WVM2010-05
Feb 8/10 Ccl NOTES
AGENDA Mar 1
Calendar to 17th
by Carolanne Reynolds, Editor
www.WestVan.org

Heritage Week and Chinese New Year eclipsed by the Olympics; now Norouz Iranian New Year!
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Items on Agenda Mar 1st: DVPs 2604 Palmerston, 4378 Erwin Dr; Approval of BSC? ($700K?); Capital Facility Reserve Fund Expenditures (confusing; motion is to spend ~$1.8M -- so does that mean if not all approved to spend we get below zero?); Road Closure 23rd & Ottawa; CEC TofRef; Correspondence: Masonic Hall; (2) excellent questions about the Wetmore site ($14.5M upfront not annual? compensation for the park?); oil tanks; homelessness; Hollyburn Ridge Assn, Upper Lands Planning Study, and Hollyburn Heritage Conservation Area; Dog Walking; and more....
= Vive le Canada (Canada, Vancouver); ANIMALWATCH (Moose; Tiger); WEBWATCH (Music); from the EDITOR'S DESK (Lots about Olympics); UPDATES (Budget 2010; Wetmore)
=  CALENDAR to Mar 15th; CULTUREWATCH (Theatre, Music, Art, Opera)
=  Ccl Mtg NOTES Feb 8th/10th:  Old Capilano "Blue" Bridge Replacement Project Update; Sec Stes Fees and Charges Bylaw for adoption; The Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw aka draft 2010 Budget. [Item 9]; Housing PP WG; NSFC/YJ Cmte Apptmts; Devt Apps Status List; DVP 4367 Erwin;
=  Ccl Mtg AGENDA Mar 1st
=  Earlier and Later from the Editor's Desk (Olympics/Slogans); INFObit/WOMANWATCH/LANGUAGEWATCH (Kurds/Turkey); BEERWATCH; BOOKWATCH (rain poems); LANGUAGEWATCH (proofreading; TGIF); WORDWATCH (Bureaucratese; Sector Envy; 2009 Words); SALMAGUNDI/QUOTATIONS

===  Vive le CANADA  ===
*  CANADA --  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoTJItSPt0 
Tom Brokaw explains the relationship between Canada and The United States, in a pre-recorded short film that aired on NBC, prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC, Canada on Feb. 12th, 2010. This is a great overview (~6min) but one statement ought not be broadcast -- Ambassador Ken Taylor (AFAIK) did NOT work for the CIA, I was told he cooperated with them.  BIG difference.  Were that to be thought the practice, it might jeopardize some of our diplomats.
See also his 45-min program on Gander after 9/11 broadcast on NBC during the Games look b/c not up on NBC's website going to press.
*  VANCOUVER -- Time-lapse photography of Vancouver (under 5min); the beginning looks like more snow than we've had recently!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xMz2SnSWS4&feature=player_embedded

===  ANIMALWATCH  === Moose and Tigers
*  Twin baby moose play in sprinkler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNy9jTeolUk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8520027.stm?ls
An Australian weather man has been attacked by a pelican as he presented the forecast on the breakfast programme.
Channel Nine's Steve Jacobs was broadcasting live from Taronga Zoo, when Marnie the pelican launched at him as the weather graphics were being shown.
*  Adopt-a-Tiger: The Indonesian government is considering a controversial plan to place endangered tigers in private homes. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2010/02/14/damon.indo.tiger.adoption.cnn
But we really need to 'buy'/preserve/extend habitat so they can live naturally; pets don't really lead to meaningful continuation of the species.
*  Python eats 35kg goat at Kuranda --  Daniel Bateman; Thurs Feb 25, 2010  =A9 The Cairns Post
THERE was no kidding around for this 5m amethyst python when it came to dining out at Kuranda - it devoured a 35kg goat, horns and all.  http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/02/25/95855_local-news.html

===  from the EDITOR'S DESK  ===
First of all, apologies, begging your understanding; this was to come out Friday Feb 16 so the content and the verb tenses don't always quite fit.........
+  OLYMPICS
- TORCH
The relay across and up and down Canada was absolutely fantastic and really nation-building and -binding. Can't wait to see a video of it.  A chance to see so many parts of our huge and beautiful country.  Exciting to see it arrive in WV and then to see the lighting of the cauldron at the Cmnty Ctr.  - ANTHEM
My only niggle was the ppl who didn't show respect to our anthem -- not removing hats (men) and not standing during the singing of O Canada -- do they really not know?  Cd no one nearby remind them (they were too far away for me to do anything and besides, proper to stand still).
Pls show respect and stand for anthems.
- MORE INFO, EVENTS, PHOTOS
Community Celebrations - West Vancouver 2010
Don't miss these 2010 celebration events at West Vancouver Community facilities
        http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=23480
Official 2010 Olympic Winter Games Celebration Site  February 28 2010
Enjoy the spirit of 2010 in the centre of your community - the Spirit Square
        http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=13118
2010 Celebration Skate - Paralympic Awareness Event
Featuring Paralympic Sledge Hockey, live music and public skate
        http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=24830
WV 2010 Celebrations Community Photo Album
Share your photo memories of the 2010 Olympics!
        http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=25284
Even More:
http://www.vancouver2010.com/cultural-festivals-and-events/  http://livecityvancouver.ca/en/home.aspx
*  CELEBRATING THE WINTER OLYMPICS Feb 12 to 28  *
*  PARK ROYAL noon to 10pm between Whole Foods and Cactus Club -- CTV Live Feed, skating, drinks.
*  Cmnty Ctr SPIRIT SQUARE http://www.westvancouver.ca/Visitors/Level3.aspx?id=13118
        Sunday to Thurs: 9 am - 9 pm; Friday to Saturday: 9 am - 11:30 pm
    For full event schedule: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Visitors/Level3.aspx?id=23904
*  OLYMPIC TORCH and NSNEWS -- Video on the torch's trip on the North Shore: http://player.theplatform.com/ps/player/pds/5Dvmnndsqk?pid=9OtlnYDwB41lEFldL_r439lGPQVAHjfq                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
* Olympic Opening Ceremony picture 
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/13/sports/olympics/20100212_CEREMONY_PANO.html

+ THE GLITCH GAMES; unCanadian OTP -- my rant to subscribers Feb 17 (See below, at end).
OTOH, however the VSun reported Feb 23 that almost 50% more ppl are watching these Olympics than Turin -- I think that's cuz we're so beautiful!  Well, also b/c of English and our time zone......

===  WEBWATCH  ===  music/performance
*  NB: Letterman mispronounces Lauziere's last name; the last syllable is not EE-AY, it's EE-AIR
Watch this unusual performance of "The Toreador Song" from "Carmen" using 300 glass bottles.
Two minutes in NY:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5APJNzv9QI&feature=fvw
*  Letterman gets it right this time; it's a later show and only just over one minute
Michel Lauziere master of the unusual, on the Late Show with David Letterman, can tune Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor, 1st movement by using rollerblades and some properly filled bottles.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMtDsRWImQc&feature=related

===  WVPD  ===
Suspects To Identify @ wvpd.ca - Updated
Date: 2010 March 01 Contact: Cst Jeff Palmer           Telephone:  925 7348
West Vancouver Police thank you for your ongoing attention to the "Suspects To Identify" page of our website.
We have two new suspects to identify from recently received security video.
Please review all images at the link below and contact the named investigators if you are able to assist.  wvpd.ca/breaking-stories/296-suspects-to-identify-can-you-help-us

===  UPDATES  ===
+  BUDGET 2010
=  Zero per cent tax increase budget adopted Feb 10th; so nothing on top of utilities fees adopted in Dec (av increase $238).  Budget 2010 info is on the DWV website: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=24256
=  The Coastal Link Ferries have ceased operation for the rest of February (haven't heard about March).
=  WETMORE DEVT
125-yr lease signed, $14.5M, FSR 1.75; notes from the Feb 4th public mtg:
http://www.seniorsonmarine.ca/wp-content/uploads/Wetmore_Feb_4_2010_MINUTES_FINAL.pdf
There may be another public mtg in April.  The site www.seniorsonmarine.ca will have updates.

===  CALENDAR to Mar 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.}
 the DWV Calendar: http://www.westvancouver.ca/Calendar.aspx
CATCHING UP:
=  Bd of Variance Mtg 7pm Wed Feb 17
=  NShFC/YJ Cmte 6pm Thurs Feb 18 at DNV M Hall
=  9am - 1pm Sat Feb 20: NSh Family Court/Youth Justice Cmte Strategic Planning Session
=  The WV Historical Society is working on a book for WV's centennial and gathering info on the different nbrhds; a sample chapter of Caulfeild is available.  Fundraising for the book is underway.  Ambleside will be the topic at the mtg at the Srs' Ctr at 7pm Tues Feb 23.   Bring your pictures and stories of the early days, enjoy coffee and cookies, maybe also renew your mbrship! (Feb's mtg moved to Mar 3rd.)
=  NSh Adv Cmte on Disability Issues 5pm Thurs Feb 25 at DNV M Hall

