Spiel

5 minute epoxy.

KCVI student group works to bring salmon back May 22nd, 2009 Jessica and Vanessa Wiseman / The Kingston Whig-Standard In recent years, the environment has become the focus of many discussions, particularly concerning global warming. Often forgotten are the numerous animals that are threatened by extinction or have already become extinct because of negative human influence. From polar bears to gorillas to Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario, to countless other species around the world, animals are disappearing at alarming rates. In future, these animals will merely be seen in textbooks and will never be appreciated in their natural habitats. One such species could have been the Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario. However, due to the determination and commitment of many individuals and organizations, this native species is returning to areas where it has not been seen in a century. Atlantic salmon were once an abundant native species, providing settlers and natives with food and economic self-sufficiency. Due to habitat loss and overfishing, however, the Atlantic salmon have been extirpated since European settlement began. For the past 20 years, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has studied reintroducing this native species. Through partnerships formed with various concerned groups, the rehabilitation of salmon is becoming a reality. Since discovering the rehabilitation program Bring Back the Salmon, the Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute Environment Club and several concerned senior students have been actively involved in restoring Atlantic salmon populations in Lake Ontario, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Since January, the group has spawned 70 surviving fish eggs and raised the fry. During the past months, the group has evaluated the growth and development of the fish, and they are anticipating that the young fry will be released by late May or early June in nearby Cobourg Creek. This is the first year of the Environment Club’s participation in the rehabilitation program, and we all share great enthusiasm and optimism for the success of the project. It is our aspiration that this program will become a tradition at KCVI and will be successful in the future. In conjunction with increasing Atlantic salmon populations, rehabilitating salmon habitats is a key focus. Along with the release of the fish in the springtime, the KCVI Environment Club will organize a cleanup in the area of Cobourg Creek. This will ensure that the water temperature remains low for optimum growing conditions and that our efforts to restore the Atlantic salmon are maintained. We hope that many more groups and individuals in the Kingston area share our enthusiasm for reintroducing a species that has suffered from our misuse of the land. Even though the ministry and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters have successfully brought many Atlantic salmon back into Lake Ontario, many more challenges remain in restoring polluted streams. Nevertheless, optimism and hope for a full recovery are on the horizon through outreach and education as many more people learn about the Bring Back the Salmon program.

Boaters told to expect more patrols by US Proper documents now vital May 22, 2009 / Leamington Post Security patrols on Lake Erie by boat or aircraft out of the United States have been almost non-existent but that isn’t the case for 2009. About 50 boaters from the Leamington and Kingsville area were told those efforts will be greatly enhanced this year on the U.S. side. The boaters attended a session at the Leamington Marina May 16 with three members of the U.S. customs and border patrol service from Cleveland and an official from the Canadian Border Services Agency. They were answering queries on the regulations for boaters to enter the United States and return to Canada. Chief Jim Mortimer, based out of Cleveland, said the number one document that anyone should have when entering the US is a passport or other approved document, a rule that comes into effect on all U.S. border crossings on June 1. The Cleveland border service is responsible for about 300 miles of coastline along the Great Lakes. Canadian boaters were also urged to obtain other documentation, such as Form I 68 or Nexus cards to ease entry into U.S. ports. Mortimer said that boaters that do cross the boundary in the lake without the intent of landing could be stopped and searched but that is not viewed as a major problem by US customs. “We’re all in this together,” he said of the efforts to thwart terrorism and smuggling. He urged boaters to report anything they see and consider as suspicious activity on the lake. One boater said he certainly would not use his marine radio to make that call because it could be overheard. Mortimer agreed a cell phone or landline was more appropriate. Canadian boaters with the appropriate documents were told they can call US customs ahead of the intended visit by boat, anywhere between a mimum of four hours and a maximum of 48 hours.

