economic stabilization tool that operates through changes in the money supply. When the money supply changes, the interest rate changes as well. The article talks about Canada’s interest rate at a record low 0.25%. This is a way to encourage more spending to boost up the inflation. As the article stated, the inflation rate is projected to reach 2.4% compared to the target of 2%. Canada wants to leave the interest rate for now to drive the economy up to get ready for July.
Reflection:
I think that this is great for Canada. This will definitely boost our economy and make it stronger than before. As we get closer to our target point, the interest rate will begin to grow. This way it will cause us consumers to spend less. Hopefully this will slow our inflation down also. The inflation rate has already been projected at a higher percentage than the targeted. It will turn down consumers if the interest rate continues to grow. As inflation rates increase, however, it does create more opportunity for jobs. This is like a double-edged sword.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Ch 5 Blog
http://www.canada.com/health/Canadian+infant+mortality+among+worst+group+Study/2043798/story.html
Summary:
The article talks about Canada’s high infant mortality rate. Canada has one of the highest infant mortality rates in a developed country. Five deaths out of 1,000 live births recorded in 2006, and are unable to match the success of the majority of the other countries which have managed to improve their infant mortality rate. The article states that the high rate of infant mortality may be caused by a high number of premature births. Canada follows the World Health Organization’s definition of live births, any baby that manages to take one breath, whereas other countries like Sweden don’t register unless they have a reasonable chance of survival.
Connection:
The connection between the chapter and the article is quality of life. Infant mortality is an indicator of the quality of life in a country. It has a lot to do with the health equality in the country. However, Canada records the World Health Organization’s definition of infant mortality, which states that any baby that manages to take a breath, even if the prospects for survival are slim are recorded, whereas other countries have different stands for live births. We cannot use this indicator to determine the quality of life because different countries have different definitions and the rate is for the whole country, but does not specify on which part of the country has a high infant mortality rate.
Reflection:
I find that Canada and USA have a high infant mortality rate even though they are some of the more developed countries. Is it that we don’t spend enough on our healthcare? Canada cannot find a way to decrease the infant mortality rate despite the government spending a lot of money into healthcare. There are many other situations which can cause this to happen. For example, it could be that the mother of the baby did not have a healthy lifestyle, which caused the baby to inherit some sort of disease that is harmful to them.
Summary:
The article talks about Canada’s high infant mortality rate. Canada has one of the highest infant mortality rates in a developed country. Five deaths out of 1,000 live births recorded in 2006, and are unable to match the success of the majority of the other countries which have managed to improve their infant mortality rate. The article states that the high rate of infant mortality may be caused by a high number of premature births. Canada follows the World Health Organization’s definition of live births, any baby that manages to take one breath, whereas other countries like Sweden don’t register unless they have a reasonable chance of survival.
Connection:
The connection between the chapter and the article is quality of life. Infant mortality is an indicator of the quality of life in a country. It has a lot to do with the health equality in the country. However, Canada records the World Health Organization’s definition of infant mortality, which states that any baby that manages to take a breath, even if the prospects for survival are slim are recorded, whereas other countries have different stands for live births. We cannot use this indicator to determine the quality of life because different countries have different definitions and the rate is for the whole country, but does not specify on which part of the country has a high infant mortality rate.
Reflection:
I find that Canada and USA have a high infant mortality rate even though they are some of the more developed countries. Is it that we don’t spend enough on our healthcare? Canada cannot find a way to decrease the infant mortality rate despite the government spending a lot of money into healthcare. There are many other situations which can cause this to happen. For example, it could be that the mother of the baby did not have a healthy lifestyle, which caused the baby to inherit some sort of disease that is harmful to them.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chapter 7
http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/en/mpr/pdf/2010/mprsumjan10.pdf
Summary:
This article talks about Canada’s economic recovery. The Canadian economy is expected to return to full capacity by the third quarter of 2011. The report states that Canada’s economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in 2010 and 3.5% in 2011, after it contracted by around 2.5% in 2009. There have been speculations that the recovery might be so strong that, the inflation rate will continue to rise. The bank has also stated that they will maintain the overnight rate of .25% until the end of the second quarter of 2010 in order to achieve the inflation target.
