Idealistic Pragmatist
@justip.bsky.social
Canadian by choice.📍Halifax. International in outlook. Leftie. Foodie. Queer. Multilingual. Bike person, but pedestrian at heart. Social scientist by trade. Household = me, Partner, two cats. Embracer of reality in an anti-reality world since early 2022.
Pinned
As of today, I am officially retired! I expect my life to change, well, not at all, at least for now (I was already not teaching because it was summer, I still have my research group, and my last grad student will still be at it for a while), but it’s the beginning of the end, anyway.
I mostly appreciate the Halifax tendency to Never Comment On A Stranger’s Mask-Wearing No Matter What. But sometimes I’m wearing one that’s extra pretty or cute or delightfully matchy, you know? I mean, I still wouldn’t trade it, and yet.
November 28, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I mostly appreciate the Halifax tendency to Never Comment On A Stranger’s Mask-Wearing No Matter What. But sometimes I’m wearing one that’s extra pretty or cute or delightfully matchy, you know? I mean, I still wouldn’t trade it, and yet.
In Germany, after talking to a stranger on a train in German for about four hours, a British tourist briefly stopped by our compartment to ask a question, and I helped him. After the tourist left, my first conversation partner said “Why do you speak such good English?”
What is the best compliment you ever received? Putting aside whether or not you believed it.
November 27, 2025 at 5:43 PM
In Germany, after talking to a stranger on a train in German for about four hours, a British tourist briefly stopped by our compartment to ask a question, and I helped him. After the tourist left, my first conversation partner said “Why do you speak such good English?”
Excited about getting a chance to use this in about an hour! 😀
New sidewalk open and looking good next to the new Shannex building at Quinpool & Robie.
November 27, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Excited about getting a chance to use this in about an hour! 😀
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
I’m good with this. They won’t be ordering any more. They won’t be paying to store product while it just gathers dust. And they say they’ll give any net profit to Feed Nova Scotia.
Province to Sell Remaining U.S. Alcohol news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/11/2...
Province to Sell Remaining U.S. Alcohol
news.novascotia.ca
November 27, 2025 at 1:21 PM
I’m good with this. They won’t be ordering any more. They won’t be paying to store product while it just gathers dust. And they say they’ll give any net profit to Feed Nova Scotia.
For much of the year, the average temperature is actually about the same in the last place I lived and the current place I live, despite Edmonton’s reputation for somehow being frozen year-round. At this time of year, however, NOT SO MUCH. 😬
November 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM
For much of the year, the average temperature is actually about the same in the last place I lived and the current place I live, despite Edmonton’s reputation for somehow being frozen year-round. At this time of year, however, NOT SO MUCH. 😬
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
people always stereotype Canadians as being polite, and its not true at all. We are passive-agressive weirdos who live in isolated weird places and the sooner we make peace with that the better
November 26, 2025 at 7:44 PM
people always stereotype Canadians as being polite, and its not true at all. We are passive-agressive weirdos who live in isolated weird places and the sooner we make peace with that the better
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Not to be too dramatic but if this is true then the province has essentially stripped residents of the HRM of their power as vested in our municipal democracy.
Construction workers told me that the province intervened via the Department of Labour and had them remove the diverter. I haven't confirmed that info in any way however.
November 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Not to be too dramatic but if this is true then the province has essentially stripped residents of the HRM of their power as vested in our municipal democracy.
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Hey Canadian bike friends 🇨🇦-
The following cities have been added to our drop downs:
Abbotsford, BC
Cambridge, ON
Dieppe, NB
Edmonton, AB
Guelph, ON
Halifax, NS
Kitchener, ON
Waterloo, ON
Winnipeg, MB
The following cities have been added to our drop downs:
Abbotsford, BC
Cambridge, ON
Dieppe, NB
Edmonton, AB
Guelph, ON
Halifax, NS
Kitchener, ON
Waterloo, ON
Winnipeg, MB
November 25, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Hey Canadian bike friends 🇨🇦-
The following cities have been added to our drop downs:
Abbotsford, BC
Cambridge, ON
Dieppe, NB
Edmonton, AB
Guelph, ON
Halifax, NS
Kitchener, ON
Waterloo, ON
Winnipeg, MB
The following cities have been added to our drop downs:
Abbotsford, BC
Cambridge, ON
Dieppe, NB
Edmonton, AB
Guelph, ON
Halifax, NS
Kitchener, ON
Waterloo, ON
Winnipeg, MB
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Now were talking www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
NDP calls for ownership and regulatory review of Nova Scotia Power | CBC News
NDP Leader Claudia Chender is calling on the premier — who recently appointed himself energy minister — to launch an ownership and regulatory review of Nova Scotia Power.
www.cbc.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Now were talking www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
This is an excellent article to come up to speed on the inequity associated with the assessment cap.
