Wednesday, June 30, 2010

It's the economy (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)

A recovery under threat, The Olympics were good for business in Vancouver and Vultures circle over BP, some of the financial items of interest for Wednesday.

Globe and Mail-- Canada’s economy stalls in April
Globe and Mail-- WTO panel slams EU aid for Airbus
Globe and Mail-- World recovery under threat as growth slows, stimulus wanes
National Post-- North American markets tumble to worst quarter since Lehman fall
National Post-- HST arriving tomorrow. Here is what you can expect in Ontario and B.C.
National Post-- High unemployment seen for 'long period': Fed officials
Vancouver Sun-- Tourism spending buoyed by Vancouver 2010 Olympics
New York Times-- Solar Panels, Loans and a Turf War
New York Times-- Governments Move to Cut Spending, in 1930s Echo
New York Times-- Just How Bullish Is the White House?
USA Today-- Asia-Pacific region embraces use of credit and debit cards
USA Today-- Financial reform bill faces House passage, Senate delays vote
Guardian UK online-- Vultures circle BP over fears its days are numbered in US
Guardian UK online-- Embarrassment for ONS as economic figures delayed
Guardian UK online-- EU unveils tough proposals to curb public spending in member states
The Independent-- Official analysis of Budget impact on jobs revealed
The Independent-- Crow demands response to Cameron's 'fiscal fascism'
Telegraph UK online-- Euro, stock markets steady as banks borrow less than feared from ECB
Telegraph UK online-- Ireland finally emerges from recession
Telegraph UK online-- Will the world suffer a double-dip recession? Only if we talk ourselves into it
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Atlas Iron on Chinese map
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Business credit grows after GFC
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Chinese bank in world record $27bn IPO
People's Daily-- Chinese economy likely to maintain steady, rapid growth in 2010: PBOC
People's Daily-- Walmart eyes fast growth of its "direct farm program" in China
China Daily-- Wen: economy heading in right direction, 'relatively fast' growth seen
China Daily-- S China provinces to get Central Asia gas soon
Times of India-- Oil firms to invest $1.1bn: Govt
Times of India-- India joins global club against financial fraud

Podunk Below the Masthead (Tuesday, June 29,2010)

Enbridge fails to sway Haida Gwaii to the cause of tanker traffic, Telus hangs up the phone on long distance plans in the city and the Ministry of Transportation puts an eye on Haida Gwaii traffic, some of the items of interest from Tuesday.

Daily News, front page, headline story
HAIDA GWAII UNITED AGAINST - CITY AND DISTRICT ON THE FENCE-- Haida Gwaii officials have come out against the Enbridge Corporation's Northern Gateway plans, turning attention towards the City of Prince Rupert and Regional District to make their inclinations known to the public.

Telus turns off the long distance switch on July 20th, as the communications company brings an end to its long distance plans for the region on that date, for the most part turning the long distance competition over to City owned CityWest.

The Daily News continues on with its series of items on the soon to be implemented HST regimen in British Columbia

The Sports section features a review of recent KISL action from around the city's diamonds

(Daily News archive for Tuesday, June 29, 2010)

Haida Gwaii united against - City and District on the fence 
Telus ceasing long distance in Rupert
Baptist church ministers build relationships
Photography - a unique experience
HST - It's all about the money

The Northern View
Ministry of Transportation adds Haida Gwaii cameras to drivebc.ca website -- Folks on Haida Gwaii may be getting the feeling that someone is watching as the Ministry of Highways adds the Islands to its Highway camera inventory (see article here)

The Northern View 
CFO discusses City employee pay increases -- The City's Financial Officer Dan Rodin, outlines some of the background on recent staff salary disclosures (see article here)

The Northern View
Liberal leader backs tanker ban, reaction comes swiftly -- Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff puts his party on the side of an oil tanker moratorium on the North Coast and Haida Gwaii (see article here)

The Northern View
UNBC, Northern Health sign MOU-- Northern Health and UNBC continue to develop links and programs to enhance health care in Northern British Columbia (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
School is officially out in Prince Rupert-- Another school year comes to an end for SD 52 (see article here) (Sahar Nassimdoost provided this report for TV 7)

CBC News Northern BC Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.

The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here 

Daily News, front page, headline story
Haida Gwaii united against - City and District on the fence 
By George T. Baker 
Staff Writer 
Prince Rupert Daily News
Tuesday, June 29, 2010


Enbridge’s Northern Gateway and any proposed oil tanker traffic along the North Coast has officially received the thumbs down from municipalities on Haida Gwaii.

After protocol meetings with the Council of the Haida Nation and community members from Sandspit in the south of the archipelago to Masset in the north, municipal leaders have said “no” to tanker traffic.

It has put the ball in the court of the east side of Hecate Strait, where Prince Rupert council and the District of Port Edward council have yet to take a position on the proposed project and tanker traffic in general.

