Our mountains and skies above them never disappoint.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Eliminating Poverty, A Perennial Topic
Zi-Ann Lum, Huffington Post
On a December afternoon, Frances Amy Richardson took a break from her quilting class to reflect on a groundbreaking experiment she took part in 40 years earlier.
“Well, that was quite a few years ago,” she said. “There was a lot of people that really benefitted from it.”
Between 1974 and 1979, residents of a small Manitoba city were selected to be subjects in a project that ensured basic annual incomes for everyone. For five years, monthly cheques were delivered to the poorest residents of Dauphin, Man. – no strings attached.
And for five years, poverty was completely eliminated.
The program was dubbed “Mincome” – a neologism of “minimum income” – and it was the first of its kind in North America. It stood out from similar American projects at the time because it didn’t shut out seniors and the disabled from qualification.
The project’s original intent was to evaluate if giving cheques to the working poor, enough to top-up their incomes to a living wage, would kill people’s motivation to work. It didn’t.
Between 1974 and 1979, residents of a small Manitoba city were selected to be subjects in a project that ensured basic annual incomes for everyone. For five years, monthly cheques were delivered to the poorest residents of Dauphin, Man. – no strings attached.
And for five years, poverty was completely eliminated.
The program was dubbed “Mincome” – a neologism of “minimum income” – and it was the first of its kind in North America. It stood out from similar American projects at the time because it didn’t shut out seniors and the disabled from qualification.
The project’s original intent was to evaluate if giving cheques to the working poor, enough to top-up their incomes to a living wage, would kill people’s motivation to work. It didn’t.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Soul of the Community
In the spring of this year we posted a video from this website. As we begin a new year full of hope and aspiration for our community, this site provides some great food for thought and action by those who live and contribute to the City of Cranbrook.
Over three years, Gallup and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation set out to explore several key questions: What makes a community a desirable place to live? What draws people to stake their future in it?
The answers are important, especially in today’s world, where the most successful cities are able to attract and retain the talented workers that strengthen communities and local economies.
Over three years, Gallup and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation set out to explore several key questions: What makes a community a desirable place to live? What draws people to stake their future in it?
The answers are important, especially in today’s world, where the most successful cities are able to attract and retain the talented workers that strengthen communities and local economies.
The Soul of the Community study – which interviewed 43,000 people in 26 communities asked a range of questions about personal satisfaction with community life, about pride in the community, and about optimism about its future, and looked at the connections between answers to these questions and people’s perceptions of many key community attributes.
When we analyzed what people said about how they felt about their community we found that positive attitudes about community didn’t vary much based on respondents’ perceptions of the presence of jobs or the quality of basic services in their city. People with the most favorable opinions of their cities also were more likely to have positive assessments of local social offerings, such as entertainment venues and places to meet, openness, or how welcoming a place is, and the area’s aesthetics, or its physical beauty and green space.
Go to the link above to watch some short videos.
When we analyzed what people said about how they felt about their community we found that positive attitudes about community didn’t vary much based on respondents’ perceptions of the presence of jobs or the quality of basic services in their city. People with the most favorable opinions of their cities also were more likely to have positive assessments of local social offerings, such as entertainment venues and places to meet, openness, or how welcoming a place is, and the area’s aesthetics, or its physical beauty and green space.
Go to the link above to watch some short videos.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Peak Snow
http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/12/22/Peak-Snow-Ski-Resorts/
"I'm worried that the next generations won't have it nearly as good as we did," Roy said, gazing at the slopes she fell in love with a decade ago. "I don't like to be a pessimist, but it could be really bad."
Peak Snow? BC Ski Resorts Brace for Warmer Era
How a $600-million industry is already dealing with climate change.
Suspended 436 metres above the Whistler-Blackcomb valley bottom by two 56-millimetre cables, professional snowboarder Marie-France Roy eyed the mountains and contemplated their melting future.
She couldn't shake the feeling she was looking down the rocky side of a different kind of peak -- peak snow. "I'm worried that the next generations won't have it nearly as good as we did," Roy said, gazing at the slopes she fell in love with a decade ago. "I don't like to be a pessimist, but it could be really bad."
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
What BC Wants for Christmas: A Plan B
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2014/12/08/BC-Xmas-List/
VIEW: What BC wants for Christmas: A Plan B
By
Published December 8, 2014
Published December 8, 2014
Dear Santa,
You probably don't get Christmas letters from an entire province, but this year we hope you'll think of adding B.C. to your magical journey. We know we're asking a lot of you, but B.C. could really use a Plan B this Christmas.
