Good news from your part of Canada!

[MissStacey 1]

In Montreal... well, tonight, we had parties and concerts everywhere for the St-Jean-Baptiste... but, other than that, our city has now a bike-sharing system and it's popular and effective

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Cyclis...1266/story.html

Cyclists are taking a shine to Bixi program

26,000 trips taken since launch; About 100 new subscribers join daily

The GazetteMay 29, 2009

Marc Genest (left) gets a closer look at the new Bixi bicycle stands, during car free day in Montreal on September 22, 2008.

Marc Genest (left) gets a closer look at the new Bixi bicycle stands, during car free day in Montreal on September 22, 2008.

Photograph by: Pierre Obendrauf, Montreal Gazette

Bixi is rolling along nicely, officials say.

Over 16 days, about 26,000 trips were taken using Bixi, Montreal's new public bike-sharing system, said Bérengère Thériault, spokesperson for Stationnement de Montréal, which manages the Bixi program for the city.

Altogether, Bixi users have cycled more than 185,000 kilometres since the service was launched on May 12.

About 100 new subscribers are joining Bixi daily. So far, 2,200 people have signed up for monthly ($28) or annual ($78) subscriptions, Thériault said. Users can also get one-day subscriptions for $5.

With a subscription in hand, users get 30 minutes of bike use at no extra cost, after which fees apply.

Rates were set to encourage short trips. When they're done, users can drop off the bicycles at any of the city's Bixi stations.

By June 7, the Bixi network is expected to feature 3,000 bikes at 300 stations. As of yesterday, about 800 bikes were in circulation, and 150 stations had been installed.

"We're satisfied with how things are going," Thériault said. "It's something new, a concept people aren't familiar with, so people will have to get used to it."

Bixi will be in service until November.

© Copyright © The Montreal Gazette

I looked at the Edmonton Journal site but didn't find anything that good.

My mom got a new puppy yesterday! That is great news! But it didn't make the paper.

we still want to see pics

She is a 9 week old Shorkie (shihtzu/ yorkie) She doesn't have a name yet.

Edited June 28, 2009 by MissStacey

[Krikit 1,165]

Saskatchewan residents receive bravery awards:

http://www.leaderpost.com/Entertainment/Sa...6438/story.html

Awwwww. That is so heartwarming. I like their quote: "Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly."

She is a 9 week old Shorkie (shihtzu/ yorkie) She doesn't have a name yet.

Ohmygoodness, she's so CUTE!!!!!!

[MissStacey 1]

I know! My sister sends me lots of pics via Blackberry. I hope I get to meet her soon!

[La Souris 19]

Cute pup!

[minnew 4]

"Kidnapped garden statue of monk travels Regina"

Take a look at the photo gallery in the link...I wonder if the photos were real or digitally altered...Neat story anyways, at least the kidnappers returned it.

http://www.leaderpost.com/life/Kidnapped+g...0569/story.html

[Inky 1,111]

lol another one!! these things are so popular now for happening.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I was just reading one of the local newspapers from back home and there are three articles about events in which I would have been involved if I were still living there. They are all good news stories about things in which I was involved as a volunteer. Here is a 'new event' along the lines of things I used to do with photos of some of my old friends from back home involved. It sounds like so much fun! I would love to find something similar here and while volunteering at historical sites helps a little, still I get homesick when I read about things like this:

http://www.cktimes.ca/article/11149.html

Ridgetown's first time event a big success!!!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

"We are overjoyed to see you taking sustenance in the fresh air! We have informed the Royal household that one's state of health and nerves require, in the summertime, a short interval of brisk air and quiet or one must break down completely." said Her Royal Highness The Queen Victoria at the Brighton Royal garden party in 1894. She continued, "We acknowledge with satisfaction the loyalty with which you have supported this community. Enjoy your luncheon. We must now withdraw."

These same words were used by Liz Brown in her role as Queen Victoria as she greeted guests lunching on private verandahs around Ridgetown on Saturday as part of the inaugural Festival of Porches & Verandahs.

The day began with volunteers laying tables with antique linens, polished silver and fine china. Volunteer hostesses greeted and served the gourmet luncheon.

Floral table decorations were crafted by volunteers while others were created by Karen Dilliot and her team at Maggieís Flowers on Main Street Ridgetown. President of the Horticultural Society Harry Wyma produced one of the floral table decorations.

Harry also made a delightful posy to be presented to "Her Royal Highness The Queen Victoria" played by thespian Liz Brown. Emily Wassmansdorf from Mississauga, visiting her great-grandmother Alice Percival of Morpeth, presented the bouquet to "Queen Victoria". The Queen was presented to the population by another visitor to our area �“ Willliam Farnell of Wingham who took on the duty of Gentleman-in-waiting. Councillor Jim Brown representing Mayor Randy Hope and President of the Ridgetown & South-East Kent Chamber of Commerce Charlie Mitton were presented to The Queen.

Guests of the sell-out event were assigned one of each of the eight verandahs. Each venue was visited by Queen Victoria riding in an open carriage drawn by two horses, driven by Coachman John Vanharen assisted by footman Kees Boeters. Chatham magician Jake O'Neil diverted diners with an array of magic. Troubadour Ron Fleming, resplendent in historic garb, entertained with guitar and song.

Diners at the Festival came not only from Ridgetown but also from Chatham, St. Thomas, London, and Montreal. There was also a group of 14 ìRed Hat Ladiesî from Aylmer.

A committee for next year is currently being formed and some of the "ladies and gentlemen who lunched" have made their reservations already."

[thetreble 19]

Ah! Kathryn. That is so much fun. As you know, I also love stuff like that.

[trailmix 77]

Well-timed photo intrusion turns Banff squirrel into Internet celebrity

Posted: August 13, 2009, 11:36 AM by Scott Maniquet National Post

A limelight-seeking Canadian ground squirrel is quickly becoming an Internet sensation after popping into a photo snapped by tourists in Banff National Park.

The photo — in which the curious little rodent is captured front and centre staring into the camera lens as a couple laughs in the background — first appeared in National Geographic's Daily Dozen feature with this explanation from photographer Melissa Brandts:

My husband and I were exploring Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, Canada, when we stopped for a timed picture of the two of us. We had our camera set up on some rocks and were getting ready to take the picture when this curious little ground squirrel appeared, became intrigued with the sound of the focusing camera and popped right into our shot! A once in a lifetime moment! We were laughing about this little guy for days!

Now the plucky squirrel has found world-wide web fame, with fans popping him into photos of famous album covers, sporting events, celebrities, world leaders, and so on.

[minnew 4]

Awwww that is so cute!

[Rhiannercakes 14]

That Banff squirrel is soooo cute.

What a silly picture it's in.

[JillA 2]

That's so adorable! And brings back all the great memories I have of Banff