Monday, January 31, 2011

Why I Like Nanaimo Winters

Snow Stays Where It Belongs
This picture taken yesterday clearly demonstrates why Nanaimo's winter has such great appeal to our less fortunate fellow Canadians who have to deal with snow which does not know it's place.

As you can easily see, way off in the distance our mountains are covered with the white stuff where it can be enjoyed by those who like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. It has the good sense to not fall on our roads and sidewalks or flowerbeds for that matter. Have you noticed the early signs of your garden reawakening?

Some of us dutifully shovel our sidewalks, only to watch as the city plows fill them back in again as there really is no place to put the stuff, we slip and slide all over the place, having once again left the snow tires off for another year.To be honest of course every now and then like an ill mannered child the snow does occasionally forget it's place and create all manner of havoc in Nanaimo where most of us have simply forgotten how to deal with it. 

Yes, every now and then we do get a reminder of why we appreciate winter in Nanaimo, when a wayward snowfall makes an appearance. But for the most part the above photo pretty much represents another tough winter day in paradise. SSSSShhhhhhh don't tell any of your friends back east, they will ALL want to come!

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House of Commons Theatre Opens Today

MPs Christmas Break Is Over
Those elected to the highest office in the land will be returning to Parliament today after their Christmas break. Except for the news media (always needing something to 'report') did anyone notice that parliament has not been sitting for over a month now? How much difference does it really make anyway, except as Canadians we are deprived of the ever entertaining 'Question Period'.

In case you are new to Canadian politics 'Question Period' is that time when in days long past, mature politicians actually tried to solve the country's problems and make decisions for the good of the whole. Now it has degenerated into something akin to two years olds squabbling in the sand box. You have to wonder, if you took the camera away, would these guys and gals just quit all the infantile posturing and get something done? We can only dream.

Expect a whole lot more pre-election primping and preening on the part of all parties as once again they try and distract us from the fact, they aren't really doing what we sent them there for.

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Finance / Policy Committee Whole Meeting Today

Monday January 31, 2011 4:30 PM
City Hall Board Room
To download/view the agenda for this meeting click here.

Parks Recreation and Culture Commission is recommending that council approve the expending of $37,507  for 2011 Arts, Cultural and Festival Events Grants.  In addition PRC is also recommending council approve the expending of a further $171,656 for 2011 Cultural Operating Fund Grants.

PRC also recommends council approve spending $5000 for the Cedar 4-H Sr. Advisory Council.
Council will be asked to approve expending $69,000 for a sole-source contract for field lighting at Merle Logan Park.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Drugsnot4me Anti-drug website

Click 'play' to view television ad showing just where drugs can take a young person, in a very short time.
Website aimed at showing young people the truth about the pain and tragedy that drug use can bring into their lives.

For straight talk about drug facts, the risks, how to get help and how to avoid the perils of this 'not so cool' life choice, visit the website by clicking here.

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Bryan Mario Grondin-Boutot Dies In Accident

Train Trestle Crash Claims Life

It is reported in the local Daily that Bryan Mario Grondin-Boutot was killed Saturday night at 8:50 pm after the car he was driving crashed into the pillar of the train trestle that crosses Doumont Road. The site is just past the Pleasant Valley Social Centre.

Bryan's vehicle was destroyed in the crash, and despite the quick arrival of emergency personnel he was pronounced dead at the scene. The road was still closed to through traffic on Sunday morning as officials examined the accident scene.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 250-800-222-8477.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Things On The Net That Makeya' Smile

When You Just Can't Part With Your Comfy Old Sneaker!
It Gets a Second Life as a Cup Holder :^)

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Job Options BC Program

 Helps Non-Employment Insurance Clients
Job Options BC will assist unemployed, non-Employment Insurance (EI) clients who can benefit from longer-term, group-based programming. Each group typically consists of 10 to 12 participants and the program lasts up to 10 weeks. The program is intended to increase participant skills and confidence leading to employment, or move participants into further employment interventions such as additional training.

During the first phase of the Job Options program, participants are provided a combination of assessments, life skills, job finding clubs and employability skills. The second phase of the program can offer additional skills training, as well as employer, community-based or volunteer work experiences.