You see it all started a couple of Easters ago. The Easter bunny -- you know, the competition down the calendar street -- came hoppin' along and told everyone to put all their eggs into her liquefied natural gas basket. All of them, Santa.
It sounded great at the time, really it did. Who could say no to a prosperity fund? A $100-billion prosperity fund to boot.
But it's not working out so well and everyone just assumed that the Easter bunny had a few other baskets behind her ears if things went south. Well, Santa, it looks like she doesn't. And a few of us -- OK, most of us -- are getting a little antsy.
Here's the thing Santa, B.C. is developing a bit of a -- how do you put it -- reputation. Some folks say the province is stuck in a neverending battle between huggers and frackers played out on a continuous loop, year after year after year.
Protests, environmental assessments (one or two, take your pick), injunctions, PR strategies (strained or leaked), appeals, human chains, petitions, more protests, SLAPP suits, social license permits.
Seriously, Santa, the list goes on and on.
And it ain't going over so well with investors. Never knew they were such nervous Nellies. Heck, one tax break too little and suddenly they're off playing in another kid's sandbox.
Oh, that reminds us, Kinder Morgan could really use a new GPS this Christmas. They still seem to be using the one left behind by Enron.
Then, to top it all off, a few months back the Supreme Court of Canada told some of us that we may be squatters. On someone else's land.
Look, we know you can't stuff a massive GDP hike into B.C.'s Christmas stocking, but maybe this year you could get us a few of the things from our wish list.
A new way to reconcile competing interests in the province on economic development would be great. Like, wow, best gift ever. And it would be so neat if it came fully assembled.
We know you can't till the entire province into an organic farm, but maybe you could show us a better way to use our agricultural land and market our products. No need to include those trade mission accessories that come with it, there are a whole bunch of folk right here in the neighbourhood who eat all the time.
In fact, we crunched some numbers last night and you know what, 16.3 million people live in Alaska, Alberta, Washington State and B.C. combined? Well, of course you did, but that's still a lot of mouths to feed.
Speaking of which, any chance we could return that clawback toy you let B.C. play with a few years back? Not that we're ungrateful, but it got into the wrongs hands. It really should come with instructions.
Between us, did you ever notice how uppity the Easter bunny gets whenever anyone says value added? You think she'd know that old saying: give a bunny a carrot and she eats a carrot. Teach a bunny how to cultivate carrots and you're overrun with bunnies. Or something like that.
It would be fantastic though if we could add some value to B.C.'s natural resources right here in B.C. before we ship them off overseas only to buy them back in manufactured goods a few months later.
That new board game "How not to cut off your nose to spite your face" would be cool too. You know the one. The winner is the first to clue in that government cuts in one area may result in massive losses for government in another, thereby negating the original savings and then some.
The best part of getting a Plan B for Christmas, Santa, is that if the Easter bunny turns out to have only been partly right (still not looking good on that front BTW), we get the best of both plans.
Oh, nearly forgot. Please don't go down the chimney at the legislature. Seismic issues. We'll put the milk and cookies on the main steps.
Yours truly,
British Columbia
PS: If you can do anything about ferry fares, no grumbling from this quarter.
Dermod Travis is the executive director of IntegrityBC.
Find more in:
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Elves go home for the Christmas Holiday and Get Outside
School Christmas concerts are now over for 2014 and school children can be outside and learn from our natural environment for a couple of weeks. There is so much for them to enjoy in our wonderful outdoors: snowshoeing, bird counts, skiing, boarding, walking, snowman building, building, tobogganing, skating, skiing, boarding and hot dog roasts. All of these outside activities help to build an understanding and appreciation for our natural environment. Idlewild and Southstar Trails offer fabulous locations for many of these activities. Get Outside BC! http://cpaws.org/blog/the-get-outside-bc-project-inspiring-bcs-youth-to-get-outside
Thanks Stewart for the photos of Gordon Terrace students and Mr Dureski of course.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Michael's Musings
Living Underneath the Mountain at
Christmas
By Michael J Morris
When Good King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow with the moon shining bright in about the year 1000, he could have been describing the weather in any Canadian community on almost any Christmas Eve in our history.
Before I go any further with King Wenceslas though as revealed in the popular carol 'Good King Wenceslas', I have only recently discovered that he was not really a king, but the Duke of Bohemia, and he was looking out on the Feast of St Stephen, the day after Christmas. To me it doesn't really matter as the carol brings back fond memories and delivers a message that applies any time.
Some readers will recall that my mother Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris directed many concerts and musicals during the 32 years that she taught at Chapleau Public School, and she was also the choir director at St. John's Anglican Church for years. Music was an important part of our home, and that's how I became acquainted with King Wenceslas as a boy. Mom would sing at home.
