What I'm doing: A Summery

Hi everyone,
I figured i'd give an update.
Finally i figured out how to Create A GPS Map which contains all free information, which can be given out for free to everyone who want it.

The GPS map will contain Topo maps from
http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/
which is created by users, and always gets updated. I can download the IMG map (so it can show up in the GPS device as a nice background)

Using CrazyGuyOnABike.com
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/samvekemans
As it has links and stories from those who have biked across Canada.
Many of which, i eithor contact directly, or they submit their route (using google maps or other sites) or i make it, and make sure to have a link back to the source.
and it shows pictures aling the way.. as well as showing important info, like where they camped and what the towns were like along their partictular route.

Using EveryTrail.com
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=7234
It has the ability to show streems of information (each trail wich people load on there, using an easy way, of uploading their GPS tracks) and linking with Flickr and with Panoramio photos, which were geo-tagged) and shows the vertical profile and all the info needed to make a decision about that route.
So those routes get copied onto my database (live on google earth) and have the name of the route and links back to where the info came from.

Using Map Edit.com (free program)
I can import all the copied GPX files, along with all the waypoints which people made. (from their own GPS device) ... I can import all the streeming info from the Google maps for bike shops across canada, for Campgrounds Across Canada ... Motels, B&B's. .. and perhaps? also the bridges and tunnels. .. and the trail heads (and trail names).. as these all contain photos and has contact phone numbers and websites. --- for bridges, contact info for those who would be fixing it... or where there are trail maintenace needed. the exact local phone number to talk to would be available. .. ... as all this info is available free :)
What's cool is; for example, my file, bike shops across canada. That anyone can take that file, and edit it themselves... and add in more bike shops, and edit the info for current ones... ie. adding in more information (like what they specialize in) and if they also have outdoor supply stuff.
As also, there is a button on each for 'more' where people can post their reviews about the place.
... So trail-head photos would be great too. .. as it can include more links of those who did the trail (links back to crazyguyonabike and bikely and everytrail, and others)

The only downside for google maps is that it (right now) has a hard time with importing kml files. . so that's ok... As for most things... it's a physical business, who already has a listing in there. ... So it's really only the trail heads, and campgrounds, and bridges, tunnels, gates. .. that are entered in.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&z=4&om=1


Then we have POI-Factory.com
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/7579
a great community site where people can load on theire GPX files (and CSV files) for points of interest.
So there i'll (and other people) be able to load on the points such as the gates and other marks.
Fortunatly, there are tonnes of users from Bikely.com and everytrail.com (and others) who are putting in cool details.
An example is the file someone made of the rolerblade route through calgery.. and he/she put in all the water fountains and the bathrooms along the route. .. as well as some places of interest.
Those all help. :)

So the way this thing works, is the users are the ones who are creating the map... as all im doing is creating a couple layers ontop of those topo maps.
One which has all the sujested routes, (with the reference back to where it came from)
and another with the waypoints that the users put in. (this is all from the google earth file) as that file contains the streeming info. along with the copied info)
so what needs to be done before the points get loaded onto the map is making a copy of each type of point. (to get the latest info) .. and putting that info onto the map as a type.
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=675728&page=&vc=1&PHPSESSID=#Post675728

So once that file is avalable. .. Im guessing that it can be made available on this site ... showing people the process to load onto their device the map. (it can also be loaded onto an XD card) so then the different info centers across the country, and any one interested) can get a copy. (as on the datacard would be that free program.

So in order to keep with the rules of conduct.. what needs to be done is this:
The map needs to be 100% percent free in it's intirety. ... so it's done one peoples spare time.

So the same way that CrazyGuyOnABike.com works.. is that donations can be recieved. (but not for the product) ... as Crazyguyonabike.com has it... you can download the journals onto a CD and it can be mailed to you for no cost.

What i would do, (and am begining) is to be promoting this ride (the going over what is done and testing of the 1st version of the map) is raising funds for World Wildlife fund Canada.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/40226
.. and asking people to be donating things rather than money (they could donate on paypal if they like)
As theres a growing list of tools that would be great to have to make the ride across canada along the TransCanada trail, and also along the sujested by-pass routes, and also the routes which are most recommended. .. and perhaps also, taking those hiking routes too.


Anyway, this is kinda long, but I hope it's some kind of summery for those interested in lending a hand. .. it would be much appreciated :)

Cheers,
Sam

Mitch and Matt's cross Canada bike ride to raise money for Cancer research.

Galloping Goose Trail - Victoria, BC

Galloping Goose Trail

http://www.bikely.com/

Super Awsome!!!
I'll be following that route too :)

Trail around abbotsford, BC

CanIL-Abby loop

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

A GPS track of the KVR trail penticton to Grandforks, BC

Kettle Valley Rail Trail Carmi Subdivision (Trans Canada Trail)

http://www.bikely.com/

This is eaxtly what i was looking for!!!!
Sweet.

Felix the Polar Bear

Felix the Polar Bear
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=rzyi&page_id=66654&v=X

Here's the CrazyGuyOnABike Journal entry :)

100_5044 Olive the other Raindeer

100_5044 Olive the other Raindeer
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

I thought this one was need.
He has 2 does with him. .. i saw those the day before.

Although there not raindeer. .. I named it Olive. As he's the one who used to Laugh call Rudolf funny names.. until santa came around, and right after telling rudulf that he can guide his sleigh.. he told Olive to go to Ireland!!

So the wise words of wisdom for the day is:
Dont mess with Santa. ... Respect your elders.. there old and know lots of stuff. ... or maybe they've been over the mountain and already saw they they could see.

Have a great day :)
Sam,
Googling by the open fire

Head in the clouds .. googling by the open fire

The view from the rock 100_4982.jpg
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's a cool photo from yesterday. ..

...
So a little recap on whats going on here.
After the brain storm yesterday....
I discovered a link to all the stuff that needs to be done when posting accuratly the route across Canada.
I discovered that my task of creating an Actual map file which can be given as a unit... is harder than i thought. ... Meaning i'll need the assistance from professional cartographers (map makers) who can use all the info i am collecting and bring it all onto a cool map.
.. in the mean time... I'll still google some more to see if i can figure that out on my own.

I discovered the usefullness of using www.EveryTrail.com and posting my actual GPS tracks on that site (tracks from each days travel, as separate entries) .. and also posting onto www.POI-factory.com as it lets me upload the more complete day by day files. .. showing all the different waypoints.

I also discovered that using google maps, i can be creating a folder for each type of point of interest. .. (each type would also go onto www.POI-factory.com) .. as its relevent for the site.

It looks like ww.everytrail.com is a great site to be posting each days travel on it. .. and just having some links on the description linking to get to POI-factory.com.

And showing the Flickr photos.. and placing those important photos on the map.. is helpful too.

And using the Google maps to simply copy and paste all the information from CrazyGuyOnABike journal. .. But i can also share the GPS file on that site too. (but i dont think the webmaster likes it, as that site is just for the actuall trip journals. ... although the GPS tracks would be more helpful.. I guess thats a way to separate it.

