Saturday, February 12, 2011

Nicholas Simons Calls for End to BC Poverty


01sept2008duaneburnett (78)



Special Guest Blogger, Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River - Sunshine Coast, is running for leader of the BC NDP party and calls for government action to reduce poverty.


REDUCE POVERTY
by Nicholas Simons

It seems like the appetite for developing a strategy for reducing poverty in BC is growing. Our high rates of poverty, and the actions of other Provinces are finally embarrassing government ministers (and leadership candidates) into talking about our vulnerable people.

A comprehensive policy must address employment standards, income supports, and social programs –which include early learning and childcare, housing, and legal assistance. Reducing poverty is an expensive investment in the future. Some of the dividends are immediate, while others will take longer to become evident. When the government isn’t denying a problem, they ask ‘how will you pay for it?’ While they don’t ask the same question when a $600 million retractable roof is announced, or $400 million are given by government to subsidize casinos, it is still a legitimate question.

The answer is that poverty reduction pays for itself. Not quickly enough to fit into the election cycle, but within a generation. This is shaky and dangerous ground in a political environment that expects snappy answers to difficult questions. It should not stop decision makers from making the effort to address the massive disparity between the rich and poor.

Some estimates suggest a real antipoverty strategy could cost up to $2 billion annually. This would of course include massive infrastructure spending on affordable housing, a comprehensive early learning and childcare program, as well as increased income assistance rates. What possible benefits could come from such expenditure?

A healthier society, a more productive workforce, safer children, community resilience, less homelessness, more volunteerism, fewer prisons, cohesive families, and a higher ‘happiness factor’ are all possible benefits. Estimates suggest that the financial rewards, (should healthier and happier people not be enough) are substantial. Studies in Ontario, the U.K. and the U.S.A. indicate that costs associated with poverty range between 2 and 5.2 per cent of GDP. In British Columbia’s case, this would amount to between $4 and $10 billion in costs per year.

In light of the Representative for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel- Lafond’s recent report on the deaths of infants, it is the responsibility of government to recognize that there is a problem with poverty in this Province, and to take action to address the troubling situation.

Nicholas Simons, MLA
Powell River - Sunshine Coast

http://www.nicholassimons.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=602448718
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicholas-Simons-for-Leader-of-the-BC-NDP/181570435200394

22 July 2006 photo Duane Burnett 063
Nicholas Simons rides his trademark banana bike through the Sea Cavalcade parade in Gibsons, BC.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Bobcat spotted in Sechelt near golf course.



bobcat in Sechelt BC

Cornelia van Berkel sends in this photo of a beautiful bobcat she spotted today in Sechelt, BC on the Sunshine Coast near the golf course and Reef Road.

She just had to share it as its something you do not see on a "regular basis."

Cornelia went out early in the morning to put out her bird feeders, and not quite awake yet, she sees this kind of a large cat, passing through her yard.

She said her first thoughts were "darn, not ANOTHER cat going after my birds."

When she had time to wake up and take a look at the photo she realized it was a bobcat.

According to Wikipedia the bobcat is quite "elusive" so this really is a rare treat to see and catch a photograph of this beautiful member of the lynx and cat family.

Well done Cornelia and thanks for sharing your photo with all of us. Duane :D

About Bobcats:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobcat

Monday, February 7, 2011

Just Imagine If We Never Came? Black History Month 2011



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George Crum invented potato chip in 1853!


Guest blogger Embers Moore,
Black History Month 2011

-- Just Imagine If We Never Came?

I guess some of you are wondering what the heck I am up to this time with a title like that. Well I want you to imagine life without People of Color being present.


Already I can see some you cringing at the thought of life without djembe’s and reggae.


For others it may be curry, and jerk chicken.




Let me tell you it goes further than that.



Something as simple as opening a door for instance considering the door knob and door stopper are both invented by a Black person.

This is a big one and something many of us would be lost without, cell phone, wow that would have been a great loss.

