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Articles by Tom Ross
High yield bonds: Can tight credit spreads persist?
by Brent Olson and Tom Ross, Janus Henderson What goes up must come down. This Newtonian truism about the gravitational pull on objects is often applied to financial markets. After an extended period of markets moving higher, people assume they will fall. It is here that the gravitational link breaks down, because after a period of markets declining, people assume they will rise. Markets often seem to chase an elusive mean.
High Yield Bonds: Can Tight Credit Spreads Persist?
What goes up must come down. This Newtonian truism about the gravitational pull on objects is often applied to financial markets. After an extended period of markets moving higher, people assume they will fall. It is here that the gravitational link breaks down, because after a period of markets declining, people assume they will rise. Markets often seem to chase an elusive mean.
Why COBOL Remains Innovative 65 Years Later
The invention of Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), a compiled English-like computer programming language, did not mark the end of its evolution. Like the wheel has evolved since its invention around 3,500 BCE, COBOL has evolved from its most basic iterations into the more mobile COBOL of today. Too often invention and innovation are considered synonymous, leaving many to believe that technology is only the latest software and hardware made visible to the market.
Put the zIIP in Java and COBOL Programs
Mainframes excel in supporting large volumes of data, high-speed transaction processing, and secure computing. The Fortune 1000 relies upon mainframes to run their business, and of course, many of those business applications are written in Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL). Various sources claim that there are between 100 billion to 800 billion lines of COBOL code in use today[1], with over a billion new lines of COBOL being programmed each year.
Legal costs to blame for high auto insurance in Alberta: Insurance Bureau of Canada
Legal costs to blame for high auto insurance in Alberta: Insurance Bureau of Canada | CBC News Loaded Calgary·New For many years, Alberta has been among the priciest provinces in Canada when it comes to car insurance rates. This has continued to worsen over the last five years and a new report suggests that legal costs are largely to blame.
Downtown intersection to be closed for Green Line construction
Calgary A major intersection in Calgary's East Village will be closed through most of the fall as crews relocate utilities as part of the LRT project. Work expected to last through much of the fall and finish before end of 2023 · CBC News · A major intersection in Calgary's East Village is closed for work related to the Green Line LRT.
Environmental groups concerned about logging operation in Alberta's Kananaskis Country
Calgary Ahead of the start of a two year timber harvest in Kananaskis, environmental groups hope people can convince the province to rethink the decision due to potential wildlife impacts. 1,100 hectares of forest will be harvested in two year operation near Highwood River · CBC News · Starting this fall, a timber harvest will begin in an area of Kananaskis Country in southwest Alberta and it is sparking worries among some environmentalists.
'Magic' moment ensures show goes on during rain-soaked Canmore Folk Music Festival
As the Canmore Folk Music Festival was approaching its conclusion on Monday, organizers were faced with a tough choice. Huddled together backstage, festival director Jenna Klein-Waller and others were tracking a major storm moving right toward the mountain town west of Calgary. As the music was still playing, they realized a difficult decision had to be made in the interest of safety.
ET Initiative
Part III of the US 6th Industrial Revolution Meta-Initiative Abstract The ET Initiative presents a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at achieving comprehensive disclosure of non-human intelligence and harnessing humanity's unique skills for participation in the galactic economy.
Derek Reimer arrested near drag storytime event at Calgary library
Calgary police say they have arrested a man near a drag storytime event at a library in the city's southwest Wednesday afternoon. Police told CBC News a man was arrested for a breach of bail conditions, but did not confirm his name. A social media video posted by Rebel News shows Derek Reimer being arrested in a parking lot near the Signal Hill Library. Reimer was previously arrested and charged with hate-motivated offences following a Feb. 25 altercation at a library storytime drag event.
Green burials are becoming more popular in Calgary. Here's why Original
Death is big business in Canada, where the funeral home industry is worth over a billion dollars. But as expenses rise and people become more conscious of environmental impacts, more are considering less expensive options. Leading the way in alternative choices are green burials, which do away with the commonly held practices such as embalming, sturdy caskets and gravestones.
Higher interest rates spike mortgage costs in Calgary
Seven consecutive interest rate hikes from the Bank of Canada this year has cooled the housing market in Calgary, as people shy away from borrowing at higher rates. But at the same time, sellers are holding off on making homes available. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, sales have fallen over 20 per cent since 2021. But one of the key factors that keeps people out of the market has not changed a lot, as benchmark prices are higher than last year by over eight per cent.
Here's how some shoppers are adjusting their holiday spending this season
Calgary·New Inflation and the rising cost of living will have an impact on the holiday season, with some shoppers in Calgary changing their habits a bit as they look for gifts. Faced with rising prices, Calgarians say they'll be hunting for deals · CBC News · Posted: Dec 05, 2022 6:47 AM MT | Last Updated: 8 minutes ago Inflation and the rising cost of living will have an impact on the holiday season — and some shoppers in Calgary are changing their habits while looking for gifts.
