Each week, BIV staff will share with you some of the interesting stories we have found from around the web.
Kirk LaPointe, editor-in-chief:
The federal assessment of poverty is replete with data, if bereft of recommendations. For the first time, we have an official definition of what poverty is. - Government of Canada website
An extraordinary Manhattan true-crime story of a lonely man parted from money by a woman with a secret past. - The New York Times [Note: may be paywalled]
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/nyregion/a-new-wife-a-secret-past.html
David Frum, the Washington-based Canadian commentator and senior editor for The Atlantic, the Republican former aide who defined the “axis of evil” for President Bush in the weeks following 9/11, concludes that the incumbent is, well, a crook--and that America has a choice between him and the rule of law. - The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/08/the-president-is-a-crook/568123/
Timothy Renshaw, managing editor:
More energy pollution and waste initiatives from the ever-loving Trump administration. - The Guardian
U.S. oil export initiatives result in the port district of Houston-Galveston for the first time exporting more crude oil than it imported – unthinkable back in the early 1970s when pundits were beating the drum about peak oil and America faced gas shortages. U.S. Energy Information Administration
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=36932&src
Mark Falkenberg, deputy managing editor:
Is a split conservative vote in the offing? This could get interesting. - HuffingtonPost.ca
A proposal by German foreign minister Heiko Maas to set up a payments system independent of U.S. control could help keep afloat the nuclear deal with Iran. - Yahoo/AP
https://www.yahoo.com/news/german-foreign-minister-sets-proposed-080805827.html
Glen Korstrom, reporter:
Engaging account of B.C. history through the lens of the labour movement and unions that is good background for an upcoming Business in Vancouver feature on the evolution of unions and whether they are as relevant today as they were decades ago. - Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.ca/Line-History-British-Columbia-Movement/dp/1550178261
Emma Crawford Hampel, online editor:
Why the DNC thought a phishing test was a real attack. - Wired
https://www.wired.com/story/dnc-phishing-test-votebuilder/
“For a brief period Wednesday evening [August 22], when it comes to the fine particles of pollution that can lodge in your lungs and make breathing difficult—even if you're a healthy adult— the dirtiest major city on earth was Vancouver, British Columbia. Seattle and Portland rounded out the top three.” - National Geographic
Hayley Woodin, reporter:
Who killed Toys “R” Us? As The Wall Street Journal reports, it wasn’t just Amazon. - The Wall Street Journal [Note: may be paywalled]
On our BIV Today tech panel this week, we discussed what’s next for Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk. From delays to mean tweets – and a tweet that has spurred an S.E.C. investigation – Tesla’s troubles are ramping up (something its vehicle production has struggled to do). The New York Times speaks to the visionary leader about his unbelievable work schedule and the excruciating toll it has taken. – The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/business/elon-musk-interview-tesla.html
Nelson Bennett, reporter:
Scientists have long known that pulverized rock absorbs CO2, which is why it has been considered as one possible geoengineering approach for dealing with climate change. But a UBC professor, Greg Dipple, thinks mine waste may be the way to do it. An interesting read on the possibility of using crushed mine waste to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. As he points out, “a reaction that takes a million years happens in one year” in mine waste. – CIM Magazine
http://magazine.cim.org/en/environment/tailings-to-the-rescue-en
Union calls on Canadian government to buy out Saudi company’s share in Canadian Wheat Board. - Times Colonist
Historical cleansing. Scotland once hailed Sir John A. Macdonald as a prodigal son. Now Canada’s first prime minister is being expunged from all government websites. - CTV
Tyler Orton, reporter:
How well positioned is B.C.’s labour market to tackle the question over automation? A lot better than you might think, according to the C.D. Howe Institute
After the summer hiring of Don Osborne, a local space industry vet from his years at MDA, it looked like UrtheCast’s fortunes were turning around following financial strains earlier this year. But a new civil claim shows not all shareholders are happy with the company’s board.
Carrie Schmidt, editorial researcher:
Some comedy, or horror, to usher you into the weekend. - Team Tactics
https://www.teamtactics.co.uk/blog/2018/08/13/cuddle-a-co-worker-team-building-fancy-it/
