The Hume Hotel, Nelson, B.C.

My wife and I just got back from a two day road trip, one of which we stayed in the beautiful city of Nelson.

Earlier this summer I posted a Blog expounding some of the virtues of this really cool town. We had planned to revisit Nelson and stay in the Hume Hotel in July, but the day we had booked had a forecasted temperature of 35 C.


Warning: The Hume does NOT have air conditioning so if you ever plan to stay there be aware of the weather forecast, Nelson can be very hot during the summer months. Rooms would be unbearable during a heat wave.

The Hume Hotel is a lovely and charming Heritage Hotel with all the fixings of yesteryear. Lot's of old (antique) furniture and wood fixtures. Very fitting for a town like Nelson which prides itself for its Heritage architecture.

We found the staff very friendly and courteous. We had booked the Rapunzel Suite, very large with two queen beds, and a sitting room overlooking the main street corners of Nelson from the fourth floor.

A pair of French Door open on the west and north corners of the building providing a nice view of downtown Nelson with Kooteney Lake in the background.

Because this room overlooks a busy corner and a bar, noise might be an issue. We stayed on a Monday evening and did not find noise a problem.

We kept a loud but constant fan going (provided) to drown out any incidental noise.

Thankfully the weather was cool and our room was a nice ambient temperature.




We had dinner at the General Store Restaurant. The food was very nice, I had the Baby Back Ribs, mmmm, yummy!

Prices: Our room was $149 CA plus taxes and the meals for 4 of us came to about $85 (no drinks, appies or deserts).

One other concern of note is the lack of Parking for guests. There are only about 12 stalls available. WE rolled in early enough so we got one. I'm not sure what they do when the parking is full.

Overall a really nice and unique Hotel, recommended!

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I Rate The Idol Judges

Zack Werner


Canadian and American

1. Zack Werner (Canada)

Zack is never afraid to say what's on his mind even if he may say it in a convoluted manner. Much like Cowell on the American side, I think the contestants respect his opinion above all other.

Zack knows what can sell, and really, that's what it's all about.

2. Simon Cowell (U.S.)

You gotta love Simon, without him, the show may not have survived it's first season and developed into the phenomena it is. Let's face, the judges are as much of the show as the contestants.

3. Farley Flex (Canada)

Without a doubt the most professional of the Judges. Very likable. Farley's only downside is that he's too nice a guy. Rarely gives severe criticism (and that's what we like to see).

4. Sass Jordan (Canada)

Like Farley, Sass is really a "soft" judge that praises when praise is not deserved.
But she can give useful advice and I love her harsh treatment of Dwight this year. Very unusual for her to have so much of a hate on for one competitor.

5. Randy Jackson (U.S.)

"What's Up Dawg", " Now Check It Out". Yikes. Very rarely does this goof say anything of value. Know what I'm sayin'?

6. Jake Gold (Canada)

I really don't like this guy, I don't care who he's managed. He's gotta feel it! Yea, right I wonder if this dude is as big a jerk as he seems to be on Idol. I hope not. As insecure as a new born puppy.

7. Paula Abdul (U.S.)

In a word: Useless. Meaning of no value to anyone. Get rid of this doped up dummy!

Why Did You Buy That Ragtop Anyway?

My 1994 Mustang GT

Human behaviour is a strange thing. Most of us find it amusing to analyse the motives behind human actions, or inactions.

People have a right to do whatever they want with their own property in most cases, so long as the general public is not adversely affected.

Ok, to the point.

I have a convertible which I enjoy driving March through October. If it is not raining and if the temperature range is anywhere between 10 and 30 C I will drive this vehicle and the top will be down.

I would not consider keeping the top up if the above conditions were met. You could say I drive my car topless about 95% of the time.

Having a convertible I tend to notice other convertibles on the road.

It is absolutely astounding to me that most people who own convertibles seem to drive them with the top up.

My guess is that 75% of convertibles on the road, even with ideal weather conditions, have their tops up.

Even on the most beautiful, pristine days with optimum temperatures between 18 and 25, the vast majority of convertible cars out their have the tops up.

I can't for the life of me understand why.

I can understand people not owning convertibles.

They cost 10 to 25% more than a fixed roof.
They are noisier (even with the top up).
The styling is usually not as attractive with the top up.
Maintenance and weatherproofing issues (rare).

But for those who have made the decision to purchase a convertible, why not use it?

For me, topless driving is the most true and pleasurable driving. The sounds, smells and temperature changes in the air as one passes through it make you really feel alive.

I wish I could stop a driver in his tracks and ask him why, for God's sake why, he doesn't take advantage of his vehicle's most prominent feature, all the time.

Greg Neufeld Eliminated From Idol

Yeah and your problem is?

I can't understand why the judges and Mulroney were so surprised and disappointed that this rather tediously boring fellow was nuked.

A pretty face can only get you so far. Greg's problem is that he didn't stand for anything, he had no "style" of his own. He is the type of person who gets lost in a crowd. No "Presence" and precious little charisma.

Greg's the type of guy that you want your daughter to bring home to meet you, but as a pop star, no way.

Mulroney's reaction was embarrassing. If he is going to make the statement that "Canada Got It Wrong" then he should have the Kahunas to state who he thought should be eliminated.

More surprising to me than Neufeld's elimination was that Carly and Brian Melo were also in the bottom three.

Brian's problem is a simple one to identify: He sings songs no one has heard. Dumb move. If this guy with the good pipes would sing something familiar to us all we'd like him a lot more.

Carly is my favorite and I'm constantly worried the Canadian Public can't see the talent in this girl.

She has what Greg doesn't, Style and Charisma.

I think she need to cut her bangs, I think that's the problem there.

For the life of me I can't understand why Dwight d'Eon is still around, not even in the bottom three this week. Hmmm..maybe Canada did get it wrong?

Our Thriving Hypocrisy

Once again the annual (which they seem to have 4 times a year) Gay Pride Parade was a happnin' thing in Vancouver and all the Politicians and anyone who is anyone was there.

The Politician pretend to want to be there and the news media slant is that everyone loves it and has a good time.

It's just bad Karma and political incorrectness to say how distasteful it all is.

For my part, I don't give a hoot where people put their dicks or fingers or tongues, whether that be people or objects, dead or alive.

But I'll pass on the parade. Young men in loin clothes with enhanced bulges thrusted forward in "pride" is something I don't really need to see. Nor do I want to see men dressed as women or women in their Butch Pride.