Mayor Carol Kulesha of the Village of Queen Charlotte said the discussion during the protocol meetings showed a united opposition to the Northern Gateway project and oil tankers.

“I think people are very concerned and they can see what is happening with the Gulf of Mexico. That has increased the anxiety about what the Islands have to lose in all of this,” said Kulesha.

Kulesha added that while she didn’t expect a resolution to go forward from the island communities asking the SQCRD board to support their official position, she did say they would be putting forward motions at September’s Union of British Columbian Municipalities annual meeting.

She hoped the Board would support those motions.

Enbridge has been trying to convince residents of the north that their pipeline will be safe and that super-sized oil tanker traffic will be adequate for the North Coast waters. In fact, they have argued that by allowing them to operate, they will increase safety on the coast.

However, they appear to be losing the public relations fight with environmentalists and Coastal First Nations, who oppose the project on several grounds, not the least of which they say is the liability they would take on if they approved of the project.

North Gateway Alliance Chair Colin Kinsley said one of the reasons that proponents for the project have fallen behind in the PR game is because the company has been focused on spending money and time on passing through the regulatory process.

 “Our hands were kind of tied from talking about all the things, so we talked in general about jobs and couldn’t even talk about what the tax benefits would be. We have had three weeks to do a few things and we are also waiting for the Joint Review Panel [to take] their 60 days to look at our submission,” said Kinsley.

The former Prince George Mayor said in the meantime the Gulf of Mexico spill has increased awareness about the oil industry.

 “There are people who are in opposition jumping on board about that sort of thing. What our job will be going forward is to make sure the public is informed about the steps that Enrbridge is prepared to take to make this the safest infrastructure project of its type ever,” said Kinsley.

Another reason proponents haven’t come out swinging against opponents is that before the submission had been handed in, anything Enbridge said regarding the project would have to be in the environmental assessment documents.

Kinsley added that he expected a more rigorous PR battle from Northern Gateway supporter now that the application has been filed. But the Haida Gwaii municipality position has also placed the region’s politics in an awkward position. 

The effect of political opposition from the islands is that half the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District has taken a position on the tankers, while half have not.

Enbridge has sent delegates to meet both with City Council and the Regional District board. During the council meeting last week, Enbridge representatives Michelle Perret and Kevin Brown faced some difficult questions regarding the project, especially from councillor Joy Thorkelson, who has already voiced her personal opposition to the project.

When Enbridge visited the Regional District, they faced few questions about the project, but Port Clements Mayor Corey Delves said, during that meeting, that one of the ironies about the opposition to the project was that Haida Gwaii was barging lots of fuel across the Strait each week.

But Delves’ community also now officially opposes the project. Yet, no formal position from either of the mainland councils or the SQCRD has been announced.

“There hasn’t been any discussion since and there was no real discussion then,” said Area ‘A’ director Des Nobels about the Enbridge meeting with SQCRD board members.

“I would suggest the reason the islands have moved so quickly [in comparison to the mainland communities] is that there is absolutely no benefit to them and all the risk.”

Nobels also represents conservation group T. Buck Suzuki, and said that, as a rep for that group, the news that the municipalities had taken such a position was welcomed. He’d like to see the North Coast mainland communities follow suit.

“I think it is time for communities to begin to have a very sound and rational discussion around the issue. I think there are a lot of people who are opposed to the issue. And as such, we can no longer sit on the fence.”

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Trying times ahead according to Nobel Prize winner



And who will pay the price for this triumph of orthodoxy? The answer is, tens of millions of unemployed workers, many of whom will go jobless for years, and some of whom will never work again. -- The chilling conclusion to Paul Krugman's most recent column in the New York Times, outlining what he believes heralds the onset of the world's Third Depression. 


Paul Krugman  the renowned journalist and Nobel Prize winner in economics has outlined a rather bleak picture for the world's immediate economic future finding cause to worry about the direction of much of the world's governments as they race towards deficit reduction, while still in the teeth of a rather nasty recession.


Krugman who is by far no wild eyed doomsday theorist, provided his take on the direction of our economic condition and in his eyes it is apparently destined to be replay of the errors of the past with the subsequent same results.


While he suggests we may miss out on a disaster the scope of the 1930's, he still sees great danger in the path currently taken by the nations of the world as they tread through the worst economic crisis since that Great Depression.


The recent events at the G20 in  Toronto did little to alleviate his sense of a world heading in the wrong direction,  with the drum beat of the world's governments one of obsessing as he says "about inflation when the real threat is deflation, preaching the need for belt-tightening when the real problem is inadequate spending."


That focus he fears will bring the world much more likely now to face the same kind of Depression as that of the 19th century, one which he says will continue to bring forward an economy blighted by a lack of jobs by the millions, with many of the unemployed destined to never work again. You can read the entire article from the New York Times website (see article here)


When Krugman delivers his missives, there is a groundswell of support from other journalists and economists, thankful that a person with such a high profile platform can finally gain the attention of the world.