To learn more about this program and how it can help you visit Job Options BC by clicking here. The Nanaimo contact for information is the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society at 250-753-6911 Ext 104

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Nanaimo Clippers Home Game


CLIPPERS vs PENTICTION
Frank Crane Arena Jan. 28, 2011 7:11 PM
For Ticket Information Click Here

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Cachet Swivel Chairs by Steelcase Recalled

Nearly 4000 Chairs Recalled
Apparently a front seat support on the chairs can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Steelcase Inc. has received one report in the US of the chair support failing, resulting in a back injury.

This recall involves Steelcase Cachet swivel office chairs that have a slotted seat and back design. The recalled chairs can be identified by model number 487 and the date of manufacture, which is printed on a label on the underside of the chair's base. Recalled chairs were manufactured between May 2002 and October 15, 2009. 

For more information about this recall and the corrective action recommended visit CANADIAN PRODUCT RECALLS.

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Nanaimo Council By-Election Candidates

So far a total of five people have declared they will seek the vacant seat on city council to be filled in the By Election on March 26.
Two familiar names from the last election will be running, Gord Fuller and Ted Greves have declared as well as newcomers Bill McKay and Brian Fillmore and Brad Knight are taking a run at civic politics.
'Throwing Your Hat In The Ring'
Has commonly come to mean announcing you will participate in an election or competition of some kind but has it origins in the world of boxing apparently. It is first noted in 1820 when it was common for anyone wishing to challenge a boxer in the ring, would have to throw their hat in to demonstrate their intentions, as being heard over the crowd was impossible.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Bastion City Wanderers Saturday Walk

Want To Meet New People And
Enjoy A Healthy Walk In Our Great Outdoors?

The Bastion City Wanderers is a non profit walking club which organizes safe walks intended for all ages. This group of walkers welcomes new participants who can go at their own pace to establish and maintain their fitness level.

This Saturday morning at 9:15am the group will be having a 10km walk along Cable Bay Trail in Cedar. They will meet at the parking lot of the park at the end of Nicola Road in Cedar.

For more information you can contact:
Ethel Hansen by phone at 250-756-9796 or email ethelh@shaw.ca. You can learn more about this group by visiting their website.

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Nanaimo Economic Development Plan

Is This A 'Generic' Economic Development Plan?
A recent article in the Bulletin referenced the four major objectives listed in the Economic Development Plan Strategy identified in the recent $100,000 (I think) plan. They include the following four major objectives:
  • establishing an effective economic development program
  • expand and diversify employment opportunities
  • increase Nanaimo's image as a destination for opportunities
  • establish Nanaimo as an attractive place to live and invest
You have to wonder how unique to Nanaimo this four point strategy really is, and how many other communities could not adopt these points as the cornerstones of their economic development plans?

For that matter how much of the profound direction this study provides could we maybe just repackage and sell to other island communities, to help recoup some of our costs? I can't think of one community that could not adopt this stellar four point plan and apply it to their city.

I wonder if some of these reports are like those books you can order for your kids, where the book is the same for all kids with the exception of just inserting YOUR kids name, making it unique and special of course.

It is good to see that council is looking out for how they keep spending your money and make sure you are getting a good bang for the buck.

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    Seniors Day at Country Club Centre

    SENIOR'S DAY DISCOUNTS
    Free Refreshments 10am - 11am and 2pm - 3pm

    Senior’s Day is held on the last Thursday of each month at Country Club Centre. A variety of Country Club Centre retailers offer Seniors’ Day discounts for customers 55 years and over.

    Free refreshments are available at the Food Court between 10am and 11am and again in the afternoon between 2pm and 3pm.

    Enjoy live entertainment by the We’re Diff’rent Band in the Food Court between 2pm and 3pm. Sing or dance along to the “Oldies”.

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    Port Theatre Nanaimo Jan. 31 - Feb.3 2011

    STUDIO SERIES
    Seven Performances by donation
    Monday - Thursday

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    ICBC Online Chinese and Punjabi Service

    ICBC's Chinese and Punjabi speaking customers can now access information in their own primary language on icbc.com.
    Many of icbc.com’s key services have been translated into Chinese and Punjabi, including information on how to get your driver’s licence, how to insure your vehicle and how we can help you get back on the road if you have a claim.
    "Part of what makes British Columbia such a great place to live is its cultural diversity," said Jon Schubert, ICBC's president and CEO. "As B.C.'s preferred auto insurer we need to understand our customers and exceed their expectations, and we hope these new resources will help better meet those needs."

