knightfisher

I agree with the ban on cell phones. I'm on the road alot with estimates and such, and I have found most people can't seem to drive and talk on those things at the same time. As far as GPS, well if they are built into the cars not much one can do, but how did people get from A to B before without them

Great job on the musky guys. I also own a Sportspal. Great canoe. Just wondering how you got those seats attached, sure would make fishing all the more enjoyable.

Birds ??????? I was trying to draw Klingon Warships Well done on your musky jedi. The Sportspal is a great canoe for fishing.

Out in the SS Adventure (sportspal canoe with trolling motor) we went in search of Musky. This is down Niagara way. Well we didn't get disappointed. Not a big gal, but nice fight and some tail dancing. This is Tom with the ski. Thats the only one we got. Lots of OOS bass and pike. Was a good time.

This has nothing to do with supply and demand. This has to do with greed and capitalizing on a necessity of life for most people. Nice to see some people take responsibility for conditions in their cities and countries By Kumaran Ira and Alex Lantier 2 June 2008 Growing anger over soaring fuel prices has prompted a wave of strikes and demonstrations across Europe that is fast becoming a major political crisis for the European bourgeoisie. After fishermen in France went on strike, their counterparts in Portugal, Spain, and Italy began indefinite nationwide work stoppages on May 30 to protest against soaring oil prices. Truck drivers, farmers, taxi drivers and ambulance workers across the continent also staged protests. The rapid increase in oil prices internationally has affected industries such as fishing, trucking, and agriculture as well the life of ordinary people around the world. Over the last five years, average prices per litre have increased by between 50 and 100 percent in most parts of Europe. The French fishermen’s strikes lasted for more than two weeks in May. Fishermen in Spain, Italy and Portugal called for an indefinite strike last week, demanding government action to bring down fuel prices and grant subsidies to bridge the gap between high fuel costs and low prices for fish. Fishing employs some 400,000 people in the EU and is particularly important in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. In France the cost of a litre of shipping fuel has risen from €0.45 to €0.70 in six months. Though the French government has agreed to grant temporary fuel subsidies to get fishermen back to work, they continued their protests on Friday as a sign of solidarity with their European colleagues. Oil refineries and storage facilities at full of it-sur-mer were occupied by fishermen on Friday. Fishermen in Arcachon, Cherbourg, and Saint-Brieuc have voted to continue strike action. On May 30 in Spain, which has largest fishing fleet in Europe, trawlers and larger commercial boats remained docked across the country; 5,000 demonstrators converged on Madrid and handed out 20 tons of fish for free. The Associated Press wrote: “The Spanish fishing confederation ? which comprises 1,400 fishing companies employing 20,000 workers ? says the crisis is the worst in a century. It estimates fuel prices have gone up 320 percent in the past five years and claims many fishermen can no longer afford to take their boats out.” “People can’t take it any more and are protesting because governments and the (European) Commission are not taking action,” Javier Garat, the secretary general of Spanish fishermen’s federation Cepesca told Reuters. “In the next two weeks, I’m convinced that there will be a widespread stoppage. I expect that the European fleet will be tied up for the next 15-20 days.” In Italy, thousands more fishermen went on strike, shutting down the industry on both of Italy’s coasts. Nationwide 2,000 fishermen, or roughly a third of the national total, took part in the strike. One fisherman told Italian television: “If we don’t get any results it will be open war. We are tired, we are tired of working 80 hour weeks without earning a penny.” In Portugal, the large majority of fishermen went on strike. “Not a single boat has gone out,” Antonio Macedo, leader of the national federation of fishing unions, told Agence France Presse. The newly-formed Vigilance Committee of French Fishermen announced yesterday that French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese fishermen would travel together to demonstrate in Brussels on Wednesday and demand that EU authorities keep the price of shipping fuel at €0.40 per litre. The Committee’s spokesman, Alain Rico, told Le Nouvel Observateur: “The Italians and Portuguese have agreed to it, the Spanish will confirm on Tuesday but they agree in principle. We have launched an appeal to all French ports for boats to stay docked or return to port, and for crews to travel to Brussels.” Demonstrations against costly fuel are rapidly spreading beyond the fishing sector, to include farmers and drivers in trucking and public transport. In France, farmers blocked oil depots all over the country last week, including those near Toulouse, Sète, Frontignan and Marseille. Thousands of farmers demonstrated in Lille on May 28. The oil depot in Villette-Vienna and two depots south of Dijon remained blocked yesterday by farmers, after riot police used tear gas and baton charges to clear blockades erected by farmers at the Toulouse depot and by fishermen at the full of it-sur-mer facility. As with fishermen, dairy farmers throughout Europe are on strike. Their basic complaint is the same as the fishermen: they are trapped between high energy costs and low prices paid by supermarkets and other food retailers. There was panic buying of milk as farmers in Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, and France fed their milk to calves or sprayed it over their fields as fertilizer, to protest low prices for milk. One German farmer told the British Guardian: “Our production costs are rising all the time. If we don’t want to incur losses, we need to be receiving at the very minimum €0.33 per litre, but in spite or rising costs for feed, fertiliser, and energy, we’re getting only €0.30.” Truck and taxi drivers have staged protests in several countries with more strikes planned in coming days. On May 27, Hundreds of British truck drivers blocked streets in central London, demanding government help over rising fuel prices. French truck drivers staged a “go-slow” demonstration on major highways near Paris and in other parts of the country last week. Truck, bus, and taxi drivers held protests in Bulgaria and blocked the main ring road around the capital, Sofia. Bitter disagreements have emerged inside the EU over how to deal with the crisis, as several governments directly hit by protests have made calls for Europe-wide action to combat price increases. On May 27, Portuguese Economy Minister Manuel Pinho called for an emergency debate on fuel prices at the EU. On the same day, French President Nicolas Sarkozy gave an unusual, hour-long morning interview on RTL radio and proposed an EU-wide reduction in value-added taxes (VAT) on fuel. He faced sceptical questions from the interviewers, who pointed out that this would cut a major source of state revenue — at a time when France faces criticism inside EU for its budget deficit, which will not be balanced until 2012, as opposed to 2009 as Sarkozy initially promised. This proposal met firm opposition from other European governments, especially those less affected by the strikes. The Slovenian government, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, refused to call an emergency meeting as requested by Pinho. Austrian Finance Minister Wilhelm Molterer warned of the long-term effect tax cuts would have on state revenues, asking: “What will you do when prices fall again, reintroduce the tax? I’d like to hear the political discussions then!” The European Commission noted that tax cuts would signal to oil-producing countries and oil companies that European states were willing to absorb rising gas prices by cutting taxes and running higher budget deficits. Its spokesperson said: “Modifying the fiscality of fuel to fight the rise in oil prices would send a very bad signal to oil-producing countries. We would be saying that [they] can raise oil prices and this will be paid for by the taxes of Europeans. This would, in principle, be a very bad signal that we do not want to send.” At stake is the global division of the massive revenues generated by fuel sales in Europe. Currently, the lion’s share of these revenues goes to European governments, who collectively raise hundreds of billions of euros in fuel taxes. In the UK in 2007, fuel taxes raised £30.5 billion and accounted for 68 percent of prices at the pump. In France in 2006, taxes accounted for 70 percent of fuel prices at the pump and raised €33.2 billion, or 13 percent of the national government’s revenues. Gasoline is taxed as heavily or more in most other countries of the euro-zone: €602.3 per kiloliter in France, versus €564 in Italy, €654.5 in Germany, and €664.9 in the Netherlands in March 2008. An agreement by European governments to cut taxes would potentially leave oil markets the option of further jacking up prices, thus distributing revenues away from the European governments and towards oil company profits and the revenues of oil-producing countries. Oil companies are already realizing record profits thanks to high prices — with British firms Shell and BP realizing an extraordinary £7.2 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2008, and France’s Total announcing €3.6 billion in profits over the same period.

