Tootfinder

"Tree planting can combat urban heat, but some neighborhoods are falling behind"
#Trees #Environment
https://

Tree planting can combat urban heat, but some neighborhoods are falling behind
Sydney communities may be missing out on crucial tree planting projects intended to combat urban heat, leaving western and eastern parts of Greater Sydney with less protection from extreme heat, a University of Sydney-led study has revealed. In a surprising finding, the researchers found that while Greater Sydney's total tree canopy increased by 4.2% from 1.514 billion square meters to 1.578 billion square meters between 2016 and 2022, this growth was not evenly distributed.

H5N1 bird flu kills more than 50 skuas in first Antarctica wildlife die off #Antarctica

H5N1 bird flu kills more than 50 skuas in first Antarctica wildlife die off
For the first time, deadly H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed as the cause of a wildlife die-off in Antarctica, killing more than 50 skuas during the 2023–2024 summers. Researchers on an Antarctic expedition found the virus ravaging these powerful seabirds, with some suffering severe neurological symptoms—twisted necks, circling behavior, and even falling from the sky. While penguins and fur seals were examined, skuas emerged as the primary victims, especially on Beak Island, where a mass die…

I went out to the garage this evening, turned on the lights, and saw a bat flying in circles around the Land Rover.
This of course is now going to be in my origin story, of a very slow, noisy, super-hero who fights crime using a mixture of hope, iron oxide and the ability to easily find a good supply of after-market parts.
(The bat was ok. I turned off the lights, opened the roller door, and he sped off, no doubt in search of a lights-behind-the-grill Series 1)

went on a boat to see a man about a boat and an espresso maker that is like a family heirloom 😆 (my dad is selling his live aboard and I got a text that it might be now or never so now it is!😂 )
did I mention I am now heading to Victoria to grad the son flying in from Ottawa at 10PM and then turn around and get back home by..... 1AM? 😆
the things we do for family!!
#bcferry #boats #travel #nanaimo #gabriola #family

This past weekend was no holiday for the cybersecurity world, so don't miss today's Metacurity for the crucial infosec developments you might have missed, including
--Germany names alleged ‘UNKN’ kingpin behind GandCrab and REvil ransomware empire,
--Meta pauses work with Mercor indefinitely following breach,
--N. Ireland education IT system contractor hit by breach,
--First convicted spyware maker dodges jail time,
--N. Korea carried out a six-month op t…

Germany names alleged ‘UNKN’ kingpin behind GandCrab and REvil ransomware empire
Meta pauses work with Mercor indefinitely following breach, N. Ireland education IT system contractor hit by breach, First convicted spyware maker dodges jail time, N. Korea carried out six-month op to steal $270m from Drift, Y Combinator dumps Delve over compliance fabrications, much more

NASA began a two-day practice countdown Saturday
leading up to the fueling of its new moon rocket,
a crucial test that will determine when four astronauts blast off on a lunar flyby.
Already in quarantine to avoid germs,
Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew will be the first people to launch to the moon since 1972.
They will monitor the dress rehearsal from their Houston base before flying to Kennedy Space Center once the rocket is cleared for flight.
The 3…

NASA begins a practice countdown for its first moonshot with astronauts in more than 50 years
NASA has begun a two-day practice countdown for its first moonshot with astronauts in 53 years

I have a problem with the House of Commons floor crossers, as I think most people do.
But I havent been able to come up with a more palatable alternative or at least a different scenario.
The biggest problem, for me, is the act of poaching. The trickle of MPs.
It gives the impression, falsely or not, that these people needed just a little more time, a little more convincing, a little more... ? to eventually turn on their constituent's choice of party.
What would be more pallatable? How about a group? Rather than a trickle.
People tallk, it is naïve to think it isn't known between individuals who may be thinking of leaving or switching parties.
So if there is more than one with that thought I think it would be better for our democracy if those MPs banded together and made their concerns known privately in their caucus first, then if nothing changes, they communicate to others including the public, and make it clear this is something that could happen en masse.
Then at least it takes away the transactional nature of it and frames it more as a democratic choice, informed by whatever situation is happening and done for the benefit of constituents and Canadians.
How does this change get made? Unfortunately that's the hard part. It would be hard or maybe inappropriate to "legislate".
It would need to be an expectation, a habit, a "norm".
It could happen. Though today, politicians following "norms" seems to be a little out of vogue.
#canPoli #cdnpoli #canada #democracy #houseofcommons
https://halifax.citynews.ca/video/2026/04/13/floor-crossing-raises-questions-on-canadian-voting-stability/

I'm raising money for Sage Haven Society in Port Alberni
http://walk.w-ith.me/chris
I've raised my bar this year to $2000 in honour of Ellen Frood, their former and amazing executive director who has done so much for our community and passed away suddenly last year.
Only have $700 to go to my goal!
Sage Haven has provided a women's shelter for decades and now provides more services for all fleeing gender-based violence.
Mastodon has been so amazing. Any amount helps.
Thanks.❤️

Feeling good that @… (red jacket) and my MP Gord Johns (orange tie) are right there behind @….
This is a good speech. Including parts in French delivered with confidence and passion.
There are so many quotes I have wanted to share as he spoke but couldn’t pick one!
How about:
“When Israel commits a genocide in Gaza.”
Yes!
“An economy for the many, not the money”
#ndp #canada #socialism