Why So Batty over the Royals

So the Royals Kate and Will arrived and left Calgary after a brief stay. They're a beautiful couple with promise to upgrade the monarchy's profile from bad to so-so.

Why do Canadians care?

I don't think it has anything to do with the Monarchy. Sure some older folks may have strong ties and reasons to be gung-ho for the Queen. But when it comes down to it I strongly believe the reason is based on the fact Canadians have very few big name celebrities, and the ones we do have who are Canadian either don't visit often, and/or don't live here.

So when we have world renowned celebrities show up, well, we get really interested. Anything that walks, has popularity, and is charismatic, well, we'll line up for.

So no, there' sno resurgence to the Monarchy, although no real push to become a republic either IMO. But we do like to catch a glimpse of the people we dream of being (in our dreams).

Do Hybrids Really help the enviro?

The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid sits at the bottom getting just 21 mpg in the process. The Touareg Hybrid emits not even 10 percent less global warming-related pollution when compared to its conventional counterpart.

Some hybrids increase power to the engine, whereas others will improve efficiency (reducing gas consumption). Right now technology hasn't improved to the point that a hybrid is heads and tails over the conventional counterparts. Not only that, you're probably not saving money in the long run with less gas if you have to face problems like repairs (which can be hard to complete if there are limited options for your unique car in your area).

Although we'll eventually see cars reach 60mpg owning a hybrid now is more of a luxury than a sound environmental decision that also makes good economic sense.

Did you Get your bracelet?

For the Royal Arrival?!

Two ways to see them, limited bracelets available (and you can only get close with them).

In addition to the Stampede Parade, the public has two other limited opportunities to view Their Royal Highnesses: July 7, at the BMO Centre and July 8 at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park.

In both cases, wristbands will be distributed in advance to ensure access to the event sites. You must have a valid wristband to get in.

Wristbands will be distributed at Max Bell Arena (1001 Barlow Trail S.E.) on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, July 6, beginning at 8 a.m.
Wristbands are free, with a limit of two (2) wristbands per person. Individuals have access to one (1) of the events only. Designated areas for people with disabilities will be available.
Wristbands will provide limited access, for 2,500 people, at the north end of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. where an invitation-only Government of Canada reception will be held in the evening.
Wristbands will provide limited access, for 3,100, to Calgary Rotary Challenger Park from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the send-off to the airport for Their Royal Highnesses. There is no parking at the site. Calgary Transit will provide free buses to the site from Westwinds CTrain station for customers with wristbands.
Their Royal Highnesses will attend other events during their visit, but access is limited or by invitation only.

They will be going in the opposite direction of the Stampede parade prior to the kick off. Here's their route.