MARCH
o  THE BC MUSEUM OF MINING is open for the 2010 Season
        9:30am to 4:30pm; seven days a week
For info on tour times and the museum's history, please visit www.bcmm.ca/visitor_info/hours_rates.html or call 1 800 896 4044
The Britannia Project
The museum's Site is currently undergoing a major $14-million three-phase redevelopment project named the Britannia Project, transforming a mining legacy site into a vibrant internationally recognized destination. Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2010, the new site will celebrate the contribution of minerals to society, the history of the storied community and the ideas and practices of renewal and sustainability. See the brochure:   http://www.bcmm.ca/whats_new/Britannia%20PR_Feb2010_LR.pdf
=  Monday Mar 1st (to 12th)
Paralympics in the Atrium -- http://www.westvancouver.ca/Level3.aspx?id=25270
West Vancouver Community Centre, Atrium
Come meet local disabled athletes and listen to their stories of the challenges and successes of adapted sport. Hear about the technology that enables these athletes to participate at a high level of sport.
=  Wednesday Mar 3rd
~ 7pm ~  Library Bd mtg at the Library (Welsh Hall)
~ 7pm ~  Heroes of the Harnessed Hickory -- WV Historical Society mtg at Srs' Ctr
Premiere of film by Hollyburn Heritage Society.  This 50-min film, created by HHS Archivist/Historian and WVHS Director Donald Grant, presents the history of ski racing and ski jumping on the North Shore mountains (1927 - 1967) from the perspective of Hollyburn's ski pioneers.  Many vintage photos and film clips donated to HHS during the past decade are featured in the film.  Skis and trophies given recently to HHS by Doug Beaumont, son of legendary Hollyburn skier, Noel 'Irish' Beaumont, will also be on display.  Come and hear and share stories!
=  Thursday, Mar 4th
        ~ 7:30am ~  Field Sport Forum WG at Cmnty Ctr (Cedar Room)
=  Saturday, Mar 6th
~ 9am - noon ~  The LPPS Invasive Species Program: site preparation for restoration in Caulfeild Park
Wear old clothes and work gloves. Meet at the anchor. For more info, call Alexandra: 922 1485
=  Sunday, Mar 7th
~ 8am ~ LPPS Monthly Bird Count
Meet at the upper kiosk in parking lot, Lighthouse Park; First Sunday of every month.
~ 10am ~ Field Trip
Lookout Hill: A three- to four-hour geology and forest ecology walk along the recently constructed Richard Juryn Memorial Trail in Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. A highlight of this field trip will be Lookout Hill, an isolated hill that lies between the lower reaches of Lynn Creek and the Seymour River. This low and isolated topographic feature, which can be seen north of Capilano University when crossing the Ironworkers Bridge, formed an island within an ice-dammed glacial lake at various times between 22,000 and 17,000 years ago.
Meet at 1000 hours in the SW corner of the parking lot of the Canadian Superstore at the corner of Mount Seymour Parkway and Seymour Boulevard. From there we will proceed in convoy to the trail head at the southern entrance to Seymour Conservation Reserve.
For add'l info contact David at cookeco2@yahoo.com or 924 0147
=  Monday Mar 8th
        ~ 5pm ~ Housing PP WG at Library, Musto Room
=  Thursday Mar 11th
        ~ 7:30am ~  Field Sport Forum WG at Cmnty Ctr (Cedar Room)
        ~ 5:30pm ~ Cmnty Engagement Cmte
= 6 - 10pm Tues Mar 16 Norouz Iranian New Year @ Ambleside Pk =
=  Wednesday Mar 17th (St Patrick's Day so look for those events!)
        ~ 5:30pm ~ Housing PP WG at Library, Musto Room
        ~ 7pm ~ Bd of Variance

+++  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 ~ 10 - 11:30am
Come and practise English conversation at the Library every Friday beginning March 5 (then 12, 19, 26).
Requirement: able to read English.  Info: Fariba Rocker at 604 506 6616. Facilitated by the Baha'i Cmnty of WV.
Astronomy Lecture: Please join us on Thursday March 11th (7pm) for Making and Revealing Planets: the Power of Disks Around Stars presented by Dr. Brenda Matthews of the National Research Council. Find out more...
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 admission, seating limited so come early. Latecomers will not be seated.
 +++  WV MUSEUM  +++  Visit:  http://www.westvanmuseum.blogspot.com/
Monster  --   Exhibition runs 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/
+  FEBRUARY 9 - MARCH 5 -- TED HARRISON "Painting Stories"
The Ferry Building Gallery is honoured to present an exhibition of 27 original illustrations for The Cremation of Sam McGee and The Shooting of Dan McGrew.  On loan from the Yukon Arts Centre.  The exhibition is generously sponsored by Julie Miller, Prudential Sussex Realty.  There will also be additional works from Artists For Kids.
== Tuesday March 2nd ~ 7 - 9pm  >CANCELLED< (pls check to see if rescheduled)
Katherine Gibson. author of "Ted Harrison: Painting Paradise", the biography of Yukon artist, Ted Harrison.  Admission FREE  --  Limited seating.  Come early!
Gibson will present stories of Ted Harrison and offer a screening of a limited edition DVD of his rare and major works.  She will also be signing copies of Ted Harrison: Painting Paradise.  For this event, books will also be stamped with Ted Harrison's signature.
*The Limited Collector's Edition is available on a pre-order basis only. Includes a DVD of Harrison's work and signed giclee print of "Sketching in Paradise".  Collector's Editions are autographed by Ted Harrison and Katherine Gibson.  Only 750 copies produced.
+  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
+++ SILK PURSE +++  www.silkpurse.ca
March 2 - 12  -- "10 Women ~ 10 Nations"
Well-known and highly celebrated First Nations women in the arts, Hollie Bear Bartlett (Haisla), Danielle Hendry (Haida), Anastasia Hendry (Haida), Mary Jane Joe (Ntle'kepmx-Interior Salish), Carrie Matilpi, Laara Mixon (Haida), Christine MacKenzie (Kwakiutl Nation), Shelley MacDonald's Girlz group, Bernice Thompson (MicMac), Chrystal Sparrow (Musqueam Nation). and Tracy Williams (Squamish Nation) from diverse artistic disciplines share a common interest in culture, art, community, and the advancement of Indigenous peoples. They exhibit their beautiful works of jewellery, wood carvings, leather works, copper, clothing, button blankets, drums, rattles, and wall art.
Opening Reception: TUESDAY March 2nd from 6 - 8pm
NORTHWEST COAST POUCH WORKSHOP
Saturday, March 6 ~ 1 - 4pm  --  Since ancient times people have worn or carried amulets in pouches for protection, courage, blessing, or guidance. This piece enhances a connection to the ancestors, be they genetic, intellectual, or spiritual. Join well-known Haida artist Anastasia Hendry as she teaches a special workshop making a Northwest Coast pouch made of felt with beads and appliqué. This class is designed for children and adults of all ages. All materials will be provided. Anastasia has worked for over ten years with many BC school districts. Working with children brings joy to Anastasia as she endeavours to share her culture and craft while breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about First Nations and their art.
FEE: $30 per participant --  Includes parent & young child as one participant
INCLUDES ALL SUPPLIES  --  MUST REGISTER!!  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
 Movies at the Meek:  H2Oil (Thursday, March 4, 7:30pm)
It's safe to say that the Alberta Oil Sands have achieved a singular level of regard in the national imagination. Images of them proliferate the media; they are the largest and perhaps most important industrial energy project in the world. The Oil Sands are a flash-point for volatile inter-provincial debate, a bulging knot in the North American petroleum market, the fuel for our cities, and an environmental wager of global proportions.Buy tickets online or call the box office at 604-913-3634.
 Jordi Savall  --  Early Music Vancouver at Kay Meek Centre
Tuesday March 9 (8pm; pre-performance chat at 7:15pm)
"The term 'early-music superstar' is surely an oxymoron. But in the most understated of repertory, on the most subdued of instruments and in the most self-effacing way, Jordi Savall comes close to being one." The New York Times. Learn more and reserve tickets online at Early Music Vancouver at Kay Meek Centre.
O  RUSSELL BRAUN, BARITONE  -- Sunday, March 7 @  3pm
O  EUGENE SKOVORODNIKOV: THE RUSSIAN ROMANTICS
      Friday, March 12  @ 1:30pm -- Musically Speaking: prefect afternoon of music, talk, tea, and treats

+++ 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

+++  WV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE  +++ http://www.westvanchamber.com
The WV Chamber of Commerce held the Paint the town Red Award Presentation and 2010 Chamber Social at the Crave Restaurant.  The contest was open to all WV businesses to show their national pride by decorating their windows, having their staff wear red, anything in the spirit of the colour of red!
Honourable mentions:
For Canadian Heritage: --  "Spirit Gallery"  //  For Olympic Spirit: "Hollyburn House"
For Creativity:  "West Van Florist"  //  For International Spirit: "BC Partners in Planning"
Dundarave has an honourable mention for the Best Dressed Village with red sea stars, athlete cutouts for photo ops, and Canadian flags lining the streets
THE WINNER:  CHAPMAN LAND SURVEYING.
For photos of the winners, please go to www.westvanchamber.com  and look under Events.                                                                                                                                                         

