Weird-eyed fish

Blogging on Peer-Reviewed Research

This is a photograph of Macropinna microstoma, also called barreleyes. It has a very peculiar optical arrangement. When you first look at this photo, you may think the two small ovals above and behind its mouth are the eyes, and that it looks rather sad…wrong. Those are its nostrils. The eyes are actually the two strange fluorescent green objects that look like they are imbedded in its transparent, dome-like head.

Video frame-grab of Macropinna microstoma at a depth of 744 m, showing the intact, transparent shield that covers the top of the head. The green spheres are the eye lenses, each sitting atop a silvery tube. Visible on the right eye, just below the lens on the forward part of the tube, is the external expression of a retinal diverticulum. The pigmented patches above and behind the mouth are olfactory capsules. High-definition video frame grabs of Macropinna microstoma in situ are posted on the web at: http://www.mbari.org/midwater/macropinna.

It gets the name "barreleyes" because it's are cylindrical, rather than spherical; this is an adaptation for better light collection in the dim depths where it lives, using very large lenses but not building a giant spherical eye to compensate. It's ore like a telescope than a wide-angle camera. Here's what a single eye in a side view looks like — the lens (L) is what is glowing so greenly in the photos.

Chapman's (1942) mesial view of the left eye of Macropinna microstoma. Abbreviations: RS = rectus superior, L =lens, OS = obliquus superior, OI = obliquus inferior, RIN = rectus internus, RI = rectus inferior, RE = rectus externus, OP = optic nerve.

As if that weren't weird enough, the animal has a completely transparent skull cap, and the eyes swivel about within the skull to look out through that translucent cranium. In the two pictures below, the animal is first looking straight up through its head (the eyes are in the same orientation as in the diagram above), and in the right frame it has rotated the binocular-shaped eyes forward to look ahead.

Lateral views of the head of a living specimen of Macropinna microstoma, in a shipboard laboratory aquarium: (A) with the tubular eyes directed dorsally; (B) with the eyes directed rostrally. The apparent differences in lip pigmentation between (A) and (B) are because they were photographed at slightly different angles. (A) was shot from a more dorsal perspective and it shows the lenses of both eyes; the mouth is not sharply in focus. (B) shows only the right eye, with the lips in sharper focus.

Nature is always coming up with something stranger than we would imagine, and Macropinna is a perfect example. Apparently, the function of this arrangement is to give the animal a sensitive light detector for tracking its prey, bioluminescent jellyfish, and at the same time to shield the eyes from the stinging tentacles of the jelly while it's eating it.

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NORD Meeting -- March 19, 2009

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN

REGIONAL BOARD

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2009

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Board Room
Regional District of North Okanagan
9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC

AGENDA-REGULAR

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-15

Happy reading!

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-13

Jon Stewart puts spotlight on CNBC and meltdown

By DAVID BAUDER – 17 hours ago

NEW YORK – The feud between Jon Stewart and CNBC's Jim Cramer has been good for laughs — and ratings — but has also raised the serious question of whether the experts at TV's No. 1 financial news network should have seen the meltdown coming and warned the public.

Over the past two weeks, Stewart's "Daily Show" on Comedy Central has ridiculed CNBC personalities, including Cramer, the manic host of "Mad Money," by airing video clips of them making exuberantly bullish statements about the market and various investment banks shortly before they collapsed.

Stewart has charged that people at CNBC knew what was going on behind the scenes on Wall Street but didn't tell the public. He has accused CNBC anchors and pundits of abandoning their journalistic duties and acting like cheerleaders for the market.

"In a tremendous boom period, they covered the boom and people wanted to believe in the boom," said Andrew Leckey, a former CNBC anchor and now president of the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism at Arizona State University. "They didn't uncover the lies that were told to them. Nobody did. But they should be held to a higher responsibility."

But Don Hodges, chairman of Hodges Capital Management in Dallas, said he doesn't fault CNBC for not seeing the bust coming.

"I'm not sure that anybody had seen it coming," he said. "I've listened to all of the so-called experts, and it's obvious that everybody is very confused."

Cramer, for his part, appeared on "The Daily Show" on Thursday and was interrogated Mike Wallace-style by Stewart. Cramer acknowledged that he made mistakes but said that he and CNBC weren't alone.

