Vancouver reaches the top echelon of world cities, Apple is the new tech king, and BP claims could reach 600 million, some of the items of interest for Wednesday.
Globe and Mail-- Rising household debt threatens recovery
Globe and Mail-- How Apple became the new tech king
Globe and Mail-- Vancouver ranks high in global survey
National Post-- China report fresh blow to euro
National Post-- National regulator: This power grab needs review
National Post-- Realtors rush to ease correction fears
Vancouver Sun-- Trajectory of Metro Vancouver home prices levels out
New York Times-- Apple Passes Microsoft as No. 1 in Tech
New York Times-- BP Used Riskier Method to Seal Oil Well Before Blast
New York Times-- Dow Slides Below 10,000 for First Time Since Feb. 8
USA Today-- SEC wants uniform 'audit trail' to prevent another 'flash crash'
USA Today-- Chinese industrial giant deals with spate of suicides
Guardian UK online-- Kraft rebuked for broken pledge on Cadbury factory
Guardian UK online-- George Osborne attacks structure of EU's proposed levy on banks
Guardian UK online-- UK must raise interest rates, warns OECD
Times online UK-- The economy: GDP growth revised up
Times online UK-- BP oil spill claims could reach $600 million
Telegraph UK online-- It's no joke that the EU wants to dictate to us on finance and regulation
Telegraph UK online-- Why EU paralysis threatens the US too
Telegraph UK online-- US money supply plunges at 1930s pace as Obama eyes fresh stimulus
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Rio tax warning defies experts
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Tax may force OneSteel Whyalla close
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Kevin Rudd gets tough on the jobless
People's Daily-- CASS: China will not repeat Japan's asset price bubble
People's Daily-- Regional planning draws new industrial structure map
China Daily-- Yangtze River Delta plan gets approval from govt
China Daily-- Datang International Power invests $576m in mainland's gas project
Times of India-- Piracy in China makes India a better bet: MS
Times of India-- Reliance pack of stocks in red
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Podunk Below the Masthead (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)
Taking a tour of Prince Rupert, a local medical stay program is axed and the SPCA receives some funding from the city, a few of the items from a busy Tuesday edition of the Masthead.
Daily News, front page, headline story
A WALKING TOUR OF PRINCE RUPERT CELEBRATES RUPERT'S ARCHITECTURE-- The front page story for Tuesday takes a look at a project of the Heritage Advisory Committee which has created a book on the city's architectural history to serve as a walking tour of the city's rich history. The Port of Prince Rupert donated the money to cover the cost of printing the book .The proceeds from it will be donated towards the upkeep of Pilsbury House.
MLA Gary Coons has concerns over the Provincial Government's ongoing commitment towards the Highway of Tears program, which recently saw provincial funding for the coordinator's position eliminated. The position was created as a result of the Highway of Tears symposium in 2005, with the coordinator's position run through the Carrier Sekani Family Service branch.
And Tuesday's paper takes a look at the family history and current happenings of Polly Rudderham, who recently has started her own business in town, specializing in design and renovations.
The Sports section for Tuesday reviews the CIHL decision to award the 2011 Coy Cup to Williams Lake, Prince Rupert had put in a bid for the annual competition but CIHL executive chose instead to award it to Williams Lake which won the trophy in 2009. Prince Rupert will have to bide its time for its next opportunity to bid on the tournament, the CIHL won't have hosting duties again until 2013, other items from the CIHL included divisional realignment and scheduling items.
(Daily News Archives for Tuesday, May 25, 2010)
A walking tour celebrates Prince Rupert's architecture
Funding cuts to HOT questioned
A homegrown business for Polly Rudderham
Federal MP expenses under the microscope
RCMP discourages use of phone video in teen fighting
The Northern View
A warm reception Homecoming 2010 a resounding success -- The first reviews of Homecoming 2010 come from the weekly paper the Northern View which outlines much of the festival atmosphere in the city over the weekend (see article here)
The Northern View
Cruise development officer discusses industry’s future -- The Port of Prince Rupert provides its look at the state of the cruise industry in the city and what the future may hold it (see article here)
The Northern View
MP discusses the future of treaties in B.C. --Skeena – Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen weighs in on the topic of treaty negotiations across British Columbia (see article here)
The Northern View
Suzuki to speak at anti-oil rally -- Those that are opposed to the Enbridge pipeline and tanker project for Kitimat will hold a rally on May 29th in Kitimaat Village, featuring a number of guest speakers including famed environmentalist David Suzuki (see article here)
The Northern View
House fire in Lax Kw’alaams accidental-- Details of a fire at Lax Kw'alaams ruled accidental in nature (see article here)
The Northern View
Relay for Life is taking shape -- Details on the finishing touches being put in place for Prince Rupert's Relay for Life taking place at the PRSS track on June 19 starting at 10 a.m. and running until 10 p.m. (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Northern Health Discontinues Program -- Those coming to Prince Rupert for medical reasons won't have a popular program to rely on any more when it comes to accommodations in town. As of May 31st Northern Health will discontinue its Medical Stay Unit Program in Prince Rupert. Northern Health plans to save 40,000 dollars and redirect it towards other local medical concerns (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
SPCA Approved for funding -- The City of Prince Rupert has committed 23,000 dollars a year towards the SPCA's operating costs over the next two years, the local SPCA had asked for 70,000 dollars towards it's annual costs of 200,000 dollars, but in the city's current economic climate that request wasn't viewed as feasible (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Heavy-Hitters to Speak at Anti-Enbridge Feast in Kitamaat Village -- Dr David Suzuki and Council of the Haida Nation President Guujaaw are among those making presentations this weekend at Kitimaat Village as those seeking to oppose the Enbridge pipeline and tanker plans hold an information session. (see article here)
CBC News Norther BC, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
A walking tour of Prince Rupert celebrates Rupert’s architecture
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, May 28, 2010
Prince Rupert boasts a number of heritage homes and buildings, so when architect Alora Griffin moved to town, she wondered why there wasn’t a book celebrating that fact.
In the fall of 2006, Griffin met with Rhoda Witherly, Chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee, and proposed two Centennial Projects – ‘Painting Prince Rupert Beautiful’ and a book of walking tours.
Griffin was invited to a committee meeting and received an excited response.
“We had two Paint Prince Rupert Beautiful summers, with the second one focused on commercial buildings,” recalled Griffin, adding that it did rain during most of the second summer of the program.
The book began to unfold when Wayne Janzen, a longtime member of the committee, began spending hours walking around town to determine which buildings to include.
“I went to the Archives. We did walks and took pictures. I took scraps of paper and organized them into walks,” he said.
He researched the buildings, drawing heavily on a Heritage Inventory prepared for the City in 1983 by Harold D. Kalman, PhD.
“Kalman was one of my professors in university,” Griffin said. “The book was a source of basic facts that we needed to flesh out.”
Griffin took photographs, often waiting for just the right light. Through her studies of the homes and buildings, she identified a dozen styles, from Edwardian Venacular to Art Deco Craftsman and Spanish Colonial.
Most of the buildings selected for the booklet were built before 1940 and have retained their character.
“If they were stripped down and modernized, they were generally not included, unless they had significant historic value because of who used to live there or what the building was used for,” explained Griffin.
There are a few exceptions, such as Totem Theatre, because Griffin said she would love to see it restored.
“I hope people will want to protect and restore their valuable heritage,” she added.
Once the 140 photographs and Janzen’s research notes were amassed, committee member Janice Angus began compiling them into a mockup.
“I found out she was a computer person and asked if she’d help,” Griffin commented.
Angus said she enjoyed learning about the history of the buildings and homes, including her own.
Griffin said the walks include residential areas and downtown.
“We have picked streets that had a significant number of heritage buildings and we hope the book will encourage tourists to explore the city.”
After several months of final edits by Griffin, the book was ready for printing.
Advantage Print Design has produced the books for the committee and the Prince Rupert Port Authority donated money to cover the printing costs.
All proceeds from the sales of the book will go toward the upkeep of Pillsbury House, including a new roof.
The books will be for sale in local stores later this week.
Daily News, front page, headline story
A WALKING TOUR OF PRINCE RUPERT CELEBRATES RUPERT'S ARCHITECTURE-- The front page story for Tuesday takes a look at a project of the Heritage Advisory Committee which has created a book on the city's architectural history to serve as a walking tour of the city's rich history. The Port of Prince Rupert donated the money to cover the cost of printing the book .The proceeds from it will be donated towards the upkeep of Pilsbury House.
