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    <title>Quinpool Kid</title>
    <link>http://communityherald.ca/list/80</link>
    <description><![CDATA[


Quinpool Kid
by John van Gurp

John is a lifelong resident of Halifax with a love of neighbourhoods and passion for communication. His devilish side appears in his sometimes critical writings, which he hopes at least serve to stimulate thought and discussion on important topics.



]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:10:14 -0400</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:10:14 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
    <generator>Phorum 5.1.16a</generator>
    <ttl>600</ttl>
    <item>
      <title>Halifax Chickens update</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40610/40610#msg-40610</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The public information meeting at City Hall on February 10 was resoundingly positive and upbeat and left me with a feeling of optimism that Halifax will make changes to the municipal land use bylaw to allow people to raise hens on their property on the peninsula. 

Out of the 60 or 70 people who attended, I would estimate 6 spoke up in opposition and 30 spoke up in support. The supporters were well informed, articulate and passionate. The opposers spoke of their fear of rats; a very valid worry and concern however as many speakers indicated, proper feed storage is the key and the answer and there should be no vermin issues with well kept chickens. One of the opposers made a derogatory and sexist comment at the end of the session, and it sounded very out of placein the otherwise very respectful and tempered tone of the whole evening.

The HRM planner who chaired the meeting did a phenomenal job. She was so clear and exhibited wonderful leadership while being pleasant and friendly and helpful toward everyone. What a pro! I admire her and will post her name after I retrieve my notes.

I'm quite sure the result of the meeing will be a very good proposal to amend the land use bylaw to allow backyard chickens.

Stay tuned!]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40610/40610#msg-40610</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:10:14 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Life - The Art of Margaret van Gurp</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40197/40197#msg-40197</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[This post contains a YouTube video - click &quot;more&quot; to view. It's the introduction and opening of my Mom's art exhibit at the Craig Gallery, Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. The show runs the whole month of January and covers samples of artwork over the past 70 years from pre-war Delft to last year here in her home town of Halifax.



 ]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40197/40197#msg-40197</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat,  9 Jan 2010 09:03:09 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Happy Office Potluck Day!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40040/40040#msg-40040</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[(This is not my office - I stole this image from someone where their office mates also sure know how to cook)


 Today, December 24th is downtown Office Potluck Day. Watch for all the folks around the streets with their Tupperware containers, shrimp ring boxes and armloads of paper plates and napkins. 

We're having one at my office. Yesterday was Clean Out the Staff Fridge Day. Everything was tossed. Maybe this happens once a year, I'm not sure. I think what happens is that we hire co-op summer students who store packages in the fridge and freezer and they finish their employment but forget to take their things. No one knows who owns what, so nothing gets thrown out until the big day. 

The cleaner remarked as he was emptying the garbage receptacle he thought some of the food came over on the Mayflower. He also mumbled to himself in the echoing emptiness of our marble tiled hallway &quot;I thought Tupperware was expensive!&quot;. Ha! Good one mister cleaner!

The event is highly organized and involves spreadsheets. There's also a Traffic Flow Chart so you don't get lost in your territorial migration feeding pattern between desserts and hot dishes. It's very impressive!

Enjoy your last day at work before a short holiday, office workers! See you around town with your containers on the way home.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/40040/40040#msg-40040</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:34:37 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gottingen Street arts district</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39968/39968#msg-39968</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[OK I've been a Quinpool guy for quite a while now, but obviously enjoy various neighbourhoods and activities around HRM. Last night however I went to a Brazilian percussion workshop at The Company House at 2202 Gottingen and wonder how it's possible I haven't been to any music events there already. Anyway, between the Company House, the Bus Stop Theater, Bob and Lori's Food Emporium and Propellor Brewery I am starting to feel like it's pretty much a Shangri-La!]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39968/39968#msg-39968</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:57:33 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Donation to Samantha Robichaud</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39946/39946#msg-39946</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[ I'm mailing a cheque tonight to Garnet Thacker at 31 Tribune Ct., Apt. 5, Herring Cove, N.S., B3V 1J3


Chronicle Herald article about Samantha Robichaud



Update: A bank account has been set up:

Account name: ITF Samantha Robichaud
Account number: 03353 5208454
Branch: RBC Halifax Shopping Centre

]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39946/39946#msg-39946</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:40:04 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gerald Keddy Oopsie !</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39777/39777#msg-39777</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[ Yes Keddy's remarks seemed callous and insensitive toward the unemployed but I got the impression he was specifically and only talking about street panhandlers, a few of whom seem mostly interested in their next gram of weed and six pack of Faxe strong ale. Just a few. 

