Short Stuff

Here are some interesting news items

BLOW, BLOW THOU WINTERY WIND

What a wonderful and positive story in the Star on that Wind turbine manufacturer on which Sandra generously offered close to $3M. It was printed a few days after my BLOG on that company was posted that raised some serious issues that I felt needed clarification.

It is a shame though that none of the questions I asked about their product was answered.

Why can't they use concrete terms in their Star story instead of "is expected to begin," "completed most of the plant renovations and we've hired most of our managers," "we'll be close to launching our first production run," "expects to create" and "should be on the job very soon." I really liked these too: "The company announced its intention to start shipping" and "This technology has the potential to help the rest of the world."

Let's raise the ante. Check out this Wall St. Journal article "Wind Turbines Leave Some in a Huff" http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704586504574654591353003848.html?mod=WSJ_Energy_leftHeadlines

Aside from noise and birder issues, here is one that should cause concern:

• "It turns out that Mr. Deneui has some complaints of his own. While his Skystream 3.7machine, built by Southwest Windmill of Flagstaff, Ariz., is designed to generate 500kilowatt hours of power, it generates only 65 because the winds are too inconsistent at his home.
  
  Southwest officials say installing small wind turbines can be tricky in the Bay Area, because there are so many hills and trees that disrupt the ocean breezes.
  
  "That sounds like a case of improper siting," Miriam Robbins, Southwest's marketing manager, says of Mr. Deneui's home, which is surrounded by homes and trees.
  
  Mr. Deneui, who paid $26,000 for his windmill with government and utility rebates and incentives covering about half the cost, concedes he's disappointed. "The payback was supposed to be 10 years, but at this rate it will be 500 years," he says."

Moreover, look at the waste of $13,000 in taxpayer money for incentives and rebates that produce nothing of value.

WINDBAGS

Someone reads my BLOGs at the Star and in the Provincial Government.

There is no doubt now in my mind why the Star Wind turbine manufacturer story was published right after mine:

• "$7-billion Samsung energy deal to benefit Windsor-Essex County
  
  Windsor and Essex County will learn Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 they are major beneficiaries of a $7-billion investment that will see the birth of a new solar and wind energy industry in Ontario.
  
  Premier Dalton McGuinty was expected to unveil a massive, decades-long investment in green energy today, in partnership with Korean manufacturing giant Samsung. Most of the multibillion-dollar investment is to be made in the high unemployment centres of Windsor, Chatham and Haldimand County, south of Brantford.
  
  Windsor, with its powerful cabinet connections in ministers Dwight Duncan and Sandra Pupatello, is expected to benefit from more than a third of the investment, which will create thousands of highly skilled manufacturing jobs across the province."

We could not have Sandra and the Government looking like fools just before a big announcement of $7B deal in alternative energy can we!

SAME MEETING, DIFFERENT STORIES

Amherstburg Echo

• "Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis agreed with Santos that collaboration is key and that he looks for continued co-operation with the county.
  
  "One of the very exciting things about the new year is the opportunity is the new year brings," said Francis."

Windsor Star

• "Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis, who was at the warden's luncheon, said Tecumseh's politicians were "dreamers" if they thought they had any hope of unilaterally running a bus within the city.
  
  Special federal legislation gives Transit Windsor authority over its service area, Francis said."

No wonder the County was ignored on daycare consultation

$20 MILLION PASSED UP

That was the amount that the Senior Levels were prepared to pay, along with the City's $10M, for Tunnel Plaza improvements in the Phase 1 Border Agreement.

What is the project's status---dead in the water:

If Edgar (aka Eddie) cannot spend a measly $10M to fix up the Plaza, how could he think of paying out $75M for the US side!

Unstated reason for the delay---cost increases.

JUST IN TIME ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Wow, all of this good news:

• "Recovery on track, county warden says
  
  The billions of dollars being reinvested in infrastructure of all kinds -- roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, sewers, waterlines and recreational facilities -- will put this region "on the road to prosperity again," Essex County Warden Nelson Santos said Friday.
  
  In his annual "state of the county" address, Santos warned against putting hope in a resurgence of the auto industry, and manufacturing generally, to former levels.
  
  "Automotive will still be part of our region," said Santos. But "not as big a part," he said in a speech at the Portuguese Club of Harrow attended by local political leaders and the business community."

Spoken like a true Conservative candidate running in the next federal election. Ooops, I forgot, Nelson is running for the Liberals against Watson!

When you read the rest of his speech as reported in the Star, he should have been running provincially as a Liberal.

TO HELP OUT WINDSOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL

• "Inspired by Jewellery is a socially responsible design house in Canada. The line features unique affordable high-quality jewellery and accessories that fit the latest trends and styles from around the world. Above all, Inspired by Jewellery prides itself in being ethical and fair, paying above market price for all work done by artisans and supporting a variety of charities through its unique “Shop For A Cause” program.
  
  Most recently Inspired by Jewellery has launched the Cornerstone of Caring ‘Heart’ Campaign for Windsor Regional Hospital!
  
  We has designed a Sterling Silver collection of ‘Hearts’ including a pendant and bracelet. 30% of sale proceeds from this collection will go to benefit the Cornerstone of Caring Campaign. The collection is available through Inspired by Jewellery, Windsor Regional Hospital, and select partners.
  
  Through your blog, you are able to reach a wide audience of Windsorites and spread messages really rapidly. The Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation and Inspired by Jewellery would really appreciate it if you could mention this local campaign on your blog to draw support from the community and spread the word about this easy way to support a local charity!"

WOULD YOU GIVE UP SMOKING WITH THIS

I saw the commercial for this product (which shall go nameless) and frankly think that smoking could well be the lesser of two evils:

• "What is the most important safety information about [Product]?
  
  Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using [Product] to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking [Product], and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping [Product]. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking [Product] and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking [Product], as these symptoms may worsen while taking [Product].
  
  Is there other important safety information?
  
  Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking [Product], some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to [Product], some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking [Product] and get medical attention right away."

I got so nervous reading that stuff, that I almost went outside for a smoke and I am a non-smoker!