Monday, August 31, 2009

Dinner Show At Fishing Wharf

Seal 'Dances' For His Supper

Local shutterbug Sheryl Falls snapped this photo the other night down at the public fishing pier at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Obviously this 'ham' is familiar with the rewards of putting on a show for the locals.

Hopefully the girls parents have coached her in the dangers of hand feeding a wild animal, no matter how tame they may appear to be. Even Fido the family pet, has been known to bite the hand that feeds him from time to time, if he happens to get excited.
Wild seals may turn out to not possess very good table manners.

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Sunday Morning SnapShots Of Nanaimo

The early morning sun casts a warm glow over the inner harbour as the fog banks begin to burn off under the suns warming rays.

A little 'Bad Boys' drama gets played out on Victoria Rd. early Sunday morning. Kinda reminded me of the old Johnny Cash song about a Sunday morning comin' down. I am sure someone's Sunday is not going exactly as planned.


Clearly the warm weather and seawall attracted a lot of people on Saturday as this overflowing trash can will testify.


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Pink Salmon Run In Nanaimo

Anglers of all sizes with all manner of gear try to entice the returning pink salmon as they make their way up the Millstone River.
They have to get past the boats before they can enter the channel and then attempt to get up the river.
Fishers present a daunting final obstacle as the pinks head for home.
Some anglers had their efforts rewarded with some tasty, fresh as fresh can be salmon. Good on the barbie!
Plastic bags can put up quite the fight as this angler can attest.
Early Sunday morning and the salmon in Departure Bay try to out fox these early anglers.
Pinks Run The Gauntlet
In Bid To Spawn


After surviving a few years at sea, dodging bigger salmon, hungry cod, ravenous dog fish, snarling sea lions, killer whales and starving seals the poor pink salmon faces one more challenge before fulfilling it's final goal of spawning before dying.

It must run the gauntlet of anglers of all ages equipped with all manner of gear who would sooner see the salmon in a fry pan or smoker that reaching it's destiny up the river.

Last night on the high tide feisty salmon could be seen jumping as they made a dash up the Millstone River as anglers of all sorts tried to tempt them with all manner of lures. In the short time I was there at least six salmon were diverted from their appointed journey and made for some happy anglers.

The salmon are also in Departure Bay where they will be using high water to make their bid to swim upstream to their spawning grounds. Many fishermen there are also intent on taking a few home for supper.

If you are a fisherman you could have good luck right now, and even if you are not, then watching anglers demonstrate their casting skill is always a pleasant way to pass the time.

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Vendors To Be Removed From Maffeo Sutton Park

Concession Stand To Replace Vendors

The local daily is reporting that as of Dec. 31 the vendors who have been in Maffeo Sutton Park will be replaced by a concession stand.

A manager with Parks and Rec says the new facility will mirror the concession at McGirr Sports Complex and should provide for a healthy menu offering. Vendors can submit proposals to run the concession.

Some feel the vendors are all a part of the 'flavour' of Maffeo Sutton Park and removing them will take away from the experience of going to the park and seeing familiar faces.

Editor's Comment: Why couldn't the city simply allow the vendors to compete with the concession, let the general public decide if they want a hot dog and pop, or sprouts and tofu? It is not yet clear how this concession is to be funded. Presently the vendors pay the city a fee to sell their wares. Presumably the new concession will be let to the highest bidder and no tax dollars will be used in another business venture run by the city.

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ONLY IN THE USA YOU SAY?

While the above ditty is directed squarely at the government of our southern neighbours does not mean we could not apply it to some of our governments be they municipal, provincial, federal etc.

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Friday, August 28, 2009

CHEK Victoria To Close Aug. 31

CHEK TV Off The Air Aug. 31

A bid by employees to keep CHEK TV alive has been rejected by Canwest Global. The station will operate until Monday night when it will go off the air.

The popular local station had received a lot of support from Vancouver Island residents who have made this station a part of their daily listening for years.

Another example of changing times in the business world.

