January 31, 2008.
Here is an authentic Frank Lloyd Wright inspired "west coast contemporary" home, on spectacular oceanfront, on pristine Salt Spring Island! This is the original home of H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and who moved to Salt Spring in the 1960s, from California. The point of land has a view into infinity -- it's a wrap around panorama, with south/southwest/west exposures, and privacy and flair. Easy access to the beach, the property enjoys a magical feel, with easy-care "natural" landscaping features. The home offers exceptional and irreplaceable finishes -- this wood floor could not be replicated, today. Views "forever", a blend of "inside/outside" that blurs the boundary between same, and an eclectic spatial arrangement for all principal rooms. The double garage was designed by the architect, for an ensuing owner, so the ethic remains "pure". Situated in one of Salt Spring's "best" areas, this gem calls forth the discerning buyer. See Li for appointments to view.
January 30, 2008. "Seven geese pierce straight line over frigid bay, Intervals between them constantly equal, Pointed wings slash as if joined to an axle: Today is the ideal moment between yesterday and tomorrow." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
January 29, 2008. BBC news reports : Bush calls for economy kick-start US consumer confidence shows rise Risk of recession 'remains low' Global shares tumble on US fears Fed slashes rates in shock move Top bosses fear global recession WestLB expects billion euro loss Rock plan 'best meets objectives' UK borrowing is worst in 10 years Medical plants 'face extinction' Shifts 'threaten women's health' Coffee 'raises miscarriage risk' Mobiles linked to disturbed sleep Mourners pay respects to Hillary CIA boss names Bhutto 'killers' Aid for the Indian powerhouse Pakistan weapons 'in safe hands' West Bengal appeals over bird flu Warning on rising Med Sea levels Ancient Antartic eruption noted Abu Dhabi plots hydrogen future Detailed gene map 'within grasp' NASA investigates virtual space Kite to pull ship across Atlantic Brown announces India aid package Parents urged to embrace new tech
January 28, 2008.
Looking for an investment on special Salt Spring Island? Here's a 5+ acre parcel, on serene St. Mary's Lake, close to theatre, golf, galleries, all amenities, with rare commercial zoning, and yet in its own quiet world, at lakeside. Currently operating as a family resort, with 9 cottages (a studio, one bedroom units, two bedroom and three bedroom cottages, all with lake views, all with wood burning fireplaces, all pleasing), the property is zoned to allow a total of 22 cottages. One can also do a "strata resort" option, here, which would allow the construction of all new cottages, if desired, and the sale of same to individual buyers -- one could stay in them for approx. 37 days, consecutively, and then the cottages would remain in a managed rental pool -- a blending of personal use and investment income. One could build a home, here, keep the commercial zoning (which is very valuable, on Salt Spring), and simply create a lakeside estate, using the cottages for family and friends. The reason the zoning is important? The Islands Trust, the provincial government body that came into being, in 1974, to protect the Canadian Gulf Islands, and to keep them as "park reserve" areas, for the benefit of all B.C. residents, decided, back in 1974, on all zonings for the Islands. It is not possible, then, to create a commercially zoned property; it had to be designated as such, back in 1974. Appraisers might be seen to give a 1/3 valuation to the zoning itself, then, as it's so valuable and rare. They might give another 1/3 to the business in place, in any commercially zoned parcel. The final 1/3 would be a "real estate" value, if one downzoned to residential -- perhaps one might be able to get a lakeside subdivision, thus??? This resort offers a wonderful English Country ambiance, and could continue to be a family run resort option. Or, one could explore the strata resort idea. Or, treat it as a residential estate, while keeping the valuable commercial zoning. Or, create an enclave that would allow for a healing arts centre, or a fine arts centre, or retain as a corporate retreat, or...you decide! This is valuable waterfront, with privacy, sun (s/sw/w exposures), and a great location. See Li for more details!
