Economic Collapse (plus) Farewell Layton, The Joy Formidable and a '58 Vette

Issue 11, Volume 1

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Our On The Streets section occurs in a parkade, where I often see this panama yellow '58 Corvette, complete with appropriate year of Alberta plates. The iconic American sports car seen here was still in its' infancy. Imagine that only a few years before this car could only come with a 'blue flame' inline 6 cylinder. It was the late 60's where large eight cylinder engines with more displacement and more power started to be pushed by guys like Virgil Exner, or GM president Harley Earl, champion of the 'Vette. Still a C1 (first generation corvette) in 1957, the Corvette would gain and be the poster child for Chevrolet's 283 cubic inch V8 putting out 290hp in fuel injected form. The 1958 model gained the twin headlights and more chrome seen here. Although carbureted engines would become the more popular option until the 1980's, in the late 50's Chevrolet wanted exotic sports car status. One of the most exotic and winning race cars of the era was the Mercedes SL300 (gullwing) sports car, which featured fuel injection. The 283 engine could be even had in trucks, and sedans like the bel-air 150/250 versions. This car frequently is seen in the parking lot, and is sometimes replaced by a Jeep Grand Cherokee on inclement weather days. With summer drawing to a close, this individual may not be taking his prized possession to work too much longer. By the way, tying it all in; there was a steep recession in 1958. Between 1958 and 1964, things weren't so fantastic, but they weren't nearly as bad as they are now. Probably was one of the reasons the Edsel failed so hard, thinking back.

Economic Collapse: The Second Recession

If you've ever taken a look at a chart at a bank, usually there's one on the wall somewhere. These charts are available for special order every year, and feature just about everything on them. They include the value of the dollar, value of gold, GDP, market index (TSX, S&P, NYSE), price of oil, interest rate...basically everything you could use to see how an economy is doing, except maybe unemployment (and I don't know - that very well could be on there). If you happen to take a look at one of these graphs, you'll notice that just about everything except the price of oil (which seems to go up and down based on no other factors) is always consistantly up. That means if you wait long enough, the mutual funds you hold will eventually be worth more than they are today. Meanwhile, you'll notice they take a dip and rise back up about every 10 years or so.

What you don't see: them take a dip, plateau, slowly rise, and then take another dip within 5 years.

Indeed Benjamin Tal, Cheif Deputy Economist at CIBC believes we are inches away from being in the depths of another recession. Himself, and other economists are calling this the worst period in economic recovery since the great depression.

Consumer confidence is down, says Tal, but it's a great time to buy houses. That is because the interest rate is so low, and the market is down. Meanwhile, we are experiencing a horrible time of 'stagflation' - inflation in price without economic growth. Usually what you get paid, coincides with price increases. Except one day we had huge inflation, and now everyone puts everything on their credit cards, and finances stuff. Alright, moving along...

It was estimated that inflation was about 3% overall for Canada, which wasn't too bad. The things that inflated the most, however, are things we're going to feel. So while the price of a flat screen television might have changed from $680 to $700.40, we don't necessarily need to buy a flat screen T.V. this year. We can hold on until our wage rate goes up. But what do we need to do. Well we need to eat, and put gas in our cars. Gas was up a staggering 27% over this time in 2010. Food was up something like 14%, and the cost of home insurance and utilities, 9%. Meaning, on average, paying for things you actually used went up about 17% in price. So if your household bills, say, your utilities cost you $300/mo, gasoline $200/mo, and groceries about $300/mo for a grand total of $800/mo, you would be paying $936 a month now without any increase in volume, service, amount, or pay rate.

So, what's the solution? Well, unfortunately, for Canada, all we can do is hold on. This isn't a regular recession. A regular recession would see interest rates stay low, and consumer confidence stay high to assist recovery. However, this recession was created by the United States nearly defaulting, and their dollar devaluing so much. We depend on our dollar being lower than theirs, because we are largely an exporting nation. While we hold our interest rates low (great if you're paying back prime + ___ loans or buying a house) to keep our money as worthless as possible, it's not helping.

