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Issues, ideas and editorial

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com

David Hutchison

This morning, as I read yesterday’s Vancouver Sun, time was in short supply yesterday, I found a number of very interesting columns.

The first by Micheal Hockney, who spent 4 years  living in Russia, wrote “The media’s view of Russia is 20 years out of date.” I am embarrassed to say, I am part of that collective with my opinion, which makes me think, I should go to Russia for their Olympics. So often real learning only comes from being there. Thank you Michael.

Next was Dan Gardner, one of my favorites, with the question “Is it worth it, Canada’s spending of billions on the Olympics. Olympic spending is like military spending, escalating. On the other hand, Colin Hansen, our finance minister,  was quoted as saying “Health Care and Education are bottomless pits!” They are, however, they are the only two moralities of government responsibility. 

And finally, The Newspaper’s View, Flaherty’s balanced budget plan is wishful thinking. Currently, we are $622.1 billion offside with our balance sheet. The papers point is, corporate welfare will not enhance competitiveness and raise productivity.

Those three columns, tied together, point out misplaced images of our neighbours. This drives our aggression, causing the media to miss the real point of the Olympic experience, which is, what was happening, on our streets with people from every nation on the planet.

We the people made the experience what is was, not corporations who benefited from government funded investment. Lets keep it going, at least throughout the Paralympics. We should make every effort to continue all the relationships we have made during the Olympics, as real peace lies with us and the relationships we build.

See you tomorrow,

David Hutchison                        david@transitionsadvertising.com

David Hutchison is President of Transitions Advertising www.transitionsadvertising.com Canada’s creative voice of seniors advertising. David is Board President of Promoting a Culture of Peace for Children Society of BC www.wartoystopeaceart.com

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In Transition

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com

By @MoniKanada

After all the buzzing excitement and fun we’ve had during the Olympics, Vancouver has come to a state of content exhaustion, just like nature after giving birth to a raging thunderstorm or a heavy rainfall. I personally feel this way, too: Calm and exhausted, yet utterly content for having been part of something meaningful that has provided joy and inspiration to so many people.

Do you feel a bit empty and abandoned, too? I sure do. Where is everybody? The city seems so empty. Many of the special venues and sites have been dismantled, and all our cheerful friends are gone. For all of us that are suffering from POA (post-Olympic abandonment) here is the good news: Apparently, we don’t have to wait very long before we will see more friendly guests here in Vancouver and Whistler who want to celebrate with us!

YVR Airport has already started to provide a warm welcome to the first Paralympic athletes, their officials and spectators. We are expecting approximately 1,350 athletes and officials from 40 countries and 44,000 spectators in Vancouver and Whistler to celebrate outstanding athletic achievements, true passion for sport, and the greatness of human spirit and all it makes possible.

Are you ready for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12-21? Today, three days after the Olympic Flame is extinguished in Vancouver, a new flame will light in Ottawa, sparking the official start and inspirational journey of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. And in just 10 days, on March 12, her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of , will officially open the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games at BC Place in downtown Vancouver.

Now that we are on the radar of the world in such a positive light, can we prove that Canada is a country where the Paralympics are supported and celebrated as enthusiastically as their big brother, the Olympic Games? Do we have it in us to be ambassadors for the true meaning of the word “Paralympic”, which is “alongside the Olympics”?

I realise there will be less athletes and spectators, less entertainment, less disciplines for athletes to compete in etc. The Paralympics will run on a much smaller scale, at least on the outside. However, on the inside, where courage, determination, passion and persistence live, the Paralympics might actually outshine the Olympics when it comes to the extent of inspiration and valuable lessons they will offer to all that are open to see.

I challenge us to do our part and create a welcoming, joyful and supportive environment for all athletes and guests of our Paralympic Games. Don’t put those red clothes, the mittens and the Canada flags away quite yet. Let’s take some of that newly gained Canadian spirit and paint Vancouver and Whistler red again, and let’s have some more fun – we know how to do that now! Go Canada Go!

Related Posts: Vancouver Olympics done. Paralympics here we come!

Monika Becker is the owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching in Vancouver BC, where she assists her clients in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring clarity, passion for possibility and soul-infused service. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. For more information please visit www.ClearDirections.tel

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Monika Becker

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

monika1

by @bsainsbury

How did you get involved with the Metro Blenz News Squad?

It was Bonnie Sainsbury who invited me sometime late last year to be part of an exciting blogging project for the Olympics.