MLA Gary Coons has concerns over the Provincial Government's ongoing commitment towards the Highway of Tears program, which recently saw provincial funding for the coordinator's position eliminated. The position was created as a result of the Highway of Tears symposium in 2005, with the coordinator's position run through the Carrier Sekani Family Service branch.
And Tuesday's paper takes a look at the family history and current happenings of Polly Rudderham, who recently has started her own business in town, specializing in design and renovations.
The Sports section for Tuesday reviews the CIHL decision to award the 2011 Coy Cup to Williams Lake, Prince Rupert had put in a bid for the annual competition but CIHL executive chose instead to award it to Williams Lake which won the trophy in 2009. Prince Rupert will have to bide its time for its next opportunity to bid on the tournament, the CIHL won't have hosting duties again until 2013, other items from the CIHL included divisional realignment and scheduling items.
(Daily News Archives for Tuesday, May 25, 2010)
A walking tour celebrates Prince Rupert's architecture
Funding cuts to HOT questioned
A homegrown business for Polly Rudderham
Federal MP expenses under the microscope
RCMP discourages use of phone video in teen fighting
The Northern View
A warm reception Homecoming 2010 a resounding success -- The first reviews of Homecoming 2010 come from the weekly paper the Northern View which outlines much of the festival atmosphere in the city over the weekend (see article here)
The Northern View
Cruise development officer discusses industry’s future -- The Port of Prince Rupert provides its look at the state of the cruise industry in the city and what the future may hold it (see article here)
The Northern View
MP discusses the future of treaties in B.C. --Skeena – Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen weighs in on the topic of treaty negotiations across British Columbia (see article here)
The Northern View
Suzuki to speak at anti-oil rally -- Those that are opposed to the Enbridge pipeline and tanker project for Kitimat will hold a rally on May 29th in Kitimaat Village, featuring a number of guest speakers including famed environmentalist David Suzuki (see article here)
The Northern View
House fire in Lax Kw’alaams accidental-- Details of a fire at Lax Kw'alaams ruled accidental in nature (see article here)
The Northern View
Relay for Life is taking shape -- Details on the finishing touches being put in place for Prince Rupert's Relay for Life taking place at the PRSS track on June 19 starting at 10 a.m. and running until 10 p.m. (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Northern Health Discontinues Program -- Those coming to Prince Rupert for medical reasons won't have a popular program to rely on any more when it comes to accommodations in town. As of May 31st Northern Health will discontinue its Medical Stay Unit Program in Prince Rupert. Northern Health plans to save 40,000 dollars and redirect it towards other local medical concerns (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
SPCA Approved for funding -- The City of Prince Rupert has committed 23,000 dollars a year towards the SPCA's operating costs over the next two years, the local SPCA had asked for 70,000 dollars towards it's annual costs of 200,000 dollars, but in the city's current economic climate that request wasn't viewed as feasible (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Heavy-Hitters to Speak at Anti-Enbridge Feast in Kitamaat Village -- Dr David Suzuki and Council of the Haida Nation President Guujaaw are among those making presentations this weekend at Kitimaat Village as those seeking to oppose the Enbridge pipeline and tanker plans hold an information session. (see article here)
CBC News Norther BC, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
A walking tour of Prince Rupert celebrates Rupert’s architecture
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, May 28, 2010
Prince Rupert boasts a number of heritage homes and buildings, so when architect Alora Griffin moved to town, she wondered why there wasn’t a book celebrating that fact.
In the fall of 2006, Griffin met with Rhoda Witherly, Chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee, and proposed two Centennial Projects – ‘Painting Prince Rupert Beautiful’ and a book of walking tours.
Griffin was invited to a committee meeting and received an excited response.
“We had two Paint Prince Rupert Beautiful summers, with the second one focused on commercial buildings,” recalled Griffin, adding that it did rain during most of the second summer of the program.
The book began to unfold when Wayne Janzen, a longtime member of the committee, began spending hours walking around town to determine which buildings to include.
“I went to the Archives. We did walks and took pictures. I took scraps of paper and organized them into walks,” he said.
He researched the buildings, drawing heavily on a Heritage Inventory prepared for the City in 1983 by Harold D. Kalman, PhD.
“Kalman was one of my professors in university,” Griffin said. “The book was a source of basic facts that we needed to flesh out.”
Griffin took photographs, often waiting for just the right light. Through her studies of the homes and buildings, she identified a dozen styles, from Edwardian Venacular to Art Deco Craftsman and Spanish Colonial.
Most of the buildings selected for the booklet were built before 1940 and have retained their character.
“If they were stripped down and modernized, they were generally not included, unless they had significant historic value because of who used to live there or what the building was used for,” explained Griffin.
There are a few exceptions, such as Totem Theatre, because Griffin said she would love to see it restored.
“I hope people will want to protect and restore their valuable heritage,” she added.
Once the 140 photographs and Janzen’s research notes were amassed, committee member Janice Angus began compiling them into a mockup.
“I found out she was a computer person and asked if she’d help,” Griffin commented.
Angus said she enjoyed learning about the history of the buildings and homes, including her own.
Griffin said the walks include residential areas and downtown.
“We have picked streets that had a significant number of heritage buildings and we hope the book will encourage tourists to explore the city.”
After several months of final edits by Griffin, the book was ready for printing.
Advantage Print Design has produced the books for the committee and the Prince Rupert Port Authority donated money to cover the printing costs.
All proceeds from the sales of the book will go toward the upkeep of Pillsbury House, including a new roof.
The books will be for sale in local stores later this week.
Nathan Cullen among the top five of top spending MP's in Ottawa
Few financial reports have been made available on the spending patterns of MP's through to the fiscal year end of April 30th, 2010, but the cost of representation not counting salaries is an eye opening number.
In among the top five is Skeena-Bulkley Valley's Nathan Cullen who had a bottom line figure of $580,579 for the fiscal year, good enough for fourth place over all, second place when it comes to British Columbia MP's, trailing only Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert for the overall spending title in BC, Hiebert clocks in with $637,093 on the abacus.
Of the top ten spenders of the 308 MP's across Canada, seven are Conservatives and 3 are New Democrats, no Liberals cracked the top ten, more likely indicative of their lack of success at the polls outside of Central and Eastern Canada, where the travel costs to Ottawa are rather low one would imagine.
Mr. Cullen had top five finishes in two categories finishing fourth in both the overall spending numbers of $580,579 and the cost of running an office which took $345,020 out of the federal coffers to keep the link to the people open. The Vancouver Province provided the complete list of the top spending MP's in Ottawa which you can check out here.
The numbers have caught the attention of the Auditor General Sheila Fraser, who is currently engaged in a vigorous debate to seek access to audit the MP's expenses to see what king of value Canadians are getting for their money from the more profligate of Members of Parliament.
A secretive all party committee has been running interference on that plan since it was first rejected ten days ago, though a growing upswell of anger over the secretive nature of MP spending is giving the committee cause for reconsideration of the options.
One imagines that Fraser who has been rather dedicated in examining and holding accountable government on many issues of waste, would enjoy the challenge of exploring MP's spending patterns and reporting back to the public.
It wasn't too long ago in England, that the public was to learn of any number of excesses written off on MP's spending records, the most notable being moat cleaning, which apparently no hard working MP has time to do on their own dime.
Transparency and Accountability are oft used phrases when it comes to politics, the talking point of many an earnest politician striving to show that they have our interests at heart, though of late in some cases they are seemingly empty clichés rather than a guiding fixture.
If Ms. Fraser has her way, before the books are closed on expenses, the list of just how much was spent and on what shall be read, and then we'll see what kind of value we get for our dollars.
Globe and Mail-- In a heatwave over MPs’ expenses, Ottawa cranks up the air conditioning
Globe and Mail-- Tories soften stand against opening books to Auditor-General
Globe and Mail-- By bucking Sheila Fraser, MPs invite suspicion
Globe and Mail-- NDP faces growing pressure to let Auditor vet parliamentary expenses
National Post-- Government can't force MP expense disclosure: Harper
National Post-- Alternatives to AG audit likely: MP
National Post-- National Post editorial board: What are MPs so afraid of?
CBC-- MPs shouldn't fear expenses audit: AG
CBC-- MPs, AG should meet on expenses: Ignatieff
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
It's the economy (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)
20 percent of the homes in Canada are overvalued, the stock markets bounce back after early plummet and More older Americans are choosing to start their own business, some of the financial items of Monday.
