LONDON BEWARE OF TAX SCAM

CANADIAN'S WARNED OF TAX SCAM CIRCULATING


The Canada Revenue Agency is advising all Canadians to beware of a recent scam in the form of a letter or e-mail coming from the CRA asking for personal information. A copy of the letter is available at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.
The letter claims "insufficient information" on the individuals tax return and they need to update their records. There is a form or attachment they want you to fill out that includes information on passports and bank accounts.
DO NOT COMPLETE THIS LETTER, IT IS NOT FROM THE CRA. The CRA has reported it to law enforcement.

TOUGH TIMES FORCE SAM'S CLUB TO CLOSE

London will be one of six Sam's Club retail store locations closing in Ontario as owner's Wal-Mart announced yesterday.

According to Wal-Mart after dropping the Sam's retail store locations there focus will be on opening 26 of the Wal-Mart Supercenters similar to London's Hyse Park location.

Some of these Supercenters will be new while other's will just be added to existing locations. So far the only locations near London at this point are St.Thomas and Woodstock.

Sam's Club in London employs about 200 people and Wal-Mart hopes to find jobs for them at other store locations.

Like Costco, shoppers have to be part of the Sam's Membership Club in order to do business there. Membership fees were renewed yearly costing between $40-$50 depending on business or personal use. The Sam's Membership Club entitled buyers to better deals on bulk sizes of food and personal products and Sam's also had a wide variety of electronics such as TV's and Computers.

Speculation is that the building will not sit idle too long at Lowe's has expressed interest in opening at that location. Lowe's has opened 11 stores in Canada in a little over one year. Lowe's would be in competition with Home Depot and Rona.

The London Sam's Club location opened it's doors in 2004 as Wal-Mart rushed to open it before Costco opened the second location in the city.
It's just another sign of the times when you see a large chain like this calling it quits.

Tim Best Warned About Gambling

It seems that Tim Best just loves to get in to trouble. Just a day before best was arrested for DUI he was warned about card games going on at his London Establishment Friday Knight Lights.

This came after a visit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario stopped by for an inspection warning Tim to remove the cards.

Tim Best maintains that there is no gambling in his establishment and what was witnessed was just a Bachelor Party and nothing more.

There was no comment from the Inspector who entered Friday Knight Lights Jan 30th along with two London Police. The Police Department says that the carried out a routine check.

The next night Tim Best led Police on a crazy chase that ended up in Dorchester. Best is facing several charges that include,Failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm, impaired driving just to name a few. The chase left two vehicles damaged and was then followed by a foot chase as best ran away from the Police.

Tim Best is the Husband of London Ontario Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco although these days she may not want to admit that.

The Best Court Date is set for March 24th.

Labatt's Employee's Worried About Future

Labatt employees have good reason to worry after possibilities of being axed from the American market. A move that may cause layoffs and closures here in Canada. Work came from a Company Spokesperson.

Labatt USA was sold by Inbev the Belgium based owner of Labatt to KPS Capital partners.

The deal made was to include no more exporting it's Canadian made beer to the USA which will take effect in three years.

From the Canadian side losing this market will definitely impact annual production by about 20.7 million cases of beer. With this kind of loss job cuts and layoffs are imminent

London's historic Labatt's plant on Horton St began brewing in 1847.

Labatt has 7 breweries in Canada so nobody is certain if and where these cuts will take place.

Kps is also a brewer of Genesee beer.

2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championship Will Be Spectacular

The decision has been made; the 2010 Figure Skating Canadian Championships will be held in London, Ontario Canada. As you may know Canada always has some of the best and most competitive figure skaters in the World. In mid-January of 2010 Canada will have its championships, as the rest of the World Figure Skating community watches in anticipation to find out which skaters are destined to be on the Canadian Olympic Team. London Ontario is no small player in Figure Skating, in 2005 the National Championships were also hosted there.

It proves to be one of the most competitive figure skating events ever, as the routines are getting more aggress and the skaters are more daring and stronger each year. These are pure athletes noted one recent commentator on the circuit. 2010 Canadian Championships will determine, which skaters are ready for the World Stage as the time to the Winter Olympics grows closer. Can Canada continue to dominate, or will China once again show their skills on skates.

The World of Figure Skating is coming closer together each season. The judges are busy merging styles and cultural aspects of the sport, and judging is becoming fairer. Some have surmised that all this also brings nations together in healthy sporting competition, as our world also becomes one.

