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Scott of Two Countries
Lived in Canada until I married the Ladybug in Virginia earlier this year...organist, pianist...but not now until my work auth comes through...geek, too!
@markeroni That I-80 marker sounds like one to do what I've tried before: taking photos while in a moving car, from the PASSENGER seat only!
Scott thinks that he may actually have a singing voice for church this morning! (Though he may need to restrict himself to tenor range so he doesn't try to belt out the melody and end up in a coughing fit!)
Ladybug Heather, pea ♥ fierce as a woozle, Derrick and 2 other people liked this
Good luck with that.
- Brent - Mugwumps R Us
You had a niiiiice tenor this morning. :-D
- Ladybug Heather
Extrapolating - http://xkcd.com/605/
Jayesh Salvi, Ladybug Heather, bob frasier and 3 other people liked this
Might have been even funnier if it was the groom: "As you can see, by late next month, I'll have over four dozen husbands. We'd better get a bulk rate on wedding cake." Followed by a slap across the face, a divorce, or something.
- Scott of Two Countries
Oops...I did mean "four dozen wives" in my re-working of the comic in my previous comment!
- Scott of Two Countries
Back from inaugurating my National Parks Passport with July 4th visits to Colonial National Historical Park in Yorktown and Jamestown. After dinner, we'll be heading for fireworks with the Ladybuglets.
Ladybug Heather, FFing Enigma (aka Tina) and Laura Botts liked this
Why is Q Always Followed by U?: Word-Perfect Answers to the Most-Asked Questions About Language - http://www.amazon.com/dp...
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How to make a pastor curse your paper - http://www.regrettheerror.com/newspap...
Mellissa Doyle, Ladybug Heather, Rudolf Olah and 7 other people liked this
"Pastor Dick Bigelow was incorrectly identified as Dick Bigblow. The Argus Observer regrets the error."
- Scott of Two Countries
via Bookmarklet
But then you knew that of course I would like this, didn't you. :D
- Derrick
That's a really bad typo. Interestingly, the B is nowhere near the E on the keyboard. LOL!
- Trish R
No, but it is near the G.
- John
That's probably it, John...hit in between the G and the B, hitting both keys, then missing the E completely.
- Scott of Two Countries
Scott got, amazingly, another four hours of sleep or so after waking up BEFORE midnight and being up for two hours!
/home/jhuebel, Brent - Mugwumps R Us and Mathew A. Koeneker liked this
DYSOTC that is is slightly more than I, yet my brain feels quite sluggish. :-)
- Mathew A. Koeneker
Oh, Scott! Is this your first Friendfeed "Damn You"? *sniff* I'm so proud! :-D
- Ladybug Heather
I just had to do it. I have had 10 hrs over the last 4 days and am hurting. Literally, my brain is hurting.
- Mathew A. Koeneker
Really sorry to hear that, Mathew...I hope you got some sleep last night or at least are getting some relief.
- Scott of Two Countries
:( @Mathew I recognize that feeling. I hope you get some relief soon. Not sleeping is awful.
- Ladybug Heather
I got 4 hrs last night which dbled the sleep for the week. Plus, I got an e-mail that my 1st photo has been published in a travel guide of St. Louis. S-so very happy! :-)
- Mathew A. Koeneker
Congratulations, Mathew! That's awesome! :-D
- Ladybug Heather
I got a few cat naps in the Sun this afternoon. Thank you! :-)
- Mathew A. Koeneker
Scott may have wakened up way too early (like, 2am early), but he's feeling surprisingly like himself for the first time in ages.
Ladybug Heather and Laura Botts liked this
I'm caught in the no-man's-land between trying to plan my day and trying to avoid OVERPLANNING my day. That, and trying to figure how much stuff to bring with me for a day in downtown Norfolk (and maybe crossing over to Portsmouth, too).
Also trying to figure out bus routing, given a road closure for Fourth of July/Harborfest/re-opening of Town Point Park in Norfolk.