But that's me, if others want to see that, no problem.

Meanwhile, on the same day in Penticton we had the Annual Mr. Muscle Miss Bikini Contest .

The same news outlet, B.C. Global News, covered that one too, but with a whole different slant.

They interviewed Elsie Wiebe of the Penticton and Area Women’’s Centre who seems to have a huge problem with Heterosexual people dressing up and strutting their stuff.

You know, the women as sex objects argument (like men are supposed to find other creatures to lust after).

Ms. Wiebe unfortunately did an on-camera interview. Well that explained everything.

Why is it that no attractive women complain about being sex objects?

But back to the news media. Homosexual flaunting: Good. Heterosexual flaunting: Let's take issue with that.

Yikes.

DVD Review: "300"

I didn't realise that they had Steroids back in Ancient Greece. Amazing. And they must have eaten a lot better too. Everyman a buffed athlete.

This is one of these movies where you are constantly thinking "It's gotta get better soon". You know it has to, it must.

But, alas, it never does.

In short this movie is tediously boring. Hope of a real storyline or twist or some kind of plot gradually fades as one comes to the realization that this movie is just an exercise is Computer Generated Graphics.

Unless you get off on 6 Packs and overwhelming testosterone and mucus-throated shouting this movie is best avoided.

The novelty of the brown and white high contrast photography lasts only so long.

If your going to have graphic violence which justifies an R rating why not go out and show us some REAL graphic violence instead of black splotches of goo flying hither and thither. Ok, so there were a couple of beheadings and leg removals.

We want our blood RED not black!

Waste of time, don't bother.

The Kissel Car

We've been going to a lot of Show 'n Shine Auto Shows the last few years.

It's a nice way to enjoy a summer day but, to be honest, we see a lot of the same cars in every show.

The muscle cars of the '60's are without a doubt the most BORING of the bunch. These low tech poorly built vehicles really don't deserve the attention they get.

But I suppose they are cheap and easy to work on and they seem to have some sort of cult following.

I like to find something, anything, unique at these shows. This 1913 Kissel Car was seen at the Penticton Rotary Auto Show on August 4, 2007.

The detail in a lot of these old vehicles is really interesting and you have to wonder what it would be like to drive one.

Mike McCardell Blasts The Panhandlers

I don't normally watch Mike McCardell's fluff pieces which end the 6:00 PM Global News Hour. They are usually so lame and boring that I wonder why he gets paid for them.

Stories about people and their pets, or kids and their bikes or some old folks celebrating anniversaries. Stuff that's supposed to make you "feel good" after the sad news of the day.

I find it tedious.

But last night old Mikey was MAD! He was mad at the panhandlers which are spoiling his enjoyment of his adopted city, Vancouver.

He was MAD that visitors were seeing this blight and MAD that citizens were regularly bothered and pestered by these lazy bums.

In his day no one would even remotely consider a career of panhandling. In his day people had pride and self worth and would never lower themselves to "ask" for money.

I get mad too.

I get mad when you can't enjoy a July 1st walk in your own park without being "asked" to donate to some cause of dubious need. These are officially sanctioned beggars.

I get mad when public events are held on taxpayer ground and asked for a "donation".

I get mad when telemarketers phone me at my dinner break and ask for my money for some useless service or product.

I get mad when I want to drive along my taxpayer paid scenic highway and am met by a disgusting display of Billboards begging for my money.

I get mad when my television viewing is interrupted by intelligence insulting advertisements asking me for my cash.

Mike, the truth is that almost everyone is begging for our money. The only difference is who is doing it and how they do it.

Your little tirade against the poor, the mentally disturbed and the plain lazy was hilarious considering how you make your money.

To call you a journalist is to call me a writer. I don't pretend to be and neither should you pretend to be a journalist. I can't believe they pay you for the fluff you usually vomit.

And when you finally get serious you blast the poorest and least represented of us all. You're a fine fellow aren't you?

These people who panhandle are, for the most part, unemployable. No one would want them because of their lack of skills (technical and social), their emotional baggage, or their physical appearance.

No one wants them.

Until panhandling is illegal they have a right to do what they do, disturbing as it may seem to us all.

Just like telemarketers have a right to bother us in our own homes, for now at least.

Mike, go back to your fluff that no one watches. You're harmless that way.

And Mike, ever thought about a diet?

Why Are You Paying For Music Downloads?

If you pay iTunes or other MP3 "Legal" downloading services for your music, you are an idiot. Plain and simple.

Downloading music for your own personal use via clients such as Limewire is PERFECTLY LEGAL in Canada!!

Not only that, but YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING A DOWNLOADING TAX via the levy that is placed on black cd's. And the government is talking about future substantial taxes on MP3 players, up to $75.00 per player depending on storage size!

So, what is the purpose of paying for something that you don't have to? Or that you are paying for already?

It's unbelievable to me that someone would.

It Looks Like Money Can Buy "Happiness"

L.A. Priest Abuse Cases Settled

This story is an example of what I find really hard to understand. And that is how large monetary settlements can somehow reverse the effects of various forms of systematic abuse.

I have all kinds of sympathy for victims of abuse, whether that be sexual, physical, verbal abuse or the worst of all, Neglect.

But I don't see how suddenly becoming a millionaire solves that problem. But apparantly it must because there are examples of payouts by governments and instituitions to these victims on a regular basis.

And in the case cited, these victims agree to shut up and not press charges if they see the money.

"The archdiocese and its insurers will pay between $600 million and $650 million to about 500 plaintiffs - an average of $1.2 million to $1.3 million per person"

I'm all for punishing the purveyors of abuse and in the Case of the Catholic Church, that means hitting them where it hurts the most, in their Wallets.

But I don't understand people profiting from this abuse. If someone can prove to me that money reverses the emotional effects of abuse them I'm all for it. I have yet to see proof that it does.

It leaves the abuse card open for abuse, that is people claiming abuse where it did not exist for the sole purpose of gaining a monetary windfall.

The same principal applies to the families of the victims of the World Trade Centre Attack. These people reaped rewards in the tens of millions. Like somehow that money was going to bring their loved ones back from the dead.

How does a parent feel when their child dies of cancer and they get nothing? Other than the cause of death, the outcome is the same. What difference does it make how they died?