Connection:
The connection between this article and chapter 7 is the monetary policy. This policy is about the actions the Bank of Canada taken to alter the money supply. In this case, the Bank of Canada maintains its 2.4% overnight rate to help the economy’s recovery. The inflation rate is affected by the overnight rate too. By having a steady 2.4% overnight rate, the Bank of Canada wants to prevent the inflation from growing too strong. The inflation rate is projected to grow at 2.9%, which is greater than what we had before. On top of that, it is speculated that the inflation rate will continue to rise in 2011, to 3.5%. This is why the Bank of Canada kept it’s overnight rate at 2.4%.
Reflection:
I think that the economy’s recovery not just be a recovery, but also grow stronger then it was. The inflation rate may continue to grow each and every year. I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, the inflation will cause a decrease in demand, however, after the Olympics we need to pay off the debt. The inflation will help Vancouver pay off some of the debt. Nonetheless, the economy’s recovery is a good sign for most countries, especially the ones who are investing in Canada.
Summary:
This article talks about Canada’s economic recovery. The Canadian economy is expected to return to full capacity by the third quarter of 2011. The report states that Canada’s economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in 2010 and 3.5% in 2011, after it contracted by around 2.5% in 2009. There have been speculations that the recovery might be so strong that, the inflation rate will continue to rise. The bank has also stated that they will maintain the overnight rate of .25% until the end of the second quarter of 2010 in order to achieve the inflation target.
Connection:
The connection between this article and chapter 7 is the monetary policy. This policy is about the actions the Bank of Canada taken to alter the money supply. In this case, the Bank of Canada maintains its 2.4% overnight rate to help the economy’s recovery. The inflation rate is affected by the overnight rate too. By having a steady 2.4% overnight rate, the Bank of Canada wants to prevent the inflation from growing too strong. The inflation rate is projected to grow at 2.9%, which is greater than what we had before. On top of that, it is speculated that the inflation rate will continue to rise in 2011, to 3.5%. This is why the Bank of Canada kept it’s overnight rate at 2.4%.
Reflection:
I think that the economy’s recovery not just be a recovery, but also grow stronger then it was. The inflation rate may continue to grow each and every year. I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, the inflation will cause a decrease in demand, however, after the Olympics we need to pay off the debt. The inflation will help Vancouver pay off some of the debt. Nonetheless, the economy’s recovery is a good sign for most countries, especially the ones who are investing in Canada.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ch 3 and 4
http://www.househunting.ca/renovating/story.html?id=54778904-b826-4796-a0f7-842124058e86
Summary:
This article talks about a meeting held in Ottawa regarding the HST and some of its negative impacts. First of all, all participants had agreed that the HST will jack up the cost of new homes. This will cause a discouragement to the economy. The board had also approved B.C. rebate threshold for new homes from $400,000 to $600,000 also a renovation tax rebate for homeowners in an attempt to fuel the economy. The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association has reports by independent housing economists stating the negative impacts of HST and how they should be handled.
Connections:
The connection here is the taxation the government continues to add on. Chapter 3 and 4 talks mainly about taxes and the role of the government in an economy which ties into the government creating this HST. As the Wagner’s law of increasing state activity states, government spending can be expected to grow at a faster rate than the total output of goods and services. This may be the factor because our economy is growing fast. Taxes should be equitable, but the new tax will result in a higher cost for homes. This is not equal to all people because consumers are not making more money.
Reflection:
I find it outrageous that more and more new taxes are being brought out. First, during the Second World War, the Canadian government collected taxes in order to help fund the armies, even after the war the taxes were not lowered or taken out. With the PST already in play, the government decides to put in a GST on July 1, 2000 and now, a decade later, they introduce the new HST. I don’t find it equal to all the house owners and house builders, because home owners will have to pay this tax while the home builders don’t. I would like to see the government try to do something more productive rather than charging more taxes.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Chapter 2
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Natural+finding+favour+markets/2080714/story.html
Summary:
This article talks about the natural gas prices going back up. One month ago, their value was at 40%, since then the prices went up to 60%, though still 30% below its crude-equivalent. The economic forecasts have been updated for 2010, helping the industrial production which in the end will lead to help of oil and natural gas. There has been talk about low production because of the wells being closed, but since winter is coming, it might change that. It is expected that the demand for natural gas will increase due to the lack of supply. Traders are betting that the supply/demand trend will lead to falling inventory levels.
