Archive for June, 2005

Anonymous Library Cards

Friday, June 3rd, 2005

On the heels of Blockbuster’s “end of late fees”, comes an implementation of credit/debit system for libraries. The problems are questions of privacy, civil liberties, and even financial liability for unreturned materials. From the civil liberty perspective, the Patriot Act in the USA allows authorities to keep an eye on what you are reading without [...]

This space for rent

Thursday, June 2nd, 2005

The Oracle of Ottawa had suggested potential sponsorship advertising space for sale at eBay: Rent Canada’s (perhaps) Largest Invisible “Billboard” Approximately 30,000 Sq. ft. advertising space. We will place your message across our freshly refinished roof at any angle you desire – (see aerial photograph) within sight of martians, birds and a flight path to [...]

Domestic sales of refined petroleum products

Thursday, June 2nd, 2005

Statistics Canada’s publication The Daily reports today on the domestic sales of refined petroleum products What caught my eye is that the category “Motor Gasoline” is down 3.2% from April 2004 to April 2005. If memory serves me, the last year has seen prices in my area rise my at least $0.20/litre. In the short-term, [...]