To the seasons of life
The season changes little from the time of Shakespeare , temperatures are closing to near 30 degrees, standing at 24 degrees of Celsius officially now and buds of trees are bursting out into leaf all about this bottom valley land of the Nicola valley that Merritt occupies.
With a cooling trend in the forecast for Sunday after 3 days of probable rain the long weekend maybe a mix of pleasure and restraint, however it comes out, live through it by driving safely.: http://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-49_metric_e.html
Growth, Coldwater hotel dome and flag
FILE Photo KDG
Today in history: May 15th 1935
The Moscow Metro is opened to the public.
Few noctious weeds, on well watered and cut grass File photo KDG
The City of Merrrit has been under water restrictions since May 1st last week. A quick look at he published regulation in a local paper says that odd numbered houses have the days Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Even numbered homes have the days of Monday, Wednesday and Friday for basic watering by sprinklers.
Hand watering is at any time and some say it is the most efficient way of watering. restrictions are in effect till the end of September. The city is asking for coöperation in using this resource wisely.: http://www.merritt.ca/news/watering-restrictions-2014
There is no sprinkling on Sundays.
500 volt 120 amp quick charger
Electric cars are getting some attention again. The province wide Electrical utility BC Hydro in its latest newsletter is journalising the early adoption of EV Cars and hybrid electric vehicles.
Auto show recognizes B.C.’s big appetite for electric vehicles
British Columbians are among the early adopters of alternative-energy vehicles, including electrics. So it was no surprise there was an electric component to the Vancouver International Auto Show held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in March.
But who expected that more than 20 vehicles at the show — roughly five per cent of all vehicles there — had electric capabilities?
The latest models of some popular plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) were on the floor, including the Chevrolet Volt hybrid, the For Focus Electric, the Nissan Leaf, and Toyota’s plug-in Prius.
The current state of EVs in B.C.
There aren’t too many EVs on B.C. roads yet, but the demand is increasing. And BC Hydro plays an important role, developing guidelines for charging infrastructure and providing information for those who may be thinking about getting an EV, including:
Merritt has a number of charging stations, in particular located with in a couple of blocks of the City hall complex on Voght Street, just before the right hand turn to highway 97 c that turns into highway 8 to Spences Bridge. The stations are on beside the downtown tourist info center, as well as in the city hall parking lot,behind the civic center and theree is one at the bus depot by Boston pizza on the way from town towards Kamloops on highway 5A.
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Brand new EVs from BMW and Kia
BMW and Kia announced new EVs, with the latter revealing the Soul EV, a zero-emission edition of its sporty urban crossover.
The German auto manufacturer shone the spotlight on two EVs. The BMW i8 is a sleek machine with scissor doors that is a plug-in hybrid. It’s a high priced, high powered sports car that can go from zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds.
While equipped with an electric drive on the front wheels and a turbo gasoline engine powering the rear wheels, the i8 can be operated using only the electric motor.
The BMW i3 is a zero-emission club car hatchback designed for everyday city use. The four-seater has two full doors and two coach doors that are hinged at the back and make it easier for rear-seat passengers to get in. It’s more roomy than you’d expect, in part because the electric engine doesn’t require as much space as a traditional combustion engine.
When plugged in to a Level 2 charger, the i3 can charge to full in about three hours, BMW claims. It only takes 20 minutes when connected to a DC fast charge station.
BMW also had its charging station, available for residential installation, at the show.
Taking alternative-energy vehicles for a test drive
Paul McGeachie, executive director of the show, said that some 850 people took the opportunity to test drive a variety of eco-friendly vehicles at the Green Ride and Drive showcase.
Vehicle manufacturers, he said in an interview, like to give people a chance to get into the cars, especially the models that have been developed in response to the growing call — by the general public and governments — for alternative energy vehicles.
Not all electric vehicles that are being manufactured were at the show, however. Among the missing models were the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid and the Volkswagen E-Golf. And California electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla wasn’t at the 2014 Vancouver Auto Show.
Third Eco-Run event taking place in B.C.
For the last two years, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has staged the Eco-Run, a “demonstration drive” involving energy-efficient vehicles.
The route for the third event, being held from May 6 to May 9, 2014, will be from Vancouver to Whistler and back.
Journalist Clare Dear explained to media at the opening of the 2014 Vancouver Auto Show that the Eco-Run is “not a race or a competition” but is designed to show consumers what vehicular options are available to them, as well as how “a few simple changes in driving habits will help reduce fuel costs”.
