A TOWN CALLED PODUNK

Last Pogo in Podunk

2011-01-09T23:32:00.001-08:00

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Sharp eyed and regular readers of our efforts will note that today marks an anniversary for our narrative of Podunkian life.

It was on this day back in 2004, that we began the process of cataloguing the ups and downs of our little corner of world.

Some seven thousand plus posts and seven years invested in observation and reporting on what we believed were some of the items of importance to the local community. Offering both details and background on a variety of issues, and when the mood struck an occasional opinion on them.

Perhaps it's a seven year itch, or as Roseanne Cash would say the Seven Year Ache, but regardless, this it would seem would be an appropriate time to bring to an end this journal of Podunkian developments, marking a good long run, but one which reaches its last stop today.

Our thanks to those that took the time to read our efforts and especially to those that took time to offer up some worthwhile commentary to the daily debate that we tried to introduce through this forum.

We would be remiss if we did not also thank those over at hackingthemainframe for the bumps to the postings and the platform for wider distribution over the last few years.

As Geoffrey Chaucer once noted, all things must come to an end, and so it is thus for this version of the Chronicles of Podunk.

And so, this post makes for the bookend to that which opened up the blog back in 2004.

Thanks for reading, your loyalty was much appreciated.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, The Podunkian has left the portal!
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Our Cavalcade of Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T19:47:00.024-08:00

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While you track the path of Santa, or contemplate where in Podunk the best Christmas displays are, we offer up another edition of our annual Christmas Cavalcade.

Snippets of Christmas, which we'll update through Christmas Eve (so check back from time to time to see what's up).

Our Christmas present to our faithful Podunkian readers/viewers with our thanks for their interest and contributions to the debate through the year...

Merry Christmas and our best wishes for a most enjoyable break from the normal stresses.

..What may be under the tree this year...

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The tale of the Christmas log (as seen on TV)
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Yes it could very well be the best Christmas movie
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No need for Santa to show his papers at the border.
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Better Christmas trees through better science

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Rethinking Joseph
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Some Cinematic Santa's are good, some not so much
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What may be under the tree this year.
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A Cross Canada Christmas
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Christmas in Kandahar
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Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus
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Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

Podunk Below the Masthead, Friday, December 24, 2010

2010-12-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

It's the slowest News Day of the year... some slim pickins' in the news department this Christmas Eve, the Northern View looks back, the Mayor of Prince Rupert looks forward and in Kitimat they look to place a plaque in honour of much respected civic worker, the news review for Friday.

The Northern View
The year in review: January to March -- The Northern View begins its review of the year that was, with a Christmas eve look back at the months of January to March (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert Mayor optimistic about 2011 -- Mayor Mussallem spreads good tidings of joy as we enter into Christmas eve (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Kitimat's former Director of Recreation honoured -- The District of Kitimat pays its honours to a long time recreation director who passed away over a year ago (see article 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

It's the economy Friday, December 24, 2010

2010-12-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Some financial Ho Ho Ho for the Christmas season, a Canadian success story and Scrooge is alive and well, a few of our Christmas Eve financial chestnuts, roasting by the open fire.

Globe and Mail-- U. S. retailers celebrate shoppers' return
Globe and Mail-- Economics: The best and worst of 2010
National Post-- The best financial jokes of 2010
National Post-- Nav Canada as beacon
Vancouver Sun-- Synthetic lumber maker hindered by lack of recyclables
New York Times-- The Humbug express
Guardian UK online-- Business Heroes and Zeroes 2010
Telegraph UK online-- Record spike in EMU default risk on Portugal downgrade and Greek restructuring scare
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Cashed-up companies to go prowling in new year
China Daily-- 17 Chinese brands on World's 500 list
Times of India-- Don't risk public money, banks told

Channeling your inner Griswold in Prince Rupert

2010-12-24T15:21:00.002-08:00

While we continue to track the path of Santa as he makes his way towards YOUR house, perhaps we can take a moment to see which part of our Podunkian setting is your favourite for the annual display of Christmas lights.

Through the last month Podunkians have been busy channelling their inner Clark, the patriarch of the Griswold clan of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. A dedicated man, who sought only to bring much joy to his family (and his Hydro provider) with his annual display of Christmas lights.

An event which didn't start out too well, but as events played out eventually worked out as planned, well sort of...

To help us in our quest for Prince Rupert's best Griswold, we seek your counsel, voting below as to the area of town with the best of Christmas displays, and if you wish a more specific compass point for Christmas Eve and Day travellers to cruise towards.

Below we have a handy reference map courtesy of the city's website, which divides the city into five sections, vote accordingly and with commentary to send us on our way!

Red -- Seal Cove and East area
Blue-- Crestview and Prince Rupert Boulevard area
Green-- Downtown and centre town area
Orange-- Summit and Pineridge areas
Yellow-- Westview
Not shaded-- Port Edward

You can cast your ballot courtesy of the hackingthemainframe electronic voting booth, our quickest resource centre outside of following the glow of the Rupert night!

You can access the ballot site here.

We'll close the voting booth Sunday at midnight, giving you a chance to check out the assorted recommendations from across the city.

Up, Up and Away with Santa's sleigh

2010-12-24T10:00:00.002-08:00

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The North American Air Defence System has once again gone into Defcon Santa as reports of the a Jolly old Elf and nine of his favourite reindeer take to the skies of the hemispheres, delivery tidings of Joy.

Using a high tech system of observation including radar and satellites, Santa Cams and fighter jets, NORAD command which features members from both the US and Canadian military keeps a careful watch on Santa as he makes his way towards the North American continent and a return to his North Pole home after another successful mission.

You can follow his progress through the NORAD Santa site, which features a variety of highly secretive military tracking mechanisms including the very helpful Google Earth tracking map .

To help your young one's pass the time til they have to put out the treats for Santa and his reindeer NORAD has an interactive games zone for kids and stories about Santa , including a Santa cookie counter that updates his calorie intake thus far, all designed to keep the young ones busy (a handy thing for parents anticipating tomorrows sugar high and such).

In addition to the fun and games, NORAD has added some international efforts as they highlight a number of student videos from the around the world describing where they call home.

But of course the main attraction of the day for NORAD is keeping Santa's travels safe, and to follow that progress they suggest that youngsters of all ages keep checking back here to see where Santa has been to, where he's at right now and where he's heading to next.

Podunk Below the Masthead, Thursday, December 23 2010

2010-12-24T09:34:00.001-08:00

The Northern Adventure to the rescue, plans continue on the old Via station redevelopment and Alaska has bad news for fishermen on two river systems in the state, some of our news reviews from Thursday's news files.

The Northern View
Northern Adventure assists in rescue of ship in distress -- The BC Ferry Northern Adventure lends assistance to a vessel in distress during its trip between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Restoration of Via Rail building in Prince Rupert continues -- A local contractor continues on with the renovations to the old Via Rail building, with a western Canadian steak chain planned for the upstairs portion of the renovated building (see article here) (see video report here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Free transit in Kitimat on New Year's Eve-- Public transit in the Kitimat region will be free of charge on New Years Eve with bus service running until 5 am on some routes. (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 news
Championship Preparation -- TV 7 provides a look at the training program of a young Terrace skater who is set to challenge for the national championships in Victoria next year (see video reports here and here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Forecast too low for gillnet fisheries on Stikine, Taku Kings -- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game issues its pre season forecast that shows that returns for two river systems are too low to allow for a commercial opening in those areas. (listen to radio 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

Reduction in population doesn't translate to subtraction of trustees

2010-12-24T09:33:00.002-08:00

The population of the region may be declining, a number of the schools closing and the student numbers dropping, but one thing will remain constant for School District 52 in the next few years, the number of School Board trustees will remain the same.

In one of their last items of business for 2010, The School District 52 board chose not to downsize itself, voting against a motion from trustee Terri Lynne Huddlestone, who had put forward the prospect of reducing the make up of the number of School District trustees from seven to five.

As Ms. Huddlestone told the Northern View this week, with provincial elections on the horizon for 2011 she felt that the timing was right to explore the possibility of downsizing the board's membership, following the lead of other jurisdictions and as a way of saving money in a tight budget situation.

Her motion however failed to find much support, with Board Chair Tina Last expressing her opposition to the plan, expressing concerns that with a reduced board make up you could at some point have two members of the community making decisions for a 27 million dollar budget.

Ms. Last asked the public to indulge the School District as they work out the necessary reductions to the School District, though it would seem that in her opinion reducing the School District Board membership is not one of the items that should be considered at this time.

Other trustees weighed in with thoughts that the timing wasn't right or that the population of the District may one day grow again and reducing the number of trustees would then be a decision that the board would come to regret.

Trustee Russell Weins suggested that since there hasn't been a large public outcry over the numbers and the process of doing so probably couldn't be done in time for the next election, there wasn't much point in the proposal.

An interesting interpretation of events, though perhaps a bit more time could have been given for residents to consider the option rather than the end of the year vote to dismiss the idea completely.

Other school district boards in the province, including the Coast Mountain District serving Terrace and Kitimat, have voted to reduce their board components as their populations decline, but for the North coast trustees who rejected the notion by a vote of 5-2, that is an idea that it seemingly isn't the time to consider just yet.

The Northern View provided the full review of the debate, such as it was, posted to their website this week.

Haisla Nation reaches beneficial LNG agreement with resource company

2010-12-24T07:48:00.009-08:00

An agreement between the Haisla Nation and two Texas based resource companies, Apache Corporation and EOG Resources, is going to provide for a financial winfall for the Haisla and the opportunity for long term investment going forward.

Last week the Haisla Nation signed an agreement with the energy group that will see the two resource companies provide the Northwest first nation with 50 million dollars, the Haisla chose to receive a cash deposit rather than hold a similar amount of share in the planned 4 billion dollar LNG shipment plant planned for their community by the Texas energy companies.

The Haisla based their decision to not seek a share of the project owing to the requirement that they would have had to raise their own equity portion of the project, an undertaking they decided not to move ahead with.

