LATENIGHT - HALIFAX

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Seasons Greetings '07

So, this is Christmas, as the song goes. (It's Boxing Day technically, but I wasn't going to cut into my trip home with blogging, this year.) We're home from my folks place in Miramichi, where we enjoyed our first Christmas as a married couple. Other firsts included Yeji's first wild goose, which we had for Christmas dinner, and it was my grandmother's first Christmas in the senior's home. We visited her on Christmas Day.

Though blogs tend to exist to cast a critical eye on things, there's lots of precedent for counting blessings and spreading cheer at Christmas time, too. I've been a terrible blogger in that I've been trying to stick my head in the sand and ignore some truly enraging and cataclysmic things that have been going on in this community and back home. Well, in the spirit of Christmas, I'm going to keep ignoring them. Merry Christmas, y'all. I'm really going to try to turn over a new leaf. Ignorance is not just bliss, but it shall be my watchword into 2008.

My bad predictions for 2007 are enough to make me throw in the towel on forecasting. To tell you the truth, most could still come to pass in 2008 so I wouldn't change all that many.

My scorecard: Half point for number 1, since I called the dollar parity. I'm also taking a half point for almost nailing the date of the Quebec provincial election, but the PQ win I predicted didn't happen. I'll take a half point for #5 since I figured on the deepwater port, but was wrong in that Nanisivik got it instead of Iqaluit. The rest I came up empty on. I even lost my box office prediction by $20 million worldwide, when Spiderman 3 overtook Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End... That's it, then. Just 1.5 points out of 10. In 2008, I resolve to not waste your time.

Instead, I'll be working more on myself. I want to get in better shape. I want to keep teaching myself to cook better. (Since I quit smoking, I've been really taking up the culinary arts as my senses of taste and smell have grown.) We're also planning on visiting Korea in May.

Jobwise, I'm a bit boxed in. Some Catch-22s have arisen and collided to make it frustratingly impossible to plan for the future. Changing jobs here or seeking new jobs in Toronto is on hold because we need to be able to take vacation time for our trip to Korea. However, staying where we are in Halifax is not professionally favourable, nor will it allow us to save up enough money to cover the cost of the ticket. House-hunting is on hold until we can make a solid guess as to where we will be to live out the life of a mortgage, but this tiny apartment really limits our options and living here is starting to driving me insane.

Oh well, you place your bets you take your chances. Right now I'm thinking the solution is to stay in Halifax and stay in our jobs, and have me take on a second job. By autumn, we might be able to look again at improving our lives.

Anyway, I digress. That's enough analysis. From here on in, I intend to be blinded by happiness. I'm not sure how I'll do it but I'm open to suggestions. I'm not the type to take illicit drugs. I could be drunk all the time, but that'd be expensive. I quit smoking but am not about to pick the habit back up just to stay cheery. I've already confessed my desire to get in better shape so comfort foods are out. Perhaps I'll get on that ol' path to inner peace. If only the wife didn't laugh at me every time I put Enya on the CD player...

If it's to be a New Year's resolution, I have a week to figure it out. I'll start practicing for this kinder and gentler me, by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and best of wishes for the New Year, then signing off for now.

Labels: holidays

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Parade of Lights 2007

This year's Parade of Lights seemed like a lot of fun, but I'm sorry that it just didn't pan out so well for me. It was certainly colder this year than last (when I wore a T-shirt, if you can believe it.) I stood out for about an hour on the side of the street and actually managed to have a spot right on the curb. It'd be perfect for photos. The parade started and shortly into it, the batteries in my camera died, as I suspected they would. Not to fear, being a professional, I carried no fewer than four sets of batteries for just such an occurrence.

No dice. ALL four sets were dead. I popped them into the camera, got maybe one or two shots out of them and then they died on me. Either they'd sat around so long that they lost their charge or else the cold was having an effect on the camera (should have tried them when I got home.)

So, the best I can do is bring you some shots from the first ten minutes of the parade. As far as photos go, I missed all the marching bands, all the radio stations but the country one, and singer John Gracie who brought up the rear.

Much of what I did see, I saw on the way by. Having no batteries in my camera, I gave up my choice perch and headed back to the apartment. It had been one of those days and we planned to go out for supper before the parade, but one of us or the other dawdled and delayed such that I went to the parade alone and neither of us had eaten anything since breakfast. I was starved so I figured I'd head back, grab the wife, and together we could duck into a restaurant before the parade finished and the crowd got hungry.

I have to admit though, walking past the crowds to get downtown, the float from Pete's Frootique really caught my eye. It seems they went all out with staff dressed in fruit and vegetable costumes marching ahead and Pete, himself, in a giant sleigh in the form of a carved watermelon. Fantastic work.