The ice is where talent, athleticism and perseverance shines, as well as creative genius, style and finesse rule the day. If you have ever wanted to see a figure skating event, this is the one to see. But you better get your tickets soon, as they will sell-out, they always do. Canadians love their figure skaters and you will too.

WHY VISIT LONDON

London Ontario is located along the banks of the Thames river about half way between Windsor and Toronto. London is known as the Forest City as can been seen by all the beautiful trees throughout.
With over 450,000 people London plays host to many businesses in the Transportation Industry. Located beside highway 401 makes London an attractive spot for many companies to set up.

There are many well know people who hail from the Forest City that include

- NHL Stars Joe and Scott Thornton as well as Eric Lindros
- Actors Ryan Gossling,Rachel McAdams,Hume Cronyn,Kate Nelligan and Jessica Tandy to name a few.
- David Suzuki
- Legendary Country Singer Tommy Hunter
- Beer Brewing Giants John Labatt, Thomas Carling

While visiting London there are lots of things you can do
like shopping in one of their many large malls located throughout the city. Enjoy some of the historic sites like the Middlesex County Courthouse,Delta Armouries,Eldon House,Fanshawe Pioneer Village and more.
In the heart of London you will find beautiful 18 acre Victoria Park filled with nice walking paths, a band shell for many of the events and festivals that take place and Army Equipment displays. In the winter everyone is welcome to come out skating on the City's free to use ice rink located right in front of the band shell.

If you like to eat out and try different things then London is for you. They have a great selection of Unique Restaurants to choose from. Specialty Restaurants can be found within walking distance of each other along Richmond St or Richmond Row as most people know it.
There are so many great places that deserve mention that I don't know where to start! Aroma's European Cuisine, Under the Volcano for great Mexican, Waldo's on King for Steak to die for, Michael's on the Thames for that special romantic occasion. There are so many, I'm still working on them.

London Ontario plays home to many great Festivals.

-International Children's Festival
-Folk Festival
-Sunfest
Unfortunately due to financial problems London has lost their International Airshow, Rib Fest and Balloon Festival which I really hope can return to the City someday.
Theatre buffs can take in the Grand Theatre while visiting there is always something going on.

The younger crowd will enjoy the huge Bar Scene in the City a favourite for the University of Western Ontario Students.

The addition of the John Labatt Centre has been a big boost to London's Entertainment Scene. The JLC opened in 2002 and is home of the City's Hockey Team the London Knights. Many Headline Acts have visited the Labatt Centre like Bon Jovi,Cher,Elton John,Billy Joel to name a few. There are also Monster Trucks,Disney Ice Shows for the whole family to enjoy.

There are so many reasons you should visit London Ont, the Forest City and I really encourage you to come and discover yours!

LONDONERS WISH WINTER TO END

We've Had Enough Winter!!!

It's been a long hard winter and Londoners have had enough. Even as this letter is being typed the white stuff is still falling to the ground. For the handful who do enjoy the snow you better get out while you can. Good news there is a break coming later in the week as temperatures rise above the freezing mark.

I'm not a winter person at all so good riddance to this crap. It is also fact that during the winter season depression climbs, health decreases so what good is it? There is nothing like a white Christmas don't get me wrong but after that GOODBYE!

Driving around the City I can already see where winter has taken its toll. Road Conditions in the city are horrible, worse than they already were to begin with. Mayor DeCicco really has to look in to improving the roads all over London, not funding a non profitable Orchestra. When visitors come to the Forest City we don't want them to leave saying "I needed a wheel alignment after being in London"

The tree's also got pretty beaten up this winter with all the high winds and freezing rain, I think spring clean up will be a busier than normal time for everyone.

So London, a few more weeks and you will start to smell the grass again, listen to the robins sing, get the power washer out and get rid of all that sand and dirt everywhere. People can get the trailers and tents ready, clean off the BBQ because even though it may not seem like it now
WE'VE MADE IT LONDON! winter is almost over!

SHALENEA TURNBALL GUILTY

Shalenea Turnball was found guilty in a London Courtroom today from charges relating to the hit and run death of Tony Degraw 25 of Newbury. Turnball stuck Degraw in the early hours of the morning January 1, 2007 after leaving a party, she had been drinking.

Turnball claimed She knew that she had stuck something on the road but thought it was an animal and failed to stop at the scene then continued home and parked the vehicle in the garage. She eventually turned herself into police.

Although the exact blood alcohol content was not determined there were many witnesses reporting her drinking various drinks throughout the night. After arguing with her common-law spouse he left in his vehicle and then She took off after him. This was her story.