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Weekend Suggestions Things To Do


The Best Things Are Always FREE

One of the major perks of living in beautiful Nanaimo are the acres and acres of wonderful parks and the ever changing, yet always awesome scenery.

Forget the Discovery Channel or another Nation Geographic special on the telly, simply load up the car, grab a blanket and some munchies, and don't forget the camera.

Head for Pipers Lagoon Park, Departure Bay Beach or Swy-a-lana Lagoon (to name just a few) and simply enjoy what the great outdoors has to offer.

Then round about sunset just sit back and watch the show which has inspired artists since time began. It's never the same two nights in a row, and it is always FREE. It is also guaranteed to beat anything your new 1800 inch HD, LCD Plasma super deluxe idiot box has to offer any day.

Be sure to get out and enjoy the second to last weekend before the kids head back to school and catch the rest of this fantastic summer we have been enjoying.

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Things To Do In Nanaimo Aug. 28 - 30


Nanaimo Events and Activities

The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory click the banner above or Nanaimo Info LINK.

COALTOWN FESTIVAL use this Nanaimo Info LINK

Fri. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sat. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sun. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Port Theatre events calendar use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Movies Guide use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Western Edge Theatre use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Theatre Group use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Art Gallery use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Arts Council info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Minor Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Youth Soccer Club info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Pirates Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Weekend weather forecast use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Downtown Farmer's Market opens Friday,
more info.


Weekend Garage Sales use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Neighbourhood Farmers Market Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. A. Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. B Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Art in the Park 2009 use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Rocket Richard Exhibit use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Brigadoon Dance Demonstration use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

BC Ferries Expects Busy Weekend

Reservations Recommended At Peak Times

BC Ferries is advising customers that the upcoming August 28 – 29 weekend is expected to be extremely busy on the major routes connecting Vancouver and Vancouver Island.


Several events including the PNE and the AC/DC concert are expected to generate extra traffic heading over to the Lower Mainland. In addition, many families are enjoying one of the last weekends of the summer, which can often include ferry travel.

If customers desire a specific sailing for their weekend plans, reservations are recommended. There is reservation space still available this weekend, particularly on the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay route.

Passengers with vehicle reservations must arrive at the ticket booth at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to claim their reservation, and non-reserved passengers should arrive at the ticket booth at least 60 minutes before the scheduled sailing.

Heavy foot passenger traffic is also anticipated this weekend. Customers travelling as foot passengers are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes in advance. During the busiest travel times, pick-up and drop-off areas can be congested so early arrival is recommended.

BC Ferries’ full summer schedule is in effect through the Labour Day weekend. For schedule details use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Laptops Can Cause Fatal Fires

Laptop Fire Blamed In Death

The BC Coroner's Service is advising people to not leave their laptops on a couch or similar soft surface. This can result in the laptop overheating and eventually causing a fire.

This was the case involving the death of a 56 year old Vancouver man whose roommate had used his laptop and left it on, sitting on the couch and then going to bed.

Less than an hour later the couch took fire which resulted in the man's death.

Editor's Note: It is probably not really wise to use your laptop on your lap if soft or bulky clothing can restrict cooling air flow underneath the computer. Even if your laptop never actually catches fire, it will run much slower if it begins to get too hot. A cooling pad which runs fans using a usb interface is a good idea to keep your laptop cool and running efficiently.

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Government Spending Hits Wall

BC Residents Protest Government

The above Times Colonist photo shows one of several groups assembled at the Legislature to greet Gordon Campbell and his newly elected government.

The throne speech says the fiscal cupboard is bare and is only hanging on the wall by deficit spending, further saying this is the worst recession in 27 years.

As a result the current government will be scrambling to find every wasted dollar it can find, not only in government but also in Crown corporations. To that end, auditors will be sent out to examine all spending in these organizations to find ways to stop wasting money. (Perhaps if this was on going practice we would not be in the financial mess, we now find ourselves).