- Scott of Two Countries
Fort Nelson Park - http://markers.appropriatelyrandom.net/2009...
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martha and Ladybug Heather liked this
Some fascinating history about Portsmouth Naval Hospital, which I've loathed for much of my life. Some new appreciation here, now, though. :-) [EDIT: Yes. I'm a Navy Brat.]
- Ladybug Heather
You are only as sick as your secrets - http://telling-secrets.blogspot.com/2009...
Ladybug Heather liked this
Yay, Abp Rowan!!!
- Ladybug Heather
Gmail labels get higher placement, drag-and-drop - http://news.cnet.com/8301-17...
Watching live stream of noon Canada Day show from Parliament Hill at cbcnews.ca
johnpiercy, John E. Bredehoft and Ladybug Heather liked this
Why do we have to have an impromptu interview with the Prime Minister? This isn't a day for partisanship and he inspires partisan feelings in me, even if he didn't go in that direction when he spoke to the reporter.
- Scott of Two Countries
Interesting word that he took a salute as he arrived on the Hill. In the past, that's been reserved (on a day like this) for the governor general. Much tongue-wagging. Canadian Heritage Department says it was our idea, but a lot of people are wondering, given the control the Prime Minister's Office exerts these days.
- Scott of Two Countries
CBC commentators talking about poll results on the continuation of the monarchy. Why do we have to do this today?
- Scott of Two Countries
Story of people not understanding why Canadian flag on Parliament Hill has been at half-mast for the past few days. Many apparently believing it was for Michael Jackson?!?!? (Is actually for the death of our former governor-general Ray Hnatyshyn.)
- Scott of Two Countries
Our current G-G, Michaelle Jean now arriving on Parliament Hill via landau.
- Scott of Two Countries
In recognition of her position, the G-G's standard [flag] replaces the Canadian flag atop Parliament Hill while she is present.
- Scott of Two Countries
Governor General's standard: http://flagspot.net/flags...
- Scott of Two Countries
She now receives the Royal Salute
- Scott of Two Countries
(The Royal Salute moves from the start of "God Save the Queen" to beginning and end bits of "O Canada".) And now a 21-gun salute.
- Scott of Two Countries
The Governor General is inspecting the Ceremonial Guard. (These are also the same guard that serve at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's official home.)
- Scott of Two Countries
The commentators have moved from talking about the weather (not too hot, and unexpectedly not raining) to talk about various controversies surrounding the Governor-General.
- Scott of Two Countries
The rest of the world will meet her in February when she officially opens the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. There had been some speculation that Queen Elizabeth II might come to do that, but as her representative in Canada, the Governor General will do that since the Queen won't be in the country.
- Scott of Two Countries
She does like to stop during these inspections to talk with members of the guard. (It probably drives the people responsible for timing these events nuts!)
- Scott of Two Countries
And she returns to the stand for the Royal Salute again (full clarification for the music majors out there: first 6 bars of "God Save the Queen" followed by first 4 bars of "O Canada" followed by last 4 bars of "O Canada.") Aren't you glad I'm filling you in on these important details?
- Scott of Two Countries
And now the guard marches past the governor general as they leave the Hill. Wish I knew my march names, because the music is instantly familiar for this one.
- Scott of Two Countries
I would have thought the noon show would have had, you know, part of the SHOW before 12:30, but *shrug* what can you do?
- Scott of Two Countries
Commentator says Canada's is the only air force in the world with its own tartan.
- Scott of Two Countries
Governor General is meeting the 15-year-old Saskatchewan girl who created the winning entry for this year's Canada Day poster contest.
- Scott of Two Countries
The Prime Minister speaks to the contest winner while the Governor General moves along the red carpet.
- Scott of Two Countries
Apparently the winning posters from each province are displayed in the Children's Museum (in the Canadian Museum of Civilization, where the Ladybug and I escaped to from the Hill two years ago today).
- Scott of Two Countries
And the official party have now (at long last) taken their seats in the front row. (CBC commentator says we're running about 10 minutes late.)
