queenvisit

So the Queen's hangin' out in my neighbourhood today.

I hadn't realized that she and the Duke of Edinburgh were in Toronto until I saw barriers being set up along our street and Jeff told me she arrived yesterday. Here's a Toronto Star article about her. My goal for today is to see the Queen. Heck, it'll probably be the only chance I get to see her anywhere, let alone Toronto. I told Allison and Jodi that I was opting out of Urban Tapestry practice tonight (not that we have anything urgent to practise for, since our next gig isn't until next March at Ad Astra ... more often these days we go out for dinner and/or see a movie).

Apparently the Duke will be attending an awards ceremony at the Metro Convention Centre this morning. Both he and the Queen will attend some event at the CBC (whose building I can see from my office window) in the early evening, then attending a "gala performance" at Roy Thompson Hall, which is right across the street from where I live.

Why do I want to see her? Because I'm curious.

I know most of you are cynical about the Royal-types, and I don't blame you. I'm still not sure exactly what she does for Canada other than give us one more thing to argue about.

But what a life she must have. I say that with pity, not envy. I mean, take a look at her official schedule for today. Every minute of her life, or at least her visit here, is precisely marked out for her. No "Hey, I think I'll duck out for a minute and go for a walk along the lakeshore and watch the birds" or "Y'know, I feel like seeing that new Lucy Liu movie tonight." I think I'd go nuts.

Speaking of royal scheduling, I'm baffled by the following bit, which is listed under 12:15 pm at Sheridan College:


In the Centre, The Queen is met by the Journalism New Media Program Coordinator, Ms. Sherine Mansour.

The Queen observes the linking of the Sheridan College Web site with the Canadian Heritage Royal Visit Website.

The Queen exits the control room, re-enters the Media Centre and observes students using the newly created link.


Gimme a break. They're making the Queen watch someone make an HTML change? And then someone CLICKING A LINK on a Web site?

No wonder she rarely comes to visit.

Poll (especially for the Brits):

What do you think of the Queen? Do you respect her? Envy her? Despise her? Pity her? Ignore her? No political tirades, please.

Links/news:

Did you know that the Queen has her own official Web page?

One year ago, I had an editorial rant.

Two years ago, Annie was nervous about Thanksgiving.

Five years ago, I posted a horrible-looking ascii turkey.