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Buses Becoming Big Targets
2007-07-24 15:01:00
Metro Transit bus drivers have become the big targets recently as two incidents have occurred involving rocks being thrown. One rock crashed through a window causing minor injuries to a passenger last night. The other incident occurred over the weekend when the bus driver was struck. No one was one the bus at the time. The union for Metro Transit employees is calling for cameras to be installed on all buses and well as the stations.Cameras would have done nothing in either of these incidents and will do nothing to stop them from happening in the future. If Metro Transit did end up caving to the demands it would mean that any person or car who drives by a bus stop would be recorded and raises concerns over privacy.Bus drivers could learn from cab drivers by asking for stronger windows to be installed which would be less likely to be broken. If necessary the driver could even be enclosed in the casing to keep themselves and the rest of the passengers safe. It would be an extreme measu...
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Upgrading The MacKay Bridge
2007-07-23 15:04:00
Even though the MacKay Bridge is the newer of the two connections between Halifax and Dartmouth, it is also the least useful. While designed well for crossings and has relieved a lot of traffic from the aging MacDonald Bridge, it does not offer any options for people on foot. The old bridge currently offers both a bike and a walking deck at no cost. The new bridge has never had these options available which has frustrated many people including myself. There is not even a ferry crossing or a bus route available. People wanting to go to the North end of either city have only the option of taking a car. Why Metro Transit has not started using the MacKay bridge still surprises me. If you need to travel from Highfield Park in Dartmouth to Bayers Lake in Halifax, it takes two buses and over an hour of your time. Had there been a route over the MacKay it could be done in 20-25 minutes easily. There have been talks about upgrades coming for the MacKay bridge but nothing has been menti...

Seven Wonders Of Halifax
2007-07-22 20:24:00
The Halifax Daily News is running an interesting contest to find out what the people think are the 7 greatest wonders of Halifax itself. Email your submissions to sunday@hfxnews.ca with your top choice to get in a vote. If you include your name, email address and phone number you will also be entered in to a draw to win tickets to see April Wine on August 25th 2007. The contest will remain open until August 11th.http://www.hfxnews.com/index.cfm?sid =46683&sc=258
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First Copies Of Harry Potter In Atlantic Canada
2007-07-21 04:25:00
The first copies that can be legally sold in North America are available in Atlantic Canada . Thanks to our time zone being ahead of other places people here will know the ending an hour before those in New York and four hours ahead of San Francisco.The Chapters store at Mic Mac Mall had a full parking lot to celebrate the last novel in the popular children's novel. Advance copies of the book will run you $36 while those who did not book before hand will have to pay $45. The release corresponded to the fifth movie on the series which came out in theaters last week.Author J.K. Rolling has stated that this may not be the very end of the series but it will be the end for her. With two more movies expected though there will still be lots of Potter Panic in the future.
More About: Harry Potter , Harry

Camping Without Alcohol or Campfires
2007-07-19 15:42:00
Most of the provincial campgrounds have been banning alcohol consumption and campfires for a few years now. Fires are banned during the dry summer months to lower the risk of a full blown forest fire. Alcohol is not permitted due to complaints from other people trying to enjoy their weekend away. These policies point to the inadequate enforcement and facilities by the campground officials and campground itself. Going camping and not being allowed to have a campfire greatly lowers the enjoyment of a weekend away. If campfires are not allowed then there is no way I am going to spend my money to simply put up a tent. With the proper equipment a campfire can be contained easily and not be allowed to spread out of control. Above ground pits which are completely metallic would do the trick nicely. If needed there could even be a policy which does not allow the campfire to go above the rim of the pit for more protection. Any fire which reached this height would be extinguished immediatel...
More About: Camping , Ping