My idea is to take those huge punishing judgements and lawyer's brewed settlements and put that money where it will do the most good, like education for potential abusers and ongoing treatments for those abused.

Not in a personal bank account. Satisfying someone's need for greed is not going to cure anyone.

Matt Rapley Rocks Canadian Idol

I never liked Matt much, thought he was a bore. But last night Mr. Rapley showed me a side of him I hadn't seen before!

His bluesy/rock rendition of Whipping Post was the best of last night's group. He really sounded like the real deal. Now if only he can get someone to take on his hideous wardrobe.

Other performances:

Jaydee: awful, as usual. Your not suppose to smile through that song dummy.
Dwight: I'd rather listen to nails on a blackboard.
Khalila: Can't remember what she sang, 'nuff said.
Carly: I'm worried about you girl, very worried.
Martha: Really shaky, hope you're still around next week.
Brian: Really good, as usual.
Greg: Pretty boy is nearing the end of his run.
Tara: Nice effort, but it's still country.

Bye Bye Dwight.

Animals are....Animals

Here is the story of a young disturbed man who was arrested for "torturing" a Tortoise. He alledgedly stabbed this poor creature and threw it against a wall. This after he "stole" the critter and thus was also charged with Grand Theft.

I like animals as much as the next person and I too am disturbed by instances of animal abuse.

But let's keep things in perspective.

I wonder how a Lobster feels about a story like the one above. "Wait a second here, we are tossed healthy and alive into a vat of boiling water where we die a miserable death on a regular basis in thousands of restaurants and homes around the world, why is no one being arrested?".

Or how about all the fish being caught on barbed hooks and then whacked over the head by enthusiastic fishermen, then to be held up, often still squirming, displaying the fishermen's pride and their humiliation?

Or how does a heard of cattle feel, when they look in the adjacent pasture and see Flicka enjoying the good life, being groomed and pampered and being ridden on by nubile young human females. While he is enjoying his stud life they are getting a slug in their brains.

They must think: "Where did we go wrong"?

Last night I watched an episode of Planet Earth, you know that nature series hosted by that David Attenborough. The episode was of The Great Plains and toward the end of the show there was a scene of a pride of lions stalking and attacking a young elephant. The elephant was brought down and, while still alive, was ripped asunder.

I wonder if those that whine about cruelty to animals really know what goes on in the real world? I doubt that many animals die a peaceful death, in their sleep, of old age.

Most either starve to death or are eaten by predators. That's the way it is and that's the way it was meant to be.

So when I see people who have set up establishments to care for birds with broken wings or small orphaned creatures or disabled animals of any kind I just shake my head with wonder. Just what are they trying to accomplish? If a bird breaks its wing it is resigned to its fate. Saving it is not going to advance Nature or the Human Race one iota.

I think people who expend this energy defying the natural process need a psychiatrist as much as that goof who "tortured" the Tortoise.

Bump the Bumpkins Off Canadian Idol!

You either like country music or you don't. It's a simple as that. 10% of the public listen to country music and little else. 90% of the public hate country music and won't listen to it.

Jaydee Bixby and Tara Oram are the over representers of torch and twang on this year's 2007 Canadian Idol. I say they should have their own Canadian Country Idol and leave the real Idol to the real music.

Last night Jaydee sang some Conway Twitty relic of the past and honestly I thought it was horrendous. I felt sure the judges this time, especially Zack, would finally tear this clown to shreds.

You can imagine my jaw dropping horror when they actually not only praised his performance but proclaimed him the second coming of James Dean bound to save Canadian Music and become an international Superstar.

Are they absolutely crazy? My only hope is knowing that these are the same judges who orgasmed over Montana and Tyler and Liam and we know what happened to them.

Canadian Idol voters: Please send this goofus back to the barn.

Canada's Own Little Vietnam

As usual, the media is making a big production out of any Canadian Death in Afghanistan. Like a soldier's death was any more noteworthy than that of an anonymous cancer victim. You can read about what I think about that subject in my Post on Soldiers, Cops, Firemen and Loggers

They often have an interview with some family member who usually states "At least his/her death was not in vain, he was fighting for freedom and his country".

And I always think to myself "No, he died in vain, for a fruitless purpose with little or no meaning to most Canadians. A waste of a young person's life".

The generals and politicians tell us we are in Afghanistan for two reasons:

1) To prevent the Taliban from reasserting themselves as rulers of this Backward Nation.

2) To prevent Afghanistan becoming a breeding ground for "Terrorists".

What a lot of CRAP.

First of all we have no business interfering in the affairs of another nation, especially when that nation poses no threat to Canada whatsoever.

The Afghan people do not have, never had have and never will have a "free" democratic government. It's just not their style.
The arrogant Western Attitude that what is right for us is right for the rest of the world is what is causing Islamic extremism in the first place.

If the Taliban once again take over as rulers of this pathetic Nation it is only because the Afghan People do not have the will to resist them. And if that's the case then they deserve the Government they get, as we all do.

It should not be up to Canadian Soldiers to determine the Government of Afghanistan, it's up to the Afghan People themselves.

As for "the Terrorists", I think we all know that there are plenty of breeding grounds for these extremists. Whether Afghanistan is one of them or not makes little difference. The "Terrorist" Card is always played when attention is needed. And of course the argument remains that wherever western forces are occupying Islamic Lands, "terrorists" will breed.

Ok now the Real Reasons we are in Afghanistan.

1) Canada wants to be part of the Old Boys Network. Our right wing Prime Minister, Stephen Harper wants to be seen as contributing to The George Bush anti-terrorist/get Bin-Ladin/revenge on the Muslims movement. The only reason we are in Afghanistan or that anyone cares about Afghanistan is because that is the country that housed Bin Laden and that is the place that gave him sanctuary. It's all about revenge for 9/11. At least that's how it started.

2) Stephen Harper wants to appease and please Canada's Military. Canada's armed forces have been neglected and even laughed at for many years now. They were the joke of the western world, relegated to "Peace Keeping", a role for a Soldier that must be excruciatingly humiliating. Now our Military is getting a lot of attention, now they are getting funding, now they are getting sympathy from the media influenced public.

The generals haven't had this much fun since the Korean War, they never want it to end.

And that's the crux of the problem and that is why I am calling this thing in Afghanistan or Own Little Vietnam. No foreign power has ever succeeded in occupying and establishing the government they want in Afghanistan. That won't change just because Canadians are "nice guys".

