Fire fighting crews got a a break from the heat by way of heavy rain yesterday. Two helicopters were seen over the airstrip around noon, just before a brief ice storm was followed by a summer cloud burst. People were kept in the local Starbucks for about a half an hour as thunder and heavy rain fell. One conversation about what to do if the power went off, was answered by an offical, the plan is use the made coffee and call to see how long it would be off. If it was hours then the store would close. Editors note: most public buildings over a capacity have emergency lighting, some like hospitals have emergency generators.
Three days of rain are in the forecast from Wednesday, thursday morning is forecast to feel like 9 degrees c.
Friday should see partly sunny conditions with 25 degree C temperatures, here.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/british-columbia/merritt
Today in history: July 24th 1866
Reconstruction, Tennessee becomes the first state readmitted to the US after the civil war.
Category: Fauna
A 58,000 liter fuel truck delivers gasoline to a service station
Photo KDG
A source says this truck , in the 40 degree heat a 6000 liter delivery may have been 5500 liters.
The holding tanks in a service station are in the cool ground and we estimate that the gasoline would return to its volume density fairly quickly, however if you have the choice and you know of a delivery you may get better value sometime after a delivery on a hot 40 degree day. Perhaps gas up would be better in the early morning hours in the current conditions.
Quality gasoline should be stable almost indefinitely if stored properly. Such storage should be in an airtight container (to prevent oxidation or water vapors mixing), and which can withstand the vapor pressure of the gasoline without venting ( to prevent the loss of the more volatile fractions), and at a stable cool temperature (to reduce the excess pressure from liquid expansion, and to reduce the rate of any decomposition reactions). When gasoline is not stored correctly, gums and solids may be created, which can corrode system components and accumulate on wetted surfaces, resulting in a condition called “stale fuel”. Gasoline containing ethanol is especially subject to absorbing atmospheric moisture, then forming gums, solids, or two phases (a hydrocarbon phase floating on top of a water-alcohol phase).
The presence of these degradation products in fuel tank, lines, carburetor or fuel injection components makes it harder to start the engine, or causes reduced engine performance. On resumption of regular engine use, the buildup is often eventually cleaned out by the flow of fresh gasoline. The addition of a fuel stabilizer to gasoline can extend the life of fuel that is not or cannot be stored properly. Some typical fuel stabilizers are proprietary mixtures containing mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene,or other additives. Fuel stabilizer is commonly used for small engines, such as lawnmower and tractor engines, especially when their use is seasonal (low to no use for one or more seasons of the year). Users have been advised to keep gasoline containers more than half full and properly capped to reduce air exposure, to avoid storage at high temperatures, to run an engine for ten minutes to circulate the stabilizer through all components prior to storage, and to run the engine at intervals to purge stale fuel from the carburetor Source Wikipedia
We think that if you fill your tank in the current temperatures that filling to the top may not be advisable. However expansion of the tank in your vehicle is also a consideration.
Apparent and absolute expansion
When measuring the expansion of a liquid, the measurement must account for the expansion of the container as well. For example, a flask, that has been constructed with a long narrow stem filled with enough liquid that the stem itself is partially filled, when placed in a heat bath will initially show the column of liquid in the stem to drop followed by the immediate increase of that column until the flask/liquid/heat bath system has thermalized. The initial observation of the column of liquid dropping is not due to an initial contraction of the liquid but rather the expansion of the flask as it contacts the heat bath first. Soon after, the liquid in the flask is heated by the flask itself and begins to expand. Since liquids typically have a greater expansion over solids the liquid in the flask eventually exceeds that of the flask causing the column of liquid in the flask to rise. A direct measurement of the height of the liquid column is a measurement of the Apparent Expansion of the liquid. The Absolute expansion of the liquid is the apparent expansion corrected for the expansion of the containing vessel
Our final word is be more careful with gasoline and its vapour in the heat. KDG
update: A comment from facebook:
Rory wrote: “Good article Kev. When I was towing, we would get calls from either the police or fire to tow away parked vehicles that were leaking gasoline caused by full tanks and heat expansion.”