Globe and Mail-- EU to outline bank levy
Globe and Mail-- Nearly 20% of homes overvalued: report
Globe and Mail-- What's an NHL franchise worth?
National Post-- Germany a leader once again
National Post-- TSX rebounds after early plunge
National Post-- Loonie dives as global markets continue to slump
New York Times-- Europe Feels Investor Heat Despite Drive to Cut Deficits
New York Times-- Regulators Push for Global Rule on Bank Capital
New York Times-- Wall Street Slips and Then Recovers
USA Today-- Stocks trim some losses; Dow back around 10,000
USA Today-- More older Americans start own businesses
Guardian UK online-- Queen's speech 2010: Coalition announces school, welfare and budget reforms
Guardian UK online-- Italy to slash deficit to avoid Greece's fate
Guardian UK online-- Manufacturing drives stronger growth in UK economy
Times online UK-- Cuts and the Coalition
Times online UK-- That was easy. The real cuts will spell trouble
Telegraph UK online-- David Cameron attacks Labour after Queen's Speech
Telegraph UK online-- As stock markets plunge anew, sovereign debt threatens secondary banking crisis
Telegraph UK online-- MPC's Adam Posen warns Britain at risk of Japan-style deflation
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Resources super profit tax socialist style, says Olympic champ
Melbourne Herald Sun-- When Australians turst of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd turns to dust
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Chinese will love new mining tax: Forrest
People's Daily-- Chinese monetary policy driven more by domestic factors: official
People's Daily-- China more dependent on foreign oil than ever
China Daily-- China has curbed hot money inflows
China Daily-- SAFE: 'Hot money' flows into property sector
Times of India-- Euro crisis a boon for Indian travellers
Times of India-- Decision on fuel price hike on June 7: Deora
Globe and Mail-- EU to outline bank levy
Globe and Mail-- Nearly 20% of homes overvalued: report
Globe and Mail-- What's an NHL franchise worth?
National Post-- Germany a leader once again
National Post-- TSX rebounds after early plunge
National Post-- Loonie dives as global markets continue to slump
New York Times-- Europe Feels Investor Heat Despite Drive to Cut Deficits
New York Times-- Regulators Push for Global Rule on Bank Capital
New York Times-- Wall Street Slips and Then Recovers
USA Today-- Stocks trim some losses; Dow back around 10,000
USA Today-- More older Americans start own businesses
Guardian UK online-- Queen's speech 2010: Coalition announces school, welfare and budget reforms
Guardian UK online-- Italy to slash deficit to avoid Greece's fate
Guardian UK online-- Manufacturing drives stronger growth in UK economy
Times online UK-- Cuts and the Coalition
Times online UK-- That was easy. The real cuts will spell trouble
Telegraph UK online-- David Cameron attacks Labour after Queen's Speech
Telegraph UK online-- As stock markets plunge anew, sovereign debt threatens secondary banking crisis
Telegraph UK online-- MPC's Adam Posen warns Britain at risk of Japan-style deflation
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Resources super profit tax socialist style, says Olympic champ
Melbourne Herald Sun-- When Australians turst of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd turns to dust
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Chinese will love new mining tax: Forrest
People's Daily-- Chinese monetary policy driven more by domestic factors: official
People's Daily-- China more dependent on foreign oil than ever
China Daily-- China has curbed hot money inflows
China Daily-- SAFE: 'Hot money' flows into property sector
Times of India-- Euro crisis a boon for Indian travellers
Times of India-- Decision on fuel price hike on June 7: Deora
From the files of the Prince Rupert Detachment-- May 24, 2010
Older Fords seem to be the vehicle of choice for car thieves, the YouTube file moves forward and you er, old homecomers turn down that damn noise, some of the features from last week from the files of the RCMP
The week of May 17- May 23, 2010 Prince Rupert RCMP received 215 calls for service.
A taxi driver was bear sprayed early on in the week. The two females and one male got picked up near Conrad school. The three were transported to Hays Vale Drive around 10:40 p.m., so they were looking at about a $10.00 fare split in three. The passengers had a choice here, ante up a few bucks a piece or commit a criminal code offense by assaulting someone with a weapon. They chose wrong. Life is a lot more about choice than chance, make sure to make good ones.
There was a noise complaint around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night from a male stating the people in the unit below him were playing loud music. The complainant must have done a bit more investigation, because he called back the police to say the music was actually coming from the dance happening at the Civic Centre. The band was not fined.
In Canada we call stalking, criminal harassment. In simple terms it occurs when someone repeatedly follows a person from place to place, repeatedly communicates with that person and/or watches that person. The person being harassed has to fear for their safety or safety of others. The person had to know that they are causing that person to be harassed and the fear for safety has to be reasonable. Incessant e-mails, voice messages, notes as well as following someone after they have told you to back off is not viewed by Police as a simple crush. It is a criminal offence and can earn you up to 10 years.
RCMP recovered a F350 that was stolen out of Prince George on May 17. The plates and valtags were stolen from a vehicle out of Vanderhoof. The vehicle was seized for the IDENT unit. There have been three older model Fords stolen from Prince Rupert in the last two weeks. One was recovered in Burns Lake, one in Port Edward and one on a remote road near rainbow Summit, most involved forced entry through the rear slider window. Take extra precautions if you are leaving your vehicle unattended for a longer period of time. Use a steering wheel club, have friends check on your vehicle and park in well lit areas.
RCMP is investigating an alleged assault on a 13-year-old elementary student that was video recorded and placed on YouTube. Watching, encouraging, filming, posting and forwarding these types of events is not only disturbing, but can also be criminal. If you are not doing anything to stop this type of behaviour you are part of the problem. Walk away, call for help, speak out against violence when you see it. Adults can talk to their kids, but sometimes we sound like the adults from Charlie Brown. What works better are kids talking to kids.
An expensive night out. A couple woke up Sunday morning after being out most of Saturday night to discover their 40-inch flat screen TV stolen as well as about $300 in cash. It appears the suspect got in by removing a window. Prints were lifted from the window. If anyone has any information on this crime please contact RCMP.
Citizens on Patrol will be out in full force in June 2010. This group of dedicated community members will be working with RCMP and Auxiliary RCMP to help prevent and report crime in our community. The RCMP appreciates their time and is looking forward to having COPs back on patrol.
Please contact Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if you have any information on any crime. You can now also send an anonymous tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.
Past reports can be found here
The week of May 17- May 23, 2010 Prince Rupert RCMP received 215 calls for service.
A taxi driver was bear sprayed early on in the week. The two females and one male got picked up near Conrad school. The three were transported to Hays Vale Drive around 10:40 p.m., so they were looking at about a $10.00 fare split in three. The passengers had a choice here, ante up a few bucks a piece or commit a criminal code offense by assaulting someone with a weapon. They chose wrong. Life is a lot more about choice than chance, make sure to make good ones.
There was a noise complaint around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night from a male stating the people in the unit below him were playing loud music. The complainant must have done a bit more investigation, because he called back the police to say the music was actually coming from the dance happening at the Civic Centre. The band was not fined.
In Canada we call stalking, criminal harassment. In simple terms it occurs when someone repeatedly follows a person from place to place, repeatedly communicates with that person and/or watches that person. The person being harassed has to fear for their safety or safety of others. The person had to know that they are causing that person to be harassed and the fear for safety has to be reasonable. Incessant e-mails, voice messages, notes as well as following someone after they have told you to back off is not viewed by Police as a simple crush. It is a criminal offence and can earn you up to 10 years.
RCMP recovered a F350 that was stolen out of Prince George on May 17. The plates and valtags were stolen from a vehicle out of Vanderhoof. The vehicle was seized for the IDENT unit. There have been three older model Fords stolen from Prince Rupert in the last two weeks. One was recovered in Burns Lake, one in Port Edward and one on a remote road near rainbow Summit, most involved forced entry through the rear slider window. Take extra precautions if you are leaving your vehicle unattended for a longer period of time. Use a steering wheel club, have friends check on your vehicle and park in well lit areas.
RCMP is investigating an alleged assault on a 13-year-old elementary student that was video recorded and placed on YouTube. Watching, encouraging, filming, posting and forwarding these types of events is not only disturbing, but can also be criminal. If you are not doing anything to stop this type of behaviour you are part of the problem. Walk away, call for help, speak out against violence when you see it. Adults can talk to their kids, but sometimes we sound like the adults from Charlie Brown. What works better are kids talking to kids.