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    Nanaimo Short Fiction Contest 2011

    Nanaimo Arts Council
    7th Annual Nanaimo Short Fiction Contest

    The Nanaimo Arts Council is pleased to invite you to enter the 7th annual Nanaimo Short Fiction Contest. This event is held in cooperation with Vancouver Island University – Creative Writing and Journalism Department. Local writers of all ages, living on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, can submit original stories of up to 2,000 words in junior, youth and adult categories.

    Cash prizes will be awarded as well as a bursary for course study in Creative Writing at Vancouver Island University.

    This is a great opportunity for local writers to shine! Winners of Nanaimo Short Fiction contest awards have continued to succeed in their writing careers. Two local writers, Judith Millar and Roy Innes,  have gone on to compete for the John Kenneth Galbraith Literary award.  
    Entry forms for the Nanaimo Short Fiction Contest are available at the Nanaimo Arts Council gallery #259 Nanaimo North – Town Centre or online at nanaimoartscouncil.ca. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2011. Entry fee is $15 per submission. For more information call 250.729.3947 or email admin@nanaimoartscouncil.ca


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    Cause of Dead Herring Still Unknown

    A spokesperson for DFO Nanaimo says the causes of the death of thousands of herring that washed up in Cedar has three possible causes that DFO is investigating.

    The cause could be loss from fishing nets, a disease such as virus or bacteriological and toxins. Samples have been taken and are at the labs for disease and toxicology but results could take 7 to 14 days and even then may not be definitive.

    The unusual event has led to speculation that lack of oxygen could be the cause, sea lions, uranium from the freighter that had been at Ladysmith to a discharge from Harmac. It is a disturbing and unusual event, however people who are familiar with the numbers of herring usually grouped together don't seem to think this is as large an event as the average person might. Apparently a large mass of herring can number in the millions and billions and while a few thousand on a beach calls for an answer it may not be an event for much concern.

    It would not surprise me, if such events are more common than we may think, however considering the sheer size of our coastline such events may simply go unnoticed as no human eyes witness the event.

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    Comox Valley Hospital Site Chosen

    The Times Colonist today is reporting that VIHA has approved a 15 acre site valued at $4 million to be the home of a new 150 bed hospital on Ryan Road in Courtenay. This is in addition to another 95 bed hospital to be built in Campbell River.

    The two facilities expected to cost $500 million are still in the earliest planning stages, as now a plan has to be prepared and submitted to the Provincial government for approval.
    Once approved the actual construction is expected to take at least four years. The site is also close to North Island College and it is planned that health-care students can be trained at the hospital.
    These additional beds serving the North Island should help take some of the pressure off of NRGH.

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    Man in Shorts Cuffed To Pole

    Police are not getting much cooperation from a male they found in Lantzville yesterday morning; he was stripped to his underwear and handcuffed to a pole.

    Nearby residents on their way to work called police shortly before 8 AM to report seeing a male who appeared to be in distress and handcuffed to a telephone pole on Lorenzo Lane in upper Lantzville .

    Police officers arrived a few minutes later and quickly covered the shivering male with a blanket then removed the handcuffs from his wrists. The 24 year old male was exhibiting obvious signs of hypothermia. EHS was called and transported him to hospital for treatment.

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    Wednesday, January 26, 2011

    Things On The Net That Makeya' Smile

    Roll out the Barrel
    Takes Recycle to a whole new level!

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    Just Get To Work Guys

    What If We Just Ignored Them For Awhile?

    Do you suppose, that if the press and the public just ignored these guys for awhile, they would quit their constant campaigning and just get to the business of governing? We can only dream!
    It seems all leaders are in constant campaign mode (which they are) and are always pandering to the public and particularly their supporters. This means they can seldom say what they actually think, and in many cases not even vote the way they think.

    Anyone who has watched the nonsense during question period will come away shaking their heads, unless of course you find Jerry Springer entertaining. Then you might enjoy the finger shaking, name calling and screaming that is supposed to pass for reasoned debate.

    I would think most Canadians would be well pleased, if all these guys would just put on their 'big boy pants' and function at a level of seriousness and dignity the office should demand. Instead of behaving like actors in a poorly written soap opera.

    Even American Politics Can't Keep Em Awake


    This screen capture on the net would seem to indicate that even seasoned polititians are having trouble being engaged with what is more or less the same old, same old.
    Remember, boys and girls, that on both sides of our borders, and around the world, that entire brain trust we like to look up to as our leaders, allowed the banks and corporate greedsters to just about run us all off the cliff.
    It really prompts the reasoned and sober question: " do ANY of these guys and gals know what they are doing ?".

