City of Lethbridge 介绍莱桥 blogged by Jan Gong

Helping WFP Open Two Country Offices

2012-01-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

During the ten years I worked for WFP, I helped open two Country Offices: the first in Beijing, China and the second in Pyongyang, North Korea. I had no choice with the first one. But for the second one, I was happy to be back.

I was actually in the swimming pool at the Chinese Embassy in Rome when my boss introduced me to the WFP officer who had just been appointed as the first Country Director to China. I was told that I would be going to help him open the new WFP office in Beijing. I was not happy. I was in Rome with the Chinese Translation Group at FAO and the working conditions and pay were much better than what I would get back in Beijing. But as a junior official of the Foreign Affairs Department of China’s Ministry of Agriculture, I had no choice. I was still very young, had only been working for the government for a few years and was still quite unused to “foreigners” and their strange ways. But in 1981, an order was an order and I packed my bags for Beijing.

The office allocated to WFP in Beijing consisted of two empty rooms in the UNDP office, a few cardboard boxes and an old manual typewriter. In Rome I had an electric one! But soon I was arranging meetings for my boss with various Chinese government ministries, going along as interpreter and translating and typing correspondence on that old manual typewriter. I ordered new office furniture from Hong Kong and coordinated a lot with UNDP, as it was their telex machine and pouch service that we used. I also had to help my boss and his family settle into their new surroundings. I threw myself into the work and was beginning to enjoy my new job even though I only received standard government pay, equivalent to about $10 a month. But I could see how WFP was helping build a stronger China and that meant a lot to me. A few months later, an International Secretary arrived. But instead of reducing my workload it actually increased, as I also had to help her settle in to a new, strange country. Soon after the projects started, my title was changed to Program Officer. I much enjoyed visiting the projects and seeing how WFP was helping the country develop.

In 1995, many years after I had settled in Canada, I received a phone call from WFP Rome asking if I would be willing to help set up a new office in Pyongyang, North Korea. Because of the flood emergency in the DPRK, I was on a plane a few days later and in Pyongyang as part of WFP’s “Gang of Four”, as we were known locally.

Same old scene as China I thought, but in more ways than one. Same bare, empty rooms; although this time we actually had to carry the cardboard boxes up six floors, literally on our backs. But no manual typewriter this time: computers and a satellite phone.

Once out in the countryside, assessing the flood damage, it was for me like a journey back in time. Despite the modern appearance of the capital, Pyongyang, the countryside was much the same as the rural China of my childhood. Despite my Canadian and UN passports, the people looked the same as me. It wasn’t difficult to blend in. And when the first WFP food shipment arrived at the port of Nampo aboard the Russian ship, Rabochaya Smena, I felt that same sense of pride as I did in China ten years earlier to be working for an organization that really helps ordinary, poor people.

Now WFP is 50 years old, almost as old as me. I feel proud to have been part of the organization.

Description for photograph:

WFP’s “Gang of Four” (l to r Merete Johansson, Margaret Minitti, Trevor Page, Jianying Gong) at the port of Nampo with the first shipment of WFP food to arrive in North Korea on the Rabochaya Smena.

Year of Dragon

2012-01-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

The Chinese Year of the Dragon is in 2012. Astrology is part of Chinese life. In Chinese astrology dragon people excel. The dragon Chinese zodiac year is special.
Many people are looking forward to the Chinese zodiac year of 2012. Astrology is so important to the

Chinese and the Chinese year of the dragon is so special.
Think about the dragon!

In Chinese astrology the dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac year that is not real.
In Chinese astrology the dragon is quite special and very much revered.

The dragon holds special significance for the Chinese people.

More than 4,000 years ago, there were two large tribes and many smaller tribes in China. The tribes had animals as emblems. The two large tribes unified and chose the dragon as their symbol. In fact, the Han Chinese still call themselves the descendants of the Dragon.

In Chinese astrology the dragon was seen as a powerful almighty king because it was made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and an eagle.

The Chinese dragon was not seen as a threatening evil being as we do in the west - rather a symbol of power, superiority and rule.

