Re the Nov 12th piece on wind turbines by Judy Myrden
Where there is high profit to be made it is tempting to distort the inconvenient truths involved – it is no different with wind turbines. Even the greens and environmentalists can be accused of ignorance in this regard. Do they understand that dirty coal plants have NOT been closed down no matter how many turbines are built? ( when the wind dies suddenly another source of energy needs to be ready immediately to pick up the slack, so plants can not be turned off but have to be kept “ on the ready”) Therefore carbon emission reductions are much exaggerated. Do they know that Denmark , regarded as the most advanced in installation of wind turbines have switched to off shore turbine development only ? Do they know that the separation distances legislated in France, Scotland and coming in the rest of the UK is 2400 meters ? Do they know that the reason why the negative effects have not been publicized is that those who innocently lease the land have to sign a contract which muzzles them forever? Those who suffer are ridiculed – investors and developers continue to fund media to keep up the myth of NIMBYism !! Even homeowners who are suffering dare not speak up if they want to be able to unload their homes. Go on line and discover there are petitions all over the world requesting a moratorium on these gigantic installations until health effects have been properly researched Carol Littleton Annapolis Royal
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A Local Food Video Clip
From Tom Paton and Jennifer
Subject: More good news! An encouraging "local food" video clip...
Dear All,
Thanks to BC/Digby friend Jennifer Hill for this yet-another delicious-looking local food video clip. The distinction between farm and garden is becoming nicely fuzzy. All produces FOOD...
Jennifer has started EM (Environmental Microorganisms) Bokashi probiotic composting (and food growing) in almost a dozen schools in BC and is active in the local-food thru micro-markets movement there etc. etc.
Thanks for growing and sharing food and enriching your local soil via composting...,
Tom
EM Atlantic Canada Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See video clip below---
I hope you enjoy this great little video as much as I did. Just replace the west coast names with local names in your area and voila you have SW Nova Scotia.
Cheers
Jennifer
http://vimeo.com/7409888
jennh@smartt.com
Subject: More good news! An encouraging "local food" video clip...
Dear All,
Thanks to BC/Digby friend Jennifer Hill for this yet-another delicious-looking local food video clip. The distinction between farm and garden is becoming nicely fuzzy. All produces FOOD...
Jennifer has started EM (Environmental Microorganisms) Bokashi probiotic composting (and food growing) in almost a dozen schools in BC and is active in the local-food thru micro-markets movement there etc. etc.
Thanks for growing and sharing food and enriching your local soil via composting...,
Tom
EM Atlantic Canada Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See video clip below---
I hope you enjoy this great little video as much as I did. Just replace the west coast names with local names in your area and voila you have SW Nova Scotia.
Cheers
Jennifer
http://vimeo.com/7409888
jennh@smartt.com
Labels:
Local food gardens
Events Coming Up
Nov. 17 - Blood donor clinic, Digby Fire Hall, from 1-3 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 17 - Volunteer food handler course. Digby Area Arena, 2nd floor, from 6–9 p.m. Basics of food safety. Pre-register with Heather Charlton at 467-3269. Free for volunteers only.
Nov. 18 - Digby Area Learning Association annual general meeting in Digby Community Education Centre multi-purpose room at 10 a.m. Open to public.
Nov. 18-Feb. 10 - Scallop Palette Gallery in Digby General Hospital showing paintings inspired by winter. Featured artist Angela O’Neil.
Nov. 22 - ‘Sights of Christmas’ concert, Trinity Anglican Church, Digby, from 3-7 p.m. Tickets available in advance or at the door.
Nov. 22 - Fundraising concert in Oakdene Centre, Bear River, at 3 p.m. with Stan Carew of CBC Weekend Morning & his Band of Magpies. Advance tickets at Digby Convenience & Cherry Brook Grocery. Proceeds for upkeep of Oakdene Centre.
Nov. 26 & 28, Dec. 3 & 12 - Well women’s clinic. Digby General Hospital consultants’ clinic. To book appointment, call 24502502, ext. 3282.
Nov. 28 - Gingerbread competition. Holiday Spirit Fair at Rebekah Music Hall, Bear River, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 20 artists & live music. Register Nov. 25 with your finished gingerbread house. Organized by Women In Rural Enterprise
Nov. 28 - Annual Italian feast. Annapolis Royal Fire Hall from 3–7 p.m. to support Homeless Animals Rescue Team. For advance tickets, call (902) 341-HART. Proceeds to Port Royal Animal Hospital.
Dec. 2-3 - Book sale. Weymouth Consolidated School from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays - ‘Baby & Me’. Family Resource Centre, Digby, from 1 - 2:30 p.m., for parents of babies to 18 months. For information, call 245-6464.
