Some more

That's how you do aesthetics.

Certainly does look European!

beautiful. I love that when you're in Quebec you feel like you're in Europe.

beautiful. I love that when you're in Quebec you feel like you're in Europe.

 

Its like gointg to France without ever leaving North America!

awesome. i needed a quebec fix. thx!

Nice shots.

Thanks all, much apperciated!

Is it just me or do the women in Canada usually have really nice @sses?

 

Chad - What city do you think you'll end up living in Canada?

Is it just me or do the women in Canada usually have really nice @sses?

 

Chad - What city do you think you'll end up living in Canada?

 

LOL I dunno, I never look at their asses, although, I do love my French-Canadian boys! LOL

 

Ummm thats good question. I think I told you I applied for that job in Halifax, although with the economy being what it is, that job may not happen. I have also applied for a summer job in East Coulee Alberta, which is 1 hr 45 mins from Calgary, and is the site of the Atlas Mines National Historic Site! I also applied for jobs in Ontario and Manitoba, so at this point I'm not sure. To be honest, I'd be happy just about anywhere in Canada, although I'd prefer to say east of London so I can still see friends and family in a timely mannor!

Nice to see my neighbourhood on here.  Nice job.

Nice to see my neighbourhood on here.  Nice job.

 

Really? Thats awesome. I lived on Rue St. Paul, across from the Market. You???

It's a pretty great place to live, but sometimes the mass of tourists gets a little trying on the nerves.

Rue St. Paul is a cool spot...there seems to be less tourists down there as they don't generally seem to go outside the walls.  When did you live there?

 

I'm in the upper town across from Le Petit Seminaire.

It's a pretty great place to live, but sometimes the mass of tourists gets a little trying on the nerves.

Rue St. Paul is a cool spot...there seems to be less tourists down there as they don't generally seem to go outside the walls. When did you live there?

 

I'm in the upper town across from Le Petit Seminaire.

 

I liked there for the summer of 2007, I also was in Chicoutimi @ UQAC to learn French. Unfortunately, I've forgotten ALOT of it. I can read it, and write it to a lesser extent. Understanding is a bit hard though. =-0( J' adore Quebec et Chez Ashton's Poutine!!! Je suis alle le Ashton sur la Cote du Palais! Poutine est tres bon! 

 

P.S. Forgive my trouble French!

It's a pretty great place to live, but sometimes the mass of tourists gets a little trying on the nerves.

Rue St. Paul is a cool spot...there seems to be less tourists down there as they don't generally seem to go outside the walls.  When did you live there?

 

I'm in the upper town across from Le Petit Seminaire.

 

I liked there for the summer of 2007, I also was in Chicoutimi @ UQAC to learn French. Unfortunately, I've forgotten ALOT of it. I can read it, and write it to a lesser extent. Understanding is a bit hard though. =-0( J' adore Quebec et Chez Ashton's Poutine!!! Je suis alle le Ashton sur la Cote du Palais! Poutine est tres bon! 

 

P.S. Forgive my trouble French!

 

What the hell does poutine taste like anyway? I’m afraid to try it. A while back the NY Times did an article about where it’s available in NYC.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/23/dining/23pout.html

 

A Staple From Quebec, Embarrassing but Adored

By KATE SEKULES

Published: May 23, 2007

 

DURING the 2000 presidential campaign, the candidate from Texas fielded a question from Canada: “Prime Minister Jean Poutine said you look like the man who should lead the free world into the 21st century. What do you think about that?”

 

When George W. Bush pledged to “work closely together” with Mr. Poutine, Montrealers fell off their chairs laughing. It wasn’t so much that the Canadian leader was, in fact, Jean Chrétien, but that the “reporter” — Rick Mercer, a television comedian — had invoked the city’s emblematic, problematic, comedic junk food dish: poutine.

