Monday, December 24, 2018

The Meaning of Christmas -- man's Salvation

The Real Meaning of Christmas
Not what you think it is .........

Christmas is not about 'us' and the retailers bottom line which sadly in our generation is what it has been reduced to. We have taken the greatest happening in all history and reduced it to a commercial, self-serving, self-indulgent event.

Over two thousand years ago God Himself took on the form of a man, just like any of us. Born of a virgin in a lowly stable, God Himself came into this earthly realm and as the angels declared He set in place peace on the earth. That peace spoken of by the angels was not man to man or nation to nation but between God and man. That is the peace God's only begotten Son had come to declare and accomplish.

He accomplished this not by His life but by His death. His sacrificial death paid the price that righteousness demands for our sin against God. Our sin separates us from knowing the only true God, unless we accept the sacrifice provided for us by the death of God's only begotten Son we can not know God or enter His kingdom. Sin cannot enter heaven, and only the cleansing blood of Christ can wash away our sin, paying the price for our entrance into heaven itself.

Canada, as a nation has experienced the blessing that came with honoring God's only Son and sadly now, is experiencing the consequence of no longer giving Him place in our nation. We have followed the course of man like so many others that have gone before. 

The Gospel of Salvation

The Gospel of Salvation is the one that anyone living in North America has surely heard many times over. That Gospel declares that Jesus the Christ paid the price of our sin against God and that belief in Him gives us entrance into His kingdom. That is the only way, as He declared that no man comes to God except through Him. How we come through Him?? We repent of our sin and ask His forgiveness. As simple as that. He is the Way the Truth and the Life.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven

For the past few thousand years the Gospel of Salvation is what has been preached which points the way for man to come back into right relationship with God through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son.

Now is the time that the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is going forth which declares that Jesus the Christ is once again coming into the earth to forever establish His kingdom on the earth.

Unlike His lowly, meek and humble entrance on that first Christmas day, this time He will be coming in a blaze of glory that will shake the heavens as scripture proclaims:
"the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

That day is rapidly approaching as we get ever closer to our total destruction at our own hands. If the LORD were not to return, there would be no life left on this earth as we are told two thirds of all people will perish in the days that are coming.


Today may be the day of YOUR salvation, you will never know how many days you will draw breath. Today, while it is called today, call upon the only Name by which any of us can be saved, ask His forgiveness of your sin and receive eternal life that only comes through Him.

That is the real meaning of Christmas, it is not about melting credit cards, emptying bank accounts or stuffing ourselves on a holiday that has become anything but a holy-day.




allvoices

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Nanaimo Power Outages

 hydro power outages
Click map to visit BC Hydro Outages Map

If you go to the above website you can zoom in on the map to see what areas still have no power. If you  click on the area a box will open beneath the map showing the status of that area. For example it will tell you if a crew has yet been assigned to an area (a good sign) and how many customers have been affected.

allvoices

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Nanaimo Water Plant Update

WATER PLANT IS NOW BACK TO NORMAL
No restrictions on use

Limited household use now OK
Pools remain closed, arenas are open

As of 9:00 a.m. on December 22, 2018, water treatment plant troubleshooting continues. Residents and businesses are asked to be mindful of water use. While the City is asking for conservation, limited household use is okay. The situation is less severe than it was yesterday.

Water treatment plant operators are producing enough treated water for basic needs and business use. For example, residents can have short shower and businesses can serve coffee, but the City asks that car washes refrain from operating.

City pools will remain closed today. Arenas will open up with reduced ice cleaning.

Please check www.nanaimo.ca and follow "CityofNanaimo" on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

allvoices

Friday, December 21, 2018

URGENT MESSAGE FOR ALL OF NANAIMO

DO NOT USE WATER!!!

The windstorm and power outages have affected functionality of the City of Nanaimo’s Water Treatment Plant Operations. The Water Treatment Plant is unable to sustain water production.


Please DO NOT USE WATER until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information https://bit.ly/2Gv5PUC


We will provide further updates throughout the day.


Short version of what happened

I contacted the city and as I understand it, the power went out from BC Hydro due to the windstorm. The backup generator(s) at the plant worked for a time and then failed. This resulted in many internal electronic, digital control issues which have not been resolved. As a result the plant is not producing any new water and the city is limited to the water already in the reservoirs.

In my opinion this could be a VERY serious issue if the city had to turn off the taps city wide, which could happen if people don't comply and quit using water until further notice.

City Information Hotline Set Up
The city has set up a recorded hotline with updated information about the current water plant crisis. The number is 250-758-1311.

