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<title>Places Tagged Westminster On Platial.com</title>
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<link>http://platial.com/post/1000073</link>
<title>Banya Japanese Restaurant</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Banya Japanese Restaurant (503) 646-6753<br/>Tags: houston texas, tracy rolling, newbury, roseville, irvine, laguna beach, santa clara, palo alto, anaheim, newark, dana point, hermosa beach, el paso, arcadia, westminster, montclair, rancho palos, redwood city, santa clarita, valencia, danville, orange texas, palos, temecula, del rey beach, cerritos california, san luis obispo ca, toluca, cupertino, stockton ca, mesa  arizona, san rafael, chula vista, clara vista hacienda, west covina, grover hill, saba, tucson arizona, del mar ca, santas village, clarita<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1000073">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>45.460714 -122.793724</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<title>Davio's Italian Grill</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Family-run Italian restaurant that operated in Seal Beach for 23 years before relocating to new Westminster location in July 2005. Solid menu of Italian cuisine that ranges from traditional favorites like stuffed mushroom appetizer, lasagna and cioppino to uncommon offerings like walnut mostaccioli, halibut picatta and stuffed eggplant. Desserts include tiramisu, peach creme brulee and Obscene Chocolate Cake (layers of cake, brownie, mousse and fudge in raspberry sauce).</p><p>Takeout catering menu also offered, with trays of lasagna, garden salad or tiramisu among the choices. Happy hours: Sunday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Specials: $1 off all beers; $2 off house martinis; select wines, $3.50 a glass. Half off select appetizers in the bar only.<br/>Tags: events, happy hour, reviews, westminster, davios italian grill, davio, davios<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1025905">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.725579 -117.989152</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:26:01.920977+00:00</dc:date>
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<title>Asian Garden Mall</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, asian garden mall<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026720">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.744855 -117.968425</georss:point>
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<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:12.891931+00:00</dc:date>
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<title>Little Saigon Radio</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Free and subscription radio station serving the Vietnamese community in Southern California. Also syndicated to other regions.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, little saigon radio<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028756">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.733973 -117.954964</georss:point>
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<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:13.365869+00:00</dc:date>
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<title>S  Vietnamese Fine Dining</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: vietnamese, events, reviews, westminster, s vietnamese fine dining<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028771">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.749038 -118.014491</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:26.480188+00:00</dc:date>
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<link>http://platial.com/post/1029272</link>
<title>Cold Stone Creamery</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Servers at Cold Stone Creamery fold sweet treats such as cookies and candy bits into rich ice cream.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, cold stone creamery<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029272">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.759087 -117.989556</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:20.056005+00:00</dc:date>
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<title>Fryberger Elementary School</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Kindergarten through fifth grade elementary in Westminster School District.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, fryberger elementary school<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029273">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<title>Hof's Hut</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        We're convinced the two-layer devil's food cake at Hof's Hut is made by somebody's adoring parent. The layers are glistening moist and the frosting is deep and buttery. There's nothing wrong with not sharing. Several O.C. locations: Buena Park, Irvine, Los Alamitos, Orange, Tustin and Westminster.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, kids menu, hofs hut<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029275">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<title>The Cajun Corner</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
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<title>The Rebel Room</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, the rebel room<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029295">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<title>Uncle Pete's Cafe</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, uncle petes cafe<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029296">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.755215 -117.989535</georss:point>
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<title>Wesminster Lanes</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, bowling alley, wesminster lanes<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029298">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
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<title>West Coast Gammeldans Club</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The West Coast Gammeldans Club was established in December 2004 to promote and preserve the heritage of dances and tunes from  Scandinavian countries.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, west coast gammeldans club<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029299">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<georss:point>33.766277 -118.034953</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
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<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029300">
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<title>Westminster Ice Arena</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Single-rink facility used primarily for youth and adult hockey programs. The rink is also used for public skating sessions and private parties.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, iceroller rink, westminster ice arena<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029300">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
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<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
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<link>http://platial.com/post/1175903</link>
<title>Outdoor Lighting Perspectives</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (503) 263-4900<br/>Tags: detroit michigan, garland texas, berlin, melbourne, medina, norwich, chestnut, laguna beach, vienna, moscow, frankfort, westport, cardiff, baltimore, manchester, geneva, dana point, burton sc, lancaster oh, arcadia, compton ca, westminster, brewster, dover, cornwall, harwich, belgrade, allentown, swansea, beverly hills, baldwin la, kingston, blue island il, davenport, hastings, rancho palos, warsaw, gloucester, camden, beaufort, redwood city, canyon country, cypress tx, grand junction, northern ireland, bremen, lisbon, carlisle, chatham, danville, atlantic city, orange texas, hereford, west palm beach fl, granada, minneapolis bar, south gate, dorchester, aberdeen, odessa, granada colorado, steve brooks, woodstock ga, north conway, west highland way, harrisburg pa, college park md, carmel by the sea, chelmsford, belmont ma, birmingham alabama, bowling green kentucky, powder springs ga, south elgin, salem oh, memphis tennessee, odessa tx, columbus ohio, el paso tx, lexington kentucky, cocoa fl , kings lynn, rocky mount, benton harbor, scott ian, alexandria  la, baltimore maryland, forest falls ca, falmouth kentucky, gainesville florida, mobile al, newark new jersey, grover hill, fort worth tx, bloomington indiana, dayton ohio, naples florida, bristol va, midland tx, albany ny, mountain brook al, del mar ca, cheltenham, port charlotte, cape verde, dublin ireland, santas village, hamilton island<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1175903">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>45.253003 -122.676004</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
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<title>Palace of Westminster</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        While we sometimes get annoyed with the hoards of tourists who seem to be constantly underfoot, they get to experience a very different city from the one that we all too often take for granted. To try and rectify this we've been aiming to get out and about a bit more in order to see what's inside some of the buildings that we dismiss as nothing more than good backdrops to bad photographs. We decided to aim high for our first group excursion and thanks to Nick, our political insider who finds himself in the thick of it most days, we set off with a special invitation to explore the Palace of Westminster.

