Saturday, February 26, 2011

Are Latin Kings Rivals With Surenos

The Quebec Bridge collapses (1907 and 1916) according to some contemporary newspapers

Last year, Radio-Canada told us that water under the bridge would be polluted Quebec, probably because the painting of the bridge (which contains lead) with the eroding river to the weather and terrain under the bridge. Last week, it's a gaping hole that has formed on the south access bridge, delaying the passage of far-shore south to the north shore on Monday, February 21, 2011. Nevertheless, this symbol of engineering holds for almost 100 years now above the St. Lawrence River. It is therefore interesting to briefly recall certain events surrounding the bridge.

The Quebec Bridge is a cantilever bridge and the central span of 549 meters is the longest in the world. The project is part of the project transcontinental railroad of the Government of Canada at the turn of the twentieth century. Many sites and sources, including this interesting article the encyclopedia of the cultural heritage of French America, describes the bridge and history. Some contemporary sources about the two collapses.
Source: "Quebec Bridge Disaster - looking south", The Montreal Weekly Witness , P. 2 online consultation , February 26, 2011.

August 29, 1907, the bridge collapses once (above). The reports of this tragedy are many: sometimes detached, sometimes very moving (and especially detailed reports rather than the twenty-first century media sometimes present) as evidenced by this transcript of an article from a Montreal weekly Bulletin (Sunday, 1 September 1907, p. 1):

[...] Latest information relating to the collapse of the Quebec bridge, although imprecise as to the cause, are more when the results of this lamentable disaster.
The number of victims exceeds sixty, and this figure will surely be increased even as many of the unfortunate workers who were removed alive from rubble claims, will not survive their horrific injuries.
A huge flat mourning today over the city of Quebec, the province and Canada as a whole.
At the first moment of surprise was followed by a huge feeling of deep and painful sympathy with the families of many victims. We read with dismay the account of the sad details on the state in which it was found that the poor died in the crash of iron. Their injuries were horrific, horrifying their wounds, their limbs torn off lay clinging to pieces of iron bent, and mangled bodies, disfigured, floated over the water.
From the shore, men, women and children, which we guess the emotion, heard appeals and groans of the wounded. Alas, what pen can never describe the horror of such a picture!
For our part, we give it up ... [...]
Still interesting waive describe such a picture after a few lines very descriptive ... For its part, the Montreal Weekly Witness another week of the metropolis, provides a complete picture in its edition of September 3. Not only will there be a detailed description of the facts, a list of deaths, but we add a few stories that provided the drama, ranging from a warning to the engineer Theodore Cooper in a story of dreams prescient ( Montreal Weekly Witness , p. 2, 3 September 1907):

Remarkable vision
-
Ironworker of New Haven dreamed that Quebec Bridge had fallen
-
New Haven, Conn., Aug. 30.- Edward Sutton, an ironworker, of this city, who worked on the bridge at Quebec for a time last spring, said to-day that about a month ago he dreamed that this very bridge had fallen. He says that the dream so impressed him that he wrote to a bridge worker named Richard Little, of this city, and told him of the impressions he had received, and in consequence, Mr. Sutton says, Little and his side partner threw up their work nad (sic) went elsewhere.

Fichier:Collapse of the centre span of the Quebec Bridge.jpg  
Source: A. A. Chersterfield, Quelques moments avant the collapse of the central span of the Quebec Bridge in 1916 , Library and Archives Canada (copy on wikipedia.org) online consultation , March 22, 2010.

The second accident took place September 11, 1916. It is at the center span up and hang at both ends (above) that the accident occurs. As it takes place at a crucial moment, leaving it up to the weekly Montreal Weekly Witness to describe the scene (September 12, 1916, p. 2):

After [...] The span HAD Been Hooked On The trusses, Which Were Connected with the arms, and, which were to lift the span to its place, there was a wait until 9.20 o'clock, when the scows were released and floated away with the tide, to be caught by tugs. This, the engineers said, was the crucial moment, as the weight was first placed on the arms: then a great cheer broke out when it was seen that the scows were clear and the span hanging on the arms.
It had been moved up about three feet by the jacks when the excursion and Government boats began to leave, but barley had they disappeared on their way to Quebec when the span broke away first at one end of the jacks and a great cry of horror rose from the spectators. Then the other end snapped off quickly and the whole 5,100 tons disappeared in the river.
Attempts to explain the tragedy quickly (another photo, below) as evidenced by this short week of Quebec, The Truth (p. 3, 16 September 1916):

The Cause of the accident
-
Following a conference between the officers and engineers on the fall of the bridge deck central Quebec, MGH Duggan, chief engineer of the St. Lawrence Bridge Limited, having heard the stories of several eyewitnesses, authorized the following statement:
A serious review of the office indicates that the engineers Central shield Quebec Bridge was lost by a defect in the ascending and joists on which the structure rested for six weeks. The cantilever arms are affected and no one is preparing to replace the fallen inside as soon as practicable.
It has now been conclusively established that the deck gave way first to the south and it is virtually certain, according stories more credible, that the deck has not folded, but he fell almost intact.
The plagues (sic) lives are twelve.


