Halifax Nights and Sights

Violence In Halifax

2011-08-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

You know what pisses me off? Well yes, a lot of things, but one thing in particular is how the police, who, at least around here of late, seem to be having a tough time catching the bad guys, but always have a plan to deal with the crimes, which are increasingly violent. In the latest plan, described today on the ATV News at suppertime with Steve Murphy, is to target owners of restricted firearms who have 'failed to register' or re-register their firearms. This is obstensibly to remove those guns from the 'street' so the bad guys cannot steal them and use the stolen guns in crimes. Apparently there is a rash of guns being stolen, although we haven't heard much about that until now.

OK, so that's the plan. What about a plan to find and arrest the guys who are using these stolen firearms? The police spokesperson didn't delve into that very much, apparently because the plan is either, 1) top secret or 2) unintelligble or non-existant.

It's time to get tough on crime, and that isn't just the job of the police. It's time that we demand tough sentences, really tough, long sentences for those found guilty of violent crime. Any crime for that matter, but violent crime should be, 1) non-parobale, and 2) bring mandatory long sentences. Forget about rehabilitation and lock these people up, for a long time.

The police can't catch them all apparently, I get that, but those they do catch should find themselves incarcerated for years and years, and then some more years....tack on a few extra years for good measure. It's not like they are contributing to society.

Cash For Concerts and Dandilions

2011-06-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Halifax Regional Municipality Cash For Concerts scandal gives me a headache....particularly the attitude of Mayor Peter Kelly in regard to his involvement or lack of involvement in the issue.

According to a report The Halifax Chronicle Herald the Halifax Auditor General said:

"an unauthorized payment of $400,000 to a concert promoter was made against a backdrop of "groupthink" and an "overwhelming desire" to host major concerts in Halifax,"

The Auditor General added that acting chief administrative officer Wayne Anstey "should have known better"

I couldn't agree more. At least Wayne Antsey had the fortitude to resign, retire, leave his position in the wake of the release of the information. Kelly on the other hand has held on to his job, saying he will let the voters decide his fate in the next municipal election.

I think that election should
be now. Halifax residents need to have their say in this matter as well as other matters such as the apparent ineptitude of the current Municipal Council, which is led by the Mayor Peter Kelly.

For example, the Council passed a bylaw banning the use of pesticides in the HRM....that has recently been overturned by the same Council who changed their minds when the city became overrun with dandilions and residents and property owners started screaming. Well who didn't know that was going to happen when the ban came into force? Apparently not the good folks on the Municipal Council who don't seem to be very far sighted in their decision making ability. You can read the story in the Chronicle Herald, HRM council resurrects just-banned weed killer

While I applaud their willingness to admit mistakes and reverse their decisions, I'm not sure what these folks are thinking when they pass laws like this in the first place. While I understand the importance of proper pesticide use in terms of our water supplies and the environment, what I don't understand is how the Council can think that the public, the voters in HRM will agree.

If Council is worried about the lakes and rivers,(and they should be) perhaps they should look at other methods of protecting the water like enacting strict green belt regulations and control where developers can build and develop subdivisions around bodies of water.

Another approach might be a reduction in taxes for residents who replace lawns with alternatives to grass, such as pea gravel or trees, shrubs and flowers. Encourage homeowners to replace backyards with trees instead of grass, adding to our city's greenery, offering some refuge for animals and birds and helping to cool the earth as well as reduce our need for pesticides to control dandilions.

Tom Selleck Nova Scotia

2011-05-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

I caught a clip on the local news last night, ATV, where they interviewed Tom Selleck, who is in Nova Scotia again filming another of his Jesse Stone movies. Gotta love that. Selleck is ever the gentleman and speaks very highly of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotians.

Tom Selleck is such a consumate professional in my opinion, and appears very down to earth when he is interviewed. I cannot help but think he is a regular guy, as much as a hearthrob, movie and television star, make that superstar, can be....no pretensions, and so pleasant. Makes me want to talk to him too.....

Usually the Jesse Stone movies are filmed around the
Blue Rocks area of the South Shore of Nova Scotia and in and around Halifax. The weather is nice today, might be a great day to get out and see if you can catch a glimpse of Selleck and the other stars in the movie.

The Jesse Stone movies, featuring Selleck as Jesse Stone an alcoholic who used to be a homicide detective in Los Angeles who becomes the chief of police for a Massachusetts town.

These are great made for television movies, and with Tom Selleck in the lead, why wouldn't they be? I have never seen a Tom Selleck movie I didn't like.

In case you missed the first Jesse Stone movies starring Tom Selleck, they are available on DVD:

Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost

Jesse Stone: No Remorse

Jesse Stone: Night Passage

Jesse Stone: Thin Ice

Jesse Stone: Stone Cold

Jesse Stone: Sea Change

Jesse Stone: Death In Paradise

Capital Health Nurses Talking Strike Action In June

2011-05-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I am not a health care worker, nurse or government employee or anything like that so I don't have any information about this except for the news reports.

According to the CBC nurses/health care workers in Nova Scotia Capital Health are gearing up for a strike which will likely happen in June.

I cannot for the life of me understand how we can allow nurses and health care workers to strike. It should be illegal. They are government employees, civil servants and if they aren't an essential service, I don't know who is.....

Let's be realistic, employees at a
fictional XYG Manufacturing go on strike, the company, XYG suffers, as do shareholders if it's a public traded company. The strike action is against the company, and it could potentially lose customers and revenues. I get that.

For that matter, office workers at a government dept like Natural Resources go on strike, well some stuff doesn't get done. Perhaps good stuff doesn't get done, but for all intents and purposes, it is unlikely that peoples lives will be in jeopardy.

But nurses and health care workers go on strike and potentially, you and I suffer. We suffer because of even longer wait times, we suffer because there are not enough qualified health care workers to care for us during times of illness. Surgeries can get postponed, even if they are "elective" surgeries, people, you and me, can still be suffering because we have to wait for a hip replacement or some such thing.

But officials say, "oh don't worry, we have emergency services still available and always will."

Uh-huh, well with wait times like they are at times in Nova Scotia hospitals already, it seems like they we are already shorthanded. If they can offer the same services with less staff, maybe it proves hospitals are overstaffed and the staff are underworked.

It's time the NDP government under Premier Dexter got serious with health care in Nova Scotia and make them an essential service with no right to strike. It's time....

Mike Savage Should Run For Mayor

2011-05-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

With his recent loss of the Federal Election, former Liberal Member of Parliament,(we won't hold that against him, just chaulk it up to the foibles of youth) Michael Savage is being touted as the next mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Well now that just might be A-OK. First of all, it's high time we bid a not so fond farewell to the Honorable Mayor Peter Kelly and got someone who might be able to do something to put Halifax back on the map. Right now Michael is just another out of work guy, but come a municipal election, I think he might have a pretty decent chance to get the top job running the province's largest municipality.

And even if he can't put Halifax back on the map,
maybe Mike Savage will make it less embarrassing to those of us living here. I have to admit, I am impressed with Mike Savage. I was particulary impressed by his handshake and congratulatory in-person message to NDP'r Robert Chisholm who had just won the seat they both had been campaigning for.....

I'm pretty sure Mayor Kelly is yesterday's news as far as being Mayor is concerned. In my opinion he sealed his fate when he let his staff take the fall on the concert fiasco, and didn't do the honorable thing, which was to resign.

At the time he said something about letting the voters decide, well, that was his chance. He should have resigned, and if he wanted us to decide, ran again. That way we could have decided then and there.

No matter, he didn't. However I think that come the next election, Mayor Kelly might find that the voters will remember, perhaps more than he might like us to remember.

He might also find himself up against a worthy political opponent, someone who will make him shiver at the thought of running against him.

Hopefully a guy by the name of Mike Savage....

2011 Canadian Federal Election

2011-05-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well...wow! The Canadian Federal Election 2011. It was a barn burner no doubt about that. Prime Minister Stephen Harper got his majority government that he wanted, and Jack Layton's NDP's are the official opposition, and well pity the poor Liberals....Michael Ignatiff is third and the Liberal Party is pretty much in disarray.

One of the big upsets of the evening, at least in my area, was the loss of Liberal incumbent Michael Savage to the New Democratic, Robert Chisholm. Robert was the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP's some time back, dropped out of the political scene for awhile, but dropped back in for this election and guess what? He won, beating Michael Savage.

Of course that is only one of the many upsets in this election, most notably in Quebec where it sounds like the NDP's have taken hold, and Gilles Duiceppe is retiring from the leadership of the Bloc Quebec party.

I'm glad for a Conservative Majority, I think it's time Canada had some political stabilty and leadership.

Dog Stolen In Home Invasion

2011-05-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

OK, talk about someone having a bad day....did you hear about the person in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia who had his pit bull dog stolen??

Apparently two men entered a home in Lower Sackville as part of a home invasion and made off with the resident's pit bull. Aren't these the dogs that people have as protection?

Police are investigating, but frankly, if that was my dog, I would tell them to let the crooks keep him......

You can read the full story at The Halifax Chronicle Herald, Dog Stolen In Home Invasion

Osama bin Laden Dead

2011-05-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia sent many troops to Afghanistan in the War on Terror following 911 and for that matter, is still involved in the fight against terrorism. Well, tonight that fight got some good news.....

Osama bin Laden has been killed !! In what might be the most significant event in the war against the terrorists and Islamic extremists that would just as soon see us dead, the news tonight is good news. The news reports coming in are rather sketchy, but it sounds like he was found in Pakistan, and his body is in the hands of the Americans.

It's been a long, long, hunt for bin laden, but finally it sounds like those involved in the hunt were finally successful.

It's time, we should all be thankful for this, and demonstrates the persistance of the United States and it's Allies that if you mess with them, they will track you down, however long it takes and at whatever cost......

Halifax Regional Municipality Wayne Antsy and Mayor Peter Kelly

2011-03-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2011
Well the Right Honorable Mayor Kelly is trying to sidestep the big fiasco that caused Wayne Antsy to have to resign his position with the Halifax Regional Municipality. The city apparently loaned $400,000 to a concert promotor for the Black Eyed Peas, a concert that brought less than enough money to cover costs and the promotor has now gone bankrupt leaving the citizens of Halifax Regional Municipality losing money.

Mayor Kelly blames the "lawyers" who he says
told him it was OK to sign off on the advance of the money, although it was apparently without City Council's approval. The Mayor says that it's OK, Antsy has taken responsibility and has resigned. But actually Antsy has only taken early retirement. He wasn't fired, he just resigned.

On another note, I don't know about you, but I think Mayor Peter Kelly has to drop the habit of saying, "Again" before he answers a question, it sounds like he is telling us something we already know, like he has already answered it and he is just saying it over again.

He says he is accountable to the taxpayers, and they can fire him at the next election....uh-huh....If he is reluctant to take on the responsibility perhaps Mayor Kelly should call for an election now and let the taxpayers of HRM decide his fate for him.

I come from a mindset where I feel that our elected officials need to take some responsibility for their actions. Clearly Mayor Kelly has screwed up, although in his words, if the lawyers say it's OK then who is he to question? Well, he is the Mayor, and should have some idea of what is right from wrong, especially when this was obviously questionable to say the least. But if he is correct in his idea that he can only go by the legal advice he is given, then it seems to me that in a case like this the legal advice was wrong and perhaps the lawyers should be fired if they are really to blame.

In the grand scheme of things, what does it matter, accountability for our actions is apparently not cleared spelled out in the election process. However, it seems to me that the chances are pretty good that the Honorable Mayor Peter Kelly of the Halifax Regional Municipality should dust off his resume because he just might be out of work.....that is if the people of the Halifax Regional Municipality wake up and smell the coffee....it's getting pretty stale.....

Nova Scotia International Air Show 2010

2010-09-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering what to do in Halifax this weekend, September 11 and 12, 2010, there is no better way to spend a day (or two) than at the 2010 Nova Scotia International Air Show. This year is going to be better than ever with lots of ground displays as well as some spectacular flying. I can say that because I already saw some of the flying today as a few of the teams, such as the Canadian Snow Birds, did some practice flights over Dartmouth. I also saw the American CF-135 Hornet, which is quite a plane indeed...no wonder those Taliban folks must run for the caves when they hear one of those planes coming. That has to be one of the most exhirating parts of the air show, the sound of the jets in flight....wow....

So if you are looking for something to do in Halifax, check out the airshow. You can find more information on their website, The Nova Scotia International Air Show

Halifax Harbour Waterfront

2010-07-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

There is no place quite like the Halifax Waterfront in the summer! There's always something going on even when there is nothing special going on! Of course this week everyone is gearing up for the big birthday party, Halifax Natal Day! That's always a party and it starts this weekend, August 1, 2010. The city is a fantastic vacation destination, and tourists come from all over the world to experience the sights and sounds of this harbour city.

In the meantime, how about some pictures of the Halifax waterfront on a sunny afternoon. Let's start with
the Harbour Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that does tours of downtown Halifax and ends with a splash in the Harbour as the big vehicle turns into a boat as it enters the water! That is followed by a pic of the boardwalk close to the Halifax Dartmouth Ferry Terminal.

These are some of the folks enjoying a stroll on the Halifax Harbour Boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the Halifax Waterfront, a great place to spend a day or two...

The Buskers will soon be decending on Halifax and we can look forward to lots of entertainment as they perform every kind of trick and fascinating show on the waterfront a little later in the summer. However, some are already here, like this young fella entertaining on the boardwalk this afternoon.....just look at the concentration on his face.....

This cement is hot on the feet!!

Ahem....yes....well....he was giving it a try anyway. I admit I didn't stay around to listen, just long enough to grab a picture and move on. Here's a picture of "The Wave" a giant wave that doubles as a slide, which appears to be enjoyed by kids of all ages, young and old....don't fall off !!

Halifax attracts folks from all walks of life and it's a fairly cosmopolitan city, albeit on small scale. Here's a couple that add to the local color I suppose, complete with their dog who seems interested in something else...a cat maybe?

Halifax does a wonderful job of blending the old and the new, with modern vistas beside others steeped in history, reflecting the past, the present and the future.....

I've always been taken with the view of the flag flying in the picture below...as I said, the old and the new.....

And of course, when you are in Halifax, you are going to see actual working tugboats...like this one, that is a working boat, one of several the guide big ships in and out of Halifax Harbour. This is the Point Valiant.

And of course, young and old are able to go for a ride on an authentic tugboat that has become an international celebrity, the star of a television show and books, Theodore Tugboat!

There ya go, some pics of the Halifax Waterfront on a July afternoon......c'mon out an visit!

Mayor Peter Kelly Has A Blog

2010-07-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Woooo-Hoooo!!! The heat is on! Halifax is living the heat right now as we experience some terrific hot temperatures. The temperature in Nova Scotia is in the mid 20's celcius and it is expected to stay that way for at least another week. It's a great time to hit one of Halifax's beaches like Crystal Crescent, or one of the lakes, Birch Cove for example on Banook Lake is popular this time of year, especially with children.

These are the best times in Halifax. The Halifax Harbour boardwalk is busy with
tourists taking in the sights and workers enjoying a lunchtime stroll or just sitting in the sun watching the people and the boats and ships in the harbour. It's also a great time for Halifax nightlife, the bars are hopping, lots of people out enjoying a night or two on the town.

ATV's weather meteorologist and weather person, Cindy Day, who I politely, respectfully and affectionately refer to as "The Weather Witch" is telling us
to expect a few showers overnight then back to warm, sunny temps in the daytime, some more showers on Wednesday and then back to sunshine and warm weather at least until Sunday. Gotta love that, and Cindy is seldom far off in her weather forecasting.

In other Halifax "stuff" I am ~~happy~~ ~~interested~~ ~~delighted~~ to mention that Halifax's Mayor, his right worshipful Peter Kelly has a blog.....uh-huh...the Mayor is a blogger.....This is gonna be good, Mayor Kelly can tell us all kinds of stuff, things like what would possess a guy to put a nine millimeter bullet in his briefcase and go to the airport.....found it on the ground and forgot it was there....then he got busy and sent a memo to Municipal Councillors warning them against the hazards of drinking and driving following public events.....yup...then the memo got leaked to the public....yup.....He is also the guy who swam in the "clean waters of Halifax Harbour" and shortly thereafter the beach had to be closed as the "Halifax Harbour Solution" became more of a problem than a solution.....But on the other hand, the guy has now joined the ranks of an elite group of opinionated, passionate, intellectually stimulating folks....bloggers.....he has joined the wonderful exciting blogosphere....so he can't be too bad of a fella.....

So...in the interest of good blogging, I invite you to drop over to Mayor Peter Kelly's very own blog....you can find it Here - Mayorpeterkelly'sblog

Crow Sitting On Car

2010-07-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

The birds in Halifax are fairly brazen, especially this particular crow who was quite enamoured with the new car roof he had found to walk around on, he seemed to be interested in watching his reflection in the shiny metal roof. He didn't care about me taking his picture.....although he did smile for the camera....

Halifax Harbour Views

2010-07-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of the nice things about living in Halifax Nova Scotia is that the view is always changing.....for example, from one viewpoint you can see a sailboat......

Then from another view you can see an oil rig under construction.....

Then from another view you can watch a submarine riding on the surface......with an oil refinery behind it.....

Yes Halifax, Nova Scotia....the view is aways new and exciting !!!

Ships In Halifax Harbour

2010-07-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Halifax, Nova Scotia recently played host to a visit from the Queen of England and her husband, Prince Phillip as part of the Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary and as a lead up to Canada Day. While I didn't get very good pics I did get a few of some of the ships in Halifax Harbour. Have a look.....