This has turned out to be quite a long post, so in case you don’t stay with us until the end, here’s the take-home message: you must go visit! It’s easier than you might think to get inside. Indeed, it’s every UK citizen's right to get at least as far as the Central Lobby. See the end of the post for more details.

The first thing that struck us as we wound our way through the security cordon was the lack of people. Every day we despair at the queue to the London Dungeon as we walk past, and yet here we were at the heart of British politics with nearly a thousand years of history on the other side of the security portacabins and we didn't have a single exchange student to slap out of the way. There's obviously room for improvement in getting the visitor numbers up, but we'll get to that later. If the imposing chaps with machine guns are putting you off then we can reveal that they were quick to let us through despite the fact that we were all carrying excitable bulges in our pockets.


    What's this, sir?
    Would you believe it's a strange fruit?
    Of course. We're never surprised at the strange fruit that passes through here sir. Off you go.

And before we knew it we were inside (Chinese pears and all), following in the footsteps of Royalty, politicians and reality television celebrities.

Continue reading after the jump for an extended peek at what exactly the Houses of Parliament contain, and the best way to get yourself inside without having to run for office.
Parliament.jpg

First, a little history. The Palace started as small abbey or minster to the west of London – hence the name WESTMINSTER. This church was subsequently enlarged and became Westminster Abbey. In 1099, William Rufus decided to build himself a new gaff, now known as the Palace of Westminster. Throughout the Middle Ages the Palace continued to be one of the principal homes of the monarch. However, whereas its palatial status has remained unchanged, its appearance has not. Numerous fires, notably in 1512 and 1834, have seen to that (we also seem to remember a flying saucer taking a chunk out of Big Ben).

The current building is the third Palace of Westminster. After the 1834 fire, a competition to design a replacement was won by Charles Barry (exterior), and Augustus Pugin (interior). Whilst Barry was the more well known at the time, it is Pugin's name and designs that have since become more renowned.

The new palace cost £2 million, has 1500 rooms, 3 miles of corridor, 40 lifts, 100 stairways and over 3000 workers. The main building has four levels, split into three distinct and colour-coded sections: gold for royalty, red for Lords, and green for Commons (see our handy little map). Many of the surrounding buildings are also part of The Parliamentary Estate, most famously, Portcullis House. This building, to the North, is a complete contrast to the gothic style of the Palace, being a modern, light, airy building. Many MPs, including those of the Shadow Cabinet, have chosen to have their offices in Portcullis House, rather than the Palace itself.

When Londonist came to visit, we were taken around the traditional line of route, shown numerically on the map:

Norman Porch (1)
Who he? Not a person, but a room. This grand portal welcomes the Queen when she arrives for the state opening of parliament. When originally built it was intended to house the busts of Norman monarchs, hence the name. However, the cash ran out, and the room now contains the busts of 16 former Prime Ministers who have sat in the House of Lords. Stained glass windows by Pugin depict a young Queen Vic and Edward the Confessor (now there’s a Royal scandal).

The Royal Robing Room (2)
Widely viewed as the Palace’s most elegant room, this is where the Queen enrobes before state opening. A kind of extremely upmarket changing room. It was also used as the main sitting chamber of the House of Lords when the Commons moved into the normal Lords’ Chamber during the Blitz.

The Admission of St Tristram to the Fellowship of the Round Table dominates the room and indeed images of King Arthur and his Knights are everywhere. As are raucous school children, who seemed to accumulate in this room more than any other on our visit. Perhaps they were looking for the world’s first ever flushing toilet, designed by a certain Thomas Crapper, which is hidden behind a panel in the wall.

And there’s another connection with children here. The room is also a monument to the families of the chief architects: Barry’s son designed the magnificent fireplace and Pugin’s son-in-law provided the stained glass.

Paintings depict the true virtues of chivalry. Originally, there were meant to be seven although the artist died after he finished the 5th, so the other two areas are now filled with portraits of Queen Victoria (again!) and Prince Albert. The marquetry on the floor contains all of the different woods that are native to the UK.

The Royal Gallery (3)
This is the second largest room in the palace, beaten only by Westminster Hall, and is probably the largest sitting room that you will ever see!

Margaret Thatcher once invited (then) President Reagan to address both Houses in Westminster Hall; a great and rare honour. However, the Commons rejected the invitation, as a gentle reminder to Maggie that this is a gift only the Commons can give, NOT the Prime Minister. Reagan spoke here, in the Royal Gallery, instead. (Rumour has it that he wasn't too put out as he was just happy to be with Thatcher, his ‘best man in Engerland’ - an early sign of impending Alzheimer's perhaps.)

Portraits and statues of various kings and queens adorn the room. Charles I’s original death warrant is on display, along with, incongruously, some of Einstein’s letters.

