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.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Atlantic Lobster Reaches China!
From gov.ns.ca
Fisheries and AquacultureNovember 13, 2009 3:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Canadian lobster has made a splash in China during a recent 10-day promotional tour by industry and government staff.
Industry representatives made significant progress in developing business relationships during the tour that marketed live lobster to cities with booming economies and populations of about eight million people each. A Chinese partner has immediate plans to expand and buy more Atlantic lobster.
"Our lobster industry is vital to the future growth and prosperity of our province, especially for the many Nova Scotians who live in our coastal communities," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This project provided the Nova Scotia lobster industry with a great opportunity to showcase our premium Atlantic Canadian lobster in a significant Asian market.
"This is just the first of many possible opportunities to boost our exports to China."
The live lobster China tour was developed by the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association. The industry-driven project received financial support from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and industry partners.
The delegation, lead by Greg Roach, Fisheries and Aquaculture assistant deputy minister, met with vice-mayor Zhang Yuanfu of Qingdao Municipal People's Government and Shen Qi Feng, vice-director general, Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Economic Co-operation.
"It was really an eye-opener to see the growing wealth and economic activity in China," said Peter Swim, president of Island Marine Products, one of the project partners. "This market in China offers a great opportunity for us to sell our live lobsters."
Industry tour representatives were from Ferguson's Lobster Pound Limited, Island Marine Products Limited, Canadian Gold Seafood Limited and K&N Nickerson. Tour events included a Canadian Live Lobster Cooking tournament and a tour of All Success Trading International, the project's Chinese partner in Qingdao, which will expand to hold more Nova Scotia live lobster for distribution in China.
Fisheries and AquacultureNovember 13, 2009 3:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic Canadian lobster has made a splash in China during a recent 10-day promotional tour by industry and government staff.
Industry representatives made significant progress in developing business relationships during the tour that marketed live lobster to cities with booming economies and populations of about eight million people each. A Chinese partner has immediate plans to expand and buy more Atlantic lobster.
"Our lobster industry is vital to the future growth and prosperity of our province, especially for the many Nova Scotians who live in our coastal communities," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This project provided the Nova Scotia lobster industry with a great opportunity to showcase our premium Atlantic Canadian lobster in a significant Asian market.
"This is just the first of many possible opportunities to boost our exports to China."
The live lobster China tour was developed by the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association. The industry-driven project received financial support from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and industry partners.
The delegation, lead by Greg Roach, Fisheries and Aquaculture assistant deputy minister, met with vice-mayor Zhang Yuanfu of Qingdao Municipal People's Government and Shen Qi Feng, vice-director general, Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Economic Co-operation.
"It was really an eye-opener to see the growing wealth and economic activity in China," said Peter Swim, president of Island Marine Products, one of the project partners. "This market in China offers a great opportunity for us to sell our live lobsters."
Industry tour representatives were from Ferguson's Lobster Pound Limited, Island Marine Products Limited, Canadian Gold Seafood Limited and K&N Nickerson. Tour events included a Canadian Live Lobster Cooking tournament and a tour of All Success Trading International, the project's Chinese partner in Qingdao, which will expand to hold more Nova Scotia live lobster for distribution in China.
Labels:
Atlantic lobster,
China,
Nova Scotia
Special November Concert in Digby
The Fundy Chorale is putting on a special November concert, sure to get you in the festive mood! A variety of musical pieces and specialist performers add to this wonderful event on Nov. 22. Choose from a 3 pm or a 7 pm performance.
Tickets on sale now! Call Kathleen for advance (and cheaper) tickets! 834-2024
Tickets on sale now! Call Kathleen for advance (and cheaper) tickets! 834-2024
Digby windfarm landowners face liens
Digby Wind Farm Landowners Face Liens
> By Gillian Cormier
> AllNovaScotia.com
> 13 November 2009
>
> One of SkyPower's creditors is looking to put liens on properties owned
> by people who planned to lease land for a wind farm in Digby.
>
> The Terrain Group Inc, based in Dartmouth, filed a statement of claim
> this week against SkyPower and 17 landowners, representing 14 plots of
> land in Gulliver's Cove, Digby county.
>
> The Terrain Group claims it is owed $42,950 for professional surveying
> services on the lands.