Here are some great economic tips during this time:

-buy some mutual funds if you can afford it.

-pay down as much debt as you can right now while interest rates are low.

-find ways to save. Shut off the lights, wear a sweater, use alternative transportation.

-buy locally -> spend money on Canadian products, that will help our own economy

-eat locally -> buy your groceries at a farmers' market, etc.

These will inspire Canadian market consumer confidence, and as well, save you money, while you don't have to resort to eating KD. They will assist at a local level first, which is where the growth needs to stem from at this point.

Good luck!

Jack Layton; A Few Words

The honorable Jack Layton recently left us due to that ugliest of C words - cancer. I have only a few words to say. I think whether or not you voted for him, or particularly liked him, you recognize at this point now what he is worth to Canada as a whole, and Canadian politics. Layton brought the NDP, and its new-generation politics to become the official opposition, after being irrelevant for years. He, and the party, were champions of welfare and equality. Even if you are a Conservative, you recognize that you live in Canada, and things like 'social programs' are essential. That's what Layton stood for. Not afraid to poke fun at himself, we remember him smiling into the camera with a pitcher of beer from a pub during the Olympics. We remember him stealing Rick Mercer's bike on the Mercer report. While the NDP will get a new leader, there likely won't be another like Layton, at least for a long time to come. I would like to extend my thanks, not as anyone who is rah-rah NDP (I'm not going to reveal my political affiliation here, because it's irrelevent) to Jack Layton for his fight for Canada.

Thanks.

The Joy Formidable: The Big Roar

So once upon a time, there was this band I'd never heard of that was all of a sudden put on the Sonic Boom lineup list. And then they had sort of an infectious song called, "Whirring."

Well, I have news for you, if you've only been listening to this band on the radio. That song has a wicked double kick section that only a metal enthusiast would be able to truly appreciate that they don't play.

I have more news for you: female vocalist lead bands are...making a comeback? Making headway?

I've never seen such a time where male and female in rock music had been so equal, except at certain points. The first was the inception of rock n' roll. June was on Johnny and the rest of Sun Records' tour. Then there were a few bands along the way, until the late 60's, when Joplin killed it as the lead of Big Brother Holding Co. And then during the punk movement, there were artists like Patti Smith became famous.

But then there were the 80's, and that was horrible. There was the 90's and that was horrible too (except for grunge) and the 2000's which was also horrible. And there were the spice girls. That ruined it for everyone.

Now girls don't sing in girl groups anymore. They take control of groups like the Joy Formidable.

So how does that album shape up? Aside from the fantastic Manchester accent of Ritzy Bryan, this album is the standard in alternative rock today. A lot of synthesizers. Luckily there was that great wall of British fuzz guitar throughout, with some punk undertones that I could hang on to. Had this been another synth-pop-alt-rock standard equipment group, I wouldn't be talking about them right now. But overall, their song writing is solid.

The Joy Formidable released The Big Roar, their first full length on January 24th of this year, and it took a while, since it was their first full length, to catch on. It hit only 31 in the UK, but 8 on the US charts. Meanwhile, Whirring, the first single off of that album has hit 10 on the CAN charts, 38 on the US Rock charts, and hasn't placed on the UK charts. Crazy, eh?

The first single, Austere was actually a re-release of their 2009 UK single. For this, the album is a little disjointed. While Whirring is upbeat and fast, and sometimes a wall of noise, other songs are darker, but all with a fairly steady pace, and a lot of distortion. This wasn't a band that was influenced by The Cure, for example, or even maybe The Clash. Instead we get a lot of classic brit-rock licks, as if AC/DC snuck in there somewhere and lent them their huge Marshall stacks (indeed TJF does play with big Marshalls) but then, the sensibility of brit rock got angry and New Order showed up and gave them some keyboards too. Actually, I could probably draw a pretty good line between Joy Division and The Joy Formidable, especially with Rhydian Dafydd, bass player, indicating the album is emotionally manic depressive.

