WVM2010-06
Mar 1 Ccl NOTES
Mar 15 AGENDA
Calendar to Apr 17

by Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org


                Winter Olympics
                        the flame is out now  ~~
                                but our hearts are still glowing


the afterglow 2010 Mar 2
        re-ignited for the Paralympics Mar 12 to 21
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Items on Agenda Mar 15th: SAFERhome Standards Society Delegation; Cmnty Climate Action Plan; NSh Adv Cmte on Disability Issues (2009 Report and 2010 Plan/Budget); Design Review Cmte 2009 Annual Report and 2010 Proposed Workplan; DVP Apps for 6135 Gleneagles and 1425 19th set for Apr 12; Devt Applic Status List; NO Correspondence listed {strange -- to be added later?}
NB: At the CEC mtg Th Mar 11 it was stated that on Monday night we might get a peek at proposals for the Ambleside waterfront .  Subsequently heard a presentation on April 12 -- watch for it!
= Vive le Canada; ANIMALWATCH (black penguin and more); WORD Challenge; from the EDITOR'S DESK (AWAD); UPDATES
=  CALENDAR to Apr 17th; CULTUREWATCH (Theatre, Music, Opera)
=  Ccl Mtg NOTES Mar 1st: DVPs 2604 Palmerston, 4378 Erwin Dr; Approval of BSC? ($700K?); Capital Facility Reserve Fund Expenditures {confusing; bylaw to spend ~$1.8M; controversy over categories}; Road Closure 23rd & Ottawa; CEC TofRef; Correspondence: (2) excellent questions about the Wetmore site {completed? $14.5M upfront not annual? compensation for the park?}
=  Ccl Mtg AGENDA Mar 15th
=  NEWSWATCH (Biden bamboozled; life in At-Tuwani); WEBWATCH (Changing the Guard at the India Pakistan Border, Wagah, Ministry of Silly Walks; IT HelpDesk); WOMENWATCH (Indian Border); even more on the OLYMPICS; LANGUAGEWATCH (I Believe....); WORDWATCH (Michael Quinion; WOTY); WORDCHALLENGE answers; MAIKU; QUOTATIONS / PUNS

===  Vive le CANADA  ===
                =  The RCMP musical ride started in 1887.
                =  Vancouver's popn reached 100K in 1910.
===  ANIMALWATCH  ===
o  All-black penguin discovered:  http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/24/all-black-penguin-discovered.html
o  MESSAGE SENT TO ME, FORWARDING TO YOU:  This is the website of a Canadian photographer who has done extensive work for National Geographic. The photos are phenomenal -- especially the polar bears. Guess we should appreciate them while they're still here ....  http://www.paulnicklen.com/

===  WORD Challenge  ===
Like language? playing with words?  Here's a challenge for you.  What do these words have in common?
1.     Banana
2.     Dresser
3.     Grammar
4.     Potato
5.     Revive
6.     Uneven
7.     Assess   
        The answer is in WORDCHALLENGE at end -- don't peek!

===  from the EDITOR'S DESK  ===
+  OLYMPICS -- thoughts at end
+  Lots of questions (interspersed with items in ccl mtg notes) and will hope for answers for next issue.
AWAD
[Mar 3] A Word a Day now has over 900,000 subscribers!
Some of you know I copyedit AWAD.  Anu has just told me that we've hit the 900,000-mark milestone!  A Word A Day goes out Monday to Friday and a selection of email from subscribers goes out on the weekend.  For logophiles.
Word of finger?  (see LanguageWatch in the last WVM issue)
Subscribe to AWAD http://wordsmith.org/awad/subscribe.html

===  UPDATES  ===
>  PARALYMPICS
Watch coverage of the televised Paralympic events in the Community Centre Atrium from March 12th - 21st. Detailed schedules will be available online for the most up to date information on Paralympic Celebrations.
>  DWV LEISURE GUIDE/CAMP GUIDE
Copies of the Spring / Summer Leisure Guide and Summer Camp Guide will be available at all recreation facilities and M Hall starting March 22nd.
Registration for programs in the Spring Summer Leisure Guide and the Summer Camp Guide begins at 6 am on Wednesday March 24th for WV residents.
All other participants may register starting at 8 am on March 24th.
To view either of these guides online, starting March 15th, visit: westvancouver.ca/leisureguide

===  CALENDAR to April 17th  ===
{Pls note a) that all mtgs are at M Hall unless indicated otherwise and b) with such a long gap between ccl mtgs and WVMs along with often no or v short notice of mtgs on the DWV website, this section, while hoping to, cannot possibly, be complete.  Please check DWV website wrt cmtes/WGs/mtgs that are of interest to you.}
        See the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: at this time the next Ccl mtg after March 15 is April 12th so this is all the information re mtgs known at this date.  Certainly more will appear before WVM 7 with that agenda!
***  March 8th was International Women's Day!  ***
CATCHING UP:
        Monday March 8th the DWV Calendar has a Ccl mtg from 6 to 9pm but CLOSED
        What are they going to talk about for three hours in secret???
=  Seniors' Centre Flea Market ~ 9am - 3pm ~ Sunday March 28 at the Ice Arena
Donations to the Flea Market will be accepted from March 15 to March 25, 9am to 4pm at the 22nd St entrance to the Ice Arena. To arrange for pick up of larger items, please call 925 7280.
The Flea Market is an annual treasure hunt with great bargains to be found on sporting & outdoor goods, electronics, furniture, children's items, clothing, books, kitchenware, jewellery, household items, and much more!  The Flea Market serves to raise funds to support programs and services at the Seniors' Centre.

= 6 - 10pm Tues Mar 16 Norouz Iranian New Year @ Ambleside Pk =
=  Tuesday Mar 16th
~ 5 - 8:30pm ~  'A' Field Artificial Turf Project Information 
You are invited join staff and representatives from the WV Field Hockey Club and the WV Soccer Club to find out more about the Ambleside 'A' artificial field project. Public Information Drop-In:  Cmnty Ctr Atrium; For more info call 925 7275.
~ 7:30pm ~ WRA at Gleneagles Golf Club Cmnty Room
        Guest Speaker: Bernd Rohde, Operator, Gleneagles Golf Club Restaurant
=  Wednesday Mar 17th = St Patrick's Day -- Erin Go Bragh!
        ~ 5:30pm ~ Housing PP WG at Library, Musto Room
        ~ 6pm ~ Child Care Services WG at Cmnty Ctr, Cedar Room
        ~ 7pm ~ Bd of Variance

=  Thursday, Mar 18th
~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte
~ 5:30pm ~ Police Bd Mtg in WVPD Boardroom
~  6pm ~ NSh Family Court / Youth Justice Cmte Mtg [CANCELLED]
~ 7pm ~  "Heroes of the Slopes"   Movie and Presentation (55min) at Cmnty Ctr
This is a landmark documentary film highlighting top level adapted skiers. Created and produced by former US Adapted Team member and adapted free-skiing pioneer Marc Romero, this documentary has been recognized for its educational and inspirational value, and has been seen and shown throughout PBS. This video explores the journey and stories of 14 disabled skiers and snowboarders.
Following the movie, Marc Romero will speak about his own accident and journey through rehabilitation, towards finding his way to the US Adaptive Ski team and free-skiing dreams.
Don't miss out on this FREE inspirational evening while Marc discusses today's advances in prosthetics and disability assistive devices, the importance of community and giving back to others, and adapting and overcoming physical and mental challenges.

~ 7:30pm ~ WV Streamkeeper Public Mtg at St Stephen's (885 22nd):  Slide presentation

=  Friday Mar 19th to Sunday Mar 21st  ~ 10am to 6pm daily at Sewell's East Marina
Floating Boat Show  --  The ONLY pre-season Floating Boat Show in Vancouver this year.
Boats of every description; Sailboats, trollers, runabouts, and stunning yachts.
Pleasure Craft Operator's Card exams available on site.  Don't Miss It!!! It's Free!
=  Saturday March 20th
A three- to four-hour geology and forest ecology walk along the trails of Lynn Canyon Park,
the largest piece of natural parkland in the District of North Vancouver. The park follows the valley of Lynn Creek and is a major wildlife corridor. We will see how Lynn Creek has cut a deep canyon down into hard granitic rocks in the relatively short time since the ice receded from the area. We will see other artifacts of the area's recent past such as a 33,000- to 48,000-year-old peat beds, a giant glacial erratic, glacial lake deposits, and raised sea-level benches. We will be able to view a pristine flood-plain forest which contains the largest population of Sitka spruce on the North Shore and some old growth Pacific yew trees.
Bring lunch and water and dress for changes in weather. Meet in the car park near the Ecology Centre of Lynn Canyon Park at 1000 hours. For add'l info contact David at cookeco2@yahoo.com or 924 0147
=  Thursday Mar 25th
~ 4pm ~ Cmnty Greenhouse Gas Reduction Open House
~ 5pm ~ NSh Adv Cmte on Disability Issues at DNV M Hall
= Saturday March 27th  -- Cove Forest Park old growth
A four- to five-hour botanical/geology hike along trails within Cove and Mountain Forest Park, District of North Vancouver. The highlight of this walk will be a grove of old growth Douglas-fir that survived the logging of the area. Other highlights will be the view point at Grey Rock (Quarry Rock) and a giant old growth Douglas-fir once used as a bald eagle nest tree.
Meet at 0930 hours for car pooling at Parkgate Mall outside Safeway. We will then proceed to the trail head at the intersection of Indian River Road and Francis Creek where there is limited parking.  For further info contact David at 924 0147 or email cookeco2@yahoo.com.
APRIL
HAPPY EASTER!
Good Friday Apr 2nd, Easter Sunday Apr 4th, Easter Monday Apr 5th
=  Wednesday Apr 14th
~ 5:30pm ~ Housing PP WG in Library, Musto Room
~ 7pm ~ Library Bd, Library, Welsh Hall
~ 7:15pm ~ Field Sports Forum WG
=  Thursday, Apr 15th
~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte
~ 6pm ~ NSh Family Court / Youth Justice Cmte at DNV M Hall