Ironically on the lawn of the legislature you have people protesting ever increasing taxes, the HST grab being the latest creative way of extracting more money from the masses to help fund government and crown corporation waste.

At the same time you have people demanding that government make interest free money available to fix their leaky condo. They seem to forget that government has no money of it's own and the 'free' money was actually coming from a $750 assessment being made on all new condo's which had been built. Basically people buying new, properly built condo's were throwing $750 into the pot to help people who bought poorly built buildings.

Here you have a small snapshot of one of the reasons taxes will continue to spiral, no one wants to pay more taxes while at the same time they demand money for their pet project.

One of the first pieces of business for the new Campbell government is to amend it's own 'no deficit' legislation to extend for another 2 years bringing the total of deficit budgets to 4 years, as they currently project. Of course their guesstimates have proven most unreliable, making one wonder if they really know what they are doing.

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Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Closes For Maintenance


Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
Closed Aug. 31 - Sept. 20

Ignore the error in the above notice, it should read MONDAY August 31 and not Friday.

To see the interim schedule for Beban Park Pool use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Do You Know This Woman?

RCMP Seeks Public's Help

The Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in the disappearance of approximately $13,000 dollars of jewelry taken from a kiosk, located at BC Ferries Departure Bay terminal last week.

On Thursday August 20 at 7:15 pm a female approached an employee of BC Ferries and told him she found a suitcase near the women’s bathroom in the walk on area of the terminal. The male employee directed her to the lost and found located in the Administration building. The female was last seen exiting the foot passenger area and the suitcase was never turned in.

The suitcase belonged to a female who runs a jewelry store kiosk situated in the loading berth. It contained numerous gems, Stirling silver and gold pieces belonging to the store. The suitcase was apparently left unattended for a few minutes and was taken during that time.

The female is described as being approximately 5 ft 5, with shoulder length dark hair and Caucasian. The suitcase in question has a carry on handle, wheels ,grey in color and is depicted in the photos. Anyone with information on the identity of this female is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS)


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Island District - BC’s Provincial Police Service
Guards Opening of 39th Parliament

Members of the ‘E’ Division RCMP were on duty at the opening of British Columbia’s 39th Parliament. Officers from the Lower Mainland District, and Island District performed ceremonial duties unique to the opening of the Legislature, in which they provide both ceremonial and practical guard duties during the arrival of the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Steven L. Point, and the opening of the Provincial Parliament.

As BC’s Provincial Police Service since 1950, the RCMP has a proud heritage in British Columbia, which is carried on today by over 9500 police officers, civilian employees and volunteers across the Province.


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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Missed Business Opportunity?

No Place To Rent Bikes In Nanaimo

I recently had in inquiry from someone planning to visit Nanaimo near the end of September. They sent me an email with two questions, firstly could you safely get around Nanaimo using a bicycle, and secondly were there places to rent bikes in Nanaimo?

After scouring the usual sources of such information I finally called several bike shops in town and alas there are no shops renting bikes in Nanaimo. Bike rentals are available on Newcastle Island, but they are for use on Newcastle only.

One shop told me that the cost of repairs to rental bikes made the business unattractive.

Perhaps this is an idea that is still too far ahead of Nanaimo with it's relatively low tourist oriented business base. For example both Victoria and Parksville do offer bike rentals, which I presume is demand driven as they seem to be more 'vacation destination' spots than the Harbour City.

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Vancouver Island Convention Center Losses Climb
















$865,000.00 Loss For The Year

The local daily is reporting that losses at the VICC have climbed to $865,000 from the estimated $500,000.00.

Contributing to the loss is the cancellation of a four day convention by the BC Teacher's Federation. The Federation apparently cancelled their convention as they were unable to acquire the number of hotel rooms they wanted.

The VICC manager blames the current economy for the dwindling numbers of people attending conferences and the lack of hotel space as a major hindrance for booking larger conventions.

Editor's Note: It might be an idea if the City Council and staff develop a plan 'B' for this centre and some kind of a timeline for how long the taxpayers will be asked to continue funding this questionable business venture.


