David Bezmozgis wins Danuta Gleed award

Still trying to bend the ear of the Ottawa International Writersfest to bring him to Ottawa to read. His documentary film, Genuine Article, about several young lawyers out of school attempting to get a position at the big Toronto law firms was my first introduction to his talent. You may catch the film on the Documentary Channel if you get this, or have friends that do.

The Genuine Article explores the high-pressure, cutthroat recruiting practices of Toronto’s Bay Street law firms. The camera follows one firm and three law students as, over three days, they engage in a Darwinian battle to secure the right placement. It’s bloodless, eye-opening, and utterly compelling. Produced by Markham Street Films in association with The Documentary Channel.

Next Airing : Saturday, June 4 at 10 AM ET

Poetry Cabaret with Simon Armitage & Ken Babstock

Simon Armitage is the winner of the Sunday Times Author of the Year, The Forward Prize and the Lannan and BAFTA Awards.

Ken Babstock is the winner of the National Magazine Award, the Milton Acorn People's Prize and the Atlantic Poetry Prize. The event was hosted by David O'Meara.

Chris Swail and David O'Meara are flanked by Ken Babstock (left) and Simon Armitage (right) in a post-reading debriefing with a cool Steam Whistle Pilsner.

Alan Rickman Takes In Some Culture

Judging by today's front page of the Ottawa Citizen that I mentioned in my earlier weblog post today, I had a feeling that someone famous would be in attendance at John Ralston Saul's reading. Here on johnwmacdonald.com are some exclusive photos of the event today. Accompanying Mr. Rickman this afternoon was "Canadian producer Niv Fichman, one of the producers behind the forthcoming Snow Cake, but best known for his film, The Red Violin, starring Samuel L. Jackson." (Citizen quote)

I was expecting Her Excellency to be there supporting her husband but she was a no show this afternoon. John Ralston Saul was reading at the Library and Archives Canada on Wellington Street. Billed as an internationally acclaimed author, and one of Canada's foremost thinkers, he discussed his latest publication, The Collapse of Globalism: And the Reinvention of the World.

Indeed, Alan Rickman was in the audience today. He poses with Ottawa International Writersfest Director, Neil Wilson.


Alan Rickman with today's programme in hand and Mr. Ralston Saul's book as well.


Below, John Ralston Saul signing books for his fans.




Alan Rickman looks on at the author as he mingles with the crowd after the reading.


And lastly, happy Mr. Rickman.

Update!

Portrait of an Apple as a Young Bloom

Potential apple blossoms wait to get pollinated today. (I could not resist the James Joyce pun either. I thought it was funny anyway.)

I don't bother spraying our apple tree with any chemicals. The apples are way too small to eat, but we are blessed with a nice show of delicate pink blossoms every spring around this time.

The sun is shining brightly today and I am wondering whether to go down to see John Ralston Saul discuss his book about the 'Reinvention of the World'. It would be a potential chance to see the Queen of Canada (his spouse) and perhaps Alan (Harry Potter guy) Rickman. The Ottawa Citizen deems him important enough to put him as front page news today declaring to Canadians that we "are lucky to have Clarkson". Mr. Rickman is in town today at our GG's request. Nice to have friends, eh?

Who will be anointed next?

This just in... from my friend. You might have heard of her. Oprah. No? Oh well. She has this little TV show.

It's the announcement you've been waiting for! Oprah's Book Club is back! Set your TiVos and VCRs for Friday, June 3. After Oprah sits down with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, the stars of the new comedy Bewitched, she'll announce her big summer selection.


UPDATE:
Three books by William Faulkner! As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and Light in August.