Wednesday-Friday - ’Mother’s United’ for mothers and expectant mothers. Wednesdays at Weymouth library; Thursdays in Little River Baptist Church vestry; Fridays in Digby Family Resource Centre. For information, call 245-6464.
Sundays - Women’s hockey. Digby Area Arena from 9 to 10 a.m. All skills levels welcome. For more information, contact Kim at 245-4631.
AT THE LIBRARIES:
Nov. 20 - Launch of book ‘Led by love’ with poetry by Nora Comeau from 2-4 p.m. in Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library, Digby.
To Nov. 28 - Annual book sale at Weymouth branch library.
To Dec. 30 - ‘Gifts from the Sea and Land’ art exhibit at Weymouth branch library featuring paintings of artists with the Atelier de Clare.
Nov. 17 - Volunteer food handler course. Digby Area Arena, 2nd floor, from 6–9 p.m. Basics of food safety. Pre-register with Heather Charlton at 467-3269. Free for volunteers only.
Nov. 18 - Digby Area Learning Association annual general meeting in Digby Community Education Centre multi-purpose room at 10 a.m. Open to public.
Nov. 18-Feb. 10 - Scallop Palette Gallery in Digby General Hospital showing paintings inspired by winter. Featured artist Angela O’Neil.
Nov. 22 - ‘Sights of Christmas’ concert, Trinity Anglican Church, Digby, from 3-7 p.m. Tickets available in advance or at the door.
Nov. 22 - Fundraising concert in Oakdene Centre, Bear River, at 3 p.m. with Stan Carew of CBC Weekend Morning & his Band of Magpies. Advance tickets at Digby Convenience & Cherry Brook Grocery. Proceeds for upkeep of Oakdene Centre.
Nov. 26 & 28, Dec. 3 & 12 - Well women’s clinic. Digby General Hospital consultants’ clinic. To book appointment, call 24502502, ext. 3282.
Nov. 28 - Gingerbread competition. Holiday Spirit Fair at Rebekah Music Hall, Bear River, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 20 artists & live music. Register Nov. 25 with your finished gingerbread house. Organized by Women In Rural Enterprise
Nov. 28 - Annual Italian feast. Annapolis Royal Fire Hall from 3–7 p.m. to support Homeless Animals Rescue Team. For advance tickets, call (902) 341-HART. Proceeds to Port Royal Animal Hospital.
Dec. 2-3 - Book sale. Weymouth Consolidated School from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesdays - ‘Baby & Me’. Family Resource Centre, Digby, from 1 - 2:30 p.m., for parents of babies to 18 months. For information, call 245-6464.
Wednesday-Friday - ’Mother’s United’ for mothers and expectant mothers. Wednesdays at Weymouth library; Thursdays in Little River Baptist Church vestry; Fridays in Digby Family Resource Centre. For information, call 245-6464.
Sundays - Women’s hockey. Digby Area Arena from 9 to 10 a.m. All skills levels welcome. For more information, contact Kim at 245-4631.
AT THE LIBRARIES:
Nov. 20 - Launch of book ‘Led by love’ with poetry by Nora Comeau from 2-4 p.m. in Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library, Digby.
To Nov. 28 - Annual book sale at Weymouth branch library.
To Dec. 30 - ‘Gifts from the Sea and Land’ art exhibit at Weymouth branch library featuring paintings of artists with the Atelier de Clare.
Women Not Allowed to Compete
From cbc.ca
Write to the IOC, if you care about this issue.
Women ski jumpers lose appeal
B.C. court won't compel Olympic event
Last Updated: Friday, November 13, 2009 | 6:52 PM PT Comments457Recommend106CBC News
A tearful world women's ski jump champion Lindsay Van reacts to the B.C. Court of Appeal decision Friday. (CBC)Women ski jumpers from Canada and the U.S. hoping to have their event included in the 2010 Olympics have lost their case before the B.C. Court of Appeal.
The appeal was dismissed in a unanimous decision Friday in Vancouver after two days of hearings.
The Appeal Court judges stood by the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court in July. In that ruling, Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon said that while it was discriminatory to exclude the women's event, Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee (VANOC) could not be held responsible.
The skiers had argued that VANOC should have been compelled to stage a women's ski jump event — even though it was not sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) — because VANOC is subject to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with its guarantees of gender equality.
After the ruling was announced, the women said they were devastated and hadn't decided what their next course of action would be.
"I thought they would go the other way, for sure," reigning world champion ski jumper Lindsay Van of Utah said as she wiped away tears. "I thought we had a very good argument that was very much set and it didn't seem it would go the other direction."
'Like Taliban of Olympics'
"The Canadian court system is weak," Van added. "They can't even stand up to the IOC. [The IOC] can come in here and do whatever they want. That's scary. It's like the Taliban of the Olympics."