Like other Wall Street professionals, Joe Saluzzi, co-head of equity trading at Themis Trading LLC, said it was plain CNBC was bullish during the run-up in the economy over the past few years. But he said his job was to do his homework and not to make decisions based strictly on what he heard on TV.

The questions raised about CNBC are similar to those journalists faced about what was reported during the months before the Iraq War.

CNBC spokesman Brian Steel noted that the network "produces more than 150 hours of live television a week that includes more than 850 interviews in the service of exposing all sides of every critical financial and economic issue." He added: "We are proud of our record."

All of the cable news networks recognize the growing popularity of shows with a strong point of view. But is there too much talking and not enough reporting?

"They need some adult supervision about what people get to pop off about over there, even if it is opinion," said Dean Starkman, managing editor of Columbia Journalism Review's The Audit, which focuses on the business press. "They need to look into the mirror and see how close they are intellectually and emotionally with the people they cover. They need to sit back and get some critical distance."

Some CNBC defenders have accused Stewart of taking some of the video clips out of context, or blowing them out of proportion.

"A politician stumbles over himself," MSNBC "Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough said on his own program. "Then they pick it out. They edit it. He runs the clip, and then he makes a funny face, and the whole audience has a Pavlovian response. And you know what? It's really easy to be a comedian and take those cheap shots."

Some at CNBC believed, at least prior to Cramer's appearance on Thursday, that the controversy was ultimately good for the network because of the attention it drew. Some questioned whether the business professionals who make up the bulk of CNBC's daytime audience would be affected by Stewart's criticisms.

From Feb. 19 through March 9, CNBC averaged 361,000 viewers during the business day, compared with 328,000 the three weeks before, according to Nielsen Media Research. During the same period, the page views on CNBC's Web site went up 22 percent from 13.1 million to 15.9 million.

Similarly, a video clip of Stewart's original criticism of CNBC last week has been seen more than anything else the show has put online this year.

"Stewart's a comedian and Cramer is a showman," said Robert Howell, professor at Dartmouth University's Tuck School of Business. "If anybody takes seriously anything that (Cramer) says, they're stupid."

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For the video clips check:

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/best-of/jim-cramer-interview-uncut/#clip149637

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Coldstream chooses city services -- By Jennifer Smith

Despite a lower rate from another investigator, Coldstream has opted to stick with fire investigation services from Vernon.

The City of Vernon was up against the North Okanagan Fire Investigation Service for Coldstream’s fire investigation contract.

A recommendation from Coldstream staff was to award the contract to North Okanagan Fire Prevention Service.

“Their proposal provided more certainty than that of the City of Vernon at a slightly lower hourly rate,” said Michael Stamhuis, chief administrative officer, in a report to council. “However, it should be noted that either choice will result in an excellent level of service.”

Therefore a three-year contract has been awarded to the City of Vernon, whose service is provided by investigator Lawrie Skolrood.

“For me anyway, the expertise of Mr. Skolrood is well known,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, who voted against the staff recommendation.

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Madoff jailed after admitting to fraud -- By Grant McCool and Martha Graybow

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges he orchestrated the biggest fraud in Wall Street history and was ordered to jail to await a sentence that could send him to prison for the rest of his life.

In an emotional court hearing in front of scores of investors he swindled, the former Nasdaq stock market chairman spent 10 minutes describing a long-running Ponzi scheme he knew from the beginning was criminal and wrong but hoped would end quickly.

"I am painfully aware that I have deeply hurt many, many people," including family, friends and associates, said the gray-haired, grim-faced Madoff, 70, speaking of his crime for the first time publicly before U.S. Judge Denny Chin in Manhattan federal court.

"When I began my Ponzi scheme I believed it would end shortly and I would be able to extricate myself and my clients from the scheme," said Madoff, who wore a gray suit but none of the rings and jewelry that long were a signature of his style.

He said that shutting down the scheme, in which early investors are paid with the money of new clients, proved impossible and he soon came to realize "that my arrest and this day would inevitably come."

Madoff was head of a family-run business in which his brother, Peter, and sons Mark and Andrew were executives in the brokerage arm of his firm. Neither they nor his wife of nearly 50 years, Ruth Madoff, were in court.