Halifax Snow Storm

2010-02-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

If you were one of the poor unfortunate souls that had to go to work in Halifax today, you got to enjoy poorly cleared roads and sidewalks, lots of blowing snow, cold wind, slippery driving and walking....and when you got home at night...40 centimeters of snow was waiting for you....and the forecast is calling for a couple more centimeters tonight....yeeha....be alright if you worked somewhere that had snow days!

I grabbed a few snapshots of Halifax snowstorm this morning on my phone camera....here they are....

What a great morning to get up and trudge off to work...not that I am complaining...at least I have work.....

I would much prefer strolling to work on a day like this....nothing like autumn in Halifax....

Col Williams Arrest Sparks Cold Case Interest

2010-02-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

It looks like Col Russell William's arrest in Trenton, Ontario has sparked some further attention to our cold case files here in Halifax. The news is reporting that his arrest and charges sparking a cold case review of unsolved murders in places where he was previously stationed. One of those places includes Nova Scotia, when he was stationed at the Shearwater base. I've written before about the high number of unsolved murders in Halifax, so who knows, this might provide some answers. Time will tell......

See our previous post, Unsolved Murders In Halifax

Edge Of Darkness Mel Gibson Movie Halifax

2010-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

We just got home from the movies, at the Empire Theatres - Dartmouth Crossing, specifically the new Mel Gibson thriller, Edge of Darkness, starring....well....Mel Gibson.

In Edge of Darkness, Mel plays veteran Boston Police Department homicide detective Thomas Craven. When his 20 something nuclear engineer daughter, Emma ( Bojana Novakovic) is gunned down on the steps of his home, Craven thinks he was the target and sets out to find the killer. He soon discovers otherwise and enters into the mysterious world of corporate and government cover-ups. The movie also features some brilliant acting by Ray Winstone, a 52 year old British actor who plays a mysterious somewhat shadowy CIA operative. I think that both Gibson and Winstone, play their parts well, both creating memorable characters.

Edge of Darkness is based on an award winning British television series from the 1980's.

Gibson plays a great detective and revengeful father, his age is just right for a role like this, his acting, I think is unsurpassed in this one. The plot and the movie a little difficult to follow by times, as I found the dialogue sometimes a little low, and both Gibson and CIA operative Darius Jedburgh, (Ray Winstone) talk with an accent, which I have to admit, I occasionally found difficult to make out what they were saying. However, if that is my only complaint, it's not a bad one. The movie is fast paced, very serious, and a little dark at times, especially with some of the flashbacks Craven has of his daughter, as well as some scenes when he hears her voice after she is dead.

Here is the trailer from Edge Of Darkness.

Edge of Darkness is playing at Empire Theaters, here is a list of the theatres and the Edge of Darkness movie times. Go see it......

Empire Theatres - Empire 8, Park Lane
5657 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS
4:00 6:40 9:20

Empire Theatres - Dartmouth Crossing
145 Shubie Drive, Dartmouth, NS
1:05 3:45 6:50 9:35

Empire Theatres - Bayers Lake
190 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, NS
12:40 3:50 7:15 10:10

Empire Studio 7 - Lower Sackville
Downsview Plaza, 760 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville, NS
6:45 9:15

Official Edge of Darkness website: Edge of Darkness,

HRM Garbage Bag Reduction

2009-11-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

I just spent 10 minutes writing to my Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor, Darren Fisher, through the HRM Council website. I was writing because I am pissed that HRM is talking about reducing the number of garbage bags they will accept at the curb every two weeks. It is disgusting. People have garbage, and although it is fine and noble to try and reduce it, it is not fine and noble when you are stuck with it and cannot get rid of it. We pay for garbage collection in our taxes. They reduced the number of pickups for regular trash in half, they limited the bags to 6 bi-weekly. Now they (council) are talking about going to 4 bi-weekly, or perhaps adding a per-bag surcharge. What next? Reduce it to once a month? Oh yes, I almost forgot, they want to dictate clear bags be used as well, so everyone can see what is in your garbage...these people worry me....they really do. HRM is trying to be a big municipality, why can't we get councillors capable of that?

People have garbage, they need
to have somewhere to put it, or it ends up on back roads and in ditches and other places like lakes and rivers. Shake your heads councillors....shake your heads....start thinking about important stuff like urban chickens and cat bylaws......

The Halifax Council is hiring a polling company to find out how residents feel about a garbage bag reduction....we cannot afford to take more garbage but we can afford to conduct a poll. Why don't the councillors get off their duffs and start phoning their residents to find out what we think? We elect these people and then we just let them run amuck.....we need to spend more time in careful reflection before we mark an "X" beside the name of a candidate....this carefree voting isn't working.

Oh yes, I tried to email my councillor, Darren Fisher, but alas the HRM email Contact Your Councillor feature is not working....try again later it said.....I'd rather just wait for the next municipal election.

Fire At Hooters Restaurant In Dartmouth

2009-11-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

Sometime back, I wrote about the new Hooter's Restaurant in Dartmouth, and how some car accidents were happening out front of the restaurant as the Hooter's girls exercised outside the building, which was...well....distracting to passing Main Street motorists of the male variety I suspect....

Unfortunately Hooters had a little difficulty this morning as fire fighters rushed to save it from burning up...yes guys...sorry to tell you, but Hooters burned today....At this point I'm not sure of the damages, but let's hope the courageous firefighters got things under control before it was too far gone....for the sake of the girls....and the guys who like the girls.....

The location of Hooters restaurant in Dartmouth is apparently an unlucky one, as there have been two or three other fires there while it was under different ownership, before Hooter's came to town....keep your fingers crossed that the damage is not too extensive, we will miss our Hooter's girls.

In other news chickens are back on the roster at the HRM Council meetings.......yup....I said chickens.....

Unsolved Murders In Halifax

2009-11-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have written about, or at least mentioned before that the number of unsolved murders in Halifax is quite high, too high in fact, and by the looks of the list, not getting any shorter. In fact, we've got some 48 unsolved murders on the files going back to 1955 with the shooting of Michael Leo Resk in his delivery van on Acadia Street. That number is not counting the missing persons, who, because no body has been found, are not listed as homicides.

There is an interesting article in the November 19, 2009 edition of The Coast written by Stephen Kimber, that will probably scare you when you read it. Kimber's article suggests at the very least, some of these unsolved murders and missing persons could be a story of bureaucratic incompetence, where the investigations have been hampered by administrative decisions or legal limitations that keep the crimes listed as unsolved. That is not to say that homicides are always easy to solve, far from it, but when you read The Coast article, you will see that many of them might have been solved, had the investigators been able to continue their work.

Several of these Halifax unsolved murders are probably drug and organized crime related, as Kimber's article says, "criminals killing criminals" I haven't dwelt too much on those below, at least not the ones that appear obvious. In terms of murders, most of the women don't have an apparent link to criminals, other than one or two who were known to the police. The majority of the men seem to have been killed in what I would describe as 'hits' although I don't have anything to base that on other than the method of the crime, such as the April 19, 2002 shooting death of John Francis Alquiros whose body was found in the area of the Greenhead Road extension, off the 103 Highway in Timberlea.

However, several more are not likely of that variety, in fact, a good many appear to be the acts of either random violence, or perhaps worse, the work of a serial killer.......

Of course I watch way too much "Criminal Minds" on television, but let's face it, when you have young persons, many of them female, disappearing off the face of the earth, it makes you wonder, just what might be going on.

Let's look at the list from the Halifax Regional Police website shall we....beginning with "missing persons" I am grouping these together with murdered women for the purposes of comparison.

Missing Women

34 years old when missing, Nancy Joanne Forbes has been missing since November 7, 2006, last seen at a bus stop in Burnside Industrial Park.

Marilyn Ann Hersey missing since January 28, 2006 last seen leaving the Abbey Lane Hospital on January 28, 2006, She was 63 when last seen.

Arlene McLean missing since September 8, 1999, last seen in Eastern Passage. She was 28 when last seen.

Crystal Jack missing since July 15, 1997, last seen at 2448 Agricola Street. She was 30 when last seen.

Leslie Katnick has been missing since November 4, 1991. She was last seen at the Halifax YMCA. She was 25 when last seen.

Kimberley McAndrew, has been missing since August 12, 1989. She was last seen at the Canadian Tire Store located at 6203 Quinpool Road in Halifax. According to Kimber's article, the well publicized reported sighting of Kimberley McAndrew at a Penhorn Mall flower shop that day, may have been incorrect. She wwas 19 when she was last seen.
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Missing Men
Shenchiu "Andy" Tsou, missing since June 26, 2005. 29 years old when last seen in Halifax.

Emmett Price missing since August 8, 2007, Last seen in Fall River. He was 18 when he was last seen.

Raymond Peter O"Connell was last seen on June 8, 2004 on Cork Street in Halifax, he was 33 years old when last seen.

Bruce Andrew Forbes has been missing since July 16, 2002. He was 38. Last seen at Regent Road in Halifax.

Darryl Ferneyhough has been missing since May 13, 2001. He was 29 when he was last seen on Gottingen Street in Halifax.

Gregory Brushett was last seen at Dawson Street, Dartmouth, He was 35 when he was last seen on April 10, 1999.

Jamie Wyatt was last seen November 16, 1996. He was 62 when he disappeard, and was last seen on Inglis Street in Halifax.

That is 13 missing persons, most of whom have been missing for several years, and with the exception of 3, all were under 36 when they disappeared. Of those 10, 7 were 30 years old or under.

--------------------------------
Add those 13 missing persons to the 48 murder victims listed in Stephen Kimber's Coast article, and you have 61 persons murdered or missing. That....is no small number of unsolved crimes, especially in a city the size of Halifax. Naturally, some of those missing or dead, are either missing by choice, or dead because of criminal activity, but many appear to have no history that links them to a criminal element like the drug trade. That makes them appear to be random acts of violence, or....in my mind, the possible victims of a serial killer(s).

Lets look at the list of unsolved murders. I have chosen not to not list the ones that appear to be crime related, otherwise, I am listing the date, the age of the victim and their name, where their remains were discovered. You can see the entire list on the Halifax Regional Police Website

Murdered Women
Tanya Brooks, 37, May 11, 2009 St. Patrick's-Alexandra School

Paula Gallant, 36, December 27, 2005, Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea School

Naomi Wendy Kidston, 26, June 7, 2005, River Road, Spryfield

Laura Lee Cross, 34, October 14, 2002, wooded area, (logging road) Old Guysborough Road

Margaret Hartrick 35, September 10, 1998, Harbour View School in Dartmouth

Christine Marjorie McClean, 27, April 4, 1998, Cherrybrook Water Treatment Site wooded area

Kimber Leanne Lucas, 25, November 23, 1994, North Street

Shelly Connors, 18, May 29, 1993, Spryfield wooded area

Andrea Lynn King, 19, December 22, 1992, wooded area near the Sackville Business Park. (Missing since January 1992)

Carla Gail Strickland, 21, June 3, 1991, wooded area off Highway 118, Dartmouth

Jean Hilda Myra, 32, April 5, 1990, grain elevators in the area of Ports Canada

Suzanne Elizabeth Dube, 22, November 17, 1988 in Bedford Basin, Cross Road, Lr. Sackville

Ann Masson, 28, March 28, 1986 Robie Street, Halifax

Florence Ann Keeble. 17, October 30, 1976, wooded area off the Old Sambro Road* Has similarities to another murder.
Judy Parks, 14, July 10, 1976, in a wooded area off Hwy #103 near Timberlea

Helen Knickle, 23, July 26, 1974, Halifax Common, Halifax, NS

The above list is 16 women, with an average age of 26, 7 of whom were all left in a wooded area, and 3 who were left at a school. Is it just me, or does anyone else see some similarities? I watch too much crime television I guess, but here are women, all in the approximate age group, many of whom killed and their bodies left in a wooded area, or behind a school. Is this the same killer, or perhaps 2 killers? Think about that, because the options are, we have either 16 separate women killers still walking around free, or maybe 2 women killers who kill multiple times.

In terms of murdered men, the list is longer, in part because their appears to be links to crime involved in several of the unsolved murder mysteries. In some cases, such as taxi driver Ron Henderson, a taxi driver with Armdale Taxi, appears to have robbery as a motive, as did the murder of Newt Boutilier, January 7, 1968, when he was found dead in his store in French Village.

However, there are some murders that defy understanding, and appear to be random acts of violence, or at least the victims are not related to criminal activity or involvement in crime on the part of the deceased. Of that group, a couple stand out for various reasons, for example: On May 31, 2008, 65 year old Daniel Martin Newman was found stabbed to death near St Patrick's-Alexandra School in Halifax. This is the same place that the body of 37 year old Tanya Brooks, was found almost exactly one year later on May 11, 2009.

On August 28, 1999, the body of 19 year old Jason MacCullough was found on a paved path between 100 and 104 Pinecrest Drive in Dartmouth and on August 7, 2005, 19-year-old Jonathan Reader was found unconscious on the road at Radcliffe Drive/Dunbrack Street in Halifax. Both 19, both with no apparent motive other than the deceased may have been in the "wrong place at the wrong time."

In terms of the serial killer aspect, according to Kimber's article in the The Coast, there is a chance that a connection may exist to a former Halifax resident, Andrew Paul Johnson, who was arrested in British Columbia in 1997 posing as a police officer while abducting a 20 year old woman. Johnson was known to Halifax Police who had been found guilty of confining and sexually assaulting his girlfriend in 1992 and in 1997 he was arrested for lewd conduct watching a playground and there was a warrant for his arrest for harrassing a 12 year old girl. While under arrest in B.C. in 1997, Johnson had written an essay for a police psychiatrist where he described the rape and murder of Kimberley McAndrew. 19 year old Kimberley McAndrew had been missing from Halifax since 1989. Police also linked Johnson to another unsolved Halifax murder, that of 22 year old Andrea King. Apparently something belonging to Andrea was found among Johnson's possessions. Johnson was declared a dangerous offender in British Columbia. Read Stephen Kimber's article in The Coast to find out why the investigation into Johnson's potential link to the unsolved Halifax murders has stopped.

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Further Reading
Dead Wrong, Halifax's Unsolved Murders - The Coast by Stephen Kimber

Major Unsolved Crimes

Supreme Court Rejects Andrew Paul Johnson's Bid to Appeal Dangerous Offender Status

Stephen Kimber's Blog

Unsolved Murders Canada, Kimberley McAndrew

H1N1 Vaccine Shortage

2009-10-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

What is going on with Nova Scotia's swine flu H1N1 vaccination program? One day we are told something, only to have that change the next day. Now, the officials in charge have said there are limited numbers of the shots, and therefore they have announced only special groups, those judged most at risk, are going to get vaccinated next week.

Nothing was said of who would be vaccinated the following week. I am wondering if it really is a low supply of vaccine, or if it is a method of delivering the H1N1 shots to those deemed most at risk, including young children, people with underlying medical conditions, First Nations people and some others, most of whom fall outside of the young healthy people group. This too has changed from earlier reports, that indicated young heathy people were actually most at risk.

Regardless, things on the H1N1 front are constantly changing, which may be beyond the control of the folks who are trying to see to it that we are all vaccinated. There are many players involved in this process on a provincial, federal and international level, so now is not the time for pointing fingers. The shortage of H1N1 vaccine certainly changes the water on the beans in terms of how this pandemic will progress and be handled, as well as it's impact on people.

I do think now is the time for following the advice that we have been given to date, which is practical information, and information we need to put in practice. Frequent handwashing, coughing and sneezing into our sleeves, avoiding crowded places, and staying home when we feel sick.

Here is the link to the Nova Scotia Government Swine H1N1 information site Click Here

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Also, in the midst of what is becoming a serious situation, what do you make of the report in the Metro today, where the Doctors from the Gladstone Medical Centre in Halifax reported receiving a shipment of vaccine destined for executives of the Liquor Commission. The shipment when to the doctors instead, who were expecting their own supply to arrive. I am rather curious as to what or why there would be any vaccine being sent to sent to executives of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission.....I don't understand that at all.

Nova Scotia Swine Flu

2009-10-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I dunno about you, but here it is only Day 2 of the Nova Scotia H1N1 vacination plan and already the places offering the vaccination are reporting that they are overwhelmed......HELLOOOO!! Do you think that might be because number 1, the officials have done nothing but tell us how important it is to get it....number 2, the news reported a young person's tragic death from swine flu yesterday, and as far as I can see, the officials have underestimated the demand for the swine flu vaccination right out of the starting gate.

Let's hope these first few days are just a warm-up while Nova Scotia's health care professionals get into the groove so to speak and figure out what they need to do to speed things along. But remember....these are folks used to keeping us waiting in emergency rooms. Line-up management is not their forte'

So...what to do? Well they need to get the young children and families vaccinated against swine flu as soon as possible, but they also need to get the rest of us vaccinated as well. Obviously they need more people to deliver the shots. Their claim that there is enough swine flu vaccination for everyone is fine but only if they have a plan to get it to everyone on time.

I hate to sound critical, and I don't mean to belittle the efforts of the health care folks out there trying their darndest to get this job done. They deserve accolades and they deserve help. They also need some creative thinkers to figure out how to get this done. Why for instance, are doctors only being provided the serum if they ask for it? Why aren't they going to schools and doing the children right in the classrooms. Why not go to businesses as well. And another thing, why are many of the clinics scheduled through the day, when many folks are at work? Why not get pharmacists to give the shots too?