The women could seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, but that process would take months. The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 12.
"I'm not going to commit to anything, but I think it's very late," said Ross Clark, the lawyer for the women.
The Appeal Court judges did not give reasons for their decision but said a written version of their reasons will be issued next week.
Vancouver Games organizers said they were glad the process was over, but they were sad for the women.
"I don't like these kinds of days. We are, first and foremost, men and women of sport and we believe in athletics," said John Furlong, VANOC's chief executive.
"This is a matter that's been far from our reach and our influence and we simply didn't have any jurisdiction here.… These girls have tried very hard, they have put up a very good fight."
The IOC voted in 2006 not to include women's ski jumping at the Games, saying the sport had not met the required technical criteria.
Write to the IOC, if you care about this issue.
Women ski jumpers lose appeal
B.C. court won't compel Olympic event
Last Updated: Friday, November 13, 2009 | 6:52 PM PT Comments457Recommend106CBC News
A tearful world women's ski jump champion Lindsay Van reacts to the B.C. Court of Appeal decision Friday. (CBC)Women ski jumpers from Canada and the U.S. hoping to have their event included in the 2010 Olympics have lost their case before the B.C. Court of Appeal.
The appeal was dismissed in a unanimous decision Friday in Vancouver after two days of hearings.
The Appeal Court judges stood by the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court in July. In that ruling, Justice Lauri Ann Fenlon said that while it was discriminatory to exclude the women's event, Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee (VANOC) could not be held responsible.
The skiers had argued that VANOC should have been compelled to stage a women's ski jump event — even though it was not sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) — because VANOC is subject to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, with its guarantees of gender equality.
After the ruling was announced, the women said they were devastated and hadn't decided what their next course of action would be.
"I thought they would go the other way, for sure," reigning world champion ski jumper Lindsay Van of Utah said as she wiped away tears. "I thought we had a very good argument that was very much set and it didn't seem it would go the other direction."
'Like Taliban of Olympics'
"The Canadian court system is weak," Van added. "They can't even stand up to the IOC. [The IOC] can come in here and do whatever they want. That's scary. It's like the Taliban of the Olympics."
The women could seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, but that process would take months. The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 12.
"I'm not going to commit to anything, but I think it's very late," said Ross Clark, the lawyer for the women.
The Appeal Court judges did not give reasons for their decision but said a written version of their reasons will be issued next week.
Vancouver Games organizers said they were glad the process was over, but they were sad for the women.
"I don't like these kinds of days. We are, first and foremost, men and women of sport and we believe in athletics," said John Furlong, VANOC's chief executive.
"This is a matter that's been far from our reach and our influence and we simply didn't have any jurisdiction here.… These girls have tried very hard, they have put up a very good fight."
The IOC voted in 2006 not to include women's ski jumping at the Games, saying the sport had not met the required technical criteria.
Labels:
British Columbia,
IOC,
Olympics,
ski-jumping,
women
Funding for ADEDA
NS: Federal funding for ADEDA plan
By John DeMings, Transcontinental Media
Source: Digby Courier, Nov. 13/09
[DIGBY, NS] – Ottawa is contributing $65,000 to help create a five-year development strategy for the region’s six municipal units.
The plan is being developed by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency and will address a range of initiatives in the tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other economic sectors.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $40,000 to this project, with the Department of Foreign Affairs providing an additional $25,000.
“By developing a five-year investment strategy, we’re taking an innovative approach to positioning the Annapolis Digby region for future economic growth,” says Mike Gushue, managing director of ADEDA.
“We will look to those sectors that are in a growth mode, develop business cases for those opportunities that show the most potential and present these to qualified investors. It’s a practical, business approach to attracting investment to our region.”
The federal government’s funding was announced by West Nova MP Greg Kerr.
By John DeMings, Transcontinental Media
Source: Digby Courier, Nov. 13/09
[DIGBY, NS] – Ottawa is contributing $65,000 to help create a five-year development strategy for the region’s six municipal units.
The plan is being developed by the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency and will address a range of initiatives in the tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and other economic sectors.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $40,000 to this project, with the Department of Foreign Affairs providing an additional $25,000.
“By developing a five-year investment strategy, we’re taking an innovative approach to positioning the Annapolis Digby region for future economic growth,” says Mike Gushue, managing director of ADEDA.
“We will look to those sectors that are in a growth mode, develop business cases for those opportunities that show the most potential and present these to qualified investors. It’s a practical, business approach to attracting investment to our region.”
The federal government’s funding was announced by West Nova MP Greg Kerr.
