Ruffles, Furbelows and Frills

Posted on November 20, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
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King's CrossingLast month, I took a drive out to the new big box plaza, which was plopped down at the 401 and Division Street intersection. I’m not a huge fan of the King’s Crossing moniker, so I’ll entertain and perhaps use any creative submissions you can come up with instead. Back to the story at hand. The massive mall is home to a Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Warehouse, Boston Pizza, No Frills, and fashion including: Tommy Hillfiger, Calvin Klein, Puma, and many more (pictures found here). Like it’s counterpart on Gardner’s Road, it’s bound to become a shopping mecca for Kingstonian’s, and visitors from near and afar. Read more

Where in Kingston - Solved!

Posted on November 19, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
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Pollution sculpture Kingston I’m pleased to announce that Hiero has brought Kingstonist’s “Where in Kingston” question to a glorious end, by correctly identifying our pixelated representations of “Pollution”, a sculpture located in the waterfront park across from Kingston General Hospital . In case this is your first introduction to this piece of public art, Pollution was unveiled in the ’70’s, and was not well received by the public. Stories of public backlash and re-beautification of Pollution include one incident where enraged citizens took it upon themselves to paint the sculpture so that it resembled a pop can. In any case, Hiero’s keen eye has won him a pair of tickets to see the KSO perform their holiday concert at St. George’s Cathedral on December 17th. Until next time (and yes, we’ll be running another “Where in Kingston” contest in the New Year), keep reading, and please keep those comments coming.

Homegoing

Posted on November 18, 2008, by Isabel Cooper 
Filed Under General News | 2 Comments

Homegoing After years of debauchery and wreckage, Queen’s has finally stepped up to do something about the giant Aberdeen party that has occurred every Homecoming weekend since 2005.

In case you’re new or you’ve just been out of the country (yes, this made national headlines) for the last four years, Queen’s students and their friends from other universities have taken it upon themselves to shut down Aberdeen street on the Saturday night of Homecoming weekend for a wild, dangerous and very expensive party. Arrests have been made in spades, there have been numerous injuries, police have been brought in from other cities (on the tax payer’s dollar) and residents who aren’t students (yes students, we do exist) have had to endure the loud ruckus and damage to their private property.

I went to Queen’s and I receive the alumni emails that go out every month or so. Today there was one in my inbox that I have long anticipated but never thought would actually come. Read more

Turbines Galore

Posted on November 17, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
Filed Under Environment, General News | 3 Comments

Wolfe Island wind farm On a couple of occasions, I’ve written about Kingston’s new windy skyline in relation to the Wolfe Island wind farm . For months, I’ve wondered how the 86 wind turbines might appear from afar. Last week my questions were answered when I peered across the water, and counted at least 5 turbines - either complete or in some stage of construction. Although they’re a true testament to Kingston and Islands commitment to sustainable energy, these giants also stand for something a bit less savory. In that respect, the failure of elected officials to step in and ensure suitability has sullied the project for many Island, and some Kingston residents. What do you think? Is this progress, or reasonable grounds for a class action lawsuit?  My first impression of the new view is positive.

The Iron Duke

Posted on November 13, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
Filed Under Food & Drink | 1 Comment

Nearly a year ago, I was sauntering by the abandoned Schertzo on Wellington Street, when I noticed a glint of life seeping out from behind the boarded up windows. For the first time since the bar had closed, the lights were on inside, and the sound of sober conversation debunked my initial fear that a downtrodden soul had broken in and taken up refuge. Over the next few weeks, my friends and I watched intently, giving random status reports on the progress we noticed at 207 Wellington. Soon thereafter, building permits and liquor licenses appeared, and an assortment of tradesmen could be seen working inside. In next to no time, the Iron Duke opened, and in less than a year, it has earned the top spot amongst Kingston’s oldest and most revered pubs. Read more

The Gertrudes’ Blackbird and the Cedar

Posted on November 12, 2008, by Danielle Lennon 
Filed Under Art & Literature, Music | Leave a Comment


Check out the brand spankin’ new music video from The Gertrudes for their song Blackbird and the Cedar . Personally, I love the tune, and the overall style of the video. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Be sure to check them out the next time they’re rockin’ out in Kingston. You won’t be disappointed.

Where in Kingston

Posted on November 11, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
Filed Under General News | 2 Comments

Where in Kingston contest Welcome back to the second episode of "Where in Kingston", Kingstonist’s newest contest that gives a little something back to our loyal readers (that’s you). In case you missed the introductory post , the rules are simple. Study the the photograph above, and identify what "it" is as well as where "it" is located in Kingston. Each week we’ll give you a clearer view of the image, ending up with the original photo at the end of November. In order to play, simply log in (register here if you haven’t already done so) and comment. Only one guess per reader each week, while only your first guess will be published. Remember, the winner gets a pair of tickets to see the Kingston Symphony Orchestra perform their holiday concert at St. George’s Cathedral on December 17th. Enjoy, and thanks for making Kingstonist part of your daily routine.

Phriday Photo

Posted on November 7, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
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Kingston waterfront As we cling onto the last, extended days of Fall, we’re trying to take in each and every colourful sight before the snow flies. Check out some more images in our Fall collection .

Blinded by the Light

Posted on November 6, 2008, by Harvey Kirkpatrick 
Filed Under General News | 2 Comments

K-Rock Centre SignWhen we launched Kingstonist late last February, it coincided with the grand opening of the controversial K-Rock Centre. At the time, the Krock was all the rage amongst Kingstonians, but I didn’t want Kingstonist to turn into an LVEC-centric blog, reporting about each and every little thing that went right/wrong with the money pit. In my mind, that’s what Kingston Concerned about the LVEC (KCAL) was for, although updates on that site unfortunately stopped a while back. In my biased opinion, Kingstonist has done a decent job reporting on a few events at the KRC, without making it our prime focus. Today however, I wanted to draw your attention to a minor detail about the LVEC that should not go unnoticed. Read more

Punctuation is a powerful thing

Posted on November 5, 2008, by Isabel Cooper 
Filed Under General News | 4 Comments

I am going to make a confession. Not that this is something to be ashamed of, but more that it’s something that some people find a little….irritating. I am a grammar snob. I just can’t help it. Ever since I learned about the many uses of the comma, the beauty of a semi-colon and the many versions of the word “to” (and “too” and “two”), I have had a desire to fulfill the rules that go along with them.

One of my biggest pet peeves is the wrongful use of the apostrophe and I have noticed this on signs all over Kingston (and in many other cities as well). In the book Eats, Shoots and Leaves, the author, Lynn Truss, discusses how she actually made a giant apostrophe and put it on a stick and stood under signs in her city where an apostrophe was missing. I’m not that crazy. But I will point out a few misguided businesses in the area. Read more

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