So that's how I ended up with a near empty memory card of photos in my camera, but a nice, full belly of sushi to keep me contented. The photos here aren't the best. Normally, I'd have wanted ten times the number I got to prune the best out of. If you are still hungry for holiday illumination, I'll leave you with a link to the 2006 Parade of Lights that I had better luck at last year.

Labels: Halifax, holidays, photo gallery

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Hallowe'en!

Can't wait to bake the pie...

Just wanted to wish all you spooks and ghouls a happy Hallowe'en. Napster and I spent the evening carving a pumpkin. Find the finished Jack o'Lantern on the main site.

Labels: holidays, Napster

Monday, September 03, 2007

Labour Day

Near Scots Bay, Nova Scotia
We just got back from a trip home, to Miramichi, for the Labour Day weekend. It's the first time that I can remember having a sunny drive home in quite some time. We did a bit of visiting (more Yeji, this time, than I) and even got a trip in on my dad's sailboat which we took for an evening ride on the river, last night.

And as much as I hate to keep adding on projects to my to do list -- with the inescapable fear that none of them will get done because I spread myself too thin -- I've been coaxed into a non-fiction book idea. One of my coworkers has egged me on to write a bit on the Eastern Cougar. I'll post more on Mysteries soon, but it looks like I'll have a couple of advertisements placed in one of our publications, seeking personal accounts of seeing cougars in the Maritimes. (That's one of the benefits of working for a publishing company.)

While I was home, I met with my buddy Colin (he was Best Man at our wedding.) He's had several experiences. He photographed cougar prints in the snow last winter, has an audio recording from the early nineties (which I've now got in digital format and will post on Mysteries soon) and he witnessed a cougar in broad daylight a year or two before that. The beast had jumped across in front of him while he was out hunting. It was tawny and he saw everything down to the black tip on the tail.

I've inadvertantly been hoarding some information on cougars and other mysterious cats for a while, with no conscious purpose. I guess this would be the time. As I said, I'm running it through Mysteries, but if you've spotted one of these animals yourself, don't hesitate to send me a line at bigcat@mysteries.ca with the basic info on place, date, etc. It sure seems that the number of sightings have been going up and up and up. Even my dad and his friend saw a grey cougar on the Plaster Rock highway, last year in March, while returning from a trip to Toronto.

Labels: holidays, personal

Sunday, July 01, 2007

It's Canada Day... if you noticed

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

I'd wish you all a happy Canada but since I'm not too thrilled about it myself, nevermind. We stayed at home today, not really taking in any festivities. Normally, I like to take a break on Canada Day and watch the Ottawa show on television. Of course, it didn't happen on CTV, which spent the day airing the Diana tribute concert. I liked Diana, but she was never queen and therefore never our head of state, nor is she a reason that a major Canadian network should turn its back on its country's most important celebratory day.

All in all, that just capped it as a rather lacklustre day. The ideas launching firecrackers outside my window don't help either. It's midnight for God's sake.

Labels: Canada, holidays

Saturday, March 17, 2007

All dressed up

Bayers Lake.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to y'all.

The snow's pretty much gone. The temperature warmed up to nine degrees and the winds blew it all away. If there are a few drifts or snowbanks left, tonight is bound to take care of them. There's a heavy rain warning in effect now, with expectations of 20-30mm. Should get all those St. Pat's Day revellers good and wet on their way home. You can hear them on the streets and the downtown was clogged with crowds around the more Celtic of watering holes.

We accomplished something towards the wedding tonight. We went to Bayers Lake and stopped into Moores, where I bought my tuxedo. I could have rented one but it'll be nice to have my own. I'll be wearing more than just at the wedding (lodge for instance) and as I've said before, this is our year to settled and become more established so it's a good time to buy one that will serve me for years to come. I opted for a simple two-button jacket, with suspenders, black tie and cummerbund, and black/silver button covers and cufflinks. but am looking at maybe renting a lavender tie and vest for the wedding since our chosen colours are lavender and silver and Yeji'd like me to incorporate them somewhere. I also got a pair of shoes to have specially for the wedding. I love my normal dress shoes -- they're steel-toed if you can believe it -- but the shoes I got tonight are the more appropriate patent leather and will be safely tucked away until June.

After that, it was off for a close-cropped haircut at Walmart (best deal in town) and Chinese/Thai food for supper at Jade Garden in Bedford.

Labels: holidays, personal, wedding

Saturday, February 17, 2007

All dressed up.

Masts on the waterfront.