I think we are going to need to see these clinics set up in more locations, like perhaps shopping malls, large department stores, and lots of them, not just in one location with lots of providers. It seems to me that when it comes to the larger places like Halifax, it isn't going to take much to overwhelm one or two locations. We need lots of locations for swine flu vaccinations. We also need this vaccine in the hands of our doctors so they can give it to their regular patients like the elderly who may not be able to stand in long lines.

If you ask me, this is very close to becoming a fiasco.....we don't want a fiasco with something so serious.

Here is the link to the Nova Scotia Government Swine H1N1 information site Click Here You can get the latest news, information on clinics, and you can submit your questions to be answered on a webcast Thursday October 29th.

Metro Transit Heads Downtown

2009-10-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

I try and I try not to get started writing about Halifax Regional City Council goings on....I am trying to keep this site about things going on in Halifax in terms of entertainment and other events. But occasionally, perhaps more occasionally than I want, I find myself drawn into some of the stuff that comes from the Council Meetings.

The Councillors have just been given a report on public transit that is recommending raising the bridge tolls and using the money to pay for more buses. Unfortunately the report writers didn't do all their homework or they would have known that bridge tolls are outside the authority of the Council. The Bridge Commission, to their credit, said any toll increase is going to pay for bridge repairs and upkeep....good thinking, especially with all those heavy buses on the bridges.

Before I go to far off on a tangeant let me say that I am impressed with much of our Transit Service. The Park and Go places with free parking, like Woodside Ferry are great. The express buses, that load up and head straight for their destination. The service to a lot of outlying areas. All impressive. I haven't a bone to pick with transit really, just a bone to pick with the kind of ideas that are coming forth.

Increased bridge tolls, which by the way are kind of discrimnatory to commuters who live in Dartmouth, are not the only idea Council is considering, they want to get the rest of the transit money from...you guessed it, car drivers. They will do this by raising parking meter fees, who can find a meter anyway? Also they want to do away with any free parking, which I didn't think there was much of downtown anyway,

The theory is, people won't take the bus if they can park for free...uh-huh...cause taking your car is way more convenient than taking a bus....I get that....

The report also suggests adding a fee to vehicle registrations, which by the way are under the perview of Provincial legislation, not HRM, and some new taxes, like gas and property tax. Tell that one to somebody living outside the city, but still part of HRM...tell someone in Ship Harbour, or even Dartmouth, who never drives to Halifax to work, that their property taxes just went up to pay for more buses to downtown Halifax....tell them...I dare ya...

The report also suggests shutting down car traffic completely in some areas of the downtown to make room for buses. The suggested Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road could be only for buses, lots and lots of buses.

So...there is little or no parking left in downtown Halifax anyway, and revitalizing it is more of a pipe dream than a possibility, so why not make it even less attractive as a place to start a business by making getting there a little more difficult than it already is, under the auspices of making it better by sending more buses downtown. If you are a lawyer working downtown, your clients will have to come by bus...if you are trying to sell furniture in a retail store downtown, your customers will have to lug their new sofa home on the roof of the bus...if you are...well you get the picture...

Instead, how about considering more ferries from Dartmouth and Bedford, maybe reinstating a train line or even better a monorail from Dartmouth through Bedford and into Halifax? Free parking at the Dartmouth and Bedford stations. How about some decent roads in and out of the downtown core, maybe some reversing one way roads? How about some affordable parking in the downtown that doesn't require the tourists to walk uphill from the Harbour to get to places like Spring Garden Road? How about realizing that a good deal of Barrington Street is empty shops anyway, tear them down and put up a parking lot or two or three. That way the surviving shops might have a chance of survival and business might be able to locate in the downtown.

Or...we can all take the bus to Dartmouth Crossing and Bayers Lake and forget about the downtown.

Tom Selleck In Halifax

2009-10-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Tom Selleck is in Halifax filming another movie from his Jessie Stone series. He was filming at the church on Barrington Street this week. This must be his 6th or 7th movie in Halifax.

You remember Tom Selleck, he was Magnum PI, and then appeared in lots of movies including Lassiter, Ike: Countdown to D-Day. And a bunch of other movies, including High Road to China, and Louis L'Amor westerns like The Sacketts. He also starred as a cowboy who moved to Australia in Quigley Down Under. Selleck, or 'Tom" as I like to call him, also won a "Western Heritage Award" for his 1997 role in Last Stand at Sabre River.

Glad to have you back in Halifax Mr. Selleck.

No Smoking Policy For Halifax

2009-10-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Mayor, His Worship, Peter Kelly, wants to create his own courts for the Halifax Regional Municipality....yup...he says having their own courts would free up the provincial courts for more important matters. Good thinking Mr Mayor, with the endless stupid bylaws that you and your merry band of councillors like to pass, the latest being the smoking in public places bylaw, or if not passed, at least debated for endless hours and hours....remember the cat bylaw discussions? You will need your own courts to round up all the bylaw breaker outlaws that you will have created by the time your tenure as a municipal government is over, which by the way, could be sooner than later if stuff like this is all you can come up with....

I have no argument with not smoking around children and places where children are, like playgrounds and sports fields, but it's outside, and beaches...what about beaches...smokers are you paying attention here? I was at a local beach this summer and because of my interest in the subject I took note that the majority of the people on the beach where I was...were smoking....I don't think smoking rates have gone down to the degree that some would like us to believe. What has happened is smokers have gone underground in the face of endless persecution and distain from non-smokers....

Smokers are certainly becoming much less of a citizen in this Province than anyone else, despite they pay taxes like everyone else, and more, for that matter, and our city council have really embarked on a social reform platform more than anything. Even you non-smokers, regardless of this law, think about the other laws and where things like this lead...this is not about smoking, this is about that band of councillors telling you how to live...how to live your life....not about smoking or cats or chickens...it's about telling you what you can and cannot do...no mention of what they cannot do, which is pass anything useful.

I hate to keep saying it, but please, remember how the Halifax Harbour still stinks, much worse than any cigarette, and if you don't believe me, go down to the waterfront on a clear mild morning at low tide....take a big deep breath.....suck on it....and remember your hapless Mayor splashing around in the waves at Black Rock Beach...

I still think you should have resigned over the Halifax Harbour Cleanup debacle, which, it seems no one is responsible for...let me rephrase that, no one has taken responsibility for....

So now after you had all the cat owners on edge for seemingly endless days and nights, you've turned to the few hapless smokers left alive, creating a bylaw that gives you the opportunity to pretty much ban smoking outside, somewhat of a coup for the non-smoking fraternity, or at least the zealots among them. Seems like the Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality and his council would like to make lawbreakers of all of the HRM residents one way or another in order to raise the municipal coffers through the collection of fines...fines which of course can be levied in the new municipal courts that the city fathers and mothers want to create....

Would someone with half a clue please step up and run against this guy in the next election so we can get to the important matters in the municipality!!

As for the non-smokers who will be full of argument over this post....anyone got a light?

Oh yeah..by the way, it's only a policy not a bylaw...whatever that means...

Prepare For Hurricane Bill

2009-08-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Halifax Nights and Sights, it sounds like we might be in for quite a sight Sunday August 23, 2009. All indications as of this writing, (August 21)are that Nova Scotia is in for a weather pounding from Hurricane Bill, which is currently catagorized as a Category 3 Hurricane....not a good thing at all...

Those of us who were around for Hurricane Juan know what I am talking about, as it was a devastating storm, causing millions in damage, and even loss of at least one life. So as they say on the ship, "batten down the hatches!"

It's time to prepare, get yourself ready. You can almost count on a power outage if nothing else. Here is a link to Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Office website, where you can find information about how to prepare. Emergency Management Office

If you want to watch the Hurricane's track, this is the best site I can find, Hurricane Tracking Centre You can also find current weather conditions and forecasts on the same sight Weather Office

Apparently it is too soon to say with certainty what Hurricane Bill is going to do, it could vear off at the last minute and stay out to the ocean, it could shift and go inland somewhere along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, it could be downgraded to a tropical storm, (still not good) before it reaches Nova Scotia, but it is unlikely. For-warned is for-armed....good luck and hope for the best! If it does hit, stay low and inside, look after your family and any neighbors, especially the elderly....and oh yes, stay away from the coast, yes the waves are spectacular, but you don't want to end up swimming in them!

Car Show At The Woodside A&W

2009-08-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

As the dutiful blogger that I am, I attended the car show tonight at the ferry terminal parking lot in Woodside. Actually I think the event is sponsored by the A&W Restaurant in Woodside, which is a great restaurant to enjoy a Papa Burger and an ice cold Root Beer.

The car show is really worth seeing, lots of cars and trucks, antiques, hot-rods, beautifully restored vehicles on display and you can walk among them, look to your hearts content, just don't touch!

There's a get together every Thursday night at the A&W and lots of old cars are on display, but tonight's show was one of the bigger ones, a real car show. The other Thursday night events are usually smaller, more intimate gathering of antique car buffs and their friends, which of course is me and anyone else interested in nice old cars lovingly restored to their original beauty.

One or two of the cars at the show tonight really stood out, for example, what do you think of this one, I believe it's a Ford Model T.

What about this one? Hot red!

Halifax Harbour Failed Sewage Plant

2009-08-18T18:59:00.001-07:00

Further to my earlier rant about the Halifax Harbour failed cleanup project, there is a very good article posted in the current edition of The Coast that explains in great detail How The Sewage Plant Broke

Written by Tim Bousquet, the article spells it out, what went wrong and what can be done to fix it or not. It's an interesting read, given the political ramifications of such a catastrophe, not to mention the negative social and economic impacts that the plant failed and the stench became...well...stenchier....

Halifax Harbour Stench Goes Beyond The Harbour

2009-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

One thing about writing a blog about Halifax is that anytime I am short of a post, I can just turn my head in the direction of the Halifax Regional Council for a laugh if nothing else....

It's amazing that these folks have managed to stay employed, what with chickens and cats and of course, the Halifax Harbour Solutions Project....a $333 million dollars and still stinking, and now they are talking about another $100 million or so to get it back on track...that is $333,000,000.00 without the upgrades....c'mon...spend that much of the people's money on a failed project and not get fired...what a job! I think the stench goes far beyond the harbour shores, all the way up to the council chambers.

Now they are putting deodorant blocks in the water to make the place smell like the big public washroom it is....and that isn't working...Now restaurants and business's located by the waterfront are complaining and no damn wonder. Not everyday, but many days, it stinks...cuts the lungs right out of you! Deodorant blocks....imagine...how much do they cost...putting a deodorant block in a tidal harbour, that has to be effective...wonder who came up with that one. I wonder who thought of that one....Whoever it was, they are putting the blocks in the water beside the casino where the outflow is the largest.

It's time the Honorable Mayor, Peter Kelly, does the honorable thing and resigns, and so should the rest of the Municipal Council who have lead this fiasco. Sure, it is not all their fault, but someone has to be accountable. Apparently the company that installed the solutions isn't, so the folks that hired them should be. This is a shame, a beautiful harbour, a boardwalk with tons of potential, and infectious diseases floating within metres of the tourists and residents happily snapping pictures of the buskers and the tall ships, floating in God only knows what kind of filth. I grew up on the harbour, and I know what that smell can be like on some days, not everyday, but some days it will cut the lungs right out of you.

Imagine splashing into a big septic tank in the Harbour Hopper, shouts of glee from the passengers as infectious disease filled water hits them in the face!

The Mayor who swam in the 'clean harbour' last year, obviously proud of his accomplishments doesn't seem to be prepared to take the fall, which although it won't solve the problem, will at least show he is a man of conviction and integrity.

There should be a full inquiry launched by a third party, at even more expense to find out who knew what when, where the responsibility lies, and what if anything can be done.

This is money that if it hadn't been lost to a doomed project could have been used for roads, bridges, hospitals, or other much needed work to the infrastructure of Halifax. Think about what we could have done....think about the number of deodorant blocks we could buy with $333 million.....

In the meantime, I am going to get some Halifax Harbour Souveneir Deodorant Blocks and Halifax Council Nose Plugs and start selling them on the waterfront...the tourists will love them! We can turn this around....

Tick, Tick, Boom !!

2009-08-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

As a blogger, from time to time I get an invite to a show or play, or something else going on, in the hopes that I will review it....sometimes I just invite myself and review whatever it is....well tonight I was lucky enough to find myself in the front row of a Dartmouth Players live theatre performance called,tick, tick....Boom!

Sponsored by Patterson Law Directed by Tina Gallant, and starring three up and comers in musical theatre, Mikaela MacGillivray, Andrew Pelrine and Shane O'Regan, this three person play is enthralling to watch, and was a hit with the audience tonight, which was a full house, in it's fourth night!

Written by Jonathan Larsen, played by Shane O'Regan, tick, tick, Boom!! tells the story, through music and words, of a young musical playwrite, and his struggles to make it in a difficult business, while faced with the challenges of anyone who chooses a less than "safe" career. This is the story of one artist, but it could be story of so many, those who have risked it all for the big time, and those who haven't, and end up perhaps wishing they did. It struck a chord with me....and I am betting it will with you too.

18 year old Shane O'Regan is a bundle of talent, singer, actor, musician, a young man of many talents, who knows how to grab and audience and hold it tight, and he does, throughout the entire 90 minutes, not leaving the stage once. He is matched by the talent's of the lovely Mikaela MacGillivray, who plays two roles, Susan and Karessa, and plays them with distinction and flair, doing her own share of captivating her audience and no wonder. Mikaela has a voice to make you sit up and listen.

Not to be outdone by his stage partners, Andrew Pelrine lays down a solid performance as Michael, best friend of Jonathan, who helps him to see what he needs to see. Andrew has the look and sound of a true pro, and you have to keep reminding yourself, these are young people, otherwise, you might start believing you are watching a play on Broadway.

I cannot think of a better way to spend a summer evening than watching these three talented actors present a fabulous show, and as of this writing, there is still lots of time for you to see it! The show runs until August 9th, 2oo9, and at $15 a person, it might just be the best $15 you spend all summer!

You can get tickets at the door, and information from Dartmouth Players at 465-PLAY the show starts every night at 8:00 and there is weekend matinee!

Don't miss your chance to see these three talented young Nova Scotians on their way to the stardom!

Halifax Waterfront Natal Day!

2009-07-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Halifax is a city about to bust loose! We are thaaaaat close to the biggest summer party of the year as the 2009 Natal Day Weekend Festivities are about to kick off! My previous post told you when and where things are happening. Tonight I am just going to recommend that if you are 19 or over, you make sure you head for the Halifax Waterfront! The party tent is there, along with lots of other activities and the nightlife of "downtown Halifax" is just up the street a bit! That means no matter where you turn, there will be a party happening. Plus, from the Halifax Harbour waterfront you can jump on the ferry and catch a ride to the Dartmouth side, to take in some of the musical events happening at Alderney Landing.

As my previous post indicated, there is lots going on, but for my money, there is no place like the waterfront on Natal Day Weekend, plus you can catch the firework display!

Halifax Natal Day Weekend 2009

2009-07-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

In Nova Scotia, we know that summer is turning a corner when we hit Natal Day....so it looks like the corner is coming up, this weekend, August 1,2 and 3 is the Natal Day Weekend, a big civic holiday in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Halifax is a party town, and this is a parteeeee!! Natal Day weekend is a fine old time in Halifax, a city founded in 1749.

The party officially gets underway on Thursday at noon with the Alexander Keith's Natal Day Festival Official Kick Off at Sackville Landing on the Halifax Waterfront.

At 4:00 the Q104 Concert begins at the Natal Day Festival Tent with lots of East Coast Rock music!

On Friday August 1st check out the Blues Bash from 4 pm - 12 at the Festival Tent.

On Saturday the Annual Esso Amateur Talent Show starts at Dartmouth Alderney Landing Events Plaza at 2:00 p.m. This is always a great opportunity to see some up and coming talent, vying for prizes of $1200, $600 and $300 The finals are from
7:00-8:30 p.m.

The Black Freedom 175 Concert happens at the Natal Day Festival Tent from 3:30-12:30 on Saturday.

Saturday night is the fireworks concert at Alderney Landing starting at 9:15 with Blueberry Grunt.

The Halifax Natal Day Fireworks start at 10 p.m. Saturday August 1st with great views from either Dartmouth or Halifax waterfronts.

From the Fireworks Saturday Night there are ongoing parites and fun for the next two days, including the bridgewalk, concerts, tea parties. Don't miss the great concerts going on at the Festival Tent on the waterfront and the Canadian Forces Halifax Rock Fest 2009 on Citadel Hill Sunday afternoon. That's gonna be good, in honor of our deployed military men and women with bands Our Lady Peace, Sloan, Finger Eleven and Chickenfoot. You can get more details at Halifax Rock Fest

The road races, a tradition on Natal day as long as there has been a Halifax Dartmouth Natal Day, start at 8:00 a.m. on Monday at Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth. It is one of the oldest consecutive road races in Canada. My grandfather ran in these races. Registered runners will get a t-shirt! Find out the details Here

There is a pancake breakfast on Monday morning at the MacDonald Bridge Toll Plaza starting at 8:00 until 9:30 a.m.

At 10:00 a.m. get yourself situated to watch the 114th Pepsi Natal Day Parade. It starts on Novalea Drive in Halifax, crosses the MacDonald Bridge, and ends at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth. It's always a big parade with floats, bands, and even some clowns....in addition to the Mayor and members of the Regional Council...difficult to tell them apart, but the clowns wear face paint usually....