To that end, in the short hours since the Krugman article first appeared in the New York Times, there have been a number of other like minded warnings to follow. Making for a very interesting if slightly un-nerving primer in the current financial malaise.  


Telegraph UK online-- Warning signals of a double-dip recession flash brightly across the world
Guardian UK online-- Global markets on 'cliff edge' amid fears over European banks 


Of course not everyone sees world events in the same prism as the left leaning New York Times journalist. A number of financial reporters and commentators have weighed in with their own thoughts, leaving those of us on the outside to wonder who has it right and what we should be ready for.


Business and Media Institute -- Kudlow, Forbes Debunk Krigman's Third Depression Call

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Sepp's sorry, so sorry and sends his apologies


"It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July,"-- FIFA President Sepp Blatter changing direction over his rejection of goal line technology for soccer matches.

With England and Mexico the latest of countries to find some concern with World Cup officiating, FIFA President Sepp Blatter tried to quell some of the complaint today with an offering to perhaps reconsider the idea of goal line observation.

The glaring error on Frank Lampard's goal which was not counted, changed the dynamic of the England Germany match on Sunday Which left Germany ahead 2-1 at the half instead of tied with the English.

While the German's quickly took charge in the second half, one has to wonder if there was indeed a momentum shift in that match after the disallowed goal, leading to Germany's rather text book evisceration of the English game plan.
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Likewise, the Mexican's were justifiably upset over a missed offside in their match with Argentina, a call which seemed to open the floodgates of scoring for Argentina as they eliminated Mexico.

Apparently finally seeing the light of the 21st century the FIFA president has said that considering what they have seen at this World Cup perhaps the time has come to revisit the world of technology.
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His conversion is quickly gobbling up much of the World Cup conversation today.


Montreal Gazette-- Blatter is shamed into U-turn by Lampard's 'goal'

Guardian UK online-- World Cup 2010: Sepp Blatter performs U-turn over goalline technology

Globe and Mail-- Blatter’s opinion is the only one that matters 

The Independent-- Federer and Hiddink press Fifa to move out of the dark ages

The Independent-- Blatter admits 'something has to change' as he puts technology back on agenda

BBC Sport-- Blatter apologises for disallowed goal



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His conversion is quickly gobbling up much of the World Cup conversation today.

Montreal Gazette-- Blatter is shamed into U-turn by Lampard's 'goal'
Guardian UK online-- World Cup 2010: Sepp Blatter performs U-turn over goalline technology
Globe and Mail-- Blatter’s opinion is the only one that matters 
The Independent-- Federer and Hiddink press Fifa to move out of the dark ages
The Independent-- Blatter admits 'something has to change' as he puts technology back on agenda
BBC Sport-- Blatter apologises for disallowed goal

It's the economy (Tuesday, June 29, 2010)

Facing the realities of Greece, Global markets on the cliff and concerns over a Third depression, some of the financial talking points for a Tuesday.

Globe and Mail-- Stocks plunge on economy fears
Globe and Mail-- Time to face reality over Greece's debt
Globe and Mail-- Consumers edgy in Canada, U.S.
National Post-- Equities fall on concerns about China and consumer confidence
National Post-- BP faces financing challenges as well as oil spill
National Post-- Carney to replace Kohn as chair of global banking committee
Vancouver Sun-- Buyers take control with Okanagan slow to recover; fewer Albertans are purchasing recreational property
New York Times-- U.S. Stocks Drop on New Jitters About Global Growth
New York Times-- Bank Tax Sets Back Financial Overhaul Bill
New York Times-- Consumer Confidence Tumbled This Month
USA Today-- Dow tumbles below 10,000 on world economy concerns
USA Today-- Gulf Coast tourism officials plead for help
Guardian UK online-- Budget will cost 1.3m jobs - Treasury
Guardian UK online-- Global markets on 'cliff edge' amid fears over European banks
Guardian UK online-- Greek anger over austerity measures spills on to Athens streets
The Independent-- Britain 'might not cope with another bank emergency'
The Independent-- The Third Depression – or ‘negflation’: a useful (newish) term
Telegraph UK online-- Time to shut down the US Federal Reserve?
Telegraph UK online-- How BP's oil leak is exposing the holes in the City's finest scribblers
Telegraph UK online-- Warning signals of a double-dip recession flash brightly across the world
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Treasurer denies power deception
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Fiji media ownership crackdown
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Australian cities good value for expats - report
People's Daily-- CPI target well within reach, say economists
People's Daily-- Survey: EU enterprises in China optimistic
China Daily-- Mainland, Taiwan negotiators sign economic pact
China Daily-- PetroChina to start Ningxia refinery by end of '11
Times of India-- Merc enters used car business
Times of India-- 'Action on Dow could hit biz'

Monday, June 28, 2010

It's the economy (Monday, June 28, 2010)

Enbridge plans to expand the tar sands, House hunting season in Vancouver and Mr. Krugman sees the start of the Third Depression, some of our items of note from our Monday financials.