Still today, the Dragon is a revered symbol. You can see many sculptures and carvings of the dragon. Even today, the Chinese associate the dragon with power and wisdom.

In Chinese astrology a dragon person is special. Born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon they usually stand out as befits a dragon. They are powerful and wise.

In a group of people, "the Chinese Year of the Dragon person" stands out. There is a certain aura about them.

They certainly are not shy – they demand attention and respect.

The dragon is a symbol of power.
Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.

A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!

However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.

A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.

So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.

The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.
2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?

Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.

However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

Cost of Living in Lethbridge

2012-01-17T12:30:00.001-08:00

Cost of Living

Lethbridge residents enjoy a higher quality of life and a lower cost of living.

Low housing prices and affordable consumer goods and services all contribute to the cost advantages of Lethbridge. We consistently achieve high rankings in cost-of-living and quality-of-life studies. Consider these facts:

By living in Alberta, you won’t be burdened by a provincial sales tax. This means paying at least 7% less for goods and services compared to other Canadian provinces and most U.S. states.

Alberta’s tax advantage comes from a low single-rate tax system, coupled with the highest basic and spousal exemptions in Canada.

Lower transportation costs are a result of short commute times (get to work in 10 to 15 minutes), complimented by reasonably priced parking. Plus, Alberta has the lowest gasoline tax among the provinces.

Percentages of Average Household Expenditures

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Comparison of Annual Average Property Tax & Utility Cost in Alberta

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Data Chart

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Cost of Living Comparative Analysis

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Figure T.3.a

Cost of Living Comparative Analysis

	Lethbridge	Calgary	Edmonton	Red Deer	Grande Prairie	Medicine Hat

Family at $60,000 Gross Income

Family at $80,000 Gross Income

Family at $100,000 Gross Income

All-Commodity Price Comparison

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Data Chart

The "basket of goods" used in this survey is comprised of those goods and services perceived to be regularly purchased by Alberta consumers (based on the Survey of Household Spending) living in cities and medium/small sized towns. The survey items are judged to be commonly available in the selected communities to allow for price comparability.

For further details about individual items within this commodities price comparison, contact Heather McIntosh-Rivera at 403-331-0022 ext. 109 or heather@chooselethbridge.ca.

Interprovincial Tax & Health Care Premium Comparison - 2011

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Figure T.4

Interprovincial Tax & Health Care Premium Comparison - 2011

	AB	BC	SK	MB	ON	QC	NB	NS	PE	NL

Employment Income of $30,000 - One Income Family with Two Children

Employment Income of $75,000 - Two Income Family with Two Children

Employment Income of $125,000 - Two Income Family with Two Children

Calculations are based on other provinces' tax parameters known as of February 10, 2011.

Assumptions

Source: Alberta Finance & Enterprise, Tax Plan, Budget 2011

Are you looking for living up and renting down?

2012-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for live up and rent down? Here it is. This half duplex is only 8 years old, good square footage, has 2 good sized bedrooms up, full 4 pce bath, kitchen, living, dining rooms, same as in the basement, with 2 room suite down, with new carpet, (one month old), laminate floor in both kitchens and dining areas, separate entrance, open floor plan, both up and down share laundry facility. Insulated between up and lower levels. Real parking, little yard fenced. Tenant is living upstairs. $900/m, lower level vacant.

This is an good opportunity for you.

30 st james pl n

kitchen view upstairs

kitchen view downstairs

kitchen down

dinning area upstairs

living, dinning,kitchen down

4 pc bath down

good sized living rm upstairs

living room downstairs

master bedroom upstaris

utility room

dinning area upstairs

real parking space

new carpet downstairs

down stairs

4 pc bath upstairs

second room upstairs

share laundry room

my heart will fly together with those birds in 2012

2012-01-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Celebrate National day in Lethbridge

2012-01-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

Those photos were taken in Whoop-up, Lethbridge, on July 1, 2011.

Beautiful Autumn in Waterton

2012-01-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

Waterton Lakes National Park is only 1and half hours driving from Lethbridge, located in southwest corner of Alberta, Canada, and borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. Waterton was Canada's fourth national park, formed in 1895 and named after Waterton Lake, in turn after the Victorian naturalist and conservationist Charles Waterton. The park contains 505 km² (195 sq mi) of rugged mountains and wilderness.