Banook Lake will be in it's glory on Monday with the 114th Dartmouth natal Day Regatta, from 9:00 to 4:00 on Monday.

Andrew Gillis & The Jump Band will be jumping at Sullivan's Pond Park at 12:30-1:00
Also at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. you and your family can enjoy the Pirates of Sullivan's Pond Family Fun Day. Wear your pirate costume and see some animated readings of "The Terrible Horrible Smelly Pirate but children's authors, Carrie Muller and Jacqueline Halsey. There is lots going on, including a prize for the best dressed pirate and pirate family.

Don't forget the Bridge Walk from 2:00-4:00 on Monday, rain or shine!

The Mayor's Tea Party starts at 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Sullivan's Pond. It's a pirate tea party, with live entertainment.

Sullivan's Pond Park is also the scene for the AFM-MPF Dartmouth Natal Day Concert from 3:30-8:00 p.m. Alex Vaughn & The Swell Guys, Frank McKay Band and Stuart MacLean.

Closing out what will have been a fabulous Natal Day Weekend is "Tribute Night" starting at 3:00 p.m. and running until 1:00 a.m. at the Natal Day Festival Tent, presented by Alexander Keith's on the Halifax Waterfront. Great music tributes to some of the legends, from Joe Murphy,(Blues Legends) Gypsy,(Fleetwood Mac) Abby Road, (The Beatles) Love Guns, (KISS) and Dirty Deeds, (AC/DC) There is a $3.00 cover charge for this one!

There ya go, everything I could find on the Halifax Natal Day Festival! But if you need to know more, call 490-6776.

Halifax Parade of Sail

2009-07-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to get yourself somewhere near the Halifax Harbour waterfront tomorrow for the Parade of Sale, as the Tall Ships gather and prepare to depart Halifax! It is truly a magnificent sight to see! The Parade of Sail begins at 12:00 and runs until 3:00! Don't wait though, get down to the waterfront at noon!

Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009 Halifax

2009-07-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

There is no place as exciting as the Halifax Harbour downtown and waterfront on a nice warm summer evening like tonight. The Tall Ships are coming, so the place has takes on a bit of a buzz, people are out around, walking, touring, bar-hopping and taking in the sights and sounds of a busy port city at night.

The women are especially beautiful this time of year as mini skirts and high heels are everywhere, and young and old couples in love stroll the boardwalk, enjoying the middle of summer in Nova Scotia!

But wait until the Tall Ships arrive July 16th to August 1st! Then the city will really be alive with visitors, sailors, tourists, residents and everyone else, hitting the waterfront and taking in the beautiful sailing ships along the waterfront. The ships officially arrive in Halifax Harbour on Thursday, July 16 and the Parade of Sail is Monday, July 20. Then the ships head for some other Nova Scotia destinations, some to Cape Breton and some to the South Shore. The Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009 has something in the vicinity of 40-50 tall ships visiting, a parade, fireworks, tent parties on the waterfront, music and lots more!! You can purchase a pass and go aboard some of the ships too, which can be an entertaining way to spend a day.

You can find the full Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival schedule of events Here!!

The Halifax Harbour Hopper

2009-07-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular tours available in Halifax is the Harbour Hopper. The Harbour Hopper is an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a tour of downtown Halifax and then for a ride on the Harbour without leaving the vehicle.

It's actually a converted U.S. Military vehicle, called a Lark V, that was built during the sixties for use in the Viet Nam war transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore and further inland. There were about 900 made, and Halifax has a few of them! Actually, of the 900 and some odd that were built, more than half were sunk on purpose when the U.S. pulled out of Viet Nam. There are still some in use by the Military, but now they are getting pretty old.

It's actually a LARC V which in U.S. Military speak means "Lighter, Amphibious Re-Supply Cargo" These were first designed in 1959 but not built until about 1963. There are several versions of landing craft with the LARC name, most are bigger and designed to carry jeeps and tanks as well as troops and supplies. The smaller LARC V is mostly a designed as a personnel carrier and smaller supplies.

The Lark V can carry about 40 passenger and two crew members and travels about 10 miles per hour in the water. Passengers enjoy a high view as the vehicle has huge wheels and sits high above the street. A tour guide points out all of the major downtown Halifax sights, a little bit of history and some fun thrown in! It's a great trip and sure to delight young and old.

Here are two Harbour Hoppers passing in the harbour!

The Harbour Hopper is operated by Murphy's On The Water, you can find out more, including how to book a tour for you and your family or a group Here

Want your very own Lark V amphibious landing craft? There is one for sale Here but hurry, they only have one left!

Enjoying The Halifax Boardwalk Sunshine

2009-07-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help myself, I had to snap a pic of this old fella soaking up the sun on the Halifax Harbour boardwalk last week. Considering all the rain and the lack of sun this year, I guess he couldn't resist getting his vitamin D !!

It was such a nice day, lots of folks were out enjoying the warm Halifax weather.

Halifax Canada Day 2009

2009-07-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day Halifax!!

There is lots going on around Halifax today in recognition of Canada Day, but I wanted to point out a couple of things that I think are going to be great! The concert at the waterfront in Dartmouth, and the Canada Day Halifax Fireworks!

First, here is the lineup for the Canada Day Concert at the Dartmouth waterfront, Alderney Landing!

Nova Scotia Music at Alderney Landing Presented by Nova Scotia Come to life and Dartmouth Crossing

Jul 1, 2009 1:00 PM - 11:59 PM

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING:

3:00 pm: Maritime Fiddle Festival Kickoff (45 Minutes)

4:05 pm: Q-104 & Monte's Rock Show Down Winner presented by Molson Canadian (60 Minutes)

5:25 pm: ASIA & NuGruv (50 Minutes)

6:35 pm: Under The Sun (80 Minutes)

8:25 pm The Joel plaskett Emergency (90 minutes)

10:00 pm: Dartmouth Crossing FIREWORKS (10 minutes)

10:20 pm: Blueberry Grunt (90 Minutes)
12:00 midnight: FINISH

Molson Beer Garden opens at 2:30 pm w/ cover charge.

The Canada Day Fireworks are set to happen, tonight, July 1, 2009 10:00 PM - 10:10 PM over the Halifax Harbour, pick your vantage point, perhaps Alderney Landing, or the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, and get set for a great fireworks display!

There are all kinds of Canada Dy Activities happening around Halifax today, you can find out more about them at the Halifax-Dartmouth Canada Day Events Website

The Halifax Harbour Non-Solution Project

2009-05-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Tall Ships are coming to Halifax in July....and they are going to be sailing into a Halifax Harbour that will probably have lots of 'floatables' in it thanks to a failed Harbour Solutions Project" Yes, I said 'failed' because that's what it is a failure, despite the spin Mayor Kelly and others are trying to put on it. The project, at a cost of millions has failed...

Sewage doesn't seem to be the only thing the Halifax Regional Municipality is putting down the drain, it seems that a bunch of money is going down the drain too.

Yes I said 'failed' because that's what it is a failure, despite the spin Mayor Kelly and others are trying to put on it. The project, at a cost of millions has failed...$333-million is the number I believe. They had screens in place on the ends of the pipes, to try and catch some of the floatables before they entered the Harbour, but so far, four of the eight had to be removed, and I think the other four are going to come off soon. The screens haven't been able to handle the amount of effulent coming down the pipes.

The main sewage treatment plant in Halifax gave up in January of this year, and won't be fixed for a year, and the Herring Cove Plant isn't ready for action yet.

The politicians, Mayor Kelly for one, seem to be remaining optimistic, which of course is what I would expect of a politician who has essentially squandered a ton of money on a project that didn't work. The question now is, how much more are they willing to spend?

Halifax Police Cameras

2009-05-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how I feel about the news release that the Halifax Regional Police plan to install more cameras in specific "hotspots" to capture wrongdoers committing crimes.

While I can understand the value of cameras watching the action, and capturing what might be evidence for the prosecutors to use in court, and the importance of that to the prosecutors, I cannot help but feel this is too much "big brother" stuff for me.

The story in the Chronicle Herald says Police Chief Beazley announced the plan of "using portable digital equipment in the near future to record images at "hot spots" in the municipality and public gatherings like rock concerts."

Mayor Kelly, always a fan of the camera, (even tried hosting an interview show on the local cable channel) said he supports secret camera use. According to the Mayor, cameras are already tracking the public here and in other cities. While that maybe true, that doesn't make it right. The Mayor says law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear....

I dunno about you, but I think our society is gradually becoming one of cameras and tracking. These days they take your picture at the gas station, the bank, the Motor Vehicle office, many business offices, the corner store and at some intersections.

There is a subtle difference between those cameras and what the police are talking about, and that...is what bothers me. In the above examples, with the exception of the cameras at intersections, the cameras are not in the hands of the police until after a crime has been committed. In the new plan, there is nothing to stop the police from rolling the cameras long before a crime is committed, even if a crime isn't committed. However, the police will have you or yours on video. This could be used for 'profiling' or building a file on you whether you need one or not.

I guess I can avoid a gas station or a corner store if need be, but what about a public place, like a concert. I don't want the police taking my picture, even if I am not doing anything illegal. I just don't like the idea. For all intents and purposes, the tapes in stores and gas stations and the like are usually taped over after a certain period of time, and not used for anything unless a crime occurs. The police, on the other hand could single the person out. This to me is not unlike phone tapping, which as far as I know, requires a warrant from a judge. Taking your picture at a public gathering doesn't. If for some reason I don't want my picture taken at a rock concert, I can ask the photog not to take my picture, chances are, they will oblige, the police, on the other hand, will be under no obligation to stop, in fact, it may make them want to take more pictures.

I think we need to start telling our civic leaders, councillors and Mayor, that we aren't in favor of police attending public events to take pictures of the citizens of this city.

Instead of capturing pictures of rock concerts, why don't the police use the expensive digital cameras money to hire some additional detectives and try to solve some of the unsolved murders in this city? The last time I counted, the number of major unsolved crimes in Nova Scotia, mostly homicides, was over 50...some going back several years. Is this proving that in Nova Scotia you can get away with murder.....?

Your thoughts?

Paul McCartney In Halifax Concert

2009-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Before you go all ga-ga over Paul McCartney coming to Halifax to play a concert on the Common, remember McCartney and his wife were very outspoken and negative about the Canadian seal hunt, going on the ice for a photo op and so forth, bringing detrimental attention to the Newfoundland sealers, as well as Canada as a whole.

McCartney's concern for the seals apparently outweighed his concern for the maritime fishing industry, who were and are victims of a disappearing lifestyle. It was 2006 when he and his wife Heather went to Prince Edward Island in a visit arranged by the Humane Society of the United States, which wanted the media attention to put pressure on the federal government to end the hunt.

The seals, who decimate the fish population, have achieved record populations at an estimated 5.9 million, up from two million in the 1970s, tell me that doesn't have an impact on the fishery.

At that time, McCartney called on the Prime Minister to end the seal hunt, saying it was a "stain" on Canada's character...I guess he doesn't like our character, just our concert money.

McCartney wrote an open letter to then prime minister Paul Martin, asking him to ban the seal hunt, saying, "We wanted to put you on notice that if Canada moves forward with another hunt next year, we will do all we can to focus attention on this unjustified, outdated and truly horrific practice, including, potentially, visiting the seals and the ice."

It amazes me how soon we forget.....

Halifax Dartmouth Ferry

2009-05-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

Here are two of the Halifax Dartmouth Ferries shuttling passengers back and forth between Halifax and Dartmouth. Click the pic for a larger view!

The "Dartmouth Ferry" as it was originally known, started service in 1752, taking passengers and supplies, as well as ice from Dartmouth to the British Garrison in Halifax. Today there are three ferries in operation, the Dartmouth III, the Halifax III and the Woodside I. They don't carry supplies or ice anymore, but they are much loved by everyone who rides them, and particularly the daily commuters who ride them twice a day to get back and forth from work.
You can find out the ferry schedule here Halifax Dartmouth Woodside Ferry Schedule

Oil Rigs In Halifax Harbour

2009-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is one of the various oil rigs that come into Halifax Harbour for servicing and repairs.
Today there were two of them in the harbour. I believe these are called 'jack-up' rigs because the platform is jacked up or raised on the legs over the drill spot. In the Harbour the legs appear well over the platform as the harbour is not very deep where they are moored.

Halifax Traffic

2009-05-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

I guess by the standards of a big city like New York, Halifax traffic would seem quite tame....but try telling that to a tired commuter at suppertime trying to get out of the downtown core and home for supper! This is the foot of George Street at 5:00 on a Monday.

Halifax Harbour Boardwalk

2009-05-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Halifax Harbour has lots of interesting views, and this one, taken from the upper plaza at the Halifax Ferry Terminal shows the Harbour boardwalk heading up the harbour toward the Casino. It's a wonderful place to stroll on a warm summer evening. The two towers in the distance are Purdy's Wharf.

Theodore Tugboat

2009-05-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

One of the sights of Halifax is Theodore Tugboat, an actual tugboat that was converted to match a tugboat from a local CBC Television show, "Theodore Tugboat"

These days Theodore doesn't work as a tug exactly, instead they do harbour tours and welcome the cruise ships upon arrival in Halifax Harbour.

You can see Theodore Tugboat in the harbour all summer, and tied up at the wharf along the boardwalk close to the Halifax Ferry Terminal.

Who's A Nurse?

2009-05-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Would someone please tell me what the television advertisement from the Nurses Union is supposed to mean? I'm talking about the one that has several folks dressed in hospital style scrubs saying, "I'm not a nurse" and then another one, says "I'm not a Nurse" and finally one person, wearing almost the same clothes as the rest says, "I am a nurse." Then the ad goes on to say, "you need a nurse...."

Well I will be dammed if I can understand what that all means. I think it means that you need to be careful in the hospital because there are all kinds of folks from cleaners to kitchen help to technicians to nurses all walking around wearing the same clothes...hospital style clothes. Maybe it would be easier just to put a big sign on the ones that are nurses. Something like...I dunno...how about "NURSE"

It all goes back to the demise of the hat. Remember when nurses always wore the little nurse hat? Those were great, you could tell a nurse at the opposite end of the hall, there she was in her hat. Somehow nurses seem to have gotten into the habit of not wearing their hats and now look what's happened, confusion all over the hospital about who is a nurse. To make matters worse, there seems to be a shortage of nurses, because in the television ad, there are about 4 people that look like nurses who say they are not nurses before we find one who is a nurse....so that tells me that "not-a-nurse" staff outnumber "I-am-a-nurse" staff by 4 to 1....no wonder the hospital wait times are so long, nobody can tell for sure who the nurses are.

I think we need to get the nurses back in hats like this Deluxe Nurse Hat Adult

Now wouldn't that make things a lot easier? No need for expensive television commercials to say who is a nurse, just an $8 hat....

On the other hand....if our nurses wore something like this nurse outfit it would be really easy to find one....and our hospitals would really be overcrowded.....

OK...let the comments begin.....

Halifax Forest Fires

2009-05-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Well for once you could say the weather kind of cooperated and helped us out...sorta...today brought some rain to help fight the brush fires burning in Spryfield outside of Halifax. However, along with the rain we had some high winds as well, which fanned the flames, but there was some good news, in even the wind. Apparently the wind direction turned the fire back towards the areas that were already burned over, leaving no fuel for the fire to continue. That, plus the rain, plus the unceasing efforts of the brave fire-fighters and pilots dropping water helped to quell the fires.

Some residents are getting back to their properties and some, sadly, aren't finding much to go back to as several homes were ultimately lost.

This is the second major fire we've had in less than a year that has cost someone a home and more. Many factors go towards the creation and ongoing burning of a forest fire, one of which is dry fuel to burn and since Hurricane Juan, there apparently is lots of dry fuel left in the forests around the edge of town. I realize that this is not something easily dealt with, however, given the cost, not doing something about this is a problem as there is no doubt we will have more fires, the only questions are where and when.

I think it's time the HRM and the Province get together and discuss solutions to what is a dangerous situation. Perhaps we need to get crews in the woods where the hurricane damage left lots of dead and dry branches and trees and get them cleaned up. With unemployment always an issue in this country, here is a chance to offer some meaningful work, and probably lots of it. The wood could be cut up and used either for firewood, wood chips etc or whatever, as long as it gets cleaned up.

I realize that there are hectares and hectares of forest needing this kind of attention, but the areas around subdivisions, homes etc could be targeted first. Get in and get it cleaned up, the forests will be better for it as well, ane new growth will be encouraged. It's time to be proactive before more folks lose their homes or their lives.

What do you think? Could some of this be cleaned up?

Forest Fire In Halifax

2009-04-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Halifax is burning...well not exactly Halifax, but right now there is a pretty big forest fire burning in the Spryfield, Herring Cove area of the Halifax Regional Municipality. It's a bad fire, several houses have burned, I think the number is around 10 or 12 at the moment. Some folks got out just in the nick of time. It's estimated that about 1000 people have been evacuated from 300 homes in Spryfield.

The fire is quite intense, this picture, which doesn't do it justice, is a picture of the forest fire over the Halifax skyline. This was taken about 10 p.m. from the Dartmouth side of the Halifax Harbour, from the overpass on the Circumferential Highway heading toward Woodside.

Halifax Regional Municipality spokeswoman Shaune MacKinlay said HRM has set up a relief centre at the Captain William Spry Centre, The Red Cross is there to help those evacuated and stranded.