With that decision made, the Hailsa then made plans to distribute 8,000 dollars to each member of the First Nation over the age of 18, the remainder of the money to be transferred, estimated to be around 40,000 dollars will be put into investments to benefit the First Nation moving towards the future.

In addition to the financial aspect of the arrangement, the Haisla will also benefit from employment and business opportunities once the project gets underway.

The acceptance of the LNG project on Haisla land is a completely different scenario than that which faces the controversial Enbridge pipeline development.

That project has run into no shortage of troubles in the last few months as a wide ranging coalition continues to try and stop that planned pipeline and terminal in Kitimat before it makes any further forward momentum.

The LNG terminal announcement and financial arrangement brings the long planned shipment of natural gas out of a Northwest port much closer to fruition than ever before.

CFTK TV 7 News-- Haisla accept $50M for LNG Stake
The Northern Sentinel-- Haisla sell KLNG option
Vancouver Sun-- Haisla Nation sells option on Kitimat LNG project

Long time Rupert residents will remember that it was back in the late 1970's that the prospect of LNG tankers arriving and departing on the north coast was planned for an area near Lax Kw'alaams, a project that never seemed to get much further than the design stage and some preliminary discussions.

The topic of LNG shipments from the region also were renewed by Pac Rim LNG project in the late 1990's, but again things never seemed to move beyond the disucssion phase.

Those discussions regarding the Lax Kw'alaams projects have made for more than a few reports and academic papers on the issue, excerpts from a few of those efforts can be found below.

Community involvement in "mega-project" planning : a case study of the relationship between the Lax Kw’alaams Indian Band and Dome Petroleum

Allies and Adversaries

Pac Rim LNG Project

The original development which was planned for Grassy point near the First Nations community, floundered as the main proponent Dome Petroleum suffered financial setbacks during the financial troubles of the mid to late eighties.

Likewise, we haven't heard much more of the Pac Rim Plans since the turn of the calendar from the nineties to a new century.

Some thirty years later the Haisla have moved the prospects of LNG tankers to the horizon, negotiating a financial package that provides what has been descried as "an immediate and substantial benefit" to members of their nation, as well as setting the stage for further development and investment in and by the Haisla.

With the formalities of Kitamaat portion of the project now complete, Apache resources will be moving its plans forward towards a completion date in 2014.

Towards that goal, KM LNG an affiliate of Apache Corporation filed a licence application with the Canadian National Energy Board seeking approval to export liquefied natural gas from the proposed Kitimat Terminal.

Apache Corporation has a major natural gas development in Northeaster British Columbia with volumes of gas in production and now with the arrangement in place for a terminal, it would seem that Apache resources has most of its pieces in place to begin exporting natural gas out of Kitimat within the next three years.

It's the economy, Thursday, December 23, 2010

2010-12-23T17:16:00.000-08:00

December gasoline prices set a record, Tiger gets dumped again and China anticipates an export slowdown for 2011, some of the items of interest from our Thursday financial review.

Globe and Mail-- Rising gasoline price new December record
Globe and Mail-- Greece passes tough 2011 austerity budget
National Post-- How much do you need to retire?
National Post-- Gillette will not renew Tiger Woods
Vancouver Sun-- Ex-Canucks CEO finds new challenge with Easton
New York Times-- Economists See Signs of Stronger Recovery
Guardian UK online-- Ireland nationalises fourth bank with move to take over Allied Irish
Telegraph UK online-- Record spike in EMU default risk on Portugal downgrade and Greek restructuring scare
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Workers become slack during summer
China Daily-- China expects exports to slow in 2011
Times of India-- Banks against corporate foraying into banking: RBI

Podunk Below the Masthead, Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010-12-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

A cavalcade of presents for the Wildlife Shelter, Prince Rupert business owners review the season so far and turkey's can fly, if they're thrown from a car, some of our items of note for our Wednesday news review.

The Northern View
Christmas comes early for Prince Rupert Wildlife Shelter-- A Prince Rupert business and a local development society work together to help out Prince Rupert's Wildlife Shelter (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert businesses benefit from holiday shopping -- Some Prince Rupert retailers are finding that it's pretty much business as usual this Christmas season despite the economic downturn (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Key to new Kitimat animal shelter handed over to District-- The two and half year project to build a new animal shelter in Kitimat has been successfully concluded (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Senate Lighthouses-- CFTK's evening news report on the findings of the Senate Committee looking into the light house de staffing issue (see video report here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Enbridge Forum -- Kitimat council wants more details before committing to co hosting a forum in Kitimat on the Enbridge project (see video report here)

Terrace Standard
City bus fares rise -- Users of the Terrace Regional Transit system will face fare hikes in the New Year (see article here)

Northern Sentinel
Envision branch hit by fraud-- The Kitimat RCMP is investigating a case of internal fraud at the Kitimat branch of Envision financial (see article here)

QCI Observer
RCMP talking turkey after crash-- A frozen turkey (fowl not human) makes an exit from a car accident on Haida Gwaii (see article here)

QCI Observer
Graduation rate better, but still not good enough-- A review of the high school completion rate report for schools on Haida Gwaii (see article here)

QCI Observer
South-end seniors' lunch special-- A recap of the recent luncheon for Queen Charlotte Senior's (see article 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

Inflation spikes the twelve days of Christmas

2010-12-23T10:38:00.004-08:00

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Bad news for those that might be inclined towards the more traditional of gift giving this Christmas season, the annual inflation index of the Twelve Days of Christmas has gone up 9.25 per cent this year, an increase on the fabled list that will set you back some $23,439.38 should you wish to fulfill each and every one of those gifts from the Twelve Days.

Since 1984 PNC Bank Financial in the United States has been tracking the cost of each of the twelve gifts from the twelve days, providing as only accountants and financial advisors could a comprehensive report on the cost to your pocket book should the spirit of the season get the best of you.

The inflationary spiral for 2010 goes as follows from the PNC Christmas index:

The Partridge in the Pear tree costs 1.3 per cent more this year

Two Turtle Doves jumped up 78.6 per cent in 2010

Three French Hens had the most inflationary spike at 237 per cent

Four Calling birds proved to be a bargain holding steady with no increase in 2010

Five Gold Rings jumped 30 per cent in the last year

Six Geese a laying are a bargain this year with no increase in their cost

Seven Swans a swimming went up 6.7 per cent

While the Eight Maids a Milking are holding down the costs this year with no increase

9 Ladies Dancing moved the index up 15 per cent in the last 365 days

The 10 Lords a Leaping, inched the index up 10 per cent this year

Eleven pipers piping make their noise with only a 3.1 per cent jump for 2010

and 12 Drummers drumming banged out a 3.1 per cent increase for this Christmas season.

The PNC website offers up a rather entertaining interpretation of this years price index, using a format that perhaps should be utilized by banks and financial investment representatives everywhere in delivering financials.

After all it's not every day that your financial spreadsheets come in an inter active pop up book format, could make a world of difference in Mutual fund interpretation we imagine.

You can gather the young ones around the computer screen and break out the calculators as PNC calculates the potential extravagance of gift giving here..

For those that prefer their information in the old ancient ways of a written report, the New York Times provided a handy recap of events here, but even they recommend a look over the PNC presentation.

If after all your financial calculations are finished you feel that perhaps the more traditional of the Twelve Days of Christmas is out of reach, there's always the Canadian alternative list.

A collection of gifts which may be a little more cost effective, but perhaps not quite as traditional, sentimental or romantic for that matter...
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It's the economy, Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010-12-22T17:54:00.001-08:00

Are you in the way of an economic recovery? Economic junkies of Europe and no Ho Ho Ho for BC in the HST, some of the items of interest from our Wednesday financial review.

Globe and Mail-- Personal debt a threat to recovery
Globe and Mail-- Euro Zone addicted to "financial heroin" BMO warns
National Post-- Wall Street a world apart from financial hardship
National Post-- Alberta fires warning volley over regulator
Vancouver Sun-- HST pushes B.C. inflation rate above national average: Economists
New York Times-- Tight Gift Budget? Rethink Those Pricey French Hens
Guardian UK online-- Bank of England minutes show increasing fear of inflation
Telegraph UK online-- UK growth in 2010 cut as recovery loses traction
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Treasurer Wayne Swan in bitter tax turf war with states over mining royalties
China Daily-- Cross-Straits get healthy agreement
Times of India-- Plan panel for many infra debt funds

Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, December 21, 2010

2010-12-22T10:12:00.001-08:00

A review of the eclipse of the Moon, The School District board chooses not to downsize and some reaction to the Senate committee recommendations on light house staffing, some of the items of note from our Tuesday review of the news.