An expensive night out. A couple woke up Sunday morning after being out most of Saturday night to discover their 40-inch flat screen TV stolen as well as about $300 in cash. It appears the suspect got in by removing a window. Prints were lifted from the window. If anyone has any information on this crime please contact RCMP.
Citizens on Patrol will be out in full force in June 2010. This group of dedicated community members will be working with RCMP and Auxiliary RCMP to help prevent and report crime in our community. The RCMP appreciates their time and is looking forward to having COPs back on patrol.
Please contact Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS if you have any information on any crime. You can now also send an anonymous tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.
Past reports can be found here
Monday, May 24, 2010
Grocery store disputes spread across the country
And while it may be reassuring to be held up as one of the key points of an ongoing labour situation, it probably will not offer much comfort to those that may be unemployed if the local store closes its doors as expected next month.
The local store which is in the midst of a bit of turmoil over plans by the Loblaws Corporation to change the company profile to that of a No Frills operation, is just one of many grocery stores facing similar moves by the large Canadian grocery retailer.
The Globe and Mail outlined over the weekend the brewing labour battle in Ontario as Loblaws (the parent company of Extra Foods) seeks to become more competitive with the likes of WalMart and Cosco in the competitive and heavily populated Ontario marketplace.
Loblaws is currently seeking to change the workplace dynamic of its 30,000 Ontario employees, looking to gain more flexibility to adjust staff scheduling and job descriptions, and in turn lower costs.
Some of their plans for Ontario have put the workers union in that province on a battle footing, seeking to stem the tide of concessions and work environment changes that are trending towards outsourcing some of the instore work to the company's various suppliers.
The changing nature of the relationship between the company and its workers has at times proven to be controversial and acrimonious, as seen by the recent troubles in Prince Rupert which saw the union and company exchanging accusations and concerns over the local situation.
The UFCW website provides a report that in April Loblaws was ordered to pay some 50,000 dollars in back pay to employees that were as the union describes, "illegally locked out". Following negotiations in April it appears that Loblaws put forward it's plans to move towards a store closure.
Loblaws has had a similar situation played out in Maple Ridge over the last sixteen months where Extra Foods workers have been on the picket lines against the company over similar issues as those in Prince Rupert.
Judging by the recent developments both in Prince Rupert and now in Ontario, summer may be a very hot season in the retail grocery industry for both the company and its workers.
Regular readers of the blog have followed the progress of the Extra Foods situation, below is a recap of some of our posted items of the last six months or so.
Apr 9/10-- Podunk Below the Masthead (Workers stay the course at Extra Foods)
Feb 22/10-- Extra Foods and UFCW talks break down
Nov 30/09-- No Frills or No jobs
It's the economy (Monday, May 24, 2010)
The Big Boss is back on track for big bucks, potential job loss could be 50,000 in England from public sector cuts and Wal Mart sets its eyes on Chinese expansion, some of the items of interest from Monday's financials.
Globe and Mail-- Britain unveils £6-billion in cutbacks
Globe and Mail-- China vows currency reform at own pace
Globe and Mail-- Executive compensation set to rise
National Post-- Canada's gold miners try to polish tarnished image
National Post-- Europe debt worries drags Dow to three-month low
National Post-- British Airways crews start five-day strike
New York Times-- Clinton and Geithner Face Hurdles in China Talks
New York Times-- Britain Outlines $9 Billion in Cuts
New York Times-- In Europe, Britain May Face Largest Debt Hurdle
USA Today-- Airfares to Europe surge as fuel surcharges increase
USA Today-- Electronic records are replacing paper stock certificates
Guardian UK online-- Banks warn that higher capital ratios could push Britain back into recession
Guardian UK online-- Union warns Royal Mail it will fight plans for privatisation
Guardian UK online-- Public spending axe to cut swathe through private sector
Times online UK-- First taste of pain as Osborne starts to climb mountain of debt
Times online UK-- Voices from the eurozone: From prostitutes to pasta sellers, ignorance is bliss
Telegraph UK online-- Austerity is the new cool as Europe turns its back on Keynes
Telegraph UK online-- MPC's Adam Posen warns Britain at risk of Japan-style deflation
Telegraph UK online-- More than 50,000 jobs 'at risk’ from £6.2bn cuts
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Brockman's project unaffected by tax
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Traditional owners may oppose Ranger expansion
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Mining sector ads against tax are dishonest, hysterical - Swan
People's Daily-- Chinese vice premier stresses China, U.S. economic interdependence boosts bilateral co-op
People's Daily-- China supports rescue moves to end EU sovereign debt crisis
China Daily-- China to continue to steadily advance reform related to RMB exchange rate
China Daily-- Retailing giant Wal-Mart to expand business in China
Times of India-- India's economy to grow by 8.5% in 2010/11: PM
Times of India-- Deals Brewing Over A Cuppa In Africa
Globe and Mail-- Britain unveils £6-billion in cutbacks
Globe and Mail-- China vows currency reform at own pace
Globe and Mail-- Executive compensation set to rise
National Post-- Canada's gold miners try to polish tarnished image
National Post-- Europe debt worries drags Dow to three-month low
National Post-- British Airways crews start five-day strike
New York Times-- Clinton and Geithner Face Hurdles in China Talks
New York Times-- Britain Outlines $9 Billion in Cuts
New York Times-- In Europe, Britain May Face Largest Debt Hurdle
USA Today-- Airfares to Europe surge as fuel surcharges increase
USA Today-- Electronic records are replacing paper stock certificates
Guardian UK online-- Banks warn that higher capital ratios could push Britain back into recession
Guardian UK online-- Union warns Royal Mail it will fight plans for privatisation
Guardian UK online-- Public spending axe to cut swathe through private sector
Times online UK-- First taste of pain as Osborne starts to climb mountain of debt
Times online UK-- Voices from the eurozone: From prostitutes to pasta sellers, ignorance is bliss
Telegraph UK online-- Austerity is the new cool as Europe turns its back on Keynes
Telegraph UK online-- MPC's Adam Posen warns Britain at risk of Japan-style deflation
Telegraph UK online-- More than 50,000 jobs 'at risk’ from £6.2bn cuts
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Brockman's project unaffected by tax
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Traditional owners may oppose Ranger expansion
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Mining sector ads against tax are dishonest, hysterical - Swan
People's Daily-- Chinese vice premier stresses China, U.S. economic interdependence boosts bilateral co-op
People's Daily-- China supports rescue moves to end EU sovereign debt crisis
China Daily-- China to continue to steadily advance reform related to RMB exchange rate
China Daily-- Retailing giant Wal-Mart to expand business in China
Times of India-- India's economy to grow by 8.5% in 2010/11: PM
Times of India-- Deals Brewing Over A Cuppa In Africa
Fallout from local YouTube fight video moves beyond Prince Rupert
CTV BC, the British Columbia service for CTV News has posted a short item on its website outlining the concerns of local police over the recent video collection of youth fights staged in local parks, as well as the thoughts of a local Mixed Martial Arts instructor who was quick to protect the reputation of the local MMA community.
Kelly McMahon who operates a local MMA club, recognized some of the moves on display on the video, as well as one of the participants, but stressed that MMA was not to blame for the rash of local fight videos of late.
One of the participants apparently was a student briefly at McMahon's club, but as he explains never took the sport very seriously. McMahon went on to stress that his students were hard working and well behaved. As he explained to CTV; "We're all pretty tight-knit. It's a small club and we're trying to teach kids something positive," he said. "My kids do not fight outside the club."
The YouTube video in question shows two participants engaged in martial arts type fighting, with one of the boys clearly enjoying a rather substantial advantage in the fight, the RCMP first became involved when one of the boys mother's inquired about the large number of bruises her son had suffered, from there the local detachment moved forward on the complaint.
The CTV coverage is not the first look at the local controversy which reportedly now has the RCMP planning to talk to the participants, audience and videographer in the incident, with the possibility of charges to follow from it.
Sahar Nassimdoost provided the first local report on the incident for TV 7 News on Wednesday, including this video report aired on TV 7s supper time newscast.
VIA Rail prepares to put the Totem Train on the rails
The pole has been part of Jasper's visual scenery since 1915 when it was placed by the Grand Trunk Railroad at the Jasper rail station to greet passengers crossing the nation bringing with it a fascinating history.
The pole's past dates back to the 1870's when a Haida master carver in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii carved the 12-metre (40 feet) totem, it's eventual journey taking it to Jasper where it had been holding its place until April of 2009 when it was removed for safety reasons, prior to its removal it is estimated that it has been photographed by hundreds of thousands of visitors from the around the world.
