DGENERAL INTEREST
This page was set up on November 24, 2011. For earlier articles scroll down the page. For previous page Click Here
“The effective functioning of social systems is assumed to be dependent on the quality of their leadership” – Victor Vroom
Anmore School District 43 Trustee Holly Butterfield - A talking circle introduces students to the teachings of honour, trust, courage, respect and patience.
Thinking about Leadership
by Tom Grant SD-43
A Canadian school superintendent's musings about Leadership (written February 17, 2012) To link to full article Click Here (22-02-12)
Double rainbow in Maple Ridge, Feb 22, 2012 at 4:35 pm from Coral Modres
Claire Cupples, dean of Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Science, is talking to Canadians about how scientists can become more engaged in educating the public about what they do. (20-02-12) Click Here
Today is Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent. Did you have your pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? (21-02-12)
The last Musqueam family to live in what is now known as the Endowment Lands by the University of British Columbia. (20-02-12) Click Here
“I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.”
And for the right brain:
“I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.” Our Health 360 (19-02-12)
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Evergreen Line and Were Afraid to Ask (16-02-12) Click Here
Winter Tales - From city slicker to hillbilly in how many (easy?!) steps...
Well, its been nearly 3 months since the last post, and as usual, there is loads of news to catch up on. A new baby in the house has meant a re-arranging of priorities, and the blog has fallen by the wayside a bit, but we seem to be settling in to a routine now, so from now on i will try and get back to the weekly postings! Christina Ayer (14-02-12) Click Here
Talking About the Weather
Snow near Lake Garda in Northern Italy where the olives grow. (13-02-12) Click Here
Census: The Tri-cities
2011 2006 Change No. of Homes
Anmore 2,092 1,785 17.2% 706
Belcarra 644 676 -4.7 292
Coquitlam 126,456 114,565 10.4% 48,083
PoCo 56,342 52,687 6.9% 21,533
PoMo 32,975 27,512 19.9% 12,989
Dubai Fountains Synchronized With Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'! Thank you Whitney. (11-02-12) Click Here
Nothing Better than Vintage Valentines (09-02-12) Click Here
2011 Census Results are Now Available
The latest census figures show Canada leads G8 in growth. Canada's population is at 33.5 million, with more people continuing to migrate to the West. British Columbia’s share of Canada’s population reached a new high of 13.1 per cent, with the province’s total residents up seven per cent to 4.4 million. Kelowna, which grew by 10.8 per cent since 2006, was the country’s fourth-fastest-growing city after Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon. To read more Click Here
Canadian Living - 15 Valentine's Day crafts for the whole family (08-02-12) Click Here
Open Government Buoyed in the City of Coquitlam (07-02-12)
Coquitlam Councillor Selina Robinson has alerted us to the new Coquitlam website. Features include: 1) a Park-finder Tool, 2) Going Green Services, 3) City Hall Live including webcasts of Council Meetings, 4)Public Services, 5) City Planning, 6)Economic Development, 7) Volunteer Opportunities, 8) E-services, including on-line payment, 9) Events and 10) City News.
Queen Elizabeth II
"I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust." (Queen Elizabeth II)
Changes at the Belcarra Barnacle
"Work is love made visible" (Kahil Gibran)
Best wishes to Michelle Montico as she takes the reigns as Editor. Thank you to out-going editor Cecily Baptist and the ongoing team of Barnacle volunteers for this excellent source of community news. The February 2012 edition of the Belcarra Barnacle has articles on Regional Emergency Planning, Block Watch, Puppy Love, and many other interesting topics. (05-02-12) To link Click Here.
Statscan numbers highlight concerns about aging and the work force. To link to Globe and Mail article Click Here
Check out the V3H website when you get a chance. Nice work Jon! Click Here
BCAA’s Dry Grad Video Challenge winners have been announced.
"During the 2011/2012 BCAA Dry Grad Video Challenge, students in B.C. and the Yukon had the opportunity to create their own video message about the dangers of impaired driving...