City Pools and Arenas Closed

City pools and arenas are closed until further notice. The pools are unable to meet health and safety regulations people are required to shower prior to entering the pool. In addition, due restrictions, bathrooms are not available at the facilities. The arenas are unable to clean the ice.The windstorm and power outages have affected functionality of the City of Nanaimo’s Water Treatment Plant Operations. The Water Treatment Plant is unable to sustain water production.

allvoices

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Meaning Behind 'Twelve Days of Christmas'

Image credit: Sher Falls www.dragonflydreams88.com

Twelve Days Of Christmas Hidden Meanings

According to Catholic history the popular song contained two levels of meaning, with one meaning being known only to members of the Church during a period of time in England when Roman Catholics could not practice their faith openly.

Each element of the carol was code for a religious reality which children could remember.

The 'true love' referred to is not some love struck boy or girl but Jesus Christ because truly love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree represents Him as it is a bird that will sacrifice it's life in order to protect it's young.

Two Turtle Doves ... the Old and the New Testament
Three French Hens ... Faith, Hope and Love
Four Calling Birds ... the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Five Gold Rings ..... the first five Books of the Old Testament
Six geese a laying ... the six days of creation
Seven swans a swimming ... the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight Maids a milking ... the eight Beatitudes
Nine Ladies dancing ... the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten Lords a leaping ... the Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers piping ... the eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve Drummers drumming ... twleve points of the Apostle's Creed


allvoices

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Once upon a time all Canadians knew that Christmas was actually about the birth of Christ Jesus the Saviour of mankind. Sadly, it has become a pagan festival that no longer celebrates the only hope for humanity.


And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 


For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Note: Email subscribers may have to visit Nanaimo Blog to view this video.

allvoices

Monday, December 03, 2018

Justin Trudeau Pledges $50 million to charity

This CBC article reports that our Prime Minister is pledging $50,000,000.00 on behalf of the Canadian taxpayer to a global charity. He did not explain how many Canadians thought this was the mandate he got when elected or whether given the size of our deficit Canadians can really afford this gift.


It makes you wonder just how much money a Canadian Prime Minister can throw around without being held accountable. Ask your Finance Minister just where in the Canadian budget this amount is accounted for.

allvoices

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Carbon Tax = Tax Grab??

Ask your MLA and MP (if we have one) what exactly does the carbon tax do? Does it stay in a dedicated fund aimed at reducing carbon, or does it just go into that great slush fund used to fund all the stuff they tell us we need them to do for us?



allvoices

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Nanaimo Gas Prices Nov. 20/18

NANAIMO DRIVERS STILL GET SHAFT
AT LOCAL GAS STATIONS
OTTAWA GAS PRICES
CALGARY GAS PRICES
DUNCAN GAS PRICES
NANAIMO GAS PRICES

allvoices

Friday, November 16, 2018

One Reason For Some Being "Homeless"

City Cleans Up Mess Left By "Homeless"

The Nanaimo Bulletin ran an article reporting on the ongoing cleanup of Discontent City, all on the taxpayers dime, thank you very much.

It is unlikely we will actually know what this little disaster (courtesy of Mayor McKay and city hall staff) is going to cost in the end, hundreds of thousands I am certain.

One thing that I have never heard raised is the question as to 'why' some if not many of these people are homeless. The answer to that is as clear as can be when you look at the way they are willing to live in a garbage heap of their own making. I can't imagine how any landlord would accept any of these people as tenants as they clearly are lacking in the very basic elements of taking responsibility and being accountable. Being poor is no excuse for living in your own filth.

But not to worry, once you have made enough noise about not being able to find housing the government with endless tax dollars to spend will provide housing for these folk that people on fixed incomes and even those working could barely afford.

That is one of the basic problems with the Marxist/socialist types (of which Nanaimo has it's share) in that it kills the incentives to work hard and take care of yourself as the government will step in and 'steal' money you have earned by the sweat of your brow to feed, shelter and cloth those who won't take responsibility for themselves.

allvoices

Nanaimo Leads The Gas Gouging Parade

As of 1:08 pm Nov. 15/18 reported on Gas Buddy.
Highest prices being reported in Nanaimo. Note: the two worst gougers are Petro Canada .... thought they were supposed to be good for Canada??

Typical of most gas prices at Nanaimo gas stations.