As part of the repatriation ceremonies, Via is offering its customers the opportunity to ride a special train from Edmonton to Prince Rupert, part of an 11-day, tour promises which Via says will be a rich celebration of the history and culture of the Haida nation.
The special tour package includes the opportunity to learn more of the history of the pole and the Haida people as travellers will be joined by members of Jasper's community, Parks Canada and representatives of the Haida Nation as they return the Raven Totem Pole to Old Masset, BC. Beyond the historical lessons of the Totem pole, travellers will also learn more about Canada's National Parks and other items of interest along the tours itinerary.
The tour package includes travel with VIA from Edmonton to Prince Rupert, (meals while travelling in Touring class between Jasper and Prince Rupert), 10-nights accommodation, a ferry journey along the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy, scheduled transfers between Port Hardy-Victoria and Victoria-Vancouver, in addition to a number of popular local tours in Jasper and Victoria.
The opportunity to take part in a bit of living history comes with a fairly impressive price too, the cost of what is called a once in a lifetime tour will be $2,122.
The trek west begins on June 16th, when travellers step aboard the totem Train, Via has more details on their excursion posted in a press release issued this weekend.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
It's the economy (Weekend Edition, Saturday and Sunday May 22 and 23, 2010)
Attempting to debunk Dr. Doom, wondering why BP is still in charge and jitters as Spain bails out one of its banks, some of the weekend offerings from the financial world.
Globe and Mail-- U.S. turns up heat on BP over spill
Globe and Mail-- Loblaw seeks union work rule changes
Globe and Mail-- Greek-style medicine may be worse than the disease
National Post-- Slow week ahead for economy might be welcome breather
National Post-- Debacle of Omaha
National Post-- Dr. Doom and his perpetual crisis
Vancouver Sun-- Cloudy skies for B.C. farming
New York Times-- Idea Man of LimeWire at a Crossroads
New York Times-- The Real World Cup Prize? Broadcast Rights
New York Times-- The Old Enemies
USA Today-- Greece has defaulted before, and so have many others
USA Today-- A month after Gulf oil spill, why is BP still in charge?
Guardian UK online-- Europe markets set for more turmoil as rifts widen in eurozone
Guardian UK online-- After the flood: European cities on the edge of a debt crisis
Guardian UK online-- Pay rises stay below inflation as flexible labour force helps climb to recovery
Times online UK-- Markets should not tremble at political rhetoric
Times online UK-- Merkel’s stab in the dark
Telegraph UK online-- Europe's deflation torture is a gift to the Far Left
Telegraph UK online-- When the ECB should be about leadership, all Europe has is chaos
Telegraph UK online-- European bank jitters as Spain steps in to save Cajasur
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Small miners rocked by 'confusing' levy
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Sydney slips from top back to centre as city slides down conference destination rankings People's Daily-- Chinese business assets grow to $3.9 trillion
People's Daily-- HK ranks 2nd most competitive economy
China Daily-- China says too early to exit fiscal stimulus
China Daily-- Lack of rain results in poverty for many
Times of India-- European crisis may spark talent migration to Asia
Times of India-- 'Plan panel just juggles figures, we build roads'
Globe and Mail-- U.S. turns up heat on BP over spill
Globe and Mail-- Loblaw seeks union work rule changes
Globe and Mail-- Greek-style medicine may be worse than the disease
National Post-- Slow week ahead for economy might be welcome breather
National Post-- Debacle of Omaha
National Post-- Dr. Doom and his perpetual crisis
Vancouver Sun-- Cloudy skies for B.C. farming
New York Times-- Idea Man of LimeWire at a Crossroads
New York Times-- The Real World Cup Prize? Broadcast Rights
New York Times-- The Old Enemies
USA Today-- Greece has defaulted before, and so have many others
USA Today-- A month after Gulf oil spill, why is BP still in charge?
Guardian UK online-- Europe markets set for more turmoil as rifts widen in eurozone
Guardian UK online-- After the flood: European cities on the edge of a debt crisis
Guardian UK online-- Pay rises stay below inflation as flexible labour force helps climb to recovery
Times online UK-- Markets should not tremble at political rhetoric
Times online UK-- Merkel’s stab in the dark
Telegraph UK online-- Europe's deflation torture is a gift to the Far Left
Telegraph UK online-- When the ECB should be about leadership, all Europe has is chaos
Telegraph UK online-- European bank jitters as Spain steps in to save Cajasur
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Small miners rocked by 'confusing' levy
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Sydney slips from top back to centre as city slides down conference destination rankings People's Daily-- Chinese business assets grow to $3.9 trillion
People's Daily-- HK ranks 2nd most competitive economy
China Daily-- China says too early to exit fiscal stimulus
China Daily-- Lack of rain results in poverty for many
Times of India-- European crisis may spark talent migration to Asia
Times of India-- 'Plan panel just juggles figures, we build roads'
Podunkian Brunch, Sunday May 23, 2010
While Nervous investors watch the stock markets bounce up and down (mostly down the last week or so) and wonder what's next, the financial abyss for some may be closer than others. Greece which seems to have been the kindling for the current financial conflagration is trying to right its financial house with cash inflows from the European Union, all designed to try and bring some stability to a rather unstable situation. If anybody was to ask (and no one seems to be inclined) Argentina offers up some advice, all apparently is lost for Greece and perhaps a few other countries in the short term. True Slant offers up the Argentinian advice.
Friday's Daily News provided a fairly positive spin on the Tourism industry in BC and Prince Rupert in particular, with Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Cruise Director Phil Westoby, painting a fairly positive picture of the industry and its impact on the North Coast. The Tyee examines the other side of the cruising industry, with a report from the Vancouver Observer which profiles the industry's impact on the environment and local economies, as well as touching on employment conditions on the ships and the relationships between the cruise industry and the communities that they call on.
The American Cable News wars have taken another prisoner, as Campbell Brown host of the CNN's prime time news program that bears her name announced that she was leaving the program. In a rare bout of honesty from the media, Brown described her reason for departure as this: "The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program," she writes in her statement, "and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else.". Her candor and class in leaving her own show has spurred on a number of thoughts as to what her next move might be, with even the thought that she might make a step into politics, though considering her ability for clear thinking and honesty, we somehow doubt that the political life would be one that would make her happy.
Technology seems to change by the hour these days and nowhere more than through the internet and how we utilize it for video and audio streaming purposes. Google announced yet another new twist in the Information highway this week, a move towards music streaming that may make your iPod the next big thing to gather dust in a forgotten corner of a bookshelf (remember books and bookshelves?) Slate offers up the review of the Google options and how they will change much of what we do today.
It wasn't so long ago that the British Media was making much merriment with our Olympic experience, picking apart pretty well every aspect of the Vancouver Games and suggesting that we had unleashed one of the worst games ever on the world. Well as time would eventually show that wasn't quite a particularly lucid nor correct view of the Vancouver Games and by the time we extinguished the flame most had pretty well dismissed the British view as not much of merit, nor credibility. However, those that throw stones must always remember that sometimes they bounce back and break your own windows, a helpful reminder for old Blighty as England unveiled the official mascots to the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games and the reaction has been less than favourable from many quarters. With the British media's ugly side still ringing in their ears, the National Post weighed in on the British mascots with some venom that would make a Fleet Streeter proud.
Speaking of strange animals, residents of Northern Ontario are wondering what in the hell has washed up on the lake shore of Big Trout Lake. Local First Nations Elders call the critter the ugly one. Suggesting that it's arrival is an omen of bad news. It's the kind of story that is the main trade of radio shows like Coast to coast with George Noory, and with it's discovery comes no shortage of theories as to what it once was, though the mysterious nature of its appearance and the discussion it's bringing forward should make for yet another northern Canadian legend.
Our Podcast selection of the week comes from American Public Radio, where KCRW in California offers up some interesting examination of the issues of the day with Left, Right and Centre
And we wrap up this edition of the Brunch with a Happy Birthday to Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known to us all as Bob Dylan, who will turn 69 on May 24th. Born in 1941, Dylan would change folk and rock music through the sixties and became the face of the sixties and all the social upheaval that the decade brought . The Syndicated radio show Little Steven's Underground Garage is featuring Dylan this weekend with two hours of his music and those he influenced, you can get the online audio affiliates here, for now we take you back to the day he moved the folk era into the electric guitar era with Like a Rolling Stone.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Podunk Below the Masthead (Friday, May 21, 2010)
Homecoming weekend is underway, The Port says that the local cruise scene is fine and Prince Rupert Grain gets an award, some of the items of interest for the Friday News cycle.
