Latest news with #GoldenSpike
New York Post
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Behind the ‘boondoggle' of Gavin Newsom's high-speed rail dream
We're a long way from the transcontinental railroad. We built the iconic American infrastructure project in the 1860s in about six years, putting down 1,776 miles of track and blasting 15 tunnels through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granted, working conditions back then didn't exactly meet OSHA standards. Advertisement Yet, if today's rules and practices applied, the project would have been stalled for years somewhere outside Sacramento, Calif., caught up in endless environmental lawsuits. The Golden State's emblematic, modern infrastructure project was supposed to be a high-speed rail link between its two largest cities. Advertisement Don't expect, though, to see the equivalent of the Golden Spike any time soon, or perhaps ever. The high-speed rail project has been agonizingly slow: After about 15 years of grinding delay and cost overruns, not one piece of track has been laid, a record of futility hard to match. California high-speed rail is the West Coast's answer to Boston's notorious Big Dig that took about a decade longer to build than anticipated at a much greater cost, although it was eventually completed. Advertisement Now, the Trump administration is cutting off $4 billion in federal funds for the project, arguing that it doesn't want to pour any more money into a boondoggle. The imagined bullet train was always a misfire. The idea of high-speed rail has a nearly erotic appeal to progressives, who love communal trains over individualized autos and think cars are destroying the planet whereas trains can save it. High-speed rail is to transit what windmills are to energy — an environmentally correct, futuristic technology that will always under-deliver. Advertisement California voters passed Proposition 1A getting the ball — if not any actual trains — rolling in 2008. The project was supposed to cost $33 billion and connect Los Angeles and San Francisco. What could go wrong? Well, everything. Bad decisions about where to build the tracks, complacent contractors, environmental and union rules— you name it. The initial, scaled-back line is now supposed to be completed by 2033, and even that is optimistic. Elon Musk might put a man on Mars before Gov. Gavin Newsom or one of his successors manages to get even a much less ambitious high-speed rail system underway. The current focus is a line between Merced (pop. 93,000) and Bakersfield (413,000). No offense to the good people of either of these places, but these aren't major metropolises. In Northeast terms, this is less a rail connection between New York City and Washington, DC, and more a connection between Newark, NJ, and Bridgeport, Conn. Advertisement Passenger estimates for the California system have always been absurd. The fantasy is that ridership will be double what it is now is in the Northeast corridor. But as Marc Joffe of the California Policy Center points out, population is much denser near Northeast stations, it's easier to get around cities in the Northeast on the way to or from the train, and a rail culture is much more embedded in the Northeast than car-centric California. As for reducing greenhouse emissions, the long-running project is itself a significant source of emissions and the benefit of fewer drivers in cars will be vitiated by the fact more and more people in California will be driving electric vehicles. Get opinions and commentary from our columnists Subscribe to our daily Post Opinion newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Advertisement The original estimated $33 billion cost is now $35 billion for just the scaled-back line, and more than $100 billion and counting for the whole shebang. There is no reason that the feds should pour good money after bad supporting a preposterous project that doesn't have any national significance. California governor Gavin Newsom — too embarrassed to admit failure or too drunk on visions of European-style rail — remains fully committed. Advertisement In a statement, he said Trump's defunding decision is a 'gift to China,' as if Beijing cares whether people get to Bakersfield by car, plane or high-speed rail. The project has already been a distressing object lesson in California's inability to build anything of consequence, and there's more where that came from. Twitter: @RichLowry
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Michelle McKeown: Crawford Lake and the marking of human impact on nature
Nestled in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada, Crawford Lake is a tranquil body of water with an extraordinary secret: it preserves history with uncanny precision. Its deep, undisturbed waters have acted like a natural time capsule, trapping layers of sediment year after year, each recording a snapshot of the environment at the time of deposition. Because of this, Crawford Lake became a star candidate in a global scientific quest: to identify the Golden Spike – a single, globally synchronous signal in Earth's geological record that would define the start of a new epoch, the Anthropocene. Age of humans The Anthropocene, meaning 'the age of humans,' is the proposed name for a new geological epoch to mark the profound and accelerating influence of humans on the Earth's systems. For decades, scientists have debated whether our species' impact, through