The Northern View
Prince Rupert residents get a great view of lunar eclipse-- The Northern View's account of Monday night/Tuesday morning's lunar eclipse visible from Prince Rupert (see article here)

The Northern View
CN and CAW working to avoid job action -- Labour negotiations ramp up between CN and the Canadian Auto Workers with a January deadline looming (see article here)

The Northern View
School board gives new middle school a familiar name -- The Northern View catches up to last weeks announcement that the new middle school set to open in September will feature the name Prince Rupert Middle School (see article here)

The Northern View
Port Ed raises train traffic concerns-- In the aftermath of a recent collision between a vehicle and train in Port Edward, the District councillors raises their concerns over the volume of trains passing through the community (see article here)

The Northern View
Board decided against reducing trustees-- The School District 52 board decides against a motion that would have reduced their numbers from 7 to 5 (see article here)

The Northern View
Board changing goal of student achievement contract -- Superintendent Lynn Hauptman provides her report on student achievement and outlines additional initiatives to support the efforts of the District Improvement Team (see article here)

The Northern View
Port Ed, CUPE sign new contract-- A new three year contract is successfully negotiated between the District of Port Edward and its CUPE workers (see article here)

The Northern View
New rules govern land use on Haida Gwaii -- The provincial government releases a new set of rules for commercial land on Haida Gwaii (see article here)

The Northern View
Port Edward re-examining bylaws in light of deer shooting- Changes are in the works towards bylaws in the District of Port Edward after the shooting of a popular deer earlier this month (see article here)

The Northern View
No hunting on the highway, warn officers-- Conservation Officers issue a warning to the public over the illegality of hunting and/or shooting near the highway (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Positive reaction from Northwest residents on lighthouse committee recommendations -- Some reaction to Tuesday's recommendations of the Senate committee investigating the light house closure issue (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Millenium Grads win Ciccone Alumni Basketball Tournament at PRSS-- The Grads of 1997-2003 claimed victory in the annual Jim Ciccone Memorial Christmas Alumni Basketball tournament, held for its final appearance at the PRSS Gym (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Belsey joins list of George Abbot Supporters-- Bill Belsey, the Former Liberal MLA for the North coast, offers his support to would be Liberal leader George Abbott (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Church Break In sours Christmas Spirit-- A break in at the Knox United Church in Terrace provides for a less than festive atmosphere for the community (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace Skater Prepares for Nationals-- A Terrace based figure skater is home for Christmas but has the national championships on her mind during the holiday season (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Thornhill Firefighters spread the Joy of Christmas-- A tradition that stretches back to 1982 continued on through the Thornhill area this past weekend, as the Thornhill Fire fighters held their annual Carol sing along (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Petition launched to recoup federal subsidy for Eurocan-- Kitimat Council is considering whether to endorse a petition to try and recoup a 32 million dollar subsidy, known as the Black Liquor Tax Subsidy, provided to West Fraser Timber (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Camping restrictions removed at Hirsch Creek Park -- Kitimat council approves changes to the current camping restrictions at the city owned park (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace Stabbing suspect remains behind bars-- The latest developments in an a stabbing incident from last week in Terrace (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace's Spirit Square Nominated as "Great Place in Canada"-- The New Spirit Square in Terrace is in the running in a contest examining great public spots in the country (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
BV School District looking for new superintendent-- Yet another Northwest School District is back in the hunt for upper management (see article here)

Terrace Standard
City Councillor eyes top spot-- Election fever takes hold in Terrace as first term councillor Bruce Bidgood contemplates a run for Mayor in eleven months (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Computers stolen from church-- Minor damage and theft of property strikes a Terrace church over the weekend (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Man charged in Terrace stabbings-- A man remains in custody, and two others face court appearances after a number of stabbings last week in Terrace (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Assembly approves strategy to sell Ward Cove properties-- Ketchikan Borough Assembly approves a marketing strategy for a development at Ward Cove (see article 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

The irony of Julian Assange

2010-12-22T08:54:00.004-08:00

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Some suggest that he's a hero for revealing the deepest and darkest of secrets of government and corporate leaders, revealing through his wiki leak dumps the hypocrisy and duplicity that some suggest guide their every efforts.

Others however, believe that Julian Assange is perhaps one of the most dangerous men alive, putting lives at risk, an egotistical blowhard who is using his wiki leaks fame for his own personal glories.

It's a divide that is becoming the obsession of the media of late, as commentators staking out their turf either in favour of Assange and his efforts or decrying them as a very dangerous practice.

That debate it seems is also shared both within and far from his wiki leaks group, insiders to the group have spoken out at how the project has strayed far from its original ideals and become too focused on Assange and his troubles, while those clearly on the side of Mr. Assange have suggested that evil forces are at work to bring to an end his goals of transparency and accountability of some of the highest of powers.

The split within the wiki leakers spawning another site, Open Leaks, which is hoping to return to the task of revelations without the personal dramas that have evolved thus far.

Somewhere in the middle of all this muddle we imagine is the truth, one day to be examined and divined as to where Assange will fit in the larger picture of this anarchy of the internets and what we should have access to and when we should access it.

Before that happens however, Mr. Assange will no doubt face more than a few legal questions and procedures, the first of which would appear to be his troubles in Sweden over charges of alleged sexual impropriety.

Recently released from his British cell where he was being held while the Swedish charges get sorted out, Assange has been quick to return to the public spotlight he had to abandon while incarcerated.

However, the first of his public comments since that new found freedom have provided for a fascinating bit of situational irony in recent times, where the man who found no problems with his leaking volumes of information from around the world is more than a little annoyed that a British newspaper has leaked details of his own legal difficulties in Sweden.

It's made for an interesting review of his own wiki leak beliefs and how sometimes we can be hoisted upon our own petard.

Certainly it's the kind of development that can make the work of the script writers at Saturday Night Live as easy as its ever been, not that they need the leg up, considering the past works on the Assange file so far.

Here are a couple of their most recent comedic gems, spawned from the very public profile of the wiki leaker himself
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It's the economy, Tuesday, December 21, 2010

2010-12-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

Pity the bankers? A wave of failure on the horizon for Europe and India is still number one in the outsourcing, some of the items of interest from our Financial review for a Tuesday.

Globe and Mail-- Stronach to give up control MI Developments
Globe and Mail-- U.S. FCC adopts Internet traffic rules
National Post-- Bankers around world brace for drop in bonuses
National Post-- Don’t rule out a ‘lost decade’ for the U.S. economy
Vancouver Sun-- Whistler ready for a busy season
New York Times-- A Warning to Portugal as Spain Sells Bonds
Guardian UK online-- Portugal faces threat of credit rating downgrade
Telegraph UK online-- Citigroup warns of fresh wave of bank failures in Europe
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Dick Smith says wealthy are greedy as no bank bosses respond to donation call
China Daily-- China urges EU to lift bans on hi-tech goods exports
Times of India-- India still world's No. 1 destination for offshore outsourcing

Senate Committee recommends halt to light house destaffing

2010-12-21T11:09:00.004-08:00

If the government takes the advice of a Senate committee into the future of lighthouses on both coasts, the isolated stations will remain fully staffed and continue to provide the services that they currently offer.

After crossing the nation, including a stop on the North coast, the Senate Committee studying the use and need for light houses on both coasts has issued its recommendation to DFO that for now, Ottawa continue staffing those light houses that remain in operation.

As we outlined on the blog back in November, here and here the committee session in Prince Rupert provided for much local commentary on the issue, bringing together a wide coalition of support to keep the light house stations of the north coast in operation as fully staffed services.

Some of the events surrounding that session can be found below

Demonstration Against Lighthouse De-Staffing planned for Prince Rupert
Automate Lighthouses and endanger lives say North Coast mariners
Destaffing review
Fishernen's Union says DFO can't manage it's finances
Senators say they have a better understanding of Northern BC lighthouses
Senate review
Senators hear support for staffed lighthouses
North coast says 'no' to losing lighthouse staff
Senators looking for input on automating lighthouses

It would seem that the committee heard that call loud and clear as it now has called on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to halt its current de-staffing plan and suggested that further decisions on the issue should be made on a case by case basis.

The recommendations which were unanimous among the committee members came after those participants in the cross Canada survey heard overwhelming support for light house personnel on both coasts.

Among the other recommendations made to Fisheries Minister Gail Sea were that guidelines and consolations be made on whether light houses should be maintained in both Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia.

As well, the committee would like the government to offer a cost-benefit analysis regarding the full range of services provided by staffed lighthouses.

Fisheries Minister Gail Shea has not as of yet, provided a response from the government regarding the recommendations of the committee released today.

Globe and Mail-- Keep staffing Canada's lighthouses, senators say
Winnipeg Free Press-- Senate committee recommends lighthouse staffing be maintained for now
Vancouver Sun-- Senate urges coast guard to keep lighthouse staffed
CBC- Keep staffing lighthouses: Senate panel

Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, December 20, 2010

2010-12-21T10:04:00.003-08:00

An arson attempt on Haida Gwaii, Free Access to the Civic Centre on Wednesday and a rescue at sea for the US Coast Guard in Alaska, some of our items of note from our Monday news review.

The Northern View
Queen Charlotte RCMP investigating arson attempt at detachment building-- As we outlined on the blog on Saturday, a disturbing incident of attempted arson at the Queen Charlotte City RCMP detachment is currently under investigation (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Free Civic Centre Day for everyone-- Rupertites can take advantage of the generosity of the employees at Ridley Terminals this Wednesday, as we reviewed on the blog on Saturday , RTI employees have booked the Civic Centre from 12 to 4 Friday for the free use of Prince Rupert residents (see article here) (Sahar Nassimdoost had this report for the TV 7 evening news)

CFTK TV 7 News
Kitimat Council considers holding public forum on Northern Gateway-- The District of Kitimat is asked to act as co-host into a public forum on the Enbridge Northern Gateway project (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Caregiver Sentenced -- A former employee of a group home in Terrace is sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a woman in his care. (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Mine Acquisition Challenged -- A Northwest First Nation has filed a legal challenge regarding the Mount Milligan mine project north of Fort St. James. (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
NovaGold Bids to Buy Copper Canyon-- Nova Gold makes a takeover offer of 34.1 million dollars for Copper Canyon Resources (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Arson Attempted on Queen Charlotte RCMP Detachment-- CFTK provides its review of the events of Friday night on Haida Gwaii (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
CIHL: Smithers, Prince Rupert Hold Division leads-- A review of the weekend action in the CIHL, which saw the Prince Rupert Rampage hold onto its lead in the West division (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Caregiver sent to jail-- A sentence of 297 days is issued to a Terrace resident who pleaded guilty of sexually exploitation of a disabled person (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Shames opens with a blast-- The regions ski facility opened up for another season with a variety of activities to greet this years ski fanatics (see article here)

QCI Observer
Queen Charlotte RCMP investigating apparent arson attempt to detachment building-- Details of Friday nights attempted arson on Haida Gwaii (see article here)

QCI Observer
MP Introduces bill to restore tax benefits-- Skeena Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen introduces a bill to restore the full northern residents tax deduction to residents of Haida Gwaii (see article here)

QCI Observer
Agriculture strategy meetings garner feedback-- A review of a recent Agriculture Strategy meeting held by the Mist Isles Economic Development Society (see article here)

QCI Observer
Scrooge like precautions a good idea-- Shoppers on Haida Gwaii are warned of some of the dangers when it comes to shopping in person or online (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Coast Guard rescues five from sinking vessel-- The US Coast Guard provided rescue services on Saturday for a vessel in distress off of Whitney Island 40 miles north of Petersburg (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
NPFMC OK's sablefish harvest increase in 2011-- Most Alaska black cod fishermen will see a higher allocation granted next year (see article 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

It's the economy, Monday, December 20, 2010

2010-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

A wishful retirement program, reaping the rewards of the north coast forestry and a debt load to tumble American cities, some of the items of note from our Monday financial files.