...
Actually for some this writing looks like mindless babble.. or head in the clouds babble.. But by chance if it does make sence to you. .. PLEASE contact me, and let me know what area you like to be of help.
As I'm always looking for team members. ...

Some how, someway... there's a way to make this project work.

Cheers,
Sam

Day 207 Lower Diamond Hill Walk at EveryTrail .. Letterfrack, Ireland

100_4982
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Day 207 Lower Diamond Hill Walk at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail:Share GPS tracks
Here's this cool map i created.
:)

Click on each red dot.. and see photos.

I just didnt line up the photos with the track.. still working on that part. ... bare with me.

Click on the picture and you get to the site

http://everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=6861

And it shows all kinds of cool stuff. .. What it can do is import photos from flickr. So all the ones that are geotagged will show up there.

It also shows all the photos from other users close by too..

.. So... Just imagine this little map extended to be the size of all the way across canada.

..Im thinking that because the thing is called 'everytrail' . and i already tried uploading huge files. . As its to big, (but their might be still a way to handle it?

.. not sure yet.

But it's exciting to keep on working on it... As hopefully this trail will be one of the best, most practicle trails to be using.

.. Perhaps its a good idea that there are 2 points on that map.. As it should be also workable for any GPS device.. and those who dont see photos can still work it easy :)

A bit of technical there. .. But it's all needed.

So if anyone out there wants to help out. Your help would be greatly appreciated :)

Cheers,

Sam

What do you want to be when you grow up? Day 205 Letterfrack, Ireland22 Oct 07

100_4946 Letterfrack
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

...
A question asked my many adults to children. ..

.. Why do we even need to ask that question, when most of use are in constant search of something that they want to be when 'they' grow up.

Here's a website i'd like you to see.

http://www.jeffgreenwald.com/home/?page_id=3

We look at a site that someone whos staying here told me about this traveler who wrote a book and traveled the world extencively.

Right now one of the things that im stuggling with is how this idea that I have about the GPS map file available on google earth. .. how i can make that into something tangable.

I do know how todo various aspects of it, yet it seems like some of the puzzle pieces are missing.

Fortunatly as each day passes, i do find another piece of the puzzle.

Which brings me back to todays photo. .. As what i discovered is that the simple act of walking along a trail... I can use the same mapping technique and logging of the route, here. than at I want todo for all of Canada.

I finished going through a website which show 2 austrailian guys who cycled across canada, using the TransCanada trail. .. .or as much as they could of it. .. almost 10,000 km

So what i decided today, was that next year, I'll go back and start from Vancouver island. Cycle the who trail, which includes the section of trail which i lost. .. Vancouver island, and the west shor of mainland vancouver to white rock. .. As that's an amazing trail.. and farily easy to take. ..

Anyway, getting off topic here.

Point is: If their is a will, and you can let the universe work its magic when you send the right signals out. ..theres always a way to ma work.

..

Back on topic.

What do you want to be when you grow up? .. Well, you can be what ever it is that you want to be, and you shouldnt let those people who dont think thats true stop you from achieving what you want to become. .. As sometimes their is great geneious.... Actually all of the time, there is great genious which is yet to unfold. .. For somepeople. .. maybe i can say for most people. .. As its fine to settle for what is comfortable... as if that is what you like doing then thats great! As the only thing i dont like is when people sit hear and are complaining about what life is doing to them... As it's not really so. ... As evey day, when you wake up, you have the decision and freedom to make it your best day yet. ... But far to often. ... Actually, I do get like that sometimes, as it's far to comfortable to be in the same place. .. Unless you like it like that?

Right now im in the same place .. just for 2 nights now. I plan on a week, but maybe to. As each day im getting more and more accomplished. ... as thats what i plan on. .. .. My reason is that becuse my goal is more on the recording and posting of the sejested routes that others can take.. and building a route guide. .. that i do need some time as to be going throught all the information that i already collected.

CrazyGuyOnAbike.com

One of the things im working on is posting my actuall route across western Canada. .. Although that does take time. As i want the route to be shown the best possable way. As that is part of the framework for the book im writing.

Actually everydays journal entries.. those in my personal journall... along with these public blogs are all part of this book. As the book is about my changing as a person. .. as I see that the person who started the journey .. the before-ride journal entries from last year around this time. That it was a big struggle to actually get out of my comfort zone of working in the small area with the local clients. .. that now im here in Ireland.. and totally out here on my own... where im fending for myself. .. I'm also making this project im dong.. just for my own self also. ... However, the meat of it is... is that it's going to be of help to so many people... As i do feel that this kind of a route map is needed as a guide cycling across canada. ..

As it can also be used for hiking too. It's seems so rediciously simple. .. perhaps it is. But as im showing people the route on google earth. .. It's amazing to see that they have never seen this type of thing before. As im simply building on what other people wrote before.

Whats great is that if more people decided to go ahead and copy what im doing is that it'll actually help me out even more. .. As im looking for others who can help and be posting their findings of places of interest across canada. I know that alot of people have posted notes on google earth community showing their postes... But it's not usually complete information shown. ..

Anyway, the mice are touring again :)

.. The point of todays message is to highlight that you alreadydo have the answers inside your head.. and those things which you think are not possable to have. ..well thats because you are saying 'it's not possable'.. but when you turn it arround.. and say 'I do have the answer, and i will find it. .. I will find those people. . .

Day 203 Galway to Letterfrack, Ireland 20 Oct 07

Day 203 Galway to Letterfrack, Ireland 20 Oct 07
13:11
So today I'm headed off to Letterfrack, where i plan to spend the next week (not spending much money). .. And working on my GPS Map.
I should have more routes across canada posted on my file. .. I think having 10 routes will do for now.
.. As i find more, they'll get posted. .. But i'll just be asking others who cycled across canada, if they want to post their on route to google maps. .. As this is a user centric guide.
As people can be posting thier own routes and as much info as they want on it.
As it's not that hard to find those places that you were at, and write about them.
Alot of people have posted their routes online, but i want to have a whole lot of them posted onto this file here.
Hopefully Crazyguyonabike will develope the ability to use google maps better on that site for the journal entries. .. As having the main google map of the full route, just makes sence.
..
As it helps in creating this user centric GPS map.
As this kind of information these people who cross canada want to know.
I'm not too concerned about the Tour Du Canada cyclists... who go along with th tour, as they are different.. as it's a van supported tour, so they dont have traffic, and have the route planned already.
The focus of this map is for those who are cycling solo, or in a small group who are camping along the way (with various budgets, and time frames) .. they all do this for their own reasons.
...
So these people are the best at sharing what they learned from the road..
Lessons from the road.
All the tidbits of info that they give. ... ie. that a tiny town in northern ontario only has a variety store. .. Well, that's great info. .. As then I can find the name and location of that store, with the phone number and photo of the place. .. and have it as a sujested rest stop area.
...
And those locations where their is a shelter. (doesnt matter WHO put it there) the fact is that it's available for trail users to use. It also doesn't matter what trail it is eithor.. what the name of the trail, or what trail it's linked to.
... It's just another man made trail which need to be used,.