It became the carol that to me applied most to our weather at Christmas time. Looking outside before leaving for Christmas Eve service, "the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel..."
As we headed to St. John's, I would hum the carol and think to myself that all that needed to be added to the carol was the smoke going straight up into the skies, the temperature hovering at Fifty degrees below Fahrenheit and the music and wonderful display at Dr. Young's office, our local MD. To this day I remember walking with Mom to the church with friendly greetings exchanged with those heading to the Roman Catholic and United Churches -- an ecumenical moment in the village.
The lyrics were published in 1853 by the English hymn writer John Mason Neale.
Now, the carol addresses a subject that I never thought about much as a child growing up in Chapleau. I had my family, friends and a community where people cared about and helped each other in times of need.
Even though there were times when I missed my father James E Morris who was killed while on active service in the RCAF in World War II, I had my mother, my grandparents George and Edith Hunt and Harry and Lil Morris as well as my aunt and uncle, Elsie (Hunt) and B.W. 'Bubs" Zufelt and my cousins, and my aunt Marion (Morris) Kennedy. And I had my friends, many of whom are still part of my life today.
But as the King walks with his page, "a poor man came in sight, Gathering winter fuel." The page tells him that this man lives "underneath the mountain."
On Christmas Eve in Chapleau those many years ago, as we greeted people on the street who were going to or coming from their respective churches, I never really thought about those who may be homeless and without food--- living underneath the mountain, so to speak.
The good King took immediate action though telling his page to gather food and wine and pine logs that they would take to the peasant and see him dine, "through the rude wind's wild lament, And the bitter weather."
The page was ready to give up as the night grew darker and wind blew stronger, but the King encouraged him and they made it to their destination
At this Christmas time, I extend my very best wishes to my family and friends who have shared moments of their lives with me during the past year. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.
My thoughts also turn to all those good people, past and present, who at this Christmas time, reach out and care for those who live "underneath the mountain" in Cranbrook, and in all communities.
I leave all of you wherever you may be with the last words from 'Good King Wenceslas',
"Therefore ... be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing."
As many of you know, especially my former students, I love metaphor and have been collecting them all my life. I hope I have not mixed them too badly as I have talked about the Good King Wenceslas.
By Michael J Morris
When Good King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow with the moon shining bright in about the year 1000, he could have been describing the weather in any Canadian community on almost any Christmas Eve in our history.
Before I go any further with King Wenceslas though as revealed in the popular carol 'Good King Wenceslas', I have only recently discovered that he was not really a king, but the Duke of Bohemia, and he was looking out on the Feast of St Stephen, the day after Christmas. To me it doesn't really matter as the carol brings back fond memories and delivers a message that applies any time.
Some readers will recall that my mother Muriel E. (Hunt) Morris directed many concerts and musicals during the 32 years that she taught at Chapleau Public School, and she was also the choir director at St. John's Anglican Church for years. Music was an important part of our home, and that's how I became acquainted with King Wenceslas as a boy. Mom would sing at home.
It became the carol that to me applied most to our weather at Christmas time. Looking outside before leaving for Christmas Eve service, "the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel..."
As we headed to St. John's, I would hum the carol and think to myself that all that needed to be added to the carol was the smoke going straight up into the skies, the temperature hovering at Fifty degrees below Fahrenheit and the music and wonderful display at Dr. Young's office, our local MD. To this day I remember walking with Mom to the church with friendly greetings exchanged with those heading to the Roman Catholic and United Churches -- an ecumenical moment in the village.
The lyrics were published in 1853 by the English hymn writer John Mason Neale.
Now, the carol addresses a subject that I never thought about much as a child growing up in Chapleau. I had my family, friends and a community where people cared about and helped each other in times of need.
Even though there were times when I missed my father James E Morris who was killed while on active service in the RCAF in World War II, I had my mother, my grandparents George and Edith Hunt and Harry and Lil Morris as well as my aunt and uncle, Elsie (Hunt) and B.W. 'Bubs" Zufelt and my cousins, and my aunt Marion (Morris) Kennedy. And I had my friends, many of whom are still part of my life today.
But as the King walks with his page, "a poor man came in sight, Gathering winter fuel." The page tells him that this man lives "underneath the mountain."
On Christmas Eve in Chapleau those many years ago, as we greeted people on the street who were going to or coming from their respective churches, I never really thought about those who may be homeless and without food--- living underneath the mountain, so to speak.
The good King took immediate action though telling his page to gather food and wine and pine logs that they would take to the peasant and see him dine, "through the rude wind's wild lament, And the bitter weather."
The page was ready to give up as the night grew darker and wind blew stronger, but the King encouraged him and they made it to their destination
At this Christmas time, I extend my very best wishes to my family and friends who have shared moments of their lives with me during the past year. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas.
