Ottawa

The calm before the storm: Berrypics from a pre-Throne Speechified Parliament Hill

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Puzzled tourists ponder the age old question: "What's with all the flags?"

Follow the red carpet for fun and prizes!

Follow the red carpet for fun and prizes!

I know it looks a little stark, but if I was the Governor General, this would be a far more impressive entrance.

I know it looks a little stark right now, but if I was the Governor General, there would be all sorts of dignitaries and parliamentarians lining the way, which would make for a far more regal entrance.

Livebloggers in the shadows are slightly less Victorian-era-dowager-shaped than they appear.

Livebloggers in the shadows are slightly less Victorian-era-dowager-shaped than they appear.

View from above - literally, not figuratively - as reporters wait for the Liberal and Conservative caucuses to finish up so they can frantically ask about the Throne Speech that hasn't happened yet.

View from above - literally, not figuratively - as reporters wait for the Liberal and Conservative caucuses to finish up so they can frantically ask about the Throne Speech that hasn't yet been delivered.

The Senate gallery, where some lucky reporters - although not ITQ - will, in short order, come to the ugly realization that they aren't actually the lucky ones, since they'll have to sit through the entire Speech.

The Senate gallery, where some lucky reporters - although not ITQ - will, in short order, come to the ugly realization that they aren't actually the lucky ones, because they're now trapped in the gallery for the entire speech. And no giggling allowed.

Media circus at rest.

Media circus at rest.

The overflow seats just outside the Red Chamber in the Senate Foyer.

Where the rest of us - or some of the rest of us - will watch the Speech: The overflow seats just outside the Red Chamber in the Senate Foyer.

It still doesn't rhyme with "decorum".

Note to Royal Galipeau: It still doesn

Kory Teneycke looms over the rest of the elite PMO communication(s) squad (most not pictured) and wonders whether they couldn't arrange to have one of these rolled out for the PM every now and then.

Kory Teneycke looms over the rest of the elite PMO communication(s) squad (most not pictured) and wonders whether the advance guys couldn't roll out one of these things out for the Prime Minister now and then.

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