Prices being reported in Duncan, once again highlighting the obvious way Nanaimo the Nanaimo station operators keep ripping the Nanaimo motoring public. It has been that way for years, and no one seems to be able to do anything about it. No price fixing in Nanaimo you say?? Wanna buy some swamp land.




allvoices

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Adrienne Clarkson Billing Canadians $100,000/yr

 Adriene Clarkson

According to this National Post article former governor general Adrienne Clarkson has billed taxpayers for $1.1 million in expenses on top of the $1.6 million she has received in pension benefits which is in addition to the $3 million grant she received courtesy of Canadian taxpayers.

Launch Petition

Taxpayers have paid $1.1 million in expenses for a former governor general since she LEFT office in 2005.

Former governor general Adrienne Clarkson's time in office ended in 2005. She has continued to submit receipts to the Government of Canada. Those expenses have added up to $1.1 million, according to the Ottawa Citizen. And all of this is legal and approved by the Government of Canada.

What ordinary Canadian keeps submitting expenses to an employer years after leaving a job?

And what kind of employer keeps paying those expenses?

The $1.1 million Clarkson billed for expenses is on top of the $1.6 million she’s collected from her pension and the $3 million the government gave her to start a foundation.

Clarkson is sticking taxpayers with the biggest bills, but former governors general have been submitting expenses to the government since the 1970s.

Enough is enough.

Within minutes of the story breaking, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation launched a petition demanding an end to the gravy train for former governors general.

To sign the petition, PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK NOW: https://www.taxpayer.com/resource-centre/petitions/petition?tpContentId=186

allvoices

Tuesday, October 16, 2018



HALLOWEEN TRICK or TREATING
VICTORIA CRESCENT, 
DOWNTOWN NANAIMO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, NOON - 3PM


Bring your little ghosts and goblins Trick or Treating at participating merchants on Victoria Crescent in Downtown Nanaimo Saturday, October 27, from Noon - 3pm.

The Victoria Crescent Association wishes you all a Very Spooky & Scary Halloween!

allvoices

CUPE Slate For Nanaimo City Council??

The following are the candidates that are being endorsed by the local union forces. Times past you could see how many dollars CUPE and other unions gave to 'their' candidates. This time around it won't be known how many of these candidates received financial support of some kind until after the election. With 13,000 members they can influence, they clearly can be the king-makers during the current civic election.

The following candidates are the ones that have been endorsed by the labour council. It is reasonable to assume that these are the candidates the unions see as being most favourable to their continued labour agreements with the city of Nanaimo. Of course that means they may not have the best interest of Nanaimo taxpayers at heart as they make their decisions.

I have not heard any candidates say anything that indicates they really have much understanding of how city hall functions. But, when you consider that nearly 85% of every property tax dollar is consumed by wages and benefits at the city, this, or any council really only has a say as to how 15% of your money is spent.

Perhaps that explains why last spring staff had to ask council for another $800,000 to fix some potholes because of the cold winter. That's right, will all the money flowing from your pocket into city coffers, they had to come to council seeking special funding to fix some potholes.

UNION SLATE FOR NANAIMO CITY COUNCIL?

Armstrong, Thorpe, Bonner, Hemmens, Maarten, Brown, Geselbrecht, Beaulieu, Krog

allvoices

Liberal Financial Management??


Remember how our Prime Minister promised to balance the budget and how he was going to spend all that money on infrastructure??

This is what happens when voters who only believe what the nice politician says to get elected but don't have any idea what they really stand for and elect them because they have nice hair.

Think about it, the next time you keep asking the government to GIVE you this or that ............. they have already spent all our tax dollars and now are borrowing to keep buying our vote. All the time, piling on the interest to service that debt.

Some people understand what globalism is all about, and then there are the Liberal and NDP supporters. The Cons are the only ones who pretend to have sound fiscal policy, but their performance doesn't seem to stand the test either.

allvoices

Monday, October 01, 2018

Sheila Gurrie CIty Clerk Nanaimo ---- Conflict??

I recently posted an article in an attempt to educate Nanaimo taxpayers on the union/city relationship which has proven and is proving to be very costly for Nanaimo taxpayers. I am all for fair wages etc. but the contracts that CUPE 401 have been able to 'negotiate' with the city of Nanaimo are the richest in the region. Why?

The very idea that civil servants should hold unionized positions is beyond common sense, but that is a story for another day.

In response to the article a reader, 'Tim McGrath' posted a comment calling attention to what he sees as a perceived conflict of interest with the City Clerk and the head of CUPE 401. His concerns seem valid given the nature of the position of city clerk and the information they are privy to.

I have written the city clerk for a comment on the accusation and await reply.

McGrath's comment:
"
The City of Nanaimo and it's citizens have even a greater reason to be concerned - the city is in bed with the union - LITERALLY!