greenhouse gas emissions, industrial agriculture, nuclear testing, plastic pollution, and accelerated biodiversity loss, has been so significant that it warrants a formal entry into the geologic timescale. The current epoch, the Holocene, began approximately 11,700 years ago following the last Ice Age. It marks a period of relative climate stability during which human civilisations flourished. But the 20th century, particularly the post-World War II era known as the Great Acceleration, saw an unprecedented surge in human activity, industrialisation, population, and consumption, leaving an imprint on the planet. These include rising carbon dioxide levels, radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, and microplastic deposits. These changes are now preserved in sediments, ice cores, and even coral reefs. To formally define the Anthropocene, geologists needed more than just evidence of human impact. They needed a precise Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), which is a physical reference point in the geological record that could be used to demarcate the boundary between epochs. This is where Crawford Lake came in. Crawford Lake What made Crawford Lake such a strong contender was its unique ability to record annual layers of sediment (known as varves) with exceptional clarity. These fine layers act like tree rings, preserving an exact year-by-year account of environmental change. Sediment cores taken from the lake bed revealed tell-tale signs of the Anthropocene's onset, including plutonium isotopes from nuclear bomb testing in the early 1950s, along with spikes in fly ash, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants. In 2023, the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG), which is an international body of scientists studying the issue, voted in favour of using Crawford Lake as the site to define the start of the new epoch. But in a twist worthy of geological drama, the proposal was rejected. What happened? In March 2024, the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy (the official scientific body tasked with approving changes to the geologic timescale), which advises the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), voted against formalising the Anthropocene as a new epoch. This decision halted the formalisation of the Anthropocene as a new epoch and left Crawford Lake without the golden spike claim. Why the rejection? At the heart of the issue is a fundamental debate about what geology should, and should not, do. Critics of the Anthropocene designation argued that the concept is more cultural than geological, better suited to environmental studies, history, or political discourse than to a rigid geological framework. They questioned whether the changes observed in the mid-20th century are truly global, continuous, and long-lasting enough to warrant a formal stratigraphic boundary. After all, many of the markers, such as plastics and radionuclides, are relatively new, and their long-term persistence in the geological record remains uncertain. Others expressed concern that the proposal was too narrow, focused excessively on recent decades without sufficient regard for earlier human impacts on the planet. For example, large-scale deforestation, species extinctions, and agricultural transformations have been reshaping the Earth for thousands of years. So why draw the line in the 1950s? Is the Anthropocene real? But rejection of the proposal doesn't mean the Anthropocene isn't real. In fact, most scientists agree that human activity has pushed the Earth into a new state, marked by climate breakdown, biodiversity collapse, and novel materials like concrete and plastics. What's in dispute is not whether we've altered the planet, but how best to categorise that change. Crawford Lake, meanwhile, remains a place of global importance. It tells the story not just of atomic fallout and pollution, but of indigenous communities who lived around its shores centuries ago, leaving behind traces of corn and wood ash in its sediments. It is both a natural archive and a cultural mirror, reflecting the deep entanglement of humans and nature. A story still worth telling Perhaps the Anthropocene doesn't need a formal boundary, or a single lake, to change how we see our place in the world. While Crawford Lake offered a strikingly clear and symbolic record of recent human impact, no single site can fully capture the complexity or timeline of our planetary influence. What matters more is the broader shift in awareness the debate has sparked. The true legacy of the Anthropocene may lie not in a line drawn in the mud, but in how it urges us to confront the scale of our actions, and to choose, with urgency and humility, what kind of future we want to leave behind. Read More Michelle McKeown: Shedding light on the wild world of bioluminescence
Courier-Mail
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
AFL's bold bid to recruit sprinting sensation Gout Gout to Grand Final day at the MCG