Daily News, front page, headline story
PRINCE RUPERT IN THE GOOD BOOKS WITH CRUISE PASSENGERS-- An update from the Port Authority on the current state of the cruise industry in the city, with the port expressing confidence that through exit surveys and independent surveys the experience of visitors to the city is considered a good one. Among the items discussed was the feedback received from the cruise industry and what needs to be done in the future to address their suggestions.
The Grain Terminal becomes an award winner as Prince Rupert Grain is honoured for excellence by the Canadian Wheat Board as one of four recipients of the Grain Handler of the Year.
And as summer approaches charter season heads into full operation, Friday's paper looks at the impact on the economy that the charter business has in town.
The sports section featured Rugby as the main attraction on Friday, with reports on the high school match between Houston and Charles Hays as well as the latest details on the Prince Rupert Seamen's season.
(Daily News Archive Items for Friday, May 21, 2010)
Prince Rupert in the good books with cruise passengers
Grain Terminal wins award
Middle class lacking legal support
Prince Rupert in World War II
Charter season arrives in Prince Rupert
The Northern View
No new items posted to Northern View website for Friday
CFTK TV 7 News
Taxi Assault -- Sahar Nassimdoost's TV 7 report on the assualt on a Skeena Taxi driver earlier in the week (view report here)
CFTK TV 7 News--
Rupert Homecoming Begins-- Sahar Nassimdoost provides a look at the opening day of the Homecoming 2010 celebrations in the city (view report here)
CBC News Norther BC, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
Prince Rupert in the good books with cruise passengers
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, May 21,2010
Since 2004, $38 million has been spent by tourists and employees off the cruise ships visiting Prince Rupert, making it one of the third busiest ports in the province.
“I think Prince Rupert should take pride in the fact that we rank as one of the most friendly and hospital ports anywhere on the West Coast, as shown through out exit surveys and independent surveys,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Cruise Director Phil Westoby at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held May 19 at Chances.
Westoby is also the Chair of Cruise BC and said the organization is anticipating 13 million cruisers in 2010.
“That’s seven percent growth over 2009 in an economy that is apparently stale,” he added.
Last year the Prince Rupert Port Authority underwent a strategic review of Prince Rupert’s cruise industry, gathering extensive information from exit surveys and feedback from the cruise companies.
The findings suggested Prince Rupert become more aware of its identity and destination.
Other points indicated the Port should work collaboratively with key stakeholders, that access to the community and attractions needs to be improved, shore excursions could expand and retail opportunities closer to the cruise ship terminal need to be enhanced.
In terms of how those research findings affects smaller business owners, Westoby suggested it’s really about looking at those assets and filling the gaps.
“In retail assessment, it’s asking ‘are the doors open?’ A couple of years ago we sent a group up to Ketchikan and noticed with all the businesses there, the doors were open.”
On the plus side, Prince Rupert has nature, wildlife, adventure and culture as the four cornerstones used to market itself.
“Our First Nations tourism is phenomenal,” said Westoby. “It’s one of the best in the theatre. We have an excellent program running with the Museum, we have on board this year Lax Kw’alaams, now offering tour products, as well as Metlakatla through Seashore Charters, with its tours to Pike Island and the new canoe.”
Fishing is also an asset, he said.
“I just checked the prices last week and the halibut fishing sold on board the ship in Prince Rupert is one hundred dollars less than Ketchikan, so we’re very competitive.”
Ninety-five percent of the cruises taking place in North America are populated by American consumers and Cruise BC has determined that the upcoming future markets are South East Asia and Europe, with a small number continuing to be from Canada and Mexico.
In 2009, there was a reduction in the number of ships visiting in Alaska, mostly due to the head tax being charged, and that has had an impact on numbers coming to Prince Rupert.
Alaska has pulled back a number of restrictions, and the indication is that ships will start returning to Alaska by normal levels in 2012 and beyond, Westoby said.
In terms of itinerary planning, normally done 18 to 24 months ahead, Norwegian Cruise Lines has indicated it will continue with one ship a week in 2011, and its Norwegian Pearl will also make its first single call in Prince Rupert. No numbers have been confirmed for 2012.
While Vancouver is experiencing almost thirty percent decline in 2010, because ships are choosing to go to Seattle, Westoby said that’s a good thing for Prince Rupert.
“It’s an opportunity for Prince Rupert to capitalize, based on the Passenger Service Act. We need to tell and fill the story of Prince Rupert. We need to open our doors and welcome our guests. In terms of the overall, we must look at cruise not just benefiting cruise, but creating capacities in tourism that benefits all the tourism market and the community,” he added.
Daily News, front page, headline story
PRINCE RUPERT IN THE GOOD BOOKS WITH CRUISE PASSENGERS-- An update from the Port Authority on the current state of the cruise industry in the city, with the port expressing confidence that through exit surveys and independent surveys the experience of visitors to the city is considered a good one. Among the items discussed was the feedback received from the cruise industry and what needs to be done in the future to address their suggestions.
The Grain Terminal becomes an award winner as Prince Rupert Grain is honoured for excellence by the Canadian Wheat Board as one of four recipients of the Grain Handler of the Year.
And as summer approaches charter season heads into full operation, Friday's paper looks at the impact on the economy that the charter business has in town.
The sports section featured Rugby as the main attraction on Friday, with reports on the high school match between Houston and Charles Hays as well as the latest details on the Prince Rupert Seamen's season.
(Daily News Archive Items for Friday, May 21, 2010)
Prince Rupert in the good books with cruise passengers
Grain Terminal wins award
Middle class lacking legal support
Prince Rupert in World War II
Charter season arrives in Prince Rupert
The Northern View
No new items posted to Northern View website for Friday
CFTK TV 7 News
Taxi Assault -- Sahar Nassimdoost's TV 7 report on the assualt on a Skeena Taxi driver earlier in the week (view report here)
CFTK TV 7 News--
Rupert Homecoming Begins-- Sahar Nassimdoost provides a look at the opening day of the Homecoming 2010 celebrations in the city (view report here)
CBC News Norther BC, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
Prince Rupert in the good books with cruise passengers
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, May 21,2010
Since 2004, $38 million has been spent by tourists and employees off the cruise ships visiting Prince Rupert, making it one of the third busiest ports in the province.
“I think Prince Rupert should take pride in the fact that we rank as one of the most friendly and hospital ports anywhere on the West Coast, as shown through out exit surveys and independent surveys,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Cruise Director Phil Westoby at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held May 19 at Chances.
Westoby is also the Chair of Cruise BC and said the organization is anticipating 13 million cruisers in 2010.
“That’s seven percent growth over 2009 in an economy that is apparently stale,” he added.
Last year the Prince Rupert Port Authority underwent a strategic review of Prince Rupert’s cruise industry, gathering extensive information from exit surveys and feedback from the cruise companies.
The findings suggested Prince Rupert become more aware of its identity and destination.
Other points indicated the Port should work collaboratively with key stakeholders, that access to the community and attractions needs to be improved, shore excursions could expand and retail opportunities closer to the cruise ship terminal need to be enhanced.
In terms of how those research findings affects smaller business owners, Westoby suggested it’s really about looking at those assets and filling the gaps.
“In retail assessment, it’s asking ‘are the doors open?’ A couple of years ago we sent a group up to Ketchikan and noticed with all the businesses there, the doors were open.”
On the plus side, Prince Rupert has nature, wildlife, adventure and culture as the four cornerstones used to market itself.
“Our First Nations tourism is phenomenal,” said Westoby. “It’s one of the best in the theatre. We have an excellent program running with the Museum, we have on board this year Lax Kw’alaams, now offering tour products, as well as Metlakatla through Seashore Charters, with its tours to Pike Island and the new canoe.”
Fishing is also an asset, he said.
“I just checked the prices last week and the halibut fishing sold on board the ship in Prince Rupert is one hundred dollars less than Ketchikan, so we’re very competitive.”
Ninety-five percent of the cruises taking place in North America are populated by American consumers and Cruise BC has determined that the upcoming future markets are South East Asia and Europe, with a small number continuing to be from Canada and Mexico.
In 2009, there was a reduction in the number of ships visiting in Alaska, mostly due to the head tax being charged, and that has had an impact on numbers coming to Prince Rupert.
