The following article is a warning from the Edmonton Sun regarding certain species of fish found in certain specific places in Alberta that have recently been found to contain unhealthy levels of mercury. While this issue only affects a small number of people, any matter regarding public health should be taken seriously. And, since Alberta is well known as having some of the finest fishing in the world, this is important to spread the info around. Here is the article:

Safety Warning over Fish

CALGARY — Health officials are warning seafood lovers to avoid eating certain species of fish caught in Alberta after tests found high amounts of mercury.

A public health advisory has been issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Andre Corriveau recommending people limit or avoid eating walleye, sauger and goldeye caught in some places in Alberta to reduce any heath risks.

Women who are pregnant or of child-bearing age and children are encouraged to avoid or limit eating walleye caught from Pine Coulee, Red Deer River at the mouth of the Blindman River or the South Saskatchewan River at the Bindloss Ferry and Medicine Hat.

People should also beware of northern pike from Twin Valley Reservoirs in southern Alberta, and sauger and goldeye from the South Saskatchewan River at the Bindloss Ferry and Medicine Hat.

“While levels of methylmercury identified do not pose an immediate health threat, limiting consumption is the best way to reduce any long-term health risks,” Corriveau said.

“I recommend people who eat fish frequently from these bodies of water either avoid or limit their weekly consumption.”

Mercury converts to methylmercury by bacteria or chemical reactions once it reaches a lake, and then fish absorb it from water as it passes through their gills, or from the prey they eat.

Large predatory fish like walleye and northern pike accumulate more methylmercury as they consume smaller fish.

katie.schneider@sunmedia.ca

As I have been predicting, the wave of bank failures in the US continues. Another 6 or 7 failed this week. I expect this will continue for at least another 6 months as there are many small banks who are merely getting by on federal government money and creative accounting, in my opinion.

I expect to see the bank failures followed by something which none of the 'experts' in the financial news media are yet predicting, but I believe is imminent. I expect to see the bank failures followed by the failure of insurance companies and also pension funds. All it will take is a minor natural disaster and the insurers will start to fall like a house of cards. Anything the size of Katrina would be financially devestating, but anything half that size will start the process.

While I do see a few bright lights and opportunities arising, I also see that real estate prices are still too high in most US markets, I see 16 million vacant properties across the US (more then the total number of homes in Canada), and I see more then half the mortgage holders in the US being upside down in their properties.

I fully expect a black day on the stock markets any time soon. I don't know what triggered the 'black mondays' of the past, but honestly believe that the chances of 2009 ending without having a day with stock markets crashing 30% across the board, will in itself be a miracle. The correction has started, but it is far from over. Smart money will be sitting on the sidelines and waiting for opportunity.

Here is todays article from CNN regarding the most recent bank failures.

Bank failures stack up: Now 106 for 2009

Banks in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, were shuttered, costing the FDIC an estimated $356.6 million.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The tally of bank failures easily broke past the No. 100 milestone on Friday night, with regulators announcing the year's 106th closure.

That's more than four times the number that were closed in 2008, and the highest total since 1992, when 181 banks failed.

Earlier on Friday evening the dubious honor of the 100th failure went to Partners Bank, of Naples, Fla., which had $65.5 million in assets, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The 101st failure was American United Bank, of Lawrenceville, Ga., which had $111 million in assets.

The 102nd failure was another Naples, Fla., institution: Hillcrest Bank Florida, which had $83 million in assets.

The 103rd closure was Bradenton, Fla.-based Flagship National Bank, with $190 million in assets.

The 104th was Bank of Elmwood, based in Racine, Wis., which had $327.4 million in assets.

The 105th failure was Riverview Community Bank of Otsego, Minn., with $108 million in assets.

The 106th failure was First Dupage Bank in Westmont, Ill., which had $279 million in assets.

Customers of all seven banks are protected, however. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which has insured bank deposits since the Great Depression, covers customer accounts up to $250,000. This is funded through premiums paid by member banks.

In fact, to reassure borrowers, FDIC chair Sheila Bair posted a video message to the agency's Web site, saying "for the insured depositor, a bank failure is a non-event."

Still, Bair cautioned that "until the healing process is complete, there will be more bank failures."

What happens to the banks. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Stonegate Bank will assume control of all Partners Bank's $64.9 million in deposits. It will also take over Hillcrest Bank's $84 million in deposits. The two branches of Partners Bank and six branches of Hillcrest will reopen on Monday as branches of Stonegate.

Moultrie, Ga.-based Ameris Bank will pay the FDIC a premium of 1.02% to take control of American United's $101 million in deposits. The FDIC and Ameris Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on $92 million of American United's assets, an agreement in which Ameris will share in the losses on the assets covered.

The single branch of American United Bank will reopen on Monday as a branch of Ameris.