Globe and Mail--G20’s plan for deficit cutting draws fire from Paul Krugman 
Globe and Nail-- Enbridge plans $400-million oil sands expansion
Globe and Mail-- G20 rule means Canadian banks ‘have to go first’
National Post-- Fed feared BP could bring down Wall Street
National Post-- A true yuan fix
National Post-- Time to reap the wages of sin
Vancouver Sun-- Wealthy Chinese put house hunting on Vancouver vacation itinerary
New York Times-- The Third Depression
New York Times-- In Ireland, a Picture of the High Cost of Austerity
New York Times-- Report Warns That Many Banks Still Vulnerable to Crises
USA Today-- Work-at-home job scams thrive on economic trouble
USA Today-- Gas prices rise with summer season in full swing
Guardian UK online-- BP oil spill: Tony Hayward set to step down, Russian official claims
Guardian UK online-- Gold may reach new high amid fears of double-dip recession
Guardian UK online-- Failure to boost growth raises spectre of depression, analysts warn
The Independent-- Dire warning over impending slide of British manufacturing
The Independent-- G20 compromises on plans for tougher banking rules
Telegraph UK online-- It's 'negflation' that Britain really needs to worry about
Telegraph UK online-- George Osborne's reshaping of the economy needs to start with real jobs
Telegraph UK online-- David Cameron: 'The world doesn't owe us a living
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Aussie paint icon Wattyl goes to US
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Housing stall in 2011, industry predicts
People's Daily-- China cannot afford to overlook woes in wake of financial crisis
People's Daily-- Labor issues top the agenda
China Daily-- Yuan effect 'limited' on stock
China Daily-- 'HK seeks a new identity'
Times of India-- Fuel price hike was necessary, says Pranab
Times of India-- Indian CEOs ready for a bigger slice of the Chinese business pie

Podunk Below the Masthead Monday, June 28, 2010

Pacific Coast school celebrates its first graduation, UNBC and Northern Health forge stronger ties and the HST is but days away, some of the items of note from Monday's news files.

Daily News front page headline story 
PACIFIC COAST SCHOOL HONOURS ITS FIRST GRADUATES -- Details of the Pacific Coast School graduation ceremony of last week, which saw five students graduate from the program.

UNBC and Northern Health have moved forward the process of better co-ordination and delivery health services in Northern BC with the signing of a memorandum of Understanding to improve and expand their relationship.

With the arrival of the HST but days away now, the Daily begins a three part series examining the issues of the HST.

The Sports section features a review of the weekend action at the Prince Rupert Centennial Golf course which saw action with the Vic Marion Seniors tournament.

(Daily News archive for Monday June 28, 2010)

Pacific Coast School honours its first graduates
UNBC and Northern Health sign MOU
Cullen open to expenditure review
HST - It's about time or not so hot?
New book takes young readers across the country

The Northern View 
No new items were posted to the Northern View website on Monday

CFTK TV 7 News 
No new local items were posted to the CFTK TV 7 website for Monday. 

CBC News Northern BC
Daybreak North Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.

The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here

 Daily News, front page, headline story
Pacific Coast School honours its first graduates  
By George T. Baker 
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, June 28, 2010

It’s not just a school - it’s home.

Pacific Coast School held its first graduation ceremony the evening of Thursday, June 24 and it accentuated everything that is different about the secondary school.

Dinner, family and friends – the sense of familiarity – heightened by the event’s close quarters in the penthouse of the Coast Hotel; a change from the usual pomp that surrounds the graduation ceremonies at Charles Hays Secondary School and Prince Rupert Secondary School. It’s not better, according to local educators. It’s different.

Five grads were sent on their way to the next stage of their lives armed with a secondary education, a reality the students felt they may have never realized had it not been for PCS.

“I think it an important point to remember that the world is made up of many small villages. This is an education village,” said PCS principal Steve Riley.

Riley is leaving School District 52 at the end of the school year to take on a new challenge in Gitwinsilk in the Nass Valley.

Still it was his vision along with founding teachers Doug Brown and Miguel Borges that saw this first class through to graduation.

Unfortunately Borges, who has also taken on a principal role in the Nass, could not attend Thursday’s ceremony. But he was acknowledged along with Brown and current teachers Tannis Calder and Janilee Olsen for their work in seeing the first batch of graduates through.

Valedictorian Kyle Bolton, speaking for fellow graduates Rodney Bolton. Sabrina Alexcee, Tanya Cahoose and Sharon Nelson, thanked the teaching staff for all their hard work in making sure their successes were tangible and not just dreams.

“I would like to thank them all for the past couple of years that I attended alternate school,” a grateful Bolton said.

However, Bolton said there was one person who deserved a great deal of gratitude for her aptitude in keeping them on track in the morning and making sure they arrived at school on time.

