Saturday, October 31, 2009

Nanaimo Weekend Reminders

Olympic Torch Relay
Maffeo Sutton Park
5:45 - 9:15 PM
Sat. Oct. 31/09

Join in all the exciting Olympic Torch celebrations planned, for more info click here.
You can ride the bus for FREE from 3:30 pm til close.



VI RAIDERS FOOTBALL
Sat. Oct. 31/09 1:00pm
Caldeonia Park

Raiders vs Rams
BCFC Final


TURN CLOCKS BACK
THIS WEEKEND


This is the weekend to get that hour of sleep back you lost in the spring. When you go to bed Saturday night remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Things To Do In Nanaimo Oct. 30 - Nov. 1


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.

Turn Back Clocks This Weekend Info LINK

VI RAIDERS Football Sat. 1:00pm Info LINK.

Olympic Torch Celebrations 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.

Rocket Richard Exhibit use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Olympic Torch Comes To Nanaimo Torch Relay Route Announced

Big Party Planned For Saturday
Maffeo Sutton Park

Olympic Torch Relay

Fun For the Whole Family Including Trick or Treats for the kids and fireworks to top off the whole show.

Unless you just can't get off work or something be sure to make a point of attending the once in a lifetime celebration downtown as the Olympic Torch comes to Nanaimo.

The excitement starts at Maffeo Sutton Park at 5:45 pm and continues through until 9:15 with lots to see and do for everyone.

There will be lots of music, food and autograph booths in addition to the lighting of the cauldron at about 8:00 pm. The cauldron will be lit by torchbearer Michele Stilwell, a double Paralympic gold medalist.

The relay route in Nanaimo

If you are hoping to catch a look of the torch relay you will likely have to line up early to get a good viewing place.

The torch relay starts at 6:30 pm leaving the Snuneymuxw band office located on Centre St.

The torch will then travel along Seventh St. to Bruce Ave. to Fifth St. to Wakesiah Ave. to the Aquatic Center and then to Third Street.

From there it will continue down Fitzwilliam St. to Wallace, along Wallace to Commercial, up Commerical to the Coast Bastion Inn where it will then make it's way along the waterfront to Maffeo Sutton Park.

It is expected to arrive at Maffeo Sutton Park about 8:00pm with the lighting of the cauldron at that time.

The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:00pm.

Remember there will be no parking in Maffeo Sutton Park itself and the City Buses are FREE to ride from 3:30 pm until close on Saturday so you can leave the car at home. You can also park for free at the University parking lot in harewood and take the bus down to the Park.
Free parking is also available at the Bastion St. Parkade and adjacent the Howard Johnson hotel.

allvoices

Swine Flu Confusion

H1N1 Mixed Messages
Really Confusing

Amid all the current media hype bordering on hysteria surrounding the H1N1 flu virus making the rounds, the messages from different 'officials' makes you wonder if anyone has a clue what is going on.

There was the sad story of the otherwise healthy 13 year old who died suddenly after displaying symptoms for a short time. He had been sent home from a clinic hours before he became deathly ill. In this case, I questioned whether they were certain it was the swine flu that was the only cause of this young mans death. As they seemed very quick to declare the cause of death as the flu. Usually autopsy conclusions aren't that quick being made public.

As a result there was another push from some medical quarters to get your children immunized, although this group was not considered to be at risk earlier.

Now for the most recent source of confusion. I heard a doctor this morning saying not to bring your children into the hospital or clinics if they are just displaying flu like symptoms, he went on to describe the virus as just being a typical flu, which most children will simply get over. There was the warning that if breathing difficulties develop, you should get your child attention immediately.

If you listen to some quarters, there are a large number of people in the nursing profession who are opting to NOT get the vaccine as they are not convinced it is safe or necessary.

More than one health official (who is probably just as qualified as the rest) have said the swine flu is not of any more concern than any other seasonal flu. It is also pointed out that in a 'normal' flu season on average 36,000 people in the US die from the flu. Yet, today every time 1 person dies from this flu it seems to make front page headlines!

