Sunday, February 28, 2010

Canada's Olympic Gold Medalists 2010 Winter Games

From 0 - 14 Gold Medals

On Home Soil

Oh----- Canada----- Oh

Men's Ice Hockey Team
Ice Hockey

Kaillie Humphries & Heather Moyse

Women's Bobsleigh

Men's Curling Team

Curling

Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
Ice Dance Figure Skating

Alexandre Bilodeau
Men's Moguls Freestyle Skiing

Ashleigh McIvor

Women's Ski Cross Freestyle Skiing

Women's Hockey Team
Ice Hockey Women's Tournament

Charles Hamelin
Men's 500m Short Track Speed Skating

Men's Relay Team
Men's 5000m Relay Short Track Speed Skating

Jon Montgomery
Men's Singles Skeleton

Jasey Jay Anderson
Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Snowboarding

Maelle Ricker

Women's Snowboard Cross Snowboarding

Christine Nesbitt
Women's 1,000m Speed Skating

Men's Team

Men's Team Pursuit Speed Skating


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Go Canada GOLD

I am sure that anyone who can see a television today will be glued to their sets at noon for the Canada vs USA Men's Ice Hockey showdown.

Remember you can also see the BIG Game on the BIG Screen, downtown at Diana Krall Plaza.

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PIN Pad Thefts Six Arrested

Stores Should Mark Their PIN Pads

Six adults are in custody charged with theft and possession of stolen property after pin pads were stolen from upwards of ten local businesses earlier this week.

The first theft took place on Tuesday night around nine o’clock at the LandLubber Beer and Wine store located on Bowen Rd. In that incident, six adults, all of Asian descent ,entered the store and distracted the clerk. One of the group then took the pin pad and replaced it with another one. The clerk realizing their pin pad had been taken, immediately called police after the group left the store. She also noted the license plate of the vehicle the group left in .

The following day around six o’clock,the same group entered the Payless Shoe,located in the North Town Center Mall. Again, using the same technique, distracted the clerk then took the pin pad then replaced it with another. RCMP investigated and were satisfied the same group was involved.

As luck would have it, one of the persons involved in the first theft was stopped later on in the evening on the 24th and issued with a 24 driving prohibition under the Motor Vehicle Act . When the driver re-attended to the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment the next day to pick up his license an astute member noted the vehicle being driven was the same one seen outside the Landlubber Pub.

Officers quickly moved in and arrested the driver and one other passenger. Investigation then lead them to a room in the Ramada hotel and arrested four others ,three males and one female. During the course of the investigation two pin pads taken from two separate businesses were seized by the members.

All six were remanded into custody and made initial appearances in Nanaimo Provincial court yesterday. All were remanded to make an other appearance today.

Four males: Jumming LEI 18 ,Cheuk LEUNG 25, Jing HE 21,and Carson CHEUNG 18, along with two females: Bao LIN 21 and Rui LIN 23 have been charged with Theft Under $5000 and Possession of Stolen Property under $5000.

“ This group was highly organized and had specific locations in mind. A number of other businesses were impacted by this group and we are following up with them. Stores are asked to mark their pin pads to ensure they know if they have been tampered with. Spray paint , stickers or itchings will work. Also, pin pads should be mounted to counters and constantly monitored” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Coastal British Columbia Under Tsunami Advisory

No Significant Wave Expected
Avoid Harbours, Marinas & Beaches

Coastal British Columbia was put under a tsunami advisory following the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile on Saturday.

The quake struck Chile early Saturday, killing at least 122 people, knocking down homes and hospitals and triggering a tsunami that rolled menacingly across the Pacific.

There were no immediate reports of Canadian casualties.

The B.C. advisory means residents who live near the province’s shore were being advised to stay away from harbours, marinas and beaches.

Provincial officials said no significant wave was expected, but there were expectations of strong localized currents that could put low-lying areas at risk with the arrival of the first wave expected to arrive off B.C.’s south coast by 3:11 p.m. local time.


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Friday, February 26, 2010

Olympic Action On The BIG SCREEN

Click Image To Enlarge

Team Nanaimo invites one and all to celebrate the Olympics downtown at Diana Krall Plaza. There is a chance it might rain, but don't let that dampen your spirits, that's why we have rain gear and umbrellas.

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Canadian Women's Hockey Team GOLDEN


Now If the Guys Can Just
Play Like the Girls!


