If you haven’t heard by now, Nova Scotia’s and New Brunswick’s Bay is entered into a worldwide competition... And no, this one is not done by the CBC... It’s done by a website called www.new7wonders.com. It’s a website that was first dedicated to naming the “new” 7 Wonders of the World back in 2007 and now looking to name the 7 Wonders of the Natural World.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
We've Been Bad Bloggers
Dear Blog,
I know it's been a long time since we last spoke and for this I am truly and deeply sorry. It's been a busy, crazy summer and lots of great events have passed. We've done lots of awesome things and yet we completely ignored you. There is not excuse for our behaviors.. but we will try to fix things and make them better. We promise not to ignore you so long ever again. Please except this as our apology.
Thanks
Love,
Your Writers
I know it's been a long time since we last spoke and for this I am truly and deeply sorry. It's been a busy, crazy summer and lots of great events have passed. We've done lots of awesome things and yet we completely ignored you. There is not excuse for our behaviors.. but we will try to fix things and make them better. We promise not to ignore you so long ever again. Please except this as our apology.
Thanks
Love,
Your Writers
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Granville Green Summer Concert Series
Summer Sunday nights Port Hawkesbury is the place to be! For 6 weeks smack dab in the middle of the summer Port Hawkesbury offers its FREE Summer Concert series on the Granville Green. The Green is a perfect venue for a crowd to gather and enjoy a show, the incline of the hill allows everyone a good angle to see both the stage and the excellent view of the water and all the boats sailing up to get a listen.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Working on some big things!
Okays, maybe not that big... Be we do have some things up our sleeves! But for starters here is a link to our new facebook fan page!
Monday, July 4, 2011
PowWow On The Commons
This past weekend I got to go to my first PowWow ever. The 2nd annual Mawio’mi International PowWow that was held on the Halifax Commons (and please don’t ask me how you pronounce it ). Due to time constraints I had to choose between attending the PowWow or the Multicultural Festival. It was a tough choice because I love food and the Multicultural Festival always has an amazing food selection. But I’ve been to the Multicultural Festival before and I really wanted to see the Native Dancers.... and be able tell people that I’ve been to a PowWow.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
SURFING NOVA SCOTIA and other stuff
It's been awhile since our last post. Trying to get everything organized and ready for summer... sorry but we'll be back soon with some more post! Until then here's an update
I'm Still waiting for the Middle Spoon to open on Barrington Street in Halifax. They've been opening soon since last April or May!
Last night's Canada Day Celebrations at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth was the best ones yet! Love the Trews and LOVE The Stanfields even more. Fireworks were good but the long lines to the potties were a bitch! Missed the first 2 songs of the Trews. Lots of ppl left after the fireworks, which I can't quite understand since The Stanfields played after.... but whatevs
I'm Still waiting for the Middle Spoon to open on Barrington Street in Halifax. They've been opening soon since last April or May!
Found this youtube video the other night of some guy (or girl) head-cam view of his (or her's) day of surfing in Nova Scotia. Maybe not the best best quality but it's actually pretty neat to watch. I posted the link on Twitter but I'll put it up here for you alls to see.
Labels:
Canada Day,
Surfing,
The Stanfields,
The Trews
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Middle Spoon... Coming Soon!!
Driving down Barrington Street the other day, I notice a sign in the window in the vacant space next to the Fireworks Gallery. On this sign was written some magical words....The Middle Spoon Desserterie and Bar, Coming Soon. I had to rub my eyes to make sure I was reading right. Dessert AND bar?!? Combined together in one space?! This is amazing!! After a few years of seeing shop after shop closing down with nothing new opening to replace them, things maybe be finally starting to look up in the Death Valley of Barrington Street. Maybe the curse is gone...
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Her Name is Kay!!
Posting your music on youtube can make or break you; ask Justin Bieber.... or Sarah Black. That was a risk Cape Breton’s singer/ rapper Kay Boutilier was willing to take and I’m pretty sure she’s glad she did. She’s now signed to the same label as Lady Gaga! She also fresh from LA where she produced her first album. Thankfully, she seems to be taking the Justin Bieber route... success wise.
