High Speed Rail in Africa

Africa's first high speed rail link will open tomorrow in South Africa for the World Cup. There was problems with getting the rail line built but nevertheless, a certain part of it will open. Just as it has proven in other countries, the officials say that it will reduce congestion between Johannesburg and Pretoria. A ticket for this segment of the line will only cost about $5 CAD. Meanwhile, we Canadians are still waiting for high speed rail. There wasn't even a rail link between Vancouver and Whistler for the Olympics. If South Africa can build high speed rail for World Cup Soccer, what was stopping us from building a link for the Olympics? Studies have shown high speed rail is viable in Canada, especially from Vancouver to Portland (Amtrak Cascades), Calgary-Edmonton, and the Corridor (Quebec City to Windsor). We should have high speed rail lines in all of these areas. It can only help us advance into the future for a better economy and environment.

But authorities in Gauteng province, the country's economic powerhouse which includes both Johannesburg and Pretoria, say it will help transform the lives of traffic-frazzled commuters and draw in long-term investment.

"This is going to be an asset and property of the people of South Africa for generations to come," she added.

 Read more at the Sydney Morning Herald.

Integration

Integrating the Winter Olympics and Paralympics so that they take place at the same time could be tricky. But it’s worth it. With events happening at the same time, Canadians and the world’s population would be aware of Paralympics happening. We could and should be as excited as we are for the Olympics. I guess we don’t because the initial excitement has worn off after the Olympics. Integration would make sure that TV stations would show more events and therefore, Canadians would watch more events. For our athletes, it means more support and a better feeling. So let’s all get behind our athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics and cheer them on!

Robert Steadward thinks it's time to start seriously discussing integrating the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
The founder of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said as much in Vancouver recently and reinforced that view in a telephone interview on Saturday.
"I'm sure we'll see in the future that more world championships will incorporate both of them (able-bodied and disabled athletes) together concurrently," Steadward said. "I think you'll see, as well, more regional games that will include both disabled and able-bodied athletes.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/2010wintergames/call+integrating+Games/2711646/story.html

First gold medal

Alex Bilodeau is the first Canadian athlete to win a gold medal on Canadian soil. I am so happy that Canada is "owning the podium" as some would say. I hope that we win more gold medals on the way, and that we get to own the podium all the way throw the olympics.