I had previously been invited by Bonnie and Marilyn to blog on their very own group blog www.blog987.com and had just discovered my love for blog writing. Of course I said “Yes! I’d love to participate! When can we start?”

What’s your Olympic memory so far?

So far, the Olympics here in Vancouver have been the biggest and most touching event that I’ve ever been involved in. I would never have imagined the dimensions of the event itself nor its impact on me. In so many ways and to a very deep level I have been moved, surprised, energised, inspired – even writing this out right now makes me shed a tear or two. I am in awe of the extent of human potential for achievement, creation and celebration, and I am so grateful for experiencing it so close by. What I also feel and will always remember and nourish is that grain of hope that has taken root and grown within me throughout the Olympics, hope for a world filled with kind, empowered and conscious people having joyful and inspiring experiences with each other.

What’s your take-away from the Olympic experience?

A renewed sense of belonging here – Vancouver is my city and I’m ever so grateful for the opportunity to live here and enjoy this amazingly beautiful city!

A strong motivation to go for my dreams and not hold back any longer – as inspired by many amazing athletes and their focus and determination to give it their very best that they have in store. Seeing some of their outstanding achievements is like a kick in the butt for me. I can’t wait to see the Paralympic endeavours – I already know that they will move and inspire me even more.

And then there’s so much joy and pride – I’m so very happy about all the fun people are having. And I am extremely proud of our city to have made these Winter Olympics such a wonderful and amazing experience and to have presented us Canadians and our contry so well to the world (yes, I’m saying ‘us Canadians’ and ‘our country’; although I’m still officially a German citizen residing in Canada, I consider Canada my true home and have gained a strong sense of national pride for Canada throughout these Olympics).

Last but not least, there is deeply felt gratitude for the chance to experience and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event in a number of functions: A proud member of the Metro Blenz News Squad blogging team, a Language and Customer Service Ambassador at YVR airport, a proud “Ask-Me-Button” bearer, and then a simple Vancouverite happily taking in my own city and all the excitement and buzzing energy.

What do you do? What’s your business?

Monika is the founder and owner of Clear Directions – Consulting & Life Coaching (www.ClearDirections.tel) where she assists others in articulating and achieving important life goals with caring curiosity, passion for possibility and soul-centred service. Through working with her people gain clarity for any area of their lives, and then Monika supports them in taking the necessary steps to apply the newly gained awareness and make their intentions and dreams come true. One of her specialties is the work with female start-up and seasoned entrepreneurs that are open to a holistic approach to business and life. Monika works locally in the Vancouver area and internationally, in person or over the phone, both in English and German. In addition, she is a co-facilitator and coach with Emotus Operandi www.EmotusOperandi.com, where they offer a support system designed for small business owners or work teams that see their work as more than just a pay check. Monika is all about empowering others to embrace their passion and potential, and she enthusiastically encourages her clients’ success and happiness in who they are and what they do.

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Games of Glory

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com

By Greg Lui

There’s only three more days left until the Closing Ceremonies and yet the immaculate performances of the Opening Ceremonies are still an engaging conversation piece.

Millions of Canadians from the east coast to the west coast watched these stunning ceremonies and ignited a patriotism that is rarely observed. Flags are flown in all places from vehicles, bikes, buildings, and bridges. Downtown Vancouver is an invariable sea of red–a symbol of pride and passion for the country and for the sport.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games is 17 days, 5,500 athletes, 80+ participating countries, 3 billion worldwide television viewers and all made possible with the help of 25,000 passionate volunteers. Some say these Games were 40 years in the making. And for the athletes, it was a lifetime of perfecting their sport; coming down to one day, one time, and one place. And sometimes winning gold or not winning at all is defined by one millisecond.

The Olympics should be more than just winning gold. The Olympics should not just be about the triumph but the struggle; it should not just be about the victories but the battles.

In any case, it is very safe to say the Vancouver Olympic Games has meant battles fought; battles won; dreams fulfilled. A country united in red.

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Canada vs USA Today – Watch Free

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com

Olympic Hockey heats up today with a Canada vs USA showdown. One of the biggest rivalries in international hockey, USA vs Canada looks to be looks to be like one for the ages. The neighboring countries have no love lost when it comes to hockey.

The two teams know what’s at stake, and the fact that most of the opposing players are teammates in the NHL doesn’t make any difference.

Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, part of the visiting U.S. squad Sunday, said quite simply on Saturday afternoon, “I hate them.”