Of course there are the true skeptics who think this is just another attempt to move even more money into the medical business in the form of all these expensive vaccines being used and the extra funding medical professionals will reap from this latest 'crisis'. Or is it a non-crisis?

For Nanaimo Flu Vaccination Clinic Information use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

allvoices

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pro Elvis Jumpsuits Custom Elvis Costumes



Local Costumer Dazzles The Dragons

Eleanor and Tim Boetticher of Nanaimo bedazzled the dragons with their one of a kind Elvis Jumpsuit creations.

Eleanor who hand makes each custom jumpsuit came to pitch the dragons looking for $30,000 for a 30% stake in her company. In the end the deal was not exactly what she was looking for but you would have to call it a success.

Google the Dragon's Den on CBC to watch episode 5 to see the presentation. The jumpsuits are absolutely works of art.

With over 85,000 Elvis impersonators worldwide, Eleanor feels with the additional capital she will be able to take her company to the next level.

Her website says they offer Stage Quality costumes at a budget price! With prices ranging from $390 - $570 for a jumpsuit and $100 - $150 for a belt I am sure her customers get the best of the bargain.

Her work is absolutely stunning and each is custom made to exactly fit her customers.

To view her complete product line or to get more information visit her website using this Nanaim Info LINK.

allvoices

Ride Nanaimo City Buses For FREE

See Olympic Torch Relay
Ride City Bus For FREE


The regional transit system will be offering the public free bus rides from 3:30 pm until the end of the day, this Saturday Oct. 31.

They will also be running extra buses which should provide 15 minute service on many of it's regular routes. For more information use this LINK.

There will be courtesy parking in the Vancouver Island University lot so you can leave your car there and ride the bus downtown.

There will also be free parking at the Bastion Street Parkade and at the city lot adjacent the Howard Johnson Hotel. There will be no parking in Maffeo Sutton Park itself.

The Olympic Torch Festivities will run at Maffeo Sutton Park from 5:45 - 9:15 PM and should be a 'MUST SEE' family event for all.

allvoices

Jerry Berry's Salary Being Paid Twice!

Mayor Announces Appointment
Of New City Manager

In a media release dated Oct. 26 Mayor Ruttan has announced the appointment of A. Kenning as the new City Manager. Mr. Kenning will be replacing Mr. Berry, who took an early retirement a short time ago.

The starting salary for the City Manager position is reported as being $200,109.00 annually. The position Mr. Kenning previously held as Deputy City Manager will be eliminated. The work Mr. Kenning was doing in that position will be done in future by other members of the City Management team.

Mr. Kenning has worked for the City since 1987 and his long experience with the City should benefit the community.

Comment: We were told that paying Mr. Berry $480,000.00 to not work for the next two years was good for taxpayers as it would save his salary. It seems that Mr. Kenning is in fact also being paid the salary I thought we were saving by Mr. Berry's early retirement.
Since Mr. Kenning's workload from Deputy City Manager is being taken over by other staff members, presumably at no additional cost to taxpayers, it is reasonable to assume that he was being paid for doing a job that was not needed.

allvoices

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

When Clocks Go Back In Canada 2009

Turn Back Clocks This Weekend

This coming weekend will give you the opportunity to catch up on that hour of sleep you lost in the spring time.

When you go to bed on Saturday night be sure to turn your clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sack time on Sunday morning.

allvoices

RCMP Seek Help Finding Robber


Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a male responsible for the robbery of a local Petro Canada on Saturday October 17 .

The suspect male entered the Petro Canada located at 3189 North Island Highway at approximately 6:45 PM ,walked behind the counter and demanded the clerk hand over money from the till. A knife was produced and the male made off with an undisclosed amount of money. Members attended but could not locate the suspect.

He is described as being a white male, approximately 30 years of age with a square jaw , large nose with prominently protruding cheek bones. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a red shirt underneath with a white logo on the front of it. He was also wearing black skater shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information on this incident or the identity of the male 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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BCAA Travel Closes Internet Bookings Blamed

Association to continue offering travel services online and by phone

BCAA will significantly scale back its travel agency services, closing its storefront travel operations in all locations, effective January 15, 2010. BCAA Travel will continue to offer services to travel customers by phone, via its Burnaby-based customer contact centre, and online, via its travel booking services on www.bcaa.com.