My thoughts also turn to all those good people, past and present, who at this Christmas time, reach out and care for those who live "underneath the mountain" in Cranbrook, and in all communities.
I leave all of you wherever you may be with the last words from 'Good King Wenceslas',
"Therefore ... be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing."
As many of you know, especially my former students, I love metaphor and have been collecting them all my life. I hope I have not mixed them too badly as I have talked about the Good King Wenceslas.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
What's Happening......
Ongoing
Public Library Display Case
Christmas Display by Kathy Simon
Kathy is known for her beautiful window displays in her, soon to close, 'Kathy's Kitchen' shop
Affordable Art
at the key City Theatre Gallery
ongoing until December 20th
Tickets on sale for
Symphony on the Mountain
July 4th performance atop North Star Mountain
Lotus Books
Sunday December 21st
Vera Choirs
at the United Church
2:30pm
Tickets for the Sunrise Movie Series
'Whiplash'
Thursday, Jan 8th
Gold and Silver passes for the March Festival
Lotus Books
Columbia Theatre
Opera, Music, Ballet and Shakespeare fans
Columbia Theatre is now showing movies from these genre on specific dates. For the schedule go to:
http://www.landmarkcinemas.com/cranbrook/experiences
Advance Tickets available.
December Schedule
In Search of Mozart Sunday December 28th 10:00am
Globe On Screen Taming of the Shrew Saturday December 20th 10:00am
Royal opera House L'elisir d'amore Saturday December 27th 10:00am and Monday January 5th 2015 6:30pm
Public Library Display Case
Christmas Display by Kathy Simon
Kathy is known for her beautiful window displays in her, soon to close, 'Kathy's Kitchen' shop
Affordable Art
at the key City Theatre Gallery
ongoing until December 20th
Tickets on sale for
Symphony on the Mountain
July 4th performance atop North Star Mountain
Lotus Books
Sunday December 21st
Vera Choirs
at the United Church
2:30pm
Tickets for the Sunrise Movie Series
'Whiplash'
Thursday, Jan 8th
Gold and Silver passes for the March Festival
Lotus Books
Columbia Theatre
Opera, Music, Ballet and Shakespeare fans
Columbia Theatre is now showing movies from these genre on specific dates. For the schedule go to:
http://www.landmarkcinemas.com/cranbrook/experiences
Advance Tickets available.
December Schedule
In Search of Mozart Sunday December 28th 10:00am
Globe On Screen Taming of the Shrew Saturday December 20th 10:00am
Royal opera House L'elisir d'amore Saturday December 27th 10:00am and Monday January 5th 2015 6:30pm
Gov. Cuomo Makes Sense on Fracking, New York Times
EDITORIAL
Gov. Cuomo Makes Sense on Fracking
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced a statewide ban on the extraction of natural gas using
a controversial drilling process called hydraulic fracturing. This was not an
easy decision, but it was the right one. Many geologists and industry leaders
believe that the deep shale formations underneath the state’s southern tier,
known as the Marcellus Shale, contain bountiful supplies of natural gas. But
extracting the gas, the governor concluded, carried — at least for now —
unacceptable risks to the environment and human health.
In making
what amounted to his first major decision since his re-election last month, Mr.
Cuomo embraced the conclusion of state health officials that important health
issues remain unresolved and that it was impossible to declare that hydraulic
fracturing is safe for the environment or human health.
Acting health commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, told a meeting of
the governor’s cabinet that “the science isn’t there” to say definitively
whether hydraulic fracturing is safe or not. But judging from the overall
weight of evidence, Dr. Zucker advised against going forward. “Would I live in
a community with (hydraulic fracturing) based on the facts that I have now?” he
said at one point. “Would I let my child play in a school field nearby?” After
looking at the questions raised in numerous reports, he said, “my answer is
no.” Mr. Cuomo found Mr. Zucker’s personal response particularly impressive.
Hydraulic
fracturing involves blasting water, sand and chemicals into underground rock
formations to unlock the gas. The technique has been around for many years and
has been used, mostly without incident, in hundreds of thousands of natural gas
wells. But the risks of water and air pollution have multiplied as the wells
are drilled deeper and stretched vertically and horizontally to get at remote
deposits….
Mr. Cuomo said that
this was “probably the most emotionally charged issue that I have ever
experienced” as governor and added that he made this decision as a layman
bowing to the experts on his staff. His choice is a measured one that protects
New Yorkers until the science of hydraulic fracturing can catch up.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Canada's Oil Future, Discussion
Time for 'Adult Discussion' on Canada's Oil Future, Says Tyee's Nikiforuk on CBC
Election preview? Plunging oil prices, Norway's petro-smarts drive debate on The National.
