The iPhone is coming to Canada...

youpi. You see my enthusiasm. :)

I was surprised when I've heard the announcement( CBC: Rogers says iPhone coming to Canada this year).

I haven't forgotten that Fido once carried the Sidekick (called Hiptop), which is the ancestor of the iPhone, and the very first thing that Rogers did when they bought Fido... they squashed the Sidekick and at the same time, they torpedo their low-cost unlimited internet access.

Rogers is carrying the competing Blackberry, and many many users have been complaining for years how Rogers was charging insane amount of money for the use of the Blackberry on their network.

Of course, if you use your Blackberry as a phone... it costs no more than a regular phone. But who is crazy enough to buy a Blackberry and to use it strictly as a phone?

During my travels in the US and in France, I was given the opportunity to play with the iPhone. The geek in me was shouting: I want one! I want one! Hehehe...

As a traveler, I carry... a cellphone, an MP3 player, a laptop. That's a lot. I'm also carrying their chargers and cables. That takes a lot of space in my luggage and they add some weights . So to have all these devices into one... oh, what a dream!

And traveling half a spin of the world, and many flights later... I don't want to have so many gizmos tied on my belt... and I also realize how an iPod-like gizmo is paramount. Music, music, music! :)

About the iPhone, In January I had a chance to play extensively with the French version. I love the way to navigate, using finger gestures. It's intuitive and easy.

I also love its web browser! I think it would be doable to surf the 'Net without my laptop. The big big drawback is what makes the Sidekick so desirable: The keyboard. On an iPhone, the keyboard is "painted" on the screen. On a Sidekick, you flip the screen and bingo, you have a *real* keyboard. That makes the difference. The drawback of the Sidekick is its clunky interface and a somewhat small screen (when compared to the iPhone).

So, I should be thrilled about an "all-in-one" device, and a device that is small, powerful and lightweight. So, why I am less than enthusiastic about the iPhone coming to Canada?

I suspect some foul plays from Rogers. Especially since they bought Fido a few years ago, they act like a monopoly.

First, the dataplan. Will they give *unlimited* internet access at a *reasonable* cost, like iPhone users around the world currently enjoy? After what they did to Sidekick users in Canada and the price they charge for their Blackberry? I want to see that.

(Beside I'm curious. I want to see what they'll do with their Blackberry line, in this context).

Secondly, there should be the next generation of iPhone coming in a few months. These phones will be 3G, meaning a lot faster internet connection than the current EDGE technology.

So what kind of iPhone we will have in Canada? The older slower iPhone that no one will want, or the new one? It's funny, knowing Rogers mhhh.... I've a good hunch at the outcome.

Beside the data plan, it remains to be seen how they'll price the iPhone. Our dollar is on a par with the US dollar. It will be tough to justify a huge price difference, but knowing Rogers, nothing would surprise me. :)

A colleague of mine was mentioning recently that Ottawa is about to allocate new frequencies for cellphone services, and apparently the Canadian government isn't too allergic to the idea to allow other operators to invade the Canadian market. Wow. I wish it's going to be true. Time will tell.

So would it mean the end of the current near-monopoly... and for that reason, Rogers finally has locked that exclusive deal with Apple... before someone else? Mhhh... I'm skeptical, but I like the theory.

Seeing is believing, so I prefer to wait... and see and then I'll believe... and get excited. :)

Cheers,

-E

International Women's Day...

... or "Journée internationale des femmes" in French. There were events like these all over the country (do notice the snow. This is Montréal, after all. :) ).

It is one of those days, which my mhhh... militant fiber is there and screaming.

Those days? Whether Martin Luther King Day, whether... the Pride Day... whether too many days...

And THANKFULLY these days exist... yet I'd wish that someday, the raison d'être would vanish.

Maybe it's the Good Samaritan in me... maybe I have this seemingly naïve ideal... that we're all... humans.

So naive, it seems...

There shouldn't be humans penalized, because they happen to live in a not so welcoming country, shall I say...

No matter where on earth, there and here,

There shouldn't be humans considered as less of an human,

based on race,
based on sexual orientation...
...and based on gender.

It is on days like this one, I have this urge to shout to the top of my lungs, these very words...

All human beings,
are born equal,
in dignity and rights.

Those are the very first words... of the Universal Declaration of... Human Rights.


We can pride ourselves that we we live in a supposedly modern world, and yet in the very way we behave... it's still the dark age...

Cheers to all my fellow female companions. It's your day!

-E

(The last two photos were taken during a quick trip to Ottawa last September. The monument is... of course the Human Rights monument located on Elgin Street near city hall, and also within a few minutes of walk from the Parliament. If you happen to visit this monument, you'll be told that the monument has been blessed by the Dalaï Lama and presumably, some of his good spirit is lingering...

... and that concludes my tip to the savvy travelers. :) )

OLPC user group in Ottawa!