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    June Raabe February Feature Artist

    Nanaimo Arts Council
    February Feature Show Artist

    June’s collection of watercolours, acrylics, pastel, pen and ink, have shown in many varied venues on Vancouver Island. She came to Canada at age 12, from London England. She had her first lessons in watercolour at the age of eight and at fifteen she spent a summer at the Banff School for Fine Arts.  

    June attended the Vancouver School of Art in her youth, is a life member of the Nanaimo Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and has been active with the Nanaimo Arts Council for a number of years.  June notes, “Painting is a compulsion. My goal is to capture a momentary emotion, a fleeting impression. I hope to share my vision with the viewer, perhaps creating some touch point with their lives”.  

    June will be at the gallery Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm to 5:30pm throughout the month of February.  Please drop by as she will be pleased to answer questions about the work.  For more information visit nanaimoartscouncil.ca or call 250.729.3947.

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    TOYOTA Recalls 
    12,000 Canadian Cars

    Issue With Fuel Leak 

    Toyota Car maker is recalling 12,000 cars in Canada and 1.7 million worldwide due to a potential fuel leak problem.

    The cars affected are Lexus GD300/350 2006 - 2007, Lexus IS250 206 - early 2008 and the Lexus IS350.

    There is the possibility that a fuel pressure sensor, if not properly tightened can become loose and create a fuel leak. Toyota owners affected will receive a mail notification by next month.
    If you have any doubts it would be wise to contact your local authorized dealer to see if your vehicle is involved in the recall.


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    Earthquake Drill TODAY 10:00 AM

    GET READY TO SHAKEOUT!

    At 10:00 am on January 26, 2011 thousands of British Columbians will "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great British Columbia Shakeout, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian History!

    Register now to participate and be counted.

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    Tuesday, January 25, 2011

    Robbie Burns Day January 25th

    Robert Burns (1759 -1796)
    Scotland's Favourite Son
    Robert Burns was born at Alloway, near Ayr, on January 25, 1759. His father William was a gardener to the Provost of Ayr. Robert was educated briefly at John Murdoch's school in Alloway and later in Ayr. 
    Family financial worries forced Burns to work as a farm labourer, and it was while thus occupied that he met his first love, Nelly Kirkpatrick. She inspired him to try his hand at poetry, a song entitled "O, once I lov'd a bonnie lass", set to the tune of a traditional reel. 
    If you research Rabbie's poetry there are no fewer than 579 poems online attributed to the Ploughman Poet, Robden of Solway Firth, the Bard of Ayrshire or simply the Bard.
    He had an eye for the ladies apparently having fathered 8 children with 5 different lasses, he did marry one in 1788 and Jean Armour became Mrs. Burns.
    I tried to read many of his poems, but sadly the ones I found written in 1700 Scots dialect were just too much for me to understand. However, it is impossible to not see the quality that has endeared him these many years.
    Among his many works there is one little poem you don't have to be Scots to be familiar with, you may have heard of "Auld Lang Syne"? If the spelling has you wondering, I'll give you a hint; it is very popular on New Year's Eve.

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    Municipal By-Election 2011 Notice of Nomination Period

    Click Image To Enlarge

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    Residential Taxes Increasing 4.2% This Year

     2011 Financial Plan Bylaw Passes

    City council passed the Financial Plan Bylaw which means local residents are looking at a 4.2% tax increase this year from the city. User fees of course are also going up and are not reflected in the 4.2% increase.

    This means a home with an average assessed value of $350,000 will have to pay an additional $90 in taxes not including the increase in fees for water usage and garbage pick up.

    Councilors of course can still move to reduce taxes before a final adoption, but I suspect that will happen when it is announced that hell has frozen over.

    To View The Financial Plan Click Here.