Our mission in this godforsaken place is useless. And I have to say that your son's and daughters have perished and will continue to perish for artificial causes.

Don't get mad at me, get mad at the Canadian Government. Demand that they withdraw from this stupid, ridiculous and fruitless conflict.

Canadian Idol Fiasco!

My theory on last night's eliminations is that this years crop of "Idols" are so boring that the vote count was way down, therefore allowing a flawed result.

I wasn't terribly shocked that Montana Martin Isles was booted because her vocal performance was very poor this week. But she was a breath of fresh air and she was unpredictable. Too radical for the Canadian Public I can only suppose.

Then one of my picks for the final two, Tyler Mullendore was also booted. Yikes! Ok, this week's performance was not great and that hair flinging was getting to be a bit too much. He was a love him or hate him kind of guy and in this years crop of Mainstream Boredom, Tyler was too much for too many. Sorry to see ya go Bud.

The real shocker, the most unbelievable elimination since this show started was the elimination of Liam Styles Chang. without any doubt the Best Male Singer of this year's crop. Is this an anti-Lucas Rosssi Look backlash? Are the people nuts? Are they going by looks alone? Did they have the sound on their TV's muted?

So what are we left with:

Jaydee Bixby This guy is a walking, talking cartoon character who is only entertaining because of so. Take your lasso and your country hick vibe and go shovel some shit somewhere pal.

Dwight D'Eon A Rocker Wannabe who's crutch guitar couldn't save him from being totally uninspiring. This guy just looks creepy to me, a nice boy trying to be bad.

Khalila Glanville Um, well...sorry I can't remember anything about this person so No Comment.

Mila Miller See above (yawn).

Matt Rapley One word describes Matt: Boring. Matt, go back to your Gospel Choir and quit wasting my time.

Tara Oram Tara's only Saving Grace is that she is a fan of the great Canadian Band Rush. That's hard to believe because she is so totally un-Rush. Another country twanger who has zero stage presence, zero sex appeal and zero talent. 0+0+0=0

Greg Neufeld Ok, I admit there is some talent here but guess what, he bores me to death. This kid needs a makeover to get rid of his goody goody nice boy next door looks. There is nothing unique about this person so why vote for him?

Martha Joy I like Martha Joy. I wish she'd take a few more risks and get out of the mainstream music. Nice voice, good stage presence. She's no Eva Avila but close.

Brian Melo Easily the Best of the Boys left, now that the two better ones are gone. Brian has to crank up the wow/excitement factor and let the people know he really wants this gig.

Carly Rae Jepsen The absolutely only legitimate contender to the throne. Carly has the whole package and if she doesn't win this thing then this whole idea of Canadian Idol needs to be abolished.

Thankfully Annika Odegard was kicked off. My jaw dropped when the judges praised that mess of a performance she had sitting in front of her piano. I don't think she hit one note properly. It was one of the most amateurish performances in the history of Idol.

The Scam of The Insurance Business

Don't get me wrong, I think ICBC (the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is a Godsend and I'll forever be grateful to Dave Barrett who's Government established it in 1973.

Since then, while other parts of the nation were/are getting robbed by private auto insurance conglomerates, we in British Columbia have enjoyed fair rates.

I just got back from re-insuring my 2006 Saturn Vue. We changed our policy slightly and removed the Replacement option which was costing us $180 extra. We kept our deductable at $2500.

Our nice insurance lady told us we could have a $1000 deductable for only $60 more. I said "No Thanks" I'll continue with the $2500.

She couldn't believe my decision. She said "Your not willing to spend $60 to save $1500?"

For a moment I thought about explaining myself but then said "Leave it at $2500". She wasn't finished. She explained that I could have an at fault accident and still have no increase in my insurance premium. I said "No thanks, let's keep it at $2500".

In her mind I was nuts. In my mind I saved $60 but more importantly I prevented ICBC from acquiring $60 for giving me nothing.

Both my wife and I have not had an accident in over 25 years. Luck, fate, or chance has nothing to do with that. It's because we are good drivers, plain and simple.

This particular vehicle gets driven less than 10000km per year. The chances of either of us having an accident in the next year are probably 1 in 100 or less.

Yet the nice insurance lady was talking as if we were definitely going to have an accident. This is where our thinking differed.

Insurance people want to take your money and give you nothing in return. Sure once in a while someone makes a claim and they have to give some of it up. But mostly they get money for nothing.

I don't have any fire and theft insurance on my belongings in my Condo. Why? Because the chance of a fire is so slim that it doesn't merit the $400 the insurance company wants (for giving me nothing).

Think about it. What are the chances of your house burning down? In Kelowna maybe there are 50,000 residences. In a given year how many burn down? One hundred maybe at most? Probably a lot less than that. And half of those burn because of poor maintenance.

So you are giving insurance companies hundreds if not thousands of dollars for the 1 in 500 chance that your house will burn down.

Yeah I know, "peace of mind". I don't advocate an uninsured house. But I am stating that is a scam that preys on our most basic fears. Insurance Companies know that and feed on it. Feed like Pigs at a Trough.

But back to auto insurance. I have no collision insurance on my Beloved Mustang Convertible. So when I get maybe a bit enthusistic in my driving I think a bit. If I crash this car I can't replace it. And you know what? I drive more carefully then.

If everyone's deductable was $2500 or more do you think people would drive more carefully?

My Canadian Idol Predictions

This one's easy. The final two contestants will be Carly Rae Jepsen and Tyler Mullendore.

Both of these two have charisma oozing out of their every orifice. Both can entertain and they are the only two I actually look forward to seeing on stage.

Carly is beyond cute, is an entertaining singer and is not afraid to display a little sex appeal. I'm not sure if Tyler is genuine or if he is putting on a big act. But so far he is playing the role of the arrogant Pop/Rock star brilliantly. And he knows how to sing.

The winner: Carly by a hair.

Blogging Is A Streaky Thing

Nope, not many posts recently. No Time, no inclination. Maybe next week.

My wife and I went to the Canada Day Celebrations here in Kelowna and as expected were met by all kinds of vendors and charities with their hands out wanting money.

Can we not just celebrate or even go for a walk in our parks (which all taxpayers own) without it turning into a money grabbing affair?

The worst of them is "Would you Like To Make a Donation?" No I fucking would not, piss off!

The Dumb Car

Yes the Smart Car is cute and different and its a cool novelty. I've never driven one, it very well may be a hoot to drive.