University of Calgary seeking more diverse staff of professors
Calgary·New The University of Calgary is looking to improve the diversity of its faculty, and will be hiring dozens of professors over the next three years through a new program. Inclusive Excellence Cluster Hiring Initiative aims to attract 45 new professors · CBC News · Posted: Dec 04, 2022 5:00 AM MT | Last Updated: 6 minutes ago The University of Calgary is looking to improve the diversity of its faculty, and will be hiring dozens of professors over the next three years through a new program.
Calgary's historic Eau Claire building set to become community hub
There's new life on the horizon for the historic Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Co. building. It was moved from its original downtown location along Barclay Parade S.W. in October 2021 to make way for flood mitigation work in the area and has been sitting in a temporary location at a parking lot down the street. Since the move, the city has been making sure the 119-year-old building is in good shape so it can stay standing for many years to come.
Home prices decline again but remain higher than last year, real estate board says Original
For the third month in a row, Calgary saw a decline in house prices — but supply levels have also tightened as fewer homes go on the market, according to a new survey. The latest report from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) shows sales activity remained fairly steady in August as more people sought affordable homes. Overall, inventory trended downwards and there are now fewer options for anyone who is not in the market for an expensive home.
Canada's plans to help European energy woes may not have room for Alberta
The Russian war in Ukraine has had the side effect of cutting off a large portion of natural gas to Germany, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in Canada to sign a deal with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on hydrogen energy. While there is a desire from Germany to find more natural gas in the meantime, there appears to be little appetite to add the necessary infrastructure – including a plant for liquefied natural gas on Canada's east coast.
Pro basketball team in Calgary brings Battle of Alberta to the hardcourt Original
News that a professional basketball team is moving to Calgary next year has fans excited, and those involved in the sport think it will go a long way to increasing interest. The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced this week it is moving the Guelph Nighthawks to Calgary, opting to take one of its founding franchises to a much larger market. Alberta is no stranger to the CEBL.
Virtual program connects thousands of Albertans with doctors Original
Since launching earlier this year, a pilot program creating virtual connections between Albertans and doctors continues to reduce unnecessary hospital visits. More than 8,000 patients have been assessed either over the phone or via videoconferencing, with Alberta Health Services hoping it can improve access for people and reduce strain on the health-care system. People can access the virtual system by contacting Health Link at 811, with a nurse referring them to a doctor if needed.
Health companies shift focus as demand declines for COVID-19 testing
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it didn't take long for health companies to start offering tests for people who didn't want to wait in long lines at public health facilities. Prices for single PCR tests exceeded $100 in most cases, and Calgary-based Ichor Health was one of the companies generating lots of revenue through these test sales. The company began operating before the pandemic but soon ballooned to open five Alberta clinics and installed new machinery to facilitate testing.
Canada: Coalition of provincial gaming agencies calls on bettors to avoid illegal gambling sites
The business of online gambling is booming in Canada, but some provincial lottery corporations feel they’re missing out on a big chunk of the winnings. Organizations in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada are working together as a coalition to bring attention to illegal gaming websites, as offshore operators advertise in their jurisdictions and poach potential profits.
Provincial coalition of gaming agencies calls on bettors to avoid illegal gambling sites
The business of online gambling is booming in Canada, but some provincial lottery corporations feel they're missing out on a big chunk of the winnings. Organizations in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada are working together as a coalition to bring attention to illegal gaming websites, as offshore operators advertise in their jurisdictions and poach potential profits.
Fireside House by Breathe
Combining the existing narrative of a heritage home with a newly formed extrusion for the family to gather within, Fireside House provides the ideal expression of coming together. Breathe proposes generous and enveloping spaces that are bound by a shared warmth and natural illumination connecting to the surrounding garden. Neatly located amongst other similar-era timber cottages in Northcote, Fireside House is an experiment of modest proportions.
Calgary's Robert Leeming found guilty in death of 22-month-old
A Calgary man who admitted to murdering his former girlfriend but denied killing her daughter has now been found guilty in the child’s death. Robert Leeming, who is 36, pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to the second-degree murder of Jasmine Lovett in 2019 but not guilty in the death of 22-month-old Aliyah Sanderson. His lawyer said during closing arguments in November that there’s no evidence to prove Leeming was responsible for the girl’s death.
'It's going off the charts': Wastewater testing reflecting surge of COVID-19 cases
A medical technician handles samples of COVID-19 tests. (Photo by Salvatore Laporta/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images) As we go through another wave of COVID-19 infections fuelled by the Omicron variant, one method of detecting the virus may be a bit more effective in showing the spread than PCR tests.