- Scott of Two Countries
CBC crowd estimate of 10,000-15,000 on the Hill right now. That's lower than usual because of midweek Canada Day and because the forecast had called for rain today.
- Scott of Two Countries
(looking at the GG's standard, is the lion sticking out his tongue at the PM?)
- Ladybug Heather
Drum from Nova Scotia performs "Heart Beat," with a definite First Nations (Indian) vibe.
- Scott of Two Countries
*wondering how practical it is to wear a kilt while piloting jets*
- Ladybug Heather
[NO!!! That's the wrong joystick!]
- Scott of Two Countries
Somehow we seem to have segued into "I'll Fly Away" in the music.
- Scott of Two Countries
*thinking kilts around helicopters are also eminently impractical... though perhaps hawt*
- Ladybug Heather
(I'm still amused that Canada has to have a museum to prove it's a civilized nation. :-P )
- Ladybug Heather
The Minister of Canadian Heritage, James Moore, the official host of the event, comes forward to speak. Hopefully we won't fall further behind schedule! (You KNOW those politicians!)
- Scott of Two Countries
(Also: please note the shape of the Museum of Civilization: http://www.civilization.ca/cmc... . I think this is to prove to all of us who embrace our inner 13-year-olds that we aren't truly civilized yet.)
- Ladybug Heather
Hee -- are they talking over the French parts or actually translating them?
- Ladybug Heather
Paraphrase: Rah-rah, aren't we a wonderful country, and across the country, that's what we're celebrating today. Obligatory shout-out to the armed forces. Yes, we do have reason to be proud. Oh, yes, we're proud because the IOC is letting us have the Winter Olympics next winter...
- Scott of Two Countries
[Simultaneous translation on TV for the (small bits) he speaks in French.]
- Scott of Two Countries
He's now introduced his boss, the prime minister, who is next to speak.
- Scott of Two Countries
"Today we are celebrating the most peaceful, prosperous, and enduring democracy the world has ever known." (I bet some people celebrating on Saturday would be surprised at that one!)
- Scott of Two Countries
"Today is a day to reflect on teh wisdom of our ancestors who built this great country...and to give thanks to...the brave men and women in uniform, the Canadian Forces."
- Scott of Two Countries
Country made up of people from around the world who share common values. Cherishes freedom, democracy, justice. Opportunity to all who seek it. Proud of our past, confident in our future.
- Scott of Two Countries
Obligatory Olympic shout-out.
- Scott of Two Countries
Democracy?!? I thought Canada was full of socialist bastards! ;-)
- Ladybug Heather
[Today's celebration shares the theme with the Vancouver Olympics: "With glowing hearts" (stolen from a line of O Canada)]
- Scott of Two Countries
Go Team Canada in 2010! (Yes, can't get more inoffensive than that.)
- Scott of Two Countries
"Let us celebrate what it means to be Canadian each and every day and our good fortune to live in a country that is the envy of the world."
- Scott of Two Countries
Oops...I see a flypast over the Hill...the crowd is cheering that, not you, Prime Minister...You went on too long! (This is even better than the awards show orchestras!)
- Scott of Two Countries
It doesn't matter. When a politician is speaking, ALL cheers and applause are for him/her.
- Ladybug Heather
CF-18, CF-86 Sabre (50 yrs old), and a Tudor jet (in the 1967 colors)...the Tudors are the plane the Snowbirds fly.
- Scott of Two Countries
O Canada being sung - interrupting anchor who was saying he thinks there are about 30,000 people on Wellington Street, just off the Hill that are beginning to be let in. This is the switching-languages back-and-forth version of the anthem common to national events and sporting events.
- Scott of Two Countries
I'm reminded how much nicer it is to have a national anthem that can be walked/marched to, rather than one having to waltz. :-)
- Ladybug Heather
And correctly timed, after the anthem, the Snowbids begin their flypast over the Hill.
- Scott of Two Countries
They are in the "Maple Split" formation (which looks really cool)
- Scott of Two Countries
Shane Yellowbird with "Barefeet on the Blacktop" which sounds quite country.