Globe and Mail-- Talisman sells B.C. gas field stake for $1-billion
Globe and Mail-- Deflation ‘worst possible world’ for life insurers
National Post-- One of the greatest bull markets in history
National Post-- Canada's wishful thinking pension program
Vancouver Sun-- B.C. band reaps benefits from wholly owned forest products firm
New York Times-- When Zombies win
Guardian UK online-- $2tn debt crisis threatens to bring down 100 US cities
Telegraph UK online-- Self-righteous Germany must accept a euro-debt union or leave EMU
Sydney Morning Telegraph-- Shareholders to get more power on salaries
China Daily-- Govt to invest $15b in farmland
Times of India-- Two decades of unshackled growth

Coast Tsimshian Resources pays dividends to members of First Nation

2010-12-20T08:41:00.003-08:00

At a return of 100 dollars a member, Coast Tsimshian Resources is providing for a welcome return on investment for local Coast Tsimshian residents and owners of the First Nations forestry company this Christmas.

Over the weekend, The Vancouver Sun outlined the details of the first ever dividend cheques handed out to residents of Lax Kw'alaams last Thursday, marking the first of the estimated 3,300 Coast Tsimshian to receive their share of the company's success for 2010.

The article by Gordon Hamilton goes on to explain the success of the company which acquired the timber rights of the failed Skeena Cellulose company six years ago and has since then turned those timber rights into an economic engine for the region.

As one of the northwest's largest companies, Coast Tsimshian currently employs 200 people in a variety of functions related to the timber industry, an industry most had given up for dead on the north coast in the wake of the economically devastating Skeena failure.

Included in its list of economic development is a newly created biocoal wood pellet plant, a joint venture with Global Biofuel Energy, taking waste wood and turning it into yet another product for the export market all while employing 30 people in the process.

The Coast Tsimshian have also opened up a trade office in Beijing and brought life once again to the Industrial park in Prince Rupert where a log debarked process the logs for further shipment mostly to China.

In an era of corporate downsizing or abandonment in some cases on the North coast, the success of the various Coast Tsimshian efforts seems to be a different breeze blowing on the north coast these days.

The full review of the path from inception to dividends can be found from Sunday's Vancouver Sun, an article you can examine here.

Rupertites may be in store for celestial treat tonight

2010-12-20T01:03:00.002-08:00

It's a combination of events that haven't taken place since 1554, but if the skies over the North coast remain clear overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning, the last lunar eclipse of 2010 and the first one to take place on the Winter's solstice in 456 years will provide for a spectacle in the night sky.

North coast stargazers and amateur astronomers should look towards the moon around 10:30 on Monday night, when the moon will enter the darkest part of the Earth's shadow. The celestial show continues on past the midnight hour when the moon will be at the deepest portion of its eclipse at 12:17am and then will emerge from the shadow around 12:50, the night time show should be complete by 2 am.

The fact that this eclipse is taking place during the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) is considered more of a coincidence than anything else, a handy conversation topic for those looking up into the night skies.

So far, it's so good for the weather forecast for Monday night with a clear but chilly night in the forecast.

There are however some snow flurries in the forecast for Tuesday and with them will come clouds, hopefully the clouds and flurries will hold off until later in the sunny part of the day Tuesday.

A sentiment no doubt shared especially by those that feel a little cheated by our past regular climatic cycles of clouds during major star gazing events.

Some background information on Monday night's show can be found below.

Sky and Telescope-- A sky high lunar eclipse
Victoria Times Colonist-- Clouds may rain on lunar eclipse enthusiasts
USA Today-- Entire nation gets a 'ringside seat' to total lunar eclipse
CNN-- Final lunar eclipse of 2010 set for early morning of December 21
Seattle Post-- Get ready for a total lunar eclipse
Globe and Mail-- Rare lunar eclipse to start early Tuesday morning
ABC Australia-- There's a blood moon on the rise
CTV-- Extremely rare lunar eclipse set for Tuesday
Chicago Tribune-- Winter's longest night offers astronomical gift
NPR -- Early Christmas treat: 2010's Total Lunar Eclipse
PC Magazine-- Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice Coincide This Tuesday
Fox News-- Will Tuesday Be the Darkest Day in 456 Years?
CBC-- Double Darkness
MSNBC-- How to watch the Dec. 20 total lunar eclipse
Discover Magazine-- Lunar eclipse Monday night
Live Science-- Total Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice & Meteor Shower

Rampage Review Week Twelve

2010-12-20T00:19:00.000-08:00

It was a very rewarding for the Prince Rupert Rampage as the team started the weekend on Friday night with a hard earned victory over the Terrace River Kings and wrapped up the weekend with a hugely successful public skate for charity at the Civic Centre on Sunday.

On the hockey front, Friday night's 5-3 victory over the River Kings solidified the Rampage grasp on first place in the CIHL west, providing the home side faithful of 783 with another well played and entertaining game.

The victory also provided the Rampage with a two point lead over second place Kitimat and puts them four points ahead of Terrace in the division, with but three games remaining in the CIHL season.

The Rampage offense was paced by two goals from Chris Brlecic, with singles from Brett Stava, Trevor Clouthier and J. T. Ward. The closely contested game featured three lead changes before the Rampage took control of matters in the third.

The two teams were tied after one period, while Terrace took a 3-2 lead into the third before the Rampage launched the comeback added a few insurance markers, the final one an empty net goal to bring home the win.

Daniel Lorette claimed the win with 27 saves on 30 shots, while Spencer Krupop was tagged with the Terrace loss surrendering four of the five goals from the total of 29 fired on the Terrace net.

Periods one and two provided for a physical game, sometimes a little too physical, as 34 minutes in penalties were called on Friday night. The majority of time in the box given to Terrace who served 24 minutes on 8 infractions, while the Rampage were assessed 10 minutes of penalty time of five infractions.

For Terrace the weekend proved to be a costly one in the West Division standings, in addition to their Friday night defeat to the Rampage, the River Kings dropped a second road game of the weekend Saturday night in Kitimat losing to the Ice Demons 5-2.

In addition to that match, there were three other games on the CIHL schedule this weekend, the results of all of those matches of the weekend can be found below.

Saturday, December 18 -- Williams Lake 12 Burns Lake 4
Saturday, December 18-- Smithers 4 Houston 1
Saturday, December 18 -- Kitimat 5 Terrace 2
Sunday, December 19-- Williams Lake 6 Burns Lake 2

Sunday the Rampage had a more leisurely skate in mind as they welcomed Rupertites to their annual skate with the Rampage session at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre arena. A large crowd of young and old took advantage of the free admission and joined in with players for the afternoon of fun on the ice, bringing with them a large number of donations of cash and canned food destined for the Salvation Army food bank.

The players will now turn their attention to the Christmas and New Years holiday before heading back to the rink and the remainder of the CIHL schedule, Prince Rupert's next game on the schedule is Saturday January 8th, when they take on the Kitimat Ice Demons in their final road game of the year.

January 15th and 16th will bring an end to the regular season of the CIHL as the Rampage play host to the Houston Luckies at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre, matches which will all set the stage for the playoff match ups.

You can find a full review of the Rampage season so far from our permanent link on the blog, which you can check out here.

Further reports on the CIHL this week will be posted below.

December 17-- Northern View-- Prince Rupert Rampage defeat Terrace River Kings

City takes action on nuisance properties

2010-12-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

Last week's City council gathering of December 13th provided the city's elected officials opportunity to send notice to some recalcitrant landowners in the city, outlining the city's frustration at the slow pace of remediation to a number of local structures in the city.

Pages 31 to 44 of the most recent Prince Rupert City council agenda (see here) provides a paper trail of sorts from Alan Scott, the City's Building and Licencing Inspector, who outlines the steps he has taken thus far to have property owners on 3rd Avenue West and Fifth Avenue East provide for resolution of the city's concerns.

Citing provisions of 74 of the Community Charter, Scott was advising the city to declare the properties to be a nuisance and order they be wrecked and removed.

The appropriate letters of notice of his intent to advise council were forwarded to the respective property owners, who once officially informed of the city's actions will be expected to tear down the properties in question or await the city's arrival to do so for them with the bill to follow.

CFTK TV 7 News provided this report on counci's decision on the fate of the 3rd Avenue property in question, that property owner now has thirty days to act on the city's order.

The developments regarding the Fifth Avenue East property and its state of dis-repair haven't been reported on as of yet.

Podunk Below the Masthead Archives for December 2010

2010-12-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Our archive of the daily findings from the North coast's various media sources. Each day we highlight the main stories of the day for the Northwest for the month of December.

