Category: Technology


David  Suzuki,

Filed under: Environment, Fauna, Flora, Social Activism, Vegtable soup by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
July 12, 2025
Globalization making us food insecure

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

Habitable for tokens, photo KDG Merritt BC
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5 year sniff, undated.

Filed under: Barns and Old Buildings, Emergency readiness, Vegtable soup by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
July 6, 2025

There was a young man going around the area of Quilchena and Chapman with a gas sniffer he said that it is routine testing and that you can expect that a test sniffer will be about every five years in residential areas. There is a Fortis BC test annually.

Leaking Natural gas smells like rotten eggs and is unmistakable.
The man has a proper picture ID around his neck that identifies him.

Cautions to employ…

Yes, gas leaks can certainly be a problem in British Columbia communities, and people should absolutely be aware of the potential dangers. While FortisBC reports a downward trend in gas line damages, largely due to increased use of BC 1 Call before digging, incidents still occur, and they can be serious.
Here’s a breakdown of the problem and potential dangers:
The Problem in BC:
* Underground Gas Line Damages: A significant number of gas leaks in BC are caused by individuals (homeowners, landscapers, contractors) who dig without first contacting BC 1 Call to locate buried utility lines. In 2024, nearly 60% of gas line damages were attributed to this. Surrey, Vancouver, and Kelowna have seen the highest numbers of these incidents.
* Industrial/Wellsite Leaks: The oil and gas sector also experiences leaks. There have been reports of “serious” leaks at well sites, some with high levels of methane and potentially fatal levels of hydrogen sulphide.
* Appliance Malfunctions/Improper Installation: While less frequently highlighted in recent news, gas leaks can also stem from faulty appliances, improper installation, or lack of maintenance in homes and businesses.
* Explosions and Injuries: There have been documented cases of gas line explosions causing significant property damage and injuries, some serious. For example, investigations into incidents in Comox and Fernie in 2021-2022 caused extensive damage and injured 30 people. A recent incident (April 2025) at a gas plant north of Fort St. John, where a pipe was struck, resulted in one fatality and one injury.
Potential Dangers of Gas Leaks:
The primary dangers associated with gas leaks are:
* Fire and Explosions: This is perhaps the most immediate and devastating risk. Natural gas is highly flammable. If it accumulates in an enclosed space and comes into contact with an ignition source (a spark from a light switch, a phone, an appliance, a cigarette, etc.), it can lead to a catastrophic explosion and fire, causing severe injuries or fatalities, and extensive property damage.
* Asphyxiation (Oxygen Depletion): While natural gas itself is not toxic, it can displace oxygen in an enclosed space. If the concentration of gas in the air becomes high enough, it can lead to a lack of oxygen, causing dizziness, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, death. This is particularly dangerous in confined spaces.
* Health Hazards (e.g., Hydrogen Sulphide): In some instances, particularly with leaks from oil and gas wells, other gases like hydrogen sulphide (H2S) can be present. H2S is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues, even at low concentrations, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and at higher levels, can be rapidly fatal.
* Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: While not a direct result of a natural gas leak, if natural gas appliances are not properly vented or maintained, they can produce carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless, and highly toxic gas that can lead to severe illness or death. This is why having CO detectors is crucial.
What People Should Be Aware Of and What To Do:
* Smell of Rotten Eggs: Natural gas is odorless, but a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it a distinct “rotten egg” smell. If you smell this, it’s a strong indicator of a gas leak.
* Other Signs:
* Hissing or roaring sound near a gas line or appliance.
* Bubbles in water (if the leak is outside in a puddle).
* Blowing dust or discolored/dying plants near a gas line.
* Act Fast and Evacuate: If you suspect a gas leak:
* Stop what you’re doing immediately. Do not use any electrical switches (lights, appliances, phones), do not light matches, smoke, or create any other potential ignition source.
* Go outside immediately. Take everyone with you, and as you exit, leave doors and windows open if possible to allow the gas to dissipate.
* Once in a safe place, call for help. Do NOT call from inside the building. Call 911 or the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911. Do not assume someone else has called.
* “Call Before You Dig”: This is paramount for preventing damage to buried gas lines. Before any excavation project, big or small (even planting a tree), contact BC 1 Call at least three business days in advance. It’s a free service that provides information on buried utility lines.
* Regular Maintenance: Have your natural gas appliances regularly serviced by a licensed natural gas contractor. This ensures they are operating efficiently and safely.
* Know Your Shut-Off Valve: Familiarize yourself with the location of your main natural gas shut-off valve and how to turn it off in an emergency.
* Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While distinct from a natural gas leak, these are vital for detecting CO, a dangerous byproduct of incomplete combustion from gas appliances.
In summary, while efforts are being made to reduce gas leak incidents in British Columbia, they remain a potential danger that residents should be aware of. Knowing the signs of a leak and, more importantly, knowing how to react swiftly and safely, is crucial for protecting lives and property.