January 27, 2008. So, what can we count on? Ourselves. We look, it seems, to others. We subscribe to newsletters with opinion, we give over our life savings to "advisors", & hope that we have a nest egg when we need it; we assume that someone else will have the answer to our unspoken questions. We assume that someone will play the role of our mothers, with their undivided attention, and their unwavering ability to solve all our problems (whether or not our mothers actually did this is immaterial -- it's the vision of motherhood, with band-aids and second chances, and the adult voice that knows all, that we seem to be looking for). So, here it is. Our late 20th Century education was sorely lacking in the one thing that would help us in the Twenty-First Century: the "editing function". (If we'd had that operating, would the subprime have occurred?). It's called the Information Age. To me, it seems merely a constant slosh of data, all seemingly evenly weighted, and therefore all apparently "equal", and with so much of it, that there's too much, and thus it all becomes meaningless -- we're numbed by data. There's no button for "off". Since we forgot to be taught how to "think", which implies that we consider the data, and make some judgment calls, based on experience, education, and good old fashioned common sense, we often wallow in the seas of disarray. Without some ranking of the information, in importance and usefulness, we cannot move forward or backwards, and there we are, sloshing about in the swimming pool, unable to strike out for the deep end or the shallow, uncertain whether to go for the steps or the ladder, and waiting for someone else to throw us the life preserver. Right? Left? Inflation? Deflation? My gut instinct? The paid financial advisor's opinion? Can I trust myself? Big questions! The early days of the Twenty First Century are full of insecurities. It's like those Charles Dickens and George Eliot novels, from the 19th Century. At that time, the centuries old Agrarian lifestyle was grinding through, like roughing up against very fine sandpaper, rubbing against the newly emerging Industrial Revolution -- many jobs disappeared, and several new ones appeared. It depended which side of the sandpaper mitt you were on, as to whether you prospered or disappeared. It took about a hundred years to settle out, and there was pain and suffering, on the side of those affected by the demise of the Agrarian world. In retrospect, we wonder why more people didn't see the writing on the wall, and follow the new trends to success, but that's a "hind sight" comment. I think we're at one of those pivotal moments, again, only instead of a country, it's a world that's emerging to the "new" paradigm. Marshall McLuhan, the Canadian futurist, who foretold the "global village" back in the 1960s/1970s, caught the important factor. We are different people, post-Industrial, and those who can catch the arrow of the future will find their lifestyles will survive, and those who try to hang onto the past will discover that theirs will disappear. It's the eternal dichotomy -- the yin and the yang. The perfect model, then, for the binary world. On...off...on...off. Yes...no...yes...no. As Kierkegaard reminded us, in the latter part of the 19th Century, there is only either...or. We think there's a middle ground, perhaps so we can hedge our bets. There is, however, no grey territory. Surely, if it does nothing else, the digital world exemplifies this. Important, though, in this time of constant change, with disappearing landmarks, to remember out editing function, & to try to separate out what is actually important from what is only data. Important, too, to remember one's personal world is as important as a global fishtank, and that withdrawal into our sanctuaries (even if they're merely intellectual, and not also physical), can recharge us. If we just keep sloshing in the sea of no direction, without pause (on...off...on..off), we'll be out there forever, stressed and exhausted, and the concept of enjoyment will have sunk to the bottom. So...seen the films "Brazil" (Terry Gilliam's perfect rendering of organized chaos) and "Stranger Than Fiction", with Will Ferrell (is there a message, here, about "life")? Enjoy! Your thoughts? Always welcome! See Li!
January 26, 2008.
Looking for something truly unique? Here's an H. Schubart classic "west coast contemporary" design, on the ocean, at the lovely "south end" of special Salt Spring Island! Privacy, excellent all day sun exposure (s/sw/w), plus sunsets forever! Easy access to a crushed shell and sand cove, with a kayak "boat house", and a mooring buoy for your sailboat. This lovely home is owned by Canada's foremost wildlife painter, the renowned Robert Bateman. Many lovely features, and every principal room with an oceanview! Master "wing", children's "wing", a nanny or caretaker's suite, superb studio space, open plan living/dining, country kitchen, library, den, lots of storage, wine room. Double garage, and large storage area. This beauty awaits your pleasure -- enjoy! (The adjacent oceanfront lot, with a studio/guest/workshop, is also available). Walk to Fulford's charming Village, from here, too! Hiking/walking trails at your doorstep, and beauty everywhere.