No debate here. When one does a job, it's done professionally or one can expect problems down the road. You should of done the job ''better'' the first time. No way I would charge my customer for a job twice, if it was in any way my responsiblity, as you have stated above. Dan

I have been using salt and sugar in equal amounts and the eggs harden up nice and retain the colour. A few bags in the freezer from last year are still in good shape and colour.

Can you handle the truth, well here it is. Current hydro rates are approx .05 ( cents ) per kWh. With the new smart meters coming into effect by the end of 2008 there will be a --slight-- price change. Summer May-Oct 7am-11am .071 11am-5pm .09.7 5pm-10pm .07.1 10pm-7am .03.4 Winter Nov- Apr 7am-11am .09.7 11am-5pm .07.1 5pm-8pm .09.7 8pm-10pm .07.1 10pm-7am .03.4 Added to this, the smart meter also reads the demand or surge, which the old meter can't read. If you noticed your lights go dim for a moment when your washing machine comes on, that's the demand or surge. And don't forget that's just the usage. Your delivery charge, regulatory charge, and debt retirement charge is at least 110 % of your usage charge. The more juice you use the more the aformentioned will be. So what does all this mean apart from having to eat supper after midnight, and doing the laundry then also. It means ---at the least--- your hydo bill will almost -double-. It's pretty sad when the powers that be, milk us for the necessities of life we need to live. Dan

Barnie, we were fishing the south end of Lake O. Joey your right, that is a comical hold she has. Never noticed as I was just excited she was catching fish and wanted some pictures