Let's look at the debacle a little deeper. Who is actually offended here? I am guessing that 99% of the offended and outraged public are actually well employed. I bet quite a few of the most outraged are politicians leveraging this gaff as an easy win in the continual attacks against members of opposing parties as part of their predictable and sometimes childish political sparring.

Did Keddy say that all unemployed are bums or lazy or too good to work as seasonable workers? No he did not. He specifically referred to the sidewalk sitters. We all know the sidewalk sitters don't we? I think he meant the young folks in their tattered army surplus gear and their knapsacks and their big dogs. It's a travelling tribe out for a long distance party. Are they lazy and deserving of Keddy's remarks? That's not really something to discuss here.

The point is that he didn't attack all unemployed as his critics suggest. He lashed out at an easy target. Keddy was defending himself. The problem is that he's a seasoned politician who should never have fallen for that trap. He took the bait and blurted out something that came back and bit him in the ass. Mind you this will all be forgotten as soon as the next decent headline comes out. It was a gaff and nothing more.

Marilla Stephenson has a really great column on the issue.

Note: Whoops sorry about the photo. That was from the previous blunder.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39777/39777#msg-39777</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:13:32 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hamthrax shot today!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39723/39723#msg-39723</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Swine flu vaccination is open to everyone as of yesterday so I plan to pop in at the clinic at the Italian Cultural Center today... hopefully my kids will be able to fit it into their busy weekend as well. What a shmozzle it has seemed like, with instructions that everyone is to get a shot and then learning of priority lists, yet some non-priority people were getting it. Well, mustn't whine! We live  in one of the greatest countries in the world and to think of all the health care we expect and receive with no concerns for income or costs, well it's very civilized.

Update: Yes I got to the clinic with three teens. The lineup was maybe 30 people long outside the Italian Cultural Center (the ICC). Some public health workers did a brief pre-screening to see if anyone was already sick, etc. I think it might have been as much for crowd control as anything... they were very pleasant and helpful. Groups of 15 or so were allowed in and seated in the lobby until there was space in the main hall, where we sat again and had another short talk and Q&amp;A session before getting a seat with the nurses who were administering the actual injection. Afterward  we were asked to sit for 15 to ensure there was no  reaction.

There were three little kids who freaked out. The very odd reaction was that almost every adult smiled as the kids screamed in terror. What's up with that? What a strange phenomenon... I did it too. Is it that we are programmed to offer a happy face to upset kids in an attempt to calm them? Or is it a primitive teeth-barring instinct maybe to be ready to protect a child from predators? Or is it that we all know that while the kid thinks this is the end of the world, we know that life has just begun to hand them challenges and stings? I don't know... I'm siding with the teeth barring though. I wish my university psychology professor was available.

My other comment is to lament the loss of the old ICC... it was one helluva lovely place steeped in character and warmth (OK it was probably impossible to heat, had a leaky roof and housed vermin, but I'm sure you know what I'm getting at). The new place is cold and sterile, like a hotel conference room. Mind you, I'm sure the Italian Community can bring it to life, but it's just so darn functional. A few windows would have been nice. That's it for now.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39723/39723#msg-39723</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:14:03 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Canadian Forces recruiters in the bars now?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39643#msg-39643</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Dave, I'm not totally opposed to CF recruiters in schools and I don't oppose CF recruiting in general. As I indicated recruiting adults is reasonable. They have to replenish the troops somehow. 

There should be some age limit however and I think age 17 is an acceptable age, as apparently does the CF. You note that the CF seeks parental permission for kids younger than 17 to be recruited.

