Friday, December 31, 2010

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne

While nearly all of the English speaking world sings this familiar song a the stroke of midnight to welcome in the New Year, almost no one actually knows the words. The song was written in 1741 by Robert Burns, one of Scotland's favourite sons and the title 'Auld Lang Syne' literally means 'the good old days'.

Follows is the complete words to this popular song, which everyone signs and no one knows. It is written as Mr. Burns wrote it in 1741 so even though you may be able to read the words, knowing what they mean could prove challenging.


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

and days of auld lang syne?


For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet

For auld lang syne


We twa hae run aboot the braes

And pou'd the gowans fine;
we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne

We two hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin' auld lang syne

And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet

For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

and days of auld lang syne?


For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

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Things On The Net That Makeya' Smile

Taking 'Clean Burning' To The Extreme
Can You Feel The Heat?

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New Years Eve In Nanaimo

There's a New Years Eve Party For Everyone

'WayBack PlayBack' Family Fun for everyone at Beban Park from 7:00 pm to midnight. $10 per person or $25 for family of 4. For information click here.

'Glitz & Glam' Dress up and ring in the New Year at this Red Carpet, Gala Event. $50 per ticket includes food, door prizes and Champagne at midnight. At the Acme Food Co. on Commercial St. For information click here.

'Red Room Grill' Music by Dave Hart and Meena. $45 per person includes 3 course Roast Beef Dinner, midnight champagne and dessert. Hats and horns and lots of fun. For tickets call 250-753-5181.

 'Lantzville Legion Br. 257' Tickets are $25 per person with dancing starting at 9:00pm and appys served at 10:00pm. Music by PARTYROCK a favourite party dance band featuring Glen Foster and Pat Shonwise. Call 250-390-2108.




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New Year's Resolutions 2011

Click Image To Enlarge

Wikipedia has the following explanation for the meaning of "New Year's Resolution":
A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day. Some examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more environmentally responsible.

There are religious parallels to this secular tradition. People may act similarly during the Christian fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility. During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.

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Nanaimo Waterfront Dec. 30 2010

Follows are a few examples of the reasons Nanaimo is such a special place to call home. While some parts of our great country are fighting with snow and white outs we get to enjoy picture perfect, post card scenery such as this. The air was crisp and clear, and almost no one was walking along the waterfront enjoying our natural bounty.

The snowcapped mountains on the mainland seemed to just pop out and looked close enough you could almost touch them.

At anchor on the other side of Protection Island there were no fewer than three large freighters at anchor waiting to get into Vancouver. I don't know whether any of the crew is able to tender ashore while they are tied up or are restricted to their vessel.
If the next days offer the same brilliant weather, why not bundle up and take a stroll along the waterfront, it is just as spectacular as it is in the summer and you nearly have the whole place to yourself.

You can enlarge any of these pictures by simply clicking on the image to view in a larger size.






In case you don't get an opportunity to get down to the inner harbour and enjoy all that it has to offer on a sunny early winter day, the following slideshow will show you what you are missing.




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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Leprechauns In Goldstream Park?

Goldstream River Turns Bright Green

As the above photo taken by Tyson Elder clearly shows the Goldstream River was all decked out for St. Patrick's Day two months early. More pictures of the oddity can be seen at Tyson's website using this link.

It is believed that the substance responsible for the startling site is a water tracing dye used to test sanitary water systems and is likely someone's idea of a joke. If it proves to be that dye, it is not harmful to the river or wildlife.

Personally I think the Park should be carefully searched for Leprechauns as the whole place does have an enchanted aura to it, don't you think?

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Quit Smoking in 2011

 QuitNow Program Helps

If you are ready to quit or have already quit but fear slipping, you can get help from QuitNow with help online and over the phone. 

By registering with the QUITNOW program you can get free support in your quest for a smoke free life with telephone or online counseling and ongoing support. You will also be eligible to win cash prizes during the program.

You have to be registered for the program by Jan. 7 in order to qualify for prizes and peer support.

The program is entirely free and will increase your chances of quitting smoking many times over than just going it alone.

To learn more about this program click here.