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    Dead Fish In Cedar


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    Monday, January 24, 2011

    City Council Meeting Notes


    A Brief Outline Of Items Covered At Council Meeting Jan. 24
    • Unofficial councilor Mr. Fred Taylor made the point that the city is wasting tax dollars by duplicating advertising in the local papers. Putting the same ad in a paper with 7,000+ circulation seems a waste when the same ad appears in another paper with 30,000+ readers. It would seem the 30,000+ covers the entire city, so why the need to duplicate with the lesser paper? Good question.
    • Mr. Bill McKay tried to offer some direction to council for their consideration of the LED sign bylaw.
    • Mr. Ken Pearce of Villa Rd. made a presentation to council saying he felt the city should be responsible for clearing snow from city sidewalks, rather than requiring residents to clear their own sidewalks. He said he would favour the increase in taxes required to pay for the extra equipment and manpower to accomplish his suggestion.
    • New Zoning Bylaw is available on the city website and will be coming to at least three venues in the city in Feb. Take the time to read the zoning bylaw and attend the public meetings so you can provide council with your input. If you don't participate, then you have no right to complain when an airport goes in next door.
    • There are about 40 - 50 projects which have been approved for the city which are on hold due to the present market/economic conditions.
    • A brief presentation was made pointing out the importance of the upcoming BC Shakeout exercise taking place on Jan. 26th. This is all part of an earthquake preparedness effort to try and make people better able to cope with the 'big one' when and if it should occur. Remember to 'Drop' ...'Cover' .... 'Hold On'.

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    City Council Finally Deals With LED Signs

    I Think ????

    It seems that any attempt to come to some kind of agreement as it relates to regulating LED signs is not only divisive but such a complex issue that it baffles the intellect of Nanaimo's finest minds.

    At one point it seemed as if council was going to adopt a staff suggestion that would have introduced guidelines that would have made the placement of an LED nearly impossible anywhere in the city. It was argued that these were merely guidelines, but what seems to elude council and staff is that any business person presented with those 'guidelines' would have to take leave of his senses before putting up $750 to start the DVP process.

    In either wisdom or confusion that recommendation was defeated on a tie vote which paved the way for later discussion about the LED bylaw. This discussion became so confused that even senior staff Mr. Swabey had to apologize on several occassions because even he seemed confused as to the direction the discussion was taking.

    At one point council passed the LED sign amendment bylaw on first reading, only to turn around and defeat it on second reading, only to turn around and pass it again after reconsideration. Confused?? You aren't the only one, and I am not completely sure I am reporting this correctly.

    City Council and City Staff is a collection of some of the best 'thinkers' in Nanaimo, however, this LED sign issue seems to completely confound the wise.

    In spite of assurances from some council to the contrary, it seems unlikely that any business person would want to waste their time with the DVP process knowing that whatever proposition they put forward would require the consent of this council.

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    Dead Herring Fuel Speculation

    Thousands of Dead Herring North of Boat Harbour

    The local daily press is reporting a disturbing incident in the Boat Harbour area of Cedar. Apparently large numbers of dead herring have washed ashore on North Beach without any apparent explanation.

    DFO has sent officers to the area to investigate but so far have not released any findings. Speculation for the unusual event range from fish swimming into a low oxygen area close to shore, a net breaking being used by some commercial fishermen engaged in a small herring fishery presently underway, possible discharge from Harmac to a connection with the recent freighter in Ladysmith harbour being cleaned up due to a uranium spill in the ships cargo hold.

    Time will tell if the answer is ever known, whether this is a man made event or just one of those natural curiosities that occur occasionally causing much beard stroking and head scratching.

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    Thinking Of Running For Councilor?

     If you have wondered what is required to actually run for council, and if elected what the requirements of the office are, you should download this provincial publication which answers all those questions.

    If you have the time and the will to be involved in Nanaimo at the city council level, the upcoming by election could be your opportunity. To find out what local elections are all about you can download this 46 page publication using the link that follows.

    To Download a PDF copy of the Candidate's Guide for Local BC Elections click here.

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    Port Theatre Nanaimo Jan. 30 2011

    RICH LITTLE: Over 200 impersonations
    Sunday, January 30th 2:30 pm

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    Pit Bulls Kill Small Dog Owner Fined


    Caspers Way Site Of Dog Attack

    It is being reported in the Vancouver Province that a man walking his two small dogs near a construction site in the 1600 block of Caspers Way, Nanaimo was attacked by two pit bull cross dogs that were in the back of a pick up truck.

    The dogs were in the back of the truck which had a cap and open side window, through which both dogs were able to squeeze before the attack. One dog apparently knocked the owner over and began attacking one of the small dogs, when the second pit bull got on the scene the pair of them went after the other small dog.

    Only intervention by workers on the construction site ended the violent attack. The injured dogs and owner were rushed to a nearby vet clinic where in spite of emergency treatment the one dog died of injuries sustained in the attack.

