Spins and Needles Disco Bingo
January 18, 2009
An old poster for Disco Bingo
Humphrey’s on Bank St. may be in the midst of an identity crisis: family restaurant on the outside, cocktail lounge on the inside. By becoming the new venue of Spins and Needles popular Disco Bingo night, the Glebe eatery may be making a move to assert itself as the latter.
Granny gambling is enjoying a new cachet as part of the same movement that has seen knitting circles and ugly sweaters become trendy. S&N puts a twist on the original by adding 70s and 80s music and whimsical prizes: Kraft Dinner, packages of Ramen noodles, disco balls, strings of lollipop, a New Year’s Resolution file fax, etc. A lack of reverence for tradition was also evident in the shapes players had to form in order to get their paws on the loot, as crosses and diagonals replaced the standard horizontal and vertical lines.
The monthly event outgrew the Shanghai restaurant on Somerset and will be making Humphrey’s its perminent home. The cost is $5 for the first two cards, and $1 for each card afterwards. Definitely worth a visit next February 6 if you feel like shaking to the Eurithmics while taking a shot at winning a pack of shot glasses.
HOT Wine Buy at the LCBO
January 18, 2009
Often times folks scoff at how much wine costs us here at the LCBO – when south of the border you are paying about half for exactly the same product. This week however, the LCBO is offering a crazy deal on what I think is a decent wine.
Yellow Jersey wines, a Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are all going for a crazy low $5.95.
I recently bought out the supply at one LCBO, but judging from their website there are still a few bottles scattered across the city. I drank (not alone…) a couple bottles of the Pinot Noir on Friday while playing a rousing game of Puerto Rico and found that at the price point the wine was simple, easy-to-drink and matched well with the House of Georgie’s Pizza we also ordered.
Last night I had a bottle of the Chardonnay with a dinner of scallops and risotto and found it to be a bit tangy, but perfectly drinkable. It was nice and crisp and would go well with a variety of take-out options and I imagine would nicely cut the spice of a curry.
If you find some buy it.
Who are the people in your neighborhood?
January 18, 2009
Councilor Clive Doucet
Ward 17: The Glebe, Sunnyside, Old Ottawa South and Carleton U.
‘Doucet Breaks Rank’ read the headline of the Ottawa Citizen, referring to the fact that the councilor is the only one to have spoken his views on the bus strike independently of city hall. His point: control over schedules isn’t worth the pain all sides are feeling from the strike.
Last week Doucet made the news again when he suggested that the city’s handling of the strike was less then perfect.
Doucet has represented the patch of town from the Glebe to Billings Bridge since 1997. An urban anthropologist by training, he has published several books, including four works of poetry, musings on his acadian heritage and a novel. His latest work, Urban Meltdown suggests that it is politics that are responsible for sluggish action on environmental issues, since councilors cannot get elected without pandering to cars.
Doucet has an excellent record on environmental issues, receiving top marks in Ecology Ottawa and the Sierra Club’s annual report card on city councilors. He got an A in 2008 for voting for a motion to reduce road speed and voting against deferring the purchase of electric buses for OC transpo.
On the light rail system, the literal third rail of Ottawa politics, Doucet favors a two rail electric system that would follow Carling Avenue into Kanata, arguing that such a system has low operating costs and would add a significant number of users to the Ottawa public system, thus attracting federal and provincial funds.
Sunday evening folk session anyone?
January 14, 2009
As part of the Acoustic Soundwaves concert series, Old Man Luedecke and the Good Lovelies will be playing at the Irving Greenberg Theater Center Sunday, January 18th (1233 Wellington St. at Holland) at 8pm. Old Man’s songs are carefully crafted in a time and space that is all his own. He plays an old time instrument and adds contemporary themes and a witty sense of humor to his lyrics. I love the way he weaves his songs.
While I’ve never seen the Good Lovelies live, they seem like an energetic band that would be very entertaining to watch. They’re coming off the heels of winning two awards at the Toronto Independent Music Festival. They will certainly showcase new songs as their first official CD will be launched January 21st.
Tickets are on sale at the CGTC box office for $24 and seating is reserved.
Winter fun on the government’s dime
January 13, 2009
Winter in Ottawa is cold. The weather office just informed me that the wind chill over the next day will bring temperatures down to a frightening -35 degrees. But we’ve all learned to dress for the worst. And the people at City Hall and the NCC appear to be doing what they can to distract us from bitterly cold truth.
This weekend I took advantage of their most well-known winter diversion — skating on the canal. I know it’s not exactly a hidden gem, but there are few things I love more about Ottawa than those 7.8km of ice.
Word to the wise — save a couple bucks by getting your skates sharpened before on your way to the canal at a shop like Foster’s Sports on Bank & MacLaren ($5+tax). You’ll also avoid competing for attention with those renting skates on the canal (which, incidentally, cost $16/2hours).
