Gas prices in Victoria · Friday May 11, 2007 by colin newell
Ok. So the word is out. The lock-step gas prices in Victoria B.C. Canada are a conspiracy of lies and deceit.
Yesterday I listened to both sides.
The center for policy alternatives calmly stated that the gas stations out West, particularly Victoria and Vancouver, are robbing patrons to the tune of 25 to 30 cents on every litre.
A representative from the gas monopoly was a piece of work.
With contempt and utter disdain dripping from his voice he offered: “Have you people ever heard of Katrina? Have you ever seen a refinery fire?”
As if I haven’t heard of Katrina? Ya. I have. That was the storm that devastated New Orleans. You know, the one that the U.S. government couldn’t much help with ‘cause they were busy tracking Osama in the streets of Baghdad.
Anyway – the pure contempt in this oil dudes voice was sickening.
He failed to acknowledge the 100 billion in profit that We put in the companies coffers last year. Like every other Canadian executive, all he could offer was a syrupy spew of utter contempt for the people that created this profit margin.
So what can we, as consumers, do? Nothing you say?
Think again. Ever heard of peaceful protest?
Try this.
Next time you need gas, pick out your least favorite gas station. That shouldn’t be difficult.
Pull up to the pump. Get out of your car. Pump 5$ worth of gas into the tank. Pay in pennies or small change. Buy a slushie.
And sit in your car for 15 minutes at the pump while you drink it. Conversely, buy your 5$ of gas. And spend 15 minutes wiping your windshield and wiper blades.
This is a peaceful blockade folks.
And remember one important thing:
The staff at ALL gas stations are your friends and brothers in this struggle. Do not harass the support staff at gas stations.
Yesterday I drove by a station near the Oak Bay junction where they had just “adjusted” the price to almost $1.26/litre. The staff were standing outside wondering where everyone was. Normally there is at least one person pumping gas. In this time interval, there was no one.
Anyway – want to do something about this issue?
Become an active member in the peaceful consumer army.
Monday night at the Flood... · Tuesday April 10, 2007 by colin newell
Get this:
My wife and I are sitting watching TV at close to 11PM
last night —
actually… she had just switched the TV off
and she said (and I quote…):
“Can you hear that? That sounds like water running?”
From the living room I could not hear anything…
As we moved into the hall, I could just hear the
shimmering sound of a torrent of water..
We darted into the master BR and the on-suite bathroom
was filling with water via the exhaust fan!
It was a horrifying torrent of water — probably
coming in at a rate of 1 gallon per minute.
I grabbed a dozen beach towels and threw them on the
floor… within seconds I darted upstairs to the
neighbors (a slightly younger couple…)
The upstairs neighbor answered the door
and from the look on her face she knew something
was amiss:
“Hi Colin…. whats… up? “
I said: “Have you looked in your bathroom recently?”
She shrieked: “Oh my god! Oh my god! “
and then darted into her bedroom with her husband not
far behind….
I came in after them.
Their onsuite had several inches of water and water creeping into
the master BR.
Apparently the water-closet in the toilet failed and was overflowing.
I think they were in the living room “working out” or “exercising”
based on what they were wearing and did not hear the event unfolding.
Anyway – got everything mopped up and sanitized
by about 1 AM.
The ceiling will probably need to be replaced.
Thank god for beach towels!
Do yourselves a favor folks – if you do not have one of these inexpensive water alarms, get one.
We did not suffer any extensive damage – but an alarm would have saved us some time cleaning up.
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Poll time · Monday March 5, 2007 by colin newell
I can see the visitor stats on this web site – they look pretty good. Generally on the increase. Last time I checked, this blog has about 5000 unique visits per month. Pretty modest stuff and it gives me hope. I tend to get a 2-3 % increase in visitors every month.
But am I on the right track?
Please take a moment and place your vote below. I need a bit of feedback. Do you read this blog regularly? Is there anything of interest here? Is my writing compelling in any way.
Now is the time to speak out. Thanks.
Your comments [1]
Lamb Bhuna Gost · Monday February 19, 2007 by colin newell
Hot Indian curries rate very highly in our home cooking endeavors. As much as I love coffee, I really love hot food. Whether it’s Thai, Hunan, Tex-Mex or East African – if it doesn’t have that zing then it doesn’t have my full attention! Here is a great example of a curry that anyone can whip up. And if you don’t like it hot, you can tone down the heat. It is that simple and I will show you how.
400g lamb steaks cubed
2 Green pepper, de-seeded
2 Tablespoons tomato puree
1 onion finely chopped.
2 Teaspoon Curry Powder
1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1 Finely Chopped Seranno Chili (for the heat! — optional)
2 tomatoes, quartered
4-6 Cloves Crushed Garlic
2 inches Root Ginger grated
5 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
Garnish with Cilantro, raw whole/diced seranno or thai chili.
Make a paste of the curry powder and chili powder with a little water. Chop the pepper into 1 inch square pieces. Fry the onion until translucent in the veg oil then add the garlic, ginger, pepper and seranno and stir fry on medium for a further 2 minutes. Add the curry and chili powder paste and stir in and fry for a further 30 secs. Add the lamb pieces and sear well on all sides. Add the tomato puree and water and cook on high heat for 15 minutes to reduce the sauce, stirring constantly. Add the garam masala and stir in well. Reduce the heat and add the tomatoes, stir in and cover the pan, cook for 3 minutes without stirring. Serve on a bed of Thai jasmine rice. Garnish with whatever is available.
Serve with Nan bread, white bread, french bread or Italian bread and plenty of beer!
Thanks to the CurryFrenzy.com website for the inspiration for this improved take on an Indian classic!
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