My concerns are related to the previous Citadel High School principal giving CF recruiters access to kids from 15-17, without any parental consultation or consent. Keep in mind this was not in the context a career fair or a a general information session as they do each year with the various schools and universities and career options represented. It seems appropriate the CF should have a table at a day like that, just like every other option. It doesn't seem appropriate they should have private access to the school and our children of 15-17 years.

The other point of my blog is that it appears CF recruiters were using booze to recruit in bars, which seems cheesy and kind of funny when you look at it in light of the traditional press gangs.

Cheers,
John]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39643#msg-39643</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:06:31 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Canadian Forces recruiters in the bars now?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39632#msg-39632</link>
      <author>AFT</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Please don't dance around the subject, John - evidently you find something wrong with CF recruiters in our schools.  Tell us what it is that you find wrong with it.

16 year olds can join the CF with parental permission, and 17 year olds can join outright.  Do you see a problem with the CF as a career choice?  Or with young adults funding their post-secondary education by participating in the CF reserves?]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39632#msg-39632</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:45:23 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>David Whitzman, PPC</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39396/39396#msg-39396</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[

&quot;I have no great aims in art. No axe to grind. No world ailments to cure. I paint to please myself and to bring pleasure to others.&quot;  ~ David Whitzman PPC

This week I had the great pleasure of taking my Mom to visit her friend of many years, David Whitzman. We had a delightful time in his room at his seniors home off Lacewood Drive. It's very close to the Keshen Goodman Library where you can go see one of his grand seascapes.



After graduation from Nova Scotia College of Art David became a teacher during World War Two. He later continued as an independant artist with shows and sales in various locations. He always enjoyed painting sport fishing scenes, such as his 1966 Wandering River. You can see more of his work at the Zwicker Gallery

When we stopped to see him his eyes twinkled with each story and joke. What a kidder! At 94 he still has his painting equipment with him at all times but as he said, he does most of his painting in his head. He says that when he's resting he will start a canvas, and over a period of time he'll return to it and complete a whole painting right down to the final brush strokes of his signature. 

I wish we could tap into that artist's reserve of mental paintings!

Thanks for sharing your gift David, and we'll see you again soon.

]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39396/39396#msg-39396</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue,  3 Nov 2009 07:59:53 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Gender equity versus clothing rules?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39268/39277#msg-39277</link>
      <author>jadz</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I'm not sure if you saw this recent news item from the states where a man is being charged for being nude in his own house. A woman and her child were cutting across his lawn and saw him nude - then called the cops. Video clip at the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/22/crimesider/entry5409509.shtml]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39268/39277#msg-39277</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:31:47 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gender equity versus clothing rules?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39268/39268#msg-39268</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39268/39268#msg-39268</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:15:14 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Canadian Forces recruiters in the bars now?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39213#msg-39213</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[OK this is just second hand information, but I'm told that not long ago at the Halifax Ale House a couple of guys were chatted up by two other fellow who eventually tried to talk them into coming to a CF recruiting session.

Now this in itself is not so bad I suppose, and they probably figure that talking to guys under the influence is going to make it easier, but come on now it seems a bit desperate. Then again, it's an old tyme traditional way to get sailors isn't it?

Nelson would be proud of this modern press gang approach. Ply them with booze! Put a loonie in their beers! LOL!

Press gangs!

If this is true I bet it's not officially endorsed, but considering the sorry state of recruiting as noted by the Auditor General a couple of years ago they have to do something. Recruiting adults is reasonable.

What is unacceptable is DND's intrusion last year into schools like Citadel High School where with the full approval of the principal DND had direct access to students. It was not part of any career fair or other event - it was purely a military recruitment drive targeting school children.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39213/39213#msg-39213</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:12:05 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fist Bump graduation</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39118/39118#msg-39118</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[ I went to my niece's convocation at Dalhousie today and found it very interesting that it was announced from the podium that hand shaking was discouraged. There was mention of the &quot;fist bump&quot; as an alternative. 


Very clearly it was the natural inclination of students to move their hands as they approached the Chancellor to receive their designation but almost all managed to suppress a hand shaking gesture. There was one fist bump, one forced chake and more then one hug.