The Canadian women's hockey team defended the gold medals won at the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Games with a 2-0 win over archrival U.S. on Thursday at Canada Hockey Place.

Marie-Philip Poulin of Beauceville, Que., the youngest player on the Canadian team at 18, scored a pair of goals in the first period, showing off her soft hands and quick release. Edmonton goaltender Shannon Szabados stopped all 29 shots for the shutout.


Now, if the men's hockey team can do the same tonight and again on Sunday, we can remind the world 'just whose game they are playing!'.

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Things To Do In Nanaimo Feb 26 - 28


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.


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.

Nanaimo Clippers Hockey 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.


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Thursday, February 25, 2010

BC Ferries Adds Sailings This Weekend

Extra Sailings For
Last Weekend of Olympics


Eight extra sailings are scheduled on the Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route in addition to the 10:00 pm sailings from Departure Bay and the midnight sailings from Horseshoe Bay. The following schedule is in effect from February 25 until February 28:

To Enlarge Click on Schedule

For more schedule and reservation information use this Nanaimo Info LINK.


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Now This Is A Backyard Rink

Click Image To Enlarge
Taking Hockey Very Seriously!


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Hockey IS Canada's Game

Everyone's A Hockey Fan Right Now!

After a chin dropping loss to the US in men's hockey on Sunday, Canada redeemed itself last night with a big win over the Russian team. Notably that is the first time a Canadian team has beaten the Russians in an Olympic game since 1960!

While it was not a medal win, it sure felt like one as the Canadian fans savoured the win.

The Canadian women's ice hockey team has a shot at the gold today, taking on their arch rivals the US, clearly hoping they do not see a repeat of their last major encounter.

Personally I am not much of a sports fan, but like most Canadians when your teams have a shot at the gold on the Olympic stage .... Everyone Is A Hockey Fan!

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Woodstove Rebate Program In Nanaimo

Woodstove Trade-in Program In Nanaimo
100 Customers Receive $250 Rebate

If you are among the first 100 people to trade in your out of date, smoke belching woodstove you will receive a $250 rebate from the City of Nanaimo.

In addition you can expect additional discounts from local retailers. Ask you retailer for details.

Advantages To Efficient Woodstoves

  • Reduce emmissions from woodsmoke by up to 90%
  • Burn less wood and save money, efficient stoves use 1/3 less wood
  • Be a better neighbour
If you trade in your old woodstove between March 1 and April 30/10 and install a new EPA or CSA certified Clean Burn Technology WOOD, PELLET or GAS stove or insert, you qualify for the rebate.

For more information visit www.nanaimo.ca or call 250--755-4483 for more information.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

BC Leads Canada In Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy In BC 81.2 Years
Highest Rate In Canada

Statistics Canada released a report showing Canadians can enjoy a life expectancy of 80.7 years at birth. While the life expectancy from birth in British Columbia was 81.2 years, the highest of all provinces.

The most recent report covers the three year period from 2005 - 2007 which is up from 78.4 years a decade earlier between 1995 - 1997.
Life expectancy among seniors at the age of 65 has also been on an upward trend for several years.

On average, a 65-year-old man could expect to live an additional 18.1 years in 2005-2007, an increase of 2.0 years from the previous decade. A 65-year-old woman could expect to live an additional 21.3 years, up by 1.3 years.

Gains in life expectancy among seniors during the past decade have accounted for about 70% of the increase in life expectancy at birth.

On the other side of this report is the fact there is a large increase in the number of deaths as the population continues to age. In 2007 235,217 people died in Canada which is up 7,138 from 2006.

Comment: This goes to show what us BCer's have known all along about being the best place in Canada to live. Now it turns out we get to enjoy it a little longer also.

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BC Ferries Fares April 1 2010

Click Image To Enlarge

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tree Fire - Youths Arrested

Connected To Other Suspicious Fires?

Two males, ages 16 and 17, have been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire at Latimer Park on Sunday night.

Police were called to the park by attending fire crews at approximately 11:20 PM after witnesses reported seeing a fire starting at the base of a tree. The park is located at 1800 Latimer Rd. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and told officers two youth were seen in the area shortly before the fire was reported.

