Love is like a Golf ball

 Love is like a golf ball

• you move it and follow it
• You know where it starts and where it is supposed to go
• It moves differently every time
• It can find disaster 
• It can be exciting to play with
• It is impossible to completely master 
• It is possible to enjoy no matter what it does
• It Has rules & etiquette 
• It is Waterproof 
• It is affected by the wind
• It attracts fashion
• at close range it can be enjoyed in the dark
• Only one can be moved at a time
• Trying to move 2 at a time is a recipe for disaster 
• Is disappointing to lose
• Is expensive to replace
• It is remarkably robust, difficult to break
• faster and cheaper to replace if damaged 
• very replaceable yet some are cherished forever and even end up in a trophy case
• It functions efficiently everywhere 
• It likes warmth
• It responds to stimulus 
• It moves in proportion to the strength & frequency of the force applied to it. 
• an individual sport, more fun if shared 
• A wonderful reason to see the world
• A favorite way to wake up
• It is healthy 
• It can be stimulating 
• It hurts to get in the way of one struck in anger
• more fun if you play with it
• it can endure long periods of inactivity 
• it can last forever 
• it was invented by the Dutch, perfected in Scotland and mass produced in USA
• Highly addictive 
• 2021
• you just have to let some perfect ones go
• Some just don’t get moving Fast & far enough to clear trouble
• they die, soar, crash & sail
• Incredible unexpected results happen sometimes 
• You can have 2 in play at the same time under very special circumstances & for a very limited time - like when you need an official ruling
• Sometimes you just get tired and don’t want to play, especially if your “keeper” is lost 
• a drivable par 5 would be like taking Love to a new level
• it can change 
• the next day they both look different ..... but love feels 
• Sometimes it just appears right in front of you 
• It’s fun even if you can’t see where it’s going. If you are good and/or lucky it is found right where you want it to be 
• it gets easier to lose them the more you do
• They can be played fast & loose or anything in between safe & sound. 

210103

• apparently they can both be scheduled and blocked

• It’s all about avoiding mistakes- easy game really 

210105

• It fucking hurts when you get hit by a wild one on the fly 
• they can be equally insensitive 
• the indifference of each can sometimes be the same
• they can go backwards
• they can be difficult to move even a tiny bit
• they resist movement 
• they often require tremendous effort to move 

Love is not like a golf ball

• a golf ball is more predictable 
• a golf ball almost always reacts
• a golf ball always can be loved 
• a golf ball is usually responsive & reactive
• a golf ball is perfect 

6/1/21

• even ugly ones go the distance 1

7/1/21

• it’s nice to give each a break sometimes 

9/1/21

• they take crazy bounces
• It’s not how it’s how many
• Quality over quantity 
• All it takes is one

10/1/21

• it goes as far as you hit it or in other words you get what you give 

15/1/21

• it sucks to lose a keeper
• You just have to let them go 

1/18/21

• Losing is winning if you truly commit 

21/1/21

• it is more fun when its warm but some like it cold - it still works
• it is still there even when you dont play with it for a while
• it can wait forever - it is in no rush at all
• it is always ready to move 

24/1/21

• There are special places to play it
• There are countries & cultures famous for it
• There are people who get paid the most for it 

27/1/23

• Even if you don’t have one, it’s still fun to pretend you do 
• 18 months later where there was none to be found, there is some 
• New ones are nice

31/1/23

• Even an old smudged one might just be “the one”

- 

Social Media and Elections - Who should seek answers?

A decision was recently made regarding complaints about the use of Social Media on Election Day in Nanaimo.

Someone looked into it and said there was "Compliance" - there was no harm and therefore no foul.

A couple of tweets and Facebook cover change -  big deal    or   BIG DEAL.

The answer is important - feelings, reputation & democracy is involved.

The question speaks to a very real change in Society and what we have come to regard as "reasonable" behaviour.   Is Social Media just a small new part of the real world or is it a whole new world where the need for new rules and new limits on behavior are just now being realized.