The Harper government will seek a second majority in an election sometime next year, and has signalled it will run on its economic priorities -- none higher than subsidizing and promoting the oilsands.
On Sunday evening CBC viewers were treated to a fascinating preview of the election conversation Canada needs to have, as Tyee contributing editor Andrew Nikiforuk, drawing on Tyee reporting, played a key role.
Nikiforuk appeared on CBC's The National politics panel discussing the plummet in oil prices and whether the Conservatives have bet Canada's future too heavily on petro-development. The much decorated journalist repeated points he's made in recent years on the Tyee -- that oil, and especially bitumen, is a highly risky commodity to base a national economy upon, given its price volatility, detriments to currency value and other sectors of the economy, and power to distort democracy.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Making Merry
The Funtastik singers entertain at the Affordable Art and Craft Show, at the Key City Theatre.
Progress on the old Electrical Building
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Art Appreciation in the CDAC Gallery
Gordon Terrace students enjoying some hands on art appreciation this week in the Cranbrook and District Arts Council Gallery
photos - Stewart Wilson
Friday, December 12, 2014
Cranbrook has Solar Energy Opportunity
Prior to Cranbrook's Municipal Election, a report was made by administration about the developing potential of a solar energy experimental site being located on the City's Farm. This would give an enhanced and sustainable use to the already well used spray irrigation fields.
With much bickering going on amongst world leaders and their contributions to mitigating further effects of climate change, Cranbrook has an opportunity to begin playing a small part. Let's hope it is successful.
From in Peru:
December 10, 2014 Rachel Cleetus, senior climate economist, Climate and Energy
http://blog.ucsusa.org/at-cop-20-in-lima-the-buzz-about-renewable-energy-756
I
With much bickering going on amongst world leaders and their contributions to mitigating further effects of climate change, Cranbrook has an opportunity to begin playing a small part. Let's hope it is successful.
From in Peru:
December 10, 2014 Rachel Cleetus, senior climate economist, Climate and Energy
http://blog.ucsusa.org/at-cop-20-in-lima-the-buzz-about-renewable-energy-756
I’m in the beautiful city of Lima, at the annual
United Nations climate talks, or COP 20. Even as
negotiators labor over “non-papers” and “elements of draft negotiating text,”
the real buzz here is about the incredible opportunity to drive down global
emissions by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. What makes
this a particularly exciting time is that the costs of renewable energy are
falling dramatically. The
clean energy transition has never been more affordable – or, frankly, more urgently needed.
Solar energy, in particular, has experienced tremendous
growth.
In 2013, for the first
time, global growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) outpaced new wind capacity.
Annual growth in global solar PV capacity has averaged almost 55 percent over the past five years.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Why the Oil Price is Falling
The Economist explains.
To read the entire article go to:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/12/economist-explains-4
The oil price has fallen by more than 40% since June, when it was $115 a barrel. It is now below $70. This comes after nearly five years of stability. At a meeting in Vienna on November 27th the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which controls nearly 40% of the world market, failed to reach agreement on production curbs, sending the price tumbling. Also hard hit are oil-exporting countries such as Russia (where the rouble has hit record lows), Nigeria, Iran and Venezuela. Why is the price of oil falling?
Four things are now affecting the picture. Demand is low because of weak economic activity, increased efficiency, and a growing switch away from oil to other fuels. Second, turmoil in Iraq and Libya—two big oil producers with nearly 4m barrels a day combined—has not affected their output. The market is more sanguine about geopolitical risk. Thirdly, America has become the world’s largest oil producer. Though it does not export crude oil, it now imports much less, creating a lot of spare supply. Finally, the Saudis and their Gulf allies have decided not to sacrifice their own market share to restore the price. They could curb production sharply, but the main benefits would go to countries they detest such as Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabia can tolerate lower oil prices quite easily. It has $900 billion in reserves. Its own oil costs very little (around $5-6 per barrel) to get out of the ground.
To read the entire article go to:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/12/economist-explains-4
The oil price has fallen by more than 40% since June, when it was $115 a barrel. It is now below $70. This comes after nearly five years of stability. At a meeting in Vienna on November 27th the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which controls nearly 40% of the world market, failed to reach agreement on production curbs, sending the price tumbling. Also hard hit are oil-exporting countries such as Russia (where the rouble has hit record lows), Nigeria, Iran and Venezuela. Why is the price of oil falling?
