The interest in all things lunar continues as mankind’s March to knowledge grows exponentially everyday.
Category: -Photography
July 27th 2025, Central Park till 3:00 p.m..
The Nicola Valley Cruisers are a vibrant car club based in Merritt, British Columbia, known for their passion for classic, vintage, and modern vehicles. While the specific number of 302 members isn’t consistently stated, it’s clear they have a significant and active membership that participates in various events throughout the year.
Here’s a breakdown of what they do and how they enjoy their leisure time:
Key Activities and Events:
* Annual Show ‘n’ Shine: This is their signature event, a beloved summer car show held annually in Central Park, Merritt. It draws car enthusiasts from across British Columbia and beyond. It features a diverse array of vehicles, from muscle cars and vintage classics to modern sports cars, trucks, and even electric bikes. The event is free for the public and includes live entertainment, food vendors, prizes, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a major community event and a highlight of their year. In 2025, the 30th annual Show ‘n’ Shine is scheduled for Sunday, July 27th.
* Weekly Meetings/Cruises: The club holds regular weekly meetings, often at local spots like the A&W on Voght Street. These gatherings allow members to showcase their cars, socialize, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. They sometimes include activities like garage tours.
* Spring Dance/Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance: The Nicola Valley Cruisers also host social events like their annual Spring Dance. These events often feature live music (like the Coquihalla Coyotes) and are an opportunity for members and the community to enjoy a night of retro tunes and camaraderie.
* Community Involvement and Charity: The club is actively involved in giving back to the community. They often donate funds raised from their events to local groups or causes, such as the local Food Bank or the Nicola Valley Fall Fair.
* Participation in Other Automotive Events: Members also participate in other car-related events, sometimes joining tours of antique or classic car clubs visiting Merritt.
How They Enjoy Their Leisure Time:
For the Nicola Valley Cruisers, leisure time largely revolves around their shared love for automobiles. This includes:
* Showcasing and Maintaining Their Vehicles: Members take pride in their cars, whether they are meticulously restored classics or unique modern vehicles. A significant part of their leisure involves maintaining, customizing, and preparing their cars for display.
* Socializing and Camaraderie: The club fosters a strong sense of community. Members enjoy spending time together, sharing stories, discussing cars, and building friendships with like-minded individuals.
* “Cruisin'”: As their name suggests, simply “cruising” with their cars, enjoying the open road and the scenery of the Nicola Valley, is a popular pastime.
* Attending and Organizing Events: The various events they host and participate in provide opportunities for entertainment, competition (friendly car show judging), and sharing their passion with a wider audience.
* Nostalgia and Preservation: For many, the car hobby is about preserving a piece of history or reliving memories associated with cars from their youth.
In essence, the Nicola Valley Cruisers are more than just a car club; they are a community that celebrates automotive heritage, enjoys social connections, and contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of Merritt, British Columbia.
Welcome
There are issues about transporting weeds and other contaminates check with local authorities before trouble brews.
Canoe “I just deliver them-driver.”
Regulated
The regulations for canoeing in Alberta are primarily governed by Transport Canada’s Small Vessel Regulations, as boating safety is a federal responsibility in Canada. Alberta also has specific regulations regarding aquatic invasive species.
Here’s a breakdown of what canoes need in Alberta:
Flotation Devices (Life Jackets/PFDs)
* One life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all watercraft, including human-powered ones like canoes.
* Canadian-approved: The life jacket or PFD must be Canadian-approved. There are three main types:
* SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) lifejackets: High-performance, approved for all vessels, turn you on your back even if unconscious.
* Standard Type lifejackets: Approved for all vessels except SOLAS, also turn you on your back even if unconscious.
* Small Vessel lifejackets: Approved for small vessels.
* Proper Fit: It’s crucial that the life jacket or PFD fits snugly and correctly. For children, it should not ride up over their chin or ears, and there should be less than 7.6 cm (3 inches) between their shoulders and the device.
* Condition: Ripped or poorly conditioned flotation devices are not considered approved.
* Inflatable PFDs: Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for people under 16 years of age or who weigh under 36.3 kg (80 lbs.), and for operators of personal watercraft.
Paddle Equipment and Other Required Safety Gear
For canoes up to 6 meters (19’8″) in length, you generally need the following, in addition to life jackets/PFDs:
* Buoyant Heaving Line: A buoyant heaving line at least 15 meters (50 feet) long.
