Arjun Singh...

NY Times Photo blog story about the "Tank Man of Tiananmen"

Really interesting behind the scenes account.

This still gives me goosebumps....

Almost Live video stream from today's council meeting

Intermittently at

www.qik.com/arjunsingh

Council live blogging: tubers restricted from north side of Thompson Dr

Well, not just tubers. In response to parking concerns near the valleyview boat launch, the north side of Thompson drive is now essentially residents only.

The south side of Thompson is still open to general parking.

Trying to get back in shape...

The title of this post is a bit overstated. I generallly always feel pretty good and in form. But, being on the losing end of 2 political campaigns, gaining some unwanted pounds, and the addition of some new audio and video gadgets to my small arsenal of gadgets - all these have got me thinking about what new ways I can find happiness in the near future.

Went to see my doctor today and if, in three weeks,  I am not down 5 or so pounds and looking to be on a continued downward trajectory, its back on blood pressure meds. My doc also recommends B12 vitamins, which I should get immediately.

I am turning 40 this year. It's important I take all the success and failure, all the assets at my disposal, and go into my next decade with gusto.

Hopefully, be blogging about that here.

Amandla!

15 years!

Supporting BC-STV on May 12th 2009...

Here is a link for more info on a change to our electoral system that I wholeheartedly endorse - www.stv.ca

Finally got a Haircut....March 7th 2009, Vancouver BC

Northern Voice 2009 - my thoughts...

I love Northern Voice. It is simply the most satisfying conference I attend each year. Yes, the conference is centred around blogging and social media. But, its really about much more than that. Its about a bunch of people using technology to be more human. Yes, there is sessions that talk about the business side of blogging, but even those feel much more like a late night conversation over drinks as opposed to a structured presentation in a board room.

I had to miss my first day of Northern Voice ever, in 5 years. Saturday, I had to go to Williams Lake to participate in an info session on something else I am passionate about - a new electoral system for BC.

My impressions on Friday:

• Stewart Butterfield is one down to earth technology leader
• Chris Heuer has some important messages on advertising online
• Bruce Sharpe has put together list of resources for audio and video online
• Roland Tanglao is still doing yeoman's service evangelizing mobile cell phone video.

I also was struck that this is the first Northern Voice where my laptop stayed firmly in my backpack. Thats what an iphone can do for you!

I am really bummed that I missed my friend Rob Cottingham's Saturday keynote. By all accounts, it was really incredible (see twitter stream at the bottom of his wife Alexandra Samuel's post)

I also missed spending time with my friends Robin Yap and Jeffrey Keefer, who could not be at Northern Voice this year.

The City Budget Process (in 4 bullet points)

As city hall works it way through the 2009 tax setting budget process, here is roughly how it works:

1) City staff have many meetings refining proposed budget for Council consideration.

2) City Council then has a couple of meetings to look at the budget, typically focused on what are called supplementary or additional items.

3) There will be one public forum on the budget at Henry Grube Centre, held March 10th 2009 at 7pm.

4) Council approves the final tax rate sometime in late April.