I know a little bit about computers - I worked for IBM after my UBC Commerce-Marketing degree - That first year of training was an intense blend of Systems Engineering and Business Administration.

A computer is in its simplest form a bunch of connections- silicon, wires, circuits and switches.  Think of a light switch at your door. That is a simple computer.  In one position it means function- the ability to see and do things, the other position it means money and energy saving.  Add millions and billions of light switches and you get a modern computer with amazing power to change lives,  remedy social ills, land cameras on comets and find a name, a number or any other bit of information faster and more accurately than ever before.

So does the recent Elections BC decision mean its over?  I understand that they have nothing to do with determining any consequence of actions only to guide compliance, only to try - to do the best they can to help people do the right thing - whatever it is "the right thing" may be.

Does the decision mean the new rules about Social Media on Election Day were or are now well understood or applied and enforced properly and fairly?

Does the decision mean that everyone, especially those Candidates and Council members involved actually understand them, even now?

Mistakes were made - that much I know.  I don't know what exactly those mistakes were.  I don't understand whether the error was "What was done", "How it was done" or simply "When it was done" or maybe even a combination of those and other factors.

I have learned nothing from this mistake other than doing nothing saved me.

Was it really that simple?

Who should be the one to look at this in detail and give a reasonable explanation?

Who should seek to guide the community on difficult sensitive issues?

Parking Plan in a nutshell

Nanaimo downtown parking has been an issue since well before I became a founding member of the city's Transportation Advisory Committee.

In fact it was part of the reason the TAC was formed - to deal with the report from a consultants study of the parking situation in downtown Nanaimo and area.

Parking somewhere- downtown, in Hospital area or around Vancouver Island University - has been on the TAC Agenda almost constantly.

About 2 years ago I will say a new face appeared on the staff side of the table at our meetings.  Rod Davidson was a clear spoken, confident sort that came to us from Penticton with a resume of accomplishment in Parking.  I was happy to know that someone, somewhere had been thru this and had survived.

In a nutshell - Rod is good and he does have a plan.  I had a chance to review it with him on Wednesday.

A year from now expect to see Smart Parking Meter Machines sporadically spaced along the streets in the affected downtown area.  These machines will have smart phone interfaces so you do not have to physically be there to add time.  Cash will be accepted.

Also there will be a car with cameras rushing around in areas without meters to check on the position of your tire stem.  Yes I said "tire stem".  Amazing what technology can do at 80 km/hr.

So the idea is that the best parking will be available for people who want it the most at a reasonable price.  There will be sufficient parking and signage to direct people to it.

That is the plan.  Others have been through this before and survived.  It is the way growing progressive communities handle the issue of parking.

Perhaps like an older sibling going through adolescence - it sounds awful, can't be avoided and in the end gets us somewhere better than before

Keep the faith and consider a bicycle :)



TOMORROW ........................FINAL JEOPARDY 21%

Good or Lucky - which is better - for Nanaimo

        Good or Lucky - Which Management Selection Process is better - for Nanaimo ?

1) GOOD:

A Balanced argument on the "education standard" for a top level manager between the overall business standard of an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) vs the more recently evolved specialized standard for Public & Non Profit orientation of a MPA (Masters of Public Administration)

"MBA" vs "MPA"  Which is better for a 600 employee, $200 Million Civic Organization?   

Don't listen to me - look for yourself please. 

http://www.economist.com/whichmba/forum/miscellaneous/mppmpa-vs-mba

http://colleendilen.com/2010/05/17/5-reasons-why-i-choose-to-pursue-an-mpa-over-an-mba/  

2) LUCKY 

Nanaimo has had 30 years of "lucky" stemming from Jerry Berry's amazing good fortune in being promoted by Grayden Hayward from "Assistant City Clerk to "Assistant City Manager" (arguably a 12 - 21 year career shortcut). Both subsequent Nanaimo City Managers benefited from that same stroke of good luck.  Who hired both of them?  Has Nanaimo's last 30 years, current and future management been determined by a single "LUCKY" move?  