There is certainly a perceived CONFLICT of interest. It has been brought to the attention of the Mayor, but he hasn't even replied to the email.

The Legislative Services Dept Head is sleeping with the local Cupe 401 head! The head of Legislative Services has 100% access to all in camera as well as EVERY document in the city. Any strategic planning and discussion is available to Sheila Gurrie Legislative Head.

NB: for transparency, I am currently involved in a Attorney General case involving Legislative Head Gurrie."

allvoices

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Nanaimo City Council Union Connection

 News Link

An article appearing in the Sept. 2 News Bulletin reveals the level of influence the local unions can exercise over the outcome of the next Nanaimo civic election.

The article notes the labour council represents 13,000 unionized members which in itself is a potential block of votes that can determine the face of Nanaimo governance for the next four years.

City of Nanaimo very friendly with CUPE 401

You could argue that for the past decades there has never been a serious 'negotiation' with the city and CUPE 401. From what I have seen and heard the union basically tells the city what they will settle for and the city agrees. The proof of that suspicion is evidenced by the contracts the union has signed with the last four city councils.

The last time I looked into the union contract with the city a level 1 CUPE worker which does not qualify for the classification of being a labourer will start at $24.45/hr. with 3 weeks holiday and health and dental benefits to die for.

Compared with the private sector which would likely pay minimum wage (and rightly so) for similar job skills it clearly shows the huge unfairness between those who 'work' for the city and those who live in the real world.

Even if you compare the city union contract with other union contracts in the city (school board, health authority) it becomes evident that the city of Nanaimo has never been serious about trying to control the cost of wages for Nanaimo taxpayers.

No Incentive To Really Negotiate With CUPE

The first obvious reason for not trying to hold the line on the union contract is the fact that few councilors have the spine to stand up to the threatened strike the union can call to back their demands. The ability to strike and allow garbage to build up across the city, is a pretty blunt club in the hands of the union.

Another reason there is little to no incentive to hold the line on union wages lies in the method used to determine non-union wage increases. Unless it has been recently changed the wage increases being granted to non-union employees went up in lock-step with the 'negotiated' union wage increase.

So. the whole system begs the question "who is really looking out for the Nanaimo taxpayer when it comes to the cost of wages and benefits enjoyed by city employees?"

Single Biggest Expense At City Hall

The last time I crunched the numbers taken from the city financial statements the cost of wages and benefits represented over 82% of every property tax dollar collected by the city. In other words, city taxpayers can expect their taxes to increase each and every year by about 1.5% just to cover the cost of increased wages and benefits enjoyed by city employees.

City Councilor Wannabes can promise this and that all they want, but unless they are willing to address the single largest expenditure they will never get control of ever-increasing property taxes.

allvoices

Trudeau Liberals Support Police Killer


Every single Liberal voted for convicted police killer Chris Garnier to keep receiving PTSD benefits from Veterans Affairs.

allvoices

Friday, September 14, 2018

Nanaimo Automated Garbage Bins

Operator Needs More Training?
or just doesn't like his new job?



We have been on an automated route since they were first introduced and while I still doubt the increased cost is justified have learned to live with the new system.

When the whole city came online with the automated system my street is now on a border, meaning a different driver now picks up the bins on the other side of my street on the day following my pick up.

The driver who does my pick up has learned the new skills that allows him to operate a mechanical arm using a joystick from the cab rather than jumping in and out of a vehicle emptying trash cans (like in the old days). He is able to precisely pick up, empty and set the bins back down with the skill of a surgeon.

The driver on the other side of the street however is either clearly lacking in dexterity or perhaps doesn't like the new system and drops the bins as I would slam a door to express my displeasure.

Last week was the first time I noticed this and chalked it up to a bit of a learning curve, but this is the second week so I presume this operator has had considerable 'practice'.

I wonder how many times you can slam a bin down and they fall over willy-nilly before something breaks? When that happens is the 'owner' on the hook to replace them? Hope not.


allvoices

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Nanaimo Tent City ..... Just Poor Homeless Souls?

Or a den of thieves and drug dealers??


Nanaimo News Now recently reported that a hard working 15 year old Nanaimo lad had his $400 bike stolen from in front of his workplace on Stewart Ave. The bike had been secured with a U lock.

Apparently after seeing the story an unidentified young man went to tent city where he was able to find the distinctive bike which he purchased for $50 and then returned it to the rightful owner.

You hear the cries from this armed camp of how all the poor souls are being mistreated by society. One might ask just what these poor souls are contributing to society.