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Norovirus Outbreak at NRGH

Visitor Restrictions In Effect at NRGH

A recent outbreak of Norovirus has resulted in visitor restricitons at NRGH, limiting the number of visitors to two per patient during visiting hours. Visitors should not visit the hospital if feeling unwell.  All visitors must follow precautions and maintain strict hand hygiene.

Winter is the peak time of year for Norovirus, a mild but highly infectious vomiting and diarrhea illness that can spread rapidly through families and institutions. Prevention is straight forward: wash your hands properly with soap and water, prepare and handle food with the utmost of care, and if you are ill, stay home and don't prepare food for others until 48 hours after your last symptoms.

Anyone who suspects they may have Norovirus-like symptoms should call their family doctor’s office or the 24-hour BC Health Guide Nurse Line at 8-1-1 for help in determining the nature and urgency of their medical condition   In healthy individuals, this type of virus can be managed at home with fluid replacement and rest. If however, a person becomes severely dehydrated, they should seek emergency care.

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Is The World Upside Down?

Do We Know Up from Down??

The end of a year with the hopes of a new one in sight is often time to pause and reflect on the state of things locally, provincially, nationally and globally.

Without sounding too glum it seems to me that more and more we don't really seem to have a direction of where we are going and have little future plans beyond tomorrow.

Locally, council watchers have to wonder just what direction this council has in mind for the future of our little seaside community. An economic development commission was formed last March and to date the minutes of their meetings don't offer anything inspiring or hopeful for that matter. Council itself seems totally unwilling to tackle any pressing issues head on, always willing to defer to staff who defers to council on matters of significance. Approving the keeping of a few chickens was the most 'out of the norm' item actually dealt with by this council and it is doubtful if much will change in the coming year.
However, one should not be too hard on city councilors considering they are only being paid to do a part time job unless you are semi-retired and make yourself more available. However, at the end of the day increasing taxes while avoiding as much controversy as possible seems to be the order of the day.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Operation Red Nose Still Needs Help

20 More Volunteers Needed
Nanaimo party-goers are getting the message about not drinking and driving with the result that Operation Red Nose needs more volunteers to keep up with demand.
To volunteer you need to fill out an application form and a criminal record check form at the RCMP office on Prideaux St. by 4:00 pm Dec. 30. Call 250-740-6572 for more information.

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Mount Washington Record Snow and Visitors


You Can also Use The Bus
 As the above video shows, perfect snow conditions combined with Christmas break and great weather are resulting in record crowds taking advantage of the great snow on Mt. Washington. The resort has also lost about 15% of their parking spaces due to the record snows, so the parking lots fill up early and many have had to be turned away.
You can also take a bus to Mount Washington which guarantees you will get to the mountain and avoid the disappointment of perhaps being turned away because of large crowds.  
There are several companies offering return bus trips to the mountain leaving Nanaimo early in the morning and getting to the mountain by about 9:00am.To check out the schedules and fares for different ski bus options click here.

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Nanaimo City Council Byelection This Spring

Vacant Council Seat To Be Filled

With the passing of long time councilor Larry McNabb, Nanaimo voters will be required to elect a new councillor to fill the vacancy. The Local Government Act requires the byelection as Larry passed away outside the calendar year of the upcoming election.

The byelection which is expected to cost between $100,000 and $150,000 will be one of the first priorities for staff returning from the Christmas Holiday break. The actual cost and date for the byelection are not known at this time but the election is expected to take place in the early Spring.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

City Hall Closed Dec. 27 & 28

Automated Answering System 
Doesn't Know About It

If you are a mere mortal toiling for some company other than ones associated with different levels of government you might have forgotten that city hall would be closed today.

With Christmas and Boxing Day falling on the weekend, of course the privileged among us get the Monday and Tuesday off as well. This will mean that if you are fortunate enough to work for the city you would be enjoying a four day weekend.

It seems that whoever sets up the automated answering system forgot about the extra days off because if you call city hall, you get the nice electronic lady who tells you to hold on the line if you don't know the extension of the person you wish to speak to. Being a bright fellow I only held for two hours waiting for someone to take my call. :^)

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Electronics Recycling in Nanaimo

Dispose Of Unwanted Electronics Safely

If you got a new television, computer, smart phone or any other electronic device for Christmas and you no longer want or need your old one don't just throw it out in the regular garbage.

