November subscription drive It’s that time again: a month when we unceasingly plead for new subscriptions. To be fair, for most of the rest of the year we mostly leave you alone; aside from a few gentle reminders here and there, there are no popup windows or other annoying admonishes. We’re usually a soft sell. […]
“Neoliberal bullshit” basic income
Morning File, Thursday, September 19, 2019
News 1. No charges in case of woman who died of horrific bed sore Chrissy Dunnington died from complications of a pressure sore (often called a bed sore) in March 2018. She was 40 years old. Dunnington had been living at the Parkstone Enhanced Care home, owned by Shannex, in Clayton Park for 18 months. […]
The Great Dorian Disconnect of 2019
Why weren't phone, cell and data companies 'in the room' at the Emergency Management Office during last week's hurricane? Why is Nova Scotia Power still burying its head in its profits instead of burying its overhead cables? And other tales from an OMG week.
“When the last downed branches are shredded, I trust NSP’s and Eastlink’s senior managements will review their inadequate phone systems. The rage caused by endless busy signals, or the if-you-want-to-go-to-voice-mail-hell-press-one ‘automatic’ phone systems, is still widespread throughout the community.” Brian Flemming Halifax Daily News columnist Oct. 8, 2003 “Some Nova Scotia mobile phone users are questioning...
Glen Assoun will receive early compensation
Morning File, Friday, September 13, 2019
News 1. Glen Assoun will receive early compensation “The federal and Nova Scotia governments are making an initial payment to Glen Assoun, a man who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder,” reports Michael Gorman for the CBC: Nova Scotia Justice Minister Mark Furey told reporters Thursday the payment would be made […]
Nova Scotia needs to adapt to the new reality of stronger and more frequent hurricanes
Morning File, Thursday, September 12, 2019
News 1. Power outages “Three-and-a-half days after Dorian knocked out power for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the province, Nova Scotia Power issued a news release Tuesday evening, Sept.10, saying it had restored electricity for 75% of these customers,” reports Jennifer Henderson: “We have the most crews working in Nova Scotia history,” boasted the […]
Power is still out for thousands, and the power outage map is sowing confusion
This story was updated Friday morning. Three-and-a-half days after Dorian knocked out power for more than 400,000 homes and businesses in the province, Nova Scotia Power issued a news release Tuesday evening, Sept.10, saying it had restored electricity for 75% of these customers. “We have the most crews working in Nova Scotia history,” boasted the release. […]
The never-ending search for enlightenment and murderous Icelandic models
Morning File, Tuesday, September 10, 2019
News 1. Crane A fire department release from yesterday: Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) Chief Ken Stuebing this evening exercised his authority to execute an evacuation order on several properties in the vicinity of South Park Street. The evacuation order is necessary to protect the safety of residents living near a construction crane that […]
The company hired to build and maintain the city’s sucky website is going out of business
Morning File, Monday, September 9, 2019
News 1. Weather There was weather over the weekend. So far as I know, no one in Nova Scotia was injured or killed due to the storm. Most people seemed to have taken the warnings seriously and simply hunkered down to wait it out. So: good news! But there were extensive power outages. Something like […]
Dealing with Dalhousie’s past
Morning File, Friday, September 6, 2019
News 1. Dalhousie report on its racist past released The Dalhousie panel appointed to look into the attitudes and actions of the school’s founder has published its report, writes Frances Willick for the CBC. In an opening note, the report’s lead author and panel chair Dr. Afua Cooper ties the historical findings to current day […]
Literal and metaphorical storms on the way
Morning File, Thursday, September 5, 2019
News 1. No known cause for fire at Barho family home Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency say they don’t know what caused the fire that burned down the Barho family home, killing all seven of the family’s children. In the Chronicle Herald, Stuart Peddle reports that three different teams of investigators, plus outside consultants, were […]