    According to the article Nanaimo Animal Control have not as yet seized the animals but have charged the owner with a $1000 fine for not having the restricted breed either muzzled or on a leash.

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    One Million Child Porn Images Seized


    This person was identified on CHEK News, Jan. 24, 2011 as being Mr. B. Rogers who is the owner of a powder coating company operating in Cedar B.C.

    A 64 year old Ladysmith man was arrested in mid December after search warrants on his home, business and car revealed thousands of sexually explicit pornographic images, many of which involved children. The searches and subsequent seizures are unprecedented in the Nanaimo area.

    The first of the three search warrants was carried out by officers with the Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit in the afternoon at the suspect’s business situated in Cedar. The male was arrested at his business then taken into custody. Subsequent to that search, two other searches were carried out later that same day; the next at his home in Ladysmith and the last on his personal car. Seized during the searches were ten computers, digital cameras, web cameras, CD’s ,DVD’s and at least 29 external hard drives and 25 other storage devices. Officers have estimated there may be upwards of one million sexually explicit images of children on the materials seized.

    The male was released from custody the next day on a Promise to Appear and police are recommending charges of Possession, Production and Accessing Child pornography under the Criminal Code of Canada. His first court date is set for January 18, 2011. Investigators do not believe there are any images of local children on the items seized. ”Officers trained in the detection of child pornography on computers and hard drives have indicated it will take them many months before the images have been catalogued and they are in a position to prepare a forensic report,” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

    The suspect while awaiting his next court appearance must abide by the following conditions: not to possess or use computers or access the internet and to not attend any public place that a person 18 years of age or younger may be present.

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    Nanaimo City Council Meeting Jan. 24, 2011


    Democracy Works When The Public Stays Involved
    It Is Too Important To Leave To Politicians
    If you can attend in person that is the best way to see your business being taken care of, second best is watching on Shaw Cable from the comfort of your easy chair, it is also available live online using this link, and last but not least is reading what the local press says went on.

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    Cartoons: By the banks, we sat down and wept

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    Sunday, January 23, 2011

    City Council Meets Jan. 24

    Got Yours?

    I noticed that LED signs and a sign at Port Place are on the agenda for this Monday's Nanaimo City Council Meeting.

    If either of these two topics on the agenda are going to require council engaging in discussing or debating either of these items it could be entertaining, hence you will want to get some Pop Corn as that always makes watching a good show more enjoyable.

    Hopefully, they are just going to adopt whatever LED sign option they decided on last time, that is assuming they actually did adopt something last time. It was hard to keep up with the show last time without a script.

    So, put a bag of pop corn into the microwave, pull up your easy chair in front of the computer or television and watch the show at council this Monday. It should be better than American Idol.

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    Some Packages Are Getting Smaller While Price Stays The Same

    CBC 'Marketplace' Looked Into The
    INCREDIBLE SHRINKING PRODUCTS
    Companies 'Downsize' Products 
    Rather Than Increase Prices

    In a recent segment on CBC's Marketplace, Tom Harrington took to the supermarket aisles to see if consumers are aware of this latest pricing tactic by food companies.

    If you are an attentive shopper (like I am) you will have noticed that products that used to come in 2 litre sizes now come in 1.89 or 1.65 or1.5 litre sizes for example. Mayo that used to come in a 1 litre bottle shrunk to 950ml and now some are 890ml. A pasta sauce used to be a 700ml bottle and now is a 650ml bottle.

    The same principle applies to many different products where the companies have not increased to price of the product on the shelf but have reduced the size, which effectively increases the price. Although they do not explain it that way. 

    For example Nestle explained the policy this way:

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    Just Some Random Thinking About Politics

    Jim Taylor
    The following is taken from a comment I made on Nanaimo City Hall Blog with regards local governance. It prompted a comment from Ron Bolin who moderates the site who many know from his involvement with local politics.

    My First Comment:

    One notion that I have been pondering of late is the fact that we are probably placing far too high an expectation on what we feel our Councilors are really capable of doing.

    I mean no disrespect whatever with this comment, but honestly, I am not sure that ANY of us really know how things should be run, that of course does not stop us from participating and trying.

    However, I do feel that most of us are not qualified for the job. If you consider higher forms of governance, and look about the world stage, it would appear that we are for the most part, just making this up as we go along.

