Uber Safety Warning: A Story Every Rider Should Read

 🚨 Uber Safety Warning: A Story Every Rider Should Read

On Friday, something truly terrifying happened to a woman just trying to get to an appointment in Vancouver. She called an Uber from Commercial Station—just a short ride away—but instead of a 5-7 minute drive, she was taken on a detour... to a back alley.

This wasn't a misunderstanding. This was predatory behavior masked behind a rideshare platform we’re told is safe.

During the ride, the driver handed her a business card—not for future transportation—but with an unsettling smile, inappropriate touching, and a disgusting comment:

"I've never slept with anyone before. Text or call me if you ever want to hang out."

When she tried to get out of the car, the doors were locked.
He quickly parked, reclined his seat, and grabbed her—whispering in her ear, pulling her toward the back seat.
She managed to escape.
But what if she hadn’t?

She kept the business card so she could report him—and so we can warn others.

👇 Here's what you need to know:

• The card identifies the driver as Avikash Verma and says “Uber Driver at Your Service”
• Offers executive pickups, doctor visits, airport trips
• Serves Vancouver to Fraser Valley
• Has a black Honda CR-V (seen in the photo)
• Operates via UberX

🔴 If you have taken a ride with this driver, please report your experience to Uber immediately and contact authorities if you felt unsafe.

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🚺 Ladies, Protect Yourself:

• Share your location in real time with someone you trust.
• Sit in the back and have your phone ready.
• If something feels off, trust your gut and end the ride.
• Do NOT engage with drivers who make inappropriate comments—report them immediately.
• Uber lets you report behavior mid-ride—use that feature.
• Take a screenshot of the license plate and profile if something feels wrong.

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💬 A Personal Note:

I’ve had creepy taxi rides myself. Once a driver asked too many personal questions after a long airport trip. I just wanted to get home, and suddenly I was worried he now knew where I lived.

Another friend—a former taxi driver himself—was recently taken on a confusing Uber route by a driver who didn’t know the city or where to turn.
They charge extra for those delays—which makes it not just unsafe, but scammy too.

This isn't just about one driver. It’s a pattern. Vancouver is getting scarier for people who don’t have safe, reliable, affordable transportation options.

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✊ Let’s Speak Up:

Uber says it's about convenience, but how convenient is it when you're terrified in the back of a stranger's car?

We must hold Uber accountable, report these incidents, and protect one another.

Please share this story. Someone you know might be next—and they deserve to be warned.

Stay safe, Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

A Dangerous Slip-Up or a Calculated Distraction?

 

A Dangerous Slip-Up or a Calculated Distraction?

On March 24, 2025, the world learned of a shocking breach in U.S. national security: senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration allegedly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a group chat containing top-secret military plans for Yemen. The discussion, conducted over the encrypted messaging app Signal, detailed potential U.S. strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels—information that should have been handled with the utmost security.

The question now is whether this was truly an accident—or something far more calculated.

A Risk to National Security

Leaking sensitive war plans, even unintentionally, is more than just an embarrassing blunder; it’s a serious risk to national security. If this information was intercepted by foreign governments or hostile actors, it could compromise strategic operations, endanger troops, and even escalate conflict before any official decisions are made. Military intelligence is safeguarded for a reason—because revealing it prematurely gives adversaries time to prepare countermeasures or strike first.

Beyond the immediate danger, this slip-up raises concerns about how classified information is being handled within the Trump administration. If top officials are discussing military operations on a messaging app, even an encrypted one, what other vital information is at risk of exposure? And if a journalist was accidentally looped in, who else might have access?

Was It Really a Mistake?

Given the history of political distractions and media manipulation, some are asking whether this "accident" was, in fact, intentional. Over the years, Trump and his administration have often dominated headlines with controversies—sometimes conveniently shifting focus away from other pressing matters. Could this be another instance?

Consider what else is happening: Is there an ongoing scandal that needs to be buried under breaking news? Are there policy failures or economic crises that the administration wants to divert attention from? This incident has sparked outrage and bipartisan concern—ensuring it remains the dominant story for days, if not weeks. Meanwhile, what other major decisions or crises are slipping under the radar?

A Pattern of Recklessness?

This isn’t the first time Trump has faced criticism for mishandling classified information. His previous presidency saw controversies over intelligence sharing with foreign leaders, the storage of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, and the exposure of covert operatives. Given this track record, the idea that such a massive mistake was made again—this time in the context of war planning—raises serious doubts about competence or intent.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The National Security Council has launched an investigation into how this breach happened, but the American people deserve transparency. Was this truly a mistake by careless officials, or is there a deeper political motive at play? If this was an error, it signals a catastrophic failure in national security management. If it was deliberate, it suggests an administration willing to gamble with military intelligence for political gain.