The decision to close storefront travel operations does not affect other BCAA divisions, and all 27 BCAA locations will remain open to serve members and customers in other areas. Those include insurance (including travel medical insurance), membership, retail and auto travel services consisting of maps, TourBooks, CampBooks and TripTik route planning. BCAA's roadside assistance services are also unaffected by this decision.

BCAA will ensure all existing travel bookings are fulfilled and that sufficient staff are available to meet customer needs through to the completion of their travel plans. No new travel bookings will be accepted in BCAA storefront locations after November 28, 2009.

The decision to significantly scale back BCAA's travel offerings was driven by fundamental changes in the travel industry, explains President and CEO, Bill Bullis.

"The decline of agency commissions has made it very difficult to operate an independent travel agency model profitably," says Bullis. "What's more, the emergence of the internet has enabled suppliers to cut distribution costs by selling directly to customers, and increased the comfort of consumers to do their own trip-planning and booking. Travel revenues have been steadily declining, and BCAA has been unable to operate travel profitably for several years."

Whereas 15 years ago virtually all vacation and airline tickets were sold through travel agents or in person direct, today most of these transactions are completed online. Travel industry studies in Canada and the U.S. report that online bookings (direct-to-supplier, metasearch sites and online travel agencies) account for anywhere from 64% to 84% of total bookings. Supplier direct sales today account for 45 per cent of all travel bookings.*

Today's decision will result in the elimination of 157 full-time and part-time positions, 124 in BCAA's sales centre network and 33 at the association's head office in Burnaby.

A total of 6 employees will be affected by the closure in the Nanaimo BCAA travel office.


allvoices

Monday, October 26, 2009

BC Place To Get Half Billion Dollar Roof

BC Taxpayers Put New $458,000,000.00
Roof On BC Place Stadium

VANCOUVER – A fixed-priced contract for the construction of a new, retractable roof on BC Place has been signed between the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) and PCL Constructors Canada Inc, announced Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism Culture and the Arts and David Podmore, PavCo chair, today.

As first announced in May 2008, a new retractable roof will be built after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The project will be completed by the summer of 2011, in time for the 2011 Grey Cup. The total capital cost for the retractable roof project will be $458 million. The final budget for the roof project is based on a competitive bidding process, including a fixed-price contract for construction with PCL, as well as engineering costs. An appropriate contingency fund has been allocated.

Once complete, the roof will be the largest cable-supported, fully-retractable, fabric roof in the world at more than four hectares (10 acres). The design allows for the fabric roof to retract into the centre of the roof opening and be hidden inside a suspended, four-sided electronic video board, without compromising sightlines. The roof will be able to open or close within 20 minutes.

BC Place opened in 1983 and averages over 200 event-days a year, generating an economic impact of $58 million annually. A retractable roof will attract an additional 41 event-days to Vancouver per year. These additional events will increase the annual economic impact of the stadium to $100 million per year.

Comment: Not much has changed since the days of the Roman Empire and their philosophy that to control the mob just give them a loaf of bread, jug of wine and a circus.
Let me get those numbers straight, currently 200 event days generate $58 million annually which works out to $290,000.00 per event day yet the additional 41 event days will generate another $42 million or $1,024,390.00 per event day? Can that be right?

It is hoped that the 'competitive bid' is not like the ones the city of Montreal has been engaged in for years. There, it is said local taxpayers have been paying about 30% too much for contracted work due to high level corruption.

allvoices

Classic Smokehouse Recalls Sockeye Lox


OTTAWA, October 21, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Classic Smokehouse (2003) Inc. are warning the public not to consume Classic Canadian Wild Sockeye Trims because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, Classic Canadian Wild Sockeye Lox Trim, was sold in 454g vacuum packages bearing UPC 3000550008256 and PACKED ON dates from MA 02 (May 2, 2009) to JL 28 (July 28, 2009) inclusive.