Here is one for mothers, the baby buggy, clothes dryer, egg beater, ice cream scooper, there’s more but I will stop.



Oh yeah and again for music lovers, the guitar. How about on those lovely summer days, air conditioning, lawn mower, and the golf tee, it would never do to go without those.


Then there are those every day taken for granted items like a fountain pen, mail box, lock, lunch pail and let’s not forget gas mask (lol)



Whatever would we do without a stove, street sweeper, typewriter, and fire extinguisher? The list goes on and on and I can see my worth increasing with every sentence.


Now let’s get down to my favorite invention of all.


You’ll never guess this one – the potato chip.


Yes I will say it again the potato chip. From now on every time I bite into a chip I am going to remember this name George Crum and you had better pray you are not around me when I do because I would have to tell you all about this man.

George Crum was the son of an African-American father and a Native American mother. He was working as a chef one summer in 1853 when a patron ordered a plate of French fried potatoes and sent them back because they were too thick. So Crum decided to slice the potatoes as thin as he could and fried them till they were crispy and then doused them with salt (a little irritated).

Well lucky for George the new snack was a hit and thereby giving birth to the Crums Saratoga Chips. Crum later opened up his own restaurant called “Crum’s House” and on every table was a basket of Crums Saratoga Chips. He never made any legal claim to his invention but they were soon massed produced and bagged creating jobs for thousands of people.



I hope that by now you realize what great value that we have as a people. I have just skimmed over the surface of the information that is available on this topic.

If you want more just go to http://www.pamojo.blogspot.com/ and enjoy the video presentation there. Keep checking back to that site for even more information over the next month. It has been a pleasure sharing with you.



Embers Moore
Spiritual Empowerment Coach
www.majikmomentshealing.ca


The Mother Goddess of Africa
Friday, February 18 at 8:00pm
Heritage Playhouse, Gibsons B.C.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161356207250656
Celebrating Black History month with the drama students from Chatelech and Elphinstone School, Jean Peirre Makosso, Embers Moore, and special guest Eagle Child




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Friday, February 4, 2011

Remembering 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay Sunshine Coast BC



04february2010duaneburnett (196)

February 4th 2011 marks the 1 Year Anniversary of the 2010 Winter Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through the Sunshine Coast, BC Canada. Watch the video or check out the photos of thousands of people who came out to celebrate in Sechelt, Roberts Creek, and Langdale near Gibsons, BC.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MjTqN-3a-U



Sunshine Coast celebrates 2010 Winter Olympic Torch Relay as flame is carried through Sechelt, Roberts Creek and Langdale near Gibsons, BC.

1 year anniversary tribute of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver features the wonderful music of these coast artists including:

"Hockey" by Janet Panic;
"Canada's Game" by Doug Mercer;
"Running Again" by Gaetan Bergevin;
"Where There's A Will" by Randeesh; and
"Blink" by Janet Panic.

PHOTOS: Duane Burnett.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157623351316366/

PHOTO slideshow (add your own tunes)


Torch Relay Sunshine Coast Feb 4, 2010.

2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12--28, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Winter_Olympics


What a nice endorsement from Tourism BC, thank you!

"You Gotta Be Here:
Hey everyone - the Olympic Flame was welcomed along the Sunshine Coast one year ago today. Have a look at this terrific memory album/video Duane Burnett put together. ...Very, very nice." http://www.facebook.com/YouGottaBeHere


Vancouver, Coast & Mountains wrote:
"Thanks Duane! Great video of the Sunshine Coast welcoming the torch!"
http://www.facebook.com/vcmbc


Its Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane :D

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Win Dinner for 2 and a Play in Gibsons!



Win Tickets to Wake Up and Smell the Coffee PLUS Dinner at Benjamins, Gibsons, BC.
Contest Draw Feb 20th. Shows Feb 24 to March 12.
Click Attending on facebook to Enter.