Award Winner: Stephen Brockwell

Just got an email from rob mclennan who let us all know to send congrats to Ottawa poet Stephen Brockwell who won the 2005 Archibald Lampman Award for best book of poetry in Ottawa for his 3rd collection, Fruitfly Geographic (ECW Press).
check out www.ecwpress.com

Pynchon's Rainbow

Bookish happenings in Ottawa

- Poetry Cabaret with Simon Armitage & Ken Babstock hosted by David O'Meara: Sunday, May 29 7:00pm
- Giles Blunt: Wednesday, June 1st 7:30pm Library and Archives
- Chucky de Lint's Book and Yard Sale: Saturday, June 4th.
- Nobel Prize winner, José Saramago, Sunday June 12 7:00pm (a coup for the Writers Fest gang)

Click here for my exclusive photo update of José Saramago's reading in Ottawa.

nth digri at Tree

The talented Anthony Bansfield AKA the nth digri was the headline reader at the Tree Reading Series last evening. This man is just amazing. This is only the second time I heard him live. The first time was a couple of years ago at the Ottawa Writersfest poetry cabaret. He left an indelible mark then as I first heard him perform Sugarcane, which he also finished off his set last evening. I picked up his 2003 CD, Tales of the North Coast and played it loud as I drove into work this morning. I expected just to hear only spoken word, but was surprised to hear sweet music accompany his lyrics. The twelfth track 'Marooned Dub' is great. Anthony performed couple of poems last night that were also on the CD, Black Hockey Player and In 1946. More please!

From Anthony's website:

The CD features spoken word poems in an original rap/dub poetry style developed by one of the foremost spoken word poets to emerge from the urban culture scene in Canada. The CD paints a picture of life from an African Canadian viewpoint, and draws from Caribbean origins, both in terms of musical and stylistic influences.

Sounds Like Callaghan

"Barry Callaghan is a novelist and poet, but he's also known for his distinctive personal journalism. He's begun to gather this work into a four-volume collection. Today on Sounds Like Canada, Shelagh Rogers speaks with him about the first book in this series, Raise You Five. "

Shelagh made a slight error in the opening minute of the interview saying that Barry was the author of Barrelhouse Knights [sic] instead of Barrelhouse Kings. Barry either did not hear this or decided not to correct her. The interview ended with a funny pitch to Callaghan's former students to buy his book and also with a small portion of Little Willie John blues song. Funny how fast a half-hour flies by during an interview.

It's Sunday

And I don't have to work tomorrow.

Today is a good day to finally relax and read a few books. I had to return a library book at the main branch so we went for a ride into town. I also dashed into the office to check my mailbox. Nothing too important. Jules and I went into town and did some people watching. Sat with Terry Fox and watched groups of tourists taking pictures of his statue with every type of digital, film and phone camera under the sun. Well, under the clouds anyway. Sporadic showers, however, did not stop the omnipresent tourists and us.

Julie got her first Terry Fox loonie in circulation today, too. We eventually ducked into the Wold Exchange Center to catch a flick: The Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy. Meh... it was good, but I would rather listen to the audio book in this particular case (which I did about 15 years ago). The show was playing in theatre number five... a wee tiny little nook with about twenty five seats. Only four or five others in there watching it with us. Note, stay till the end and see a few more minutes of the movie play out while the credits roll otherwise you may miss the extra bits.

We went to Wendy's on Elgin Street and Julie was about to spend her first Terry Fox loonie and I stopped her--I am such a hoarder. She was about to spend a 1967 quarter too, and I again, stopped her. The thing is made of silver you know. Worth more than a quarter! Probably thirty five or fourty five cents at any rate. The cashier probably figured I was nuts. "Just pay me the goddamn money", he must have thought.

I don't usually eat cheese burgers but I ordered a classic single with cheese. Splurge. We sat down and I took a bite and it was all dressed but with no cheese. The guy that served us was cleaning near us and I showed him my burger. He said, "No cheese, eh?" in a manner like this usually happens. He motioned to me that he was going to take back my burger but I had already bit into it and without hesitation, he immediately went back to get me another one, this time with cheese. Like I needed another burger when I am trying to lose some weight... Bastard! I know I could have been polite and said no thanks, but it was like, some new Wendy's policy to make up for the finger in the chilli fiasco I suppose, so how could I refuse? I am so weak when it comes to free food.

