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Happy Canada Day!  So this might put a slight damper on to your weekend plans of hopping on the ferry and going to the Island for a little sun and fun on the beach. Could have been worse, you could be one of the people sleeping soundly in a boat under the ferry. In any event, Happy Canada Day! Posted by Bella at 7:21 PM# Still without a name. I need your brain power and creative skills here. I still don't have a name for the little bugger so I am calling out to my faithful readers. Drop me some ideas... paleeeeeease?Stats: He is the Sedan, hot blue, sunroof, blah blah blah. C'mon - put those creative juices to work and help me out! Posted by Bella at 7:29 AM# Dear Aliens, Keep Tom. Just play the ol' "Beam me up Tommy" and swoosh - he's yours! He's all convinced that there are these little aliens out in other planets; they must have actually taken over his brain from some remote universe.He was actually kinda normal back a while ago. He wasn't dancing on sofas or telling people what drugs not to take. But now, this guy has somehow turned into a hazard to society. So, I do believe we should just put him in a room, by himself, for a little bit. Just until he cools down a bit. But until that drastic measure takes place, I will leave it with this: I am tired of Tom Cruise. Tired of Katie Holmes kissing Tom Cruise. Tired of Tom Cruise kissing Katie Holmes. Tired of Scientology. Tired of everything that has to do with the movie War of the Worlds. Tired of his teeth. Tired of the way he acts when in any sort of spotlight. It's actually starting to look... foolish and psycho.Tired of him being in every freakin movie that comes out of Hollywood. /end rant. Posted by Bella at 9:59 PM# Good ol' Banff National Park. Also on the Calgary Herald Q website.Mike Fey, Parks Canada Administrative Officer wants to compare fee increases on a trip to Banff to regular fare increases on a trip to the movie theatre, the amusement park or zoo. I'm not so sure I agree with him - I would take a trip to the mountains over a trip to Calaway Park any day, but with the price of gas and the recent increase in the price of a day pass to enter the gates at Banff National Park, a walk around Nosehill Park might be more in my price range. Naturally, this extra cost has put a bitter taste into a couple people's mouths - mine for one. Although, the more I thought about it the more I came to realize it's unreasonable to expect the prices will never go up. Granted the family passes only went up $20 ($50 within the next four years). While some might not have a problem coughing up the extra cash, I'm sure there a lot of others who might just walk away. The fee increase has Banff Mayor John Stutz obviously concerned. Over the past couple of years, the town of Banff has seen a substantial decrease in tourism. "About six weeks ago I went to Ottawa to address the Parliamentary Standing Policy Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Resources" he told me. The committee consists of about a dozen MPs and the Junior Minister of the Environment. Stutz said he made a presentation which was in opposition to the park fee increase. "I am opposed to stresses that inhibit folks from visiting our National Parks. I am somewhat alarmed that my position was not considered." And he's probably right - imagine you go skiing to Sunshine or Lake Louise. After paying for a lift ticket, a tank of gas, food while you're out there, some rentals and maybe a postcard saying where you've been for the day, there isn't a lot of cash left for an increase in cost of the park pass (or the $2000 fine if the warden catches you without one). But there is no small print here. The same stresses that inhibit folks from visiting the park are what make the park what it is. Parks Canada claims that the tax dollars collected by the government are then handed over for creating and preserving these national parks and historic sites. The final goal of the price hikes is to raise $25 million annually to pay for deteriorating infrastructure such as roadside facilities, campgrounds, picnic tables and interpretive centers. Stutz's response: "I recognize that Parks Canada has been short-funded and these dollars are needed to repair and maintain a failing infrastructure. That said, my position is that I am disappointed that Parks Canada has taken this action at this time". The sad reality is that we live in a user-pay world, and unfortunately, our mountainous backyard is not exempt. If we want the park, the campgrounds, the picnic tables, and the interpretive centers, it'll cost us. Posted by Bella at 7:57 AM# Buying a new car is like buying a new pair of shoes. A really expensive pair of shoes... Option A.Fiji Blue. Coupe. Standard. Black interior. No sunroof. Power locks, windows. A/C. Looks a little more sporty. Could have a little more fun with it. It's not like I am about to have kids anytime soon so why would I need the backseat? Option B. Eternal Blue. Sedan. Standard. Grey interior. Sunroof. Power locks, windows. A/C. The family-mobile. I know; I drive one. This one would ensure I would never have to get out to let someone into the back seat of my car. It would also be handy to stick Tanu into. And this one has the sunroof without having to pay $4k more for the SI. Option C. Posted by Bella at 12:13 AM# Stinky-ism. In regards to her dog:She's so squishy. I want to put her in a box and poke her with a stick. Posted by Bella at 5:09 PM# And hopefully this is the last one... 