Changes have taken place to try to prevent the spread of viruses, but the other changes were noticeable too, things that have changed over many years. For example a more relaxed and casual mode of speaking, students who are on one or the other swings of the pendulum of rebelliousness (this time all nicely dressed with neatly groomed hair), and student-parents carrying their babies on stage with them.

So remember the fist bump for your next business meeting, it will probably bring a laugh and might save you from a cold.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/39118/39118#msg-39118</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:22:48 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Google Street View update</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38962/38962#msg-38962</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hey Google Street View is here, in Halifax! I'm not quite sure what to make of it. On one hand I'm a total dorky techno addict and just can't get enough of advancements in Internet and digital technologies. On the other hand I'm a stickler for privacy in some regards (obviously not my own so much or I wouldn't be exposing myself in this blog!) but in general terms I'm opposed to government and corporate intrusions into privacy rights. I'm more concerned about government because they also have the added role of law making and enforcement and history proves they can be absolutely horrific at respecting human rights and dignity so adding the power to take away your privacy is just asking for trouble. Ask me how I feel about police cameras downtown sometime.... I digress.

Check out Google Street View for Halifax and hopefully we'll at least get some funny photos out of it. This is clearly something for discussion... then again if there's a problem with it, it's too late already!]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38962/38962#msg-38962</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed,  7 Oct 2009 12:18:33 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Blew a seal?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38955/38955#msg-38955</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Below is my favourite unintentionally funny office email headline received this year from our management group. I'm so sorry to stoop to this level of humour but it will give you an idea of my level of maturity.


 We have been advised of the start of Project 8596 “Seal Penetrations In Boiler Room” here at the office building.

Something along the lines of http://www.aarons-jokes.com/joke-3390.shtml

Sorry :-)]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38955/38955#msg-38955</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue,  6 Oct 2009 22:34:41 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Not many updates lately eh?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38900/38900#msg-38900</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Sorry for not updating lately... Sometimes I wonder if there's a readership for Quinpool Kid and then someone at work will comment something like &quot;Hey John how's it going? Excellent?&quot; while smirking. I really like that! Wonder Wife told me that a couple of people are her work read too, so thanks!

Sometimes topic ideas come in a big flurry and I'll write a string of blogs, then every one in a while there's a dry spell.

Every once in a while WW will say &quot;Hey you should blog that!&quot; and half the time I wonder if she might actually be serious. Mostly it's a funny inside joke. 

For instance one of my sisters has a sometimes hard-to-follow life with a surprise for the rest of the family every year or so... this time it was returning from overseas where she worked as a volunteer with a humantitarian organization, married and with her husband! A total surprise for everyone... 

WW said &quot;Hey you should blog it&quot; but the potential for a disrespectful screenplay was too great, so I better not. Then there's the privacy and trust aspect (which I've probably already violated).

We've been busy with house painting and some construction at our Queens County cottage for the past month so it seems like every non-work moment has been all about finishing fix-it projects. That sure fills the days!

This month we're checking into putting a small addition on the house. Exeprience shows that it's a good idea to follow the rules and regulations and get a Building Permit before starting anything. It meets all the basic criteria for lot coverage etc but we don't want any problems with the HRM enforcers. When we built a garden shed a couple of years ago we actually got a stop work order,... for a garden shed. Hatd to believe anyone in my neighbourhood would be so small as to call and make a complaint. It was a non-issue of course once we paid the fee. Better to avoid these things by doing the application now especially for an improvement as significant as an addition.

I generally don't write personal diary-style blogs. It seems inappropriate and attention-seeking using private and personal information. Maybe next blog will be back to the normal format. In the meantime, thanks for reading!

Cheers,
John]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38900/38900#msg-38900</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun,  4 Oct 2009 23:09:47 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Yay! Indian food on Windsor Street!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37834/38425#msg-38425</link>
      <author>Thenewcomer</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Are the servers gorgeous?

http://thenewcomer.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/gorgous-servers/

Otherwise, with the high standards I've come to expect in Halifax, I won't bother...]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37834/38425#msg-38425</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed,  2 Sep 2009 10:03:17 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Google Streetview car!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38354/38354#msg-38354</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[


 HA HA! Look at the Google Streetview car parked outside the Quinpool Road Canadian Tire. I realllly like the customized reshaping of the roof panel to accommodate the camera mount rack - very classy LMAO.