January 25, 2008. Make a note -- more OCP (Official Community Plan) special meetings are coming up, soon. Salt Spring's Local Trust committee (LTC) will hold a special business meeting in the evening of Jan. 30th, from 7 to 10 p.m., at ArtSpring. A second meeting will be held on the following day, Jan. 31st, from 9 to noon, and from 1 to 5 p.m., also at ArtSpring. The business meeting is open to the public, and there may be a town hall session, at the end of the business meeting, time permitting. At the business meeting portion, the trust staff will "present the analysis on input to date, a technical policy review of the accuracy and currency of the existing OCP as well as recommendations for additional community consultation" (according to the trust's recent press release). The Trust is proposing to bring forward draft changes to the current OCP, later in the Spring. Further draft changes will be brought forward at a final public hearing, in the Summer. "The LTC is scheduling special monthly business meetings, in addition to its regular meetings, specifically to deal with the OCP review. All meetings will be advertised in the Driftwood and will be open to the public". "The Trust has just established a new electronic subscription service for people to receive information on the OCP review. Community members can now subscribe to receive e-mail updates on the OCP review's "latest news" by going to: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/subscribe/default.cfm" -- (make sure you do this, if you're off Island, and unable to attend the special meetings). "In addition, people can provide comments at any time by using the online feedback form on the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Area homepage, of the Islands Trust website or by contacting the local Trust office by phone, fax or mail (Islands Trust, 1 - 500 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2N8). The Trust's phone number is 250-537-9144 and the fax is 250-537-9116. For more information on the OCP review, check the Trust's website: http: //www.islandstrust.bc.ca/ltc/ss/default.ctm" Note the dates, keep apprised of developments. The Island belongs to all of us, and as we discovered back in October, most people had no idea of the dramatic changes being sought by the current trustees. Their desire may be to have their agenda fixed as bylaw changes (the OCP has to be changed, first), before the next civic election. Be informed! If you're off Island, and can't attend the meetings, keep up to date via the offer of email updates, as mentioned above. More info? See Li!
January 24, 2008. Tomorrow is the celebration of the life and works of Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. A precursor of the Romantic Movement in English Literature, Robert Burns is famous for his evocative portrayal, in poetic form, of the common man in the society of his time, for his passionate words on the equality of man, regardless of his "station in life", and for his collection of Scottish songs and poems, in the vernacular. Every New Year's, the entire world sings along to Auld Land Syne, by Robert Burns. His poem A Man's A Man for A' That has inspired many patriots, over time, in lands ruled by oligarchs. Around the world, there will be Burns' Suppers, with toasts to the Haggis, with Scottish piping and dancing, and with a menu that encompasses neeps and tatties and other savoury Scottish dishes. If you have the chance to attend a Burns Supper celebration, do it -- you'll have a lot of fun! "A Red, Red Rose My love is like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June: My love is like the melodie That's sweetly played in tune. So fair art thou, my bonie lass, So deep in love am I; And I will love thee still, my dear, Till a' the seas gang dry. Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi' the sun: And I will love thee still, my dear, While the sands o' life shall run. And fare thee weel, my only love! And fare thee weel awhile! And I will come again, my love, Tho' it were ten thousand mile!" (Robert Burns: 1759 -1796)
January 23, 2008. Video: Meet Li Read, "A potential client's guide to Li Read". Enjoy!
January 22, 2008. BBC news reports : Smashing the glass ceiling Pound at record low against euro US trade deficit widens sharply Ukrainians queue for lost savings Citigroup's $9.8bn sub-prime loss German bank hit by sub-prime woes Reliance Power float raise $3bn China carmakers eye US market US inflation reaches 17-year high Oil fall on US slowdown worries Commodity boom continues to roll Recession fears hit stock markets House price gloom 'recalls 1990s' Pins and passwords boggle our minds Market slump hits US homebuilders Merrill Lynch posts 7.8bn loss Fed boss backs economy kickstart Recession fears unsettle markets Dentists' test for breast cancer Scientists unveil 'supercarrot' Deadly new form of MRSA emerges Calcium pills 'raise heart risk' 'Wii warm-up' good for surgeons Disease risk to mozzarella output French make serious move into Gulf Tributes for Everest 'colossus' Australia bans India uranium sale Where planets can form, they do Thin galaxies harbour big secret Messenger primed for Mercury pass Biofuels 'are not a magic bullet' Cosmic dust disc to force rethink Mercury's unseen side is revealed Yap-lication unlocks canine moods Warning on stealthy Windows virus Researchers plunder social networks Apple announces ultra-thin laptop Collar 'key' to snow leopard secrets Poisoned websites attack visitors The invisible computer revolution Pressures build on Amazon jungle Raising a glass to pricey wine Pinter's inner thoughts revealed The changing art of giving Deep clean your workstation Misery creep
January 21, 2008.