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The AFL has made a bold bid to lure Gout Gout to take part in footy's biggest day. The 17-year-old is the hottest prospect in Australian sport, already the country's fastest man ever over 200m and on the cusp of officially breaking 10 seconds in the 100m sprint. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In his European debut last month in the Czech Republic, Gout ran down a high quality field at the Golden Spike event to win a 200m race and improve his national record to 20.02 seconds. Gout is next scheduled to race in a Diamond League event in Monaco on Saturday morning (AEST) as he continues to introduce himself to the athletics world. Watch Gout Gout's European debut in the video player above Gout Gout broke his own 200m record at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet last month. Photo: Sonya Maleter/World Athletics Gout impressed all on his European debut. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) CODE Sports reports the AFL is now keen on tempting the Queenslander to take part in this year's Grand Final Sprint. First held way back in 1979, a 100m race is held by AFL players not competing in the grand final, typically during the halftime entertainment. One player is usually nominated from each club, with former Hawthorn winger Geoff Ablett (four wins) and Patrick Dangerfield (three) the most successful sprinters in the event's history. Geelong star Max Holmes and Collingwood's Beau McCreery took out the 2023 and 2024 events respectively. CODE says an approach has been made to Gout's management over taking part, which would bring enormous interest to the colourful event. Beau McCreery (centre) took out last year's AFL Grand Final 100m sprint at the MCG. (Photo by) This year's grand final is scheduled for Saturday September 27, just days after Gout will be hoping to run in the Athletics World Championships in Tokyo, so the timing could work well. AFL spokesperson Jay Allen wouldn't comment directly on Gout, but did say the league is always keen on drumming up interest in the event. 'The Grand Final Sprint is a favourite tradition of the day and we are always looking at ways to amplify the race and the public interest in it,' he said. 'We will make any announcements closer to the Toyota AFL Grand Final.' × While the AFL has plenty of handy athletes, it is likely a handicap system similar to what is used at the Stawell Gift would be needed to give any footy players hope against Gout. Gout's effort in the Czech Republic was just the latest step in an already remarkable career from a prodigious talent that has experts reaching for the record books every time he dons his spikes. His feat was celebrated in a number of sporting circles, with many marvelling at his undeniable progress and others becoming aware of his extraordinary ability for the first time. Gout's family migrated to Australia in 2005 and settled in Queensland, where he was born two years later. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY Commencing high school at Ipswich Grammar School, he attended his school formal earlier this year and is in year 12. Blessed with raw talent, Gout emerged as a sprinting prodigy at a meet in 2020 and has been shattering Australia's junior records ever since. He took that a step further at the Australian All Schools Championships in December last year when he ran 20.04 seconds. That broke the great Peter Norman's 200m record of 20.06s that had stood since the 1968 Olympics. Originally published as AFL's bold bid to recruit sprinting sensation Gout Gout
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Golden Spike Commences 2025 Exploration Program at Gregory River
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 8, 2025) - Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) ("Golden Spike" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 summer exploration program on its 100%-owned Gregory River Copper-Gold Property ("the Property"), located in western Newfoundland. Initial work has commenced and is focusing on trail repairs to ensure safe and efficient access to key zones, followed by an approximately 500-meter Winkie drill program and regional soil sampling and prospecting. The drilling will concentrate in the northern part of the Property and test several trail-accessible volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") and vein-style copper-gold targets, including the northeast part of Lode 9, Lower Mitchell, Court A and Vein Zone West (Figure 1). "This is a very exciting time for Golden Spike as we begin our 2025 exploration season," said Keith Anderson, President and CEO. "With trail work underway and the winkie drill mobilizing shortly, we are eager to advance our understanding of several high-potential VMS and vein-style copper-gold targets. The Gregory River Property continues to show excellent promise, and this summer's work will play a key role in unlocking its full value." The trail repairs and drilling will be completed by Majors Contracting Ltd. using a UTV-mounted winkie drill rig producing AQ diameter core (27 mm). Several shallow drill holes, each averaging about 50 meters in drilled depth will be completed at each target area and are designed as a prospecting tool to explore near-surface prospects and anomalies. Any significant results will be followed up with a larger diamond drill rig, capable of deeper holes and larger diameter core during future exploration phases. The winkie drilling is expecting to be completed over a several week program during July with analytical results completed near the end of the summer. Drill Targets Lode 9 - Northeast Located in the northeast corner of the Lode 9 target area is a high priority, north-trending IP/resistivity ("IP") anomaly that was revealed during the 2024 exploration program (refer to press release dated October 17, 2024 "Golden