Friday October 10 Farm Folk, Thorns Knowledge Enterprises, and Dinner at Reginas'.

Went to meet Herb Barbolet of the Farm Folk/ City Folk Society. Herb is a former New Yorker who has been living in Canada since 1968 or so. He is very involved with a number of issues that fit well within the context of our programs and ideas. In addition he sits on the Board of Oxfam, as Chair of the Executive committee I think. He indicated that my analysis of the problems we are facing is consistent with his own understanding and observations. He will be very supportive, and I look forward to hearing back from him on how we can work together. In short I said that I would consider Oxfam supporter when I see Oxfam promoting our website. This should be a criteria for all our support network, and I will propose same to UNICEF at the next opportunity. Certainly it will have to be done tactfully, a skill I am somewhat short on. A short to the point video interview was also accomplished during our meeting.

Meeting with my dear friend Ashok's brother was another wonderful experience. We lunched at Naam, wonderful vegetarian restaurant on 4^th Avenue. In learning about what Balu is working on, I not only saw some great ways of helping his program, but also there is an opportunity for him to market our programs, as well, we could develop a whole new strategy that could raise additional funds. We met for several hours and then we went back to his office where I was able to connect to the Internet through his provider and get my messages off to Toronto.

I then went out to dinner at friends of Christina's'. Regina Sadilkova and her husband Michael Thoms. On the way there in the bus I enjoyed a conversation with Tim Chaput who was the bus driver. We talked about the transportation system and the possibilities of electric buses, alternative fueled buses and the like. He mentioned a bus that had been tested that ran on hydrogen that had been tested unsuccessfully in Vancouver, but was being used in Chicago. Arrived at Green College after an exploratory walk through UBC. We had a wonderful dinner in the company of their friend John Taylor. We talked on numerous issues exploring education, history and stories from a variety of perspectives. Michael suggested that he could organize a small gathering for me to speak at when I pass through town on my way back to Toronto. I said I would welcome the opportunity, and would advise him of my schedule as it unfolds.

John is involved in education and was both interested in looking at our site and providing some comments in the future, and he was also kind enough to drive me back to Cathys'.

A wonderful exciting day meeting wonderful people.