+++  WV MEMORIAL LIBRARY +++
- for Events and Programs: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/index.php?page=5
- for Event Calendar: http://www.westvanlibrary.ca/event/calendar.php
        Stay up to date with what's going on at the Library - Register now for our Monthly eNewsletter!
+  ENGLISH CORNER in the Welsh Hall from 10 to 11:30am
Come and practise English conversation at the Library every Friday beginning -- March 19, 26.
Requirement: able to read English.  Info: Fariba Rocker at 604 506 6616. Facilitated by the Baha'i Cmnty of WV.
Mozart's Operas - Mini Lecture Series: In this five-week course, Nicolas Krusek will present several of the composer's most popular works, with special emphasis on the comic operas. FREE and open to all. Tuesdays (Mar. 16 - Apr. 13), 10:30 am  Find out more...
Friday March 19
+  Friday Night Concert Series presents Infinitus
Doors open 7pm, concert starts 7:30. Free, seating limited so come early. Latecomers will not be seated.
PHILOSOPHERS' CAFE
Join us for vibrant discussions on burning issues of the day. Enjoy the snacks and coffee hospitably provided. Everyone welcome. Registration not required. Admission $5.
Co-sponsored by S.F.U. 
Moderator: Randall MacKinnon has a Master's degree in Social Policy and Planning. He is an IDEASage with MackINNOVATION, a service consultancy.
March 19: Rest
The world seems to operate on a series of cycles of work and rest, light and dark, birth and death. Is there still wisdom to the Sabbath in an automated age when everything is on 24/7/365? What is the role, if any, of traditional wisdom for a human species that is evolving at an accelerated rate? Join guest Yosef Wosk, author, rabbi, philanthropist, academic, and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Dept of Continuing Studies at SFU, for this discussion.  ~ 10:30am - 12:30pm ~  Welsh Hall East
+  HIDDEN MONSTERS - THE UNIDENTIFIED CREATURES OF BC (in the Welsh Hall)
A riveting lecture organised by the West Vancouver Museum: Sasquatch, Ogopogo, Hiaschuckaluck, and the black salamander have been the subject of fascination for more than a century.
Presented by the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, Hidden Monsters promises to be a fascinating talk on the history, habitats, and lives of B.C.'s hidden creatures. Find out how they continue to survive today and what we can do to preserve them for posterity.  This event is FREE and open to all.
Thursday March 18 at 7pm
+  LIGHTHOUSE PARK PRESERVATION SOCIETY TALK with DICK CANNINGS
Dick Cannings is a consulting biologist, renowned for his vast knowledge of birds of British Columbia, and particularly his passion for small owls. As well as teaching field ecology overseas, Dick coordinates many agencies and programs for Bird Studies Canada.
His talk will cover the ways in which the public is actively involved in turning bird-watching into a collective data base of bird breeding, bird behaviour, and migration.
Under Dick's inspiring guidance, anyone can become a birder, and contribute to a better understanding of the future for bird populations facing climate change.  Welsh Hall West. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday March 20 from 2 to 4pm
+  FOUR CHEFS ONE GARDEN - BOOK LAUNCH
Join West Vancouver author Evaleen Jaager Roy, and friends, at the book launch of "Four Chefs One Garden". Part cookbook, part gardening primer, "Four Chefs One Garden" is a love poem to Vancouver. This sumptuously illustrated book, organized seasonally, weaves together gardening ideas and tips from the West Coast's finest gardeners, inspiration and reflections from Evaleen's terraced ocean-view garden, and signature dishes from four of Vancouver's renowned chefs -- Michel Jacob, Umberto Menghi, Hidekazu Tojo, and Vikram Vij.  Welsh Hall West.
Saturday March 27 from 1:30 to 3:30pm,
++  FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE!
        Friends' Pre-sale -- for members only.  Thursday, April 8 from 6 to 8:30 pm.
Admission only with current membership cards. Memberships are now issued annually from January to December of the current year. If possible, please renew your membership prior to the sale, although new memberships and renewals will be available at the door (cash only.) Adults $10, Youth $5.
Main Book Sale:
          Friday April 9 from 10am to 4pm and Saturday April 10 from 10am - 4pm; Thursday April 8 from 6 to 8:30pm

 +++  WV MUSEUM  +++  Visit:  http://www.westvanmuseum.blogspot.com/
Monster  --   to May 8
Presented with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad with the support of the Audain Foundation
Monsters have appeared throughout the ages and in most cultures. Fear, paranoia, and the triumph of good over evil manifests itself in horror, polarized societies, and intolerance giving rise to monsters rooted in folklore, mythology, legend, literature, art, and popular culture. This contemporary art exhibition features innovative works by leading Canadian and international artists Shuvinai Ashoona, Shary Boyle, Lutz Braun, Beau Dick, Marcel Dzama, Alexandra Flood, Sandra Meigs, Nick Sikkuark, Corin Sworn, Joseph Tisiga, Howie Tsui, and Nicola Tyson who explore monstrous sensibilities in their practice.
                                          Artist Talk: Saturday March 20 -- Sandra Meigs: 1:30 - 3pm
+++  FERRY BUILDING GALLERY  +++  http://ferrybuildinggallery.com/
+  MARCH 9 - 28
WV Youth welcome the world during the Paralympics in the art exhibition
The Spirit of Unity
A mixed media exhibition of paintings and sculptures by art students of Sentinel, West Vancouver, Rockridge, Collingwood, and Mulgrave Secondary Schools, sponsored by the WV Baha'is, the Ferry Building Gallery, WV Memorial Library, and the WV School District.
Opening Reception at FBG: Tuesday March 9th from 5 to 8pm
+  MARCH 30 - APRIL 11
Subliminal Meditation -- Mixed media:  Angela Rae, Michela Sorrentino
Opening Reception: Tuesday March 30th from 5 to 8pm
Artists in Attendance: Saturday April 3 from 2 to 3pm
NEXT:
The Artists of Avalon -- recovering women discover their creativity in partnership with Avalon Women's Centre: Mixed media (April 13 - May 2)

+++ SILK PURSE +++  www.silkpurse.ca
March 23 - April 4  "Canadian Tapestry"
Masako Araki's pastels fill us all with so much wonderful richness and texture, capturing all the exquisite colours of the seasons. Pastel artwork is created by stroking the sticks of dry pigment across an abrasive ground, embedding the colour in the "tooth" of the paper, sandboard, and/or canvas. Pastel paintings reflect light like a prism. No other medium has the same colour power. Masako has enriched the art world with this beautiful medium.
Opening Reception: TUESDAY March 23rd from 6 - 8 pm
UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG WORKSHOP  Saturday, March 27 ~ 11am - 4pm
Workshop fee: $20 per student; Material fee: $30 per student
(includes the cost of the dyes, wax, writing styluses, eggs, paper towels, cleaning wires, jars, etc) Time: 11am - 4pm (pls bring a lunch)  Class size: Min. 12/ Max. 25
This one-day workshop will focus on the traditional Ukrainian art of "writing" pysanky (decorating eggs using beeswax and dyes). Instructor Oksana Szulhan is a pysanky artist of Ukrainian heritage. She will explain the culture and history of pysanky and demonstrate the technique. Oksana also provides students with step-by-step instructions on how to design the eggs using the appropriate tools. Her workshops explore art through culture and history to promote cross-cultural understanding and self-exploration.
This one-day workshop is ideal for those who are beginners as well as those who are relatively new to the craft and may want to refresh their skills. Each participant will be able to decorate four eggs!
FEE: $50 per participant; Four eggs per participant; INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES
EVERYONE WELCOME; MUST REGISTER!!  CALL 925 7292
DESIGNED FOR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS & CHILDREN!!  For info, call 925 7292