Spike Announces IP Survey Results from Gregory River"). Even though the IP anomaly was scheduled to be drilled during the 2024 drilling program, the hole was postponed due to weather constraints. The area of the anomaly is covered with overburden and is close to the interpreted basalt-gabbro contact, a prime location for VMS mineralization in this district. In addition, the IP anomaly is adjacent to both >100 ppm copper and >100 ppm zinc historical soil anomalies collected by Noranda in 1991 (Sparkes, K, December 1991, First year assessment report on Geological, Geochemical, Geophysical and Diamond Drilling Exploration for Licence 4026 on Claim Blocks 7053, 7057 and 7059 for 1991 Submission for Fee Simple Grant Volume 2 Folio 31 in the Camp Brook, Mitchell Brook and Gregory River Areas, Newfoundland. Assessment File 12G/08/0098). The Company has not been able to validate the results of Noranda's historical soil sampling in this area, however it should be noted that Noranda was a very large, reputable company that would have had sampling and quality control processes in place that were considered industry standard for the time and the QP feels that it is reasonable to report these results as historical as they provide a useful guide for future exploration. Figure 1 - Areas of 2025 Winkie Drilling at Gregory River To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Lower Mitchell The Lower Mitchell prospect is an east-to north-east trending, structurally controlled zone, hosted within intensely silicified basalt, and mineralized with pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and traces of sphalerite. The mineralization is exposed in several outcrops over a length of approximately 180 metres and has never been drilled. The Company collected numerous channel chip, grab and float samples in 2022, all returning anomalous copper and gold values, along with minor amounts of zinc, arsenic and occasional cobalt. Included in the sampling was Channel Line 2, which returned 2.73% copper, 0.14 g/t gold and 0.34% zinc over 5 metres, including 12.9% copper, 0.23 g/t gold, 11.5 g/t silver and 0.27% zinc over 1 metre (refer to press release dated December 21, 2022, "Golden Spike Announces Reconnaissance Sampling Results"). Court A The Court A prospect is in the Vein Zone target area and occurs as a 1- to 2-metre-wide quartz-carbonate-sulphide vein exposed in the bed of a narrow creek. The vein is exposed over a length of approximately 50 metres, before it disappears below overburden. Mineralization is predominantly pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and minor bornite and sphalerite. Copper grades are generally very high, ranging between approximately 1% to 25% copper and averaging approximately 2% to 6% copper, along with associated gold (ranging between 0.1 g/t and 3 g/t) and anomalous values of zinc and arsenic. Most of these samples are grab samples and the reader is cautioned that grab samples, by their nature are selective samples that may not represent the underlying values. The Company believes that the upcoming Winkie drill program will provide a better understanding of the potential subsurface grades and widths of mineralization at this prospect. Interpretations by Golden Spike suggest that the 17 historical drill holes from the 1950's that traced the structure over approximately 320 metres might not have tested the full potential width of the vein system, as drill records show only the highest-grade portion of the vein was sampled, leaving most of surrounding altered and mineralized host rock unsampled. Potential exists for wider, mineralized haloes to surround the main veins and for the discovery of new veins hidden below surface soil and till cover. The historical drill holes were completed by Cape Copper Mines Ltd. between 1951 and 1954 and are documented in the following reports: "Gillespi, C.R., 1951, Diamond Drilling Core Logs Holes 1 to 9, Gregory River Area, Unpublished Report, Geological Survey of Newfoundland, Assessment File 012G/0011"; "McKillop, J.H., 1953, Diamond Drill Logs Hole 14 to Hole 17, Gregory River Copper, West Coast Newfoundland, Unpublished Report, Geological Survey of Newfoundland, Assessment File 012G/015"; "Bichan, W J, Rogers, J C and McKillop, J, 1954. Report on geological and diamond drilling exploration on Reid Lots and claims 3712-3715 in the Gregory River area, western Newfoundland. Assessment File 12G/08/0126, 1954". None of the historical core from Court A has been kept and the Qualified Person ("QP") is not able to validate any of the historical drill results. However, recent surface sampling by the Company corresponds with the general grades reported from these drill holes and the QP feels that it is reasonable to report these drill holes as historical as they provide a useful guide for future exploration. It should be noted that gold and other elements were not analysed for these historical drill holes, but these will be analysed in the upcoming program. Vein Zone West The Vein Zone West area is defined by a series of east-northeast trending >150 ppm copper soil anomalies, with individual sample grades as high as 1,080 ppm copper. The soil anomalies can be traced over a length of 1,500 m and widths generally average between 50 and 100 metres (refer to press release dated October 29, 2024, "Golden Spike Announces Start of Drilling, and Rock and Soil Sampling Results from Gregory River"). This area is completely covered