Officers soon located the two males and arrested them for Mischief. One of the youth was in possession of a cell phone and on it they found pictures of the blaze. Along withe this fire they also discovered pictures taken over another file. The second fire appeared to have been taken at a bush fire on an undeveloped parcel of land located behind Cyber City off of Bowen Rd. Officers are attempting to determine when that fire occurred and who else may be involved.

Both youths were taken to the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment and later turned over to their parents. The two were released on Promises to Appear and Undertakings. Conditions of their release include a curfew, no contact with each other and not to possess incendiary devices. Both are scheduled to appear in Nanaimo Provincial court on April 19th on one count of Mischief to Property, under the Criminal Code of Canada.

“Our members will most certainly be following up on these two incidents and attempting to see if there is any connection,if any, between these fires and the recent suspicious fires that have occurred in Nanaimo in recent months” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

Anyone with information on this fire or any fires that have occurred in the area behind Cyber City is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Editor's Comment: It is long past time, that these clowns were not shielded because of their age, and the general public were notified as to just who may be living next door to them.


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Picnic In Park Snowboard Competition




Not As Easy As It Looks

While the slope wouldn't challenge Mt. Washington on any level, boarding down even a relatively small incline and riding a rail is not as easy as it looks.

This competitor only injured his pride but clearly shows it is not just 'a walk in the park'.

The weather was perfect, the snow conditions (not so much) but the few competitors which participated seemed to enjoy themselves.

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Signs Spring Has Sprung in Nanaimo


Click photos to enlarge

The crocus and daffies are popping up in gardens all over Nanaimo while the local Canada Goose population is beginning to 'pair up' in preparation for adding to the flock.


Spring is in the air alright with warm temperatures and clear blue skies coming about a month before the calendar says they should. It also means that the sound of lawn mowers can be heard already as the grass is growing like crazy!

You just can't beat the first green of spring, when even my lawn can look like a golf course for a few days.

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Budget Priced Hands Free Device


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BC Ferry Fares Rise Again April 1 2010

BC Ferries Raises Fares

As of April 1 2010 getting on and off Vancouver Island will cost more, as well as any other island served by BC Ferries, with RV's and trailers taking the biggest hit.

RV's and trailers over 20' long will have to pay $5.25 per foot which is up from the current $2.25 per foot.

Regular passengers and vehicles will have to dig a little deeper also. Adults will have to pay $14.00, up from $13.50, while children fares rise to $7.00 from $6.75. Regular vehicles will cost $46.75 which is a $1.75 increase.

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Canada vs US Diana Krall Plaza Fans

Those watching the Olympics on the BIG SCREEN were missing some of the real action on the harbour side of the plaza as these aspiring Olympians showed their skills in true Canadian tradition.
Diana Krall plaza drew a good crowd of the local hockey faithful under perfect weather conditions to cheer on Canada in the battle with the US men's hockey team.

Those who assembled had many shoulders to cry on as Canada lost to the US 5-3 in what was an exciting game to watch. The stats tell the story as the US goalie stopped 42 or 45 shots on goal while Canada's goalie let 4 of 22 pass him.

The first goal of the game was a deflection off of Crosby's stick in the earlier moments of the game. The Canadians held the puck for most of the third period but Miller proved to be their worst nightmare as he seems capable of stopping anything, (OK enough excuses).

The crowds at Diana Krall Plaza were treated to free popcorn, face painting and other fun stuff on what turned out to be a perfect day in downtown Nanaimo.

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Friday, February 19, 2010

South End Improvements Continue

30 Flowering Cherry Trees
To Enhance Haliburton Street


The South End Community Association continues to improve their neighbourhood with the help of city arborist Alan Kemp, BC Hydro and Trees Canada.

Alan was able to secure enough funds through BC Hydro and Trees Canada to add another 30 flowering cherry trees on Haliburton St. from Robins to Needham.

Part of the agreement is that the planting will be done by volunteer planters with the planting to take place around mid-March.

Other Nanaimo neighbourhoods could take some lessons from the SECA who clearly demonstrate a sense of community we all should cultivate.


For example, this Sunday Feb. 21 they are having a neighbourhood clean-up party to help spruce up their neighbourhood. They will be meeting at 2pm at MacDonalds and fanning out from there. Kudos to to the SECA for their neighbourhood involvement.

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Keep It Coming!

