OT: OT thread number 11 | No More Bad News PLEASE!

[oobga]

The best resume of all time

 

[JordanGalhanth]

Jeez, no way. I'm very sorry to hear. I was talking to a buddy of mine who is a Sheriff and he was on a course with one of them earlier this month. When the Mayerthorpe incident happened, I was on a course with Peter Schiemann the week prior.

Incredible tragedy today.

Hard to believe that Mayerthorpe was 18 years ago this past month.

I was just a preteen when it happened; had multiple nightmares from seeing James Rozko's gorilla-eyes mugshot all over the news for weeks after.

 

[ZJuice]

Yup

That UPEI coach is an absolute idiot

“Zac’s a small guy, and he plays very fast and very hard,” responded UPEI head coach Forbes MacPherson on the situation. “He was making a strong play to the net to try to score a goal at the time. The fact is, Zac, weighs 146 pounds and he’s right-handed. And he hit the goalie with his left hand open-handed. So I mean, you tell me.”

That coach is defending a sucker punch.

 

[Slats432]

That asshole should be suspended from college hockey for life.

My son is good buds with Kruger. Kruger took a shot for mouthing the guy off after being run. Totally undeserved. Guy is a dick.

 

[ZJuice]

Almost shit myself in the car. Was expecting to crap when I got into the office but the Valleyline LRT testing turned my 14 minute commute into 27 minutes.

 

[Stoneman89]

Almost shit myself in the car. Was expecting to crap when I got into the office but the Valleyline LRT testing turned my 14 minute commute into 27 minutes.

I always go before heading off to work. Sit there until it happens, and also catch up on the news and emails with my phone. Bathroom time is me time. Also, not sure how old you are, but if you are approaching 50 or more, NEVER trust a fart.

 

[joestevens29]

I always go before heading off to work. Sit there until it happens, and also catch up on the news and emails with my phone. Bathroom time is me time. Also, not sure how old you are, but if you are approaching 50 or more, NEVER trust a fart.

I haven't trusted them in a long time. One guy shits his pants and you never forget.

 

[Fourier]

I am not sure if anyone else follows the market for signed NHL jerseys but it is interesting to see that Bedard is already more than just about anyone currently playing outside of McDavid.

 

[Tob]

I have a question about connecting utilities (electricity) that I was hoping someone could help me with. I moved to Edmonton today and after doing some research on the rates and companies that offer electricity, I've come to the conclusion that I should just call epcor and ask them to put the apartment I'll be renting under my name to bill using their floating rate. Is this pretty much all there is to it? Choosing between suppliers and companies is pretty much the same result is how I feel.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I have a question about connecting utilities (electricity) that I was hoping someone could help me with. I moved to Edmonton today and after doing some research on the rates and companies that offer electricity, I've come to the conclusion that I should just call epcor and ask them to put the apartment I'll be renting under my name to bill using their floating rate. Is this pretty much all there is to it? Choosing between suppliers and companies is pretty much the same result is how I feel.

This one is tricky. Alberta is just finishing capping the RRO for electricity. Meaning that it was capped at 13.5Khw until April 1, 2023. The current rate is much much higher right now. Epcor under Encor are offering 12.87 as a fixed rate but requiring a 5yr plan and credit score. (albeit its strange they call it a 5yr as you can opt out anytime with 15 days notice.) I would do the fixed rate currently, not the floating rate on Electricity as you'll be paying more.

For gas its better just to get the regular plan, not fixed plan. You can umbrella both gas and electricity under Epcor and just choose fixed rate for electricity and floating rate for gas. Historically people without fixed contracts have ended up paying less here for natural gas. Quite a bit less.

But this post could be helpful for everybody. For those still on an RRO for electricity you will have to pay much more for electricity after April 1st and also get dinged for the 3mth differential that you saved the last 3 mths if you haven't been on a fixed rate plan.

Call volumes are steep right now but still better than the online signup version as the Fixed rates are requiring a credit check and sign in and theres been volume related stress on the online sign up.

Maybe its just me but I prefer as well dealing with some of the main energy players in Alberta rather than relying on some fly by night operator just to save a few cents. The Encor by Epcor rate is somewhat fair all things considered.

