WVM2010-07
Mar 15 Ccl NOTES
Apr 12 AGENDA
Calendar to Apr 30
by
Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org
Now that
we've been norouzed, passovered, eastered, and vaisakhi'd
bring on
spring!
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Items on Agenda Apr 12th: WV 2010 Olympic
Celebrations; DVP Applications (6135 Gleneagles, 1425 19th) but
existing!; * AMBLESIDE WATERFRONT PLANNING * (Guiding
Principles, Implementation Initiatives, Zoning Bylaw); Local Govt
Elections Task Force; Devt Applic Status; TransLink Customer
Service Report; NSh Emergency Mgmt Ofc Report; NO CORRESPONDENCE AGAIN! new policy we
didn't know about and not discussed at a ccl mtg???
= Vive le Canada (Invasion of Canada, Vancouver
1958); ANIMALWATCH (Orangutan, Lions); from the EDITOR'S DESK
(ALARMING if PRECEDENT!; Olympics; Budget 2010); WVPD (District Watch;
Suspects); UPDATES (Heed Kashed; Amb Waterfront)
= CALENDAR to Apr 30th; Nature Walks;
CULTUREWATCH (Theatre, Music, Art, Opera, Photography)
= Ccl Mtg NOTES 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
= Ccl Mtg AGENDA Apr 12th
= INFObits (Trees: T4T); NETWATCH (Photos: Jerusalem;
Israel/Palestine); WEBWATCH (Seniors; Music); WOMENWATCH (Saudi poet);
WORDWATCH (chexting; twitterpidity; a twettle); MAIKU (salmon are
sacred); QUOTATIONS / PUNS (and some Easter wisdom sent to me)
=== Vive le CANADA
===
+ Letter authorizing invasion of Canada goes to
auction
BY
RANDY BOSWELL The Vancouver Sun 26 Mar 2010
The U. S. auction house Sotheby's is set to sell a faded and
fragile letter written 235 years ago by George Washington in which the
newly appointed commander of the American revolutionary army
passionately outlines his strategy for conquering...
read more...On the auction block -- will give you a bit more of the
history/background re the US Revolutionary War.
+ Quaint film promoting Vancouver --
ROCKIES FLIGHT TO VANCOUVER 1958
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=826
=== ANIMALWATCH
===
* The Orangutan
and the Hound
Humans Are Not the Only Beings with Interspecies
Friends
National
Geographic: When Surya,
the orangutan, meets a hound dog by the river, the two carry on like
long lost friends.
http://5thworld.com/Paradigm/Postings/!Wisdom/OrangutanAndHound.html
* Lions in Africa up close (featured in March BBC
Wildlife Magazine)
=== from the EDITOR'S DESK
===
+ ALARMING PRECEDENT -- Ghost of
Monster Houses Past
The mysterious case of 26xx Palmerston........
Someone contacted me asking if I was aware Ccl had just approved
increasing the FAR of a house from .34 to .43. I said no, the
FAR was not mentioned during the ccl mtg. Naturally curious, I
asked some cclrs and none cd tell me the FARs though a couple thought
it was a bit larger.
FYI, the maximum is .35 -- that means going to .43 is makes the
house almost one quarter larger.
I recall that Sop has made comments about twice there had been
stop work orders put on the house (that means some staff were vigilant
and doing their jobs!) and when it was taken to the Bd of Variance,
they turned it down (and not a hardship).
So the Devt Variance Permit Application was brought to Ccl.
When I wrote to staff, I had to ask about the relative FARs at
least twice before getting an answer -- and then the .43 was on the
penultimate page of a report.
Now it is true that without that information being provided
during the mtg, Ccl shd hv asked/verified, but some may have assumed
had it been relevant or significant, they wd hv bn told.
uh-uh.
Finally got some answers, but they were not reassuring.
This cd set a horrible precedent if allowed to stand; and if we
were serious about limiting 'monster' houses, this ought not be a
recipe for how to skirt the bylaws.
Even more alarming was to learn this increase was recommended by
staff! and with IMO totally unsupportable reasoning. I'm now
trying to find out if Ccl were aware of this staff policy and if they
agreed.
Here's some of the correspondence (several msgs so some
duplication).
Staff wrote:
"The report
specifically stated that it exceeded the maximum FAR by 679 sq. feet.
The attached DVP states that the allowed FAR (under this DVP) is
.43."
Nowhere in the agenda item's material does it say .35 FAR is the
maximum allowed.
Interesting to give the impression the FAR is "allowed"
-- it says under the DVP but that's not so. At that time it was
a DVP APPLICATION to increase to .43, and Ccl had not yet
allowed/approved it.
hm.
I wrote:
IMO, staff shd hv mentioned in the
presentation that this was a large increase -- .34 to .43FAR -- and if
not brought out for the public's benefit so they know what's going on,
someone on Ccl shd hv asked.
Sop touched on it by bringing up
the fact that a stop-order had been issued twice. Put that with
going to the Bd of Variance, turned down b/c not hardship, and it
appears the intent for years has been a larger house.
Persistence pays?
It's the precedent that is
alarming.
I've seen the house and filling in
the open space wd not affect sightlines, agreed, but had it been
closed in from the beginning the upper part wd hv had to be smaller.
And that was the whole intent of the bylaw when we lowered the FAR
from .45 to .35 (I was on Ccl then and it was considered a major
achievement in trying to reduce the appearance of monster
houses).
Staff reply:
"Staff
supported this DVP based on its compliance with criteria that staff
have developed
I asked:
so the policy was developed by
staff?
missing the first
step?
been approved by
Ccl?
for evaluating such
requests. The criteria are stated in section 2.3 of the Council
report."
My reaction:
Pardon me for suppressing my
disbelieving mirth wrt the beginning of 2.3 (Implications --
indeed!).
Wanting to do this b/c cold and
animals can get in?
Does anyone seriously think the
owners and/or the architect did not realize/anticipate this obvious
result of an open area below?
They did not think adding
insulation underneath the exposed upper floor would address the
problem with the "cold"?
Staff or Ccl might have guessed
something 'unusual' with two stop-work orders (good work by those
staff upholding our bylaws!) and that the Bd of Variance was not so
naive as to fall for simply filling in an empty space in all
innocence, thus getting a larger house than had it been designed with
a lower level. Something, btw, other owners do -- design the
whole house.
Is it open season on hillside
space?
Somewhat akin to not counting decks
in the FAR b/c of the number of walls? (this started being taken
advantage of before [...)]
If allowed and a policy, what a
precedent!
Just as the loop-hole that
permitted covered decks open on one side to be exempted from FAR, we
can now expect houses to be built with overhangs like this in hopes
that staff will later recommend approving a variance to well over
.35? (Assuming they even ask for a variance. What might
have happened had they planted a suitably high hedge before closing in
the space -- the stop-work orders might never have been
issued.)
"This same criteria have
been used in the past on other DVPs."
then no doubt will
again.
and we're back to .40 - .45
FARs!
[deletions]
LATER
This is rather
murky
but
still serious.
wrt
FAR
Have talked to
several cclrs. One claimed not to have seen anything about FAR,
even those who said they thought it was a 'bit' larger (~20 to 25% can
hardly be termed a bit larger), seemed to be unaware of how much
difference. Apparent obliviousness to bulk. One tried to
say no bigger b/c same footprint!
Alarming.
You wd know there
can be a one-storey house or a four-storey building on the same
footprint.
What was mostly
missing as far as I cd tell was the difference between .34 (or .35,
the allowed maximum) and .43, amazing as that might
seem.
I tried to get
across the point that had the house had the bottom open area enclosed
and been within the maximum of .35, then the top, even if one floor,
wd have had to be SMALLER. Had enclosing the bottom open part
still made the house .35 or less, it wd not look so big on the
property -- and this is what monster houses are all about, the
appearance of being large.
btw, I've always
said there's no such thing as a monster house, just a lot that's too
small. There are, after all, castles on estates and they do not
look like 'monsters'.
As you see in the
previous msgs below the reluctance to give the information of the FAR
-- it took more than one attempt.
FAR information shd
automatically, readily, and publicly be given.
Pls think about
making that required in future.
From the staff
memo {my
replies in italics}:
2.3 Implications
The large open area below the rear of the house results in the
main floor being
supported by columns, approximately 8' above the ground. This
open area allows
the elements in, creating a cold floor and reducing the energy
efficiency of the
house. Wildlife is also able to get under the house and create a
nuisance.
If not owner-built,
it is not credible that an architect, competent, designed it without
knowing the conditions or ramifications/consequences. Is
ignorance of or rejection of results of a design deserving of an
exception, in fact an advantage in this case an increase in the
FAR?
Would the original
plans not have had to be approved by the hall in the first
place?
Perhaps such plans
ought to be rejected in future?
The owners wish to complete the enclosure of the area to solve
these problems and to
create additional living space for their family.
The first
predictable but done anyway, the second desirable for
many.
Staff have no concerns
NONE???!!!
with the proposal for the following reasons:
- The footprint of the house does not increase;
all right if it
didn't also increase the FAR!