This product has been distributed in British Columbia.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

The manufacturer, Classic Smokehouse (2003) Inc., Vancouver, BC, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).


allvoices

Sunday, October 25, 2009

H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics In Nanaimo

To enlarge click on image
Nanaimo (H1N1) Swine Flu Vaccine Clinics

For H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccination Clinic Information for Vancouver Island use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

UPDATED November 20/09 Use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

allvoices

Friday, October 23, 2009

VI Raiders Semi Final Game

VI RAIDERS Football

UPDATE
The Raiders were successful in their match with the Sun, defeating them 25 -16 in a game that was anything but a sure thing for the Raiders. At half time they trailed the Sun by 1 point and by 4 points at the end of the third quarter.

The win pits them against South Surrey Rams this weekend at Caledonia Park on Saturday for the Cullen Cup provincial junior football title.

This is exciting football!

BCFC Semi-Finals

Saturday Oct. 24
1:00 PM Caledonia Field

VI RAIDERS vs OKANAGAN SUN

For more information use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Things To Do In Nanaimo Oct. 23 - 25


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.

VI RAIDERS Football Sat. 1:00pm Info LINK.

Western Edge Theatre Season Opens
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.

Rocket Richard Exhibit use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Things That Make Ya Smile

Crook Asks To Return To Jail
Rather Than Live At Home With Wife

The following Reuters story appears in the Vancouver Sun. It is just one of those stories that make ya smile. Especially if you've been married for some time.

PALERMO, Sicily - A Sicilian builder transferred from prison to house arrest tried to get himself locked up again to escape arguments with his wife at home, Italian media reported Thursday.

Santo Gambino, 30, did time for dumping hazardous waste before being moved to house arrest in Villabate, outside the Sicilian capital, Palermo, Italian news agencies reported.

Gambino went to the police station and asked to be put away again to avoid arguing with his wife, who accused him of failing to pay for the upkeep of their two children.

Police charged him with violating the conditions of his sentence and made him go home and patch things up with his wife.


allvoices

Thursday, October 22, 2009

H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Information Nanaimo


VICTORIA – Following the approval by Health Canada regulators, the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine will be made available to British Columbians beginning the week of Oct. 26, announced Minister of Healthy Living and Sport Ida Chong and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall.

“Now that the H1N1 flu vaccine has been approved, I encourage British Columbians to get immunized and protect themselves against this novel flu virus,” said Kendall. “Even if some of the population has already contracted H1N1 so far, we know that most British Columbians have not been infected yet and can still benefit from receiving the vaccine to protect themselves.”

The first batch of vaccine has arrived in British Columbia and is currently being distributed around the province to regional health authorities, based on population numbers in each region. Beginning Monday, it will be available first to those people who would benefit most from immunization: individuals under 65 years of age with chronic disease, pregnant women and individuals – including First Nations people – living in remote or isolated communities. These groups are at high-risk for suffering complications from pandemic H1N1 infection.

“B.C. will receive the H1N1 vaccine shipments in phases. Our plan is to first immunize those individuals considered to be at most risk to ensure that more vulnerable groups are protected,” said Chong. “During this time, we would ask that those people who are not at highest risk to wait until mid-November to get immunized when we receive our full orders.”

The pandemic H1N1 vaccine is an adjuvanted vaccine. Adjuvants are compounds that boost the immune system’s response to vaccine, allowing smaller doses to be used per person. A version of the H1N1 vaccine without adjuvant will also be available in B.C. beginning the second week of November. While the unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, the adjuvanted version, available early next week, is approved for everyone who wants to protect themselves from this pandemic.

Once clinics begin next week, British Columbians who fall into the high-risk groups listed above who need and want the H1N1 vaccine, and for whom the seasonal flu shot is also recommended, will be able to receive both at the same time.

For more information visit the VIHA website using this
LINK or for more information about sympton checker and flu clinic locator use this LINK.