- Scott of Two Countries
Maple Split formation: See around the 20 second mark or so of http://www.youtube.com/watch...
- Scott of Two Countries
Rick Hansen promo-ing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, along with other athletes. (Which probably most people on the Hill didn't hear, because the Snowbirds flew past again.) And now some past Canadian Olympic medallists being introduced live on stage.
- Scott of Two Countries
Including members of the 2006 Canadian Paralympic gold-medal winning sledge hockey team.
- Scott of Two Countries
Awkward transition to get stage ready for Sarah McLachlan, wonder if they bumped a performer to catch up? She's singing "Building a Mystery."
- Scott of Two Countries
(Wonders how much transition is required to get stool, microphone, guitar, and singer on stage.)
- Scott of Two Countries
Sarah McLachlan makes worthwhile my waiting through the music that I was, shall I say, less enthusiastic about.
- Scott of Two Countries
Soldiers sending video greetings from Kanduhar, Afghanistan.
- Scott of Two Countries
One of them a funny video of two Capt. Goulet (or some similar last names) sending greetings together.
- Scott of Two Countries
Interesting, the politicians get simultaneous translation, but the francophone soldiers get nothing. Wonder why, CBC?
- Scott of Two Countries
(I mean, I can understand French so it is preferable to me not to hear it, but there's a principle!)
- Scott of Two Countries
Some sort of acrobatic thing happening on stage. Not sure if they named it on a graphic, because my video stuttered as he was starting.
- Scott of Two Countries
This looks neat, if a little less energy than the rest of the program. Of course, my video hiccoughs may be interfering with it...because it is quite unusual and striking when the video is working, so maybe I'm just handicapped by the stream issues.
- Scott of Two Countries
Piano and accordian? Aren't we trying to show people why Canada's great?
- Scott of Two Countries
Mari-Jo Therio "Malaverno"(? - print was small), a francophone musician (with an acute accent on the e in her name).
- Scott of Two Countries
Ouch, feedback is not good, but she's a pro. This is lower-tempo, too...wondering if we're being lulled to be ready for the governor general's speech?
- Scott of Two Countries
Was a really nice song, though. (And I think I do recognize her name.)
- Scott of Two Countries
Nico Archambault who is doing some sort of interpretive dancing that looks similar to what my brothers and I used to think we were so cool doing in the living room when we were watching TV. (Who knows, maybe we were imitating MJ then?)
- Scott of Two Countries
Song "Hallelujah" - she sings it well, even if she's wearing a ton too much make-up. Wonder if Nico is the singer or the dancer, since I haven't seen a name on screen for the singer.
- Scott of Two Countries
because the awkward dancer is continuing and seems to be part of her act.
- Scott of Two Countries
Ah, Nico must be the dancer - Google tells me he won So You Think You Can Dance Canada
- Scott of Two Countries
Bob Thirsk sending Canada Day greetings from the International Space Station.
- Scott of Two Countries
Re: my translation question - I just noticed that on these videos, the organizers have included subtitles with the translation into the other official language from that being spoken...so the information was there...just not so clear on the small picture sent on the stream as opposed to watching in HDTV back home.
- Scott of Two Countries
Hannah Gerogas & Said the Whale with "B.C. Orienteering" which sounds a little strange. Repeated line "one false step, and you might not make it home" *shrug*
- Scott of Two Countries
OK, I'm about ready for the governor general to speak...mostly because I'm tired of listening to some of the dubious choices of musical talent.
- Scott of Two Countries
Of course, maybe I should have made lunch before the show started...then again, I thought it would have finished about 20 minutes ago.
- Scott of Two Countries
"But you're not yet dead and you might just make it home." That's a great celebratory closing to a song on Canada Day! :-P
- Scott of Two Countries
A First Nations hoop dance now
- Scott of Two Countries
The style of singing/chanting doesn't do anything for me.