===  IAW at UBC  ===
ISRAELI APARTHEID WEEK: Canada's Role in Palestine.
SPHR at UBC is proud to present its second Israeli Apartheid Week from Monday March 1st to Friday March 5th. This year, IAW is going to focus on the role of Canada's successive governments played in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict since 1947. IAW will also focus on the growing international boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign against the Israeli Apartheid regime. Israeli Apartheid Week 2010 at UBC will feature:
1. TUESDAY MARCH 2 - 6PM in WOOD 6: "Palestine: What Aren't We Hearing & How is Peace Possible? A Panel Discussion," hosting American activist Anna Baltzer, who appeared on the Daily Show this fall, with Palestinian academic and writer Ali Abu Nimah. 
Ali will review the current situation in Palestine-Israel, in particular attention to the blockade of Gaza, creeping apartheid in the West Bank and Israel the failure of the peace process to produce a two-state solution, and future prospects for a just peace based on full equality for Palestinians and Israeli Jews.
Ali Abunimah is author of "One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse" and has contributed to numerous other volumes and written hundreds of articles on the question of Palestine.
Anna Baltzer is an American Columbia graduate, former-Fulbright scholar, the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and an award-winning lecturer, author, and activist for Palestinian rights. As a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in the West Bank, Baltzer documented human rights abuses and supported Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to the Occupation.  Baltzer has appeared on television more than 100 times (including most recently The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, where she appeared alongside Palestinian presidential candidate and nonviolence leader Dr. Mustafa Barghouti)...
For info about Baltzer's book, DVD, speaking tours, and eyewitness reports, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com
Anna will give a presentation about the Occupation (checkpoints, settlements, the Wall, etc), the Nakba, censorship, Israeli activism, and Ways to Get Involved. Her book on the situation on the occupied Palestinian territory is excellent and it accurately captures the essence of the Israeli occupation. Her experience in Palestine is very valuable and important to learn, understand and reflect upon.  Please RSVP on the following link: http://tiny.cc/sphrubc
2. THURSDAY MARCH 4 - 5:30PM in ANGU 295: "Chronicles of a Refugee," American co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), Adam Shapiro. 
Adam Shapiro (brought up Jewish) is a documentary filmmaker, human rights activist and Palestinian rights activist.  Adam and a colleague are working in an independent effort to help find durable solutions for the Palestinian refugees of Iraq, who are currently trapped in refugee camps on the border of Iraq and Syria. He served as Country Director in Afghanistan from 2005-2006 for the internationally renowned human rights organization Global Rights.
Adam holds an MA in Politics from New York University and an MA in Arab Studies from Georgetown University.  He will show episode 5 "The Talk of Return" of the series, which focuses on the issue of return and the efforts that Palestinians have made over the years at various levels to achieve return (PLO, civil society, villages, individuals).
You can see a preview of the whole series at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPyXTW3bjyI
More information about the documentary can be found on: http://www.chroniclesofarefugee.org/
---
For more info: sphr.ubc@gmail.com or call SPHR's president Omar Chaaban at 778 997 6548
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=331418495702
Facebook Page for IAW at UBC: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=331954978161 
SPHR UBC hosted Dr. Mads Gilbert. He spoke about his experience in the occupied Gaza Strip and the lives of the Palestinians as they faced the brutal war during operation cast lead last year.
website:www.sphr.org
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ===  CULTUREWATCH  ===
The events during the Cultural Olympiad have been incredible -- numerous and incredible range.
*  THEATRE
+  The Blue Dragon by Robert Lepage and Marie Michaud at the SFU Woodward Theatre -- lighting exceptional
+  She Stoops to Conquer, a comedy by Oliver Goldsmith, at Hendry Hall; ends Feb 27
+ First Impressions Theatre at Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, The Memory of Water, a comedy/drama by Shelagh Stephenson, is the exploration by three adult sisters searching for their truth.  Feb. 18 - March 6
+  Tuesdays with Morrie -- No Bells and Whistles production with Antony Holland; at Presentation House Theatre Mar 2 - 20. See http://www.phtheatre.org/thirdstreet/feature1/
+  Vancouver Playhouse
- Where the Blood Mixes by Kevin Loring: A Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company/Belfry Theatre revival in association with The Savage Society; Feb. 24 - March 6 -- Playhouse Theatre Company at Firehall Arts Centre.  Winner of the Governor General Award, Where the Blood Mixes is a irreverently funny & brutally honest study of the N'lakap'mux First Nation.
- The Love List by Norm Foster, starring Norm Foster & 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 at JAC
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
+  The Greatest Cities in the World (at the Cultch): Winner of the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award, Theatre 2010; March 9 - 13
+  Paradise Garden -- A modern romance against all odds. March 11 - April 11
        Arts Club Theatre at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
+  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 --
*  ART
+  ART IN THE HALL  February 5 - March 5, 2009
Art in the Hall is featuring the paintings of North Vancouver painter and art instructor, Dene Croft. Comprised of stunning Whistler landscapes, whimsical art deco scenes, and sensuous still life, the exhibition is located on the main floor and foyer of West Vancouver Municipal Hall.
+  VAG and all over Vancouver!

*  OPERA -- Vancouver Opera presents Nixon in China starting Mar 13th
Vancouver Opera's Nixon in China starts March 13th 
+  Get 'Inside the Music' of John Adams!  This Tuesday!
Here's your chance to learn about the the music and career of Pullitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams.
Hear excerpts from Nixon in China.
Listen to esteemed experts Thomas May, editor of The John Adams Reader, conductor John DeMain (who conducted the original 1987 production), and Vancouver composer/conductor Owen Underhill.
This will be a fascinating evening!
~ 7 - 9pm ~ Tuesday March 2
Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut St.
        Admission is free! Refreshments courtesy of Vancouver Opera Guild.
+  An Intimate Recital with Russell Braun
 Get your tickets to a special recital with Russell Braun, co-presented with the Kay Meek Centre. Accompanied by Carolyn Maule on the piano, the program will include pieces by Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel, Ivor Novello, and Noel Coward, as well as operatic selections.
~ 3pm ~ Sunday March 7  -- Kay Meek Centre
$40 adult | $35 senior  -- Buy your tickets online or call the VO Ticket Centre, 604-683-0222.
+  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 Queen Elizabeth Theatre. 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.
+ This just in!  CBC's Alison Smith to interview Margaret MacMillan!
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.)
~ 7:30 - 9pm ~ Wednesday, March 17
        Granville Island Stage; Tickets $18. Buy Tickets