For Updated Flu Clinic Schedule use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

allvoices

Nanaimo SPCA Has Too Many Cats

Adopt This Lovely Fellow

It will Help the SPCA, it will help this handsome fellow and it will help YOU

It's a WIN WIN WIN!


Amadeus, SPCA's Featured Cat

Amadeus is a very handsome Siamese cross with beautiful light blue eyes and a very loving nature. He had been a stray for months before he arrived at the BC SPCA and it had taken its toll, Skinny, matted and very shy of people, he didn't look his best. After lots of attention from the volunteers and staff, good food and a groom he is now looking splendid. His shyness is almost cured and he will come and ask for pets and the use of a lap from visitors to the second cat room.

The Nanaimo SPCA contact information:

2200 Labieux Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9
Ph. 250-758-8444

To see all the pets currently available for adoption at the Nanaimo SPCA use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

allvoices

Toilet Rebate Program Nanaimo

Toilet Replacement Rebate
Program In Nanaimo


The City of Nanaimo website informs that the fund which helped residents replace their old biffy are now exhausted.

Seems many people took advantage of the rebate program and bought new water conserving devices. That's a good idea and it should save the resident money on their water bill. I just don't know why I (who for a long time have had an efficient toilet) have to help them with their purchase?

Is it possible that someone in powerful places has a connection to the toilet retail business or the home building supply business??

Here's an idea, you could put another $480,000.00 into the fund by simply not paying Mr. Berry to do nothing!

Just a thought.

allvoices

Hands On The Steering Wheel In BC

No Talking, Typing or Dialing
On Hand Held Device Come Jan. 1 2010


B.C. roads will be safer following legislative changes to prevent the use of hand- held cellphones, portable electronic devices and text messaging while driving, Solicitor General Kash Heed announced today.

“We’re taking action today because British Columbians have made it clear they support stronger restrictions on cellphones and other devices that take a driver's hands off the wheel and their eyes from the road,” said Heed. “Simply put, you cannot talk, type or dial on any hand-held device while driving.”


Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) upon legislative approval are to take effect on Jan. 1, 2010. At that point, only hands-free cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate will be permitted. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) will not be permitted to use hands-free phones in addition to other prohibited activity.

A new fine in the amount of $167 will begin to be levied on Feb. 1, 2010. If drivers are caught texting or emailing they will receive an additional three penalty points. Further, drivers in the GLP will receive the $167 fine and three penalty points for any violation of this legislation.

“As physicians, we often see the consequences of those injured in a car crash because a distracted driver was using a cellphone," said Dr. Brian Brodie, president of the BC Medical Association. “This is preventative legislation that focuses on being responsible with new technology in a way that doesn't put people's lives at risk.”

Clayton Pecknold, vice-president of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police said, “Police have been looking forward to these changes because it gives us another enforcement tool to create safer roads in this province.”

According to independent research and studies, cellphone use while driving is the number-one cause of distracted driving. On average, about 117 people die each year in B.C. and 1,400 are sent to hospital because someone was not paying attention behind the wheel.


allvoices

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Nanaimo Marina Waterfront Fire






Explosion Heard Before Fire Erupts
At Nanaimo Marina Stewart Ave.

At approximately 1:00 pm there was a loud explosion followed by fire at the marina on Newcastle Channel along Stewart Ave.

Large plumes of billowing black smoke could be seen downtown and first thoughts were that it could have been at BC Ferries.

The fire was knocked down quickly with a rapid response from emergency personnel with I presume a fire boat being responsible for dousing the flames. The second from the bottom picture shows a stream of water being directed at the blaze.

Neither the cause nor extent of the damage was available at this time. Marinas filled with fiberglass containers filled with gasoline (aka boats) housed in wooden buildings is not a good place for a fire to get out of hand as it can spread unbelievably quickly.

allvoices

Not All DIY Projects Simple or Easy

Some Things Best Left To Pros

A Ladysmith resident learned the hard way that not all do it yourself projects are without peril.

Seems the homeowner was doing some pipe soldering and left the area to get some parts. Upon his return he discovered a fire which quickly spread through the walls and into the attic.