 

[Paralyzer]

I have a question about connecting utilities (electricity) that I was hoping someone could help me with. I moved to Edmonton today and after doing some research on the rates and companies that offer electricity, I've come to the conclusion that I should just call epcor and ask them to put the apartment I'll be renting under my name to bill using their floating rate. Is this pretty much all there is to it? Choosing between suppliers and companies is pretty much the same result is how I feel.

I can answer this as I did my utility hookup last year. What I suggest, is look at the last year in terms of how utilities have fluctuate, and see if you see a trend. Currently, there is no line of sight of it going down, so I would strongly suggest looking for a company that has a fixed rate currently, and if you find the Floating rate lower, be allowed to switch to it whenever you please. This is what I did with Enmax. They had a better rate than Epcor, and I was allowed to switch between Electricity and Gas Fixed and Floating whenever I pleased. Though when I locked it in, my rate fixed is a lot lower than it is currently (almost half). That being said, I would look at Alberta and find the best one to sign up with.

And yes, just calling them up and setting up your account is pretty easy. They may charge you a hookup fee, (20-30 bucks) but it varies location.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Almost shit myself in the car. Was expecting to crap when I got into the office but the Valleyline LRT testing turned my 14 minute commute into 27 minutes.

This is a segue into Valley line problems. Anybody else find it interesting that there have been 6 accidents with LRT and Vehicles on Valley line before the line is even operational? This is just testing phase and the other day the latest was a semi running into a train. Substantial damage to both Truck and LRT train car.

One of the constant critiques of the Valley line at grade approach was that similar lines otherwhere have constantly had traffic and pedestrian injuries, accidents. It was assumed, somehow, that it would work out better here. Well its not and the circus isn't even open and LRT trains are being hit and pedestrian and vehicle accidents are happening. The Valley line is not signaled. No crossing arms, no signals just expecting people to be vigilant. This is not going to work out very well. How long before they rehaul the line and figure out that crossing signals and lights and such will be required at many intersections? Drivers are turning right into trains. Pedestrians crossing lines not even looking.

What a mess the whole Valley line project has been. Cracked concrete piers, constant delays, years late to open and still no word on when the line will open.

With no fixed ROW it also means that the LRT line will have to contend with drivers, pedestrians and anything impeding the tracks. Seems like just an express bus or BRT would've been better.

 

[joestevens29]

I am not sure if anyone else follows the market for signed NHL jerseys but it is interesting to see that Bedard is already more than just about anyone currently playing outside of McDavid.

Poor investment to be honest. Depending what market he ends up in those will probably never go up that much and could drop if he ends up in say Arizona or Columbus.

Gonna be similar to the hockey card boost during covid that came crashing down.

 

[dem]

Has Tales Of The North ever made anyone laugh... ever?

Why is Dustin Nielson allowed to keep doing this?

 

[Tob]

This one is tricky. Alberta is just finishing capping the RRO for electricity. Meaning that it was capped at 13.5Khw until April 1, 2023. The current rate is much much higher right now. Epcor under Encor are offering 12.87 as a fixed rate but requiring a 5yr plan and credit score. (albeit its strange they call it a 5yr as you can opt out anytime with 15 days notice.) I would do the fixed rate currently, not the floating rate on Electricity as you'll be paying more.

For gas its better just to get the regular plan, not fixed plan. You can umbrella both gas and electricity under Epcor and just choose fixed rate for electricity and floating rate for gas. Historically people without fixed contracts have ended up paying less here for natural gas. Quite a bit less.

But this post could be helpful for everybody. For those still on an RRO for electricity you will have to pay much more for electricity after April 1st and also get dinged for the 3mth differential that you saved the last 3 mths if you haven't been on a fixed rate plan.

Call volumes are steep right now but still better than the online signup version as the Fixed rates are requiring a credit check and sign in and theres been volume related stress on the online sign up.

Maybe its just me but I prefer as well dealing with some of the main energy players in Alberta rather than relying on some fly by night operator just to save a few cents. The Encor by Epcor rate is somewhat fair all things considered.