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Generate electricity …

Filed under: Entrepreneurship, Environment, Environment canada, Technology by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
July 1, 2025
Get your flow of electrons today.

Photos by Ai
Generators are devices that convert one form of energy into another. They are commonly used to produce electricity, but they can also be used to power other devices, such as pumps and compressors.
There are many different types of generators, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of generator is the internal combustion engine generator. These generators are powered by gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, but they can be noisy and produce emissions.
Another type of generator is the turbine generator. These generators are powered by steam, water, or wind. They are more efficient than internal combustion engine generators, but they are also more expensive and complex.
Generators are used in a variety of applications, including:
* Backup power: Generators can be used to provide power during power outages.
* Remote locations: Generators can be used to power homes and businesses in remote locations that are not connected to the grid.
* Construction sites: Generators can be used to power tools and equipment on construction sites.
* Emergency vehicles: Generators can be used to power lights and other equipment in emergency vehicles.
If you are considering purchasing a generator, it is important to choose the right type of generator for your needs. You should also consider the size of the generator, the fuel type, and the noise level.

Off grid or on grid every one has a use for electrical power.

Yes power is the powerful

Canada Day 2025

Happy Canadian Bacon Day

Fly your colors…
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Tarragon moon…

Filed under: moon scapes, Space, Technology, Vegtable soup by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
June 30, 2025

The life that starts…

Painting and photo KDG

It’s a fun thought experiment! Let’s break down why tarragon on the Moon, and the idea of greening it, is currently in the realm of science fiction:
Could there be tarragon on the Moon?
* No, not naturally. The Moon is a barren, airless body. Tarragon, like all plants, needs specific conditions to grow:
   * Atmosphere: It needs carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for respiration (though it produces oxygen as a byproduct). The Moon has virtually no atmosphere.
   * Water: Tarragon needs water to live. While there’s evidence of water ice at the lunar poles, it’s not readily available as liquid water for plants to absorb.
   * Soil: Lunar regolith (the “soil” on the Moon) is very different from Earth soil. It lacks organic matter, beneficial microbes, and readily available nutrients. While some studies have shown plants can sprout in lunar regolith, they show signs of stress and stunted growth compared to those grown in Earth soil.
   * Temperature: The Moon experiences extreme temperature swings, from scorching hot in sunlight to frigid cold in shadow. Tarragon prefers warm, sheltered conditions and can’t survive such extremes without protection.
   * Radiation: The Moon has no significant magnetic field or atmosphere to protect it from harmful solar and cosmic radiation. This radiation would be lethal to plants.
   * Gravity: The Moon’s gravity is about one-sixth of Earth’s. While the direct effects on plant growth are still being studied, it’s another factor that makes it a very different environment for life.
Could tarragon (or any plants) green the Moon or turn it into a habitable place with a little bit of help from us?
This is the concept of terraforming, and it’s an incredibly ambitious and long-term prospect with many significant hurdles, especially for the Moon:
* Creating an Atmosphere: This is the biggest challenge. The Moon’s low gravity means any introduced atmosphere would quickly escape into space. We’d need a continuous and massive supply of gasses (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.) and a way to somehow contain them or replenish them faster than they escape. This might involve building enormous artificial domes or even attempting to generate an artificial magnetic field to help retain the atmosphere, both of which are far beyond our current technological capabilities.
* Water Resources: While there’s ice, it needs to be extracted, processed, and then kept in liquid form, which is difficult given the Moon’s temperature extremes and lack of atmospheric pressure.
* Soil Development: Lunar regolith would need to be enriched with organic matter and nutrients to become viable soil for widespread plant growth. This would be a massive undertaking, requiring the introduction of vast amounts of biological material and the establishment of complex ecosystems.
* Radiation Protection: Even with an atmosphere, the Moon’s lack of a strong magnetic field means any surface-dwelling life would be exposed to dangerous radiation. Underground habitats or heavily shielded structures would be necessary.
* Temperature Regulation: Maintaining Earth-like temperatures would require massive energy inputs for heating and cooling, given the Moon’s extreme temperature variations.
In summary:
While the idea of a tarragon-scented, green Moon is appealing, it’s not currently feasible. Plants like tarragon require very specific conditions that the Moon simply doesn’t offer. Terraforming the Moon would require technological advancements on a scale far beyond anything we currently possess, and it would be an undertaking spanning centuries, if not millennia. For now, any lunar gardening would need to happen in highly controlled, enclosed environments, much like growing plants on the International Space Station.