 

A gloppy, caloric layering of French fries, fresh cheese curds (a byproduct of Cheddar making) and gravy, poutine goes deep into the Quebequois psyche. Somehow, Quebec’s rural roots, its split identity (Acadian farmers or Gallic gourmets?) and its earthy sense of humor are all embodied by its unofficial dish.

Man, don't be afraid to try poutine because it is incredibly delicious.

 

I've been to that Ashton many times and as far as chain restaurant poutine goes, Ashton is the best.

 

French is a great language and, although I'm anglophone, I try to speak it whenever I get the opportunity.  Did you study at Laval?  It's true that whatever French you may have learned in university in the U.S. probably didn't prepare you for the Québécois accent!

I think all dialects can throw you off when you don't know a language very well. I took two years of Spanish in h.s. but my teacher was from Spain and used the TH sound instead of C. He also talks way slower than Mexicans and especially some South Americans. He said he can't even understand what they're saying in S. America they talk so fast. Anywho, I digress.

It's a pretty great place to live, but sometimes the mass of tourists gets a little trying on the nerves.

Rue St. Paul is a cool spot...there seems to be less tourists down there as they don't generally seem to go outside the walls. When did you live there?

 

I'm in the upper town across from Le Petit Seminaire.

 

I liked there for the summer of 2007, I also was in Chicoutimi @ UQAC to learn French. Unfortunately, I've forgotten ALOT of it. I can read it, and write it to a lesser extent. Understanding is a bit hard though. =-0( J' adore Quebec et Chez Ashton's Poutine!!! Je suis alle le Ashton sur la Cote du Palais! Poutine est tres bon!  

 

P.S. Forgive my trouble French!

 

What the hell does poutine taste like anyway? Im afraid to try it. A while back the NY Times did an article about where its available in NYC.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/23/dining/23pout.html

 

A Staple From Quebec, Embarrassing but Adored

By KATE SEKULES

Published: May 23, 2007

 

DURING the 2000 presidential campaign, the candidate from Texas fielded a question from Canada: Prime Minister Jean Poutine said you look like the man who should lead the free world into the 21st century. What do you think about that?

 

When George W. Bush pledged to work closely together with Mr. Poutine, Montrealers fell off their chairs laughing. It wasnt so much that the Canadian leader was, in fact, Jean Chrétien, but that the reporter Rick Mercer, a television comedian had invoked the citys emblematic, problematic, comedic junk food dish: poutine.

 

A gloppy, caloric layering of French fries, fresh cheese curds (a byproduct of Cheddar making) and gravy, poutine goes deep into the Quebequois psyche. Somehow, Quebecs rural roots, its split identity (Acadian farmers or Gallic gourmets?) and its earthy sense of humor are all embodied by its unofficial dish.

 

 

OMG, M_Y_T_H is RIGHT! ITS AWESOME! Poutine so yummy! lol

Man, don't be afraid to try poutine because it is incredibly delicious.

 

I've been to that Ashton many times and as far as chain restaurant poutine goes, Ashton is the best.

 

French is a great language and, although I'm anglophone, I try to speak it whenever I get the opportunity. Did you study at Laval? It's true that whatever French you may have learned in university in the U.S. probably didn't prepare you for the Québécois accent!

 

No, although I wish I did! I LOVE Northern Quebec and the Saugenay/Lac St. Jean area, but I'd prefered to stay in Quebec City. And yeah, High School French did not prepare me for the Quebecois accents! lol

Is it just me or do the women in Canada usually have really nice @sses?

 

I just knew there had to be a comment here about that.  :laugh:

I could see how the Saguenay accent could be quite difficult to understand!  It's beautiful up there in the summer, though.  Do you have any pictures of your time there?

Umm I do, but from a Costume Party at the school. I was Sister Mary of the Blessed Mattress! LOL

While I'm sure those photos would be interesting, they may not conform to forum standards of decency.