Madoff has become one of the most vilified men in America, a symbol of the unraveling of Wall Street that has laid bare other multimillion dollar frauds.

His swindle also cast a harsh light on securities regulators for failing to uncover his scam or other purported frauds, such as an $8 billion scheme run by billionaire Texan Allen Stanford.

150 YEARS POSSIBLE

Madoff's swindle, which took in as much as $65 billion over two decades before the 2008 market meltdown, could land him in prison for the rest of his life. The maximum possible penalties on 11 criminal charges add up to 150 years.

The judge revoked Madoff's bail and ordered him to jail immediately, ending his house arrest in his luxury Manhattan penthouse. He will be sentenced June 16. Some of his victims cheered as he was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

Prosecutors, who want Madoff to forfeit all of the money and property that can be traced back to the alleged fraud, estimated that figure at more than $170.8 billion.

"The essence of my scheme," Madoff said in a statement he read in court, was telling clients and prospective investors he would "invest their money in shares of common stock, options and other securities of large well-known corporations."

But he said the money was never invested. "Instead, those funds were deposited in a bank account at Chase Manhattan."

When clients asked for redemptions -- and there were more requests coming in last year than he could meet -- he withdrew the money from the bank account.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Litt said the investigation was far from over.

"A lot of resources are being expended both to find assets and to find anyone else who may be responsible for this fraud," he said.

After the once-respected trader answered each of the 11 criminal charges with the word "guilty," Chin accepted the plea and rejected his request to stay out on bail until sentencing.

"RISK OF FLIGHT"

"He has incentive to flee, he has means to flee, and he is a risk of flight," Chin said.

He will be jailed in a shared cell at the nearby Metropolitan Correctional Center, a far cry from the opulent lifestyle to which he has been long accustomed.

His attorney, Ira Lee Sorkin, said he would appeal the judge's ruling revoking bail.

Some of the hundreds of former investors who sat in the courtroom or in another room in the courthouse watching a video feed of the proceedings, said they were unsatisfied by Madoff's admission and apology.

"Satisfaction will be when I get my money back," Ronnie Sue Ambrosino, a 56-year-old investor from Florida said outside the court.

His investors included hedge funds, banks, Jewish charities, the wealthy, and small individual investors in North and South America and Europe. Three were allowed to speak at the hearing.

By pleading guilty to charges including securities fraud, money laundering and perjury, Madoff avoided a trial that some of his victims had sought.

They said a trial would have revealed more about Madoff's complex global scheme and his suspected co-conspirators. No one else has been charged.

"If we go to trial we have more of a chance to comprehend the global scope of this horrendous crime," investor Maureen Ebel of Florida said in court.

"At trial, we can bear witness to the pain Mr. Madoff has inflicted on the old, the infirm and the disabled."

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Madoff in jail!

NEW YORK (AP) -- Bernard Madoff has pleaded guilty to charges that he carried out an epic fraud that robbed investors worldwide of billions of dollars. Thursday's plea means Madoff could be sentenced to 150 years in prison. It comes three months after he admitted that his once-revered investment fund was all a big lie -- a Ponzi scheme in the billions of dollars.The scam quickly turned the 70-year-old Madoff into one of the most vilified men in the world as thousands of investors came forward to say they were defrauded.

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-11

Congratulations, Kalamalka Lakers!

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Editorial

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Coldstream takes aim at marina -- By Jennifer Smith

With its drinking water possibly in jeopardy, Coldstream is rocking the boat over a proposed marina neighbouring Kalamalka Lake.

A 200-slip marina is proposed on Wood Lake in Lake Country. Ponderosa Enterprises has applied to the Integrated Land Management Bureau to use 2.3 hectares of Crown land near Ponderosa Road for a marina.

Wood Lake not only neighbours Kalamalka Lake, but there is direct access between the two bodies of water via a canal.

Since Kalamalka Lake is a direct source of drinking water for many Coldstream residents, some local politicians are making waves over the issue.

Coldstream council agreed Monday to voice its concerns in a letter to the ILMB.

Mayor Jim Garlick also has a meeting scheduled with Lake Country Mayor James Baker March 18 to discuss the issue.

“Coldstream is the municipality that is most greatly affected by this,” said Coun. Maria Besso.