Add a few photos we took during Canadian Thanksgiving time which is in October 2011.

3.83 acres of land for sale

2012-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

3.83 acres of land close to the city, about 15 minutes from south side of Lethbridge along the highway #5 to Waterton, before Welling. Perfect place to build your dream home.

Wildfire disaster averted | Front Page News | Lethbridge Herald

2012-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wildfire disaster averted Front Page News Lethbridge Herald

'I knew then that our house was probably going to go' | Front Page News | Lethbridge Herald

2012-01-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

'I knew then that our house was probably going to go' Front Page News Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge locals protest fracking - Calgary - CBC News

2011-10-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Lethbridge locals protest fracking - Calgary - CBC News

I support those protesting fracking people.

63 Jesse Robinson N.wmv

2011-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

19 bridge villa mobile home for sale

2011-09-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Do you want to have affordable and resonable living? Here it is. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 and half baths located in adult area in Bridge Villa. A lot of upgrades have been done during last four years ie: new furnace, new siding, new skirt, laminate floor throughout, newer paint. All appliances are included. Quick possession. Buyer has to be qualified by the park administration.

74 parkview mobile home for sale

2011-09-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Completely remodelled in 2005 by a professional builder, 14x64 plus 10x41 addition of a sun room sits on a beautiful corner treed lot. Upgrades include wild cherry laminate floor throughout, cupboards, kitchen, bathroom, drywall throughout, high quality furnace, sinks, taps, plumbing, 11 new energy efficient windows, light fixtures, skirting, pressure treated plywood and framing, siding. All appliances included plus 52 inch TV set. Deck in the back. Buyer has to be approved by the park administration.

388 Grizzly Cr. North, Lethbridge for sale

2011-09-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Prestige and spacious builder`s own home, situated in quiet neighbourhood in Uplands for sale. Large 6-bedrooms with 4 full baths, 3 separate family rooms, 2 fireplaces. Many extra features including front and rear covered decks, central air, underground sprinklers, granite counter tops throughout. Tray ceiling in the master bedroom, high efficient furnace, tankless hot water facility, water softener.

263 Sixmile Ridge South, Lethbridge for sale

2011-09-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for five large sized bedrooms, in good neighbourhood, facing south? Here it is. This one offers you open floor plan, huge family room down, 3+2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, loaded in with all top lined products with latest fixtures. Will finish 1630 sq. ft. up level, plus 1200 sq. ft. in the lower level. 24x24 insulated garage, many more to mention. It is under construction by S.G. Home builder, will be available by end of November, move in before Christmas.

1016 9 AVE South, Lethbridge, Tin TIn grocery store for sale

2011-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Using your imagination to develope the business. Here it offers you land, building, business and equipment. 2 separate rental units, upstairs. The current owner runs the grocery store on the main floor with about 1800 sqft. Full basement for the storage. Large parking space on the side of the property, it is located in primary south side, facing Kinsmen park. This list of equipment is on the file.

388 Grizzly Cre. North

2011-09-28T15:17:00.001-07:00

Prestige and spacious builder`s own home, situated in quiet neighbourhood in Uplands. Many extra features, including: Large 6-bedrooms with 4 full baths, large family room on the second floor, living room on the main floor, game room or called family room in lower level, 2 fireplaces, Front and rear covered decks, central air, underground sprinklers, granite counter tops throughout. Tray ceiling in the master bedroom, high efficient furnace, tankless hot water facility, water softener.