But for the life of me I can't understand why anyone would buy one.

It only can transport two people and has very little luggage space, is underpowered and expensive.

If they offered this car for $10,000 or less I could understand someone buying one for a third vehicle, something to zip around a high density traffic town or city to run an errand. Or Pizza Restaurants using it as a delivery vehicle.

But the absolute lowest price for a Fortwo, as they call it is $16,700! And I hardly think anyone buys the base model.

What else can you get for that money? Lots!

How about the Toyota Yaris, a real car with back seats and 46 more horsepower. And it costs $3000 less than the Smart Car. You can buy a lot of gas for $3000. In fact the fuel economy of the Fortwo is not a lot better than the Yaris. City 4.6 l/100km for the Fortwo vs. 6.9 l/100km for the Yaris.

Even a better alternative is the Honda Fit. Not only do you get over twice the Horsepower (40 vs. 109) you also get 603 litres of cargo space vs. the Dumb Car's 260. Oh and you can transport 4 people instead of 2. Oh, and you pay $2000 LESS for that privilege.

There are lots of competitive products out there by Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Suzuki, but you get the point.

So lets sum up.

When you buy the Dumb Car you get:

1. An anemic engine with less than half the power of the alternatives.
2. The ability to transport two people vs. four or more.
3. Two to three times LESS the Cargo carrying capability.
4. Costing thousand of dollars MORE for the above.
5. All of the above for a meagre fuel saving as the only advantage.

You bought a Smart Car and are now regretting it?

Yep, you sure are DUMB!

Thanks Darryl!

For being such an idiot. Only an idiot would hire the mentally unstable Mike Keenan

It's really unbelievable that, with all the good young coaches out there with fresh new ideas, the Flames hire someone who is a proven loser like Mike Keenan.

Eight consecutive losing years as coach. Now that's performance!

When the Canucks hired Keenan in the late '90's there were even groans back then and that was not long after Keenan was lucky enough to win the Stanley Cup with the Rangers.

He proved himself to be the loser he is with the Canucks and went on in subsequent years to reinforce that reputation.

The players will HATE him and they will not perform for him, not in the long term anyway.

Regardless, the Flames pain is the Canucks gain.

Thanks Darryl

Visit Nelson, British Columbia!

If you want a really, really cool place to visit I urge you to spend at least a day in Nelson!

My wife and I just got back from an overnight trip there. I've passed through many times before but this time we stayed and did some exploring.

What a fantastic little town! Amazing architecture and some of the nicest heritage homes I've ever seen.

Big leafy trees on all the streets and a peaceful quiet community.

And the best thing about Nelson is this: It's probably the largest "hippy" community in Canada.

I swear when you walk around the area just up the hill from downtown, you'd think you were back in the '60's.

And many of the shops Downtown reflect the "hippy" culture of the granola eating, tree hugging, and peace loving flower children of the past. You can often smell incense in the air or maybe see and hear a young troubador strumming an acoustic guitar on a back yard porch.

It's just great to be able to escape our right-wing conservative world even for just a couple days.

Map

Only In America

My job dropped when I read this almost unbelievable story about a Georgia (US) 17 yr old teenager convicted and sentenced to 10 YEARS IN PRISON for engaging consensual oral sex with a 15 year old girl.

Hello?! Isn't that called normal teenage behaviour up here, or anywhere else?

As the story states, he has been finally released after spending two freaking years in prison for what probably 50% of the high school kids are doing every Saturday night.

Where is the Sanity?

Would this happen in Canada? No way. So for those morons out there who look up to the American Justice System with envy and honour, well how would you like your young son to be treated in this way?
And these people are the Leaders of the Free World?

God help us all.

Linux Anyone?

A while ago I posted Mac vs. PC where I wrote of, like so many others have, the Mac OS being so superior to Windows.

But what if you don't have a Mac Machine but still hate Bill Gates' crummy software?

How bout Ubuntu?

When you download this software, you get the Linux platform, an open source OS geared for usability rather than profit taking.

To be honest I haven't explored much of it yet, just did some web browsing, but apparently its got all the software a normal household would need for everyday tasks.

And it's FREE!

Note: That downloaded file worked on one of my machines but not the other, not sure why.
If it doesn't boot up properly on you maching try this download:

http://www.cutlersoftware.com/ubuntusetup/minefield.html

Surrey Protestors As Creepy As Paul Callow

In a classic case of NIMBYism, Surrey BC residents are trying to harass convicted Rapist Paul Callow into leaving town.

I don't know about you but this kind of semi Vigilantism that is going on in front of Callows' sister's house is giving me the creeps.

Callow is a Creep that served 20 years in prison for knife point rapes of women in the Toronto area.

However he did the crime and did the time and now has and should have the same rights as everyone else. Whether you agree with that or not, the law says that's the way it is.

So these protesters or harassers or whatever you want to call them are barking up the wrong tree. They should bring their protests to the Legislative Buildings where laws can be changed to either put this man back in prison or at least restrict his access to the public.

I don't have a lot of sympathy for Paul Callow but I do feel much for his sister. She is doing her family duty by taking care of her brother. It's something you know she would rather not be doing.

I wouldn't want Paul Callow living next to me either, but you have to respect his right to do so.

Callow might as well stay where he is since this kind of protest is likely to occur wherever he goes. At least he has his sister there to lend some kind of support/restraint.

The authorities say Callow is very likely to re-offend, I have little doubt that he will.

I'm all for public protests against laws, traditions, policies or economic situations that need to be changed. People have a right and an obligation to do that.

I'm also all for the personal civil rights of an individual, especially in his own home.

Whether you like it or not, Callow has paid for his crimes and now has the same rights as everyone else.

The police don't allow Protesters to demonstrate in front of Gordon Campbell's house, and they shouldn't allow these people to demonstrate in front of Paul Callows either.

It's a mob mentality and it's just plain Creepy.

The Conservative Cancer

There is a Cancer in our Society but, thankfully, it's a mild form and can be treated if not entirely cured. It comes and goes in waves of about 10 year cycles.

We in North America are currently in the middle of a pretty intensive outbreak.

But treatments, in the form of logical and sane reason, are beginning to have their affect.

Of course the Cancer I am talking about is "conservatism", a nice euphemism for narrow minded backward thinking based on anger and fear.

Is it just me or does it seem that the wealthier a Society becomes the more conservative they become?