The famous common loon May 22, 2009 ELIZABETH MATHESON / www.elliotlakestandard.ca To northerners the mysterious and haunting call of the loon is a sign that winter has gone. The loons that return to our lakes each year are generally common loons, and Canada is home to 80% of the world’s common loons. We have a special relationship with loons: they are Canada’s official bird, as well as Ontario’s, and, of course, our dollar coin featuring a loon is famous internationally as ‘the loonie.’ Perhaps we are attracted to loons because they are solitary and elusive, and therefore hard to get to know. We do know that this beautiful bird, with its black head, white belly, famous necklace and black-and-white checkered back is a perfect advertisement for the artistry of Mother Nature. How many know, however, that this is the loon’s breeding plumage, the same for males and females, and that we might not recognize the loon the rest of the year? Although it inhabits freshwater lakes in the summer, it winters along the Atlantic coast as far south as Florida, where – in grey and brown plumage – it swims with other loons. Its diet of fish is brought in twice daily by the tides. Open water is absolutely essential for loons. Most birds have hollow bones, whereas the loon is heavy, with solid bones and relatively small wings for its size. Its feet are so far back on its body that, on land, its breast rests on the ground and it can only push itself forward a few centimetres. It cannot take off from a ground position. On water, loons often need as much as half a kilometre, rushing along with much footwork and flapping of wings, in order to become airborne. However, what is a liability on land becomes an asset in water. Those solid bones and far-back feet make the loon a champion diver. In fact, its other name is great northern diver. Loons are believed able to dive as deep as 55 metres (180 feet) and remain submerged for several minutes. But they have a few tricks as well. They can come up just under the surface with only their bill above for air and then sink down again. Loons return to the same lake each spring, and it is thought they mate with the same partner. Because they cannot walk, their nests are built beside water. Two olive-coloured speckled eggs are laid, each the size of 1 1/2 tennis balls. After 29 days, during which both parents share sitting duty, the chicks emerge already covered with black down. Within 12 hours a parent oils the down and the chick enters the water, never to return to the nest. Instead, it spends much time riding on a parent’s back where it can both rest and warm up. Over the next eight weeks, while the parents provide their food, the chicks practice swimming, diving and catching what fish they can. At 11 weeks, they are taught to fly. This is the final job of the parents, which become increasingly detached until one day they leave. The chicks linger as autumn progresses, while practicing all they have learned and developing their grey and brown winter plumage. They must migrate before freeze-up, and one day they start their journey to the ocean where they will remain for four years before developing breeding plumage and returning to Canada. When they finally return north they begin to reproduce. It is important for the species that breeding be successful because loons face many dangers. It is rare that two chicks will survive and make it to the ocean. If a loon is disturbed while nesting – for example, by ATVs, watercraft or unleashed dogs – it will abandon the eggs. For loons in general, swallowing lead sinkers and shot, acid rain, oil spills, pollution from toxic chemicals and shoreline development are major threats, all of them from humans. Although loons are difficult to study, there is growing evidence of declining numbers. The future of loons now seems uncertain. Currently, several radio and TV commercials feature one of the loon’s distinctive calls. How ironic that this call is the one used by the loon to signify danger

Sturgeon Survey Starting In Batchawana Bay Information Gathered Will Help Manage Fishery May 21, 2009 MNR NEWS Lake sturgeon is listed as a species of special concern under the Endangered Species Act. This project will collect genetic information about the sturgeon stocks in Batchawana Bay, which will contribute to the management of this unique species. Gill nets will be used to capture sturgeon in relatively shallow areas of the bay and will remain in the water overnight. The nets will be identified with orange buoys at both ends labelled "OMNR". Boaters should avoid travelling between these buoys due to the nets in the bay. Field staff will collect biological information such as length and weight, remove a small section of fin ray for later genetic analysis, and "live release" all sturgeon captured. QUICK FACTS The lake sturgeon is Canada's largest freshwater fish species. Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species of plants and animals, of which more than 180 are at risk. To protect the sturgeon population, recreational anglers and licensed commercial fishers are not allowed to keep any lake sturgeon they may catch in Lake Superior or its tributaries. It is an offence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to interfere with or tamper with gillnets set for commercial or scientific use. For More Information Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106 Sue Greenwood, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, Sault Ste. Marie, 705-253-8288, Ext. 249 Mike Friday, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, Thunder Bay, 807-475-1381 General EnquiriesNatural Resources Information Centre 1-800-667-1940 TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)