* Bailing Device: A bailer or a manual bilge pump. (Note: Not required for craft with watertight compartments that won’t allow the craft to hold enough water to capsize).
* Sound Signalling Device: A sound signalling device (like a pea-less whistle for human-powered craft).
* Reboarding Device (if applicable): A reboarding device (like a ladder) is required unless the vertical height to climb to reboard the pleasure craft is not more than 0.5 meters.
* Navigation Lights (if applicable): If you are operating after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility, you need navigation lights. For a canoe, a single light (like a watertight flashlight, lantern, or torch) is sufficient.
Additional Recommendations and Important Considerations
* Spare Paddle: It’s always recommended to have one paddle per person in the canoe plus a spare.
* Watertight Flashlight: While sometimes covered by navigation light requirements, a watertight flashlight is always a good idea, especially for low-light conditions.
* First Aid Kit: Although not explicitly listed as mandatory for all canoes by Transport Canada, it’s highly recommended to carry a first aid kit. For guided excursions, specific first aid kit requirements apply.
* Helmet: For river paddling, especially on Class 3 or above waters (whitewater), a helmet of an appropriate size is required. Paddle Canada also requires helmets on all Class II and above waterways for sanctioned courses and participants.
* Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations: Alberta has strict regulations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels.
* Drain Plugs: All watercraft must have their drain plugs pulled while being transported on Alberta highways. Failure to do so can result in a significant fine.
* Watercraft Inspections: When highway signage indicates a watercraft inspection station is open, all watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) being transported must stop for inspection. Bypassing an open station with a watercraft is a serious violation.
* Clean, Drain, Dry, and Certify: Before entering a new waterbody, you are required to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all water-related gear. In some areas, like Banff National Park, you may need to obtain an AIS prevention self-certification permit.
* No “Boating License” for Canoes (unmotorized): You do not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (often referred to as a “boating license”) to operate a human-powered craft like a canoe, unless it is fitted with a motor (even an electric trolling motor).
* Alcohol Consumption: Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense. Alcohol consumption is generally restricted on board unless the boat has a sleeping area, cooking facilities, or a toilet, or is docked.
It’s always a good idea to consult the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and the Alberta.ca website for the most current and detailed information on regulations. These resources provide comprehensive lists and explanations of safety equipment and rules.
The above may not be full and complete please review the regulations with the regulator responsible in the jurisdiction.
Mercy in swiftness…
Record
Obituary of fools
So, waivers were signed, rhetoric heard, dismissal embraced, discounts accepted.
Five lives wasted, no, one way is to keep the experience alive by acknowledging this piece and being prudent because of it. KDG
Jurisdictions evaded.
Grief taken as a poison 💊
When engaging in water activities, especially swimming, prioritizing safety is paramount. One of the most critical aspects of water safety is the “buddy system” – always swimming with another person.
Here’s a breakdown of why this is so important and other key water safety tips:
The Importance of the Buddy System
* Immediate Assistance: In an emergency, such as a cramp, exhaustion, or a sudden medical issue, a buddy can provide immediate help. This could mean pulling you to safety, calling for help, or performing CPR if they are trained. Even a few seconds can make a significant difference in a water emergency.
* Accountability: Knowing someone is watching out for you and vice-versa adds a layer of accountability. You’re less likely to take unnecessary risks when someone else’s safety is also a consideration.
* Reduced Panic: If you get into trouble, the presence of a calm and capable buddy can help reduce panic, which is often a major factor in drowning incidents.
* No One is Immune: Even strong swimmers can get into trouble. Unexpected currents, hidden obstacles, or sudden health issues can affect anyone.
* Supervision for Children: For children, the buddy system extends to constant, active adult supervision. A child should never be left unsupervised near water, even for a moment.
General Water Safety Tips:
* Learn to Swim: This is the most fundamental water safety skill. Enroll in swimming lessons if you don’t know how to swim or want to improve your skills.
* Choose Supervised Locations: Whenever possible, swim in areas with lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained professionals who can respond quickly to emergencies.
* Know Your Limits: Don’t overestimate your swimming ability. If you’re tired or unsure, get out of the water. Avoid swimming long distances in open water if you’re not properly trained.
* Check Water Conditions: Be aware of currents, tides, water depth, and potential hazards like rocks, weeds, or marine life. Look for signs indicating dangerous conditions.