>
> However, with a third party sale of SkyPower's assets looming, the
> problem may soon be resolved.
>
> SkyPower, a 50-50 partner with Scotian Windfields in the 30 megawatt
> Digby Neck wind project, filed for creditor protection earlier this year
> following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, its principal shareholder.
>
> Barry Zwicker, ceo of community-funded organization partner Scotian
> Windfields, says his understanding is the matter will be cleared up by
> the end of this week.
>
> "A number of individuals and companies that have been working on this
> project have not been paid for all of the work they have completed",
> said Zwicker.
>
> Zwicker says the tentative closing date for the sale of SkyPower's
> assets is November 30. The identity of the third-party buyer has not
> been made public.
>
> The Toronto outfit says it has already raised US $15 million as part of
> a creditor protection filing that will enable it to ensure there is a
> quick and efficient sales process.
>
> Zwicker says because SkyPower is under creditor protection, liens are
> the only mechanism available. He says Terrain Group will not perfect
> the lien and is not sure if lien is possible under CCAA protection.
>
> He also says the liens are not a hardship to the property owners until
> they go to sell their properties.
>
> "Before that ever happens, the project will be underway, the lien
> removed, companies will be paid", he said.
>
> He spoke to many of the property owners and says they understand the
> situation.
>
> The defendants have not yet filed a defence. Statements have not been
> proved in court.
>
> The Digby Neck partners have one of the half-dozen long-term supply
> contracts that were signed by NS Power with independent power producers
> in 2008, for delivery in late 2009.
>
> Kevin Downie is solicitor for Terrain Group Inc. Stephen Wallace is
> listed as principal of the company.
>
> By Gillian Cormier
> AllNovaScotia.com
> 13 November 2009
>
> One of SkyPower's creditors is looking to put liens on properties owned
> by people who planned to lease land for a wind farm in Digby.
>
> The Terrain Group Inc, based in Dartmouth, filed a statement of claim
> this week against SkyPower and 17 landowners, representing 14 plots of
> land in Gulliver's Cove, Digby county.
>
> The Terrain Group claims it is owed $42,950 for professional surveying
> services on the lands.
>
> However, with a third party sale of SkyPower's assets looming, the
> problem may soon be resolved.
>
> SkyPower, a 50-50 partner with Scotian Windfields in the 30 megawatt
> Digby Neck wind project, filed for creditor protection earlier this year
> following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, its principal shareholder.
>
> Barry Zwicker, ceo of community-funded organization partner Scotian
> Windfields, says his understanding is the matter will be cleared up by
> the end of this week.
>
> "A number of individuals and companies that have been working on this
> project have not been paid for all of the work they have completed",
> said Zwicker.
>
> Zwicker says the tentative closing date for the sale of SkyPower's
> assets is November 30. The identity of the third-party buyer has not
> been made public.
>
> The Toronto outfit says it has already raised US $15 million as part of
> a creditor protection filing that will enable it to ensure there is a
> quick and efficient sales process.
>
> Zwicker says because SkyPower is under creditor protection, liens are
> the only mechanism available. He says Terrain Group will not perfect
> the lien and is not sure if lien is possible under CCAA protection.
>
> He also says the liens are not a hardship to the property owners until
> they go to sell their properties.
>
> "Before that ever happens, the project will be underway, the lien
> removed, companies will be paid", he said.
>
> He spoke to many of the property owners and says they understand the
> situation.
>
> The defendants have not yet filed a defence. Statements have not been
> proved in court.
>
> The Digby Neck partners have one of the half-dozen long-term supply
> contracts that were signed by NS Power with independent power producers
> in 2008, for delivery in late 2009.
>
> Kevin Downie is solicitor for Terrain Group Inc. Stephen Wallace is
> listed as principal of the company.
>
Dan Mills re: Study on Transportation
Subject: Study on Transportation
Dear Editor:
I attended Monday's ACOA sponsored meeting relating to transportation and the Digby Ferry in Digby.
It didn't take too long to realize that the ferry is but one facet of a multi-sided issue that concerns the Annapolis-Digby area in a concrete way as it does all South West Nova.