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the schools and students who participated." To view the winning videos (02-02-12) Click Here
B.C. income gap getting worse - Province has the biggest gap between top and bottom 20 per cent in Canada. (01-02-12) To link to article Click Here
Traffic in Port Moody is reaching untenable levels and unless the provincial government steps up with funding for the Murray-Clarke Connector things could get a lot worse. (31-01-12) To link to full story Click Here
Fisheries Critic, MP Fin Donnelly, is a Champion for Sharks!
(30-01-12)
About a month ago, the newly renovated Silver City Coquitlam became the first of their family of theatres in Western Canada to offer VIP lounge service. With advanced seat choice, private washrooms, and in-theatre service, a lounge that serves food and alcoholic beverages is available to VIP patrons before and after the movie. At this time, the management is trying to get provincial approval to extend the lounge service for alcoholic beverages in the theatres, as is available in Ontario. The concession prices are comparable to the general admission concession but there are other interesting items such as deep-fried pickles.
There are five VIP theatres with reclining seats and individual tables. A sampling of the current run movies are available. At the moment, Contraband, Man on the Ledge, The Artist, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and the 3-D movie Underworld, are showing. The tickets cost $19.50 or $22.50 for the 3-D movie. Seats can be pre-booked at www.cineplex.com. (29-01-12)
Evergreen Line to finally break ground after contractors selected
- Project construction expected to create an estimated 8,000 direct and indirect jobs. (26-01-12) To read the full story Click Here
10 Fastest Growing and Fastest Declining Cities in the World. (24-01-12) Click Here
Editor Michelle Montico sends New Years best wishes and a copy of BuntZen, the Buntzen Bay newsletter, for us to read. Thank you Michelle. Sorry for the tardiness in posting. All the very best to you and yours in 2012. To read the January 2012 BuntZen Click Here
The December solstice will occur at 05:30 (or 5:30am) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 22, 2011. Click Here. To find out more about the Winter solstice Click Here
Joyelle Brandt, Mossom Creek Hatchery roving troubadour, and Melanie Montgomery, another local mom organized a Winter Solstice lantern festival celebration at Rocky Point Pavilion in Port Moody yesterday. Thank you ladies. (22-12-11)
Happy Hanukkah! Light the first candle tonight. It’s a special treat when Hanukkah and Christmas overlap. (20-12-11) Click Here
Sleeping bag can be a lifeline for some homeless. (20-12-11) Click Here
A number of very important guests, including Premier Christy Clark, and the mayors of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam, join the Tri-city Chamber of Commerce for their Christmas luncheon at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club.
Darla Furlani gets the credit for these fabulous photos! (16-12-11)
POCO Mayor Greg Moore takes chair of Metro Vancouver board Click Here to read the full article in Surrey Leader (17-12-11)
Even with a majority, the bullying goes on (17-12-11) Click Here
The National Post comments on Justin Trudeau's frustration in cartoon. (17-12-11)
Bad Boys with Potty Mouths - Say it isn't so?
Is it Worse to Rip-off Your Neighbours or Swear About The Rip-off?
ONE: "Why Aren't More of Us Losing it Like Trudeau? We Canadians need to learn to be outraged by the outrageous. While Justin Trudeau quickly apologized to Environment Minister Peter Kent for calling him a "piece of sh*t," saying it was "decidedly unparliamentary," Twitter lit up largely in support of the outburst, tapping into a wave of anger across the country with many Canadians feeling deeply betrayed by their government for reneging on Canada's international climate commitments." (15-12-11) To read the full article Click Here
TWO: New Democratic MP Ryan Cleary responded: "Yes, sir, your department and you, sir, are a bully." (15-12-11) Click Here
THREE: "I used unparliamentary language and apologized. Is Kent going to apologize for chiding the Opp for not being at COP17 -when HE banned us!" (Justin Trudeau). (15-12-11) To read the full article Click Here
FOUR: Justin Trudeau wasn't the only high-profile federal Liberal to unleash a profanity in public on Wednesday. Bob Rae did it too (15-12-11) Click Here.