Posted by Bella at 4:44 PM# Letter Numero Uno 
Posted by Bella at 4:43 PM# Letter Numero Two. 
Posted by Bella at 10:56 AM# Thought for the day. Some people are like slinkies: good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.Posted by Bella at 8:07 AM# Respect is one option you won't find listed on the sticker of a new car. Also on the Calgary Herald Q.He sat there on the edge of the desk and said, "You cut me a cheque for that amount and we have a deal". After a quick 'hum' and 'ha', I realized the repercussions of jumping into a deal like that made me a little nervous; I was afraid this might be too much of an emotional purchase. And that can only mean bad news. He knew I was vulnerable, and that I was just a girl; just a girl with not much knowledge on cars. Don't get me wrong, I know a couple things about cars. I know where the gas goes, how to change the washer fluid, what the engine light means and that the spare tire is a bitch to put on my car. But as the two men were sitting there looking intent on making a little extra coin for their wallets, I knew I was being treated like a girl and that was one feeling I couldn't shake. But then the more I thought of it, the more I realized how many situations I get myself into where I am not treated with the same respect I would have if I was with a male. And all these situations relate to my car. Which man should I take with me to ensure I get a fair deal? While there is a certain comfort to having a male around, who to pick is also a tough choice. Do I pick my dad? It helps that he is 6'7 and has the best serious look around. Or do I take a boy-friend who might know a little more about the recent car market. Or do I take my brother who would be more concerned with whether or not he is able to drive it? While men are more likely to go into the dealership with a make, model and knowledge of the ponies under the hood, a girl (such as me) will know the colour, maybe the make and that I want a sunroof. And in that event, I can't really blame the salespeople to take a little more advantage of me and my lack of knowledge on the car. Sure, it's a bit of a disadvantage being a female consumer in the car industry in this male-oriented, male-dominated business. For now, I'll be brushing up my skills on what's under the hood so I can strut my stuff when the next dealer asks me if I felt seduced by the colour and the shape. I can then go on to say, "actually - the ponies under the hood are what's turning my crank". Considering over 80% of women make all car-buying decisions, one would think the dealerships car manuals would address how to sell to a woman. But until that day, I will eagerly await with baited breath, for a dealer who respects me for the consumer I am. Posted by Bella at 5:07 PM# Disclaimer:This website contains sex, politics and religion. These are my thoughts, opinions, and rants. If you don't like it, don't read it. Posted by Bella at 8:00 AM# I understand what you're saying, but what I need is a good, solid sports analogy. And that's exactly what he gave me."I come in with the pass, you drop me the keys - I drop you the new ones and voila - touchdown!". Makes sense, I think. There comes a time when so many bad things happen in a week, that a change is just what's needed. Maybe it's an emotional thing, maybe it's the lack of true oxygen to my brain lately, heck maybe it's the rain, but this past week needed to end on a happy note; and I think I made it happen. Let's just run through my week: Monday. A letter to the editor was written to the Calgary Herald (and published) commenting on how I was one of the least compassionate people to have walked the earth. Meh. I laughed it off thinking, to each their own. Then the comments started coming in about my opinion piece on the pride parade. Tuesday. More comments. Alright. People are reading my stuff and reacting to it - that's great. Mmm maybe it's not so great. Alistair was hanging with Honda for the day getting his timing belt fixed. Oh, what's that you say? His exhaust manifold is broken? Oh and you have never heard of that happening in a Honda before? Excellent. How much is it going to cost? Rrrrrrrright. Wednesday. More comments. Getting catty remarks from some people. It's ok. I'm sticking by my gun with my opinions. What ever happened to freedom of