- Scott of Two Countries
Gordie Johnson & The Respectables with "Sugar." - and about this point I remember that the music on these shows is always hit and miss, with more miss than hit. (IN fact, remembering that, I think the early part of the show was better than I would have expected.)
- Scott of Two Countries
If it wasn't that this was the one time all year I can expect to hear one of my favorite Canadian patriotic songs, I would be tempted to stop listening now. Oh, well...can't go on too much longer...I hope :)
- Scott of Two Countries
LOL - woman on stage trying to get an OTTAWA crowd to scream...well, Marie-Mai might have a chance at that today, since the crowd is probably largely tourists.
- Scott of Two Countries
Sounds like she might be OK to watch, if the show hadn't gone on too long already. But her mic level isn't right...too many of the quiet parts are indecipherable.
- Scott of Two Countries
*wonders if he should think about lunch, guaranteeing the governor general's speech would be announced next* -- and what do I know, before I hit "Comment," the announcer introduces the GG.
- Scott of Two Countries
[Translator is obviously using a prepared text, because she's saying loose translation things that don't fit the part of the sentence we've heard so far in French.]
- Scott of Two Countries
GG: Everywhere she's travelled, has met young Canadians demonstrating compassion, protecting common good, and working together. Actions rooted in place, community, country, but actions reach much farther in hopes of creating greater global awareness.
- Scott of Two Countries
GG: Today's youth are easing tensions in some of our urban neighborhoods...inventing new languages to express who we are...defending our ideals...at times risking their lives to do so.
- Scott of Two Countries
[GG's theme is obviously youth today.]
- Scott of Two Countries
GG gives an obligatory Olympic shout-out
- Scott of Two Countries
Youth "our most powerful antidote against inaction and indifference"
- Scott of Two Countries
Ended speech with "Happy birthday, Canada" and "I love you" in both official languages.
- Scott of Two Countries
World premiere of the official song of the Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay is next.
- Scott of Two Countries
106-day torch relay will happen in advance of the Olympics
- Scott of Two Countries
Sounds a little cheesy (like something like that would be expected to be) hard to judge exactly, because the sound levels are off on the choir - everybody is wearing a mic, but there are parts you can't hear - and until a second ago I couldn't hear the vocal mic for the pianist.
- Scott of Two Countries
(From down the hall, it sounds like there are some terrible intonation issues. I consciously unclenched my jaw when it ended.)
- Ladybug Heather
Oh, great, there's a knee-slapping, hand-clapping section in the middle! *shakes head*
- Scott of Two Countries
...or maybe we'll be lucky and it's the end?
- Scott of Two Countries
(Oh God, there's MORE?!?) :-)
- Ladybug Heather
It looks as elegant as the chicken dance.
- Scott of Two Countries
Thank God, they stopped...
- Scott of Two Countries
Wow, Scott: "It looks as elegant as the chicken dance" is a VERY Canadian way to express yourself! :-)
- Ladybug Heather
noticed the sound was long in coming up after the dance section...wonder if the sound engineer was hoping he could persuade them to stop...
- Scott of Two Countries
But also, to be fair, not sure I'd want to do a world premiere on a temporary stage surrounded on three sides by stone buildings.
- Scott of Two Countries
But yes, there are some awful attempts at singing chords.
- Scott of Two Countries
Oh Lord, please put them out of my misery!
- Ladybug Heather
Hopefully they issue a studio recording quickly, so we never have to hear this rendition of the song again!
- Scott of Two Countries
It is finished!
- Scott of Two Countries
Performers taking their bows.
- Scott of Two Countries
Peter Mansbridge: "My gosh, it was a varied performance."
- Scott of Two Countries
Audience cheering because it's OVER.
- Ladybug Heather
Acrobatic act earlier was: "The human flag." And they suggest looking him up on YouTube
- Scott of Two Countries
Peter Mansbridge: "There were a few uneven moments over the past couple of hours."
- Scott of Two Countries
While everybody's greeting everybody else, a second 21-gun salute is heard.
