Put this in your pipe
Re: Take a toke on this, WE, July 28.
Mr. Calvin your woe-is-me statement about Vancouver and Amsterdams population of harmless, all too happy stonerites leads me to question if you are in fact, aware that there are other places in the world? In specific, other places for you to live, because clearly the rabid 35-year-old with dreadlocks and covered in the bubonic plague of tattoos enjoying his reefer is a bit too much for you to handle, for you seem the fearful type. (He might bite you know!) It makes me smile that you would consider yourself grown up so to speak, when you seem to poorly generalize not one, but two groups of people in your rant. Perhaps if you could, to quote your statement, pull your head out of the proverbial sand you might realize that youre living in the entirely wrong place in the world. I think that might be healthy. Loosen up a bit Calvin, you may cause yourself a hernia. In conclusion, Id advise you not to get your panties in such a snit over people young and old not afraid to have a little fun, for I think thats what you inexcusably lack.
Katie
Small minded
Ive never done this before but here it goes. This is in regard to the new Little Dog Park sign put up at the Stanley Park fenced-in dog area. What is with the discrimination against big dogs? There are just as many poorly behaved small dogs as big ones so that is not a solution. How about non-aggressive dog park that seems much more rational and non-discriminatory. Let the dogs play! We have had great times at that park and would like to see many more. Shame on you to whoever made the request and shame on you to whoever accepted the request without giving any warning or say in the decision to those who use it.
Freedom Wagger
Owner obedience class
I believe that I have the right to peace and quite the same as all others. I live near Emery Barns Park and the dog park at the north end of said park. I do understand the dogs need a place to run and play. My rant is for the dog owners who let their dogs bark on and on at times as long as a half an hour. Now please understand, Im a dog lover, I attend dog shows and I watch dog shows on TV. Now speaking of TV, I know of at least four programs that will help you train your dog and stop it from constantly barking. As well, there are countless numbers of books and videos. I am certain that any persons who live with-in earshot of the dog park, or people that wish to sit in the park for a quiet afternoon are also forced to tolerate this non-stop barking. All I am asking is to please to control your dogs barking.
R.G.P.
Reinventing the citys centre
Regarding city halls intention of creating an international standard city centre. Its vital, we all agree, as our city quickly gets much bigger. However, I would think there are better ways of spending $500,000 than for a survey on the viaduct that already serves a purpose (why theres even a bike lane!). What about those monstrous, cathedral-sized stadiums? It is obviously a cash grab for more condos. Why not take the opportunity (and funds) to create a real focal point with an innovative, award-winning art gallery design that, with the surrounding grounds will be inspirational and serve as an essential plaza like Trafalgar Square in London and other well-imagined centres in the world? In fact: why not cover that penitentiary-style building housing Sears with a wall garden as featured in The Sun on the work of Mike Weinmaster and Patrick Poiraud. The transformation of the city centre would be phenomenal and the building looks like it was designed for it. Also, why not bring back a tramline that runs from the base of English Bay, up Davie to the Roundhouse? It would no doubt be a tourist (and local) sensation changing the very mood of that area bringing new dynamism to staid Davie Village. It could even curve around Pacific Boulevard along Beach Avenue. Why not even create a short canal connecting False Creek with Coal Harbour along Abbott with bridges? It would be an instant hit and definitely bring in tourist dollars and give a lot of character to that still rather depressed bit of town. Oh, one huge rave to the Denman Cinema for bringing us a new roster of interesting indie films!
Anonymous
A Jeff Wall summer
Hey! This cloudy, cool summer weather we are having is perfect for Jeff Wall to photograph, all summer long.
Anonymous
Watch where Im going?
Because Vancouver is Vancouver, on my bike I can navigate through traffic faster than a car on any road downtown while fully respecting the Motor Vehicle Act. But if you hit me sans helmet, I was asking for it and if the cops issue me $600 worth of violation tickets it was my fault (true story); on sidewalks Ive the ability to stop faster than any ambling senior, hand-holding foot shuffler, breeder of multiples (avec double-wide buggy), insufferable tourist, Juicy-clad dog walker. But I need to watch where Im going? Please have a cookie and kindly STFU. P.S. As for Vancouver, I love you just the way you are. Keep it Classy.
D. Melnyk
Driving public opinion
Bike lane rants are as thick as West End bed bugs but I must voice mine as well. Guess what? Vancouver aint Amsterdam. Vancouver is Campbell River with expensive parking and more A-holes. Vancouver is a city of pickup trucks and cases of Kokanee. Get over yourselves and realize that the driving public does not want road space taken away from busy downtown streets. Vancouver council needs to listen to the public for a change.
Scott
Pedestrians beware
Not a single day goes by when Im walking in the crosswalk or sidewalk when Im not almost hit by some nutbar cyclist psycho running a red light or illegally riding on the sidewalk.
Anonymous Rantline caller
SkyTrain survival
If a train is packed, that isnt going to stop me from reaching for the top of the doorway, turning my back to the crowd and steadily cramming myself in. I learned this technique after living two years in Tokyo and it works well. What other commuters have to do is make way by moving into the centre aisle of the train to make room. If you pile around the entrances you will get a steady push and there is no use whining about it. Also if you try to push your way into the train before I get out. I will just push you back out the door to let me off first. One thing I learned in busy Asian cities: if you dont make room; someone else will make it for themselves. Get over it.
Anonymous