Often times communities are further divided when one group alone stands up for a bread and butter issue for them which overall does not impact upon all the rest. I was pleased to hear from the outset the generic," transportation", used rather than ferry alone. Transportation of course includes all ferries, but also every pot-holed, bumpy stretch of infrastructure that leads to home. And of course, our air facility.
And there's the rub! All the combined issues presented are about our home here, about our community, and all the people who live in it. The men and women of the generations who we celebrated this day (Remembrance Day) gave their very all to ensure that all of us, bar none, here for centuries or a year, have won the right for us to call this our home."No greater love than one should lay down his life for his friends...."
The primary question then is not about a ferry, new or old; it's not about paving highway 1 from here to Weymouth and calling it 101, or any other of the many issues on our plate like Hospital, Wharves, or Health Care. We each can get on our soap box and pick the one that we like best and effectively in so doing say: "To heck with all the rest!" That pits one against the other, and so against any chance at real community.
I think our governments at every level love it when we do that to each other! They don't divide and conquer; we do it to ourselves! And they chuckle to themselves and muse:"They don't know what they want! Forget them!"
The primary issue is this: We are a people who belong here. This is our home. We are Canadians and Nova Scotians. We have as much right to all the basic services (and even amenities) as do Haligonians- by any other name.
We need the very best of transportation by land and sea and air in order to enable those who live here to welcome others and move themselves and their products expeditiously. Half measures will not do. We need a hospital and medical professionals to help us and show us how to stay healthy so that we can live productive lives for the good of our community. We need institutions of education which build caring people and so enhance the community's well-being.
Reading between the lines on Monday night, I could here "a united voice" crying not from the wilderness but from one beating communal heart. It was a cry for justice and fairness. Our needs are clear. If our political leaders cannot recognize our basic right to fundamental needs, they should not con us any longer.Do the job we elected you to do or move over and we'll find someone who say's what he means and means what he says.
Everybody speak now or you may well have to forever hold your peace.
Daniel Mills
9396 Waterford
RR 4, Digby NS
BOV 1AO
1-902-245-5171
Dear Editor:
I attended Monday's ACOA sponsored meeting relating to transportation and the Digby Ferry in Digby.
It didn't take too long to realize that the ferry is but one facet of a multi-sided issue that concerns the Annapolis-Digby area in a concrete way as it does all South West Nova.
Often times communities are further divided when one group alone stands up for a bread and butter issue for them which overall does not impact upon all the rest. I was pleased to hear from the outset the generic," transportation", used rather than ferry alone. Transportation of course includes all ferries, but also every pot-holed, bumpy stretch of infrastructure that leads to home. And of course, our air facility.
And there's the rub! All the combined issues presented are about our home here, about our community, and all the people who live in it. The men and women of the generations who we celebrated this day (Remembrance Day) gave their very all to ensure that all of us, bar none, here for centuries or a year, have won the right for us to call this our home."No greater love than one should lay down his life for his friends...."
The primary question then is not about a ferry, new or old; it's not about paving highway 1 from here to Weymouth and calling it 101, or any other of the many issues on our plate like Hospital, Wharves, or Health Care. We each can get on our soap box and pick the one that we like best and effectively in so doing say: "To heck with all the rest!" That pits one against the other, and so against any chance at real community.
I think our governments at every level love it when we do that to each other! They don't divide and conquer; we do it to ourselves! And they chuckle to themselves and muse:"They don't know what they want! Forget them!"
The primary issue is this: We are a people who belong here. This is our home. We are Canadians and Nova Scotians. We have as much right to all the basic services (and even amenities) as do Haligonians- by any other name.
We need the very best of transportation by land and sea and air in order to enable those who live here to welcome others and move themselves and their products expeditiously. Half measures will not do. We need a hospital and medical professionals to help us and show us how to stay healthy so that we can live productive lives for the good of our community. We need institutions of education which build caring people and so enhance the community's well-being.
Reading between the lines on Monday night, I could here "a united voice" crying not from the wilderness but from one beating communal heart. It was a cry for justice and fairness. Our needs are clear. If our political leaders cannot recognize our basic right to fundamental needs, they should not con us any longer.Do the job we elected you to do or move over and we'll find someone who say's what he means and means what he says.
Everybody speak now or you may well have to forever hold your peace.
Daniel Mills
9396 Waterford
RR 4, Digby NS
BOV 1AO
1-902-245-5171
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