“It’s a big rivalry. I wouldn’t say I hate them, you have respect for the other team,” he added, perhaps understanding how harsh he sounded. “Canadians expect to win the gold and anything less is not good enough. It’s going to be fun to try and knock them off.”

The Canadian team holds an obvious advantage in talent and height, but that doesn’t mean the US doesn’t have a chance in this hockey game. Team Canada struggled against Switzerland, barely escaping with a 3-2 shootout win against the Swiss; the same team the USA beat handedly 3-1.

Don’t Have Tickets? Want to See The Game?

We’re showing the game on a 15 Foot Screen this afternoon:

When: Today Sunday Feb 21 4:30

Where: Coastal Church 1160 West Georgia

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Vancouver Small Business & the Olympics – Part III of Series – Residential Construction Industry

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com

By Cybele Negris

There was a lot of talk prior to the Olympics about whether the construction industry would be impacted with road closures during the Olympics. Another issue people were talking about was the city permits department potentially being understaffed due to city workers being seconded to volunteer at the Olympics. I decided to talk to M.J. Whitemarsh, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC to get the straight goods.

MJ Whitemarsh, CEO of Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC, voice of the residential construction industry in BC.

But first, I was interested to find out more about the woman CEO behind the organization in a male dominated industry. M.J. Whitemarsh admits that 29 years ago when she started in the industry, she was an anomaly – “There weren’t many women out there on job sites wearing jeans, a hard hat and work boots. I have enjoyed working in all aspects of the housing industry – both onsite and behind the desk. Before coming to the association, I went back to university to complete a 3-year Executive Marketing Program at UBC. This past month, I just celebrated my 10th anniversary as the Chief Executive Officer of the association. Over these years I have had to work twice as hard for my achievements, but at the same time I have had the pleasure of mentoring other women in the industry and have been able to support their incredible successes. Today, the face of the industry has certainly evolved to be more inclusive with women now leading companies in the various sub-sectors.”

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the CHBABC, this organization has been the voice of the residential construction industry in BC for over 40 years. Their membership is comprised of almost 1800 developers, builders, contractors, renovators and suppliers member companies who employ thousands of people across the province. They are dedicated to fostering a housing industry environment that operates effectively and professionally while maintaining affordability and profitability.

So according to Whitemarsh they have not heard that the Olympics caused any significant obstacles for their builder and renovator members. “Not unlike how Christmas or summer holidays affect business, many of our members are taking advantage of this time to celebrate the Olympics and having the world visit our city and province.”

On the question of what Whitemarsh expects the Olympics to do for the residential construction industry in the months and years after the Olympics, she feels it will be positive. “Like the positive impact the World Exposition had on the housing industry after 1986, we see the Olympics having a similar result. The Olympic legacy will be a boom for our industry attracting business and newcomers to not just Vancouver, but the province as a whole. We have invited the world to visit and as an industry we have been preparing for them to stay!”

More information:

A critical mandate of CHBABC is to improve the education and training of the industry. Over the past decade they have been instrumental in the formation of the Residential Construction Industry Training Organization (RCITO) to address the shortages and professional training of apprentices in skilled labour. They offer courses around the Province, where builders can learn and earn the designations: Registered Master Builder (RMB), Certified Master Builder (CMB) and the Graduate Master Builder (GRB). Additionally, they brought forward the Built Green™ BC program – a not for profit program that encourages, educates/trains, and certifies builders to build using environmentally friendly products and technologies when building a home to lower the energy costs, reduce water consumption and create a sustainable comfortable Single Family Home or Multi Unit building. Homes and renovations can be branded Built Green™ once they meet certain construction standards. More recently, CHBABC has been working with government on the introduction of the HST and ensuring that it does not negatively impact housing affordability for British Columbians.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association BC Website

Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association Website

Other Regional Offices

Membership

Membership in CHBABC is voluntary and once a member passes a thorough application approval process, they must meet a strict code of ethics that calls for high standards in customer relations and business practices. Membership rates vary depending on location within the province and size of company, and each membership includes representation in the local, provincial and national levels of the organization. More information on membership.

Related Posts:

Vancouver Small Business & the Olympics- Part I of Series – Eclipse Awards by Cybele Negris

Vancouver Small Business & the Olympics – Part II of Series – Forum for Women Entrepreneurs by Cybele Negris

Cybele Negris is Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada’s Original Domain Registrar. She is on the Boards of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Small Business BC, Government of BC Small Business Roundtable and the Vancouver Economic Development Commission. More information is available at cybele.tel or webnames.tel. Follow on Twitter @cybelenegris and @webnames

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