Anyway - just something funny I saw on my way home from work.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38354/38354#msg-38354</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:33:21 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Noise and dust versus cluck cluck cluck</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38345/38345#msg-38345</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Why is it OK that a company can be on my street for a week with dump trucks, excavators, vibrating gravel compactors and a two-cycle gas powered concrete saw running at 120 decibels or so at 7:30 am in the morning, but I can't have a single quiet hen in my 120 foot deep lot?

Or can I...? A couple of weeks ago CBC did a radio piece about urban beekeepers. There are a couple of active hives in yards on the peninsula. When the HRM Bylaw people were asked about the legality they advised that since no one had complained it was legal. This is the opposite of what the HRM stated when they ordered Louise Hanavan to remove her 3 hens from her city yard.

The HRM said that anything not specifically noted as permitted was not legally allowed. It's a ridiculous complaint driven setup that can pit neighbour against neighbour and has no &quot;common sense&quot; factor to weigh activities to see whether or not something is a nuisance.

So can I get a hen and if no one complains assume it's legal and ok? I promise no one at HRM will say yes or no. It really is time to draw up a whole new bylaw framework.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38345/38345#msg-38345</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:32:08 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Monstery Lane artifacts</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38288/38288#msg-38288</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I live near Monastery Lane where Heritage Gas started connecting a line that will service homes on Yukon Street. The locals got together and got a critical number of people to sign up so the gas company is digging a trench and laying their familiar yellow hose today.

On my way home I came across a couple of kids and local high school history teacher Brian Rawding examining pieces of pottery and glass that came out of the trench where Yukon meets Monastery. It must have been an old trash heap.



There was quite a lot of it, all broken up and dirty but still a fascinating glimpse into what was ordinary trash at the time. Several complete bottles were found but left with the workers. I imagine they must have come across a huge amount of material like this over the many months they've been digging. My daughter has the Minard's Liniment bottles and ink well below: 

]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38288/38288#msg-38288</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:08:42 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hurricane Bill coming to visit?</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38183/38183#msg-38183</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Here's another event where you're either in the &quot;oh it's just a bunch of hype&quot; camp or the &quot;better get ready&quot; camp. The same thing comes up anytime you mention swine flu although people seem much more divisive about H1N1.

Did we get ready for Bill? Yes indeed! I'm no alarmist but as a long time camper and gadget lover I have plenty of stuff on hand that would get us through any form of disaster from a short power outage to a full blown zombie apocalypse.

What did we do to prepare? Well we tend to keep a small freezer load as we don't have a separate deep freezer so the foods we bought were more or less what we always have on hand anyway, with the addition of a bag of powdered milk and some bottles of juice instead of frozen concentrate.

I bought a can of naptha to fuel my trusty 1950's Coleman stove that I bought in a Miller and Johnson auction around 25 years ago. Some older technology like my Coleman 411 is really the epitome of function and good design. Also coincidentally the first car I owned was a 1968 Volkswagon 411 given to me by Capt. (Ret'd) Larry Dzioba to transport his daughter/my future wife around town. Again with the old technology that might not have been great but we sure loved it.

A few years ago I bought a small 1000 watt Honda Generator and have never regretted the expense of buying such a good quality unit. I put fresh gas in every year (it takes just over a half gallon and will run over 8 hours on a tank), change the oil and it always starts on the second or third pull. Of course it seems that testing it will guarantee there will be no power outage but it doesn't hurt to have it ready just in case.

Our tiny pantry areas (mostly just cupboard shelves and hidy holes around the kitchen) are filled with our normal foods; pasta, rice, canned goods for chili and my made-up bean and curry things. I have enough camping stove power to keep going for days, the little generator can power enough lights or computer gear or even the furnace if needed and we have neighbours who will go out of their way to help each other.

That's about all I can do. I hate to sucumb to any hype or fear mongering but the satisfaction of being ready for any issues whether at work, as a parent, or while waiting for a major storm is rewarding in itself.

Batten the hatches and stay safe.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/38183/38183#msg-38183</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:12:23 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Yay! Indian food on Windsor Street!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37834/37834#msg-37834</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[


Yay a new restaurant has opened - on Windsor Street between Duncan and Lawrence. 