There are around 100 fire crews on the job now, fighting the fire, which some have described as several fires within an area. The fire is moving quickly which is hampering attempts to contain it. There are helicopters dropping water and three fixed wing planes from New Brunswick are on their way, or are probably here by now. They are water tankers and can carry a lot of water.

One of the problems around here with forest fires is the large amount of dead branches and brush left in the woods since the devastating Hurricane Juan hit the Halifax area several years ago. Now all the trees that blew down during the hurricane and died are laying on the forest floor rotting, but before they rot they dry out into what has become excellent tinder and fuel for a fire.

Here is a video from this afternoon showing some of the smoke from the fire across the Halifax skyline.

The weather forecast is predicting a chance of showers or rain tomorrow and the next couple of days, for once, I hope the forecast of rain is correct....

Pray for rain.....

Halifax Weather

2009-03-31T02:31:00.000-07:00

I dunno who we have to blame, but someone should be fired....what the heck is going on with this snow?? It's the 31st of March and we are in the midst of a major snowfall...no...snowstorm with all kinds of snow on the ground and ice pellets and....yuck!! This should be over by now! What happened to Spring? I gotta go find my shovel.....

HRM to Split?

2009-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

There has recently been a poll that says Haligonians favor the idea of splitting the Halifax Regional Municipality in to two pieces....nobody asked me, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea to me...

The poll asked if the resident would be in favor of dividing the municipality into urban and a rural areas. Apparently it was close, with 51% of respondents in favor of the split, 36% were against it and 13% didn't care....so..if you take the 13% who don't care and split them in half, giving 6.5% to splitting and 6.5% to not splitting, add them on you arrive at a result of 57.5% in favor and 42.5% against, giving those in favor a big lead!

So what do you think? Should we split-er-up?

Canadians Not Happy With Fox

2009-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

I am doing something I seldom do, and that is post something that I have posted on another of my blogs, but it is mine and I guess I can post it where I decide...so here goes....this was what I posted on The Cottage Chronicles tonight.
-----------------------------
Canadians are a people with a pretty decent sense of humor, I mean c'mon, take a look at some of the Prime Minister's we vote in....and we can take a joke with the best of them, even if we are the brunt of it, take a look at Newfoundland....

I thought about writing this post, I really did, because it's easy to get all wound up about "sumthin" that is really "nuthin" but I found myself needing to weigh in on this. While part of me wants to say, 'Ha! funny guys..you Americans are funny guys" smile, turn the other cheek and walk away, see it for what it is, a couple of 'TV morons with mics' but alas....I couldn't....so if I offend my American readers...well...I too am offended...

It seems like there is a bit of a disconnect in the USA as to Canada and what we have been doing of late....first of all, when 911happened, we took all the planes that your country wouldn't allow to land in the United States, and landed them here, even put some of your folks up in our homes while you were struggling with the aftermath of the twin towers. I remember well, we worked late that night collecting names from Canadians opening their homes and calling to offer assistance and a place for stranded travellers to stay.

Then we booted up and helped you kick some ass in Afghanistan where your ill informed intel said Binn Laden was hiding...we've been there ever since. We've lost over 100 (116 to date, the highest casualty rate among allied countries fighting there) of our soldiers, with countless more injured and maimed, on your behalf....sure we have a stake in it, but let's cut through the hype, it is on your behalf... I'm sorry, but Binn Laden and his terrorists didn't seem all that interested in Canada prior to 911....

Apparently the folks at the Fox Network didn't know what we have been doing, as they let some host take a lot of low-brow shots at the Canadian Military, on a late night TV Show. You all know the story by now...no wait, perhaps not, because it might not be talked about in the U.S.A.

So here's the deal...we've been eating, sleeping, fighting, killing and dying in Afghanistan since our troops first landed in that God forsaken piece of desert in 2001. After your leaders pulled most of your troops out and headed into Iraq for reasons that have become quite feeble of late, perhaps even criminal, we dug in and stayed on in Afghanistan, still chasing and killing your terrorists.

The leader of our forces in Afghanistan Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie recently said that our military may need a year to recover after Canada's mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011. Don't forget, Canada isn't a warmongering country, we don't have a huge military waiting to go after terrorists or others we don't like, so fighting a long term war in a far off country is taking it's toll on our limited resources. So the Lieutenant General was referring to our need to pull back, re-group and perhaps re-think what has become another Viet Nam. He referred to it in what I imagine was military jargon as a 'synchronized break' The host of the Fox show and his panallists picked up on that comment and thought it might be funny to say the following...

"the Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white Capri pants."

"I didn't even know they were in the war,"

"I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight. Go chill in Canada."

They continued by saying the Canadian soldiers needed a break for "manicures and pedicures,"

And they really pissed in our corn flakes when they made fun of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police saying police in 'Canada wear red coats and ride horses while the American police wear bullet proof vests...'

“Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country?” he said. “They have no army.”

That's what you think fella...c'mon up here, we don't need an army to deal with you, we're all fighting mad and good to go....This would be a good night for you to visit a bar in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nunavut, I'm sure folks there would give you a warm welcome. Each of those Provinces has lost sons and daughters fighting in Afghanistan.

Tell your 'jokes' to the family of Trooper Jack Bouthillier, Corporal Tyler Crooks, Trooper Corey Hayes, and Master Corporal Scott Vernelli, the latest four young Canadians who recently lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan on March 20, 2009...

Following the outrage, the host of the Fox show made a public apology, thanks for that....it means so much....ha! I'd like to see him resign his television gig and sign up in the Canadian Army for a tour of duty in Afghanistan, we have some open positions, 116 and counting....

In case you still figure we are running around the beach in white capri pants, here is the list of the 116 men who won't be on a beach anywhere ever again... Canada's Fallen

Metro Transit Bus Drivers In Action...sorta....

2009-03-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

I've always thought bus driving was a bit of a stressful job...I've also thought it takes a certain kind of person to drive a transit bus through the downtown streets, loaded with passengers, navigating traffic, pedestrians and everything else, all the while staying on schedule....tough job...

I've also had the pleasure to know a couple of bus drivers in my life, and therefore know of what I speak...bus drivers, or at least the ones I know, tend to be a little...well...um...let's say, 'quirky'

Now, before you jump on me, I am referring to the ones I used to know, I can't speak for all the bus drivers, nor can I speak for any bus drivers but....I don't have to, they are doing it themselves, and if actions speak louder than words, they are speaking volumes at high pitch....

Just last week a metro bus driver made it to the news when he refused to allow a Muslim woman wearing a traditional 'niqab' on board the bus. A niqab is a form of head scarf. According to a witness, reported in the Metro, metro's daily free newspaper, the bus driver began yelling at the woman because only her eyes were visible. The driver stood up and raised his voice, according to the witness, and repeatedly told the woman that he wasn't letting her on the bus, saying "that's the law" over and over. Um....what law is that exactly?

Apparently, after about a ten minute stand-off, the driver called his supervisor, then allow the couple to board and continued on his route....

For their part, the general manager for Metro Transit told the Metro News that Metro Transit believes in fostering diversity....uh-huh...I guess they do because the next Metro Transit Bus Driver to leave us wondering, well he was driving his bus down Spring Garden Road in Halifax when he spotted a group of seal hunt protesters who were protesting to mark the International Day of Action against the seal hunt....He stopped the bus on Spring Garden, got up, left the bus, ran across the street and began clubbing a fake seal the protesters had on display....yes...I said, clubbing a fake seal....on Spring Garden Road...in front of witnesses....

I so wish I had been there to see that.

Metro Transit is investigating both incidents....

The Honourable Michael Baker

2009-03-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take tonight's post and dedicate it to the loss of a valuable Nova Scotian, the Honourable Michael Baker, Q.C. who passed away Monday March 2nd, after what I can only describe as what appeared to be a brave, unfaltering battle against cancer.

Michael Baker was a man who had a deep sense of civic responsiblity and demonstrated it at every turn. His list of accomplishments both in the public service and his private life is long and impressive, far to impressive for me to do justice to here in this little website, and I fear I might miss something if I tried.

The positions Michael held as a Cabinet Minister were never the easy ones, in fact, his most recent, which he worked at diligently up until about two weeks ago, was Minister Of Finance for Nova Scotia, in these turbulent financial times, one of the most difficult of Ministerial positions.

Minister Baker did it with a courage seldom seen in political life. His devotion to his duty was unwavering, going to work everyday, despite the pain he was suffering. He should be an inspiration to all Nova Scotians.

I watched his various public appearances with a sense of sadness as Mr.Baker's health was obviously declining this past year. His once robust, strong body reduced by the illness that eventually claimed his life. The pain he suffered didn't stop him, and had I not known of his illness, in the beginning it was almost possible to think that perhaps he had just gone on a big diet, but, unfortunately that wasn't the case.

So, after a long, brave fight, with his family around him The Honourable Michael Gilbert Baker, Q.C., Minister of Finance, 52, of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 2, 2009 leaving behind his wife and two children.

Michael Baker, lived and died as what my father would call,
a "man's man". That is to say he fought for what he believed, and he took whatever happened with honour, full on, unwavering in his conviction, determined and brave....and that is the way his life finished, full on, unwavering and brave, and above all, honourable....

The Honourable Michael Baker Q.C. shall be sadly missed by all Nova Scotians.....

Harbour Solutions Needs A Solution

2009-03-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

The same folks who were scratching their heads trying to figure out what to do with cats and chickens are now turning to much bigger problems. The Halifax Harbour Solutions Project to clean up Halifax Harbour needs...ah....well...a solution....

It seems the same system that Mayor Kelly thought was protecting him when he swam in the Harbour is on the rocks...since a malfunction in January following a power outage.

Raw sewage made it's way back into the Halifax Harbour waters after the plant malfunctioned, leaving us kind of back at square one. Now everyone at HRM City Hall is looking dumbfounded....

Read about it Here! and Here

Gas and Dash at the Pumps

2009-02-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

The gas station guys want the Nova Scotia Government to implement legislation that will require a 'pay-first-pump-second' process. That means you will pull up to the pumps, go inside, pay for your gas, then go outside and pump it.

The Opposition MLA's are in favor apparently, at least according to this news report in the Halifax Chronicle Herald.

This is because the gas retailers are recording losses due to people taking off without paying for their fuel, which is costing the retailers money, one claims up to $100 a week, or $5000 a year...it's apparently a bigger problem in cities than urban areas where everyone knows everyone. The Halifax Police spokesperson interviewed said there were about 720 gas thefts reported in the region in 2008.

So the gas companies got us all pumping our own gas, checking our oil and cleaning our windshields. Now they want their money up front...and of course if your gas tank won't hold all that you paid for, you must go back inside to recieve your change...and to think they used to call these places, "Service" stations, now they call them "Convenience" Stores....

Ya know....somethings are just the cost of doing business...let's think about this for a minute....what is going to be next here? Department stores and grocery stores and others lose huge sums of money each year to theft, shoplifting etc, are they going to make you pay on your way into the store? Before you put your items in the grocery basket, you have to give the store money?

What about the police? I thought it was kind of their role to fight crime, not just record it and talk about it on the news. Why aren't there police in unmarked cars sitting in the parking lot at some of these stores, watching for a gas and dasher to nab and charge. Some publicized arrests might make this a much less attractive crime.

How about cameras, several stations have cameras now, which can capture your plate number, and evidence of the crime.

Of course industry, in an attempt to get the poor consumer, their customers on side, like to suggest that theft drives their costs up. Yes, I'm sure it does, like it does in any business or industry where theft is a problem, and the consumer pays for it now, so saying it will be worse if they don't do something is fear mongering in my opinion.

Let's be realistic, the gas stations are all competing heavily with each other, there are probably too many of them in the first place all trying to sell us everything from gas to coffee to cigarettes to lottery tickets to milk to Red Bull to...well you name it...all at inflated 'convenience store' prices....and many, not all, but many, are doing quite well in the business. They don't need any staff except a minimum wage cashier or two per shift, and they couldn't fix your car if their life depended on it. They can probably sell you a windshield wiper, but good luck getting someone to put it on for you.

I would like to own one of those 'convenience stores' myself.

So to the retailers who are calling their customers thieves I say suck it up!

Gran Torino Movie Review

2009-02-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

It seems like lately I have seen more movies in the theatre than I have in years, the other night it was "Taken" and tonight, Gran Torino directed by and starring Clint Eastwood.

Clint plays Walt Kowalski a widower with a fair share of issues and predjudices, many relating to his old school life and his war years in Korea. He plays the part of a grumpy old man well, not unlike his grumpy young man characters in his westerns and detective movies. The face of his neighborhood is changing around him and he doesn't like it, still holding on to old predjudices.

A retired assembly line worker for Ford, his prized possession is his 1972 Ford Gran Torino that he babys, like all owners of old cars in mint condition. When his neighbor, a young lad named Thao, tries to steal the Torino under pressure from a local gang, Kowalski tries to reform the youth, not necessarily of his own liking, but goes along with it, perhaps owing to his war memories and a feeling that he should atone for some of the things he may have done to young men like Thao during that time of his life. From there he is drawn into taking steps to protect them from the gang that is trying to take over their neighborhood.

For a man about 78 years old, 6'4" Clint Eastwood can still hold his own, he is as straight backed as ever, and quick with his hands and a gun. Although he is looking his age, his actions reflect those of a man in pretty good shape. It is impressive to watch him in action, even now. But don't get me wrong, this isn't Dirty Harry or Unforgiven, but it is pure Eastwood, as least as far as I am concerned. I liked it, perhaps not quite as much as Taken but I still liked it and would recommend it to anyone, especially Clint Eastwood fans.
Here is the official trailer to Gran Torino:

If you collect movie posters, and these days who doesn't? You can order an original Gran Torino double sided 27X40 poster like the one shown above only bigger, that is not a reprint, Here!

You can get show times for Gran Torino at Empire Theatres Here!

Taken

2009-02-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

In honour of Valentine's Day, I took my wife to see a movie tonight and let me tell you, it was worth the price of admission! We went to Empire Theatres at Dartmouth Crossing to see the new movie, Taken starring Liam Neeson.

When his estranged daughter is kidnapped in Paris, Neeson, an ex-spy, sets out to get her back, beginning an action packed adventure that keeps your eyes glued to the screen for the entire picture. There is no downtime in this movie, it's all action! My wife and I both enjoyed every jam packed action filled minute! Irish born Liam Neeson, delivers a great performance as usual, and makes this a must see movie!

In addition to Liam NeesonTaken stars Maggie Graceas his kidnapped daughter, and my latest infatuation, Famke Janssen as his ex-wife.

You can get show times for Empire Theatres Here! and...you can watch the trailer here on Halifax Nights and Sights....

And finally...because I was quite "Taken" with Famke Janssen myself, I thought it might be nice to post a pic of the lovely 45 year old Dutch actress showing off her very nice legs....by the way according to Wilkepedia, her name is pronounced, "Fahm-Kuh Yan-Sin"

Halifax Everything To Do With Sex Show

2009-01-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

Halifax is becoming a metropolitan city whether it wants to or not. Life in Halifax is getting faster and some would argue sexier...some would argue trashier...I am not going to argue either way, but I will say this about that....Halifax is a harbour town and a military town...well city now...and as such has a history that has a somewhat seedier side, especially in the past along the waterfront. Ladies of the evening plied their trade in Halifax probably not long after the first ship sailed into the Harbour in 1749. Not only that, but the city has a rich nightlife, with lots of bars and lounges, nightime venues for music and drinking and parties.

So it should come as no surprise that Halifax is now hosting "the everything to do with sex show" beginning Friday January 23 and running until 6 p.m. Sunday evening January 25th. According to the promotional copy, the Halifax sex show has stimulating seminars, exhibits and contests, sizzling live sex shows, and what they refer to as "our wickedly enticing Dungeon" and much more.

The everything to do with sex show is not new, it's new to Halifax, having been held in Ontario, for a few years. This is the first time here in Nova Scotia. The show continues on to Montreal in early February. Here is a short promo video, don't worry it is very tame, nothing to naughty to see here folks....

The everthing to do with sex show is being held at the Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Road, Halifax. The hours remaining are Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admittance is restricted to persons 19 years of age and older.

For tickets and more info visit Everything To Do With Sex Show

I'd be interested to know if you think these are the kinds of shows and exhibits we should have in Halifax. It's getting lots of press, and I suspect it will get lots of visitors, are you going?

Turn your wife or girlfriend into a hotwife!! Click Here

Valkyrie At Dartmouth Crossing

2009-01-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

I had a nice evening at the movie theatre tonight with my two daughters who took the old man to see Tom Cruise, in his latest movie, Valkyrie a World War II suspense movie, that explored and recounts a 1944 attempt to assassinate Hilter by members of the German Army. Set in Germany during World War II, is based on a true story, so I guess you already know how it ends....However, that shouldn't stop you from going to see it, especially if you are interested in World War II history.

Tom Cruise plays Claus Count Schenk von Stauffenberg, a Germany Army officer and member of German Aristocracy, who is wounded while fighting in Africa, losing an eye, a hand, and two fingers, who returns to Nazi Germany after recovering from his injuries. At that time he becomes involved in an ongoing conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler and infact appears to become one of the major leaders of the attempted assaissination and subsequent coup to overthrow the Nazi government. It is unclear as to whether or not Stauffenberg was involved in the conspiracy earlier than 1944, but it appears he did know most of his co-conspirators prior to the coup in which he took part. There had been several failed previous attempts.

Here is a short trailer from the movie...