speech? Apparently it's not so kosher to have an opinion. Make mental note: Add this disclaimer to my website - This website contains opinions on sex, politics and religion. These are my thoughts, opinions, rants, and mental pukes. If you don't like it, don't read it. Oooh and then someone hits Al in the parking lot at lunch. Rrrighteo. This ain't no small door ding - Al got smashed. Sigh. Thursday. Even more comments. Ooook. The magazine, the Western Standard calls me at work and asks to interview me for an upcoming piece on the bear situation out in Canmore. Rock on - or so I thought. I do believe I'll be burned at the stake for my comments. Can't make everyone happy I guess. Have a bit of a mental breakdown and call my editor at the Herald for some advice. If Catherine Ford says, Don't let the bastards get you down, then damnit - that is exactly what I won't let have happen. Friday. I think it's the end of the comments. Alright. I can FINALLY get some sleep after a week of none. Took Al into Honda to get an estimate on the damage; Roger told me, jokingly, that I should look at a new car. Megan's senses go off and poof - the sports analogy comes in to play and I am one happy chick. Went out and saw the wickedest most coolest movie - It's all Gone Pete Tong with Scott, downed a bottle of wine, and ka-ching. Bed time. Saturday. Went to Honda with dad, chose Alistair the second, did some random errands and came home with a bottle of wine and a movie. Drank the wine, watched the movie and slept. Mmm low key day. Sunday. Woke up early (bad news bears with the wine), found out the truck was broken into (out of all the things to take, the little punk ass bitches took the Luther Vandross cd among others...) had Fathers Day brunch, drove downtown and checked out the flooding cuz I'm a dork, organized my plethora of cds, washed Al and then uh yah. Let's hope Monday is better. If this upcoming week is a week like last week, count me out. Posted by Bella at 7:26 PM# Heard of the Western Standard magazine? Me either. But they interviewed me the other day in regards to this piece. Should be interesting to read about what they write about me in their coming issue.Apparently they didn't like my take on bears biting people. Well I don't agree on their take with people attacking bears. Posted by Bella at 9:43 PM# For Sale. Alistair is for sale.2002 Honda Civic LX-G, 4 doors, a/c, power everything, cd player, well loved and driven, blue, stocked full of fun stickers, and yah. He's great. $10,000. It's a steal. He's worth it. Posted by Bella at 2:05 PM# I don't care that you are gay. Do you care that I am straight? Also found on the Calgary Herald Q site.I am in favor of same sex marriage. I don't know why it was an issue in the first place. But for the love of God, would they quit parading around proclaiming their sexual preference? I. Don't. Care. Ok, so maybe it does bother me. We read in the news all the time about how homosexuals are concerned with having the same rights as straight folk which is fine and dandy with me. But, I don't see too many "Straight Parades" on 17th Avenue. Today while at the Pride Parade, which I stumbled across while shopping 17th Ave, my jaw dropped when I saw a series of men being strung along by a rope. Seriously - we need men in bondage out parading around at noon on a Sunday? I didn't find this to be all that appropriate - and I am sure parents with kids didn't either. It is one thing to be in a bedroom with that stuff, it's another thing to be in public showing it off. If the gay citizens of Calgary are so concerned with being treated as an equal, maybe they should start acting like it. Or, maybe the straight folk need to start some parades and ask the Mayor for their own month (see: Mayor's Proclamation for Pride Month). Posted by Bella at 10:17 PM# Dear Timmy Ho's. I was rather disgruntled while visiting my fave coffee place, bright and early Sunday morning. To my dismay, the lady on the other side of the talk box (in the drive thru) informed me that they no longer made Chocolate Chip muffins, but encouraged me to try the New Triple Chocolate muffin instead. Well hell no I said. I want the chocolate chip ones.Apparently, this Timmys discontinued them. Now, these chocolate chip muffins are almost as staple at Timmys as a double double is. Please, for the love of