In Nanaimo you can get rid of unwanted electronics free of charge which means it is good for the environment  as it will wind up being recycled and not occupying space in some landfill somewhere.

If you want to see a complete list of what products are acceptable for recycling click here.

In Nanaimo you can return your electronics to:
  • Nanaimo Bottle Depot 1805 Fremont Rd. 250-751-2358
  • Mostar Bottle Depot #4 - 4151 Mostar Rd. 250-751-2358
  • Nanaimo Recycling Exchange 2477 Kenworth Rd. 250-758-7777
If you are concerned about personal information on your devices, there are currently two places that will shred your hard drive, cell phone, CD Rom etc. for a small fee. Currently this service is only available at:
  • Victoria 4234 Glanford Ave.
  • Surrey 8307 - 130th St.

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Things On the Net That Makeya' Say ooh, aah


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New Years Eve at Beban Park

Click To Enlarge

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Monday, December 27, 2010

Mount Washington Record Snowfall

Deepest Mid-Mountain Snowbase Worldwide

Mount Washington has literally been hammered by snow this year with the resort beating it's own record for four day snowfall.

The snowbase at Mount Washington is currently at 480 centimetres, which is the deepest mid-mountain snowbase in the world. If you are looking for a winter wonderland over the holiday season you will definitely find it on Mount Washington this year.

To learn about accommodation and package information call the resort at 1-888-231-1499 toll free or locally at 250-338-1386 or visit their website by clicking here for information including their live snowcam.

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Clippers vs Sweden New Years Day


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Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Story Of The First Christmas


Perry Como in narration and song tells the story of the First Christmas.

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Sounds Of Christmas From Days Gone By

When I was a child a long time ago, the following sounds and songs filled the airwaves for the weeks leading up to Christmas. Way back then, the radio was the primary source of such delight, no ipods, smart phones, or even walk mans in those days. Every house, store and car usually had a radio tuned to a radio station.
Regardless of the station of choice you could bet that these songs got plenty of airtime leading up to the Christmas holiday time. It was a good mix of songs which firstly reminded all why we were celebrating the season at all, it also encouraged kids to be on their best behaviour because, you know who was watching and we all looked forward to a break from the rountine when we could get together with friends and family.

Way back then pretty much the whole world shut down between Christmas and New Years with the time being used to break in your new ice skates or perhaps toboggan if you lived where there was snow. It was also the time for special cookies and treats and turkey 'ala everyway' for several days, finally ending up with a big pot of soup.

If you are under 40 the following selection may seem like something from another planet, but if you are an old fossil like me, it will bring back some fond memories and perhaps even a wee tear to the eye.

I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas To All





Perry Como "The Christmas Song"

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Friday, December 24, 2010

Larry McNabb Passes Away Peacefully

Longtime Nanaimo Sports Figure, 
Councilor and Ambassador Will Be Missed

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Granddaughter's First Santa Photo

 It Could Have Gone Better!
My son and daughter-in-law sent along this photo the other day of granddaughter Amelia's Santa picture, which while priceless is probably not what they were hoping for!    :^)

I wasn't sure who to feel the sorriest for, Amelia or poor old St. Nick who looks like he could use a good stiff eggnog. I'm sure that Amelia hung onto good old Dad like glue for the rest of the day.

I doubt they will be able to encourage her to go to bed early on Christmas Eve so Santa will come, as judging from her reaction, he is the last person she wants in her house while she's asleep.

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Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea!

You Can Never Go Wrong
And The Size Is Always Right!

If you are like the rest of us there are always people on your shopping list that you really have no idea what to get for Christmas. Perhaps it is the person who really does have everything and enough money to get whatever they need whenever they need it, or a person you  have not kept in close enough touch with to have a really personal gift idea for.

This is when you can never go wrong with cash regardless of who the recipient is going to be. This way they will get the bottle of wine they really like, rather than politely thanking you for your choice of a bottle they are going to re-gift. Everyone in the male household knows the thrill of the Christmas tie or sweater you would never wear anyplace except around the house on Christmas Day!

Another similar choice is a lottery ticket, which except for those fleeting moments when the recipient can dream of how to spend their millions, just before they check the ticket, it is pretty much a useless gift in spite of what Lotto 649 ads would say.

