Parking Meters

I don't know if you are all aware but as of January 1, 2010, all meter parking in Vancouver (suburbs too I would assume) is in effect 9am-10pm (not 8pm like it's always been). Lovely, more money to spend. The minor good news for me is that I often pay my meters by telephone and the 30 cent "convenience" charge will now cease to exist. As well, I can "reserve" a spot for 4 hours instead of 2. Still, this is a cash grab by our illustrious government.

Why Are You Here?

It's Christmas Day and I am in the office at work because the casino never closes. I came to work expecting that everybody would be at home with their families but instead there were more people than usual at 7 in the morning. Isn't it a bit sad that this is what so many people choose to do on this supposedly festive day? I know there are many people that have nowhere else to go during Holiday time, perhaps those with no families or friends. We welcome them with open arms, and not to take their money but just a place to spend some time. But to those with families and friends, should you really be here?

Daily Driver Rant

Way to go, big idiot driving in the opposite direction on East 22nd who decided that he would turn left while I was perhaps only two car lengths away. I managed to break in time (and in fact probably ruined them a little bit). This was my closest to an accident in a long time. This was just stupid. If I wasn't in a bit of a rush to change and get to work I would have followed the guy and do something.

Weekly Driver Rants

I wonder if I can turn this page into strictly a "bad driver" page and have enough topics to write about. You know, I think ICBC should institute some sort of a system where every time you renew your license you have to take a SIMPLE driving test. At least 50% of those on the road really have not clue what they're doing. I'm not talking about the bad drivers. There are those that speed, or cut into lanes or are otherwise reckless. That's their choice. They developed their own bad habits.

I'm talking about the ones that somehow snuck their way to a pass on their driving test. They are the ones that think that going green means never using your signal light, or have no clue how to properly merge from an onramp onto a highway. They are the ones who think HOV means to drive as slowly as possible. What were they taught in driving school anyways?

Bah Humbug?

I love hearing Christmas carols. There's nothing like hearing Bing Crosby sing White Christmas as no one else could, or his Little Drummer Boy duet with David Bowie. What I really don't like is all the different versions of the same songs. It's a variation on all those remakes of movies that show little originality. Jingle Bells is Jingle Bells, I get tired hearing 10 different artists singing it. And of course in an 8-hour day, I'll hear the same song too many times. Does anybody sing original Christmas songs anymore?

"...on the 18th day of Christmas...."

Enough Already

Now the discussion is whether or not Tiger Woods should give up golf to devote more time to his family. Huh? The press has already ruined his career already, now they want the blame to be deflected from them? Tiger may or may not be the best golfer in the world, but he has the right to make a living. He sinned, let it go people. Maybe the press should go back to reporting about Balloon Boy.

Zzzzzz

My list of top overreported news items of the year, in no particular order.

1) Robert Dziekanski

It was truly sad what happened on that eventful day. Yes, there was excessive force used and yes he was in a bad mood after being stuck in the airport for a couple of hours. I'm not going to start spouting about whose fault it is. But this item went on way too long. What happened, while very unfortunate and sad, had happened. But it seemed every day there was something on the story, except that every day it was the same news.

2) Michael Jackson

Love him for his music or hate him for being a pedophile, but to hear about his life and death 24/7 was ridiculous. I found it really funny that nobody really knew about his supposed drug use even though the press really liked to report about him BEFORE his death. And then after his death things just got ridiculous. Let him rest in peace.

3) Tiger Woods

Thank you to the media for ruining his career. I'm not condoning what he did, he is scum but could we give it a rest? He's not the first man or woman to engage in adulterous activities, why does every second news report have to be about him?

4) Twilight/New Moon

Next to Episode I of Star Wars, no movie has received more hype than the second chapter of the saga. Yes, it is the story of an old vampire in love with a teenager, so great for teaching morals in this world. Did we have to hear about every single sighting of what's his name and what's her name? Is there a website on how many times they had to go to the bathroom or something? It's only a friggin' movie.

5) Brangelina

The neverending saga of the original Octomom (or however many children she has now). I applaud Angelina for her work with the UN but other than that does anybody remember the last movie she did? Brad Pitt was in Inglorious Basterds but other than that, what was HIS last movie? Does anybody really care about them anymore?

Enough

Well, Tiger's mother-in-law is now in the hospital. I hope all the reporters are proud of what they've done. Keep on reporting about non-relevant news. Maybe you'll start going through all of Tiger's family members to see what you can find out.

Work

Without getting into detail, ARGH...

Bejewelled Blitz

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. This game has taken over my life. I am hearing that voice in my ahead. I find myself saying "One minute, go" and "Excellent" and "Spectacular" in a really deep voice. I stayed away from this game for so long but now it's too late. I am addicted.

Who REALLY Cares?

It's nice to know that there is nothing happening in America except a golfer's extramarital affairs and two White House party crashers. I guess the war in Afghanistan is over and there is nothing else to worry about in the world. Wait, how are Jon and Kate doing? They are such an important part of my life that I can't go on without making sure they are OK.

Tiger

Tiger Woods is perhaps the best golfer of all time. Like him or hate him on the course, he is great. I do not care one iota about his personal life, I only care that I can see his unbelievable drives. The long putt that became a Nike commercial comes to mind.

But unfortunately all I will hear and read about regarding Tiger Woods is about his personal life, which really has nothing to do about his golf. He transgressed, I guess people will start suggesting that he be suspended from the PGA now.