Well myths are based on something…

Editor’s note: while it’s not that attractive to us Canadians ( we like Canada) our home and native land. The Americans might suit us as our 51st moon. That’s presuming that we can get any life going there.

We like Canada…

TIC
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Artemis program

Filed under: Blur, boundaries, Space, Stars, Technology, Vegtable soup by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
June 29, 2025

Is the US serious…

The Artemis program is indeed going ahead, though with some shifts in its timeline and potential scope.
Artemis Program Status:
* Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight, successfully completed its mission to lunar orbit and back in late 2022.
* Artemis II, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon (but not land), is now projected for April 2026, a delay from earlier targets.
* Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar South Pole, is currently targeted for mid-2027, also delayed from previous schedules.
* There are ongoing discussions and potential budget cuts that could impact the program beyond Artemis III, with proposals to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, and even cancel the Lunar Gateway. This highlights the political and financial challenges alongside the technical ones.
China’s Lunar Program:
China is actively pursuing its own ambitious lunar exploration program, known as the Chang’e Project.
* This program has already achieved significant robotic milestones, including orbiters, landers, rovers, and sample return missions.
* Crucially, China has publicly announced its goal to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030. They are developing key components like the Long March-10 carrier rocket, Mengzhou manned spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, and a lunar rover.
* China also plans to establish an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the Moon’s south pole, aiming for international collaboration.
Is Competition Worthwhile?
The competition between the Artemis program (primarily US-led with international partners) and China’s lunar ambitions is often framed as a “new space race.” There are several arguments for why this competition can be worthwhile:
* Accelerates Innovation: Competition can spur rapid technological development and push the boundaries of what’s possible, as each nation strives to achieve milestones first or more efficiently.
* Reduces Costs: In some cases, competition, especially with the rise of private companies, can drive down the cost of space access and operations.
* Inspires and Engages: A visible “race” to the Moon can inspire public interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and foster a sense of national pride and achievement.
* Redundancy and Resilience: Having multiple nations developing lunar capabilities can create redundancy, ensuring that human access to space and lunar exploration continue even if one program faces setbacks.
* Geopolitical Influence: Leadership in space exploration is often seen as a marker of a nation’s technological prowess and global influence.
However, there are also arguments against intense competition or for emphasizing cooperation:
* Duplication of Effort: Parallel programs can lead to redundant efforts and inefficient use of resources that could be pooled for greater scientific return.
* Increased Risk of Conflict: While currently peaceful, a heightened “space race” could potentially lead to increased geopolitical tensions or even weaponization of space, though most nations advocate for peaceful use.
* Missed Opportunities for Collaboration: Cooperation can lead to shared knowledge, expertise, and resources, potentially achieving more complex and ambitious scientific goals.
In summary, the Artemis program is pushing forward with its aim to return humans to the Moon, while China is a serious and active competitor with its own independent and ambitious lunar plans. Whether this competition is “worthwhile” depends on the perspective, but it undoubtedly drives innovation and maintains a dynamic environment in lunar exploration. Many argue that a balance of healthy competition and strategic cooperation could yield the most beneficial outcomes for humanity’s presence in space.

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Spade foots,Frogs on the ground…

Filed under: Environment, Social Activism by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
June 24, 2025

When they come for you it will be through nature and its values.

The Well-Being of the environment and active ingredients, including flora and fauna have been a regular exercise in love by some locals in the Nicola Valley and beyond.

NNS

Nicola and Naturalist Society of Merritt British Columbia monitoring program historically.

Thank you for your diligence and perseverance.

Recent activities with amphibious creatures

Through to 2026
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Fly me to the Moon/Mars…

Filed under: Mars, moon scapes, Sky scapes, Space, Stars, Technology by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 27, 2025

Atmospheric dome is busy.

UFO 18:58:03 Pacific time May 27th 2025 over Merritt BC.

Space X

test 9 launched 4:37 Pacific time

Test failed at tasks

So, not the Moon or Mars this week.

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Kosmos 482

Filed under: Emergency readiness, Sky scapes, Space by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 22, 2025

May fall to earth tonight… went to earth May 10th 2025

May 10th 2025

The spacecraft fell to Earth after 50 years of being in orbit and not landing on Venus which was designed to withstand. That hot planet was photographed by it. And it wasn’t expected to come back this way. However, they saw it coming in but they don’t know where it landed. So if you see this thing give NASA or call any other whatever space agencies. Or the police, somebody because they’re missing it.