..
13:22
I guess what im getting at is this.
.. What i dont like seeing or hearing, is of those cyclists who do bush camping or on the side of the road, .. as usually if it's out on an open field. .. That's actually someones private property.
.. Which is why these road side reast areas are designed for.
What SHOULD be changed, is that the areas of road side rest stops SHOULD allow tent camping. .Or have some kind of a sign posted showing where the closest camp site it.
...
For example, I'm looking at the BC route map that some made about touring BC. .. It's all nice, but doesn't show all the places to camp. .. As there are lots of privatly owned campsites out there. .. Making the route easy to follow if you know where those sites are.
Simply put, every cyclist going across canada, uses A paper map, and some kind of digital thing. .. Eithor looking at other peoples routes. .. or just going by 1 map, and useing those campsites listed.
..
So what would be really cool is to have this GPS Map where people can download the full route, along with all the sujested routes across canada, and all the points of interest which are helpful to the cyclists.
I've now posted (almost done) 10 routes across canada, and have them in My google earth file. .. Some of them are the actual Google map that others created. .. so they are a 'Streaming' data. Which means that as those people update thier own route, it automatically is updated on this google earth file.
..
So now the task is to get something together which i can show to various organizations who can support this project. .. I'd like it to be an independent organization which has many sponsors, than have just one company who tells me what content they want in it, and not more. (As it's not the purpose of this file) .. As many links can be shown, i don't yet know how to create these imbedded points of interest which shows the links in the description...
So for now, this is how it is.
If anyone can help me in this task.
Your help would be greatly apreciated.
P.S. Im checking the hit count on my routes, and see that people are viewing the file.
As on Google Eath community i can see that many have downloaded my file, and are using it :)
Cheers,
Sam
Galway, Ireland

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Will's Ride

Will's Ride

Biked Across Canada this past summer 151 Days Victoria to The Atlantic.
Awesome!

Tim Hortons In Ireland?? DejaVu

100_4739
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Ya, so the way it was, was a few days prior I say someone as i was walking down the road in Galway, with a Tim Hortons Cup.
I thought, what? OK there are alot of different people, some bring other things on their travel, so i figured this was just this persons way of showing everyone that they are Canadian. ... A cultural identity. Fine. So i brushed it off and didnt thing more of it.
...
Until I got to Bangor, Co. Mayo (which is North of Westport. ..North of Galway, South of Sligo. .. well, if you havent been here or seen a map. .. Anway, As you can see in the picture. It's Jim on Travels with Sam. . At a Tim Hortons. It's only a coffe stand inside the variety store. As they couldnt bring the staff here to make the cofee. SO it gets premade. I dont thing anyone here knows how to make it right anyway. ... :)

So does this mean that there is now no reason for me to live in Canada anymore? ... If all the comforts of home are already here. (Wi-fi, Tims & and people speaking the same language) ... thats all i need.

So ya, this is a cool photo. .. the bike looks similar, but i changed alot of the parts. .. as things ware down. And, well. ... Jim Has seen alot. I'm now taking some time here and documenting where he went.
Check out the latest entry on Grazyguyonabike.com :)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/samvekemans

Bike Vancouver Island to North Vancouver at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: GPS Travel Community


Here's a Wicked google earth show of my route. .. It's just a start. .. As im figuring how to show the complete route on 1 page.
As some sections are missing on this one. ..
But i have all the pieces of the puzzel... so it's putting it together now.

As Crazyguyonabike is just for personal journals, there is a limit to what i can post.
However, I can post a drawing of my actual route across canada.
Which is cool :) .. and photos. ..

However, it'll be this site where i can show the larger info for each days travel which will include the vertical profile of each days ride.
..
My goal is to gathe route information from many others and point out on the google map, where the campground are that they mention on their blogs. .. when they say they stoped at a bike shop, i'll find that bike shop and a photo of it.. and it's exact points. And be showing that in the GE community file.

Right now i think that only on GPX file i can have all the waypoints. ... As there is a limit on how many waypoints. .. it would be better to have these waypoints abedded points of interest on the GPS. ... Also, i need to figure out how to create a IMG file for the route, and be placing that on a file which can be downloaded. It's an IMG file.

So somewhere out there on the net is a way to get that done.
.. But for now, it's just 1 day at a time. .. And having the same info which is posted on crazyguyonabike.com onto the GE Community waypoint of my own route (I'll have 98 waypoints)... showing my route and the distance traveled)..

But more importantly, the map is to show people where the campsites are and where the info centers and where the motels are. .. and phone numbers. ... As this info is monstly needed.
So far, I disocvered how to create custom points of interest where i can show the namf the place. ... but dont know how to add in a description.


I'm asking the universe for somehelp here. Those who want to help, please contact me, and you can be of some great help. And Yes, there's got to be a way to make money from this. As if there's a will, there's ALWAYS a way.

Cheers,
Sam

Berlin D. Bear vs. UN Report on Climate Change

100_3646
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Hi Everyone,
The news yesterday (saturday) on Climate Change, made headlines all over the world. As this is very big news, it's worth writing about.

I'll start off with a YouTube Video as a summery and go from there.

...

UK

The BBC reports the news on this YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XPlGspF_ls



BBC NEWS Science/Nature UN challenges states on warming

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7098902.stm

Launching the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he said real and affordable ways to deal with the problem existed.



Hey all, this is now part 2. .. From the January IPCC report which was the trigger for me to try todo my part. ... Cycle across canada, and try to raise awareness and keep the ball rolling about climate change. ... So far so good. ..EVERYONE is still talking about it, and more and more people are GETTING it. :)I'll post this one on my daily blog sitehttp://virtualbikeride.blogspot.com



...

CHINA
UN climate panel report highlights risks of global warming_English_Xinhua
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/18/content_7097185.htm

MADRID, Nov.17 (Xinhua) -- The UN climate panel issued a landmark report on Saturday warning of severe consequences of global warming and urging governments to act to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.


This one is direct from China ... It made front page! Click on the home page. (Hey look, the used a Greenpeace photo. .. Cool :) ) (they earn a gold star for that in my book) :)

..



LA -California


http://www.facebook.com/share_redirect.php?h=649e6e8e0faa7179c1ed21653d518695&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fnews%2Fscience%2Fla-sci-warming17nov17%2C0%2C4238138.story%3Fpage%3D1%26coll%3Dla-home-center&sid=5884704182
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-warming17nov17,0,4238138.story?page=1&coll=la-home-center

In the final installment of its landmark report, the climate-change panel says many countries will just have to learn to live with the effects.


And the LA Times ... with their own 'special' view. .. At least they mention the other reports.. BTW, this article wasn't on the front page news. ... Like all the others. ... There maybe one more hiding somewhere? ... Just wait and see.Cheers,Sam



...

Canada


Evidence of climate change 'unequivocal': UN report
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/11/17/climate-change.html

Climate change could have far-reaching and irreversible consequences, a UN scientific panel warns in a report released Saturday.