In the meantime you can expect the left leaning judiciary and this city council to continue to fumble about not really knowing how to deal with this growing segment of society.

They claim to want affordable housing ............. question? how much money can these individuals put towards this affordable housing? If they want society to be accountable for their housing, then they need to be accountable to society for what they are contributing to their well being.

The irony of the above bike theft story speaks volumes as to the failures we are witnessing in our society. Sadly, with the present governments in place, nothing is likely to improve in the near future.

Shades of Mad Max and other Mel Gibson films of days gone by.



allvoices

Nanaimo Air Quality Health Risks Very High

BC Wildfires Wreak Havoc

For the second year in a row British Columbia is in a state of emergency due to the number of wildfires raging in the province. Air quality across the province is being.seriously impacted.



AQHI stands for Air Quality Health Index

The 'high' (7 - 10) is the result of fine smoke particles in the air which is the PM2.5 data on the following chart. Currently Nanaimo falls in the highest 'Very High' category meaning it is 10+ on the index. In this case, a high score is not where we want to be.

The air quality objective is 25 under the category of PM25 ug/m3 and as you can see Nanaimo posted a reading of nearly 10 times that level at 5:00 am this morning with a reading of 244.0.

This is the measure of fine particles of 2.5 microns in size of which 25 in a cubic meter is considered good. At 5:00 am this morning that number was 244.0 per cubic metre.

Nanaimo Air Quality Data

All information and graphics are taken from the BC Air Quality website.

allvoices

Monday, August 20, 2018

Nanaimo Mayor McKay Welcomed Discontent City

Screengrab from VI Free Daily May 18

On May 18, Nanaimo Mayor McKay is quoted in the Vancouver Island Free Daily as saying:
“We’re taking a wait-and-see attitude over the weekend,” McKay said. “Our concern is they’re safe there now and as opposed to having them back at city hall or in one of our parks, for example. This is a good option for them. We’ve got the ability to fence the area off and provide some amenities simply for their personal health and hygiene, if you will, and a large dumpster so they can dispose of their garbage.”

Mayor McKay and Council once again demonstrate their complete ineptness

On May 18 a hand full of people broke into city property in downtown Nanaimo and rather than being immediately removed for trespassing our bumbling Mayor welcomed them with open arms.

Over the weeks and months that followed the braintrust at city hall has allowed this illegal occupation to grow to a point where you now have an armed encampment intent on defying city hall, the RCMP and the Supreme Court of BC.

Where is Leonard Krog these days??

Our MLA and Mayor wannabe needs to be pressed for his solution to this entire mess, which is far more a provincial matter than a municipal one.

Anyone asking for your support to be elected to council this year, needs to be very clear as to their intentions to deal with this festering sore that will continue to grow.

allvoices

Thursday, August 09, 2018

Nanaimo Summer Fun --- Downtown on Victoria Cres.




You'll wanna celebrate the last few weeks of summer with Free Fun downtown!

On Sunday, August 26th, Victoria Crescent in Nanaimo is the place to be with kid's slides, a bouncy castle, obstacle course, games and more.

The highlight of Crescent Day will be a free concert at five with Canadian folk singing legend VALDY.

So mark the date on your calendars, and come and enjoy free fun for the kids and a bunch of Good Songs, a Rock 'n Roll Song, the Simple Life for Peter and Lou and everyone else.


It's the Victoria Crescent Street Festival, Sunday, August 26, beginning at noon

allvoices

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Nanaimo's Recycling Dirty Little Secret

 Recycling Scam
Click image to view article

Recycling is not a reality, but an idea. Like Communism, it can never be achieved, but must be aspired to.

Recycling is in crisis. But the environmental scam is too big to fail.

This article exposes the dirty secret about the global recycling scam which does nothing like what we have been told it accomplishes.

While this article is not specific to Nanaimo, it is specific to the worldwide scam that is called recycling. It has become a sacred cow we are willing to through millions and millions of dollars at, all for a 'cause' that is nothing short of a pure scam which takes millions out of our pockets and gives it to the 'recycling' industry.

In the past I have challenged the local champions of the religion of recycling to take me by the hand and show me how my sorted trash becomes something of true value. No surprise ............ no one has accepted the challenge......

Think about this article the next time you are told why the cost to 'recycle' your trash keeps increasing year after year.

We had an opportunity to actually deal with our trash in an environmentally sound fashion a few years ago via a waste to energy plant, which of course was shouted down by the local green screamers ..............

allvoices

Sunday, July 08, 2018

Nanaimo Bathtub Weekend Fun - Victoria Cresent


VICTORIA CRESCENT STREET FAIR ON BATHTUB WEEKEND 
SATURDAY JULY 21, 9:30am-4:00pm


Come - have fun - and enjoy the free Victoria Crescent Street Fair in downtown Nanaimo Bathtub Weekend!