Four things are now affecting the picture. Demand is low because of weak economic activity, increased efficiency, and a growing switch away from oil to other fuels. Second, turmoil in Iraq and Libya—two big oil producers with nearly 4m barrels a day combined—has not affected their output. The market is more sanguine about geopolitical risk. Thirdly, America has become the world’s largest oil producer. Though it does not export crude oil, it now imports much less, creating a lot of spare supply. Finally, the Saudis and their Gulf allies have decided not to sacrifice their own market share to restore the price. They could curb production sharply, but the main benefits would go to countries they detest such as Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabia can tolerate lower oil prices quite easily. It has $900 billion in reserves. Its own oil costs very little (around $5-6 per barrel) to get out of the ground.
What's Happening...
Friday December 12th
Sponsors and Guests Appreciation Night with
Little Jazz Orchestra at
Alexandra Hall
$20 tickets at Lotus Books or Cranbrook and District Arts Council Gallery
8:00pm
Saturday December 13th
Affordable Art and Gift Show and Sale at Key City Theatre
11:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday December 14th
Light Up Tour
6:15
Eagles Hall
250-426-6726
Sponsors and Guests Appreciation Night with
Little Jazz Orchestra at
Alexandra Hall
$20 tickets at Lotus Books or Cranbrook and District Arts Council Gallery
8:00pm
Saturday December 13th
Affordable Art and Gift Show and Sale at Key City Theatre
11:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday December 14th
Light Up Tour
6:15
Eagles Hall
250-426-6726
One Misty, Moisty Morning
When cloudy was the weather, I met some people walking, almost together. That is not how the Nursery Rhyme goes but the scene at Elizabeth Lake reminded me of that little ditty, one of many Nursery Rhymes seldom recited these days, more is the pity.
Nursery Rhymes contain so much political commentary of the times in which they became popular, that the history behind them is often more fascinating for the adult.
There are many versions of this rhyme, all with reference to the valued leather clothing.
It could be argued that today's commentary is not so creative or is it?!
Nursery Rhymes contain so much political commentary of the times in which they became popular, that the history behind them is often more fascinating for the adult.
There are many versions of this rhyme, all with reference to the valued leather clothing.
One misty moisty morning, when cloudy was the weather,
I met a withered old man a-clothed all in leather,
He was clothed all in leather with a cap beneath his chin, singin':
"How d' you do and how d' you do and how d' you do again"
It could be argued that today's commentary is not so creative or is it?!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Axis of Carbon
As the snow disappears and the temperatures rise to record temperatures for December, these excerpts bear relevance. A Christmas wish might be that our government leaders tackle these problems with the seriousness they deserve.
Canada-Australia 'Axis of Carbon' an Obstacle to Climate Pact
Sep 23, 2014
The flags of all its member states flutter outside the United Nations as world leaders gather for a summit meeting on September 23 to help shape a global treaty confronting the climate crisis. But not all of those nations have caught the same wind.
Neither the prime ministers of Canada nor Australia will speak at the summit, and the subordinates they have sent will not be offering the kind of “bold” new steps that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is seeking on the way to a treaty in Paris late next year.
Instead, these two governments, with their energy-rich domains sprawling across opposite ends of the earth, will present strikingly similar defences against what much of the rest of the world is offering. And their stance is earning them opprobrium among advocates of strong and immediate action.
While a consensus is forming around setting a price on carbon and urgently converting to a carbon-free economy, Canada and Australia have turned themselves into an axis of carbon. If they attract others, this axis could become a potent force standing in the way of progress toward a universally binding pact.
Harper Rules out Crackdown on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
'We're clearly not going to do it,' PM tells Commons.
By Jeremy J. Nuttall, Yesterday, TheTyee.ca
'We're clearly not going to do it,' PM tells Commons.
By Jeremy J. Nuttall, Yesterday, TheTyee.ca
Falling oil prices have made the possibility of placing restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions for the oil and gas sector a "crazy" endeavour according to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Harper said Canada would not unilaterally impose restrictions on the industry.
'A new excuse'
But Greenpeace researcher Keith Stewart said the U.S. is already working on emission restrictions for the oil and gas sector, so all Canada needs to do is follow along, despite Harper's insistence it's not a good time.
"They've always had a new excuse as to why they're not doing it," Stewart said.
The New Climate Economy
Climate risk, meanwhile, is an increasing concern. The strong growth performance before the financial crisis was accompanied by a surge in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 7 This development model, if carried forward, would generate spiralling emissions and, ultimately, severe climate damage that would undo the very gains in well-being that we seek. 8
Major recent natural disasters have inflicted significant economic and human costs, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Hurricane Sandy in the United States, major droughts in China, Brazil and the Horn of Africa, and floods in Europe. Such extreme events are likely to increase in both frequency and magnitude with unchecked climate change. Nor are extreme events the only concern. Existing climate variability is already a major source of poverty and insecurity among the rural poor. For them even small increments to risk in the form of delayed rain, higher temperatures, slightly more intense or protracted drought can mean disaster.