December 17-- The Rampage remain atop the CIHL West, Tourism Prince Rupert outlines its thoughts on the cruise line cancellation and Shames Mountain is open, some of the items of note from our review of the news from Friday. (see post here)

December 16-- A pair of traffic accidents east of Prince Rupert sends a number of travellers to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, Rupertites prove once again to be generous when the call for help goes out and the Haisla trade their shares for cash in the LNG project planned for Kitimat, some of the items of note from our Thursday news review. (see post here)

December 15-- Mr. Cullen seeks to bring the Northern Allowance to Haida Gwaii, School District 52 settles on a name for the middle school and Terrace RCMP resolve a few tense hours in Thornhill, some of the items of note from our Wednesday review of the news. (see post here)

December 14-- The City divvies up the community grant cash, a review of the recent changes at the NWCC board and the Prince Rupert RCMP make an arrest regarding the break and enter files, some of the items of note from our Tuesday review of the news. (see post here)

December 13-- The Rampage reclaim first place in the CIHL, city council approves a number of community grants and crime in Terrace takes a worrisome turn, some of the items of note from our Monday news review. (see post here)

December 10-- Prince Rupert City Council reviews a number of community requests for financial assistance, the RCMP in Prince Rupert begin their annual counter attack program and Massett decides against a new recreation centre and pool for the community, some of the items of interest from the Friday news review. (see post here)

December 9 -- The Province sees a bright future for forestry shipments out of Prince Rupert, the Special Events Society outlines the concern it has over its future events in the wake of its storage problems and Enbridge is disappointed but continues on with the review process for its Gateway project, some of the items of interest in the news from Thursday. (see post here)

December 8-- A cruise line prepares to pull out of the Port of Prince Rupert, Special Events Society issues a plea for help from the community and at the school closure debate in Terrace gets a one week delay, some of the items of interest from our Wednesday review of the news. (see post here)

December 7-- The fallout from the House of Commons debate on oil tanker traffic, another boost to Prince Rupert tax rate and Canpotex pops up on the news rotation again, some of the items of note from our Tuesday news review. (see post here)

December 6-- Remembering Montreal, Jobless numbers reviewed and the oil tanker debate comes to the floor of the House of Commons, some of the items of note from our Monday review of the news. (see post here)

December 3-- A malfunctioning traffic light continues to attract attention, like the NDP itself these days there is division within the Northwest and Masset RCMP seek more information from a recent drug seizure on the islands, some of our items of interest from our Friday news review. (see post here)

December 2-- A contentious blockade comes down, Prince Rupert Fire Rescue urge Christmas safety and one Haida Gwaii community loses a nurse due to budget troubles, come of the items of interest from our Thursday news review. (see post here)

December 1-- The Coast Guard bids farewell to a faithful workhorse of the fleet, the name will be Rainmakers in 2011 and Hairspray the Musical is ready to hit the stage, some of the items of note for our Wednesday review of the news. (see post here)

No lump of coal from RTI

2010-12-18T18:55:00.001-08:00

They may have perhaps the world's largest pile of coal for the naughty, but for the kids of Prince Rupert, Ridley Terminals is delivering a whole lotta nice this Christmas.

Those that were perhaps too busy this weekend to do a thorough review of the weekly Northern Connector, may have missed a story of community involvement from one of Prince Rupert's most well known industries.

Ridley Terminals, the Ridley Island shipping point for coal shipments through the Northern Pacific Gateway is sponsoring an afternoon of fun for young Rupertites at the Civic Centre complex on Wednesday, December 22nd, from Noon to 4 PM.

Four hours where use of the entire complex will be free, whether it's the pool, the gym, the rink or any of the other activities planned on the day including children's movies and a bouncy castle set up.

The gift to Prince Rupert comes from the employees of Ridley Terminals who thankful for the well paying employment that they have in the city, wished to give back to the community this year, a generous effort that was duly recognized by the Mayor and City councillors this week after notice was given to council this week in a memo by City Manager Gordon Howie.

Queen Charlotte City RCMP seeking suspect in attempted arson at detachment

2010-12-18T17:21:00.003-08:00

The Queen Charlotte City detachment of the RCMP is seeking information on a disturbing incident from Friday night, which they believe had a male attempt to set fire to the RCMP detachment in the community.

The incident which is currently under investigation reportedly had a an unknown suspect breaking a window at the front of the detachment at around 9 pm on Friday night, interrupted by the on duty jail cell guard, the suspect fled the scene leaving behind a 4 litre jug of gasoline and a marine type flare on the floor of the front office area.

The on duty guard was the only person working inside the detachment at the time, he made contact with the patrol unit on duty at the time which conducted a search of the area, however no potential suspects were found in the course of that search.

Members from the detachment are seeking the assistance of the public who may have spotted a male, six feet tall, last seen wearing a toque and matching sweater, in the vicinity of the detachment Friday night.

There is a chance he would have been noticeable from the odour of gasoline on his clothes as a result of spilling gas.

Of particular concern to the RCMP, in addition to the brazen nature of such an incident as this, is the potential for damage and injury to both on duty personnel and those in cells that night that could have resulted had the attempt been successful.

Anyone with information on the file can contact the Queen Charlotte City detachment at 250 559-4421 or contact Crimestoppers at 1 800 222-8477.

A full review of the Friday night incident can be found from the RCMP website.

QCI Observer-- Queen Charlotte RCMP investigating apparent arson attempt on detachment building

Podunk Below the Masthead, Friday, December 17, 2010

2010-12-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Rampage remain atop the CIHL West, Tourism Prince Rupert outlines its thoughts on the cruise line cancellation and Shames Mountain is open, some of the items of note from our review of the news from Friday.

The Northern View
Prince Rupert Rampage defeat Terrace River Kings-- Details of the 5-3 Friday night victory of the Prince Rupert Rampage over the Terrace River Kings, providing a cushion for the local team in the CIHL west division standings (see article here)

The Northern View
Project manager provides update on Hays Creek Sewer Project work-- An update on the 1.8 million dollar Hays Creek Sewer Project (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert needs more retail options -- A review of some thoughts from the city's Tourism office in the wake of the recent cancellation of Prince Rupert as port call for 2012 by Norwegian Cruise Lines (see article here) (Sahar Nassimdoost provided this report for TV 7)

CFTK TV 7 News
PR Salvation Army -- Sahar Nassimdoost's video report on the helping hand of Rupertites to the Salvation Army over the Christmas season (see video report here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Shames Mountain opens this weekend-- Good news for local ski fans as the Shames mountain facility opens its doors this weekend (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace Skating Club Hosts Christmas Concert Saturday-- Terrace's Skating Club is set to present its Winter Festival on Ice production (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Smithers Chamber of Commerce budget-- A look at the year end review for the Smithers Chamber of Commerce (see video report here)

Terrace Standard
Cancer care event planned-- Terrace council agrees to provide a letter of support for a Terrace area group seeking to bring a more integrated approach for cancer care to the community (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Gingolx gets new child care centre -- The Nass Valley celebrates the opening of a new Headstart Daycare centre (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Council protests rising police costs-- The City of Terrace makes plans to take its concerns to the Federal Government over the rising cost of its police services in the city (see article here)

QCI Observer
NaiKun cash position good until 2014-- NaiKun Wind provides a financial review that suggests they are in a good cash position after restructuring and feel positive about their position leading into 2014 (see article here)

QCI Observer
Spirit Square stage a go-- The latest plans for development of Queen Charlotte City's spirit square (see article here)

QCI Observer
Sierra Club leader steps down -- The leader of the Sierra Club on Haida Gwaii has decided to step down and with him a few other members decide to take a break from the organizations work on the Islands (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Council approves 2011 budget-- Details of the City of Ketchikan's 2011 budget (listen to radio report here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Rough weather stops fast ferries from sailing -- The State of Alaska's fast ferries stay in port in the wake of rough winter weather (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Credit Union COO to serve two years for embezzlement -- A former Sitka Credit Union manager is sentenced to prison for embezzling 187,000 in operational money (listen to radio report here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
2011 Sitka herring row quota tops 19,000 tons-- Herring fishermen in the Sitka area will target their highest quota ever in the spring (see article 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

It's the economy, Friday, December 17, 2010

2010-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Suncor's suitors, an Olympic final report and in America a cut for the heirs, some of the items of note from our Financial review for a Friday.

Globe and Mail-- Suncor, Total in $1.8-billion oil sands deal
Globe and Mail-- Loonie may be in 'death grip,' Carney should act: CIBC
National Post-- Republicans kill US$1.2T spending bill
National Post-- Facebook, Twitter leading surge in private companies' value
Vancouver Sun-- $2.5 billion, 45,000 jobs generated by Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - reports
New York Times-- Tax Cut Package Can Be a Boon for Heirs
Guardian UK online-- Lloyds Banking Group admits £4.3bn of losses on Irish loans
Telegraph UK online-- EU shocked by Irish debt downgrade
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Economic recovery to be volatile- ANZ
China Daily-- China machinery, electronic exports hit $940b
Times of India-- Expect fatter pay packet, 20% jump in hiring in New Year

And if my Mom phones, tell her I'm not at the rink today...

2010-12-17T15:12:00.001-08:00

Poor Bruce Boudreau, beyond the troubles with his under performing and highly paid hockey club today he has a much larger problem on the horizon this Christmas, he has to face his Mama after his television debut on HBO this week.

Boudreau and his Capitals are part of a number of HBO programs tracking both the Caps and the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they work their way through December of the NHL season on their way to a rendezvous on New Years Day at the Winter Classic at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.

Styled as a behind the scenes all access pass kind of program, hockey fans are learning a fair amount (perhaps a little too much) about some of their favourite hockey players, their coaches and any other fellow traveller that pops into the camera viewfinder in the next few weeks.

The program titled 24/7 Penguins Capitals road to the NHL Winter Classic is clearly not the thing of a Peter Puck greatest hits collection, unfiltered and clearly uncensored, the good, the bad and the profane is all there for display. A fascinating glimpse inside the dressing room, team bus, airport waits and any other location that Pens and Caps may gather with the camera almost a constant companion.

Boudreau's debut on the television documentary screen has made for much conversation after episode one, his liberal use of F bombs in his missives to his Capital troops a warning to coaches everywhere from high school to the pros, that emotions caught on tape can certainly provide for talking points not to shortly after public review.

For those who missed the debut on Wednesday, but want to total up the F bombs themselves, (providing that Mom and any little children for that matter aren't around) the more colourful of Boudreau's cinematic rant can be found on You Tube.