WARNING: She’s not your typical bluegrass folkish rockish type of singer from the traditional Nova Scotian school of musical talent. She’s from the new wave of independent Hip-Hoperish Urban style such as Classified and Ghettosocks. Whoa.. yeah that’s a lot of -ishs but you get what I mean. No fiddles for Kay!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
WagJag Comes to Halifax
This Saturday the ladies of BlogNovaScotia had the pleasure of attending the WagJag Block Party, their official launch in Halifax. In case you are sking “What is WagJag?”, WagJag is a group buying website that allows the buyers access to great deals and businesses a way to get there name out to the buying public.WagJag came to Halifax in a BIG way, spending the month of April hitting up many local spots offering everything from free coffee to free bowling. Then to top off the month of free goodies they hosted an amazing launch party at the Paragon this past weekend.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May Day... Things to Remember for May in Nova Scotia!
ELECTION DAY MAY 2ND! Once again, for the third time in 7 years, we’re headed back to the polls to vote in a Federal Election. Hope you’ve all listened to the candidates in your riding have to say and you vote for the person you believe will best represent you in Ottawa. BUT the most important thing is to vote!
Let the Bus Back in... New legislation requires vehicles to yield to buses trying to re-enter the traffic on May 1st. Though lot drivers in Nova Scotia tend to let the buses back in already, now it’s official; you must yield to buses or you’re going to JAIL!! Okay, maybe not jail but you’ll get a ticket. The going prices for the fines are between $167 and $340. The legislation only applies to Transit Buses only and if you are in a 60km/h zone or less.... Or if you’re an emergency vehicle with your flashing lights on... then you don’t apply. More info click here
Northumberland Ferry Service Resumed: The PEI to Nova Scotia ferry service starts May 1st. Schedule times is available online here.
May Flowers come out! Are Nova Scotia’s official flower, the May Flower, starts to bloom. What’s the point of an official flower? Not too sure about that but anywho...
Let the Bus Back in... New legislation requires vehicles to yield to buses trying to re-enter the traffic on May 1st. Though lot drivers in Nova Scotia tend to let the buses back in already, now it’s official; you must yield to buses or you’re going to JAIL!! Okay, maybe not jail but you’ll get a ticket. The going prices for the fines are between $167 and $340. The legislation only applies to Transit Buses only and if you are in a 60km/h zone or less.... Or if you’re an emergency vehicle with your flashing lights on... then you don’t apply. More info click here
Northumberland Ferry Service Resumed: The PEI to Nova Scotia ferry service starts May 1st. Schedule times is available online here.
May Flowers come out! Are Nova Scotia’s official flower, the May Flower, starts to bloom. What’s the point of an official flower? Not too sure about that but anywho...
Monday, April 25, 2011
Peter MacKay FINALLY has Twitter
Disclaimer: This blog has no political ties. None of us belong or subscribe to any one set of political philosophies (or parties). Like the majority of Canadians, we believe in electing the candidate in your riding that will best represent your interest in the House of Commons. WE ALSO BELIEVE IN VOTING!
That being said..... Harper must have finally let Peter MacKay have a twitter account! YAY!!
If you follow us on twitter, you’ll already know that we’ve been asking for months that Harper set Petey Mac free and get him get a twitter account.... On April 11th, 2011, Petey made his first tweet!
MacKayCPC Peter MacKay
Here we will be keeping you updated about events we are attending across Central Nova! #CPC #Cdnpoli #NSpoli #elxn41 #cv11#CentralNova
Yeah... his tweets sound like a lawyer’s... oh wait.. haha, he is a lawyer.
So why are we so excited about Central Nova’s … err..... Former MP/ candidate/ pretty much MP gain?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Halifax M Fest
Mark it down on your calendars, in your iphones and your blackberries... Halifax Pop Explosion (HPX) has created a new off shoot festival they named Halifax M Fest and it’s happening on Sunday August 7th at Alderney Landing on the Dartmouth Waterfront. Yes, the Library parking lot! So far it’s only a one day event with doors opening at 1PM. It’s described as all ages with a licensed area... sooo a BEER TENT (I’m assuming).
Oh I forgot the best part... Headliners: Broken Social Scene!
Yay! If you’ve never seen them (thought they’ve been to Halifax a few times) you need to catch their show. They are amazing live. Youtube has plenty of vids from live shows so you can check 'em out. Their live performance list includes appearances on Letterman, Jimmy Fallon and CBC’s Q.