- The proposal results in an aesthetically better design by filling
a large void
under the house;
Pardon me? so an
aesthetically inferior design justifies increasing the size of a house
beyond that permitted?
as if the 'void'
was not intentional or part of the design???
how valid as a
precedent?
what discretionary
power staff hold to bypass bylaws!
aesthetics
testing?
One man's
aesthetics is another man's bulk?
- No site alterations or earthworks are required;
- The proposal will have no impact on the streetscape as the area to
be filled in
is
barely visible from 26th street and is not visible from Palmerston
Avenue;
this omits the fact
that the upper part of the house wd be smaller and have less of an
impact on the nbrhd if it had been designed with the maximum FAR limit
in mind.
- The owners of the neighbouring property to the west at 2616
Palmerston
Avenue
have provided their written approval of the proposal (see
Appendix
B).
Well, good that the
one nbr next door was nice but does that nbrhd or WV want the maximum
FAR to be increased from .35 to .43 if everyone can fill in an empty
space later?
Shd an increase to
.43 be considered?
We've already had
houses well over the intended FAR balconies and basements not counted
-- is this another category?
---END-------
PS Dear Readers
NB: From my experience, asking for letters from nbrs is dicey b/c
ppl want to be 'good nbrs'. Good and bad. At least asked.
OTOH, if the whole block doesn't want to comply with the bylaws, is
that all right? Do hope this loophole, or rather gaping hole,
will be closed by Ccl and/or staff b/c it makes a mockery of a maximum
FAR.
+ 2010 BUDGET
TERMS
Some of us have been somewhat sloppy and others may not know the
difference.
In WVM 5 the word TAX was inadvertently omitted from
"zero per cent tax increase", the correct description
for Budget 2010 but it was there in the printed copy's title.
This is DIFFERENT from a zero-based budget wch means you start
with a clean slate and justify each amt of money, and something I
urged from when first on Ccl in 1988. No support. And
staff of course said no need to do that since they'd already "cut
everything to the bone" and "were as efficient as
possible". I didn't buy a bridge either.
Confusingly the North Shore News editorial had zero-based and I
wrote pointing out what was passed was not that. It was a
surprise therefore to see Sunday's NSN with a column referring to WV's
"zero-based budget" and a "zero per cent increase
budget". Not so.
In fact, the budget is larger than last year, but the increased
expenditures are covered by the larger tax base (increased assessment
roll) and increases in user fees and other sources of revenue (such as
govt grants), plus some creative accounting (using capital reserves to
pay for what some might consider operating expenses) -- so the net
result is, that if your property value increased by the average in the
municipality, your tax bill ought to be the same as last year.
Also, this doesn't take into account the utilities increase that
will be an average increase of $238.
To be super clear re Budget 2010:
It is NOT zero-based wch means starting with a
clean slate
It is zero per cent tax increase. Note,
however, it is not that the budget is the same size (2009:
$127,667,532 and 2010: $128,367,019), it's that the increased
expenditures are covered so that there will not be any increase in the
tax paid by the "average home" owner.
IN ANY CASE, Ccl and Staff to be congratulated for reining in the
continuing increase momentum.
+ OLYMPICS
As my poem indicates, the glow remains -- such an uplifting
experience.
In the rush getting last WVM out sorry I omitted mentioning the
memorable Charles Hamelin and Marianne St Gelais (and their
celebratory hugs and kisses!), and Jasey Jay Anderson.
=== WVPD === West Vancouver's Most
Wanted!
* Announcement by DWV and
WVPD: District Watch. The crime prevention program will
capitalize on the day to day presence of municipal workers conducting
duties throughout the District of West Vancouver. Under District Watch
workers are asked to be alert to any unusual or suspicious persons or
circumstances and to report the circumstances to police.
* Please review all images at the link below and
contact the named investigators if you are able to assist.
=== UPDATES ===
*** Friday Apr 9th, astonishing resignation, stepping
aside, of Solicitor General Kash Heed, former WVPD Chief.
Apparently campaign finance investigation. Mike de Jong will
step in.
*** Look at what's being proposed for the waterfront,
unveiling Apr 12th:
=== CALENDAR to April 30th
===
{Pls note a) 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. Pls
check the DWV website wrt cmtes/WGs/mtgs of interest to
you.}
See the DWV Calendar:
http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: at this time the next Ccl
mtg is April 26th, so this is all the information re mtgs known at
this date. Certainly more will appear! Just below are some
events subscribers got a headsup email about b/c not in last
WVM.
CATCHING UP:
* Dundarave Pier 9am, race begins at 10:25 (Friday April
2)
Southern Straits Classic -- WVYC's 42nd sailing regatta,
an Easter Weekend ritual with pancake breakfast, music by the WV Pops
Band, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
www.southernstraits.ca
* Dundarave Village Saturday April
3 Annual Easter Egg hunt at
11am.
Join the fun -- over 12,000 Easter eggs
will be handed out. Children will be provided with a ticket for the
bunny draw, and at 12 o'clock, the plush bunny give-a-way will take
place!
* Ambleside Park: Iranian picnic on Sunday (Apr 4)
* Thursday Apr 8 ~ 6pm ~ Pub
Night to Support the SPCA
The West Vancouver SPCA is
hosting a Pub Night to benefit North Shore animals; Mosquito Creek Bar
and Grill, NV. Tix $20
include a veggieburger, fries, and a drink; available from the WV
SPCA, call 922 4622.
Dog
Washes The WV
SPCA holds a dog wash on the last Sunday of the month, from 11 am to 3
pm.
Runs March 28th, April
25th, May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, and August
29th.
Cost = $20 per dog. Owners can
enjoy free coffee and a tour of the shelter while their dogs get
cleaned up!
* Friday Apr 9
~ 7pm ~ Friday Apr 9 -- FERRY BUILDING
GALLERY -- Benefit Event for the Earthquake Victims --
Multi-media IMPRESSIONS OF CHILE with The Ultimate
Traveller, Peter Langer; Net Proceeds to Canadian Medical
Assistance Teams
~ 8pm ~ by donation ~ Discover the Majesty of BUTE
INLET
Slide Show & Talk: Rob and Laurie Wood live on Maurelle
Island near the mouth of Bute Inlet. They have an intimate knowledge
of the power, glory, and stunning beauty of the mountains, rivers,
forests, and wild animals that are the BUTE INLET. They will be at the
Brackendale Art Gallery for a special presentation of their photos and
to share their knowledge. Rob & Laurie are members of the Friends
of Bute Inlet www.buteinlet.net
*************
= Tuesday Apr 13th
~ 5:30pm ~ Cmnty Engagement Cmte in
Mayor's ofc
~ 6pm ~ Ambleside Business
Association (A B A); Notice of Election 2010 at Saltaire's
Restaurant
Annual elections of Officers/Board Members;
for info: Carey Hooge, careyh@cwalkergroup.com or Todd Whiting,
Saltaire@telus.net
= Wednesday Apr 14th
~ 10 - 11
am ~ Friendship Circle in the Atrium
Parents,
caregivers, and preschool children are invited to a Friendship
Circle in the Atrium at the West Vancouver Community Centre on
Wednesday, April 14th. This event is in support of Bullying Stops Here
- Pink Shirt Day in British Columbia. The circle will include
stories, songs, and games.
North Shore
Community Resources 'Wheels' program (a mobile resource service for
families with young children) and a community health nurse will also
be on hand to answer parent/caregivers questions on social/emotional
development in young children. For more info pls contact Laura
Lee Kent, Child Care Hub Coordinator, at 921 3403 and see
http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=26568
~ 5:30pm ~ Housing PP WG in Library, Musto
Room
~ 7pm ~ Library Bd mtg, Library, Welsh Hall
~ 7:15pm ~ Field Sports Forum WG -- CANCELLED, rescheduled
for Apr 15
= Thursday, Apr 15th
*** Community Day June
5: "Power of Music, Power of
People - celebrating a great Canadian community".
DEADLINE for Parade Applications Apr 15;
http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=26104
~ 4:30pm ~ Design Review Cmte --
CANCELLED
~ 6pm ~ NSh Family Court / Youth Justice Cmte at DNV M
Hall
~
7:15pm ~ Field Sports Forum WG
~ 7pm ~ FREE PUBLIC LECTURE -- A 22nd Century City:
Reinventing our DNA
Venue:
SFU Segal Building, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver
What will it take to transform our cities? What changes do we
need to make in the basic operating code in how cities function? In
this lecture, Thomas Osdoba will argue for creating a culture of
innovation around sustainability - and ways to make it happen.
Thomas Osdoba is Managing Director of the Center for Sustainable
Business Practices at Lundquist College of Business, University of
Oregon, and Principal at Tao Strategies. He is the former
Sustainability Manager for the City of Vancouver and has served as the
Acting Director of the Canada Carbon Trust. He has 20 years of
experience in environmental policy development and initiatives to
promote and support sustainable development.
SFU City Program 2300 - 515 West
Hastings, Vancouver; Tel: 778-782-5254; www.sfu.ca/city
LECTURE VIDEOS
Many SFU City Program public lectures are videotaped. Check out
the latest, "The Chicago School - Insights from Sadhu Johnston
and Mike Shiffer" along with an archive of over 30
lectures.