The fire chief is quoted as saying that while the homeowner had taken precautions the fire was preventable. It is a really good idea not to put an open flame up against wooden members of your house.

All these home reno stores have convinced us that we can do anything, just take a 30 minute class with them Sat. morning, read a book or two, and you too have no need of a properly trained journeyman.

I used to work in the electrical business, and on more than one occasion I would get a service call to fix some 'simple' electrical job done by a weekend warrior which had gone wrong. It was only by good luck that some of these guys had not started a fire.

It is a fairly simple matter to change a light switch or outlet, and it may appear you have done a great job. What is not always evident is that your connection, could simply be a fire waiting to happen over time as the poor connection begins to overheat.

If you're going to paint your house or install some flooring where the worst outcome is a bad looking job, go for it. However, if you are starting to venture into areas where serious consequence can result, you really need to pay a professional. They are always cheaper in the long run.

allvoices

Nanaimo Career and Job Fair

Career & Job Fair
October 29 VICC

Meet Your Future Employer ...

Supporting Employment Transitions is hosting a Career and Job Fair in Ballroom A,B and C in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on Oct. 29 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.


There will be over 40 local companies in attendance looking for great employees to join their companies. If you are new to the work force or just looking for a change this could be the event you are looking for.

To prepare yourself for this event consider attending some of the free workshops offered by SET by calling 250-714-0085 or walk-in to use the self directed services of the Resource Room to update and make copies of your resume.

SET offices are located at 101-155 Skinner Street, Nanaimo.


FOR OCTOBER 2010 HIRING FAIR 
INFORMATION Click Here

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Where Are All Those Tax Dollars Going??

Programs Being Cut Left and Right
Yet Taxes Continue To Rise!


Locally the International Children's Festival is the most recent event to suffer from government cut backs. (Why they can't survive without funding, is another matter).

This particular program is reported to spend nearly $250,000.00 putting on this three day event which is claimed to attract 10,000 people. The cut back of $40,000 in government funding is said to be the straw to break this camel's back and the festival is being cancelled.

Here's an idea, why not get city council to just give them the money, they had no trouble finding over ten times that much to pay Jerry Berry to stay home for two years! Neither do they have any trouble finding the money to prop up the convention centre which could literally turn into a black hole for your tax dollars.

There also is no trouble finding funds to support the Port Theatre, where people spending upwards of $65.00 to be entertained need to be helped by the average taxpayer in Nanaimo. I would be really interested to know what percentage of local residents have never been inside the theatre, yet they still have to support it year after year.

It could be that locally, provincially and federally the good ole Canadian goose is just about done being plucked. It could be that the attitude of arrogance, greed and entitlement which is rampant within the public sector is finally hitting a wall and is rapidly becoming unsustainable.

Provincial government is already having to look to alternate sources of finance other than the 'Hissing Goose' to feed their spending sprees. For example the increase in the amount of money you can gamble online being increased to $9,999 per week is just an example of government out of control.

Even with increased gambling revenues, the provincial government is continuing to claw back gaming funds which used to be directed to local 'public service' type enterprise.

Just what kind of a mess do we think we are going to be passing onto our children and grandchildren? There used to be an anti drug campaign in the states which adopted the slogan 'Just say NO'.

This Hissing Goose says perhaps it is time for ALL of our governments to 'Just Say NO' when it comes to out of control spending. We have long since stopped spending OUR money, we are now into at least two more generation's pockets and we never asked their permission.


allvoices

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Body Armour Control Act In BC

NEW ACT RESTRICTS SALE
AND POSSESSION OF BODY ARMOUR

VICTORIA – Gang members and organized criminals will no longer be able to hide behind body armour, Solicitor General Kash Heed announced today in introducing Canada’s first act that sets up a licensing and criminal record check regime for the sale and purchase of body armour.

The Body Armour Control Act is part of Premier Gordon Campbell’s seven-point plan to combat gang and gun violence announced in February of this year.