We made one solid accomplishment today, after a short trip over to Dartmouth. Yeji has her wedding dress. After lamenting that most of the shops here and in Moncton were carrying virtually the same single style of dress, we found quite a great selection over at Always & Forever Bridal on Main Street.

I have to say, I was really impressed with her shopping too. She was efficient, decisive, and victorious. She picked five dresses, tried them on and selected the best. Luckily, it was in her size and by the time the attendant came over to check, she was already to make the purchase.

It's one of those things. It's either perfect and you know it right away... or else you're going to regret it. I'm glad she's so happy with this one.

I was happy too. We finished in time to scoot over to the Dragon Buffet King for supper. Mmm. Nothing welcomes the Year of the Pig like sweet 'n' sour pork.

Happy Seolnal/Lunar New Year to all of you out there, at home and abroad.

Labels: Dartmouth, holidays, personal, wedding

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Pushin' Papers

Big House on Bedford Basin.

It's Flag Day but I don't feel much like wrapping myself in the flag these days. Maybe it's the colder weather or lack of sunlight but I've been a bit down in the dumps over the state of things.

To begin with, I do believe in astrology and predicting the future though I admit that I don't follow my own horoscope too often. I take a glance at it every now and then, more out of curiosity about the astrologer's ability than as a means to plot the course of my life. Yesterday however, I read this:

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Delays in matters related to publishing, the media, travel and dealing with foreign countries are likely now. However, you can also resolve old problems in the same areas.

That pretty much hits 90% of the elements that govern my waking life. It was the day after deadline so I checked to make sure that our issue reached the press alright. Then my mind started wandering back to teaching overseas. As happy as I am with my job, it doesn't come close to giving me the disposeable income that I had in Korea. I'd put it out of my head lately though, since we're talking about buying a house and that implies we'll be settled here for good. Still, now I'm having second thoughts about long term income potential in my field, here in the Maritimes.

If only the powers that be would take note of a recent report. A University of Missouri-Columbia study has found that newspapers that invest in their newsrooms, sell more papers. (Link via Fark.)

This is a problem everywhere but I can think of a good local example. The Daily News, I've heard, reduced itself to just nine members in their editorial staff. I think they've hired on a couple more lately, but that's not confirmed. The problem is endemic in publishing. Editorial staff get cut to save money, and veterans are pushed out the door in favour of fresh journalism students who will work for half as much, or even free in the case of internships, just to build publishing credits that will never be enough to work them into the salaries they long for.

The result is the increasing transformation of newspapers into nothing more than ad rags with advertorials around them. It's only a short leap then, to losing the advertisers who want to be associated with a good product and not become the product themselves. Once the advertisers go, the paper folds or is sold to someone who only seeks to squeeze it tighter.

You'll never find a newspaper these days that is rolling in dough. As comfortable as I am with my job, I can't expect to be immune either. What I really need is to be assured of a good income that will last me at least two or three decades, especially if I'm looking at a 25-year mortgage, and any increases in my salary don't match increases in inflation. House assessments and taxes are up 10%. Power bills are going up 6%. Inflation in general is between 3% and 4%. The fact is, I have less take home pay now than when I started.

Across the country and across industries, the Gross Domestic Product rises, but only a handful of people see it. The Genuine Progress Index is a much more accurate tally of real income changes and it doesn't bode well, especially for Nova Scotians who are at the bottom of the list. Importantly, that list doesn't measure increases in purchasing power, so much as it measures decreases, because nobody is better off now than 20 years ago. In fact, we're much, much more worse off.

For more on the Gross Domestic Product Index, see GPIAtlantic or view their most recent newsletter, for February.

Labels: economic collapse, holidays, personal, publishing

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Valentine's '07

Snowy bus stop.
It's Valentine's Day and like most other males in the city, I picked up a card and flowers on the way home. It was absolutely hilarious. At the supermarket that I ducked in to, there must have been about thirty guys, all walking with a card in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other. Directly ahead of me in the express lane, there was nothing except men, cards, flowers. The women in the store either had gleeful smirks at the scene, or were muttering, "Why doesn't anybody by me flowers?!"

It's storming tonight also, so it's a good time to stay home with your Valentine.

Labels: holidays, personal

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Happy Burns' Night

Silhouette of Robert Burns' statue in Victoria Park, Halifax.

Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a' that,)
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an' a' that.

- Robert Burns, "A Man's a Man for A' That"

Well, it's Robbie Burns' birthday. To all of you out there that appreciate such things, I wish you to have a fine evening. While I had been a member of the Highland Society in New Brunswick, I regret that I hadn't gotten around to joining Halifax's North British Society. Otherwise, I could have been out eating haggis tonight. Nonetheless, I've got some Cragganmore left in the cupboard and will be making my toasts to the bard on my own tonight.