And the CBC's take on it (Canadian News). ... I think I covered almost everyone on my facebook friends list ... oh wait, got one more comming....


..

Greenpeace

Greenpeace - Making Waves: IPCC latest - climate change evidance "unequivocal"
http://weblog.greenpeace.org/makingwaves/archives/2007/11/ipcc_latest_climate_change_evi.html

Last night in Valencia, the IPCC approved its Fourth Assessment Synthesis report, which sums up the key points from the three major reports published this year on climate change science, its impacts and the mitigation options. ...


And this one is Green Peace's Take. ... Oooh, cool... gathering more infor my tonights blog :)



...

Austrailia


Global warming action urgent: UN chief - Environment - smh.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/global-warming-action-urgent-un-chief/2007/11/16/1194767033342.html

I come to you humbled after seeing some of the most precious treasures of our planet - treasures that are being threatened by humanity's own hand.


And here is the Austrailian take on it. .. they mention this part.."The scientists have done their job, and now it's time President [George] Bush and this Congress do their part and support immediate action on global warming, starting with this energy bill," said Edward J Markey, chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.:)



..

Boston, MA -USA


UN panel: Climate change accelerating - BostonHerald.com
http://hawk.heraldinteractive.com/news/international/general/view.bg?articleid=1045351&format=&page=2&listingType=int

While the European Union has taken the lead in enforcing the carbon emission targets outlined in Kyoto, the United States opted out of the 1997 accord.
And here is the boston Herald's verions. ... this one is better. (still just a couple more togo :)



..

Ireland
ireland.com - The Irish Times - Sat, Nov 17, 2007 - 130 states agree evidence of climate change 'une
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/1117/1195251355768.html

Scientists and representatives of world governments have agreed a report warning that climate change could have "abrupt" and "irreversible" consequences, writes Jamie Smyth in Valencia.


And this is the Irish Times version of it.



..

CNN -USA


U.N. report: Urgent action needed on 'severe' climate change - CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/17/spain.climate/index.html

Climate change is "severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action" can head it off, a United Nations scientific panel said in a report on global warming issued Saturday.


And this is the Cool CNN's version of it...Apparently they dont get it. .. 'wait until Richer countries can afford it' .. Im wondering: Did they even read the report?

...

New York Times -USA

U.N. Report Describes Risks of Inaction on Climate Change - New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17cnd-climate.html?ex=1353042000&en=92abe826c5ab4d06&ei=5124&partner=facebook&exprod=facebook

In releasing the report, the U.N. secretary general called on the U.S. and China to play a greater role in coming negotiations for a new global climate treaty.

Actually it's the 4th. .. This is the New York Times Version. I especially like the last section talking about Bush wanted to take out that last section titled “Reasons for Concern,” . ... Which is a summery of it.Anyway, Enjoy :)Sam

...

tehran times : U.S. delegates say dangers of climate change unclear
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=157308

Tehran Times Daily NewsPaper
And this one is from Iran's daily paper. ... Very Interesting.

..

...

Those were my comments from when i posted it on my facebook profile.

..

What i find so interesting is how different each country shows the same information.

Some put the blam on the A as they need to show some leadership and cut there own emmissions. ... One cant be telling others to cut their own emmisions, and blame the other countries who arent cutting their own emmissions. .. Making that seem OK.

I like how the China article mentions greenpeace... as This shows once more that hgreenpeace is a powerful voice on the gloabl perspective. ...

I like how the BBC really got into the issue. .The 1st video i show on here gives a great prespective. .. and the BBC's Video shows a great deal on info.

Pointing out about the wind farms, and the solar farms. .. Having a photo of the guy next to the solar farm.

... Then we look at the USA prespective, where it's all about blame. ... and no real concencus.

There were lots of people at that meeting, and many many reports and accounts of what happened.

It's clear that the overall concencencus is that, yes there are great ideas out there. .. and they all can be used. .. There isnt 1 solution for it all. ... as yes, people still need to by food.

... Yet what CAN change, and More and more people NEED to see this, is that everyone can do their part. ... Talk to the local polititions and get new local laws past. ... starting from the local area. .. How can you expect the world to change, when you still hve your your own bad habbits.

Although to be honest, i still do have bad habbits, and am not as 'Green' as i should be. .. making me 'Hotter than I should be' (a plug in there for WWF Canada). .. As many of the places i goto xtreems on how much garbage is thrown out.
..
That being said, what i do see going on, is that business are not governed by the same rules that homeowners have when it comes to waste management.

So an idea, the next time your are outside of your home, talk to the business owner or manager and em that you dont like how they make so much waste from their business process. ... Give examples that you see around the store.

1. If the business is still using old lighbulbs, remto change.
2. If the business has unnessary lights... (the place might not need to be lit that much)
3. If they are throughowing out ecyclable material. Ie. Starbucks/ Tim Hortons cups.
All it takes is to use what Supermacs here in Galway has. .. Its for the ice from cups. .. Why not just have a place where the cups can be stacked empty, and everyone just dumps out the old coffee into the drain provided. .. so things in the cup get held at the tip (ice).
I think McDonalds has done that. .. bu they dont have a simple stack where people can place their cups upside down and squish it down.

4. Drive throughs should not need to be ideling. .. the cost for it should be higher.

Sometimes is seems that a government issued manditate. .. of an overall carbon tax based on how much your vehicle is emmiting. ... as for these iseas to work. .. it still needs to be far. ... As you cant hit one company hard, ... actually you can. If the company is emmiting polution, it should not matter how much money they give to the local community.

MONEY DOESNT solve the problem. ... You can through money at it.. and it will be fixed. That's not how it works. ... People need to become conctious about what they are emmiting, and realize that those companies who are trying to save money by averting the ussue. Arnt helping. As it's up to each of us as individuals to make decisions. .nly pass laws when were started from individual people with some ideas. ... and less people object, so the law passes.
It's because the government funds the wrong type of companies. .. governments should be acountable to the people, and make their decisions based on what the people want. ...

Sure, you need to make those companies and the resident public happy, however, you can do that by encouraging the companies todo what is right for the environment. .. and think of new and asing your marketing strategy on the 'whats good for the environemnt, is good for you' campaign. .. As companies can spread the word with advertising and media, that if you buy uct you will be helping the environement. .. Directly. ...NOT passively. ... Buying from a company which spends their time on oil refining, but on the other hand donates to the natural wildlife area right next door. ... Does that make sence?

Why not support the company who's actual business is in helping the environemnt in some way. .. not helping in destroy it. ... Those companies who are producing .... more efficient engines and engines on alternative ways and inovative thinkers. .. those ones should be rewarded for there efforts.

Ok, a final thought.
Each of us has the power to choose what they want todo each day. ... You can eithor sit back and watch, or you can speak out and tell every company you go to what it is that you want. ... Those comment cards in places do get lookeded it. ... Talk to the manager about what they are doing. Ask them why dont they do more for the environement? ... if their answer is about cost. .. tell them that you would st buy at their store, and would faviour their store if they showed some effort with the emmitions and recycling and energy waste control. ... Companies will change when their is the demand :)

High Gas Price is a Good thing! ~Really? An actual electric car?