On Saturday, July 21, between 9:30 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, there will be giant slides for the kids, a bouncy castle and a 60-foot obstacle course. Children can have their faces painted, play games and take home animal-shaped balloons.

On Crescent Square, there will be lots of neat cars to marvel at and Nanaimo Search and Rescue will be on-hand to show-off their big Command Vehicle and other life-saving equipment.

On Crescent Stage, listen to the Nanaimo Fiddle Society or relax and learn Tai Chi.

Don't miss the weird and wacky bicycles, have a game of outdoor ping pong or giant darts and you'll definitely want to be here for the famous Server's Race - a Bathtub Weekend tradition. Bar Staff from throughout the city compete for the coveted trophy - balancing their tray of drinks, trying not to spill a drop, while they run from table-to-table.

It's all on Victoria Crescent in downtown Nanaimo Bathtub Weekend - Saturday, July 21. And it's All free!

allvoices

Friday, June 29, 2018

Cottonelle Conning Canadian Consumers??

10% Price Increase Hidden By Packaging!!
"New" 12 roll package
contains only 11 rolls

As consumers we know we are having our pockets picked at nearly every turn. Whether it is the gasoline cabal or the latest charges coming from city hall (for no increase in services) most consumers are finding their dollar just isn't going as far any more.

Deception at the gas pump, pretending to be a free market system while all stations charge the same price is one way our pockets get picked.

Calling the cost of garbage pick up a 'fee' so they can claim taxes aren't going up  is another example of the deception to keep the wool over our eyes.

Smaller packages with less product for the same price is another common deception employed by the corporate bean counters.

Cottonelle Cons Canadian Consumers

The above picture shows two packages of Cottonelle bathroom tissue purchased a few months apart. Both packages were 'on sale' for $4.99, which is not a bad deal in today's market.

At first blush they appear to be the same product but that is all a part of the deception.

The 'new' package contains 12 rolls of 170 1-ply tissue which is the equivalent of 2040 single sheets.

The 'old' package contains 12 rolls of 190 1 - ply tissue which is the equivalent of 2280 single sheets.

Simply put, for the same price the 'new' 12 roll package is not the equivalent of 11 'old' rolls for the same price. A whopping 10% increase!!

allvoices

Friday, June 15, 2018

RV's Now Welcome At Nanaimo Malcontent City

 Nanaimo Bulletin Tent city
Screengrab from Nanaimo News Bulletin article
click image for full story

The Nanaimo Bulletin is reporting that cars, vans and campers are now welcome on the city owned waterfront property previously known as the Wellcox property.

A very short time ago a handful of vagrants cut through the chain link fence and in a blatant act of trespass began to occupy city owned property.

In typical dysfunctional city council fashion they have diddled around until now the problem is ballooning into a major problem.

In other media coverage acting Mayor Ian Thorpe said something about the city needing to pursue the proper legal channels before taking action. Apparently their are no teeth in the eviction order they already served on the trespassers.

I am gobsmacked that someone can trespass on your property and the police are powerless to remove them from your property without a Supreme Court order.



allvoices

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Leonard Krog Seeks Nanaimo Mayoral Office 2018

Krog Koronation??

With the announcement by Nanaimo MLA Leonard Krog that he is entering the race for the office of Mayor it begs the question of whether this will be an election or Koronation.

It is reported in local media that Krog told Premier Horgan that he would be vacating his position in the Legislature which raises the question about the NDP loosing one of it's seats in the Legislature.

Whether Mr. Krog is going to resign his seat in the Legislature before the civic election isn't clear.

One obstacle for Mr. Krog to overcome will be separating partisan politics from the process given his history as an MLA for the NDP. It is a given Mr. Krog will have full support from NDP supporters in Nanaimo. Whether that is enough to guarantee his Koronation will be interesting to follow.


allvoices

Thursday, June 07, 2018

Discontent/Malcontent City Grows Downtown

'Campers' taking over waterfront property

Ironically, the area being trespassed upon by members of the tent city is the only part of that multi-million dollar prime waterfront that was producing revenue for the city when it was occupied by the pallet farm.

In their wisdom the city bought this piece of property (which no one else wanted) and have spent several million tax dollars developing it to fill another pipe dream concocted by city hall. Aaah, what creative ways the city brain trust can think of to burn those tax dollars of yours.

