Carole James – Pot calling the Kettle Black March 7, 2009
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Ponderings.add a comment
I just discoverd this article posted on the Provincial NDP web site (February 26, 2009) regarding the project to replace the roof of BC Place Stadium. After reading it, the first question that pops into my head is, “ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND?”
For your reference, here’s the link to what the NDP calls “the truth” and the following are my thoughts.
- Apparently, a warning that the roof will last another 15-20 years is cause for immediate action and when the roof tore (or according the the NDP, collapsed – a bit of a hyperbole you think?), the Liberals should have known, because they were warned?
- Upon realizing the roof wouldn’t last the 15-20 years the government was told it would, they were somehow supposed to miraculously have a plan in place IMMEDIATELY. Time to investigate and consult with architects and structural engineers, time to get evaluative reports done properly, is apparently what the NDP considers stalling by the Liberals.
- The crazy building boom we had in Vancouver in the past 5 years, is somehow something the government should have had a contingency plan for. Because they were told the roof would need replacing in 15-20 years, the Liberals should have known to replace it now. Not only that, there’s a construction boom, so before the costs rise further, the Liberals should rush into a decision and get it done now. Getting it done faster is more important than getting it done right. Right?
Yeah, it would have been nice to get a new roof for BC Place in time for the Olympics. But considering what we knew at the time, that wasn’t a necessary cost. By the time a new roof was determined to be needed more urgently than originally thought, replacing for the Olympics wasn’t feasible. Seriously, what would the NDP have done? I shutter to think about the possibilities.
If the NDP is going to blame the Liberals for “stalling” until construction costs skyrocketed, now that the boom has gone bust, are they going to give the Liberals credit for “waiting” until costs started to go down? I mean, if you’re going to blame them for not planning for an economic situation they had no control over, then give them credit for the same when the tides turn in their favour.
As far as going for a more expensive replacement project, a retractible roof not only is a better plan when looking at the big picture but also increases the functionality and usefulness of the stadium. So as much as a “more affordable” design might be sufficient, an argument can also be made for a more costly design that has greater overall benefits and aesthetics. I mean, we are talking about a long term solution, right? And a decision needs to be made now, despite what the economic situation may be.
Let me say it again. Carole James, ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR FRIGGIN’ MIND? The Liberals are by no means perfect but really? Are you running out of actual things to bitch about and are now resorting to twisting the facts and making stuff up?
But then again, there’s a provincial election coming up and we should consider letting the NDP make the decisions. Remember how well it worked out with their fast ferries?
Traveling September 29, 2006
Posted by Ken in Family, Friends, Me, Ponderings, Travel.add a comment
It seems I’ve been forgetting my blog again. I didn’t mean to. It’s just that I’ve been somewhat busy and somewhat lazy lately. Busy with work making me lazy to do my own things.
I started this trip to Washington D.C. on September 22, 2006 and am finally starting to really take the time to explore. It helps that I’ve had some free time and some colleagues (with cars!) nearby that I could go out and do things with. I know, I know. I could have taken the bus or the subway or some other method of public transportation. It just seemed like too much work and I’ve come to realize something early on this trip… I’m getting tired of traveling on my own. It’s been a couple of years now and I’ve seen some great places, eaten at some fabulous restaurants, and met some amazing people. Perhaps it’s time to spend more time at home and rebuild the relationships that I so value… and possibly establish some new ones.
Everybody Knows… A Little Place Like Kokomo September 4, 2006
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I can’t seem to get this friggin’ song out of my head, probably because I’m in Kokomo, Indiana. Unfortunately, this Kokomo is nothing like that of Beach Boys lore. There are no tiki torches, no steel drums, no piña coladas. No, this Kokomo is like any other ugly, side of the freeway, industry town in the United States. Very uninspired. So uninspired actually, that I have no motivation to even take a bleeping photo of it. Still, if you’ve done any road trip in the good ole US of A, you know what it looks like. As the song says… “Everybody knows…”
Addendum: The sky tonight was beautiful
Maury & Jerry… the Culture of Middle America August 31, 2006
Posted by Ken in Me, Ponderings, Travel.1 comment so far
Welcome to my first rant.