* Never Dive into Unknown Depths: Always check the depth of the water before diving in. Many serious injuries occur from diving into shallow water or striking hidden objects.
* Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents in and around water.
* Wear a Life Jacket: If you are participating in boating activities, or are a weak swimmer in open water, always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved (or equivalent national standard) life jacket.
* Sun Protection: While not directly related to drowning, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and heatstroke, which can impair your ability to react in an emergency.
* Enter Feet First: When entering unfamiliar water, go in feet first to avoid surprises.
* Emergency Preparedness:
* Know how to call for help.
* If you see someone in trouble, don’t just jump in unless you are trained in water rescue. “Reach or throw, don’t go.” Extend a rescue device (like a pole, rope, or life preserver) to the person.
* Learn CPR and basic first aid.
By following these guidelines, especially the crucial buddy system, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with water activities and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Water safety is everyone’s concern.
On this Day: August 26th 2002
The Earth summit 2002 begins in Johannesburg South Africa.
Jazzy day wakey day.
Sweet songs of ⛱️
Recent artisan showing…
Art on public parts
It is enabling to respect the normal people in the living of their lives. Makes you as an interviewer part instead of judge when they give…
A citizen journalist is an individual who actively participates in the gathering, reporting, and dissemination of news and information, often through digital platforms, without being a professional journalist. They leverage social media, blogs, and other online channels to share firsthand accounts, observations, and insights, contributing to the public discourse and providing alternative perspectives that may not be covered by traditional media outlets. This grassroots approach enables diverse voices to be heard, particularly in underreported communities and during significant events.
Sponsored by local service people, file v KDG
Farmer’s/ artisan market
Want to write / journalize… PercyPaschal@gmail.com
Star ship 💥
The next Starship test flight, Flight 10, is scheduled for August 4th, 2025. This flight will be another uncrewed test to gather more data on the Starship’s performance.
Waiting for a crewed test launch, concerned about the Artemis Partner Program in the current geo political atmosphere it’s heartening to know a starship test is coming in August.
1000 Starships
Maintained by space x that 1000 Starships will bring 1 million colonists to Mars. This I
Is for permanent settlement.
The ambitious goal of making Mars a habitable planet and sending a million people there is primarily driven by SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. While other space agencies like NASA have plans for human missions to Mars, SpaceX has the most public and aggressive timeline for large-scale colonization.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of this program:
SpaceX’s Vision for Mars Colonization:
* Self-Sufficient City: The ultimate goal is to establish a self-sufficient, large-scale settlement and a democratic, self-governing colony on Mars. This means not just sending people, but building the infrastructure for them to live, work, and thrive independently of Earth.
* Starship System: The core of SpaceX’s plan is the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket. This fully reusable transportation system is designed to carry both crew and massive amounts of cargo to Mars.
* Massive Transportation: To achieve the goal of a million people, SpaceX envisions launching thousands of Starships during Mars launch windows (which occur approximately every 26 months). They talk about launching more than 10 times per day to maximize these windows.
* Phased Approach: The plan involves initial cargo missions to deliver equipment, habitats, and supplies before any humans arrive. The first crewed missions would focus on setting up propellant plants (to produce fuel on Mars using local resources), power systems, and rudimentary bases.
* Resource Utilization (ISRU): A crucial part of self-sufficiency is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). This involves using resources available on Mars, such as harvesting CO2 from the atmosphere and splitting it into its components to create oxygen and fuel.
* Timeline: While highly ambitious and subject to change, Elon Musk has spoken about a first crewed mission as early as 2029 and the development of a self-sustaining colony by 2050.
Terraforming Mars:
“Terraforming” refers to the hypothetical process of transforming a planet hostile to life into one that can sustainably host humans and other lifeforms without protection. While SpaceX’s immediate focus is on establishing a base that uses local resources, the long-term vision of a truly Earth-like Mars involves terraforming.
* Challenges: Terraforming Mars presents immense challenges with current technology. Key issues include:
* Thin Atmosphere: Mars has a very thin atmosphere with extremely low surface pressure.
* Lack of Magnetic Field: Mars lacks a global magnetic field, which makes its atmosphere vulnerable to erosion by solar winds.
* Cold Temperatures: Mars is very cold.
* Proposed Methods (Hypothetical):
* Greenhouse Gases: Releasing greenhouse gases (like CO2, which is abundant in Mars’s atmosphere and polar caps) to thicken the atmosphere and warm the planet.
