The Ministry Of Silly Walks

Someone in the association of shops making up the Sparks Street pedestrian mall has a sense of humour, and an appreciation for Monty Python. I wonder if any of the Pythons know about this.

This signage is in an appropriate spot- one block south of Wellington Street and Parliament Hill. I don't imagine the Dark Lord in the Prime Minister's Office would appreciate the insinuation, but I doubt that paranoid lunatic has ever laughed in his life (hi, Stevie!)

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

Today, April 9th, is a day to remember on both sides of the border. 150 years ago on this date, General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox, one of the closing chapters of the American Civil War. For Canadians, April 9th, 1917 marked the beginning of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War. 

It seems appropriate to return to the National War Memorial today. The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier lies at its base, with Parliament Hill in the background. The Canadian soldier interred here fell at Vimy 98 years ago. Starting today, the Ceremonial Guard is due to take up their post at the Memorial through to November.

Views Of The Aberdeen Pavilion

When I took my photos for the theme day this month, I was walking down this pathway at Lansdowne Park from Bank Street. The Aberdeen Pavilion, named for a Governor-General at the time, is at the far end. As I noted back in March, despite the assurances of the brain trust at OSEG, the retail and arena components on either side do intrude on the sightlines of the pavilion, which is original to the site in its days as an exhibition ground.

Getting up closer, though, one can take a picture of the grand place without all that nonsense OSEG has built intruding on the shot. The Aberdeen Pavilion is still a jewel. 

Celebrating A Centennial For Billie

Today I'm setting aside photography to mark an occasion. Today is the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the great American jazz singer Billie Holiday. She lived a tumultuous and tragic life, dying much too young. Her voice had a limited range- but she would work wonders with that range. She could make you feel warm inside and break your heart- often within the same song.

To mark the occasion, here are two of her signature songs. The first is a protest song of outrage at lynchings in the American South; pay close attention to the lyrics. The second is a love song.

Strange Fruit

The Very Thought Of You

Happy Birthday, Billie. You were the best.

Missionary Oblates Of Mary Immaculate

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church can be found at the University of Ottawa. The university has origins as a French Catholic institution, and the church is a landmark throughout the Sandy Hill area. While it's probably not considered part of the campus today, the old stone of the church has history with the university. I passed by some days ago, meaning to go in, but notices on the sidewalk indicated a funeral was being held. I contented myself with this historical plaque beside the church instead.

Easter Sunday: A Polish Church In Little Italy

I took this shot a few days ago. St. Hyacinth Catholic Church is located in the Little Italy neighbourhood here in Ottawa, a taste of Poland within an Italian influenced area. The parish and building date to the post World War Two area, and on a warm Sunday after services, a passerby can expect to hear Polish conversation out front. This view from the side of the building takes in one facade- and yes, it was snowing the day I took this. What can I say, it was a long winter. I thought it quite appropriate for an Easter Sunday.

Happy Easter to those of you marking the day!

Stained Glass Craftmanship On Easter Weekend

This stained glass window is inside St. Peter's Lutheran Church downtown. I thought it nicely suited for the Easter season.

Standing At The Presbyterian Pulpit On Good Friday

This can be found in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in the heart of the city. The woodworking and carvings on this pulpit area in the sanctuary are exquisitely done. I thought it appropriate for Good Friday.

I Must Strongly Recommend You Not Walk Across The Ice

A few days ago, I crossed the Rideau Canal on the Bronson Avenue bridge on a grey, bleak day. Here is where the Rideau Canal widens out into Dow's Lake. The ice might still cover the lake, but if you look at the right, where the Canal is, that's open water breaking up the narrows. That means the ice on the rest of the lake is getting very weak.

City Daily Photo Theme Day: My Camera Shy Self Portrait

The first of each month is traditionally a theme day for the members of City Daily Photo. For the month of April, the theme is Camera Shy Self Portrait, courtesy of Linda at The View From Squirrel Ridge.  For other interpretations of this particular theme, have a look at this link.

A couple of weeks ago I gave blood at one of the regular clinics here in the city. It was only when I had the needle inside me (and the camera at home) that I realized I'd missed a good take on this theme. However, when I'd previously photographed the process for a previous post, I took several shots, and they were all in archives, so here we have one. Blood donation has never been a problem for me.

I also stopped at Lansdowne Park on Monday, a mostly grey day, though in the later afternoon, the sun did come out briefly, letting my shadow turn up for these two shots. The first one was on my way in, where the paving stones are more standard than deeper in the Park.

I prefer the pattern of the paving stones around the Aberdeen Pavilion, personally, but the sun was stronger in the first shot, defining my shadow better.