by a thin veneer of soil and till and has never been drill-tested. In addition to the winkie drilling, Golden Spike will also initiate a detailed soil sampling and prospecting program across key prospective areas of the property to refine drill targeting and evaluate potential extensions to known mineralized zones. In total, approximately 700 samples will be collected by the Company over the areas north and south of the Steep Brook Target, as well as the area to the east of the main Vein Zone showings. The upcoming drill and soil sampling programs are designed to build upon previous surface and geophysical work, targeting structurally controlled mineralization and geochemical anomalies identified in earlier campaigns. Golden Spike remains committed to responsible exploration practices and continues to work collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders throughout the region. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Mr. Robert Cinits, a Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Golden Spike Golden Spike Resources Corp. (CSE: GLDS) (OTCQB: GSPRF) (FSE: L5Y) is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring and unlocking value in mineral opportunities in Canada and other low-risk jurisdictions. The Company currently holds 100% interest in the 5,175-hectare Gregory River Property in Newfoundland, strategically centered over an approximate 11-kilometre-long stretch of the Gregory River VMS-belt, a north-northeast trending corridor of very prospective ground with potential to host Cyprus-type polymetallic VMS deposits. In addition, the Property hosts a cluster of historically explored, high-grade, copper ±gold vein structures. Golden Spike Resources remains dedicated to sustainable exploration practices and continues to collaborate with local communities, consultants, and stakeholders as it progresses its exploration initiatives. For further information, please contact: Keith Anderson, President, Golden Spike Resources Corp. Tel: 604-786-7774, Email: kanderson7774@ Website: ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Keith Anderson Golden Spike Resources Corp.830 - 1100 Melville St.,Vancouver, BC, V6E 4A6+1 (604) 786-7774info@ "Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" occur. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, unanticipated costs, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the lack of availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), increase in costs, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure of the exploration program, including the recent IP survey and the recent drilling program to result in the discovery of significant precious and/or base metal mineralization, and those risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the Company's disclosure record under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained herein. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement or forward-looking information disclosed herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
NDTV
05-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Neeraj Chopra Clinches Gold In Inaugural NC Classic With Best Throw Of 86.18m
Indian javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra on Saturday clinched the inaugural NC Classic as he realised his dream of hosting and competing in a world class event in front of the home crowd and family members. The 27-year-old double Olympic medallist emerged winner with his third round throw of 86.18m at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium watched by his parents. This was his third straight title, having won in Paris Diamond League (June 20) and Golden Spike in Ostrava, Poland (June 24). Kenya's 2025 world champion Julius Yego was second with 84.51m while Rumesh Pathirage (84.34m) of Sri Lanka was third. Organised by Chopra himself in collaboration with JSW Sports and sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the event featured a world-class field of 12 javelin throwers -- seven top international throwers and five Indian athletes, including Chopra himself. The NC Classic has been given category A status by World Athletics. Chopra, who breached the 90m barrier in May, is coming off a victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025, where he won the javelin throw title with a best effort of 85.29 metres. It was a tough outing for all the competitors as they had to throw under a strong wind blowing almost head-on. With his coach, the world record holder Jan Zelezny watching from a few meters away, Chopra began with a foul but soon took the lead in his second attempt of 82.99m. Sri Lankan Pathirage, who was second after the second round, had an impressive throw of 84.34m in his third attempt which invited a big roar from the crowd. But Chopra, who was the last in order of throw, was not to be intimidated by the athlete from the neighbouring country as he sent his spear to a distance of 86.18m, leaving the other competitors far behind. With his familiar raising of both hands in the air, Chopra celebrated that big throw and the crowd responded with a deafening cheer. After the first three throws, the last four finishers were eliminated. Yego overtook Pathirage for the second spot with a fourth round effort of 84.51m while Chopra fouled his fourth attempt. Chopra's fifth throw measured 84.07m while he had 82.22m in his last attempt. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
