Hey everyone, I just wrote a response to Adelle Tepper’s blog post about the new caffeine regulation in energy drinks. Click on the link below and take a look!

https://blogs.ubc.ca/adelletepper1/2011/10/06/canada-restricting-caffeine-in-energy-drinks/#comment-10

People have been sitting in Zucotti Park in Lower Manhattan advocating “Occupy Wall Street”, a anti-corporate protest against Wall Street bankers that aims to change a number of vast problems in America. These complaints range from mortgage foreclosure to torture but Breakingviews offers a four-point partial manifesto that can sum up the protesters’ goal.

To sum it up, the manifesto would have the following statements. Make banks safer and let them fail, name and shame those who receive huge bonuses and are earning up to more than twenty times the average man, free legislators from away from special interests for politicians to focus more on the common good than re-election, and lastly, change the two party system as it is entrenched in both rules and regulations, unable to commit to change.

In my opinion, the protesters should narrow down and state just exactly what changes they desire as there are mixed feelings attached to their cause. What exactly are they proclaiming? The “location and crowd makes for good TV”, but the cause is unclear and blurry. Simply stating that there is “a feeling of mass injustice” doesn’t address any real problems and leaves the demonstrations and desire for change looking as futile.

Reference article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investment-ideas/breaking-views/a-manifesto-for-wall-street-protesters/article2191865/

Over the next couple years, the Detroit manufacturers are headed to undeniable extinction unless they are able to switch markets and create a more sustainable vehicle that will support that of the global warming crisis. Vehicle manufacturers should not be blind to the fact that although short term their revenues are increasing, consumers and governments are headed toward a destination that will help improve the climate change situation; that of the hybrid. Due to the continuously rising gas prices, vehicle manufacturers are starting to take note of Toyota, the one manufacturer who has made a commitment to the hybrid market and accounts for almost half of the hybrid sales.

Even Porsche has come out with a hybrid: the Cayenne S hybrid. Although looking similar to the conventional Porsche, it weighs 400 lbs more with a 25% better gas mileage. Other German brands have also revealed their own hybrid versions, including Audi and Mercedes-Benz, demonstrating the shift of market as a necessity to stay one step ahead.

In the long run, vehicular companies should make that transition into the hybrid market as gas prices are only rising and new government mandates attempt to reduce carbon emissions.

Reference article: http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/04/autos/hybrids_prius_porsche.fortune/index.htm?iid=SF_BN_River

Rich oil bigwigs took a blow when Europe announced their step away from oil sands crude to cleaner sources of fuel that would meet the continent’s target of lower carbon emissions. Although not affecting Canada directly, this move could possibly influence other countries, such as China, into following the new policy and damage future business agreements in this billion-dollar industry.

The Canadian government intends to fight this move, possibly turning over to the World Trade Organization as they believe the European Union is discriminating against the country’s immense crude oil resources. This move also adds to the already negative view of Canada’s largest resource.

Although this is major hit to Canada’s economy, globally, it would help the global warming cause; there would be a reduction of carbon emissions (6% of transport fuels by 2010 in Europe) and greenhouse gases, as well as a cleaner environment. Despite the fact that Europe’s move may affect Canada and the oil industry, you can’t deny that in the long run, this move may benefit the well-being of future generations.

Reference Article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-news/european/europe-labels-crude-from-oil-sands-dirty-fuel/article2191203/