 

 

Ohh everyone here has already seen them! LOL I posted them under the General photo section lol The photos are okay, nothing obscene. Well, unless you think a drunk nun is obscene! lol 

 

1. Lindsey, Jason, Emily

 

2. Me and Sam

 

3. Mike from BC and I

 

4. Me and Kindsey! (boobies!!!)

 

5. Kyle (From Victoria BC and my travel buddy to Montreal this past summer!) and I

 

6. Behold, Sister Mary of the Blessed Mattress

 

7. Me and Jamie (He's an Ohio boy from Stubenville)

 

8. The Gang!!!

Cross dresser!

Looks like a good time up in the Saguenay.

Looks like a good time up in the Saguenay.

 

Ohh it was. I have a question for you though. Whats your opinion about the new coalition between the Bloc, Liberal and NDP Party? I'd love to hear your opinion on this matter. Thanks!

Ahhh, the coalition.  I am in no way a Stephen Harper supporter, but I'm not sure the timing is right on this one.  I would honestly love nothing more than to see him out of office, but I really question the motives and the concessions made to form this coalition.  Personally, from what I've read and heard, I think this was something the NDP was planning since immediately after the election.  I know that the Conservatives have been rather inactive about the whole financial crisis, but I don't think it warrants the government being overthrown.  I say let him deliver his budget and stimulus plan and then if it doesn't suit you, go ahead with taking down the government.

Stephen Harper is an oil pimp. Dude's from Calgary.

Ahhh, the coalition.  I am in no way a Stephen Harper supporter, but I'm not sure the timing is right on this one.  I would honestly love nothing more than to see him out of office, but I really question the motives and the concessions made to form this coalition.  Personally, from what I've read and heard, I think this was something the NDP was planning since immediately after the election.  I know that the Conservatives have been rather inactive about the whole financial crisis, but I don't think it warrants the government being overthrown.  I say let him deliver his budget and stimulus plan and then if it doesn't suit you, go ahead with taking down the government.

 

Yeah, I agree. But I know this was coming when Harper told the opposition that he was cutting public financing for the parties, not to mention his sort of "I have a mandate from the Canadian people" attitude, which is false. He only got like 38% of the popular vote so thats hardy a mandate! But then again, I've been pissed of at Harper since the election, and boy, what a monumental waste of time and money that was!! And all to get ANOTHER minority government which looked like the previous one, just with fewer Liberals!!! I was watching the CBC on Youtube lasr night and I heard Justin Treadua speak about the issue on the hill and he made a few good points, although, despite his claim, I don't think the Bloc is getting involved for the "Benefit of the Canadian people". And while I don't trust Harper, I sure as hell do not trust the Bloc! I wonder whats in it for them!!!!  I know one thing is for sure, my buddy Phil out in Calgary says the western povinces are pissed and now he is once again hearing people talk about an "Independent Alberta"! What a f&%king joke! 

Stephen Harper is an oil pimp. Dude's from Calgary.

 

I always tell people, Alberta is like Texas, just colder and with few Mexicans! LOL    :lol:

Ahhh, the coalition.  I am in no way a Stephen Harper supporter, but I'm not sure the timing is right on this one.  I would honestly love nothing more than to see him out of office, but I really question the motives and the concessions made to form this coalition.  Personally, from what I've read and heard, I think this was something the NDP was planning since immediately after the election.  I know that the Conservatives have been rather inactive about the whole financial crisis, but I don't think it warrants the government being overthrown.  I say let him deliver his budget and stimulus plan and then if it doesn't suit you, go ahead with taking down the government.

 

I just read an article on YahooCanada/CBC and it looks like Harper has won this battle, he got his wish and had Parliament suspended until after Jan so he can avoid a no confidence vote on Monday and give the House of Commons his proposal for stimulating the economy. Now lets see if the coalition can keep it together until then! And BTW, I answered your earlier statement on page one! =-)

The suspension of Parliament was probably the right thing to do.  I mean the Dion is only an interim leader anyway and I don't think that they would have resolved anything.  I used to be an NDP sympathiser, but Jack Layton has really turned me off lately due to his extreme self-importance.  I think it's a power grab.  Really, the left in Canada should just come together because Harper will never be overthrown until they do.  The NDP and Liberals together had more of the popular vote than the Conservatives.  They split votes in a lot of key ridings.  If they came together, they we would have a real political race.  I don't want Canada to end up like Italy where the average term of their government is like 18 months.  Stability is a good thing right now.

