Get out of Denver, baby, go! Go!

[Northern_Piper]

Just noticed this in the article cited by mnemosyne:

All-dressed has crept across the border to become a minority term in eastern Ontario as well,

Glad to see I’m not mistaken in this earlier post:

@Northern Piper

Pretty sure we used that term in Kingston as well. That weird “hoagie” thing there was a different story…

[Northern_Piper]

Frank, if you’re looking for interesting touristy things to do, I strongly recommend:

• the restored East Block - since it’s still a working part of the Parliament buildings, it’s only open to tourists on holidays and weekends (as far as I know), but it’s a fascinating glimpse at Canadian history. For more, see this article: The House that History Built;

• the Centre Block tour, including the Peace Tower;

• the Changing of the Guard;

• the Supreme Court;

• Laurier House - home to two Prime Ministers, Laurier and Mackenzie King;

• the Mackenzie King Estate in the Gatineau Park, where the Prime Minister created his own Gothic ruins.

All of these are within walking distance of the Albert & Bay, except for the Gatineau.

And, not so much touristy as Canadian citizenship, try to sit in on Question Period in the House of Commons, when it resumes sitting in the fall. Watching the Prime Minister sitting in the House and responding directly to questions from the MPs is the best way to appreciate the differences between the US Presidential/Congressional system and the Canadian parliamentary system.

[Spoons]

@Northern Piper

And, not so much touristy as Canadian citizenship, try to sit in on Question Period in the House of Commons, when it resumes sitting in the fall. Watching the Prime Minister sitting in the House and responding directly to questions from the MPs is the best way to appreciate the differences between the US Presidential/Congressional system and the Canadian parliamentary system.

I’ll second this. The first time my American-born wife and I were in Ottawa, I took her to the Commons public gallery to see Question Period. She was amazed–the two sides were sitting opposite each other. Questions were being fired from the Opposition to the Government (and fired as directly as they could be when prefaced with “Mr. Speaker”), and the Government members had no choice but to answer. Sometimes capably, sometimes inadequately, but they had to answer. I knew what it was all about, but my wife who only knew Congress’s semicircular seating patterns and polite speech (“I yield to the gentleman from New York” for example) had no idea that supposedly-polite Canadian Parliamentarians could be so direct and blunt. You can really get a sense of the differences in the two systems by sitting in on Question Period in the Commons.

And if nothing else, you can amuse yourself with the headphones providing the French/English translation, just like at the UN.

[Northern_Piper]

Spoons - just sent you an e-mail.

[Das_Glasperlenspiel]

@Northern Piper

Hey, Frank, if you’re looking for a nice place for a Saturday or Sunday morning snack to read the paper, i’d recommend the ‘Scone-Witch’, just down the street from the Albert & Bay hotel: wide variety of scones, good tea, relaxed atmosphere. (Good choice on the hotel, by the way - it’s where I stay when I’m in Ottawa. I particularly like the Black Bear pub .)

So Piper - same invitation to you! My office is right next door to the Albert at Bay - let me know when you are in town and we can meet for coffee. I agree the Scone Witch is great - far too tempting for me right now though!

(Brief hijack) Piper - I have a copy of that poem - The Little Boats of Britain - you were asking about a few months ago. If you want a copy let me know. (hijack ends).

I met Frank for coffee yesterday morning and I can safely state that he is as interesting in person as he is on the board! We had a very enjoyable coffee break at (where else) the local Tim’s.