><<)))}}'> *
<'{{(((>><
ADOPT-A-FISH
SATURDAY *
2010 April 17th * 10am - NOON
at
West Vancouver
Memorial Library and Memorial Park
Come and see
the fish tank and displays.
Ask questions and learn about
our fish and streams.
The West
Vancouver Streamkeeper Society & The Coho Society
For information,
write streamkeepers@westvan.org or phone 604 628 1123
www.streamkeeper.westvan.org
* ><<)))}}'> *
<'{{(((>>< *
The West Vancouver Streamkeeper
Society and the Coho Society have jointly put on this event for the
past six years in Memorial Park . DFO supplies the coho smolt which
the children release into McDonald Creek. The WV Memorial Library
assists us by allowing the Coho Society to put up a registration tent
in front of the library and also puts out information on salmon inside
the library.
The event starts at 10 am and
finishes at noon. Children and their families register at the Coho
Society tent and the children are given a certificate of adoption of a
fish. They are then escorted by students from WV Secondary School from
the Environmental Protection Network (EPN) club across the road and
into the park area where they pick up their coho smolts and then
release them into McDonald Creek. West Vancouver Streamkeepers will
have a tent near the creek with drinks, cookies, and information on
salmon.
We look forward
to seeing you there on Saturday the 17th of April.
* ><<)))}}'> *
<'{{(((>>< *
= Monday Apr 19th
~ 8 am ~ Cmnty Grants Cmte in Cmnty Ctr, Vista
Room
= Tuesday Apr 20th
~ 3 pm ~ Police Bd Finance Cmte at WVPD
~ 7 pm ~ Sharing
the History of the Ambleside Neighbourhood (in Srs' Ctr
atrium)
The West Vancouver
Historical Society is looking for long-time residents to share their
memories - and photographs - about their neighbourhoods
for possible inclusion in the Society's book, planned to coincide
with West Vancouver's 100th anniversary. If you would like to share
your memories, please attend one of the special meetings the Society
is holding to gather information on our various
nbrhds.
This meeting will focus on the Ambleside neighbourhood. For submissions on any
WV nbrhd, interested residents can email the Society, wvhs@shaw.ca.
= Wednesday Apr 21st
~ 5:30 pm ~ WV Police Bd mtg at WVPD
~ 7 pm ~ Board of Variance -- CANCELLED
= Thursday Apr 22 to Sunday Apr
25
West Vancouver
Police Department - S.W.A.T. Family Carnival
Park
Royal South -- The WV Student Work Advisory Team promises
thrilling rides and novelty games for the whole family to enjoy at
this exciting event. Tix for these West Coast amusement rides can be
purchased on site. Apr 22/23 from 4 to 10pm; Apr 24
from 11am to 11pm; Apr 25 from 11am to
6pm
Sunday Apr 25
~ 8am - noon ~ Scotiabank MS
Walk in Ambleside Park
and
~
9am to 1pm ~ Garage
Sale at WV Cmnty Ctr
Thursday Apr 29
~ 5pm ~ N.S. Advisory Committee on Disability Issues at DNV M
Hall
Friday Apr 30
~ 5 - 10pm ~ Valborg Celebration in Ambleside
Park.
* MAY
Gleneagles
Clubhouse Grand Opening Celebration
Join us to
celebrate the official opening of the Gleneagles Clubhouse on
Saturday, May 1st.
The Clubhouse,
located at Gleneagles Golf Course, is opening its doors and welcoming
the community to an Open House and tour of this newly-renovated
building, which includes a new restaurant. This beloved community
facility is ready to host community celebrations in the Great Hall
again, such as events for families and friends, weddings, and private
functions. This is the perfect opportunity for the whole family
to get a closer look at this stunning space overlooking West
Vancouver's beautiful Larson Bay and the sixth fairway.
When: Saturday, May 1st from 1 to 4 pm. Official
Remarks: 1:30
pm
For more
information, please visit westvancouver.ca/gleneaglesgolf
+++ 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!
+ Tuesday Apr
13
Mozart's Operas Welsh Hall, 10:30 pm - 12:30 pm. No
registration required.
+ NSh
Writers Festival Apr 19 - 22
http://www.northshorewritersfestival.ca/
What a
line-up!
Prize-winning author
Annabel Lyon, The Golden Mean, Mon Apr 19 WVML 7:30pm
Joy Fielding, The
Wild Zone, Tu Apr 20, DNV Library, 7:30pm
Anosh Irani, Dahanu
Road, Th Apr 22, CNV Library, 7:45pm
+ Friday Apr
16
PHILOSOPHERS' CAFE - EARTH DAY THEME: WATER
Celebrate upcoming
Earth Day with a discussion on Water. The U.N. has appointed you as
"World Water Czar." What policies would you
implement? 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Welsh Hall. Admission
$5.
About
Philosophers Cafe Vibrant discussions on burning issues of
the day. Snacks and coffee provided. Registration not required.
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.
+
CELEBRATING EARTH WEEK Apr 16 - 25
Earth Day is
April 22, and we will be celebrating from April 16 - 25. Check out
our display, attend an event, or borrow an energy meter. Our
Staff, Library Board and Foundation are committed to making the
Library a model of sustainability in the community. You can read about
what we're doing on our Sustainability webpage.
EARTH DAY
LECTURE BY ARTIST K.A. COLORADO: THE COW ON THE ICEBERG: THE RELEVANCY
OF DEEP COLD
A report on artistic impressions through observations and sightings in
the Antarctic, and the physical spiritual and psychological
significance of absolute cold. Thursday, April 22, 7 pm, Welsh
Hall.
+
ENGLISH CORNER in the Welsh Hall from 10 to 11:30am
Come and practise
English conversation at the Library every Friday beginning -- Apr 16,
23, 30.
Requirement: able to
read English. Info: Fariba Rocker at 604 506 6616. Facilitated
by the Baha'i Cmnty of WV.
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.
o Subliminal Meditation March 30 -
April 11 -- Mixed media: Angela Rae, Michela
Sorrentino
o ARTISTS OF AVALON April
13 - May 2
Women in recovery from addiction
discover their creativity.
Mixed Media art by Artists:
Andrea Baxendale, Vicki Canada, Lyse Cote, Debbie Davidson, Kathy
Deyell, Gwen Dirks, Nikki Ducharme, Vicki Frederiksen, Monica Glass,
Cindy Hambrook, Shirley Hrkac, E'Lana Long, Jennie Marsh, Ruth Peters,
Dani Rubin, Cheryl Wheeler, and others. . .
Opening Reception: Apr
13 Tuesday 6 - 8pm
Artists in Attendance:
Apr 17 Saturday 2 - 3pm
Addiction Awareness Evening -- April 27
Tuesday 7 - 8:30pm -- A Speaker Panel public event designed to
raise awareness about addiction, recovery and Avalon, FREE
Admission.
Artist's Talk: Artists will
share their stories of recovery as it relates to their creativity,
FREE Admission.
"Oh La La!: French
Exhibit" April 6
- 18
The world's most romantic
country, France has welcomed lovers and patrons of the arts for
centuries. France offers everything you need to indulge your passions
and at the Silk Purse we are capitalizing on those passions with a
unique exhibition of all things France including paintings, clay art,
and photography by 12 Lower Mainland artists. Opening reception to
follow-with all things French!
Opening
Reception:TUESDAY April 6th from 6 - 8pm
"In House
Creations" April
20 - May 2
Kicking off Arts &
Culture Week and National Volunteer Week and celebrating over 42
years, the West Van Arts Council at the Silk Purse will host a very
special exhibition honouring the long-time volunteers that have made
the Silk Purse such a special place. This exhibit represents the
creativity and talent of our dedicated volunteers and is a unique way
to draw attention to the major contributions volunteers make in our
community each and every day!
Opening
Reception: TUESDAY April 20th from 3 - 7pm
+++ KAY MEEK CENTRE
+++
+ 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
o 8pm Fri Apr 16 (to May 1) ~ Theatre West Van presents
A BENCH IN THE SUN
o Arts Club on Tour 8pm Tu/Wed Apr 20/21, MOM'S THE WORD
REMIXED
o 7:30 Fri Apr 23 ~ Reception and Talk; Dr Shirin
Ebadi, Nobel Laureate
The
Human Rights Situation in Iran Today, hosted by MP John
Weston
o 8pm Sat Apr 24 ~ Pacific Symphonic Wind
Ensemble
+++ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 60, West
Vancouver +++
The Spring Issue of "The Torch" is now
available; just click the following link for direct
access:
http://www.westvan60.com/Images/The%20Torch%20Newsletter%20-%20Spring%202010.pdf
The newsletter is available to any
interested non-member. Pls fill in the form on the
webpage, http://www.westvan60.com/newsletter.html Pls email me if you wd like to submit an article or if
you have any questions/comments. Thank you for your interest.
-- Best regards, Janice Mackay-Smith, The Torch
NATIONAL DAY OF
REMEMBRANCE
Honour the WW1 veterans on Friday,
April 9th, Vimy Ridge Day:
11am at the Memorial Arch across from the Library and
4:30pm in the Branch lounge
Across Canada, the govt is providing
Books of Reflection for the public to sign and pay their
respects.