 

I find it funny that Albertans (I used to live there) are so up in arms right now that oil prices have fallen.  If anything they need the country more right now than they did a few short months ago. 

The suspension of Parliament was probably the right thing to do. I mean the Dion is only an interim leader anyway and I don't think that they would have resolved anything. I used to be an NDP sympathiser, but Jack Layton has really turned me off lately due to his extreme self-importance. I think it's a power grab. Really, the left in Canada should just come together because Harper will never be overthrown until they do. The NDP and Liberals together had more of the popular vote than the Conservatives. They split votes in a lot of key ridings. If they came together, they we would have a real political race. I don't want Canada to end up like Italy where the average term of their government is like 18 months. Stability is a good thing right now.

 

I find it funny that Albertans (I used to live there) are so up in arms right now that oil prices have fallen. If anything they need the country more right now than they did a few short months ago.

 

Yeah I agree completely! I mean I consider myself a Liberal and will register as such when I'm living up and and a Citizen. But your right, Dion is not the leader we need and he just sort of takes up space until a new leadre is picked! Dion is No Trudeau! Did you watch the debates? Jack come off as an attack dog, and a rude one at that! Harper came off as an ass with no real plan, no suprise there! May was just happy to be there, and the Leader of the Bloc, who's last name im not sure how to spell, come off rather well, especially when you compare his English to Dions, who was difficult to understand. One thing is for sure, its been an interesting year in Canadian politics!   

It has been an interesting year and I go to the polls again on Monday for the Quebec provincial election.

 

What is taking you to Canada? Where are you looking at moving to?

It has been an interesting year and I go to the polls again on Monday for the Quebec provincial election.

 

What is taking you to Canada? Where are you looking at moving to?

 

I'm moving there because I prefer it to the US in many ways. I duno about that. I applied for jobs in Nova Scota, Ontario, and Alberta, so who know where I'll ebd up!

I would like to take this time to congratulate the Premier of Quebec, Mr. Jean Charest on his victory! Congrats Vive Le Canada! 

 

Charest becomes first Quebec premier since 1950s to win three straight elections

 

 

By Alexander Panetta, The Canadian Press

 

MONTREAL - A premier whose political obituary has been penned repeatedly celebrated an electoral feat Monday not even attained by giants of Quebec politics like Rene Levesque, Lucien Bouchard and Robert Bourassa.

 

 

Jean Charest became the first Quebec premier in more than half a century to win three consecutive mandates as his Liberals appeared poised to win a razor-thin majority mandate after 20 months of minority rule.

 

 

His victory carries a host of potential implications for Canadian politics and will be greeted as welcome news in the nation's capital.

 

 

Charest's Liberals won or were leading in about 65 of the province's 125 ridings, while the Parti Quebecois won the bulk of opposition seats. The Action democratique du Quebec, the upstart right-wing party that found itself last year within a whisker of power, was restored to its traditional place in Quebec's electoral wasteland with barely a half-dozen seats.

 

 

When Charest called the election Nov. 5, he invited a flood of accusations that he was cynically holding an unnecessary vote only to take advantage of his party's strong poll numbers.

 

 

He argued that Quebecers needed a stable majority government to weather the coming economic storm and hammered the theme right up to the last moment.

 

 

"The backdrop to this election is the economy, which for us is very important," Charest said as he cast his own ballot in Sherbrooke, Que.

 

 

"Choosing the next government that will have the responsibility of leading Quebec in this economic period is extremely, extremely important."

 

 

His election gamble appears to have paid off.