Greed takes over and fear that the wealth accumulated will be taken from them by simple minded "liberals" who have the audacity to want to spread this wealth around a bit.

So they close ranks, draw inward and try their best to preserve the Status Quo at least and at best, to turn back the hands of time to the 50's, the Glorious Decade of rampant conservatism.

Their money and influence are substantial enough to control news agencies, politicians and world events. They are trying their best to control the World Wide Web.

Do I hate or fear these People? Not at all. Because there is one quality that all conservatives have: The unique ability to self-destruct.

As I have stated in a previous Post, I believe the world, by default, is always improving.

We take two steps forward when the liberals have the influence and one step backward when the conservative outbreaks occur.

But overall, we are always moving ahead.

Our Society will never be cured of this disease and some outbreaks will be worse than others. Fear and Hate, the two leading symptoms of this Plague have to be tolerated for these short periods until we, the public, grow weary of them.

I'm pretty confident that the liberal symptoms of Love and Hope will soon predominate once again.

Best Place on Earth?

Lately I've been noticing these license plates around town. it depicts British Columbia's latest slogan that's been around for a few years, "The Best Place On Earth".

This replaces the old slogan, "Supernatural British Columbia".

Cynics will say it's just government propaganda to brainwash the voting public into accepting BC as a wonderful place (where the Government should be retained), and it may very well be.

But I really believe it's true. I am not an extensive traveller, I've been to Europe and throughout many States, and the normal Tourist Hot Spots of the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii (which is the Best Place on Earth for three weeks or less).

But I've never seen anywhere I would rather live than here. Australia and New Zealand I think are really nice and places I would love to visit. But they are so freaking far away and off the beaten path.

Occasionally I like to take the Mustang out for a run down Highway 33 to Rock creek, or Highway 6 from Lumby to Needles, or a trip up the twisty road to Mable Lake.

And sometimes when I do that, when the weather is fine and the traffic light and I'm cruising topless through the hill and mountain forests I wonder: "Where else on this Earth can you do this?

I'm sure there are other places such as in areas of the western US, Scandinavia, other places. But to be able to drive for hours on what seems to be your own personal highway through such beautiful scenery is a pleasure not to be taken for granted.

And it's then that I really believe this IS the best place on earth.

I think that's one reason why the Whiners and Complainers and Blamers really bother me.

There will always be those that really enjoy blaming and whining about the Justice System, the Education System, the Welfare System, the Health Care System, the Government in general, the Police, the liberals, the conservatives, Industry, the NDP, the Bloc Quebecoise, the Feminists, and anyone else they can think of to justify their unhappiness.

This unfortunate Group of Whiners seem unable to see much beyond their own neighborhoods and circle of acquaintances.

They have no idea how fortunate they are to be privileged enough to live in this land, The Best Place On Earth.

Ok So Tell Me What Really Happened

There seems to be a bone of contention about the events that led to Grant De Patie's death.

The media presented the story as a Gas and Dash incident. In my mind that means a driver commences to leave the gas station, putting his car in motion, without paying.

This CBC website states

Last year, a gas station attendant in Maple Ridge was dragged to his death after trying to stop a car that took off without paying.

What is meant by "trying to stop"? To me it means running after the car in motion either trying to get a plate number or trying to physically intercept the vehicle.

Some people say he was backed over deliberately.

Yet in this report "Bernard said the youth veered out of the gas station to get away and hit De Patie". Implying he was moving in a forward direction and the hit on de Patie was not intentional.

So what is it? What really happened? A couple of readers crudely took me to task for writing that De Patie chased after Pratt trying to intercept him after he realised the Gas and Dash incident.

This is an assumption that one would take if one listens to the way it was presented in the media.

This is only important because it leads to my point that employees (unless they are trained security officers) have no business in intercepting or interfering with an illegal activity taking place in their workplace other than to inform those that are trained.

Now, as far as the comments I have received regarding my post Leave Justice To Professionals

It's disappointing to know that people of such low levels of ability are reading it.

When someone stoops to name calling and verbal abuse and veiled threats, all under the safe umbrella of anonymity, it really takes all validity and credibility out of their argument.

If you want to disagree with me, I have no problem with that. But if you are going to present an alternate view please express it like an adult and not a 10 year old.

Thanks For The Comments!

Reena Virk


A couple (so far) of nice people have taken issue with my post: Leave Justice To The Professionals.

So Nice, So Lovely and So Classy!
Thanks for that.

The simple fact is that bad things happen to every family and if they haven't happened yet they are bound to sometime in the future.

Everyone is a "victim" of some kind of perceived injustice at one time or another. I honestly can't see how giving Pratt a 10, 15 or 20 year sentence is going to help the de Patie family, other than to satisfy a need for revenge, which as I have stated before, we can all understand.

So let's take another recent case. Let's examine the case of Reena Virk. The details of which can be found here.

This case dragged on for quite a while, seven years! The Virk Family endured two mistrials until Kelly Ellard was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In this case Reena was murdered in cold blood by individuals who had the sole purpose of causing her grievous bodily harm.

But for me the most outstanding aspect of this case was the reaction of Reena's parents, who frequently were approached by the news media.

If any parents had a right to be bitter and hateful towards the Justice System it was these people. Having to endure the two mistrials and knowing that there young daughter was brutalized and bludgeoned to death by people who actually realised what they were doing to her. People who were tying every legal loophole to be exonerated.

As I recall throughout the trials, the Virks refused to blast our Justice System. They refused to demonstrate hatred towards Kelly Ellard and in fact, forgave her.

I have the utmost admiration for them. They will survive the death of their daughter because of one reason. They learned how to forgive.

I have no pretensions of knowing what the De Patie Family are going through. I hope they can find a way to get past this, I really do.

Leave Justice to the Professionals

Grant De Patie

Based on some feedback (no matter how rudely delivered) I am still editing this post in an effort to find out exactly what motivated Pratt to run over de Patie.


The De Patie family were once again on the Global news earlier this week berating the Canadian Justice System.

On March 8, 2005 their son, Grant, was dragged to death under the stolen car driven by then 16 yr old Darnell K. Pratt.

Details can be found here, and here.

Of course there is the obligatory knee jerk reactionary lynch mob mentality here.

I really feel bad for the family of this young man but bad decisions lead to bad consequences.

It was a very bad decision that led a very drunk Mr. Pratt to steal $12 worth of gas
from the station that Grant worked.