Janet Steele working on a motion to ask Nova Scotia to phase out assessment cap
Story by me
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
Story by me
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
Janet Steele working on a motion to ask Nova Scotia to phase out assessment cap - Halifax Examiner
Steele spoke about her upcoming motion during council's budget committee meeting on Friday.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This is an excellent article to come up to speed on the inequity associated with the assessment cap.
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Shifting systems, advancing care, reshaping narratives. Obesity Canada's new strategic plan addresses stigma & I'm so proud to have led the chapter in the 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline on why this shift is needed. #ObesityStigma harms health! #HealthNotWeight obesitycanada.ca/news/2026-st...
A renewed mission, a stronger future: Obesity Canada's 2026 strategic plan
Read Obesity Canada’s renewed mission and 2026-29 plan to shift systems, advance care, & reshape narratives for people affected by obesity.
obesitycanada.ca
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Shifting systems, advancing care, reshaping narratives. Obesity Canada's new strategic plan addresses stigma & I'm so proud to have led the chapter in the 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline on why this shift is needed. #ObesityStigma harms health! #HealthNotWeight obesitycanada.ca/news/2026-st...
First photo: the Halifax establishment dubbed "IPA House".
Second photo: the Halifax establishment that I will forever call "IPA House" in my own little head. 😆
(Possibly a joke that only the Pheever will get, but I had to put it out there anyway.)
Second photo: the Halifax establishment that I will forever call "IPA House" in my own little head. 😆
(Possibly a joke that only the Pheever will get, but I had to put it out there anyway.)
November 24, 2025 at 1:40 PM
First photo: the Halifax establishment dubbed "IPA House".
Second photo: the Halifax establishment that I will forever call "IPA House" in my own little head. 😆
(Possibly a joke that only the Pheever will get, but I had to put it out there anyway.)
Second photo: the Halifax establishment that I will forever call "IPA House" in my own little head. 😆
(Possibly a joke that only the Pheever will get, but I had to put it out there anyway.)
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Fun fact: Pete Hoekstra, the US Ambassador who berated Canada for “interfering” in their politics with the Regan anti-tariff ad...
Was accused of interfering in Dutch politics in his previous job of Ambassador to the Netherlands by holding a fundraiser for a Dutch far-right party at the US Embassy.
Was accused of interfering in Dutch politics in his previous job of Ambassador to the Netherlands by holding a fundraiser for a Dutch far-right party at the US Embassy.
US ambassador under fire for hosting Dutch far-right bash
Embassy and MP Thierry Baudet deny claims that event was a fundraiser.
www.politico.eu
November 23, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Fun fact: Pete Hoekstra, the US Ambassador who berated Canada for “interfering” in their politics with the Regan anti-tariff ad...
Was accused of interfering in Dutch politics in his previous job of Ambassador to the Netherlands by holding a fundraiser for a Dutch far-right party at the US Embassy.
Was accused of interfering in Dutch politics in his previous job of Ambassador to the Netherlands by holding a fundraiser for a Dutch far-right party at the US Embassy.
The waterfront is hopping for the Evergreen Festival, but the water itself is so calm!
November 23, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The waterfront is hopping for the Evergreen Festival, but the water itself is so calm!
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
I'm sure some companies want lower taxes but, as a property taxpayer and voter, I'd like to see more jobs and more services (e.g. housing) as ways of a) increasing the tax base; b) reducing demand on health and emergency services; c) improving lives. I'd 100% pay 20% or more property tax for that.
I ask again, as a property-tax payer, is Andy Fillmore the WORST mayor ever, or THE worst mayor EVER?
November 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I'm sure some companies want lower taxes but, as a property taxpayer and voter, I'd like to see more jobs and more services (e.g. housing) as ways of a) increasing the tax base; b) reducing demand on health and emergency services; c) improving lives. I'd 100% pay 20% or more property tax for that.
I have to go to the Hobsons Lake Health Home (168 Hobsons Lake Dr) on Tuesday morning. I'm thinking about riding, but my e-Brompton is in the shop, so I'd be taking Partner's Tern and locking it somewhere. Does anyone in #BikeHFX know where in that area there might be a rack? Thanks!
November 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
I have to go to the Hobsons Lake Health Home (168 Hobsons Lake Dr) on Tuesday morning. I'm thinking about riding, but my e-Brompton is in the shop, so I'd be taking Partner's Tern and locking it somewhere. Does anyone in #BikeHFX know where in that area there might be a rack? Thanks!