OCCUPY Vancouver protestor 10-year-old Ta'Kaiya Blaney is raising her voice against a proposed pipeline that would run through her ancestral homeland. (14-12-11) CBC - The National
2011 Lights of Hope Campaign
Singer song-writer David Blair was born here
St Pauls Hospital 2011 Lights of Hope Campaign
Can you give?
Straight from the heart
Premier Clark assisting the volunteers at SHARE putting together Christmas Hampers! (11-12-11)
Share Family and Community Services
Please join us on December 13 at the CKNW Food Food Drive at Save On Foods fom 3 - 7, bring your food donations and meet Steve. Let's fill the Food Bank!
NDP leadership candidates appeal to B.C. New Democrats at Vancouver convention centre this past weekend
Several hundred B.C. NDP members that were attending the party's 50th anniversary convention were present to observe the discussion, which featured candidates Niki Ashton, Robert Chisholm, Nathan Cullen, Paul Dewar, Thomas Mulcair, Peggy Nash, Romeo Saganash, Martin Singh, and Brian Topp. (11-12-11) To link to the full article Click Here
I am a Canadian!
An Australian Definition of a Canadian
You probably missed it in the local news, but there was a report a few years back that someone in Pakistan had advertised in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed a Canadian - any Canadian. (07-12-11) Click Here
The 45 Most Powerful Photos of 2011. (07-12-11) Click Here
Changes at the Belcarra Barnacle
After four years as Editor of the Belcarra Barnacle, Cecily Baptiste is hanging up her pen. Michelle Montico, who Anmore Alternative News Readers have recently come to know through the BuntZen newsletter for Buntzen Bay is taking over as Editor in February. There will not be a January edition.
The Founding Editor of the Anmore Alternative News first met Ms Baptiste at the Mossom Creek Hatchery Egg Take three years ago. Ms Baptiste was also at the Ted Ulmer inaugural Corn Tasting in Anmore several years ago and we have enjoyed sharing information and other events since then.
We would like to take this opportunity to compliment Ms Baptiste and the Belcarra Barnacle team for producing such an excellent community newspaper as well as creating a high quality on-line presence. The Belcarra Barnacle produces the paper and website at no cost to the Belcarra taxpayers. Well done folks! You are truly 'priceless' volunteers. For the December edition of the Belcarra Barnacle Click Here. For back issues on-line Click Here.
Our very best wishes go out to the new Editor Michelle Montico. The Anmore Alternative News Team wishes you well. We hope to continue our friendly collaboration in the future. (06-12-11)
Thanks for all of your support - It was a Mantastic Movember for the Coquitlam RCMP, who ranked second in police fundraising efforts across the country. Coquitlam RCMP raised more than $13,000 this Movember. (05-12-11) Click Here
If you’re still scratching your head and asking yourself what the Occupy Movement is all about, get yourself a ticket to the next screening of Montreal filmmakers Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks’ crucial, captivating and profoundly disturbing documentary feature, Surviving Progress. It is a documentary co-written and co-directed by Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks. This 86 mins. film which will be shown in AMC Theatres features Ronald Wright, Jane Goodall, Margaret Atwood, Stephen Hawking, Vaclav Smil, Craig Venter. (05-12-11) Click Here
New Occupation: 20,000 march for economic justice in NYC
A vast new protest wave has swept through New York, as some 20-thousand people marched demanding better jobs and economic opportunities. The demonstration was organised by labour unions, but the rhetoric borrowed liberally from the Occupy movement, which has been protesting in the U.S. for months. (05-12-11) Click Here.