The North Okanagan Regional District has written its own letter to ILMB and the District of Lake Country, but Coldstream felt more should be done.

“I think we should add a little more meat on the bones here,” said Coun. Richard Enns.

“There are a pool of problems that are created from increased boat traffic on the lake.”

Coun. Gyula Kiss also isn’t convinced NORD is truly concerned about the issue.

“NORD have seem to thought that it was none of our business, that tourism is more important than protecting our water supply,” said Kiss.

Several Coldstream residents have also expressed their concerns about the potential for increased boat traffic on Kal Lake, including Margot MacDougall.

“Considering the relative size of Wood Lake, the boat traffic is sure to accumulate on Kalamalka Lake thereby affecting the quality of our lifestyle as well as negatively impacting the environmental integrity of our water system,” wrote MacDougall in a letter to Coldstream.

Coldstream is also taking action with proposed changes to the Navigable Waterways Act.

Coun. Doug Dirk says amendments to the act don’t make any environmental sense.

“We’re trying to protect our waterways and it seems as though they’re going backwards,” said Dirk of the federal government.

Coldstream is sending a letter to MP Colin Mayes about the issue, also asking that it be separated out of the budget and made a separate issue.

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Test of Strenght -- Building bridges

Want to build a cheap but functional bridge? Get a kilogram of pasta and a couple of Hungarian engineering students! That's all.

http://www.chbcnews.ca/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=17501

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Council meeting -- 2009-03-09

One of the items for discussion during Monday's meeting is the report from the CAO regarding the water quality of Coldstream Creek (see Agenda package 1, Pages 129-169).

Some residents might be interested in the subject.

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-08

For your reading pleasure!

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B.C.'s deregulation of septic system sets stage for health disaster, experts warn

By Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun March 4

The province's Sewerage System Regulation of 2005 is under fire from a coalition of health experts.

The province's Sewerage System Regulation of 2005 is under fire from a coalition of health experts.

The province’s deregulation of septic systems is a “classic case study in regulatory failure” and sets the stage for a Walkerton-style health disaster in B.C., a coalition of health experts warned in a report Wednesday.

The report is a critique of the province’s Sewerage System Regulation adopted in 2005 to replace government oversight with a new system that relied on self-regulation by associations of private-sector technicians and professional engineers.

It argues that the “self-regulatory system established for the technicians is profoundly deficient” and “there is no regular monitoring of systems after they are installed.”

The system lacks a government inspection or approval process, is open to conflict of interest, removes health officials’ powers to protect the public and allows for no public notice or right of appeal, says the report, prepared by the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre on behalf of the Sewerage System Regulation Improvement Coalition.

Changes are needed before B.C. “experiences an environmental and public health disaster similar to those that occurred in Walkerton...” it says. Seven people died and more than 2,300 became sick from drinking water contaminated with E. coli in the municipal water system in Walkerton, Ont., in 2000.

The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport responded in a written statement that it is “very interested” in the coalition's ideas and is “open to suggestions.”

The statement said the new sewerage regulation was intended to provide clear standards, reduce delays in construction, provide consumers with greater flexibility, and place responsibility for oversight with industry through the use of certified professionals.

The ministry said it continues to work with the Union of B.C. Municipalities “to evaluate and enhance sewerage regulation,” the statement said.

The report says changes are needed to help avoid major financial liabilities for homeowners, infrastructure costs for local governments, and remediation costs for both.

It cites two case examples from the Interior: one, a public health inspector who spotted irregularities with a septic design and was told by his supervisor to stamp it or risk being fired; the other, a pensioner who paid $25,000 for a “Cadillac system” that failed within months and leaked sewage over his driveway and property.

Calvin Sandborn, legal director of the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre, said in an interview that the report “is not a partisan thing,”

“Everybody acknowledges this is a terrible piece of legislation.”

The Union of B.C. Municipalities is also on record as wanting changes to the septic legislation, pointing to “increased cost to homeowners, a lack of flexibility in system installations, an inadequate number of practitioners and professionals, a lack of communication, and liability concerns.”

Metro Vancouver reported 31,000 septic systems existed in the region in 2005.

Sandborn figures 5,000 to 8,000 new septic systems are installed annually in B.C. on properties not connected to municipal sewage systems.

