Definitions by G.H. Hadden
Nunavut
1. n. Northern most territory in the Canadian federation, formed in 1999 when the Northwest Territories was split in two. Capital is Iqaluit, total population is 30,000. English is second language, as most are Inuit and speek Inuktuk. Mostly consists of the arctic archapelago, isolated and cold much of the year. Like Nortwest Territories, except no roads.
Nunavut by G.H. Hadden May 4, 2005
microbrew
1. n. Beer which is produced locally in small quantities or breweries and not nationally distributed. Oposite of Budweiser or Labatts. Served mostly in local bars, Brasseries, and at beer festivals. Can also be obtained through mail order clubs on the net.
microbrew by G.H. Hadden May 4, 2005
Nickelodeon
A 1930's to 1950's (roughly)expression meaning a juke box, which was a machine usually located in diners or bars that played popular music singles on small 45 records. Most were large, streamlined, stylish speaker boxes with neon lighg bands and chrome. So called because of the company that made them, and the price of a song was a nickel.
Hey momma, lets fire up the ol' nickelodeon. I'm "In The Mood" (Popular song title of the time. Instumental "Big Band" song by Glen Miller.)
Nickelodeon by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005
Metro
Common name for the underground mass transit system (subway) in both Montreal, QC and Paris, France. In Montreal the Metro runs exclusively underground on a dedicated electrified third rail right-of-way, with many of the stations having bus terminals. Run under the banner of the STCUM (Societe de Transports du la Communite Urbaine de Montreal--in french) Heavy rail passenger service is handled by a separate agency called AMT (Agence Metropolitain de Transports), and requires a separate zone-base fare system, rather than the transfer you get from the bus.
Metro by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005
the Big O
Montreal slang for the Olympic Stadium, where the Expos baseball team and Allouettes football teams have played at various times. Also home to a large and extremely well done natural history museum. Now vacant, except for large expositions such as the Home Show. Charactorized on the Montreal skyline by the slanted concrete tower with a finicular railway running up to the top. aka: The Big Toilet Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, but the tower was not finished until some time in the late 80's Meant to be the first stadium with a fully retractable roof, it was not fully functional until the early 90's, but the parachute and cable design proved too unreliable.
U2 will be performing at the Big O this evening.
We should've demolished the Big Toilet years ago, before it became the white elephant it is today. We're still paying for it, all these years later!
We should've demolished the Big Toilet years ago, before it became the white elephant it is today. We're still paying for it, all these years later!
the Big O by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005
allophone
In Quebec, an allophone is someone whose first language or language of use is neither English nor French. The term is also sometimes used in other parts of Canada. It is formed from the Greek roots allos, meaning other, and phone, meaning sound or voice.
Compare the terms anglophone and francophone, which designate people whose first or adoptive languages are English and French, respectively.
One is said to be an allophone if he or she speaks neither french nor english at home with the family or "on the phone".
Compare the terms anglophone and francophone, which designate people whose first or adoptive languages are English and French, respectively.
One is said to be an allophone if he or she speaks neither french nor english at home with the family or "on the phone".
The number of allophones in Quebec has increased in recent years. Most are immigrants from Asia, Europe, and Africa.
allophone by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005
Via train
Via (aka: Via Rail Canada), is Canada's national passenger rail service, formed in 1976 from the combined networks of CN and CP Rail. Responsible for intercity railway service. Runs the famous Canadian to Vancouver BC, the Ocean to Halifax and many trains in the Windsor-Quebec City corridor. Government run Crown Corporaton of the Canadian Government. Famous for the LRC trainsets, RDC's (rail diesel cars--Budd cars) running out of Victoria BC, and extensive use of the "Turbo" train in the 70's to mid 80's
I took the Via train to Toronto. (As opposed to the GO train, which I took once in the Greater Toronto area.)
Via train by G.H. Hadden May 3, 2005