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BC Ferries CoastSaver Fares Extended To Sept. 10

$39 COASTSAVER FARE
HELD OVER

BY POPULAR DEMAND

VICTORIA – BC Ferries’ $39 CoastSaver car and driver fare has been extended one extra week due to its popularity with summer travellers. The CoastSaver fare which is offered on the three major routes between Vancouver and Vancouver Island on all sailings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays now extends through September 10.

BC Ferries’ customers can spend the night and save even more by booking overnight accommodation with one of BC Ferries’ partnered properties, the Coast Hotel and Resorts in Victoria, Vancouver, Tsawwassen and Nanaimo for only $129.00 per night.

“BC Ferries is pleased to extend this special fare to help families enjoy the last week of summer vacation before the kids go back to school,” said Janet Carson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marketing and Travel Services.

During the busy summer season, BC Ferries recommends that customers make a reservation to guarantee their desired sailing. Metro Vancouver customers are reminded that the Tsawwassen-Duke Point route offers an easy alternative to reach Nanaimo and northern Vancouver Island

For more information and reservations, use this Nanaimo Info LINK or call 1-888 BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).

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Monday, August 24, 2009

Look Ma ........ No Hands! This is AMAZING!


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Uni Bright BBQ Lighter Recalled

BBQ Lighters Recalled

Testing by Health Canada has revealed that the lighters have unsafe burning characteristics and can leak fuel, posing a burn hazard for users. The refuelling instructions that come with the lighters are also insufficient for safe use.

In addition, the child-resistant mechanism may not work properly on the Uni-Bright Lighters with the straight shaft.


For more information visit Canadian Product Recalls, using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

There are over 92,000 of the straight lighters sold in Canada and about 9,000 of the flexible ones.

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An Unhappy Liberal??


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Friday, August 21, 2009

The VIEX OPENS TODAY


The VIEX
Vancouver Island Exhibition
Opens Today


Gates Open at 9:00AM

FRIDAY Seniors & Special Needs $3.00
& Their Care-Givers FREE

For More Information use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Things To Do In Nanaimo Aug. 21 - 23


Nanaimo Events and Activities

The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for every interest from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory click the banner above or Nanaimo Info LINK.

The VIEX Aug. 21 - 23 use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Summertime Blues use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Fri. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sat. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Sun. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Port Theatre events calendar use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Movies Guide use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Western Edge Theatre use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Theatre Group use Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Art Gallery use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Arts Council info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Minor Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Youth Soccer Club info use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Pirates Baseball info use Nanaimo Info LINK.


Weekend weather forecast use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


Downtown Farmer's Market opens Friday,
more info.


Weekend Garage Sales use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Neighbourhood Farmers Market Nanaimo Info LINK.


Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. A. Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Sr. B Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Nanaimo Timbermen Jr. A Lacrosse Nanaimo Info LINK.

Art in the Park 2009 use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Rocket Richard Exhibit use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Brigadoon Dance Demonstration use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

BC Short $3 Billion

Deficit Will Be 'Significantly' Higher
Than Projected

It is being reported in the Times Colonist that BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen says the government has seen more than $2 billion in expected revenue disappear since June.

Corporate and personal income tax drops have accounted for a tax lose of $1 billion, while natural gas revenues have dropped by $500 million. projected revenue from the PST is $200 million less than expected also.

The government recently stopped funding to leaky condos, eliminated the Premier's Excellence Awards scholarships, closed Tourism BC, ordered $300 million in health savings, closed the LiveSmart energy rebate program and announced the new HST which is supposed to provide more revenue for government coffers.

Hansen will be delivering the next budget in September and did not say if further cuts could be expected.

Editor's Comment: There could be some wisdom in governments at all levels only spending money they 'do' have rather than always spending what they 'think' they might have. If the HST is good now, why in the world wasn't it good all the way along? Is it only good now, because our fearless leaders see it as the only way out of this financial mess they have created by spending like drunken sailors all the time?
Isn't this the government which made it illegal to run a deficit? Whatever became of that lofty ideal anyway?