Dear, who leads the organization of the Eco-Run for AJAC, said that the B.C. exhibition will feature 20 vehicles from 12 manufacturers, and will include “pure electrics and hybrids, as well as fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered vehicles”.
Along the route to Whistler, the vehicles will be put on display and the Eco-Run ends with a consumer show at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where there will be a driving simulator to help consumers learn how to drive with fuel efficiency in mind.
First Canadian Green Car Award to be presented in 2015
At next year’s Vancouver auto show, the first Green Car Award will be presented as part of AJAC’s Canadian Car of the Year program.
Kevin Corrigan is an automotive journalist and chairs the committee that will make the selection. In announcing the award to media, he said that the award stems from changing fuel efficiency requirements for new vehicles, as well as the fact that most automobile manufacturers have eco-friendly vehicles that can be considered for the award.
The Green Car won’t necessarily be an electric vehicle, though. Corrigan noted that in Canada, a driver’s location and principal use mean that efficiency is a subjective determination. While a typical city dweller is a good candidate for a fully electric vehicle, for example, those living in rural communities may not be. And businesses operating a fleet of limousines in urban environments have different vehicle needs than someone employed in construction.
Corrigan defined a green car as being, “a vehicle which, for its size and purpose, provides the consumer with environmentally friendly returns favourable for its class”. The key, he said, was that vehicles to be considered for the Green Car Award offered fuel efficiency and addressed environmental concerns.
The existence of the award, though, indicates that electric vehicles are becoming more noticeable, and more interesting. And British Columbia is leading the way.
The assertion that BC is leading the way is important as the introduction of EV chargers and a commitment to a network in China Last week by principals in the Tesla network is sure to have results with in a reasonable time. Given the unprecedented success of all things technical in the recent decades by the Chinese and its precarious position with pollution and carbon emissions it is bound to take up the interest.
At the recent delivery ceremony of Tesla’s first batch of Chinese orders in Beijing, two solar photovoltaic (PV) charging systems caught the eyes of the guests. The system was requested by Tesla Motors (Palo Alto, CA, U.S.), and designed and manufactured by Hanergy Solar Group Ltd. (Hong Kong).
Hanergy’s thin-film flexible PV system was Tesla’s first choice for the first PV Supercharger station in China. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, said at the ceremony, “In the future, Tesla will work with partners to build supercharger network. The first charging station in Beijing was built in cooperation with Hanergy Solar Group. Tesla will continue to invest in the construction of superchargers in China, aiming to quickly expand the network.”
Solar power combined with energy storage systems
In his interview, Elon Musk also stressed that the charging stations that Tesla is building in China can work 24 hours per day. Utilizing solar power and energy storage systems, the charging stations reduce the impact of electric coal on environment. The batteries are charged during the daytime with solar power; then can supply power for vehicles at night. In fact, under the double pressure of escalating oil price and increasingly strict emission standards, the electric vehicle industry has become a strategic industry all over the world.
Cross-industrial innovation
Combining the electric automobile industry and that of renewable energy, the cooperation between Tesla and Hanergy is an active practice towards cross-industrial technological innovation. It is a first step towards freedom from the traditional energy pattern and the plight of traditional fossil energy on which the current electric auto industry relies upon.Source:
2014-05-05 | Courtesy: Hanergy | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH
Our editorial selection of breaking solar news is published at:
http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/top-solar-news.html
Happy EV watching from the Proprietor review: KDG
Photo Source GNU Wikipedia
The Merritt Public Library has a new tree to replace the Pine Tree removed from the entrance of the building. A green Locust tree was planted by a landscaping contractor this morning and is to be “complementary of the trees on the front that are sunburst locus.”
Today in history: April 14th 1956
Video tape is first demonstrated in Chicago.
The local public library has taken a tree down from the front of the library.The tree was a ponderosa pine and provided a break in from the weather to a small bench outside the door. A source says that the tree did not provide enough shade and will be eventually replaced by a variety that gives more shade.
The library is having a speaker, author on May 15th at 6PM, Dennis Robertson and his presentation is titled :Crackers ….come and hear… ” A true story of a hearing assist dog.
Today in History: April 9th 1981
A United States Navy nuclear submarine collides with a Japanese freighter causing it to sink.
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.
The pipeline company that is applying for permission to twin their line from Edmonton to Burnaby is reporting a number of public meetings and consultations through their newsletter.