It may have been a bad decision on Grant's part to try and stop him.

Here is an another version of the events, obtained from a web site:

The youth and his friend stole a car, punched a screw driver into the ignition and started it. The 17-year-old estimates he had consumed about 20 beers by the time he got behind the wheel of the stolen car and entered the gas station where de Patie was working.

Court was told that de Patie saw the screw driver in the ignition. Apparently the killer suspected de Patie was going to call the police.
Bernard said the youth veered out of the gas station to get away and hit de Patie, trapping him under the carriage of the vehicle.

I find this scenario highly unlikely. The media made a big deal about the theft of $12 worth of gas. If you go along with this scenario, the theft of the gas had not even occurred. It also refutes the assumption that Pratt put his car in reverse and backed over Pratt.


However I have edited out events that turned out not to be proven facts. That being that Pratt in some way chased after and tried to intercept Pratt.

Pratt was initially sentenced to 9 years in prison and later reduced to 7. The De Patie Family was disappointed in what they considered to be too short a sentence and became bitter with the further reduction.

It's really all about revenge isn't it? Read my post on The R Word.

I'm really getting fed up with people whining about the justice system. It's like when your team loses and you do nothing but complain about the officiating.

We have the finest justice system in the world, if you don't believe that take a look around and see whats going on in other countries. Our judges have seen and heard it all before. Their goal is not to satisfy the immediate family but to satisfy society in general, now and in the long term.

It seems to me that 9 years in jail is a long time, 7 years in jail is a long time.

Pratt was a screwed up kid when this awful tragedy occurred and you can bet your life he will come out of jail 10 times worse.

As far as knowing what actually occurred during the events that led to De Paite's death, well who knows for sure.

Regardless of whatever really happened my thoughts on this subject remain unchanged.

I work in a retail environment and theft occurs there. And I won't lift one finger to stop it. Because:

1. It's not my job to apprehend would be criminals.
2. Theft is a cost of doing business and that cost is applied to the mark up of every item and service.
3. Protecting someone else's money is not worth so much as a scratch on my skin.

This is the message the news media should be presenting to the public, not cries of injustice from a bitter family denied revenge.

Young men between the ages of 16 and 25 have a hard time getting their brains to catch up with their testosterone.

That's why the military drafts/recruits them to be soldiers, because they are too stupid to know better.

Think back to the time when you were in that age range and all the stupid things you did. I cringe at some of my past actions from that time period, I was just lucky nothing bad happened.


Only trained security people should be chasing after thieves and every employer should be required to tell their staff in writing that they are NOT to pursue shoplifters or anyone else engaged in illegal activity.

It's just not worth it.

I now have three comments to this post.

It's disappointing to know that people of such low levels of ability are reading it.

When someone stoops to name calling and verbal abuse and veiled threats, all under the safe umbrella of anonymity, it really takes all validity and credibility out of their argument.

If you want to disagree with me, I have no problem with that. But if you are going to present an alternate view please express it like an adult and not a 10 year old.

Due to the low maturity level of the comments I have, for the time being anyway, comment availability is restricted.

The Local View of Society

View of Kelowna from Knox Mountain, May 27, 2007.

People continue to floor me. A recent poll conducted by a local news source, Castanet, published the results of the following poll.

The question was: How would you characterise the state of our society?

The results based on three choices were:

Going downhill: 1156
Steady As She Goes: 267
Going Uphill: 52

My vote, without seeing the results to that point, went for Going Uphill.

As you can see I was among the measly minority.

Most people would not characterise me as an Optimist. I consider myself a Realist, I try to see the world as it really is.

Kelowna, where I live, is a relatively wealthy town in a beautiful setting with a nice climate (for Canada).

Most people have a lot of disposable income, we have nice neighborhoods, business is booming.

So whats the problem?

My contention is that, by default, everything improves. Everything gets better. Cars get better, computers get better, machinery gets better, communication, everything.

In the workplace, isn't your management constantly looking for ways to improve your operation? And most times, they do.

Things are cheaper and easier to manufacturer.

Sure those are superficial things. But the same can be said of society.

The complaints made are that there is too much crime, too many lenient judges, too many street drugs, too much homelessness, too much pornography and the level of respect we have for each other is diminishing.

I just don't see that. The stats show that crime is down throughout most of North America. Lenient sentences? Unless you have sat in the courtroom and heard ALL the evidence, you don't have the right to judge a Judge.

Homelessness, yes there is a problem, but there are a lot of good people aware of the problem and working on it.

Pornography? I say the more the better. Too many North American are hung up on sexuality, the more pornography is prevalent the less hang ups we'll all have.

I see our world as more tolerant of other lifestyles than ever. How can that be anything but good?

Respect? In a lot of cases this refers to the lack of respect the young have for the old. I don't see that either. I think the kids today are the brightest they've ever been and are good people.

I think those that feel this pessimism about our society are swayed by the news media which, because communication is so rapid and accessible, like to bombard us with sensational but very rare episodes of human frailty at its worst.

Here in Kelowna we live in one of the best cities in the one of the best nations (if not the best) with one of the most tolerant and free societies that has ever existed in world history. We are wealthy and at peace.

There will always be a reactionary right wing conservative god-fearing and pessimistic segment of our society which would like to have us all back living in a Feudal Society or at the very least, at a time when "Father Knows Best".

News flash: It's never going to be like that again. If you want that I suggest you fly to Afghanistan and join the Taliban.

Open your minds and look around. Enjoy the open society we are trying to build.

I am not advocating seeing our world through rose colored glasses. But think back to the fifties (read: Were The Fifties Really That Good) and before that. Think back decades and centuries. And ask yourself when our society was really better.

It's never been as good as it is now and its getting better with every passing day.

Anatomy Dissections

Anyone familiar with del.icio.us knows that one of the features of this very clever bookmark sharing client is the ability to randomly access other people's bookmarks.

I do this about every night while sitting on my Laz-Y-Boy watching my Big Screen.

With every click of the mouse appears a web site that someone out there felt was interesting enough to Bookmark.

And a lot of them are interesting. A lot of them have to deal with Geekdom (construction of web sites, CSS, html, xml or whatever) but most are personal sites and blogs that in some way or other peak one's interest.

A lot of them display the capabilities of Web 2.0 and are really clever designs.

But I have to say that this website on Anatomy Dissection has to be one of the most fascinating.