So, instead of running around with all the other Lemming looking like a deer in the headlights, go to your bank and get a few nice new bills, in whatever denomination you can afford, and put them inside a nice Christmas card and  ...... your shopping is done!

You're on your own when it comes to picking out the card though!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Nanaimo 2010 Christmas Lights Winners

Spirit of Christmas Lights Winners

Updated Dec. 19 now includes map showing locations, link to map is below list.

Nanaimo 2010 Christmas Lights contest winners have been named by the Chamber of Commerce, so over the Holidays, be sure to take a night or two and load up the kids in the car and spend a most enjoyable time taking in the wonderful displays lighting up neighbourhoods around Nanaimo. 
Number 1 on the list of must sees: 2875 Shady Mile Way

449 Renfrew Street
2320 Whitney Road
2027 Latimer Road
3666 Cottleview Drive
1205 Townsite Road
2875 Shady Mile Way
2535 Hollyrood Drive
520 Churchill Ave
3768 Avonlea
Cadogan St.
3753 Cavendish Rd
920 Vancouver
154 Promenade Drive
McGirr Road (aka Candy Cane Lane)
Duggan Road
2855 Haliday
1535 Harpooner Way
Bournemouth Rd

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Amazing Animated Christmas Light Display

No It's Not In Nanaimo But Really Worth A Look Anyway

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Liberal Hopefuls Rebranding Liberals?

Party Leadership Election Tries To
See What Electorate Will Buy!
The current batch of those seeking the throne are trying to set themselves apart, firstly within their own party and secondly with the electorate of British Columbia.

Time proven tactics of buying our votes with our own money are being dusted off and given a try with the current bunch promising to restore funding to groups hit by government austerity moves of years gone by.

It seems they are all promising to restore grants to charities and non-profit groups who have seen funding cut in the past in an effort to manage the province's finances. They fail of course to offer any substantive proof of how that will be accomplished given the current state of economics, not only provincially, nor federally but in fact globally
.
This idea that governments can simply keep on governing as they have in the past, continually spending money we have not earned yet, proves that provincially in the political theatre, there is nothing new under the sun.

Whether their party and in fact the electorate will continue buying into this fantasy won't be known for a few more elections.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Port Place Reno Progressing

Crane Hoists Steel Beam Into Place

A truck mounted crane from Dudeck Truck and Crane hoists a piece of heavy steel framing into place on the front of Port Place Mall.

This is all part of the ongoing renovation job which will see Port Place Mall transformed over the coming months into a pedestrian friendly mall with a roadway connecting Terminal Ave. with Front Street.

The major mall tenants consisting of London Drugs and Thrifty's Food will remain in their current locations but pretty much the rest of the mall will get a complete face lift.

There was a time when Port Place Mall, previously known as Harbour Park Mall was 'the' shopping centre in Nanaimo, being the home of Sears which was a major department store serving Nanaimo at the time. At the same time their major rival, Eatons was housed on Victoria Crescent and Commercial Street was the center of trade and commerce for Nanaimo and area.

There was no shopping north of Brooks Landing, which at that time was known as Northbrook Mall. Nanaimo has certainly expanded and spread out, and increased in size. I guess the jury is still out on whether that is a good thing or not. There are some who think that urban sprawl and unrestrained development have created more problems than they have solved. I wonder, if it were not for all that real estate development, where those in opposition would be living now?

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Eggnog Recipe For The Holidays


Traditional Eggnog Ingredients
  • 12 eggs, separated
  • 6 cups milk
  • 2 cups heavy/ thickened cream (whipping cream)
  • 2 cups bourbon or your choice
  • 11/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup brandy or your choice
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg fresh grated is best

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Burning Tips To Improve Air Quality

Simple Wood Burning Tips Improve Air Quality

Environment Minister Murray Coell is offering these simple tips that can help improve air quality by reducing the amount of smoke each woodstove emits. These tips will also burn less wood and reduce the risk that a chimney fire will add an unwelcome spark to the holidays.