Lots of Sunshine & Balmy Temperatures
Coming Our Way

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2011 Nanaimo Cruise Ship Schedule


Large Cruise Vessels

Norwegian Pearl
May 7, 2011 Saturday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Celebrity Century
May 20, 2011 Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Celebrity Millennium
September 10, 2011 Saturday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Norwegian Star
September 25, 2011 Sunday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Things To Do In Nanaimo Feb. 19 - 21


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.

Weekend Highlights

Global Film Festival - Literary Luminaries - Maple Sugar Festival - Canada vs USA Hockey game - Snowboard Competition Bowen Park (For details regards these events check Thursday Nanaimo Info Blog listings.)

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.

Nanaimo Clippers Hockey 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.


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Mechanics Special ?

Things That Make 'Ya Smile
(Spotted on the Net)

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Nanaimo House Prices & Canadian House Prices January 2010

Nanaimo Jan. 2010 House Sales
Up 70% Over Jan. 09


Nanaimo unit house sales increased by 70% when compared with January 09 with 63 units sold compared with 37 last year.

House prices in the Nanaimo market have edged up by 4% compared with last year but declined from Dec. 09 when average prices were $373,330.

Based on average MLS sales summaries for Nanaimo and other Canadian cities for January 2010.


National Average

Jan 10
- $328,537
Jan 09
- $274,711

Victoria BC
Jan 10- $509,514
Jan 09- $431,312

Vancouver BC
Jan 10 - $637,637
Jan 09
- $536,162

Calgary
Jan 10- $382,009
Jan 09 - $362,143

Regina
Jan 10- $213,622
Jan 09
- $227,818

Toronto
Jan 10 - $409,058
Jan 09 - $343,632

Ottawa
Jan 10- $323,762
Jan 09
- $290,930

Nanaimo
Jan 10- $363,093
Jan 09- $348,390

Units Sold

Jan 10 - 63
Jan 09 - 37

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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10th Annual Maple Sugar Festival Nanaimo

Click Image For More Info

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Prime Minister Interviews Wayne Gretsky and Gordie Howe


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Global Film Festival Starts Today!


6th Annual Global Film Festival
Feb. 18, 19, 20
For Information use this LINK


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Snowboard Contest In Bowen Park

REAL SNOW ! REAL BOARDERS! REAL TRICKS!
DON'T MISS THE FUN
SIGN UP TO COMPETE OR JUST COME TO WATCH!

That's right this coming Monday is a ProD day (code for teacher's day off) and boarders of all ages and skill levels can come to a real live board competition in Bowen Park. The event will be on the hill adjacent the volley ball courts.

Doesn't snow in Nanaimo you say? No worries, Parks and Rec will be putting down a base of Zamboni snow and are shipping in a whole truckload from Mt. Washington. So, no need to head up to the mountain to show off your stuff.

The event will be held in Bowen Park from 10:00 am - 4:00pm and registration only costs $10 which includes a cool event t-shirt.

Children and youth under 19 will need a parent or guardian waiver signed, helmets are mandatory.

To register online go to www.nanaimo.ca/ireg or call 250-756-5200.


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Meet Some Of Nanaimo's Most Notable Authors


Central Vancouver Island history buffs are in for a treat when nearly a dozen historical authors converge on Nanaimo Museum on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 am to 3 pm.

The event is called Literary Luminaries and it welcomes some of the region`s most notable authors during an event to celebrate Heritage Week. They will be on hand to read from, discuss and sign their respective books.

“With so many distinguished authors in our community it was difficult to figure out whom to invite,” says Debbie Trueman, general manager at the museum. “For the first year of this event we chose to invite authors that have a connection or relationship with the museum.”

The line-up of distinguished authors who will attend the Literary Luminaries event include Lynne Bowen, Richard Mackie, Jan Peterson, JB Pettit, Gordon Bell, Marian Woodson, Goody Niosi, Ellen White, John Wilson, TW Paterson and Margaret Horsfield.

“We look forward to inviting more authors in the future when the event is more established,” says Trueman.

This is event is by donation. For more information on this or any other museum event please contact Bobbi at 250-753-1821, or visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca. The museum is located in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre at 100 Museum Way in downtown Nanaimo.


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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Canada vs USA Men's Ice Hockey

Click To Enlarge
Join The Excitement Downtown
On The REALLY BIG Screen
Watch Canada vs USA Men's Ice Hockey
Diana Krall Plaza Feb. 21 4:00 - 7:00pm

Bleacher Seating or Bring Your Own
FREE Hot Chocolate & Popcorn
Face Painting & Fun Games

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Early Spring Comes To Nanaimo

Time To Cut The Grass
On Sunny Vancouver Island

While our west coast winter might not be favoring the 'games' across the pond, those of us blessed with living in Nanaimo have already enjoyed a spring-like January and February is even better.