Highlights include the extended version of Whirring and other tracks like The Everchanging Spectrum Of A Lie, which force the listener to enjoy sonic walls of music. Then there are more simple tracks, like the closing The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade that are simply enjoyable to listen to because of their poppy and simple beats.

You could easily slip this album into your 'sounds of summer' collection. I'm glad to hear a synth pop band that hasn't abandoned it's rock roots, and can still make a wall of distortion in a minor key. I rate this album about a 6.5/10. I feel TJF still has a ways to go before doing something that will really hit audiences hard and chart well. This album, being some newer songs, some written on the road, and some older EP re-releases isn't cohesive in all places, and certainly not linear. But it's a great first album from a band that you can bet will be back in a big way, if they can keep the excitement of songs like Whirring going on their sophomore effort.

Letters To The Editor

rbw2@ualberta.ca

Next Week

-It's the end-of-summer edition, with all sorts of cool wrap up articles, many suggested by you, the reader. What did you love about this summer? What did you hate? The sounds of summer music list, and photos!

Milestones

Our fashion issue proved to be our most popular issue, and we now have over 400 readers. Thank you!

Rude Society (also) economic update and some old BMW's

Issue 10, Volume 1

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Our on the streets feature is a few old BMW's from the Lutz era. Bob Lutz was known most famously for bringing about the Dodge Viper and releasing radical cars at Chrysler, and then on to GM where he fought to have the Volt released as his last hurrah. Lutz, a former Marine Corps pilot, attended college at UC Berkeley with a degree in Production Management and later an MBA. Although he was a great businessman, his head was in styling. Although not a designer himself, he would often rag on his production and design team to come up with better and more outrageous things. His first experiment was the Opel Kadett for GM Europe, followed by the BMW 3 series, shown above. He would later move on to Ford to have the infamous Taurus approved, and then to Chrysler for the Viper, and GM afterwards. He had a keen and unique sense of what the public wanted; often did battle with what the 'bean counters' wanted to do. Remember when all the GM vehicles were all the same, whether badged Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet? Lutz put an end to that. Lutz has a new book out called Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle For The Soul Of American Business. At BMW, Lutz saw the original styling of their new 3 series model, and indicated that the car had to be completely changed. It was redesigned into what was basically seen above. This is a collection of a few old BMW's by my old house on the North End. The one with the famed 'M' sport paint job is a 1975-1983 (E21) model, likey a 318 (1.8L 4 cylinder) or 320 (2.0L 4 cylinder). These cars earned a great deal of market notoriety for BMW in North America; turning the brand into an upscale household name for German Luxury cars, where once only Mercedes and Porsche reigned. Very few are still in any sort of shape. The silver car is a 325e, a rare bird indeed. The 1983-1990 models (E30) were available with a 2.5L 4 cylinder. The 325 was the standard non-fuel injected model. The 325i was the upscaled injected model. However, there was a rare and affordable '325e' with the 'e' standing for 'economy' that was a no-frills, gas sipping model. The red one appears to be an E28 5-series model, still rare for these parts. Whilst most of our neighbors are out there souping up their pickups, we still have some that have strange and inquisitive automobile tastes; but luckily, are preserving history, in however perverse a manor (and likely to the chagrin of their neighbors).

Rude Society: Homicide Edition

Someone asked me if I'd discuss the homicide rates, since that's what's been dominating the news. So: yeah, we have a big huge homicide problem (apparently). The reason I say (apparently) is because there are discrepancies with how the numbers are tallied. For example, two of the 34 homicides were actually from last year. It was up to the medical examiners to add them to this year's statistics. Two more of the homicides took place in a penitentiary, and two more were police shootings. So that brings the number down to 28, which is still alarmingly high, I know. Compared to Detroit, which had 308 murders in 2010. But they're celebrating, because apparently the amount of murders had dropped 15% prior to the year before.

