Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Study: municipal politics makes your head explode

Researchers are recommending that people read stories of local politics with a grain of salt - and a few aspirin. That's after four more heads exploded last week, raising the total to 42 since pay parking was implemented in July 2010.
66281_l

Researchers are recommending that people read stories of local politics with a grain of salt - and a few aspirin.

That's after four more heads exploded last week, raising the total to 42 since pay parking was implemented in July 2010.

"It's pretty messy," said local paramedic Chuck Merriwether. "But it's an easy call, because there's not much left to resuscitate. Still, it wouldn't hurt to put out a public advisory or something."

The bodies, their heads exploded, have been found at pay parking kiosks, outside the Whistler Public Library on Sundays and along the road separating Cheakamus Crossing from the Alpine Paving asphalt plant. A few have been spotted along the Valley Trail, but those deaths are believed to be linked to owners not picking up their dog droppings, and not municipal politics.

There is some evidence that you can avoid having your head explode if you address the symptoms early enough.

For example, local politico Jack Crompton has been covering council meetings for years through his Twitter account. Crompton seemed immune to the effects of local politics but his last few tweets tell a grisly story.

"Councilor Milner suggests that BC Transit review is dealing with service standards. Mayor disagrees. #RMOWCM. Have slight headache."

Then two minutes later. "2011 Preliminary Project Budget Report on projects previously deferred by council presented by MP #RMOWCM. Anybody else hear that?"

And one minute after that...

"That throbbing sound? Am I the only one who hears it. #GAAAAAAH!!!!"

Experts are recommending that people chill out and not take everything so personally. If you suspect your head is in danger of exploding, take a walk and get some fresh air.

And if you're regularly exposed to local politics, you should take a few precautions. Switching the subject to the Vancouver Canucks helps - they're killing it right now.