I could never understand what it is about show like Jerry Springer or Maury Povich that allows them to survive for years and years, with loyal watcher that keep them going enlessly. I mean, how many friggen times do we need to watch a show about some dumbass, lazy hick that got knocked-up after cheating with her truck driving, cross-dressing, wife-beater boyfriend’s best friend’s goat? Do we really need a paternity test when the baby has horns and hooves? Well today, I had an epiphony. The guests and characters on these shows really represent much of middle-American culture. The people who watch get the opportunity to see their families, or close facsimiles (“Hey, brother Jethro is gittin’ his ass kicked on TV by his wife, our cousin, Betty-Sue. Yee haw!”), act out their daily dramas and have their 15 minutes of fame. As a result, they are rewarded with the sense that, “hey, we may be trailer trash but our lives are interesting and worth living afterall.” For these people, watching these shows is like a goddam family reunion without them having to get off their fat-asses to go anywhere, which is just goddam fine for them! Just working out here in middle-America, you are constantly surrounded by the fine specimens that will likely appear on the next episode… and man, der shure arr alodda these folks! With the opportunity to spend so much time with these people, I may get to be on TV afterall. Watch for me.
What is it About a University Campus? August 19, 2006
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I don’t know about you but every time I step onto a university campus, I feel a connection to it. It’s a feeling hard to describe: familiarity, camaraderie, excitement, belonging. It doesn’t matter that the campus I’m at is one that I’ve never stepped foot on. The feeling is still the same.
This is how I felt today while walking the grounds at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. What a great time to have been there too. You can feel the anticipation and excitement in the air as the students arrived to start a new school year. Although nothing was familiar visually, I felt oddly at home. I knew what most of the people here were going through: old friends catching up on what everyone’s been up to, freshmen feeling anxious as they embark on a four-year journey, the 
athletes attending sports practices that become such a huge part of their university life, buying textbooks and other supplies, and simply settling into a new year. There’s this sense of commonality, that everyone is on the same team, pursuing the same goals. I’d almost say it is spiritual.
Walking the campus also reminded me of a time in my life when I was not able to accept my sexual identity. This is something I will always regret. Seeing all the cute guys hanging out, playing sports, or just enjoying the nice weather made me think of my life during my university days and how, given the chance, I’d do it differently.
This photo of a bench at Purdue sums up much of what I remember at university – and what I’ve been feeling much of lately. For those of you who never had the chance to attend university, you’ll never know what you missed. For those who are considering attending, I can say that you’ll be very tired and stressed out but it’s an experience you’ll value for the rest of your life. I highly recommend it.
Grass is Always Greener (when you water the lawn) July 14, 2006
Posted by Ken in Homelife, Me, Ponderings, Travel.4 comments
Well, for a relative short time, you could say my office looked something like the above photo. Tom and Nicole were there once (when they were still faking a marriage). I can’t image they would have wanted to spend any time in the office where I’ve been working in this past week. Not that I’m complaining about being home and instead of being on the road living out of a suitcase. In a real way, it’s been nice to have the opportunity to do an office job for a little while… the stability, the socialness of being surrounded people I know, going out for lunch with friends, and of course, simply being able to sleep in my own bed. Part of it is about being able to build relationships rather than getting a brief glimpse of what could be.
But being on the road can be really nice too… meeting and interacting with new people, seeing places I’d otherwise not have the opportunity to see, living cheap because someone else is paying or because the hotel is so grateful, they treat you to an amazingly wonderful meal, one that I’d otherwise not be able to afford.
And yet, Vancouver is home – and home is so very beautiful. Playing with my nephews and nieces, walking around English Bay on a beautiful sunny day, sitting on a patio with friends drinking bellinis. What could be better?
If only I could find a way to bring together the best of both worlds. Guess there’s still lots more work to do.
So, it’s now been just over a week… July 6, 2006
Posted by Ken in Family, Friends, Homelife, Me, Ponderings, Travel.2 comments
I’ve been home for just over a week now, having just spent over a month in Japan. Two weeks in Tokyo, 5 days in Kyoto, 5 days in Osaka and 12 days in Fukuoka. This was my first trip back to Asia since I was 5 years old and my first long overseas trip. An experience of a lifetime, it was a trip filled with excitement, new experiences, stress, education, isolation, but best of all, new friends. A special thanks to the boys, Tom, Jeremy, Matt, Koh, Kris and Dwight… and the ladies, Miyuki, Yuriko, Karina, Maki, Rie, Minako, Asako, Makiko, Hiro and Mikako. I have memories and stories about all of you. Thanks for your hospitality and friendship. I hope to see you again one day.
Arrival in Vancouver was filled with anticipation as I went straight from the airport to see my new niece, Kalani Cox. My little buddy/nephew Aidan finally has the little sister he’s been asking for. I think he was hoping for one a bit bigger though… you know, one he could actively play with. Either way, it seems he loves it when she’s sleeping on his belly.
Ahhh. Vancouver! Home SWEET home!