     Burn only clean, well-seasoned firewood to reduce smoke and creosote build-up. Firewood that is cut to length, split and stacked in the spring will be ready for burning the following winter. Properly seasoned wood has just under 20 per cent water by weight, is generally darker at the ends and weighs much less than freshly cut wood.
     When kindling a new fire, fully open all air inlets of the stove to create a hot flame that will quickly bring the cold firebox, wood and chimney up to temperature and reduce the length of a smoky start up.
     Burn smaller, hotter fires to ensure complete combustion of the wood. Very little smoke should be visible coming from your chimney, with no smell of smoke indoors.
     Avoid slow, smouldering fires by ensuring that sufficient air is coming into the fire through the air inlets of the stove in order to maintain the flame. Do not damper down overnight.
     Properly maintain your wood stove and chimney for efficiency and safe operation.

For information about local air quality and tips on burning smart, and to find out about financial incentives to upgrade an old smoky woodstove to a new, high-efficiency model, click here.

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Silver Tree Tealight Holder Recalled

Tealight Holder Sold Through Michael's Stores
Recalled Fire and Burn Hazard

Michael's Stores Inc. has received six reports of this product catching fire as a result of improper alignment of the candles underneath each other.

The flame from the candles can touch the bottom of another tealight holder which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers. There were approximately 648 sold in Canada and 7661 sold in the USA.

Consumers are advised to stop using this product and return it to Miehael's for a full refund. More information about this and other product recalls can be seen at Canadian Product Recalls.

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Senate Committee Recommends Staffed Lighthouses

Minister Gail Shea To Make Final Decision 
The Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has made their report public into the issue of staffing of lightstations and have made some strong recommendations to the Conservative Government. The Minister and Cabinet will still have to implement these recommendations.

Jim Abram, a director of the Strathcona Regional District has been a leader in the fight to keep staff since 1985 and is extremely pleased with the recommendations but cautiously optimistic about the final decision yet to be made by Minister Shea. Mr. Abram says he has been dealing with this issue for too many years and it just keeps coming back to the public to fight over again, he said the Conservative government supports staffing lighthouses yet senior managers in the Canadian Coast Guard continue trying to get the Minister to implement the misguided decision to remove staff from lightstations.

Alice Woods, acting President for the BC Lightkeepers Local of the Public Service Alliance of Canada said, "I was confident that the Senators would come back with a positive recommendation due to overwhelming support from the users of the safety services offered by staffed lightstations. Every time the Coast Guard attempts to take staff off of stations, the users come out in droves to tell them that the services are essential to the safety and the economy of our province and our country."

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Woodgrove Centre Since 1981

Nanaimo's Largest Taxpayer at $3,900,000

An article in today's Daily notes that Woodgrove Centre will have been open in Nanaimo for 30 years this coming year, having opened in Sept. 1981.

The centre has approximately 140 stores and employees 1800 people in the mid-island region. Given it's central location it has enjoyed traffic from as far north as Campbell River and south to Duncan. Out of Nanaimo customers account for about 40% of the business enjoyed by the popular mall.

Comment: While the mall is a vibrant shopping centre which does bring people to Nanaimo from different Island points, it should be noted that 60% of the taxes paid by the mall really comes from money spent by Nanaimo residents. Obviously, taxes are paid from a merchants profits, and profits come from earnings from sales, and earnings from sales come from customers. Of which 60% are local shoppers.

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Disc Golf in Bowen Park

Family Fun All Year Round

Disc golf is played like ball golf using flying discs. You count one stroke each time you throw the disc. Like golf there is a 'tee' and a 'hole' and the player to complete the course with the fewest strokes wins.

This is a great family fun outing in one of Nanaimo's great parks and can be played anytime you feel like it in groups or by yourself. A walk in the park is enjoyable anytime, and adding a game of Disc Golf simply adds to the experience.

To download the Disc Golf brochure with has the course layout and score pad click here. This would be a great way to burn off some of those extra Christmas calories and maybe try out that new camera you got from Santa.

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BC Ferries Nanaimo Christmas Sailings 2010 CoastSaver Fares

Departure Bay - Horseshoe Bay Sailings

Current Conditions

Duke Point - Tsawwassen Sailings

Current Conditions


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New Car Could Solve Oil Problem

Thumb Your Nose At Big Oil!

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas According To Linus

You mean it is not really about jolly elves, commercial excess, maxed out credit cards and over indulgence of food and drink? Are you sure Linus??
" A Little Child Shall Lead Them"

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Lunar Eclipse Tonight

456 Years Since The Last One
It has been 456 years since the last full lunar eclipse on Dec. 21 the day of the winter solstice. The weatherman will have to co-operate if we are going to see this unique event which should start this evening at 10:30 pm.