Thanks for the reply again, I only have electric to worry about so I think the fixed rate is definitely to way to go if I can opt out with 15 say notice. I'll be looking to buy in about 16 months if all goes well so fixed rate until then sounds good. I prefer dealing with a bigger player as well if the rates are all similarly bad. What I am a bit concerned about are the fees like....transmission fee or something. Like people have been saying the energy use kw/h is only a part of the bill. It's the fees they ding you for. I'm renting a tiny suite with heating included in the rent plus coin laundry so I think my electricity use will be medium at most but I heard about horror stories of hundreds of dollars in fees and charges.

I can answer this as I did my utility hookup last year. What I suggest, is look at the last year in terms of how utilities have fluctuate, and see if you see a trend. Currently, there is no line of sight of it going down, so I would strongly suggest looking for a company that has a fixed rate currently, and if you find the Floating rate lower, be allowed to switch to it whenever you please. This is what I did with Enmax. They had a better rate than Epcor, and I was allowed to switch between Electricity and Gas Fixed and Floating whenever I pleased. Though when I locked it in, my rate fixed is a lot lower than it is currently (almost half). That being said, I would look at Alberta and find the best one to sign up with.

And yes, just calling them up and setting up your account is pretty easy. They may charge you a hookup fee, (20-30 bucks) but it varies location.

Thanks for the reply. It's good to get some advice from actual people instead of my landlord telling me to use direct energy which I suspect her rental company is in bed with. Is the hook up immediate? Like if I called them and said hey put this unit under my name, they would be able to do in from their end and bill me starting April 1 for all electricity used by my apartment.

 

[Fourier]

Poor investment to be honest. Depending what market he ends up in those will probably never go up that much and could drop if he ends up in say Arizona or Columbus.

Gonna be similar to the hockey card boost during covid that came crashing down.

I have several signed Oiler jerseys. I got them all very cheap relative to their current prices, particularly McDavid and Messier. One of the bigger memorabilia places out here just had a 2 for one sale and they had signed Anderson and Kurri jerseys for $449. So each one was just a hair over the normal retail price of the unsigned versions. I do kick myslef though because I had a chance to get a signed Draisaitl jersey for $275 before he broke out but since I was traveling at the time I past it up. My goal is to eventually have all of Gretzky*, Messier, Kurri, Coffey, Anderson, Fuhr*, Tikkanen*, McDavid, Draisaitl* and my boy Nuge* (* means I do not have it yet) . I even won a signed jersey in a charity event with all of the players from the 2003-2004 team.

I also have signed Csorba prints of Gretzky (2), Messier and Anderson. (The Anderson one was originally made for a few of his friends but one was never picked up so I got it from Randy Greg's gallery framed for under $100. The two Gretzky's are framed but the Messier was a flat. It was included in a lot of 20 prints that I bought form the same gallery for $200 total. I sold about half of the prints for about $160 so the Messier print cost me about $40 with several other nice sports prints basically free.

None of this is about investments for me but I try my best to find bargains. I only shop at very reputable places though so you need to be patient. The Oilers have been a passion for me since I was a kid and this is one of my few vices. But I agree that it is not a money winner to pay top dollar for any player if the goal is to make money.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Thanks for the reply again, I only have electric to worry about so I think the fixed rate is definitely to way to go if I can opt out with 15 say notice. I'll be looking to buy in about 16 months if all goes well so fixed rate until then sounds good. I prefer dealing with a bigger player as well if the rates are all similarly bad. What I am a bit concerned about are the fees like....transmission fee or something. Like people have been saying the energy use kw/h is only a part of the bill. It's the fees they ding you for. I'm renting a tiny suite with heating included in the rent plus coin laundry so I think my electricity use will be medium at most but I heard about horror stories of hundreds of dollars in fees and charges.

Not gonna lie. You could be seeing some sticker shock on the all things included utilities bills we get here. The addon fees indeed are the dinger. Sucks too as it doesn't really reinforce the idea of cutting usage all that much if so much of the bills are just service addons. After all of Gas, Electricity, Water, "Drainage" and Waste services are tacked on its quite a bill. Not sure how much for an apartment but for a standard bungalow house like we have the utilities are over 300bucks/mth on average. At least you won't be getting any gas bill or any gas services charges. Anticipate anywhere between 100-150bucks/mth on your utilities. First bill will be higher with any hookup/initiate service charges.