chocolate chip muffins, bring em back! Sincerely, A heartbroken Chocolate Chip Muffin lover Aka - Megan Pratt Response: Dear Ms. Pratt, I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to our Head Office. We always appreciate hearing from our valued customers and I would like to take this opportunity to respond to your inquiry. At Tim Hortons, we have two types of products, "Required" products and "Optional" products. Required products are items that our stores must carry and should have available at all times. These are our companies core products and popular choices among our customers. On the other hand, optional products are items that store owners can chose from. This means that a product that is offered at one store may not be offered at another location. The decision of which optional products the store will carry is made by the Store Owner and is based on several factors, such as demand. The Chocolate Chip muffin is offered to our stores as part of our "Required" Products line. We would like to take the opportunity to look into this further. Please provide the specific location information along with the date and time this happened, and we will forward this information to the District Manager, who will address this issue at the store level with the staff. I thank you once again for writing and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon. Yours Truly, THE TDL GROUP CORP., Lisa Operations Services Posted by Bella at 12:50 PM# Words are also actions, and actions are a kind of words. Rudyard Kipling wrote, "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind". Well isn't he smart.So, in the word from the wise - tread carefully when talking about someone. You never know who knows who in this small big city. Posted by Bella at 5:34 PM# Grand Theft Bus. Seriously wicked fun song. Check it out!Posted by Bella at 3:40 PM# Belinda and Peter forever. Oh the love story.Posted by Bella at 5:58 PM# I always have a quotation for everything - it saves original thinking. - Dorothy L Sayers A liberal is a man who leaves the room before a fight begins. - Heywood BrounA conservative is a man who is too cowardly to fight and too fat to run. - Elbert Hubbard As usual the liberals offer a mixture of sound and original ideas. Unfortunately none of the sound ideas is original and none of the original ideas is sound. - Harold Macmillan A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Posted by Bella at 3:10 PM# If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning. - Aristotle Onassis My mom is dying her hair for a cancer fundraiser at her school. She has had it shaved twice now for other cancer fundraisers so this time was the time to dye it.If you want to donate moola towards the cancer society for this, let me know! Posted by Bella at 10:04 AM# Look! A bear! How cute and cuddly and oh, what do you want to do? Build a golf course eh? I hope it bites you.Posted by Bella at 9:52 AM# Alistair was being high maintenance on the weekend. He caused some greif, gave some sass (wonder where he learned that from...) and put up a fight. You can read it here. Unfortunately, Alistair won and Mike lost.On the plus side, I got a free oil change and an alternator. Posted by Bella at 4:19 PM# Anyone want to go? I realize it's a little on the steep side... but you'd get to travel in a train!!!!Posted by Bella at 9:36 AM# Good gracious it's early. And for those of you who feel so inclined to read my opinion on the Civic Lobster Fest out east, read this.Posted by Bella at 6:54 AM# For me, ME, to recommend a book - it says an awful lot about the book. It's not very often I read. Heck, it's almost like I buy books to put them on my book shelves to make myself look smarter. And the secret is out...Anyways, this book: A Thief in the Night by John Cornwell has actually kept me super entertained. My recommendation? Read it. Posted by Bella at 9:47 PM# Mmmmmm shoes. Megan's got herself a new pair of Sexpot shoes! Just thought I would share that with ya...Posted by Bella at 4:17 PM# Quit whining you crazy suburbanites. And because this is bound to be a goodie - check it out on the Calgary Herald Q page.Posted by Bella at 1:31 PM# A frog in a sombrero does not a party make. On a completely unrelated topic, here is my weekly post for the Calgary Herald Q.Posted by Bella at 4:14 PM# |
