NightVision ToastMasters

It’s that time of year again; have you filed your 2009 tax return?
In this week’s meeting, we shall be taking a light-hearted look at taxation in Canada.

What did you spend your last tax refund on?

–
Peter MacKay: “There has never been a single, solitary proven allegation of abuse of a detainee, a Taliban prisoner, transferred by Canadian Forces.” Question Period, December 2.

General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defence Staff: The individual who was beaten by the Afghan police was in fact in Canadian custody [on June 14, 2006]…” Press Conference at National Defence Headquarters, December 9.

Robert

Hello Everyone:

Let’s talk about Facebook! Whether you love it or hate it, I am sure you have an opinion about the popular networking site.

My latest Facebook status (yet to be publicly posted) reads: “Due to a lack of cyber-social skills, I am phasing out from Facebook.” The truth is that, in ‘real’ life, I am a rather busy social butterfly. What prompted the decision to phase out was a series of questions, and ethical and etiquette dilemmas related to Facebook interactions.

Why do you love it/avoid it? Do you find it useful or a waste of time? How many Facebook friends do you have, and how many of those would you say are your true friends?

To get you thinking about ‘Facebooking’ here are the a couple of links to Facebook-inspired songs. Please note that I did not include them for their great depth or musical value ; )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhLiF9Q4u90

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnXE2791yg

Selma

Back in the 1950s, the visionaries told us that by the year 2000 everyone would be commuting to work in flying cars. (Remember The Jetsons?)

But, despite some valiant efforts by the engineers—even giving them an extra decade to get everything humming smoothly—it didn’t happen. So, how do you get around? Is it working for you? How would you like to get around?

This Thursday, please join us as we briefly explore the topic of transportation—people moving, specifically—and see where it takes us.

See you there!
Volker

How to give feedback that is motivating, encouraging, supportive, and effective, yet organized, honest, and useful. Following different structures that help guide you through the process will form part of the Toastmaster presentation of this theme.

Lori

Alan will be presenting his Area Contest speech “What You Think Is What You Get”

Most of us cringe when we hear the name. After all, the Downtown Eastside (DTES) has the highest rate of HIV infection in the Western world, as well as being Canada’s poorest area by postal code.

Drugs.            Poverty.            Prostitution.            Mental illness.            Crime.

The DTES is a social-issue hotbed in our beautiful city of Vancouver. Can the area improve, or are we fighting a losing battle? What approach is best: War on drugs or harm reduction? Are residents of the DTES victims of neglect by the government?

Please join us for this week’s meeting as we sound off on the Downtown Eastside.

Your TM for this week’s meeting,
Robby

I went to the Paralympics Opening Ceremony last Friday. As some of you
may have seen, it was quite a spectacle and very enjoyable.

It also raised a number of questions with me regarding the future of
the Olympics for people with disabilities. At this meeting I’d like us
to spend some time talking about the Paralympics & Special Olympics,
how they came about and the future of events for special groups in our
society.

Thanks,
Marian

When I get older, I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag.

Vancouverites have waved more than our fair share of flags over the past couple of weeks.

John Furlong, chief executive officer of the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee, (the group that trademarked the phrase “With glowing hearts”) suggested he was stunned at the level of patriotic outpouring that has emerged, to the point he believes it will alter the way Canadians behave.

“I think people are being left behind with something very powerful and human and uplifting and I hope that people will look back and say the people of this country took this to a different place. This is all new for us, but it is a pretty cool kind of patriotism that’s going on.”

How’s it worked for you? Has hosting the Olympics changed your perception of Canada, Canadians, and the value of patriotism? 

Do you think that our culture is best represented by Montréaler Nikki Yanofsky’s version of the CTV Olympic Anthem I Believe, or by the Vancouver Sun’s choice for peoples’ anthem (actually the theme song for the FIFA 2010 World Cup) Wavin’ Flag by Somali Canadian performer K’naan?

To see Nikki Yanofsky performing I Believe go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmURDjt7Ex8&NR=1

To see K’naan performing Wavin’ Flag go to:
http://knaanmusic.ning.com/video/waving-flag-by-knaan?xg_source=activity

Or are we just too culturally complex to be represented by a song or changed by one event? After all, according to Molson, we are Canadian - as they define Canadian.
 
“Hey
I’m not a lumber jack or a fur trader.
And I don’t live in an igloo, or eat blubber, or own a dog sled.
And I don’t know Jimmy, Harry or Suzie from Canada.
Although I’m sure they’re really, really nice.
I have a prime minister not a president.
I speak English and French not American.
And I pronounce it about not “a-boot”.
I can proudly sew my country’s flag on my backpack.
I believe in peacekeeping not policing, diversity not assimilation.
And that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal.
A toque is a hat, a chesterfield is a couch.
And it is pronounced “zed” not “zee” “zed”!
Canada is the 2nd largest landmass, the 1st nation in hockey.
And the best part of North America.
My name is Joe and I am Canadian.”

I look forward to hearing your thoughts about what Canadians are on March 4.

Gender:  Men and Women - two ways of being, two ways of thinking, two ways of pretending…  to learn more, pay attention.

Questions to keep in mind for the meeting:

What is the most difficult thing about male/female communication?

What is the best thing about male/female communication?

What is your best piece of advice for good male/female communication?

January 31, 2010

Intrepid NightVisioners storm Mount Seymour before the Olympic rush