* Artificial Magnetic Field: Creating an artificial magnetic field to protect the atmosphere from solar wind erosion.
* Engineered Dust Particles: Some researchers have proposed releasing engineered dust particles into the atmosphere to trap heat.
* Localized Habitats: A more achievable near-term approach might be creating localized habitable environments using materials like silica aerogel, which could provide shelter and warmth for small areas.
NASA’s Role:
While NASA doesn’t have a plan for colonizing Mars with a million people in the same way SpaceX does, they are actively working towards human exploration of Mars. Their goals include:
* Scientific Discovery: Understanding whether life ever existed on Mars, characterizing its climate and geology, and preparing for human exploration.
* Technology Development: Testing technologies for oxygen production (like MOXIE on the Perseverance rover), developing sustainable food and water systems, power generation, and advanced habitats.
* Artemis Program: NASA’s Artemis program is laying the groundwork for long-term human presence on the Moon, which will serve as a stepping stone and testing ground for missions to Mars.
In essence, SpaceX is the primary driver behind the “million people on Mars” goal, with their Starship system being the core technology. Terraforming, while a long-term aspiration, faces significant scientific and technological hurdles. NASA, meanwhile, is focused on incremental steps towards human exploration, scientific discovery, and developing the foundational technologies needed for future long-duration missions to the Red Planet.
Test number 10
2025 Schedule https://www.facebook.com/share/v/UFE4QB146J2E9R5w/?mibextid=Dpxkx3
Thank you for your time in Merritt…
The Bass Coast Festival is happening this weekend in Merritt, British Columbia, from July 11-14, 2025.
Regarding proceeds and attendance:
Attendance:
Bass Coast Festival has capped its attendance at 6,500 people each year to maintain its community aspect and focus on the overall experience. This number includes artists, festival-goers, volunteers, and vendors.
Proceeds:
While specific overall proceeds for the 2025 festival aren’t publicly detailed, Bass Coast Festival is an independently owned and artist-run event. They have a strong commitment to community support, as evidenced by:
* Donations to the Nicola Valley Food Bank: Bass Coast has an annual fundraising compilation called “12 Days,” where 100% of proceeds from album sales are donated to the Nicola Valley Food Bank in Merritt. They also top up the amount to reach a specific goal (e.g., $2500 CAD in one instance, and a $22,000 donation in another).
* Donations to environmental organizations: Bass Coast has also donated Bandcamp proceeds to organizations like West Coast Environmental Law.
* Economic Impact: The festival significantly contributes to Merritt’s economy, generating an estimated $4 million for the local area.
Essentially, while the exact financial “proceeds” in terms of profit aren’t publicly disclosed, the festival is known for its community-focused approach and its positive economic impact on the host town, Merritt.
Geopolitics
Canadian independence from the US, need and globalization has the agenda from ecology preservation – Suzuki.
New PM talking pipelines
Dr. Suzuki is concerned that the well-being of Canada’s been hijacked or is being hijacked and that the current government along with it has backed away from unnecessary emphasis on the environment.
Extinction of creatures, two generations.
A human generation is generally considered to be about 20-30 years, with recent research suggesting an average of around 27-30 years. Therefore, “two human generations” would refer to a period of roughly 40-60 years.
It’s incredibly difficult to give an exact number of creatures that have gone extinct in such a recent timeframe due to several factors:
* Many species are undiscovered: Scientists estimate there are millions of species on Earth yet to be identified, especially in lesser-explored environments like deep oceans or rainforests. Many could go extinct before we even know they exist.
* Difficulty in confirming extinction: It can take many years, even decades, of no confirmed sightings before a species is officially declared extinct.
* Varying definitions of “creature” or “species”: This can include everything from insects and fungi to large mammals, and the data available often focuses on more well-known or charismatic species.
However, scientific consensus indicates that we are currently in the midst of a sixth mass extinction event, driven primarily by human activities. The current extinction rate is estimated to be 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural background rate.
While precise numbers for the last 40-60 years are hard to pinpoint, some reports highlight the alarming trends:
* Some estimates suggest that dozens to hundreds of species go extinct every day, though this often includes unconfirmed or localized extinctions.
* The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Index reported a 73% decline in the average size of global wildlife populations in just 50 years (between 1970 and 2020), which indicates widespread biodiversity loss even if not all species are officially declared extinct.