We eventually walked down to Perfect Books and made a couple of purchases: Blackfly Season by Giles Blunt (who's coming to town this week) and also Umberto Eco's latest, get this, an illustrated novel. It's called The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana. Also made it to Mags and Fags to check out some more reading material and bought a copy of a fine little booklet, DA (The Devil's Artisan) #56. This issue is a treat (always really) since it includes with a loosely inserted illustration by Frank Newfeld. Classic illustrator of Canadian literature. See The Spice box of Earth by Leonard Cohen for example of his work. Also in this issue is a four stanza poem by Wayne Clifford for the late poet Richard Outram who commited suicide earlier this year by sitting outside in the cold. Here is the first stanza:

One Richard Outram froze to death.
He chose that end, from evidence.
Fitting, perhaps, that that last breath
Should seep unseen as heat's last dance.

WESTFEST = SLICK

Wow! For a festival going into it's third year it seems like this event's been a fixture of the Ottawa social scene forever. Slick is a word I would use to describe the grand opening event last night. Mainly meant, I think, to thank the many, many festival sponsors, it was a truly a fun place to be. Thanks to Elaina Martin and Suki Lee for organizing this great kick-off party.
Time well spent on a spring Friday evening. Dish Catering provided some outstanding treats like Pizza Bianco with white Truffle Oil , spicy dumplings with sweet chutney, Cashew Chicken Yakitori, delicious grilled 'n chilled shrimp, Bento Box Sushi with chopsticks, margarita popsicles (yum x 3).

Oh yeah, there was the obligatory cheeses of the world with all sorts of fresh fruit, and bowls, I mean huge bowls filled with assorted chocolate truffles and treats. Awesome.
Jim Watson, MPP, former Ottawa Mayor and local TV personality, was there to again give his support to this year's festival. Craig Hinman tells me that he will be singing a song, "This is the Moment", from Jekyll and Hyde - The Musical. There is something for everyone from the Cowboy Junkies to the Mighty Popo and everything in between to dazzle your artistic senses. Sounds interesting? Well, take note to be in Ottawa Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, 2005 for the two day action packed event. I was lucky to win one of the multiple door prizes last night: six mega huge Hoegaarden beer glasses which weigh about 12 pounds. Yay! Hello to rob mclennan, 5thmuse and mintyfresh!


P.S.
Take note InBev, if you are reading this, on the emptiness of the glasses photographed above. Please feel free to send me beer or equivalent in beer coupons so that I and my friends may fully test and experience the greatness that is purported on your website.
-John (with thumb near ear and pinky jiggling near mouth whispering the words, "Call me".)

eMaIL sPaM pOeTrY

Note well how arty I am by intermixing the capital and lower case forms of letters in this title. For I am a poet, albeit, quite unpublished. Here is my first [and last] spam email poem for you to read. It's not a concrete poem, and it's not very long - only four lines - and should only take three or four seconds to read. It's not really a sound poem and there is no hidden symbolism. It's not meant to be read aloud either. So internalize it without moving your lips. Don't think about it after you read it either. It's not that good. Also note, I did not actually write this myself. But it came to me today and I am co-opting it as my poem since the original 'author' probably would not mind me doing so and probably would never find out. So don't tell. Okay? Here it is:

your reply to this confirmation message is not needed
This shareware is a 02 minute trial file
NOTES: The contents of this information is for attention and should not be
concocter calvin downhill crises excel

If you want some better examples (not written by me) click here:
http://www.sperare.com/spam_poetry/blogger.html

WESTFEST Massive Launch Party

Friday, May 20, 2005 from 6 pm to 2 am at the SAW Gallery (Arts Court, 67 Nicholas Street)
>> You will rendezvous with WESTFEST artists (like rob mclennan, for example).
>> You will love the free food and drink.
>> You will dance to the rhythm of The Lowbellies and one of Ottawa's hottest DJ's, Ruby Jane.
>> You will have the opportunity to win tons of prizes donated by WESTFEST's amazing sponsors.
>> You will go home happy.