No one is keeping tabs on the profanities exhaled by Boudreau (perhaps because they are too plentiful and too fast to count) , who may find sympathy from many hockey fans for his exasperation at the sluggish work efforts of his players in the last few months, but one person in particular is hoping that Bruce keeps offering up the words that could be bleeped anywhere else but on HBO.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, currently under more than a bit of pressure of his own with his NFL team stumbling in the late going is no doubt hoping that the the chatty Boudreau keeps the F words flowing.

Up until the first episode of the Pens and Caps home movies, Ryan was most famously known for his own expletive deleted missives to his players on a similar style program on the Jets aired by HBO called Hard Knocks..

With the Capitals coach ramping up the cursing to a grander scale, Ryan suddenly is off the hook with his own Mom, passing the torch for coaches with a lot of splaining to do his new best friend Bruce.

The HBO series continues to air (with words as blue as a cold winter's sky) every Wednesday through December, you can check the schedule here for other air times on HBO Canada,

If you're watching at home be sure to keep the volume down, lest your Mom have to make a call to Mr. Boudreau's mom about the nature of his public speaking!

Some of the reviews of the HBO show can be found below:

Newsday -- Caps coach is curse king

Washington Post -- HBO's 24/7 series documents Washington Capitals, warts and all

Washington Post-- A bit too close up

National Post-- HBO’s most stunning NHL revelations

National Post-- HBO's 2/7 Penguins/Capitals proves mastery of the salty language arts

Ottawa Citizen-- Capital's coach gets earful from mom over HBO curses

ESPN -- Boudreau won't soften - not even for mom

ESPN-- Winter Classic chow is honest, entertaining

Globe and Mail-- HBO turns its candid cameras on NHL

MSNBC-- Snap review: 24/7 Penguins/Capitals an instant classic

Huffington Post -- Bruce Boudreau F-Bomb speech

Yahoo Sports-- HBO 24/7 Penguins-Capitals Ep. 1: Bruce Boudreau gets dirty

New York Times-- NHL excited about HBO Documentary

CBC -- Mom scolds Capital's Boudreau over cussing

Podunk Below the Masthead, Thursday, December 16, 2010

2010-12-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

A pair of traffic accidents east of Prince Rupert sends a number of travellers to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, Rupertites prove once again to be generous when the call for help goes out and the Haisla trade their shares for cash in the LNG project planned for Kitimat, some of the items of note from our Thursday news review.

The Northern View
Ridley Terminals chair discusses need for expansion in the near future-- With company expectations that throughput volumes will continue to rise, Ridley chair Bud Smith outlines the prospects for terminal expansion in the years to come (see article here)

The Northern View
Jaws of life needed after two vehicles slide off Highway 16-- A pair of accidents just east of Prince Rupert that send multiple participants to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital provides a reminder that motorists need to be prepared for all forms of road conditions when they travel in the Northwest (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert Council requests demolition of downtown apartment-- City Council has condemned a downtown building ordering its demolition within thirty days (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert showing generosity this holiday season -- Despite tough economic times for many city residents, Rupertites have answered the call for those in need (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Motor vehicle incident near Prince Rupert-- A pair of accidents on a slippery stretch of Highway 16 east of Prince Rupert sends a number of motorists to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital (see article here)

CFTK TV7 News
Terrace RCMP investigate early morning stabbings-- The Terrace RCMP find that December is proving to be a challenging month, this time with a pair of stabbings in the city (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Haisla get $50M for LNG stake -- The Haisla nation has given up potential ownership of the Kitimat LNG project in exchange for 50 million dollars from Apache corporation and EOG Resources (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Enbridge says First Nations Premature in rejecting Northern Gateway -- Enbridge Corporation responds to the latest developments in the debate over the Northern Gateway project (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
CIHL: Division Leaders could change after weekend Matchups-- This weekend's action in the CIHL could bring new leaders to both divisions (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Stabbings were 'targeted'-- More details on a pair of stabbings in Terrace on Wednesday night ( see articles here and here)

Terrace Standard
Thornhill school to close in 2012-- Coast Mountain School District outlines its plans for Thornhill Junior Secondary (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Capital budget funds about 45 Southeast projects, but no new ferry-- Governor Sean Parnell's capital budget includes about 86 million dollars for Southeast Alaska, but no funding commitments yet for a new ferry for the region (listen to radio report here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio--
Coast Guard wind turbine powers up student engineers-- A collaboration between the US Coast Guard and a Sitka high school has brought wind power to the Alaskan community as a learning tool for both the Coast Guard and the school (listen to radio 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

Wrapped in the flag, but only when convenient!

2010-12-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

September 11, 2001 is a day that will forever be ingrained in the memories of Americans, the visual of the tumbling towers of New York the historical benchmark for generations to come.

Yet for some elected Americans, that day is seemingly something to conveniently forget when it's not politically useful, especially it would seem when it comes to not only honouring, but ensuring that proper medical care is provided for those First Responders who answered the call to lend assistance in the hours following the attack on the World Trade Centre towers.

Jon Stewart, host of the Daily show, has provided a much needed reality check for Americans as to what their politicians and their news media machine feel is important, a symbiotic relationship where false outrage over political matters seemingly trumps the very real and human needs of those that make real sacrifices.

This week Stewart highlighted the hypocrisy of a number of America's politicians, with their foot dragging, stalling tactics in the Senate when it comes to a bill that would provide for medical care for fire fighters, police officers, ambulance personnel and other First Responders to the events of that now infamous day.

Through the week, his show provided a damning indictment of politicians who were quick to wrap themselves in the flag following those attacks, but now can't seem to find the time to pass a bill in the Senate to provide for the proper care for those that suffered post 9-11 medical concerns.

Likewise, he has been just as harsh on an American media machine that despite the non stop chatter of the cable news hosts, or the supper and morning broadcasts of the main networks somehow has managed to avoid much mention of the shameful actions of the political class, though as he cleverly shows has in the past used the 9-11 debate to further their own news agendas.

It has been that ability to find what truly resonates with the public that is one of the main reasons that the Daily show has proven to be so popular over the last few years.

While the three cable news networks and their broadcast partners in news continue to find their work deemed to be pandering to their own agendas, held hostage it seems to a corporate blue print that at times somehow forgets about the news, Stewart it seems finds the way to highlight what's important to the person viewing at home.

Thursday nights Daily Show provided a review of the double talk and weasel words of the politicians, as damning an indictment of what's wrong with the political system as you might find on any news program today.

What followed that segment however, provided the key to what really matters in the debate, the need to properly care for those that put themselves into harms way on that day, answered the call of their nation and now for their efforts are being conveniently shunted to the side, now that the need for a politically convenient close up isn't required.

One of the members of the panel of First responder participants in that second segment outlined what motivated all of those that went into the burning and collapsing buildings of New York on that September morning, a call of duty, or as he put it "they didn't turn their back on their country" when they were needed most.

The same it would appear cannot be said of their elected officials in Washington these days.

The mediate website offers up a replay of Thursday's Daily Show segment, (see it here) as helpful a guide to the disconnect between the politicians and those that they represent as you're likely to find in a long time.

It's the economy, Thursday, December 16, 2010

2010-12-16T21:45:00.001-08:00

Mr. Flaherty urges the provinces to balance their budgets, A western energy alliance and China buys American, some of the items of note from our Thursday economic review.

Globe and Mail-- RIM defies critics with 40% gain in shipments, revenue
Globe and Mail-- Merchants mount attack on rising credit card fees
National Post-- Minister presses provinces to balance budgets
National Post-- The ghost cities of China
Vancouver Sun-- B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan energy ministers form alliance
New York Times-- Wall Street Whitewash
Guardian UK online-- David Cameron in fresh bid to cap Brussels budget
Telegraph UK online-- Spain debt auction pushes borrowing costs to decade high
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Population Minister Tony Burke considers measures to reduce fly-in, fly-out workers
China Daily-- China expands US treasuries holdings
Times of India-- Tata Motors to up prices of passenger cars except Nano, Aria

Podunk Below the Masthead, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

2010-12-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Mr. Cullen seeks to bring the Northern Allowance to Haida Gwaii, School District 52 settles on a name for the middle school and Terrace RCMP resolve a few tense hours in Thornhill, some of the items of note from our Wednesday review of the news.

The Northern View
MP introducing bill to give Haida Gwaii residents 'tax fairness' -- Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena Bulkley Valley seeks to extend the Northern Living Allowance to those residents of Haida Gwaii (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Name chosen for Prince Rupert Middle School-- School District 52 has selected the name of the middle school when it opens its doors in September, the school on the site of the current Prince Rupert Secondary School set to close in June, will carry the name Prince Rupert Middle School (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
SPCA Dogs need homes-- The Prince Rupert SPCA puts out a call for assistance seeking homes for a number of animals at the shelter (see article here) Sahar Nassimdoost provided this report for TV 7's evening news outlining the details of the SPCA's problems.

CFTK TV 7 News
Thornhill Jr. Secondary to close in summer of 2012 -- Coast Mountain School District finally comes to a decision and for students, staff and parents of those attending Thornhill Junior Secondary the news isn't what they had hoped for (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 news
Terrace man arrested in domestic disturbance -- Charges are pending against a Thornhill man after a standoff in that community on Tuesday night (see article here) TV 7 also had this video report on the situation

CFTK TV 7 News
New proposal for Smithers second sheet of ice-- The latest thoughts on a much desired second sheet of ice for Smithers were outlined for Smithers council on Tuesday night (see article here) TV 7 had this report on the discussions for the evening news.