+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE +++
To see a list of events: http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar
To see the electronic newsletter, the address is http://kaymeekcentre.weebly.com.
Getting onto the mail list: the simplest method is to call the box office (604 913 3634) or email tickets@kaymeekcentre.com  For a complete list: http://kaymeekcentre.com/on_stage/events_calendar
o  8pm ~ Sat March 20 ~ EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER: CONSTANTINOPLE
o  8pm ~ Mon March 29 ~  ARTS CLUB ON TOUR: SALTWATER MOON
o  7:30pm ~  Tues Mar 30 ~ MOVIES AT THE MEEK: A BRIGHT STAR
o  7:30pm ~ Thurs Apr 8 ~ FROM SEA TO SKY - A MUSICAL JOURNEY BY NICOLE...
+  Fri Apr 9
o 1:30pm ~  ROBERT SILVERMAN: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT SCHUMANN
o 8pm ~  MYTH & LEGENDS WITH ANGELE DUBEAU & LA PIETA
o  8pm ~ Sat Apr 10 ~ CLASSICAL PERSIAN CONCERT
o  7:30pm ~ Tues Apr 13 ~ MOVIES AT THE MEEK: COCO BEFORE CHANEL
o  7pm ~ Wed Apr 14 ~ SD45 BAND NIGHT

+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West Vancouver +++
The Winter Issue of "The Torch" is available.
To view the newsletter, just click the following link for direct access:
http://www.westvan60.com/Images/The%20Torch%20Newsletter%20-%20Winter%202009.pdf
The newsletter is available to any non-member who is interested.  Sign up at the bottom of the webpage, http://www.westvan60.com/newsletter.html and to submit articles, please email me at thetorch60@telus.net .
                Best regards,  Janice Mackay-Smith, The Torch
CELEBRATE ST PATRICK'S DAY  Wednesday, March 17th from 4 to 8pm In the Lounge
The O'Connor Irish Dancers- approx. 4:45pm; Live Music: Tipperary 4 to 8pm
Stew & Bun-$5 per bowl at approx. 6pm
West Vancouver Legion -Branch 60  -- 580 18th Street --  Lounge: 922 1920

+++  WV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  +++ http://www.westvanchamber.com

===  CULTUREWATCH  ===
*  The Cultural Olympiad events have been incredible, numerous and incredible range.  See www.vancouver2010.com/culturalolympiad for entire list.  Here are some:
+ The World Tea Party runs March 12 to 21 at the Vancouver Int'l Centre for Contemporary Art (Centre A), 2 West Hastings. Tix free from 2 pm to 6 pm; after 6 pm $5/adults, $3/students. http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/cultural-festivals-and-events/news/its-a-world-tea-party-and-everyones-invited_307984Li.html
+ Body and Soul at the Firehall Arts Ctr Mar 11 - 17; 13 women over 45 from across Canada share their stories
+ 2010 CHUTZPAH FESTIVAL of the Jewish Performing Arts Mar 6 to Apr 8; see www.chutzpahfestival.com
*  THEATRE
+  Presentation House Theatre, NV
- Tuesdays with Morrie -- No Bells and Whistles production with Antony Holland; Mar 2 - 20. See http://www.phtheatre.org/thirdstreet/feature1/
-   West Coast Premiere of Queen Lear by Eugene Stickland in association with Western Gold Theatre; Mar 25 to April 10
+  Vancouver Playhouse
- The Love List by Norm Foster, starring Norm Foster and Peter Anderson; March 6 - April 10; Playhouse Theatre Company at Vancouver Playhouse Theatre
+  Jericho Arts Centre
Two Heads Talking: A Lady of Letters and Her Big Fat Chance
Two comedies by Alan Bennett; Hoarse Raven Theatre
Preview Wed Mar 3; Opens Thurs Mar 4, and runs until Sat Mar 13; Tues through Sat at 8pm.
Special High Tea Matinee on Sunday March 7 @ 2pm
Pub Nights on Friday March 6, Saturday March 7 and Friday March 12.
        Tickets $20 adults / $15 for students and seniors; All Tuesdays 2 for 1
Paradise Garden -- A modern romance against all odds. March 11 - April 11
        Arts Club Theatre at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
+  Billy Bishop Goes to War, our own Canadian classic; the Arts Club, Granville Island, Mar 25 to Apr 17, tel 687 1644
+  Rick: The Rick Hansen Story by Dennis Foon at the Granville Island Stage (Arts Club) Mar 13 to 20; tel 604 629 8849
+  Elephant Wake, about the last inhabitant of a Francophone Saskatchewan, at The Cultch Mar 16 - 20; tel 604 251 1363
Arms and the Man -- March 17 - 27; Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC
A Nice Family Gathering (at Metro Theatre; 266 7191) by Phil Olsen, an American Comedy.
Dad has died before the play begins but appears to his son, Carl, who is able to talk to him.  In a typical family gathering at the holiday season, emotions run high and children reveal things about themselves that their parents don't always want to hear!  Dad's reactions to the events add an extra dimension.  Feb 27 - Mar 27 (Matinees Mar 7 and Mar 21)
*  MUSIC 
+  VSO -- See www.vancouversymphony.ca --
+  3pm Mar 21 ~ Third Sunday at Three Cmnty Concert Series; St Francis-in-the-Wood (922 3531)
Duo Concertante: Nancy Dahn, violin; Timothy Steeves, piano / Brahms, Schafer, Beethoven / Tix $15
+  Out for Lunch at the VAG ~ 12:10 - 1 pm
- Spotlight on UBC March 19th, UBC Opera Ensemble. Favourite bon-bons from opera and operetta. (NB: might not happen because of Paralympic games)
- Spotlight on UBC March 26th, UBC Chamber Strings. Chamber highlights from the UBC spring term.
- Out for Lunch April 2nd, Robert Rozek, violin, Gene Ramsbottom, clarinet, Bo Peng, cello, and Richard Epp, piano. Olivier Messiaen: Quatour pour la fin du temps.
- Out for Lunch April 9th, Rachel Fenlon, soprano, and Richard Epp, piano. Messiaen: Songs
*  OPERA -- CANADIAN PREMIERE!
Vancouver Opera's Nixon in China -- March 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th
NIXON IN CHINA, by John Adams
All performances 7:30 pm  Queen Elizabeth Theatre in English with SURTITLES=81
"If you can make it to only one opera this year, it has to be Vancouver Opera's Canadian premiere of John Adams's minimalist masterpiece Nixon in China ." - Georgia Straight
In 1972, Richard Nixon and Chairman Mao shook hands and changed the course of human events. West and East looked into each other's eyes and discovered a vast mystery of differences and desires. Henry Kissinger, Chou En-lai, Pat Nixon, and Madame Mao all play pivotal roles in this fascinating drama of psychology and global politics.
John Adams's richly textured post-Minimalist score pulses with rhythm and Alice Goodman's literate libretto resonates with poetry. Nixon in China is irresistible and gripping from beginning to end.
+  Get O.U.T. to Nixon in China!
OPERA UNDER THIRTY!  VO's most fabulous deal for opera lovers aged 18 to 29 is back for Nixon in China! For $25, you can sit in a great seat. Tickets go on sale Friday February 26th at 9am. Use the code 2257 to redeem this amazing offer! Quantities are limited so hurry! Buy tickets online or through the VO box office at 604 683 0222 or in person. Tickets must be picked up the night of the show at the QET. EACH patron must show valid ID. Limit of two tickets per order. Offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer.
+ CBC's Alison Smith to interview Margaret MacMillan!
~ 7:30 - 9pm ~ Wednesday, March 17  --  Granville Island Stage; Tickets $18. Buy Tickets
Highly regarded CBC correspondent Alison Smith, co-host of "The World at Six", will interview eminent Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan about her recent book "The Uses and Abuses of History" and her earlier best-seller "Nixon in China: The Week that Changed the World."
(Alison Smith replaces Eleanor Wachtel, who is unable to attend owing to a scheduling conflict.)

=== COUNCIL MTG NOTES Mar 1st ===
6PM IN M HALL MFCR  /  7PM CCL CHAMBER
Note: At 6pm the regular Cci Mtg will commence in open session (in the main floor conference room), and will be immediately followed by a motion to exclude the public in order to hold a closed session, pursuant to section 90 of the Community Charter. At 7pm the open session will reconvene (in the Council Chamber) for consideration of the scheduled agenda items.
6:00 PM
1.  CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2.  EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: THAT in the public interest, mbrs of the public be excluded from part of the March 1, 2010 regular Ccl Mtg on the basis of matters to be considered under the following section of the Community Charter:
90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:
1. personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
13. a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting.
ABOVE
is what appeared on the agenda when it was put up and I put in WVM.
BELOW is what appeared on the DWV website later (my emphasis).
2. RECOMMENDED:
THAT in the public interest, members of the public be excluded from part of the March 1, 2010 regular Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under the following section of the Community Charter:
90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
(c) labour relations or other employee relations (added March 1, 2010);
(d) the security of the property of the municipality (added March 1, 2010);
(e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality (added March 1, 2010);
(m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting
3.  ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 PM
        Following conclusion of the closed session, the following items will be considered:
4.  RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
5.  Approval of March 1, 2010 Regular Council Meeting Agenda
       Amended by removing/replacing schedule A of Item 12 and adding new correspondence, 16.1
6. Adoption of February 8 and 10, 2010 Council Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2010 Regular Council Meeting; and February 10, 2010 Special Council Meeting.
PRESENTATION
7. 2010 Olympic Games Celebrations in West Vancouver (File:  3085-01)
Mayor: brief, probably ppl got in late last night; will have a full one after the Paralympics.
WV over the past 17 days.  [SLIDES]
To keep the energy going, recognize we live in the moment and cast ourselves into the future, it's exciting. Will be participating in opening at Whistler.
Cmnty Ctr proved itself, activities/events; Cypress already talking to us about what can happen up there.
so proud; partnerships with the North; interested how to continue; we exceeded their expectations
Our staff, high level of service and pushed it even further.
Some were outside the Bay telling ppl (how to get to WV?) and police helped too.
Team; particularly night of Torch arrival, 10,000 came out
First Nations local leaders on stage; our CAO strengthened relationships with other M administrators
Cdn Snowboarding Assn in Fulton House and looked what they achieved during the Games
All v proud for what everybody achieved
Owning the podium is only partly about winning the medals; Canada now is on the podium as an open, caring, polite, peaceful, respectful, serious, and seriously energized country -- so we will be back to the broad cmnty about where we go from here and I wd like to thank everybody
Ccl, everybody pulled together
REPORTS
8. Development Variance Permit Application No. 09-047 (2604 Palmerston Avenue) (File:  1010-20-09-047)
At the Feb 1 regular mtg Ccl received the report dated Jan 20 from the Cmnty Planner regarding this DVP and set the date for consideration for Mar 1.
Reports: Applic rec'd Jan 20 for Ccl Feb 1; No Correspondence rec'd to date
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
Sokol: Cmnty Planning Mgr Geri Boyle will make a brief presentation.
GB: [overheads] an unusual house, built recently in 1997, built one storey and left area below open for chn to play and now they want to close. The shaded area here is underneath.
Staff in support.  The footprint of the house doesn't change. Aesthetically better closed in.
Letters of support attached; the architect is present and wd like to say a few words.
KH: my name is Katie Hlynsky; we're not the original architects; XX representing owners
this cd comply by simply lowering the house.
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT [none]
Sop: house was developed without permit and there was a stop work order.