The law centre report notes the regulations allow people with as little as 15 days training to become private sector technicians and file septic design plans to authorize installation of a septic system. B.C. is the only jurisdiction in North America to allow septics to be installed without government inspection or approval.

Conflict of interest arises from technicians also being involved in the installation of the septic systems.

The report said health officials have no power to stop technically flawed systems from being built, and can only act once a system causes pollution of surface or ground water, including drinking water.

Neighbours do not have the right of public notice of installation of a septic system nearby, and have no right to appeal potentially hazardous systems, the report adds.

The rules governing septic installation amount to “unenforceable, complex and vague guidelines” and allow for septic systems “to be constructed within 100 feet from drinking water sources....”

Those installing septic systems can “work without bonding or insurance — leaving homeowners and neighbours to bear the cost of practitioner malfeasance or incompetence,” the report states.

It calls for changes that ensure “public oversight and accountability” and urges a consultation process involving various stakeholders, including those in public health, environment, and communities.

The coalition includes the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (BC), BC Shellfish Growers Association, and the Public Health Association of B.C., the members of which include officials in universities and agencies such as the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

lpynn@vancouversun.com;

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Council meeting -- 2009-03-09

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
7:00 PM

A G E N D A


Agenda package 1 (pages 1-171)

Agenda package 2 (pages 171-347)


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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-06

Enjoy your reading!

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Growth strategy spotlight of new district website

The North Okanagan Regional District has taken its regional growth strategy online.

A new website — www.rdno.ca/services/development/rgs/index.php — will be the source of information about the regional growth strategy’s process, progress and public participation.

“Community input opportunities and public surveys will be featured on the website, as well as summaries of participation events and activities,” said Anthony Kittel, regional growth strategy co-ordinator.

“Community input is vital to the process and we want to hear from you.”

Among the issues input is being sought on are economic development, water stewardship, affordable housing and social issues, environmental policy and natural lands, governance and service delivery, transportation and agriculture and food systems.

“What is important to you? What is working? What is not working?” said Kittel.

“Do you have any suggestions that will address these growth issues? You can add your voice to the process through community input on the regional growth strategy web page.

“Get involved in shaping our future.”

If you want to get more involved, there are working groups being established to tackle certain growth issues.

The working groups will be a focal point for gathering expertise in local growth issue priorities, goals, objectives, and strategies.

Participation in the working groups is voluntary and will require a commitment for a series of three-hour meetings to discuss goals, objectives and strategies for the growth issues.

If you want to apply for one of the working groups, go to www.rdno.ca.

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VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPALS

VISION

An integral component of the Terms of Reference for the Regional Growth Strategy is a Vision Statement that can provide guidance to the public, stakeholders, staff and elected officials throughout the process. On June 19, 2007, the Regional Growth Management Committee adopted the following as the Vision Statement for the Regional Growth Strategy:

“The Regional District of North Okanagan is a unique region that will continue to be recognized for its diverse natural habitats, diverse economies, outstanding recreational opportunities and the high quality of urban and rural lifestyles provided in established communities. As such, the Regional Board will strive to conserve and enhance the very reasons that make the North Okanagan so attractive by ensuring:

• Lifestyle opportunities sustained by a safe, clean, healthy inclusive place to live, work and play;
• Sustainable growth is achieved through a responsive Regional Growth Strategy;
• Effective relationships and partnerships with all levels of government;
• Open, cohesive and effective regional governance;
• The Regional District of North Okanagan will remain a trusted organization to serve regional, sub-regional and local interests.”

This vision will be refined during the Regional Growth Strategy process to be more reflective of community values and priorities.

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A tree of many faces!

AWESOME TREE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA!! Also one tough tree.

Looks normal from a distance.....well, kinda stubby!

But,...look at 'this' as you get closer!!!!!! More ---Scroll down....

It is amazing how someone can actually carve and sculpture like this and not kill (girdle) the tree!!!!!...

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Is spring here? No. Only this Bohemian thinks so.

How wrong can he be?!

Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

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NORD meeting tonight

Just a reminder: there is a regular meeting of the North Okanagan Regional District tonight at 6:00 PM in NORD board room. Agenda available on line.