 

 

After nearly losing power in the March 2007 provincial election, party members were whispering about replacing Charest as recently as last fall.

 

 

But several key events propelled his improbable journey from lamentable poll numbers to some of the highest recorded levels of voter satisfaction in provincial history.

 

 

The ADQ bombed in opposition. Charest reorganized his office. And the premier bolstered his nationalist credentials by picking the occasional fight with Ottawa.

 

 

He now becomes the first premier since strongman Maurice Duplessis to win a third term and the reverberations of his win will be felt across the nation's political landscape.

 

 

Already, Charest's name comes in Parliament Hill chatter whenever the subject turns to possible future leaders of the federal Conservative party. Monday's result will do nothing to quell such talk.

 

 

But the more immediate result is that the sovereignty debate remains relegated to the back burner of the national conversation. Such stability will come as a relief to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

 

 

A Charest loss would have produced an extremely rare alignment of Canada's political stars: a separatist government in Quebec City facing a federal government headed by a non-Quebecer.

 

 

Pierre Trudeau, Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney held office for all but a few months while the PQ governed in Quebec - the only exceptions being the brief reigns of Joe Clark and John Turner.

 

The recent federal election campaign offered vivid examples of the potential volatility Harper has been spared with Monday's result.

 

His Conservatives were overwhelmed by a backlash in the province over arts-funding cuts, and after failing to detect it they were so badly thumped by the Bloc Quebecois in the ensuing public-relations war that it likely cost them a majority government.

 

Charest was, to the dismay of Conservatives outside Quebec, among the more vocal critics of those funding cuts.

 

It was the latest twist in his increasingly strained relationship with Harper.

 

Ironically, the ups-and-downs of that relationship have been as pronounced as the topsy-turvy trend lines of Charest's own improbable career path.

 

A one-time wonderkid of federal politics, Charest was practically forced to abandon his job as federal Progressive Conservative leader in 1998 and make the leap to provincial politics. He lost his first provincial election several months later.

 

He was given up for dead by the province's pundits as he entered the 2003 campaign in third place among francophone voters. But a solid performance in that year's leaders' debate capped a surprise comeback win.

 

Then, halfway through a gaffe-plagued first mandate, Charest appeared destined to remain a one-term premier as he recorded some of the worst polling numbers in Canadian history - with approval ratings spiralling into the teens.

 

That's when Harper took office.

 

With a province-friendly government in Ottawa, Charest made a staggering political comeback as he gained a series of concessions for Quebec: more federal cash transfers, a special spot for at the UN's cultural forum, and a recognition of the Quebecois nation within a united Canada.

 

But the relationship with Harper began to sour when Charest immediately used Ottawa's so-called fiscal imbalance cash to cut taxes. Conservatives expressed their displeasure that Charest's move could prompt a taxpayer backlash elsewhere in Canada - and Charest replied that he didn't owe Ottawa an explanation for his budgetary choices.

 

Charest lost his majority government and almost lost power in the election in March 2007.

 

A few months later, he and the prime minister nearly stopped speaking when Harper attended an event with Dumont.

 

The prime minister could hardly be forgiven: many members of Charest's own party were musing that his days were numbered.

 

One potential successor had even jokingly printed up T-shirts for his leadership campaign.

 

It was around that time that Charest reorganized his office.

 

Bolstered by a staff that included former aides to Bourassa and one-time Ontario premier David Peterson, Charest stuck to a more narrow and focused agenda and struck a more nationlist tone with Ottawa.

 

Meanwhile, the ADQ was flopping during its big audition. Dumont himself admitted that his party was ill-prepared for a stint as the official Opposition, one he hoped would serve as a stepping stone to victory the next time around.

 

The PQ slumped to third place under Andre Boisclair in 2007 but Pauline Marois lent the party a healthy dose of gravitas in its attempt to win more than the 36 seats it claimed 20 months ago.

 

The PQ appeared poised to take more than 50 seats this time around.