=== COUNCIL MTG NOTES Feb 8th and 10th ===
= NOTES Feb 8th =
1.  CALL TO ORDER --  OPEN SESSION   [6pm]
2.  EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC -- RECOMMENDED:
THAT in the public interest, members of the public be excluded from part of the February 8, 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:
(d) the security of the property of the municipality;
(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;
(i) the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.
3.  ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
4.  RECONVENE OPEN SESSION [7pm]
5.  APPROVAL of Feb 8 AGENDA
Amended by adding Item 5.1; to Item 9 a report dated Feb 5, 2010 Budget schedules dated Feb 8; Item 9.1 change to ccl mtg schedule; adding to Correspondence items 7 (d) to (y); and Item 10.
{Then the Mayor gave this report:}
Mayor: wd like to review what Ccl did five years ago down the road to 2010.  Ron Wood was mayor at the time.  He put together a cmte of 25 citizens and I was the cclr on that.  When we look at what we set to do, and how we are poised now about to welcome the world, quite remarkable.
It shows the value of our citizens guiding our cmnty.
No. 1: Create a town square at the cmnty ctr -- that's our atrium and we got half a million dollars from the prov govt for our Spirit Square.  That's going to be the heart of the games and it's already the heart of the cmnty.
Ambassadors.  On Fri night, Cclrs Lewis, Sop, Evison, and I were all there to thank the 300 volunteers -- half of them under 18 and half over 18 -- who are going to be our volunteers and our hosts.  What we put under this was "be the cmnty where visitors are treated like family".
Thirdly, Gateway.  Build the entrance to Ambleside and as a bonus we're replacing the Capilano River Bridge.  What is coming now, always, is the rest of Ambleside needs to fit in with that beautiful entrance.
Tourism.  Devp a strategy so ppl can experience our small village feel and our strengths: arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and unique shops and cafes.  The Partnership Ctr where the Chamber has partnered with the Coho and the Cmnty Fdn has been there for three years.  It's v busy now and we're still looking for ppl to walk in and help put pins on cards b/c those are a hot item.  And the UBCM has been funding this initiative in allowing our businesses to advertise in various materials.
Leave a Legacy.  There is a significant fund that has been est'd by the Leadership Team now at the WV Cmnty Fdn and they will continue to build on the legacy of the games.  It's not going to be a govt initiative, it's going to be in the capable hands of our Cmnty Fdn, wch is excellent.
We've got a three-hundred-person volunteer core {or corps?} and that will continue.
We've had incredible collaboration with Sch Dist 45 around the pins, the film festival, and the youth sounding board.  And that will continue.
Perhaps what I hear the most, is how excited ppl are that you'll be able to get a glass of wine or a beer after 5:30 at the Cmnty Ctr for the next 17 days.
Hosting Athletes.  We in WV are hosting a party to honour over 40 athletes, Olympic athletes who live here.  We've heard other cmnties criticized for not recognizing their athletes and it has always been our plan to do just that.
And the Cdn Snowboard Federation has bn operating out of one of our little rental houses for some time.
Transportation.  Try new things.  We started our Spirit Trail.  We're piloting the ferry.  The senior shuttle is also something new, will be serving the cmnty throughout the Games.
Our Mountain Heritage.  Restore Hollyburn Lodge.  We now have that in the ownership of WV, formerly owned by the resort company, Boyne (sp?) out of Florida, so we negotiated that.  We've attracted $100K in funding to begin that restoration process.
Sustainability.  Last week we got our sustainability star from VANOC, mostly for our fleet mgmt, for the use of biodiesel, and for our support of TransLink's transportation plan.
We believe we're doing a lot more than VANOC has recognized.  We are working on waste reduction, we're piloting removing organics from the waste stream, our Climate Action WG is reporting soon, and our foreshore protection has been ongoing.
Finally, Create a festival.  We have 17 days of first-class celebration that has been brought to you by other volunteers in the cmnty who stood up and said we'll make this happen, who fundraised, who were met by the volunteers who were executing this; and to see volunteers supporting volunteers, and the potential building in the cmnty really is the true legacy of the Games
So I wanted to thank the 25 ppl who set out five years ago to make this plan, and congratulate this Ccl for executing on their hopes for the cmnty and for so many ppl for stepping up, flying their flag, and making this the success we know it will be for WV, and for VANOC obviously, and for the world.
Thank you, Ccl.
Maybe someone can receive that report from me.
{Sop moved thanks; CARRIED}
6.  Minutes of Feb 1st ccl mtg. ADOPTED
REPORTS
7. Old Capilano "Blue" Bridge Replacement Project Update (File: 1785-09)
        RECOMMENDED: receipt of report from the Manager, Roads and Transportation.
RFung: straightforward; a few comments from public.  This is a MoT project; deadlines wanting to complete paving prior to Olympics.  Construction temporarily suspended for next period or so so that will help with the traffic.  Complaints re Contravention of Noise Bylaw -- sometimes have to go late; they've been working with residents around there but from time to time noise in the night.  To clarify, the Ministry is exempt from M regulations on noise bylaw so technically not nec for them to adhere to that.  They have been working closely with the residents to try to mitigate impacts.
Unless questions, will end there.
Ev: how long will it take to slide the blue bridge from its existing footings to the new ones, IOW, how long will we have to have both E and W traffic on the south bridge?
RF: understanding is it's going to be done in one day (!).
{his facial expression is priceless}
Mayor: Cclr Sop -- we haven't even got to the budget yet!
{laughter}
Sop: in the name of safety, we now have all our trucks come down TWay to enter WV b/c the underpass at the bridgehead is too shallow.  Any work to be done by TransLink or funders? govt? underpass enlarged so traffic can come sensibly down Capilano Rd wch is less of a steep grade, and alleviate WV dangers of large trucks coming down TWay?
RF: as conceptual to detailed design, the vertical curve and the grades for the bridge have been changing so I don't know the exact clearance now provided at the underpass, but the grade is lowering from what it was before, and that wd only serve to improve the situation.
Sop: announcement for truck-drivers prov-wide?
RF: don't have exact details; just know endeavours re vertical curves
Mayor: wd like to congratulate you on a v good report; there will be tremendous interest in the cmnty
appreciate MoT project but think Ccl wd benefit by maybe quarterly updates, and our website shd definitely have a Cap River Bridge status button or something b/c will obviously be fairly dislocating over time.
{Mar 1st: still not there}
RF: we went and put this report together fairly quickly in order to bring the info to Ccl before we recess for a couple of weeks during the Olympics, but in the future perhaps consideration cd be given to inviting the project mgr from the Ministry to this Ccl to provide those quarterly updates.
Mayor: thank you.
BYLAWS
8. Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4414, 2005, Amendment Bylaw No. 4616, 2009 (for Secondary Suites) (File: 1610-20-4616)
ADOPTED
9. [Five-Year] Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4630 - 2010 Draft Budget Bylaw  (File: 1610-20-4630)
                Information to be provided.
Mayor: two mbrs of the public wishing to speak, beginning with Ray Richards.
Ray Richards: Good evening... speaking as director of Ambleside and Dundarave Ratepayers' Association
We commend you for your insistence on reducing costs in order to arrive at an average property tax that does not exceed last year's. Many of us, particularly we who are retired, have seen reductions in our disposable income in the past year or two and it is commendable that council recognizes this. And many of the taxpayers in business have undoubtedly seen their incomes reduced.
ADRA strongly recommends that you insist on having quarterly financial reports prepared and promptly presented showing the expenditures to date compared with the annual budget. Note, we are not asking for quarterly budget figures. This is not a difficult task, as 80 per cent of these numbers come from the payroll which is available without delay we assume.  It is important to show the expenditures for various cost centres, together with the revenue that may be applicable. This also includes expenditures on capital.  Recreation and Culture Consolidated PC Document No 181120 used to be prepared in that regard.  I haven't been able to find something similar since.
We would be disappointed if the cuts you are making in expenditures simply defer necessary maintenance, emphasis on necessary, resulting in significantly increased costs in subsequent years. You must make some reductions that will also reduce ongoing expenditures in subsequent years. This will undoubtedly require reducing the number and cost of employees, a real reduction in administrative overhead, not just passing it off to other departments.
Core services and what constitutes, or should constitute core services, as well as how these services are delivered, must be thoroughly examined with a view to reducing expenditures that bring little benefit to property taxpayers. This is especially true of fire, police, recreation, library, etc. often out of date activities continue long past their best before dates and should be eliminated. The ever-increasing burden on property taxes needs to be halted and even reduced.
Negotiating collective bargaining agreements should be reconsidered. They should not be negotiated by management, people it seems who obtain benefits at least as good as those they negotiate for non-management employees.
There is much more that can be said and that probably should be said, however, the obligation is on Council to do the right thing and the Ambleside and Dundarave Ratepayers' Association endorses Council's move to stop the spiralling increase in property taxes.
Thank you.
Mayor: Alex Tunner.  Nice jacket.
Alex Tunner:  Just back from a shift at the Village.  Just wanted to say a few words about the note I sent all of you last week.  Basically, the feeling of many of us that the really important thing about a slight or no budget increase is the msg.  Psychological impact.  [I'm an engineer.] Budgets are always fuzzy.   Look back on year/target, wdn't be able to see where aiming at the beginning of the year. Some concern zero might undermine or affect the Strategic Plan or the BSC -- those are fairly soft targets, not like an engg target, wd collapse.  Doesn't need to be a worry.  Remember zero is not really zero, it's 7% increase with utilities.  The average citizen really doesn't care whether the accounting system desires to have several pockets in a pair of pants -- same amt of money [regardless of pockets/invoices].
[TEXT SUPPLIED:]  Madam Mayor, Councillors & Executive:
 First of all,  sincere compliments on the progress you have made in refining Budget 2010, to reduce the proposed property tax increase.
Your active involvement in the current budgeting process has been effective, and is greatly appreciated.
 Secondly,  I'd like to present a few additional perspectives, which might assist you in nudging the proposed 0.69% down to Zero.
1.       The real issue is the message, the symbolic and psychological impact of a 0.0% property tax increase.  It would signal Council's determination to embark on a new direction of fiscal responsibility and restraint.  As Councillor Smith put it on Feb. 1st, Zero would signal an end to the old process of budgeting (previous year's costs + inflation + staff increases + pay increases).  By contrast, even a small increase would devalue the message and weaken the resolve which Council wishes to convey.
2.       The 0.69% is relatively insignificant in the District's total cost picture.  The General Fund budget is $72 M, Utilities $30M, Transit $14M, Capital $27M, for a total of $143 million.  The 0.69% is relative to the General Fund, which accounts for half of the District's consolidated total costs - thus, relative to the grand total, it's 0.35%.
3.       Budget estimates are uncertain, and the possible property tax increase is well within the margin of error to be expected in Budget 2010.  Comparing budget estimates with actual performance over the four year period from 2005-2008 shows the average margin of error to be 2.5%, excluding capital.  Clearly, a 0.69% tax increase would be much less than the Budget's margin of error.  Given the small difference between 0.69% and Zero, relative to the much larger 2.5% margin of error, actual year-end results will be essentially the same, whichever increase is chosen.
4.       Any negative effect of Zero will be slight, given the two previous points.  As Councillor Soprovich pointed out, the District's planned program of activity can move forward with a Zero increase, though possibly in a slightly different way.  "It's not the end of the world, there are many ways to do things" and efficiencies are likely in line items which the Finance Committee had no opportunity to examine.
5.       Information produced by the V4SWG shows there is room for efficiency improvements.  To cite just one "strictly directional" example:  The Maclean's survey of 31 Canadian cities found that, on average, cities have 1-FTE per 100 residents - for West Vancouver it's 1-FTE per 70 residents (or 60, if including Transit), at the low end of the range.  With regard to efficiency improvements, apparently none were assumed in reducing the proposed tax increase from 2.68% to 0.69%.     
6.       Annual payments by residents are about 58% from property taxes, and 42% from utility charges and user fees.  In the Maclean's survey, the latter is at the high end of the range, as is the proportion of revenue from residential property taxes.  For 2010, even with a Zero tax increase, the payments made by residents for municipal services will increase by some 7% - that's more than in recent years.  Given that property taxes represent only 58% of the payments residents make for municipal services, the significance ascribed to the property tax seems more than is warranted.
Now I have a question for Madam Mayor whether she remembers what happened at 7:30pm on Tues Oct 28th in 2008.  It was an all-candidates mtg in wch Madam Mayor said that she wd work hard toward a zero budget, and if the riffs I get through the air are correct, it seems we're headed in that direction and I wd like to compliment her and Ccl as well as citizen groups represented in the audience here today, for having, I assume, apparently, achieved this.
Thank you; thank you to Madam Mayor, Ccl, CitizenGroups contributed to this.
Fair to say a good start has been made.
Many of us feel we've kind of got past the first layer of the onion, but more layers to come, and I think the same support one can say contributed what it looks like we're about to achieve ah, we'll be ready, willing, and able to be on deck with this.
Thank you.
Mayor (looking toward the Chamber): We'll turn to-- did you wish to say something?
MS: so near but yet so far
{laughter}
CR:  I haven't seen the presentation, I'm sorry, and I'm sorry I'm late this evening,
but I did want to express my appreciation that you did try harder and I took Cclr Evison's and Lewis's and Smith's and Soprovich's view that you're going to try during the year.
One of the things that stopped me today is that Colorado Springs is cutting so much they're even turning off their street lights a third of the time.  So anyway, thank you all for your efforts
Thank you very much.
Mayor: Cclr Smith while we move to zero.... from .69
MS: move that be abandoned
{seconded by Sop}
Mayor: say why you're introducing that
MS: down to .69 through hard efforts of our sr staff, there was ~$365K left between that and a zero tax increase.
I said at the time I'd be happy to support zero provided we identify where cuts
Happy to report; shd say reason I support, said that; don't think it proper just to pass the budget, go over, and take it out of the surplus at the end of the year..
Staff have come up with where from: $40K saved from srs' ctr roofing and walkway project; $160K in staff reductions in staff retirements and normal attrition; $86K added back in, swimming upstream -- the 2% increase the non-exempt staff below the directors' level were going to bring to the table so we're reinstating that, and the rest, the biggest chunk, about $240K, is going to come in deferring spending money on rlwy crossings wch-- {looking at the Mayor} did I get that right? you're writing frantically --these rlwy crossings something ev mbr of Ccl concerned about b/c ongoing expense year over year, going to cost literally millions of dollars paid for by local taxpayers at the behest of CN and the ppl will recall when the sale of BCR went to CN, this was supposed to be revenue-neutral for the Ms.  I think it's up to the prov govt now to be, through our two MLAs, to show us why we shd be spending this, our taxpayers', money and where is the public benefit for this BCR sale?
with number of trains...
cd be a world-class cycle corridor up to Lillooet and into the Interior -- I'm getting distracted here by Cclr Sop
Mayor: I asked him a question, sorry.
MS: --so anyway; feel strongly about this rlwy thing; something we can't just blithely accept
resp of prov; something we shd push back on
That's where the $365K being saved to allow us to come to zero so that's why I'm recommending we abandon the .69% tax increase
Mayor: thank you. Anything/Anyone else?
Sop: my comments on new bylaw
Mayor: [.69] failed
SW: new motion [intro of zero]; first acknowledge work staff hv done getting to this point, twisted path we took them down in deliberations; longer than it needed to
happy where we ended up; hoping, with suggestion Cclr Ev made last week, more transparent reporting on a quarterly basis can help us achieve our goals during the year
an important part of the Finance Cmte going forward; first year behind us as Ccl, cmte mtgs can be more focused for 2011
ML: also support this bylaw
during the course of process mbrs of Ccl did identify a considerable number of areas in wch we felt we cd potentially save money over the course of the year and ideally reallocate that to other initiatives towards the end of the year
encourage staff to continue along that process; hope through the FCmte we can get status updates on those items
v pleased where we managed to get to -- what a difference a month makes!
believe as a Ccl need to engage earlier in the year, direct staff better than this year; guess a learning curve for all of us
think we cd have accelerated the process and made it much more efficient by doing that
looking forward to an increasing role of the FCmte, b/c I too really believe it's absolutely critical to look at it at the finances on a monthly basis, and I appreciate Mr Richards's comments on a quarterly financials
I come from an environment where I had month-end flash financials within a day or two of the end of the month.  They may have been out by a buck or two but I knew if I was on track or not and I think that is a critical component that we shd implement in District financial reporting as well.