Source: AA Chesterfield Collapse of bridge deck central Quebec , McCord Museum (copy on the website of the University of Sherbrooke), online consultation , March 22, 2010.

Opened September 20, 1917 and still standing today, the Quebec Bridge is one of the signatures distinguishing the built landscape of the region of Quebec. The Quebec Bridge is considered a National Historic Site of Canada since January 1996. But a complete restoration project is still pending. Rumor has long been that iron rings engineers were made from metal from the center span of the Quebec Bridge collapsed. This rumor is actually an urban legend, sometimes still peddled today.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Stomach Bug Vancouver 2010 Fall

ESSAY: Howard Zinn (1922-2010) - awkward reflection on the historian and the public sphere




NOTE: Here is the update of this week thinking about the extension history. Understand that this text was written there over a year now. It is part of a personal reflection on the role of the historian in the city. Incomplete, this reflection is being organized and development. Other texts are likely to follow ...



On January 27, 2010 died of a historians Americans the most influential of the second half of the twentieth century, Howard Zinn. Born August 24, 1922, Zinn has served as bomber pilot during World War II before returning to the U.S. and obtaining his Ph.D. from Columbia University and eventually become a professor of political science at Boston University (a position he held between 1964 and 1988). His principal work is A People's History of the United States , appeared for the first time in 1980.

Today, several later editions, this book has sold nearly two million copies in the U.S. alone (1). The book focuses primarily on the history of the people through his struggles and trials, such as those of daily exceptions, threw a shock wave through the community of historians (who did not very well received book) and in the general population. The interest of this book, especially at the time at which it was written (the late 1970s, the dawn of the Reagan years), is his "new" approach to the history of the United States: from the poor and the voiceless, he tried make a history.

course, his book has weaknesses of a historian point of view: the sources are sometimes biased, the findings are predictable, the book is highly partisan, the method supported by constant reference to sources is sometimes deficient. The author does not yet have never hidden. He was aware of a work to do and believed that militant action is necessary just to counter the historiography glorifying that was wall to wall in schools and universities. To do this, so he wrote a book in prose effective and direct, full of examples that illustrate his point and leads the reader to ask real questions. For me it is a book, notwithstanding its position, which certainly raises discussion and debate and may indicate real unknown aspects of the history of the United States. His direct style is a fantastic support and examples eventually passionate player who would have had, starting with little interest in the subject. It's a pretty impressive achievement.

Zinn's story takes us on another path, therefore, is it possible or even desirable given the role of historian for that of "popular teacher", is it possible for a historian to work extension without running afoul more of these academic colleagues?

How to understand the dichotomy historian / popularizer? Working for nearly 10 years in mediation / interpretation / extension, I communicate on a regular basis in history, a way to captivate an audience as much as possible for him to understand certain realities of the past. And in recent years, I ask myself these questions.

I think these are roles that are partially incompatible, and that are regrettably misunderstood. In short, the academic historians (read "scholars") and those who are working to connect the story to a wider audience (the " extension "), continues role diametrically opposed. The first attempt to explain, all shades, the deep problems that arise in this or that event or situation that extends a short or a long period in time. He also directed generally to an audience that has references in common with him and can understand a text through a set of "codes" typical to the profession.

At its opposite, the "popularizer" was to address a general audience. To be included, it must assume that his audience does not have the codes to decipher his message well, not not have references to locate it in time or even to certain nuances that would otherwise be implicit about it.

In a way, we could even argue that the "popularizer" is not history. Breaking with the search for a great Truth, he is content to present a truth ; action to provide for a non-initiated request to make choices and sometimes wrenching one can certainly say that the historian does longer history, but heritage. A sort of "heritage value" of the past. For simplicity, wealth is an understanding of our collective memory, often associated with events or objects in a more or less distant past and is formatted to be useful to future generations. In the act of "popularize" the historian seeks to make himself useful to the individuals to whom it is addressed, it seeks to create meaning.