Ethanol issue sputters along Makers of cars and marine engines wary of EPA's proposed ethanol fuel cap increase May 20, 2009 Colin Moore / Special to ESPN Outdoors For the past few years, many boaters have been using fuel that contains 10 percent ethanol. Most of those boaters probably haven't noticed much of a difference in engine performance while they're up on plane. Marine manufacturers, however, say that a tsunami of bad side effects might be on the way, especially if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decides to raise the ethanol cap from 10 to 15 percent of fuel content. The ethanol industry, composed of refiners and agricultural interests, have requested that the EPA grant a waiver on its 10 percent cap and allow a standard of 15 percent. This is the story of how contentious 5 little percentage points can get. Ethanol, which has been in use in the Midwest for several decades, started to become a household name in the rest of the country after the Energy Policy Act of 2005 required the use of renewable fuels to cut down carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Renewable Fuel Standard, part of the program, calls for a graduated increase in the general usage of "biofuels," with a cap of 10 percent of total volume for most engines. Thus, the E10 designation for ethanol. There are specially designed engines in "flexible-fuel" vehicles that can run on ethanol up to 85 percent by volume (E85). Provisions of the 2007 Energy Act also addressed the development and use of alternative biofuels. This spring the proponents of increased ethanol usage started putting pressure on the EPA to allow the blend cap to go from E10 to E15. The EPA is in the process of collecting comments on the waver request and has until Dec. 1 to decide. In the meantime, it's sandwiched between a consortium of E15 proponents called Growth Energy (co-chaired by Wesley Clark, the retired Army general and would-be President) and opponents led by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), leaders of the not-so-healthy auto industry and — strangely even by the standards of political bedfellows — the environmental movement. Except as it applies to the latter, the controversy centers on money, and lots of it. Agribusiness, represented by Growth Energy, wants to get a bigger slice of the American pie. Various marine engine and vehicle manufacturers want to keep the cost of research and development, plus warranty service charges, as manageable as possible, and E15 probably isn't going to let that happen. High stakes Ethanol refiners are awash in money. They've received billions of dollars in subsidies and research grants from the federal government in recent years to develop and market a fuel that it hopes will be cheaper and cleaner-burning than fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that in 2008, American producers cranked out 9 billion gallons of ethanol, some of which was exported. Depending on who's estimating, that fuel cost between $1.50 and $1.74 to produce, for a total worth between $13 billion and $16 billion last year alone. Tack on another 50 percent in production, which is what E15 will do as soon as Growth Energy and its allies can make it happen, and the stakes get astronomically higher. In the U.S., all that cash is riding on corn. Nowadays, about a fourth of the corn grown in this country is used in the distillation of ethanol, a form of alcohol. Ethanol can be cheaper to produce than undiluted gasoline, depending on the current asking price for oil and taking into account the various government subsidies that support the production of what in the U.S. is principally a corn-based fuel. As far as engine manufacturers are concerned, the issue with ethanol is whether its side effects, namely degradation of fuel system components and engine performance, are going to be greatly exacerbated if the EPA grants the waiver. Some marine manufacturers admit that they don't know, and the E15 proponents don't seem to care. "Our position is not anti-ethanol, but that the waiver shouldn't be approved until there is sufficient test data to show it works as advertised and doesn't hurt engines or affect emissions negatively," says Steve Fleming, a Mercury Marine spokesman. "Some valid tests of road and non-road engines have been proposed by the EPA, and it wants some companies to conduct them. Mercury is willing to be one of them." Most gas-operated engines are designed and calibrated to handle E10. The long-term effects it has on engines, fuel lines and fuel system components are less understood. "There are about 18 million boats in this country, and about 98 percent of them are trailerable," says Matthew Dodd, the legislative director for the NMMA. "The owners pull into gas stations somewhere, fill up their boats' fuel tanks, often if not usually with E10 fuel, and head for the water. The boats run, but it's the after-effects that we have questions about." Generally, such concerns involve: • The affinity between ethanol and water, which encourages condensation and causes more corrosion in metal parts • The fact that ethanol burns hotter and faster than regular unleaded gas, which ultimately shortens engine life • The heat buildup in engines, which could lead to vapor lock in the carburetion system and sudden engine failure Other issues relate to the caustic effect of ethanol on various resins and materials in fuel lines and fiberglass gas tanks. Last winter, for example, Toyota recalled more than 200,000 Lexus cars to replace fuel-line components damaged by ethanol residue, and then spent big bucks making sure all of its vehicles could thwart the deleterious effects of E10. Outboard engine purchasers also spend big bucks on what they assume will be an investment they can count on for 10 or 15 years, at least. Depending on the horsepower rating, engine prices vary from a few hundred dollars to more than $20,000 for a top-of-the-line model in the 350-horsepower range. Offshore anglers in the Great Lakes or along the coasts typically pair outboards, and might spend more than $30,000 for twin 250-hp engines. "As we see it, it's not that outboard engines won't operate on E15, it's that they won't function well over time," says Martin Peters, of Yamaha. "We've fielded customer complaints about the indirect damage of ethanol on their engines. Somebody asks them if they burn E10 in