{Wonder why staff didn't provide this tidbit as part of the background???
This is a dreadful precedent.
Even seems intentional.
The previous owners twice tried to enclose, were caught and stopped.
So build house to ~.35FAR max with an open area and then enclose it making it larger -- failing claiming 'hardship' at Bd of Variance?}

2002 engg specs meet all building codes?
GB: they'll have to file [and go through process]
Ev: what wd the variance be if within general bldg parameters
mentioned if bldg lower this cd be an exempt basement
GB: must admit trying to figure that out.
the land has been flattened and I haven't gone back
walk in level at front and out the back flat out there too
retaining wall next to laneway; driveway right of 26th
we never pursued option off lane
wanted to keep open; windows; didn't want to enclose and redo yard
afraid not an answer to your question but I don't have the information of what the implications wd be of altering grade to bring about compliance
it might work, it might not work
Mayor: we'll deal with what's before us; it's a variance for an add'l 679sf; that's the question
MS: all submissions rec'd for info
CARRIED
MS moved: THAT the DVP to allow an at-grade open area under an existing dwelling to be enclosed into a liveable floor area, be approved.
CARRIED
9. Development Variance Permit Application No. 09-048 (4367 Erwin Drive) (File:  1010-20-09-048)
At the Feb 8 regular mtg Ccl received the report dated Jan 27 from the Cmnty Planner regarding the DVP and set the date for consideration for Mar 1.
Reports: Applic rec'd Jan 27 for Ccl Feb 8; No Correspondence rec'd to date
GB: waterfront lot, smaller than many in the area
owner did proceed to Bof Variance to renovations and this garage now before Ccl
the Board approved the reno but not the garage, they felt there wasn't hardship
we understand trees don't factor in as hardship; and hardship is not specifically defined
it was an interpretation of the Bd
[SLIDE] the question before Ccl is the proposed garage outlined in red, existing outlined in black
variance is here, wd be increasing the side-lot line, from 1.75 ft to 2.5 ft so functions as a two-car garage, also attempting to save this grand fir tree -- historically had eagle nest there
Report from qualified arborist as to how to protect the tree during construction and long-term
other than all comply
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
Keith Dalton: I'm owner; we currently live on Ross Cr so v familiar with what we've got ourselves into; lovely area with lots of trees
tree about 250 yrs old according to Steve Jenkins and another arborist
If built new, the tree wd be in the middle of the garage
garage already there, building on its footprint
also moving the driveway so as not to impact the tree
it's a specimen tree, one of few, considered old growth; have the right to cut it down but don't want to do that; asking for your support to build garage and save the tree
Mayor: thank you for being here; no one else wishing to comment?
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
TP moved: all submissions rec'd for information
CARRIED
MS moved: DVP to allow an enlarged replacement garage to be constructed be approved.
Sop: usually get applications to cut down, so good
re roots, will Mr Jenkins be on site?
GB: have an arborist on site monitoring
difference between our plan and what happens
Steve Jenkins wants to see this tree retained but we have qualified arborists on staff who can see
Sop: did I read correctly the footprint not same?
GB: yes, using a different technique so minimal impact on roots
shd improve the environment for the tree over what it has today.
Mayor: CARRIES -- thank you for keeping WV green!
   {must ask if a covenant, ie what guarantee it will be kept if, for example, the property is sold}
10. Council Ratification of Balanced Scorecard (File:  0280-06-03) for approval
Mayor: we've worked with this and worked with it and the idea tonight is that this will receive Ccl approval so it becomes our roadmap for the near-term and long-term
any final edits?
I have a few little pieces, and I've spoken with Brent Leigh about them
Item 1.1.3 says increase cmnty to cmnty interaction between District and the Squamish Nation
cmnty to cmnty is a term used by the UBCM wch means our govt meets with their govt, but I don't think that's v useful in this plan b/c sounds like cmnty picnics together wch we cd do, but that's not the intent, so I think it shd say something like, increase Ccl to Ccl interaction, if that's the intent.
Also, I have a question about 1.4.6 wch says develop a waterfront implementation strategy to enliven the waterfront from 25th through to Park Royal.  Ccl has spent years talking about 19th to Pk Royal wrt obviously the waterfront, the arts, Ambleside Village, and the Spirit Trail, but I'm not sure how the 25th part, considering that's mostly the seawalk, became part of this. 
BL: we'll look into that
Mayor: okay.
Under 1.5.2 we talk about investigating the appropriate level of District support for the businesses and Biz Assns; Ccl's v keen to support the Dundarave Biz Assn and Horseshoe Bay and Ambleside, and the Chamber and how that works together in the interests of our viable small commercial areas wch is reflected in our Cmnty Plan, but I think that shd be articulated b/c some exciting work I think we can do there and we need to be sure we're getting the value for the dollars that we're investing, and I think we shd be specific
Item 2.6 on p 11 of 14, we talk about the CEC and we'll talk about that on our agenda a bit later on, but it says CEC will be part of further engaging the public and enhancing public understanding "of District work".  I don't think that shd say District work, it shd say "our strategic plan".
Minor wording changes, but we know how helpful this tool is when we get the words right and stay focused.
Sop: a lot of work gone into this doc, from Ccl's desire for zero budget increase; we had to remove some things; put them off for future years
I'd be more inclined to receive some info directly associated how we're going to work out beyond three years in some of these areas -- solid look at sustainable, 15, 20 years out
understand we're committed to 2012, accepting this
what we've cut out, what redirect
financial restraints -- in two years same thing find financial restraints
at the same time we want success out of this
how's it going to work, got to vision out, all we're demanding
understand we cut some things out, somewhere how establish long term goals?
CAO: if we take a look at Section 4, really the dominant section
start through base, establish cmnty support, start looking at the long term
what we're doing with BSC is balancing into 2010, '11, '12; short term programs
lead right into vision, integrating life cycle; three-, five-yr progs
we haven't eliminated any work programs, here's what funding in future years
here's money prepared to put right now 2010/11 ...  models, put to future years
here's the money we're putting in ...
will turn over to Deputy CAO but want to publicly extend my appreciation to staff and Ccl for pushing us into developing this model that will really give us and the cmnty an opp to understand the work progs facing us and to be really able to follow work progs we've established
want to extend my app to groups that have moved us here, preparing one of the most transparent documents currently out there
DepCAO: thank you; echoing that behind me, vision/mission and strategy map actually the road map driving these 18 principles
process budget to zero at last mtg; much retained in driving that through
this is the first time look at plan with clarity
biz plans, five-year, ten-year biz plans contemplated, will drive things like the waterfront strategy
carry us through
those are the promises embedded in the strategic plan, kind that will drive us through, much longer than three-year will
As Grant pointed out, we're at a place, now clarity of the work plan
maybe not all done this year, but intent clear; staff thankful we can work with this at a level where the budget evolves.  So it's a good launchpad.
{Sop moved approval; CARRIED}
11. Capital Facility Reserve Fund Expenditure Bylaw No. 4632, 2010 (File:  1610-20-4632)
        RECOMMENDED:  be read a first, second, and third time.
{about $1.8M????
I support the seniors' ctr but $900K ($160K for walkway; $740K for building envelope)?  $215K for Library doors and windows? $185K for expert fees re Sea-to-Sky Expropriation? $142K for VoIP phone upgrade?  (upgrade? upgrade?  DNV did their whole system for less than that!) why not ask residents what they'd want to spend almost $2M on?  I'm sure many wd agree with some of these expenditures but wdn't it be better to make sure public consensus?
The position is that these were previously approved.
Whatever, it does give the feeling these expenditures needed more public exposure even if they were in an attached memo or on the website somewhere.
Maybe a WG can look at expenditures over a certain amount.
I asked two years ago for the tendering guideline b/c of examples in wch contracts were let or purchases made without going out to tender.  Maybe another thing to ask Ccl about.}
Barb Wood, Acting Dir/Finance: seeking approval; budget was adopted Feb 10; nine items wd be funded by this fund total $1.677M -- been debated at length
{I've added in the $162K of govt funding and she's subtracted it -- all out of our/taxpayer pockets, alas}
Mayor: in the budget process
{laughter}
Sop: Ms Wood, in reference to the discussions we had on the budget, the Srs' building envelope at $740K, did you not make some statement that that figure was not, I'm not saying correct, that it was adjusted to some other figure?
seems we had the price on the roof and then along came the mould and the other things that we had to attend to for the cladding wch altered the budget
BW: I can't remember some of the changes we made
the capital; we've made so many changes now to the different items, I wd hv to go back and look through my notes to see where we started
Sop: was roof alone $740K?
{hard to hear; no idea?}
Mayor: my recolln was it came in ~$30K under budget
AM: The Srs' building envelope roof has come in under budget.  This was--
The entire project has come in under budget
This was-- The $740K was carried over into the 2010 year, however we are under budget in that project
we'd be happy to come back to Ccl with a report on where we stand with that

