RAIN & WAVES or SUNSHINE & RAINBOWS?

Rain & Waves OR Sunshine & Rainbows?

Weather Editorial

PINE TREE POST | April 22, 2012 - EARTH DAY

Water is the essence of life. We, as humans, are made up of about 90% water. It is thought that once upon a time we came from the water. Does it not seem like a bit of a paradox that when water falls from the sky we do not all go out, rejoice, and call it a 'beautiful day'?

Before we have been socially brainwashed into despising a rainy day, especially a rainy day at the beach, I believe we all had a natural - deep down in the base of our souls - love for all types of water. Take a toddler splashing in a puddle as the prime example - pure joy!

Perhaps it is time to think outside the social norms for a moment and consider the unthinkable - A TRIP TO THE BEACH ON A STORMY RAINY DAY!

Experimented Kid on the Shore of Lake Ontario

A recent experiment, by me, with a four year old showed surprising results. When taken to the beach on a rainy day this little guy was extremely happy and full of energy and excitement. He laughed and said only positive things the entire time he was 'exposed to the elements'. He exerted more physical activity than normal (climbing, running, throwing heavy stones in the lake) and did not seem strained or tired.

This is not the first experiment showing the positive effects water can have on human's physical and emotional states. In this case we had water from many angles and playing with many senses. There was water from above, water from below, water moving, water spraying, and water in sight. Along with the sounds of water falling and the almost overwhelming sound of waves crashing.

Water is such a part of us, but, it seems we may have forgotten this over time. Let us remember and start cherishing these moments with water. See you at the beach next time it rains.

8:00 am | Kingston

AUDIOBOOKS ARE THE NEW BOOK!

HAVE YOU HEARD AN AUDIOBOOK?

Pine Tree Post | April 2013

Most likely you have heard the drone of an audiobook, just after the official 'bedtime' in The Place Under the Pines. This is just one of the many new trends the younger generation has grabbed hold of. After the offical 'lights out', a faint blue LED glow coming from the CD player shines on an immobile figure, wrapped warmly under a blanket or two. If you listen hard you can hear passages from well loved children's novels like Ramona, Fudge, and Judy Moody. This will sometimes last upwards of an hour. Why are authorities allowing this extension of time? Time that is officially 'bedtime'.

Anectodal evidence showed that 'bedtime' was not being adhered to in the past. The younger folk were not settling down and falling alseep as quickly, or as easily, as one would hope. However, new studies are finding that this extra hour of non movement time, in a dark room, with relatively low stimulation, is allowing these young people to 'relax', allow their mind & body to 'slow down', and is resulting in a shorter falling asleep time.

Daytime reading has not changed much with hardcovers and small novels making up the content. Another mandatory boook from the Urban Farming Ministry was read last week, Big City Bees.

Big City Bees tackles the topic of pollinators in the city. Urban beekeeping is on the rise (on the highrise) and there are wider benefits than just the honey collected from these hives. Matthew and Sophie find out just how essential bees are to their hopes of growing a Halloween pumpkin. Along with this fun and simple story a wide range of complex topics on bees, fruit, and pollination are brought up. Facts on how bees contribute to our food supply, a discussion on the decline in bee population, tips on helping the bees, and other important and timely topics are weaved into the story. By the end of the book the kids were buzzing with questions.

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On a much higher decibel level, O had a birthday recently, which involved fourteen screaming kids. The screams were of pure joy and delight, amplified by the echos found in every indoor pool. This year's celebration was a first, a first to take place outside the PUTP. Due to the lack of a swimming pool, authorities opted for a local rec centre, previously a juvenile detention type centre, which recently became available for rent. The event consisted of an hour of gym time, an hour of swimming, and an hour of party room time. The party room decor was the math equivalent of neutral, one 'boy' tablecloth (NHL theme) and one 'girl' tablecloth (pink), but, overall everything worked out wonderfully. A happy day was had by all.

8:00 | Kingston

BAN ON PEANUTS GONE TOO FAR?

AGREEMENT TO BAN NUTS IN PEANUT BUTTER FACTORY

March 2013 - Not Under The Pine Press

A midsized facility in Etobicoke, Ontario, that makes peanut butter for industrial use has recently started enforcing a ban on nuts in the workplace. According to the company's HR representative there are numerous employees working in the onsite offices that have serious peanut allergies and/or brazil nut allergies. "We are taking into account the health of our employees...it just makes sense. You can't have employees having anaphylactic attacks at the work place...productivity would be negatively impacted."

The situation came to a head three months ago when this factory, which used to produce jams and other fruit based spreads, changed production to peanut butter. At the time there were employees with nut allergies who were offered a severance package and politely asked to leave. However, this enraged allergy activists and the local food manufacturing employee union (LFMEU 2127). A court battle ensued with affected employees arguing a violation of the charter of rights, their right to work, and other such rights.