It's Gracious Indian and it's heavenly!

I feel like it might be a newspaper faux pas to put what amounts to an advertisement here but then again I'm a community blogger and not a real writer, so there's probably some leeway with what I can get away with. I also have no connection with the place so it's a completely honest review and reaction, but maybe I should add more reviews of other places over time in the interests of fairness.

The Quinpool district has so many really great little eateries. What a variety! We've been making the rounds for years so it's always exciting to see a new and interesting place open up.

Heather and I had Butter Chicken and Chicken Tandoori and also a roasted and marinated chick peas on rice dish. Their naan was warm and deliciously polite-sized samosas were superbly spiced and not even slightly oily... maybe they were baked? Prices are very good.

Here's wishing Gracious Indian much success!]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37834/37834#msg-37834</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon,  3 Aug 2009 08:33:57 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>More illegal guerrilla advertising</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37757/37757#msg-37757</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[

This time it's RBC (the Royal Bank) and also TVA Films postering large ugly sheets of ads on the safety wall outside the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and probably in other locations as well. I contacted a Director with the provincial public works department about this and was advised that no one has any form of permission to paste posters or advertising on that wall. It's clearly done without authorization and violates municipal bylaws.


The fact it's done in the wee hours of the night indicates the people responsible know full well it's illegal. Why else would they skulk around in the darkness.


What about the ethics of it? I'll be writing in more detail about this and about ways to deal with it. Popular culture takes this form of corporate theft of public space and turns it into art. The ads are intended to create a memorable brand experience and with some creativity and well placed alterations they can be turned into a negative marketing campaign.

I've contacted RBC, stay tuned for updates.

Update: No reply from RBC. I complained a couple of years ago when the same illegal approach to advertising was used. I forget the campaign but it was also done with huge repeating sheets of posters stuck up around the city on private and public property, often in the historic downtown tourist district. In that case I actually got a call back from an RBC HQ office and explained what was happening. I explained that their advertising company is breaking the law and is giving a negative impression. They seemed to take it seriously and I had the impression they were going to terminate the contract with the &quot;wild postering&quot; company.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37757/37757#msg-37757</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:50:38 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Guerrilla corporate advertising stinks!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37640/37640#msg-37640</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[

 Today I noted several city owned garbage baskets defaced with heavy-duty full colour printed stickers advertising the Killam Properties &quot;Landlord Lou&quot; figure. What a mess! I managed to peel several off with a fair bit of difficulty and will continue to remove every one I see. Killam should be ashamed of this! It's defacing public property and is ILLEGAL. 


Why on earth the city can't or doesn't bother prosecuting or fining companies that deface public and private property with &quot;guerrilla advertising&quot; is beyond me.


There's a company operating out of Toronto, Grassroots Advertising that promises &quot;in your face&quot; wild postering services in Halifax. They regularly paste repeating sheets of posters on plywood safety walls and on privately owned property. For example they use the plywood walls around the corner of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia s their private billboard. The guy who works for them locally pastes the poster up in the dark wee hours. They know damn well it's illegal! They also paste them on a parking garage door on Lower Water Street across from the Maritime Museum.


If this bothers you then contact their clients and complain about it. They'll get the message soon enough. The posters are also easily peeled off when it's raining.


Another approach is to deface the ads with markers or your own stickers. A little creativity is what it's all about, for instance if you saw a poster for Microsoft Office (wait until just before school starts) then you could change it to an advert for Open Office instead. Or put up a picture of the blue screen of death. Take a picture and mail it to Microsoft.


The Killam Properties campaign is pretty bad though. These ugly stickers are tough to remove and they were being put up on otherwise perfectly new looking garbage receptacles. It looked AWFUL.

If you catch anyone doing this give them a piece of your mind and if possible take a photo. It seems to be a local design and advertising firm called Colour based in Halifax that is managing Killam's Landlord Lou campaign. I emailed them today to complain... wonder if I'll get a reply? 

