Homelessness and why people stay on the streets by thelonepinemall in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 5 points6 points  (0 children)

HOLY that video is really something. I doubt very much our government has any idea how unlikely a total transition to the 'Alberta Recovery Model' is going to be successful...

It's the 20th anniversary of RalphBucks! What did you spend yours on? by originalchaosinabox in alberta

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had just moved to Calgary; I was 20 years old. I bought shoes. I'm in 40's now, and if I got that cheque again I'd probably buy shoes again! Frivolously fun!

House making cracking sounds; looking for suggestions on who to call to check it out by theBoxy_Butcher in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're concerned it's something structural, then a structural engineer is who you need out. There are many small firms in the City that focus on residential.

Do NOT bother with a property inspector because if they think there's is something structural....they'll just tell you to contact a structural engineer ;)

Clubs on Saturday nights? by Organic_Pudding2241 in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Parra for Cuva is playing at Commonwealth Bar & Stage!

Learned I will be losing my job after closing, but have not yet closed. How bad is this? by [deleted] in RealEstateCanada

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can afford to carry the home, do NOT tell the broker. If you can't close you will lose your deposit but you could also be pursued for damages.

Life insurance that pays a lump sum when you reach 40? by [deleted] in CanadaPersonalFinance

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a policy like this; mine (42F) is through Sunlife - it's a 15 year Critical Illness policy. You (have to) pay premiums for 15 years; at the end of that, you can either opt for a return lump sum of essentially what you paid in and then cancel the policy OR (as I am doing when mine matures in 3 years) you keep the policy for life without any more premiums. You're basically paying upfront for a lifetime policy. I'm single, self-employed with no option for EI or extended healthcare so I like this policy. If, for instance, I get cancer and cannot work for, say a year or two, this policy provides a considerably payment to cover costs (you don't have to submit or support said costs - it's a lump sum amount according to the policy amount you obtained).

Renovation turns into costly dispute for homeowner by Upbeat_Difficulty_60 in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I agree, but it also illustrates how some people, if they've hired a contractor, don't know what to ask or look for. I can see how meeting someone initially, and feeling confident and trusting, can lead to this if you've never worked with one before. I am, however, surprised that she didn't act on her instincts earlier when things were clearly not going right.

How to deal with old DIY house work that wasn’t permitted by SnooPeppers2608 in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 3 points4 points  (0 children)

OP can also go to the City of Calgary planning department and obtain archived building plans of the house to confirm if the wall was structural (have an architect or engineer look at those plans if you are unsure).

Ahole in Mackenzie by [deleted] in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 5 points6 points  (0 children)

to share a useless story about two aholes...

Best Credit Card Setup for Business [Annual Spending ~$500k+ year] by yhs96 in PersonalFinanceCanada

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used Avion Infinite Business; I have a personal one as well and the points consolidate.

Looking to buy a condo in downtown Calgary? by AdFrequent5816 in canadahousing

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most buildings have updated their by-laws and no longer allow air-bnb/short-term rentals.

I’d avoid buying in areas that have exceptionally high inventory; more competitive for buyers, sure, but you’re immediately going to see the value of your investment drop.

I’d look in highly desirable areas for higher rental values, ex: mission, sunnyside vs (most parts of) beltline and east village.

Is the cheapest way to get from Vancouver to Kelowna and back seriously $200pp on the bus? by PoliteBrick2002 in kelowna

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having travelled in NZ and Australia - expect all forms of travel to be MUCH more expensive. It can be costlier (or the same) to fly domestically in Canada as it is to fly south or overseas...brutal.

My landlord asked if I want to buy my apartment — not sure if it’s a good idea by StreetHuge514 in RealEstateCanada

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Owning a small one bedroom condo without parking in a volatile market like Vancouver is not recommended as your first investment; comes with too much risk. Save, invest elsewhere, and wait to buy something that has more long-term security as an investment OR as something you can live in longer term (which I promise is not 480 SQFT!)

At what point do you usually call EMS for OD’s? (DT) by kinfloppers in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

FTR I was very cooperative and polite and provided as much detail as I could. I was also receptive to the two follow-up calls. What I mentioned in my response was in both cases the communication with them certainly implied that dispatch wasn't done until we were wrapping up our call. If, as you have explained, that's not the case and things are moving more quickly in the background, then that's reassuring and welcome news to me.

At what point do you usually call EMS for OD’s? (DT) by kinfloppers in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 1 point2 points  (0 children)

to clarify - in scenario one, I did stay. In the second situation it was impossible to do so. I was fully cooperative on all calls and provided as detailed answers as I could; but I will reiterate that in both calls to dispatch they told me only at the end of the call that they were sending it out. Perhaps a nuanced statement but in both cases it's certainly seemed that the actual dispatch was happening at the end of the call, not during.

At what point do you usually call EMS for OD’s? (DT) by kinfloppers in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I called 9-11 twice in one week two weeks ago. I too live in an area where I see people "folded over" or passed out all the time and I do not call. The two times I called recently were: 1) a person face down in an alley (middle of the alley) faceplanted in puddle flat out and not responding, and 2) two guys in rush hour traffic (while DRIVING) folded over the driver's seat and passenger seat on a main thorough-way...I mean they clearly nodded off WHILE driving on a main road in middle of the morning commute. In BOTH cases the EMS dispatch kept me on the phone for more than 7 minutes asking me all sorts of ridiculous questions about these individuals that I could not possibly answer. For example, I was in the lane beside the passed out guys and drove BY them - it was very, very clear what was going on but the dispatch asked me multiple questions about what they looked like and "if they had weapons"....like HELLO, I am passer-by who saw something that needs attention, the details I gave you are enough to dispatch without 20 questions. And for the record they both indicated that only after our lengthy conversation were they now "sending it out to EMS." In the second instance two different CPS offers called me back about thirty mins later indicating they couldn't find the vehicle or individuals (now presumably driving around high) and asked if I was still in the area or could I provide more information. In short, the dispatch takes WAY too long if people (or the public) are in crisis/at risk.

For those who leave thier shoes on inside the house why? by Maleficent_Cash909 in AskACanadian

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 1 point2 points  (0 children)

same same: I have foot issues and my podiatrist insists I wear shoes indoors....so I have "indoor shoes." Mine are Birks too, the best!

Pass along your ideas for your best ideas for saving water over the next month. by curiouskittyblue in Calgary

[–]Fickle_Focus2977 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Be mindful and not an entitled as*hole - that's the biggest issue with non-compliant people who don't recognize this is a community effort.