From their website:
"WESTFEST, Ottawa's newest large-scale festival, is a diverse two-day celebration that includes music, visual, literary, dance, spoken word, and performance art. Festival activities will take place on Richmond Road, between McRae and Golden on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, 2005. WESTFEST is free! "

Go to WESTFEST website to see all information about the creative people who will be appearing. I am always happy so it's likely I will, too, go home happier if that's possible.

Donna Morrissey Library and Archives Canada tonight

"Thursday, May 19 @ 7:30 pm Donna Morrissey reads at the Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street. Celebrate the launch of Sylvanus Now the latest from acclaimed bestseller Donna Morrissey, author of Kit's Law and Downhill Chance. An unforgettable evening with one of Canada's most celebrated storytellers. A FREE EVENT"

Even though it's free, I'd pay just to hear her talk... Lovely down-home accent. Consider this something else to take your mind off the government issues of the day, here in Ottawa. Additionally, feel free to read the review of her latest novel online at Quill & Quire. Coincidentally, I just got my copy in the mail today.

UPDATE: 9pm
Don't you hate it when you read some ole blog and they tell you what a great (fill in the blank) you missed! Well, I hate to say it to you but, if you weren't there, you missed a great evening with Donna Morrissey. What a gem. She had our attention the moment she uttered her first words till the applause at the end. Newfoundland is overflowing with talent and Ms. Morrissey is yet another fine example of authors originating from The Rock. She's on tour now, don't miss her when she's in your neck of the woods.

clouds

Puffy white clouds. I have officially gone mad with colour booster. I only wish the sky was this blue in my world. It is thanks to technology. Ahh... the joys of faked reality.
Preset white balance is now the only way to go. No more of this crappy auto white balance -2 for me (unless, of course, I am too lazy to set it).

Another reason to love the internet

http://www.kottke.org/
"home of fine hypertext products." fun.

This is a photograph of me

Naw... not really. It's just a Margaret Atwood MP3 poem.

weblog additions

Presumably under the darkness of night last week, two great websites (read people) added my weblog to their list of blog links: Place + Thyme and Ottawa Start! Thanks for reading my stuff here!

Due to my lack of ownership of kittens or cats, this site is officially a feline-photo-free zone. Sorry. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I like cats. I just live in a neighbourhood where every other house has a dog or two. There may be an occasion for including some cats in the future, so I am not ruling that possibility out.

Actually, now that I think about it, there is one cat on my street. I call him Jinx. I don't know if that's his real name; that's what I call him (her?). Predominately black with white throat, he has a red collar with a little bell. Ding! Ding! He's usually in our back yard playing with mice, teasing the robins and such. Cute little devil. Good mouser. I appreciate a good mouser. Jinx is welcome here any time.

Anyway, enjoy my posts and photos here. (Except for May 15th's post - this photo is meant to creep you out.) Feel free to comment on anything and remember: I always accept freebies with glee. Thanks for your patronage. Quid pro quo if you know what I mean...

Worth reading

http://www.holtuncensored.com/
From website's main page: "Holt Uncensored is a semi-monthly email column and website about books and the book industry written by Pat Holt, former Book Review Editor and Critic for The San Francisco Chronicle..
The column offers book reviews, author interviews and critical commentary about literature, merger mania in publishing, the bookstore wars, the Internet and First Amendment issues.
The website provides searchable archives, separately listed book reviews, interviews and links.

The Purpose of Holt Uncensored
This column is a place for critical commentary about the publishing and bookselling industry. Its aim is to provide an exchange of ideas that will contribute to the shape and future of literature in the United States.
It's also a place to have a little fun with the industry through irreverent looks at corporate dominance on and off the Internet, interviews with authors, book reviews, bookstore anecdotes, news scoops hot tips, obits, links and a serialized spoof called Remainders of the Day (Part II coming soon).
With letters from readers throughout the world, the column has also become a forum for controversy and opinion that can be so valuable in this time of upheaval in the book industry. "

Hear Penguin. Sample Penguin. Remix Penguin?

http://www.penguinremixed.co.uk/

Interesting combo of literature and music. (via somanybooks)

This guy haunts me

If you consider yourself a resident of Ottawa or a visitor to the city's Byward Market chances are you've seen this guy in action. He scares 'unsuspecting' people who are nuts enough to donate some spare change in his metal bucket.