Marking the End of an Era
Jean-Pierre
Blackburn, Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs, officially
launched an advertising campaign to commemorate the sacrifices made by
our First World War veterans. This complements other commemorative
events planned by our government to mark the
"End of an
Era", culminating with a
National Day of Remembrance to be observed
on
Vimy Ridge Day, April 9th 2010.
Canada's
contribution to the First World War helped define us as a nation and
shape the country in which we live today.
This campaign
will help spread the message that on April 9, Canadians will stand
united in remembrance of and gratitude to those who authored one of
the most important chapters in our nation's history. As well as the
national commemorative ceremony on April 9, international
commemorative ceremonies and activities in the provincial and
territorial capitals are planned to recognize all those who served
Canada during the First World War.
The
Government of Canada is also providing the opportunity for the public
to pay their respects by signing special Books of Reflection which
will be on display at various locations across the country and
overseas and also available online at www.vac-acc.gc.ca. Canada
marks the End of an Era - the passing of a generation that asserted
our independence on the world stage and established our international
reputation as an unwavering champion of freedom, democracy, human
rights, and the rule of law.
The
Royal Canadian Legion, North Shore & Howe Sound Zone, and West
Vancouver Branch 60, extend and invitation to our members and the
community to join with us in a Commemoration Ceremony in honour of
our
First
World War Veterans.
West Vancouver Memorial Arch
Friday April 9th, 2010 - 11:00am
For those
unable to attend this ceremony,
a tribute
will be held in the Branch Lounge at 4:30pm
to
commemorate the passing of John Babcock (at 109!), Canada's last WWI
Veteran, and to pay tribute to those WWI Veterans who have gone before
him. WWII Veterans,
Comrades
Harry Greenwood and Donald Sinclair
will be
speaking on behalf of our Veterans and Branch members.
* MORE EVENTS AT THE LEGION:
Friday, April
9th-Runaway Jukebox,
live music in the Lounge 7 - 11pm
Saturday, April
10th-Leadership and
Business Management Workshop 9am - 4pm, registration at 8:30am;
FREE
Sunday, April
18th-Veterans' Social in
the Lounge 2 - 4pm
Saturday, April
24th-Furry Creek Golf
Tournament & Dinner
Tuesday, April
27th-General Meeting at
7pm
Friday, April 30th /
Saturday, May 1st-Greg
Hampson, live music 7 - 11pm
Mark Your
Calendars!
Taste of the
Bay in Horseshoe Bay is
returning on Thurs 5 -
8pm April 29th.
This fun-filled family evening invites you and your neighbours to
stroll through Horseshoe Bay as you enjoy the tastes and treats
that the local stores and restaurants have to offer. Tickets are yet
to go on sale, but details soon.
There are limited spots for
Table sponsorships. To reserve your table, please contact Leagh
Gabriel at the
WV Chamber of Commerce at 926 6614 or leagh@westvanchamber.com
+++ RECONNECTING WITH NATURE
+++
--
Events for April courtesy of David Cook 924 0147
+ Thursday 8th April +
Geology of Point Grey Peninsular & Burrard
Inlet:
A
talk For Pacific Spirit Park Society (Walk & Talk Series);
Speaker: David Cook, P.Eng
~ 7pm ~ St Philip's Church 3737 W 27th
This will be a 400-million-year PowerPoint
journey through the geological history of the area. Some of the
highlights will be sandstones with coal beds laid down in the deltas
of 50 to 70 million-year-old rivers, the roots of 37 million-year-old
volcanoes, giant granitic boulders brought to the area during the Ice
Age, clues to former sea levels left in the cliffs, and evidence that
even today we live in an area of dynamic geological change.
Visit: www.PacificSpiritParkSociety.org.
+ Thursday 15th April +
For
Nature Vancouver, Botany section; Speaker: Jenny
McCune
~ 7pm ~ Unity Church, 5840 Oak St
Massive changes have occurred on the landscape in
Southwestern BC in the past few decades, with rampant urbanization and
the loss of much of the original vegetation. But what's going on
in the understory of the forests that are left? Are we losing
rare native species in these forest fragments? How many, and how
quickly? And how quickly are exotic species expanding? We
can use historical datasets to find out. As part of her PhD
research, Jenny McCune returned to 184 vegetation plots originally
surveyed in the late 1960s by Dr. Hans Roemer on the Saanich
peninsula. In this talk she will discuss her experience
following in Hans's footsteps, and what has happened to plant
communities that now find themselves in someone's
backyard.
Jenny McCune is a PhD student in the botany
department at UBC. She earned her BSc in Biological Science at
the University of Guelph, MSc in ethnobotany at the University of
Kent, Canterbury, and has worked as a plant ecologist in Florida,
Oregon, California, and Maryland. For further info visit www.naturevancouver.ca.
+ Saturday 17th April +
Geology of Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve:
A
walk or Nature Vancouver; Field trip leader: David
Cook
Meeting Location: Rice Lake parking lot; Time:
1000 hours
A walk along trails paralleling the west side of
the Seymour River in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) to
view geological features that tell the story of this valley during and
following the ice age. Some highlights will be 30,000- to
40,000-year-old peat beds, raised sea-level benches, rhythmite clays
deposited in a glacial lake, and the site of the fatal Riverside Drive
slide.
The length and duration of this walk will be
about 12 km and five hours respectively, mainly along Twin Bridges
Trail and Fisherman's Trail.
Bring lunch and water and dress for changes in
weather.
Meet in the Rice Lake Parking lot near the
Learning Lodge in LSCR at 1000 hours. The parking lot is at the end of
Lillooet Road which is accessed from the Mount Seymour Parkway near
the Holiday Inn and Capilano University. There is no bus access
(unless you know how to walk in from the top of Lynn Valley Road), so
if you require a lift I can collect up to four people from Phibbs
Exchange or Lynn Valley Mall at prearranged times. For further
information, visit www.naturevancouver.ca.
+ Sunday 18th April +
Geology of Pt Grey & Burrard Inlet:
A
walk Pacific Spirit Park Society (Walk & Talk Series)
Meeting Location: Volunteer Park (N of Tatlow Park), Point
Grey Road between McDonald and Bayswater
Instructor: David Cook P.Eng; Time: 1100 hours;
Duration: About 2.5 hours.
Walk at low tide along sections of Jericho
and Kitsilano Beaches to view the rocks and land features that form
the Point Grey Peninsula and surround Burrard Inlet. See sandstones,
mudstones, and coal beds in ~50 million year old (Tertiary) rocks of
the Georgia Basin stratigraphic sequence of rocks which have been
intruded by volcanic dykes. We will see fossilized leaves of
such plants as Glyptostrobus and Metasequoia which are related to the
present day swamp cypress and dawn redwood.
Looking across Burrard Inlet we will observe
rocks and land forms created over the last 400 million years by plate
tectonics, erosion, and ice. For further information visit www.PacificSpiritParkSociety.org.
+ Monday 19th April +
Geology & Forest Ecology, Lynn Canyon Park:
A
walk For Elder College; Field trip leader: David Cook
Meeting Location: Ecology Centre parking lot; Time:
1000 hours; Cost: $5
A five-hour geology and forest ecology walk along
the trails of Lynn Canyon Park, the largest piece of natural
parkland in the District of NV. 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.
Registration and payment is required before April
19th. To register call 984 4901 and quote course reference number
20003 or visit www.capilanou.ca/ce/north-shore/eldercollege.html and click on "Forms" or click on the
myCE link and register online.
+ Sunday 25th April +
Geology & Old Growth, Cypress Falls Park:
A
hike for Nature Vancouver; Field trip leader: David
Cook
Meeting Location: McDonald's, Park Royal; Time: 0930
hours; Duration: four or five hours.
We will be hiking along the trails of Cypress
Falls Park in WV and the adjoining Cypress Provincial Park.
Meet at 0930 hours at Mc Donald's, Park Royal for car-pooling or if
you are coming by bus and require a lift. Alternatively, meet in the
parking lot at the end of Woodgreen Place off Woodgreen Dr, WV at 1000
hours.
The field trip area contains one of the North
Shore's oases of old-growth forest with two waterfalls in a pocket
canyon formed by Cypress Creek. The trails are poorly defined
and poorly maintained in many places. Caution is required where there
are steep drop-offs into the canyon. Hiking boots with ankle support
are essential. Bring lunch and water and dress for changes in
weather.
Estimated time of return:
Mid-afternoon.
For further details visit www.naturevancouver.ca or refer
to Parks and Nature Places Around Vancouver, a book recently published
by Nature Vancouver.
=== CULTUREWATCH
===
*
THEATRE
+ Presentation House
Theatre, NV
West Coast Premiere of Queen
Lear by Eugene Stickland in
association with Western Gold Theatre; ends April 10 --
excellent!