Either way, the consequences are dire. Whether through incompetence or manipulation, the handling of war plans in this manner puts lives at risk, weakens the U.S.’s strategic position, and damages trust in its leadership.

The real question now is: What else are they trying to distract us from?

SERIOUS WARNING TO CANADIANS: AVOID TRAVEL TO THE U.S.

 SERIOUS WARNING TO CANADIANS: AVOID TRAVEL TO THE U.S. – IT IS NOT SAFE

Canadians, take this as a critical warning: The United States has become a dangerous place for foreign travelers, including Canadian citizens. Recent reports confirm that ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is illegally detaining people, including a Canadian citizen, Jasmine Mooney, who was held for two weeks while renewing her work visa.

This is not an isolated case. The U.S. government has ramped up mass deportations and detentions, even targeting people with valid visas, permanent residents, and foreign workers. Over 32,809 arrests have taken place in just the first 50 days of the current administration—matching the total for all of last year.

Why You Should Boycott the U.S. Now:

• You could be detained arbitrarily, even if you have legal status.
• Human rights violations are escalating, and foreign citizens are being caught in the crackdown.
• Diplomatic relations are strained, with Canada and European nations issuing travel advisories.
• If detained, you may have no immediate recourse for legal help.

Take Action:

• Cancel any non-essential travel to the U.S.
• Warn friends, family, and colleagues about the dangers.
• Support businesses that do not rely on U.S. trade or tourism.
• Demand action from the Canadian government to protect its citizens.

The situation is escalating. Do not risk your safety. Boycott the U.S. until conditions improve. Share this message widely.

The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement

 The Human Cost of Transit Fares and Enforcement

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of public transit in Metro Vancouver, particularly the high cost of fares, punitive fines, and the increased enforcement measures targeting vulnerable populations.

What happened on the bus today was deeply disturbing. Four transit police officers boarded the bus at one stop and began checking everyone's passes. I’ve experienced similar situations in Mexico, where it’s normal for police to board long-distance buses and ask for passports. I was prepared for that there because I understood the context and purpose. But in Canada, this level of enforcement feels alarming and out of place.

I spoke with a young student who shared her own struggles. She’s been here only two years, working toward an Associate of Arts degree at a college near Metrotown. She told me about the enforcement that has been happening for the last six months, about the steep fines, and how difficult it is to afford the $200 monthly transit pass from Surrey to Vancouver. She’s just one example of so many who are being impacted by these policies.

Public transit was never meant to be a tool of punishment—it was designed to connect communities, provide opportunities, and ensure accessibility for all. Yet today, it has become a source of stress and danger for low-income individuals, students, and vulnerable groups.

Imagine the consequences: women and other vulnerable individuals being forced into unsafe situations because they cannot afford to get to work or school. Imagine someone you care about—a daughter, a brother, a mother—unable to pay a fine or afford transit. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is the daily reality for many people.

Meanwhile, we see massive construction projects and "big plans" for transit expansion, but little thought seems to be given to the human cost. Public transit should be funded by those who can afford it—through higher taxes on billionaires and corporations that benefit from the infrastructure—rather than placing the burden on those already struggling.

History has shown us the consequences of ignoring vulnerable populations. The recent installation of cell phone services along the Highway of Tears is a tragic acknowledgment of the dangers faced by those without access to safe transportation. We cannot allow our urban transit system to create similar risks for people who simply can’t afford to pay.

I urge you to reconsider the current fare structure and enforcement policies. Consider eliminating fares altogether and funding transit through equitable taxation. Transit should be a public good that serves everyone, not a system that penalizes poverty.

The inventors and visionaries behind Expo 86 never imagined a transit system that would punish impoverished people. They envisioned a future of connectivity, opportunity, and progress. It’s time to live up to that vision.

Sincerely,

Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita 

Let's Make Donald Drumpf Again!!!

#MakeDonaldDrumpfagain
http://www.donaldjdrumpf.com/

“At this point, Donald Trump is America’s back mole,” Oliver said on Sunday’s episode. “It may have seemed harmless a year ago, but now that it’s become frighteningly bigger, it’s no longer wise to ignore it.”

Trump's name is actually Drumpf!!

Watch this video. 
Please don't vote for that sociopath.