388 Grizzly Terrance

living room

kitchen

Dining room

large jetted tub

en-suite in the master bedroom

4 full baths in the house

all granitie top & tiles floor

wide entrance

special entrance door

family room upstairs

good sized rooms

room 3

family room up

family room downstairs

Family room down stairs

tank-less hot water

93% energey efficient

water -soften

power panel

stairs view from the top

Rooms down stairs

stairs

3.5 tons central air

covered deck in front

江泽民怒骂香港女记者

2011-09-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

63 Jessie Robinson Close North, T1H 3Y8 , Lethbridge, AB | openhouselethbridge.ca

2011-07-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

63 Jessie Robinson Close North, T1H 3Y8 , Lethbridge, AB openhouselethbridge.ca

PROPERTY CLIENT VIEW

2011-07-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Shining, spacious, brand new bi-level home loaded in with all sorts of top line products and latest fixtures, i.e. marble, hardwood floors, granite counter top throughout, wetbar in the lower level, developed 3200 sqft living area, finish the walk-way around the house, high efficient furnace, hot water tank. Large jetted tub ensuite in the master bedroom, fireplace, skylights, acrylic stucco , exposed agrigate parking pad in front of the garage, double garge has been insulated, dry walled and painted.Many more to mention. call to view it.

Multifamily Dwellings for Sale in North Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $455,000

2011-07-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Multifamily Dwellings for Sale in North Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $455,000

Homes for Sale in North Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $445,000

2011-07-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Homes for Sale in North Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $445,000

Homes for Sale in West Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $289,000

2011-07-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

Homes for Sale in West Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta $289,000

为她们送上祝福_平淡中有精彩_新浪博客

2011-07-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

wish them good luck!

为她们送上祝福_平淡中有精彩_新浪博客

Federal Income Tax (Includes CPP & EI)	$8,846	$8,846	$8,846	$8,846	$8,846	$8,846
Provincial Income Tax	$2,605	$2,605	$2,605	$2,605	$2,605	$2,605
Health Premiums	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Gasoline Tax *	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172
Total Federal & Provincial Taxes	$11,623	$11,623	$11,623	$11,623	$11,623	$11,623
Mortgage Costs **	$21,950	$33,111	$31,544	$27,497	$23,361	$21,831
Property Tax & Utility Charges (Average)	$4,410	$4,348	$4,728	$4,461	$6,196	$3,682
Consumer Goods ***	$11,508	$12,012	$12,000	$11,832	$12,132	$11,484
Parking ****	$672	$5,836	$4,200	$1,728	$1,250	$624
Total Household Charges	$38,540	$55,307	$52,472	$45,518	$42,939	$37,621
Net Disposable Income	$9,837	-$6,930	-$4,095	$2,859	$5,438	$10,756

Federal Income Tax (Includes CPP & EI)	$15,972	$15,972	$15,972	$15,972	$15,972	$15,972
Provincial Income Tax	$4,605	$4,605	$4,605	$4,605	$4,605	$4,605
Health Premiums	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Gasoline Tax *	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172
Total Federal & Provincial Taxes	$20,749	$20,749	$20,749	$20,749	$20,749	$20,749
Mortgage Costs **	$21,950	$33,111	$31,544	$27,497	$23,361	$21,831
Property Tax & Utility Charges (Average)	$4,410	$4,348	$4,728	$4,461	$6,196	$3,682
Consumer Goods ***	$15,344	$16,016	$16,000	$15,776	$16,176	$15,312
Parking ****	$672	$5,836	$4,200	$1,728	$1,250	$624
Total Household Charges	$42,376	$59,311	$56,472	$49,462	$46,983	$41,449
Net Disposable Income	$16,875	-$60	$2,779	$9,789	$12,268	$17,802

Federal Income Tax (Includes CPP & EI)	$20,372	$20,372	$20,372	$20,372	$20,372	$20,372
Provincial Income Tax	$6,605	$6,605	$6,605	$6,605	$6,605	$6,605
Health Premiums	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Gasoline Tax *	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172	$172
Total Federal & Provincial Taxes	$27,149	$27,149	$27,149	$27,149	$27,149	$27,149
Mortgage Costs **	$21,950	$33,111	$31,544	$27,497	$23,361	$21,831
Property Tax & Utility Charges (Average)	$4,410	$4,348	$4,728	$4,461	$6,196	$3,682
Consumer Goods ***	$19,180	$20,020	$20,000	$19,720	$20,220	$19,140
Parking ****	$672	$5,836	$4,200	$1,728	$1,250	$624
Total Household Charges	$46,212	$63,315	$60,472	$53,406	$51,027	$45,277
Net Disposable Income	$26,639	$9,536	$12,379	$19,445	$21,824	$27,574