The other bands listed thus far include....
Oh I forgot the best part... Headliners: Broken Social Scene!
Yay! If you’ve never seen them (thought they’ve been to Halifax a few times) you need to catch their show. They are amazing live. Youtube has plenty of vids from live shows so you can check 'em out. Their live performance list includes appearances on Letterman, Jimmy Fallon and CBC’s Q.
The other bands listed thus far include....
Friday, March 4, 2011
Brunch @ The Social House: Nectar
Have you been to the Darkside lately? If you haven’t you’re missing out on some great food AND amazing service. Downtown Dartmouth seems to be becoming a hot spot for some of the best dining experiences in HRM with Nectar Social House leading the pack. Though I’ve heard about Nectar from many many people, the first time I got the chance to go was during lunch break at Podcamp Halifax being held at Alderney Landing. It was actually by chance that we ended up at Nectar since our first choice was over capacity and Nectar which is on Ochterloney St, was near by so our small group decided to go try it out. I’ll call it a lucky twist of fate because we were certainly all left very happy with our choice.
(I know, we're a little late on this post)...
We arrived during brunch which was fine by me as long as they have eggs benny. Their dinning room layout is a bit unconventional. The lower area when you first come in is composed of a small bar area and a few tables that sit 2-4 people then up the stairs there is a larger sitting that can accommodate several large groups. Since we were a couple of us, we sat at a table near the windows on the lower level looking out at Ochterloney St. I know, it seems to be a very odd name for a street in Nova Scotia but it is a Scottish name, I do believe. The street is named after Alexander Ochterloney who help a group of Jamaican immigrants referred to as Maroons, settle in the area. Anyway...
(I know, we're a little late on this post)...
We arrived during brunch which was fine by me as long as they have eggs benny. Their dinning room layout is a bit unconventional. The lower area when you first come in is composed of a small bar area and a few tables that sit 2-4 people then up the stairs there is a larger sitting that can accommodate several large groups. Since we were a couple of us, we sat at a table near the windows on the lower level looking out at Ochterloney St. I know, it seems to be a very odd name for a street in Nova Scotia but it is a Scottish name, I do believe. The street is named after Alexander Ochterloney who help a group of Jamaican immigrants referred to as Maroons, settle in the area. Anyway...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Would Halifax Rather a Convention Centre or Stadium???
That was the question posed yesterday afternoon on twitter.... and wow, did we get a response from the twitterverse. Most of the tweeps were demanding a third option....
It’s pretty clear from the comments made by Central Nova’s PM and Minister of Defense Peter MacKay that the Feds were more interested in funding a stadium rather than a convention centre. However, the Chronicle Herald reports that the Feds will not provide funding for a sports stadium. Which surprised me since I thought MacKay was really interested in the stadium more than other politician. Apparently it’s against Harper’s values to help promote local infrastructure for sports (i.e. Funds for Quebec City arena), Megan Leslie’s and the NDP’s too. Meh.. I wouldn’t take it as direct rejection of Halifax plight as I would a political maneuver. Feds not wanting to give Quebec any ammunition....or cash.
What actually surprise me was most people wanted neither...
It’s pretty clear from the comments made by Central Nova’s PM and Minister of Defense Peter MacKay that the Feds were more interested in funding a stadium rather than a convention centre. However, the Chronicle Herald reports that the Feds will not provide funding for a sports stadium. Which surprised me since I thought MacKay was really interested in the stadium more than other politician. Apparently it’s against Harper’s values to help promote local infrastructure for sports (i.e. Funds for Quebec City arena), Megan Leslie’s and the NDP’s too. Meh.. I wouldn’t take it as direct rejection of Halifax plight as I would a political maneuver. Feds not wanting to give Quebec any ammunition....or cash.
What actually surprise me was most people wanted neither...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
NovaFamous: Radio, Radio
If you never heard of Radio Radio then you know little to nothing about the Quebec music scene. That’s okay because neither do I. In fact I even forgot to include them in our Juno’s post.... The worst part is, they label themselves as an Acadian French rap group and I’m an Acadian! Possibly a very out of touch Acadian???