Frescos by Daniel Maclise on each side depict battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar. They took several years each to complete and nearly drove the artist mad. An example of the uniform of every regiment that fought in the battles can be seen. When Charles De Gaulle addressed both Houses, curtains were hung over the paintings, completely covering them, so as not to offend him. Legend has it that he later wondered at the size of the windows in the gallery and was even more perplexed that the curtains remained closed.

Prince's Chamber (4)
This exists for no reason other than as a legacy from the old Palace. It is decorated with portraits and reliefs of Tudor and Stuart monarchs, with a pronounced Tudor theme in the decoration. In fact the only non-Tudor item is a statue of a young Queen Victoria (she gets everywhere in this place) flanked by personifications of Justice and Mercy. When the statue was originally commissioned, Victoria was sat on the same level as Justice and Mercy. When she saw it, the queen decided that she was the greater, and so a plinth was commissioned, bringing her head higher than those of Justice and Mercy.
lords.jpg

House of Lords (5)
The House of Lords only has seats for 350 of the 700 peers. The throne is covered in gold leaf and is divided into three distinct parts: the Queen and Prince Phillip sit in the middle, flanked by Prince Charles and Princess Anne on either side. Minor Royals and Bishops may sit on the steps leading up to the throne. The Lords' area of the Palace of Westminster is both larger and more ornate than the Commons end, with red furnishings, much gold leaf and brass work. We found ourselves walking in a Pugin wonderland.

Here, the queen reads out her annual speech at the opening of parliament. Despite her good breeding she's not averse at having things put in her mouth and that speech is actually written by the Prime Minister. It sets out the ruling party’s policies for the next session of Parliament. The public gallery extends around the chamber. A low, red curtain borders the gallery. This was installed in the 1960s to protect the modesty of miniskirt-wearing ladies (forcing the Lords to take their brownies down to the tube to begin the still honoured tradition of the up-skirt-escalator shot).

The dangling microphones and loudspeakers in the backs of the chairs were installed in the 1960s, and are essential for elderly Lords to be able to hear proceedings, and indeed to speak loudly enough to be heard from one end of the chamber to the other. There's a slight optical illusion at play here as they seem to shift in and out of sight and, rather than looking out of place, the Terry Gilliamesque technology actually adds to the bizarre tone of the place.

The Lord Chancellor sits on the ‘woolsack’ (literally a sack of wool, Britain's largest export in the 19th Century, and a sign of its trading power - an upgrade would mean him sitting on the 'Beckhamsack', not a reform that we back for obvious reasons of taste). He performs similar duties to those of the speaker in the House of Commons.

Government peers sit on the right, opposition peers on the left. There are also benches in the middle, known as 'crossbenches', where Lords with no party allegiance sit.

The Statues around the chamber represent the sixteen earls who forced the King to sign Magna Carta in 1215.

The Bar of the House is the furthest into the House of Lords that any non-peer can go. It is also the area into which MPs cram (all 646 of them) in order to hear the Queen’s speech. We passed beyond the bar and through the Lords’ Lobby (6), to reach the Central Lobby.

There is a straight line of sight between the Commons and the Lords. When all the doors are opened the Speaker in the Commons can see right through to the throne and the woolsack in the House of Lords. This is a design feature to show the idea of unity between the Monarchy, Lords and Commons, and to show that all three are of equal importance.
lobby.jpg

Central Lobby (7)
This is the heart of the Palace, where everything comes together. It is every British citizen’s right to walk in off the street and demand to see their MP (if he or she isn't sporting a leotard on Channel Four, that is). This is known as Lobbying, a phrase derived from the location in which you meet your MP, the central lobby. The space also contains a working post office, which is open to all members of the public (Londonist encourages you to go through security with the excuse "I'm going to the post office to buy some stamps" and see how far you get.)

The lobby is adorned with marble statues of famous statesmen of the 19th century, including Gladstone. The four patron saints of the United Kingdom are also displayed here in the form of four mosaics. The symmetry of the centre of the building (a very Pugin-esque idea) is about the point in the middle of this room. This is also where you’ll find Nick Robinson and other reporters during news broadcasts.

Members' Lobby (8)
The House of Commons Members' Lobby is where MPs congregate before a debate. It is adorned with statues and busts of great statesmen. Churchill and David Lloyd George are the most prominent, situated by the entrance to the House of Commons chamber. The bronze of Churchill's foot has become very polished due to the custom of touching it before a debate for good luck. With the rise of the Liberal Democrats, the same has started to happen to Lloyd George’s foot. You can also see the pigeonholes used by the MPs for internal mail. Say what you like about George Galloway bringing politics into disrepute, but it was HIS name that had the schoolchildren excited as they ran their fingers across the names. Blair and Brown, in contrast failed, to raise a murmur.

Busts of all the deceased Prime Ministers of the 20th Century can also be found in this room. If only we’d known during our recent stalk.