Here's another one I believe Valerie brought in. This fish was not willing to come in, so Bowen and I chatted for a while until the fish stopped taking line out. What a blast. The wait is over, also time seems to vanish while fishing, I don't know how long it took to get this one in, but it's a nice one. With two cameras we took about 60 pics and to be honest I don't recall the order the fish were caught. Here's Valerie with another one. Valerie had two really long runs today. One was at least or seemed like fifteen minutes. She was getting tired to say the least but wouldn't pass over the rod. She lost one that Bowen figures was at least 25 or more pounds. Bowen had no desire to bring in any fish. He wanted us to enjoy the thrill. He did however bring in a few shakers quickly, to get the line back out. But he was willing to have his picture taken with one. I was totally impressed by Bowen's skill, and professionalism. Once he decide the spot we were to fish, he had the lines in the water, and was just a blurr of activity to watch. Once he got us into some fish, he said who wants it, and many times unless it was some of the larger fish we had no idea any fish were on. He netted most of the fish, and and the same time would be directing me or Valerie which way to steer the boat, or speed, whatever. When there were lulls in the fishing, he would be adjusting the depth of the lines, and putting on different lures.... Words cannot describe how well this young man knows his business and gets his products. He has mentioned to me a few times he wants to be a charter fishing Captain. Well at age 16 in my books he's there. And in a few years when he decides to make it a reality, he will do great. Words cannot describe how impressed I am with Bowen. We figure we caught over 15, but under 20 fish. And we weighed one that was about 18lb. Many were close to that size with some smaller and also, a few shakers as mentioned. This next and last fish caught as we were heading was caught by Valerie and again was her first and personal best. A nice bow. A few fish were brought home and Bowen continued to show his skill and cleaned three fish in not time flat. We have never had lake salmon before so this will be a treat. Two final pictures were taken, one is shown below. I won't show the last one, as Bowen mouth dropped in shock and he turned many shades of red. Valerie decided to give Bowen a peck on the cheek in apreciation for the wonderful time out. Bowen must of been in shock because not only did he take us out fishing, he bought us lunch afterwards. Bowen words can't describe the pleasure and thrill you bestowed on us, especially Valerie. Thank you is not enough, but is all we can offer. Thankyou Bowen Valerie and Daniel

Hi all. I don't post here much, but this one's a must. Enjoy Valerie and I hooked up with Bowen Friday morning and experienced fishing on Lake O. The Captain We had no expectations at all. Just wanted to be out on the lake and perhaps catch a few. Bowen ensured we got into a few, and a few we did. Here's Valerie reeling in the line. She found out quick, there's a little more line out on the lake compared to shore fishing and the rod and fish just a touch heavier. This is the first salmon she has ever caught. Bowen put us on to some fish, and it continued. This ugly thing was a first for us to see. Here is another fish caught that was one of the victims of the lamprey We caught a few shakers (small salmons) This lamprey was just scarey, even Captain Bowen was backing away at first You never know what your going to catch when fishing... a sheephead there's more

Nice tribute in pictures of your brother. Our condolences to you and your family and his family. Dan and Valerie

Isn't it strange that with this ''shortage of gas'' a few weeks ago Alberta signed a 20 year contract with the usa. According to the report Alberta suppies about 10% of the gas the usa comsumes. Why wouldn't our family ( country ) take care of ourselves before helping someone else. Oh yeah, I forgot $$$$$. How many people know that 80% of the hydro produced in Niagara Falls goes to the USA. Why not to us Canadians, oh yeah, I forgot $$$$$. Then there is all the pipe lines of natural gas going to the States also instead of staying here in Canada, you know $$$$$$$. Canada, like any ''sane'' family should take care of themselves first, then with any extra, sell off the rest. Canada could be totally self reliant. But the powers that be have other ideas. There is no shortage of energy in Canada. Just greed. Also many of us thousand or so contractors in Niagara alone,drive hundreds of miles a week doing our work and estimates. Converting to propane or natural gas is not an options when their are few stations around to service these vehicals. The last thing a contractor wants to worry about working out in the boonies somewhere, is to find a service station. Also if the powers that be wanted us to really us natural gas or propane, there would be a huge push to get these stations in place, not just a few here and there. Gasoline, like the utilities are a necessity to many Canadians, and is why we are being gouged. We have to use them, and the corporations know this, and the government looks the other way. --true awareness is only enjoyed by a few--

That's all it is, propaganda. The powers that be, know gasoline and all home utilities are necessities of life and people will pay whatever is dictated. And you all thought you lived in a democracy. If there was a real fear of gasoline shortage, wouldn't the governments or who ever, force car manufactures to get rid of humvee's and produce more four cylinder cars. It's all about corporate greed and nothing more.

Good point Irish. I am surprised how many people think these chem trails are normal I posted a number of pictures on another board, of chem trails here in Niagara. The response was just contrails and such. I don't think many people want to know the truth. The sheeple of this planet are content being herded around by the powers that be. ...True awareness is only enjoyed by a few...

Nice looking fish, well done.