Valkrie has had a rough time from the get-go, running into several difficulties, ranging from resistance from the German Government to give permission to film in Germany, to resistance from the head of the German Resistance Memorial Center who were concerned about "myth formation" around Cruise's character, von Stauffenberg, as a result of the film. They wanted people to understand and remember that although von Stauffenberg ultimately died for trying to kill Hitler and bring an end to the Nazism and the war, up until then he had been loyal to the Nazi cause for most of his career. There was also quite a bit of resistance to Tom Cruise playing the von Stauffenberg apparently because of the actors outspoken involvement in Scientology which is viewed as a cult in Germany.

To some degree, as I watched the film, I couldn't help but feel that there was an underlying motive to show that not all Germans embraced or agreed with Hitler and the Nazi's. That of course is probably quite true. But I couldn't help but think that the plot didn't happen until 1944 when things weren't going as well for the Germans as some may have liked. There is also the idea that upon the demise of Hitler, the conspirators would take control of the government, and infact put one of their own in power, Dr. Carl Friedrich Goerdeler, a German politician who intends to become chancellor of Germany after the assassination and takeover of the military are complete.

So what you have is a group of conspirators, who some would argue are traitors, who decide to remove Hitler and form a new government in Germany, and we are left to assume, end the war. There had also been much speculation that the group was actually motivated to kill Hitler to avoid the loss of their privileges as professional officers and members of the nobility. Don't forget, Von Stauffenberg was a Count by birth, and a member of the pre-war German nobility.

Of course in a critical eye, that remains to be seen. It seems like ending the war is the plan, but was it.....we will likely never know....What we do know, is that after the war documents were uncovered and given to the Soviets, that were written by Stauffenberg and his fellow officers in 1943 that speak of the idealistic motivation that these men entertained in terms of taking over Germany and ending the war.

Personally, I like to think that the motives of the conspirators, including von Stauffenberg were indeed noble and pure, and not self serving, although the movie did leave me with some doubt.

You can visit the official website for the movie Here

You can read another review Here

Reasd about Claus von Stauffenberg Here

Show times and movie listings for Empire Theatres at Dartmouth Crossing, Here!

International Year of Astronomy IYA2009

2009-01-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

In the words of the immortal Friendly Giant, "Look up...look waaaay up..." This blog is called Halifax Nights and Sights, and typically I write about things going on in Halifax. So it seems appropriate that this post be really about Halifax Nights, in terms of the night sky!

It turns out that 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy....yup...the night sky in all it's glory. According to the literature, this is the year to celebrate astronomy and its contributions to society which have been far more reaching than you may have imagined. 2009 was chosen because it is the 400th year anniversary from the time when Galileo first used a telescope to star gaze and explore the universe above us. Galileo was one of those curious fellows who didn't just accept the night sky, he embraced it and questioned it.....much to the benefit of us.

So this year, Astronomy Nova Scotia is sponsoring some events of an astronomical nature in Halifax and around Nova Scotia. Sounds interesting....

The good folks at ANS have been busy planning public lectures, 'sidewalk' observing sessions, observatory tours, shopping mall displays, and more, much more including outdoor star parties, which sound like a lot of fun!

But don't take my word for it, in fact why would you? Especially when you can visit some fascinating websites such as the Astronomy Nova Scotia Website and others, such as the following:

International Year Of Astronomy 2009

Canadian International Year of Astronomy 2009

Halifax Weather

2009-01-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

Halifax weather....oh my....One thing about the weather in Halifax, it is never static, in fact, it changes with amazing frequency. That's why I thought it might be nice to add a weather widget to my sidebar in case you are interested. Tonight, as write this, Halifax is experiencing a freezing rain storm that began this afternoon and is expected to continue into the late evening, before the temperature is supposed to rise, hopefully turning it back into just rain. In the meantime, driving and walking is less than nice....

Quite an upset at the New Year's event held at the Cunard Centre in downtown Halifax on New Year's Eve. Party goers are still trying to sort out lost coats from the less than perfect coat check situation. What made it particularly bad was the added problem of a major snow event hitting Halifax that night, leaving some party folks to go home on foot without coats....not a nice thing at all....Taxi's were hard to come by, coats went missing, an altogether terrible situation for anyone there. Our hearts go out to anyone who was caught in that mess.

I think that situation highlights the fact that government needs to take a good hard look at events of this nature and review what if any requirements should be in place. I know there are some controls now, mostly around fire regulations and serving liquor, but they may need to go further to ensure attendees are protected.

Halifax Grand Parade New Year's Eve Party

2008-12-30T18:16:00.001-08:00

Bundle up and get ready to party because tomorrow night is the 2008 New Year's Eve Party at the Halifax Parade Square in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

This year's Halifax’s New Year’s Eve show is called, “A” New Year’s Eve Show! The new name comes from the television broadcaster formerly known as ASN, now known as "A" which is a concept something like Prince...or...um...well...you know what I mean....but no matter, we're talking about a party!

It's promised to be the same great fun that happens every New Year's Eve in Halifax with hosts from BT, Breakfast Television, Maria Panopalis and Jayson Baxter! But even better, we're going to be treated to one of Halifax's favorite bands, Under the Sun !! The boys at UTS will get you warmed up just in time to really get kick back when the famous Celtic rockers - Rawlin's Cross take the Grand Parade stage in their first live concert in something like six years!

The show get's underway at the Halifax Parade Square at 10:00 p.m. on December 31st, and goes until 12:10 next year! Actually the party usually starts well before 10 and goes until after 12 but the television broadcast runs from 10 - 12:10

If you go, be sure to dress extra warm, including layers, mitts and stocking hats, and long underwear is never out of place. It can be pretty chilly, at least until the band starts rockin' and it will be rockin' especially when Rawlin’s Cross hits the stage with their brand of distinctive Celtic, pop and traditional music that always gets the crowd singing along! Speaking of Rawlin's Cross, I'm sure they will be playing some of the songs from their latest CD, Anthology featuring music like

But they are not alone, don't forget the high-energy sound from Under The Sun giving listener's some of the fabulous entertainment they have come to enjoy each New Year's in Halifax!

But it doesn't end with the music, there is also what has been promised to be the largest New Year's Eve fireworks display in the history of the Halifax Grand Parade New Year's Party!

Parking can be tricky, so I recommend you try transit for this event, much easier, and be careful tomorrow night because we are forecast to recieve a snowstorm which may have an affect on the event.
For more information about the Halifax Grand Parade New Year's Party please call 490-6776 or 453-4000

Remember too, if you can't get there in person, you can enjoy the show on "A" the television station (formerly known as ASN)...what genius thought of that name....oh my....but then again, what do I know....

Rawlin's Cross Anthology

Halifax's New Year's Eve 2008 in the Halifax Grand Parade off Barrington Street! I will see you there!!!

Rats On The Loose In Halifax

2008-12-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

Have you read this weeks edition of The Coast? You know, the Halifax weekly newspaper that is free and really gives you the inside scoop on what is going on in Halifax? Well....I think you should....there is a interesting, yet frightful feature story in this weeks edition that will turn your blood cold...it seems Halifax is inundated with rats!

Now ever since I was a lad with a pellet rifle, I knew about the harbour rats...the shoreline crawled with them and many a lazy summer afternoon was spent on the waterfront with my buddies shooting at them. I say at them because I don't think we ever actually killed one....they are tough little buggers. That's why they are here, having survived forever and multiplied. Now rats no longer just hang out at the waterfront alone, nope...according to the article, by Lezlie Lowe, they live in tunnels, all over Halifax, with a population rate of something like 75 per city block....yup...75....

But that's not all, apparently new Halifax construction and development stirs them up and forces them to move, which means they are turning up in places no rat has gone before, including, and get this, in your toilet....Yup, there have been instances of rats turning up in toilets...you heard me...they swim, crawl, walk, scurry up the sewers and right into your home albeit a little wet and smelly.

Halifax plumbing companies are being asked to install more backwater valves than ever before, following incidents of a toilet rodent and more frequently than ever before. Halifax has Norway rats, which are big rugged animals, that, according to the article are "capable of growing 20 inches tip to tail" Measure that with your ruler...that is a big rat. There are others, called Black Rats, which are famous for carrying diseases, specifically the bubonic plague, but there haven'tg been any of them in Halifax since 1996. It seems the Norway rats don't like them, and this town is owned by the Norway Rats....

Norway rats arrived here on boats, and that makes sense given that Halifax is on the Halifax Harbour, the largest ice free port on the east coast. Over the years, innumerable ships have come and gone from Halifax, apparently brining more than just general produce, oil and human immigrants.

Here are some more things to consider, courtesy of the article, they can burrow through concrete...you heard me...and they can chew glass and metal...you heard me....

Notice any hole of unexplained nature in your backyard lately? I have and I don't like it, I fill them in, stick the garden hose in them and even have stuffed a gasoline soaked rag in one and covered it over, after I heard it was a good recipe for rat relief. I've seen one running around the neighbor's yard one morning, and I have my suspicions that they are underneath my backyard. The thing is, I don't like that they are in the backyard, but I will accept that quicker than I will accept one swimming into the house through the toilet....in fact...it makes me spend less time in the bathroom if you know what I mean.....

But don't take my word for it, pick up this week's copy of the The Coast and you'll know what I am talking about.

The Halifax Explosion December 6, 1917

2008-11-30T17:48:00.001-08:00

As we move into the first of December, people are starting to put up their Christmas Lights, and the stores are all becoming busy, as the Christmas Shopping season goes into full swing.

But there is something else on the minds of some Haligonians, as people who live in Halifax are called. On December 6th, the Halifax will be remembering when it suffered the worst manmade explosion prior to Hiroshima, when the atomic bomb dropped.

Our bomb wasn't atomic, but it was almost as devastating.....

It was 1917, World War I was still raging in Europe, and Halifax Harbour was a busy, bustling place, with ships moving up and down the Harbour, and the city busy growing into a city. That's when a French munitions ship, The Mont Blanc collided with a Belgian Relief Steamer, The Imo in the narrows of Halifax Harbour. The collision caused a fire to break out on the munitions ship, which was heavily loaded with tons of explosive materials bound for the war effort.

When those munitions exploded, a vast section of Halifax was completely devastated, some 1500 people killed, another 6000 injured....and to make matters worse, the next day, the city was blanketed with a major snowstorm. (the snowstorm was seen by some as a blessing because it helped to extinquish some of the fires)

There are far too many resources much better than I, who can tell you the story of the Halifax Explosion and I encourage you to read some, it is a fascinating real life story of life and death.

For starters, one of the best that I found is from the CBC The Halifax Explosion I found this one to be an easy read, that walks you through the story.

The Maritime Museum of The Atlantic has a page as well, although I didn't find it as extensive as CBC's.

Perhaps one of the easiest reads regarding the explosion is found Here! in the form of a folksong.

If you would rather read an account of the Halifax Explosion in print, I recommend Laura M. Macdonald's book, Curse of The Narrows: The Halifax Disaster of 1917
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There is a memorial service to be held on the anniversary of the explosion, the details as follows:
Halifax Explosion Memorial Service
Saturday, December 6, 2008
8:50 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.
Fort Needham Hill, Bell Tower
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You can find lots of great books about Nova Scotia, Here!

Snow Removal In Halifax Less than Perfect

2008-11-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

So...Halifax got dumped on last night, and as my earlier post shows, lots of snow, heavy wet snow. But here is my problem.....the snow removal guy comes by around 8 this morning, and makes one pass down our street, one lane, so we can get out. OK, except that means he is going to eventually be back and fill my driveway in again. So if I go out this afternoon, I can be pretty much assured I will have to shovel again when I get home, or even later.

If the city is in such dire straits that we cannot afford decent snow removal and snow plowing, or at least supervision of the private contractors doing the snow plowing, we are going to be in for a long winter....Perhaps there is a new rule that only requires one lane to be plowed per side street? I for one am going to be asking that question of my Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor.

I have to laugh at the TV news folks, you'd think that Haligonians, and Nova Scotians, had never seen snow before. It's amazing listening to how the 30cm snowstorm brought a halt to everything today, you'd think it was another White Juan, which it wasn't....but The Cobequid Pass was closed again, making it twice this week that drivers had to hold up in their vehicles for hours on end. That, and looking out at my street, which now, some 12 hours since the storm ended, still is only one lane....and I haven't seen or heard a plow for hours. Are they all up on the Cobequid Pass, or are conditions too much for them too....was their an Occupational Health and Safety ruling that said snow plow drivers don't have to plow snow? I must have missed that memo....

Snow....more snow in Halifax

2008-11-22T05:22:00.000-08:00

OK...now what the heck is this all about? There is about 6 inches of snow in my driveway, on my lawn...my steps are covered....the car is buried....It's only Novemeber and this is Halifax, Nova Scotia....not Alaska or Nunavit....it's supposed to be autumn. Colored leaves and cool evenings, it's not supposed to mean shovelling snow!

Last night the Halifax television weather forecasters were as accurate as possible, I think Cindy Day and Peter Coade called this one right on! They said snow starting overnight and it did, with the first flakes landing here around 11:00 pm last night. They even had the amounts right.

There is enough snow down that even the buses aren't running this morning. Imagine...that means all the poor souls trying to get to Walmart at the Dartmouth Crossing or Bayers Lake may have to settle for shopping somewhere closer to home, like MicMac Mall or the Halifax Shopping Centre.

So now I am faced with the enivitable decision, do I shovel or snowblow? Or do I just sit back and wait to see what the day brings. Sometimes snow that comes at this time of year goes just as fast. If the temperature goes up, or if it rains, we'll be laughing, especially if the neighbors shovel and we don't.....

Nativity - The Musical

2008-11-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, as a blogger, I find myself in some somewhat unusual places. Places that I might not normally go, but....I have recently discovered that I have an interest in live stage plays. Now I am not fanatical about it, at least not yet, but I do enjoy some theatre now and again. I am always amazed at the musical talent that abounds here in Nova Scotia, and Halifax is often the mecca for it.

So tonight I found myself in one of the oldest churches in Halifax, St Matthews United Church, on Barrington Street, next to the Maritime Centre. It is an old church, and inside, quite lovely, although it's age is apparent. Sitting in a pew, I could almost imagine myself a soldier from the garrison at the Citadel, sitting upright in what I can only describe as straight backed pews...there is no slouching at St Matthews....

However, that's not why I was there. I was actually there to take in some Halifax amatuer theatre at it's finest. The play, actually a full on musical, is called "Nativity The Musical, A Story of Oppression and Hope, of and Engagement and a Surprise" Set in the Holy Land 2 thousand years ago, the play examines the struggle of the Isralites and their lives under Roman Occupation, as seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. It's part of the St Matthews United Church Community Outreach Program. The play is the brainchild of Betsy Hogan with artistic direction from Jolene Pattison and musical direction from Fayette Taylor.

With a cast of about 20, it is an entertaining musical romp, showcasing some of the musical and acting ability of some of Halifax's theatre scene. The entire cast are talented entertainers, and it wouldn't be fair to single out any of them, but I have to give special mention to Nicole Moore as Mary, and Mike Tremblay, as Joseph, who gave a great performance.

The show runs about an hour, just right, although I must admit, as it ended I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, I wanted to see more of these talented folks. It's not too late though, as there are three more shows:
Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 pm,
Sunday November 23, at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the door in support of the St Matthews Church Outreach Program. I can't think of a better way to spend an hour.

Snow In Halifax

2008-11-21T02:24:00.000-08:00

I dunno what is going on around here....going to bed on Thursday night in a snowstorm and waking up in the morning to a cold day, with the snow covering the ground and frozen solid to the car....yuck. It made things pretty slippery too. And those poor folks who were stranded in their cars when they shut down the Cobequid Bypass....man I now consider myself lucky to have been home in my nice warm bed.

There is a lesson in that, don't be heading to Amherst in a snowstorm and if you are, make sure your car has an emergency kit. Some food, like energy bars, water, or other liquids, a hot thermos of tea or coffee would be good, a blanket or two, and some candles in a can etc...in short, be prepared to have to spend some time in your vehicle in an emergency. Oh yes, make sure you have lots of gas in the tank so you can run the vehicle for heat and if you are doing that, I guess you should keep a window or two cracked for fresh air. Gas is down to around 81 cents a litre, so it shouldn't hurt the pocketbook too much to fill the tank.

I'm telling you all that because the weather forecast for Nova Scotia is calling for another 10-15 centimetres of snow tonight and 10-15 tomorrow morning, for a potential total of 30 centimetres of snow falling on Halifax and surrounding areas.....yuck...got gas for your snowblower?

If you are heading out to take in some of the Halifax Nights and Sights, be sure to keep an eye on the weather tonight, and make sure you have something warm on besides your mini skirt and strappy sandals.....

Giant Tiger and Liquidation World

2008-11-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

The girls took me on a little shopping run tonight to two stores in Halifax that I have heard about but never actually been inside of. The first was a little place that didn't look like much on the outside, but was packed full of stuff on the inside. It's called Giant Tiger and it's located on Dutch Village Rd in Fairview. It's actually in the old Shoppers Drug Mart building, next to Tim Horton's.

Giant Tiger has all kinds of interesting stuff, from clothes to shoes to personal care items, even some groceries. I came away with a sweater, a stocking cap, a bottle of Listerine, and two pairs of gloves. I think it came to about $30.00

The next stop was Liquidation World on Strawberry Hill in Halifax. Again, lots of left over stuff from stores, not as much clothes, but some interesting stuff to look at if nothing else. They also have a selection of furniture, some of which looked like a pretty good deal. Certainly a place I would check out if I was in the market for a new couch or perhaps a table.