{Right. A good manager probably always knows.  As for DWV, the WVPD is exemplary and sets the standard.  They have produced excellent month-end budget reports at their monthly board mtgs so everyone knows where they are -- if under or over, why, what for the rest of the year.  Maybe the other depts can try to meet their standard!
Looks, however, that it'll be quarterly.
Hm, your editor muses, we managed to get a commitment to have quarterly investment reports made public and I asked a mbr of Ccl if he'd seen one or the latest.  Nope.  Maybe staff think we have to ask? maybe somewhere on the website?
Who knows? who shd tell us?}

Sop: I won't speak too long b/c I want to give my esteemed colleague, Cclr Smith, time as well.
Mayor: why start now?
{laughter}
Sop: I want to first make a stmt, been a lot of push and pull in what we've tried to achieve
staff deserve debt of gratitude from us
we pushed and they listened, pushed back and here tonight
bigger msg shd resonate to other Ms out there -- if you want to lead by example then the due diligence in financial restraint has to start somewhere and WV has proven that we can exist, and will exist, and probably be superior in our financial ways in the future by making this statement of a zero increase at this time
will go a long way for other Ms in identifying the cause
anybody thinking we cdn't be successful if zero, suggest they take an accounting course
sustain our delivery of efficiencies
bring these reports, looked at BSC ... and on
new direction by staff; adopt new principles on the budget; down to zero from .69
two reports from Lewis, Evison, and myself, reasonable ways to keep the budget at zero
hoping staff wd adopt something in future
District, work with staff, firm realizations of our expectations
sit down with dept heads, any increases or decreases; not biz as before
talking to staff we have to make a deliberate move to
FCmte at v early stage; hammering away at increase or decrease
CAO has brought us
most staff new; round out the budget
Ev: I've said in past looking to be able to achieve all of our goals in a measured way
satisfying in last several seeks
we listened to public and more importantly listened to each other
some consensus, common ground, comfortable with common ground we've found
in that ... process found for future years
one is that the budget process is ongoing
not address today and everyone goes away and process again
secondly, a diff planning process in future years
probably starts, hate to say this, Mr CAO, maybe in September, maybe Oct
informal; earlier date so able to pass earlier in 2011
where we are....
TP: this has been an incredibly intense process and forced all of us to look at this process
we have pushed staff and done an incredible job
residents chatting to me and I also concerned with the long term
spent last year Vision statement and environmental stewardship
now in BSC
excellent tool; my concern is not giving that an opp to work for us over this year
speaks to the fact we can no longer do biz as usual
appreciate the thoughts of my xxx
last week I said I was supportive of .69
zero this year, don't know what it will look like or zero next year
I'm looking a bit longer term and strategically
buffer
zero for zero's sake, not sure I can support it tonight
MS: Cclr Panz made a good point but buffer we have to look at, have to start in the fall, we have to look at all our expenses, how we're doing it, alternate ways of providing that service
if we can do that on a year-round basis then can ensure services delivered, public values kept, BSC
don't want to get into situation at 11th hour ccl mbrs throwing darts at the wall, cut this, that Proper budget process otherwise starting down path to disaster
important we do this zero budget
I don't think we're anywhere near the bottom of the ecic issue we have
don't understand why others in other cmnties don't recognize it
in our country over $100B in prov and fed deficits
money's going to have to come out of our economy otherwise we're just going to continue to borrow from our chn to finance our life styles
when it does, how can you remove $100B from the economy without some kind of negative effect?
can't be done; Americans we rely on as a trading partner have to take a trillion out
as pointed out by one of the speakers, we are passing on a $238 increase in our utility fees, it's not exactly as if we're freezing all spending
again heard today a speaker complimenting Mayor and Ccl and we complimented senior staff about how we do this budget but really the ppl doing the services of this cmnty quietly and competently are the mbrs of the WVMEA, the Police Union, the Firefighters Union, transit workers; and how refreshing it is in WV that we haven't had presentations predicting that if we don't put forth a 10% tax increase,  we're going to have cold showers and cold comfort for every citizen in the cmnty
so we're v fortunate
I sit on MetroV Labour Relations Bureau, and we got a copy of bargaining demands from CUPE for the next three years, and if you want to read send me email, ask, and I'll flip it to you, but it's pretty sober reading; if Karl Marx read that he'd say we didn't mean it to go this far
properly thank our front line staff, out providing services to public, not us; they're not in here whining for more resources; that's allowed us to put this zero increase through with a minimum of fear in terms to the cmnty they're not going to lose services they value
think that needs to be publicly stated; all thanks to our four major unions
TP: v minor but I did hv a question re WG
and no money for Awards for the new cmte; where that's disappeared to
civic resp and how support that
CAO: when at .99% and asked to come down to .69; looked at revenue source
this year we supplied funding through the Clerk's; so savings not accomplished
we asked for an add'l $60K for clerical work, cd be done by pool as DNV does or another way to support WGs
at this point to get down, we've taken out that request
forced, haven't figured it out; continue to support WGs and CEC; each dept, challenge
not sure how this came to be
have to pay time and a half after 4:30
sp reasons, worked out sp arrangements with WVMEA, union, grateful
DepCAO Brent Leigh will be resp for the coordination of WGs
work with depts
still have to figure out wch WGs will continue and wch ....
will focus on providing best
not just the time -- preparing agenda, notes after that and enquiries; we'll continue to support WG
wrt Awards Cmte, that was reduced -- to get down to .99% -- that was a figure pulled out of the air; that cmte hasn't met yet; don't know what kind of awards
cd come back to Ccl
will come forward as a recommendation
Mayor: I'm going to support this; support each one of you
been really a challenge; don't want to take our eye off the BSC, think it will come back March 1st; then adopt, understand priorities we've set for ourselves
somewhat limited flexibility as a result of driving the budget down to zero
talked about perhaps pursuing amalg of Fire Depts, don't have any resources in there to do that, that means some of the innovation around financial planning and fiscal manage become a greater challenge
{?}
we've put ourselves into a position of redefining the work we do -- msg we're sending is that that's what this year is about; three-yr financial plan, also set out to do; got to discuss
not quite correct this Ccl didn't give our staff any indication what it was looking for; our staff was operating under the assumption, given by all of us to come in under 3%, and they came in at 2.34