Division Lobby
There are two division lobbies in the House of Commons. The ‘No’ lobby on the right, and the ‘Aye’ or yes lobby on the left. All the furniture in the lobbies was donated by Commonwealth countries. The furniture in the No lobby, for example, comes from Uganda

When a division in the House is called, MPs file into the lobbies according to how they want to vote. The division bell rings throughout the entire building and throughout many buildings in the Westminster vicinity, including popular pubs and bars frequented by MPs. They have 8 minutes to get to the lobby before the doors are locked. They then walk through the lobby, and between the clerk’s desks. A division normally takes around 15 minutes, but the record is 9 minutes (when England were playing in the World Cup). After the desks, MPs must bow their heads to the tellers to prove their identity. (It was common in the early 20th Century for MPs to send their assistants in disguise.)
commons.jpg


House of Commons (9)
A couple of us had actually been into the House of Commons before - sort of - although that House had had a couple of rows missing being only a mock-up built for television drama and part of the Manchester Granada Studios tour. There you got to sit in the seats and heckle the opposition tourists across the way before having your photo taken next to a fake Number Ten. Perfect for Northerners not wanting to give up cheap beer and gravy in return for a glimpse of the real thing. Faced now with the actual House of Commons, a sense of unreality again crept in as security guards kept a watchful eye on anyone tempted to take Blair's seat or even touch the spot where the Iron Lady's arse was not for turning.

The recently installed bullet-proof/bomb-proof/idiot-proof security screen above would have been invisible were it not for the jarringly out of place metal supports rammed into the roof. A necessary evil perhaps to protect our elected members from purple flour and worse, but also sad to see. Elsewhere in the Palace are other smaller and less intrusive signs of civil disobedience, but you need a keen eye to spot them. (Look out for the statue of the Second Earl of Falkland and take note that the tip of his sword is cracked. Back in the day, a suffragette handcuffed herself to that very spot only for an overzealous policeman to pull her and the tip of the blade free.)

Our spirits were lifted somewhat when an unnamed insider told us that the books covering the desk that separates the government from the opposition concealed a hidden piece of graffiti. A phrase that would be better suited on a school desk than this huge imposing gift of Canadian wood, but which offers a window into the mentality of British politics: ‘Tony Blair is a cunt‘. As we left, still under the close eye of the security guards, it would be hard to imagine a member of the public getting away with such an act of vandalism and we couldn't help but wonder which of Tony's cabinet carried a penknife.

The Chamber is rather plain compared with that of the Lords. In large part, this is the fault of the Germans. Not a reference to the Windsors (no monarch has been allowed in this room since Charles I), but a rather good shot by the Luftwaffe over 60 years ago. The chamber was rebuilt after the war by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the man behind Battersea Power Station, the red phone box, the Tate modern, etc. etc. (We really must get round to stalking him one of these days.) A blackened, fire-damaged arch remains in the Members’ Lobby, as a reminder of that fateful evening during WWII.

Looking towards House of Lords, the Opposition sit on the left and the Government benches are on the right. The Liberal Democrats and other parties are located on the opposition side on the section of benches nearest the House of Lords, and everybody else is behind them (including…sometimes…George Galloway, who sits in the corner, facing the wall, with a Dunce cap on).

Up above the Speakers Chair is the press gallery. The press are not allowed to use modern technology, and so must rely on their pen, paper and shorthand skills. The Hansard recorders (Hansard is the 'minutes' of the Commons, recording all happenings) also sit in there with their shorthand machines. As soon as the debates for that day have ended, the machines are taken away to the publishers. Overnight, the debates are collated and printed, to be on every MP’s desk the next morning. MPs have 24 hours to amend Hansard before it becomes a permanent record of events.

The cameras and the sound system were installed in the 1960s. It is now possible for the public to watch proceedings on digital television on the BBC Parliament channel, which is almost as popular as QVC.

The two red lines that run along the length of the chamber are called Sword Lines. When members still commonly carried swords there was a danger of a debate becoming over-heated and developing into a mass sword fight. To counter this threat, these two lines were installed. They are two swords lengths and a foot apart. Any MP who speaks must do so from behind these lines. This prevents an MP from lunging across the chamber to take his opposition out. Nowadays, MPs don’t carry swords, but sword racks still remain in the Members’ Cloakroom, now used mostly for umbrellas and perhaps spare walking sticks for the more infirm backbenchers.

The White Line that can be seen going across the throat of the chamber is the Bar of the House. Similar to the equivalent in the House of Lords, it is as far as any non-MP can go while the House is in session.

The Sergeant at Arms or one of his deputies sits in on all debates. The Sergeant is responsible for security matters within the House of Commons and makes sure that MPs abide by the strict rules of the House. He is the only person allowed to carry a sword, a sign of his disciplinary role, although it is only used for ceremonial purposes and perhaps opening the mail. The position and effectiveness of the Sergeant at Arms was recently questioned when the pro-foxhunt demonstrators, led by Brian Ferry's son Otis, broke into the house. There is now room off-camera for an armed police officer to keep an eye on proceedings, so if you think your own Fathers4Justice style campaign could do with a shot in the arm think again unless you want to end up looking like a George Romero extra. That would liven things up on the Parliament channel though.

St Stephens Chapel (10)
This is no longer a chapel. It is now only a rather elaborate corridor forming the public entrance into Central Lobby. The Gold Studs in the floor are where the original speaker's chair and clerks' table of the Commons were situated (in the first Palace). Stained glass windows show every constituency in Britain.
Hall.jpg

Westminster Hall (11)
Westminster Hall is the only original part of the building started in 1099 that survives today. When the monarch still lived in the Palace, Henry VIII used it as a tennis court, and was obviously as free and easy with his lobbing as he was with his wife swapping, as Tudor tennis balls have been found in the rafters ever since. The only PM ever to be assassinated (so far) was shot here - Spencer Percieval was killed on the steps with a musket in 1812. Quality name, Spencer.

Several historic events have been held in here, from the trial and impeachment of the Earl of Strafford (Thomas Wentworth), to the trial of Charles I, Winston Churchill lying in state, and most recently the Queen Mother also lying in state (on a still evening the faint smell of gin and formaldehyde still hangs in the air).