Is it better to be lucky or good? 

Is it time to address 2013's  poor & slow results with a "good" move.  

How about picking a manager based on "WINNING" a competition?

Who has the best education, training & experience?  

Who really WINS that race?

LOOK FOR JIM'S UPCOMING BLOG POSTS:

1) Friday:     DOWNTOWN PARKING - WHAT IS THE PLAN?
2) Saturday: FINAL JEOPARDY - 21%
3) Sunday:   GREAT NATIONAL

Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster

Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster - demonstrates the need for management change at the highest level.

In large complex structures there are safety systems designed to protect key elements and keep overall operations functioning.  Like a car engine thermostat, a bathtub overflow drain or gas pump handle shut off, small safety mechanism prevent catastrophe.  They exist to prevent major problems that could impact the overall operation of the main structure.  Failure of these relatively small parts can have tragic consequences.  There are many examples. 

The infamous and ill fated space shuttle "Challenger" disaster was caused by the failure of a part called an "O" ring.  This "O"ring was designed to stop hot burning combustion gasses from coming in contact with explosive fuel.  It failed to do its job, the flames touched the fuel. 

Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was a similar safety system failure.  The wrong tool was used.  It was like using a hammer to clean a window.  It was wrong.  The safety system that could have caught this, that monitors the appropriate use of tools, failed.

There are several overarching Provincial Acts, Legislation and Regulations governing and affecting Municipal operations.  The Legislative Services department of any City government organization exists to interpret and apply these various rules.  The rules are many, varied, connected and complex.  This is not a game for the faint of heart, hobbyist or armchair quarterback.  Like any trade, profession or sport there is a specific and detailed level of knowledge required and the ability to apply this in a timely and accurate manner.  A reasonable level of education, training & experience is necessary to function at a reasonably high standard on a reasonably consistent basis.  

Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was caused by a motion being passed that was later rescinded.

The motion was wrong, the safety mechanism failed,  disaster occurred. 

The real scary part of Leadercast - Nanaimo's "O" ring failure -  is that it could happen again.

The space shuttle was different after Challenger.  Parts, processes & procedures were redesigned and implemented.  Lessons were learned, things moved, things changed.

Has anything moved here in Nanaimo as a result of Leadercast.  The election may see movement on the governance side due to Leadercast.  Is this right? Is this appropriate?

I call this a civic management issue, not a governance issue.  I suggest that this is only one of a series of slow and poor results in the past year.   It is only 1 bad game in this season.  It is a very telling issue or "game" that clearly demonstrates the inability current management to produce quality results.

I suggest it clearly demonstrates the need for a higher level of management sophistication and a more "systems" oriented approach.  One small part can bring down the show.  A commitment to the highest level of education, training and experience at all levels of the organization has to start at the top in order to be applied beyond and below.

Sad Day for Nanaimo Builders-Ray Menard passes

From: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>

Subject: City of Nanaimo - Passing of Ray Menard

Date: November 3, 2014 at 9:18:50 AM PST

To: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>

It is with deep sadness that the Building Inspection Section wishes to advise that Ray Menard, Plumbing Inspector with the City of Nanaimo Building Inspection Section, has passed away suddenly.  The details related to Ray’s passing are unknown at this time.   All members of the City of Nanaimo, Building Inspection Team are extremely saddened and our thoughts are with Ray’s family.

 

Currently, Senior Management are assessing the number and nature of Inspections booked for today.  We ask for your patience during this time.

 

Thank you,

 

Nelda L. Richardson, Manager

Development Support Services & Business Licencing

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

City of Nanaimo

Mail:  455 Wallace Street

Nanaimo BC  V9R 5J6

Office: 411 Dunsmuir Street

(250) 755-4448

nelda.richardson@nanaimo.ca

 

"Working with the community promoting liveability, fire, health, and life-safety standards"

P SAVE TREES - PLEASE DO NOT PRINT THIS EMAIL UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO.