He operates in total silence atop a plastic milk basket. He pulls funny, and sometimes, aggressive faces and contorts his body when a donation is made. Freaky busker. One of Ottawa's shining stars. At least the kids like him and it's always funny to see screaming kids run quickly away into the protective arms of their parents.

Wheatza night in Greely!

This afternoon Jules and I were at the Tulip Festival - again - this time to get a sausage and some tulip fudge. Well, it was plain ol' maple fudge. Kind of expensive at $5; tulip festival prices I must say. What suckers we are for meals on wheels at public gatherings. It was overcast and rainy so we did not stay long. No pics were taken either. I did talk to someone taking photos with his D70 and 300mm Nikkor (non-macro). Sort of a longish lens for tulips I thought.

For dinner I made my diet version of pizza. I call it wheatza as there is there one special diet ingredient, wheat flour. I love my bread machine. We bought it just after Christmas at huge savings. It also came with a free electric knife. Just like mom had 30 years ago. How could I say no to that sweet deal. I only cut my thumb once with it so far (the other day). Bread! Man, that thing could butcher a cow! Anyway, it makes all kinds of bread, dough, and various desserts, too. Got to experiment with the apple crumble some day.

Because I want to lose some lbs before my high school reunion I subsituted white flour for 100% whole wheat, hence, the name wheatza. With some leftover pineapple bits thrown in for good measure, three slices of sandwich ham, pepperonies (bad but good) and lotsa' cheese, it tasted great. There's even more wheatza for breakie tomorrow. I hope to get up earlier than Jules before the Mmmrmrmrmrrm...Bing! goes the microwave.

eBay 'n Brick like peas in a pod

(via Bookninja who read it in Globe 'n Mail.)
Offered on Brick's web site are "seventeen items of rare provenance: fifteen original handwritten manuscript pages created expressly for Brick’s seventy-fifth issue, a rare chapbook, and a highly unusual piece of New-Yorkeriana. Each one of these items will be auctioned online at eBay starting June 16, 2005."
Nice idea, but a litte contrived. Too bad they are not offering the 'original' manuscripts which would presumably fetch a larger sum. If Brick is interested in getting some real money, why not auction at Christie's?
"CHRISTIE'S NEW YORK SETS RECORD FOR ANY EVENING SALE OF POST-WAR AND CONTEMPORARY ART AT $133,707,200" (link)
Leave eBay to fools like me who try to earn enough money just to subscribe to literary journals like Brick.
Relatively recently, Random House Canada has also sold stuff on eBay which included some Atwood illustrations when her novel, Oryx and Crake, came out. But for some reason, Random House has not had anything for auction since October 2004. Their current feedback rating hits in currently at (9).
McClelland & Stewart, not to be forgotten, also jumped on the eBay bandwagon. Their current feedback is a paltry (4) and like RH, all positive comments. However, they have not had anything to auction in nearly two years! You would think that their warehouse(s) are brimming to the proverbial rafters with good bibliophilic collectables? Unleash it to the masses folks! Or is it just pulped or shipped to China or some third-world literacy programmes? My guess it's just siphoned off to Chapter's and other independant bargain bookshelves one boxcar load at a time.

Aid appreciated

I was reading the Letters to the Editor today in the Ottawa Citizen and came across this letter of appreciation:

I want to extend my utmost appreciation to the police officers and paramedics who were present at the VE-Day celebrations in Ottawa.

I am a veteran who served in the navy from 1940 to 1946, so I attended Sunday's magnificent event. Late in the morning, I began to feel faint due to the heat. A police officer standing nearby noticed and was kind enough to take me to some shade. The paramedics then tended to me, checking my blood pressure, giving me water and making sure I was OK. While I was unable to march in the parade, the officers made sure I got on a bus and was transported safely to the Canadian War Museum.