 

[joestevens29]

I have several signed Oiler jerseys. I got them all very cheap relative to their current prices, particularly McDavid and Messier. One of the bigger memorabilia places out here just had a 2 for one sale and they had signed Anderson and Kurri jerseys for $449. So each one was just a hair over the normal retail price of the unsigned versions. I do kick myslef though because I had a chance to get a signed Draisaitl jersey for $275 before he broke out but since I was traveling at the time I past it up. My goal is to eventually have all of Gretzky*, Messier, Kurri, Coffey, Anderson, Fuhr*, Tikkanen*, McDavid, Draisaitl* and my boy Nuge* (* means I do not have it yet) . I even won a signed jersey in a charity event with all of the players from the 2003-2004 team.

I also have signed Csorba prints of Gretzky (2), Messier and Anderson. (The Anderson one was originally made for a few of his friends but one was never picked up so I got it from Randy Greg's gallery framed for under $100. The two Gretzky's are framed but the Messier was a flat. It was included in a lot of 20 prints that I bought form the same gallery for $200 total. I sold about half of the prints for about $160 so the Messier print cost me about $40 with several other nice sports prints basically free.

None of this is about investments for me but I try my best to find bargains. I only shop at very reputable places though so you need to be patient. The Oilers have been a passion for me since I was a kid and this is one of my few vices. But I agree that it is not a money winner to pay top dollar for any player if the goal is to make money.

I'm the same way too majority of stuff I buy is because I want it or the price is so damn good that I have no choice but to buy it.

I have a buddy that is supposed to be selling his cabin on one of the BC lakes. He apparently has a shit ton of memorabilia. Not just hockey either, lots of Eskimo shit, music, tv etc...

The Eskimo stuff will be interesting, but I doubt it has a lot of value. He has quite a few signed footballs going back to the late 70's and I do have a case for a football that is sitting empty.

 

[Tob]

Not gonna lie. You could be seeing some sticker shock on the all things included utilities bills we get here. The addon fees indeed are the dinger. Sucks too as it doesn't really reinforce the idea of cutting usage all that much if so much of the bills are just service addons. After all of Gas, Water, "Drainage" and Waste services are tacked on its quite a bill. Not sure how much for an apartment but for a standard bungalow house like we have the utilities are over 300bucks/mth on average. At least you won't be getting any gas bill or any gas services charges. Anticipate anywhere between 100-150bucks/mth on your utilities. First bill will be higher with any hookup/initiate service charges.

Ya, in BC we only had BC Hydro so everyone gets the same and don't really even think about it. Oddly, it keeps them relatively honest cus any cash grab will result in an online protest and some ass wipe politician will start talking about unacceptable this and that so BCHydro adopts the old slow and steady increase overtime.

I am bracing for the big electricity bill especially since I don't have a job yet so I'll be home all day. At my last rental I had all utilities plus internet and cable built in so regardless, this will be a sting for me haha.

 

[Paralyzer]

Thanks for the reply again, I only have electric to worry about so I think the fixed rate is definitely to way to go if I can opt out with 15 say notice. I'll be looking to buy in about 16 months if all goes well so fixed rate until then sounds good. I prefer dealing with a bigger player as well if the rates are all similarly bad. What I am a bit concerned about are the fees like....transmission fee or something. Like people have been saying the energy use kw/h is only a part of the bill. It's the fees they ding you for. I'm renting a tiny suite with heating included in the rent plus coin laundry so I think my electricity use will be medium at most but I heard about horror stories of hundreds of dollars in fees and charges.


Thanks for the reply. It's good to get some advice from actual people instead of my landlord telling me to use direct energy which I suspect her rental company is in bed with. Is the hook up immediate? Like if I called them and said hey put this unit under my name, they would be able to do in from their end and bill me starting April 1 for all electricity used by my apartment.

In most cases, it can take up to 40 days, but I think for new customers, if you tell them you just moved in, and would like to sign up ASAP, it could be less wait time. You'd have to ask them about that. When I moved into my townhouse, I did mine a month in advance, so I could have the exact billing date and ensure I would have electricity when moving in.