Today in History: July 16th 1994
The comet shoe maker collides with Jupiter
The sun the source of all energy Photo: KDG
The current monarch of Great Britain just celebrated her 88th birthday, that was the official birthday it is celebrated some months apart from her actual one. Elizabeth the second was born on April 22 1926. She was crowned in 1952 on February 6th. Her ancestor Victoria was monarch for 67 years, she has served 62 years and 4 months to this time making her 93 years old to reach the record of Victoria. She has caught up to George the 3rd who reigned 3 months short of 60 years to take the second longest crowned monarch in Great Britain.
The Crown of Great Britain has not got power in Canada any longer, neither do her ministers, the legal governing authority is the Parliament of Canada, however we are not representative government as the Americans are. Referendums and other actions are not binding on Parliament however the parliament can only last 5 years without a general election by the people. The Queen is still technically the commander in chief of our armed forces through the Governor General, this is ceremonial and not functional as the Chief of the defence staff, usually a military officer, is accountable to the Cabinet for this, which can make decisions according to the laws parliament arms them with.
The whole thing is dependant on people who vote in or out members of parliament. Private business is subject to laws of parliament which include permits and regulations that they seek to have as advantageous as possible to their interests. The invisible hand of market capitalism is less invisible in Canada then in the US.
The public interest is something more directly valued then the trickle down sentiment in the US and the recent letting of permission by the Federal Cabinet for a pipeline in British Columbia has many demands above simple economics here. The 209 conditions are as potent now as they were before the approval. As are the 5 conditions of the province.
A birth right extends to all Canadians with residual benefit to her commonwealth historical links as a trickling effect. We value our resources and expect the spending of them to be responsible and as sustainable as possible. An as the implementation of their use comes about, that they would not be dispersed as a drunken resource binge. That public safety and enjoyment of aesthetics will be as important as wealth creation.
So to those that historically braved the seas and risked life and limb for the future peace and prosperity of nations, such as David Thompson,and Simon Fraser ,we say, good day!
Editors Note: lots of luck and good fortune to the federal MPs in British Columbia
Today in history: June 20th 1837
Queen Victoria becomes monarch of Great Britain.
The city is trying out a new way of marking cross-walks, the main work was completed in a timely fashion and as a right of spring by painting contractors, but this week the works foreman and a worker were using a torch to bond cross walk bars on the cross-walks across the way from MacDonald’s of Voght Street. They tried one application last year and it is still serviceable this spring. ” the stop line is very well preserved” ” we are not early opters they have been used elswhere” works foreman.
Cross-walks are by far the safest way to cross a street, however using groups and high-visability clothing is another way to increase your chances of not getting injured. There is no substitute to eye contact with drivers and awareness. Watch for some pickup trucks that have metal pieces between side windows and the back window, especially if they California stop. A person was killed here off Nicola avenue wearing dark clothing and relying on the cross walk to be safe after dark.
Not all pedestrians are licensed drivers to rely on there actions may be folly, and right away is cold comfort to permanent chronic pain.
Today in History: June 18th 1983
Sally Ride becomes the first American women in space.
File photo live beaver on the Nicola River.
Photo:KIDG
Beaver, one of the national symbols of Canada, an image of industry, tireless work and thrift ( on the nickel). We never expect them to be seen in a less the desirable circumstance!
On the weekend we came upon a dead medium size beaver on a beach of a local river. With a clutch of poplar sticks drawn up behind him he lay about 6 feet ahead on an open beach, tail flat on its stomach and resting its head on a forepaw in a dignified spread. Maybe winter kill with no signs of trauma. with great respect we came back several times and we somewhat amazed at its condition that it was no being taken as carrion by birds or coyotes but remained in its stretch producing several moments of wonder with us.
Heres to you Mr>Beaver in your image and likness to our selfs we wish you luck as you continue to be our symbol one step ahead of the penny.
Editors note: Beavers can be trapped in season by licensed trappers and they can be moved on by destroying their homes but a permit is required to do so. Aviod touching dead or sickly beavers as they carry a bacteria and can give you parasites.
Today in history: April 11th 1976
The Apple 1 computer is released.
There is a community meeting coming to the Merritt in respect to search and rescue. Hosted by the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue society, it highlights the society formed to provide recovery activities after a demonstrated need occurred when two young men drowned in their canoe on Nicola Lake.The meeting place is at the local community college NVIT Nicola Valley Institute of Technology on Belshaw Avenue in Merritt.