 

 

 

 

Kelsey Botting

Executive Officer

CHBA-Vancouver Island

170 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC  V9R 5B1

Phone: 250-755-1366   Fax: 250-714-1155

email:  admin@chbacvi.com

 

 

Upcoming Events:

Next Members Meeting – Thursday, October 9^th at Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo

Suppliers’ Night & Auction – Friday, December 12^th, 2014 at The Nanaimo Golf Club

 

There are MANY opportunities & advantages for CHBA Members… check out our website or contact us for specifics. J

 

Speech Speech - Nov 4 All Candidates Format

FAQ’S FOR ALL-CANDIDATES FORUM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 5 PM VANCOUVER ISLAND CONFERENCE CENTRE
WHICH CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND?
All candidates running for Mayor, Council and School District 68.
HOW DOES THIS “SPEED CAMPAIGNING” FORMAT WORK?
School Board Trustee candidates will be in Newcastle Lobby, City Council candidates will be in Mount Benson Ballroom A and B, and Mayoral candidates will be in the Departure Bay Rooms A and B.
Each candidate has their own table so they can display materials and use it as a ‘speaking space’. We will keep as much distance as possible between tables. Tables will be in alphabetical order, arranged clockwise. Depending on how many candidates register, we will ring a reminder bell every 5-8 minutes to indicate that if a voter is trying to see all the candidates, they must move on to another table.
IS IT MANDATORY FOR VOTERS TO MOVE ON?
No, they can visit as many or as few candidates’ tables as they like and spend however long they wish with each candidates.
ARE VOTERS GETTING ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH CANDIDATES?
Yes and no. The experience we are taking this from indicated that voters would visit tables in clusters; everyone gets a chance to speak and, the best part is, it most often resulted in a small group discussion and debate.
WILL A VOTER BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES?
Not likely. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves about candidates by attending other Forums prior to this one, to seek information online, and to check out Candidate Profiles in the local media, such as the November 4th Nanaimo News Bulletin. When a voter has settled on the candidates they would like to know more about, they can create a check list of whom to speak with at this event.
WHAT TIME DOES THIS START?
5:00 - 7:30 pm School Trustees and City Council candidates ‘speed campaigning’. 6:30 - 7:30 pm the Mayoral candidates ‘speed campaigning’.

7:30 pm we will ask voters to take a seat in the main ballrooms for the Mayoral presentation and debate.
WILL THERE BE ANY SPEECHES FROM A PODIUM OR STAGE?
At 7:30 pm we will begin hearing from Mayoral candidates in the main ballroom. Unfortunately, with 49 School District and Council candidates we don’t feel the night is long enough to accommodate everyone speaking from a stage.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE STAGE PRESENTATION BY MAYORAL CANDIDA TES?
They will be invited to provide an opening address of 2 minutes in alphabetical order. We will then proceed with a moderated, pre-screened question and answer period. Question forms will be available when people arrive, questions are also invited in advance of the event and can be emailed to info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.
There will not be questions from the floor. Scrutineers will screen submitted questions to keep them clear and concise and eliminate duplication. Our moderator, Hilary Eastmure, will address questions to Mayoral candidates as they have been directed by the questioner or will try to ensure equal distribution of the questions.
Mayoral candidates will also have 'rebuttal chits' that they can cash in to challenge an answer or add their opinion. These are limited so that Mayoral candidates can only cash them in at the best opportunity to rebut. The Q & A period will continue for up to one hour. The Mayoral candidates will have 1 minute each to offer closing remarks at the end of the hour.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
Only for candidates. There is a small cost recovery fee of $25 (plus GST) for table rental for any candidate wishing to participate. Order your table by emailing info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca or calling Marsha at 250-756-1191
ARE TICKETS OR RSVP’S REQUIRED?
Not for voters. Candidates MUST pre-register so we know how many tables to put out and can prepare an invoice that they will need when filing their income and expense disclosure after the election.