Cabbie Chronicles

Test post

2011-11-11T08:24:00.001-07:00

Sent from my Sony Ericsson Xperia arc

Bus Terminal - Canmore, AB

2011-05-27T13:31:00.005-06:00

This is a photo of the reception area for the bus terminal, if it was not for the beautiful scenery who would get off! Hmmmm

Ghost Image

2010-09-29T11:57:00.001-06:00

I was given some video by a friend that was taken recently and when I was editing it for him, I noticed a ghostly image near the end and wanted to share...

Permited at Last...

2010-09-27T20:35:00.002-06:00

It's official I have now been legally permitted to drive a taxicab in three cities over the past twenty five years, down side I start as a year one driver. However it is my secrete as to how long I have been a hack (hahhahaa) Tell me are "hacks, has-beens" Ya know I have decided that driving a taxi is what I was meant to do, it seems that all other jobs are lacking in a number of adventures. Those who have driven a cab know exactly what I am saying, those who have not only want the adventures of a cabbie...

I must admit acquiring a permit in Calgary, Alberta has been the most enduring, near five months from the start and close to two thousand dollars in expenses. I also know that after some three months, the question of "WHY" will arise however I have also decided that this is my career and trust me I have tried many over the years. No matter how boring or mundane a cab can be, it is freedom "Truly"

I am writing my third taxi blog, yet this time with a twist, I have added "Cabbie Vision" and am planning live web casts. That is the main feature and for the regular readers many more, that I dare not mention perhaps this will keep you all tuned

Remember "Have Gas Will Travel"

Lunch Date

2010-09-26T17:04:00.001-06:00

Well tomorrow is the day to finnally get my permit so went to lunch Service was great !

It's Here... Nice!

2010-09-25T14:31:00.003-06:00

A little background first, I started the process for a criminal record check June 23, 2010 and they generally take 3-4 weeks. Roughly the third week of July I was told that I had to provide finger prints to complete the check and did so, I was told it would be another 3 weeks... Dooh September, 24 2010 I received a copy of a letter sent to Calgary Police Services from the R.C.M.P. in Ottawa.

This letter confirmed that I was who I was, Nice this is what I have been saying all along (hahahhaa) Long story short, I have now all my papers in order some five months from the date I started the process of acquiring a Taxi permit one hoop left to jump and that is paying for the permit Monday is the day Wahooo.. That is what I say now, give me three weeks behind the wheel and I will wonder why I am doing this again (Hahahaa)

Hemi Thunder - Late Night

2010-09-17T16:00:00.001-06:00

This is number four in the on going series of Hemi Thunder, thats right still waiting on permits Doooh and today is the end of week four!.....

Global Fest 2010

2010-09-14T15:14:00.004-06:00

Thought I would share my recent attendance at the annual Global Fest... Yes I took this video hope you all enjoy! Yup it is 1080p HD...

Hemi Thunder - Tooned

2010-09-07T01:48:00.004-06:00

Still having some fun while I await the paper work on my permits... I purchased some new video editing software Pinnacle Studio HD Version 14 this will match nicely with the HD handy cam. Please subscribe to "Cabbie Vision" on YouTube so you can enjoy a great collection of oddities, this being the first of many clips and short films in HD 1080p...

Criminal Record Check

2010-08-23T14:43:00.021-06:00

Today I went to complete my criminal records check and was asked to go to the main office of the Calgary Police Services and supply fingerprints. Doooh "Book em Dano" hahahha no it was nothing like that however it was a very frustrating experience. Due to the fact I was only supplying fingerprints put me one step ahead of everyone else in the line up, which was roughly thirty people deep. Yet I was only able to supply these fingerprints between 8am - 11am or 12pm-3pm OK I arrived at Calgary Police Services 10:05am just in time for the front desk clerks to start breaks... Nice I figured I would still make it to the front of the line by 11am tapping my heel and twiddling my thumbs for sixty minutes before I am first in line. My turn at the counter and produce all the required papers, WHEN the clerk said "Sir have you read this letter" I did was my reply "Then you know that the hours of service are 8am-11am" I do she then explained that I waould have to come back at 12pm Keep in mind that the time is 11:05am and I waited in line for sixty minutes. As I began to explain this to the clerk, she interrupted me and again asked I come back at 12pm. I glanced back at the thirty people in line and asked the clerk if she was asking me to go to the back of the line again, The clerk said no I am asking you to come back at 12pm (The line was moving slowly so I went to the back of the line for another sixty minutes of heel tapping and thumb twiddling)

After roughly thirty minutes of my second line dance, clerks were returning from breaks and the line was begging to move. Damn I am going to peak early at this rate and did. I was at the front of the line with ten minutes to go and felt like sing a Johnny Cash tune hehhehee The line is bearing down on me and begging to feel trapped, the clerk says next... So I held my spot and let the next person go ahead of me. Now all the clerks are back and the line really starts to move as I let the person go head of me. Three minutes to go and the clerk says next, as I motion for the person behind me to move up. The clerk says "If you are waiting for someone you will have to go to the back of the Line. Well I almost lost it, then I remembered that I was in District One Police station, So I replied and asked which clock do you go by as there was three clocks in the room and all set differently. The clerk pointed at the one behind her and I said then I am waiting two more minutes to approach the counter and motioned the person behind me to go forward.