There Are Different Models
Windside – A Different Kind Of Wind Turbine photo at arcticsatartup.com look for Windside
by Hendrik Morkel on November 13, 2009 —
The common picture we have of wind turbines are the ones which stand on tubular towers and have three rotor blades, varying in different sizes. The design is very much similar to the windmills of old, which were used to pump water and grind grain. However, Risto Joutsiniemi had already developed another kind of wind turbine over two decades ago – the Windside vertical wind turbine. Its a unique product which has many advantages in comparison to the horizontal wind turbine, most notably that they are able to operate at very low wind speeds and in extreme temperatures.
I became aware of Windside a few years back when we were doing research at the University about wind turbine manufacturers in Finland. The Windside turbine stood out, being completely silent and able to operate in different environments – from the freezing and snow swept mountains of Antarctica to the blazing Sahara desert, the Windside turbine worked in the harshest of environments. Add to this that it can already operate in wind speeds as low as 1-3 m/s and that it doesn’t kill birds and you’ve got a superb product.
The company is not currently marketing their product for energy production, but as wind turbines for charging batteries, sending signals, pumping water and providing light, heat and ventilation; aimed at the professional market. The turbines are used on ocean buoys, remote telecommunication posts, expedition ships and lighthouses. Nevertheless, they are currently developing a product for energy production, so we are curious to see what they come up with. Somewhere in the depths of their website they explain that the current turbines could be scaled up to tens of meters, which would be an interesting development.
Windside has over 340 shareholders, but they are looking for a main investor that is ready to invest about €20m. I speculate that this will go into R&D and production of their new turbine. The majority of their clients are professional marine, safety and telecommunications companies, but if you have a cottage on an island and are looking for a way to power your TV, you also can buy one of their smaller models at Bauhaus in Finland. The lack of marketing for the consumer option really has me puzzled: every cottage owner I talked to loved the idea of the turbine, but has never heard of it. Given that Windside says their product has a lifetime of 100 years and can then be recycled, I am perplexed as to why they do not market themselves more to consumers.
The bottom line is that I am still fascinated by the Windside turbine, and should I one day become a cottage owner I will get one to power the fridge. But I wonder if the archaic website together with the limited marketing is helping the company in its search for an investor, especially if I see the efforts their competitors Helix Wind and TMA make. It also seems a turn in strategy would be advisable, and to concentrate equally on consumers and professionals – and in future on energy production. Wind energy is growing in importance in today’s energy mix, so it would be sad to see Windside being unsuccessful in the age of renewable energy.
Photo courtesy of Wikikko.
by Hendrik Morkel on November 13, 2009 —
The common picture we have of wind turbines are the ones which stand on tubular towers and have three rotor blades, varying in different sizes. The design is very much similar to the windmills of old, which were used to pump water and grind grain. However, Risto Joutsiniemi had already developed another kind of wind turbine over two decades ago – the Windside vertical wind turbine. Its a unique product which has many advantages in comparison to the horizontal wind turbine, most notably that they are able to operate at very low wind speeds and in extreme temperatures.
I became aware of Windside a few years back when we were doing research at the University about wind turbine manufacturers in Finland. The Windside turbine stood out, being completely silent and able to operate in different environments – from the freezing and snow swept mountains of Antarctica to the blazing Sahara desert, the Windside turbine worked in the harshest of environments. Add to this that it can already operate in wind speeds as low as 1-3 m/s and that it doesn’t kill birds and you’ve got a superb product.
The company is not currently marketing their product for energy production, but as wind turbines for charging batteries, sending signals, pumping water and providing light, heat and ventilation; aimed at the professional market. The turbines are used on ocean buoys, remote telecommunication posts, expedition ships and lighthouses. Nevertheless, they are currently developing a product for energy production, so we are curious to see what they come up with. Somewhere in the depths of their website they explain that the current turbines could be scaled up to tens of meters, which would be an interesting development.
Windside has over 340 shareholders, but they are looking for a main investor that is ready to invest about €20m. I speculate that this will go into R&D and production of their new turbine. The majority of their clients are professional marine, safety and telecommunications companies, but if you have a cottage on an island and are looking for a way to power your TV, you also can buy one of their smaller models at Bauhaus in Finland. The lack of marketing for the consumer option really has me puzzled: every cottage owner I talked to loved the idea of the turbine, but has never heard of it. Given that Windside says their product has a lifetime of 100 years and can then be recycled, I am perplexed as to why they do not market themselves more to consumers.
The bottom line is that I am still fascinated by the Windside turbine, and should I one day become a cottage owner I will get one to power the fridge. But I wonder if the archaic website together with the limited marketing is helping the company in its search for an investor, especially if I see the efforts their competitors Helix Wind and TMA make. It also seems a turn in strategy would be advisable, and to concentrate equally on consumers and professionals – and in future on energy production. Wind energy is growing in importance in today’s energy mix, so it would be sad to see Windside being unsuccessful in the age of renewable energy.
Photo courtesy of Wikikko.
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