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Wednesday charm, Farmers Market

Filed under: Environment, Gardening, Social Activism, Sports and Leisure by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 14, 2025

Saturday the test for the 2025 addition of the Farmers Market was successful. A number of vendors put up displays and offered goods and services to many … The Market runs to The end of October with Saturday morning graced by locals and visitors alike. New city signage asks for entry from Mamette Avenue parking is available in the mall area anchored by the Arena and Aquatic center .

The Market is next to the downtown Tourist info center 2202 Voght Street in Merritt. The market is open Saturday mornings and early afternoon.

See Merritt.ca for times and details …

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Prey for a red listed weasel …

Filed under: Environment, Fauna, Flora, Nicola Naturalists by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 8, 2025
Drop in to The Nicola Naturalist May meeting…
Mae Frank

The Fishers Fight for food…

Presentation at the NVIT lecture theater, top of the hill Bellshaw Avenue in Merritt British Columbia, Canada.

Membership or donation requested, fundraising auction for donated goods. The side table during the break raises money for our scholarship to an nvit student.

Free parking. No food or drink in the electric theater. This is what the naturalist likes to say.

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Weather

Filed under: Environment, Government Works, Seasons, Sky scapes by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
May 1, 2025
New moon brings King tides to BC

King Tides are the highest high tides of the year at a coastal location, significantly above the average high tide. They are a natural and predictable phenomenon that occurs once or twice annually in coastal areas. The scientific term for a King Tide is a perigean spring tide.
What causes King Tides?
King Tides happen due to a combination of astronomical factors:
* Alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun: The gravitational forces of the sun and moon have the greatest effect on Earth’s tides when these three bodies are aligned (during new and full moons). These are called spring tides, which occur about every two weeks.
* Moon’s Orbit: The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical, meaning there are times when the Moon is closer to the Earth (perigee) and farther away (apogee). When a new or full moon coincides with the Moon being at its closest point to Earth (perigean spring tide), the gravitational pull is stronger, resulting in higher tides.
* Earth’s Orbit: Similarly, the Earth’s orbit around the Sun is also elliptical. The Earth is closest to the sun (perihelion) in early January and farthest away (aphelion) in early July. When a perigean spring tide occurs around the time Earth is closest to the sun, it can further enhance the tidal range, leading to King Tides.
King Tides result in both the highest high tides and the lowest low tides of the year.
King Tide Situation in British Columbia
While I don’t have specific real-time information about a “current King Tide situation” as of today, April 30, 2025, King Tides are a recurring event in British Columbia, typically occurring during the winter months (November to February) and sometimes in the summer.
Here’s what is generally known about King Tides in BC:
* Timing: The highest risk of King Tides in BC usually falls between late December and early January. There can also be significant King Tide events in other winter months.
* Potential Impacts: King Tides can cause minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas. When combined with storm surges (sea level rise due to low atmospheric pressure and strong winds), they can lead to more significant coastal flooding and erosion.
* Sea Level Rise Connection: King Tides are not caused by climate change. However, they offer a glimpse into what future average high tides could look like as sea levels rise due to global warming. Observing King Tides helps communities understand and prepare for the long-term impacts of sea level rise on coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
* Monitoring and Preparedness: Municipalities in coastal BC, such as Vancouver and Delta, often monitor King Tide forecasts and may take precautionary measures like closing sections of seawalls or providing sandbags to residents in flood-prone areas. They also use King Tide events to gather data and photos to help with flood hazard mapping and long-term adaptation strategies for sea level rise.
* Citizen Science: In the past, initiatives like the “King Tide Photo Initiative” in BC encouraged residents to photograph coastal areas during King Tides to document the extent of the flooding and visualize future sea levels.
For the most up-to-date information on any current or upcoming King Tide events in British Columbia, I recommend checking the following:
* Local News Outlets: They often report on anticipated King Tides and any associated risks or impacts.
* Tide Charts and Predictions: Websites that provide tide predictions for specific locations in British Columbia will show the dates and times of the highest tides of the year.
* Municipal Government Websites: Coastal municipalities often issue advisories or updates related to King Tides and potential flooding.
* Environment and Climate Change Canada: They provide weather warnings and information that could be relevant during King Tide events.
Keep in mind that even if a King Tide is predicted, the actual impact can vary depending on weather conditions such as wind and atmospheric pressure, which can either exacerbate or lessen the effects.

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What kind of seed?…  Happy Easter.

Filed under: Environment, Gardening by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment
April 20, 2025
Seed pod

Accept the seed fall to the ground and die it abides alone.

You can use that as a metaphor for thoughts or projects or anything. But the reality is biology is out there and it wants to get its way. Look what it did with you.

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