their engines frequently, and the answer in the majority of such cases is yes. So we see a definite correlation there. "Typically, the owners of outboards rightfully expect them to remain operable for many years. That's a fair expectation; we've all got to help ensure that those outboard owners aren't ignored in all this." Enter the environmentalists Not everyone shares Peters' concern for customers. In a Growth Energy phone-in press conference two weeks ago, the subject of E15 and engines was barely mentioned. Of greater concern was "indirect land use," which relates to the destruction of rainforests in sub-equatorial countries to make room for the crops that will provide the raw material for ethanol in its various forms. In fact, when contacted later and offered the opportunity to address and refute some of the concerns that engine manufacturers have, spokeswoman Nicole Oliver replied via email that "Growth Energy cannot comment regarding the issues such as small engines, marine engines, etc." By way of a compromise, Growth Energy suggests that gas stations sell both E15 and regular fuel, so that those who don't want to run the risk of damage to their outboards or other types of engines have a choice. That presupposes the cooperation of fuel wholesalers, distributors and retailers, however, or suggests government mandates. Indirect land use is a big deal to environmental groups such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Environment, which don't want to see natural ecosystems converted into croplands for sugar cane, switch grass, corn or any other main ingredient for biofuel. Although Growth Energy claims that ethanol's emissions are much less harmful than those of fossil fuels, there's no scientific consensus yet. The chemical composition of E10 and petroleum-based fuel are certainly different, but whether ethanol emissions are safe for people and the environment is a thesis awaiting final proof. In the coming months, the EPA will decide whether to grant the E15 waiver or to stick with E10. It may instead call for additional study, which is a popular option for any agency or governmental body. Here again, it's emissions, and not engines, that concerns the EPA. Anticipating that the issue will pivot on environmental effects, some politicos in the Corn Belt, where ethanol is old hat, are already fuming. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Collin Petersen (D-Minn.) have charged the EPA with blocking this new clean, green path to the future after the EPA noted in early May that initial study results indicated corn-derived ethanol would likely not meet federal emission standards. Scarcely fazed by the EPA party-poopers, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) asked the agency to raise the ethanol waiver to 12 or 14 percent now as it conducts or authorizes studies related to such issues. If stalling for time is the EPA's intent, it has allies in the boating industry and the environmental movement. Both groups also want more studies, but don't want any changes to the current E10 standard until and unless conclusive proof is provided that more ethanol won't cause harm. Though it's still pushing its "Green Jobs" initiative, of which the E15 waiver is part, Growth Energy can afford to be patient a bit longer. Last week, the Obama administration announced that the ethanol industry was eligible for about $1 billion to fund studies on emissions, indirect land use and the impact of converting a food crop (corn) into a fuel crop. Likewise, the administration has charged automakers with developing engines that are more compatible with ethanol, and urged that ethanol be made available at more fuel stations across the country. Where we're headed As recently as last year, when a barrel of oil cost upwards of $140, gasoline refiners saw ethanol as a cheaper alternative to oil, an additive that would help them be more competitive. Gas prices went to more than $4 a gallon, but they could have gone higher across the board had it not been for ethanol. That was then, this is now. Though oil prices are inching up in anticipation of the summer travel season, they're still hovering around $55 a barrel and costs aren't expected to reach last year's highs. In 2008, ethanol was cheaper than oil, but times have changed. E10 fuels are still available almost everywhere there are gas pumps, of course. The larger refineries are required to produce a certain amount of ethanol each year (and they get tax credits for doing so), but it's a gradual escalation by volume and most are conforming to the standards set by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and continued in the 2007 Energy Act. As far as ethanol content goes, they'll use whatever the government tells them to use or otherwise conform to industry standards. Right now, that's E10. If gasoline refiners and blenders aren't compelled by profit margins to market more biofuels now, and they aren't compelled to add more ethanol into their current fuel blends yet, why should they? Though nobody is saying it, a lot of people are thinking it: Getting the EPA to raise the ethanol content allowance from 10 to 15 percent is the first necessary step toward legislative intervention. The second part of the strategy could include legislation proffered by Corn Belt congressmen that mandates the production of more ethanol and a blend requirement equal to 15 percent by volume. Such a provision might be tacked on as an amendment to an otherwise innocuous bill dealing with agriculture or natural resources, or as a stand-alone. One thing is certain: Members of the House and Senate from the breadbasket and labor union states constitute an undeniably powerful group, if recent federal "stimulus" measures are any indication. If the EPA is compelled to grant the E15 waiver, and agribusiness sets loose its Congressional champions to mandate its usage, boaters and others might find that "going green" ultimately involves more green than is standing in Midwestern cornfields. Sound Off The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it has extended the public comment period regarding the E15 waiver. Slated to end on May 21, the comment period will now end on July 20. To express and opinion or make an observation, go the federal government comment web site, www.regulations.gov, type "ethanol" in the Search box and follow the instructions.

There’s an art to making fish feast May 17, 2009 Will Elliott / www.buffalonews.com Fishing seasons are opening, weather is warming, and catch numbers increasing as mid-spring anglers get out to try their hands and feats at fishing. Readers/consumers often become alarmed at any increase in consumption recommendations, but rarely take note of reductions in restrictions. For example, last year the advisory for Lake Ontario salmon consumption was increased. If the advisory had been negative, the news would have been in every journal up to Katie Couric’s Notebook. Instead, the salmon-eating public actually has an option to eat more fresh-caught fish from area waters. But the bottom line in consumption of fish is that it can be a fantastic health food, according to some basic facts shared in a recent John and Dennis Phillips text, “Fish&Fixings Cookbook.” The book cites both the health benefits and the pure enjoyment of being outside and catching the fish you later cook and consume. A recent Harvard School of Public Health study cited oily fish caught mainly in salt waters contains a vitamin-like substance called Coenzyme Q, which functions as an antioxidant and blocks dangerous LDL cholesterol from clogging the heart and arteries. While fish meat is low in calories and—when properly trimmed— low in fat, the flesh contains all nine essential amino acids the body requires. Catching fish close to home saves travel time and money, the cookbook scribes suggest. “Every state has public-fishing waters, usually heavily stocked with fish you can catch for your table,” they write. Cleaning fish can be rewarding rather than a hassle. Short practice sessions with assorted fish species can render many good fillets for frying and trimmed bodies for baking. The book suggests that skilled fish cleaners might profit in product. They write, “Often anglers will give half their catch away to someone who will clean their fish for them.” True or not, improving one’s skill at fish cleaning just might increase the odds of getting more meat to eat and, perhaps, prompt more frequent forays for fillet-worthy fish. Another appeal—Eat Better. Help the Economy.—comes from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in an appeal that also included fish consumption. “Wild Game is healthier, and pursuing it is not only a chance to get outside and exercise, it’s an activity that can be done with the whole family—most of the time without ever leaving your home county,” writes James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president of conservation programs. Included among the nine reasons Kennamer gives for hunting locally are references to fish finding and eating. Reason 8 suggests “Eating just-caught fish or fresh venison after proper processing will let you enjoy its natural flavor at the peak of freshness—minus any artificial flavorings or preservatives.” Reason 9 is even more fish-focused: “You can burn 285 calories per hour by heading afield to hunt, or 175 calories per hour by casting a line—and you can hunt or fish near home.” When strictly adhering to health advisories, an angling-savvy diner can enjoy substantial pounds of fish during the virtually year-round fishing season on area waters and ice surfaces. Health advisories, extensively described on pages 110 to 118, outline specific recommendations and risk-avoidance suggestions. Panfish have their name not because they deliver criticism. Perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, bullheads, and many other abundant food fish found around Western New York cook up well with the pan and preparation. Even white perch and white bass, fish most perch fishermen shun, can be fine filleted fare when cleaned and eaten as soon as possible after the catch. As with all freshwater—and most saltwater—fish species, fish of all sizes tend to hold “fishy” flavorings even after a neat deboning and skinning. For decades, I’d gone with the overnight soaking in baking soda and water. But a few years back Dick Harlock at Gogama Lodge shared his “fish squeezing” technique, a method that draws out oils, fats, and other unwanted flavors in minutes instead of hours. Harlock puts cleaned fillets in cold water and gently squeezes them under water for a few seconds. He then removes them from the water and places them in another water bath. A two-bowl sink works best for this procedure. After three or four dunks and squeezes, the discoloration no longer shows under water and oily, floating stuff no longer comes to the surface. Voila. Clean, non-fishy fish fillets. Overnight soaking still works better for fish meat left whole for baking or broiling with skin still attached. Obey fish advisories and don’t season fish meat beyond its true tastes and those trout, salmon, walleye, perch and all other popular area fish might add to the enjoyment of time spent on Western New York waters

I'll see what I can do Bruce. When passing by I'm usually on my way to and from fishing the big river.

Depending on water temps and clarity the harbour walls at the mouth of the Syd can be hot for rainbows, salmon and whitefish. Might be worth checking out.

Nipissing certainly has it over BOQ for scenery and I've never been at a loss to get fish, there's plenty.

Students help turn salmon tide Schools part of program to restore Atlantic species to Lake Ontario May 22, 2009 / The Hamilton Spectator Thirty Hamilton students are part of a historic effort to return the Atlantic salmon to Lake Ontario, releasing 200 Atlantic salmon with Oakville and Mississauga students into Bronte Creek in Burlington. The Lake Avenue elementary students raised the fish they released as part of the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program in which 100 schools in Ontario have participated so far since it started in 2006. The fish released yesterday started off as a tray full of eggs delivered to the classrooms in February. They hatched in a fish tank that is maintained by the students, who make sure the fish are fed and their water temperature remains cool. It has been nearly 110 years since Lake Ontario's Atlantic salmon were wiped out of area streams, but with the release of 1.3 million of them, they are making a comeback. Besides Bronte Creek, organizers have also stocked Duffins Creek, Cobourg Brook and the Credit River, all tributaries of Lake Ontario. The fish were released yesterday at Lowville Park in north Burlington. For more information, visit www.bringbackthesalmon.ca The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is the lead government agency in the restoration program. Conservation authorities along the shores of Lake Ontario are also participating. Yesterday's release also involved sponsorship by Pioneer Petroleum and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

That's a great looking lil girl you got there TB. I hope she brings you and your family many years of happiness.

That was eight days ago.

It's not just you sir, I've been ready to toss this puter out the window a few times in the last couple a days. Then I found out it's not my puter just this site.

You know how many times I've driven by there and wondered "gee, what's in there?" Well it's been plenty and now I know, thanks Bruce.

Wow, sounds like you could really use the head clearing time, enjoy it.

Stop dropping LSD into the fuel tank! Okay maybe it's just me.

Oh my goodness it's a Lund in my favourite colour. That is sooooo nice!

Yeah, I thought that was pretty special too Rob. *shakes head in disbelief*

Nipissing all the way for a near north experience. Check here.... www.getnorth.ca.

But ensure that it's uphill from Pigeonfisher.

No one's ever complained. Check with Kevin or Leslie at Lakair John, hopefully they can accomodate. I don't have a problem with you parking next to me (I sleep in my van, when not in the outhouse) if that's all it takes to get you there!

All the above will will certainly get you worms Ben, dew worms (night crawlers) and they won't do well in a pail on your balconey! They need to be kept cool, like in the fridge cool. Red worms and manure (dung) worms on the other hand will do okay. Red worms can be dug up most anywhere (try local creek valleys and ravines). Manure worms can be found in, well, manure piles which may or may not common to Toronto, depending on who you ask.

I'll set the date and place for next year Roy. What weekend and place do you recommend? Perfect. Finally some company and warmth.

Too funny....