Step out here, onto your private and sunny deck, and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over Ganges Harbour, the easy access to the walk-on sandy beach (clamming and beachcombing are treasures, here!), the "natural" finishes of this very pleasingly renovated one bedroom cedar cottage -- it's perfect as a summer/weekender, for now, and easy to add onto. This one plus acre property is "wide to the water", so there's lots of ocean frontage, and over half the land is in lovely cedar and fir forest. Lots of room to create your own ideas in this natural preserve. Out of country owner would appreciate an offer, and his loss is your gain! Close to all amenities, yet truly private and serene. Kayak to the Sisters Islands from here, and walk for miles on the beach, at low tide. Swim from here, too! Some tree removal would open up a view of Mt. Baker's majesty! Don't overlook this gem -- it's unique, and ready to enjoy!.
January 20, 2008. If you missed the opening night of Jan Rabson's Live Radio Theatre (LRT) last evening, at ArtSpring, you get a second chance this afternoon, at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door, or, at ArtSpring's box office (537-2102). See you there! Pegasus Gallery is in the midst of a major renovation, but is still open for business -- give them a call, or check their website (www.pegasusgallery.ca). On January 28th, enjoy Salt Spring's Folk Club's presentation of Alan Moberg and Ed Peekeekoot, with opening act by Lisa Maxx, and soups/suppers/sweets by Fiddlehead Catering. Doors open a 6:45, and the show starts at 7:30, at Fulford Hall. Tickets ($15) available at Acoustic Planet and Salt Spring Books, in Ganges, and at Stuff and Nonsense in Fulford. Don't forget Burns Night, at Meaden Hall, at the Legion -- tickets are $25 at the Legion Bar, or, call 537-1676. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 7:15. Legion Pipe and Drums, Youth Fiddlers with members of the Scottish Country Dancers. Salt Spring's Jazz & Blues presents the Scandanavian Jazz Powerhouse "Atomic", at All-Saints-By-The-Sea, at 8 p.m., on January 29th. Tickets are $18 ($15 to members), at ArtSpring Box Office & at Acoustic Planet. Wander the local galleries (Steffich Fine Art, J. Mitchell Gallery, Frankly Scarlet, Martinus Fine Gems, Windflower Moon are a few to view), enjoy coffee and "goodies" at TJBeans, try lunch at Barb's Buns or Salt Spring Inn or Auntie Pesto's, ponder the books at Volume 2, or Salt Spring Books, or Watermark Books, walk the Village boundaries and note all the new places that are featuring the best of local fare, and some tried and true spaces, too. Have some extra time? Include Fulford in your travels, and try lunch at Rock Salt Cafe, and check out the wares at Stuff and Nonsense. Enjoy being a "tourist" in your own town, and see what all the fuss is about! By the way, had you noticed that every day is just that little bit lighter, and it's still light out at almost 6 p.m.? Spring is on the way! Enjoy!
January 19, 2008. BBCnews Reports : China steps in to curb inflation World's cheapest car goes on show Goldman Sachs sees US recession Kenyans who live on a dollar a day Q&A: Strong pound - winners and losers China boom 'cushions world slump' US stocks slump on economy fears Fed boss says 2008 outlook worse Smoking link to hearing problems Low-energy bulbs 'worsen rashes' Universal flu jab works in people Healthy living 'can add 14 years' Low vitamin D heart health risk Dementia drug instant hit claim 'Spare part heart' beats in lab Spain's donor system attracts praise Statins for all diabetics urged Island nations to join eurozone Eighteenth bird Egypt flu death Afghan police 'killed by Taleban' UK to assist Bhutto investigation South Asia hit by food shortages Parents urged to read to children New nuclear plants get go-ahead The shape of things to come Do you need to read books to be clever? Pupils learn which cutlery to use Beijing 'meets pollution target' Discontent 'grips Chinese cities' Warming fears for China ice show India PM visits China for summit Bodies point to Alaska's past Huge gas cloud will hit Milky Way 'Laughs' not exclusive to humans Recreating a Viking voyage Planets form twice for old stars Flesh wounds reveal dino secrets Milky Way 'ancestors' discovered Cloudy visions of the future Boom times for hi-tech criminals Technologies on the rise in 2008 One laptop project loses partner Gates hails age of digital senses Warner backs Sony Blu-ray format Intel predicts the personal net Alaska oil exploration to begin 'Subprime' is word of year 2007
January 18, 2008.
South of France? No, it's beautiful Salt Spring Island! A European flair, here, with serene oceanviews, privacy, and excellent sun exposure (s/sw/w). This oceanfront beauty offers three ensuite bedrooms, plus two further bedrooms/bath. Superb formal living, with library and office off, family kitchen/dining, separate dining, and separate laundry. You will love the guest/wing, plus office, too. This home has easy access to the beach (warm ocean swimming in this area!), is on a comm. water system, and is close to all amenities, yet enjoying a private world. Would be perfect for a family, or, if any interest in creating a 5 Star B & B, this would be an exceptional choice. Corporate retreat? Would work very well, too. Separate double garage -- keep those classic cars at home! Ready to just move into and enjoy. See Li for appts. to view.