Gas Price Prediction For July 20th 2007
2007-07-19 13:45:00
It is Thursday again which means gas prices change for the people of Nova Scotia tomorrow. Here is my prediction for gasoline prices on July 20th 2007.I predict gas prices will drop on average of 2 cents per litre.Cost of oil US per barrelJuly 19 2007 - $75.05Gasoline Price s In New BrunswickJune 12 2007 - 111.1July 19 2007 - 107.2Difference - -3.8To find out which zone you are located in, check out the map provided by Service Nova Scotia. You can also get a copy of the latest gas prices across the province by viewing the official report release. This prediction is in no way official and should only be used as informational. Any decision to purchase or not to purchase gasoline on any given day rests with you. All prices are based on self serve regular unless otherwise specified.
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What News Do You Want To Read?
2007-07-18 17:52:00
I have been blogging for over a year on anything and everything about our province. On the right you will notice a poll which asks what type of news you want covered on this blog. I will continue blogging about anything on my mind but I want to start concentrating more on what you want to read, otherwise what is the point of this site?Here is a breakdown of the categories:Current Events - the top news stories of the day in traditional media. Politics - law changes, weird political decisions, budgets, etc...Sports - Halifax Mooseheads, Dalhousie, Saint Mary's and more. Scores and news.Special Events - the Tall Ships, Buskers or the jazz festival. Links - what other people are saying about us on the Internet. You can vote for more than one category and can even include your own by sending me an email at bloggingnovascotia@gmail.com
More About: News , Read

Help Out The SPCA
2007-07-17 23:06:00
Jen over at "No Fixed Address" is getting ready to go on a blogathon. She will be posting a new blog post every 30 minutes for 24 hours straight in support for the Nova Scotia SPCA. She is looking for stories and pictures about your pet to help her fill the time, and taking donations on behalf of the charity.Please help her out in her cause by submitting content or donating to the SPCA. More information can be found at her website:http://jenniek.wordpress.com/2007 /07/09/all-donations-are-welcome/

Spreading The Cure For Mumps
2007-07-17 22:44:00
Ever wonder what the quickest way to spread a vaccination would be? Dr. Noni MacDonald , a pediatric infectious disease specialist thinks he has the answer, discounted beer...Mr. MacDonald was quoted on CBC as saying "Maybe what you could do is say if you go to the bar between 5 and 7, you could get your beer half price if you get your measles, mumps, rubella immunization updated,"That idea should get almost everyone. Who wouldn't go to a bar during suppertime to save $2 or $3 off a can of Keiths in exchange of a few needles? For those who do not drink there could even be tax free cigarettes as a second option.The reason for this comment was that young people are the hardest to reach when trying to control infectious diseases Over 450 cases of the mumps have been reported so far and it is expected to ride during the summer months.
More About: Mumps , The Cure , Cure , Spread

Life Outside Of Halifax
2007-07-16 14:29:00
I am now back from my vacation which I had spent in Sheet Harbour located 1.5 hours outside of of city. During my short stay in my hometown, I was able to see many of the problems affecting rural Nova Scotian's. Most of these things we in Halifax take for granted, but imagine not having access to them for your entire life. High Speed Internet - I tried to check my email inbox using my parents computer and it took 20 minutes to check two gmail accounts. Dial up Internet is the only option at the moment and thankfully it is already being addressed. The government plans to have high speed access to most of the province over the next few years. Quality Jobs - there are jobs outside of the city if you are willing to work as a cashier. There are no good paying opportunities available, only jobs that will help you get by. This is the reason that much of Canada thinks we are a bunch of "welfare bums". There are simply no jobs which allow you to make a living. Road Work - since...
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Tall Ships 2007
2007-07-14 06:26:00
The Tall Ship s are in town once again this year providing some of the best entertainment for all ages. The Halifax Waterfront is currently littered with more than 70 ships from around the globe including some of the most famous and the never seen before. Nova Scotia's pride and joy "Bluenose 2" is docked outside the museum about halfway between the ferry terminal and the large wave statue. People who purchase the bracelet for $18 can go on board from 10am - 5pm and see the deck of this historic icon. This may be a great time to take advantage since there may only be a few more years left in the racing ship before a replacement will be needed. Entertainment includes the drummers "Squid" at the Cunard Center. They will be on hand over the weekend at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm both days. If you have never seen them preform then you are in for a treat. They have a very unique style which includes bagpipes and the drums. Should be on your must see list for the event. The "Bounty" is up closer to...