- Scott of Two Countries
LOL -- it's so funny to listen to Canadians trying to be critical! :-)
- Ladybug Heather
RCMP estimating 50,000 people - Mansbridge estimates twice as many people on Wellington Street as on Hill, notes that for a while they seemed not to be letting people on the Hill and notes that security has gotten tighter the past few years.
- Scott of Two Countries
Peter Mansbridge's highlight of the show - Sarah McLachlan. Also mentioned the "human flag" and the grace with which he does it.
- Scott of Two Countries
Governor general and prime minister greeting members of the crowd as they slowly make their way down the lawn of Parliament Hill.
- Scott of Two Countries
RCMP looks like they're doing the Canadian Ride on one half of the lawn...could they have cleared enough room already?
- Scott of Two Countries
Well, looks like the song I was waiting for won't be here...I'll have to dig up the version off my hard drive.
- Scott of Two Countries
And that's it for my live-blogging...this is Canada Day on Parliament Hill for the "official" ceremony at noon. There'll be entertainment there from now through until the fireworks this evening.
- Scott of Two Countries
:-D Thank you, Scott! *stands up and applauds*
- Ladybug Heather
And the song you really wanted to hear was....? (hoping for a youtube link)
- Ladybug Heather
"This Is My Home, O Canada" - and I have never found a YouTube version.:(
- Scott of Two Countries
It was apparently commissioned for the Canada Pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver.
- Scott of Two Countries
Maybe they'll bring it out for something to do with the Olympics this winter.
- Scott of Two Countries
Snowbirds Maple Split - http://www.youtube.com/watch...
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Why Do I Not Have US Citizenship? - http://markers.appropriatelyrandom.net/2009...
vicster, Imabug, Michael W. May and 3 other people liked this
"I’m going to break out of the usual format of this blog today for a couple of reasons. First of all, today is July 1st, and while I’ve been outside of Canada on Canada Day before, this is the first time I’ve actually been living elsewhere (and not just on vacation). But it also seemed to be a perfect day on which to respond to a question that Roy posed on Facebook in response to my...
more...
- Ladybug Heather
This is a good read -- I recommend it for those celebrating Canada Day and/or Independence Day this week.
- Ladybug Heather
I still say, blame France *sagenod* ;)
- Michael W. May
:-D @ Michael! Or, perhaps, blame Quebec? *ducking and running*
- Ladybug Heather
Parliment Hill Ottawa Canada - Web Cam - http://www.tdc.ca/parliam...
Ladybug Heather and johnpiercy liked this
Two years ago, the Ladybug and I were in that crowd...until it became just too much and we escaped to a museum across the river :)
- Scott of Two Countries
via Bookmarklet
Yup! :) For the 150th anniversary of Ottawa as the capital city, and the 140th anniversary of Canada as a nation. I bemembered! :)
- Ladybug Heather
Yes, 142nd birthday of Canada just doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it? :)
- Scott of Two Countries
Two friends of mine are there. Hope it will be fun.
- Nation Hahn
Restaurant Name Fail - http://failblog.org/2009...
Ottawa's NAC Orchestra puts music archive online - http://www.cbc.ca/canada...
Ladybug Heather liked this
"Dozens of performances by the National Arts Centre Orchestra will be available on the internet for free, starting Canada Day." - I'll have to see what they have up
- Scott of Two Countries
via Bookmarklet
Scott is tired of the Advil routine.
Ladybug Heather and pea ♥ fierce as a woozle liked this
Of course, you've taken it beyond the "If you take it this long, you need to GO TO THE DOCTOR" point. Just sayin'. :-)
- Ladybug Heather
This is the first time in a long time that I don't really care about downloading a new version of Firefox. Despite my occasional frustration with the lack of extensions for Chrome, it's what I'm using pretty much exclusively these days, and I can't stand how slow the 'fox is when I try to load it.
I interuptz yer leezure - http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009...
Michael W. May, Ladybug Heather, Steve C and Haggis (Sean Loyless) liked this
...to reportz a hungrie.
- Scott of Two Countries
via Bookmarklet
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