ABOUT THE CONSULTATION UPDATE:
• Aboriginal engagement to date has included more than 100 Aboriginal communities and groups and the execution of 76 agreements including Letters or Memorandums of Understanding, capacity funding, and integrated cultural assessments
• To date, as part of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement program we’ve consulted with thousands of individuals through 82 open houses or workshops along the pipeline and marine corridors and more than 851 meetings between project team members and stakeholder groups
• This filing also includes a summary of Errata, which identifies and corrects errors in the original filing such as formatting, incorrect page numbers, or a change in scale to a graphic source trans mountain pipeline
The update comes from a filing to the NEB National Energy Board on March 20th 2014.
Trans mountain pipeline has operated a pipeline by tariff for 60 years as it goes by here in Merritt.
Today in History: March 24th 1663
The Province of Carolina in granted to 8 lord proprietors for their help in restoring King Charles the second to the throne of England.
The sun is our source for life.
Photo:KDG
The 2nd equal division of the solar year is attributed to today. The northern hemisphere tips 23 degrees away from the sun and 23 degrees toward the sun in its annual orbit. This ancient timing phenomena has been seen in places like Stone Henge and others that regarded it with superstition and religion. Today we know the mathematics of the universe right down to atomic seconds.
An equinox occurs twice a year (around 20 March and 22 September), when the plane of Earth’s equator passes the center of the Sun. At this time the tilt of the Earth‘s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name “equinox” is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, night and day are about equal length.
At an equinox the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator (i.e. declination 0) and ecliptic intersect. These points of intersection are called equinoctial points: classically, the vernal point (RA = 00h 00m 00s and longitude = 0º) and the autumnal point (RA = 12h 00m 00s and longitude = 180º). By extension, the term equinox may denote an equinoctial point.
The equinoxes are the only times when the subsolar point (the place on Earth’s surface where the center of the Sun is exactly overhead) is on the Equator. The subsolar point crosses the Equator moving northward at the March equinox and moving southward at the September equinox. (Since the sun’s ecliptic latitude isn’t exactly zero it is not exactly above the equator at the moment of the equinox, but the two events usually occur less than 30 seconds apart.)
The equinoxes are the only times when the terminator is perpendicular to Earth’s equator. Thus the Northern and Southern hemispheres are illuminated equally. (At the solstices, that angle reaches its minimum of 66.5°, corresponding to 90° minus Earth’s axial tilt).[2]
Another meaning of equinox is the date when day and night are the same length.[3] The equinox is not exactly the same as the day when day and night are of equal length for two reasons. Firstly, because of the size of the sun, the top of the disk rises above the horizon (constituting ‘sunrise’ which is the start of ‘daytime’) when the center of the disk is still below the horizon. Secondly, Earth’s atmosphere refracts sunlight which means that an observer can experience light (daytime) even before the first glimpse of the sun’s disk has risen above the horizon. To avoid this ambiguity the term equilux is sometimes used in this sense.[4][note 1] Times of sunset and sunrise vary with an observer’s location (longitude and latitude), so the dates when day and night are of exactly equal length likewise depend on location. For places near the equator the daytime is always longer than the night, so they would never experience an equinox by this definition. source Wikipedia
Today in history: March 21 1935
Persia begins to be called by its name Iran meaning land of the Aryans.
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.
The Nicola Naturalists are having their monthly public presentation this month on March 20th with Barbara Pryce. Titled the role of nature conservatories in the protection of ecosystems the event begins at 7 pm in the NVIT lecture theater.
April’s meeting is on the 17th and is by DR. Bruce Archibald from Simon Fraser University; Fossils of the BC Interior.
The Nicola Naturalists are an NPA, with an elected board headed by Dr. Alan Burger uvic, http://www.nicolanaturalists.ca/2013/12/19/nicola-naturalist-evening-presentations-jan-apr-2014/
Free parking at the NVIT campus , 4155 Belshaw Avenue Merritt BC
Today in history: March 3rd 1875
The first organized indoor game of ice hockey is played in Montreal Canada
Snow returns to the Nicola Valley:
Photo KDG
On Tuesday the temperature was by some accounts -14 C in the morning but going to + 3C in mid afternoon. At 7PM it had already got to the overnight low of -9C.
While overnight lows will be in the double digits this week daily highs will be at or above freezing. Saturday lows will plummet to close to -20s and highs will half that and stay in the cold and freezing range. ( accu weather)
http://www.bing.com/weather/search?q=merritt%20weather&unit=C&qpvt=merritt+weather&FORM=DTPWEA
Daylight saving time is not this weekend but next, March the 9th sees clocks back at 2AM
Today in history: February 26th 747
The new Epoch of time begins the Ptolemy’s Nabonassar ERA
Hey Merit what do you say?
Merritt Environment
Kevin Griffiths
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