Here is Elena’s message on mastodon about it: https://mastodon.social/@_elena/113899740641675793 I guess you can always provide some feedback!

Thanks for that channel, I have not seen it before!

I get why you’re frustrated about the taxes, but let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. My message to increase taxes on smokers and vapers isn’t about punishing people for their choices, it’s about offsetting the huge costs that smoking and vaping put on the healthcare system and society as a whole.

You’re already paying a pretty penny in taxes on your e-juice, but the reality is that the healthcare costs associated with smoking and vaping are way higher than what’s being brought in through taxes. We’re talking $6 billion dollars each year to treat smoking-related illnesses (https://www.lung.ca/cla-commends-canadian-government’s-step-toward-tobacco-industry-accountability). Let’s be real, the tax revenue from vaping products isn’t necessarily being used to address the health concerns associated with vaping.

Rather than just opposing increased taxes, maybe it’s worth thinking about how we can make the tax system more fair. Could we structure taxes to encourage people to use safer products, like your refillable RTAs/RTDs, over more hazardous ones. The goal here is to promote public health and reduce the costs associated with smoking and vaping.

In Ontario! The new optional Ultra-Low Overnight price plan provides:

Ultra-low overnight rate of 2.4 cents per kWh: everyday 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Mid-peak rates of 10.2 cents per kWh: weekdays 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
On-peak rates of 24.0 cents per kWh: weekdays 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Weekend off-peak rates of 7.4 cents per kWh: weekends and statutory holidays 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002916/ontario-launches-new-ultra-low-overnight-electricity-price-plan

I definitely take advantage. I have solar panels that generate a moderate amount of energy, heat pump, and electric (heat pump) furnace and hot water tank plus two electric cars. Home Assistant has been such a dream to maximize the low energy and self-generated energy.

I have debated adding some batteries, but the amount of energy we use, especially at -30 c, it’s cost prohibitive.

Honestly, I am not a big fan of government surveillance, but god damn it taxes smokers and those who vape more.

I need to look into this again. I had it installed at the beginning of the winter and found it wonky. Heating during peak hours and not doing a thing when we pay .02$/kWh

Hitching on the wagon that Pixelfed is leading is good. There’s a lot of talk even from those who don’t care about FOSS, or Fediverse projects. Let’s give some credit and let things slide so the whole can succeed.

That’s a great tip thanks!

Add it to the list. Definitely changing my blocklist on pihole/adguard

I cannot wait to see this bulldog in power and tread water time and time again because he has no policy. He’s been a barking mutt his whole career. Useless twat.

I get triggered when a for profit entity (like ESRI) uses open data and then sells it to governments…

As a Canadian I have seen our government crumble to for-profit entities. The issue is that a lot of governments do not want the liability of something if it fails.

Will EU countries that planned to use open source options and their own staff, already on the payroll, still likely create a procurement plan for maintenance and ongoing tech support?

Home Assistant is a great platform to build on and their assist feature is amazing. Definitely worth the effort.

An alternative to eBay and PayPal is needed! Thiel is up there too with Musk and Bozo.

You’re right, maybe it’s a dream to have a Canadian GDPR-like policy. I once tried to get Canadian Tire to delete my data and they declined the request. 🤦🏼

Has anyone found a decent option to replace PayPal?

That’s their plan…

Before I clicked the link, which was a questionable life choice, I’m wondering what on earth you’d be doing. Was this person actually just chillin’ in the backyard and thinking “damn, this Miller Lite is going through me too quickly to bother getting up and going back inside.”

Let’s break it down. Just because a solution is European, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s better or more trustworthy when it comes to your data and privacy. While some European solutions might be great, it’s not a guarantee that they’re all created equal or that they’re more committed to protecting your information.

It’s not like all European companies are die-hard advocates for privacy, fairness, and openness. Each one has its own approach and priorities, just like their North American counterparts. So, it’s essential to do your research and evaluate each solution on its own merits, rather than making assumptions based on its geographical origin.

That being said, if you’re looking for a temporary solution while you search for something you can really trust, a European option might be a good stopgap. It’s not a permanent fix, but it can help you bridge the gap until you find a solution that truly aligns with your values and priorities. Just remember to keep looking and don’t get too comfortable – your data and privacy are worth the extra effort to find the right fit.

Thanks for the information. I just signed up using a public matrix but will look into bridge as well and possibly use Oracle free tier to set something up instead of on my homelab. Thanks again!!