20Aug 2014 by R&O No Comments
A Most Dignified Death

A Most Dignified Death

Health, Observations, People, The Law
[caption id="attachment_5554" align="alignleft" width="220"] Jonathan & Gillian Bennett in 2014[/caption]We will all die one day. Sorry, but that's a fact. The only issue is exactly how we will die. In pain? Alone? Quickly? Slowly? Gillian Bennett knew exactly how and when she would die. She lived on Bowen Island with her husband Jonathan. Her two children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren all live in Greater Vancouver and were close enough to visit. Gillian was diagnosed with dementia, a progressive loss of memory and judgment, three years ago. Since then she has been planning her end with dignity, love for her family and friends and a clear-minded understanding of how she would eventually die. Dementia offers a slow painful death, not so much for the victim but for those left to…
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12Aug 2014 by R&O No Comments
The Trials and Tribulations of Angela Cunningham

The Trials and Tribulations of Angela Cunningham

Assholes, Business, People, The Law
Renting property can be a profitable business in this present combination of real estate prices and interest rates. It can also be a pain in the ass. I've been lucky so far and haven't had any real problems other than a pompous doctor that thought his poo didn't stink. Other than that my experiences have been generally good and most of my tenants were good, hard working people just looking for a good home at a reasonable price. Angela Cunningham of Prince George, B.C. hasn't had the same luck. She made the mistake of renting her property to a local shitbag, James Wilson, who is making her life a living hell. This miscreant, who Angela previously invited into her home for Easter dinner, refuses to pay his rent, refuses to…
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22May 2014 by R&O No Comments
Love Those Villagers

Love Those Villagers

Crime, Observations, People
There's obviously no lack of wacky, insane stories that come out of China such as nude suicidal brides, tasty dog menu items, rampaging knife wielding schoolyard killers and many more. One thing I've noted is the lack of irony in these stories. Until now. Check out this gem via CEN... Armed police converged on this village in central China's Henan province after an enraged local man killed eight people including three children with a knife because they had damaged the feng shui of his house by putting up a mirror. The argument started when villager Li Hsing, 40, discovered that his neighbour had put a mirror on the front of his house to deflect evil spirits. The problem, according to Li, is that the mirror was pointing directly at his…
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25Dec 2013 by R&O No Comments
Maestro For A Minute

Maestro For A Minute

Events, Music, People, Silly Stuff
Last week, lucky holiday shoppers at Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre had the chance to ‘conduct’ professional choir Musica Intima Vocal Ensemble in a performance of Handel’s Messiah (in homage to Improv Everywhere’s “Conduct Us"). It's harder than it looks. Especially when the choir actually follows the conductor. Watch the video above and you can't tell me the woman at 2:54 hasn't done this before. And the guy right after her has NEVER conducted a choir in his life. Really. But all good fun and worth a few laughs for shoppers and participants. And those of us that watch the video above. [youtube]6Z4Avnsjpbo[/youtube]
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