26Feb 2010 by R&O No Comments

Only a matter of time

Observations, Rants
Keep a 12,000 pound killer whale in isolation for an extended period of time and it's no surprise when it drags a trainer into the water to 'play'. Tilikum the killer whale, a past resident of Victoria's now defunct Sealand of the Pacific tourist trap and now residing at Seaworld Orlando, is responsible for the death of Dawn Brancheau, who had to be manually extricated from the jaws of the mammal by Seaworld staff. Tilikum reportedly grabbed Ms. Brancheau by the ponytail and dragged her into the pool, repeatedly pulling her underwater until she drowned. The killer whale would not release her so staff coaxed the animal into a holding tank which was drained of water and she was removed from it's mouth by prying its jaws apart. This isn't…
Read More
17Feb 2010 by R&O 1 Comment

An American point of view

Observations, Olympics, People, Rants
So what did our American neighbours think of our little Olympic opening show? Well, some were not terribly impressed. Americans have a habit of making most things bigger and better than everyone else which is one of the reasons we love 'em so much. But Canadians are a bit more reserved and do just enough to get the point across without being showoffs. Let me put it this way, when Canada participates in global sporting events and wins a medal we're happy but we don't scream, we're polite but not completely reserved and feel bad as heck for the losers. To prove the point, have a look at the picture below of Canadian Jenn Heil, book-ended by the American gold and bronze winners, accepting her silver medal for women's moguls.…
Read More
16Feb 2010 by R&O 2 Comments

Dazed and confused

Olympics, People, Rants, Silly Stuff
It's not enough that we Canadians are polite and courteous but we're also quite aware of countries and people outside our own borders. So it's exceedingly painful when we witness NBC News goofballs Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer bring new meaning to the words 'confused and uninformed' as they offer this fascinating discourse while toasting marshmallows on Whistler Mountain. Behold our neighbours to the south as they continue to know little or nothing about their neighbours to the north unless it has something to do with Celine Dion... [youtube]nBP2gOKPP8I[/youtube]
Read More
13Feb 2010 by R&O No Comments

Los Angeles hears our secrets

Olympics, Rants
Los Angeles, California is officially aware of some of Vancouver's problems thanks to the John and Ken radio talk show on KFI AM 640 radio. The talk show hosts discussed Vancouver's recent allocation of taxpayer money to bail out the Olympic Village project and also commented on the disgraceful poverty, drug and crime ridden Vancouver East End. Our problems are becoming glaringly apparent as the bright light of global media is shone in every corner and on every issue of the city. Perhaps this might motivate our elected representatives to actually do something about the poverty, drugs and crime that make the East End a destination for the destitute and mentally ill. Perhaps some of the over three million dollars recently spent on Olympic tickets by our Government might have…
Read More