| As we walk through our cities and towns, the only trees that we see are those that are embedded in cement boxes and posed on the sidewalk. Some of us even believe that a concrete landscape is our natural environment. However, this is not true. Wherever you go in Canada our vast boreal forest surrounds you. Currently however, there is an effort by some Canadian industries, including two of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world. Alberta Pacific, owned and run out of Japan, and Domtar (which is owned and operated out of Quebec), to save some of these great forests. Between these two companies they posses 15 million hectares of Canada's forest. After great difficulties with First Nations groups and Environmentalists that have led to international boycott of these companies, they are now meeting with a coalition of the First Nations and environmental groups to negotiate a deal that would protect ninety percent of Canada's forests. If the plan succeeds it would link crown land across Canada into a network of boreal forests. Canada would join the Amazon rain forest and the Siberian Taiga as one of the largest intact natural regions in the world. This agreement would not only protect fifty two percent of Canada's land mass but would also regulate the logging for the rest. It would ensure that the logging companies follow very sustainable forestry practices. Here in Canada, we have almost twenty five percent of the world's forests and we have allowed companies like Domtar and Alberta Pacific to clear-cut a gre4at deal of them for their industries. These companies are finally coming to the table after years of pushing. We as youth and citizens of this earth, have to stand with these coalitions to make sure this plan goes through. If you want to help out, donate money to the World Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited or just write letters and emails of support to these groups and companies. Though trees stand tall they cannot speak for themselves. It is our turn to speak for them. Written by Geoff Shideler and Harry Witton. |
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| Do you want to check out the local music? Do you play and want to be heard? Then come out to O'Reily's! It's open stage every Tuesday night, from 8:30 'till close. Come and check out the music scene here in Perth, with everything from folk to rock and a little in between. There's sure to be something that gets your feet tapping. Last week there was even a guy who made a hockey stick into a guitar, and played it. Everyone is welcome, so come out and make yourself heard. You can also drop by Fiddleheads the same night for a little late night Karaoke Written by Kelsey MacPhail - January 2004 |
| Rolling Stone magazine has listed the top five-hundred albums of all time, and I can only come to the conclusion that the editors at that magazine are deaf. I won't give you the whole list, but here is their top ten: Ten is 'The White Album', by The Beatles. Number nine is 'Blonde on Blonde', Bob Dylan. Eight is 'London Calling' by The Clash. 'Exile on Main Street', The Rolling Stones is number seven. Sixth is 'What's Going On', by Marvin Gaye. Fifth is 'Rubber Soul', by The Beatles. Fouth is 'Highway 61 Revisited', Bob Dylan. Third is 'Revolver', The Beatles. Second is 'Pet Sounds', The Beach Boys. 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' by The Beatles is Number one on the list. Written by Harry Witton - March 2004 |
In Southern Illinois the Scientific community is enthralled with one of the century's greatest scientific discoveries. A group of 40 novelty bacteria has been found. When they are given a certain type of food they produce oxygen. It has been found in swine waste, Antarctica and paper mill sludge. John D. Coats, a microbial physiologist at Southern Illinois University, has applied for patents for various application. The applications of this knowledge are endless. They include space travel, deep sea diving, the treatment of gangrenous wounds, and the disposal of toxic waste. It has also been found to aid in the breakdown of benzene, a cancerous agent found in the making of dyes and synthetic rubber. The research and developmant have not gone unnoticed as the U.S. Department of Defense and energy has given a million dollars for research at Southern Illinois University. The U.S. Department of Defense are interested in the toxic waste disposal, especially in the country's water supply that has had numerous problems in recent months. Although nothing is yet certain, Mr. Coates is sure that the bacteria can be found almost anywhere in the world where oxygen is lacking. By Geoff Shideler and Harry Witton. |
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| The Boreal Forest |
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| PRESAGE |
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| New Super Bacteria Found |