Westminster Hall also houses the Secondary Chamber, confusingly also called Westminster Hall, which runs in conjunction with the main chamber. This gives backbenchers a greater chance of getting their views on the record.

The Hall also acts as a place where visiting statesmen can give a speech to both houses and is thought to be much more prestigious than the Royal Robing Room. Most recently, Nelson Mandela addressed both Houses here.
Portcullis House roof.jpg


Behind the Scenes
Our official tour over, we were treated to the sights, sounds and, yes, even the smells that your common-or-garden tourist doesn’t get to see. First of all came the fag area, sensibly kept outdoors for fear of a third devastating fire. A new glass canopy has been installed here at great expense and minimal expertise. Anyone over six foot is liable to crack their head on the low supports.

The canteen offered heavily subsidised meals with huge variety. We half-inched an embossed serviette or two as keepsakes. (There really was no end to our starry-eyed souvenir accumulation, by the way. During the rest of the day, we got our paws on parliamentary magazines, post-it notes and acknowledgement slips. We even withdrew cash from the Palace ATMs, just so we could make our bank statements look impressive for a change.)

Perhaps the greatest privilege was a cheeky few minutes on the Thameside terrace. We weren’t supposed to be here, but the security were rather nice about it all, until we tried taking photos.

After a brief visit to the office area, we took a magic tunnel over to Portcullis House, in all its greenhouse glory (pictured). The highlight here was the many paintings of modern parliamentarians in a riot of clashing styles. We particularly liked the triptych of Blair, Kennedy and Hague, each panel of which was painted to a width proportional to each leader’s number of seats.

We finished the day in a somewhat threadbare bar overlooking Parliament Square. It felt like an old out-of-favour country hotel bar, in need of redecoration. Still, the ale was splendid and the price was right.