+ Deep Cove Shaw
Theatre
Vincent in Brixton by
Nicholas Wright, Apr 16 to May 1st; tix 929 3200 or
deepcovestage.com
+ Vancouver
Playhouse
The Love List by Norm
Foster, starring Norm Foster and Peter Anderson; ends April 10;
Playhouse Theatre Company
+ Jericho Arts
Centre
Canadian Premiere of The Breath
of Life by David Hare, United Players, Apr 2 to 25; tix 224 8007;
jerichoartscentre.com
+ Arts Club (tel 687
1644)
- Paradise Garden
-- A modern romance against all odds; at Stanley Industrial Alliance
Stage; ends Apr 11
- Billy Bishop Goes to
War, our own Canadian classic; Granville Island; to Apr
17
+ Metro
Theatre
Opening Night by Norm
Foster, Apr 3 - May 1st; tix 266 7191; metrotheatre.org
+ Waterfront
Theatre, Granville Island
Savage Parade about Paul
Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, Apr 8 - 10; tix 1 800 838
3006
*
MUSIC
+ VAG Out for Lunch 12:10 -
1pm
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/out_lunch.html
April 9th, Rachel Fenlon,
soprano, and Richard Epp, piano. Messiaen: Songs
* OPERA @
7:30pm
http://www.vancouveropera.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=15
Mozart: Marriage of
Figaro -- April 24th, 27th, 29th, May 1st, 4th
Figaro and
Susanna are to be married. But their master, the Count, is enamoured
of the bride and Figaro is being eyed by a much older woman. Also a
reckless young man is in love with the Countess, who longs for her
husband's embrace. And that's not the half of it. Figaro is
an unmatchable opera that combines comedy, social commentary and
heart-breaking tenderness. The plot is deliriously twisty and the
characters are deeply sympathetic. Mozart's genius work connects to
our lives with humanity and compassion.
= Thurs Apr 15 All Opera Speaks events are 7 -
9pm in the Alice MacKay Room of the central branch of Vancouver
Public Library. Seating is limited. Arrive early!
GALLERY TOURS
Try one! They're free! (maybe
just for mbrs) Brown Bag Tour, Buggy Tour, Crit Night, Early Morning
History Tour, Exhibition Tour, Hot Spot, Staff Pick.
*
PHOTOGRAPHY
Painting Exhibition:
Exhibition: April 15 - 30; Reception: 4 - 8pm April
17
Subject:
Open
For more info visit www.Caroun.net
at "Call for Artists" (http://www.caroun.com/CarounArtGallery/Calls/00-Calls.html).
Subject:
Nature
Call for Photographers
-- Deadline: April 25
Exhibition: May 16 - 31; Reception:
6 - 8pm Saturday May 22
=== COUNCIL MTG NOTES 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 15, 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
DELEGATIONS
Mayor: Welcome.
PS: 19-point bldg standard related to housing [SLIDES]
under Sustainability; esp around seniors and small chn
Cdn Stats in 2032, 48% over 65; CMHC have to retrofit/renovate
50K homes a year just to keep up and we're not even close to
that
19pt certification checklist of bldg codes and regulations
updating v old bldg standard; clarification; breaking cycle of
old habits
thresholds -- we know what they are comes from 100s of
years ago, the days when we had dirt floors and we put straw or
thresh down on the dirt floor and a block of wood under the door to
hold the thresh in place, why we have thresholds today
slide showing putting 2 x 4 in walls so grab bar can be put in
more easily later
[do this] lowering sink, costs little compared with doing it
later
re height of light switches
adapting houses to needs
SAFERhome program only measurable one out there
environmental efficiency
electric lines to front door, many uses, telephone wires,
etc
over 800 seniors last year in BC died from falling accidents --
three seniors every day
over 40K chn visits to hospital emerg wards in 2008, 80% were
preventable accidents in the home
11% of all ambulance call-outs are for falling accidents in the
home
scary part: [slide] senior tsunami so even larger number going
into healthcare system
if over 65, break your hip, 30% chance you're dead within a year;
50% chance never coming out of the healthcare system -- these are
falls in the home
tsunami staggering
can fight this off -- build new houses adapted to
needs
put into house $1100, into suite $700; to retrofit an existing
house $100K+, into apt $40-50K
been showing it, even exported it -- down to Barbados
I'm here to ask you to become pro-active, bylaws
four years provincial and fell short
do it simple, straightforward, all you have to do is to tell the
public
be pro-active, come together with other Ms
Sop: thx
you tell of seniors and small chn, going to have to expand
horizon, inclusiveness, to handicapped or challenged ppl
PS: as a former mbr of the BC Paraplegic Assn and a former
wheelchair-user, I wd prefer to grow up in a SAFER home b/c not
labelled
does make it acceptable
Ev: read all the material supplied and pts raised common
sense
figures, costs, staggering -- $118K for hip replacements,
etc
is staff generally in agreement?
if so, how and when wd be implement?
Sokol: District will be evaluating the SAFERhomes prog as well as
other progs as part of our workplan this year, eg Evelyn Drive devt;
report back within the next six months on evaluating the two
progs
Ev: any way we can make this info av to builders and
contractors?
Sokol: sev diff standards out in the market: SAFERhomes, BC Bldg
Code (new accessibility standards), CNV has certain accessibility
standards
all have pros and cons, bldg cmnty is aware of them
we wd like to have a consistent standard in DWV and working
through ACDI, uniform standard across N Sh
ML: ask you engage ACDI and they'll have lots of input
Mayor: mention refer to staff in motion so we get a
response
[DONE, and report within six months]
REPORTS
Mayor: presentation, the public, the ccl discussion
TP: exciting night for me; achievement, challenging task; thank
all WG and if here tonight pls stand; cochairs were Nora Gambioli and
Freda Pagani [names rest, staff, and UBC students]
Most important, core is took on daunting task, delivered
something quite spectacular for this cmnty and global one
Matt Alexander and Stephen Sheppard
MA: we're here to present the report
mix of experts and lay ppl, I'm one of the lay ppl; my first opp
to work on a WG, v impressed; wd suggest carrying on
looked at what other places were doing re GHG
recommendations and measures M can take; see how well doing over
time
realize bigger than originally thought, so need to find where we
are
what ppl can actually do
not light bulb, turn off pilot light on fireplace
did 250 residences, all but three Climate Action of interest and
M shd provide leadership
98% of emissions in WV come from residences
District getting its assessed; leadership, give us guidance
SS: slightly over half from bldgs and almost half from private
vehicles
Bill 27, all have to set targets on carbon reduction
BC govt has mandated 33% by 2020, and 80% by 2050, consistent
worldwide
CAWG thinks District can meet those reductions
Where do numbers come from? as you can see on the screen
[slide]
trajectory we're on, carbon production going up in prov and in
WV
prov target is at bottom right
how do we work back to get to 2050? rise if we do nothing;
a couple of examples how might work
numbers in WV
av home (in 2007) emits nine tons of carbon a yr, fairly high
footprint and mainly from natural gas
{electricity better than gas and many changed from oil to gas
about forty years ago, but we didn't know...}
I have students in my UBC class who put out less than a third of
that
so if 33% reduction, series of things to be done
we're going to be seeing increasing energy costs for
homeowners
to be done: audits, retrofits, energy efficiency improvements,
for a start
switching to other sources of heat and energy, such as air-source
heat pumps or geo-exchange
already see happening in WV
look at overall plan, 19 components
[slide] look at item one, will not go through all....
happy to see examples as Eagle Island, already embarked
bldg, transportation, others in action plan
MA: 70% of the homes that will be here in 2050 are here today so
can't count on new
SS: can't stress that enough, that's where the gains
even if all new homes zero, still have prob with current
homes
Slide with many choices
getting audited is imp first step
replacing natural gas with other systems
transportation plan underway right now
we have large vehicles, sgl occupancy; if half wd switch to half
the carbon footprint
save energy costs, net benefit
MA: tried to provide measurements can be done on semi-annual
basis
back-casting to get to 2050
zero in on a few measures
science says we have to change; citizens agree
DWV providing leadership, getting ready
lots each of us can do; objective to come up with
recommendations
Call to action:
energy audit -- find out how much your home uses and find
ways to reduce
walked here today -- or bike and if one day a week that's a
20% reduction
Mayor: now to public input part
John Cooksby (sp?): my qualifications such as they may be -- I'm
a TV writer, I started making a movie, How to Boil a Frog, and in the
process interviewed climate experts, journalists, etc, been an
education for me
from NV, makes me feel like an interloper
Mayor: extra welcome
JC: struck me as odd when we're talking about something so
global
in newspaper: methane is being released faster from the
permafrost ....xxx Siberia....xxx {hard to hear} ...
scientists...
methane is 21 x more effective as a global-warming gas than
carbon is
that's catastrophic and it gets no coverage
interview 98% interest but believe less....... matters what M
does
not adapting near fast enough
whatever prov goals are gobbledygook
read George Monbiot we're talking about 80% reduction by
2020
change needs to happen fast
remarkable what you're doing here
SAFERhome great
systemic collapse happening as babyboomers age, in their homes
cuz not going to be rest homes
threat they face is economic
focus on gas tank not exhaust pipe
using 30B barrels of oil a year, putting out 30B tons of
CO2
threat that maybe within the decade high price of oil, get from
but Mexico (no 2 supplier) may become net oil importer
Saudi Arabia selling all its oil to China
gas prices will follow oil prices up; heating homes incredibly
expensive
threat to seniors on fixed incomes
home with no heating and no air condition, best possible thing
you can do
Mayor: so I take it you're in support
JC: v much
Mayor: next is Ruth Brock
RB: live on Eagle Island; v much support the Action Plan
tell you a story; a short story b/c just begun
here with my nbr, Tara Stafford
didn't want to stand in a desolate land -- you are the
grandmother of five so you'll want to help me
talked to Trish Panz and the Mayor, mtg with Stephen
Jenkins
you won't believe the wonderful things WV has in place and the
support they can offer us
Tara Stafford: sore throat, lost voice
... most progressive Ccl we've ever had
pretty close to the end of the oil era; don't want to be in a
crisis situation
imp to be realistic move toward a lower energy future
friends and nbrs telling them what we've been doing on Eagle
Island; say we can do that in our nbrhd; at Regalade dinner party
engineer said we cd do that in our nbrhd
have a party and get started working on this
cynics and dreamers have to debate; where do I start, who wants
to join us
thank the WG, thank Ccl made up of both; get a lot more support
than you realize
Mayor: ask Cclr Panz to put motion on floor then Ccl can
debate;
TP: MOVED 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.