55 Things To Visit Or Do In Nova Scotia
2007-07-06 22:17:00
Now that summer is here why not make the most of it? Here are 101 locations in Nova Scotia to spend a day off or to visit during your vacation in no particular order. 1. The Sheubie Wildlife Park - see local animals up close including bears, deer and moose.2. Cidital Hill - the old fortress in Halifax which includes a cannon shooting at noon.3. Cabot Trail - one of the most scenic locations in the province with many local shops.4. Dollar Lake - an excellent beach with camping available.5. Whale Watching - available from the south shores of Yarmouth all the way to the top of Cape Breton.6. Sherbrooke Village - go back to a simpler time by touring the village that time left behind.7. Discover Center - a great science filled day in downtown Halifax.8. Liscumb Lodge - a resort which includes tennis, swimming and great food.9. Aviation Museum - located in Eastern Passage and includes all sorts of historic artifacts10. Kejimukujik National Park - see Kejimukujiks river system and maybe ev...
More About: Things , Visit , Coti

Atlantic Accord Federal Response
2007-07-05 14:44:00
Thank you for your correspondence of May 3, 2007, which was referred by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, regarding the Equalization program. Budget 2007, tabled in Parliament on March 19, 2007, delivers on the Government’s commitment to restore fiscal balance in Canada. A major feature of this commitment is a renewed and strengthened Equalization program that will now help to better ensure that all provinces are able to provide their residents with comparable levels of services at comparable levels of taxation. We committed to respecting the Atlantic Accord s. I am proud of the fact that Budget 2007 delivers on this commitment by allowing Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to operate under the existing Equalization formula for the life of the Accords. This formula remains an integral part of the Equalization program. No cap is included in this formula, and the provinces keep all of the benefits under the 2005 Accords, including...
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Gas Price Prediction For July 6th 2007
2007-07-05 13:58:00
It is Thursday again which means gas prices change for the people of Nova Scotia tomorrow. Here is my prediction for gasoline prices on July 6th 2007.I predict gas prices will remain the same with a possible rise or drop equal to less than one cent.Cost of oil US per barrelJune 28 2007 - $69.57July 5 2007 - $71.41Difference - +$2.16Gasoline Price s In New BrunswickJune 28 2007 - 110.3July 5 2007 - 109.9Difference - -0.4To find out which zone you are located in, check out the map provided by Service Nova Scotia. You can also get a copy of the latest gas prices across the province by viewing the official report release. This prediction is in no way official and should only be used as informational. Any decision to purchase or not to purchase gasoline on any given day rests with you. All prices are based on self serve regular unless otherwise specified.
More About: Predict

Creating A New Student Loan System
2007-07-04 17:21:00
The Coalition for Student Loan Fairness is calling for changes to the student loan program. They have identified 26 points which need to be addressed which include lower interest rates and a crack down on collections agencies.Now that tuition costs are through the roof, most people rely on the student loan program. I am currently in the process of paying off the student loans and the costs force us to live with the bare minimums on a daily basis. It is a very frustrating experience to begin your independent life in debt.A better investment for Canada would be a bare minimum interest rate on all student loans. The lower rates would make sure that most loans are paid back in full with few having to be written off. There are thousands of loans which never get repaid and the government looses on each one of them. By keeping an affordable rate there is a better likelihood of the loans being paid in full which would decrease the loss to the government.A lower interest rate would also give...
More About: System , Creating , Eating

Mega Concert In Jeopardy
2007-07-03 16:27:00
A bitter rivalry between the mayor of Halifax, Peter Kelly and Events Halifax could cause the next major concert idea to be sent elsewhere. This is after we have already lost the opportunity to bring in names such as Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and The Who. The rivalry dates back to the Commonwealth Games bid when Peter Kelly's office leaked information that Halifax was removing itself from the running for the games. This was inaccurate since the vote had yet to take place. The leak caused people in favor of the games to leave is disgust and the vote eventually went in favor of dropping Halifax's bid. Events Halifax would have been involved in making the games a reality and ended up loosing a major tourist event. During this time Events Halifax was working on bringing the Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert to the Halifax Commons. They failed in their attempt and the concert went to New Brunswick. Talks then between Events Halifax (EH!) and the legendary rockers The Who stalled due...
More About: Concert , Mega , Jeopardy , Cert

Harper Planning A Visit
2007-07-03 14:12:00
The security forces of Prime Minister Stephan Harper were in town to plan a visit scheduled sometime this week. The security team better be prepared because most of the people in the province will not be welcoming him with open arms. The most likely reason for the trip is to present federal funds for construction similar to what he presented last week in New Brunswick. His visit though could very easily escalate in to a question answer period over the Atlantic Accord. No date has been set as of yet but I am sure we will know more over the next 24 hours. I will update this post once more information is made public.UPDATE - 7/4/2007Looks like the date is being set for tomorrow but this has not been confirmed. Protests are slowly being organized but even the Premier himself has no idea where he plans to show up at.
More About: Planning , Visit