Kevin J. Johnston arrested after trying to cross U.S. border
AHS has been granted a restraining order against Kevin J. Johnston for threats he made against AHS employees. (CREDIT: Kevin J Johnston/Facebook) A failed mayoral candidate in Calgary has been arrested after a warrant for his arrest was issued earlier this week. Calgary police issued a warrant for the arrest of Kevin J. Johnston because he failed to show up to a weekend prison term.
Calgary's mayor wants to pitch in for fight against Bill 21
Ward 3 Councillor Jyoti Gondek speaks to reporters on Stephen Ave. in downtown Calgary on Tuesday Jul. 6, 2021. (PHOTO: Tom Ross, CityNews) As criticism grows around the country in response to Quebec’s controversial Bill 21, Calgary’s mayor wants to put some money into a legal fund that will push back against the legislation.
Travel advisory issued as Highway 3 opens
Fog over Crownest Highway 3, Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada. An advisory is out for Albertans who may be hitting a major highway link between this province and British Columbia. Highway 3 has reopened to essential traffic following the destructive floods and mudslides that struck B.C. last week, helping ease a significant backlog of commercial traffic that has cut supply lines.
Systemic issues within CAF still needs adressing: advocates
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces march during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 8, 2016. The Canadian Armed Forces says it is investigating a reserve member in Winnipeg for allegedly participating in a hate group. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Advocates are saying we must still keep up the pressure on justice reform, following a decision from the federal government that can hopefully stamp down cases of sexual violence within the Canadian Armed Forces. On Nov.
Concerns raised about cost of Alberta provincial police
Detail of the dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. While Alberta’s justice minister said it is “cost-effective” and the premier said it is “compelling”, there are lots of doubts rising around the idea of establishing a provincial police force. A long-awaited report on the proposal, which was commissioned following a recommendation from the Fair Deal Panel, was released on Friday to largely underwhelming reviews.
'Shame on them': residential school survivor on fake sites selling orange t-shirts
A photo of a shirt from the Orange Shirt Day website. (CREDIT: Orange Shirt Day) CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A residential school survivor is speaking out about websites that are trying to profit by selling orange t-shirts, that are not affiliated with Indigenous people. With a spotlight once again being shone on the horrors of residential schools in Canada, there has been an outpouring of support around the country as people look to show solidarity with Indigenous people.
'Protecting lives and livelihoods': Alberta releases budget focused on recovery
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — After an extremely tough year that has crippled Alberta’s finances and caused widespread hardship, the provincial government is out with a new budget that aims to spark recovery. “Protecting Lives and Livelihoods” is the title of the 2021-22 fiscal plan announced on Thursday in Edmonton, including massive investments in health care and sectors that could recover thousands of jobs.
Bail hearing held for 19-year-old charged in officer's death
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — One of the men accused in the death of Calgary police Sergeant Andrew Harnett was in court for a bail hearing on Friday. Amir Abdulrahman, 19, is facing charges of first-degree murder after Harnett was killed while responding to a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve.
Thread by @Tommy_Slick on Thread Reader App
Good morning, I am currently in a virtual Calgary courtroom watching today's constitutional challenge against COVID-19 restrictions. There are easily over a hundred people watching as well, and a big lineup outside the courthouse as well. #yyc #ableg The challenge has been launched by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.
Broad support for wealth tax in Canada during pandemic: poll
(PHOTO: Tom Ross - 660 NEWS) CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Inequality has been thrust into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people are growing frustrated about the wealthiest people and corporations raking in more cash while others struggle to get by. Data from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows Canada’s top billionaires have gained about $40 billion dollars during the pandemic.
Primates also need protection from COVID-19: Calgary-led study
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — While we are focused on keeping ourselves safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, research led by the University of Calgary and done alongside New York University is shining a light on how the virus could affect our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. The study, published in the scientific journal Communications Biology, found that some non-human primates are just as susceptible to the virus as we are and it underscores a need to keep their populations safe.
'Today is not a good day': Calgary ring road opening carries mixed emotions
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — An event commemorating the opening of a portion of the southwest Calgary Ring Road took on a sharply different tone when an Indigenous man took the microphone and said the project has destroyed his family’s land. “I am going to speak, and you are going to listen,” said Seth Cardinal Dodginghorse as he took the podium after Mayor Naheed Nenshi completed his statements. “Today is not a good day.
Alberta RCMP looking for those involved in demonstration assault in Red Deer
by COLE FORTNER AND TOM ROSS Posted Sep 23, 2020 4:49 pm PDT Last Updated Sep 23, 2020 at 4:53 pm PDT RED DEER, Alb. (CityNews) – Alberta RCMP are investigating an assault that occurred at an anti-racism demonstration over the weekend. In a press conference Red Deer RCMP Superintendent Gerald Grobmeier confirmed that RCMP were aware of the planned demonstration and had prepared to have adequate resources and specially equipped officers at the event to handle any potential risks to public safety.