“Police see it all too often,” said Heed. “The gang member or organized criminal is out on our streets and in our neighbourhoods while hiding behind the added protection of bulletproof vests as innocent bystanders remain unprotected and vulnerable. By taking away criminals’ sense of security, we decrease the potential for violence in public settings.”

Highlights of the act include:

  • Enhancing public safety by placing controls on the possession of body armour and by providing police with the authority to seize body armour from those who are not authorized to possess it.
  • Licensing businesses and their employees who sell body armour, under the Security Services Act.
  • Requiring body armour applicants to obtain permits that prove a reasonable need for the possession of body armour.
  • Requiring applicants to undergo a criminal record check.
  • Individuals found in contravention of this act can be fined up to $10,000 and incarcerated for up to six months.
  • Businesses found in contravention of this act can be fined up to $100,000 and their officers incarcerated for up to six months.

Businesses and individuals will have six months to comply once the new legislation comes into force. Under the act, police have the ability to seize body armour that is illegally sold or possessed. Workers whose jobs require them to wear body armour will be exempt from having to carry a permit. They include police officers, sheriffs, corrections officers, conservation officers, armoured car guards, security guards, security consultants and private investigators.

The legislation is the first of its kind in Canada. Both the U.S. and Australia have criminal and regulatory measures to restrict body armour ownership.

“Police have seen an increase in gangs, guns, drugs, intimidation and violence on our streets, and we need to nip gang activity in the bud,” said Supt. Bill McKinnon, head of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police. “By restricting body armour, police now have another tool in the fight against gangs and gun violence.”

Last February Premier Campbell announced a comprehensive seven point plan to tackle gangs and guns in B.C., including more police officers, more prosecutors, more jails and tougher laws to outlaw body armour and armoured vehicles. Since the strategy was unveiled, 135 organized crime and gang members have been arrested and charged with approximately 350 serious offences.

Comment: Of all those arrested and charged, how many are actually doing TIME! The reason those bad guys use body armour is because they are shooting at each other with ILLEGAL weapons.
Do you think the same place they are buying their automatic weapons might just be able to supply a bullet proof vest?
Or maybe, just maybe, do you think those bad guys might break into someplace that has body armour and just STEAL some.
It could be me, but I kinda think the bad guys just don't really give a hoot about all the laws we keep making.

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Transport Canada Regulations Cause Gabriolans Grief

New Regulations Limit Passengers

Some time ago Transport Canada introduced regulations seriously reducing the number of passengers the Bowen Queen and the Quinsam can carry. The reductions were implemented to meet safety concerns as to how many passengers the crew could safely handle in the event of an emergency.

I have not been able to find out how the sea-going mariners who work for Transport Canada came up with their numbers but if it is typical government, I have long since stopped looking for common sense or logic. This decision does come from the same brain trust that decided to close lighthouses on the coast, remember.

A quick look at their decision would indicate that each crew member can safely handle 41.7 passengers, whereas the old limit would have meant handling 56 passengers. That is 292 or 393 passengers being handled by 7 crew members. What practical study was this based upon?

Based on information I could find the Bowen Queen was launched in 1965 and for many years has been allowed 70 cars and a total of 393 passengers manned with a crew of 7.

The Quinsam was launched in 1982 and has been allowed 70 cars and 400 passengers with a crew of 7.

I cannot find any record of either of these vessels being in a life threatening emergency and I think the Nanaimo to Gabriola ferry run is hardly a high risk route with danger at every turn. There is one or two embarrassing incidents at the dock however.

The solution it would appear would be to hire 2.4 more crew and raise fares to cover the cost of their wages, they could of course likely take turns sleeping on the crossing.

Or . . . . . . . wait for it . . . . . . . Transport Canada could apply some good ole fashion horse sense and decide the old regulations have served the people of Gabriola well for a great many years and really don't need ch
anging.

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Poisonous Mushroom Warning

Amanita Muscaria Can Be Deadly

It's that time of year again when a whole variety of fungi start springing up like .... you know mushrooms.

These little beauties are nice to look at, but can be deadly to people and pets if ingested. Their color also makes them attractive to small children who seem intent on putting just about anything in their mouth.