Maybe add here refer to District and City and Prov
Mayor: maybe add as 4
TP: wow!
critical ... Eagle Lake ...
put out these three things b/c I wasn't involved in any of
them
we're doing things; active; in this cmnty
large piece and as you've heard tonight, many support and need to
be encouraged
incredible piece of work
easy to put numbers into an OCP, making those numbers real
want to say how much fun it's been over the past year and have at
least three engineers on..
MS: say what...
hold up my broken wrist to show what happens when you disagree
with Cclr Panz
{joking but yes, he was sitting there with his right
wrist/hand all taped}
wd add to No 3 the time it wd come back
BL: on the BSC, June
Mayor: June 2010; Ms Scholes add that to No. 3
Ev: 80%....xxx by 2020 ... how do we accommodate
if we stick with 33 1/3 % unless we.......
Mayor: Mr McRadu or Mr Leigh or Mr Jenkins
SJ: true, starts 2007 and everything after that have to account
for that
it's 33 1/3% from 2007 levels
Mayor: how?
{laughter}
Ev: how
SJ: how do we make change
17,000 homes, retrofit, 1700 units a year and make 1/3 each
cd make 66 2/3 in each home and reach 1/3
gas connection xxx
take them off gas and put on electricity, even if tripled still
under one ton
our task is to wean ourselves off gas use
Terasen has seen this; Terasen has started offering
incentives
focused on natural gas
Ev: 2015 if retrofits not meeting targets; how implemented?
SJ: cd ask for mandatory energy audits
our first goal is energy audits and retrofits through to
2015
Eagle Island got 80%
put water meters
draconian in some measure, but it has been done
??? % reduction, substantial
Sop: a couple of questions; section 9.1 of LGA
permits use of Devt Permit Areas for xxx
introduced in May 29, 2008
so new
construction
comments today are with retrofit and as you heard from
SAFERhomes, the cost is staggering
think wd be prudent of cmte/staff in relation to the economic
side as to what's done in a single home
Second, lots of ideas but environmental ....benefits? are not
quantified
a lot of good thought process, thanks to Cclr Panz and group,
leads to our Strategic Transp Plan coming soon -- what are the
alternates?
turn this switch off? this off?
what facing in ten years-- can't get unit through basement and
??? cost
think we have to get to xxxx
SJ: some v good questions there
fortunate here xxx Can; four to six year return heat
pumps?????
My friend said CostCo had heat pumps on sale -- over 100 ppl had
signed up for heat pumps just on the weekend
this cmte went around and around; each house is diff, it's $150,
or $225 for larger homes, for an audit; get the audit then xxx
congratulate Eagle Island for first step; hope offer that
profile
will work with financial institutions so pay as you save
saving
$80 a month, pay that a month till loan paid
has to make sense from a financial perspective as well
ML: commend group; all agree have to start locally
energy audits performed by whom and assured the aluminum siding
salesman isn't going to turn up the next day
when I look at MetroV, bets the issue if that sort of growth is
sustainable -- look at capping growth rather than expanding
don't know how that fits in
SJ: stand back from MetroV, shoulders not big enough
xxx ENERCAN??? developed software xxx...
here's audit stay away from xxx
SW: what are the next steps? how many ppl building gardens in
their back yards?
SJ: report card ev six months
working through how get ppl to report
working with Eagle Island
??
TP: it is on our BSC; it's documented there; work will carry
on
Mayor: thank WG for making it so obvious
house; car they drive
M only 1%; advertise what we're doing
and being pro-active
climate action -- biz case; it's a political and xxx
reality
wish to arm... with tools; shd be a status symbol to have had
your audit
2015 mean we have failed
smart thing and financially prudent thing; ppl in WV understand
the biz xxx
the No 1 issue at the Wosk Ctr and the Library was the
Environment
can I call the question on all four?
Sop: number four?
Mayor: forward to all the ccls in MetroV and xxx
PASSED
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.
Sokol: split with DNV and CNV, includes $7500 for the clerk who
serves the cmte
Cclr ML, concerned re costs: xxx
my understanding 20hrs a month supporting ACDI
responding to corresp; other forms of outreach; staff feels cd
reduce; approve
cd reduce it somewhat, a few hundred dollars
approve and we'll look at 2010 to see if can reduce for
2011
ML made motion:
Mayor: in two parts
PASSED unanimously
ML: no question on value of work, I serve
I wd, however, like staff to explain to me, staff and hours
I find it a bit difficult supplying 20 hrs of clerical staff
for a mtg that lasts three hours
not just ACDI, also Substance Abuse and Family Court North Shore
Youth Justice
think it bears examination
Mayor: do you wish to hold this up or ?
ML: no
Mayor: so follow up
PASSED
ML: to refer the clerical costs of the three cmtes to staff to
report back to Ccl
CAO: understand this was discussed at the ACDI mtg
ML: I'd like it discussed at Ccl how this works
somewhat large in comparison to the mtgs
8:23
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
10. Consent Agenda Items - Reports {No Correspondence; no reply as to why or if
cancelled}
Ev: no 12
Mayor: have one mbr of public wanting to speak
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA (to be rec'd for
info)
mbr of public {didn't catch name}: some challenged
physically, wheelchairs, as well as financially
putting three antennas cd possibly interfere with the
health
understand already one
some reports from Botswana, Karl Muller, U of Wits
researched and encountered cellphones
severe headaches, xxx
aching gums, tinnitus, ringing in the ears, disorientation
including neurological disorders
also cancer-causing
in immediate vicinity of cell towers -- Germany, Austria, Israel
-- increase 2-300%
not just the roof of the residence, also whole of Horseshoe
Bay
cellphone towers shd not be placed on private residents, shd be
placed where not ... on health of the individuals
health of ppl at 6645 Nelson Ave -- already challenged, already
extreme health disorders; not able to take off and move elsewhere
(financially challenged)
prior to permit on roof, be careful
b/c down the line cd hv serious health hazards
endangering health to a ... degree
Mayor: Cclr Evison
Ev: I chaired the mtg? with the Design Rev Cmte
Sokol: what DWV can do
heavily guided by federal regulations
as long as meet guidelines we cannot
on
perceived impacts
appearance and general location
in this instance, staff was alerted to construction on roof
was xxx; stop work order issued
comply with District policy
going to Design Review, public, and notifying local
residents
mtg held last Friday night, six ppl in attendance and three
letters
health issues
regs do not allow us re health issues
probably the antenna measurements; so they do not stick up above;
will be painted to match colour to blend in
Monday, likely staff will be issuing permit
Mayor: so we're treating this as a forum but Ccl has no
jurisdiction on the health side
Ev: the Dir wasn't at the mtg but he's been v well briefed
Coastal Health have approved similar on a number of hospitals;
they cd be wrong but have approved
debated at length by Design Review a number of
papers
felt Cmte was thorough and diligent
stated beyond our control; under fed regulation
Sop: that's typical, passing the buck
some years ago Cclr Wms and I xxx
put on
.... the Craig.... then ......
we brought forth a bylaw, don't put close to ppl, put them in
the bush -- and it's in our bylaw!!!
again these things not reported to Ccl, done by
staff
xxx fry your brain xxx
Madrona, top of the hill
if we make any common sense
we shd say to those coming forth, we will not allow near ppl,
put them in the bush!
chn
the one on Craigmore
pointing as walking up hill
asked them to test the site; they came at 3:30 in the morning so
no one around
we must continue to push to protect our
not near ppl
Mayor: remember and we have approved in the woods above the
hwy
when you say general location, what do you mean?
Sokol: wd have to report back
Mayor: design, matching colour of bldg
Sokol: control on a District facility have to come to us we
have ability as a prop owner
Mayor: in this case the Lions themselves have given approval
for this
MS: what we have before us
prop owner; perfectly within the law; not much of a place to
withhold this application
Sop: what is it that has to be altered in our bylaws? to
bring
what are we going to allow in our cmnty?
when fed enough is enough
all over the place; see them all over; threat to human
health
when are we going to lead? look at new ways and means; out
of control
almighty dollar; can get $15K for putting an antenna up on
your roof
ML: we are opening a can of worms
cell sites and cell signals, microwaves and high voltage
dispersals out of hydro lines
this isn't the forum to debate; not suggesting not serious; no
offer much to the discussion
Mayor: you're welcome to bring forth a motion or
Sop: ... with Sokol and ppl
TP: was done in 1997; huge, updating
Mayor: accept 12; no Correspondence
(to set
date for consideration) (File: 1010-20-09-036)
PASSED: 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.