January 17, 2008. If you're on Island, I hope you've taken part in one of the hikes that are offered, to introduce the incredible rainforest environment at the end of Creekside Drive. Just a little way past Beddis Beach brings you to this spectacular "natural" west coast beauty. To preserve this incredible gift of nature, in our midst, it's essential for all of us to step forward, and to give what we can. There is a time limit on being able to save this 19+ acres of spiritual space. Not on the Island, right now? Check out their website, at: www.savesaltspringrainforest.net and imagine...this needs help from all of us! Don't just dream, then, but act! See Li for more details!
January 16, 2008. "Make every move count. Pick your target and hit it. Perfect concentration means Effortless flowing." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations"). BBC news reports : Medieval diets 'far more healthy' Lasting genetic legacy of environment Single brain cell's power shown New genetics fuel cancer hope
January 15, 2008.
Here awaits the elegant Island choice! Wonderful interpretation of an Edwardian gem, with all of the conveniences of the 21st Century. Exceptional window treatments, cherry wood floor, cook's dream kitchen, formal living/dining, library, office, and three ensuite bedrooms, all with sensational ocean vistas! A super guest/studio, separately sited, with oceanviews. Easy access to the ocean (warm water swimming, in this area!). Sunny (s/sw/w), private, quiet, in an area of quality homes. You will truly enjoy this exceptional 2 + acre oceanfront offering! See Li for appts. to view.
January 14, 2008. The January doldrums have you in their grip? Ignore the rain or the cloudy grey, and decide on a daytrip from the "usual". Victoria bound? What about a walk up Antiques Row, on the 700 to 1000 block Fort Street? Or, the Victoria Art Gallery on Moss Street! More art thoughts? Check out Winchester Gallery on Oak Bay Avenue. Don't feel like driving past Sidney? The Main Street Gallery is now in the Pier Hotel, at oceanside, and the Peninsula Gallery is close by. Dinner thoughts? Niche, in Victoria, plus the Cafe Brio never disappoint. Sidney -- it's Haro Cafe in the Pier Hotel, plus the Swiss Bistro on Beacon Avenue. Only want to go as far as the Cowichan Valley? Cowichan Bay and the organic bakery are not to be missed (adjacent to the cheese shop, locally prepared). The Masthead Restaurant, in Cowichan Bay, is another favourite. Maple Bay's Grapevine Restaurant is also a "find" (on the ocean, in "old" Maple Bay). Duncan's main town, not the malls, is full of great little boutique finds -- worth a trip! A play and dinner? The Chemainus Theatre awaits! If you pick a Saturday, with the late ferry sailing back to Salt Spring, it all works out beautifully! Vancouver, maybe? Catch the early float plane to downtown, and enjoy the Mink Chocolate Cafe, dream over the Roche Bobois furniture outlet, wander the glitter of Holt's, window gaze (or more!) on Robson Street, enjoy the Burrard Street "high end" global outlets, have tea at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, don't forget the Vancouver Art Gallery, and suddenly you're back in the floatplane, and enjoying the views of this exceptional area, and glad to be landing at Ganges (the best!). On Island, be sure to check out the offerings at ArtSpring, and discover the local galleries -- all of them offer incredible talent (no dilettantes, here!). More ideas? Spas and great restaurant finds and wonderful gems for art, and antiques, and clothing, and books, and...you name it, it's out there, and close to home. Adventure! See Li for the "Li's List" hot picks, and enjoy the discoveries.
January 13, 2008.
Looking for sunny oceanfront? Here's a lovely s/sw/w (sunsets, here!) panoramic oceanview waterfront, awaiting your pleasure! Architect designed and custom built home, from the mid-80s, renovated by current owners in 2002, and totally beautiful! Deer fenced, easy access to warm ocean swimming (foreshore lease, too, so you can build your dock and keep your boat at home!), easy-care landscaping, and wonderful home. Open plan living/dining, cook's kitchen, cosy den for t.v. watching, beautiful master/ensuite, plus two further bedrooms/bathroom. Separate & self-contained one bedroom guest/inlaw "suite". Double garage -- keep that classic car in great surroundings! A beautifully executed example of the best of "west coast contemporary" design, here! Enjoy!