Finally it was off to Walmart at Dartmouth Crossing. Good old Walmart, always tried and true. I ended up spending another $20 on a pair of Wrangler jeans. The kind I like....

So, I'm home about $50 poorer, but an interesting evening just the same. If you are wondering what to do on the weekend, check out Giant Tiger in Fairview and Liquidation World on Strawberry Hill. Of course, don't forget Walmart.....

A Tunnel Under The Halifax Harbour

2008-11-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Listening to the news tonight I wasn't surprised to hear that there is talk of a tunnel under the harbour to take cars and people from Dartmouth to Halifax and vice versa...The future forecasters have figured out that the two existing bridges just aren't going to cut it in years to come, so they want to build a tunnel...not another bridge, that just isn't sexy, they want a tunnel...and at the moment the visionaries are suggesting that the best place would be at the end of the Circumferential Highway in Dartmouth, which would take the tunnel under one of the wider parts of the harbour and probably end up somewhere around Pier 21...Imagine all the cruise ship tourists getting run over as the morning traffic starts popping up from the tunnel into Halifax, wild eyed drivers, Tim Horton's coffee in hand, barreling out of the dark tunnel, blinded by the sunlight, tearing off to find a free parking spot on some sidestreet.

This tunnel idea comes up every so often, like on slow news days, when there isn't much going on, so someone drags out the old tunnel under Halifax Harbour idea....It's not really a new idea, local history lore says there is a tunnel running from Citadel Hill under the harbour out to Georges Island. Workers uncovered the tunnels a few times while digging up Halifax downtown streets. But whether they go to the island remains to be proven. But if we could find it, maybe it could be extended to Dartmouth for pedestrians.

As a commuter, I am not crazy about the amount of traffic on the bridges, but has anyone at all thought about this, or do we just like to keep spouting off ideas as entertainment or news filler....First of all, the proposed location is about as wide a part of the Halifax Harbour as you can find without going right out into the ocean. That's gotta make digging a tunnel rather pricey...secondly, what are we going to do with all the extra cars that will be ending up in downtown Halifax? Excuse me, but aren't we trying to convince people to take the bus or walk because of the pollution and the lack of anywhere to park a car in Halifax?

Maybe the tunnel, will be only for pedestrians, bicyclists and buses...now there is a combination....better let ambulances and emergency vehicles in too....

There could be a damm sight more ferry's in use for the price of a tunnel and the maintenance that goes with it. Not to mention the pollution in that tunnel alone...what about better on/off ramps for the existing bridges? That would help speed traffic along, what about better incentives like more free parking for transit users? Perhaps I am short sighted, but let's be realistic. Why make it any easier to bring your car to work if there is nowhere to put it? Why make more pollution from vehicle traffic?

Why...with all the things we need to be talking about in this country, do we continue to talk about stuff that is either too far fetched, too unpopular or just silly, like the infamous cat bylaw....sorry to bring that up, but I feel obliged every now and again to remind folks about that....

Dartmouth Cenotaph Rememberance Day

2008-11-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

November 11, 2008, Remembrance Day. Lest We Forget. These are some snapshots I took at the Cenotaph at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, during the ceremonies. Forgive my poor photography skills.

Here are some members of the military, marching in to the parade ground.

The Cenotaoph, with the sentries at their posts....

The concentration and dedication on this young soldier's face was admirable to say the least. I have no idea how they are able to stand so still for so long....

It was a lovely morning, cool, but sunny, and a great turnout to remember our members of the Military, and their families. We even had a Sea King Helicopter fly past.

Halifax Parade Of Lights 2008

2008-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Mark it on your calenders, the 13th Annual Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights, presented by EastLink and the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, is scheduled for for Saturday November 15th 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m. rain or shine the parade goes on!

Beginning at Upper Water Street in downtown Halifax, the Holiday Parade of Lights follows the Barrington Street Overpass, then along Barrington Street until the Maritime Centre where it takes a right up Spring Garden Road to South Park Street, then down University Avenue. Lots of opportunity to enjoy this wonderful seasonal kickoff!

During the parade, there will be uniformed letter carriers working on behalf of Santa, who will gather up your letters and see that they get to the North Pole in time. Look for them in Santa hats.

FEED Nova Scotia will be along, collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations to help out your fellow Nova Scotian's in need, as will Halifax radio station C100, who along with Empire Theatres will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for girls and boys of families in need.

A couple of points to remember, first, dress appropriately, that means warmly. Gloves, coats, warm hats and Battery Heated Socks are good, remember, it is November in Nova Scotia, and nighttime, it probably will be chilly. Also, avoid the traffic headaches and take the bus, ride Metro Transit downtown and save yourself the hassle of trying to find a parking spot. If you are coming from Dartmouth, the ferry is a good option.

The organizers have asked that for safety reasons, children are not allowed on the street at anytime during the parade, keep them on the sidewalk folks and keep them safe! Remember, it's dark....the street is no place for children at any time.....

If you can't make it to the Parade in person, all is not lost, you can watch it live on EastLink Television!

There ya go! The Halifax Parade of Lights, a fabulous show in past years and I am sure it will be even better this year! For more information, call 902-423-6658 or visit their website here!

Most of all, Have Fun, The Halifax Parade of Lights, November 15, 2008!

Halifax Seagull

2008-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that this was Nova Scotia's provincial bird, but it's not, that honor goes to the Osprey, nor can I chalk this one as the official winged symbol of Halifax, because I believe that is the kingfisher.....however....if there ever were two birds that deserve honorable mention as symbols of Halifax, and particularly the harbour, it has to be the crow and the seagull.

Here is a picture of a seagull who seemed quite willing to pose for my camera, and in fact, seemed to enjoy it.

While they may not be all that popular, these big birds, along with crows, work well in keeping a lot ofthe garbage off the streets of Halifax.

Halifax Food Establishments Inspection Reports

2008-10-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

The Nova Scotia Government has started posting the results of inspections of food service establishments online. That means before you head off to a Halifax restaurant, you can check to see if the particular establishment has had any incidents involving things like inadequate cleaning, and worse.....I think this is a good idea that might be very eye opening.
There are approximately 5000 food establishments in Nova Scotia, including restaurants, takeouts, grocery stores and other food-service facilities which are visited between 1 and 3 times per year, by Food Safety Specialists, based on a risk assessment. This is good information to have....

Here is the link, Food Safety Reports

Johnny Reid At The Rodeo Lounge In Dartmouth

2008-10-29T02:18:00.001-07:00

Fans of country music will be excited to hear that Johnny Reid is appearing at the Rodeo Lounge in Dartmouth on
November 21st and November 25th !!
The November 21st show is sold out, but there are still tickets available for the show on November 25th, so don't waste time, get your tickets today! The Rodeo Lounge is located at 121 Ilsley Avenue in Burnside, Dartmouth.
Johnny Reid was born August 21, 1974 in Lanark Scotand. He was nominated for the 2008 Juno Award for Country Recording of the Year for his song, Kicking Stones. He was named Male Artist of the Year at the 2008 CCMA Awards.
You can read more about Johnny Reid -Here!

Passchendaele - Movie

2008-10-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

Tonight was movie night for your Halifax Nights and Sights blogger, so the missus and my oldest daughter headed off to Empire Theatres at Dartmouth Crossing to see the World War I movie starring Paul Gross, entitled, Passchendaele. Gross also wrote and directed the movie.

Having read some of the hype about this movie, and knowing a little tiny bit about the WWI battle of Passchendaele, I wasn't sure what to expect, but having had several relatives who had been involved in that war, and Passchendaele, I just had to see it.

The Battle of Passchendaele, or more accurately, the second battle, was fought in November of 1917 for control of the village of Passchendaele near the town of Ypres in West Flanders, Belgium. The first attempt at Passchendaele on October 12, 1917 consisted mostly of 5 British and the New Zealand Division and the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions.

The second battle, was a shining moment in the history of the Canadian Corp, who were by then already neck deep in the mud of Flanders. Unfortunately, the cost to Canada in terms of lives was dear, and the Allies only held the place for about 4 months before pulling out, essentially giving it back to the Germans, in order to rally the troops together for a different, offensive position that was seen as more important.

The movie certainly does a good job of giving us a taste of the rain, the mud and the terror, that the soldiers lived and died in throughout that battle and other like it in World War I. We also see first hand what trench warfare was like at those times, and even an idea of some of the odd things that happened between opposing armies. Anyone who survived war, like any war, could never really be the same afterwards.

The movie also paints a pretty accurate picture of life at home during those exciting, albeit turbulent and terrifying times. In an interview with Paul Gross, he described the movie Passchendaele as a love story, moreso than a war story, I don't disagree, however I would say it is both, although the love story does reign throughout a large part of the movie. Which brings us to Caroline Dhavernas the lovely love interest of Paul's character in Passchendaele.

By all means, go see Passchendaele. I enjoyed it, at no point throughout the movie was I bored, not with the love story, or the war scenes, which I might say, were very realistic, and often very graphic.

So if you are looking for a movie worth seeing, check out the Empire Theatre movie times Empire Theatres at Dartmouth Crossing and go see Passchendaele.

Halifax Harbour Pictures

2008-10-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

If you visit Halifax or live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this is probably a scene you are familiar with. This is Murphy's On The Water, and the paddle wheel party boat, The Harbour Queen. A very popular attraction on the Halifax Waterfront.

Another popular site in Halifax Harbour, also ties up close to Murphy's Restaurant on the Halifax Harbour Boardwalk is the little television star tugboat turned tour boat, Theodore Too!!

Popular with kids of all ages and parents too, Theodore takes folks for rides around the Harbour during the summer months, it also welcomes the Cruise Ships coming into Halifax. If you want to see Theodore Too up close, drop down to the Halifax Ferry Terminal, he ties up right alongside the boardwalk. Tied up right behind Theodore Too is the Whale Watching boat that takes folks out to see whales at the mouth of the Harbour.

Another Cruise Ship In Halifax Harbour

2008-10-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm on a bit of a cruise ship kick this week and no wonder, there are two or three gigantic cruise ships in Halifax Harbour almost everyday. These are fantastic boats, so high from the water, huge ships, floating cities.

Today one of the cruise ships was turning around in the harbour, preparing to dock down by Pier 21. I was able to get myself into a place where I had a reasonable view and snap the above picture. Halifax is a favorite destination of these fabulous touring vacation boats, so much so that these days, most Haligonians barely take notice of them as they enter the Harbour or turn around like this one did this morning.

October In Halifax

2008-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

October is a great month to be in Halifax Nova Scotia. The days are usually sunny and mild, the nights are usually hot and wild. The downtown Halifax nightclubs are in full swing with the universities back, and there are lots of activities still going on from the summer vacation season.

October also means less crowds, cheaper hotel and motel rates, and the beauty of autumn foliage in this semi northern forest, with lots of brilliant hardwood trees changing color to create spectacular scenery.

October in Halifax is one of my favorite months. It's not hot, but it's not cold. The days are still long enough to see some sun after supper, even if it isn't for too long. It's the kind of weather where a short skirt and bare legs is still OK most of the time. The beaches are pretty much empty of sunbathers, although there is still lots of opportunity to stroll along the shoreline, beachcombing, exploring, and just taking in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

The cruise ships make regular visits to Halifax during October for all of the reasons I just mentioned, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the reduced rates in the stores and restaurants. This is also the time of year when the entertainment venues ramp up, with concerts and shows, plays and more.

A great October day in Nova Scotia might mean a nice drive through some scenic country roads, some shopping in any of a number of shopping centres and finishing up with some supper at the Casino on the Halifax waterfront.

Cruise Ships Visit Halifax

2008-10-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's cruise ship time around Halifax Harbour these days, with what seems like several of the floating vacation destinations coming into the Harbour almost daily. Today there are three of these magnificent ships in the Harbour and their passengers are exploring the city's downtown with exhuberance.

I snapped a picture of one of the big cruise ships heading out of the Harbour this evening. This is the view from the Woodside Ferry Terminal in Dartmouth, as the large ship sails past. Click the picture to see it full size.

The Cruise Ships visit Halifax all summer long, but it seems that we have even more of them come fall. They usually dock at Pier 21 and then the passengers spend the day exploring Halifax. It looks like a fantastic way to travel and see some of the world.

Marty Stuart Rocking Halifax

2008-09-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

With Lenny Kravitz coming to Halifax, it's easy to miss some of the other great performers who are coming to the harbour city in October. For example, on October 13th, 2008, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives are performing a the Rebecca Cohn Auditiorium.

Marty Stuart is an exciting show especially for those of us who enjoy his albums like Hillbilly Rock and This One's Gonna Hurt You

Tickets to Marty Stuart are on sale now, call the Rebecca Cohn box office (902) 494-3820 for tickets!

Lenny Kravitz In Halifax October 19th

2008-09-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

When I hear the name Lenny Kravitz I immdediately think good music and that good music is coming our way on October 19, 2008 when Lenny Kravitz takes the stage at the Halifax Metro Centre as part of his Love Revolution Tour! This should be a great show for fans of Lenny Kravitz's "retro" style music that brings together elements of rock, soul, funk, reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, folk and ballads.

No newcomer to the music biz, Kravitz has won Grammy Award for "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance" four times. He's pretty much a one man show, in addition to singing lead and backing vocals, Kravitz often plays all the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion himself when recording.

Kravitz has sold millions of albums world wide.

His stop and performance here in Halifax is part of his tour to promote his new album, It Is Time For A Love Revolution. The tour started in January but had to be delayed after he was laid up with bronchitis for a period during the tour.

If you're a fan of Lenny Kravitz and his music, here are some of his albums:
It Is Time For A Love Revolution
Greatest Hits
Let Love Rule

Halifax Harbour Boardwalk Video

2008-09-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a good little video of some of the Halifax, Nova Scotia waterfront. The narrative to this video isn't very good, and the comment about the shipyards, is a little off given that what is being shown is the Halifax Harbour Boardwalk, which is a great place to spend some time, but it's not a shipyards as they call it in the video.

Still, if you haven't been to Halifax, this is a taste of the waterfront.

Regis Philbin In Halifax

2008-09-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

Regis Philbin, from
LIVE with Regis and Kelly is in Halifax this week. According to the news last night, he mentioned on the show that he is visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia. I think he might be appearing here. I don't think Kelly Ripa is joining him.

Regis Philbin has been in the public eye through radio and television more than 40 years, having appeared in talk shows, game shows, the literary world and even the fashion industry.

In May 2001, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored him with a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Game Show Host for Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and another Emmy as Outstanding Talk Show Host for his syndicated program, Live with Regis.
He and co-host Kelly Ripa received the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Special for hosting the 2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. And in 2006, he broke his own existing Guinness World Record™ for Most Hours on Camera, setting a new mark of 15,662 hours accumulated over his illustrious career.

And now he is coming to Halifax, is there no end to his accomplishments?

September In Halifax

2008-09-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

It was a fine September day in Halifax today. Lunchtime in downtown Halifax had everyone outside, walking, going for lunch, sitting on the benches in the Grand Parade soaking up the sun. There is no doubt, summer doesn't end in September in Halifax.
Here is what it looked like.....

Flying Over Halifax Nova Scotia Video

2008-09-02T19:55:00.001-07:00

Well...talk about Halifax sights...here is a cool little video taken from an airplane flying over Halifax. Pretty good view of the city from on high, including part of Halifax Harbour and Dartmouth, seen in the background.

Unfortunately, it's not quite as long as I would like, but it does put Halifax in perspective.

Cigarette Butts Becoming an Eyesore On Halifax Streets

2008-08-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well well....the smart folks who run the place just keep getting smarter....A couple of years ago, it was determined that cigarette smokers should be herded into small closed rooms, called "black lung cafe's" so as to protect the non-smokers from the obnoxious odors of cigarettes.

That became the rule, first in public places like shopping malls, office buildings etc, and then it found it's way into bars and lounges. Everyone constructed closed in rooms with air filtration systems and the smokers all crowded inside, sometimes leaving only a few non smokers enjoying the rest of the establishment. However, that wasn't quite enough to meet the desires of the anti-smoker crowd, who had their way again, and this times the bars were ordered to remove their smoke rooms and ban smoking completely inside their buildings.

So smokers, a dutiful, somewhat law abiding crowd, headed outdoors, into the blistering sun, the freezing rain and even snowstorms, where they could hopefully puff on their suicide sticks in peace, without bothering anyone. Most extablishments placed ashtrays bolted to outside walls to collect the butts, and smokers, complied for the most part, dropping their cigarette butts into the containers.

Ahh..but that really wasn't satisfactory, nosiree...instead, the good businesses and offices in Halifax decided too many smokers hanging around doorways now, so they passed a law that forced the almost criminal partakers of smoking to move some 12 feet or so from any doorway, and for the most part, the ashtrays disappeared.

But now...the streets of Halifax are awash in cigarette butts, the little fibre filters, that will last indefinitely as they lay in the gutters and on the sidewalks, where they spoil the beauty of the cement we walk upon. So now what? Well, there is some talk that the problem is the filters, so perhaps filtered cigarettes should be outlawed. Or perhaps special police need to be hired to patrol the sidewalks, arresting anyone seen throwing a cigarette butt to the ground.

I think the answer might lie in all of those, and in outlawing cigarette smoking on the sidewalk. Smokers will have to stand in the middle of the street, dodging cars, trucks and buses, and carrying their cigarette butts home in their pockets. Perhaps if a few of them get run over, they might finally give up and quit smoking, making the world cleaner and safer for the rest of us.....

