Show support for efforts of soldiers

Dear editor: Re: Our soldiers deploying to Iraq and Mali

I want to show our deploying forces that I support them and their efforts. In that cause, I wish to ask Canadians to join me in an activity challenge, starting now and continuing until their departure in November.

Choose your favourite activity to walk, run, bike, skateboard and help me cover the distance from CFB Petawawa to Iraq and Mali and return, an 18,500-kilometre journey, to show these men and women and their families of our support and good wishes for their safe return.

Will you join me? Check out our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/events/29867136735276 4) and add your name and total distance you travel. If you have any questions, please call 250-495-4577.

Working together we can show our troops that we support them. Thank you for your participation. Sy Murseli Osoyoos avoiding the production of 2.05 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Lead author Marco Giometto, a postdoctoral fellow in civil engineering, says that a single tree can help keep pedestrians comfortable.

“We found that removing all trees can increase wind speed by a factor of two, which would make a noticeable difference to someone walking down the street,” he said in a news release. “For example, a 15-km/h wind speed is pleasant, whereas walking in 30-km/h wind is more challenging.”

Researchers, who used laser technology to create a model of a typical Vancouver neighbourhood, found that removing all trees around buildings drove up energy consumption by 10 per cent in winter and 15 per cent in summer. Even winter trees, with bare branches, can moderate airflow and wind pressure, which makes for a more comfortable environment, the study found.

Another healthy large tree was cut down recently. The reason? No reason. According to this neighbour, trees don’t belong in the city. Trees make her feel claustrophobic. This is the 11th tree in as many years to be cut down within sight of my property. Jean Siemens

Victoria