Okay, sooo...I know what your asking yourself... SOO what does all this group have to do with Quebec’s music scene? Just so happens Radio Radio have been blowing up Les Chart Qubecois for the couple years. Two of the three rappers hail from the region of Clare down in the Baie Ste-Marie along the Acadian Shores of Nova Scotia. That’s right, two big Vedettes (stars) in La Belle Province are Nova Scotian made. The other guy is from Moncton so he’s not that far off either...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Great Big Sea .... of People!!
Their was absolutely no band more perfect to play Grand Parade...er... Celebration Square than GREAT BIG SEA for the big FREE outdoor concert on Saturday night during the Canada Games! The city of Halifax loves them and I’m pretty sure the love is mutual. It was the place to be for sure. It didn’t matter that it was cold and snowing, the 15000 people showed up. The crowd was a sea of people, both young and old, all singing along to every song.
If their was ever a band who knows how to read the Halifax audience so well, it’s Great Big Sea. As always, their concert turned out to be like going to a huge ass, high energy kitchen party, minus the liquor of course (although I did see a couple of flasks). The crowd was into every song and jumped up and down to most of the tunes. When you’re packed like sardines that’s all there is room enough to do. The band came back for two encores. Their were signs in the crowd asking the band to play the Haligonian favorite “Old Black Rum” and the crowd were not going leave until they heard it. Personally, I think that was a well calculated move on the bands part. They didn’t want us to leave either....
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Nova Scotia Breaking The Canada Games Attendance Records in Men’s Hockey
Yeah, That’s how we do it here in Nova Scotia. When it comes to supporting local events, we’re all over it. Last night’s gold medal game between British Columbia and Quebec for men’s hockey at the 2011 Canada Winter Games was no different. With almost 9,000 tickets sold, we set the record ticket sales for any sport at any Canada Games ever!!! The tickets available online had been sold out for weeks prior to the event. Pretty much everyone who could get their hands on a ticket showed up to watch some of Canada's best hockey prospects duel it out for gold.
If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, you were not disappointed with last night games either. There was some great hockey being played. The crowd was into to all night long as well. They sang along and clapped to every classic Maritimer song played between the whistles. It did not matter to them who scored. The crowd was celebrating every goal...
If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, you were not disappointed with last night games either. There was some great hockey being played. The crowd was into to all night long as well. They sang along and clapped to every classic Maritimer song played between the whistles. It did not matter to them who scored. The crowd was celebrating every goal...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Made In Nova Scotia: Terra Beata Cranberry
I decided to do our first Made in Nova Scotia on Terra Beata Cranberry Juice. I want the world to know how much better it is than....um... the leading national brand’s cranberry juice/drink. If I had to name my favorite product made in the NS, this would be it. This is the Nova Scotian product I use the most often. I drink it almost every morning and every night.
I know what your thinking... “What? She didn’t say one of Nova Scotia’s beers, she must be out of her mind”. Well I am..... but just slightly.
I first came across the Terra Beata Company at Christmas at the Forum a few years ago. I’m a big fan of cranberries so I bought their Cranberry Mincemeat preserve (which tastes unbelievable on ice cream or even on just plain soda crackers). Then I notice their juices at Sobey’s and decided to forgo my regular juice to try this one out. Usually this always backfires on me but I was pleasantly surprised with Terra Beata. I never went back. Well.. unless they are sold out at Sobey’s for a few days and I’m too lazy to walk to Pete’s Fruitique.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Scotian Rant: 5 Best Things...
Browsing through the twitter #hashtags on my hootsuite of #Halifax for the past couple weeks, {Hootsuite is my new love!}, I came across a couple of feeds that were lablled “Five Best whatevs in Halifax”. It shows up as a series of consecutive tweet of the the best locations, restaurants, etc.... So curiosity got the best of me. I love list so I just had to click to see if they lived up to my extremely low expectations.
Sigh...all I could do is face palm. It is painfully obvious that the writers of these... umm...things have never set foot inside the city and rely too much on Internet search engines to gather their information. Now, the tweets just continue to show up on my #halifax feed every day, three times a day and I just cannot take it anymore!! What gets to me is that some people might actually be looking at this information and making choices based on some of their, their ummm... how do I say this nicely... ill-informed information.