So if you are outside keep a close watch, as these little killers may have simply sprung up over night.

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Olympic Torch Relay Entertainment Line Up

Olympic Torch Excitement Comes To Nanaimo

On October 31st Maffeo Sutton Park will be the site of a once in a lifetime celebration, and the community is invited to the party. The Olympic Torch Relay Community planning committee is putting the final touches on the Torch Relay Community Celebration. “We are anticipating that this family friendly event will draw a large crowd to Maffeo Sutton Park,” says Liz Williams, Celebration Event Manager, “Nanaimo‟s talent will be showcased on a local and international stage, which is very exciting thing for the community and our local performers.”

The celebration will start at 5:30pm with performances by Illusion Entertainment Group, VIBE Dance Group, Snuneymuxw Dancers and Drummers, and the SkyHigh Academy on the pavilion stage. At about 6:45pm the focus of the event will shift to the VANOC stage. This mobile stage is one of two that will be rolling across the country for the coming months. The stage itself measures over thirty feet and that is before the 6 meter video screen is taken into account. The stage and equipment has been likened to the stage used by U2 on their tour. The crew‟s resume includes shows for Britney Spears and other big name acts.

Local performers and officials will be featured on this stage as well. Hailing from Vancouver Island, the foursome known as Stereoplane will deliver a unique blend of pop/rock. Members Paul, Julian, Ian, and Aaron got together in 2005 to start writing and performing. They will perform twice throughout the evening and promise to be high energy featuring some popular covers and some of their own work from their album „Everything you don‟t have‟.

VIBE dance group will also take to the stage with. VIBE Dance Studio is a well respected local studio. These talented young dancers specialize in the popular street dance (hip hop) style. Many of who have gone on to be a part of major concert tours and performances.

Soloist Sarah Taylor entered a competition held earlier this past summer to audition to perform our national anthem at the event and blew the judges away. Sarah is new to the island and is thrilled to be a part of such a huge community event. Sarah will perform O Canada in both official languages unaccompanied.

Coco-cola and RBC are the title sponsors of the torch relay and are sponsoring main stage performances that will travel for the duration of the relay. At this point the details of the acts have not been released, other than we can expect to be dazzled by the artistic displays and will be energized.

The Olympic Torch Relay will begin its cross Canada journey on Friday, October 30th in Victoria and arrives in Nanaimo on the 31st. For more information about the event please visit www.nanaimo.ca or call 250 756 5200.

For More Information About The Torch Relay Route and Free Bus Service Use This Nanaimo INFO LINK.

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Special Water Film October 22


FLOW
, Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into one of the most important political and environmental issues of the 21st Century, the World Water Crisis, will screen on Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Vancouver Island University Nanaimo Campus, Building 200, Room 203. Admission is by donation (suggested: $5-$10).

For more information visit their website using this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Nanaimo Vancouver Island and Canadian House Prices

Nanaimo House Sales
Up 21% Over Sept. 08


Nanaimo unit house sales increased by 21% when compared with September 08 with 119 units sold compared with 98 last year.

Unit sales however were off sharply when compared with August's sales of 150 units.

House prices in the Nanaimo market have remained pretty much unchanged when compared with last year with the median price at $330,000.

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


National Average
Sept 09
- $331,602
Sept 08 - $291,788

Victoria BC
Sept 09 - $502,208
Sept 08 - $477,421

Vancouver BC
Sept 09
- $610,576
Sept 08 - $535,598

Calgary
Sept 09 - $394,835
Sept 08 - $390,599

Regina
Sept 09
- $242,196
Sept 08 - $235,809

Toronto
Sept 09 - $406,877
Sept 08 - $368,945

Ottawa
Sept 09 - $305,628
Sept 08 - $289,711

Nanaimo
Sept 09- $352,645
Sept 08- $353,707
Units Sold
Sept09 - 119
Sept 08 - 98

Remember that these prices provide a broad market trend only and do not necessarily reflect the true market value of real estate. For a proper evaluation of your property you need to consult one of the many professional realtors in Nanaimo.

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