100_4267
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

I dont own a car. .. and am proud of it!

Here's an article about a guy in Seattle who writes about not owning a car.

A fitting photo :)

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/15/161859/73

Be car-ful?
Giving up car-lessness for Rob Lowe's plug-in hybrid
Posted by Alan Durning at 1:00 PM on 16 Nov 2007
Read more about: placemaking cars hybrids energy electricity grid
Tools: print email + digg + del.icio.us + reddit + stumbleupon
This essay is part of a series on not owning a car.

>>>>>

for all those who ask me about this gas price thing. .. actually it's about the electric car.

As . .. whats the biggest draw back? ... You guessed it. .. Simply government regulations. ..

Gas is still way to cheep. ... and there needs to be a emmision tax. ... This car is possable..

But it wont happen until gas gets more expencive like cigerettes. .. before alternatives get used.

Ht news is that more of the US Congress is liking the idea of this emission cap and trade. ... i think the number is higher than ever. ... Lets keep on passing the word, of congres will wake up and smell the gas fumes.

I certainly can.

>>>

For me, on sunday out to that little town of Letterfrack, Connemera, Co. Galway. I think i'll stay there for a week, as i got lots of work todo as im going back on my route across canada, and slowely but surely posting the exact route i took accross canada, and showing the recommended route for other cyclest who want to cross canada.

...

One last note,

I'm looking for people who want to drive across canada with me. My plan is to get to Sparwood, BC and fill up the tank with bio diesel, and get lots to spare, and make are way through the rockies as we need togo along eithor side of the crowsnest pass up the cowboy trail into calgery and up to edmonton. .. and also from sparwood go back down and back to Cranbrook and head north, to the 1. .. and many areas i missed. .. I need to cycle it all:) ... As i want to track it all on GPS to create the awsome route.

... Since people will see the bike, and see the vehicle... the vehicle will be covered in signage as were raising funds for WWF Canada.

Looking for help and ideas!

Thanks,

Sam

What does the horse think? Hay! or Nay! (for that you need to speak in a Horse voice to be heard)

100_4246
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

... Just lost what i wrote .. note to self: dont type the entire article into flickr blog this section.. a short note is good, then use blogger to make it better.

..So we try it again.

As im sitting here in Limerick, Ireland Hotel room, as im typing away on the laptop with the free wi-fi and checking on traffic. ... outside traffic, yep there's lots.

And online thee's lots of traffic too.

I'll start out todays blog with the 1st article i found.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article2879666.ece

The Times
November 16, 2007
We’ve used the wrong fuel, says rail chief

Ben Webster, Transport Correspondent
Explore the new Eurostar service
Rail industry leaders have accused the Government of wasting hundreds of millions of pounds and undermining the environmental benefits of rail travel by choosing diesel instead of electric trains.

>>>

Which shows how one mans idea, that os 1 man who writes something and it passes on down the line as something to be true. Government policies are made with the current knowledge of information at hand. .. and over time the technology changes... but the policies dont. .. So there's no incentive for things to change.

An interesting note about the article is the comments after it. .. As on the one hand the government.. and railnetwork say of it'lll cost so much money to sitch. ... Well, that's not really true. .. As simply no longer building new trains which rely on diesel, and build the most efficient trains. As to my understanding the newer trains ARE more efficient. .. so it would b better to take those older trains out of commission, or better yet to be using biodiesel.

... And no that story about biodiesel displacing food prices? ... No, that dosnt make sence. ... that would be a Nay! in horse talk. .. I think i discussed biodiesel in a previous blog, and I think i made a clear point about it. (fuel tax and incentive for all users of oil to use more efficient means)

...

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/15/102332/75

Made for the USA?
On who is accountable for Chinese greenhouse-gas emissions
Posted by Kit Stolz at 3:39 PM on 15 Nov 2007
Read more about: China United States climate energy greenhouse-gas emissions
Tools: print email + digg + del.icio.us + reddit + stumbleupon
Yesterday a D.C. nonprofit, the Center for Global Development, released an inventory of the world's power plants. Its nifty database shows that on a national level, China trails only the the U.S. in total emissions of greenhouse gases, and not by much.

...

Its interesting how the take is on that. .. As it would be best if china's plants become more efficient. ... actually they are more efficient. .. that's why they are building the things made. ..
What's not realized that for each product made, the owner of the company has a choice on where the product gets made. .. and buyers decide on what product to buy. .. Everyone has a choice. ..
Ya, im thinking that the USA and Canada should take the lead as if they want to become more green. They need to take the 1st step.
Fortunatly states indndently are becomming more and more green. .. and there is more and more public pressure on Automakers to roll out the EV1 which is just sitting on the back burner. .. Waiting around. .. Why do peopabout the high gas price?

Why am I always a super stron adviate for High Gas Prices?
... Well, I have a firm belief that this is how the economy works. .. People buy and people sell. ..
By low sell high?
Ya of course! We want to buy things for the lowest precieved value. .. and we want sell things for the highest precieved value.
... Things dont have any value on there own.

......
Im reminded of a story i was told about tea and the sea.

So a shipment arrives adrift on the shore full of containers of tea leaves.
Since these people had no idea what this tea was, they never had tea before so they didnt know.
So they looked at it, and discovered in when these tea leaves were soaked in water, the water changed colour, and when spilling in on their dress (they had those frilly dresses with many layrs, you know that old style. ... well they used this coloured water to stain the dresses and make sme colour.
So after having so much of it. .. Someone later came along as saw what they were doing, and offered to buy the stuff from them. .. So they did. .. for very little money, as there wasnt much use for the coloured dresses. .. once a person had a few of them stained, there wasnt a need anymore. .. So it got sold.
Later, someone else came by, and dicovered what was being done with the tea leaveves, and told them what the stuff actually was. .. that you drink the tea.
...

So the story shows that it's all in the precieved value of things. .. things dont have a price until it becomes useful. .... Remember; Earth, Wind, Fire, Water are all only as useful as the mind can imagine.

..

Smoking:
It's only as useful as the mind can imagine. .. Because cigirettes have a set price. .. as price where they can see that less people buy when setting the price higher. ...
If they are bad for you, then why is it legal to sell? .. There should be more tax on that, making it more expencive, but using that tax money for more important things. .. like replacing old trains with new more efficient trains.

...
OK thats enough for this post.
I got 1 more for ya's :)
Cheers,
Sam

Global warming | Getting the message, at last | Economist.com

Global warming | Getting the message, at last | Economist.com

The poll asks people "What do you consider to be the most serious environmental problem facing the world today?"

When we all know that the term 'Global warming' also means climate change.
As Ozone layer, Air /Water pollution, deforistation, extenction of plant and animal species. .. thats all the same thing. It has todo with global warming. ... Global warming, (or Global wawa?) as the simpsons character on says) ... Or lets call it Global Dimming. ...