Sigh...all I could do is face palm. It is painfully obvious that the writers of these... umm...things have never set foot inside the city and rely too much on Internet search engines to gather their information. Now, the tweets just continue to show up on my #halifax feed every day, three times a day and I just cannot take it anymore!! What gets to me is that some people might actually be looking at this information and making choices based on some of their, their ummm... how do I say this nicely... ill-informed information.
First up, they list East Side Mario’s in Bayers Lake as the best restaurant to eat. I hope this one was gaged on reviews of customer service because I mean...EAST SIDE MARIO’S!!?? (hey ba da boom ba da bing)….I like East Side Mario’s but come on, it’s like generic food. You can order the same thing in Halifax as you can in Toronto. I see that I am also not the only one who seemed taken aback because our friends Bonesheads Smokehouse commented about it on their twitter too. Halifax is full of local restaurants that offer excellent food paired with great customer service. When I think of casual dinning I’m thinking The Hart & Thistle, The Fireside, The Shoe Shop and hey, let’s not forget Boneheads on the corner of Barrington and Inglis. (They have the most amazing cornbread and pulled pork).. Oh, let's not forget our Pubs like The Lower Deck, Henry House, Dirrty Nelly’s, Foggy Goggle, The Old Triangle, Maxwell’s and The Ale House whom all have awesome Pub fare. Since Halifax has the most bar and pubs per capita than anywhere in North American! And Those are just off the top of my head.
Their “best of Accommodations” doesn’t really get much better. While the business hotels listed pass my standards, the Haliax Spa and Retreat’s only selection is Atlantica Oak Island ...um, which technically ...errr...isn’t even in HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality). Not to take anything away from Oak Island because I love the place and I would like to point out they don’t even use it’s proper name in the listing. I love their sister hotel, Halifax Atlantica which actually is in Halifax. They kindly let us use one of their photos in our oval post. They are also accommodating all the media who are here for the 2011 Canada Games and housing the big media war room as well. That it in it's self should speak to their caliber of customer service. But there are several hotels that offer spa service here in HRM as well, such as The Westin Nova Scotia, Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Harbourfront. As for the motels.... well I’m not even going to go there with this one.
I saved the best for last. “Best Five Locations”. You’re thinking The Citadel, The newly designated Canadian Museum of Immigration of Pier 21 or maybe even a Brewery Tour at one of our fine breweries. Nah, numero uno is “Explore Halifax” Whhhhhhhhhaaaatttt?? That’s not a location! It’s like saying the best part of Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia. But don’t worry, they narrow it down on number three where they tell you to explore the downtown. Unfortunately it gets worse, number four and five is explore the South Shore and the Eastern Shore consecutively. I’d like to take this time to point out that here in Nova Scotia we don’t call those places Halifax, we call that........ other regions of the province. Very much places worth seeing but they have towns and villages with their own names, thanks.
If you really want to know some of the best places to stay, things to do, and places to see then you might want to check out what the locals think. it’s best to check out The Coast’s Best of Halifax List. They poll readers each year for the best of the city. Click here for the link. Let us know what your opinions on the list in our comment section.
Now I got that off my chest. Deep Breath.... okay now I feel better.
Does this not irritate anyone else?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pier 21 No Longer A National Historic Site
Ya, you read that right.
With the new title, Pier 21 will also receive about $25 million in funding over the next 5 years for upgrades and exhibit development. Now they says that 1 in 5 Canadians can trace their heritage back to Pier 21 which is kinda amazing since it was only open from 1928 to 1971. That’s a lot of traffic coming through. However, it makes me wonder how many of those immigrants actually stayed in Nova Scotia since I’d says that for the most of us, our ancestors have been here since at least the late 1700s. I wonder where I could find such a statistic... someone must have it.
None the less, if you’re even just a tiny bit interested in history it’s a really unique museum to visit. There is lots of interactive displays and exhibits. It’s not your typical “here’s stuff that people use to use long before there was electricity” with a cue card next to it indicating what it is exactly that you’re looking at and how it was used. It’s really presented in a modern and engaging way. It’s been a few years since I last went but the three screen 3D documentary movie of the story of Pier 21 was my favorite part.