Labels: holidays, literature

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy New Year from us both

The goddess Flora in the Public Gardens.
It's New Year's Eve and I'd like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. We just had a special dinner of sushi at Hamachi House on Morris Street and are back home, awaiting a few friends who will be dropping by shortly.

It's bound to be a momentous year, especially for us. This was to be our sixth anniversary since meeting in Shincheon, on New Year's Eve 2001. In light of the special occasion, I am pleased to announce that we are officially engaged to be married. I gave Yeji her ring tonight after dinner. We haven't set an exact date yet, but are planning for some time in mid June, with the ceremony to be held in New Brunswick.

Best of wishes to all of you in 2007.

Labels: holidays, personal, wedding

Friday, December 29, 2006

The year winding down

Loyola Residence, Saint Mary's University.
So we're in the last weekend of 2006. I'd like to offer up some predictions as well as some plans/resolutions, but I should also give a bit of a recap of this past year's events.

We moved to Halifax in the fall of 2005 so this year, we've been here completely from start to finish. It was Yeji's first time to live in Halifax obviously, but for me it was the fourth time that I came to the city after being established somewhere else (i.e. that's not counting summer breaks during university.)

Miramichi had a few rough points. The business I was running there was flying level but not climbing fast and to grow it was going to take more people and greener pastures than I could find at home. It was a lot of work for a tiny piece of pie, and Yeji wasn't adjusting as well as I'd hoped to the change in population density. Halifax was a much better compromise. I signed up with an old, familiar company which allowed me to do the parts of media work that I best loved, while being able to rely on a group of coworkers to handle the other stuff that was hither to bogging me down. I don't miss the book keeping and accounting either, which were the most labourious of tasks. It's nice just to do what you love and have someone else sign your cheque every two weeks.

The downside, irrespective of location, was that Yeji's work visa had run out and we came to the city on a single income. The cost of living has really gone up in Halifax from when I lived here before, while salaries haven't matched their growth. Probably the best thing to happen to us was her permanent residency being accepted in June. That finally put us back into the double-income crowd and it's letting us start to plan a future. We're still not rich, but we've got room to breathe now. If all continues to go well, maybe I'll even be able to justify buying that extra cable TV package next year... I miss Discovery Civilization so very, very much.

I'm thankful that we have no major tragedies to report for 2006. It's largely been a long march toward reestablishing ourselves here. We have our routines, we go to work, come home, get groceries on the weekends.

This blog has become a big part of my routine too. For the last several months I've been faithful to daily postings. Sure, I get nagged a bit for spending a lot of time on it but in my defence, the internet is the way of the future. Young people, myself too, get their news from the internet now. Paper and ink is really only the demesne of older readers and as they disappear, they're not quickly replaced. For someone who needs to coax another thirty years out of the business, I have to keep one foot in cyberspace as much as the other stays in traditional media.

Nonetheless, I still love a byline. In Miramichi, I'd done thirteen issues of my magazine before pulling the plug. Here I've had my name attached to over sixty to date. It's quite a body of work when I stop to think about it.

In 2006, I've now started exercising regularly, barely drink a drop of liquor, though I still take in a pack a day which is just as bad a habit.

The other addition to the household should also be mentioned. We got our cat, Napster, in the spring, after five years of pleas and requests by Yeji. He's changed the dynamic quite a bit around here and broke most feline stereotypes we had. He acts so much like a dog -- whether he's happily jumping in a bathtub full of water or nosing around for crumbs -- it's like having a hybrid pet.

All in all, I can't complain. However, I'm hoping for 2007, and the Year of the Pig, to be a more prosperous time for us, if we keep our noses to the grindstone. There's lots more I am sure that I could write, but I'm out of time. Best to just publish now. Yeji's got a craving for poutine (something I've never heard her request yet) and she wants to use the computer to look at houses and real estate... and she's making New Year's plans for a party (even though we're not having one) and if she invites only one or two people who have other plans already, we'll end up spending the night at home, alone, waiting for people to show up who only said they would out of politeness since last week we said we weren't having a party... I can't afford to have my attention divided, if I know what's best. Publishing now.

Addendum: I shouldn't forget another milestone in 2006, which was the release of my collection of political cartoons, taken from those published between 2003 and 2005 in the Miramichi Leader/Weekend. Christmas might be over, but it makes a great gift any time of the year... provided you're one of those weirdos who are into the municipal and provincial politics of New Brunswick. I'm thinking of picking up my pen in the new year too. I just stocked up on assorted art supplies yesterday and have some projects in development. I'll speak more of those later though. For now, buy the book. Please. *grin* I have to pay for all those new pencils.