Ahhhh 12:01pm and the clerk says next I proudly move forward as veteran of two line dances forward my paper work and she says wait here a minute. Like were would I go I just waited two hours what is another minute. The clerk comes back and say "Alright they are pulling your paperwork and tells me to sit off to the side and my name will be called. Near forty minutes later my name is called and I get taken into a small office, it is explained to me that as of June 1, 2010 that Calgary Police Service is connected to the National Pardon Database and that my name and birth date were flagged by the system as to have recently had a pardon.

WHAT a pardon no I have never had a pardon. It seems I am not along in this world apparently there is a registered sex offender with my name and birth date that was granted a pardon. The officer goes on to tell me that there are roughly 13,300 registered sex offenders that have been granted pardons, so I should not find it overly concerning chances are my name or birth date could match and raise a flag calling for finger prints. I said but both name and birth date that is concerning "Well this is why we want your finger prints" So the dead was done and in three weeks they will phone me to come pick up my letter of clearance.

Morale of this story is that when applying for a criminal record check after July 1, 2010 you to could be confused for a registered sex offender if your name or birth date match. I applied for this Taxicab License ninety eight days ago and still have perhaps twenty one more to go.

The Calgary Stampede

2010-08-23T08:33:00.002-06:00

Calgary Alberta Canada

2010-08-23T08:32:00.005-06:00

Calgary Stampede Overview - 2009

2010-08-23T08:32:00.004-06:00

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2010-08-23T08:28:00.009-06:00

A few reasons to visit Calgary...

2010-08-23T08:28:00.008-06:00

Calgary Alberta Canada

2010-08-23T08:28:00.007-06:00

Calgary, Heart of the New West

2010-08-23T08:25:00.004-06:00

Haitian Taxi Fare

2010-08-22T01:00:00.003-06:00

Please if you are saying these this stuff to passengers expect a complaint or a Livery cop / Policeman to visit you in the near future...

2 Funny Armenian Guys

2010-08-22T00:34:00.003-06:00

Until I am able to upload my own crazy fares this one is in my top one hundred for sure!...

Taxi Cab messiah

2010-08-22T00:24:00.004-06:00

Kidneythieves is one of my new favorite groups, I completely enjoy all their music... When the video finishes check out their other videos please....I can only encourage you to listen!

Sarah McLachlan - Angel

2010-08-21T23:48:00.004-06:00

Nearly every night in elleven years that I drove cab in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada and just about every other night for two years in Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada This song was played randomly around 3am. I began to feel it was a taxicab anthem. I wish you all enjoy it as much as I do.... Angels surround us all! or perhaps it will be our funeral song, Doooh!

Bloggers' Code of Ethics

2010-08-21T07:46:00.002-06:00

I read this at "Cyber Journalist.net" and tend to agree and will try to use these guide lines as a format for this Blog, looking for comments;

A BLOGGERS' CODE OF ETHICS

Be Honest and Fair
Bloggers should be honest and fair in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Bloggers should:
• Never plagiarize.
• Identify and link to sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
• Make certain that Weblog entries, quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
• Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for for technical clarity. Label montages and photo illustrations.
• Never publish information they know is inaccurate -- and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt.
• Distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.
• Distinguish factual information and commentary from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.

Minimize Harm
Ethical bloggers treat sources and subjects as human beings deserving of respect.
Bloggers should:
• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by Weblog content. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of information is not a license for arrogance.
• Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects, victims of sex crimes and criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

Be Accountable
Bloggers should:
• Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
• Explain each Weblog's mission and invite dialogue with the public over its content and the bloggers' conduct.
• Disclose conflicts of interest, affiliations, activities and personal agendas.
• Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence content. When exceptions are made, disclose them fully to readers.
• Be wary of sources offering information for favors. When accepting such information, disclose the favors.
• Expose unethical practices of other bloggers.
• Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

Hemi Thunder - Brap

2010-08-19T00:26:00.001-06:00

Having some fun, found out today it maybe another six weeks before I get my permit Dooooh.... Since the start I have waited over one hundred days. So all you perspective Cab drivers in Calgary budget three months for the license... This Video has been banned by YouTube so I guess you could say my first music video is an exclusive to the "Cabbie Chronicles"

Taxicab Driver Poem

2010-08-12T23:26:00.002-06:00

Well this is my first upload to the "Youtube" channel "Cabbie Vision" and it just happens to be a poem... Dooh The new camera is awesome, thanx again to all of you that donated. Subscribe to "Cabbie Vision" and watch what I am watching and never miss an upload, Enjoy!

Donations

2010-08-12T12:57:00.003-06:00

HDR-XR350V

Thank You! to those new followers that were able to donate, I was able to finally purchase a HD Cam Corder and will be able to take pictures of the local landscape, passengers as well special events watch for the postings at "Caravan Cabbies Blog Spot & Archives / Photo Archives" The advantage of this equipment for me is that I now can add live web cast from the front seat of the taxicab. Look for these posts at "Taxi Cast" The XR350V is also expandable and can use night vision, zoom microphones, variety of lenses, so please keep the donations coming in and I will expand the equipment to offer different dimensions to the blog and web sites. You can find the paypal link at the bottom of the page.