Pictures of the Bay of Fundy

2008-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't exactly a Halifax picture, but it is Nova Scotia....here are a couple shots of across part of the Bay of Fundy...it is truly a beautiful part of Nova Scotia, especially in August...and the best part is, it's only an hour or two away from Halifax, so day trips are certainly easy, or you can stay in one of many accomodations, from campgrounds to nice hotels.

Known as the body of water that has the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy and Valley area of Nova Scotia is an interesting vacation destination, with some spectacular scenery, and lots of picturesque and interesting little villages and towns to visit.

Denyse Sibley FX101

2008-08-20T03:13:00.001-07:00

A good many Halifax country music fans who listen to country music radio FX101, are happy again with the return of the lovely Denyse Sibley to the morning show.

Denyse, a fixture at FX101 had left to take a job with Cat Country 99.5 FM in Truro came back! I'm sure there is some kind of pun in there about 'the cat came back' but I don't know what it is...

I do know that is feels good to wake up with Denyse Sibley back on my clock radio, telling me what's going on, and treating me to a laugh or two with her own infectious personality and laughter.

Denyse was with FX101 from the days when it was Country 101 and probably before that when it was CHFX-FM. Not saying that Denyse is old, just experienced. She is actually a very lovely, sexy girl in person as well as on the radio. You can listen to Denyse every weekday morning from 5:30 - 10:00 on country music radio FX101,

Amazon Prime Free Trial Offer

2008-08-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

I like to promote some Amazon products on Halifax Nights and Sights. In fact, over the last year, I have become convinced that Amazon is one of the best shopping experiences that the internet has to offer. There is almost nothing you cannot find on Amazon...they have it all.

Of course, one of the things to consider with any online purchase are the shipping charges that apply to whatever product you order. Well, those charges can be significantly reduced and eliminated if you sign up for Amazon Prime! This is a fantastic offer from Amazon.com that gives members unlimited free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. What's even better, all new members are being offered a free trial to give you a chance to experience the convenience of shopping with Amazon Prime. The free trial lasts for one month, you get the entire benefits of Amazon Prime free for one month - no charge.

So what are the benefits of joining Amazon Prime? Well, for starters, it's fast delivery, and there is free two-day shipping on millions of items and you can upgrade to one-day overnight shipping for the low price of just $3.99 an item.
There is no minimum purchase required and you have members only 1-click buttons on product pages.

But wait...there's more...members can share benefits with up to four family members living in the same household. That is a great deal.

So here is the deal, you can try Amazon Prime free for one month. After the free trial period you will be automatically charged a $79.00 annual fee unless you choose not to upgrade to a regular membership at or before the end of the free trial period.

Why not signup for the free trial now, just Click Here for Amazon Prime You've got nothing to lose!

Black Rock Beach Closed to Swimmers

2008-08-05T08:02:00.001-07:00

Just a day or so after all the hoopla about folks being able to swim in the Halifax Harbour at Black Rock Beach in Point Pleasant Park....the beach is closed....apparently due to high bacteria counts they (the officials) are blaming on water runoff from all the rain we have had the last few days.

I dunno about you, but I bet Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly who was cajoled into going for a swim in the harbour last week to prove how safe it was, is now asking some toug pointed questions to his staff...or perhaps his doctor....

Yes the Mayor swam in the freshly cleaned up Halifax Harbour waters as proof testament to the Harbour Solutions Project which has made the waters safe for swimming...geez to hear them talk it sounded like it might be good to drink. Bet they are rethinking some of that now. Can't you imagine the phone call?

Ring Ring!
Travis: "Hello this is Travis at the Harbour Water Testing Office"

Mayor Kelly: "This is the Mayor, what's up um...Travis?

Travis: "The water in the harbour has a lot of high bacteria, I just checked it."

Mayor Kelly: "Oh...? That can't be good..."

Travis: "Yes sir...I mean no sir...I mean as long as you don't swim in it...I dunno why, it might be because a lot of fresh rainwater just ran into the harbour...yeah, that would do it."

Sound of someone banging his head.

Travis: "Mayor? Are You still there?"

Mayor: "Hang up Travis I am trying to call my doctor...."

Hee hee...just kidding, being a little silly really. I know it can't be all that bad, I mean it was last week when the Mayor took his dip in the harbour...a lot can happen in a week, I am sure it was well tested before that...it must have been..right?

I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies as a kid, it was a 1973 spaghetti Western called, "My Name Is Nobody" and it starred a fellow named Terrance Hill and Henry Fonda I believe, as well as Jean Martin. Anyway...I seem to recall that during the movie, the main character, Nobody (Terrance Hill) or maybe it was Henry Fonda, I cannot remember...doesn't matter...what matters is what he said:

"When you are up to your nose in shit....keep your mouth shut"
Nuff said....

Get Smart 2008 Movie

2008-08-03T17:15:00.001-07:00

I got the opportunity to see the Get Smart movie from Warner Brothers tonight. It is playing at the Empire Cinemas on Portland Street in Dartmouth, who by the way, offer one of the lowest movie prices in town, $13.98 for two adults, try to beat that at Dartmouth Crossing....but I am digressing.

Get Smart is a fun time. Starring Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 and the very lovely Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin also star in what in my opinion is one of the best movies this summer.

Get Smart stays close to the original television series which ran from 1965 - 1970 and starred Don Adams as Maxwell Smart and Barbara Feldon as his partner, Agent 99. Some of the original paraphanailia from the television series made it to the movie, such as Smart's Sunbeam convertible car, his shoe phone and even his suit and striped tie. Come to think of it, with his shoe phone, Maxwell Smart probably was the first person to use a cell phone on television, long before cell phones even existed. You can get Season One of the original Get Smart on DVD Here- Get Smart - Season 1 or for more spy fun, you can get the complete 1960's television series, about 138 episodes, Here - Get Smart: The Complete Series I'm tempted...very tempted...

The original television series led to four feature-length film versions, including, The Nude Bomb, then in a 1989 ABC TV Movie, Get Smart, Again!, and recently, in a new film adaptation starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Arkin which then spawned a spin-off film, Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd: Out of Control.

I took my 17 year old daughter to this version and she laughed all the way through it, although she was oblivious to some of the things from the original series, having never seen it. Proof that the show has staying power. It was funny, I was always a fan of Get Smart and I guess with Steve Carell as the new Maxwell Smart, I still am, and as much as I hate to admit it, Anne Hathaway makes a sexier Agent 86 than Barbara Feldon in the original series, maybe because it was the sixties and it was television.....

It was great to hear some of the old Max Smart lines, the ones that my friends and I loved to try and mimic and still do, lines like:
"aaaand....loving it..."
"sorry about that Chief"
"missed me by that much"
"would you believe...."

It's funny, it's full of laughs and action, lots of great lines, and some sexy scenes of Anna Hathaway dancing and crawling across a floor in a short skirt....gotta love that....

It's at Empire Theatres in Dartmouth now, don't know for how much longer, so if you haven't seen it, better get going, what a great way to spend a rainy day. You can see a trailer at the official website. Get Smart

aaaand....loving it!

Halifax Natal Day Parade Route 2008

2008-08-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

It would be downright negligent of me if I didn't mention the Natal Day festivities taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia this weekend. Yes, August 2, 3 and 4 is Natal Day Weekend here in Halifax with all kinds of celebrations taking place.

Of course the highlight of the weekend, apart from the fireworks, is the Halifax Natal Day Parade, which takes place on Monday August 4th. The parade begins on Novalea Drive in Halifax, and ends at Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth, leaving lots of opportunities for you to get out and watch it.

Here is the 2008 Halifax Natal Day Parade Route:

The parade begins at 10:00 am on Novalea Drive at Dartmouth Street in Halifax, then travels south along Gottingen Street, then left on North Street and across the Angus L MacDonald Bridge. There will be a reviewing stand on the toll plaza on the Dartmouth side. From the bridge, the parade will exit right on to Wyse Road, then left on Alderney Drive to the corner of Alderney and Ochterlony, where it will then turn left on Ochterlony and then the happy but now tired paraders will travel up Ochterlony Street finishing at the corner of Ochterlony Street and Pine Street. (close to Sullivan's Pond)

This means there are lots of places to watch the parade, particularly on the Angus L MacDonald Bridge and on the Dartmouth side of Halifax Harbour. I'm thinking Wyse Road and Alderney Drive are two great venues, as will Ochterlony Street, although by then, the parade marchers might be starting to get a little tired.

Unfortunately, the weather for tomorrow doesn't sound too promising, so it might be a good idea to bring along an umbrella and a rainsuit along with something to sit on. The last forecast I heard called for wind and rain tomorrow....let's hope the forecast is wrong.

There are lots of other Natal Day Events taking place Monday August 4th as well as the parade. Concerts, tea parties, and more are scheduled all through the day including the fireworks after dark. You can find a complete list of the events Here!

Lawn Mower Shopping At Dartmouth Crossing

2008-07-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Regular readers to Halifax Nights and Sights know that I am not exactly a big fan of Dartmouth Crossing. I think it is one of those viral myths that go through the population like wildfire. The idea that it is great, big stores, lots of stuff, lots of variety, whatever, the place to be in shopping in Dartmouth. It goes to show you can fool a lot of people a lot of the time.....

I'm not going to start ranting anymore about it, other than to say how convenient it was at Penhorn Mall with all the shops under one roof, or how convenient it is at MicMac Mall with all the shops under one roof in air conditioned comfort....park your car once and shop all day...gotta love that. Of course the smarter people amongst us, those who have probably spent some time in university, recognize how wonderful places like the Crossing or Bayers Lake are, where you get to experience the great out of doors driving from one store to another. You get to practice driving in heavy traffic as you navigate your way around the various parking lots looking for a parking spot. And with the high cost of gas these days, the extra driving you need to do to get to Dartmouth Crossing is sure to impact world oil prices as you start using more and more gas, perhaps they will make it cheaper for us to buy so we can all drive out to the boonies to shop....

Meanwhile the politicians are hard at work 'revitailizing the downtown core' every chance they get, filling it with condos, and not much more...of course there is lots of room for condos because all the stores are moving to the outskirts of the HRM on both sides of the harbour. Thank God there is a farmers market on Sunday or else all the newly moved into downtown core people might starve to death. Most of them can't get to Dartmouth Crossing because there is very little car parking in downtown Halifax...

Anyway, I apologize, I did get off on a tangeant...what I really wanted to complain about was how hard it is to buy anything in all these fine stores. Take Walmart for instance...they could have sold me a lawn mower tonight. They have lots of them, and I need one. But they don't seem to feel prices are necessary anymore. Nor do they seem to think it necessary to have much in the way of staff around to tell you how much the unmarked lawnmowers cost. So...you and me, the shopper, are left to guess the price. I searched high and low for a price for their lawnmowers and finally found a teeny weeny sticker on the rack under one mower, still in the box. It said something like $229 However, it didn't say which mower that was for....so...is it the self propelled one that usually sells for more like $600 or the smaller plain jane mower that usually go for under $200...or...was it for the electric model...

Leaving those mowers I stumbled up the aisle heading for the door when I see a big sign over two other lawn mowers, a self propelled and a smaller one. The sign said, CLEARANCE...wonderful, here are two on sale, they looked to be reconditioned, or at least slightly used. No problem, I am going to use it myself as soon as I get it home. Except there is no price on them either....all I can tell is they are CLEARANCE...of course no one in a blue smock was to be found, at least no one except someone working Health and Beauty and to tell the truth, I don't have much faith in a fella working Health and Beauty knowing about lawn mowers.....I don't even know for sure if he worked there anyway because he went in the other direction when he saw me coming. Maybe he was just another customer in a blue vest....

So I came home without a new lawn mower, stopped at my Dad's and borrowed his....he'll never get it back...but I did tell him he could get a new one at Walmart they have a couple on the CLEARANCE table....but Mr Walmart....um...Wally...if I can call you that, I won't be back to buy a lawn mower, at least not until you figure out how much you want for them....

Sorry...I just had to say that....

Hooters Restaurant In Dartmouth - Hooter's Girls

2008-07-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Some time back I wrote about Hooters In Halifax when the restaurant chain opened a restaurant in Halifax, well, actually it is in Dartmouth. It's on Main Street in Dartmouth...so anyway, I was pretty excited when I found out Hooters was locating in Dartmouth, because Hooters means Hooter's Girls, who of course are very nice young women....very nice...

So here's the latest about Hooters in Dartmouth. Apparently the girls like to exercise before their morning and afternoon shift. They get their exercise outside in the parking lot of Hooters. On the corner of Main Street....there is a lot of traffice on Main Street in Dartmouth...and the drivers of the cars in that traffic are having accidents. There have been several rear end fender benders since the girls started taking a little exercise outdoors.

I'm not kidding, this was on the CTV news tonight. In fact I think there were two accidents today alone. Cars rear ending other cars while the drivers are distracted by um...hooters.

I can see that. You're driving along, minding your own business and there they are, girls in tight tops and short shorts dancing around, jumping up and down, bendign and stretching....Well at least they can't blame these accidents on cell phone use.....

Gotta go - it's time for the second shift....

I haven't got any video of the Dartmouth Hooter's Girls exercising, but I do have a video here of the Hooter's Girls 2008 Calender....

Halifax Pride 2008

2008-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey...um...guys...it's Gay Pride Week in Halfax! The gay festivities began yesterday, July 20th and run until July 27th.

2008 marks the 21st Halifax Pride Parade that takes place on Saturday, July 26th. But it's more than just a parade, this is a week long event, and there are events and activities going on all week for the gay pride people and those who love them....
You can find information about the week's activities
here including things like the "Show Us The Nuts" event at the Halifax Casino, and there's more including a youth talent show, a nature paddle for women and people who identify as women and lot's more including things going on at Reflections, Menz Bar, and Blue Moon Bistro.

I cannopt list all the activities here, there are just too many and I am just too lazy...but you can find out all you need to know at the Gay Pride Site, (the link is above I am too lazy to cut and paste it here...)

So if you are gay and proud or proud and gay, or know someone who is, or you're straight and proud or proud and straight, you're sure to find something fun to see and do in Halifax this week.

SummerSonic

2008-07-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the Atlantic Jazz Festival has you in the groove, don't stop the music...on July 19 and 20 trip on over to Citadel Hill for two days of rock at SummerSonic, as a number of bands turn the Hill and the Garrison Grounds into one big rocking party. This sounds like fun! The lineup is as follows:

July 19
City & Colour
The Weakerthans
Tokyo Police Club
In-Flight Safety
Rebekah Higgs

July 20
Stars
The Black Keys
Wintersleep
Hey Rosetta
I See Rowboats

This is the first year for SummerSonic so we'll see how it goes. Tickets are on sale now and run $69.50 for the weekend admission or $39.50 for one day. Go to SummerSonic for more information and tickets!

This might be a little cheaper than going to the SummerSonic Concert in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan which runs in both places over a couple of days. I dunno, try it out here and who knows, maybe next year we'll head for Japan. Here's a video from the 2007 SummerSonic in Osaka, Japan....a taste of things to come for Halifax maybe?

Halifax Jazz Festival 2008

2008-07-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday we were talking about the wonders of the Atlantic Jazz Festival but it was actually a year ago...but...the good news is, The Atlantic Jazz Festival is back in Halifax, bigger and better than ever.

The Jazz Festival is a helluvaparty and it's scheduled for July 11- July 19 in Halifax. Come out to hear lots of blues, jazz, and world music or just come to watch the people because this is a well attended, well enjoyed event. People come from all over the place to see and hear some great jazz and blues music. This is the 22nd year for the Jazz Festival which should tell you just how good it is, people keep coming back year after year.

The Jazz Festival is a little different than what you might call a concert. It's a collection of musical events spread across various venues throughout Halifax. You'll find Jazz, world beat, latin music, cuban music and more being played in places like the Halifax Holiday Inn, Stayner's Wharf, the outdoor stage at Spring Garden and Queen Street and other places around town.

One of my favorite Jazz artists will be entertaining us, Holly Cole, a beautiful singer will be on stage as will Sheila Jordan, Pyeng Threadgill, and more...Holly Cole...well...I hadn't realized....I am going to be there now for sure....you can find out more about the Halifax Jazz Festival by calling 1-800-567-5277 or visit their website, jazzeast.com

Here is a little bit of jazz from the 2007 Halifax Jazz Festival. This is Shirley Jackson and her Good Rockin' Daddies performing Tailgator Jump!! If this doesn't get you feet tapping and your hips swiveling, nothing will!

See you at the Halifax Jazz Festival!!

BackStreet Boys, Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan in Halifax

2008-07-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

What do The Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne, and Simple Plan have in common? They're all musical entertainment, they're all famous, and the best part, they are all playing at the Halifax Metro Centre in August!!

The month of August is gonna have Halifax rocking, starting off with Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, A.J. MacLean, and Howie Dorough, The Backstreet Boys are going to start things off on August 2nd at the Metro Centre. Tickets are on sale now at the Metro Centre Box Office and Superstores, or by phone at 902-451-1221.

About a week later, the lovely talented and sexy Avril Lavigne hits the Metro Centre stage on August 10th, ready to rock the house with a concert and her special guest stars, Boys Like Girls.

But don't put your tamborine away, because were not done yet...because on Thursday August 21st, Simple Plan are on stage with a concert suitable for all ages! Simple Plan aren't coming empty handed either because they are bringing The All American Rejects and Faber Drive with them to the Metro Centre in what will be sure to be a fabulous night of music and good times.