Pier 21 is no longer a National Historic Site. It now has officially received the designation as one of the 5 National Museums of Canada (with a 6th in the works). Defence Minister and Central Nova’s MLA Peter MacKay made it official last Monday. It’s shiny new title is The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Meh..... it’s kinda awkward and doesn’t exactly roll of your tongue ….. but hey, it’s an official government title what do you expect? Most people are still going to call it as Pier 21 anyways.
With the new title, Pier 21 will also receive about $25 million in funding over the next 5 years for upgrades and exhibit development. Now they says that 1 in 5 Canadians can trace their heritage back to Pier 21 which is kinda amazing since it was only open from 1928 to 1971. That’s a lot of traffic coming through. However, it makes me wonder how many of those immigrants actually stayed in Nova Scotia since I’d says that for the most of us, our ancestors have been here since at least the late 1700s. I wonder where I could find such a statistic... someone must have it.
None the less, if you’re even just a tiny bit interested in history it’s a really unique museum to visit. There is lots of interactive displays and exhibits. It’s not your typical “here’s stuff that people use to use long before there was electricity” with a cue card next to it indicating what it is exactly that you’re looking at and how it was used. It’s really presented in a modern and engaging way. It’s been a few years since I last went but the three screen 3D documentary movie of the story of Pier 21 was my favorite part.
I’d like to get back and check their new memorial to the boat full of Jewish immigrants that they turned away on the eve of WWII called the Wheel of Conscience. I see from the museums website that it is in Toronto for some fine tuning and will not be back ‘til March which is a shame since it will miss the Canada Games.......
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Save The Oval!
If you live in Nova Scotia and you haven’t heard about Ovalgate then I must conclude you’ve been living under a rock, or in a cave maybe, and have no access to electricity or even a radio. In fact, you probably won’t even be reading this post. I will admit that upon first hearing Halifax’s proposal of building an outdoor rink for the 2011 Canada Games I wasn’t exactly jumping out of my seat - actually I was, but it was for a different reason; I thought it was a stupid idea. There was something about the idea of ruining The Halifax Commons, digging it up and cementing a section for some speed skating competition, and then tearing it all down, just didn’t sit well with me. It felt like the city was selling out to the Canada Games. I know, it’s a typical Nova Scotian response - don’t be selling out to the big guys. And NO, I’m not on the Heritage Trust.
Thanks to the Atlantica for this great picture |
But then, when it was all done and the first sheets of ice were starting to build, I thought, “oh, it does look pretty cool,” but then the other voice inside of me said “grr.. it ripped up the commons!!!” None the less, I was more intrigued everyday. I even vowed to myself that I would actually try it out when it opened to the public for free...because, you know, I couldn’t do anything about it now, it was there, so I might as well give it a try.
When it opened up in December, something miraculous took place. Maybe it was because it was Christmas time but I think my heart must have grown three sizes. As corny as it sounds, watching the people skate and the joy on their faces was heart warming. People from all over the city were excited to try out this new oval. It was everyone’s favorite topic of conversation. People couldn’t wait to get their skates sharpened and get on that sheet of ice and it has inspired many people to wake up from winter hibernation and participate in an fun outdoor activity. HRM has even included a SkateHRM section to their website to keep everyone up to date on the activities and schedules of the Oval. (Or you can just follow them on twitter or facebook. To date, over 65,000 people have visited the Oval. It’s gotten us moving and, best of all, it seems to have united the city in ways that no concerts or large events has ever done in the past (or at least to my recollection). It was not just an sheet of ice in the form of an oval anymore, it became something that means just a little bit more...
Now here comes the heart-wrenching part...... the Oval is scheduled to be dismantled in March when the Canada Games are finished which would leave Halifax without an outdoor skating park once again. But fear not, we are a passionate city and we will fight for the things that mean the most to us. I will admit, there are some of us who want the Oval gone for a variety of reasons, like cost and wanting to preserve to The Commons for... umm... the people who like to sit on the grass (??). But those are few and far between. The majority of people in this city believe in the Oval as a much needed change.
Support has been pouring in from all areas in an effort to help save the Oval after the Canada Games. Several interested citizens and business owners decided to build their own website entirely dedicated to the cause and post an online petition to help Save our Oval, its called.. ba dap ba... SaveTheOval.ca. On Tuesday January 26th, they presented the petition that has been signed by over 9,000 residents in efforts to save the Oval. Other business have also been getting involved, and Goodlife Fitness was said to have pledged upwards of $200,000 for the naming rights. The 1990 World Figure Skating Championship Legacy Fund has pledged $100,000, no strings attached, to help provide funding. Until hearing that, I didn’t even know we held the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships in Halifax (hey, I wasn’t very old at the time).