Alaska has pulled back a number of restrictions, and the indication is that ships will start returning to Alaska by normal levels in 2012 and beyond, Westoby said.
In terms of itinerary planning, normally done 18 to 24 months ahead, Norwegian Cruise Lines has indicated it will continue with one ship a week in 2011, and its Norwegian Pearl will also make its first single call in Prince Rupert. No numbers have been confirmed for 2012.
While Vancouver is experiencing almost thirty percent decline in 2010, because ships are choosing to go to Seattle, Westoby said that’s a good thing for Prince Rupert.
“It’s an opportunity for Prince Rupert to capitalize, based on the Passenger Service Act. We need to tell and fill the story of Prince Rupert. We need to open our doors and welcome our guests. In terms of the overall, we must look at cruise not just benefiting cruise, but creating capacities in tourism that benefits all the tourism market and the community,” he added.
Are you ready for some footy!
As the World Cup edges closer and closer, Nike has released what perhaps may be their best advertisement yet.
A three minute feature of fast paced soccer action, with a plethora of personalities and more than a few surprise endings. It visualizes for us how one moment on the soccer pitch could change destiny for so many.
Nike over the years has provided some of the most innovative concepts in advertising and no doubt has spent countless millions to bring their vision to the screen, but then the return in investment probably makes the massive project quite worthwhile.
For those that only occassionally glance at the screen when soccer comes up on the menu, the latest Nike ad could turn you into a scarf wearing soccer mob fanatic, ready to scream out GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL at the first opportunity.
The commercial debuts during the Champions League final on Saturday (11:30 am in BC) and will no doubt be seen many times over the next three weeks leading up to the World Cup from South Africa which starts on June 11.
Leaked to YouTube this week, we suspect it will as is hinted in the ad itself become one of the video portals most viewed items of the year.
A three minute feature of fast paced soccer action, with a plethora of personalities and more than a few surprise endings. It visualizes for us how one moment on the soccer pitch could change destiny for so many.
Nike over the years has provided some of the most innovative concepts in advertising and no doubt has spent countless millions to bring their vision to the screen, but then the return in investment probably makes the massive project quite worthwhile.
For those that only occassionally glance at the screen when soccer comes up on the menu, the latest Nike ad could turn you into a scarf wearing soccer mob fanatic, ready to scream out GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLL at the first opportunity.
The commercial debuts during the Champions League final on Saturday (11:30 am in BC) and will no doubt be seen many times over the next three weeks leading up to the World Cup from South Africa which starts on June 11.
Leaked to YouTube this week, we suspect it will as is hinted in the ad itself become one of the video portals most viewed items of the year.
Friday, May 21, 2010
It's the economy (Friday, May 21, 2010)
Putting the brakes on offshore thoughts in BC, America's lost decade could be on the horizon and Britain no longer has the worst deficit in Europe, some of the items of interest for Friday.
Globe and Mail--Europe's crisis stirs recession fear
Globe and Mail-- New Husky CEO tasked with turnaround
Globe and Mail-- Campaigns to organize Toyota Canada's workers escalates
National Post-- BoC expected to press ahead with rate hikes
National Post-- Horror Borealis
National Post-- Technicals gloomy but corrections not unusual in recovery
Vancouver Sun-- Cloudy skies for B.C. farming
Vancouver Sun-- Offshore oil development ban to stay in place: Ottawa
New York Times-- Lawmakers in Germany Back Rescue for Europe
New York Times-- Reconciliation for 2 Financial Overhaul Bills
New York Times-- Lost Decade Looming?
USA Today-- EU nations back tougher sanctions to combat debt
USA Today-- NYC judge blasts Wall Street greed at sentencing
Guardian UK online-- Barack Obama celebrates biggest banking shake-up since the Great Depression
Guardian UK online-- Day of market turmoil as investors panic over eurozone crisis
Guardian UK online-- British Airways boss warns union after record £531m loss
Times online UK-- Debt at record level despite leap in tax receipts
Times online UK-- Toyota to build electric cars with Tesla
Telegraph UK online-- The George Osborne effect: sterling plummets
Telegraph UK online-- Britain no longer has the worst deficit in Europe
Telegraph UK online-- David Cameron and Angela Merkel to clash over EU treaty call
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Superannuation in tax salvo
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Australian dollar continues falling as investors flee currency market
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Wall St tumble rattles Australian share market
People's Daily-- Int'l oil price drop could ease domestic inflation
People's Daily-- U.S. commerce secretary promotes clean-energy deals with China
China Daily-- PetroChina lines up $60b to boost overseas oil, gas output
China Daily-- Euro set to fall even further on debt crisis
Times of India-- Nano absolutely safe: Tata Motors
Times of India-- Mukesh Ambani meets PM, FM
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Podunk Below the Masthead (Thursday, May 20, 2010)
A local daycare operation expands, School District 52 may soon be discussing cameras in the schools and the Kootenay Community Garden gets a little bit closer to completion, some of the items for your Thursday review.
Daily News, front page, headline story
LOCAL DAYCARE EXPANDING - MORE ROOM FOR BABIES AND YOUNGSTERS -- Details on the addition to Discovery Child Care Centre on Prince Rupert Boulevard, which will double it's capacity to 32 when it opens in June.
The ability for School District 52 to place cameras within classrooms and other school property could be a step closer after Bill 20 amendments work their way through the legislative process in Victoria. However, while some schools in the District currently use some cameras, the use is not widespread and School District 52 chair Tina Last suggests that any increased use of video surveillance could be a controversial issue in Prince Rupert and may be a way off in the future just yet.
The British Columbia Maritime Employers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will continue to battle over who has the best interests of female workers at heart as a human rights suit continues on to the next stage. The issue has become intertwined with the current round of labour negotiations between the employers and union representing British Columbia's estimated 3000 maritime workers.
The Sports section features a look at last weekend's panhandle games, the track and field event held at the Charles Hays field.
(Daily News Archives for Thursday, May 20, 2010)
Local Daycare expanding - more room for babies and youngsters
Cameras in the classrooms?
Her House burned down in Port Simpson
BCMEA and ILMEA dispute
Rupert landfill - messing with the mass
The Northern View
No new items posted to the Northern View site for Thursday.
CFTK TV 7 News
Taxi Driver Bear Sprayed -- A review of the Haysvale assault of a Skeena Taxi cab driver earlier this week (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Help our garden grow -- Details on the progress of Prince Rupert's Community Garden at Kootenay Field on the west side of town (see article here) Sahar Nassimdoost's report can be (viewed here)
CBC News British Columbia, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
Local Daycare expanding - more room for babies and youngsters
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Discovery Child Care Centre on Prince Rupert Blvd. will be opening a brand new additional building in June.
Initially the centre opened in 1996 to accommodate teenaged parents attending nearby high schools. It was licensed to care for children up to three years old.
Five years ago, Prince Rupert Options for Social Growth Society, the not-for-profit organization running the centre, set a goal to expand and create a space for children three to five years old.
This will allow the centre to care for children from the time they are born until they enter school, said Manager Leah Jowe.
Jowe was promoted to manager last November, after working at the centre since the summer of 2009.
She has worked in early childhood education for the last six years, previously in Vancouver.
“I’m from Prince Rupert and decided to come back. My family is still there,” Jowe said, adding that she was a high school student at CHSS when the daycare opened.
In Vancouver, she was involved with children over three and has really enjoyed working with babies.
“Some of the babies were a lot smaller when I started in the summer and I’ve seen them developing their personalities. You can have the little class clown or the quiet shy one. It’s been an awesome experience to get to know them. Most of them are around the same age and at about a year they start walking,” Jowe commented.
According to Jowe, a previous manager applied for the license to allow the centre to care for children over the age of three.
“We received a new license which changed us into a building with one side for infant and toddlers and the other side, multi-aged care, which means we can have one infant, three children under the age of three and the rest of them have to be between the ages of three and five,” Jowe explained.
Most of the children are in care for the full workday, while three belong to teen parents and are usually picked up by 3:30 p.m., when the school day is over.
The main focus remains to assist teen parents with being able to finish their high school education, but there aren’t as many children of teen parents as there were in the past.
“It’s a tough one. I’d like to think that it’s because there are less teen parents, but you go downtown and you see quite a few young moms with babies. Hopefully we can promote continuing on with your education. It is really hard though, I couldn’t imagine being a teen parent,” Jowe commented.
Once the new building is opened, children between ages three and five will be accomodated there, while the original building will be used for children that are under three.