Lake City, Fla.-based First Federal Bank will take over all of Flagship National Bank's $175 million in deposits. The four branches of Flagship will reopen Monday as branches of First Federal.

Bank of Elmwood's $273.2 million in deposits are now controlled by Tri City National Bank, based in Oak Creek, Wis. The five branches of Bank of Elmwood will reopen on Saturday as branches of Tri City.

Stillwater, Minn.-based Central Bank will take control of Riverview Community Bank's $80 million in deposits. The FDIC and Central Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on $75 million of Riverview's assets.

First Dupage Bank's $254 million in deposits are now being handled by First Midwest Bank of Itasca, Ill. The FDIC and First Midwest Bank entered into a loss-share transaction on approximately $247 million of First Dupage Bank's assets. The sole First Dupage branch will reopn Saturday as an outpost of First Midwest.

The failure of the six banks will cost the Deposit Insurance Fund an estimated $356.6 million, according to the FDIC.

Why regional banks are failing. While larger financial institutions have received aid from the federal government, smaller banks have found themselves left adrift. Like their larger counterparts, many of these banks made risky loans to individuals and real estate developers during the boom years and are now facing large numbers of defaults as the recession drags on.

Rising unemployment has made it difficult for many individuals to keep up with expenses, and businesses are feeling the crunch of consumers' reduced spending power. As a result, regional banks are left holding loans their customers can't repay.

Problem banks list looms. The FDIC keeps a list of "problem banks," though it does not disclose the names to the general public out of fear that depositors at those institutions may prompt a "run on the bank."

In June, the agency said 416 banks were at risk of failure -- the highest level in 15 years.

It's a whopping figure, to be sure. But even as the pace of failures accelerates, 2009's numbers remain far from what happened during the savings and loan crisis two decades ago. More than 1,900 financial institutions failed from 1987-1991, peaking at 534 closures in 1989.

Federal coffers running dry. An average of 10 banks have failed per month this year, and the federal coffer is thinning under the massive strain. The fund now stands at $7.5 billion, down significantly from $45 billion a year ago.

When the FDIC factors in expected closures, the agency says the fund is in the red and will likely remain there through 2012. Bank failure costs are expected to total $100 billion over the next four years, leaving regulators strapped for cash.

Last month, the FDIC discussed how to raise quick cash to replenish the fund. The agency proposed that banks prepay their deposit insurance premiums for the next three years.

Are you shopping for a home on the Lethbridge MLS? Or wanting your home sold on the Lethbridge MLS? Or just curious what MLS is?

What is the MLS^®?

When you want to buy a car, the pressure’s on to make the deal with that salesperson at that car dealership. You won’t hear about what’s being offered at the competing lot down the street.

That’s the exact opposite of the MLS^® used by REALTORS^® across Canada. In fact, MLS^® is all about REALTORS^® cooperating with each other, no matter what company they work for. MLS^® is a complex system that boils down to big advantages for consumers: cooperation and marketing among REALTORS^® mean better chances for you to succeed.

MLS^® was created 50 years ago to help Canadians wanting to buy or sell properties. You’re probably familiar with REALTOR.ca, the online property guide, but what began as reams of paper chock full of listing information and photos has become an online database of properties from across the country.

REALTOR^® members of the local real estate board pay for the MLS^®. That board operates the local system, while the umbrella group – the Canadian Real Estate Association – owns the MLS^® trademark.

Only REALTORS^® can list on the MLS^® and REALTOR.ca, so if you’re selling your property, you’ll benefit from the wide exposure the listing will enjoy. Other REALTORS^® use the database to present the possibilities to their clients, potential buyers for your home.

If you’re in the market to buy or looking to sell, remember that the MLS^®, REALTOR.ca and your REALTOR^® can help make your dream a reality.

Looking for a Lethbridge Realtor to take care of your Lethbridge real estate needs?

Commissions Are Negotiable
When discussing fees, industry members must be honest in advising their clients as to the “typical” or “usual” rates charged in their area. The amount of commission or fee that might be charged is not officially set out by any industry body, therefore they may not indicate these fees are set and/or not negotiable.

Commissions are negotiable. However, wise consumers will know that the cheapest deal is not always the best deal. The old adage of, you get what you pay for, can apply to real estate services too. Therefore, shopping for an agreeable mix of services offered at a fair commission is recommended. Every brokerage will have its own policy on its services and fees and consumers are free to negotiate their own agreement with the brokerage of their choice.

Before entering into a contract, smart consumers will compare the services and fees of a few brokerages by interviewing industry members. The interviews will help the consumer understand what range of commission rates is common in the marketplace and what types of services each brokerage will offer. This will assist consumers in working out a fair arrangement with their brokerage of choice.