You Can Come Too
To go on a free tour yourself, and see what your representatives in parliament get up to, contact your MP through parliament's website to arrange a tour. Alternatively, you can pay for a professional tour during the summer recess. In addition, the public may watch Commons debates for free. Apply in advance for tickets, or join the usually lengthy queue at St Stephen’s entrance.<br/>Tags: londonist, westminster, charles barry<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/84697">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
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        Westminster Community Theater uses the venue for performances.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster playhouse<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029302">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
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        </description>
<georss:point>45.536363 -122.649131</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1929762">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1929762</link>
<title>Westminster Presbyterian Chr</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Westminster Presbyterian Chr (360) 254-2826<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1929762">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>45.618702 -122.554663</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1929764">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1929764</link>
<title>Westminster Presbyterian Chr</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Westminster Presbyterian Chr (360) 254-1726<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1929764">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>45.673263 -122.601172</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1929768">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1929768</link>
<title>Sunrise Taekwando</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Sunrise Taekwando (503) 698-3997<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1929768">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>45.429614 -122.539963</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1014356">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1014356</link>
<title>Westminster Community Theatre</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The theater was founded in 1961 as the Westminster Players with the presentation of Applause.  The building was constructed in 1974 and the first show presented on May 31, 1974, was Don't Drink the Water.  The building seats 122 persons and is presented in a Thrust Stage format.<br />---<a href='http://www.westminster-theater.org'>www.westminster-theater.org</a><br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster community theatre<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1014356">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.753732 -118.00192</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 19:20:18.046055+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1026721">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1026721</link>
<title>Blakey Historical Park</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, blakey historical park<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026721">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.759347 -117.979571</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:13.217745+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1026729">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1026729</link>
<title>Westminster Rose Center: Rose Center Theater</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The beautiful Rose Center Theater is Westminster’s new State-of-the-Art Theater Complex. With an impressive 40-foot wide proscenium stage, this 16,000 square foot facility boasts a magnificent performance space designed with luxurious VIP boxes, professional sound and lighting equipment and 2 spacious glass-enclosed upper and lower lobbies.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, rose center theater<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026729">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.756797 -117.985448</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:24.542618+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1028761">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1028761</link>
<title>Pho 79</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Pho 79 is a bare-bones experience. Grilled meats and chunky fruit-filled desserts share the menu with dozens of phos (pronounced&quot;fuh &quot;) and other soupy blends. The broth and meat come in a large bowl accompanied by a platter of fresh herbs not found in Martha Stewart's garden, along with thick slices of jalepeno pepper and a mountain of pale white rice noodles. The common practice is to put a bite-size portion of soup into a small bowl, adding noodles and whatever greens you want with chopsticks, and sip it from flat-bottom spoons stacked in a handy tabletop stand on your table. (Elizabeth Evans, 2000)<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, pho 79, 9200 bolsa ave., 117<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028761">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.744769 -117.96833</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:19.549323+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1028770">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1028770</link>
<title>Rockin Crawfish</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        A restaurant serving Cajun-style seafood amidst a lively Southern atmosphere.<br/>Tags: crawfish, seafood, events, southern, cajun, reviews, westminster, suite 120, crayfish, rockin crawfish, 9211 bolsa ave.<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028770">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.74492 -117.968853</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:26.123653+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1028773">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1028773</link>
<title>Westminster Library</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The Westminster Branch has a large collection of Asian-language materials, emphasizing Vietnamese. Visually impaired patrons are served with a Kurzweil reading machine, materials from the Braille Library and large-print books.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster library<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028773">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.755646 -117.98708</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:27.023636+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029270">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029270</link>
<title>Bomb Shelter Rehearsal Studios</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Music rehearsal studio with six rooms including a showcase room with full stage and lighting for bands wanting to practice their live show in a real environment.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, bomb shelter rehearsal studios<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029270">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.773784 -117.998193</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:19.439242+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029276">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029276</link>
<title>Hong Kong Express</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: takeout, events, reviews, westminster, hong kong express<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029276">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.738077 -117.989337</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:22.039608+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029277">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029277</link>
<title>Kim's Ballroom Dance Studio</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, kims ballroom dance studio<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029277">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.773791 -117.996886</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:22.3783+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029278">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029278</link>
<title>Lazy Dog Cafe</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        A bustling, casual but nice restaurant with a comfy &quot;lazy-dog&quot; attitude about enjoying life. Eclectic menu of appetizers (Hawaiian Ahi Poke to Rocky Mountain Wings), stone-fired pizzas, wok platters, pastas, salads, sandwiches, burgers and gourmet homestyle entrees (Mom's Pot Pie, Bleu Cheese Ribeye, Campfire Pot Roast, Roasted Garlic Lamb Shank, fresh fish of the day). Two-tiered kids' menu. Opened in 2003 by Chris Simms, son of restaurant veteran Thomas Simms, founder of Mimi's Cafe.<br/>Tags: american, family, events, reviews, westminster, lazy dog cafe, mimis<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029278">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.726061 -117.98916</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:22.727439+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029279">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029279</link>
<title>Liberty Skate Park</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        10,000-square-foot park designed for beginners with smooth banks, ledges, rails and a small bowl with a hip.<br/>Tags: events, skate park, reviews, westminster, liberty skate park<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029279">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.760636 -117.985466</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:23.065271+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029281">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029281</link>
<title>New Life Foundation</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Nonprofit group features seminars on self-help based on life-healing principles of Vernon Howard.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, new life foundation<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029281">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.758983 -118.027771</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:23.715361+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029282">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029282</link>
<title>Orange County West Superior Court West Center</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Proceedings include those for criminal, small claims and traffic.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, orange county west superior court west center<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029282">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.755641 -117.987604</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:24.017731+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029283">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029283</link>
<title>Pho 54</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, pho 54<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029283">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.738639 -117.954692</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:24.337885+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029284">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029284</link>
<title>Pho Ben Thanh</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, pho ben thanh<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029284">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.740687 -117.989369</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:24.66369+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029285">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029285</link>
<title>Pho Hoa</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        You can get a steaming bowl of pho, that inexpensive but oh-so-satisfying Vietnamese comfort food, at all hours at Pho Hoa. Simple and fresh-tasting satisfaction in the form of beef or chicken broth with rice noodles, onions and the meat of your choice, served with a plate of lime, crunchy bean sprouts, mint, cilantro and jalapeno peppers for your taste-tailoring pleasure. All for about $5-$7 a bowl.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, suite 101, kids menu, 9211 bolsa ave., pho hoa<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029285">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.744856 -117.968315</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:24.981675+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029287">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029287</link>
<title>Pura Vida Costa Rican Cuisine</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, kids menu, pura vida costa rican cuisine, 6731 westminster blvd., suite 113<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029287">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.759075 -118.011046</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:25.745102+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029289">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029289</link>
<title>Riviera at the Fireside</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        One of Orange County's finest restaurants since 1967. Specializing in tableside service.</p><p>On the outside, it's easy to mistake the Riviera for a Spires, but venture inside -- gold quality food and atmosphere. The filet mignon is drizzled with crab and hollandaise sauce and accompanied by asparagus, mini potatoes, carrots and green beans. The Shrimp Riviera is jumbo butterfly shrimp sautéed in garlic butter. Candle-lit lamps adorn each black, plush leather booth, waiters are clad in tuxedos. Feel like splurging? Try Cristal Rose Louis Roederer for a mere $425 a bottle (wooden gift box included). (Laila Derakhshanian, SqueezeOC)<br/>Tags: events, reviews, continental, westminster, riviera at the fireside, tableside<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029289">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.759844 -118.024605</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:26.466325+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045410">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045410</link>
<title>ASKU Gallery</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, asku gallery<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045410">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.847434 -105.034488</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:12.611154+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045411">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045411</link>
<title>Barnes and Noble Booksellers - Westminster</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, barnes and noble booksellers westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045411">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.868951 -105.053093</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:12.746075+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045412">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045412</link>
<title>Bowles House Museum</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, bowles house museum<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045412">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.827286 -105.038385</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:12.880749+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045413">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045413</link>
<title>Capabilities</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, capabilities<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045413">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.856591 -105.07429</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.0113+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045414">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045414</link>
<title>Church Ranch Veterinary Wellness Center</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        SINGLES NIGHT EVENT-VALENTINEâS DAY</p><p>Westminster, CO. â February 14th, 2007 6:00-8:00 PM, Church Ranch Veterinary Wellness Center in partnership with Creative Transformations is hosting a âLove of Dogsâ night - designed for single dog parents to mingle with other single dog parents while their pooches play and make friends.  This is a non-alcoholic mixer where singles can meet other local singles with similar interests - the love of dogs â in a safe and casual environment.   </p><p>This community service event is free to all single dog parents.  The center will host two separate events: a non-alcoholic âsingles mixer for parentsâ and an indoor âdoggy play date.â The human event will be upstairs in the studio of âCreative Transformationsâ where there will be refreshments, music and goodies along with fun and exciting door prizes that will be given away throughout the evening.  The parents will have a chance to mingle and get to know each other in a comfortable and relaxing environment while downstairs, in our 2600 square foot âDoggy Day Campâ space, the dogs will be meeting new friends, playing and having fun while burning some of their stored up winter energy.  </p><p>All dogs must be spayed/neutered and complete a free âplayful pooch interviewâ and mom or dad must provide current vaccination records prior to the night of the event to help insure the health and safety of all our âkids.â  Please call 303-469-PETS to schedule your âplayful pooch interviewâ prior to February 13th.  For more details please visit our web-site at: <a href='http://www.469PETS.com'>www.469PETS.com<<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, church ranch veterinary wellness center<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045414">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.880873 -105.089782</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.142863+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045415">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045415</link>
<title>Covenant Village</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, covenant village<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045415">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.860705 -105.085686</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.276894+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045417">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045417</link>
<title>DeVry University Westminster campus</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The DeVry University 75th Anniversary Memorabilia Expo and Senior Project Fair</p><p>The Senior Project Fair will be highlighted by an exhibition of new engineering marvels--ranging from a virtual hand to a vehicle performance display system--being presented by graduating business and technology students.</p><p>Being held in conjunction with the fair is the DeVry University 75th Anniversary Memorabilia Expo which will feature more than 100 significant artifacts,from antique movie cameras built in the 1930s to vintage transistorized voltmeters from the 1970s to bygone computers of the 1980s. The collection was compiled by DeVry University executives, faculty and alumni.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, devry university, devry university westminster campus, senior project fair, traveling memorabilia expo<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045417">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.918405 -105.007106</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.591734+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045418">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045418</link>
<title>Hokeâs Genuine Pit BBQ</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        WHY WE LOVE IT: No sticky- sweet sauce nonsense here. Just perfectly smoked beef, chicken and pork slow-roasted under a spice rub. Sauce comes on the side.</p><p>WHAT TO GET: St. Louis-style ribs, pork sandwich<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, hokes genuine pit bbq<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045418">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.856317 -105.10002</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.745383+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045420">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045420</link>
<title>Jammin' Joe's</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, jammin joes<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045420">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.825829 -105.053291</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.972994+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045421">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045421</link>
<title>Jewel of India</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        WHY WE LOVE IT: Hidden in the corner of a Westminster strip mall, Jewel of India serves some of the best Indian food in the metro area. The scents of dusty spice and baking naan surround you as soon as you enter the door. Leaving hungry is unthinkable. </p><p>WHAT TO GET: Thai plates<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, jewel of india<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045421">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.883983 -105.025243</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:14.111422+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045422">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045422</link>
<title>Kabob Station</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, kabob station<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045422">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.915365 -105.006116</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:14.252335+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045423">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045423</link>
<title>Los Arcos</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, los arcos<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045423">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.841796 -105.050389</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:14.393126+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045424">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045424</link>
<title>Madcap Theater Westminster Promenade</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, madcap theater westminster promenade<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045424">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.891292 -105.070983</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:14.519064+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045425">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045425</link>
<title>Que Bueno! Mexican Grille</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, que bueno! mexican grille<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045425">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.89148 -105.072703</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:14.802184+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045427">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045427</link>
<title>Sherwood Park</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Sherwood Park is a 15 acre park in a neighborhood area. The park amenities include a basketball court, two pavilions, seven picnic tables, BBQ grill, turf field, play equipment, and drinking fountain.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, sherwood park<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045427">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.901558 -105.066077</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:15.826945+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045428">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045428</link>
<title>SmartCare Family Medical Center inside the Westminster Wal-Mart Supercenter at 9499 Sheridan Blvd.</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, smartcare family medical center inside the westminster walmart supercenter at 9499 sheridan blvd.<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045428">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.869355 -105.053309</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.04806+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045431">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045431</link>
<title>The Westin Westminster</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Get away from it all at The Westin Westminster nestled between Boulder and downtown Denver. Enjoy everything the town has to offer from the convenient location of this four-diamond hotel on the promenade, only steps away from shops, restaurants, and the nationâs largest ice arena.</p><p>Host the perfect event with us. With over 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space equipped with technologically advanced equipment, your event is sure to be a success. Or host an event outdoors with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop. Relax with an outdoor spa treatment or a dip in our indoor heated pool.</p><p>Each spacious guest room at The Westin Westminster features beautiful High Plaines dÃ©cor that draws upon the warmth and beauty of Colorado. Enjoy a relaxing nightâs sleep in our signature Heavenly BedÂ® with a pillow top mattress and cozy down comforter and wake up to amazing Rocky Mountain views.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, the westin westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045431">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.889736 -105.070651</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.535538+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045435">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045435</link>
<title>
        <![CDATA[
        Wallyâs Quality Meats & Delicatessen
        ]]>
        </title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, butcher, reviews, westminster, wallys quality meats amp delicatessen<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045435">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.898651 -105.053069</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:17.048854+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045436">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045436</link>