Seaspan and the rail company both have lifetime rights of way making the rest of the property basically useless for many years to come. Remember all those plans for a downtown travel hub complete with city bus terminal, downtown to downtown ferry terminal, seaplane terminal and helipad? In addition it was going to turn that eyesore property into another boon for Nanaimo's downtown.

In yet another display of incompetent bungling this Mayor and council have allowed this prime piece of real estate to quickly turn into ground zero for yet another battle of the homeless malcontents who apparently have far too much time on their hands and nothing better to do.

Question?

The battle cry from the discontent malcontents is for affordable housing. Has anyone asked any of these squatters how much they can afford to pay for housing? In other words what is their source of income and how much is their income and what percentage of that income can they 'afford' to pay for housing?

Do they really want affordable housing or are they looking for free housing? It is time someone at city hall got some spine and addressed this issue head-on. If not, we are witnessing what will soon become one of Nanaimo's biggest downtown attractions that will likely garner more national headlines.

They have already defied city hall and given the big finger to the Mayor and Council, not to mention the RCMP and they are just getting started. There are about 50 tents there now which already is going to be problematic when it comes to enforcing eviction notices. Just wait until it is 100 or more. I expect that is what this Mayor and council will do as they continue to fiddle as downtown burns.

allvoices

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Nanaimo Tent City or Discontent/Malcontent City

Nanaimo City Council Fumbles Again
failure to lance the boil will just guarantee an infection.......

What started out as yet another group of malcontents looking for free housing is quickly growing into a downtown disaster, courtesy of Mayor McKay and this inept city council.

When this infection first started Mayor McKay (or should I say Magoo) is quoted as saying it seemed like a good alternative for now, and even said the city would be supplying toilets........... in other words "Welcome to Nanaimo all you homeless, layabouts who aren't looking for affordable housing, just free housing so they can enjoy their 'lifestyles' which includes not working and doing as they please whenever they please.

Clearly this city hall has a track record that is abysmal by any standard and this latest episode is just the icing on the cake. Failure to immediately have these people removed from city property is allowing yet another reason to avoid downtown Nanaimo.

BIG PROBLEMS COMING
as vagrants flaunt the law and give the finger to city hall
The city property that used to house the 'unsightly' pallet farm has quickly become home to at least 50 'campers' who have barricaded the entrance to the area denying access to police, fire or ambulance.

These trespassers cut their way through the fence originally and protested when the city removed the locked gate so police, fire and ambulance could have access to the area in case of emergency.

While Mayor Magoo and this council dithers this problem is exploding making a laughing stock of the 'authorities' who are supposed to be running the city.

Once again Mayor and Council are putting Nanaimo on the map...................

allvoices

Monday, April 23, 2018

St. Paul's Anglican Tea Party


Mad Hatter's Tea Party
St. Paul's Anglican Church
'The Centre for Ministry'
100 Chapel Street
Saturday, May 19, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Tickets $10.00 at the door or
the Church Office 250-753-2523

Wearing of HATS is encouraged!!



allvoices

Another email scam promising money

Don't Fall For It !!!


Looks like the real thing .......

Seems there is never an end to the devices some will use to try and swindle the gullible.

The above image was an email received telling me that Melisa had sent me $3176.00 and appeared to have links to different banks that the funds could be deposited to.

Like all such scams you have to be a crook yourself to fall for them, but the idea you may be able to grab $3000 or so for free might just tempt some to click on the links in the email. Of course that is when you have taken the bait, and who knows what evil lurks on the other side of that click.

Forewarned is forearmed............ don't fall for it!!

allvoices

Friday, March 30, 2018

Easter Has Nothing To Do With Eggs






The images from Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' while more graphic than the sanitized Jesus on the Cross usually shown, still does not convey what was done to the only sinless man to ever walk.

While nearly completely ignored, what the Christ endured at the hands of vile, sinful men when he was scourged with 39 flesh-ripping lashes is all part of the crucifixion story. We are told in the book of Isaiah :

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Traditionally, Easter Sunday will see the biggest spike in Church attendance than any other time of year. It will be celebrating the Resurrection, but before that Glory came the whipping post, the humiliation, the mocking, the spitting upon, struggling to carry His Cross, being nailed naked to the most cruel means of death imagined and finally death and descent into Hell so that sinful man could be forgiven.