Update Aug. 21; the provincial government now has to introduce another law so they can run a deficit for an additional two years. So it goes like this, they passed a law saying no deficits, then changed it to allow for a 2 year deficit, and now they are changing that again to four years. All of this in the course of six months. Do you think that ANYONE really knows what they are doing?? And what in the world is the point of making laws you simply change if you can't keep them? What exactly is the message you are to take away from that?

Here's a really old fashioned idea, but why don't we force ALL governments to start living within OUR means. Stop spending money we don't have, in the hopes we will have it later. Are we really any better off for all of the levels of government welfare we have built into our society? I don't think so.

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Piper's Lagoon Park Feedback Sought

City Staff At Piper's Today
Aug. 20/09 3 - 5 pm


City Parks, Recreation and Culture staff will be at Piper's Lagoon Park today from 3 - 5 pm looking for feedback from park visitors.

This is a pilot project they are trying this summer and if it proves worthwhile they will continue on a more frequent basis throughout the year.

Senior Parks Manager, Jeff Richie says it will give staff the opportunity to see what they are doing right, and what they need to work on.

If you are a park user and think you have something to offer which could improve it be sure to stop by today and make your thoughts known.

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Nanaimo, Vancouver Island & Canadian House Prices July 2009


Nanaimo House Prices
+7.5% Over Jun. 09

Based on average MLS sales summaries for Nanaimo and other Canadian cities for July 2009.

National Average
July 09 - $326,832
July 08 - $303,642

Victoria BC
July 09 - $475,490
July 08 - $487,864

Vancouver BC
July 09 - $584,105
July 08 - $575,256

Calgary
July 09 - $381,740
July 08 - $402,788

Regina
July 09- $240,235
July 08 - $246,463

Toronto
July 09 - $395,414
July 08 - $371,410

Ottawa
July 09 - $300,635
July 08 - $295,134

Nanaimo
July 09- $363,528
July 08- $363,182
Units Sold
July 09 - 164
July 08 - 120

Remember these are 'average' house sales prices and do not necessarily reflect what the actual market value is of your property. For an accurate evaluation of your property you need to contact a real estate agent who is knowledgeable or a professional appraiser.

Averages are however helpful in identifying trends and clearly, real estate is not selling for what is was a year ago, which was over valued most likely. It is good news for first time home buyers, lower prices combined with record low mortgage rates in some cases make buying more attractive than continuing to rent.

For July 2009 Nanaimo House Prices use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

HST Referendum Campaign


Former Premier Bill Vander Zalm
Spearheads HST Referendum

It is being reported in the press, that former BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm will launch a campaign to force a provincial referendum on the proposed HST.

Refusing to let the HST debate die out, Vander Zalm is quoted as saying "I've never seen anything like it in all the times I've been involved in politics, Never anything this big, never an issue quite like this."

Vander Zalm will officially kick off his campaign Sept. 19 during a rally in downtown Vancouver.

Using the procedure on recalls and referendums that he helped forge, Vander Zalm hopes to organize a petition against the HST.

To do so, he'll have 90 days to collect 10 per cent of the vote in each constituency throughout B.C. From there, the petition has to be verified before being sent on to a select standing committee in the legislature.

"I think the Liberals would have a hard time rejecting a call for a referendum if we present it in the way of an initiative," Vander Zalm said.

Editor's Note: It just could turn out to be a very hot fall this year in British Columbia. Last year it was the Federal Conservatives and their little drama in Ottawa that awoke the Canadian electorate, perhaps Campbell and his HST have finally pulled a feather the old goose just noticed.


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Harmac Goes Against The Trend

Harmac To Start Second Line

It is reported that employee-owned Harmac Pulp Mill will be starting a second line this September. Currently maintenance personnel have been called back to work to get the line ready for production.

Pulp prices have risen from $500 tonne in January to an expected $650 come mid September making the second line feasible.