January 12, 2008. BBC news reports : EU cap on air emissions from 2012 India and China launch war games US clears Google-Doubleclick deal Bear Stearns suffer $854m loss Sarkozy warns of Taleban threat Facehooked US home sales fall to 12-year low Home prices fall for second month Severe blow to hope for stability Bhutto killing blamed on al-Qaeda Bhutto killing unsettles markets Japanese PM to boost China ties Japan PM urges China co-operation N Korea misses nuclear deadline Web icon set to be discontinued Video games make history in 2007 New Year's resolution success tip City of debt shows US housing woe Branson tells strikers to resign Gold surges to new record highs Canada's climate change boomtown House prices stable in November US factories see rise in orders Boeing aircraft deliveries up 11% Fed ups credit auction offering Eurozone inflation remains high Samuel Pepys 'was original teleworker' Credit woes 'hit finance firms' Action urged over US economy woes Recession in US 'has arrived' US homebuilder reports $773m loss 2008 - the return of the dollar? Mature entrapreneurs come of age House price inflation falls again
January 11, 2008. Love dance? You might find the January 13th event at ArtSpring. starting at 11:30 a.m., in the Gallery, to be of great interest. Three dancers from the LINK Dance Foundation will perform a short piece. While brunch is served, the audience can comment on what they've seen, with each other and with dance director, Gail Lotenberg. Tickets are $10, to cover the cost of the brunch. Find out, at 537-2102, if there's still room to attend! Looking to act? Call to audition, with graffiti theatre's production of "Born Yesterday", directed by Mort Ransen. Call 537-1283 for details! Audition nights are: January 19th and 20th., at ArtSpring. Burns Night! Friday, Jan. 25th, at Royal Canadian Legion Meaden Hall. Entertainment! Dinner at 7:15 p m. Tickets at the Legion Bar, or, call: 537-1676. New to town? Call Welcome Wagon (537-5261), and let Marlie welcome you to Salt Spring Island, in style! Want to meet one of the trustees, in an event that has nothing to do with Trust business? George Ehring is presenting "Nationalism in Music", an exciting tour of the classical music of Russia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, England, France, Italy, Spain and Scandanavia, on seven Monday evenings, Jan. 21st to March 3rd, 7 to 10 p.m., at ArtSpring. Tickets are $50 per person. Refreshments along the way! Call ArtSpring's ticket centre (537-2102), for "reservations". Canto e Colore, Songs, Arias, & Colour, at 3 p.m., January 13th, at ArtSpring -- tickets are $20, at box office (537-2102). Catch the January 17th show, at Mahon Hall (advance tickets available at Acoustic Planet Music & at Salt Spring Sounds --$10 a ticket), doors open at 7:30 p.m., and enjoy the musical extravaganza that awaits you. Looking to enjoy an evening class, this Winter/Early Spring? The SSI Society for Community Education is offering an array sure to please. Winter Program Course Calendar is now available -- call them at 537-0037 to register. Check their website (www.ssicommunityed.com for online details of courses offered, for this winter 2008 "season". BBC news reports : Banks of the world unite $20Bn from Fed to ease credit woe Can a village really make you healthy? UN warns on soaring food prices
January 10, 2008.
There is a Place There is a place of ever-changing light A mountain sloping to the shore. Stately firs and hemlocks stand in ranks, Gazing at islands, rocks, ans sea. A distant, ancient, cone of lava, Clad in snow, beguiles the eye. Small waves across the bay, Tides sliding without noise, Now steel grey, washed with blue, Bands of silver streaked with darkest reds. Catspaws on the water, riffling gently, Distant islands, green and brown Look down on slowly passing ships As eagles circle and soar, Calling so sweetly-shrill Over sorrowful seagull cries. (By owner of above property)
January 9, 2008.
Superb "west coast contemporary" design (by H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright) awaits your pleasure! Three bed/two bath, plus separate one bed "guest suite", and oceanview office, decks to expand summer living options, and a foreshore licence in place (build your dock and keep your boat at home!). Private, sunny (s/sw/w exposures, sunsets forever, and a truly spectacular panorama of ocean/islands/mountains (the property is a small point of land, with breadth of views!). In prestigious Scott Point, just minutes from all amenities, yet in its own lovely and quiet world. Ready to just move into and enjoy -- see Li for details/appts. to view. A best buy for waterfront, on special Salt Spring Island!