Connection:
The connection between the article and chapter 2 is the supply and demand factors. The reason of the increase in demand for natural gas is because the lack of supply they have. The factor involving would be weather. The weather changiing to winter means the hurricane season is over and the cold weather is coming back again. This will create a increase in demand, however there has been many wells shut-off because of the low prices. It seems that there is low inventory expected, making the demands even higher. If we were to make a supply/demand curve, the demand curve would be shifted right and the supply curve would shifted left.
Reflection:
I think that we missed a great chance on investing into natural gas. From August on, the stocks for natural gas companies have been going up and nearing its peak. I think that the prices for natural gas will continue to rise because of the lack of supply. What I don't understand is that, why the supply is a problem. The wells that have been shut-off could easily be reopened, therefore, creating no problems at all. Finally, for those people investing in natural gas companies, they should have gained quite a lot by the new years.
Summary:
This article talks about the natural gas prices going back up. One month ago, their value was at 40%, since then the prices went up to 60%, though still 30% below its crude-equivalent. The economic forecasts have been updated for 2010, helping the industrial production which in the end will lead to help of oil and natural gas. There has been talk about low production because of the wells being closed, but since winter is coming, it might change that. It is expected that the demand for natural gas will increase due to the lack of supply. Traders are betting that the supply/demand trend will lead to falling inventory levels.
Connection:
The connection between the article and chapter 2 is the supply and demand factors. The reason of the increase in demand for natural gas is because the lack of supply they have. The factor involving would be weather. The weather changiing to winter means the hurricane season is over and the cold weather is coming back again. This will create a increase in demand, however there has been many wells shut-off because of the low prices. It seems that there is low inventory expected, making the demands even higher. If we were to make a supply/demand curve, the demand curve would be shifted right and the supply curve would shifted left.
Reflection:
I think that we missed a great chance on investing into natural gas. From August on, the stocks for natural gas companies have been going up and nearing its peak. I think that the prices for natural gas will continue to rise because of the lack of supply. What I don't understand is that, why the supply is a problem. The wells that have been shut-off could easily be reopened, therefore, creating no problems at all. Finally, for those people investing in natural gas companies, they should have gained quite a lot by the new years.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Chapter 1
http://www.physorg.com/news170519675.html
Summary:
The article talks about our most valuable resource, water. The article states that water first began to diminish in Australia, between 1993 and 1996. They have had low rainfall the past several years, and the drought is caused by both historical trend and climate change predictions. Dr van Dijk, senior CSIRO researcher, has been researching Australia's water resource with the first ever national and comprehensive analysis of 30 years of on-ground and satellite observations. He says that what makes the situation worse than it is, is that the sixties and the seventies were way wetter than it is now. They are afraid Australia might run out of water resource.
Connection:
The connection between the article and chapter 1 in our textbook is scarcity. Chapter 1 talks about scarcity and what scarcity really is. Because everything is scarce, we have to make a decision on how the commodity will be used. Water is most important thing in our life, and now water is becoming scarce. The demands for water are way too high with the supply being limited. On average, each Canadian uses 7100 litres of water a day. The demands for water will continue to rise as the supply for water continues to fall, we have to find a way to get our supply of water back up or else we'll run out of water.
Reflection:
Canada has 14% of the world's lakes and 9% of the world's river flow, yet water is becoming scarce in Canada. I think that water is the most important thing in our life. Without water, we cannot live. With the supply of water continuing to diminish, we have to cherish our water supply. We can do that by not wasting water, and also not polluting the water that once used to be clean. With the demand for water continues to rise, we must seek a way to save our water, that is, perhaps finding a way to make the undrinkable water drinkable. The question now is, how long do we have before the drinkable water is depleted.
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