This will mean a total of 265 workers will be employed by the mill when the second line starts up and will further mean that all of the previous employees wishing to return will now be employed.

In an industry struggling just to keep afloat it seems Harmac has gone against the trend and is proving to be a true home grown success story.

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Stop The Presses This is BIG!

The Biggest Event of Summer?

Forget the recession, unemployment, failing auto giants, global warming, global cooling, gas prices, rising taxes, crooked politiicans, honest politicians, the GST, the PST and now the HST.

These mundane events all pale by comparison to the startling revelation that after 68 years, Archie is going to tie the knot with ....??????

In a special six part series being released today to specialty comic shops and the general public come Sept. 1, that American comic icon Archie is finally proposing marriage.

What is being described as a 'bold move' the marriage of Archie will usher in a whole new generation of Riverdale kids and take this popular American pop hero in a whole new direction. He first appeared in 1941 believe it or not. I bet he is better known that all of the Presidents and Prime Ministers since then.

If you can't wait until Sept. 1 to find out who he asked to marry, here is a hint ..... her initials start with veronica. :^)

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Nanaimo Summer Weather Returns


Balmy Temperatures & Sunny Skies
For Rest Of The Week

It looks like the VIEX and the Summertime Blues will have the full co-operation of the weatherman.

After a few showers and cooler temperatures the Nanaimo summer weather has returned with more sunshine and warm temperatures. The weatherman promises it to continue right through to the weekend at least.

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Nanaimo Fall and Winter Leisure Guide

Fall/Winter 2009
Nanaimo Leisure Guide

Now Available

The Fall/Winter Nanaimo Leisure Guide has been delivered today with the local newspaper to your door. You can view the guide at any City of Nanaimo recreational facility or view the online version by using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Tourism BC Shut Down

B.C. STRENGTHENS AND ALIGNS

TOURISM PROMOTION

VICTORIA – Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, reducing administrative costs and better co-ordinating all of the Province’s marketing initiatives, Minister Kevin Krueger announced today.

“While Tourism BC has served British Columbia well, in these difficult economic times it is critical that we maximize every tourism dollar for marketing B.C. to the world,” said Krueger. “Consolidating tourism operations in the ministry will allow for co-ordinated marketing campaigns, while ensuring resources are focused on getting the best results for British Columbia’s tourism sector.”

Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts next year will reduce administrative costs and allow these funds to be re-invested into marketing initiatives. The integration of Tourism BC, effective April 1, 2010, will result in a new program under the leadership of the ministry with a renewed focus on marketing the regions of British Columbia.

The minister will be replacing Tourism BC’s board of directors with a new Minister’s Advisory Council, which will continue seeking input and advice on marketing plans from the tourism industry. The council will report directly to the minister.

“We must continue building on the successes B.C. has had over the past few years and remain top-of-mind with travellers,” said Krueger. “These changes will ensure we are maximizing our opportunities to showcase British Columbia, the best place on earth, to the world.”

Created in 1997, Tourism BC was the marketing arm for the Province, with primary offices in Vancouver and Victoria, approximately 146 employees and in-market representation in key markets including Australia, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, South Korea and Taiwan. These changes will enhance B.C.’s international presence and ensure that the value of B.C.’s tourism potential is maximized at home and abroad.

Tourism generated an estimated $13.8 billion in 2008, providing more than 120,000 direct and 170,000 indirect jobs across the province. The Province of British Columbia has supported the development of a strong infrastructure for the tourism industry since 2001.

Editor's Comment: Some within the industry see this move by government as a means to silence a Crown corporation which has been critical of current government spending policies.


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Viola Wyse
Passes Suddenly

Viola Wyse Snuneymuxw First Nation chief died suddenly Monday of a brain aneurysm.

It is reported that while she was getting ready for work in the morning she collapsed and was rushed to hospital. The decision to remove life support was made in the afternoon by family.

The only female chief in the band's history is credited with building strong relationships with the city and raising the profile of her community.