At this time the exact charges are not known but will be posted as soon as the information because available.

SHALENEA TURNBALL KNEW SHE HIT SOMETHING

The trial of Shalenea Turnball has begun. The Glencoe woman has been charged after the hit and run death of Tony Degraw 25 was struck walking along Dundonald Rd Jan 1st 2007. She has pleaded not guilty.

She was at a New Years Party Drinking, got in her vehicle, drove home, hit someone and then hid the vehicle in the garage. That sure sounds guilty to me! People have to take responsibility for their actions. This lady is 25 years old, should know enough not to drink and drive and now she has killed somebody. That's pretty black and white if you ask me.

Like every other case I'm sure the courts will drag this one out as well as the press while the Degraw family suffer even more. It stated in the London Free Press that Turnbull had been drinking and then got into an argument with her common-law spouse, he left and she went to find him. Who cares, guilty! If I was driving and thought I hit something I would make sure I knew what I hit, why didn't she turn around?

There are so many questions this lady needs to answer, it just doesn't make sense. I'm pretty sure she knew she hit a person, was scared, knew she was drinking so she went home and hid the vehicle. We'll see who's right soon!

ATM BANKING SCAM HITS LONDON

ATM Scam Investigation

ATM Banking Scams are now in London as city police are investigating 3 businesses. The three unnamed businesses came forward after noticing that the Pin Pads on the ATM's had been tampered with. Although there have been no fraud victims come forward as of yet the investigation is ongoing.

This falls shortly after ATM skimming was found in Stratford where over 40,000 people had lost money from their bank accounts. Police do have suspects in that the Stratford case.

The three London incidents were reported in a two day period and city police do not know if they are connect at this point or not.

Protect Yourself From ATM Fraud

• make sure nobody is close to you when entering your pin


• watch the clerk if for some reason they have to swipe your card


• check the ATM pin pad, look for signs of tampering or anything odd looking about it


• call police right away if you suspect a problem


• never give your pin number to anybody EVER

If you are a victim of an ATM theft banks will insure the stolen money so don't worry to much. What thieves are doing are replacing ATM pin pads with pads that read your card number and pin number that you type in. They will then pick up these pads that have your personal information stored and transfer it to black ATM cards that they have in possession.

Personally, I think we will be hearing a lot more about ATM theft it's only a matter of time. We may all have to go back to using banks and tellers again and paying cash for purchases we make. One thing you can count on with thieves is that they will always find a way, it just takes time.

STORYBOOK GARDENS CLOSING

The End of The Story for Storybook Gardens?

It's not a surprise to anyone that London's Storybook Gardens is in financial trouble and it has been for years. City Councillor Joni Baechler recommended that the City look into closing Storybook Gardens. In 2003 the park had a 7 million dollar overhaul that didn't help at all. In my opinion and I have said before " Storybook Gardens lost it's direction" even though it held on to it's name the park is a mess. You have a water park, slides, skating and a zoo which is ok but very little of the park has to do with fairy tales.

To revamp a park the way the City did, they should have given it a new identity because people are going expecting one thing and coming out feeling let down. When I go to Storybook with my 2 boys they run past everything directly to the back of the park where there is a large play area, they don't like the water park(to cold) they don't look at the animals at all. These are the attractions that cost a lot of money to keep up. If my children went thinking they are going to a zoo then they would be geared up to see animals, this park has no theme anymore.

I'll have to admit sadly, maybe it is time to close the old park down. Just like Orchestra London, you can't keep bailing water out of a sinking ship because eventually it will sink. So Joni, you may not be to popular right now but you are right, London does need a new plan dealing with Storybook Gardens and soon.

Kids can go to Harris Park a use the water park for free and Londoners know that. Half the animals in the Storybook Zoo you can see walking through a forest. As for the rides, I admit the big slide is cool but truth of the matter is it's all just park equipment which kids can play on anywhere. In a nutshell people are paying a lot of money for............nothing. That's why the attendance keeps dropping and dropping.

Like all fairy tales, they do have to come to an end and maybe it's time for Storybook Gardens to follow suit. My memories of the park from childhood will always be fond ones as others will agree. It's a nice park and could be used for many things but I recommend whatever you do London, pick a theme and stick with it. Don't try to be the "everything park" because you really don't have a target audience when you do that.