But this is Canada, and of course we're not comparable to Detroit, by any standard. Except that we are part of North America, have McDonald's and Wal Marts and auto manufacturing and drug gangs and...well pretty much everything the US has except summer.

Generally the Police are indicating that the problem is mainly among the homeless, while advocates are indicating it's because too many people are carrying knives. Well, yeah, why are people carrying around knives? Because they don't want to get mugged?

Ultimately what it comes down to; for those that aren't homeless and of sound faculty of body and mind (the police indicate that those committing the crimes among the homeless are either mentally ill or under the influence of alcohol and drugs most of the time - this isn't a statement about homeless in general), is that a culture of violence is becoming more rampant. Is it video games, obesity, bad parenting? Who knows. All I know is that now it's more than acceptable to honk at someone because you don't agree with what they're doing in traffic. I remember a time when honking was only done if you were in imminent danger of a collision. Now it's secondary to the finger. Which, by the way, why is it okay, because you don't like someone going slower than you, or making a left turn, that they held you up, to give you the finger? Or if someone generally makes a mistake in traffic? Oh well, let them go. It's not like you're perfect. Remember the CAA study I discussed a few issues earlier about how people felt other drivers were discourteous? Most of the individuals polled rated themselves a B+ in driving, while rating other drivers a C-. So in that case, the study shows most people believe they are good drivers and everyone else is a bad driver. Well that's impossible. But the biggest finding were that people were simply discourteous and impatient, not necessarily lacking skill.

This bleeds over to other areas of society too. Things that would never have once been acceptable are becoming so. Last week, a website, cheaterville.com, regarding the defamation of anyone (you can make a profile about ANYONE you want to with stories about how they are a cheat) was brought to attention by news media, after advocates were curious how the site was able to operate. Defamation law, however, when it comes to the internet is uncertain, and thus at this point lawyers are hesitant to go after defamation suits, even by individuals who have indicated their lives have been ruined by untrue defamation of ex jilted lovers. This generally, without social media, would have been impossible. Just imagine if 15 years ago, someone was talking on the phone or writing a note to someone else the entire time you were talking. Of course, they'd need to carry the entire cord around with them. We accept things are okay with this, generally, because we're unfamiliar with what etiquette should be associated with technology.

Is this acceptable?

Ultimately I find that people have generally became one of two ways:

-extremely self centered

-uncaring of what others feel in general

I know those sound like the same two things, but a person can care mostly about themselves while still wanting their existence to cause no harm to others. While the second category indicates that people don't care if they do cause harm to others. They just can't see other people as having any feelings like them.

Oh, wait, maybe they have no feelings.

Anyway, the homicide situation will continue to be a problem as long as people continue to backslide in general human morality and etiquette.

Letters To The Editor: Job Market Update

I recently got a note from Jen who had found herself unemployed and on 2 weeks of EI. It wasn't long until she found placement agencies. She said soon she found a job she was qualified for and had great benefits and salary. Her advice was to dress up nice, spruce up your resume, and generally 'attack' employment agencies to place you somewhere. Many of the positions may be initially temporary. However, many of them may end up with much better results for you in the long term.

In addition to this, Banks usually are a good marker of how the economy is doing. RBC just hosted a massive open house for hiring where you could actually apply via a regular paper resume. Oh wait, I know a lot of you won't remember what that might be.

If you'd like to comment on anything I've written about; or contribute to the blog, you can get me at rbw2@ualberta.ca

Milestone

Our last fashion issue saw almost 40-50 hits, and that put us over the 300 hit mark. Thank you so much for your support and for reading!

The Fashion Issue

Out My Passenger Window

Fashion Issue

Issue 9, Volume 1

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

How To Have A Successful Martini Party

In these days of electro-disco-punk, and retro-mod chic, we've found an emerging new trend that has picked up quite a bit of steam in the last few years. The postwar era, call it what you may, be it the 'mad-men' era, or 'rockabilly' or what have you, the era from 1945 to 1970 was extremely influential in fashion and lifestyle. We've found through throwing the perfect martini party, that celebrating economic and fashionable good times is a few simple steps away. So forget the credit-card financing blinged out and musically confused times of now. Step back into the good times of yore.

