Or for those outside the USA, Smarties.

It could be useful for the lane marker paint to make it easier to see at night, especially when on a winding road with lots of turns just out of reach of your headlights.

FTFY

We've had chip and PIN in Canada for years now, too. It's just the USA that hasn't caught up with the rest of the world.

Steam had a problem with this not long ago if the Steam directory was moved. Mind you, it only deleted the user files (unless you run your machine as root).

But as someone who plays a lot of PC games, do you want Microsoft to start downloading and installing a bunch of updates whenever it wants, even if you're in the middle of game, or would you prefer the option to hold off until a more convenient time?

I understand why Microsoft considers it important to keep security patches up-to-date, but at least give the users some flexibility on when to apply the updates.

What about people who can't/don't want to update at the time Microsoft tells them? I can understand why they want to ensure updates get applied, but there are situations when I would want to hold off until a better time. For example, I could be running my laptop through through my cell phone on vacation, or live in an area with only dial-up or expensive wireless internet (I could take the laptop to a library or café and download the updates through their faster internet). I've been in the situation where I had to help someone set up their computer for a presentation and their computer had to be restarted. Of course the Windows updates kicked in during the shutdown, making them late because we had to wait for the updates to be applied before the computer would finally reboot.

With some of the power outages we've had in recent winters, I'd definitely include an option to hook up a generator with a transfer switch built into the main electrical panel so I could keep essentials running (well pump, fridge, freezer). I don't need to worry about heat because I have a wood stove, but for anyone relying on electric heat, having some extra circuits on the transfer switch and a big enough generator would be useful for a space heater or two.

The BlackBerry Playbook does exactly this. When you install the app, you see what permissions it is requesting and have the option to disable some. You can also go back into the settings to review and change what permissions each app has. I also dislike the "take it or leave it" approach Android has with app permissions, and I consider it a strike against any Android device for my next phone.

Or with contact lenses. I found this out myself after wearing contacts for a couple of years. After wearing them longer each day than I should have, my eyes began growing extra blood vessels to bring oxygen to the cornea where it was covered by the lens. It most definitely changed the pattern in my irises.

I'm also in Atlantic Canada. Have you looked into the Pay as You Go/Prepaid plan with Rogers or Bell Aliant? They offer daily or weekly data packages you activate when you need it. These range from $1-2/day to $5/week with Rogers. Caller ID is included with prepaid.

I'm currently on Pay as You Go with my basic phone, but when I finally decide to replace it, I'd buy the phone outright and stick with the prepaid plans. I don't know about your usage -- $100 prepaid is good for a year, but even if it only lasts you three months, it's still cheaper than getting locked into a 3 year contract at $50-70/month.

The Public Safety branch of the Canadian government has a website with some tips for preparing for situations like this. They have some recommendations of items to keep in a 72-hour emergency kit. Visit www.GetPrepared.ca for more info. I have most of the items scattered about my home; I just need to run off some extra water into a jug and get it all together in one spot.