 Who's a Sociopath and how to protect yourself.
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/06/whos-sociopath-and-how-to-protect.html

Related Links
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/when-will-you-speak-up.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/have-you-heard-bernies-speeches-from.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/pt-3-great-songs-that-have-inspired-me.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/pt-2-great-songs-that-have-inspired-me.html 
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/pt-1-great-songs-that-have-inspired-me.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/check-out-raffis-video-for-his-song.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2016/02/vote-for-bernie-and-remain-engaged.html
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.ca/2015/11/have-you-heard-of-peace-prayer-flag.html 

Related Links on Trumps Hatred:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/08/scale-of-donald-trumps-discrimination-debases-currency-of-democracy

http://www.thenation.com/article/the-hate-behind-donald-trumps-success/
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/donald-trump-muslim-hate-speech-facebook-a6774676.html

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/08/politics/donald-trump-muslim-woman-protesting-ejected/

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/donald_trumps_south_carolina_victory_and_anti-muslim_hatred_20160221

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35041402

http://globalnews.ca/news/2544866/donald-trump-almost-certain-to-be-the-next-president-professor/?sf21647837=1

Barra de Navidad, Melaque after Hurricane Patricia- UPDATED

UPDATE: a GoFundme page has been set up.
https://www.gofundme.com/patriciahelp 

Also a Fundraiser in Puerto Vallarta is happening. http://www.banderasnews.com/1510/vl-disaster-relief-fundraiser-in-vallarta.htm
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Word is that the brunt of the storm passed Vallarta but Melaque and Barra de Navidad got hit bad. Here are some photos. I will post more as I hear. Please pray for those affected. There is still ALOT of rain and this is the dangerous part because of landslides and flooding. Keep the people in our hearts and share this as often the little towns do not get the help they need after a disaster because know one knows about it. Please share and help if you can.

Get more info here http://www.afmedios.com/tag/huracan-patricia/
More photos can be found here http://www.weather.com/news/news/hurricane-patricia-photos?cm_ven=Facebook_TheWeatherChannel_Weather_JKo_Article_No_4_20151024

http://www.afmedios.com/

http://www.afmedios.com/

http://www.afmedios.com/

http://www.afmedios.com/

http://www.afmedios.com/

http://www.afmedios.com/

PSA- Be Harrison Aware- Respect All Water!

Water- you have to respect it. So many people do not understand how fast situations change.

Sadly it's true, it is only when a friend or loved one loses their life do you realize how dangerous water can be. RESPECT IT!

Be informed and be aware, not just of Harrison but of all water, lakes, rivers and oceans. It is powerful, mix it with wind or cold and how it affects you is radical.

RIP Gary and Daniel and to all their family and friend I send my greatest condolences and I am sad you had to make this video but it is very good of you to warn and remind everyone to not take their safety or anyone elses for granted. Thank you for doing that so I can share it with my loved ones and hopefully protect them and their friends.
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Gary Duong (25) and Daniel Reid (23) were both very strong swimmers. On one of the hottest days in 2015, they died in the cold waters of Harrison Lake, where they were swimming.

They were unaware of its dangerously cold temperatures, strong currents, and the unpredictable sudden winds which can turn a flat surface of water into a small craft warning in a matter of seconds.

 Visitors to this lake must become aware of these risks. Gary and Daniel can't speak now so we are speaking for them in hopes that future deaths will be prevented on this very beautiful but deadly body of water.

#HarrisonAware   
  www.facebook.com/harrisonaware



Let US share the above warnings so we may never need the services of  Legacy Water Search & Recovery Society
www.legacywatersearch.com
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyWaterSearch

For the Sake of Our Children, Our Loved Ones, Our World...

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+



For the Sake of Our Children, Our Loved Ones, Our World- Please Watch this Video and Do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you Can Do To Help!!

Dolphin Tale - Winter- An Excellent Movie!

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Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

We won Free Tix to the Screening of Dolphin Tale. It was a great movie. We loved it, I laughed and cried so much. It's great family entertainment. It's very touching and has a lot of subtle messages about challenges, environment and family. I highly recommend it. The 3D was awesome. I didn't think I'd like the 3D but it was
REALLY INCREDIBLE! Very Cool Movie!

I have to mention one thing that really drew me in, and made me cry right from the start, the little girl is homeschooled. I just LOVED that!! There's so many great parts in this movie, but I'm not going to spoil it, you have to go see it!!  

Special Thanks to Kids Vancouver for the Free Tix.
http://www.kidsvancouver.com/



Thanks to Warner Bros for the Free tix and the face painting and to Silver City Theatre for allowing us to have such an awesome day!

Winter's Story

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/winter.dolphin?sk=wall 

Twitter   @WinterDolphin Clearwater, Florida

I'm an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who lost my tail after getting entangled in a crab trap.I learned to swim w/o a tail & am learning to use a prosthetic tail.

http://www.SeeWinter.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/ClearwaterAquarium
http://www.seewinter.com/media-press/videos/things-to-do