CFTK TV 7 News
Kitwanga man killed in crash-- A 19 year old resident of Kitwanga was among three people killed in a multiple vehicle crash on Highway 16 near Prince George on Tuesday (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Northwest Cooperatives Get Grants-- A number of Northwest based groups and organizations have received some cooperative funding from Ottawa (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Domestic Disturbance suspect found, charges pending-- A incident that began on the streets of Terrace has ended after a standoff with RCMP at a Thornhill home (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Fatal crash kills Kitwanga man -- A fatal crash outside of Prince George claims the life of a Kitwanga man (see article here)

QCI Observer
Multiplex concept interests Sandspit-- Plans for a multiplex facility in Sandspit were brought forward for discussion at the Moresby Island Management Committee meeting on December 8 (see article here)

QCI Observer
No election for Gwaii Trust-- There will be no election for the Gwaii Trust in January, with two positions available there were only two candidates to come forward to fill them, the positions most likely will be filled by acclamation (see article here)

QCI Observer
Official receives UBCM scholarship-- The Chief Financial Officer for Queen Charlotte will receive a scholarship to attend Local government studies at Capilano University (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Commission recommends Coast Guard Beach rezone to denied-- An area of Ketchikan near the Coast Guard Beach section of the borough is up for rezoning discussion (listen to report here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Capital Budget lacks funds for new ferry-- The plans for the Alaska Marine Highway System come up for review from the state government. (see articles here and 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

School District 52 announces a name for the middle school

2010-12-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

When Principal Ken Minnette and Vice Principal Andree Michaud open the doors to the city's new middle school in September, the name of the building may have a familiar ring to it.

School District 52 announced the results of a survey this week, after receiving 21 submissions for consideration, the School District has chosen to name the school Prince Rupert Middle School.

The school which will come into being with District reconfiguration and the merger of the city's two high schools, will take up residence in the building that currently houses the soon to be closed Prince Rupert Secondary school.

It is hoped that further along in the process that a new structure will be constructed to house the middle school, which for now will make use of portions of the old high school to deliver the new configuration program in the city.

The middle school will take in students from around the Prince Rupert area for grades six to eight, part of a reconfiguration decision made by the School District in December of 2009.

The two high schools will merge as one for grades nine to twelve, with PRSS students shifting over to the Charles Hays building in September of 2011.

CFTK TV 7 offered up this report on the decision, posted to their website on Wednesday.

It's the economy, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T14:09:00.000-08:00

The US government sues BP, the banks preview 2011 and in England an unexpected rise in unemployment, some of the items of note from our Wednesday financial review.

Globe and Mail-- Watchdog targets Visa, MasterCard
Globe and Mail-- Spain on watch; divisions emerge in EU
National Post-- Obama administration sues BP
National Post-- The banks have spoken: global economic outlook for 2011
Vancouver Sun-- Vancouver board game entrepreneur playing with 'the big boys'
New York Times-- Ireland Backs Bailout as Moody’s Warns on Spain
Guardian UK online-- Unemployment rises unexpectedly
Telegraph UK online-- The phoney inflation war is ending, prepare for the real struggle
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- 'Show me the money', Aussies tell banks
China Daily-- Beijing may do more to cool real estate
Times of India-- Indians may invest over $1bn abroad this fiscal

Community grant allocations announced for 2011

2010-12-15T09:43:00.002-08:00

Christmas came early for some Prince Rupert community groups on Monday night, as the City of Prince Rupert outlined its allocation of grant monies to a number of local groups and organizations.

With the economic situation in Prince Rupert still a challenging prospect, the City reduced a number of those grants this year, eventually deciding to provide $1,540,600 in grant allocations, having cut back some $240,000 from the original requests of $1,781,870.

Major grant allocations totalled $1,447,850, while the minor grant allocation totals came in at $92,450.

Despite reductions in some categories this year, a cross section of activities and organizations were still provided with the financial incentive to make plans for the year to come.

Among the more successful of applicants this year were the Special Events Society and Halloween Fest organizers which both received approval, and in fact were recipients of increased amounts on their grant requests to provide for the popular community celebrations.

There were some newcomers to the request line this year as the Career Resource Centre and Salmonberry Trading Company Society both saw 500 dollars in funding provided, while the Association for Francophones of the NorthWest received 1,000 dollars for its Sugar Shack Festival plans.

And while City Council made like Santa by making their lists and checking them twice, providing some groups with close to what they had hoped to for 2011, others no doubt were left feeling as though the Grinch had paid them a visit.

A request for funding by the Kaien Anti Poverty Society for a watering project for their community was turned down, as was the Prince Rupert Marine Rescue Society which saw its request for 50,000 dollars rejected, though they were pointed in the direction of Regional District for possible funding options.

The city also advised that next year council would be seeking more information from those seeking civic funding for their activities, looking to see if those groups were pursuing new sources of funding, using volunteers to their benefit and were looking at new and innovative ideas for providing their services and operating their affairs.

Prior to their decisions, city council was provided with an information package from city staff, which outlined the requests and provided a financial review of the anticipated requests, you can view that information from the city's agenda items pages 10 -16

With that breakdown of the numbers in hand, council provided for their decisions on the grant allocations, the numbers of which can be found below:

Prince Rupert Library $509,000 including benefit accrual of $9,000

Museum of Northern BC ($192, 859 Mortgage Grant, $117,000 Operating grant, $70,000 Visitors information Centre, $14,500 Kwinitsa Station Museum)

Tourism Prince Rupert ($90,000 Operating grant with provision to repay $25,000 over three years for overpayment of hotel tax in 2009, $12,000 Rent, $160,000 Hotel Tax Transfer)

Lester Centre of the Arts $110,000

Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Commission $87,500

Prince Rupert Golf Course Society $85,000 Operating Grant to cover superintendent wages and benefits, Golf course capital equipment fund of $40,000 to be transferred to City reserve fund.

Civic Pride $1,500

Growing Space Society $,1500

Halloween Fest $6,000

National Aboriginal Day $2,200

Navy League of Canada $2,250

Prince Rupert Racquet Society $8,500

Prince Rupert Community Arts Council $10,000

Prince Rupert Special Events Society $10,000 in kind Civic Centre, $20,000 Operating Grant

BC SPCA $17,400

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre $6,000

Association of Francophone of the Northwest $1,000

Career Resource Centre $500

Salmonberry Trading Society $500

Late Applicants provision $5,000

The Northern View had a complete review of Monday nights deliberations (see article here)

While Sahar Nassimdoost from CFTK TV 7 News provided this report for the TV7 evening news (see video here)

Podunk Below the Masthead, Tuesday, December 14, 2010

2010-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

The City divvies up the community grant cash, a review of the recent changes at the NWCC board and the Prince Rupert RCMP make an arrest regarding the break and enter files, some of the items of note from our Tuesday review of the news.

The Northern View
City of Prince Rupert approves grant requests-- The City makes its final decisions on how to divide 1,540,600 dollars in its community enhancement grant program for 2011 (see article here)

The Northern View
Prince Rupert woman named new chair of NWCC board-- As we outlined on the blog last week, Rhoda Witherly has been named as the chair of the North West Community College board, the weekly also outlines that former Mayor Herb Pond will take a seat on the board as the Prince Rupert representative on the board (see article here)

The Northern View
City continuing to work out the details of revitalization bylaw-- The City gives third reading but no final approval yet to a bylaw to provide tax exemptions on increased property assessments resulting if improvements were made to those properties (see article here)

The Northern View
Port numbers rise in November-- The Prince Rupert Port Authority handled more cargo last month, up 3,000 containers handled from the numbers of October. (see article here)

The Northern View
Prince Rupert vacancy rate the second highest in the province-- Prince Rupert's vacancy rate is dropping but still remains near the top of the list for communities in BC over 10,000 people. (see article here)

The Northern View
Deer shot with arrow in Port Ed-- RCMP are recommending charges against a Port Edward resident regarding an incident in which a deer was shot with an arrow. (see article here)

The Northern View
Rupert bucks municipal spending trend-- The Northern View provides its interpretation of a recent CFIB study, (see Podunk passim) providing the opportunity for the Mayor to outline his thoughts on how Prince Rupert fared in the study and what he believes contributed to that result (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert RCMP make break-in related arrest-- Prince Rupert RCMP make an arrest regarding a rash of break ins around the city in the last few months (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
KMP-- Details of Tuesday's announcement of increased funding for the Kitimat Modernization project, TV 7 had this video report for the evening news.

CFTK TV 7 News
Good Marks for PIR-- A Bulkley Valley forestry company gets good reviews from the provincial forestry watchdog (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Power outage in Kitimat, North Terrace, Smithers areas -- A weekend snowstorm hits a number of Northwest communities (see article here) TV 7 had this report on the weekend snowfall

CFTK TV 7 News
Christmas Hampers Almost ready for delivery-- Smithers Community Services is almost ready to deliver their Christmas Hamper program for 2010 (see article here) see video report here

CFTK TV 7 News
Kitimat LNG Applies for 20 year Export Licence-- Another step forward for Kitimat LNG as Apache Corporation announces a licence application has been filed with the Canadian National Energy Board (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Cocaine, Pharmaceuticals seized from Terrace Home-- Terrace RCMP outlined details of a search of a Terrace residence (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Leclerc questions gender balance in Terrace council appointments-- Questions over the gender make up of Terrace council committees (see article here)

Terrace Standard
It's crunch time for power line-- BC Hydro has some key decisions to make regarding the Northwest Transmission Line (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Power remains out in areas around Terrace, Usk-- Power interruptions continue in some parts of the Northwest after a weekend snow storm (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Rio Tinto pours another $300 million into Kitimat-- Details of Rio Tinto Alcan's announcement of investment into its Kitimat Modernization Project (see article here)

Terrace Standard
City wants environmental study at Co-op site-- City Council is applying for grants to further study environmental problems at the downtown Co-op property (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Assembly discusses economic development program-- Ketchikan reviews its comprehensive economic development strategy ( listen to radio report here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
Ketchikan families remember the children they have lost-- A Ketchikan organization held a ceremony on December 12th to commemorate children who have died in the community (listen to radio 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

It's the economy, Tuesday, December 14, 2010

2010-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Rio Tinto starts to spend, the Fed stays the course and Belgium gets a credit warning, some of the items of note for our Tuesday financial review.