{Let's hope that happens.
Look at the memo: $740K for the "seniors' building envelope" plus $160K for the covered walkway -- that's $900K alone!
Didn't Cclr Smith say he'd paced the walkway and that was too high at several hundred dollars a foot.}

Sop: if we're under budget, why is it at $740K?
AM: the initial budget for the srs' roof was $1.875M
Sop: for the roof originally?
AM: $1.875M was for the entire project
Mayor: no, it was over two years, 2009, 2010
AM: correct
Mayor: not sure if that answers your question
Sop: didn't think the roof when it originally came to us was that expensive; thought some other problems to look at there.
two years, fine
Mayor: wd you like to put motion on the floor then we can debate it
{ML made motion; seconded by TP}
MS: I have to say I don't really agree with what we're doing here in its entirety
I don't have any problem with the individual expenditures
I'll quickly read what the purpose of this fund is:
"In 1991 Ccl adopted the Capital Facilities Fund bylaw creating a reserve fund.  The purpose of the reserve fund was to set aside revenue from general taxation to create a fund to finance future capital works.  The bylaw provided that Ccl may only provide for the expenditure of money in the reserve fund by a bylaw passed by 2/3 of all mbrs of Ccl for the following and related purposes before expenditures are made:
A = Capital projects, including buildings and land, machinery, equipment necessary for the capital projects or
B = Extension or renewal of existing capital works."
and if you turn the page and look at some of the items, there's $60K for the Strategic Transportation Plan, and the No 1 item that jumps out is external expert fees regarding Sea-to-Sky expropriation of $185K, and then a VoIP phone system upgrade for $142K.
IMO, those items do not qualify under this Capital Facilities Reserve Fund Expenditure
They shd be funded in the case of the external expert fees, if a large part of that is legal fees, they shd be charged to the legal fee expense line, so that citizens can year over year compare our expenditures, and so we can be held accountable why those fees were spent and what kind of result did they trigger
So, I don't agree with this kind of accounting, and this is how we ended with a mess in the Endowment Fund and I think we have to follow proper process, and some of these items in my mind do not qualify as capital facility reserve fund expenditures
Mayor: Mr McRadu or ?
BW: it might be useful to add that the public sector acctg standards board has issued new acctg regulations for us effective 2009, and prior to that we did not have clear distinction on what wd be considered capital vs maintenance of capital; we are now under much stricter rules as to what we can capitalize and what we cannot
items here I feel comfortable wd qualify as either new assets or betterments to existing assets
and betterments is defined as either extending the life of an existing asset or improving its functionality
so from an acctg standard these wd qualify, however, what Cclr [Smith] is speaking to, perhaps this particular fund needs to be reworded and updated to catch up with the current rules
Mayor: sure, is that what you're suggesting, Cclr Smith, not so much the substance of these items, wch we've debated, but it's proper acctg, transparency
MS: A citizen shd be able to look at our budget, year after year, and see the expense line shd be consistent
I've been on this Ccl for four years and there was an expense approved at a special mtg, and I ask, that's not budgeted for, where's that money going to come from, and all of a sudden I get told we'll take that out the innovation fund
well, after four years on Ccl, I defy anybody to go back that past four budget years and find out any reference to an Innovation Fund -- and it's not budgeted!
It doesn't show up in our, er, and it shd.
This, I mean, we can't have slush funds all over the place
It's not appropriate
if we're going to have an innovation fund, it shd be clearly budgeted and shd clearly be enunciated what it's for, and what expenses come out of the fund
how else can we have transparent and accountable stewardship of public monies?
I wd argue -- and I have great respect for Ms Wood's professional expertise but IMO legal fees shd not be capitalized b/c legal fees here --   you know there are no guarantees when you go to court; some flaky judge can make a goofy judgment, so there's no guarantee that your legal fees are going to result in any net gain, so how on earth can we capitalize them, it's an expense
Mayor: a lot of diff themes; so wd like to know from Ms Wood how that is capitalized according to the norms today
BW: external expert fees for Sea-to-Sky for $185K, we did follow up with auditors the last couple of days and they felt that it's a soft cost related to a capital transaction, so they were comfortable with that
Mayor: wrt the Innovation Fund, I certainly was aware it's been there all along
funding was approved for Mr Stuart and I [sic] to go to Torino four years ago, that was what it was for
but I think the fund has grown
It started off at about $100K and I think there's a concern about that, but there may be a difference between the PSAB rules and what our staff work with, and how this becomes clear to Ccl and how we become accountable to public and how everybody understands that
Are you suggesting some these things shd actually come off this list?
MS: I am.  Why is a phone system upgrade coming out of a capital reserve fund wch is intended for capital projects?  That's an infrastructure replacement amount, shd come out of our infrastructure replacement budget.
To capitalize legal and consulting fees, I will personally at my expense ask the Chartered Accountants Institute for a ruling as to whether you can capitalize on a potential legal case, whether you can capitalize the legal and consulting fees.  I've never heard of such a thing.
I can't, won't, accept that that's proper accounting practice
Mayor: hold that thought while we hear from the rest of Ccl and figure out where to go
ML: don't think we are suggesting inappropriate expenses; think we're suggesting that they're perhaps being allocated to an incorrect area from a reserve fund perspective.
What we need is some clarification
I agree with Cclr Smith, I find it v odd to capitalize a legal opinion; it's not something that's going to depreciate or we're going to have to replace necessarily -- probably depreciated the day you get it!
The Strategic Transportation Plan, you know, it's a planning document.  I always think you capitalize a physical asset, and I understand there are probably some nuances between what one might do in the private sector vs the public sector and some clarification around that wd be useful
Similarly with VoIP phone system upgrade I'm not sure if it's hardware or an extension of a contract we have with Telus; it is odd
don't think any of the expenses per se are inappropriate b/c we have all debated those and we want to proceed with them, we we do need to proceed in a manner that's clear and understandable and transparent
just need clarification
Sop: two points: phone system upgrade wd be to change way things are done now to improve cost structure in future?
BW: not sure I wd say it's going to improve the cost structure, it's really enhancements
we're at the end of a contract and we believe we can get better functionality by making the changes we're looking at; that's the decision we wanted to work on was getting better functionality
that's why I believe it qualifies, enhanced functionality wch wd be covered under betterments
Sop: okay; some discussion around the fact; we push around data in large quantities over systems, is that absolutely required, involved in this area? using the phone system?
BW: no; if you're speaking of email and that type of our doc mgmt system, that's not what we're talking about here
Mayor: think Ccl debate shd be focusing on appropriateness of capital facilities reserve fund for these things, rather than the actual programs themselves, wch we've already fully debated

{where? when? not at any ccl mtg! will try to find out if at a closed mtg.  You know all WVMs are on the website www.westvan.org and easy for you to search for VoIP (and not find this debate re budget).  Have written to staff asking when all these items were debated; will keep you posted.  I go to all the ccl mtgs so now some of us wondering if all this talked about in camera.
Can't see how a telephone upgrade qualifies for in camera anyway!
Not exactly what is expected of OPEN govt.}