{whoops, no, was 2.43%}

so as far as our staff's concerned, they did what Ccl asked them to do, and then we got really serious about going further, and that's fine, but I do want to thank our executive team and those who worked with them for maintaining a gruelling schedule over the past month, and listening to Ccl.
what I hear back from many mbrs of our staff is that our CAO goes into those mtgs, supportive of Ccl, and taking Ccl's direction seriously, and I'd like to thank you for that b/c I know it's not an easy job, but we've worked closely together, and I think we've done the best job we cd on behalf of the taxpayers and the public good wch is what we're here for.
Taken the unusual step of debating this at first reading but we want to just get on with it
{CARRIED
SW moved Second Reading
CARRIED w/ TP opposed
Sop wanted polled vote on third reading
all AYEs except TP (nay)}
TP moved: special ccl mtg Wed 9:30am Feb 10
Mayor: only WV wd hv a mtg on the night that the torch is coming to town!
CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
10. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence
Mayor: withdraw?
{11, Corresp 2, 5, and 8}
REPORTS FOR CONSENT AGENDA
11. Housing Pilot Project Working Group (File: 0117-20-HPP)  Information to be provided.
Ev: report that the WG requested extension to April 30
rec'd by CEC and they approved the extension
12. North Shore Family Court/Youth Justice Committee 2010 Appointments (File: 0115-NSFC1)
RECOMMENDED: THAT, as recommended by the NShore Family Court/Youth Justice Cmte in their letter dated January 19, the following appointments and reappointments be approved {all terms ending Dec 31, 2010}:
o  appointment of Lynne Block as a Member at Large for the DWV;
o  reappointment of Diane Bryden and Jill Wiersma as Members at Large for the DWV;
o  appmt of Bryony Reid, representing the WV School District, to the Professional Category of the Cmte;
o  reappmts of Alana Abramson, School Trustee #44 Holly Back, Constable Tara Gueulette, Andrea Kiesser, and Pejman Pirgheibi to the Professional Category of the Cmte;
o  two further candidates be appointed at a later date to the Professional Category of the Cmte.
13. Development Application Status List (File: 1010-01)
        RECOMMENDED:  THAT the List (to January 29, 2010) be received for information.
14. Development Variance Permit Application No. 09-048 (4367 Erwin Drive) (File: 1010-20-09-048)
RECOMMENDED: THAT the M Clerk give notice that the DVP, to allow an enlarged replacement garage to be constructed, will be considered on Monday, March 1, 2010.
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
15. Correspondence List (File: 0120 24)
THAT the Correspondence List be received for information.
Correspondence received up to February 3, 2010
(2) January 23, 2010, regarding Request for West Vancouver Water Treatment and Fire Protection Services for Montizambert Wynd
        Referred to Chief Administrative Officer for consideration and response.
Sop: residents asking about reliable drinking water and no fire services
and say we wd be willing to pay for this service
wd this not be an opportune time to look, Mr Fung, places near WV willing to pay?
improve on our services out there?
CAO: there are a number of layers
met with the particular person who represents this nbrhd, there are actually 13 properties, potential of more lots to be built on
we're in the process of taking a review, an engg review and as you know, we rec'd funding from the fed govt for this.  We believe we can undertake this review with minor expansion to the study, however even if we are able to provide this service, there's a much greater philosophical discussion Ccl needs to have.  Not only is the request to provide potable water and fire protection, but also the actual fire protection, they've made it v clear they do not want to join DWV;  they want to remain as part of the electoral area.
They have been caught in a no-man's-land, as the regional district has chosen not to support any of their requests.  The prov govt stated it's not their responsibility, it's actually Metro's resp, they are outside of the M and therefore they're not our responsibility
So what we are suggesting is we wd include them in this review, but before moving much further needs to be a strong philosophical discussion by this Ccl as to whether we provide any services to this area.
Mayor: anecdotally, I've met a couple of times with the Electoral A rep, who is their elected rep.  She covers also Passage Island, out at UBC, v disparate cmnties that she represents
that's something all of Ccl will want to discuss, and we will wait, I think, Mr Mgr, for when that time is most appropriate
CAO: yes; the review will take place later this spring
expect early summer will have some info back to you
(5) S. Howatt, Campaigns Director, Sierra Club BC, January 27, 2010, re Endorsement for New Species and Ecosystems Protection Act
Ev: on our agenda for info but think we shd go a bit further than just receiving it, having read the letter -- it has been endorsed by a number of other Ms -- I believe it's something wch is important to our cmnty, important to the prov.  For that reason, I request that we debate it and decide what we wd like to do, not dismiss it simply as correspondence
Mayor: we had a delegation
TP: I had left it with Mr Leigh as to how we wd proceed with that
we had initiated it, glad you brought it up; don't know if we actually came to a conclusion
BL: had a delegation from the Sierra Club; the Mgr of Sustainability is to come back to us with a response on that
Ccl will remember it was sort of a blanket endorsement wch we wanted to examine
we are owing feedback to Ccl on that, so will make sure that is forthcoming
(8) P. Taylor, Union of BC Municipalities, Jan 28, re Elections Task Force Launches Consultation Website
ML: my question is whether we as a District govt wd like to make representation of some sort to this Task Force
It deals with a number of issues, near and dear to my heart -- around campaign financing, the role of unregistered organizations during the electoral process, ambiguities of the enforcement process, whether it resides with the Legislative Services group of the M or a Police function.
Having launched a complaint in this matter associated with the Low Tax, Low Growth something or other, in the last election there are an awful lot of ambiguities, and wd suggest perhaps our Mgr of Legislative Services might like to take a look at this and look at this at a future date as to whether or not we want to make a formal representation
Mayor: I put this on Correspondence agenda for precisely that reason

{hm; need clarification.  Don't all letters addressed to Mayor & Council go to Public Correspondence?}

I think our Ccl absolutely shd do that, and I knew you wd pick up on it right away
ML: and you were right
Mayor: Ms Scholes, perhaps we cd have a report to stimulate Ccl discussion in March; is there a deadline?
CAO: April
Mayor: we have until Apr 15th; we'll expect that and you can work on that together
MClk: yes, Mme Mayor
Mayor:  thx; a great idea; expect that in March
16.  REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS
Sop: Transp WG doc will be presented on Mar 15, the Ides of March
Mayor: thank you
Ev: comment rather than report; maybe I'll steal your thunder at the end of the mtg
persuaded myself to wear this sweater, elegant, sweater, I believe it's elegant
draw attention; beginning of Olympics; opening tomorrow evening at the Ferry Building
Torch Relay happening in WV on Wed; rest of week and following three weeks and so on
it's the beginning of the Olympics; tomorrow FBG opening
and hope those who haven't ticked off calendar, look at our M Calendar b/c lots of things to do, also for children.
17.  PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Mary Louise Tindle: I'm speaking as prez of BPAHA
thank you for all the support we get over the years in our cmnty
on the way coming here, I did get one one tiny tiny request
in honour of our Olympics, I almost wore my volunteer vest
Mayor: You're one of our volunteers; and your son
MLT: Yes
What was brought up is at the entrance of the Brit Props, actually the entrance to WV for many ppl at top of TWay the intersection of Hwy 1, we have the beautiful welcome to the Brit Properties and right now it's bare, so the letter I've just received by email, can I read this?
Mayor: Ms Mooi? we've had a few comments.  Perhaps Andrew Banks, Mgr of Parks, might have some information for you, not sure
MLT: thank you for, like our last BPAHA, beautiful picture; you guys do an excellent job, so what the request was, timely, is there anything that can be done to welcome our guests to WV and the Olympics?
ABanks: Engg and Parks have been working on some sort of display for that bed however what staff  have presented to myself and Brent Dozzi, Mgr of Transportation, wasn't very, um, acceptable.
We are looking at something v simple, something possibly developed in the next few days, so we are working on a game plan, might take a little longer than expected.
MLT: thank you, and it doesn't surprise me how quickly you work
I drive there and I see it
whatever's appropriate, even if it's just flags the Cdn flag, BC flag, M flag, or  the three rings
{!}
tyvm
Mayor: and thank you for volunteering on behalf of us all
This is our last ccl mtg before an extraordinary month in WV
We'll see you at the cmnty ctr for sure.
18.  ADJOURNMENT 8:02
= NOTES Feb 10th = [NB: Report by WVM Correspondent, not your editor]
2. Approval of February 10, 2010 Special Council Meeting Agenda
3. [Five-]Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4631, 2010 (File:  1610-20-4631)
        This bylaw received three readings at the February 8, 2010 regular Council Meeting.
Correspondence item (On-Table)
RECOMMENDED: THAT "5 Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 4631, 2010" be adopted.
{Passed unanimously in two minutes with no discussion other than TP's rationale on why she was switching her vote against this budget (see previous meeting notes) to vote for it here.  She expressed her desire to be part of the "team" and continue to be appointed to committees.  Does this mean that outweighed any principled opposition she had that led her to vote against it earlier?}
4. Public Questions and Comments  {None -- at this stage, what's the point?}

=== COUNCIL AGENDA 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, 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:
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.
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
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)
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
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
RECOMMENDED: all submissions rec'd for information
If Council wishes a further staff report, then:
RECOMMENDED: staff report back
OR
RECOMMENDED: THAT the DVP to allow an at-grade open area under an existing dwelling to be enclosed into a liveable floor area, be approved.
        {means to what FAR???}
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
PRESENTATION BY APPLICANT
CALL FOR PUBLIC INPUT
RECOMMENDED: all submissions rec'd for information
If Council wishes a further staff report, then:
RECOMMENDED: staff report back
OR
RECOMMENDED: THAT the DVP to allow an enlarged replacement garage to be constructed, be approved.
10. Council Ratification of Balanced Scorecard (File:  0280-06-03) for approval
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.}