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Coldstream Ratepayers Notice

To all members of Coldstream Ratepayers Association (CRA): I just wanted to bring it to your attention that the Council of the District of Coldstream is now accepting applications for the following committees:

1) Economic Development Committee;
2) Environmental Advisory Committee; and
3) Kalavista Neighbourhood Committee.

I urge you to get involved in the governance of Coldstream by applying to whichever committee suits your strongest interests and concerns. We need at least seven of you to apply for the Environmental Committee, which is one of the CRA's prime concerns. And if you live in the Kalavista neighbourhood, there are five vacancies for those of you who live there to get involved in giving some expression to your understandable concerns. I assume anyone from Coldstream can apply to that committee, however.

The application forms are available at the Coldstream office or here on the web:

The deadline for applications is March 20, 2009 which is a little more than two weeks away.
The details can be found on page B9 of the Vernon Morningstar of today -- March 4, 2009.
Steve Heeren, Pres., CRA

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Readers write -- Editor off course?

Morning Star -Letters

Mr Mitchell’s editorial accuses Coldstream of being “off course” simply because they acknowledged correspondence on the agenda of a public meeting. What is wrong with elected officials responding to a concern of a resident in their municipality? When did public interest in local governance become pandering? It seems your opinion of local government so jaded that you think elected officials can’t be trusted to write a contract that is binding? I was wondering about that myself, until Coldstream was willing to open a dialog on the issue of the eviction at Kin Race Track Park.

The fact that Mr Dirk has asked for information to understand an issue that he will be asked to vote on and that Coldstream is actually concerned with the implication of being in contravention of the Local Government act and breaching a valid contract is in my opinion commendable. They have asked for additional information, nothing more and the vote was unanimous.

I am proud of Coldstream council for acting independently and with integrity. The fact that Coldstream council is honoring their commitment to their constituents, to operate council an open, honest and transparent manner should be applauded, not criticized. I think the fact that this letter was delivered to all the local politicians and the only acknowledgement has been from Coldstream, shows that Coldstream is actually right “on course”.

Robyn Dalziel
250-542-6456

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It should be remembered that Kelowna spent $65,137.35 in an unsuccessful effort trying to remove a covenant on the lake shore property purchased from Stanley Simpson in 1947 (Sawmill Covenant). Some judges seem to honour agreements between local governments and donors of properties for civic use! The Eagle!

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Councillor responds.

Council's actions off course

Horsing Around?

I am writing in response to the editorial in the Morning Star on February 27, 2009.

Coldstream Council is concerned about the business of agriculture. Coldstream initiated an Agricultural Plan in the summer of 2008, and a draft report has been reviewed by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The report notes that horse equestrian activities are a significant agricultural activity and that 110 farms in Coldstream, (according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land) carry on this activity. The report goes on to suggest that Agritourism, which is increasing in popularity, should be further developed in our area. The overall goal of the Agriculture Plan is to improve conditions for agriculture by addressing farm viability issues. Agriculture is an important component to many businesses in the North Okanagan and contributes substantially to our local community. Agriculture should not be marginalized.

A good presentation was made on Monday February 23 about Kin Race Track by a number of well prepared speakers that have all made substantial contributions to the community. A great deal of written information was provided. Serious questions were raised. The track may be a component of future business activity but questions regarding underutilization and capacity are key questions. As a responsible partner in NORD, Coldstream Council decided to get more information before proceeding with any action. Good decisions are based on information and it should be remembered that Coldstream Council (not the current one) unanimously decided not to allow the application to go to the Agricultural Land Reserve for the sports complex after all the information was brought forward.

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Weather warning!!!

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-01

The above article simplifies the issues somewhat which is no reflection on the author. The issue made complicated by the perceived process.

The Public hearing was called to deal with the fixing of operating hours (this could have been done by the business license process). Neighbours basically objected to the presence of the golf course. Objections varied from potential drunk drivers, golf balls bombarding the neighbours, trespassing and so on. However, the fixing the time of operation would not have remedied their objections.

Staff recommended fixing the operating hours to a fixed point (11 PM in their proposal) which would have replaced the nebulous 2 hours after sunset. The owner actually objected to any time limits and she may have had a point as operating hours should be set in the business license.

I say this to explain why I voted in favour of the staff recommendation. I could see their argument about the difficulty trying to enforce a nebulous definition of closing hours.

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