Sop: curious; wd like to ask
second question in relationship to Ccl Smith and what's been stated, this go before the Finance Cmte for consideration to answer those questions; that wd be my motion
Mayor: be referred to FCmte; but wd like to hear rest
SW: a bit odd, legal fees, and maybe the Transp Plan, but I'd more likely defer to Ms Wood and the auditors' recommendations; again, acctg rulings are so bizarre and change so regularly, and unless you're a CA and up on those rulings--
if betterment qualifies in some way, then I wd have to accept what Ms Wood is coming forward with, and maybe recommend there's something about communication with public and so more clearly, and we actually have line-by-line items of what these are.
wd not want this to go back to FCmte b/c stuff we have approved, we have debated at length
Ev: Cclr W has said 80% of what I wanted to say, I don't share some the sentiments of some cclrs, that there's a lack of transparency, we've debated this before in previous ccl mtgs, discussion now so where's lack of transparency
as to whether these are capital expenditures, may be to our advantage to ask Ms Wood to repeat her definition of what is considered to be a capital item
From my experience, legal fees certainly in years gone by were quite appropriate to capitalize in some circumstances, that's what I'm hearing Ms Wood say at the moment
I'm not in a position and not convinced any of us are to challenge that, and for that reason prepared to accept; it's somewhat subjective but it's beyond reasonable grounds
BW: legal costs can be considered soft costs when associated with capital additions, so when talking about legal costs for acquisitions, those are acceptable to be capitalized
As for planning fees for Transportation if we do not go ahead and use that plan, we wd not be able to capitalize that; as long as monies spent on that planning process do result in capital projects they wd be considered soft costs
Mayor: motions on floor, have heard about alternative ways to go; if defeated we'll move to that
Sop: motion?
{he's noticed his referral to the Finance Cmte not mentioned}
Mayor: for first, second, third reading, been moved and seconded
MS: it kind of disappoints me that some ppl, well.
the facts, the focus shd be on, read what it says, the background
When this bylaw was created by the 1991 Ccl, it clearly intended to be for capital projects including bldgs, land, machinery and equipment nec, and that wd include architects and legal fees
 -- no issue with that --  or B, extension or renewal of capital works
so the $185K for the Sea-to-Sky expropriation, it's not even our capital, that's property that's already been expropriated
all I'm trying say is there's no possible way that shd be capitalized
it's a legal expenses based on us thinking we may or may not get add'l money for that land but the land's gone, we don't own it, it's gone
why are we capitalizing the legal fees and the consultant fees that we're going to expend based on the original intent of 1991 fund was established for
clearly inappropriate based on the original intent of 1991 fund was established for based on
if for specific purposes, then use for them
if you don't follow that basic common sense thing it goes off the rails, just like the Endowment Fund; it's gone off the rails b/c we didn't follow the process
I don't know.  It disappoints me that ppl don't see these things.  I cd vote for this bylaw provided items that clearly shdn't be here taken out
they do not meet the original intent that the Ccl of 1991 in their wisdom established it for.
Nobody can argue these items do, so anyway I've said enough
SW: clarification from Ms Wood
Fund established 20 years ago, rules around acctg privileges have changed; assuming the betterment aspect and soft costs come under definition of capital expenditures
under that definition looking to you to qualify, not so much point A and B, definition -- maybe beginning to sound like Bill Clinton now
BW: this is an old bylaw and these rules brand new that we're grappling with right now
capital assets; may be appropriate to review and update this bylaw to be consistent with the way we need to do acctg
Mayor: that wd be the obvious followup motion: Fund/bylaw be referred to FCmte and reviewed
know we're also doing this with Endowment Fund
Sop: support Smith; if new philosophies, seem flexible wrt soft costs; new determination under Charter
we're heading in a new direction, new fiscal restraints; things in past not happy with; didn't know how it worked
refer to FCmte to have some clarification, and if new rules, to spell out what soft costs going to be in future
same feeling re sea to sky -- appropriated property; what's the capital in that? totally foreign to capital needs
Mayor: we have a professional opinion from staff; that's what in front of us
ML: friendly amendment; a review of the bylaw and clarification of the components
Mayor: second motion? refer to FCmte
Sop: what I said
Mayor: two part motion, moved and seconded
be read a first second third time, and second part, that the bylaw be referred to FCmte for review
MS: may I speak to the amendment b/c I've already spoken to the motion
we're having review after passed it?
Mayor: after we have had third reading
MS: what's point of reviewing something that's already been passed?
Sop: then adoption but me too, think it shd go to FCmte
{CAO walks over to the Mayor, and leans over to speak directly into her ear}
Mayor: sorry, three ppl talking, sorry, you'll have to repeat what you said
MS: don't see a point of referring to a cmte after already approved
so basic; I just can't see why we're even debating it
If you capitalize this $185K for these legal and consulting fees, how on earth is a citizen to review our finances?  It'll disappear, just a capital item, not an expense item
There's no acctability; {tapping desk for emphasis} it's the v fundamental basic question of why we're here; stewarding the public purse
This is just wrong; it's absolutely wrong
Anyway, I've had it.  Call the question.
Mayor: hang in there, b/c that's what we're all here for; Mr Won has some clarification for us
KWon: I was the staff mbr who talked to the auditors over a week ago; asked about the $185K
for clarification, it's not just legal fees, it's survey fees to prepare for our appeal of the expropriation
when auditors asked if this qualified as capital, their opinion was quite specific, it does; it relates to the earlier land transaction wch is a capital transaction, and if the proceeds at that time wd hv bn appropriate we wd not now be in situation of appealing
those costs if there'd been costs wd hv bn netted against the proceeds received by the District
now in situation, appealing at this point so the costs relate back to that original transaction and therefore are capital
Mayor: thank you
KW: so that's what staff are acting on
Ev: think we need a little bit of balance to this debate; one cclr has suggested we don't see it, but we do see it; I understand the historical background, the accting nuances
this is not subjective; if you follow the guidelines, they make sense; for that reason I'm prepared to support this motion
Mayor: will call question in two parts: first part
Sop: I'm opposed
but CARRIED
Mayor: second to FCMte so understand in future
CARRIED
Mayor: v good discussion.
[8:02]
12. Road Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 4633, 2010, located at 23rd and Ottawa Avenue (File:  0510-04-23-Ottawa/1610-20-4633)
RECOMMENDED:
be read a first, second, and third time; statutory notices be issued setting Apr 26 as deadline for written and oral submissions
Sokol: surplus land that cd be sold to raise funds for capital projects
7950 sf, qualifies as a lot; prior to selling the lot, Ccl wd have to approve the bylaw
between $1 and $2M, based on ...
Ev: understood $25K shd be set aside for some pedestrian improvements
M? and Ottawa -- or more strength behind that
Sokol: recommendation of the Transportation Mgr; sale to make some pedestrian improvements
Mayor: distinct from existing trails
Sokol: trail wd be lost by selling; it serves three or four lots; losing the trail wd not be a great loss but staff felt $25K set aside
upon sale, staff wd make recommendations where those improvements shd be
Ev: $25K for anywhere in WV; no need to tie; seems to give satisfaction they're going to lose something and gain somewhere else; don't see the need
Sop: same as Cclr Ev; we're trying to maximize profit here
ppl been going through...  use to them????
public ROW and no longer will be
if residents next street up don't know how far expansion to go, they cd make application for needs...
Mayor: immediate residents?
Sokol: required notice always to adjacent
Mayor: so we'll be able to hear; maybe other tradeoffs
CARRIED
13. Community Engagement Committee Terms of Reference  (File:  0116-20-CEC)
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Draft amendments to the Terms of Reference for the CEC, as attached to the report dated Mar 1 from the DepCAO, be approved.
{DepCAO mumbling, cdn't hear}
Mayor: new and prev; basically you've got an engaged CEC
ML: on page X; diff set of objectives; assume refers to three top priorities
don't see a time frame; need or things tend to slip; don't think needs to be included in Appendix A
BL: first to receive; second to engage the public and then what on
ML: what wd CEC want xxx
BL: anything xxx
cd put through email; put back through cmte; cd share it that way; or you cd open the dialogue any time you want
ML: seems we shd tie it in some manner
Sop: We went through and formed WG bylaws and Cmnty Engagemt bylaws and now in avenue of communication
wd serve v well to have new group and start to reach out in communication field
if we focus on e-govt, any collaboration with IT Dept how we focus, finances; changes come about
something IT shd be doing already
mythology
or saying this is the direction we shd be going
CAO: as you said Mme Mayor; through BSC; moving; web-based
sec stes moving aggressively
also having a workshop with staff within next two weeks
moving quite aggressively; as we were in the forefront a couple of years ago intend to be again
Sop: initiatives coming out of this astounding like the Spirit Trail
xxx document; well thought out not b/c I was there, but well xxx; need some details
really spelled it out and this will too
Mayor: the challenge for ourselves, xxx
tricky part is understanding land use.... particularly quality life in Amb and ensuring economic stability
a new level of public engagement, these ideas not as discrete as a Spirit Trail or a redevt
that's the broad picture
make sure Mr Leigh, have ev cclr give their sense, how we can ensure Ccl and cmnty working together, ambitious and long term
CEC needs to know that from us and doesn't feel at all that it's at all their prerogative to tell us, what they think that wd be.
if everybody can respond this week, the CEC can get back together and start working with us
okay?
Motion carries
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
14. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence
Mayor: remove to discuss?
{1, 11, 14}
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
15. Correspondence List (File:  0120 24)
(2) Feb 5, 2010, re Pacific Arbour Proposal for the Wetmore Site
        Referred to Director/Planning for consideration and response.
Requests for Delegation
(11) Lighthouse Park Preservation Society, February 21, regarding Request for Delegation
        Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response.
TP: a lot of this will be addressed in our new Parks and Open Spaces
working doc ... approp time to build on that
getting ahead of myself I know; on Sat on Mar 6 from 9 to noon the LPPS will be doing a native plant restoration in Caulfeild Park; info on their website
Mayor: and their delegation April 26
(14) February 16, 2010, regarding Flooding on Ambleside Seawall
        Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response.
TP: long term and short term
AM: Parks and Open Space Master Plan, as identified in BSC, will identify issues in our parks, will prioritize work; issues of flooding in Amb Park have been raised in past as a problem.  I review of the Amb Seawalk will therefore be incorporated into the Parks and Open Space Master Plan so that we can identify work required, costs, then prioritize.
16.  REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS
Sop: congratulations to our volunteers, staff include
on the news today, hours today long and hard; John Furlong came along one today and chatted to them
to all, gave so much for two weeks
Mayor: they absolutely do; will come back; will honour them publicly
17. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS  --  none
18. ADJOURNMENT [8:21]
=== COUNCIL AGENDA Mar 15th ===
6PM IN M HALL MFCR  /  7PM CCL CHAMBER
Note: At 6pm the regular Cci Mtg will commence in open session (in the main floor conference room), and will be immediately followed by a motion to exclude the public in order to hold a closed session, pursuant to section 90 of the Community Charter. At 7pm the open session will reconvene (in the Council Chamber) for consideration of the scheduled agenda items.
6:00 PM
1.  CALL TO ORDER OPEN SESSION
2.  EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
RECOMMENDED: THAT in the public interest, members of the public be excluded from part of the March 1, 2010 regular Council Meeting on the basis of matters to be considered under the following section of the Community Charter:
90. (1) A part of a council meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following:
(a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the municipality or another position appointed by the municipality;
4.  the security of the property of the municipality;
5.  the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if the council considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality;
(k) negotiations and related discussions respecting the proposed provision of a municipal service that are at their preliminary stages and that, in the view of the council, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the municipality if they were held in public.
3.  ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 PM  --  Following conclusion of the closed session, the following items will be considered:
4.  RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
5.  Approval of March 15, 2010 Regular Council Meeting Agenda
6.  ADOPTION of MINUTES:  March 1 Regular Ccl Mtg; and March 8, 2010 Special Council Meeting.
DELEGATIONS
7. P. Simpson, SAFERhome Standards Society, regarding SAFERhome Standards Society and Certification Program (File:  0055-01)
REPORTS
8. Community Climate Action Plan (File:  2150-01/0117-20-CAWG)
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1.  Council receive the "Community Climate Action Plan" as the first steps toward the Official Community Plan amendments required for Provincial Bill 27;
2.  Council request staff to apply for the $10,000 grant from BC Hydro for the "Mayors Task Force on Climate Change";
3.  Staff return to Ccl with an implementation plan and report card as outlined in the report of March 4, 2010.
9. North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues Review of 2009 Committee Work and 2010 Work Plan and Budget (File:  0180-18-06)
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1.  The North Shore Advisory Cmte on Disability Issues 2010 Work Plan be approved; and
2.  The budget request for a one third share ($4200) of the total budget ($12,600) be approved utilizing existing funds within the Grants in Aid budget.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
10. Consent Agenda Items - Reports
{No Correspondence????}
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA (to be rec'd for info)
11. Design Review Cmte 2009 Annual Report, 2010 Proposed Workplan (File:  0116-20-DRC)
12. Proposed Personal Communications System (PCS) Antennae on Lion's [sic] Libby Lodge at 6645 Nelson Avenue (File:  0140-01)
13. Development Variance Permit Application 09-036 (6135 Gleneagles Drive)
        (to set date for consideration) (File:  1010-20-09-036)
RECOMMENDED: THAT the M Clerk give notice that the Applic (6135 Gleneagles Drive), to vary the Zoning Bylaw to allow retention of an existing deck, construction of a second storey and new deck on an existing house and a detached garage, will be considered on Monday, April 12, 2010.
14. Development Variance Permit Application 10-005 (1425 19th Street)
        (to set date for consideration) (File:  1010-20-10-005)
RECOMMENDED: THAT the M Clerk give notice that the Application for 1425 19th Street, to allow a property to be subdivided into two new lots, will be considered on Monday, April 12, 2010.
15. Development Application Status List (File:  1010-01)
16. REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS  17. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS  18.  ADJOURNMENT