London Free Press Protecting Tim Best

"Best Friend" Gets Off The Hook

The London Free Press is taking a lot of heat over the handling of the Time Best Story. Best, the husband of London Mayor Anne Marie CeCicco faces numerous charges including failing to remain at the scene, driving while intoxicated causing bodily harm just to name a few.
Being a well know figure in London like Tim Best is you would think the story would have great significance, I would anyway. Paul Berton of the London Free Press must have felt otherwise and put his friends story on the third page of the paper. Paul has taken a lot of heat for this decision but stands by it.

This is a very serious case and I believe this qualifies as front page material considering the Mayor has been so tight lipped about it someones got to report what's going on.
Tim is best known for his Sports Bar Friday Knight Lights which you will also find Anne Marie working on occasion, maybe even more now. Up until now their story seemed like such a fairytale but this one may not have a happy ending.

It will be interesting to see how the Mayor deals with the embarrassing and very serious situation. In a position like Anne Marie's bad press like this may destroy her. Or maybe Anne Marie will part ways with Tim and continue to lead the Forest City.
There are so many different directions this may unfold but the London Free Press assures us that they will be there covering it every step of the way, lets just hope they give it the press it deserves next time.

Maybe if Tim was my friend I would do the same thing and try to cause him as little damage as I could........no, I'd roast him! So Paul, next time you do a story on one of your buddies and don't feel you can handle it why not pass it on to somebody who can. If you were the Police officer that finally got him would you have let him go because he's Tim Best the Mayor's Husband?

IKEA London Is A No Go

IKEA London is Just a Dream.....For Now

My favourite furniture store IKEA will not be coming to London anytime soon. According to a spokesman an IKEA London location may be a possibility in the future. To be honest I was surprised they would pass up the forest city. With the new Tepperman location, Bad Boy etc there must be a good market for that business. This means a few more years of that long drive to Hamilton or Toronto if you want to shop at your favourite Swedish Furniture Store. IKEA has 11 stores in Canada right now, 286 across the world and there had been a lot of talk about an IKEA London location. Don't give up though London, things can happen. Maybe after this financial crisis ends and everyone gets back on their feet IKEA will take another look and make the right decision next time. I'll keep driving because I love IKEA and their very unique products.

You can check out the IKEA Website right here! IKEA Home

London College of Healthcare and Technology Leaves Students Hanging

London Students Left Hanging

The London College of Healthcare and Technology shocked it's 46 dental students when they found the doors to the school locked last Friday noting the School was officially closed.Students are now left trying to completed their education, some with only four week left to completion and all wondering about the $30,000 tuition paid for the 18 month coarse.There has been no comment from Robert Hodge, the owner and Toronto based Dentist as of yet. The College opened in 2007 in the former Mount St. Joseph center.
The Staff of the College have also expressed concern saying they are still owed a months wages. At this point nobody really knows what is going to happen. Private Schooling has been a popular route for many trying to get ahead in specialized areas and up until now has been pretty reliable.

Tim Best May Be In More Trouble

Unconfirmed reports say the Tim Best may have good reason to drink away his pain. Best, the owner of Friday Knight Lights sports bar in London has apparently been under a lot of financial stress with the bar losing thousands of dollars. Again, there has been no confirmed report of this but sources are pretty reliable. This would also explain the need for Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco to be putting in the hours she has working at Friday Knight Lights.
Tim Best led police on quite a chase starting on the 401 by Dorchester, smashing in to 2 vehicles causing bodily injury and ending things off trying to run away for police on foot. Tim Best will appear in court on March 24 of this year. Mayor Anne-Marie has been pretty quiet about the whole thing and has comment no further than thanking people for their support.
Mayor DeCicco married Best in 2006 and up until now had seemed like the kind of relationship that everyone would want. Only time will tell if they will survive this together or maybe Anne-Marie will cut her ties with Best in hopes to remain in high standings with Londoners.

"Tim Best" may not be the Best

Mayor DeCicco's Husband In Hot Water
She may be wondering these days if she made the "Best" choice these days as Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco's husband Tim Best has some explaining to do. Mr Best faces a slew of charges after a weekend of destruction leaving damaged vehicles, people in hospital and great embarrassment to the Mayor. Timothy Best, 47, has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm and two other related charges.

Things are pretty hush,hush at city all as the mayor has not commented on this escapade involving Tim. One thing for sure, Mr Best will be enjoying at least a year on foot as a license suspension is for sure. Truthfully I once admired this Guy, Tim is well known in the town, a good business man and of coarse the Mayor's Husband and then he does something stupid like this. Will this be the end of the fairytale relationship that everyone has admired since the two were married? Will Tim Best go fame local fame to Jailbird? Until March nobody really knows but one thing is for sure, I bet Tim has been spending most of his nights on the couch!