The presentation is billed as being by the founders of the recovery society and is on April 13th at 1pm.
Search and rescue goes to a recovery phase after a certain time passes.
Update: The mission Statement of the Legacy Water Search and recovery as a non-profit society is to search and safely recover drowning victims with innovative technology. They are committed to provide victim’s families with emotional support and drowning prevention education to the public.
The groups inspiration came from the activities of Gene and Sandy Ralston, who for only expenses have traveled thousands of miles in North America. The Ralston’ have used advances in key technologies such as side scan sonar and remote operated vehicles to search and recover victims in very deep water.
The Ralstons and associates efforts have lead to the recovery of 90 victims of drowning since 2000. source Legacy Water Search and Recovery brochure.
At this time they are looking for support to purchase equipment, they can be contacted at their web site http://www.legacywatersearch.com .
Today in history: April 1st 1891
The Wrigley company is founded in Chicago Illinois
So you just can’t catch a fish by any method at all. A 50 dollar fine under section 63 for not fishing by an approved method is probably a reasonable action in conservation. Using tree pronged hooks or nets or barbed hooks on certain lakes or streams can get you in trouble. When ever you break a regulation you put your equipment at risk for seizure. People in the past have lost trucks and campers as well as the fishing rods and tackle or even boats. Little points like only having two days limit when transporting or not leaving heads and tails on can get you into real dutch.
The conservation people encourage reporting of poaching and other infractions including illegal dumping and using deactivated roads.
Regulations are available when licencing and need to be heeded. http://www.britishcolumbia.com/fishing/?id=28
Today in History: March 13 1964
Research into the bystander effect is begun after Kitty Genovese is murdered in full view of her neighbours who do nothing to stop it.
There has been a real transition to self-governing among the First Nations people’s in the Nicola Valley. Some real markers for the recapture of a near dead culture are here. NVIT is a first nations run public college, it has agreements with major universities for university transfer. They use the facility for traditional feasts and have a FN language dean.
Located behind the senior highschool is a mock-up pit house with architecture that models the original design and demonstrates the importance of circular dynamics of meetings. The Provincial park at Nicola lake also has ancient pit house remains as a topical interest.
The healing of local natives is in some ways apparent including a marked departure from excessive drinking and there is fewer tragic accidents in the last half decade.
The aboriginal mine training association posts employment goals in the near 1000 range and is well on its way to achieving.
There are catagory two, grade schools that are government certified including one at Douglas Lake, featuring kindergarten to grade twelve. nkwala@uppernicolaband.com
Kudos to visionaries like the late Grand Chief Gordon Antoine for his clear vision and patient resolve to create conditions for success.
Today in history: March 7th 1994
The United States Supreme court rules that parodies of an original work is acceptable under the fair use provision.
Candidate Menard won the local by-election for city council on Saturday. The only of the six candidates to get more than 200 votes.
Neil Menard has an honorable discharge from the Navy and has a background in the IWA union where he was employed in administration for decades. ( source NM all candidates forum)
He is purported to be a BCJHL hockey supporter, Merritt boasts the longest existing franchise in the league 41 years
Today in history: February 24th 2008
Fidel Castro retires as Cuba’s president after 50 years.
Monday the 10th of February is BC Family Day. This is the second year that the legal holiday is being observed.
The Nicola Valley Aquatic center is offering some free events as well as a free swim from 1 to 4 pm on the 10th.
Family day is a holiday in other provinces but some are on the 17th of February.
Today in history: February 6th 1959
The patent for the first integrated circuit is filed by Jack Kilby of Texas instruments.
The local fish and game club is having a banquet on March 8th ,2014. The club calls this a big event and is looking for help to organize and present it.
The Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club has events such as trap shoots, it has a junior firearms program and ice fishing derby, they are involved in the Core firearms safety program in the schools having 21 grads this year according to the December newsletter.
B.J. Moore is in charge of the Archery program and is promising 3D archery this spring.
They can be contacted through their communications person: Othmar.Vohringer@yahoo.ca
Today in history: February 4th 2004
Facebook is founded by Mark Zukerburg.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 