(to set
date for consideration) (File: 1010-20-10-005)
PASSED: 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.
16. REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS
Mayor: an update on the Paralympics
AM {hoped notes wd be sent; good report}: briefly
Measuring UP initiatives: provs from as far away as NFLD
expressed interest in our work
exemplary model .... and inclusion
best practice DWV M-U Initiative features at ..... showcase
in Vancouver
Mar 12 to 21 at Cmnty Ctr in Atrium
skate Feb 25 250 ppl
Mayor: hour line-up to try the sledge
AM: on display
Mar 17 Cascadia Society performing
Mar 18 landmark documentary
Mark Romero Heroes of the Slopes been featured on PBS
Finally residents can continue to watch events on the big
screen
www.westvancouver.ca/paralympics for more info
Mayor:
TP: attended ... night to celebrate Int'l Women's Day at
Centennial
packed; spectacular; depth of Iranian cmnty on the North
Shore
Mar 25th Open House
a couple of days .... Climate Solutions
wonderful for me as the only politician.... on the ground moving
forward
distinguished Prof Sheppard ... exciting
mind-expanding
Ev: draw public's attention; attended on Fri, Elections Task
Force; contributions, xxx
covered in NSN, although inadequately in some areas
asking input by Apr 15; go to
localelectionstaskforce@gov.bc.ca
v good website; issues, discussion papers
gives ev an opportunity to contribute to better or smoother M
elections in future
Mayor: will be on our agenda April 12
April is Daffodil Month, may have to change to March
xxx is Autism Day
Irwin Park to thank for taking lead on that
.. and Cclr Lewis is Prez of the Autism Society of Canada
MS: Wed Mar 17th St Patrick's Day
go from.... drinking green beer
17. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Mayor: Keith Fenton, about curling
KF: and it's my birthday Apr 10
{text provided}
"Good Evening.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a few thoughts
with you about curling.
My name is Keith
Fenton. I live ... in West Van and have lived at the same address for
44 years, except for a short hiatus in Kamloops.
I'm here to
represent all of the public curlers on the North Shore who curl at the
NSWC. I've been a curler for over 55 years and have curled on the
North Shore for 40 years. First at the Hollyburn Country Club for 20
years, and now at the NSWC for the last 20 years. By the way my team
doesn't always consider me to be a curler, since, after a shot, I
quite frequently have to say "Sorry Guys".
In the interests of
time I won't go into to the history as why I am here now except to
say that financial support is absolutely necessary to keep public
curling on the North Shore. If that doesn't happen, there is no
doubt that curling for the public at the NSWC will cease to exist,
possibly as early as this coming season.
In August we wrote a
letter to all [three] North Shore municipalities requesting financial
support. Today we received a letter from your Director of Parks and
Community Services advising that our request has been denied. We are
extremely concerned about this decision in particular since we have
already received a commitment for funding from the DNV and there is
every indication that financial support will also be forthcoming from
the CNV.
Financial assistance
is not only very important to us full time curlers but also to the
up-and-coming young curlers. Did you know that there are over 700
students from North Shore schools that come to the NSWC for curling
lessons with over ? of these students, or 370, coming from schools in
West Vancouver. With the high profile of curling during the Olympics,
it is highly likely that there will be more and more students
participating in the learn-to-curl programs offered at the NSWC. The
future of the sport depends upon the young people. The exciting Brier
on Sunday will certainly generate further interest in the sport. That
was quite a show. We also shouldn't lose sight of the fact that
curling is important to the older generations from both an exercise
and social interaction point of view. We have curlers many curlers in
their 80s who actively participate in the
sport.
We realize that you
are faced with budgetary constraints as we all are in this current
economy. But we need your help in the worst way to ensure that curling
for the public will continue on the North Shore. We have
requested a contribution of $10,600. On behalf of all of us public
curlers, it would be great to see Council dig in and find the funds
somewhere. We're virtually at a point where it is now or
never.
In summary, curling
has probably never been on your radar screens in the past because
there are no public curling rinks in West Vancouver, but we just
cannot afford to lose this very worthwhile sport on the North Shore.
As a point of interest, we curlers will be doing our bit by paying in
the range of at least 25% - 35% more to curl next year.
Thank for listening
to me and I welcome any questions that you may
have. "
need the young ppl to carry on the curling
not just for the young ppl; a lot of curlers over 80 years as
well
physical action
all-inclusive sport; youth to post-retirement
Olympics have added a lot -- went to three events of curling;
young seeing Kevin Martin getting a gold medal
if you watched the brier on Sunday, cdn't get a....
if the money doesn't come from all three, may be terminated at
North Shore Winter Club
already agreed to pay 25%; some groups increased their fees over
50%
some curlers may drop out so the ones staying will have to
contribute even more
dig into your minds and hearts, to come up with $10,600 to permit
curling to continue at NShWinter Club
Sop: did you look at forming a society to perpetuate the
sport?
KF: there was when terminated at xxx
does exist, think of resurrecting to manage; believe on our
agenda to do that
Sop: unless you take some steps to formalize, you have to do
that
opens up doors for you re funding
we went over the budget and zero increase, hard to meet
demand
first I've found
we all marvelled at wonderful curling during the Olympics
form a society to ...
KF: we'll
Mayor: can't solve that right here but I'll follow up with
you.
18. ADJOURNMENT
=== Ccl Mtg AGENDA April
12th ===
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 April 12, 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:
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;
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;
7. litigation or potential litigation
affecting the municipality;
11. 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
4. RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
5. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
REPORTS
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1. Richard Warke, John Brodie, Stuart
McLaughlin, Andrea Southcott, and John O'Neill be thanked for their
tremendous leadership, service, and contribution towards the
District's celebration of the 2010 Olympic Games; and
2. As a result of the WV 2010 Olympic
Leadership Cmte meeting and exceeding its goals, and completing its
mandate, Delegation Bylaw No. 4580, 2008 be brought forward for
repeal.
RECOMMENDED: THAT Bylaw Repeal Bylaw No. 4636, 2010 be read a
first, second, and third time.
At the Mar 15 reg mtg Council received the report dated Mar 3
from the Cmnty Planner regarding DVP for 6135 Gleneagles Dr and set
the date for consideration for Apr 12.
Reports received up to April 8, 2010:
DVP Application No. 09-036 (6135 Gleneagles
Drive) rec'd March 3 for April 12, 2010
Correspondence received up to April 8, 2010: No
items received to date.
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
RECOMMENDED: THAT all written and verbal submissions ... be
received for information.
If Council wishes a further staff report, then:
RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council
OR
RECOMMENDED: THAT DVP to allow retention of an existing deck,
construction of a second storey, and new deck on an existing house and
detached garage, be approved.
{Variance, so what FARs??? under the
max? deck built without permit? non-conforming?}
At the Mar 15 reg mtg Council received the report dated Mar 3
from the Cmnty Planner regarding DVP for 1425 19th Street and set the
date for consideration for April 12.
Reports received up to April 8, 2010:
DVP Application No. 10-005 (1425 19th
Street) rec'd March 3, 2010 for April 12, 2010
Correspondence received up to April 8, 2010: No items received to date.
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
RECOMMENDED: THAT all written and verbal submissions ... be
received for information.
If Council wishes a further staff report, then:
RECOMMENDED: THAT staff report back to Council
OR
RECOMMENDED: THAT DVP for 1425 19th St, to allow a property to
be subdivided into two new lots, be approved.
{not according to our bylaws so
opportunity if Ccl approves variance to sell a lot, no?
$$$}
RECOMMENDED: THAT
1. Waterfront Guiding Principles
The draft Waterfront Guiding Principles be endorsed in principle
and that Staff report back on any modifications after consultation
with the community.
2. Ambleside Waterfront Plan
The draft Ambleside Waterfront Plan, in diagram format, attached
as Appendix A to the report dated April 2, be endorsed in principle
and that Staff report back on any modifications after consultation
with the community.
3. 2010 Waterfront Implementation Initiatives - Phase
1
(1) Seawalk Path Extension with Enhancements to 15th
Street-End Park (Millennium Park)
Work commence on the Seawalk Path extension and enhancements to
the 15th Street End Park (Millennium Park) consistent with the
drawings in Appendix B of the report noted above in clause 2.
(2) 1488 and 1528 Argyle Avenue
Staff proceed with the demolition of the house at 1488 Argyle
Avenue and the house at 1528 Argyle Avenue once the previous owner has
vacated the property and that both properties be incorporated into an
enlarged 15th Street-End Park.
(3) District Boat Ramp next to Hollyburn Sailing
Club
The District boat ramp next to Hollyburn Sailing Club be
decommissioned for motorized boats and boats requiring trailers this
spring to coincide with the construction start date of the Ambleside
artificial field.