In history, the foundation's work "popularizer" is that of historian. The historian returns to the sources. He consults, analyzes, dissects them and finally managed to deduce or construct a sense, a speech, an explanation to a specific problem dealing with a situation our past. It uses scientific codes, a method of research and dissertation. And transmits its Truth peers who are able to decode the message in an acceptable manner. But this knowledge, it remains at this level, may eventually be lost. The historian must blame the adviser. The city had asked her somehow. So it make to society the fruits of his research. But it must automatically decode the keys included in our original message to be understood by the greatest number. This requires a different approach, a different vocabulary and a special dressing. The historian who decides to popularizer of the hat is a different job (but completely necessary and complementary) to work in scientific research. It uses different techniques. And who better than the historian to present its results. It is more likely to make the necessary choices and informed decisions to present accurate research. But it is a world quite different codes to appropriate ...


There is a little lower link to the website of Harper Collins editor that allows you to search for even A People's History of the United States and view it online. Other editions are available online for viewing and the book is still very well in bookstores, both in English (Harper Collins, 2003) in French edition (Agone, 2003).





Sources
1 - Howard Powell, "Howard Zinn, Historian, Dies at 87", New York Times, January 27, 2010, accessed online.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What Happens If You Don't Deworm Your Puppy

Fisheries Agreement EU / Morocco: Eels rock in Western Sahara

Morocco Fisheries Agreement / EU: Eels rock in Western Sahara

one hand, African countries lacked fish ( Cameroon is developing strategies to increase fish production ) organizations fishermen and NGOs condemn the looting of the African coast by foreign arms, Asia and Europe, through fisheries agreement or not ( Will Africa feed Europe: the (over) fishing in EU Africa).

the other hand, Morocco, the largest fishing nations in Africa (with Africa South) would continue to sell part of its fish resources in the European arms. "Since March 2007, the EU pays € 36 million per year fishing rights in Morocco to allow about 119 European vessels, mostly English and Portuguese fishing in its waters. Among the vessels concerned are also a dozen French tuna. " ( Fishing: Brussels proposes to extend its fishing agreement with Morocco )

That small island countries lacking the capacity to run their own exclusive economic zone (EEZ), are signatories Fisheries Agreement and provide catch quotas to large foreign fishing powers, is still conceivable.

But as Morocco, this great country that derives much of its income from fishing and in particular the export of processed products, is also eager to give a part of its fish resources in the arms of English fishing does not hold water economically ... (1).

Moreover, the fishing agreement between Morocco / EU is beneficial for the European arms industry to the detriment of the Moroccan fisheries sector, including artisanal ( INFOSAMAK (2)). Indeed, foreign arms short of meeting the obligations associated with fishing licenses regarding landings in local ports, the annual technical inspection, transmitting lists of seamen and copies of contracts Moroccan seamen, the input signal and output zone, and the declaration of catches as evidenced by the Minutes of the fifth joint commission of the partnership agreement in the fisheries sector between the Kingdom of Morocco and the European Community - Rabat, 2-3 February 2010 , click here .

For the Kingdom of Morocco wants to sell out as fast as fishery resources, there is indeed something fishy in the rich fishing grounds and coveted between Western Sahara and the Canary: "The international legality of the fishing agreement between Morocco and the European Union" (3).

One-year extension of the fisheries agreement between the EU and Morocco

On 21 February 2011 the Agriculture and Fisheries Council adopted by qualified majority, Germany and Finland s refraining, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom voted against a decision authorizing the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the European Union for Renewal the Protocol to the Partnership Agreement on Fisheries with the Kingdom of Morocco ... .

The warrant authorizes the Commission to negotiate a one-year extension of the current protocol, two conditions, namely an adaptation of fishing opportunities based on the best available scientific advice and regular reporting on implementation of sectoral policies, including the regional implications of the Protocol. Source: Council of Agriculture and Fisheries - Brussels, 21 February 2011 under the chairmanship of Sándor FAZEKAS, Hungarian Minister of Rural Development

A Win-Win Agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and the English arms

Agreement lose-lose for artisanal fishermen and Moroccan Sahrawi

The Partnership Agreement on Fisheries between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco expired February 27, 2011, was extended for one year (for a further period of four years by the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture and Marine Fisheries, Aziz Akhannouch).

For the Minister of Morocco "the renewal of the partnership agreement was made without any changes, saying this clearly proves that the partnership with the EU is on track. " Source: The financial support of the EU will help develop the fishing industry (aufaitmaroc)

Indeed, the English arms will continue to blithely take their trains of nets and other train lines that now 'they have the green light to ride without barrier on the waters off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara ...