(update: First thing in the morning I received an email from the firm advising they were looking inti this immediately - great stuff - glad to hear it - possibly a new employee who didn't get the right instructions)

(another update: This afternoon I received an email from the firm that they had contacted their people on the street to remove all the stickers. That was great to hear and indicates Colour is a good corporate citizen with a positive community ethic) 

(update August 24/09: Yesterday I saw a fresh new large size sticker pasted on a utility pole on Quinpool Road. Naturally I removed it and stuck it to the window of the Killam Properties rental office at Quinpool Towers)

This message in itself now becomes unintentional advertising. Well, at least the reader has to go looking for it.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37640/37640#msg-37640</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:52:33 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Hollis Street in April 1953</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37613/37613#msg-37613</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Harbour House at 1273 Hollis Street was the rooming house my parents, two sisters and one brother stayed in their first night in Canada on April 14, 1953. 

From the June 2009 HRM Council Report:

&quot;Charles Morris I was one of Halifax's original settlers and with the arrival of Edward Cornwallis in 1759 was responsible for the laying out of the &quot;town of Halifax&quot;.  That year he was appointed &quot;Chief Surveyor of the Lands of this Province&quot; and throughout his life he held prominent judicial positions.  The building housing an office and store owned by him was originally located at the corner of Hollis and Morris streets.  This building, 1273 Hollis Street, still stands, having been relocated to the southern part of the property some time around 1897&quot;

See www.halifaxhistory.ca for more information and details of the impending demolition of this piece of historic Halifax.

Updated January 2010
The building on the left is now gone - demolished for new development.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37613/37613#msg-37613</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:03:58 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Wildlife !</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37199/37199#msg-37199</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[While driving down Point Pleasant Drive to pick up the son and friend from their longboarding evening I encountered a DEER crossing the street into the woods behind the container terminal. I imagine it will make its way up the rail cut.

Then driving along Quinpool I saw a RACOON trying to cross in front of St. Pat's (OK the Quinpool Education Center - it will always be St. Pat's to me).

Wildlife everywhere! I'm double locking the door tonight to keep the BEARS out!]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/37199/37199#msg-37199</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:54:37 -0300</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Playing samba fiddle on CTV May 31 at 3pm</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36781/36781#msg-36781</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[photo by Graham Rose
 

 Hey in case you are near a TV this afternoon (Sunday May 31 - but I hope you're out enjoying the sunshine instead), I'll be playing my fiddle along with my band Samba Nova on the IWK Telethon on CTV around 3pm. We'll be the loudest band there... besides that we'll be playing the Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival Saturday June 27 and also the JazzEast Jazz festivalon July 11. Stay tuned for updates.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36781/36781#msg-36781</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 09:22:02 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>King's Palace restaurant</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36656/36656#msg-36656</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[sorry for winter photo


 Quinpool Kid and his family just had a great dinner at King's Palace. They have some Thai dishes now in addition to the standard fare - Wow was it ever delicious! I had the spicy rice noodles with shrimp and chicken and Mrs. Kid had a green curry hot pot. Huge serving and very reasonable prices. Yummy and leftovers for lunches.

Sad to walk past the now closed Buckley's store... also the former Lawley's was such a fixture in Halifax for so many years. I used to buy sheet music there when they were in the Halifax Shopping Center.

Charles' and Vern's Flower Salon and Nails is still the same as always although I don't see a lot of walk in traffic. They've been there for many years.]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36656/36656#msg-36656</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2009 19:00:08 -0300</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Great 1961 Quinpool Road photos!</title>
      <link>http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36610/36610#msg-36610</link>
      <author>jvangurp</author>
      <description><![CDATA[This link was sent to me by a friend. There are two really terrific old Quinpool photos at the Oxford Street intersection in 1961... check out some of the business names; Dorothy Richards Specialty Corset Shoppe, the Benjamin Moore store (still there but with new owners), Colonial Restaurant where Phil's Seafood is today, and of course the venerable Oxford Theatre where Shirley MacLean's film the Children's Hour was playing. (notice I wrote film instead of movie because Ms. MacLean was a classy dame!)

--&gt; CLICK HERE ]]></description>
      <category>Quinpool Kid</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://communityherald.ca/read/80/36610/36610#msg-36610</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 07:38:18 -0300</pubDate>
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