Peggy Julseth, Northwest Housing Development Consultant from Terrace, has managed the building project. “We received financing from the Ministry of Children and Families with some extra financing from Northern Savings Credit Union.
We were approved some time ago, but it was quite an exercise to get it under construction,” said Julseth. Through the project, Julseth has worked with the society and its building committee. “We [currently] have a capacity of 16 children and the new building will give us an additional 16 spots,” Julseth added.
A grand opening of the new facility will take place on June 8, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
Daily News, front page, headline story
LOCAL DAYCARE EXPANDING - MORE ROOM FOR BABIES AND YOUNGSTERS -- Details on the addition to Discovery Child Care Centre on Prince Rupert Boulevard, which will double it's capacity to 32 when it opens in June.
The ability for School District 52 to place cameras within classrooms and other school property could be a step closer after Bill 20 amendments work their way through the legislative process in Victoria. However, while some schools in the District currently use some cameras, the use is not widespread and School District 52 chair Tina Last suggests that any increased use of video surveillance could be a controversial issue in Prince Rupert and may be a way off in the future just yet.
The British Columbia Maritime Employers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will continue to battle over who has the best interests of female workers at heart as a human rights suit continues on to the next stage. The issue has become intertwined with the current round of labour negotiations between the employers and union representing British Columbia's estimated 3000 maritime workers.
The Sports section features a look at last weekend's panhandle games, the track and field event held at the Charles Hays field.
(Daily News Archives for Thursday, May 20, 2010)
Local Daycare expanding - more room for babies and youngsters
Cameras in the classrooms?
Her House burned down in Port Simpson
BCMEA and ILMEA dispute
Rupert landfill - messing with the mass
The Northern View
No new items posted to the Northern View site for Thursday.
CFTK TV 7 News
Taxi Driver Bear Sprayed -- A review of the Haysvale assault of a Skeena Taxi cab driver earlier this week (see article here)
CFTK TV 7 News
Help our garden grow -- Details on the progress of Prince Rupert's Community Garden at Kootenay Field on the west side of town (see article here) Sahar Nassimdoost's report can be (viewed here)
CBC News British Columbia, Daybreak North
Daybreak North is only posting selected items on their website now.
The most recently posted items can be found on the archive page for Daybreak North click here
Daily News, front page, headline story
Local Daycare expanding - more room for babies and youngsters
By Monica Lamb-Yorski
Staff Writer
Prince Rupert Daily News
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Discovery Child Care Centre on Prince Rupert Blvd. will be opening a brand new additional building in June.
Initially the centre opened in 1996 to accommodate teenaged parents attending nearby high schools. It was licensed to care for children up to three years old.
Five years ago, Prince Rupert Options for Social Growth Society, the not-for-profit organization running the centre, set a goal to expand and create a space for children three to five years old.
This will allow the centre to care for children from the time they are born until they enter school, said Manager Leah Jowe.
Jowe was promoted to manager last November, after working at the centre since the summer of 2009.
She has worked in early childhood education for the last six years, previously in Vancouver.
“I’m from Prince Rupert and decided to come back. My family is still there,” Jowe said, adding that she was a high school student at CHSS when the daycare opened.
In Vancouver, she was involved with children over three and has really enjoyed working with babies.
“Some of the babies were a lot smaller when I started in the summer and I’ve seen them developing their personalities. You can have the little class clown or the quiet shy one. It’s been an awesome experience to get to know them. Most of them are around the same age and at about a year they start walking,” Jowe commented.
According to Jowe, a previous manager applied for the license to allow the centre to care for children over the age of three.
“We received a new license which changed us into a building with one side for infant and toddlers and the other side, multi-aged care, which means we can have one infant, three children under the age of three and the rest of them have to be between the ages of three and five,” Jowe explained.
Most of the children are in care for the full workday, while three belong to teen parents and are usually picked up by 3:30 p.m., when the school day is over.
The main focus remains to assist teen parents with being able to finish their high school education, but there aren’t as many children of teen parents as there were in the past.
“It’s a tough one. I’d like to think that it’s because there are less teen parents, but you go downtown and you see quite a few young moms with babies. Hopefully we can promote continuing on with your education. It is really hard though, I couldn’t imagine being a teen parent,” Jowe commented.
Once the new building is opened, children between ages three and five will be accomodated there, while the original building will be used for children that are under three.
Peggy Julseth, Northwest Housing Development Consultant from Terrace, has managed the building project. “We received financing from the Ministry of Children and Families with some extra financing from Northern Savings Credit Union.
We were approved some time ago, but it was quite an exercise to get it under construction,” said Julseth. Through the project, Julseth has worked with the society and its building committee. “We [currently] have a capacity of 16 children and the new building will give us an additional 16 spots,” Julseth added.
A grand opening of the new facility will take place on June 8, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
It's the economy (Thursday, May 20, 2010)
World markets tumble, the whisper the D word in England and Australia keeps its eye on Canada's success, some of the items of interest for Thursday.
Globe and Mail-- Euro-zone turmoil roils markets
Globe and Mail-- Loonie continues its sharp decline
Globe and Mail-- Canada toughens offshore drill rules
National Post-- U.S. equities enter correction territory
National Post-- Europe crisis threatens economy, banks, says U.S. Federal Reserve
National Post-- China says U.S. must control deficit as economy recovers
New York Times-- Stocks Slide on Fears Over Europe and Regulation
New York Times-- Dubai World Reaches Deal With Banks to Restructure Debt
New York Times-- Irish Miracle — or Mirage?
USA Today-- Stocks sell off; S&P 500 in correction territory
USA Today-- Federal Reserve official: Europe's crisis poses risks to U.S.
Guardian UK online-- Recession-hit Irish will pay second highest bill for Greek bailout
Guardian UK online-- National Grid's green revamp will add £4 to energy bills
Guardian UK online-- Royal Mail profits jump 26%
Times on line UK-- Merkel leads calls for global financial tax as markets continue to slide
Times on line UK-- Will the Euro Survive?
Times online UK-- The Thatcherite road is all Europe has left
Telegraph UK online-- 'Perfect storm' as market tremors hit China, Europe and the US
Telegraph UK online-- City fears of 'Great Depression Mark II'
Telegraph UK online-- Shooting the messenger won't save the euro
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Canada takes gold ... from us
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Tax won't dig an early grave for BHP
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Average weekly wage rises to $1242
People's Daily-- SED set to sidestep yuan strength
People's Daily-- Experts: Foreign demand not driving China's economic recovery
China Daily-- China home transactions falling in some cities
China Daily-- CNPC set to buy 35% stake in Shell's Syria unit
Times of India-- AI union threatens strike
Times of India-- VW, Maruti eye joint development
Globe and Mail-- Euro-zone turmoil roils markets
Globe and Mail-- Loonie continues its sharp decline
Globe and Mail-- Canada toughens offshore drill rules
National Post-- U.S. equities enter correction territory
National Post-- Europe crisis threatens economy, banks, says U.S. Federal Reserve
National Post-- China says U.S. must control deficit as economy recovers
New York Times-- Stocks Slide on Fears Over Europe and Regulation
New York Times-- Dubai World Reaches Deal With Banks to Restructure Debt
New York Times-- Irish Miracle — or Mirage?
USA Today-- Stocks sell off; S&P 500 in correction territory
USA Today-- Federal Reserve official: Europe's crisis poses risks to U.S.
Guardian UK online-- Recession-hit Irish will pay second highest bill for Greek bailout
Guardian UK online-- National Grid's green revamp will add £4 to energy bills
Guardian UK online-- Royal Mail profits jump 26%
Times on line UK-- Merkel leads calls for global financial tax as markets continue to slide
Times on line UK-- Will the Euro Survive?
Times online UK-- The Thatcherite road is all Europe has left
Telegraph UK online-- 'Perfect storm' as market tremors hit China, Europe and the US
Telegraph UK online-- City fears of 'Great Depression Mark II'
Telegraph UK online-- Shooting the messenger won't save the euro
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Canada takes gold ... from us
Melbourne Herald Sun-- Tax won't dig an early grave for BHP
Sydney Daily Telegraph-- Average weekly wage rises to $1242
People's Daily-- SED set to sidestep yuan strength
People's Daily-- Experts: Foreign demand not driving China's economic recovery
China Daily-- China home transactions falling in some cities
China Daily-- CNPC set to buy 35% stake in Shell's Syria unit
Times of India-- AI union threatens strike
Times of India-- VW, Maruti eye joint development
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