<title>Westminister Elks</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Welcome to Westminster Lodge #2227, &quot;Colorado's Friendliest Lodge&quot; and home of the Golden Elk. Whatever you're looking to find out about our lodge, you can find it at your fingertips on our website. Designed for your convenience, it has information about our members, facilities, events and much, much more. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site and would welcome the opportunity to visit with you in person at any one of our many lodge events.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, elks, westminister elks<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045436">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.826291 -105.039996</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:17.19028+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045438">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045438</link>
<title>Westminster City Hall</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster city hall<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045438">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.863455 -105.048903</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:17.455116+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045439">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045439</link>
<title>Westminster Family Recreation Center</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster family recreation center<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045439">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.88522 -105.05314</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:17.741583+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045440">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045440</link>
<title>Wild Noodles</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, wild noodles<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045440">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.847434 -105.034488</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:17.865391+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045441">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045441</link>
<title>Wits End Comedy Club</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, wits end comedy club<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045441">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.85852 -105.064014</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:18.004937+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1056234">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1056234</link>
<title>Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: london, events, reviews, westminster, queen elizabeth ii conference centre, broad sanctuary<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1056234">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>51.50015 -0.127996</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 21:17:17.781627+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1065287">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1065287</link>
<title>Regal (Hoyts) Cinemas Westminster 9</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Regal (Hoyts) Cinemas Westminster 9 (410) 857-1410<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1065287">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.57566 -76.982599</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1065289">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1065289</link>
<title>Maria's of Westminster</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Maria's of Westminster (410) 848-5666<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1065289">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.570288 -76.992344</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1065291">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1065291</link>
<title>Westminster Union Bank</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Westminster Union Bank (410) 848-9300<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1065291">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.572463 -76.993021</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1065293">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1065293</link>
<title>Westminster Antique Mall</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Westminster Antique Mall (410) 857-4044<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1065293">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.584394 -76.980031</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1065295">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1065295</link>
<title>Westminster Union Bank</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Westminster Union Bank (410) 848-9303<br/>Tags: westminster<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1065295">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.573881 -76.994453</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:system</dc:creator>
<dc:date>1997-01-01 00:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029288">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029288</link>
<title>Renato's</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        A family-run business at the same location since 1984, Renato's Restaurant offers Italian food in a relaxed atmosphere. A wall mural and candelight give that authentic Italian feel.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, renatos<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029288">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.739158 -117.954721</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:26.13938+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1026724">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1026724</link>
<title>Westminster Chamber of Commerce</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster chamber of commerce<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026724">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.7447 -117.993184</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:18.503471+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1026727">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1026727</link>
<title>Westminster Civic Center</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster civic center<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026727">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.759306 -117.986245</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:24.027403+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1026728">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1026728</link>
<title>Westminster Civic Center: Sunken Gardens</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, sunken gardens<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1026728">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.759306 -117.986245</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 21:36:24.261516+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1028774">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1028774</link>
<title>Westminster Rose Center</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        The Westminster Rose Center auditorium includes a state-of-the-art theater with ample seating.  With curtain alterations the stage can be used for solo performances, town hall meetings, large scale musical comedy productions, choral, orchestra, ballet and stage weddings. The seating is comfortable with wide aisles and VIP box seating is available.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, westminster rose center<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1028774">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.756797 -117.985448</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:04:27.294851+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029290">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029290</link>
<title>Seafood World</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, seafood world<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029290">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.739499 -117.954736</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:26.78863+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029291">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029291</link>
<title>Sun's Donut</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, suns donut<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029291">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.7381 -117.989337</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:27.112319+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029292">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029292</link>
<title>Temple Beth David</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, temple beth david<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029292">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.761544 -118.0233</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:27.414391+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1029293">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1029293</link>
<title>Thanh My</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, thanh my<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1029293">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>33.744903 -117.960828</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-05 22:12:27.788801+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045416">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045416</link>
<title>DeVry University - Westminster</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        DeVry University offers flexible scheduling and the convenience to study in class at any of 80+ locations, online or a combination of both. Earn a respected associate degree, bachelorâs degree or masterâs degree from an accredited university. A career-oriented education from DeVry will put you in a great place to begin or advance in the workplace when you graduate. Pursue your passion your way. At DeVry.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, devry university westminster, devry university, memorabilia expo, devry<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045416">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.918405 -105.007106</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:13.40746+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045429">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045429</link>
<title>The Affordable Escape</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Grand Opening! Will have FREE health screenings, FREE chair massages, acupuncture demonstrations, drawings for prizes! Proceeds going to the Arvada Child Advocacy Center! Come check out what this new spa has to offer!  Everyone is welcome.<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, the affordable escape<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045429">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.856462 -105.082667</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.248066+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045430">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045430</link>
<title>The Exchange Tavern</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        In traditional Irish villages, and at the Bradburn Village the tavern or local public house is the place where neighbors meet, visit, and exchange ideas.<br />We have a large draft selection and offer a full menu including Irish fare. Customers are welcome to use our wi-fi connection. Come for the drinks, the food and the company!<br/>Tags: events, reviews, westminster, 300, the exchange tavern, 11940 bradburn blvd<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045430">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.847434 -105.034488</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.390617+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045433">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045433</link>
<title>Tuk Tuk Thai Bistro</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: events, reviews, westminster, tuk tuk thai bistro<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045433">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.891987 -105.073322</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.77401+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://platial.com/post/1045434">
<link>http://platial.com/post/1045434</link>
<title>Valenteâs Deli Bakery</title>
<description>
        <![CDATA[
        Tags: market, events, reviews, westminster, valentes deli bakery<br /><br /><a href="http://platial.com/post/1045434">Map this on Platial</a><br /> 
        ]]>
        </description>
<georss:point>39.828203 -105.035879</georss:point>
<dc:creator>platialUser:baobot</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2007-03-07 19:46:16.910431+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
</rdf:RDF>