The little XO laptop is getting some momentum in the nation's capital.

I'm passing along the official announcement from Clevergirl.

Sigh... I'm on duty for this week and next week, otherwise, highway 417 is tempting. Or VIA Rail.

Cheers!

-E

Dalai-Lama is in Canada...

There's something amusing.

Last year, the Dalai-Lama would come to Vancouver... a week after I left. This year, I was in Ottawa not too long ago, and bingo, The Dalai-Lama is in Ottawa!

One of these days, we have to synchronize our busy schedules. :)

On a more serious note...

I'm a bit mhhh... embarrassed. Not the right word, though.

Personally, I'd be blessed to meet the Dalai-Lama in person. I see a man of infinite wisdom. A man who is peaceful, a fascinating man in so many ways, a man which... as an individual, I would immensely benefit, even from a brief meeting with him.

No, there's something else, and it isn't about me.

The Dalai-Lama is on a tour. He was in the States not too long ago, and met George Bush. Now, he's in Canada, he should meet Harper today or tomorrow. He has done some public meetings too. It goes without saying, he filled the auditorium in no time. If I were in Ottawa last night, I'd be in the room, certainly!!

The point which I am uncomfortable is this: It is viewed as DARING for these leaders to meet the Dalai-Lama, because it upsets the mighty powerful China.

(As you all know, China has invaded Tibet).

Daring? Mhhh...

How fearless are our leaders... I wonder...

(as a peaceful man, I will NEVER suggest a military move... but it says how vulnerable as a country, if we are sooooo frightened to welcome people!

And it says something about Tibet. Literally. We can't be silent... on the basis that it would sooooo royally displease China).

That's why I'm a bit uncomfortable.

Cheers,

-E

Ottawa for lovers... :-)

( <--- This is the Langevin building, corner Elgin & Wellington Street. Note: This blog entry isn't exactly a blog "simulcast" from FC.)

I'm not the kind of person to return "to the scene of the crime"... on the other hand, there aren't that many streets that go to the Parliament, so you can't help.

On this Sunday morning, I was pensive. College love... and some naugthy fun that occured near that building, which I won't elaborate (but you can read more on my blog at FC. :) ). Suffice to say that I still want to be able to cross the US border. :)

So, for much of the morning, I was thinking of a past lover...

Sometimes, you wonder whether coincidences are... just coincidences. To wit:

On my way to the hotel, I was on Rideau Street, next to the Byward Market and its many street artists. I'm waiting for the green light at the traffic light. The hotel is in view, in a few minutes I'll check out, then hop on a taxi, and go to the train station. I'll be on my way back to Montréal...

While I was waiting, there was a singer next by. At first, I wasn't paying attention. (Words, and worse, words that are sung are nightmare for me to decode).

Then, I recognize the tune... and then the WORDS...

___

" (...) My love for you, is immeasurable,
My respect for you, immense!

You're ageless, timeless,
Lace and fineness,
You're beauty and elegance.

(refrain) :

You're in my heart,
You're in my soul!

You'll be my breath,
Should I grow old!

You are my lover!
You're my best friend!

You're in my soul...

Sigh!

Hearing a song that EXACTLY describes your feelings at that precise time... Hello COINCIDENCE?

Damn Rod Stewart. You made me shed a few tears in public. :) This is one of his finest songs.

Since I can post links here...
For your listening pleasure... here's Rod Stewart.

Cheers,

-E

Ottawa: A cat story...

It is one of those sweet stories... that makes travels interesting. Also, if you are a cat lover... you'll love this story.

If you happen to visit Ottawa and the Parliament, take a few minutes to wander off the beaten path.

Once at the Parliament, go to the left side of the building, toward the area which there are many trees.

Observe, and surprise oh surprise, you'll see cats... and these cat condos! (At the time I took this picture, beside the black cat... there's also a black squirrel!). If you are even luckier, you may even see the Catman of the Hill, René Chartrand, taking care of these cats.

For the past 30 years, Errant cats in Ottawa do have food (and shelter)... right here at the Parliament.

Jokes aside, the story, somewhat (heavily? :) ) embellished over the time is worth mentioning, nonetheless. It is just too sweet!

In the late 70s, there was a cat... lady by the name of Irène Désormeaux, who had noticed that there were many errant cats around Parliament Hill. Listening to her heart, she bought food and she decided to feed them. (Later, that responsibility was passed to current "Catman", René Chartrand).

Like any good citizen initiative... elected officials were dead set against. These cats are like vermin! They carry diseases! They are nuisance! They scare tourists! (Actually, these cats became a tourist attraction). Get rid of those cats!!!

Some people argued that cats are good pest control. Years ago, some ships and old houses had cats for that reason... and these days, cats are certainly a better alternative to the use of chemicals.