PREMIER’S STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CHIEF VIOLA WYSE

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell issued the following statement today on the passing of Chief Viola Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation:

“The Snuneymuxw First Nation and all of British Columbia are mourning the loss of a strong and passionate leader with the passing of Chief Viola Wyse.

“Chief Wyse worked to forge strong partnerships with the community and other levels of government. She advanced initiatives to create economic opportunity for the Snuneymuxw and to improve the health, environment and well-being of those she represented.

“As the first female chief in the history of the Snuneymuxw, Chief Wyse was a trailblazer. Through her tireless dedication to her people, she leaves a legacy of accomplishment that will echo for years to come throughout the region. Initiatives like the unprecedented collaborative management of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park were only possible because of the commitment and vision of leaders like Chief Wyse.

“Chief Wyse will be missed by many, and I join members of the Snuneymuxw and others in honouring her memory and her accomplishments.”


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Monday, August 17, 2009

Summertime Blues Festival Nanaimo 2009

Summertime Blues
August 20 - 23 2009

The Fifth Annual Summertime Blues Festival gets underway this coming Thursday at 5:00 pm.

This popular event will feature Steve Kozak & His West Coast Blues Revue - David Gogo - The Bill Johnson Blues Band - Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne and much more.

To view the complete lineup for this years Summertimes Blues use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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VIEX Vancouver Island Exhibition 2009

Critters, Squeals and Ferris Wheels!
August 21, 22, 23

The Vancouver Island Exhibition has been a part of Nanaimo since 1894 when it began as a local weekend gathering. Since then it has grown into a most popular event attracting thousands of visitors not just from Nanaimo but the whole Island as well.

The fair opens this Friday and continues through until Sunday. To check what is going on each day, use the following links to schedule events at the VIEX:

To check out the Thrifty Foods Main Stage Entertainment schedule use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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B.C. Efficiency Incentive Program Out Of Funds

LIVESMART BC:

EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE PROGRAM ENDS

VICTORIA – Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, today announced that the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program has reached its three-year target of 40,000 initial home energy assessments in only 15 months. The $60-million program is now fully committed and as such, will no longer provide incentives to new participants, effective end of business Aug. 15, 2009.

The program was launched in May 2008 to run for three years, as part of the Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy. The Province implemented this innovative, one-stop shop program to provide homeowners with co-ordinated, easy access to provincial, utility partner and federal incentives. To date, 11,000 homeowners have completed efficiency retrofits.

Homeowners currently in the program have up until March 31, 2011, or 18 months after their initial energy assessment, to complete their retrofits and follow-up energy assessment, and will receive the rebates and incentives that are listed in the current LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program incentive chart at www.livesmartbc.ca.

Homeowners entering the program on or after Aug. 16, 2009 are still eligible for the federal ecoENERGY program incentives, which have recently been increased by 25 per cent.

Ministry staff will continue to administer LiveSmart for homeowners who have entered the program, and are working with LiveSmart program partners on a future version of the Efficiency Incentive Program.

The Province remains committed to supporting energy efficiency and conservation in British Columbia, and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent and acquiring 50 per cent of BC Hydro’s incremental resource needs through conservation by 2020.

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

"Champ" Is Looking For A Home

Siberian Husky Cross
Wants To Be Your Best Friend

'Champ' who is a Siberian Husky, Akita Inu cross is currently patiently waiting at the Nanaimo SPCA for that special family to adopt him.

As described on the SPCA website:

"Champ is a very sweet boy. He's always happy and wagging his tail. Champ had a head injury when he was a pup He's ok but his left eye does run but it doesn't bother him at all. Champ is in real need of an experienced person who really wants to save a special dog. He has some food possession problems when it come to human food or garbage which stems back from his very rough start as a pup having to live on whatever he could get while avoiding danger. He needs someone who will work with him and continue to teach him proper manners and be a good strong leader."

To see Champ for yourself you can contact him via:
Email nanspca@shaw.ca
Phone 250-758-8444
Address 2200 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9


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