Banality

My absence from the blogosphere this week has not been occasioned by a big blizzard, or stranding in some tiny, remote community, or alcohol-induced coma, or a run-in with polargriz, or getting lost looking for a sewage truck, or alien abduction. The truth of the matter is that I've been buzy in southern climes meeting with bureaucrats and partners all in an effort to improve Internet access for our residents.

Yes, this lowly scribe has been lumbering around Ottawa, somewhat overwhelmed by the residents of our nation's capital all of whom seem to have Blackberries, Palm Pilots and cell phones grafted to their hands. When I was last in Ottawa it was cigarettes, beer cans and joints at the ready, even in our House of Commons, but now with our change in governing parties, it appears that anything pleasurable has been ripped from the soul of the city by government decree. Even the hockey team, the Ottawa Senators, an exciting franchise to watch prior to our January election, have morphed into some pathetically boring group of funeral home directors.

As the photo above aptly illustrates, it's been nothing but grey skies since the Tories have come to power. Even the clock on the Peace Tower only runs backwards, and I understand there is a motion now on the floor of the Commons to have right turns only at all intersections.

So I have left the phenobarbitol atmosphere of Ottawa for Montreal, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a palpable joie de vivre, at least until May 31 when a smoking ban goes into effect at all bars and restaurants.

Oh the times! Oh the morals!