For the rest of the week (if the weatherman gets it right) we should also see the welcome appearance of the sun to accompany those mild temperatures.

Time to get out in the garden and do some early spring clean up and start planning for another west coast growing season.

I already have little violets blooming and crocus are not far behind.

Snow?? What is snow??

Enjoy!!


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Ruttan, McNabb, Unger, Holdom & Johnstone Won't Cut Your Taxes

Want Lower Taxes?
Don't Vote For These Councillors Next Time

Thanks to Councillor Bestwick, Kipp, Sherry and Pattje your taxes won't being increasing as much this year. They agreed to cut a further $400,000 from the budget and are still looking for more cost saving measures.

If Unger had not been absent the previous city budget would have passed and we would be stuck with higher taxes, thanks to this bunch.

The group pictured above a few weeks ago refused to cut more items for the city budget and remember, Bill Holdom referred to the cuts as 'nickels and dimes'.

This group think they are dealing with a
'only $100 a year increase', and since it would not affect any of them, seem content to keep on spending, spending and then spending again.

They also thought paying someone $500,000 to not show up for work was a good idea!

The elite at city hall who have enjoyed pay increases the private sector can only dream of seem totally out of touch with the economic reality of the times. Canadians are deeper in debt than ever before, high paying jobs are vanishing and more and more people rely on retail and food service jobs to pay the bills.

In Nanaimo there are thousands who depend on welfare to keep body and soul together and thousands more pensioners who find it more and more difficult to spread their income to cover necessities.

How long before the next election?


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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Watch Out For Grandparents Scam


Scammers Pose As Grandchildren

Well-meaning senior citizens who think they are helping a grandchild in distress are becoming victims of another wave of the so-called “Grandparent Scam,” warns Better Business Bureau. So far, the scam has targeted grandparents in more than a dozen states and Canadian provinces and stolen as much as $19,000 from one victim alone.

“The grandparent scam preys on the love of a grandparent for their grandchildren and has proven to be an extremely lucrative con for scammers,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Fortunately, this is an easy scam to avoid as long as you don’t let your emotions get the best of you.”

Typically, the grandparent receives a frantic phone call from whom they are led to believe is their grandchild. A scammer, posing as their grandchild, explains that he or she has gotten into trouble—often in Canada—and needs their help. The “grandchild” might claim he or she caused a car accident or was arrested for drug possession. With the new wave of calls, victims are also contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer or lawyer representing the grandchild in court.

The “grandchild” pleads to the grandparents to not tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons including posting bail, repairing the grandchild’s car, covering lawyer’s fees or even paying hospital bills for a person the grandchild injured in a car accident.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild in distress, BBB advises that you don’t disclose any information before you have confirmed it really is your grandchild. If a caller says “It’s me, grandma!” don’t respond with a name but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that your grandchild would know such as what school he or she goes to or their middle name.

If you have fallen victim to the scam, BBB recommends that you report the incident immediately to local police or PhoneBusters Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre. Reports can be filed easily online through the PhoneBusters site at: www.phonebusters.com, or by phone, toll free at, 1-888-495-8501.

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Without Debt Where Would We Be?

Is Our Economy Really Recovering
Or Just Living On More BORROWED Time?

Household debt in Canada rose to record levels in 2009, with almost two thirds of families reporting that they would be in financial trouble if their pay cheques were just one week late, according to a report by the Vanier Institute of the Family.

The institute said average household debt rose to $96,100, creating a debt to family income ratio of 145%, the highest ever. That level may climb to 160% by 2012, it said.

Levels of personal debt are also becoming a problem, with a 50% increase mortgage payments running in arrears of more than 90 days compared with the previous year, it said. The number of credit card holders three months behind in payments jumped 40%.

The institute also added its voice to the growing chorus of concern that Canada’s housing market has entered bubble territory. Low interest rates have encouraged buyers to take on more debt than they can afford and that may lead to problems once rates start rising.

Over the past 20 years, housing prices have averaged 3.7 times household earnings. Now, that level is closer to 5 times with real estate making up 48% of the net worth of Canadian households, it said.

