Monopoly Of The Stars
The City has used the Griffith Observatory make-over as an excuse to create a governmental transportation monopoly. The only way you can get to the observatory -- other than taking a long hike -- is to pay for parking away from the site and ride a government bus to it.The pretext for this unnecessary expense is that, well, there will be SO many people wanting to come that we can't possibly rely on idiots like you to drive up there on your own.
Yeah, right.
But you're not supposed to worry, because it's only "temporary." Here's what the official website says: "During the months after reopening, there will be absolutely NO drive-up access to Griffith Observatory. All visitors must have a timed-entry reservation to be admitted to the Observatory."
Excuse me, but how many months are there in "the months after reopening?" Would that be two? Three? Eleven? Anyone care to make a prediction? Personally, I'm guessing 96 months, after which they'll make it permanent.
Tickets are $8 for adults, and $4 for children -- thereby circumventing the stipulation of Mr. Griffith, when he donated the land for the observatory, that it be free of charge. Speaking of $8 for a short bus ride, perhaps we'll see a Measure A next time around to provide for "affordable transportation." I mean, with gas so expensive, and insurance skyrocketing, how can we expect the homeless and carless to buy or lease a decent German sedan?
Posted by Walter Moore @ 11/03/2006 07:20:00 PM
9 Comments:
You still can hop in your gas guzzler and listen to AM 640 all the way to Hollywood and Highland. So what's the beef? Oh I forgot Duuumb planners for thinking of transit solutions. That's so low class.
...AND WALTER, IF YOU THINK THAT INFO IS WEIRD READ MORE FROM GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY WEBSITE:
There are "FREE" tickets for HIKERS and CYCLISTS, FREE WITH A CREDIT CARD [?] their words-
" Will any free reservations be available?
Yes. A limited number of timed-entry reservations will be made available free of charge 48 hours in advance of the day planned for visiting. Parking for those with free reservations will be at the Greek Theatre. A special shuttle will run from the Greek Theatre to the Observatory, but ONLY those with free timed-entry reservations will be able to board this shuttle.
What if I want to hike or cycle to the Observatory? Is there a charge?
You are welcome to do so, but like all visitors, you will need a timed-entry reservation. As noted above, a limited number of timed-entry reservations will be made available free of charge 48 hours in advance of the day planned for visiting. While these free reservations are available to anyone, they are especially designed to accommodate hikers and cyclists.
A limited number of timed-entry reservations will be made available free of charge 48 hours in advance of the day planned for visiting. Parking for those with free reservations will be at the Greek Theatre. A special shuttle will run from the Greek Theatre to the Observatory. ONLY those with free timed-entry reservations will be able to board this shuttle; those with reservations for parking at Hollywood & Highland or the Los Angeles Zoo may NOT park at the Greek and ride this shuttle.
While these free, 48-hour-advance reservations are available to anyone, they are especially designed to accommodate those wishing to hike or cycle to the Observatory. Like all visitors, hikers and cyclists need a timed-entry reservation to enter the Observatory building and grounds. They should park at the Greek Theatre or anywhere else in Griffith Park to start their hike or ride
While there is no charge for timed-entry reservations for hikers and cyclists, making a reservation will require a credit card to hold the reservation in the system (but the credit card will NOT be charged). Hiker and cyclist timed-entry reservations will be available 48 hours in advance. "
Col. Griffith ROLLS IN HIS GRAVE.
To 2:18 a.m.:
Yeah, that's it -- it's a "solution," because everyone knows what a problem it is to be able to drive when you want, where you want. Life is much better if the government controls access to museums, and requires you to use a computer, pay $8, and get on a bus driven by a union member. What in the heck was I thinking! A "solution" is exactly what was needed.
Forcing a family of four to pay $20 -- two adults, two children -- to ride a bus a couple of miles is much better than letting those selfish, car-owning bastards get away with spending a mere 80 cents' worth of gas to cover the same distance. We've got to solve this national obsession with personal freedom and convenience. Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask how you may best serve the desires of "planners."
And the solution is so simple. I mean, as the passage from the official website quoted by Video Louis shows, anyone can easily understand the instructions and rules. Well, anyone who's good with, say IRS instructions.
I don't even want to think about how much we're paying for this bus gig as taxpayers.
P.S. AM 640?! I believe you MEANT to say, "McIntyre in the Morning, KABC 790." Once you've heard Doug and Rob, you really can't settle for all the yelling and whining on other stations. There is no substitute for wit.
Walter,
What's your take on Barack Obama?
I haven't heard anything about him that impresses me favorably. For a candidate to get my support, he would need to call for: i) immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq; ii) re-deployment to our southern border; iii) zealous enforcement of our immigration laws, starting yesterday; iv) no more welfare for the rich and other special interests; and v) voter ID requirements.
Oh, educated, witty and articulate wouldn't hurt, either.
What do YOU think? Is he someone worth supporting? What's he stand for? What does he think are the most important issues, and the solutions therefor?
LOVE YOU TO PIECES WALTER.
LINKS:
http://obama.senate.gov/
From Obama's website: " Instead of mass deportations, Senator Obama believes that Congress must pass comprehensive, compassionate reform that reaffirms the rule of law and brings the undocumented population out of hiding."
No, gracias. Game over as far as I'm concerned.
Correction: $24 for a family of four -- plus they need internet to make reservations.
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