 “There is one person that I deeply appreciate. [School secretary] Jan Currie. She was the one who was pushing me, and all of graduates here, too, to get to school. If any of us weren’t there by 9:30 am then guess who was calling for us? So Jan, from the bottom of my heart I thank you.”

A special bouquet of flowers was handed to retiring Assistant Superintendent Leah Robinson, who was credited with driving the PCS initiative at the School District office.

Proud families along with delegates from the school board, the City and North Coast MLA Gary Coons were on hand to help celebrate the momentous evening.

For a school that faced many challenges from the public and the City as to where it would open, Thursday also marked the greatest benchmark for not only the students but also for Prince Rupert in moving on from what was a troubling time in the community’s history.

“You are needed here. You are wanted here. We need you to carry our community forward. In whatever your definition of success is. Know that you are in charge and accountable for your success. And don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve it. You have proven so much today. On behalf of City council and I’m sure for everyone in this room, we are honoured to be in your presence. Good luck for the next 20, 30, 40 and 100 years,” said acting Mayor Kathy Bedard.

Coons, who taught at the Prince Rupert Alternate School in the early 80s, said he realized the importance of programs for young adults who find the regular school system incompatible with those needs.

“I really want to acknowledge the staff at the school for the work they put in. And acknowledge how proud all the families must be of the graduates,” said Coons.

Superintendent Lynn Hauptman also recognized the magnitude of the event for the little school that could.

“Well done. I wish you the vision and the ability to work hard and see and reach for your dreams. But please do so in a way that makes both you proud and your families proud. I know that your families are very proud,” saluted Hauptman.

Chair Tina Last, a former alternate school grad herself, said that this graduation was very special to her. 

“Just as parents aren’t supposed to have favourite children, I am not supposed to have favourite graduations. But I do. As a former alternate student myself, this is a favourite of mine and always has been. There are many reasons to attend PCS. But generally speaking it is the result of the mainstream system not meeting your individual needs or your style of learning. That’s where my bias lies. You have succeeded,” said Last.

The style of schooling at PCS is the very foundation the school was built on. A more inclusive style with principals, teachers, students, parents and community elders often found in the same room teaching and learning. That style has made the school so appealing that there are now 75 students enrolled at the school, 35 full-time. The numbers have blown away the school’s teaching staff, who were expecting perhaps 20 to 30 students at the maximum by this time in the school’s history.

Tsimshian elder Leonard Alexcee, who reminded the audience of the important stuff in life, accentuated that point. Alexcee along with his wife Mona are lovingly called “Grandpa” and “Grandma” for their positive roles in supporting the students as they attend classes.

“Grandpa” said there was a very special reason he liked going to school everyday – the fresh bowl of apples that sit in the centre of the school’s foyer each day.

 “Best apples in town,” said Alexcee.

But it was the students who mattered the most on this day. The five graduates symbolized all that is positive about the school.

Relieved that she was finally done with secondary school and had her high school diploma, Sabrina Alexcee was precise in what would have happened to her had PCS never existed.

“Without the school, I don’t think I would have graduated. They never gave up on us,” she said.

“It’s not just a school. It’s like a home.”

Sunday, June 27, 2010

It's the economy (Weekend Edition June 26 and 27, 2010)

Seeking the Canadian banking standard, looking to prevent future meltdowns and warming up the printing presses just in case, some of the weekend's offerings.

Globe and Mail-- A historic step toward a new world balance
Globe and Mail-- New rules to bring banks to Canadian standard
Globe and Mail-- China flies under the radar – and walks away a winner
National Post-- Canada scores 'solid win,' experts 
National Post-- Here comes the HST
National Post-- G20 to halve deficits by 2013, stabilize debt levels
New York Times-- At Summit, Banks Avoid New Global Regulations
New York Times-- BP Loses Trading-Floor Swagger in Energy Markets
New York Times-- Labor’s New Critics: Old Allies in Elected Office
USA Today-- G-20 aims to slash their deficits
USA Today-- Will new financial regulations prevent future meltdowns?
Guardian UK online-- Debt-stricken Greece banks on tourism
Guardian UK online-- Coalition plans new lending targets for bailed-out banks
Guardian UK online-- Eiris review names Britain as 'dirty man of Europe'
The Independent-- BP must not be destroyed, says Cameron as shares hit 14-year low
The Independent-- World Cup City Diary: Cursed: The high price of corporate sponsorship
Telegraph UK online-- RBS tells clients to prepare for "monster" money printing by the Federal Reserve
Telegraph UK online-- Two cheers for George, but can he get the execution right?
Telegraph UK online-- Obama and Cameron agree BP must not collapse
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Wayne Swan wants mining tax resolved promptly 
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Signs of G20 rift as US warns European leaders of double-dip recession
China Daily-- Official: Currency reform 'our own affair
China Daily-- Hu urges 'spirit of unity' for global recovery
Times of India-- Fuel price hike to hit cos' margins
Times of India-- India Inc set to seize bigger prospects in China

The Podunkian Brunch June 27



Our Sunday morning review begins with a look back a traumatic Saturday for Toronto where a black shirted group of malcontents managed to take away any message of protest from those legitimate advocates for change and instead provided what will no doubt be the most lasting memory of this weekends G20 gathering in Toronto, that of broken glass and burning police cars.  A self identified group of anarchists and apparent jerks ran running battles with a rather patient and restrained group of police. The collection of usual suspects at these affairs managed to get what they wanted, lots of attention from Toronto's rather flustered media contingents, many of whom most likely have had better days in the world of descriptive journalism.