I blogged about it. ... I got a bit more insight on this one as i'll get some Flickr photos that i took in there, and maybe find a video :)

Cheers,
Thanks everyone who reads this (I always assume that everyone on facebook reads what i write) .. As i am writing this for you :)
Sam

Clean Power from Bullfrog Power

Clean Power from Bullfrog Power

Cool, in Ravenswood, near Grand Bend, Ontario building 6 Vestas Wind Turbines. .. Cool :)
It should be already complete.
It anyone has any photos of this site, please send my way.

On the trip across canada, next yearit's on the list to go and visit.

Cheers,
Sam

A virtual Scrap book of my travels -Galway, Ireland

So im here in the Barnicles Hostel, as im working away at creating my GPS map across canada, showing people an actual route across canada, as a digital downloadable guide. .. and eventually onto a XD card so people can put the card into a handheald GPS device and go across canada (mostly for cycling), but possable for horseback, for mountain biking, for hiking. So they can use a giude across canada.
The big question people ask me after I say what im doing is. 'How Can i make money off it?'
Well,i figure that because it's using other peoples information, and its user centric, i cant charge for it.
So what I can do is write an actual book about my travels and journey in creating this thing, and everything i am learning along the way. Most of the book will be excerpts from my personal notes that i am writing each day in my palm.. as these notes are more personal, and the names and places and dates need to be changed. .. As characters need to be made up, as i cant be writing about people without their concient. (Although when the book gets published, those readin it, will know it's about them).

So anyway, there another traveler who is working on an Physical Scrap book of the trip journal, cutting and pasting ideas along the way.
Since im not doing a technical journal (as i need the technical journal to be VERY specifac, otherwise it doesnt get done :)
Anyway, with the power of this computer, i can take a screenshot of what im working on. Cool.

So what im doing is copying other peoples routes across canada (which they wrote about on crazy guyonabike.com but didnt include a map... this is a rough outline using what they were saying in there blog as the route they took. Then having in the route description a link bakc to their blog site with all their details.
My main information im looking for is the actual route they took, (and also their Camping and motels and bike shops. .. and where the trail heads are. as those should be the anker points for the route lines.. along with where the road changes or where you need to turn. .. Buut if your sticking to the same highway, there is no point in having so many lines as this is the simple route.

P.S. if your reading this and you have actually gone across canada on a bike, please contact me and send me a link to where your route details are.
Cheers,
Sam

---
From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

A hiking Route along the west coast trail :)

Here is the route of someone who hiked along the west coast trail from Bamfield to Port Renfrew, BC .. Looks like it might be possable to post my route on this site! Cool :)

West Coast Trail - 2007 at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: GPS Travel Community

---
From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Virtual Bike Ride For WWF Canada - Across Canada

This is the route I took Biking Across Canada. From Port Renfrew, BC to Regina, SK over 4,000 km in total (to continue summer 2008) (it's the simple map made from Google Maps)


View Larger Map

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Bike across canada - another route

Here's the map of Jeff's route across canada, that i just finished making on google maps.
:)


View Larger Map

Shell geht baden - Startseite

Shell geht baden - Startseite

And this is the German version of the Shell to Sea campaign.

Have a great day,
Sam

Get the Shell out .... protest in Dublin back in March, and another video

100_4805
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

And here' one showing another piecefull protest.

100_4796 Get the Shell Out!

100_4796
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's a good youtube video. From BC.



This one was
from Around Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo Ireland.
I came on the saurday after the protest.. and this is what i saw painted on aroof on the way out towards Ceide Fields.


This was from last years protest.


And this was the fridays demonstration...

Amazon.co.uk: Earth: The Power of the Planet: Books: Iain Stewart,John Lynch

Amazon.co.uk: Earth: The Power of the Planet: Books: Iain Stewart,John Lynch

This is a cool book, kind of what i was refering to on my last blog. .
Here are some other facts to back up my opinions.
...
If you can, find the books store near you, and read up on it.

As there is a tedency to just stay wher eyou live, and you t sea 1st hand. .. just what your doing at your home, can and does effect what happens in another part of the world.

The more you know, the better able you can make choices each day.

Cheers,
Sam

Stop Sealing from Mother nature, She will have her revenge!

100_4800
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

.. A suttle title, but fitting for today's blog.
On sunday, was this ride, where going through farms areas and around the building site area for this Oil Refinery, it is very clear to me what the position of the locals here is.
The big question is, how can a huge company, by-pass EU law, and go ahead and build without the concent of the effected land owners in the area.
Ireland is defined and known as being Green, and a friendly country. .. It doesn't make sence to destroy that image with a oil refinery. .. The oil needs to be kept in the ground.

Here's the background.
A simple example, what happens to my bicycle when i dont oil the chain, and keep all the moving parts oiled? .. well it's going the crack and break... that's how to break a chain, and how to reck the bike... the barings need to be able to move about freely so the wheels can spin. ... I learned that a tiny washer, makes the difference, as it's all elements for the bike, making for an ejoyable ride.

So just as the bike has many elements which all work together, the environment, 'Mother Nature' also has elements.

See, the earth needs this oil, as it is importan to keep it all moving and in check. .. What's happening now in the oiside invironment is as a result of extracking soo much oil from the earth.

I'll give an example, lets say you have a big water well under the ground, and you extrack all the water. .. you end up with a huge cavern underground. .. all it takes is the regular movement of the earth, and you have a cave in, as the earth is trying the balance out for that lack of water.

... So just like under the sea, this is where there are many ellemnt which work together. .. Take out 1 element, and change it to a gas in the atmosphere... Well, mother nature needs to correct herself, as she needs to stay in balance. ..

Why do we get colds? Because our emune system isnt in balance, and out natureal antibodies arnt enough to fix it.

We have things like volcanowes, which emit toxic thinkgs to the environemnt. ... Buit what it also does is acreate new land, and heats up the water around, and stir up the water and creates room for new life. ... As salt water probably cant survive with the new volcanic ash, but rain water probably can... and it brings in new life.

..Forest fires, well with pine trees, the only way the pine trees can rejouvinate is with a natural forest fire. .. ,.. what fires do is clears an area, so then a new meadow can grow and flurish, bringing a whole new type of live, different than the forests bring. ... As we need those open spaces. ...
the open spaces, as we saw back in Alberta and Saskatchewan, these are vital, as they are like a huge boling alley for mother nature... as winds can pick up and gather strength, as there is little to stop it. .. so by the time it gets to the rockies, or over the great lakes, it has gathered enough momentum and picked all kinds of seeds, and lets things move about. ..

We need heavy rain, as it brings nutrients from up in the mountains, down to the sea, and brings in new life to the delta area. .. again vital...

So each element; Earth, wind, Fire, Water all needs to be in balance.
Take out one element, or destroy it.. then other nature needs to use the other 3 and works to cover up the loss.

... Folks, the solution is simple.
Dont steal from mother nature. .. Let the price of oil be way to expencive, so then it will allow for new technologies to develope and grow. .. As it's only with demand that new technologies will prevail.

