Morning Brew: July 21, 2008 - grawlix

So a bit more truth comes out of the whole blackout situation... as the public learns that BC Hydro's grid is so maxed out that they're willing to pay some customers to shut off power during peak winter days. Apparantly we'll have to 'hold our breath until the mercury drops' and should all know that 'remedies are years away.' But no worries, the Olympics just power themselves on patriotism, goodwill, and global spirit, right? Pfft, at least we won't need riots when the whole city just explodes from underneath our feet during the opening ceremonies.

The RCMP who tased Dziekanski need our sympathy too! Cause, ya know, they're also "wishing that it never happened," or so announced Mr. Campbell on Friday. Maybe some sympathy for being brainwashed into believing that taser use is safe and non-lethal... bur otherwise, yep... I'm sure taking someone's life is a kick to the moral testicles. Campbell's comments follow the recent release of emails showing he was "highly complimentary of the force" and "disappointed over the degree of criticism" only a month following. How many ways can you spell bastard?

Should smoking on the beach be banned? After some time at Kits beach on Sunday, I'm lobbying for a ban on cell phones and protein powder.

I always kind of laughed at the amount of money people are willing to pay to guzzle butter while looking chic. But how about this for an extra-large serving of modern absurdity: One Vancouverite helps shell out $3000 to save a 10kg lobster...

Oh, I missed this when it was first published: tracking the massive carbon footprint of the Olympic torch. Now how about flying all those athletes, coaches, reporters, and richy-riches around the world and back just so they can watch those bobsled (what the fuck?) replays while actually freezing their balls off. Who ever said the games only hurt the host country?

So the onslaught of bottled water and overpriced beer continued this weekend as the Surrey Fusion, Whistler, and Folk Music Festivals all took place, with Aimee Mann headlined the latter? She just came off nullifying any potential 'edge' from her new album by retitling it "@#%&*! Smilers"... though I do find the title "Grawlix Smilers" quite compelling. Also there was the wonderful Jason Collet, who's most recent album was once again sadly overlooked by the masses. Anyone catch his performance?

So the new Batman movie had the biggest opening weekend ever, was ranked IMDB's #1 movie of all time, and shit, even the Tyee feel the need to proclaim it the "best superhero movie ever made." Though some are still complaining that the Oscar buzz for Heath Ledger is all a studio fabrication. Huh? Aren't the Oscars all a studio fabrication?

Destroying our wetlands could unleash a 'carbon bomb'. Show your support for our own giant peat bog next weekend, as it's International Bog Days on July 26-27. Anyone gonna do some live bog blogging?

An American dude won the Tour de White Rock on Sunday... and used it as an excuse to beak off against the Tour de France. 'Tour de White Rock'?

I need to secure the Vancouver distribution rights to these asap: the self-defense unbreakable umbrella. It might also be the perfect answer to those fucking ridiculous square watermelons which have just hit Vancouver. Watch this demonstration video to see what I mean (wait until 1:20).

The suburbs beckon B.C art lovers: your guide to suburban summer fun... just leave the iPod at home and make sure to pack an umbrella.

Photo of some copper theft in the East Van by phoneyman (more on this particular case here). Some more on crack-habit-feeding copper-thieving here and here. I could 'wittily' connect this to the BC power crisis, but I'll spare you.