Hyperloop proposal back on track as Alberta government reaches agreement
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — “There’s nothing on Earth like a genuine, bonafide, electrified, six-car Monorail,” claimed Lyle Lanley, the infamous Monorail salesman in a 1993 episode of The Simpsons. While the project ended disastrously in the cartoon, a more futuristic version could be back on track, in reality, closer to home.
Alberta Medical Association votes overwhelmingly that they have no confidence in Minister of Health Tyler Shandro. #ableg Dr. Chri…
BREAKING: Alberta Medical Association votes overwhelmingly that they have no confidence in Minister of Health Tyler Shandro. #ableg Dr. Christine Molnar says the province needs to pay attention to this, and it reflects how they feel contract negotiations have not been done in good faith. When asked about this potential vote, Premier Jason Kenney said there would be no chance that he tells Minister Shandro to resign. With questions, @Jantafrench asks what they hope to achieve with this vote.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — The United Conservative government has announced a suite of changes to health care legislation, which they hope will streamline services and help deliver on some campaign promises. Health Minister Tyler Shandro introduced Bill 30: The Health Statutes and Amendments Act Monday afternoon in the legislature, paving the way to changes affecting seven health-related acts and repeals to two others. “First, they will strengthen the role of Albertans in our health system.
Concern that provincial disaster relief is not enough
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Almost two weeks since a massive hailstorm damaged ten of thousands of homes and cars around Calgary, some relief is being given by the provincial government. But Thursday’s announcement that the Disaster Relief Program will be used to provide some funding is also coming with some confusion, as affected residents do not think it will apply to them.
NDP calling for Premier to fire speechwriter following controversial essay
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney updates media on measures taken to help with COVID-19, in Edmonton on Friday, March 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The Premier is facing calls to fire his speechwriter after a controversial article came to light. In 2013, Paul Bunner wrote an article for the conservative-leaning publication C2C Journal.
Province seeks to ban sex offenders from changing their names
The Alberta legislature building illuminated on Budget day. Feb 27, 2020. (PHOTO: Tom Ross, 660 NEWS) EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — As a way to help protect survivors of sexual violence and other related crimes, the province has introduced legislation to prevent convicted offenders from changing their identity. Bill 28 changes rules around how Albertans can legally change their names, by also requiring applicants to submit a background check during the process.
Police seek driver after hit and run injures cyclist
(PHOTO: Tom Ross - 660 NEWS) CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Calgary police are seeking help after a cyclist was struck by a vehicle earlier this month. On June 10 at around 4:50 p.m., the cyclist was crossing the intersection of Southland Drive and Fairmount Drive S.E. when he was hit. Although the driver got out and briefly spoke to the cyclist, she soon got back inside her car and left the scene without providing any information.
45 new cases of COVID-19 in Alberta and no additional deaths
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — COVID-19 case numbers remain steady in Alberta, with 45 new positive tests over the last 24 hours, said chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. In her Tuesday update, Hinshaw said over 6,500 tests had been done, and fortunately there have been no additional deaths. There are 37 people being treated in hospital, with six in the intensive care unit. To date, there have been 7,096 recoveries from the virus and the death toll remains at 153 across the province.
Residents call on Kenney for hail disaster relief
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Over a week since arguably the largest natural disaster to affect Calgary, residents are asking for quick action from the provincial government. In a letter addressed to Premier Jason Kenney — and also sent to numerous MLAs, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Ward 5 Councillor George Chahal — people living in several northeast communities call for financial relief.
Be patient as you await car repairs following hailstorm
A car is peppered with dents and windshield cracks as a result of a large hailstorm that hit northeast Calgary on June 13, 2020. (PHOTO: Tom Ross - 660 NEWS) CALGARY (660 NEWS) — You may still be in for a long wait to get your car fixed up after a devastating hailstorm ripped through the city last weekend. Thousands of cars were damaged by the wicked weather, as hail smashed windshields, rear windows and sunroofs, along with creating dents.
Province making sweeping changes in response to COVID-19 pandemic
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — As the recovery continues from the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government has tabled a series of legislative changes to fill gaps after the state of public health emergency lapsed on June 15. With amendments to 15 acts across seven ministries, the government said the intent of Bill 24 is to protect the health of Albertans while also supporting the re-opening of the economy.
Fair Deal Panel report released in Alberta
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — Reading like a manifesto of demands to assert Alberta’s place in the country, a report on seeking a fair deal has been released. The full report is available on the Government of Alberta website. It follows months of consultations, including thousands of people at two dozen town halls, some 40,000 Albertans participating in a public engagement survey and a thousand more people polled by telephone.
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