Wake_up_and_smell_the_Coffee 230dpi PRINT IT



Click Attending to WIN 1 of 3 pairs of 2 Tickets to Wake Up and Smell the Coffee PLUS one grand prize $50 gift certificate for dinner at Benjamin's in Gibsons!!


Draw Feb 20th.
Shows Feb 24 to March 12!
Not suitable for children! strong warning.


CONTEST RULES
1) Click Attending on Facebook to Enter

Suggested:
2) JOIN P. Adrien Dorval's fan page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/P-Adrien-Dorval/139070556124536
3) JOIN Benjamin's Cafe fan page
http://www.facebook.com/benjaminscafe
4) Support Live Theatre. Post Contest!



Man with Joy Productions presents
"Wake Up and Smell the Coffee"
Performed by Gemini award nominated
actor P. Adrien Dorval

Directed by Allithia Reid
Written by Eric Bogosian

@ The Heritage Theatre, Gibsons, BC
preview/pay what you can February 24th

Not suitable for children! strong warning.

Opens February 25 ..
8pm February 25, 26 March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12

Matinee performances
@ 2pm February 27th & March 6

Tickets $20 .. on sale January 21
Available at Gaia Fair Trade and Hallmark , Gibsons


ABOUT:
Satan as a salesman. A redneck racist media hound. A spiritual guru with "unspiritual" motives. An obsequious dime-a-dozen actor-seeking-fame. These are just a few in the host of rabble that make an appearance in this edgy, satirical one man show written by Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Eric Bogosian. Get ready to be strapped in for a ferocious ride through a modern day mainstream jungle where P. A. Dorval will assassinate everything from pop culture to conformity to religious hypocrisy to human nature itself with wit, sarcasm, and uncompromising honesty. As Bogosian takes us up close and personal with the disturbing truths of life, everybody becomes fair game. DO NOT expect to be let off the hook!


GENERAL WARNING: This show is not for those packing a sensitive underbelly or lacking a sense of humour. Expect some profanity and suggestive language, and some controversial content.

"Hilariously funny and frighteningly familiar." -The Boston Herald.

MORE INFO:
manwjoy@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165737443472543


Its always a good day on the Sunshine Coast! :D





Duane Burnett
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/duanesworld
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016


Sunshine Coast BC Canada
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Anatomy of a Facebook Like: What Does it Mean???


What's the Meaning of a facebook Like?

What's the meaning of a facebook Like? Why do we like to "Like" so much? My friends had some great answers to this question on my facebook profile. Including one story about a marriage proposal in a facebook comment sealed with a "Like" :D



Here are their comments below.
I welcome you to please add your own.


Kera Mchugh
interesting question, duane... i do it for a variety of reasons - a) i actually "like" the content of the post/page/comment/note/photo, b) to show support, c) to acknowledge that i've been there, d) if it makes me think - especially if it makes me think about something a different way than i did before i read it!


Kelly Backs
yesterday my sister asked a friend to marry her and the friend "liked" the comment, so I argued that it was in fact a legally binding contract to become married.


Kelly Backs
I will not "like"a comment/status I am opposed to, and will "like" in lieu of a comment when I don't have the time, a lazy comment as it were.


Kelly Backs
a "like" will also put me in the loop of a thread that I want to follow as it will be gone with the social media wind if I don't.


Duane Burnett
‎@Kelly great comments! Love the Like engagement! That's a great story


Duane Burnett
I find myself doing like for a lot of the same reason Kera and as Kelly says to put me in the loop too.


Anastacia Andrade
old news=needs to be a dislike ... it would help with regrets. u can always unlike ur like


Candace Campo
Having the "Like" feature has literally allowed my life to move into a new direction and turn onto a new adventure. We now do snowshoe tours and as the guide I have never been happier during the winter months. Prior to this I would just survive the winter and count the office days for the warmer spring and an early summer so that I could kayak our beautiful Inlets and open oceans. And I love what I do. I love the outdoors and who really gets to do what they truly, truly enjoy => Nature. Me :D


Duane Burnett
now that's inspirational Candace thank you for sharing with all of us ♥


Deborah Ficko
Some great answers to read.. mine is simple.. I "Like" that which catches my eye and appeals to me!! :)


Sara Scott
I've seen things on fb that i'd never see anywhere on tv or any other media, so i like fb and youtube. truly entertaining. the like button indicates whether your thoughts/actions/ and you are liked by others. what about a hate button? we could use it for things like sauerkraut and overcooked spinach.


