The Lynda Parcells Blog - 660News Calgary

This is for my neighbour. Not my next door neighbour, but the one that lives across the street. The one with the really loud Harley Davidson. I know you love your motorbike, but do you really have to start it, and then just let it run for what seems like hours?! Don’t you want to go for a ride? I’m confused. Wouldn’t you look a lot more hip actually riding your bike, instead of just looking at it and revving it up as loud as it will go? I’m all about people having a good time, and maybe you are, but I honestly think you could have way more fun riding it. Not to mention, I’ll finally be able to get some sleep!

Doesn’t Michel Fournier realize every possible sign is being sent to him to get him to stop his insane jump? The French skydiver has a crazy dream. He wants to fly high enough in the sky, to then free-fall 40-thousand metres back to earth. For the second day in a row there was a glitch preventing the dive though. Yesterday, Fournier’s plans were scrapped due to high winds. Today, he lost his balloon. That’s right, everyone was ready for the take-off, and then the unthinkable happened - the balloon floated away….without Fournier! One person said it looked like a “giant silver squid.” I have a question. Why exactly would someone want to free-fall 40-thousand metres? That’s a very long way. To put it into perspective, free-falling 40-thousand metres is the equivalent of flying about five times higher than the average passenger jet, or stacking 186 Petro-Canada buildings on top of each other. Again, why? If Mr. Fournier wants to try again, it’s going to take a long time. The launch manager says he’s out of the $500,000.00 balloons, so it could be months, even years before another attempt. By the way, this is the fourth time Fournier has failed. He tried the same stunt in 2002 and 2003. I personally think he should sit back and think about what he’s trying to do and maybe thank his lucky stars that his attempts have failed.

I’m thinking it might be time for a new vehicle. I’m one of those crazy people that’s still driving around in a huge truck. The rising gas prices are starting to kill me though. I decided to stop in the rain yesterday to fill up the tank, and thank goodness I did. I had to fork over $129.00 (no, you’re not seeing things!), but if I had waited until today, it would have cost me even more, thanks to gas prices jumping again. I have a bit of a dilemma though. I like the thoughts of driving an economical vehicle, but I have no idea what exactly I’d replace my truck with. My husband and I travel almost every weekend to our family cabin and when we leave the city, we are packed to the hilt. We have everything from two dogs, to golf clubs and luggage, not to mention two dirt bikes. So, what’s a girl to do? I’d appreciate any suggestions at lynda.parcells@rci.rogers.com. And just for the record…..I don’t do minivans!

Once again, it’s a few idiots that are ruining it for everyone. Over the long weekend, the McLean Creek area, west of Bragg Creek, was totally trashed by off-road vehicles. Wildlife Officers say the recreational area was ripped to shreds with unprecedented damage. Campers left mounds of beer cans and garbage in the bush, and turned a grassy meadow into a mud pit. Let’s be clear about one thing though - I can almost guarantee you the damage wasn’t done by regular, responsible users of the area. It was most likely done by a bunch of rowdy campers that had one intention…..to party their faces off, whatever the cost. Now it’s inevitable changes will be made and off-road users will likely be severely restricted. Some are calling for a ban on alcohol, or a complete ban on off-road vehicles. One thing I don’t understand; if everyone is so concerned about what might happen at McLean Creek over the long weekends - why don’t they have security making sure everyone is well behaved? Yes, I know that costs money, but think about how much money it already costs to clean up the area every single year.

The Calgary Health Region only publishes its health inspection reports for restaurants where “critical” violations have been found, but that’s all about to change. Starting July 1st, the CHR will be publishing all, not just some, but ALL of its health inspection reports. That means you’ll be able to check on how clean your favourite restaurant really is. My question is: do I really want to know?

I am furious. Shaw TV, which owns Star-Choice Satellite, has decided to take four stations off the air; CBC Regina, Sun TV, City Winnipeg, and Global Maritimes. The company tried to remove CTV Calgary, but there was so much opposition, Shaw backed off on that decision. I decided to sign-up with Star-Choice thinking it would help me see my favourite programs because of the wacky hours I work. I also thought it was a good idea because I work in news and I like to see what’s happening around the country. But now, I’m seriously considering switching back to basic cable and buying a PVR after this latest move by Shaw. I feel like every time I turn around, something is changing with Star-Choice. For example, a few stations that were included with my package, I now have to pay for! I called Star-Choice about the four stations being removed and was told the decision was made because there is a lot “repetition”. In other words, if you watch CBC Regina, you should be able to find the same programming on CBC Calgary. Well, what if I want CBC Regina? When I posed that question I was asked “why would you want it?” I couldn’t believe it! How does he know that I’m not from Regina (which I’m not) and maybe I want to watch the local news? As I continued chatting with the fellow, he mentioned Shaw is also trying to make more room for HD channels…..ah-ha! Let me guess, more HD channels will be added, but I can almost guess, if I want them….I’ll have to pay.

Why do they make the poor contestants on American Idol sing *after* they’ve been told they’re getting the boot from the show? Isn’t it just plain cruel to make them belt it out after their dreams have been crushed? On Wednesday night, Brooke was told she was gettting the hook. She immediately burst into tears when she received the death blow, so you can imagine what her departing song sounded like. The poor girl could hardly keep it together, not to mention she couldn’t remember the lyrics. I think it’s time for a change. Wouldn’t it be much easier to have the person who receives the most votes sing their heart out?