Some facetious brave souls also argued that a building as old as the Parliament certainly have a lot of ahem... big fat rodents all over the building. :)

So the news spreaded fast here in Ottawa... (and across the country too) . These cats have touched the hearts of many Canadians.

Petitions, protests, so many people supporting the cats of Parliament Hill and their cat keeper...

Common sense, Canadian-style... finally applied.

The Parliament belongs to all Canadian citizen and they really mean it: *ALL* Canadian citizen... if you catch my drift. :)

Whether they are furry and have more than two legs do not matter. These cats are certainly born in Canada, therefore they are Canadian... eh!

The rationale is that these cats, just like any Canadian, have the right to go to the Parliament, so you can't oust them. Some jokesters also commented that with our Charter of Rights, you can not discriminate Canadians based on their race nor on their physical appearance, whether they are feline or human, with a fur coat or not. Cough cough. :)

On the other hand, our elected officials were not happy either.

So the deal was this: The cats are here to stay. Eyes would be closed on their cat keeper (and later on the "cat condos").

However, the Canadian government would *NOT* provide fundings (I guess that it was too much for the bureaucrats to put a bunch of cats on our welfare system! :) ) nor provide facilities other than the little parcel of land where the cat condos now exist.

To this day, all expenses have been paid in part by the Catman himself and by money from the public. Some merchants donated some cat food and some vets have donated their time for free medical check-ups. It goes without saying, all of these stray cats have been spayed or neutered.

So, it is a labour of love, in many ways. You have to love cats to go to such extents!

It also says something about Ottawa. A lot of people with a very good heart. :)

As a cat lover, everytime that I'm in Ottawa, whether on a business trip or on leisure, I have to go to the Parliament. I have to see "my" cats. :)

Cheers!

-E

Links:
CityNews: Catman becomes legend caring for strays on Parliament Hill (2006/08/08)
Canoe: On the prowl, on Parliament Hill (2004/05/06)

Ottawa: Some reminders that we tend to forget...

I like Ottawa for many things (if for anything else, to see where my taxes are going. :) ), but there are cities, which they are open books.

Boston is also such a city. Walk the Freedom Trail, follow that red line on the sidewalk, and instead of reading an history book, it is there before your eyes.

Ottawa is a bit like that. Also, like a few cities in the world, there are _lots_ of monuments. Almost a local industry, after the government. :)

These monuments are reminders... about things we shall never forget.

Yesterday at lunch break, I had time for a little walk. So I walk on Elgin street, and I came to this monument (located next to City Hall). The nice weather was inviting to relax there.

The large plaque reads:

" All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights" -
"Tous les êtres humains naissent libres et égaux en dignité et en droits"

Mandela came to this monument on his last visit to Canada. The Dalai Lama has blessed the monument. To my eyes, their spirits are still floating...

Some leaders need to be reminded of that monument... Not just foreign leaders, but also on this continent, and I'm not even mentioning countries ( *plural* ).

(Also in parallel, if you're keeping tabs with our local news, we're in the middle of a big heated debate about reasonable accomodations. On both sides of the issue, some people need that reminder I shall say, but I digress).

Besides religion, I'm thinking... of disability, I'm also thinking of medical conditions (for example: being HIV positive is still seen as a "sex" disease (or even a gay disease to men), clouding your morality quite a bit), race, sexual orientation, and so on and so on... Human rights start at home first, it seems...

I went back to the conference room, but throughout the afternoon, that monument was back in my mind and I've been pondering and pondering...

Yup, a lot of people need to walk on Elgin Street, if you ask me.

Cheers,

-E

The Eskimo does Ottawa. :-)

"(Pictures taken this morning, by GRG. On my blog at FC, because of technical restrictions with their site, only the first picture is showing.

About the last picture, if you have a dirty mind and I'm sure that you do, are you thinking of what I'm thinking? Cough cough!! :) ).

I'm on an "extended stay" in Ottawa. This is "vacations", if a weekend can be called vacations anyway. :)

I met GRG again, and she insisted _heavily_ that I better show up in kilt... or else! So I did. :)

It was a dangerous day for a kilt wearer. *VERY* WINDY. Do I need to elaborate? Of course not! You all know the proper etiquette about kilt wearing and you all have naughty minds, tsk tsk. :)

When the photo was taken (the one on the left), I was thinking of the famous scene which Marilyn Monroe's skirt was blown up. It was very windy to have that happening. Besides, I was standing at the *top* of the staircase, and there were plenty of people down...

With the security guards all around... That was kind of daring. If I don't get arrested, I'm lucky.

Conclusion? It's been DANGEROUSLY WINDY... and I've been lucky. :)

It's been a pleasure to meet GRG again... and catching up with each other news since last May.

She knew she was missed at the Montréal BlogueFête and mhhh... yeah, it appeared that I traveled just a little bit since May. So little, in fact. :)

Cheers!!!

-E