* A 2019 UN report stated that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades. It also noted that at least 680 vertebrate species had been driven to extinction since the 16th century.
In summary, while a precise number is elusive, the scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that a significant and alarming number of creatures have gone extinct in the last two human generations, and the rate of extinction is accelerating due to human impact.
What answers remain?
Deer in yard summer 2025
Income sources
Farm gate pricing can be a crucial component for supporting a family in British Columbia or Canada, but it’s often not sufficient on its own. Here’s a breakdown of the factors involved:
Farm Gate Pricing and Family Income:
* Potential for Higher Returns: Selling directly to consumers (farm gate sales) generally allows farmers to capture a larger share of the retail price, as they cut out intermediaries like wholesalers and retailers. This can lead to better margins per unit of product.
* Challenges to Viability:
* Scale and Volume: To generate enough income to support a family, a farm needs to produce and sell a significant volume of products. This requires substantial labor, land, and capital investment.
* Market Access and Demand: While direct sales offer better prices, farmers need consistent customer demand. This often means being located near population centers, investing in marketing, and building customer relationships.
* Off-Farm Income: A significant number of small-scale family farms in Canada, including BC, rely on off-farm income to supplement their farm gate sales and cover living expenses. This indicates that farm income alone is often not enough.
* Rising Costs: Farmers face increasing input costs (feed, fertilizer, fuel, equipment), high land values (especially in BC), and fluctuating market prices, which can squeeze profit margins even with direct sales.
* Labor and Time Commitment: Operating a successful farm with direct sales requires a huge time commitment, including production, processing, marketing, and sales. This can be challenging to balance with family life and other employment.
* Government Regulations: In BC, there are specific “Farmgate” and “Farmgate Plus” licenses for meat producers, allowing certain slaughter volumes for direct sales. This shows an attempt to support direct marketing, but there are still volume limits and other regulations to navigate.
Economies of Scale and Small Farms/Cooperatives:
* Traditional Economies of Scale: Historically, “economies of scale” in agriculture have favored large farms that can produce massive quantities at lower per-unit costs due to specialized machinery, bulk purchasing, and efficient distribution networks. This often puts small farms at a disadvantage.
* How Small Farms Can Achieve “Economies of Scope” or “Network Economies”: While true “economies of scale” (simply growing bigger to reduce per-unit costs) might be harder for individual small farms, they can achieve similar benefits through different strategies:
* Diversification (Economies of Scope): Small farms often diversify their crops and products. This allows them to spread risk, utilize resources more efficiently, and cater to diverse market demands, effectively creating multiple revenue streams from a similar asset base.
* Direct Marketing: Selling directly to consumers at farmers’ markets, farm stands, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), or online platforms helps small farms capture more of the retail dollar, effectively increasing their “scale” of profitability per unit.
* Value-Added Products: Processing raw agricultural products into higher-value goods (e.g., making jams from fruit, baked goods from grains, or prepared meals) can significantly boost revenue.
* Cooperatives and Economies of Scale: This is where cooperatives truly shine for small family farms. Cooperatives allow individual farms to achieve many of the benefits of larger-scale operations by:
* Bulk Purchasing: Buying inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment collectively at discounted rates.
* Shared Equipment: Investing in expensive machinery that individual farms couldn’t afford on their own.
* Collective Marketing and Distribution: Pooling products to access larger markets, negotiate better prices, and streamline logistics (e.g., shared transportation, centralized storage facilities).
* Processing and Value-Adding: Establishing shared processing facilities to create value-added products that individual farms might not have the capacity for.
* Risk Management: Sharing risks associated with crop failure or market fluctuations.
* Knowledge Sharing: Members can share expertise and best practices, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.
* Access to Financing: Cooperatives may have better access to loans and grants than individual small farms.
* Increased Bargaining Power: Cooperatives give small farmers a stronger voice in the marketplace and with suppliers.
In Conclusion:
While farm gate pricing offers potential for higher returns, it’s often not enough on its own to support a family in British Columbia or Canada given the high costs and challenges of farming. However, when combined with strategies that mimic economies of scale, particularly through cooperatives and diversified direct marketing, small family farms have a much better chance of achieving economic viability and supporting a family. Cooperatives, in particular, empower small farms to collectively leverage resources and market power, providing a pathway to sustainable livelihoods in agriculture.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 