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
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.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
14. Consent Agenda Items - Reports and Correspondence
CORRESPONDENCE LIST FOR CONSENT AGENDA
15. Correspondence List (File:  0120 24)
Correspondence received up to February 5, 2010
Requests for Delegation  --  No items presented.
Action Required
(1) J. Ranking, West Vancouver Masonic Hall Society, January 30, 2010, regarding Property Tax Exemption
        Referred to Acting Director of Finance for consideration and response.
(2) Feb 5, 2010, re Pacific Arbour Proposal for the Wetmore Site
        Referred to Director/Planning for consideration and response.
No Action Required (receipt only)
(3) January 31, 2010, regarding Removal of Oil Tanks - Proposal
(4) R. Robertson, West Vancouver Youth Band Society, February 4 2010, regarding Big Band Cabaret - April 17, 2010
(5) J. Roberts, Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, February 5, 2010, regarding January 2010 News Bulletin
(6) C. Rockandel, Hollyburn Ridge Association, February 3, 2010, regarding Upper Lands Planning Study and Hollyburn Heritage Conservation Area
Responses to Correspondence  --  No items presented.
Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.
Correspondence received up to February 12, 2010
Requests for Delegation  --  No items presented.
Action Required  --  No items presented.
No Action Required (receipt only)
(7) February 6, 2010, regarding West Vancouver Police Department
(8) O. Dickie, Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (BC), February 4, 2010, regarding Consumer Grow-Op Awareness
(9) 6submissions regarding Dog Walking on Centennial Seawalk ~ (a) - (f) dated Feb 6
Responses to Correspondence
(10) J. McMahon, Manager of Utilities, replies regarding Cranley Flood ~ (a) - (c) dated Feb 11
Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.
Correspondence received up to February 19, 2010
Requests for Delegation
(11) Lighthouse Park Preservation Society, February 21, regarding Request for Delegation
        Referred to Mayor and Council for consideration and response.
Action Required
(12) T. Kaye, CKNW AM 980, February 18, 2010, regarding Proclamation Request for Anti-Bullying Day - April 14, 2010
        Referred to Municipal Clerk for response.
(13) February 18, 2010, regarding Oil Tank Removal Permit Fees
        Referred to Fire Chief for consideration and response.
(14) February 16, 2010, regarding Flooding on Ambleside Seawall
        Referred to Director of Parks and Community Services for consideration and response.
No Action Required (receipt only)
(15) Committee and Board Meeting Minutes
        (a) Board of Variance - January 20, 2010
(16) Two submissions regarding Dog Walking on Centennial Seawalk
Responses to Correspondence  --  No items presented.
Responses to Questions in Question Period  --  No items presented.
16.  REPORTS from MAYOR/CCLRS  17. PUBLIC QUESTIONS/COMMENTS  18. ADJOURNMENT

*......earlier from the Editor's desk  [February 17 to subscribers]
Don't get me wrong, I think the torch relay was simply fabulous.  A subscriber sent this:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/02/olympic_torch_relay_nearly_com.html and I'm sure there'll be a film so we can see all the places all over Canada.
The Opening Ceremonies was also thrilling -- 
-- however --
yes, there's a however.
Several times I've written to the prov govt and most recently to the premier's office so embarrassed about that slogan, shudder, "the best place on earth".  You all know that I champion Canadian spelling and our heritage/identity/national character/etc while resisting American influence (and US spellcheckers).  The US is a great country and so is the UK but we have the right to be distinctive, our own brand of humanity.
That slogan is so reminiscent of American bragging -- some of them can't resist reminding us they're richer, stronger, etc -- and so is the odious 'own the podium'.  That hubris deserves comeuppance.
My heart sank as the CTV announcer referred to Canada just before the Opening Ceremonies as the best country.
Well, criticism isn't valid without a solution.
So my suggestion was one similar about the same length: "a great place to be".  That's inclusive and welcoming.  How rude and insulting, especially when there are 80 countries competing in the Olympics and visitors are here from all over the world.  How overbearingly arrogant and aggressively offensive to tell someone else his country isn't as good as ours, as Canada is.  What supercilious superiority twaddle.
For the record, I know I'm not alone. I've read such discomfort expressed by others including writers in the Vancouver Sun.
So glad Tourism Vancouver has stuck with "Super Natural", thank heavens.
Then, to my (and others') dismay, we start hearing wanting Canada to "own the podium"! 
What happened to sportsmanship?
Of course, we shd say Go, Canada, Go, and Allez Canada!  No problem cheering on our athletes and wishing them to do well -- but why imply better than any other country?
Nice touch that for the Opening Ceremonies the contingent from China entered waving both Chinese and Canadian flags.
Why not cheer on Latvia? Morocco? Ghana? and share their delight and accomplishments?  Even Bermuda sent an athlete!
We can be be proud of our athletes without wishing to crowd out others as if they don't count.......
It was therefore comforting to hear Stephen Quinn on Tuesday (CBC, On the Coast) in a conversation express some misgivings about owning the podium.
And it was endearingly, admiringly reassuring to hear Alexandre Bilodeau say, when congratulated on winning Canada's first gold medal, his gold medal is no more important than any other of the gold medals (while happy to win one and be Canada's first, perhaps thinking of the randomness of the order of the sports).
Even some American TV personalities have remarked how unCanadian they thought it sounded to hear "own the podium".  It must be truly puzzling to many countries I'm sure will win more medals than Canada.  It doesn't matter how many medals any country has -- isn't it how well you play the game?  don't we like all our friends whether they're big or small, short or tall, winners or losers at whatever they enjoy doing?
Already overseas media are talking about the one arm of the torch that didn't come up during the opening ceremonies, problems with the ice, the shortage of snow, the cancellation of spectator tickets (no provision for rain -- rain? hello?!), not to mention the unfortunate death of the Georgian luger (why not higher or netting to prevent hitting a steel support beam).  In fact one title was "The Glitch Games".  Hoist by our own petard?
Canadians are known for saying please and thank you (did you hear the poem Friday night during the Opening Ceremonies?), and for always apologizing -- not for bragging.with an overweening intensity to win.
That's why we're liked and welcome all over the world.
Our heritage -- understated and respectful of others.
Bring it back.
Honour it.
Enjoy our wins and those of others -- be happy for their successes too.
Be gracious as Bilodeau was.
And thrilled our own Maelle won gold too.
*......later from the Editor's desk...................
GOING FOR GOLD
Now we've added the enthusiastic charismatic Jon Montgomery and the youngest ice dance team, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (also the first from North America).
And who can forget the inimitable Johnny Weir!
We certainly haven't heard the last of Jon Montgomery.
Who cdn't have been pleased for them to see Marianne and Charles kiss -- both having won gold in their own sports -- and Charles won two!
And Joannie Rochette won all our hearts.
Then there was the heart-stopping goal by the US 24 seconds before the end of the third period!!!
- Own the Podium?
As you read in my Update Rant, I was unhappy about the OTP slogan.  Since I wrote that have heard many complain about it.  Expectations.  Exaggerated, doomed to disappoint -- but that's less important than the insensitive unrealistic arrogance of pronouncing that.  We're only about 35M -- so many countries are much larger, and the US is about ten times our size.  How cd anyone be so presumptuous?  Ridiculous.
Yes, we want to encourage our athletes and justify supporting them at the cost of over $100M but why not "Aim for the Podium"?  We all shd try to be the best that we can be, and be congratulated for what achieved -- esp since (I trust) our athletes are not on drugs, etc .  Maybe we shd have special awards for fourth, fifth, and sixth.
Mark Kelley on Connect (CBC) quoted the Globe and Mail: "May the fourth be with you"....
The slogan opened ourselves to ridicule -- an impossible goal quite apart from the unjustified arrogance -- one take-off was "own the odium".
The interviews put the athletes in an awkward position -- they of course are grateful for the financial support the OTP program provided.  They probably had nothing to do with the slogan.
Oh, how gracious they have been.
How proud we are of our athletes, with or without medals!
Alexander Bilodeau said his gold was not more important than any other golds won (just b/c his was first).
CBC's Ian Hanuman-Singh's interview with Jasey Jay brought out the athlete's intelligence and grace.  He pointed out that OTP had helped many athletes and thanked all Canadians.
How proud can we be of the attitude of our athletes and of all the ppl in Vancouver who were so welcoming and polite to everyone, visitors and each other!
Ryan Miller before Sunday's game when asked about trash talk said we were so polite -- they recognized him but all they said was "go, Canada, go".
An athlete from Belarus, in response to his saying he was from Belarus, said they said to him, "go Belarus, go".
My husband's last name is Finnish so we had a Finnish flag as well as a Cdn flag on Sunday.  The car next to us asked what it was.  When told, they said, "go, Finland, go", "We love you too".  That's the spirit.  Good wishes all round.
Absolutely amazing being high-fived by smiling strangers who were also high-fiving the police.
Glad to hear both participants and citizens think the experience really great -- definitely memorable.
It's shorter but far more impact that Expo 86 as far as I can tell -- maybe partly b/c so concentrated.
The Vancouver Sun reported on Feb 23 that almost 50% more ppl are watching these Games than Turin.  Of course we like to think it's cuz Vancouver (and environs) is so beautiful but English and the time zone obviously have played a role.
- WINTER OLYMPICS WEATHER?
Well, you've heard commentators saying b/c of the (warmth and the) rain, that Vancouver shd have the Summer Olympics not the Winter Olympics wch shd have snow.  I have news, is my response, it'll probably rain at the Summer ones as well.