Rick Mercer has said that the Oval is Halifax’s feel good story of the year and I believe he’s right. Not only has it brought the community together to rally for a common cause, it has caused an excitement about the upcoming Canada Games beyond what anyone could imagine. It has ignited a sense of pride that will probably be looked upon as the greatest legacy that the Canada Games 2011 will have left us.
To learn more about the Oval, ways they are hoping to save it, how you can donate towards funding, and to sign the petition please check out Savetheoval.ca. But if you really want to show city counsel that the the Oval is worth saving, the best way is to get out there and use it.
Do you think Halifax should save the Oval? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
NovaFamous: 2 Cups and a Super Bowl
Super Bowl weekend is almost here and do you know who the only person to ever to have won the Vanier Cup, the Grey Cup and the Super Bowl? It’s Nova Scotian Tyrone Williams. I’m not going to lie, football is not my forte. Like most Canadians I’m a hockey fan. I’ve gone to a quite a few Saint Mary’s Huskies games and I do get the very basics. And by basics I mean, Williams is a wide receiver and I had to wikipedia it to find out what exactly that position entails.
Williams was born in Halifax and played both football and basketball at the no longer in existence Queen Elizabeth High School. (He more than likely practiced on the Halifax Commons so I wonder what he thinks of The Oval?) He went to the University of Western Ontario where he won the Vanier Cup along with the Ted Morris Award as a Mustang. For those how are football illiterate like me, the Ted Morris Award is the Vanier Cup’s MVP, Vanier Cup being Canadian universities Super Bowl. He was also a two time Canadian All-Star and Four time Ontario All-Star. After graduation he was off to the NFL where he technically won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 even though he never actually dressed for the game. He was suppose to play but due to other players injuries they had to dress different positions (or something like that).
After that he then headed to the CFL where he joined the Toronto Argonauts. Footnote: Argonauts were a group of heroes that sailed around in a ship ...well, being heroes in Greek Mythology such as Hercules and Orpheus. (something I didn’t have to wiki, yay!) Anyhoo, in 1996, he helped them win the 84th Grey Cup. Apparently the weather wasn’t the best, it was -10c and heavy snow fall...brrr Take a look at the video from a Grey Cup Classic Moment and watch the players slide through the snow to a touche down.
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Labels:
Made in Nova Scotia,
NovaFamous,
Sports,
Superbowl
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Grand-Pré is One Step Closer to UNESCO!
Last week the National Historic Site of Grand-Pré inched closer to receiving a World UNESCO Heritage Site designation. On January 21st, with all three levels of government present which includes Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Peter Kent, the Minister of the Environment whom is also responsible for Parks Canada. They completed the final proposal for the nomination and the members of government all signed letter of support to help the process along. If approved, it will the third World UNESCO Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, behind The Town of Lunenburg and Joggins’ Fossil Cliffs and it would be the first World UNESCO Heritage Site dedicated to the Acadians. Now all we have to do is wait 18 months to see if the United Nations will approve the designation.
This nomination is a big deal to the French Acadians in Nova Scotia, mainly because it does not just focuses on their cultural history and the deportation of 1755 as so many people tend to do when they think about Grand-Pré. It’s because it focuses on something more positive; the contribution that the Acadian made with building their dykelands in the area of Grand-Pré and the agricultural value it has brought to history of agricultural technology worldwide.
I believe their is also an additional benefit to celebrating Acadian history in Nova Scotia. It shows the example that it is possible for both individuals and communities from two different cultures who share a very difficult history, can move past their differences and come to live together peacefully side by side as we have all done here in Nova Scotia. It should really be set as an example for the world to see. When you go to Grand-Pré, you should not just look at it from the prospective of the injustices suffered by the Acadian people in the past but rather look how far we’ve been able to move forward together as a province in creating a better society which their is room for all of us. Personally, those are the reasons why I hope Grand-Pré will be designated a World UNESCO Heritage Site.
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