An out of court settlement has been agreed to by both sides. The company has agreed to transfer the employees to non-production based jobs and strictly enforce what they are calling a 'no nuts in the office' policy.

The Allergists United movement has claimed a victory here, sighting this as an example of compromise and inclusion by the 'non-allergic'. "Even in a situation as extreme as a peanut butter factory those with nut allergies can, and should, be included," spokeswoman R. Walsh announced at a local meeting last Thursday afternoon.

The owner of the factory, who is rumoured to have a peanut allergy himself, was supportive of the ban through the entire process. He was previously quoted, in 2008, as saying, "a healthy worker is a productive worker." Which may be part of the reason the bargaining went so smoothly.

23:03 | Toronto | NUTPP

CANADIAN SNOW USED FOR SNOWCONES DOWN SOUTH

SNOW FROM CANADA SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA

Not Under The Pine Press - March 2013

A blanket of snow covering trees, roads, building, is a sight many of us Canadians take for granted. But, it is a sight most southern Californians have never witnessed before. That may explain the surprising demand for Canadian snow, which they are consuming by the ton - in the form of snow cones.

A small company, The SNOW Cone Cart, located in Oxnard, CA (near the sprawling city of L.A.), selling snow cones has recently started using snow in its product instead of the traditional shaved ice. The snow supplier they have subcontracted out to is a Canadian firm located in British Columbia. Owner and operator Carl Mendez believes this 'imported snow' gives him an advantage in the highly competitive snow cone market and he may be right. Since launching the 'Real SNOW cone', as he dubbed it, his sales have sky rocketed, so much so that he is planning an expansion into new markets and is even looking into a franchising option. Even considering the higher price of the snow cones, due to the increased shipping costs and storage of the snow, Mendez can barely keep up with the demand.

Could this be the start of a new market for one of Canada's least used natural resources?

A comment from the Ministry of Economic Development thinks so. Spokesman Irving Irvine commented, "according to the preliminary numbers, we could be on the forefront of millions of dollars worth of snow being exported down south...one day we could be looking at adding twenty to thirty thousand good paying jobs in BC alone." Currently snow cone exports account for under $10,000 in trade.

Interest in the business community is also ramping up with one local entrepreneur starting the legal process of legalizing claims on snow located on crown land, similar to logging or mining claims. This request is currently pending in the provincial courts, but, is expected to be ruled on in the next few weeks.

On the environmental front a group of young environmentalists calling themselves AARS (Alliance Against Removing Snow) have started an online petition calling for the ban on extracting and exporting snow. As of today they had just over one hundred thousand signatures. Other environmental groups (WWF, Coalition of the Environment, Treehuggers, Naturalists of BC) have voiced concerns over what they are viewing as another environmental scar caused by business. One tweet from the NOBC was trending high last week and has really brought the topic to the forefront, "I understand the logging industry replanting the trees they harvest, but, what are they going to do about the snow they take? You can't replant snow!"

This seemingly insignificant decision to use a scoop of real snow on a snow cone is already causing waves throughout many levels of Canadian society. Is this going to be another oil sands debate, pitting Canadians against one another? 

13:55 | Vancouver | NUTPP

LAND USE REPORT

LAND USE REPORT - 2012

Ministry of Urban Agriculture

This report provides a summary of last year's agricultural output as well as future land use.

The mandate of The Ministry of Urban Agriculture is both to spread the knowledge of growing food and encouraging the PUTP to become less reliant on food imports. 2012 was another successful year for both food production and knowledge building. Approx 1-2% of total food consumption was grown locally.

Outside of the PUTP 2012 was a devastating year for farmers in the area due to record low levels of rain and many hot spells. We are happy to report that the PUTP was not as affected as many other producers. In fact, we had a bountiful harvest, especially in the area of Tomatoes.

2012 OUTPUT

• Tomatoes - 10 freezer bags
• Yellow Beans - 2 freezer bags
• Raspberries - *20-30 cups
• Lettuce - *10-15 cups
• Green Beans - *5-10 cups
• Strawberries - *5-10 berries
• Onions - 0

*estimated amounts. Measuring standards were not routinely employed in 2012 and much of the output was consumed right off the plant.

2011 output numbers were 30% to 40% less in most categories, except raspberry production where it was similar.

This increase in output is being attributed to the long term strategy the Ministry has employed over the past six years. The starting point of this plan, the summer of 2007, found the 'Backyard' in very poor condition. Soil was classified as 'rock hard clay' or 'almost cement'. Available land was in the range of 100-150 square feet. Plans were made to increase cultivable land and substantially upgrade the fertility of the soil.