===  yet more on those fabulous Winter Olympics  ===
the upbeat mood was infectious
from a rocky start it built
the sheer joy on the faces of ppl when watching TV captivated most of the world!  and besides, such beautiful scenery.
Stephen Colbert filmed here for a couple of days.
Great videos by Tom Brokaw on us -- Vancouver/Canada/Gander.
Touching thank-you from Brian Williams of NBC.
Many were surprised at how mild our climate is since most think of Canada as snow, ice, and igloos.
Memorable:
        Alexander Bilodeau b/c of his love for his brother with cerebral palsy
        Johnny Weir for his eccentricity
        Jon Montgomery for his exuberance
        Joannie Rochette for her composure
        Sidney Crosby for his goal
        all the people for their good humour
You can imagine the groan when the US tied the hockey game 24 seconds before the end of the third period!  From then on it was sheer tenterhooks.
The mood and atmosphere were uplifting.  One tourist said when ppl found out he was from Belarus, they replied "Go, Belarus, Go!".  The American goalie (Miller) reported that after the first game when they defeated Canada, the worst he heard was "Go, Canada, Go" so our trash talk is rather tame.  Brian Williams commented on the fact that he hadn't heard one horn honk.
We drove down Georgia to Granville just after the game and everybody was upbeat and welcoming.  We had a Finnish flag as well as a Cdn one.  A pickup truck with many in the back asked what the flag was (they were waving Cdn flags and one Union Jack) and when we said from Finland they said "we love you too!"
Car windows were down and ppl came by wanting to high-five us through the window.
Many were high-fiving the police so one policeman said some were getting sore hands!  They were even hugged.  They did a great job so it was most peaceful -- more like a love-in from the 60s!
We did not attend any Olympic events; but we have attended a number of Cultural Olympiad events and they have been wonderful, incredible, stimulating, etc. and etc. We tried to go to a number of the country houses but the line-ups were too long (two hours+). On the last day we did get into the Swiss House to watch the closing ceremonies. Traffic problems were almost non-existent. We think everyone was so afraid (and there was so little parking since it was banned from many streets), they took transit (which was up by a factor of four at some periods), so driving downtown (not that we do a lot of it) was not a problem.
And now enjoy the Paralympics!

===  NEWSWATCH  ===
o  BBC March 11  Biden tries to ease Mid-East row
US Vice-President Joe Biden says Middle East peace talks must resume, despite a row over Israeli settlement plans.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8561998.stm
o  MEANWHILE
        on the ground daily life difficult and demeaning; amazing they stay peaceful
CPTnet  --  12 March 2010  --  AT-TUWANI UPDATE: January-February 2010
[Note: According to the Geneva Conventions, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and numerous United Nations resolutions, all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal.  Most settlement outposts are considered illegal under Israeli law.]
Summary
January-February 2010 was marked by Israeli military and settler attacks on and harassment of Palestinians living in the South Hebron Hills.  On some occasions, settlers practised with their slingshots in areas highly visible from Palestinian shepherds' grazing areas, or chased Palestinian shepherds while launching rocks from their slingshots.  On other occasions the military also perpetrated the violence, often forcing shepherds to leave their land.  In addition to physical attacks, Israeli military and settlers also destroyed Palestinian property.
The Israeli military continued to fail in its obligation to escort the children from Tuba and Maghayir al Abeed to and from school in At-Tuwani.  The military's negligence included failing to appear for the escort; refusing to complete the escort and leaving the children unaccompanied in areas of danger from settler attacks, and arriving late for the escort, resulting in the children's tardiness to school.  In addition, the Israeli military interfered with Palestinian children and teachers' transportation from school in the Palestinian village of Al Fakheit.
Despite continuing pressure, harassment, and attacks from the Israeli military and settlers, Palestinians in the South Hebron Hills continued to organize nonviolent actions and marches to assert their right to land access and education.
On team during this period were Jan Benvie, Laura Ciaghi, Cassandra Dixon, Joy Ellison, Jessica Fredrick, Joshua Hough, Sarah MacDonald, Sam Nichols, Melanie Southworth, and members of Operation Dove (the Doves).
Israeli military and Settlers Harass and Attack Palestinians
Friday 1 January
...masked settlers attacked two Palestinian shepherds...
When other Palestinians and internationals arrived at the scene of the attack, the settlers withdrew into the outpost.
Thursday 7 January
...Three of the shepherds ... were hospitalized for their injuries, and a young boy, Ramze Jamaal Raba'i, had his tooth broken.  The soldiers also attacked the CPTers accompanying the shepherds and broke a video camera.  (See 8 January CPTnet release, Israeli soldiers attack and injure Palestinian shepherds; arrest Musab Raba'i and video .)
...After four hours of interrogation and torture, they took Raba'i to Israeli police station in Kiryat Arba settlement.  The policemen told Raba'i that if they ever saw his face again they would kill him.  After thirty minutes, the police tied his hands and feet, blindfolded him, drove him to a location unknown to him, and threw him out of the jeep.  (See 12 January CPTnet release, Shepherd tortured for five hours by Israeli soldiers and police.)
Wednesday 6 January
The army came into At-Tuwani shortly after 9:00 p.m. Soldiers switched off the generator that provides electricity to the village during the evening and took its keys.
Tuesday 12 January
During the night, the Israeli military erected a tent on a hilltop near the Palestinian village of Maghayir al Abeed.  The next day, Doves observed two Israeli military Humvees, an army jeep, and about fourteen soldiers in the area.  According to a Maghayir al Abeed resident, soldiers declared the area within 300 meters of the tent a closed military zone for one week.  For the rest of the month, soldiers dismantled and re-erected the tent several times.
Tuesday 26 January
Between fifteen and twenty Israeli settlers from the Israeli settlement of Ma'on and the Israeli outpost of Havat Ma'on attacked Palestinians in the village of At-Tuwani.  Accompanying them were Israeli soldiers in three jeeps and the settlement security agent of Ma'on...
(See 27 January CPTnet release, AT-TUWANI: Israeli settlers and soldiers invade At-Tuwani, attack and injure villagers.)
READ ENTIRE REPORT:  http://www.cpt.org/cptnet/2010/03/08/tuwani-update-january-february-2010

