Political Bible polished up

There are two names that will not be spoken as often in Ottawa after Wednesday: Robert Marleau and Camille Montpetit.

Marleau, the former clerk of Parliament and Montpetit, the former deputy clerk, co-wrote the House of Commons Procedure and Practice in 2000.

It is a massive book that can be found on the bedside table of any truly dedicated party House leader.

Often called the "Bible," it tells you everything you want or need to know about how things work inside the House of Commons.

The electoral process? Got it.

Assignment of seats? Done.

Order and Decorum? 10-4

But the M&M, as it is fondly known, is no more.

Or rather, it's been updated.

The second edition of the procedural brick was launched Wednesday.

Authored by the current clerk, Audrey O'Brien, and the deputy clerk Marc Bosc, it's been revamped and retooled.

Fifteen hundred pages and 6,952 footnotes.

And most importantly, if the opposition parties ever again decide to form a "coalition," you need only turn to page 55.

You can read there that even though all three opposition parties were ready to form a government, the governor general allowed the prime minister to prorogue the House on Dec. 4, 2008.

It's a good read. And a must-read for political nerds and hacks and lovers alike.

So, know you know what I'll be doing Wednesday night.