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.
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.
Anybody who's interested in the Squish advent calendar this year, it's back, and on sale! (And a Canadian company.)
SQUISH Candy | 24 Days of Candy - Advent calendar
✨ 24 Days of Candy – Gummy Magic 2025 ✨ With 24 enchanting doors to discover, our Advent Calendar transforms the countdown to Christmas into a journey of sweetness and joy. Each window reveals a new s...
www.squishcandies.ca
November 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Anybody who's interested in the Squish advent calendar this year, it's back, and on sale! (And a Canadian company.)
I’ve never turned my love for Tidal Salt into a gift-giving opportunity, but I can vouch for the fact that their salt is fantastic.
The High Tide Box. Contains all 7 of our flavours in a box. 3D-printed Cape George lighthouse for you Antigonish fans. $95. If you want one, get one. If you don’t, don’t. It’s salt in a box with a tiny lighthouse.
#TidalSalt #SeaSalt #GiftIdeas #ShopLocal #NovaScotia #antigonish #novascotialoyal
#TidalSalt #SeaSalt #GiftIdeas #ShopLocal #NovaScotia #antigonish #novascotialoyal
November 16, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I’ve never turned my love for Tidal Salt into a gift-giving opportunity, but I can vouch for the fact that their salt is fantastic.
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
I did a comparable map for the Halifax peninsula out of curiosity
November 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM
I did a comparable map for the Halifax peninsula out of curiosity
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
We make changes to #KidicalMassHfx every year based on the feedback we receive. Please let us know how we did in the 2025 season and maybe win a cool prize!
November 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
We make changes to #KidicalMassHfx every year based on the feedback we receive. Please let us know how we did in the 2025 season and maybe win a cool prize!
Anybody else have pets who refuse to drink (or even accept as an additive to wet food) Halifax tap water? Even filtered? We’re kind of beside ourselves. 😩
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Anybody else have pets who refuse to drink (or even accept as an additive to wet food) Halifax tap water? Even filtered? We’re kind of beside ourselves. 😩
I have to say, I’m deeply impressed by Nova Scotians making this (and several other similar things in the year and a half I’ve been here) happen through that fury. After 28 years in Alberta it’s nice to be somewhere that sticks up for itself.
Make no mistake: The widespread outpouring of fury forced this decision.
West Mabou Beach golf development proposal won't proceed, premier says | CBC News
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston told reporters Thursday the proposal 'won't get to the next step.'
www.cbc.ca
November 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
I have to say, I’m deeply impressed by Nova Scotians making this (and several other similar things in the year and a half I’ve been here) happen through that fury. After 28 years in Alberta it’s nice to be somewhere that sticks up for itself.
Reposted by Idealistic Pragmatist
New constellation of academic stars headed to U of T
New constellation of academic stars headed to U of T
In a “big win for Canada,” the University of Toronto is further strengthening its academic ranks with three top researchers from U.S. universities whose work ranges from the search for new planets to ...
www.utoronto.ca
November 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM
New constellation of academic stars headed to U of T
OMG I have an ACTUAL FAMILY DOCTOR! And--be still my heart--he's eventually going to be at the new "health home" that's opening an eight-minute walk from my hooooooouse!!! (Once it opens)
November 13, 2025 at 6:06 PM
OMG I have an ACTUAL FAMILY DOCTOR! And--be still my heart--he's eventually going to be at the new "health home" that's opening an eight-minute walk from my hooooooouse!!! (Once it opens)