Sunday was a very important day for me. My thanks to all the paramedics and police officers who enabled me to take part in it.

E.V. Evans,
Arnprior

I am left wondering if this is the same gentleman that I took a picture of in the above letter. I have emailed one of the editors at the Citizen to see if they can confirm. Who knows? No need to worry, he was thoroughly checked by the paramedics and was on his way to the Canadian War Museum within a few minutes. Fortunately, there were kind people handing out cases of water, and even snack bars, to the vets who rode atop tanks and MPVs in the bright noon sun. I have never seen so many buses lined up in a row heading down Wellington.

And I thought I was passionate

I caught this conductor in mid-glare (for lack of a better word) while her orchestra was performing at the tulip festival tonight on Queen Elizabeth Drive. I thought this photo would be different than posting pics of tulips - which are abundant - on this page and everywhere else in Ottawa blogland. Tonight was a true first taste of summer in the city with temperatures in the high 20s.
Below is a shot of some of the talented band members who put on a great show for the appreciative audience.

VE Day in Ottawa Photos

More Photos

VE Day in Ottawa

Only two words were heard from throngs of people lining Elgin and Wellington Streets: Thank You! What a spectacle throughout the day today marking the 60th VE Day anniversary. The sun was shining down on everyone and it was a tremendous day to celebrate both VE Day and the official opening of the Canadian War Museum. During the ceremonies this morning I was fortunate to be in a key position on the Canadian War Memorial steps in the center of the action.
Prime Minister Paul Martin and wilfe, Sheila Martin, along with the leaders of the oppostion were in attendance. I was able to take many, many photographs--more than I am able to post here. However, I will post some of my favourites along with some details that I overheard from the vets themselves. More to come.


James Cudmore of the CBC interviews Captain Finestone of the 9th Armoured Regiment of the British Columbia Dragoons (the same lineage that his father served with in the Great War) who proudly shows his stripes. The one in particular he is pointing to indicates that he was wounded in battle (a rare stripe) which subsequently landed him in hospital for a lengthy recovery.

Open House at the Canadian War Museum

Some pics from Saturday morning.

Canadian War Museum Events

Here's a sneak preview of the new Canadian War Museum. Not being an official media type, I tried enter the museum the other day to snap a few photos but was stopped by security at the door. In the lobby, I did chat with two privates (shown below) of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. At least I believe they were from that regiment. Here is a closer look at their Canadian Forces cap badges. These young gentlemen were helping out set up the re-enactment at Remic Rapids just down the street. The re-enactment will be of a Second World War encampment. It will take place in the Remic Rapids Park, Western Parkway on Saturday May the 7th. The Canadian War Museum will be open from 9am to 9pm. Free Admission! Shuttle service is also free and will run also from 9 to 9. Sunday May 8 marks the 60th anniversary of VE Day. That day's events start off at 10:30am with a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial (corner of Elgin and Wellington) followed by a parade to the museum. The weather will be sunny and warm to boot!

One of the neatest things I learned from the opening day brochure is that at "11 a.m. each November 11, the sun will shine through the window of the Museum's Memorial Hall and illuminate the only artifact in that space: the headstone of Canada's Unknown Soldier." A cool Indiana Jones touch I thought.

Tulips again

Okay, I just had to post one more picture of a bed of red tulips. After which, I will then move onto Ottawa's other big news this week: the grand opening of Ottawa's newest museum, the Canadian War Museum. The official opening is this coming weekend, and it promises to be a huge event for all.