But the canal isn’t the only winter fun to be had on the government’s dime. The City runs hundreds of outdoor ice rinks all across Greater Ottawa where you can play a game of shinny or just go for a leisurely skate under the stars with your beau or belle, New York City-style. These rinks vary from small ponds to full outdoor rinks and are all maintained by the city. You can find out where your closest rink is here and get updates on its ice conditions here.
If you’re looking to join a game of pickup hockey near Centretown, your best bet seems to be the rinks at Brewer Park near Dow’s Lake at 210 Hopewell. You might also check out Jack Purcell Park on Frank St. between Metcalfe and Elgin (by the Elgin Street Diner), Plouffe Park on Preston south of Somerset, and McNabb Park at 160 Percy. All of these rinks have full boards and lights.
The City also maintains a clutch of sledding hills.
And if you’re looking to do some cross-country skiing (and, for whatever reason, you can’t get up to Gatineau Park) you can check out the Mooney’s Bay Ski Center. It’s not free, but at $2.50, it might as well be.
Just don’t forget your toque. Minus 35 is no joke.
Clipse in Ottawa!
January 13, 2009
Surprise Surprise Hip Hop fans! The Clipse is making a one-night stop in Ottawa on their Play Cloths Tour. They’ll play at Babylon Night Club, January 17th.
Their last official CD, 2006′s Hell Hath No Fury obtained great critical success but what they might best be known for in the hip hop world are their awesome and bountiful mixtapes. While waiting for their 3rd album to come out, we get a small sampling of what it might sound like on the Road To Till The Casket Drops mix.
Check out this intimate show – Action starts early. Doors open at 7:30 and the show supposedly starts at 8:00….Tickets are $25 if you buy in advance.
Getting comfy at the Mayfair
January 13, 2009
You may have been one of many who literally left with a cheap seat from the Mayfair in December when they closed for renovations. The face lift is now complete and the theatre reopened for business January 2nd. It has kept its old charm while adding comfier seats and a better Dolby Digital sound system. There are cool little additions to look forward to and rumor has it the owners are working on trying to get a liquor license for the cinema. Could get interesting…
Check out the Mayfair’s updated website at: http://mayfairtheatre.ca/
Winter Concert Preview
January 10, 2009
Festival season in Ottawa might be over, but this winter is still bringing some great acts to the Ottawa region. Here’s my shortlist for the upcoming couple months (my apologies in advance for the bias towards the Blacksheep Inn here…)
One of new favourite artists and a recent Nominee for the Polaris Prize, Basia Bulat is playing at the University of Ottawa on January 22 and at the Blacksheep Inn on January 23. The show is a deal at only $10 and well worth the drive into Quebec. Bulat’s songs are not only catchy, creative and contemplative; she also produces hilarious videos that include dancing skeletons and odd carnival like characters. Watch this video once and you’ll buy a ticket for sure.
Geoff Berner, the self described whiskey rabbi, is also playing Blacksheep Inn on February 13. Berner’s music is lyrical and hilarious – augmented by his accordion playing and best paired with rabid consumption of Jack Daniels. It’ll be a good time. He might even play his theme song for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics!
If you don’t have plans for this Valentine ’s Day, Jenn Grant is coming back to the Blacksheep Inn on February 14 to launch her promising new CD. Her last show with Danny Michel was a great time and for this occasion she’s brought along her full band to back her up. At $10 it’s way cheaper than chocolate or over-priced roses.
Ottawa local Kathleen Edwards plays the Bronson Centre on February 17 for a show that is sure to sell out. I first saw Kathleen Edwards open for Blue Rodeo at the Scotiabank place and I’m sure that the more intimate theatre at the Bronson Centre will be a better setting. The best thing about Kathleen Edwards is that pretty much anyone can enjoy it, so if you are still looking for a belated Christmas gift this might be a good bet.
Jill Barber released a new album this year titled “Chances” where she explores a bluesy, sultry sound that works great with her unique voice. The show at the Blacksheep Inn on February 19 is sure to be something different and Barber’s stage presence made me fall in love with her when I first saw her play the Grad Club in Kingston. She’s sweet, entertaining and talented and sure to be worth making one final trip to Wakefield this winter.
Everyone’s favourite band from Winnipeg, the Weakerthans, will be in Ottawa on March 28 to play the Bronson Centre. You probably know all the words to their songs – might as well take in the show. The are touring with the energetic Constantines, which should make for a great night.
Ticket information is generally available on Ticketweb.
For info on Ottawa Transit…
January 10, 2009
…check out this site: Public Transit in Ottawa. It’s run by a couple of Ottawa University students (current and former) and links to news sources, polls and other data relating to transit issues. They also have interviews with local politicians, such as Ottawa MPP Yasir Naqvi and the Green Party’s David Chernusenko.
The Strike Continues…
January 9, 2009
Bus drivers just rejected the city’s offer. The margin: 64.4%.
CP reports 2,300 bus drivers have been on strike since Dec. 10, 2008.
Yuck.
