Camosun launching radiology program
Camosun College recently announced the launch of Vancouver Island’s first Medical Radiography Technology program. The program starts with 16 spaces for full-time, first-year students in September. The province of BC is providing Camosun with nearly $3.4 million in funding for start-up costs and equipment purchases for the two-year diploma program. In 2013–14, once the program is fully underway, the college is expected to receive $591,000 in ongoing funding for the program.
Ex-pipeline engineer seeks whistleblower protection
An American engineer responsible for inspecting the Keystone pipeline claims he lost his job after raising safety concerns about the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Mike Klink, an American engineer formerly employed as a pipeline inspector by Aubern Industries, claims he lost his job after raising numerous concerns that TransCanada is cutting corners repeatedly in regards to pipeline construction. In an article posted on journalstar.com, Klink wrote that he saw “cheap foreign steel that cracked when workers tried to weld it, foundations for pump stations that you would never consider using in your own home, fudged safety tests, Bechtel staffers explaining away leaks during pressure tests as ‘not too bad,’ shortcuts on the steel and rebar that are essential for safe pipeline operation, and siting of facilities on completely inappropriate spots like wetlands.” After raising these concerns with his superiors, Klink lost his job. He now seeks whistleblower protection with the US Department of Labor.
Man eats pizza… lots of pizza
After two and a half years, Colin Hagendorf has succeeded in his goal of eating at every single pizzeria in Manhattan—a total of 362 pizza joints. Hagendorf’s sole criteria was that the pizza had to be available by the slice and couldn’t be from national food chains. During the culinary quest, Hagendorf, a waiter at a Brooklyn diner, blogged about his meals, generating attention from as far away as Italy, and even several reality-show proposals. During the entire journey, only one pizzeria—Pizzeria Suprema—received a perfect score.
John Landis coming to local film festival
The 2012 Victoria Film Festival recently announced that filmmaker John Landis will be attending this year’s festivities. Landis, best known as the director of films such as National Lampoon’s Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and An American Werewolf in London, will be taking part in an exclusive discussion and special event screening.