    Cheers
    Jim Taylor

    Ron Bolin's Reply:

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    Friday, January 21, 2011

    Sketch Released In Child Luring Case

    The Nanaimo RCMP have released a composite sketch of the suspect involved in a attempted child luring incident that happened on Tuesday January 18th.

    The suspect is described as a white male approximately 50 years of age. He has whitish/grey hair and is balding on top. He appeared to be over weight and was wearing a black jacket .He also spoke with a low deep voice.

    The vehicle he was driving is described as being a white paneled cargo van ,flat roof ,with only one tinted window on the rear left side of the vehicle. The numbers “6" and “0" were seen in the license plate.

    If you have any information on this incident, the person involved or the vehicle, you are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or go online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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    "Hewie" Is Looking For A Home

    Hewie is a 5 month old German Shepherd Cross currently living at the Nanaimo SPCA who would really like someone to take him home.

    For more information about Hewie his animal id number is 224663 and he is at the Nanaimo SPCA at 2200 Labieux Road Nanaimo, phone 250-758-8444 if you would like to adopt Hewie or any of the other animals at the shelter.
    J.J. is a  7 month old Border Collie Cross neutered male who is a very active fellow who will need a lot of training and socializing. He is also at the Nanaimo SPCA shelter and his animal ID # is 224558.


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    Nanaimo Was A Coal Town First

    Long Before Shopping Malls & Recreation Centres
    Nanaimo Existed Because Of Coal
    Which Was Worth Nothing Until
    A Miner Went To Work

    The Nanaimo workforce did not always consist of highly paid workers with gold plated pensions and benefits whose idea of being hard done by was working a few hours of overtime, or fussing because their boss did not show them the respect they felt they deserved.

    No, these guys probably considered it had been a good day when they did not have to be carried out of the mine suffering some serious injury, or even dead for that matter. I am sure that an injury which today would start a worker's comp claim is probably not even recorded in these records as I am sure that bumps, bruises and sprains were just considered the norm. In order to be recorded you would have to have been seriously injured or killed. If you were of Chinese nationality it would be likely your name would not be recorded, by merely the notation "Not Available Chinaman" where a name would appear if you were a white guy.

    The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself because you think you have a job you really hate, take a few minutes to review the database at Nanaimo Archives which shows the records of accidents and deaths suffered by those that toiled in the mines in the Harbour City.

    To give you an idea of what is recorded some typical entries might read:

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    Why I Say Nanaimo Winters Are Tropical


    This video from Yellowknife shows what happens when you throw boiling water into the air, when it is REALLY cold. I don't mean cold, like we in Nanaimo call cold, this will not happen on a typical Nanaimo winter day when the temperature is near 10C or 50F.

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    Things To Do In Nanaimo Jan. 21 - 23


    Nanaimo Events and Activities

    The Nanaimo Things To Do Directory has over 160 different contacts for all interests from Air Cadets to Windsurfing and everything in between. To visit this directory use this  Nanaimo Info LINK.

    Fri. calendar of events use this Nanaimo Info LINK.

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    Thursday, January 20, 2011

    Jack Dennis Woods Update

     Wanted on Canada Wide Warrant

    Nanaimo RCMP have released a photo of a vehicle and updated information on Jack Dennis WOODS, wanted on a Canada wide warrant for a parole violation from a second degree murder conviction.

    WOODS was first thought to be in the Nanaimo area after a vehicle was found abandoned on November 10th in Nanaimo, on Fourth St. Documents inside the vehicle led officers to believe he had been in possession of the vehicle and had come to Nanaimo the previous day.


    Most recently, information was received in early January from the general public that WOODS was living in a cabin in the Qualicum Beach area. This information was acted upon immediately by officers with the Nanaimo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit . By January 9th, officers had confirmed WOODS had been staying in the cabin since early December, and was residing in the cabin until January 5th, 2011.

    “This cabin was under surveillance for several days until it was determined WOODS was no longer there. Our officers were then advised by the owners of the cabin that WOODS left quickly on January 6th, coincidentally, the day after his picture was profiled by various media outlets. It should also be noted the cabin owners had no prior relationship to WOODS and had simply rented the cabin to him”, said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.
    WOODS' whereabouts is currently unknown. He is believed to be in possession of a 2000 burgundy Dodge Caravan with BC plates 658 DLC . The vehicle was purchased from the owners of the cabin and is in need of a new water pump.

    Anyone with information on the location of WOODS or the vehicle, both shown below, are asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or go online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com

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