To read the complete report simply click on the above graphic to download a PDF version.

Editor's Comment: It is realities like this which local government seems to just ignore as they continue on their quest to keep spending, spending, spending.

Without debt where would our economy really be? The Federal government is running at least a $60 billion deficit, the Provincial government is running a several billion dollar deficit (the real amount is unknown as they are incapable of reliable calculation it seems) and the city government, while not running a deficit, continues to raise taxes year after year.

How much longer we can keep spending money we don't have to support the illusion of prosperity is a question someone will have to deal with sooner or later.


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Monday, February 15, 2010

Another 'Tough' Nanaimo Winter Day!


Snow? What is Snow?

The above photos attest to our claim of living in the best place in all of Canada. Lovely sunshine and temperatures soaring into the mid 60F range drew people of all ages to our many wonderful seaside parks on Valentine's Day.

With Shack Island in the background the top picture shows some folks scouring the seashore for treasures, while the lower shows others enjoying the beach with their four legged friends.

To enlarge either of the above photos simply click on the image

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San Antonio Arrest Has Island Connection

Quick Use Of Electronic Tools
Aid In Arrest

On Thursday February 4th 2010 a Port Alberni adult male was playing an "XBOX" live video game that included live audio from game participants. There were six team members working together against another team when one team member began to discuss his plans to participate in a school shooting the next day at his school. As the details evolved the Port Alberni participant upon hearing the details of this plan contacted the Port Alberni RCMP.

The suspect indicated he was a senior at his high school, had failing grades and mentioned names of students he was targeting along with plans about how the shooting would proceed. With limited information, immediate contact was made with Micro Soft Law Enforcement Security by the Port Alberni RCMP investigators. As a result a suspect was identified from San Antonio Texas USA. The San Antonio Texas Police Department was then contacted and all information was passed onto them. Detectives from the San Antonio Police Department reacted very quickly and commenced an investigation which resulted in the arrest of a teenage male suspect. The suspect now faces charges in San Antonio Texas in regards to this incident.

This incident demonstrates the power of the electronic world and how different enforcement agencies can quickly work together to protect the citizens they serve regardless of obstacles such as international borders. In this case the suspect was quickly arrested and no one was hurt thanks to the information received from a concerned citizen.

The public is again reminded to ensure they report suspicious activity to their local police regardless of the information or boundaries as it may save a life.


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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Friday, February 12, 2010

Olympic Ceremony Malfunction

"But I checked it 12 times yesterday boss, honest!"

With the whole world watching what was a flawless show, the grand finale turned into a major embarrassment as one 'leg' of the Olympic cauldron refused to cooperate.

The officials were still able to ignite the indoor cauldron and then good old '99' braved the wet streets of Vancouver to ignite the outdoor version of the same thing. For a brief moment it looked like the flame was going to misfire as the flame seemed to dwindle as it approached the top.

But to everyone's relief the outdoor version worked just like it was supposed to. You can bet some of the technical staff 'will have some explainin' to do'.

Already the jokes have started the rounds on the internet:

"Don't blame Canadians for the cauldrun, they invented insulin not viagra."


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Enjoy Olympic Opening Ceremonies Downtown Nanaimo Diana Krall Plaza

(Click To Enlarge)

FREE EVENT DOWNTOWN TONIGHT!

Bring your friends and family to downtown Nanaimo to Diana Krall Plaza and enjoy the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on the REALLY BIG SCREEN!

Don't forget to bring your Canadian flag, noise makers, chair and warm clothing.

Food, hot chocolate, balloons and pins for all!

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New Nanaimo Video


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Short Film Festival Starts Tonight

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival
Feb. 12 - 13

Time: Doors open at 6:15 P.M. the show starts at 7 P.M.
Place: Malaspina Theatre - Building 310 Vancouver Island University, 900 5th Street Nanaimo
Parking: Pay parking available on campus. Lots “F”, “G” and “E”
Tickets: Nanaimo Art Gallery (VIU Campus BLD 330), Falconer Books Downtown in Port Place mall, or from the Nanaimo Arts Council in Nanaimo North Town Center.
Price: Tickets are $15.
Box Office: A limited amount of tickets will be sold at Malaspina Theatre starting at 6 P.M. - cash only.
Information: 250-729-3947 admin@visff.com or visit website using this LINK.

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