January 8, 2008. Check out my market analysis for January -- I do a monthly market update (www.liread.com/market.htm). The uncertainties that seem to characterize the early 21st Century are still with us. There are no roadmaps, in our backpacks, to be helpful with charting a course. A worrying place to be, sometimes, without a clear direction. As noted in Iowa, on the evening of Jan. 3rd, in the speeches of the "winners" of that caucus process, the theme of "change" was ever- present. Something different is wanted, as it's clear that the old rules no longer appear to be working. In change lies opportunity, but it also implies a shifting away from something "known", to something not yet evident, and this middle period can be fraught with fear and with indecision, and therefore with inaction. It's a bit like treading water in a swimming pool, uncertain whether to strike out for the ladder or for the shallow end. A description of the current real estate market trend, perhaps? Inflation or deflation? Arguments for both scenarios, from so called "experts". Some things to note: the U.S. subprime issues/resulting credit crunch, in 2007, with spin-off throughout financial institutions, throughout the world, has created a housing slump in many key U.S. venues. Oddly, other areas remain buoyant. Real estate has always carried a regional component with it, underlying the overall "large trend". The U.K. is also finding a housing "plateau", if not slight depression -- again, some areas are afflicted more than others. At the same time, there is a growing concern that currencies are not reliable. Which currency? How much is being printed? What's backing it? What about inflation? The listing inventory on the Coast, including on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, remains very "thin". Most owners still prefer not to be sellers, unless they "have to" (death, divorce, and moving to assisted living remain the key reasons for a sale). Holding that hard asset may be the strongest sign of continuing interest in overall "hard asset" investment. Good real estate holdings, gold, antiques, art, etc., are considered prime venues for preservation of capital, and this may be the underlying theme, as we continue to move through these uncertain times. The stock market is seen as too volatile, with the capacity to lose principal assets. Although real estate values may move downwards, when compared to the markets of four, three, and even two years ago, they do not usually return to the price points in place before the rise in valuations. And, like all cyclical options, real estate will rise, once again. The important thing is to buy what one likes and what one can afford, and to be able to hold it, during the downward pressure times. A hard asset means exactly that -- it remains in place, a valid commodity, regardless of price swings, unlike shares in the stock market which can simply disappear. Preservation of capital might be a good, though conservative, goal for 2008. It might explain why buyers are around right now, too, not wanting to keep cash in the bank, but looking for good investment in protected real estate venues. There's that Islands Trust! Back in 1974, the Provincial Government set in place the Islands Trust, and decided, then, the growth/development potential for each Island. When one looks at Salt Spring & the Southern Gulf Islands, today, they are very close to what I term the "wall of no more". Growth is strictly controlled by severe zoning/density restrictions, and the Islands are pretty well developed, as much as they will be. This kind of protected environment is very appealing to that global buyer. The Internet made geography and time irrelevant. "Local" really means "global", today, just as Marshall McLuhan forecast (he called it "the global village"). It may take time for the buyer to discover Salt Spring & the Southern Gulf Islands, but, once found, these treasures have enormous appeal. Close to major centres (Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle), and with a park-like environment that is carefully protected, by the Provincial Government, these beautiful areas also answer the search for a protected real estate investment (no industry, ecologically protected area, with all amenities, and a cap on growth) -- this kind of "cap" on development, in a pristine and accessible area, usually equals price increases of a substantial nature, over time. Carmel of the North, perhaps? Muskoka of the West? Whistler by the Sea? The Hawaii of Canada? Maybe all of these? More details? "See Li for Successful Solutions!" Contact Li Read at Re/Max Salt Spring: 1-800-731-7131 Phone/Fax: 250-537-4287 email: liread33@gmail.com Ask for Li!