Tackling the challenge of strong, equitable and sustainable growth will require huge new investments and shifts in resource use. Actions today and in the next 15 years will be critical to stabilising and then reducing emissions to try to meet the international target of keeping the average global temperature increase below 2°C. 9 They will either lock in a future with inefficient infrastructure and systems, growing pollution and worsening climate change, or help move the world onto a more sustainable, low-carbon development path that strengthens resilience and begins to slow and reverse the accumulation of climate risk.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Post Notes for the Inaugral Council Meeting of December 8th, 2014
A much abbreviated Council meeting was held last evening with Judge Sheard officiating over the swearing in of the next Cranbrook Council. No business other than appointments and swearing in was conducted. The gallery was overflowing with interested residents and a good number had to peek in from the hallway.
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| Mayor Pratt takes oath of office |
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| Judge Sheard presides over Councillors reciting oath of office |
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| Signing papers |
Monday, December 8, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Advance Notes for the Inaugral Council Meeting December 8th 6:00pm Council Chambers
This first meeting of the new Council is public and open to all, as are all Council meetings.
New Business
8.1 Council meeting Dates for 2015
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4346
8.2 Acting Mayor Appointments for 2015 - should the Mayor be absent.
December 2014 Councillor Tom Shypitka
January, February and March 2015: Councillor Wesly Graham
April, May and June 2015: Councillor Ron Popoff
July and August 2015: Councillor Norma Blissett
September and October 2015: Councillor Isaac Hockley
November and December 2015: Councillor Tom Shypitka
8.3 To consider Appointments to Committees
That Council approve the following appointments for the statutory,select, and standing City Committees; and appointments to other organizations; and regional appointments; as follows:
Advisory Planning Commission
THAT Council appoint, as non-voting members, Councillor Wes Graham and Councillor Ron Popoff as Council representatives to the Advisory Planning Commission for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook in Motion Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Tom Shypitka and Councillor Isaac Hockley as representatives of Council to the Cranbrook in Motion Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Public Library Board
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook
Public Library Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Family and Community Services Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo and Councillor Ron Popoff as representatives of Council to the Family and Community Services Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational
meeting in December 2015; and further,
Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Isaac Hockley and Councillor Wes Graham as representatives of Council to the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Wellness and Heritage Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo as representative of Council to the Wellness and Heritage Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Personnel Committee (Committee of the Whole)
THAT Council direct Personnel Committee to be Committee of the Whole and that Mayor. Lee Pratt to be appointed as Chair of the Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt as representative of Council to the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee as
alternate for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Regional District of East Kootenav Board and
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board \
Page 3 of 5
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board, in accordance with section
784(2)(b) of the Local Government Act for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in
December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
East Kootenay Hospital District Board
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka as representatives of the City
of Cranbrook Council to the East Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015.
8.4 Banking Resolution for new signing officers
10.1 Administration Update
Official Election Results
New Business
8.1 Council meeting Dates for 2015
https://cranbrook.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=4346
8.2 Acting Mayor Appointments for 2015 - should the Mayor be absent.
December 2014 Councillor Tom Shypitka
January, February and March 2015: Councillor Wesly Graham
April, May and June 2015: Councillor Ron Popoff
July and August 2015: Councillor Norma Blissett
September and October 2015: Councillor Isaac Hockley
November and December 2015: Councillor Tom Shypitka
8.3 To consider Appointments to Committees
That Council approve the following appointments for the statutory,select, and standing City Committees; and appointments to other organizations; and regional appointments; as follows:
Advisory Planning Commission
THAT Council appoint, as non-voting members, Councillor Wes Graham and Councillor Ron Popoff as Council representatives to the Advisory Planning Commission for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook in Motion Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Tom Shypitka and Councillor Isaac Hockley as representatives of Council to the Cranbrook in Motion Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Public Library Board
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook
Public Library Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Family and Community Services Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo and Councillor Ron Popoff as representatives of Council to the Family and Community Services Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational
meeting in December 2015; and further,
Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Isaac Hockley and Councillor Wes Graham as representatives of Council to the Urban Deer Management Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Wellness and Heritage Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Danielle Cardozo as representative of Council to the Wellness and Heritage Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Personnel Committee (Committee of the Whole)
THAT Council direct Personnel Committee to be Committee of the Whole and that Mayor. Lee Pratt to be appointed as Chair of the Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation
THAT Council appoint Councillor Norma Blissett as representative of Council to the Cranbrook Archives, Museum & Landmark Foundation Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt as representative of Council to the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and
further,
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt to the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Advisory Committee as
alternate for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
Regional District of East Kootenav Board and
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board \
Page 3 of 5
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board, in accordance with section
784(2)(b) of the Local Government Act for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in
December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate to the Regional District of East
Kootenay Board and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
East Kootenay Hospital District Board
THAT Council appoint Mayor Lee Pratt and Councillor Tom Shypitka as representatives of the City
of Cranbrook Council to the East Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the
Organizational meeting in December 2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Ron Popoff as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015; and further,
THAT Council appoint Councillor Wes Graham as an alternate for the City of Cranbrook to the East
Kootenay Hospital District Board for a term expiring at the Organizational meeting in December
2015.