Labels: cartooning, Halifax, holidays, Miramichi, Napster, personal

Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas Day

Christmas at my grandmother's.
It's hard to imagine the holiday passing so fast. Just like it's been hard to believe the weather so far. It's been 10 degrees here, both Sunday and today. I haven't checked the weather for tomorrow but there was a rumour of snow. The balmy spring-like weather can't go on forever, can it?

Christmas dinner was devoured before I could get the camera on it and we're in the seasonal denouement now. We're expecting company in a short while (and the promise of some good photos of a local mystery that you might see up on my less-consistently-updated paranormal blog in coming days. We watched one of the Benny Hill episodes of my new DVD set and Larry King is on CNN now. Another season over.

Labels: holidays, personal

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Christmas Eve wishes

I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous Yuletide. It's Christmas Eve and we've just made the family rounds and opened up the gifts. Without any young children about, we've stopped waiting until Christmas morning and generally exchange presents tonight.

Tomorrow will be Christmas dinner and the turkey is going in the oven soon. It's a big bird. Throughout the night, we'll no doubt be able to smell the aroma as it cooks.

We all got some great gifts. In addition to some music cassettes and silk ties from Korea, Benny Hill DVDs, a lovely fountain pen (thanks, Kim) and other assorted wonderments, I also received a tripod for my camera. I hope to get using it for some better night shots on this blog.

It's getting late now, so I will sign off. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.

- Ian

Labels: holidays, personal

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Home for the holidays

A portion of my folks' Christmas tree.
We've made it up to Miramichi for Christmas. It rained throughout most of the drive but threatened to become snow or freezing rain by the time we hit Bouctouche. We even passed a snowplow that had his blade down but he was only connecting with water, thankfully. It's still raining too.

One thing we kept remarking on was the amount of green left in the fields in Nova Scotia. The landscape in New Brunswick wasn't so summery but most of the rivers are still largely open, or with very limited ice. Having just finally watched "An Inconvenient Truth", my mind is still wandering toward what a significant change is happening to our weather systems.

Tomorrow's Christmas Eve. Rather than spend too much time blogging, I think I'll catch up with the folks.

Labels: climate change, holidays, Miramichi, movies, personal

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Going shop to shop downtown

Summit Place on Lower Water Street.
I scooted downtown at the end of the day to try and finish off my Christmas shopping. A few things on my list were best purchased at some of the specialty shops that have filled up the downtown core in recent years. I really like the evolution that has taken place on streets like Barrington. That street was seriously dying ten years ago but has made quite the comeback. Many of the shops have refused to compete with the big box stores and instead, they've each found their own niche offering things you just can't get at the major chains. It's a successful strategy.

Back home in Miramichi, the mom 'n' pop stores are in bad shape because they basically offer the same products and services as the Walmart and Zellers but with half the selection and at marked up prices. We took a couple of watches in for a new battery to a jewelry store and they charged almost double what Walmart charged, and one watched they couldn't even figure out how to open. At another jewelry store there, we took a bracelet in to have a link removed and it took a week and a half before we could pick it up. When we got the call, the job wasn't actually even done but they took it into the back and did it in twenty minutes. I'd like to get all righteous and say we'd never go back to that shop again, but the problem is so endemic that it was a big factor in us leaving the town altogether.

Of course, maybe it wouldn't work. Specialty shops tend to require customers with disposable income and there's not a lot of that left in Miramichi. Still, a store in Halifax would match the Walmart price for the battery because it would get you into their store. Then once they had you, they could offer you other products that were more unique and higher quality than off-the-rack Walmart merchandise.

I really enjoyed getting out to the shops today. Even though I took a break from the exercise machine tonight, I still managed to put a few miles on my feet the old fashioned way. I got a chance to see a number of stores I had never been in before and even got a glimpse at Canada's largest outdoor menorah which is lit in the Grand Parade for Hanukkah. (I'll try to get a picture if I can make it down again before Saturday.)

The only thing that spoiled it was the reminder that the downtown has its problems too. Shortly after getting out of my car, a couple of scruffy hoodlums were walking down Barrington, causing a ruckus. It was broad daylight, in the middle of the afternoon. They knocked over a standing, wooden Café sign with a loud *WHACK* and then turned to some people beside me, and as quick as a wink put on a sad face and politely asked for a cigarette, or money, or anything. When refused, they growled, "Have a good life," then proceeded on their way, kicking over a newspaper dispenser box with a loud *CRASH* as it spilled over onto the street. A short time later, I ran into a cop ticketing cars and suggested he look into it. I don't know if he did, but the newspaper box was righted when I passed by next.