Nothing like a dance to some Bing Crosby or some Johnny and June Carter.

A good martini parti must have good martini mix-ins. Cups: Dollar Store. Martini Shakers: original vintage. Colored bowls: Ikea.

Cars were a big part of the era. Muscle became more and more important up to the 60's with the invention of the muscle/pony car. Now the big sedan is gone, but the muscle is still present. Seen here; 2011 Mustang GT, and 2010 Camaro LT as owned by the proprietors. In the rockabilly era; it was hot rods and customs that ruled the streets. Now, cruising in these machines is back.

With the party in full force. Seen here Jeremy, in mad men style, wearing a simple white shirt, his own glasses, and slacks. The skinny tie was something he 'dug through the closet to find.' In the back, note Lizzy, who actually made the hat herself.

It's unlikely you will find an original old steel table set that hasn't rusted through, but that doesn't mean you have to be all original out back. Mixing styles is okay. The patio set and gas grill are not period appropriate, but serve to make a very comfortable party. Note the carriage style painting on the 1952 garage.

Bow ties and old style fedoras and hats are easy to find; seen here in a blur of explanation is Ben; hat by H&M. The bowls on the table are original vintage.

Decorating your house with memorabilia is part of the look. If you can't be IN the era, you can pay tribute to it. Seen: Steve McQueen and The Beetles paying homage to the 1960's, while the Fender classic design stool and neon sign say 50's. Many replica classic vehicles take up the book shelf.

Food for your party? Keep it simple. Hot dogs and hamburgers (whether they are vegetarian or not) is simple, and just about everyone loves them.

An inviting living room will help keep your party from gravitating in the kitchen as they usually tend to do.

Although the couches have a retro look and pattern, they are totally new and from the brick. You can go for older luxury furniture of the original vintage style; but it will set you back (unless inherited) quite a bit for so-so quality.

Little touches like the phone seen in these last two photos really make the retro feel. This one is a working original vintage rotary; but you can always pick up a Stanley built retro (this or a pay phone) for a reasonable price. They look rotary, but are actually touch-tone.

Party going full bore; note the mad-men style, which works about as well at a martini party as a rockabilly style. Note: ask your guests to dress up. A lot of people are just waiting for something like this to escape.

It's not hard to go new-retro. Large Amsterdam photo: Ikea; Coffee Table: Stockholm: Ikea; 'martini olive' chair: Pier One. The magazines were vintage originals picked up from a retro store. Curtains were hand sewn.

Going Mad-Men with retro shirts isn't difficult (white shirts, grey slacks). Going rockabilly is equally as easy. Ryan pictured here with shirt by Piston, shorts are Circa and shoes are Chuck Taylor style UGP shoes - vintage made. Sunglasses are Mercury Sun.

Good housekeeping meets pin-up Vixen. Sarah with Dress by Lip Service.

Martini parties are best experienced in the summer, where the mad-men can step outside to smoke a cigar with their drinks.

You need not set up a giant table to feed everyone. Allow the food to take up the table, and use paper plates, or the plastic hot-dog holders (think ball-park style) we found at the dollar store to allow people to roam with their food. A good hostess at work (above).

Presentation is important; even the table set up is vintage style, with chip and punch bowls actually retro.

The living room; comfortable for you and your guests. Have people bring their vintage music or search for some at thrift stores. The case is a Billy from Ikea, the turn table is new from Sony, and can convert your LP's to MP3's if you wish. The vintage-style Epiphone EJ is a great accessory.

Unless you have little kids running around; or your friends are huge liabilities, don't be afraid to show some of the things like your collection of musical instruments to create the appropriate atmosphere.

Letters To The Editor

rbw2@ualberta.ca

We will be back next week with regular social commentary.