A couple months ago we talked about eight things that defy my understanding. Turns out there are a whole lot more, and even this list, I’m sure, won’t exhaust the topic. So herewith the next installment:
1. The Conservative Party leadership race. Their rules prevent their best potential leader from running, because she is the interim leader and had to vow not to seek the permanent job. Rona Ambrose has proven to be an effective leader who is onside with bringing a level of civility back to Parliament. A female leader of that party would show them to be socially progressive, and would make for an interesting election between she and the Liberals’ boy wonder. But alas, not to be.
2. Gluten-free. There is a good reason for gluten-free food, for those who have celiac disease. For those who are not celiac, there is no reason to avoid gluten; it accomplishes nothing positive for their health. It’s a fad. But that hasn’t stopped Air Canada from promoting gluten-free spearmint candy in their on-board menu. Really? No more breadcrumb-coated mints?
3. Power poles. In southern Saskatchewan, where there are no forests of substance, SaskPower poles are mostly wood. If you drive from Prince Albert north to La Ronge, you will see, along the highway, miles and miles of steel power poles, right alongside the forest. Seems we’re hauling wood south, and steel north in order to transmit electricity.
4. The Saskatchewan resident who has visited all the Disney theme parks in the world. And let’s add to that the Saskatchewan man who went to five of the six Garth Brooks concerts in Saskatoon recently. Can we spell obsessive-compulsive? Is it time to get a real life?
5. Saskatchewan Conservatives. The Saskatchewan delegates to their recent national convention were the only ones who, as a block, opposed changes in party policy to ease opposition to same-sex marriage. We used to be progressive in this province. Used to be.
6. Defending leaf blowers. Leaf blowers, you may recall, were on the last list of things that defy understanding. Well, they have one very passionate defender in Jim N, who maybe has a point. Or two. He uses his to gather the leaves to make bagging easier. Point conceded. He uses his to blow rain water off his deck so it dries faster. Okay, maybe I’ll buy that. But a handy way for his grand-daughters to dry their fingernail polish? I don’t think so.
7. Hybrid beverages. I see you can now buy hopped whiskey. Yes, whiskey flavoured with hops, which is what makes beer taste like beer. Grapefruit beer. What is that about… make it healthier? I understand putting a wedge of lime in a Corona… that has historical and cultural roots. The rest is just silliness. Or desperate marketing ploys.
8. Airline baggage charges. The problem, we are told, is that too many people carry on their luggage, which means there isn’t enough room in the cabin to store it all, and it slows down loading people onboard. Then they increase checked luggage fees, and take away the free first checked bag. When you make people pay for checked luggage and then make them wait for their luggage at the other end, and make carry-on free, they will carry on more. Duh! Seems the solution is quite simple: charge for carry-on luggage, and make checked baggage free.
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