Labels: Halifax, holidays, Miramichi, personal

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Shopping's begun

Bedford Baptist Church.
Yesterday's trip to the mall didn't happen. We picked up kitty litter at Walmart and went over to Halifax Shopping Centre but there wasn't a parking space to be had. I was less-than convinced to wait it out with the engine idling and to join the circling car ballet that was going on, so we just left for groceries and on to home.

Today however, we returned. The mall was still pretty busy but we made it for the last hour before closing and managed to actually get gifts for just about everyone on our lists. That's not to say we're finished, but at least we've got a good start.

No more shopping until next pay day though.

In the meantime, we're passionately debating the raising of our Christmas tree at home. Yeji wanted it up Friday night. I am trying to stall until at least another week. Some nutcake across the road has his up in his window and that's spurring her press for us to put ours up equally as ungodly early.

So when is the appropriate time to put up your Christmas tree? What would Jesus do?

Labels: holidays, personal

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Christmas primer

Hoisting the wreathes on Barrington
I know, I know. It gets earlier every year. The photo above was actually taken on Remembrance Day and at the time this wreath was going up, they'd already been in place on the other side of the street for days. Worse yet, Egg Nog went on sale in supermarkets at the beginning of October. Pretty soon, you'll see the Easter Bunny popping out to predict the weather on Groundhog Day instead of Shubenacadie Sam.

However, I'm posting it today since I've relented. The plan is to start Christmas shopping today mostly for people far away who need theirs in the mail by the end of next week. My actualy family is pretty small and we'll hand-deliver theirs so that's not too much of a concern.

So what does everybody want for Christmas?

Labels: holidays, personal

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy US Thanksgiving

To any readers stopping by from the U.S. of A., allow me to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. I guess now's a good time to thank you for stopping by the 'ol blog. I hope you all enjoy the holiday very much.

Labels: holidays, personal, United States

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Halifax Parade of Lights

We just got back from this year's Parade of Lights. Once again, we had tremendous weather for an event and the crowds showed it. They were predicting upwards of 75,000 people would attend and certainly that may have been the case. In fact, I'd almost call it T-shirt weather which is how I was attired. Heck, we even stopped for ice cream treats on the way home.

I'm sorry if I can't remember all of the organizations that had floats. There were so many and in many cases, the names were along the bottom of the float, not well lit, and obscured by the crowd. I believe the above shot is by the people at the Harbour Ferry.

To view the procession, we managed to find a spot near the final turn in the parade route, up the street at South Park and University, but even when standing on a park bench, I found it a bit difficult to get good shots over the heads of the people. Memo to self: show up earlier next time.

There was lots of music and lots of light. A float entered by one of the fire departments even had Sons of Maxwell playing. I got a couple of shots of them but they suffer from the odd, errant passerby.

Naturally, there was lots of Maritime flavour. I'm not sure who had the lighthouse, but the onion-like float above was from the Dalhousie Architecture school.

I thought I saw a couple of Harbour Hoppers done up in lights. Many groups just had big Ryder trucks with the sides off. The floats had lots of children too, since it is Christmas after all. Boy scouts, cadets, and various other youth groups all participated. It was a long route for many, I'm sure. They looked pretty tired by the time they got as far as where we were.

Last but not least, came that ol' jolly elf himself, Saint Nicholas, riding on the Chronicle Herald float. The newspaper was the headline sponsor of the event.

There was lots of energy in the air and it seems people had a great time. Tomorrow night is the parade in Bedford and I'm not sure if my schedule is going to allow me to attend, but if I can, I'll be looking forward to it.

Labels: Halifax, holidays, photo gallery

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Remembrance Day in Halifax

Ceremony at Grand Parade
I took in the ceremony for Remembrance Day this morning. The sun was warm and bright and I think that really contributed to the turn out. I don't remember a Remembrance Day where I saw so many people paying their respects. The Grand Parade was full and people were crowded along the wall above, on Argyle Street.

Especially since we have troops that are serving overseas, not just as peacekeepers but in active combat zones like Afghanistan, it's important that so many people have kept the significance of our veterans' sacrifices in their hearts. We carry a larger burden here in the Maritimes. Whether it's the local fighting spirit or whether the economy pushes people towards jobs like the military, a lot of our troops have always come from this region. It's just as true today when you hear of so many Maritimers when the casualty lists come in from Afghanistan. Even those that are attached to other units in other provinces quite often have a hometown listed here on the East Coast.

Thank you to all who have offered themselves to the service of our country.

Labels: Afghanistan, Halifax, holidays, military, war

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Hallowe'en!