Update: In case you are interested, as Lana is, I take my photographs with a Nikon D70 Digital SLR. I would have liked the Canon 20D but it was out of budget for my amature camera lustings. Like anything and everything images are always for sale...

six degrees of blogeration

Here are Alex Munter's top 10 Ottawa blogs from the Ottawa Citizen last week. Milking the six degrees of separation thing, my weblog (note that it is one word) is proudly listed on the bywords.ca website as I mentioned in a previous entry. Pretty neat. Well, to me anyway. Congratulations to the winners below. Now if we could only get paid for this... then Mr. Munter could write an article on the top 10 Millionaire bloggers. [Sigh...]

http://www.placeandthyme.com/
Part photo exhibit, part daily diary, Lana Stewart's blog tells Ottawa's stories in words and pictures. A growing group of daily visitors contributes to lively debate.
http://www.bywords.ca/
Hit the link to the blog section and you'll find Ottawa writers discussing fiction, poetry and spoken word, including several blogs about neat local events.
http://www.hannarockhead.blogspot.com/
This blog features cheeky, sometimes racy commentary about local politics and media, as well as more than a little of its creator's oversized personality.
http://www.lisgaroconnor.blogspot.com/
You've got to love the Ottawa-ness of this blog's name, which recounts the trials and tribulations of two struggling musicians.http://www.natcaprock.blogspot.com/
Andrew Carver's blog is a go-to source for stories and photos from the underground music scene. "You can always spot tall, lanky Andrew leaning over a monitor or wrapped around the bottom of a microphone stand, straining to get just the right snapshot," reports one fan.
http://www.nccwatch.org/
If you don't like the National Capital Commission, this site will give you all the facts and figures you need. If you are an NCC fan, it'll change your mind.
http://www.ottawafamilyfun.com/
The title says it all -- "I simply record what looks like or is, based on our experiences, a great outing for a family with young children," says Colin Dolter, father of two young kids.
http://www.ottawasportsblog.blogspot.com/.
All sports, all the time. Blogger Mike MacLean loves Ottawa's baseball, hockey and football teams, and loves to blog about them.
http://www.smallman.ca/
"Miss Vicky's Offhand Remarks" reads like an ode to blogger Vicky Smallman's Hintonburg neighbourhood, but it's also a must-read guide to community happenings. One of the best-designed local blogs around.
http://www.waldencabin.com/
From rants about politicians, to a sobering eulogy about his father, Stuart Hickox elicits this praise from one faithful reader: "He brings you into his world, takes you for a ride and leaves you wanting more."

© The Ottawa Citizen 2005

Less Tulips - More Dandelions

Tulip festival? More like Dandelion festival. I present to you the (unoriginal) Ceci n'est pas un pissenlit. Or is it?

More Tulips

More from early evening Ottawa near Dows Lake off of Queen Elizabeth Drive. The nasty 1 degree with ice pellets forecast never materialized...here anyway.

I, again, went back to the place where I snapped the photo below. Seems like someone dug out the 'stray' daffodils out of the tulip beds. Must have thought they needed weeding for some reason. Enjoy the photo! Better yet, make your way to Ottawa and see them in person before they're all gone.

Ottawa Literary Awards Ceremony

via rob mclennan's email:

Thursday, May 26, 2005 7:45 p.m. Library and Archives Canada
Hosted by Rita Celli of CBC-TV and Carl Bernier of la radio de Radio-Canada

Presentations include:

Ottawa Book Award
Prix du livre d'Ottawa
Ottawa Public Library Short Story Award
Prix de la nouvelle de la Bibliotheque publique d'Ottawa
Duncan Campbell Scott Non-Fiction Prose Award
City of Ottawa 55-Plus Short Story Award
Archibald Lampman Poetry Book Award
Valley Writers' Guild The Joker is Wild Award
Audrey Jessup Award for Best Crime Short Story
Canadian Author's Association National Capital Writing Award

Ottawa Tulip Festival

The Tulip Festival starts soon here in Ottawa. It seems the tulips came out all out at once this afternoon around the Dows Lake area on Queen Elizabeth Drive. Most were not out when I drove in this morning.
There are fears that some beds will not be at their peak due to all the rainy weather recently and especially the wet December we had. So far so good, at least, to my untrained eye. Sure there are some thin spots in some areas but the major beds around Dow's Lake are looking really good. I just checked the forecast for tonight and it doesn't look great... 1 degree with ice pellets. Yuck! Here is a photo I took this evening when I picked up Julie from work. Hopefully the tulips will perk up to look their best when the weather warms up later on this week.