December 2nd to 23rd - 50th Anniversary
Carol Ships 'Parade of Lights' Society began over 50 years ago with one boat decorated with Christmas lights in Coal Harbour off the Bayshore Inn (now the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina). On peak evenings, this holiday tradition has grown to more than 50 decorated boats, with in excess of 100,000 lights, and carries over 30,000 people during the 20 night festival. Thousands of people in 2010, enjoyed the many community-based shoreside celebrations and Carolship parade. (04-12-11)To read more Click Here
NDP leader Adrian Dix reports "a great turnout at the Port Moody Coquitlam NDP nomination meeting and to say the least, New Democrats are proud of our superb candidate Joe Trasolini. Joe spoke eloquently about representing the community and demonstrated his strong commitment to change in BC. A thoughtful, powerful, NDP speech. Joe did us proud and most important builds on our superb BC NDP team." Anmore resident, Elaine Willis, "was delighted to hear about Joe's early years in his speech. This is a man our community can get behind and stand with. His tenacity and capability when married with the core values of the NDP should win the riding back for the people." (04-12-11)
Auditor finds $5-billion rat-in-the-snake dilemma at BC Hydro hard to swallow. Doyle frustrated that utility, government don't have a plan to repay deferred accounts. To read the full story (01-12-11) Click Here
Angelo Mosca and Joe Kapp Fist Fight in Vancouver (Complete Video - Unedited). Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca get into a fight on stage at the 2011 CFL Alumni Legends Luncheon in Vancouver. It appears there is still some Bad blood between these two after a controversial hit on the field nearly 48 years ago. Click Here
Vancouver is 5th on the List of Most Liveable Cities. Vienna's excellent infrastructure, safe streets and good public health service make it the nicest place to live in the world and Vancouver was fifth consulting group Mercer said in a global survey which put Baghdad firmly in last place. (30-11-11) To read the full story Click Here
Tri-cities Profiles - Share at Christmas - Jingle Bell Jog - A Profile of Heather Scott (29-11-11) Click Here
Canada's 10 best governed companies of 2011. Find out which Canadian companies round out the top ten. Where do they place this year relative to last year. (29-11-11) To read full Globe and Mail article Click Here
Flying Lanterns for Wishing! (27-11-11)
"Chinese Lanterns (also sometimes referred to as floating Lanterns or paper lanterns), are a fantastic alternative to fireworks. They drift gently into the night sky, and can fly for many miles, before burning out and floating softly back to earth.
Traditionally an integral part of festivals in Asia, Sky Lanterns, also known as sky candles, flying lanterns and khoom fay have become popular outside of Asia. An initial surge in use in the United Kingdom and then the USA has spurred a worldwide interest." To see more Click Here.
A Vancouver filmmaker has been at Occupy Wall Street since the first day. This message is to Occupy Canada, at a time when Occupy camps in Canada are facing threats of eviction. Ripper offers his perspective that love is the movement. By staying rooted in non-violence and compassion, Occupiers can maintain a solid ethical foundation that is unshakeable. Strategic non-violent direct action is key to the flourishing of the movement. (28-11-11) Click Here
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Kalle Lasn, the longtime editor of the anticonsumerist magazine Adbusters, did not invent the anger that has been feeding the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations across the United States. But he did brand it. To read the full article in the New York Times Click Here
Raffi is singing his beautiful song at Layton-Chow's house, playing one of Jack's guitars.
OCCUPY - The Revolution Is Love! 
The shocking truth about the crackdown on Occupy | Naomi Wolf - Guardian UK Click Here
"Legendary British film director Sir Ridley Scott launched
a global film making contest for aspiring directors.
It's titled "Tell It Your Way". There were over 600 entries.
The film could be no longer than three minutes, contain
only 6 lines of narrative & be a compelling story. The
winner was "Porcelain Unicorn" from American director
Keegan Wilcox. It's a story of the lifetimes of two people
who are totally opposite, yet, very much the same -
all told in less than 3 minutes. You can see why it won - enjoy!" Denise Sales (27-11-11)
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labor. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians.
There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Loonies on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Canadian with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new Canadian Christmas tradition. We've been asked to send this message to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
BUY CANADIAN - BE CANADIAN - The job you save might be your own.
Submitted by Wade and Brenda Parrish (27-11-11)
Times are a changin'. In future, only those with facebook accounts will be able to post comments on TriCityNews articles. No more anonymous comments. (24-11-11) To link to article Click Here
Robert Reich breaks some knowledge on the REAL public nuisance. OCCUPY DEMOCRACY. (24-11-11)