===  WEBWATCH  === Wagah Ministry of Silly Walks; IT Helpdesk
***  WAGAH
*  India Pakistan Wagah Attari Border Closing and Flag Lowering Ceremony (by Sanjeev Bhaskar - The Longest Road). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ0ue-XGl9c
*  Michael Palin at the India-Pakistan border ceremony - BBC
Fascinating footage of a traditional ceremony that takes place on the Pakistan India border. 
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9y2qtaopbE&feature=fvw

***  IT HELPDESK
The First Help Desk Call  This is documentation of the very first IT help desk call being resolved.
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eIFoz-Tjf8&feature=related
Medieval helpdesk in English -- AntonBergen
Helpdesk support back in the day of the middle age. This is a remake of the of the Norwegian version. The original version was written by Knut N=E6rum. This version is made in BearingPoint Nordics.                                                                     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUQRbqc2qtY&feature=related

===  WOMANWATCH  ===
RussiaToday  -- September 30, 2009
In India, the first ever female troops have been deployed to control the border with Pakistan.
The division of young women, skilled in combat training and firearms, are being heralded as a strong female role model for modern India.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0ivLOzLkOw&NR=1

===  GEEKWATCH  ===
OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine version
Watch the fascinating travels -- more than dominoes and ramps and bells, and .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
March 01, 2010  --  The video was filmed in a two-storey warehouse, in the Echo Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles, CA. The "machine" was designed and built by the band, along with members of Syyn Labs ( http://syynlabs.com/ ) over the course of several months. OK Go thanks State Farm for making this video possible.

===  LANGUAGEWATCH  ===  the power of you and me......... 
I believe!
well, with some caveats.
Yes, I noticed the incorrect grammar when I first heard the song.  Apparently others have been objecting so again, just as in the case of the horrible slogan about "owning", why weren't the words reviewed before the recording?
Why did no one speak up?
The Emperor's clothes have the wrong buttons.
"'the power of you and I" might rhyme (forced?), but correct is: the power of you and me.
You say, pls go in front of me, pls put the chair behind me.
Just b/c there's another person involved you don't change the word!
If you leave out others, you won't make a mistake.
I go to school; John, Mary, and I go to school.
John comes to school with me; John comes to school with Mary and me.
I sit in the row ahead of Jane; Jane sits in the row behind me; she sits in the row behind Jane and me.

===  WORDWATCH  === thanks to Michael Quinion......
3. What I've learned over the holiday
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPERMARKET SLANG
In a couple of articles about Christmas at supermarkets in the UK, I learned that a SEND-OUT refers to despatching items for home delivery, but that a PUSH-OUT is the removal of a trolley of high-value goods such as alcohol from the store without bothering to go through a check-out. It came up in a report about a security man who was congratulated for thwarting a DOUBLE PUSH-OUT by two athletic thieves.
MORE WORDS OF THE YEAR
The WOTY season continued this week with a list of words from the Oxford University Press that summed up 2009. They were chosen by Susie Dent, dictionary expert of the Channel 4 television programme Countdown and author of several annual volumes about word change from Oxford. Some have been mentioned here already, such as UNFRIEND (though she also includes DEFRIEND as an alternative), STAYCATION, BOSSNAPPING, EPIGENOME, and GEOENGINEERING. Others in her list are ZOMBIE BANK (a financial institution whose liabilities are greater than its assets, but which continues to operate because of government support), JEGGINGS (close-fitting leggings of a fabric that resembles denim; from "jeans" plus "leggings"), and FREEMIUM (a business model in which some basic services are provided free, with the aim of enticing users to pay for additional, premium features or content; from "free" plus "premium").
Susie Dent also mentions SNOLLYGOSTER,* a wonderful US political insult, never much known in the UK, which everybody had thought had virtually disappeared from the language until it was used in May by Richard Graham, Conservative parliamentary candidate in Gloucester, in a letter to The Times demanding that the sitting Labour MP, Parmjit Dhanda, publish his expenses so that voters could see he wasn't one. This led to a brief flurry of press articles explaining that a snollygoster was a shrewd, unprincipled politician.  (See http://wwwords.org?SNOL for my note on the word.)
GERMAN WORDS OF THE YEAR
One feature of 2009 was various schemes to persuade people to dump their expensive and polluting old cars and buy new ones, in the process passing a lifeline to the auto industry. In the US it was called Cash for Clunkers; the UK had the closely similar Scrappage Scheme (though the American term became popular later in the year). Germans have several names for their version of the scheme, all based on "Pr=E4mie", which means a bonus, reward or premium: Verschrottungspr=E4mie (scrappage), Umweltpr=E4mie (environment) or Abwrackpr=E4mie (wrecking). The last of these was selected as Word of the Year 2009 by the Gesellschaft f=FCr deutsche Sprache (Association for the German language). Runners-up included Wachstumsbeschleunigungsgesetz (Growth Acceleration Act), a package of financial measures which came into force on 1 January.
SCARY GAMES
Nightmares I know about, even DAYMARES, nightmarish fantasies you might experience while awake. But KITEMARES? It's a common term, I have learned, for those frightening moments when something goes wrong while kiteboarding, such as getting your lines tangled with those of another kiteboarder. One Web site compiled a list of 13 common kitemares, the reading of which reinforced my enduring New Year's resolution to keep my feet on the ground.
*  Q and A: Pearls of wisdom
SNOLLYGOSTER
A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician.
This is another of that set of extroverted and fanciful words that originated in the fast-expanding United States of the nineteenth century (I see a snollygoster as a outsized individual with a carpetbag, flowered waistcoat, expansive demeanour and a large cigar). These days it's hardly heard. Its last burst of public notice came when President Truman used it in 1952, and defined it, either in ignorance or impishness, as "a man born out of wedlock". Many people put him right, some quoting this definition from the Columbus Dispatch of October 1895, with its splendid last phrase in the spirit of the original: "A Georgia editor kindly explains that 'a snollygoster is a fellow who wants office, regardless of party, platform or principles, and who, whenever he wins, gets there by the sheer force of monumental talknophical assumnacy'." But an American dictionary fifty years earlier had defined it simply as a shyster. The origin is unknown, though the Oxford English Dictionary suggests it may be linked to snallygoster, which some suppose to derive from the German schnelle Geister, literally a fast-moving ghost, and which was a mythical monster of vast size - half reptile, half bird - supposedly found in Maryland, and which was invented to terrify ex-slaves out of voting.
World Wide Words is copyright =A9 Michael Quinion, 1996-2009. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

===  WORDCHALLENGE  ===
What these words have in common:
                             1. Banana   2. Dresser   3. Grammar   4.  Potato   5. Revive   6. Uneven    7. Assess   
C'mon, give it another try....
Look at each word carefully.
Think again.
Answer: No, it is not that they all have at least two double letters..... 
Answer: In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter, place it at the end of the word, and then spell the word backwards, it will be the same word. Did you figure it out? No? Then send to more people and stump them as well!

===  MAIKU  ===   about world trends, govt, and stereotypes  [Feb 2010]  

                                        you're not powerless
                                                            work for changes you want with
                                                                                                        your power of one

===  QUOTATIONS / PUNS  ===
Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.
          - Diana, Princess of Wales, nee Spencer; former wife of Prince Charles (1961 - 1997)
The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.
-- Charles Caleb Colton, English author, collector, and clergyman (1780 - 1832)
War is on its last legs; and a universal peace is as sure as is the prevalence of civilization over barbarism, of liberal governments over feudal forms. The question for us is only How soon?
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson, "War", lecture, American Peace Society, Boston, 12 March 1838
Ethical axioms are found and tested not very differently from the axioms of science. Truth is what stands the test of experience.
-- Albert Einstein, Jewish/German/American physicist (1879 - 1955)
The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think.
-- Aristotle, Greek philosopher (384 - 322BC)
=  AGEWATCH ?
o  I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans! I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is "when you still have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it."
o  I've gotten that dreaded furniture disease.  That's when your chest is falling into your drawers!
o  When people see a cat's litter box, they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?"  Just once I want to say, "No, it's for company!"
=  PUNS  =
and for St Patrick's Day: