3-story, conveyor-belt driven vertical farm in Wyoming. Article.

In a year, the greenhouse should be able to crank out over 37,000 pounds of greens, 4,400 pounds of herbs, and 44,000 pounds of tomatoes... 

Inside, the plants move throughout each greenhouse floor on a conveyor belt that the founders compare to a moving rack at a dry cleaner. As they rotate, each plant gets an equal amount of time in natural light on the south side of the building, saving energy in artificial lighting. On the top level, the system also pulls plants up to the ceiling, effectively creating an extra floor. The conveyor also brings each plant to workers who can transplant or harvest the crops. 

Letter to PM Harper - Fair Elections Act

Right Honourable Mr. Prime Minister and Honourable Minister Poilievre,

When I first read the details of the Fair Elections Act, I was gravely concerned by it and resolved to write and express this to you. The reduced role of Elections Canada in promoting participation in our democracy, and the overly reactionary response to the non-problem of voter fraud take us in the wrong direction as a country. Then the wave of concern from across the country erupted and I felt certain the Act would be retracted or amended. 

And yet your Government continues to pursue this course. Ten years ago, Mr. Prime Minister, you would have fought endlessly to prevent such a flawed piece of legislation from being forced on us, and you would have been correct to do so. 

Why are you focusing on the phantom of voter fraud and not the serious case of electoral fraud in 2011? That you pursue one over the other appears cynical and partisan, and is an insult to the values you once vigorously defended.

Please pull or amend the Fair Elections Act.

Tal Henderson

Toronto Centre

cc:

Honourable Chrystia Freeland, MP Toronto-Centre

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Justin Trudeau, Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

Gorgeous Montpellier Apartment

Love this

Letter: ELA and Anti-Drought Convention

Right Honourable Prime Minister,

I strongly oppose two recent moves by your government to close the Experimental Lakes Area and pull Canada out of the UN Anti-Drought Convention. Research in the environmental sciences is of an all-time importance and these decisions run counter to an informed and evidence-based approach to determining policy and governmental response. That this is becoming a hallmark of your administration is gravely concerning. 

In the interest of good and informed governance, please reverse these decisions. 

Tal Henderson

Toronto-Centre

cc\

Honourable Bob Rae, MP Toronto-Centre and Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

High Speed Rail Sweet-Spot

This article on Slate discusses a recent, fictional map of high-speed rail in the US by Alfred Twu that has rejuvenated discussion on the topic. The most interesting point to me, though, was this:

Experts who study light rail often mention a “sweet spot” of between 100 and 600 miles for high-speed rail corridor trips. Shorter than 100 miles, and a rider is more likely to want to take a conventional train, a car, or a bus. Longer than 600 miles and a rider is better off flying.

Letter to PM Harper - First Nations and Bill C-45

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

You once stood against omnibus bills as a threat to democracy. Despite all criticism, the Harper Government regularly uses this approach. You know this is a tactic that thwarts the function of Parliament, yet you continue the practice.

The First Nations of Canada have alleged that Bill C-45 violates Treaty Rights. This is a serious charge and should have been debated in the House long before this budget and its long string of non-budgetary issues was rushed through. Now there are protests across the country and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence holds her hunger strike to move you to listen. 

Parliament exists and functions to prevent this disruption to the country. By your actions, you have brought us to this state of affairs.

The Canadian people look to you now for leadership. It is time for an open discussion with First Nations and other Canadians that builds a consensus regarding our shared future. It is time for you to meet with Chief Spence. 

Sincerely Yours,

Tal Henderson

Toronto-Centre

cc/

Chief Theresa Spence, Attawapiskat Nation

Honourable Bob Rae, MP Toronto-Centre and Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

Subject: Grave Concerns Regarding Omnibus Bill C-38

Sent to all Ontario-area Conservative MPs via http://www.leadnow.ca/13heroes

Honourable Members,

I lend my voice to the thousands of Canadians who call for the omnibus Budget Bill C-38 to be separated into manageable, reviewable, and debatable bills.

It is the responsibility and purpose of Parliament—comprising the governing party and opposition parties—to propose and challenge bills, to thoroughly review and debate their clauses, connections and implications. This is how we arrive at balanced and thoughtful laws that have been democratically enacted to meet the needs of the nation.

In Bill C-38, too many disparate items have been included which deserve scrutiny by committees who are equipped to deal with their specialist natures and those challenges they present not related to finance or the economy but which nonetheless represent essential public interests.

The construction of this bill is over-reaching, by-passes essential, qualified oversight and debate, and fundamentally undercuts the processes of our parliament and the democratic principles it is founded upon.

Like many thousands of other concerned citizens and echoing critiques from across the political spectrum and all corners of Canadian society, I wrote early to recommend the Government of Canada separate the thematic items of this omnibus bill for independent scrutiny, debates, and votes. Though unable or unwilling to answer the concerns of Canadians, and though the majority-position Government stands to lose little, the PMO has determined to ram this legislation through Parliament with almost no debate.

I have long held respect for the values of public accountability, integrity, courage and individual responsibility that Conservatives champion with their perspective. In Bill C-38, I see these utterly contradicted. As independently-accountable members of the Government, I encourage you to represent our voices—those of your constituents and the Canadian public—and work with your party to split the bill and start the process of debate.

With respect,
Tal Henderson
Toronto-Center

cc via email to:
Honourable Bob Rae, MP Toronto-Center
Right Honourable Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition
Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader