This morning, en route to pick up a stranded co-worker as a result of the public transit strike, I pondered something. Why do so many citizens in Metro take public transit? I’m sure some base their rationale on environmental concerns. One less car polluting the air will someday help with our carbon footprint and maybe stop that ever increasing hole in the ozone.

For others perhaps, it’s a lifestyle choice.  They live near their workplace and having a car doesn’t make sense. It could be due to the health benefits of walking to and from work or even to the bus stop. There is a percentage of the population that for medical reasons take transit as they are unable to drive.  Many of us despise traffic and would probably prefer to leave the frustration of the merges and bumper to bumper traffic to someone else while engaging themselves in less stressful activity such as reading a book, listening to music or watching an eclectic mix of similar commuters.

But I bet if you polled most of the 96,000 Metro commuters, the decision to take transit is purely economic.  The cost of maintaining a vehicle vs  taking public transit is very significant.  So I crunched the numbers from the perspective of a Dartmouth resident working a full-time position in downtown  Halifax.

Cost of transit: Metro Transit adult pass: 70 per month=$840 annually

Cost of Owing a Vehicle:

Average car payment: $450 per month =$5,400 annually

Average MacPass cost: $1.40 per day x 5 days a week x52 weeks =$364 annually

Average Auto Insurance: $1,200 annually

Average Monthly Parking Downtown: $140 monthly =$1680 annually

Average Cost of Repairs: $1,200 annually

Average price of Gas: $90 week x52 weeks= $4,680 annually

Total Average Cost to maintain a vehicle annually:  $14,524

Vehicle costs such as gas, insurance and bridge passes are continuously rising while wages remain relatively unchanged.  The cost benefit of using public transit allows many consumers to redirect those proceeds to pay a mortgage on a home they could otherwise not afford or pay for a child’s university education or afford other lifestyle choices. For many Metro residents, however, it simply allows them to live within their means without incurring debt to supplement their income.

There are many of us who truly need a vehicle as condition of our employment.  For those that do not, perhaps  they should pause and consider if the vehicle is truly a need or simply another desire. And if a want, what would you do with the annual savings of $13,684 by taking the bus?  Can we afford not to take advantage of the savings?

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The answer has its roots in one of the oldest cases on Halifax’s major unsolved crimes list.  “The body of Mr. [Michael Leo] Resk was found inside a Chevrolet delivery truck at the corner of Roome and Acadia Street in Halifax,” says the Halifax Regional Police’s website. “The victim was last seen during the evening on December 8, 1955 at approximately [sic] 11:45 p.m. Mr. Resk died of gun shot [sic] wounds.”

A witness spotted a taxi near the crime scene. Because the roof light wasn’t illuminated, it couldn’t be identified. As a result, it became mandatory for the roof lights to be on. Councillor Steve Adams fails to see the logic, especially given today’s technology. “If somebody is going to be involved in something illegal, they’re not going to have the light on anyway,” he says.

Taxi drivers are also not fans. “We’ve been fighting that [rule] for a long time,” says Doug Brine, president of the Halifax Taxi Drivers Association. “It’s dangerous for us [drivers], it’s dangerous for the people.”

Adams says one solution that’s been floated is having an orange light on the right dashboard, located in the same position as the safety sticker on the opposite side. If the light was on, it would indicate the taxi was available.

HRM is trying to come up with a solution. “It is definitely on our agenda and on our radar to look at,” says Kevin Hindle, the regional coordinator of Taxi and Limousine Services.

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Best fitness trend

• Zumba continues to be a super popular option, as does any dance-based type of class. Fun, upbeat, group exercises remain up there as top trends. – T.L. Bonnar, fitness coordinator, Canada Games Centre, Halifax
• TRX training (as GoodLife calls it) or a full body strength workout using straps and body weight. It’s great for those who are in shape and looking for an extra push or challenge. – Nikki Gillingham, athlete and fitness columnist
• Dance-based fitness like Zumba classes. So much fun you can almost forget you’re exercising. Plus, with a fun crowd of people it feels more like party-time than workout time! – Melissa Millar, owner of Motiva Wellbeing and Fitness
• I don’t know if it counts as being new but I’d have to say incorporating kettlebells into your workout. The kettlebell swing is one of the best exercises for both fat loss and improving your cardio-vascular capacity. – Steve Dinn, training to become an Agatsu Kettlebell instructor
• Core training and functional fitness. – Annie Pichette, owner of Nature to Nurture Fitness
• Companies of all sizes will be implementing health and wellness programs into the work place. Employees should check with their employer to find out about any opportunities. – Kyle Samson, personal trainer

Most over-rated fitness trend

• Any kind of fitness-fad equipment! There’s so many of them, like slide training boards. You don’t need them! Use weights, walk, run, swim, sign up for a cleanse, take group classes. They are far more efficient. – T.L. Bonnar, fitness coordinator, Canada Games Centre, Halifax
• Most overrated workout trend is Zumba. Most people aren’t doing more than jumping around and swinging their hips and arms because they can’t remember or follow the steps. If you want to dance, join a dance club. – Nikki Gillingham, athlete and fitness columnist
• My least favorite new fitness trend are the “fitness” shoes that are being marketed a lot right now. They are just a way to get people to spend more money on something they really don’t need. – Melissa Millar, owner of Motiva Wellbeing and Fitness
• The most over-rated fitness trend is definitely Zumba. It just doesn’t put me in the frame of mind I need for a good workout. It reminds me too much of aerobics classes from the ‘80s. People cheering and dancing in time doesn’t make me want to push harder; it makes me want a margarita. – Steve Dinn, training to become an Agatsu Kettlebell instructor
• Zumba! – Annie Pichette, owner of Nature to Nurture Fitness
• Certain programs, products and dietary supplements claim to give people the ability to achieve their goals in a short period of time with little to no  effort. Anything worthwhile is usually difficult and takes time. There are no short cuts. – Kyle Samson, personal trainer

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Immediately, we were whisked inside and delivered a glass of champagne (don’t mind if I do!) and led to the back room where appetizers were being prepared fresh on the spot. My favourite was definitely the Digby scallop with what seemed to be a hint of cinnamon, perched atop a dollop of creamy risotto. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we had access to the whole menu that evening and could sample whatever our hearts desired.

The theme of Harbour City Bar & Grill is simple. They are featuring as many local ingredients as possible. Additionally, they have the most extensive Nova Scotia wine list in the city (every vineyard minus two at the moment). This isn’t a new concept but it’s one that I adore and think every restaurant should be embracing. Harbour City even sweetens the pot by offering a no corkage fee if you bring your own bottle of Nova Scotia wine. So, basically, if you have a bottle of Gaspereau or Grand Pre in your arsenal, just tote it along. I think that this is a no-fuss incentive to keep Haligonians thinking and drinking local.

The ambience at Harbour City is minimalistic but there are some great personal touches like a wall of bottled preserves and homegrown music playing in the background. Happily for us, we meet up with two other friends to sit with. Chef Les Stevens has created a tantalizing menu and I was torn, but Jessy and I decided to mix and match. For an appetizer, I ordered what I can only describe as the most decadent starter I’ve ever had – butter poached Nova Scotia lobster with a fresh herb emulsion, asparagus and brioche. It was divine. This could have been my dinner and I would have been perfectly content. Jessy ordered the oven-fired Ran-Cher goat cheese, a hefty offering of this creamy cheese with maple crusted pecans on a sour dough crust with rhubarb compote (equally delicious but hitting on different flavours). Luckily, we managed to gain a second wind for our mains. I truly felt I made a miraculous choice with my monkfish flavoured by a hint of fennel and complemented by lobster risotto. Meanwhile, Jessy’s Digby scallops were humungous, succulent and simply flavoured by a drizzle of honey. We had some debate about which scallops we preferred, the initial appetizers (with cinnamon) or the main dish, but both were tasty.

Truthfully, a hotel restaurant doesn’t always spring to mind when I think of dining out but Harbour City has really upped the stakes on fine local dining. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention coveting our friends’ dessert, Parade of Sail, which was an edible work of art in the shape of a chocolate and praline sailboat. My sampling revealed it to be full of rich cheesecakey goodness. I’d like to see a little more of an evolution with the décor, perhaps some local art adorning the walls but our dining experience was amazing and I would highly recommend checking out Harbour City’s succulent cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

-Nicole

Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster

Monkfish with Lobster Risotto

Digby Scallops with Vanilla Saffron Risotto

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Despite last night’s rain, I joined the crowd at Spatz Theatre for the third night of In The Dead of Winter. Tonight: Whitehorse and Martha Wainwright.

Whitehorse is married couple Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet, who decided that instead of each having solo careers, they would team up and re-tool their current tracks to suit a duo. A folksy but slightly twangy sound, their roots of country and folk blend well. The two are both incredibly talented, but performing as duo appears to still be a challenge. Melissa and Luke have beautiful voices, but when they sing together, McClelland would often overpower Doucet and throw off the balance. Another distraction came from the two trying to do too much music-wise. Many tracks called for McClelland to switch instruments and use different pedals, effects, etc to create the full sound they would have in studio. Usually I enjoy when one person plays many different instruments, but I found this distracting. Whitehorse would benefit greatly from another member to fill in the background effects when needed.

But it’s not all bad – like the moment Melissa thanked a little fan for making her a necklace, a small voice shouted “Hi Melissa!” from the crowd. How adorable! My favourite tracks were the few that Whitehorse performed with just two guitars and the two of them at one mic at the front of the stage. My absolute favourite song, “Emerald Isle”, was a smooth, romantic rendition, performed beautifully with two guitars and two voices in harmony. Whitehorse is at their best when their sound is simple. These two are a duo to watch; as once they hit their stride and find their balance, they’ll be on fire.

Then there’s Martha Wainwright.

Martha Wainwright is weird.

And honestly, I couldn’t pay her a greater compliment. From the musical Wainwright family, she stands on her own with her unique performance style. She would consult her set list, throw it on the floor, swear, forget what she was doing, swear more, talk to herself, ask us “Why are you all here?” and then maybe swear again. The crowd, myself included, was in stitches. I’m not sure if she’s aware, but Martha Wainwright is a comedic genius. And it’s also lovely to watch her perform. She has a great presence, with all of her stomping, high-kicking, moving and shaking. You cannot take your eyes off of her.

Her music is unusual, but I couldn’t ask for anything less from her. Her voice is powerful, strong and difficult to categorize. She sang a lovely new song about her young child, but before she did so, told us “If you hear ‘na-na-na’, it’s because I haven’t written words for that spot yet.”. The song was sweet and a little sad, but every time we heard ‘na-na-na’, the audience couldn’t help but laugh. It felt warm and intimate – like we were all in on one great joke together. There was no pretension or falseness in her music, just raw honesty. It was well appreciated by the audience. When she made a mistake, instead of glazing over it, she did what I would do, swear and start again. One song of her mother’s she performed, she stopped mid-song, determined to get the chords right. Not because she’s an amateur, but because she’s comfortable enough to stop and get it right. I’ve never seen anything like it in a live concert.

Wainwright is weird. Weird, wacky and wonderful. In a way that only a true performer can be.

In the Dead of Winter continues tonight. This is all the coverage you’ll see from me, but I recommend that you take off your Snuggie and slippers and take in one of the many shows.

Which shows did you see? Post a comment and share your reviews.

CORRECTION: Melissa McClelland’s last name was misspelled in an earlier version of this post.

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1. Review: In the Dead of Winter, Day 1
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This festival is an annual celebration of acoustic music, assembling a diverse group of acoustic musicians from around the region and across the continent. This year’s lineup includes Shawn Colvin, Martha Wainwright and Lennie Gallant. 483-6334, www.inthedeadofwinter.com

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The Maritime rockers present their Big Night Out Tour, with special guests Poor Young Things. Dalhousie Arts Centre, 494-3820, artscentre.dal.ca

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Friday

• 7pm: Pre-Shrunk opens tonight at Argyle Fine Art on Barrington Street. The unique exhibition features 312 small-scale paintings.
• 8pm: The In the Dead of Winter music festival continues with a concert by Martha Wainwright at Spatz Theatre (Citadel High School.) Whitehorse opens.

Saturday

• 7pm: Basketball, with a chance of precipitation, as the Halifax Rainmen host the Summerside Storm at the Halifax Metro Centre.
• 7:30pm: Elvis impersonator Thane Dunn celebrates the King’s birthday with a concert at Cohn.

Sunday

• 2pm, 7:30pm: The Norm Foster comedy Mrs. Parliament’s Night Out, starring Sheila McCarthy, continues at Neptune Theatre.
• 8pm: Customer Appreciation Night at The Carleton. Pay-what-you-can cover charge for Belle Starr and Jay Smith.

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Unless you have been recently hiding under a rock, you’ve heard about the Bedford man arraigned last week on espionage charges.  Media are frothing at any personal information they can get their hands on. One piece of public information that has surfaced is that he filed for bankruptcy in 1998.