Christine Moore
I like that we can connect with old friends that live elsewhere in the world and keep in touch with family and friends that do live close .we`re always so busy in our everyday lives that facebook is like ....Stopping to Smell The Rose`s


Charlene Orr
For me the like option has to do with regard to acknowledgment, accountability, involvement, inclusion and choice + sharing=
to be known :-)


Diane Paull
okay I've liked the ones I agree with @ kera, kelly, duane, Candace but I have to comment on Sara I LOVE saurcraut so please don't have a hate button for that...


Charlene Orr ‎
... besides, isn't it so that we love opinions, lol I am!


Duane Burnett
I see a lot of people campaigning for a dislike button on facebook. Would great appreciate more comments from my facebook friends on this topic of the anatomy of Like on facebook.


Dave Cottrell
It's simple for this simple kinda guy... if I like, I click "like." If I don't like, I don't click "like." If I don't like, but want the person to know I was there, as in perhaps, to give support for a yucky kind of situation, I leave a comment, a hug or a heart.


Diane Paull
I don't like to comment as in dislike on something I don't like as it still draws attention. I either go directly to the person's wall and give hugs...


Alexandra Hatzisavva
I think it's just the easiest way to acknowledge a post...sometimes we're just too tired to type...




Thanks for all the great feedback and insights!

Why do you "Like" things on facebook? I want to hear from you? Got any more great stories like the facebook marriage proposal!


All the best, Duane




Duane Burnett
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/duanesworld
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duane-Burnett/132243609016


Sunshine Coast BC Canada
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459


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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Enter to WIN 1 of 5 Vanishing of the Bees DVD's


Enter to WIN 1 of 5 Vanishing of the Bees DVD's

Vanishing of the Bees and Duane Burnett are offering you a chance to WIN one of five DVD's. Click attending to Enter on facebook! Join the fan page too! DRAW Jan 30th, 2011.

The bees have a message - but will we listen? http://www.vanishingbees.com/

“The most important documentary film since An Inconvenient Truth.” Filmstar

RULES
1) Click "Attending" on facebook event page to Enter
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179535505410797
2) Join Vanishing of the Bees fan page
http://www.facebook.com/vanishingbees
3) Contest Draw Jan 30th, 2011

Suggested:
4) Share the Contest with your Bee-friends



ABOUT THE MOVIE
This documentary takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. The film examines our current agricultural landscape and celebrates the ancient and sacred connection between man and the honeybee. The story highlights the positive changes that have resulted due to the tragic phenomenon known as "Colony Collapse Disorder." To empower the audience, the documentary provides viewers with tangible solutions they can apply to their everyday lives. Vanishing of the Bees unfolds as a dramatic tale of science and mystery, illuminating this extraordinary crisis and its greater meaning about the relationship between humankind and Mother Earth. The bees have a message - but will we listen? TRT 90 min



WHAT THEY ARE SAYING!
“The most important documentary film since An Inconvenient Truth.”
Filmstar

“An essential documentary…If you like eating, see this film.”
Channel 4

“Verdict – Fascinating subject expertly covered.”
Empire

“A ‘bees knees’ of a film. Powerfully argued and very timel.”
Sunday Times

“Be advised, this is more than a documentary”
The Independent

“Alarming enough to convince you that this is an issue that needs action at the highest level”
The Daily Express

“This Bee Movie has a real sting.”
The Times



@ Event page created by Duane Burnett
http://duaneburnett.com
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
http://facebook.com/duanesworld
http://youtube.com/user/duaneburnett





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