[Paddlewise] RE Problems with ballast trolls

From: Ulli Hoeger <uhoeger_at_is.dal.ca>
Date: Fri, 19 May 2000 18:47:13 -0300
Dear Paddlewisers,

in the recent discussion Genuine Canadian Ballast Rock
(TM) vs Norwegian Stability Troll a few points were left unnoticed.

1) As somebody who is currently working in Canada with a 
temporary working visa  I noticed instantly the potential trouble with 
the immigration authorities -US immigration is even more difficult- if 
the trolls get counted as alien workers.  It would be hard and 
expensive to get the appropriate immigration paperwork done. 
A union -most likely the dock worker's- might cause further 
difficulties.  
If the trolls are not under jurisdiction of immigration and seen as 
animals it gets even harder (same applies to the also mentioned 
gerbils).  Import of lifestock asks for even more paperwork.  Other 
countries like Israel and a number of European countries might 
have similar import restrictions, not to think about NewZealand or 
Australia.

Adoption is probably the simplest way to deal with the local 
authorities in this case.  

2)  How about sea sickness?  I always get seasick if  I am 
underdeck and can't see the horizon, what about the trolls?
Can I expect a mess in my kayak?

3)  Will trolls have to wear a pfd?  If, which company will produce 
them and get them certified by Canadian AND US coast guard.  As 
I understand this is a very expensive and time consuming process, 
and the reason why Lotus and Kokatat PFD are not certified for 
Canadian waters (who cares?).

4) Kayaking gets more and more popular.  The increasing demand 
would place them soon on the endangered species list.  As far as I 
can see the supply of "Genuine Canadian Ballast Rock (TM)" and 
cheaper but overpriced imitations (mostly sold in stores south of 
the Canadian border) is save for the next millenium.

So, protect the Norwegian wildlife and order your "Genuine 
Canadian Ballast Rock (TM)" today.

Best regards

Ulli

 
Dr. Ulli Hoeger
Dept. Physiology and Biophysics
Dalhousie University
Halifax, B3H4H7, Nova Scotia
Canada

Phone I : 902-494-2673
Fax: 902-494-1685
Phone II :902-488-6796
http://is.dal.ca/~uhoeger

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Received on Fri May 19 2000 - 15:25:08 PDT

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