*	Based on annual purchases of $2,000 worth of gasoline per year at a rate of $1.05 per litre, as per Natural Resources Canada, Average Retail Prices for Regular Gasoline in 2011, Alberta.
**	Based on the 2010 Average Price of a New Home with Annual mortgage payments based on a 10% down payment, 5.25% interest with 25 years amortization, monthly payments and 5 year closed mortgage.
***	The methodology incoporates the Statistics Canada's Average Household Expenditures consumer categories of: food, household operations, furnishings and equipment, clothing, and personal care expenses, reported as a percentage of average household income before tax, 2009 for Edmonton. The 2010 Alberta Spatial Price All-Commodity Index is then applied to the other Alberta cities as Edmonton is the base city of the index.
****	The data for Calgary and Edmonton is based on the 2011 CBD Parking Rate Survey prepared by Colliers International. For the smaller cities of Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer the data is based on average daily parking rate utilizing city-issued parking permits or daily parking meters, based on 10 hours per day for 19.4536 days per month for 12 months, which is consistent with the Colliers International Survey Methodology.
I.	Data is current as of June 2011.
II.	Although every effort was made in good faith to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, Economic Development Lethbridge accepts no warranty, nor accepts liability, for any incorrect, incomplete or misleading information or its improper use.

Provincial Income Tax	-$1,335	$295	-$624	$265	-$1,480	-$4,587	$246	$579	$1,064	$377
Provincial Sales Tax	-	$208	$609	$966	$412	$1,330	$1,238	$1,372	$1,348	$1,360
Health Care Premium	-	-	-	-	$225	$200	-	-	-	-
Payroll Tax	-	-	-	$236	$266	$612	-	-	-	$97
Fuel Tax	$270	$435	$450	$345	$441	$486	$321	$465	$474	$495
Total	-$1,065	$938	$435	$1,812	-$136	-$1,959	$1,805	$2,416	$2,886	$2,329

Provincial Income Tax	$2,578	$1,907	$2,587	$4,512	$1,656	$2,468	$3,947	$4,472	$4,717	$3,786
Provincial Sales Tax	-	$1,661	$982	$1,544	$2,010	$2,309	$1,999	$2,217	$2,200	$2,212
Health Care Premium	-	$1,089	-	-	$563	$200	-	-	-	-
Payroll Tax	-	-	-	$591	$665	$1,531	-	-	-	$243
Fuel Tax	$405	$653	$675	$518	$662	$729	$482	$698	$711	$743
Total	$2,983	$5,310	$4,244	$7,165	$5,556	$7,237	$6,428	$7,387	$7,628	$6,984

Provincial Income Tax	6,824	4,997	7,688	9,994	5,580	10,511	8,687	10,654	10,301	8,778
Provincial Sales Tax	-	$2,539	$1,462	$2,315	$3,020	$3,434	$3,014	$3,293	$3,297	$3,321
Health Care Premium	-	$1,089	-	-	$788	$200	-	-	-	-
Payroll Tax	-	-	-	$985	$1,108	$2,552	-	-	-	$405
Fuel Tax	$405	$653	$675	$518	$662	$729	$482	$698	$711	$743
Total	$7,229	$9,278	$9,825	$13,812	$11,158	$17,426	$12,183	$14,645	$14,309	$13,247

*	Business is assumed to bear between 25% and 60% of the provincial sales tax, depending upon the provincial tax regime.
*	Health care premiums are net of premium subsidies.
*	In provinces that impose payroll taxes, 75% is assumed to be borne by employees and 25% by employers. The same 75/25 split is assumed for the net health care premiums.
*	Fuel tax is based on estimated consumption of 3,000 litres per year for one-income families and 4,500 litres for two-income families.
*	RRSP/RPP contributions of $1,000, $9,700 and $16,800 are included in the calculation of personal income tax for the $30,000, $75,000 and $125,000 families, respectively.
*	For two-income families, income and RRSP/RPP contributions are split 60/40 between the two spouses.
*	The children in each family are assumed to be 6 and 12 years old.