We follow the days events from a variety of options including:

The Toronto Star
Toronto Star photo blog
Globe and Mail
National Post
Toronto Sun
CBC
CTV
City TV

The drama in Toronto overshadowed the World Cup for Canadians, as we imagine most preferred to watch the video from the streets as opposed to what was on the pitch in an entertaining and dramatic end to the USA's quest for soccer glory. With a 2-1 loss Ghana, the USA was eliminated from this years tournament, meaning four more years in the wilderness for US soccer. If all is quiet on the riot lines Sunday morning, Canadians may be able to get in the epic match of strategies between England and Germany, a deep seated rivalry as can be seen from the pages of the Guardian, Telegraph and Independent, as well as through the efforts of the BBC. And if that doesn't give you an idea as to how deep this rivalry goes, then perhaps Basil Fawlty can help us out.
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British Columbians are running out of time to get used to the idea of a harmonized tax, and while a good number of us may be hoping for an intervention, the day of harmonization is fast approaching. The archives of the Vancouver Sun features a review of how British Columbians feel that the tax may affect them.

While we featured this item on the blog earlier this week, the impact that Michael Hastings Rolling Stone article had surely deserves another plug, especially for those that missed it the first time. His fascinating  account of the US High command in Afghanistan, not only gained readers but provided the firestorm that brought a change at the top, with the summoning of and subsequent dismissal of General Stanley McChrystal.

The nature of that change will have an impact on Canadians as well, who are more than aware of the developments and shifts of the battle plan in that far off country. That interest and concern gets another note of reality today with word that two more Canadians, Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht, 34, and Private Andrew Miller, 21 have died while on duty there, bringing the total of Canada's Afghan war dead now to 150.

For our podcast today we turn back to the home of the G20 and its mayhem in the streets, where a very informative podcast is made available from TVO. We're pretty sure that sometime in the next week the topic of the G20 will somehow make it on to Steve Paikin's Agenda.

And to bring an end to our breakfast time review today, we turn to Bob Dylan who provided the soundtrack to more than one pivotal event in recent history. It was a time when those with issues or a quest for social justice  protested ideas and debate in the streets, not broken windows, burning police cars and classless jackasses clad in black.
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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Podunk Below the Masthead (Friday, June 25, 2010)

Prince Rupert Grain receives its award, the RCMP seek a suspect in an east side assault and Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District goes on the defensive over its comments policy.

Daily News front page headline story
PRINCE RUPERT'S YOUNGEST TEACHER -- Kids are always good for circulation numbers and Friday's Daily News mines that vein of gold with a story on a project at Pineridge School called Roots of Empathy which tracks the various facets if life for a baby.

Prince Rupert Grain receives its award, as the Canadian Wheat Board acknowledged the local grain elevators success as Grain Handler of the year.

And Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District defends its controversial policy limiting questions from the public during the course of their meetings.

The Sports section features a look at the mid season tournament of the Kaien Island Slowptich League.

(Daily News Archives for Friday June 25, 2010)

Prince Rupert's Youngest teacher
PRG presented with award
NDP backing Liberals on tankers
Twenty-four MLAs on the HST hit list 
Kristoff defends SQCRD decision

The Northern View
Prince Rupert RCMP release sketch of man involved in assault of 17-year old girl -- Prince Rupert RCMP release details of an early morning assault of a girl on the city's east side, included in the story is a sketch of a possible suspect in the attack (see story here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Open Fire Restrictions Imposed in Northwest --Areas east of the North coast Forest District have new fire restrictions in place as of this weekend (see article here)

 CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert Teenager shaken up but not harmed -- Some background on an assault on the city's east side early Wednesday morning. (see article here) Sahar Nassimdoost also filed this report for CFTK (see report here)

CBC News Northern BC, Daybreak North 
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now. 

 The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here

Daily News, front page, headline story
Prince Rupert's youngest teacher
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday June 25, 2010

He’s cuddly, cute and changing by the moment.

 Not usually the words to describe a teacher, but in this case it’s true. For the last ten months Baby Nicholas Cresswell has been a teacher to children in a kindergarten class at Pineridge Elementary School. He’s been leading them through a program called Roots of Empathy.

 Nicholas has visited once a month and around each visit the students have learned about safety, sleep patterns, growth and more.

 “Three times a month I come into the classroom and work with the students,” said Pineridge principal Kathy Dann, who is one of two facilitators trained to assist with the program in School District #52.