8.4 Banking Resolution for new signing officers
10.1 Administration Update
Official Election Results
Michael's Musings
By Michael J Morris
For a week now, I have been inspired by a great choir, but this time it did not happen because I was celebrating Social Media Week or was listening to one of the world's famous choirs complete with the passion of great organists on Youtube.
Admittedly, as I type I am listening to the Three Tenors Christmas Concert recorded in Vienna in 1999, with the headphones kindly given me by my friend Joel Vinge.
The great choir that most recently inspired me was right here in Cranbrook at Knox Presbyterian Church last Sunday where Sun Valley Song performed "A Rutterly Wonderful Christmas Concert", conducted by Rev. Dr. Yme Woensdregt with accompanist Wendy Guimont.
I have attended Sun Valley Song concerts previously, but I really looked forward to this one for some reason -- and in the interests of full disclosure, some of my good friends are members of the choir. And so, cynical me, there I was, even sitting near the front, something I very seldom do, with my friends Sharon and Jim Roberts and members of their family .
From the very opening numbers, I knew we were in for a great afternoon of Christmas carols and songs, maybe it was the choreography where choir members lined each aisle before taking their their places at the front. This choir was there to bring us some great moments in music.
Each of the four parts of the program included Christmas songs and carols, including one of my favourites (Yme's too) 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" by the Roman Catholic priest Father Jean Brebeuf. I first heard it sung in French at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Chapleau while attending Christmas Eve mass with my good Roman Catholic friends. I ran back and forth to St. John's Anglican Church only a block away!
Many of the arrangements were by John Rutter, the distinguished British composer, conductor, editor,and arranger mostly of choral music, a wonderful choice for the Sun Valley Song concert.
Each number was greeted with sustained applause by the capacity audience, but it was the encore that brought us to our feet, and a week later is still inspiring me and bringing back wonderful memories. Choirs and organs were not part of my upbringing: but part of my DNA. My grandfather George Hunt, who played organ in churches and, yes, piano in English pubs, played for family concerts Sunday after church. His daughter, Muriel, my mother, with her incredible soprano voice, was a soloist, choir director and director of musicals, including 'HMS Pinafore' by Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Sun Valley Song rendition of 'O Holy Night' arranged by Dr. Woensdregt was simply superb, likely the best I have heard, and was greeted with sustained applause by the very appreciative audience. In fact, after I got home, I listened to it sung by some of the world's great choirs, and I will go with the one I heard at this concert.
To me, there is nothing more beautiful than voices of a great choir and for each choir and each song I hear, a story from my own personal experience arose, and I am connected in a moment to my past, present and future. Also I am Irish on my father's side, and I have a photo of my parents beside my computer, and they are always smiling, but sometimes moreso when I am listening to great music. I know. I know, but just for a moment my parents were there at the Sun Valley Song concert as the choir sang 'O Holy Night'.
However, as I have noted on other occasions, In the interests of full disclosure, I must admit that I neither play nor sing well, but have directed concerts and musicals and studied drama at the University of Toronto.
Sun Valley Song members include: Sopranos -- Lynn Campbell, Jan Gordon Hooker, Janine Grieve, Anne Jones, Tracey Kasner, Elizabeth Ross, Linda Rothero, Betty Wardle; Tenor -- Ian Adams, Peter Davidson, Steve Knowles, Bill Lindell, Roger Mitchell, Leslie Molnar, Joel Vinge, Gretchen Whetham; Alto -- Ellen Bailey, Caroline Gottinger, Katherine Kuczerpa-Zorn, Cynthia Lindell, Judy McFarland, Heather Nish, Carolyn Shepherd, Lynne Zacharias; Bass -- Gordon Ambrose, Bill Bale, Jim Buhler, Dave Grieve, Michael Jones, Dean Nish, Peter Schalk.
Thank you so much for the great moment! Every blessing for the holiday season and Christmas.
My email is mj.morris@liveca