Case in point. .. It was only because Ipods became cool, that the technology of the Ipod became beter... we had different versions. .. Playing with the actual MP3 file, and how it gets played... now we can watch TV on the thing. ... WiFi only became the standard, because more and more people started using it, and BlueTooth, once was an action caused by eating too many blue lollypops, is now a standar technology which is used everywhere. ... Only because it became popular and people want it.

We now have blog websites because people want it.... It was a creation of inventive people who simply took what people wanted, and made it rediuciously for anyone to make a website which looks cool. ..

Flickr happened because people wanted a good water to share photos... on a hiend level... now on google earth, we can see more flickr photos than panoramio photos... because people want it.

So people, why not take a stand?
1. Demand that you buy the most effient vehicle possable, and dont stand for anything else.
2. Make your decisions based on the fact that oil for the car is Soo expencive,... so you need to live closer, or pay that extra cost.
3. .Encourage and support the movement for fuel tax, where the tax gets put onto renuables. .. other countries do it, ... which is why more vehicles are becomming more efficient. .. as they still want the market.
4. Car-pool and take a bike, and walk to where you want togo. Dont take unnesery trips to the store, and dont Idle. Your just wasting Gas. ... Dont Idle! ... you shouldnt complain about the cost if you continue to drive solo, and short distances.

Cheers,
Sam

Bikely Sample

Here's what i found from a website
bikely.com

North Nanaimo Loop

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

Day 188 Letterfrack Ireland Bike Connamera Loop 42.3km 05 Nov 07

100_4287
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Ive been starting to post my technical route details onto crazyguyonabike.com
.. getting late.
I need to sheep. I mean Sleep.
:)

Thinking to self: What i can do is do my daily blog here (on flickr) writing about whats going on today in the life of Sam, and things important about the environment, (news etc.)
I dont know how to copy those links im posting in the facebook group. .. But maybe to attract people to the facebook grou, have a link on the site. .. and be promoting the person /10km's of cycling. .. so the more people join, the more i'll be cycling :) ... If the group does get huge, thats where others can help me cycle the km's.

Cheers,
Sam

P.S. Thanks everyone for reading this. You guys are cool :)

EV WORLD: The Eco-Friendly World of Electric Cars, Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles from Bicycles to Buses, Trucks to Trolleys.

EV WORLD: The Eco-Friendly World of Electric Cars, Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles from Bicycles to Buses, Trucks to Trolleys.

This site is all Cool :)

Obay the Little Man!

100_9451
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Today's post is just about that. .. If everyone obayed the little man. .. Oh what a wonderful world it would be.
... The song of the Day is: ... 'What a wonderful World' Louis Armstrong'
(so thats the tune to sing to while reading this)

...
On a serious note...

A friend on facebook sent me the message about BioDiesel.
It's worth Sharing

"Hi Sam,
The biodiesal that is mentioned, is it the the ethonal/corn fuel?

Just a note if it is, it is damaging our environment, polluting the water, it adds pesticides, herbacides and chemical fertilizers to our world. It takes so much from the environment and gives very, very very little back in benefits. The agri lobby groups (rich corporations) are promoting it for their own profits. It is subsidized by the US gov. giving an unfair advantage to big farm (small farmers can't get subsidies, ie, family farms). As a Senetor reported last week, monoculture (1 crop farms) are consuming most of the good farming land. And, if evey American were to eat the required amount of fruits and veggies they are supposed to, the US couldn't supply them. They do not grow enough fresh produce in US to supply its population, corn and soya, used in fuel and processed foods, have taken over much of the land. Beef farming is another one of those extremely large farms that dot the US country side, and Canada.

Thought you should know.

Good luck on the ride!!,
""

Well first off, thanks for the comment. .. I did a little research and did find where the source of the info was. .. iGoogle is pritty cool, as it shows the latest news that you want to read.

So we begin my rebuttle with the comment "Well, high gas prices are a good thing, because it encourages growth and technology and inovation.. in ALL sectors'

So how does this compare to the price of tea in china?
.. Or the gas price in Ireland?

Well, lets start off with the fundementals.
... Food (as we know it) ... Lets choose Corn. ..
Before the invention of the plow, corn was planted by hand and cultivated by hand. (it's probably done somewhere in the world today). ... and crop yealds go up... with technology and inovation. Weath is Physical Resources times Technology (W=P*T) .. then it's times N, which is the system in place to make it all work. .... Walmart vs. local store. So we add in W=(P*T)n
Source: Google "weath equals physical resources times technology" ... "Unlimited Wealth: The Theory and Practice of Economic Alchemy ... Amazon.com: Reviews for Unlimited Wealth: The Theory and Practice ...In a time, where we were once worried about oil reserves, hydrogen fuel ... Where (W) equals wealth, (P) equals physical resources, (T) equals technology, ...
... and wiki "wealth" agrees.

The to the power of N... for me that makes sence. .. as it's a system.. perhaps government... which puts caps and taxes on income generated.
..

Ok. .. So the argument about food prices. ... well, my theory is; Is that if gas price was changed to being a bad thing like cigerets... and should be taxed because they do worse than smoking.
... If as was high, thats incentives for automakers to build cars which are more and more efficient. .. and for space shules to be more effient. .. and more airtplanes to be more efficient.
... Making Gas price high that people cant afford it anymore.... Well?

THATS THE IDEA!!!
You make gas expencive, like putting cigeretts in your car... you might as well roll 5 euro notes.... thats just blowing smoke.

As you probably know, in the joke of the day ents.... 1/2 the sennet are fools. (technically, they have invested interest in the oil companies, inwhich large contracts are set in place based on their actions) ... short term profit. fiscle responsibility? ... Does that mean their only responsable for their term in office? .. and what happens later doesnt matter?

Just likein Canada, with KYOTO.... the USA Clean air act cant be signed. .. as it costs (up front to much money) .... people in the cozey large vehicles that use gas like ciguretts... are gonna has to quit smoking, because it's killing those people in the 3rd world nations who are going hungery from all the crops being usup to make BioDiesel? ...
That doesnt make sence.
Im working to make the use of oil an old world resource, and let smart people, and those other countries know that Canada and USA are both ready and willing to sacrifice (a super high cost of gas) .. to quite smoking gas. ...
.. and start breathing clean air. ... Powered by Wind Power/Solar ... (hey dont think that.... ) remember unlimited resources. .. unlimited potential. ... and feums from the purist BioDiesel is much nicer. ...

So the botton line is here folks.
You have the solution. ... Dont wait for gas to go up (to much political pressure to keep it down, so the smokers and enjoy it). .. But it's smart people inovation. (Like the iPod, who knew we'd all NEED and ipod?) ... commercials and adds, and your friends told you so.
So enjoy your walk. ... and bike ride.
... and for Google sake, OBAY THE LITTLE MAN!