The 'set up' of the Backyard was changed drastically in 2008 and 2009, opening up more land to use for food production. A strategy of mixed planting, both perennials and annual plants, was put into place at the same time - three raspberry root stalks were planted on the western edge of the backyard. Soil conditioning has been an ongoing project with additional bags of 'top soil' and manure added each spring, and a constant feed of other organic compostables. This mainly consists of grass clippings in the summer months and a layer of leaves in the fall. Additional inputs of coffee grounds and egg shells are routinely added as well. Experimental treatments of unproven methods* are tried on an ad hoc basis.

*Water from boiled vegetables, including carrots and/or corn on the cob.

Since that time land under cultivation has increased by fourfold to approx. 480 square feet and soil conditions are good to excellent. 

Changes in 2012, including installation of a fence around the border of PUTP, have made it possible to shift the 'garden' out of the shade of the house into an area with increased sunshine. Also, newly turned over land is expected to be rich with nutrients and growing potential. As well, past experimentation with planting has given us the knowledge to know what will flourish and what the citizens of PUTP will consume. All of these things in combination should lead to larger yields in 2013.

In contrast, a new program aimed at containing the raspberry bushes may decrease berry production in 2013, but, is predicted to increase yields (and esthetic appeal) in the years to come. 

Other long term ideas yet to be implemented include bringing part of the 'Frontyard' into production. Again, poor soil conditions and a giant pine tree inhibit much from growing in this area. Preliminary research has suggested a blue berry bush may be able to survive, and possibly thrive, under such conditions. This may be put into action in 2013 or 2014. Other ideas for fruit or nut trees are on the agenda and may at some point be looked into further.

READING REFLECTS LIFE IN PUTP

READING VOLUME UP IN THE YOUNG, DOWN IN THE OLD

Pine Tree Post | February 2013

Reading has always been a gauge in the Place Under The Pines. When times are busy reading levels tend to drop, just as when leisure time increase reading levels tend to shoot up.

The year 2012 was a boom year, with countless childrens books read, and around 120 novels finished (80-90 by Jen, 40-50 by Matt). However, a recent reading survey shows 2013 amounts are well shy of last year's record high. Prominent reader Matt comments,

"In the past month I finished one good sized novel, see my review here , which I felt was pretty quick, 'specially considering we just had a new baby in January.

Before our first was born, I read A Song of Fire and Ice series (aka The Game of Thrones books), thousands of pages in a month or two. After O was born, I don't recall finishing even a slim book for half a year or more."

The younger generation have kept their pages turning as their passion (and ability) for reading continues to grow exponentially. A milestone was hit the other day as E made it through his first 'chapter' book. It was Fern the Green Fairy.

E's First Chapter Book

These Rainbow Magic fairy books were a staple in the PUTP about two years ago. Dozens of these books were borrowed from the library and picked up at thrift sales.

It only took two days to go cover to cover on this one since E seemed captivated by the story. He could easily recall the plot and characters and is very interested in continuing the series*. 

*Update - Wednesday another Rainbow Magic fair book was taken out of the library.

Another recent read that was given high reviews was, Molly's Organic Farm.

 A simple book that introduces children to some complex ideas around organic farming, such as natural pest removal, companion planting, composting, and such.

This type of book is part of the PUTP supplementary education program (agricultural division) where the young are trained both in theory and hands on training in urban agriculture.

This book was read in coordination with the 2013 garden planning session, as well as on the heels of the PUTP land use report.

It is hard to tell just how the year will turn out. Reading volumes are expected to increase over the next few month, but, an exact date on when reading levels will return to 'normal' for the older folk is hard to pin down.

8:00 | Kingston

POPULATION BOOM!

POPULATION INCREASES BY ONE!

Pine Tree Post  | AP | JANUARY 2014

The Population of the Place Under The Pine has grown by 20%! A new boy was born earlier this month, making a fifth person living in the PUTP. Currently, this new citizen is going by the name 'Oskie'.

This new addition was expected to bring more nightly noise complaints, but, luckily that prediction has not come true. The expected increase in laundry has come about. The noise of the washer and dryer can now be heard at all time of the day and night. As well, hampers full of laundry have been reported in all areas of the house.

The gross national income has decreased dramatically as outside work has dwindled. This trend is forecasted to last the next three months. To further worsen the trade deficit with the outside world, coffee imports have dramatically increase, doubling in the past week. To mitigate this negative situation the aroma of fresh brewed coffee is always in the air, causing a general good feeling throughout the citizens of PUTP.

Overall happiness is at an all-time high, further proving that love is stronger than money.

9:01am | Kingston