Unfortunately, society still regards filing for bankruptcy as a character flaw. If you can’t manage your money, what can you manage? A responsible person, we are told, should know how to manage their finances.  The years pass, bankruptcy levels rise and yet societal values remain somewhat unchanged.

With recent studies reporting Canadians spending $1.50 of every dollar earned, the face of bankruptcy is also changing. Let’s call them the “working poor.” The face of bankruptcy today is your neighbour, your co-worker, your child’s teacher, the hospital nurse even the bank employee. The list goes on and on. Debt affects everyone todays. We are quick to criticize people who seek bankruptcy protection however often the true causes of bankruptcy have nothing to do with over spending or poor money management. Illness, martial breakdown, a series of unfortunate events, reduced household income as a result of the death of a spouse, cession of child support, or even temporary job loss can cause a person who has been living just at their threshold to get behind the eight ball enough that they never recover.

Most people have already been to their banks requesting a consolidation of their debts and have been turned away for a multitude of reasons such as debt-ratio being too high, seasonal income, no co-signers or poor credit score. Many consumers resort to high-interest payday loan companies to bridge the gap.

The federal Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act affords an honest but unfortunate insolvent individual protection from creditors. Granted there are always a few bad apples that spoil the bunch, but very few people want to file for bankruptcy. It is usually out of necessity.

The fact that someone recognizes a debt problem and seeks assistance for their financial circumstances should not been seen as a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. It takes a much bigger person to admit to a debt problem than one to hide from it.

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So I’ve been away from the blog for almost a month or so. No excuses here, other than that I was hibernating. I’m so glad to get the chance to cover In The Dead of Winter–a four-day acoustic music festival set in, well, the dead of winter. I think we can all agree that it’s nice to get out of the house.

This is my first time attending IDOW, and at the height of winter madness season, I think it’s just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes, you want to go and listen to music without having to scream, shove and sweat all over those around you. Sometimes, you just want to sit, listen and relax.

Last night the festival kicked off with Don Brownrigg and Shawn Colvin at the Rebecca Cohn.

Don Brownrigg is a native Newfoundlander that has called Halifax home for the better part of a decade. His music was simple but genuine; the best way to describe it would be John Mayer with a soul. You could tell that he was tickled to be there (And delighted to be opening for Colvin). His stripped-down, authentic sound fit the venue well. A personal favourite was a song he had written about his love/hate relationship with Halifax. As I’ve lost many friends to the siren call of other cities, I knew all too well what he was talking about. Brownrigg gained a quick rapport with the audience (He called it “jibber-jabbering,” I call it a rapport), including the hilarious moment when an audience member requested a song that he had already played. “Did you come in late?” Brownrigg deadpanned, and was met with silence. And laughs from everyone else. Small moments like this truly highlight the intimate nature of the festival.

After a short intermission, Shawn Colvin took the stage. What struck me as unique was the format of the show; she mixed only a few of her own tracks with many covers. I enjoyed the mix–to me, it was the ultimate relaxed show. She just played whatever she wanted to, like she wanted to share with all of us songs that inspired her. My favourite song of the night (and I was clearly not the only one) was a rousing, stirring version of “Acadian Driftwood” by The Band. This rendition was met with wild cheering and applause from the audience.

Now, I thought that the name Shawn Colvin named sounded familiar but I couldn’t remember why. But now I do–I’m sure you’ve heard “Sunny Came Home.” Think about it, yes, yes you have. Anyway if you haven’t I’m not sure what you’ve been up to – it’s very quintessential 90s and she performs it with an enthusiasm that I’m pleased to hear after what I’m sure has been many performances.

In addition to being a talented musician, Colvin is a delightful storyteller with a sharp wit. My personal favourite was Colvin explaining all of the weird and wacky opportunities that “Sunny Came Home” had allowed her, such as being on Sesame Street and The Simpsons. I’m a huge Simpsons fan and recall her turn as Christian rock singer Rachel Jordan. (Remember that, guys? Ned Flanders has a crush on her?) To my delight, she sang a snippet of the song from that episode. What fun!

After ending with a standing ovation, Colvin took the stage for a fabulous encore that included an acoustic version of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. It’s probably difficult to imagine an acoustic version, but trust me when I say it was lovely.

I’ll be heading to shows on Friday as well and recommend you do the same. So get out from under that blanket, Halifax. And cozy up to In The Dead of Winter.

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