In 2008, Spain made no secret that the fishing agreement was "extremely attractive" for English arms. "The English Minister of Fisheries said that English vessels fishing in Moroccan waters are favored by a fisheries agreement extremely advantageous. "Currently, the English ships enjoy privileges that are not Moroccan vessels" in Moroccan waters, "she said. "The Moroccan vessels are not allowed to fish with lights, unlike Spain, which is authorized to do so." English vessels now unload their catches in the English ports, so that by law, they should do in Moroccan ports. Source: Agritrade / CTA

Philippe Favrelière (modified March 1, 2011)

(1) Morocco receives an annual contribution of 36.1 million euros European Union under the fisheries agreement. But for how much captured by the 119 European boats allowed? The Partnership Agreement in the field of fisheries concluded between the European Community and Morocco for the period from 28 February 2007 to 27 February 2011, remains rather vague on the quantities allowed in particular the allowable catch for the English fleet numbering 100 vessels. By cons, Morocco exported to the EU in 2009 for 777 million euros of fishery products (most products made with added value and source of local jobs).

(2) Morocco-EU fishing agreement: The fishing agreement between Morocco and the European Union which expires February 27, 2011 could be extended. The European Commission, speaking through its Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ms. Lowri Evans expressed support for the extension of the agreement initialed July 29, 2005. Ms Lowri Evans before the European Parliament, acknowledged the efforts made by Morocco in its development policy in the fisheries sector in particular through its fisheries programs. A partnership agreement beyond the two partners, benefits to many countries of the EU. A possible extension of this agreement will certainly benefit the Kingdom, but it will also mean a boon for European owners. This extension will enable them to avoid heavy losses. Worse, "the non-renewal will result in the loss of hundreds of licenses for English vessels" indicated Lowri Evans. The partnership agreement current has allowed European vessels to take advantage of 119 fishing permits of which 100 are allocated to English vessels - it shows the importance of this agreement for English fishermen. In return, the EU spends more than 360 000 dhs on behalf of the Moroccan fisheries sector.

(3) "the legal department of the European Parliament said in February 2010 in a legal opinion that EU vessels fishing in the territorial waters of Western Sahara was a violation of international law".

Other articles:

To go further ...

European Parliament : Parliamentary question unanswered by the Commission?

question for written reply to the Commission Fiorello Provera (EFD) and Charles Tannock (RCT), dated December 20, 2010

Subject: Agreement in the EU-Morocco fisheries

According to the legal department of the European Parliament, the EU-Morocco in the field of fisheries allowing European vessels to fish in waters off Western Sahara violates international law. This review has been a debate in the Committee on Fisheries of the European Parliament in February 2010.

what extent the Commission agrees, and she accepts she said that legal opinion? To what extent will it meet that legal advice when negotiating extensions to the EU-Morocco fisheries? To what extent should the fact that they allow European vessels to fish in waters off Western Sahara night in efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute between Morocco and the Frente Polisario? To what extent the Commission's action in this regard undermines the pretensions of the EU to be an honest broker in this conflict? What consultations she conducted over the past two recent years with the Frente Polisario, the Sahrawi organizations and NGOs on the EU-Morocco in the field of fisheries? Source: European Parliament

Monday, February 14, 2011

Why Blacks Have Yellow Eyes

A sea without fishing or marine farming as the Grenelle Sea

Grenelle Sea dream of a fisherman or sea without a grower!

On February 10, 2011, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development, provides a roadmap of the Grenelle Sea: economic development and preservation of maritime space.

Among the four strategic axes, nothing on the development of marine farming and fishing. ...

Goodbye fishermen, shellfish growers, and salt, fish farmers, ...

Welcome, Wind, Marine Protected Areas, ...

And Hello damage in sustainable development (environmental cost of imported aquatic products) and deficit of trade balance and food sovereignty of France!

Roadmap 2011-2012 of Grenelle Sea: development Economic and preservation of the maritime

Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet presented the major projects of the Grenelle Sea and said that 2011 would be the year of the implementation of the Grenelle of the Sea to it becomes tangible for all French.

The 4 strategic axes of the Grenelle Sea

The 4 strategic areas of its roadmap:

  • 1-The protection of marine biodiversity with:

- creation a list of protected species,

- hardening of the conditions of discharge of dredging in ports,

- taking greater account of environmental damage in the compensation of marine pollution.

- the creation of marine protected areas, which should cover 10% of the total area of its maritime areas by 2012. France, which currently has two parks, should have ten in 2013. Starting this year, three new parks (Vermilion Coast, Glorious, Estuaries Picard) will be created and another three in 2012.

- the creation of the international marine park in the Bouches Bonifacio between Italy and France

  • 2-The development of marine economy, "growth Blue with:

- the location of 1,200 offshore wind by 2020 and the creation of a French industrial and marine energy.

- the development of new "motorways of the sea".

- creation since 1 January 2011 the high school trades the sea, the National School Marine.

  • 3-A program with knowledge of the oceans:

- adopting a strategy of exploring the deep sea,

- a complete inventory of the flora, fauna, water quality and maritime activities by the end 2012.

  • 4-A renovated governance, through:

- reform of territorial administration,

- the creation of a national council of the sea and advice for each coastline.

For more information, click here and press release, click here

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