That time of the year has finally arrived. By no small means, it's my favourite holiday. Yeji's at a class tonight though, so it's just me and the cat for now. Napster seems to like Hallowe'en also, or at least he's developed a taste for pumpkin shavings. As I was carving the jack o'lantern he was pilfering pumpkin pieces and running off with them, until I finished hollowing out the inside that is. I snapped a few pictures and am going to try to sit him down for a few more later. Sure he's not exactly black... but he makes up for it with mischief. He also figured out how to open the upper cupboard doors tonight and crawl in. I have a feeling our ramen noodles may have gotten crushed. I promise, I won't turn this into a pet blog, but pics once in a while won't hurt.

Overall, it's not a bad evening out. I haven't been watching for trick or treaters since they're only allowed into the building as far as our lobby, but I might check out the crowds later on. The night is still young and there are bound to be many out tonight with the clear weather. Maybe I could even take a stroll up to the graveyard and score some material for Mysteries. I've been sandbagging some photos from a couple of years ago. If I have the time, I'll post 'em there late tonight. Be sure to check in later.

I hope all of you enjoy this evening to its fullest. Don't let the ghouls get you, the ghosts grab you, or the zombies sign you up for Bible Study.

Labels: holidays, personal

Friday, October 27, 2006

Calm before the storm

The University Club at Dalhousie.
It looks like they're predicting some high winds and rain for tomorrow, which is bound to put a damper on folks going out to enjoy the weekend before Hallowe'en and the extra hour of party time thanks to Daylight Savings. I'm hoping to get out anyway, even if it's just for a coffee. The temperature is supposed to be up around 14 degrees.

In contrast, tonight is just plain chilly and today was a long day, so I am staying in and watching some recently downloaded videos. I've been strongly encouraged to start watching Battlestar Galactica by seveal people as of late. Being one of those purists who didn't like gender-bending Starbucks and Bladerunner knockoff cylons (the only thing from Bladerunner I enjoy watching in it is Edward James Olmos), as well as being one of those cheapskates who can't afford to get the Space channel on my cable, I had given it a pass until now.

I watched the first regular episode of Season 1 last night and episodes 2,3 and 4 tonight. One thing I do like is the cinematography for the space scenes. The sweeping panoramas and long focusing are a great way to induct the viewer into the action of the moment.

Now, by the Lords of Kobol, I just received a popup window telling me Episode 5 has finished downloading so I guess that'll be it for this post.

Labels: holidays, personal, sci-fi

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Join the ranks of the undead

On a day when the Canadian military is dropping fitness requirements for new recruits, I have to wonder what perks are being offered by the London Vampyre Group who is also on a recruitment drive. Hallowe'en is less than a week away and it's definitely my favourite holiday of the year.

It's also teaching me the lesson to pick up more newspapers on hard copy, instead of just the internet. The Chronicle Herald had a big feature on the "fashions" of Hallowe'en, a day which has also been termed "Dress Like A Whore Day" by one comedian they quoted. Yes, it's the one day of the year that otherwise shy and demure young ladies can doff their frock coats and suit up (or down) especially for the luring of tricks and treats. It may have been the same article that ran in the New York Times, entitled "Good Girls Go Bad, For a Day" but I can't double check since neither version is available on the internet. I can however, link to the source of their graphic. The fact that I instantly recognized them as coming from the sexy collection of BuyCostumes.com probably implies something about my surfing habits. I'll leave it at that.

No clue if I'm going to dress up in anything this year. We don't have any engagements planned for the weekend or next week yet although a friend or two might be in town and dropping by. Saturday will be the big night though, as clocks will also be set back an hour which gives bonus time for bar flies to enjoy their gleeful frolicking.

Labels: holidays, subculture

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving

"Lawrencetown Beach."
Happy Thanksgiving, folks. I'm posting this picture of Lawrencetown because that's where we were today. We left the house in the afternoon and did some Sunday shopping. It was quite crowded actually, which is a good indicator that people are happy to see it finally arrive. Afterwards, we drove out to Lawrencetown and took a Thanksgiving walk on the beach.

Supper was delicious. Just the two of us and the cat, we had a precooked Turkey breats rather than go to the trouble of preparing the entire bird. We almost had pheasant though. On the drive back, two ran out in front of my car and just barely missed the tires. That would have been good eatin' too.

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday.

Labels: holidays, personal

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Happy 211th, Alex

"Alexander Keith's at the Brewery Market."
Today is a locally recognized day of interest. I'm actually surprised it's not a civic holiday. October 5th is the birthday of famous Haligonian Alexander Keith, the famous brewmeister.

I actually managed to celebrate it this year, quaffing a few bottles of his liquid legacy. However, it is a work night so I was still home by about 10:30. The Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend starts tomorrow, but the extra day off only increases my workload while I am still at work. C'est la vie. I had best get a good night's sleep.