Also, like you said about extra fees, there really isn't any way to avoid them. I looked into it myself, and it's their fees for if your line goes down and needs repair, any upgrades to your line outside of your building, and other stuff that you don't have to be responsible for. But typically, your Electricity should be no more than $100 a month at the high end. Most condo/apartments are around that mark. And yes, I wouldn't do what your landlord tells you to do. Direct Energy is ok, but it's also one of the higher rates out there. The biggest scam I have read, is when they entice you with a promotional half cost of electricity kwh, and you sign up, only to see the fine print, that it's only for the first 6 months, then you are on regular rates after that, and in most cases, paying MORE than if you just stuck with the fixed rate.

 

[Tob]

In most cases, it can take up to 40 days, but I think for new customers, if you tell them you just moved in, and would like to sign up ASAP, it could be less wait time. You'd have to ask them about that. When I moved into my townhouse, I did mine a month in advance, so I could have the exact billing date and ensure I would have electricity when moving in.

Also, like you said about extra fees, there really isn't any way to avoid them. I looked into it myself, and it's their fees for if your line goes down and needs repair, any upgrades to your line outside of your building, and other stuff that you don't have to be responsible for. But typically, your Electricity should be no more than $100 a month at the high end. Most condo/apartments are around that mark. And yes, I wouldn't do what your landlord tells you to do. Direct Energy is ok, but it's also one of the higher rates out there. The biggest scam I have read, is when they entice you with a promotional half cost of electricity kwh, and you sign up, only to see the fine print, that it's only for the first 6 months, then you are on regular rates after that, and in most cases, paying MORE than if you just stuck with the fixed rate.

There was electricity in the unit I am renting, the rental company is eating the cost right now to keep the fridge running so I think it might be a quicker process to put it under my name than when you were setting up electricity for your home.

So for the fixed rate, if I'm only renting for 16 months, I can end it cleanly without penalties and stuff if I give the 15 day notice and end my tenancy right?

 

[Paralyzer]

There was electricity in the unit I am renting, the rental company is eating the cost right now to keep the fridge running so I think it might be a quicker process to put it under my name than when you were setting up electricity for your home.

So for the fixed rate, if I'm only renting for 16 months, I can end it cleanly without penalties and stuff if I give the 15 day notice and end my tenancy right?

Yes you can cancel at anytime so long as you give 1 months notice to the provider (Enmax has this policy and Direct Energy too I think).

 

[Tob]

Yes you can cancel at anytime so long as you give 1 months notice to the provider (Enmax has this policy and Direct Energy too I think).

thank you. that's good to know. hard to trust these utilities companies and their terms and conditions.

 

[Fourier]

I'm the same way too majority of stuff I buy is because I want it or the price is so damn good that I have no choice but to buy it.

I have a buddy that is supposed to be selling his cabin on one of the BC lakes. He apparently has a shit ton of memorabilia. Not just hockey either, lots of Eskimo shit, music, tv etc...

The Eskimo stuff will be interesting, but I doubt it has a lot of value. He has quite a few signed footballs going back to the late 70's and I do have a case for a football that is sitting empty.

I was a massive Eskimo fan growing up. Started going to games with my dad when I was 4 and was in the Knothole Gang for many years. $.25 tickets and fantastic hot dogs loaded with onions!!!

I don't have any Eskimo stuff. But as you say It is unlikely that any Eskimo stuff has much value. One exception might be Moon.

 

[joestevens29]

I was a massive Eskimo fan growing up. Started going to games with my dad when I was 4 and was in the Knothole Gang for many years. $.25 tickets and fantastic hot dogs loaded with onions!!!

I don't have any Eskimo stuff. But as you say It is unlikely that any Eskimo stuff has much value. One exception might be Moon.

I don't think he ever really paid a lot for any of it though either. A lot of the stuff he had signed in person at various events. He also use to know someone back in the day that allowed him almost like press access. Both with Esks and Lions.

Then I know he didn't pay for a lot of things back when he had a business, use to get things at charity events as a company expense lol.

I just really want to add a football to my collection. As well as a baseball bat. I mean I do have a signed trappers mini bat from homer, but that's not the same lol