Looking out my front window at the weird-ass traffic jam that’s been out there all day (and isn’t even close to letting up) makes me cringe for everyone out there in a car. 😬
November 21, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Looking out my front window at the weird-ass traffic jam that’s been out there all day (and isn’t even close to letting up) makes me cringe for everyone out there in a car. 😬
We are solidly middle-class and this is even changing how we eat. Not in the sense that is anything to complain about, but if we are noticing this, I can only imagine what it’s like for households with even more budget constraints.
Rising cost of food is changing how Canadians eat, survey shows
Rising cost of food is changing how Canadians eat, survey shows | CBC News
According to the latest edition of the Canadian Food Sentiment Index, four out of every five people surveyed said food is their top expense pressure.
www.cbc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 9:29 PM
We are solidly middle-class and this is even changing how we eat. Not in the sense that is anything to complain about, but if we are noticing this, I can only imagine what it’s like for households with even more budget constraints.
Partner has requested Dutch-style pannenkoeken (pancakes) for her birthday dinner this year! I have decided I'll make those for dinner and poffertjes (those tiny Dutch pancakes with icing sugar on the top) for dessert. I haven't used either pan since we moved here. This should be fun. 😀
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Partner has requested Dutch-style pannenkoeken (pancakes) for her birthday dinner this year! I have decided I'll make those for dinner and poffertjes (those tiny Dutch pancakes with icing sugar on the top) for dessert. I haven't used either pan since we moved here. This should be fun. 😀
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Auctions for game-worn, signed jerseys are officially LIVE🔥
Get your bids in for a chance to take one home: shop.tidesfc.ca/collections/...
Get your bids in for a chance to take one home: shop.tidesfc.ca/collections/...
November 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Auctions for game-worn, signed jerseys are officially LIVE🔥
Get your bids in for a chance to take one home: shop.tidesfc.ca/collections/...
Get your bids in for a chance to take one home: shop.tidesfc.ca/collections/...
Ah yes, that traditional Canadian delicacy: the stroopwafel. 😆
November 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Ah yes, that traditional Canadian delicacy: the stroopwafel. 😆
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
Did you know? #Canada #NovaScotia
The longest waterfront boardwalk in Canada is right here in our little Province of Nova Scotia - the Halifax waterfront boardwalk spans 4.4 km from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia and is one of the world's longest urban boardwalks.
novascotia.com/blog/the-per....
The longest waterfront boardwalk in Canada is right here in our little Province of Nova Scotia - the Halifax waterfront boardwalk spans 4.4 km from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia and is one of the world's longest urban boardwalks.
novascotia.com/blog/the-per....
The Perfect Day on the Halifax Waterfront - Tourism Nova Scotia
The Halifax Waterfront is a bustling hotspot in the city. With one of the world’s longest urban boardwalks spanning the length of the waterfront - 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Pier 21 at the Halifax ...
novascotia.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Did you know? #Canada #NovaScotia
The longest waterfront boardwalk in Canada is right here in our little Province of Nova Scotia - the Halifax waterfront boardwalk spans 4.4 km from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia and is one of the world's longest urban boardwalks.
novascotia.com/blog/the-per....
The longest waterfront boardwalk in Canada is right here in our little Province of Nova Scotia - the Halifax waterfront boardwalk spans 4.4 km from Pier 21 to Casino Nova Scotia and is one of the world's longest urban boardwalks.
novascotia.com/blog/the-per....
This piece is so insightful and so careful. Bravo, Suzanne!
It's so refreshing to be able to interview #Halifax councillors, even though Mayor Andy Fillmore isn't up for an interview.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
Going through the motions of Andy Fillmore's first year as Halifax's mayor - Halifax Examiner
While I wait for a face-to-face interview with Fillmore, here are thoughts on the last year of reporting on City Hall.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
November 17, 2025 at 8:17 PM
This piece is so insightful and so careful. Bravo, Suzanne!
An interesting read that has precious little to do with our prime minister (exactly who is writing headlines these days, anyway?).
If Carney Really Wants a Nation-Building Project, He Should Read This First
If Carney Really Wants a Nation-Building Project, He Should Read This First | The Walrus
True sovereignty starts with a little swagger
thewalrus.ca
November 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
An interesting read that has precious little to do with our prime minister (exactly who is writing headlines these days, anyway?).
Within the past week, I have talked to or heard of three separate gainfully employed middle class households in one or the other of the two big Alberta cities who feel like they need to leave. Within the past week.
November 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Within the past week, I have talked to or heard of three separate gainfully employed middle class households in one or the other of the two big Alberta cities who feel like they need to leave. Within the past week.