Crystal clear lengthy videos with audio play by play on the dissection of a human cadaver. Freaking wild!

Ever Hear of a "Lloyd"?

1958 Lloyd Alexander

Yesterday my wife and I attended the annual Peachland World of Wheels auto show, or "Show 'n Shine" as these things are called.

It's an outstanding event which displays over 300 vehicles in a terrific setting along Peachland's Lakeshore Drive.

There are all kinds of vehicles displayed from Model A, to Viper, Muscle Cars to Motorcycles. Corvettes, Mustangs, Jags, etc.

But the one car that stood out for me yesterday was a car called the Lloyd Alexander, a 1958 model. Not because it was beautiful or powerful or wonderfully restored. But rather it was an example of how pathetic automobiles at one time were and how far they have come now.

What a piece of junk. I love how the gas tank is situated directly in front of the driver, high on the firewall. I'm sure this car did it's job of transporting people across short distances. But God help you if you happened to accidentally share the same space as another vehicle or tree. Or if is those skinny tires lost traction on an icy road.

In contrast to the low tech piece of metallic Crap that is the Lloyd there was also the leading edge of vehicle technology, the Corvette Z06, perhaps the best car in the world.



Me, beside the 2007 Corvette Z06



But, you know, at one time someone bought that Lloyd brand new and probably was on Cloud 9 the day he or she bought it, probably their first new car and probably cruised around the neighborhood showing it off with pride.

As this and many other car shows proves, autos are more than transportation. They are an extension of ourselves, a reflection of our personalities. When we are in our cars, whether we are moving or not, we are in our special personal space. People who are "into" cars will get that.

More info on the Lloyd.

The Emerging Internet

I've been "on the net" since 1995. I remember buying my first modem which I connected to my "386" machine.

I also remember paying $10.00 for 10 hours of surfing a month! And this was being done on a 28.8 baud (dial up of course) modem!

Needless to say it was a pretty frustrating experience. But it was also fascinating. And it has been fascinating watching the Internet grow. Like watching a child grow up.

Right now, the Internet is in the late "teen" stages. Still growing and developing but with a seemingly real purpose and agenda.

In the last two years, Web 2.0 has developed into a new Internet controlled by the people that use it. This Blog is an example of what is being done right now on the Net.

Despite the desire of Corporate Interests to turn the Net into a big shopping centre, we as individuals have gained the most influence.

Here is a clever video which gives basic examples of what's going on with the net now.

Melinda Gets Nuked

I've said all along that American Idol is Not a Singing contest.

It's an entertainment contest, based on singing.

That's why the American Public rightfully voted off Melinda Doolittle last night.

Even though she clearly was the best singer I never looked forward to her "act". She is a good but boring singer. She is not all that pleasant to look at. She is predictable and alas, forgettable.

Early on I said Blake Lewis should win this thing and I think that will come true next week.

You don't really need a powerful voice to be a great singer. Blake knows he doesn't have the power so he has to use his finesse. He is a clever singer that uses understated tones which tend to make you listen very carefully to each of his songs.

Blake is a fellow that would greatly benefit from a wardrobe makeover, he looks a bit too much like Beaver Cleaver to me.

I think this guy has massive potential.

Last night they also had last year's second runner up, Yasmin something or other. I didn't like him last year and my feelings haven't changed.

He sang some lame forgettable song and my question is: Who listens to this type of music? What's the target demographic?

I have no idea what genre it is, maybe "Contemporary Boring"?

I sure hope there is a "Rockstar" show this summer, where we can see real musicians singing real songs.

Weight Loss Update

On January 1st of this year I committed myself to accomplishing a significant weight loss.

At that time my scale showed I weighed 193 lbs (87.54 kg).

As of this date that same scale shows I weigh 165 lbs (74.84 kg). A 14.5% weight loss.

Was it difficult? No. Like anything that needs to be accomplished, it's all about commitment.

People who say they just can't lose weight are plainly not committed to doing so.

On the picture above are two reasons why it was easy to accomplish my "diet" was easy.

Many people munch on snacks in the evening while they are watching TV or just sitting around on the deck or backyard.

Unfortunately many of us like to munch on chips, cheesies, cookies, or that kind of empty caloried "food".

These two cereals are good tasting and pack some considerable nutrition. I eat them dry for snacks in the evening as I do not have a large evening meal (the chief secret to weight loss success).

They have protein and fibre. There is a moderate amount of sugar added from evaporated cane juice, not white refined.

Weight loss is all about one thing: Calorie usage and consumption, nothing else. I limited myself to 1700 +/- calories per day and I never felt unusually hungry.

Canucks Update, Goodbye Marcus

Ok, its been a couple of days since the Canucks' humiliating departure from the Playoffs and I've had this time to settle down and think objectively.

Let's call a spade a spade. Game 5 was a gutless, soulless effort by all the Canucks except Luongo.

So I did not feel as bad as might have with the loss simply because they did not deserve to win that game.

It's shamefully too bad because all in all it was a great season with many successes. But that's hockey.

The major disappointment of the season and even the Playoffs was the sad play of Marcus Naslund.

Yes he got a few goals and now and then here was a flash of the player he used to be but don't forget this guy is making close to $6,000,000 per year.

When a player makes that kind of money he HAS to perform every night. He HAS to be the best player, among the forwards at least.

There are some really sweet players that could be had for that six million. A couple of first or second line forwards, three or four 3rd or 4th liners, or a superstar D-Man.

Think of what could have been if the Canucks had gotten Value for that money.

I have my doubts if Naslund will be back, if he is it would only be because no other team wants to inherit that salary with the risk attached.

I've always been a Naslund fan. Who hasn't?

But maybe now it's time to say goodbye.

More Posts Will Come !

Ok, faithful but mostly accidental readers. I know my posting frequency has declined rapidly.

Not because I have nothing more to say but rather because I have lots of other stuff to do.

There are a few topics I am working on that have been on the back burner.

I want to do a little piece on what I see as the Worldwide Insurance Scam and how insurance companies play on our fears and insure that, for the most part, they are at little or no risk.

The other issue thats been waiting for inspiration is this seeming necessity of our governments (on our behalf) sucumbing to demanding special interests groups for expressions of apologies and compensations for actions taken long in the past by dead or dying generations.

Like its my fault the Japanese were interned during WWII?

As well as my usual fluff on the foibles of todays society.

Fear not, I'll be back.