Globe and Mail-- ‘Dismal’ productivity growth bodes poorly for recovery
Globe and Mail-- Rio Tinto eases back into spending in Canada
National Post-- It's easy: Just stop your spending
National Post-- Fed plans to stay monetary course
Vancouver Sun-- Air China will operate more flights from Vancouver to Beijing
New York Times-- The Great Bankruptcy Boom Fades
Guardian UK online-- S&P gives Belgium credit rating warning amid political uncertainty
Telegraph UK online-- US will lose AAA credit rating, says M&G's Jim Leaviss
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Chocolate-maker buys weight-loss firm
China Daily-- More internationalized renminbi
Times of India-- Inflation falls to 11-month low at 7.48%

Alcan modernization plans move forward

2010-12-14T09:03:00.003-08:00

"The modernisation of our Kitimat smelter is truly a transformational project, in line with our strategic objective to grow via long-life, large-scale, low-cost assets. Once completed, Kitimat will be one of the lowest-cost smelters in the world." -- A portion of a media release from Rio Tinto Alcan today, outlining some of the background related to their spending plans detailed today.

It's not quite the BIG Announcement that Kitimat residents are hoping for, but it's a step towards the much anticipated modernization project for Rio Tinto Alcan's Kitimat works site.

This morning Alcan released details of some 758 million dollars in capital spending, the majority of which is destined for the Saguenay region of Quebec, however Kitimat will benefit from 300 million in preparation spending, designed to set the stage for the eventual start of their modernization of the Alcan works industrial area.

That project, which if approved by the Rio Tinto board in 2011 is estimated to be a 2.5 billion dollar industrial development that would make the Alcan smelter among the most efficient ones in the world.

According to the press release issued today, that modernization project will increase the smelter's current production by more than 48%, reduce emissions by 50 per cent per year and will be powered exclusively by hydroelectricity.

Rio Tinto Alcan recently closed a number of pot lines at the plant in order to prepare the site for the anticipated modernization project.

The final decision on the project is expected to be delivered next year, an announcement that should provide a blue print of the company's plans for it's smelter and give Kitimat residents a bit more details as to the company's future plans.

With Kitimat having suffered a number of economic blows in the last few years, the turning of the calendar to 2011 could be a most anticipated event as they await further news on the city's largest employer and mainstay of the local economy.

We will add background to the developments as they appear in local media sources.

Terrace Standard-- Rio Tinto pours another $300 million into Kitimat
Globe and Mail-- Rio Tinto eases back into spending in Canada
Vancouver Sun-- Ro Tinto to invest US$300M in Kitimat aluminum smelter modernization
National Post-- Rio Tinto Alcan announces expansion plans

Two brazen robberies strike Terrace in one week

2010-12-14T07:15:00.002-08:00

Terrace RCMP are dealing with a pair of robberies in the community in the last week that certainly seem more common to big city crime sheets than that of smaller northern communities.

Friday night the latest incident took place as a downtown Terrace clothing store was robbed a gunpoint.

While many in the community were taking part in that city's winterfest celebrations or doing some downtown Christmas shopping, a long male gunman wearing a balaclava entered the Urban Colours clothing store on Lakelse, brandished a gun and demanded that the cashier open the cash till.

The suspect escaped with approximately 240 dollars in cash.

Terrace RCMP responded to the call for assistance by stationing officers on a number of corners in the downtown area in their search for the suspect.

The Terrace Standard had this report on the robbery , while TV 7 had this video report on the incident on last nights evening news.

The Terrace website Terrace Daily online also had a pair of reports on the Friday night incident, which you can read here and here.

It was the second of high profile robberies in the city in less than a week, on December 5th the city's south side Tim Horton's location was robbed by a single suspect.

Terrace RCMP are asking the community for assistance and to contact them if they have any information on the recent spurt of robberies.

Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, December 13, 2010

2010-12-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Rampage reclaim first place in the CIHL, city council approves a number of community grants and crime in Terrace takes a worrisome turn, some of the items of note from our Monday news review.

The Northern View
Prince Rupert Rampage take first in the CIHL western conference-- Details of weekend action in the CIHL which saw the Rampage take two wins from a road to Hazelton (see article here)

The Northern View
Traffic lights downtown in Prince Rupert to be fixed shortly-- The traffic light at Third avenue and Fulton that currently is not working properly will soon be fixed (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert approves 2011 enhancement grants-- A number of local groups receive approval for funding some at a fraction of their original requests, others for the full amount (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Prince Rupert resident asking City to keep cardboard out of landfill -- Jean Martin returned to city hall to push for council to keep cardboard product out of the regional landfill (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace council expressing concern about policing costs-- Terrace council has authorized staff to send a letter to the federal government expressing their concerns over escalating costs when it comes to the delivery of policing services to the community (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Leclerc questions gender balance in Terrace in council appointments-- One of two women serving on Terrace city council has questions over the balance in gender over appointments to committees (see article here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Terrace Armed Robbery-- A downtown robbery at gunpoint on Friday night has Terrace RCMP asking the community for assistance (see video report here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Skeena Winter Fest-- Terrace hosted it's second annual winter festival over the weekend and TV 7 had some of the details of the festivities (see video report here)

CFTK TV 7 News
Houston Official Community Plan-- The vision for the future for Houston was revealed last week as the District of Houston outlined its official community plan (see video report here)

Terrace Standard
Police seize cocaine-- Members of the Terrace RCMP execute a search warrant and locate a quantity of cocaine and other drugs from a residence (see article here)

Terrace Standard
Terrace store held up at gunpoint-- More details on an armed robbery at the Terrace store Urban Colours on Friday night (see article here)

QCI Observer
Masset RCMP draws blank on drinking drivers-- A number of road side checks in the community that did not find any drunk drivers, suggest that residents in Masset at least are aware of the increased attention to the issue (see article here)

QCI Observer
Four in running for Port Clements council position -- Nomination papers have been filed by four residents for a position on Port Clements council (see article here)

QCI Observer
Election results, Old Massett -- Election results are made public for councillor positions on the village of Old Massett council (see article here)

Kitimat Northern Sentinel
Power restored to Kitimat-- Winter storms on Sunday and Monday resulted in downed power lines and multiple power outages in the city (see article here)

KRBD Ketchikan radio
IPHC expected to consider charter restrictions -- Facing sever cutbacks in the halibut industry, commercial fishermen are expected to ask that charter operators face restrictions as well from the International Pacific Halibut Commission (listen to 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

It's the economy, Monday, December 13, 2010

2010-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Mr. Carney's debt load worries, Canada a safe haven in bonds and the Eurozone's troubles need special attention, some of the items of note from our Monday financial review.

Globe and Mail-- Canadians' debt-to-income ratio now higher than Americans'
Globe and Mail-- RBC, Manulife hit by ratings downgrades
National Post-- Debt reckoning looms
National Post-- 'Safe haven' Canadian covered bonds fetch premiums on rising sales
Vancouver Sun-- Prudent budget coming up for B.C.
New York Times-- Block Those Metaphors
Guardian UK online-- Allied Irish Banks bonuses blocked
Telegraph UK online-- The Eurozone is in bad need of an undertaker
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Not my role to attack banks - Stevens
China Daily-- Chinese stocks under pressure
Times of India-- Ease hi-tech exports, India to Germany

Rampage Review Week Eleven

2010-12-13T08:11:00.002-08:00

A weekend sweep for the Prince Rupert Rampage pushed them to the top of the CIHL standings as Prince Rupert travelled to the Hazeltons to take both games of a weekend double header from the Wolverines.

The Rampage found the net frequently on Saturday night besting the Wolverines by a score of 10-4, a first period barrage of shots provided for a 6-1 lead, with three more goals added in the second and final one in the third to bring game one to an end.

Rob Miller accounted for three of the ten, as did Chris Woodrow, Stephen Lawrence counted two markers on the night, while singles wen to Derek Baker and Jared Meers who opened the scoring a minute and a half into the game.

Keith Movold faced 30 shots in the Prince Rupert nets, turning aside all but four of the Wolverine attempts, Cody Smith faced the Rupert attack on the evening, facing 45 shots by the time the final horn went to bring Saturday night to an end.

Sunday's match didn't quite get off to the same fast start for Rupert, but the result at the end of the game was much the same as Prince Rupert prepared for the trip home with a 7-2 victory on Sunday afternoon at the Hazelton arena.

Chris Woodrow picked up the only goal of the first period midway through the opening frame. The first of Stephen Lawrence's three goals on the game started off the second before the first minute was up he picked up the second one with less than five minutes to go in the second period. Derek Baker and Jonathon Hunt also found the back of the net in the second.

Lawrences' third goal of the game came close to the midway mark of the third, while Johnathon Hunt scored his second of the game and the final goal on the afternoon for the Rampage at 16:59 of the third.

Warren Hanson had the start for the Rampage in game two gaining the win on 28 saves from 30 Wolverine shots. Cody Smith once again faced the wave of Rampage players coming across the Wolverine blue line, making 38 saves on 45 shots.

With the twin wins on the road, the Rampage once again hold space at the top of the standings, that after the Terrace River Kings dropped both games of their weekend double header to the Houston Luckies, while the Kitimat Ice Demons were idle in weekend play.

The Rampage next see action Friday night at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre, when the Terrace River Kings arrive in town to try and recover some ground in the CIHL West and claim a share of first in the Division, game time is 8 pm.

Results of the other games in the CIHL this past weekend can be found below.

Saturday, December 11-- Houston 5, Terrace 3
Saturday, December 11-- Burns Lake 0, Omenica 1 (Omenica home forfeit)
Sunday, December 12-- Burns Lake 8, Omenica 2
Sunday, December 12-- Houston 3, Terrace 2

You can find a full review of the Rampage season so far from our permanent link on the blog, which you can check out here.

Further reports on the CIHL will be posted below.

December 13-- Northern View-- Prince Rupert Rampage take first in the CIHL western conference