 “We prepare for the baby’s visit, he visits us, and then we follow up. His mom is prepared ahead of time, too, so she can answer the children’s questions,” explained Dann.

The program focuses on brain connections between babies and children. It was developed by educator Mary Gordon of Toronto in 1996 to help reduce levels of aggression among schoolchildren by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.

It is geared for children from kindergarten to Grade 8, but in the last few years there has only been the funding to deliver the program to kindergarten children in Prince Rupert.

Pineridge had two babies come into classrooms last year and Dann said she can’t wait to bring another one into the classroom next year.

“It’s a fabulous program. The babies don’t necessarily have to be from the school community, but we’ve found that the children see the baby more often when they are.

 “They see the baby when he comes to the school with his mom to the Strongstart Program or to pick up her son. They see him a lot and make wonderful connections,” said Dann.

Crystal and her husband Rob have enjoyed being part of the program. Rob always took his lunch hour early so that he could attend the sessions.

 “Nicholas is our third and final child and being part of the program gave us time to recognize his growth and changes, which we might not have done because he is our third. It’s been nice,” Crystal said.

On Thursday the students, representatives from the school district, teachers and staff attended the program’s final session at Pineridge.

Several of the students carefully helped Dann lay out a bright green fleece blanket to cover the floor. 

Lucas, who was sitting against the wall, realized for the first time that one of the boys in his class was Nicholas’s big brother.

 “Nice”, Lucas told Christopher.

 Going around the room, Dann asked the students what they’d enjoyed the most about the program. The majority of the students said they liked watching Nicholas develop.

 It took a few visits for Nicholas to notice.


Friday, June 25, 2010

It's the economy (Friday June 25, 2010)

China looks to Canada for trade options, the HST is almost here and rifts appear at G20, some of the financial items for Friday.

Globe and Mail-- The $7-trillion challenge
Globe and Mail-- G20 must grapple with new era of government
Globe and Mail-- China seeks to double trade with Canada
National Post-- BP sinks to 14-year low on hurricane fears
National Post-- Double-dip recession unlikely, Europe worries overblown: Economist
National Post-- Canada urges G20 nations to cut deficits in half by 2013
Vancouver Sun-- HST: it’s just around the corner ...
Vancouver Sun-- FortisBC prompts fish concerns with planned Nicola Lake hydro project
New York Times-- Genetically Altered Salmon Get Closer to the Table
New York Times-- The Renminbi Runaround
New York Times-- Banks Likely to Offset Impact of New Law, Analysts Say
USA Today-- Will new financial regulations prevent future meltdowns?
USA Today-- G-8 vows to 'follow through' on aid pledges
Guardian UK online-- G20 summit: Rifts in Toronto as US warns EU of double-dip recession risk
Guardian UK online-- Ireland at forefront of Chinese plans to conquer Europe
Guardian UK online-- Leaders divided over tackling national deficits
Independent UK online-- BP must not be destroyed, says Cameron as shares hit 14-year low
Independent UK online-- Rich nations accused of failing to keep their African aid promise
Telegraph UK online-- David Cameron calls on G20 to take 'unpopular' decisions for growth
Telegraph UK online-- BP oil spill: The more optimistic Tony Hayward sounds, the worse things get
Telegraph UK online-- Why NHS spending cannot be cut
Melbourne Herald Sun-- ACCC to decide BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto joint venture fate next month
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Gillard thanks BHP for scrapping ads
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Miners continue working on mining tax ads despite truce
People's Daily-- China not keen on yuan talks at G20
People's Daily-- Economists urge focus on domestic consumption
China Daily-- China, Canada aim to double trade
China Daily-- Yuan surges to highest in five years
Times of India-- Auto industry welcomes decontrol of petrol price
Times of India-- 'Interests of aam aadmi and poor have been safeguarded'

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Podunk Below the Masthead Thursday, June 24, 2010

A review of departing School District principal Steve Riley's career, Prince Rupert RCMP are kept busy on Thursday morning on 6th West and CFTK profiles Rudy Kelly at his new position with the City of Prince Rupert, some of Thursday's news offferings.

Daily News, front page, headline story
LONG TIME STEVE RILEY A LOSS FOR RUPERT STUDENTS-- A high profile departure from School District 52 is examined, as the Daily News recaps the twenty five years of service of Steve Riley, who will leave his principal's duties at the Pacific Coast School for a position with the Nisga'a School District.

Dan Rodin submits a report which answers some questions regarding the City's Statement of Financial Information for 2009, with City council members having sought out clarification by e mail on a number of issues of concern.

The Daily takes a look at the state of the city's real estate market as local residents await news on a number of fronts that could impact on the buying and selling of homes in the city.

The Sports section features a look at the recent Prince Rupert Rapids Swim club's award ceremony last week.