(4) Beach Seafood Stand (See Appendix C & D)
The District apply to rezone the new proposed location of the
Beach Seafood Stand to commercial zoning.
1. Zoning Bylaw No. 2200, 1968, Amendment Bylaw No. 4634,
2010 as attached to the report dated April 2, 2010 from the Director
of Planning, Lands and Permits regarding Ambleside Waterfront
... be read a first time.
2. Zoning Bylaw No. 2200 ... be presented at a Public
Hearing on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 7pm in the Municipal Hall Council
Chamber.
3. The Municipal Clerk give Notice [re] Public Hearing
regarding Zoning Bylaw No. 2200...
(5) 1756 Argyle Avenue
Staff explore the potential commercial use of 1756 Argyle by
issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest for an operator of a
food and beverage establishment.
12. Submission to Local Government Elections Task Force
(File: 0175-01) -- Info to be provided
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
13. Consent Agenda Items [recommended for approval]
Item 14 - Development Application Status List to April
1, 2010
Item 15 - Translink Customer Service Performance Report
for Quarter 4, 2009
Item 16 - 2009 North Shore Emergency Management Office
Annual Report
{Again, Reports but no
Correspondence???}
to
April 1, 2010 be received for information.
RECOMMENDED: THAT the report dated March 29, 2010 from the
Transit Manager for Quarter 4, 2009" be received for
information.
RECOMMENDED: THAT the report dated April 6, 2010 from the
Director, NSEMO, regarding 2009 NSEMO Annual Report be received for
information.
17. REPORTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS
(Including updates on working groups)
18. PUBLIC
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS 19.
ADJOURNMENT
=== INFObits ===TREES for
Tomorrow [T4T]
Welcome Trees for Tomorrow is a Province of British
Columbia initiative designed to support urban and rural communities in
the planting of millions of trees in schoolyards, hospital grounds,
civic parks, campuses, parking lots and other public spaces throughout
British Columbia.
This initiative is
part of the Province's strategy to reduce greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere by at least 33 per cent below current levels by 2020.
Projects selected for funding will address all the following
criteria:
*
ecologically sound project and site plan;
* long-term
stewardship and maintenance plan;
* volunteer
engagement and community education;
*
outreach, promotion plan and budget;
Eligible
applicants include local governments, First Nations and institutional
landowners such as school districts, hospital and universities.
Environmental and stewardship groups are invited to apply in
partnership with another eligible applicant.
Further
Information: Ministry of Community Development, Strategic
Initiatives Branch, 4th Floor, 800 Johnson Street, P.O. Box 9838, Stn
Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9T1 Tel: 250 356 6386 Fax:
250 387 7972; Toll-free through Enquiry B.C. 1 800 663
7867
Trees for Tomorrow
Website: Toolkit and additional info on urban afforestation is
available on the Internet at:
http://www.treesfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca/
=== NETWATCH ===
PHOTOS -- Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine
+ BBC -- Page last updated
at 01:17 GMT, Friday, 19 March 2010
In pictures: Jerusalem's African quarter
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8556358.stm
+ Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/CSM-Photo-Galleries/In-Pictures/Israeli-settlements
=== WEBWATCH === Seniors;
Music
SENIORS
Subject: Fw: Seniors dancing to Michael Jackson's
music.
Some of us old folks still have a little vim and
vigour!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIsLsDXXJUE
MUSIC -- Robert Tiso
o Toccata and fugue in D
minor by J. S. Bach played on glass harp (musical
glasses)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRj-T4l-e8&feature=related
o Dance of the sugar
plum fairy from the Nutcracker suite by Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgoaehDEBrU&annotation_id=annotation_694968&feature=iv
o Swan Lake:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwCR1FpbnhQ&feature=related
=== WOMANWATCH
===
Saudi female
poet whose verse inflames and inspires
25
March 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8587185.stm
=== WORDWATCH ===
Chexting; twitterpidity; the twettle
Michael Quinion's World Wide Words Apr 10:
2. This week
CHEXTING A humorous piece mentioning this word came
from Reuters on 1 April, so I was suspicious of it. But it had been
recorded in the Urban Dictionary back in November 2006 and it had
appeared in various publications the previous week in response to a
"report" by a PR company, so the Reuters article was more
probably a tongue-in-cheek follow-up than an April Fool joke. CHEXTING
is said to be a blend of "cheating" and "texting",
a close relative of "sexting", and refers to text messages
sent between lovers who are cheating on their spouses. The Reuters
article noted, "But don't be fooled into thinking you're safe. If
you've sexted and chexted, you might soon be 'exted' by your spouse."
Ouch. There's also BREXTING, I'm told, from the same source, which is
breaking up a relationship by means of a text message. I suspect that
both terms are already past their sell-by date.
TWITTERPIDITY Dozens of slangy terms have recently
been invented in connection with Twitter, such as twittersphere,
twitterrhoea, twitterer, and twitterati -- all examples of
twitterspeak. Two UK
inventors - an advertising consultant and a retail designer --
have come up with the TWETTLE, a wireless-enabled kettle that sends
you a tweet when it boils. As a result, you could spend an extra
minute or two doing something really useful, instead of impatiently
waiting for the water to boil for that nice cup of tea. I'd guess the
old-fashioned whistling kettle is too low-tech for them?
--- to subscribe:
<mailto:WORLDWIDEWORDS-subscribe-request@LISTSERV.LINGUISTLIST.ORG>
Well, I had to follow that up --
here's info from the two inventors/entrepreneurs:
Introducing The
Twettle Project | The Kettle That Tweets! MARCH 13, 2010 |
MOBILE CONCEPTS, TWITTER |
The following post
is a blow-by-blow account of our mission to design and manufacture a
socially networked kettle that can update to Twitter/Facebook. It's
a bit lengthy, for those of you who can't be bothered to read it all
and just want to look at the pictures, head to the bottom
How it
started
Six months ago myself and good
friend Ben Perman (3D designer @Me Him & Her) were out in Clapham,
trying to get drunk in the wonderful chain bar Vodka Revolution on the
high street. Unfortunately our attempts were disrupted by a
barman who had never served a drink or given the correct change to
anyone in his entire life before that day.
During the 40 minute wait for
the creation of 3 drinks and a shot, we began a conversation about how
we could make some Google-style moneyz, or at least enough to buy a
boat and a few steak dinners. After several ridiculous
(and slightly illegal) ideas, I suggested to Ben that we
needed to exploit some trends while we had the chance, number one on
the list - Twitter.
Sadly like 95% of my friends,
Ben did not use Twitter. This presented quite a challenge considering
I was asking him to put his time and money into an idea based around a
service he barely knew. If I could sell the concept to Ben, then
surely I could win over the Twitter massive?
[continues:
http://www.mobileinc.co.uk/2010/03/introducing-the-twettle-project-the-kettle-that-tweets
Then
looked for more info:
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/04/twettle-the-story-of-a-tweeting-kettle/
=== MAIKU ===
2010 Apr 6
As most of you know, Alexandra Morton has been trying to
protect/preserve our wild salmon and trying to have the fish farms
removed b/c of the lice infestations. She's started a campaign
"The Get Out Migration"; here's the itinerary:
http://www.salmonaresacred.org/blog/press-release-march-2310-get-out-wild-salmon
To raise awareness, she suggested we write 'salmon are sacred' in
chalk on a rock or a sidewalk or path. There's a website,
www.salmonaresacred.org <http://www.salmonaresacred.org> and she
wants it to be passed on (there's also a petition).
When I received the email, my mind seized the words and
transformed it into a quasi-haiku.
they pass in silence, fewer;
speak out, little time --
salmon are sacred
they wrote to me asking to put it up. Of course I gave
permission and wrote one as a 'call to action':
sacred heritage --
do
not stay silent
as
wild salmon disappear
=== QUOTATIONS / PUNS
===
Once we assuage our conscience by calling something a
"necessary evil", it begins to look more and more necessary
and less and less evil.
--
Sydney J. Harris, journalist (1917 - 1986)
The acceleration of change has overpowered the decisional
capacity of our institutions, making today's political structures
obsolete, regardless of party ideology or leadership. [1980]
--
Alvin Toffler, American writer and futurist (b 1928)
The nuclear arms race is like two sworn enemies standing waist
deep in gasoline, one with three matches, the other with five.
--
Carl Sagan, American astronomer and writer (1934 - 1996)
The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most
slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the
simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he
is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of doubt,
what is laid before him.
--
Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer (1828 - 1910)
"A nation that
continues year after year to spend more money on military defence than
on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death," warned
Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous speech at Riverside Church in New
York City on April 4, 1967, 43 years ago this Easter
Sunday.
Read, every day, something no one else is
reading.
Think, every day, something no one else is
thinking.
Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough
to do.
It is bad for the mind to continually be part of
unanimity.
--
Christopher Morley, American writer (1890 - 1957)
Easter Wisdom sent to me:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days
you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you
have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you
die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be
recalled by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be
vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,
it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be
kind to others.
* Since it's the early worm that gets
eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the
cheese.
PUNS
In the novel, there is an unexpected secret meeting of the
lovers. It is a plot tryst.
When kissing flowers, tulips are better than
one.
With fronds like you, who needs anemones?