The eclipse should be visible over most of North America, but of course will require clear skies  and our forecast is not entirely promising. If you can see the moon the eclipse will start at 10:30 pm and should be over by 2:00 am Tuesday morning.

The last time their was a full lunar eclipse at the time of the winter solstice was in 1554, which while scientifically rare, is just a happening of natural cycles of the alignment of planets and stars and the like.

The winter solstice of course is that moment in time when the earth is the farthest away from the Sun which marks our first day of winter in this hemisphere. It is also from this point forward that the hours of sunshine will begin to increase.

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Nanaimo House Prices and Canadian House Prices November 2010


NANAIMO REAL ESTATE NOV. 2010
Total Nanaimo Home Sales
Increase 6% Over 2009
Prices Off By 4%

The average selling prices dropped by 4% compared with November  2009 to an average price of $346,608 in November  2010 from the average in November  2009 of $360,328. The number of units sold increased by 6% from a total of 85 in November '09 to 90 in November  2010.
The prices on Vancouver Island seem to have not been subject to the same swings as other areas of the country. Nanaimo average house prices are still below their peak of $379,291 reached in Nov. 2008.

Cliff Moberg, president of VIREB says; “We are seeing some stability in the market as consumer confidence increases the unit sales start to move upward, the prices however do not seem to be increasing. This trend is expected to continue into the New Year.” “We are experiencing a balanced market with historically low interest rates still available, and a good supply of homes,” he adds.

The average sale price across the VIREB region for November 2010 was $343,163, a 2 % increase from the $335,400 posted a year ago.

For the 12‐month period from the end of November 2009 to November 2010, average sale prices across VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River drop 18 % (to $258,537), the Comox Valley slipped 3% (to $335,108), Nanaimo was down 4% (to $346,608), Parksville/Qualicum jumped 15% (to $429,733), Port Alberni down 3 % (to $243,706) and the Cowichan Valley was up 4% (to $360,631).

For more information about Nanaimo House Prices and comparisons use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

Following sales figures are based on average MLS sales summaries for Nanaimo and other Canadian cities for November 2010.


National Average
Nov. 10 - $344,268
Nov. . 09 - $337,392

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Nanaimo City Council

Flip Flops Should Be Footwear 
Of Choice For Council

Anyone who has watched in either amusement or amazement at the City Council's inability to deal with the issue of LED signs in Nanaimo will understand the significance of the above graphic.

I believe Councilor McNabb is on record as saying that when he first headed up the commission to look into the LED sign issue, he felt it was pointless as from the outset the councilors on the commission (Holdom and Pattje) were opposed to LED signs as was the majority of city staff. He basically said he thought it was a wasted exercise in the first place given the prejudice going into the effort.

The real reason for the opposition to LED signs has never really been clear when you listen to the reasons presented. In my opinion (and I have been wrong before) I think there is an ideology among some who simply think that LED signs are unsightly in any form, and will oppose them with whatever means at their disposal. Quoting safety concerns which seem to be contradictory is just one of the latest tactics employed by the anti-LED sign contingent.

The Boston Pizza Two Step
Those who have watched the ongoing saga of the Boston Pizza sign have simply got to be scratching their heads again in either amusement or amazement at the show put on by this council. The questionable Bestwick conflict of interest drama just gave more opportunity for council to engage in their favourite dance. The good old flip flop two step.

Whether this business should be given the variances required to install their sign is simply a side issue at this point. The point is, how can you for one minute think you know what this council will do? This kind of indecision is typical of how this council has or perhaps has not served the community these past two years.

The Flip Flop Example Of The Boston Pizza Votes

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Nanaimo Parks & Rec Holiday Schedule

Click Image To Enlarge

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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Nanaimo Info Blog Mobile Version

Blog Available On Your Mobile Device

Now you can keep up with Nanaimo news and current events from your mobile device. If you access www.nanaimo-info-blog.com from a mobile device you will now see the mobile format which of course shows properly on a mobile device.

So, now if you get a Blackberry or one of those new fangled smart phones for Christmas you can keep up with the local news from just about anywhere.

Time and Tide and Technology Waits For No Man!

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