...and for everyone back in Korea, Happy Chuseok!

Labels: history, holidays, personal

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Avast ye! Talk Like a Pirate Day

The Mar II sails past the Dartmouth Refinery.
Ahoy, readers. There be but a few hours left afore the sun sets on this year's "Talk Like a Pirate Day". I wish all ye buccaneers and sea dogs fair winds and pleasant tides. I've not much to say in parley beyond that methinks I'll just haul anchor on this post and prepare to come about. Aaarrrr.

Labels: holidays, humour

Monday, August 07, 2006

Happy Natal Day

The tall ship Silva sails past Halifax.
I just wanted to wish a happy Natal Day to everyone reading this from Nova Scotia or P.E.I. and of course, Happy New Brunswick Day to all the Herring Chokers out there too. Time to sit back, take in the festivities and enjoy a nice cool bottle of Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale. "Those who like it - like it too much."

Labels: holidays, personal

Monday, July 03, 2006

Dominion Day in New Brunswick

Clouds over the Northumberland Strait.

We just got back from a weekend up in New Brunswick. We drove up Friday night. The highways were almost completely black. We were wary of moose since there have been a lot around this year and with all the flies, they're being driven out of the woods and onto the roads. Also, new asphalt has been laid over much of the road between Moncton and Miramichi, with no lines painted yet, so it was bare-knuckle for a stretch. You basically had to point the car toward the blackest of the black in front of you and assume that was the road. Luckily, we didn't come across any.

Saturday we went to the Canada Day supper at the church and met up with a tonne of people. I don't think we walked more that five feet at a time without exchanging greetings with someone. Also enjoyable was sitting across from one of the local couples, now retired, who had spent four years teaching English in China so we had a fair bit in common. Just before we finished, this time unluckily, we didn't see the moose and two calves that had been spotted in a neighbouring field. We heard word at night however, that someone had hit a moose on nearby Black River road and my cousin and his wife had encountered a lone calf near that area the next morning. I'm really hoping it wasn't the same cow moose from that afternoon.

Sunday was spent visiting and watching Blackbeard on the Discovery channel. I'm feeling a bit guilty now though. When we arrived home, I found out that dad spent the afternoon down by the dockside and suffice to say, he may have been a bit too inspired by the program we watched. I guess I am going to have to finally take those sailing lessons I've been mulling over.

Labels: holidays, New Brunswick, personal

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Divided we stand

Today is a holiday it turns out. As the calendar falls upon 3/14, the United States is honouring the mathematical darling pi with its own special day: World Pi Day. It could be just some nefarious commerical scheme by mathematicians to sell T-shirts with pocket protectors embedded in them, but that's probably just the cynic in me. I was almost about to blame the bakers but it turns out National Pie Day is already January 23rd.

"...And just in case you miss out on tomorrow's festivities, you'll get another chance on 22 July. This is the day - 22/7 - when European date formats permit a celebration called Pi Approximation Day." - The Independent UK

So Happy Pi Day everyone!

Labels: Europe, holidays, humour, United States

Monday, January 02, 2006

New Year's 2006

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. Something in the stars lined up and five of us college pals managed to get together to celebrate. It's been about a decade or more since that many of us have been in one place at the same time and quite a few miles have been crossed in the meantime. It made for a good pan-cultural experience though. One of us just got back from the middle east, and another friend who is still living in Korea joined us via webcam. The rest of us had done our time everywhere from Korea to India and across Canada but are finally living close enough that we were able to make it work.

We served up some Korean food (chapjae and galbi) as well as significant portions of beer, champagne, and a touch of soju. It was definitely a good omen for the dawning of 2006 and it sure was a treat to see the guys again.

Labels: holidays, personal

Friday, December 23, 2005

Merry Holidays

This little debate has really taken centre stage this year: the battle between "Merry Christmas" and it's watered down rivals, "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings". It took a fair bit of work to ensure that the Boston Christmas tree, that Nova Scotia sends down every year, was finally labelled a "Christmas" tree. The original supplier of the tree voiced his displeasure too, arguing that he would haven cut it up for firewood had he known that someone was going to change its terminology. Somehow I find it hard to imagine a concerted campaign to rename menorahs to "holiday multi-candelabras" or anything so blandly secular.

So I thought I'd track this conundrum in the fairest way possible: Googlebattle.

The results are disheartening. "Merry Christmas" nets 16,300,000 hits while "Happy Holidays" is the winner with 21,200,000 references on Google.

Lest I tip the balance, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Labels: holidays, internet, personal