"A giant gust of wind picked up a tarp and garbage from across the field and flung it toward the audience and lifted the whole stage — where Cheap Trick had been playing — and almost like a convertible in a car, just folded it backwards in the same direction."
The
main stage at the Ottawa Bluesfest
has collapsed in a sudden storm, during a performance by
Cheap Trick. Injuries are reported to be minor. The
annual festival brings thousands of music fans into downtown Ottawa.
Photos of the
aftermath.
posted by ricochet biscuit
on Jul 17, 2011 -
43 comments
Diane Stuemer , an Ottawa area entrepreneur, and her husband reevaluated their priorities in the early 90's after Diane was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and her husband had a work related accident. After her cancer went into remission, and fearful that her 3 children would grow up without remembering her, the family took the bold decision to pack up everything and circumnavigate the world. Despite having less than 4 days of sailing experience, the family took to the seas with great enthusiasm.
The Northern Magic became the Steumer's home for 4 years as they travelled around the world. During that time Diane wrote a series of weekly
dispatches to the readers of her hometown's newspaper. It became a tradition in many Ottawa households to read Diane's column in the saturday paper while dreaming of the exotic locals she was writing about (a sharp contrast from Ottawa's winters).
In those 4 years, readers got to experience Herbert (the husband) become a master mechanic, Diane adapt to life afloat, and the 3 sons grow up. When the Stuemers finally arrived home in Ottawa in August of 2001 they where greeted by
thousands of well-wishers.
Sadly, Ottawa residents learned early in February that Diane had been readmitted to hospital where she was fighting a very aggressive melanoma battle. Today,
Diane succumbed to her illness and passed away.
During their voyage, the entire family took on
several projects in the countries they visited which are still active today. What amazes me about Diane is the experiences she lived through with her children, the memories they will cherish and the lasting effect their travels will have on the people they met.
posted by smcniven
on Mar 15, 2003 -
19 comments
Oh No! Not Another Underrated Artist Who Was Ahead Of His Time... Oh yes: it's
Tom Thompson(1877-1917). This time, though, the Internet has helped exact a sort of revenge. For those unlucky enough not to live in stately Ottawa and be able to visit the exhibition of the great colourist's work there (
through September 8), someone has done a great job of presenting Thompson's paintings on the web, including a wonderful selection of
merchandise and an appropriately quirky little
quiz. So they do win a few, now and again...
posted by MiguelCardoso
on Aug 21, 2002 -
8 comments
English amnesiac may be porn star. "Philip Staufen" tried to convince Canadian authorities that he was an English citizen who suffered from amnesia as a result of a beating. As it turns out, he
may be George Lecheit, a French gay porn star. Authorities aren't ready to close the case yet, but even his lawyer doubts the amnesia theory. In a
previous MeFi thread, a few people took the Canadian government to task for not helping Staufen return to the UK. In light of recent developments, did Ottawa make the right decision?
posted by likorish
on Jan 21, 2002 -
8 comments
Terrorists eye nuclear plants Monday, October 15, 2001
."...A Kuwaiti man was found with sensitive documents about Ottawa nuclear energy and virus-control labs...."...more paranoia on what's next.
posted by Voyageman
on Oct 16, 2001 -
5 comments
Another benefit of globalization: Third World-style political oppression right here at home. From the Ottawa Citizen (of all places): "Officers from various police forces and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service have infiltrated, spied on or closely monitored organizations that are simply exercising their legal right to assembly and free speech. Targets of such intelligence operations in recent years... [include] a senior citizens' satire group that sings about social injustice... Individuals have been arrested for handing out literature condemning police tactics... "
posted by tranquileye
on Aug 20, 2001 -
5 comments