===  INFObit with WOMANWATCH and LANGUAGEWATCH  ===
and the plight of the Kurds . . .
In 1991, after taking her oath of office, Leyla Zana, the first Kurdish woman to win a seat in the Turkish parliament, spoke one sentence:  "I take this oath for the brotherhood between the Turkish people and the Kurdish people."  She was imprisoned for ten years for her statement.  The offence?  Speaking it in her native Kurdish language.

===  BEERWATCH  === http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Beer
+  with PHOTO of Alulu Tablet:
a receipt for "best" beer c. 2050 BC from the Sumerian city of Ur in Ancient Iraq.
Beer is one of the world's oldest beverages,[2][3] with the history of beer dating back to the 6th millennium BC, and being recorded in the written history of Ancient Iraq.[4] The earliest Sumerian writings contain references to beer. A prayer to the goddess Ninkasi known as "The Hymn to Ninkasi" serves as both a prayer as well as a method of remembering the recipe for beer in a culture with few literate people.[5][6]
+  Beervana
        http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-10449270-247.html?tag=newsCategoryArea.4

===  BOOKWATCH  ===
Poster poems: The rhythm of the falling rain
The transforming power of atmospheric moisture ... Figures reflected in a rain-covered window in London. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak / Getty
Over the last few months, the cheapest and most readily-available form of entertainment here in the western half of Ireland has been looking through panes of glass at falling water. Rain: it's one of those natural phenomena that can be very difficult for nature to get right, and this year there's been just a touch too much, for my tastes at least.
In fact, it's been so wet that I found myself, from time to time, humming a song by William Shakespeare that I had first learned in school; I couldn't remember every line, but there's no way I could mistake that refrain, "the rain it raineth every day". When I decided I'd better go back and read it again, I was reminded that it touches on two of the Bard's great themes, the process of ageing and the business of plays and players.
I suppose it's only to be expected that rain should play an important role in poetry. After all, a good supply of fresh water is vital to life, and poets are as pleased as anyone to see the rain fall in due season. Two poems that remind us that rain is worth having are Beloved, Let Us Once More Praise The Rain by Conrad Aiken and Elizabeth Bishop's Song For The Rainy Season.
Of course, one of the great things about a rainy day is sitting inside nice and dry avoiding it. You may, with Robert Creeley, take the opportunity to compare the rain's persistence with the mutability of human lives. ...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/sep/26/poster.poems.rain.poetry

===  LANGUAGEWATCH  ===
= Proofreading:
** Gaffe costs Chile mint boss dear **
The Chile mint's general manager is dismissed after thousands of coins were issued with the name of the country spelt wrongly.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/americas/8511910.stm
= INITIALIZATIONS
from Michael Quinion's World Wide Words:
THE DIGITAL FINGER WRITES ... Reading about something else over the weekend I came across WORD OF FINGER. It's a punning revision of "word of mouth" for the digital age and refers to communication by email, texts, and the like. By its nature it is both recent and to be found mainly online. Here's a rare example in print:
If you were a first-time visitor from Mars and you happened to drop into a marketing meeting somewhere in the United States, you might assume that marketing people do nothing but talk about "TGIF". That's Twitter, Google, the Internet, and Facebook. There's no question these four revolutionary developments have forever changed the marketing function. Word-of-mouth has now become word of finger.
[Advertising Age, 9 Nov. 2009. For most people, however, "TGIF" still means "Thank God It's Friday".]

===  WORDWATCH  === Bureaucracy by any other name; 2009 Words
*   More from Quinion's World Wide Words:
new: crisitunity, wellderly  -- Subject: The Worst Business Jargon of 2009
and GREENER GRASS
The term SECTOR ENVY appeared in the Guardian last Saturday. The article claimed that it was the invention of IFF Research, which recently carried out a study of UK workers in the private and public sectors and found that public-sector employment is seen as more attractive. It's not new. My earliest sighting is in the issue of the Public Administration Review for March/April 1996, which claimed that sector envy went the other way, putting "private-sector organizations on a pedestal."
ENOUGH! WE CRY
That 1996 article also included ADMINISTRATIONIST, a mouth-filling minor horror that even then was a couple of decades old. It's a nice example of unnecessary word-length inflation. On a whim I searched around and also found ADMINISTRATIONALISM and its agent noun ADMINISTRATIONALIST. Can ANTIDISADMINISTRATIONMENTISM be far behind?
http://blogs.bnet.com/harvard/?p=5169&tag=col1;post-5169
v 3. What I've learned this week [Michael Quinion]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The senior contest is the one organised by the American Dialect Society, now in its 20th year, which may therefore ultimately be to blame for the plethora of such announcements these days. My excuse for mentioning so many of them is that they are a useful way to mention some of the words of the year that I haven't got around to discussing here. Last evening (Friday) in Baltimore, the Society not only voted on the words (and phrases) of 2009 in various categories, but also determined the word of the decade. In doing so, the ADS is concerned to stress that "members act in fun and don't pretend to be officially inducting words into the English language. Instead they are highlighting that language change is normal, ongoing, and entertaining."
The Word of the Year is "tweet" (a short message sent via the Twitter.com service, and the act of sending such a message) and its word of the decade is "google" (a generic form of the trade name Google, meaning "to search the Internet", which Google's trademark lawyers will wince to read).
The thematic winners were: "fail" (Most Useful; An interjection uttered when something is egregiously unsuccessful); "Dracula sneeze" (Most Creative; covering one's mouth with the crook of one's elbow when sneezing, seen as similar to popular portrayals of the vampire Dracula, in which he hides the lower half of his face with a cape); "sea kittens" (Most Unnecessary; fish, according to PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who have been running a campaign arguing that if fish were called sea kittens, people would be less likely to hurt them); "death panel" (Most Outrageous; a scare phrase from the recent US controversy over health plans, a supposed committee of doctors or bureaucrats who would decide which patients were allowed to receive treatment, ostensibly leaving the rest to die); "hike the Appalachian trail" (Most Euphemistic; to go somewhere to have sex with one's illicit lover, which follows a statement by the Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, who said he was going hiking when he really went to Argentina to visit his mistress); "twenty-ten" (Most Likely to Succeed; a pronunciation of the year 2010, as opposed to saying "two thousand ten" or "two thousand and ten"). The words deemed least likely to succeed were any names of the decade 2000-2009, such as Naughties, Aughties, or Oughties. (But see below for the very different view from the UK.)
AUSTRALIAN WORDS OF 2009
The Australian Macquarie Dictionary has begun online public voting for its own Word of the Year. You can choose from 17 sections, each having six words or phrases (oddly, mainly phrases: of the 102 terms, two thirds (68) have more than one word). To someone reading them outside Australia, it is an odd mixture. Some have been well known in the US or UK for many years (petrichor, shield law, bodywarmer, slacktivism, wet room, lighting pollution, social phobia, brain fade). Of the rest, only a minority are specific to 2009. I would have expected "swine flu" to be in the list, but instead the Dictionary has gone for the formal "pandemic influenza A" that identifies the H1N1 strain, a term that has been in wide use at least since the middle of the decade. See the lists at http://wwwords.orgMCQ0. The result, together with the Dictionary's own choice, will be announced on 3 February.
---
*  More on 2009 words -- this time from the Guardian
Chris Tribble searches the words of the Guardian Weekly to find which words cropped up the most in 2009 and what distinguished 2009 from previous years. It's January, a time when it is traditional to review where we've come from and to make resolutions for the future. If you were asked to guess which words distinguished 2009 from previous years, what would be in your top ten?  http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=1428&catID=18

===  SALMAGUNDI / QUOTATIONS  ===
GARDENING?
I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.'
                        -- Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady in US 1933 - 1945 (1884 - 1962)
AGEING?
I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap.
                        -- Bob Hope, English-born American comedian (1903 - 2003)
MILITARY
Did you hear about the high-ranking military father who cloned himself?
The result was a Major Faux Pa.
~~~  Happy Mardi Gras!  Oh to be in New Orleans..........  [Tues Feb 16]
~~~  Giving anything up for Lent?  maybe your New Year's Resolutions?
WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP
        A six-min video with Mayor G-J:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unPwGycbxz8

FOR MY PUNNY VALENTINE  ~~~  I louvre you.
***************
As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
                        -- Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and thinker (1875 - 1961)
Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.
                        -- Anne Herbert, Quebecoise author (1916 - 2001)       
Announcer: For the first ten months of 2009, lobbying money from the [U.S.] Finance Sector: $334 million. Lobbying money from the Health Sector: $396 million. Real Reform? Priceless.
                        -- PBS: on the Bill Moyers Journal (intersegment comment 18 Dec 09)
My whole life is waiting for the questions to which I have prepared answers.
                        -- Sir Tom Stoppard, English playwright (b 1937)
Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.                       
                        -- Dandamis, Indian/Hindu sage/recluse (4c BCE)
When a needle falls in the forest, an eagle sees it, a deer hears it, and a bear smells it.
                        -- AmerIndian/tribal saying
Nothing is so embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said couldn't be done.
                        -- Sam Ewing, American writer (1921 - 2001)
AND
since we're about to get budgets with explanations:
from Cicely Isabel Fairfield (21 December 1892 - 15 March 1983), known by her pen name Rebecca West, or Dame Rebecca West, DBE, was an English author, journalist, literary critic, and travel writer.
"Economists are like Aeolian harps, and the sounds that issue from them are determined by the winds that blow."