Cheers,
Sam

Links:
http://www.agri-greenbiodiesel.com/
Maker of Bio-Diesel

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=10085859&fsrc=RSS
Food prices-
An expensive dinner
Nov 3rd 2007
From Economist.com
"Alarm is growing about rising food prices"

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/3/20284/7055
'Mideast Oil Forever?': Part III
Abandoning the solution

http://www.dochara.com/save/transport/fuel.php
Spending less on Fuel in Ireland

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/05/european_gasoli.html
European Gasoline Prices Near All-Time High
22 May 2007

Looking Back on Canada, at Day 033, Sasquatch PP, BC

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

So this image shows ... well prity self explanitory, that yellow link and the bottom corner is my actual GPS tracks as i was going along. .. I have them for my full route on google earth community :)

This is probably something that isnt visable from the ground.

Day 186 Letterfrack, Ireland Walk to Kylemore Abbey 03 Nov 07

Day 186 Letterfrack, Ireland Walk to Kylemore Abbey 03 Nov 07


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Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's the Irish website. .. The page i direct you to is a listing of all the different types of environmental organizations here in ireland.
.. about the December 8th call to action for the
International Demonstrations on Climate Change.
... Would be great if Canada will sign Kyoto and realize that money doesnt make or solve the proplem. .. it's ideas. and alowing the free sharing of ideas around the world. ... other countries have already found viable solutions... all we need todo is copy and paste.
Go Green!!!

http://www.stopclimatechaos.ie/content/blogcategory/2/24/

>Actually, the most interest part of the walk today was when i was leaving the Abbey area. .. I didnt want to pay to see it.. as i already saw the outside. .. Perhaps next time if im there with someone else, it might have. ... But Seriously...

What i saw was the coachs which were in the parking lot, jut waiting. .. Actually it was just 1 coach. .. and looked like to coach was empty accept for the drive who looked like she was just reading the paper with the engine running. .. I think to myslef. ... Self? .. If i owned the coach and was paying for the gas for it.. would i still be idling? .. and wasing fuel? ... Most likely not.

Fortunatly i dont drive, and dont plan on it for a long time. ..

An interesting phenominum here in ireland. .. (as you know) Ireland is a generally friendly country. .. What happens when the cost of gas goes up here? ... Well, instead of complaining about it.. and letting the government give subsidies to the gas companies to drill for oil and to work the tar sands in Alberta. .. (no directional comment there, lol) .. The government listens here, and says... that's ok, we'll just keep the gas price higher, and charge more fuel surchages so do encourage innovation by companies, and alternates. .. as that's the only way to have progress.
... What im getting at is simple. ..
People here seem to be nice to their neighbours, and actuallyoffer each other lifts into town, and people ofer lifts back out of town. ... If people live in the same community close by, and people go the same direction. .. doesnt it just make sence to share the ride with a friend? ..

The family that left early this morning, .. well, what thy do is simply rent a car (as there is 3 people and a dog).. and at home just take there bike. .. Simple? ... The stores here offer delivery. ... so then the groceries can be delivered to your home. .. makes sence for 1 van to go about, when you can stay in town. .. humm.
Looks like people here use their heads more than there wallets. ..

What i didnt like is all the cars driving so fast. .. at one point i saw a donkey which was heading to get on the road. fortunatly the car ahead saw it and imediatly slowed down. .. that was good. ..

Yep the cars dont need to be that big. (remember what made you want to buy the car in the 1st place?) .. the Commercials and Adds for it. .. all the cool advertising telling of all the benifits.. and more importantly you wanted to impress your friends.. as you dont want to give them a ride... but still impress those friends? ... huh? .... But i think there's truth there.
... You want the larger car because it's 'SAFE' ... but why is it safe? ... it's not safe for the smaller car you HIT. .. even if it was the smaller cars fault.... who gives you the right to injour someone, or people, based on the fact that your vehicle was bigger. ...

There was a post the otherday on my facebook funwall about a guy who the doctor said has only a short time to live. ... His point was that life is in the living. .. Each and every day.

here

Do you choose to want (getting back to a point) .. do you choose to be the safer driver .. and always give space when trying to pass a vehicle? ... so you wait until the way is totally clear and can see far ahead of you before passing? ... or do you think your time is more important.. and just quickly pass the slower (more cautious) driver, just to get 1 car ahead and a half second at your destinatiopn earlier. ... Or do you take time just to enjoy the scenery while you have the chance?

...
Im reminded of another photo i have. .. where on the main road there is some construction going on. . .. so the road is reduced to 1 lane, there there is a stop light. ... so as im cycling, other vehicles race in fury to get ahread of me. ... are they ay more ahead? ... no.
And while waiting. .. do they think to turn off their engines? .. No! (is there a law about that?).. ... well anyway, if gas was more expenceive, people would pay more attention to that. .. it's the hybred cars where the engine can cut off.. when at a light. ....
But does the consumers want to buy it? ... No.

Why? ... because gas is too cheep... there's no incentive to build such cars. .. so the makers are trying to build a vehicle which finds that happy medium... of trunk space, and efficiency. ...

... People? .. huh? ... I dont get it? .. why dont people see that since you go to the store close to home. .. why not just have a 2nd small intown car? .. and your bigger out of town car? ... that just makes sence.

... But will people do this?


Nope. .. not until gas price gets up to where it should be.
It's an OLD WORLD resource. .. and needs to be kept in the ground where it belongs. .. it should be expencive, and should be considered like diamonds. ... ... Acres of Diamonds?

http://www.temple.edu/about/temples_founder/acres_text.html


.... in your own back yard? ... Yup. .. it's true. .

A story. .. one farmer looks at his land.
"oh man! look at all this dry land. .. it's so dry that i cant keep it watered. .. it's dry because it's just so darn windy. .. once i water, it seems to dry up so fast. ... ya that is right. ... it's only near the lberta border where the land is good, but once you get into saskatchewan, you see that there is so much dry land. ... With the cost of water these days... and the high cost to get the machines to plow the land... 'I'll be luckey to get 100 stacks of wheet this time.' ... I think it's about time to sell the land, and move into the city.

The other farmer who just baught the land:
"Holey crap!, the government will actually give me incentive to be leasing out my land to the engergy company who put up some Vesta's wind turbines. ... and... the nergy company is also giving me money as im just leasing the land to them. ... I dont care where the power goes. ... it's just exciting how much im getting of this land already... and i havent even planted any crops! ... So what i can do is plant only the crops which work best to this type of climate. ... and perhaps what i can to is section off part of the land to the federa government, and let it grow wild, and declair it as a natural site. ... I dont need the land anyway. ... What i can also do is install some of those solar pannels, and produce more power and have that back onto the grid. ...
Wow, now all i got todo is wait for that 1 homeowner way down the road who doesnt like the turbines as they think it'll kill birds. ... (i think they heard it from the birds directly anyway). .. Ya, they wont buy the power because it can be made cheeper with coal. ...
What they dont see is that when you use alternative energy in your home, you do get tax breaks and incentive todo so. .. unfortunatly it doesnt come in the form of a cheque. .. but in math. .. over the lifetime cycle of the home. .. humm ... Would these people pay more now knowing that overtime the cost would be cheeper in the long run?

...
Anyway, thats enough babble or so for now,

Cheers,
Sam

P.S. let me know what photos you want to see here, i'll customize it for ya.