January 7, 2007. El Zocalo, in Harbour Centre, is hosting Saturday Night Dinner Jazz (on Jan. 12th, they're featuring Night Shade Trio from Duncan, and on Jan. 19th the Flora Scott Trio will perform. The Jan. 26th gig will feature English, Boucher and Van Wyck. Enjoy the Mexican food, plus the expanded menu choices. A treat! Second Story Theatre presents Urinetown, Jan. 10 to 12, at ArtSpring (tickets $10), performance at 7:30 p.m. The Harbour House Hotel continues its January Breakfast Special, Monday to Thursday -- feeling the January "blahs"?? Treat yourself, and go out for breakfast (sunrise over Ganges Harbour is great from the Harbour House Hotel's dining room!). Appys are $5 at the Salt Spring Inn! Interested in singing? The Salt Spring Singers choir welcomes new members! The group meets on Tuesdays, at the Salt Spring Island Baptist Church. Call Linda Woodley (537-2288) for more details about the choir. No auditions are necessary -- only a love of singing. Like rollerblading? Fridays, at Fulford Hall, 7 to 7:30 for novices/little people; 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. general skating. Zen Meditation? The group meets at 210 Cedar Lane every Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m. -- more info? Call: 537-2831. Don't forget to check out the evening classes available -- one that starts in February is the French Conversation class, with Bruno (of Bruno & Brigitte, those terrific French cooks -- Brigitte's Treats are a staple of the Market in the Park, in the "season"). See you there! The transit system is alive and well on Salt Spring, with the new bus route. Ganges, Fulford Harbour, Vesuvius, and Long Harbour will be serviced by bus route -- transit info at: 537-6758. The new pool is almost finished, and ready for action! The 6.3 million facility should open in February. It's January, and it's Winter, but Salt Spring has always been known as a "seasonless" Island, and there's lots to do and to see, in these more tranquil moments. Some ideas? See Li! BBC news reports : Waves threaten Zanzibar paradise Bill Gates: The skills you need to succeed Extinction threat to wild salmon Wheat breaks through $10 a bushel
January 6, 2007. Tonight is Twelfth Night, if one follows the English tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas! Also known as the Epiphany, in the Church calendar, it is the gifts of the Magi that are celebrated, here. For those following the English tradition, the Christmas tree will be taken down, and all the decorations removed (they went up on Christmas Eve). A special dinner, with a special cake is a part of the festivities. If you find a coin in the cake, it's lucky! Traditons help us to mark out our years, and memories are a part of the fabric of our lives.
January 5, 2008.
Here's a brand-new executive oceanfront home, designed with comfort and style in mind! Entertainment size kitchen, dining/living Great Room, with feature stone fireplace, private library off the "great room", master "suite" in its own private wing, loft office/yoga space, and separate garden level guest "suite"...this home exudes sophisticated style, with family charm. Green choices in construction, throughout (one of Salt Spring's best builders, here!). All principal rooms enjoy the spectacular panoramic viewscapes across ocean/islands/mountains. Oceanside decking and patio areas expand summer living pleasures! Easy-care landscaping, easy access to the dock (keep your boat at home!), and sunny (s/sw/w) exposures -- sunsets from here! Enjoy this rural pastoral lifestyle, at the edge of the sea, and be a part of the special Salt Spring ambiance!
January 4, 2008. "Fall Vegetable Paella: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 cup brown rice, rinsed 2 tbsp Turmeric Spice Paste or store bought curry powder 3 cups vegetable stock, divided 1 cup chopped zucchini 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms 1/2 cup cauliflower florets 1/2 cup broccoli florets 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1 tsp salt freshly ground pepper 1. in a large wok or saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Stir in rice and Turmeric Spice Paste. Reduce heat and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. 2. stir in 2 cups of the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. 3. stir in the remaining 1 cup of the stock, zucchini, green and red bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until rice is soft and vegetables are tender-crisp without lifting the lid. Serve hot. Variation: add 1 cup drained canned artichoke hearts in the last minute of cooking in Step 3." (Pat Crocker: "The Vegetarian Cook's Bible").
January 3, 2008.
Looking for a character waterfront home, pleasingly renovated, without losing any of its classic charm, on a forested and very private property, close to all amenities, yet in its own serene world? Here it is, awaiting your pleasure! Three bed/two bath one level home, with oceanside solarium/dining, galley style kitchen, living room with feature wood burning fireplace, wood and tile floors, and windows on a view from all principal rooms -- ready to just move into and enjoy. Sunrises and sunsets from here! Sandy beach, great for swimming, at your doorstep; keep your boat on a mooring buoy in the protected bay. Great kayaking or canoeing spot, here, too! Separate studio is a great space for a writer or a painter. The plus? Two adjacent oceanview lots can also be purchased -- one has a sweet one bedroom cottage, and the other a lovely creekside studio/guest. All three titles give one a true oceanfront estate style parcel. Alone, the oceanfront is totally private and ready to go! Family compound? Investment buy? Perfect for a couple, too? It's all here, and up to you how you enjoy. See Li for appointments to view. (Good tenants in place would stay, if desired).
January 2, 2008. "Imagine a sculpture You work on every day. If you stop, the beauty Will slowly go away." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") BBC news reports : Q&A: Why central banks are teaming up Cash rescue plan helps rates fall US factory prices ar 34-year high 2007 data confirms warming trend
January 1, 2008. Happy New Year!
Entries from Past Months
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005