Yesterday, foot-long icicles were crashing off the side of Notre Dame cathedral. It made quite a dramatic noise, though sensibly, the cathedral keeps pedestrians away from the side of the building this time of year. But falling stalactites — er, icicles — are everywhere in Vieux Montreal when we have this type of freezing/warm/freezing/warm weather. I don’t know if anyone actually gets injured by them, but the thought of a hard pointy projectile aimed at my head is alarming. If you’re walking around the Old Port, I’d advise you to wear a sturdy hat, or better still, walk as far from the eaves as you can.

.. or should that be Piazza Robert Bourassa. That at least was how it appeared in a Montreal Gazette article this week:

How about Piazza Bourassa?
ARCHITECT DRAWS UP A COMPROMISE
Proposal is suddenly gaining support from foes of Park/ Bleury name change
Linda Gyulai Gazette Civic Affairs Reporter
Call it Plaza, Place or Piazza Robert Bourassa, if you’d like, but a Montreal architect is urging the city to transform the newly rebuilt Pine/Park Interchange into a public esplanade, name it after the late premier and ditch plans to rename Park Ave. and Bleury St.

It is distressing that there should be such controversy and this sounds like a creative solution. Let’s hope that common sense prevails.

Monreal blogger Julien Smith has launched a cool project called ‘Listen to Your Kids’ which serves to use technology to bring kids and parents closer to one another rather than the opposite.

Kids can record messages and share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Asking the question “What do you wish you could tell your parents?”- the easy to use interface allows the participants to take centre stage in expressing themselves and being heard.

Be sure to share this link and help it spread worldwide. Communication and sharing is the key here…

After such a dismal winter, even I am happy to see its return. My oldest daughter is even more ecstatic since that means she can go out to play in the snow. While going for a walk, we stood and watched the streets being cleaned. It was only then that I realized how quiet the winter has been thus far without the loud commotion of snow removal. I actually missed seeing those dinky little sidewalk plows barreling crazily along.

I’m sure the joy will wear off (for me; my daughter would be happy if it snowed every day for 3/4 of the year) but for now I’m pretty pleased. And relieved.

Ça paraît que notre vénérable Jacques Villeneuve, l’ancien champion du Formule 1, va s’installer bientôt à Montréal avec sa épouse et son bébé. Jacques vient d’acheter une maison à Westmount pour environ $3 millions. Même si le gars va habiter içi, je doute qu’on verra Jacques achetant du lait au dép ou à son resto Newtown. Il a toujours dit que sa vie privée était très importante. Mais ça sera intéressant à voir comment les médias vont lui traiter donné qu’il est comme fils béni pour beaucoup de Québecois.

As Sherry and others have noted, the Spectrum and much of the block that surrounds it is slated for redevelopment. Following on the heels of the Parc fiasco, a group of concerned Montrealers have started a petition to save the much-loved music venue, which you can sign here.

Equally uncertain, though, is the fate of Café Cleopatra, the two-level strip joint/drag club that lurks just around the corner from Spectrum. I look forward to receiving the petition to save it from the wrecking ball as well.

This Saturday, January 20th (from 1-4pm), bring your bad self to the Friends of the Fraser-Hickson Library Variety Show

Talent includes:

Master of Ceremonies Sherlyn Knight (of Fun Fun Fun)
Malcolm Mazumdar “The Sweet Lady of Kensington”
Donna, Marion & Randy The Pinsky Sisters Dance Trio
Spoken Word by Alia Thomas, Sophia Baigs & Shaka
Klezmer Music by Melodie Adler
Dylan Spivak - Storyteller
The Band with No Name
Royal Vale School Choir
Phyllis Carter
plus other surprises

Also join the 100 Club at the performance by providing whatever you can provide in the amount of 100 (100 pennies ($1), 100 nickels ($5), 100 dimes ($10), 100 Quarters($25), 100 dollars($100), 100 letters to Gerald Tremblay, 100 phone calls to Michael Applebaum, 100 faxes to Labonte’,100 prayers, 100 volunteer hours, 100 emails to friends asking for support, etc.

So I’ve heard that the first Taco Bell in Quebec has opened up on Sources Blvd in Pierrefonds. I must confess that I have never ever been in a Taco Bell restaurant or eaten anything from Taco Bell or even seen a Taco Bell tv commercial. For real. What I know about Taco Bell has always been second hand. Apparently they have a chihuahua as a mascot, but he died. Their food is so good that people will drive across the border just to satisfy a craving. What is this magical food substance that I have been so blissfully unaware of? So has anyone gone to the new Taco Bell out on the West Island yet? Any comments, recommendations, rant, raves, or warnings? I’m curious and tempted, but not sure I’m motivated enough to make the trek to the boonies.

Just got back from walking on the Promenade Onario and with the sun shining and the warm(ish) southerly breeze, it doesn’t seem anything like yesterday. What a cold day that was! Spouse took a tumble yesterday as there were nasty frozen puddles under the deceptive cover of snow on Sherbrooke street. It seems we both fall at least once every season. I have remained upright thus far. (looks for proverbial wood for knocking)

They say the cold is coming back this weekend so get out there while you can. (Oh and be careful, no running or pushing, that ice is slippery!)

Ok, Winter has arrived. Feeling frigid enough for ya’?? This morning was a two sock morning as I huddled and waited in the bus shelter. Thank goodness did not have to wait too long. It’s been a while since I’ve had the feeling of walking into shocking cold air. Not so cold that your nose hairs freeze but cold enough that my nose starts running yet my fingers and nose are too frozen for me to tell if I’ve actually wiped it with my kleenex in my fumbling gloved hands. Ah Montreal winter, your return has been long awaited. It feels just like old times old buddy. I’m really glad I got a warm parka this year. At first, I was grumbling because I didn’t get to wear it for weeks but this baby is keeping me toasty now. I hope all the homeless people have shelters to go to when it’s cold out like this. I can’t imagine how miserable it must be. I’m complaining after just a few minutes outside all bundled up.