allvoices

Monday, March 19, 2018

Nanaimo Senior Saved From Costly Scam

Alert Shopper's Drug Mart employees
and fast police work saves senior from phone scam
On Thursday March 8th an elderly female walked into a local Shoppers Drug Mart asking to purchase $4000 in gaming cards. Instantly, given the amount asked for, the employee sensed the female was being duped and proceeded to ask her why she needed so many cards.
The female, who was in her eighties, told the employee that she had just received a phone call from her son who told her he was in financial trouble and the only way out of his mess was for her to buy $4000 dollars in gaming cards, called "Steam Cards". After purchasing them she was directed to send them to her son’s lawyer’s office in the Lower Mainland. The female told the employee she had spoken with her son’s lawyer and then an RCMP officer who repeated the same story.
The Shoppers Drug Mart employee politely told her it was all a scam to which the female responded she knew of the ITunes scam but this was real. Over the next few minutes at least four different employees attempted to convince her but to no avail. Eventually the woman told them if they would not sell her the cards, she would purchase them at Walmart.

The Shoppers Drug Mart employees realized they needed to act fast so they reported the incident to the police, indicating the female would be driving to Walmart. The dispatch operator astutely called Walmart to alert them and sure enough, the female soon arrived and was again prevented from making the purchase.

The dispatch centre, and an officer with the Nanaimo RCMP followed up with the female her by phone and only then did she realize it was a scam.

These types of scams tug at your heartstrings which is why they are so effective,  said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. To learn more about frauds and scams go to the Canadian Anti Fraud centre .

allvoices

Friday, March 09, 2018

Clocks SPRING Ahead This Weekend


Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night before retiring. Yes, you don't get this hour back until fall this year. 

Anyone else thinks changing clocks is a dumb idea??

allvoices

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

Cruiser Used To Apprehend Armed Male

Suspect struck by police vehicle during apprehension

A 33-year-old Nanaimo man, with a propensity for violence, weapons and unpredictable behaviour sustained minor injuries today after Nanaimo Mounties used a police vehicle to assist in his arrest. The suspect received only minor scrapes and bruises but was however transported to local hospital where he received treatment for his injuries. The male was then taken to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.  The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Participaction Park near Beban Park.

Just before 10 am today, a Nanaimo RCMP officer was on patrol when he saw the male, whom he knew was arrestable on breach charges. As the officer approached on foot and told the male he was under arrest, the suspect pulled out a knife, told the officer he would kill him and then ran in the opposite direction. The officer, who had previous violent encounters with the male, produced his firearm and pursued the suspect. The pursuing officer alerted other officers to the fact the suspect was armed and was headed in the direction of a playground, filled with young children and their parents.

Another officer soon arrived and taking into consideration many factors, which included his safety, the safety of nearby children and any unsuspecting pedestrians, decided to strike the male, at low speed, with the front of his police vehicle. The suspect flipped onto the hood of the vehicle and fell to the ground. At this time, the officer was able to take the suspect into custody and seized the knife he had. 


The suspect is facing numerous charges with include but are not limited to several Breach of condition charges, Possession of Weapon and Uttering Threats, and will have a either have a Bail Hearing tonight or appear before a Provincial court judge sometime tomorrow.

allvoices

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

John David Shepherd Wanted For Fraud

ARRESTED

Jordan David SHEPHERD is wanted on five counts of Fraud under $5000 from Nanaimo, one count of Fraud from Ladysmith and another Fraud charge stemming from New Westminster. All of the allegations occurred between February and August of 2017. 

It is alleged SHEPHERD, who sometimes goes by the name "Dave ROFTER”, befriends women ranging in age from their mid twenties to early thirties, whom he meets in person, on social media or through “Plenty of Fish" a free dating site. Within in days, SHEPARD asks the female to deposit a cheque for him, in their account, for an amount ranging from $1000 to $1600, The cheque is written on his purported business account called "On the Rocks Surveying”.

SHEPHERD would often tell the women he either lost his bank card or he left it with a family member and could not access it. After the female cashes the cheque and withdraws the money from her account, SHEPHERD disappears. In all cases the women were later notified by their bank that “ On the Rocks Surveying” was not an account and that it did not even exist. Only then did they realize they had been duped. 

"Some of the women who fell prey to SHEPARD have taken to social media to warn other women of his actions. We too wish to warn others and hopefully encourage any who have not come forward yet, to do so. SHEPHERD needs to held accountable for his actions," said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Jordan David SHEPHERD  is from Nanaimo and may be in the Lower Mainland. He stands 6 ft. 1, weighs approximately 230 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes. SHEPHERD has a tattoo of a Crown on his right wrist and another of “No Regrets” on his right upper arm.


 If you have information on the whereabouts of Jordan David SHEPHERD, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477.

allvoices