(Daily News Archive items for Thursday, June 24, 2010)

Long Time Steve Riley a loss for Rupert students 
City financial report clarified
Rupert Real estate in hold mode
Growing space gets new lease on life and rent
A Rupert beauty contestant

The Northern View
No new local news was posted to the Northern View website on Thursday

CFTK TV 7 News
Early morning assault in Prince Rupert -- Prince Rupert RCMP were kept busy in the early morning hours of Thursday with an assault in the 6th West and Tatlow area of the city (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
New Advocate for active living in Prince Rupert -- CFTK catches up to the news of the hiring of Rudy Kelly as the City of Prince Rupert's recreation director. (see article here) (Sahar Nassimdoost filed this report for CFTK)

CBC News Northern BC, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now. 

The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here

Daily News, front page, headline story
Long Time Steve Riley a loss for Rupert students
By George T. Baker 
Staff Writer 
Prince Rupert Daily News 
Thursday, June 24, 2010 

After 25 years on the job, educator Steve Riley is tipping his hat to the school district and hitting the road on his way to a new town.

 Riley has stepped down from his role of principal at Pacific Coast School and has accepted a job as principal of Gitwinsilkh Elementary School in the Nass Valley.

 In a press release, the Prince Rupert school board wished Riley well and welcomed his replacement on board - Port Edward Elementary School’s principal, Sandy Pond.

 “Of course we wish Steve Riley the very best in his new assignment of principal for the Nisga’a School District,” said board chair Tina Last.

 “He has provided valuable leadership for the students in the district over the past twenty-five years and will be greatly missed, particularly by the staff and students of his most recent schools: PCS and Roosevelt Elementary School.“

 Riley was the principal of Roosevelt during some of that school’s more turbulent years, when it was known as the province’s ‘worst’ elementary school’ based on the Fraser Institute’s Foundational Skills Assessment. Interestingly, the school has been assessed very differently this year by Sir Wilfred Laurier University, compared to FI’s report.

 However, Riley’s greatest legacy will likely be the initiative to get Pacific Coast School open, an alternative school that applies a different methodology in educating students.

 The school was founded on the principle that the normal secondary school curriculum wasn’t working for some students that had withdrawn or were failing in their studies. The school faced many obstacles to opening, including some members of the Cow Bay business community who were concerned that locating a school in their area would cause damage to the community design. Pond will replace Riley beginning in September, but will do so only part-time.

Pond will remain the part-time principal of Port Edward. In addition, the school board announced that Mike Russell will be the new Acting Vice-Principal of Charles Hays Secondary School. Russell will become a turncoat of sorts, having graduated from Prince Rupert Secondary School as a student.

Russell has taken on the responsibilities because current principal Sandy Jones has taken on a part-time role at the school district office.

Russell has experience teaching in Kitkatla, and in schools in Georgia and in Mexico.

City Hall Tracker for June 21, 2010

Another busy Monday night session for council as they hold a special session (excluded to the public) prior to the regular session,where they tackle a number of agenda items,  among them some salary clarifications to look over, all part of the festivities for June 21, 2010.

Notice of Special Meeting for June 21, 2010 first order of business to exclude the public
Agenda for Regular Council meeting of June 21, 2010 
Committee of the Whole Meeting for June 21, 2010
Report to Council Statement of Financial information on Employee salary request

In Attendance: 


Councillor Anna Ashley
Councillor Gina Garon
Councillor Nelson Kinney 
Councillor Joy Thorkelson
Councillor Kathy Bedard 


Absent from council:


Mayor Jack Mussallem
Councillor Sheila Gordon Payne

Minutes for June 21, 2010

Daily News Voting summary 
(Summary printed in June23 edition

Attendance at City Hall to date archives .

Next council meeting July 5, 2010 

City Hall Scoresheet for June 21, 2010


The Wednesday, June 23 edition of the Daily News featured their regular scorecard on city council issues, this one featuring the deliberations and votes from selected items of the June 21 session of council..

This weeks feature appeared on page three of the Wednesday edition.

Question One: Council extended eligibility for employees passes at the Civic Centre, cost $120 a year to employees that meet the requirements for other benefits extended to employees.

How council voted:

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Yes
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- No
Councillor Gina Garon-- No
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes

Question Two:  Council gave third reading and approved a development variance for the property owners at 1111 Prince Rupert Blvd. to construct a carport structure on the southwest side of the house adjacent to a City easement.

How council voted:

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Yes
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes

Question Three: A development variance permit fir the property owner located at 719 Alfred Street to rebuild and expand an existing deck will goto public notification for comment.

How council voted:

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Yes
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes

Question Four: Council Chief Financial Officer Dan Rodin's report on the Schedule of Employee Remuneration and Expenses for 2009.

How council voted:

Mayor Jack Mussallem-- Yes
Councillor Anna Ashley-- Yes
Councillor Kathy Bedard-- Yes
Councillor Nelson Kinney-- Yes
Councillor Gina Garon-- Yes
Councillor Sheila Gordon-Payne-- Yes
Councillor Joy Thorkelson-- Yes