Friday, September 28, 2007

U.S. dollar

Today marks the first time in 31 years the Canadian dollar closed higher than the U.S. dollar. Closing at 100.52 cents U.S., this reflects the rising confidence in Canada's growing economy. The last time the Canadian dollar was valued higher than the U.S. dollar was on November 25, 1976. This is due in no small part to the fact that Canada has the second largest oil reserve in the world in the Alberta Tar Sands, second only to Saudi Arabia. Despite all that though, the U.S.A. is still the foremost world super power both economically and militarily and with the upcoming Federal election and subsequent change in leadership, it likely will weather the storm.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Canadian dollar

Today marks the first time in 31 years the Canadian dollar was valued higher than the U.S. greenback. Briefly trading at 1.0008, the Canadian dollar closed at 99.87 cents U.S. The last time Canada was valued higher than the U.S. dollar was on November 25, 1976. This is due mostly to the very strong Canadian economy, backed up by record high oil prices and record low unemployment rates. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is faltering due to the downturn in housing prices, the sub-prime mortgage lending crisis, and the ballooning national debt for the Gulf War II in Iraq.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

September 11, 2001

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the infamous attacks of September 11th, 2001. In the ensuing six years, have we accomplished anything? So far, we've identified most of the attackers involved in the plot. And determined that the majority of the terrorists were actually Saudi Arabian by nationality. But we've yet to bring Osama bin Laden or Usama bin Laden to justice.

The FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List includes Usama bin Laden, for the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya, but not for September 11th. Don't believe me; follow the link to confirm for yourself. Osama bin Laden is likely hidden in the Sunni-dominated Pashtun-controlled Muslim region near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. But actually finding Usama bin Laden and bringing him to justice has proven to be exceedingly difficult. An intricate network of interconnected caves, and traditional tribal loyalty and sympathy to Osama bin Laden's cause is very strong here.

Two wars later, the Gulf War II in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan, are we any closer to accomplishing our goals? And do American citizens still support these wars? Regardless of which side you support, ycopfiles.com and the Blog Frog asks its Loyal Readers to take a minute of their time to remember those who lost their lives on September 11th. Not only those who died in the Towers, but also those who selflessly gave their lives to save others. A. Ryan Robbins salutes the Police Officers, Firemen and women, and Emergency Medical Personnel who so heroically tried to help that terrible day.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Toronto International Film Festival

Today marks the start of the Toronto International Film Festival. For ten days in early September, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is the place to be. TIFF '07 kicks off today and ends on September 15th, 2007. TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival, is the premiere pre-eminent film festival for North America, and second only on the world stage to the Cannes Film Festival.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

First Day of School

Today marks the first day of school for most students most places. For those Loyal Readers in school, or those Loyal Readers who are parents of students going back to school, here’s hoping you had a wonderful warm and sunny Summer, and have a bright school year ahead of you this Fall.

Keep reading the Blog Frog and ycopfiles.com for articles to keep you both informed and safe while surfing the Internet while studiously studying this semester! Remember, ycopfiles.com is Computer Information Security articles for the Law Enforcement community!

Monday, September 03, 2007

Happy Labour Day

Today is Labour Day to all my Canadian Loyal Readers, and Labor Day to my American Loyal Readers. To the rest of the world, especially to my European Loyal Readers, Labour Day is in May along with May Day. But for those of you who celebrate it, the September Labour Day long-weekend is the last long-weekend of summer.

As such, Labour Day traditionally marks the end of the camping season, and the last weekend before the kids go back to school. Often celebrated with friends and family around a barbeque or campfire, no matter how you celebrate it, A. Ryan Robbins and the Blog Frog wish you and yours the very best.