BAGHDAD ON THE CATARAQUI — JANUARY 26, 2007
JUST A GORGEOUS morning in the city at the mouth of St. Lawrence, so crisp and clear and cold one marvels that anyone can move around at all; the kind of weather where spit freezes before hitting the sidewalk, and the north/west winds bring tears to the eyes and make noses outlets for the unmentionable. How did the Loyalists do it before gas fireplaces, space heaters, and the like? They layered, and, we are told, bundled in several ways, to get warm (and to propagate their numbers against the upstart libertarians to the south). Ah, winter in Kingston, where blue and white and grey actually look great, and flags from St. George’s, the local schools, City Hall, and the Courthouse all stand at attention east or south, away from the direction of those freezing zephyrs. Kingston finally has its winter, and lakes are freezing in the hinterland–with a bit of snow (more tomorrow) — enabling ATV’s, snowmobiles, and ice fishers to get going. Perhaps Sepp’s Ski Shop will still turn a profit–it’s been a horrendous year for ski geat and women’s warm weather clothing stores…..
WHY DOESN’T THE MAYOR get a blow drier for his golden locks, his barber wonders. Harv’s dome appear to be covered by axle grease at Council meetings as televised by COGECO most every Tuesday night. Perhaps it’s the lighting, but one wishes that mayoral tonsoriality might keep up with his sartorialty which is not at all bad. Indeed, let’s pay a big hello and congratulations to Gary Poupore, major domo at Cunningham (long gone) and Poupore, who outfits many leading (and not so leading) citizens such as your scribe. Poupore is an old-timer here, very much given to downtown improvement, and one really nice guy. He and his assistants give commerce on Brock Street a hugely positive aura, along with Tim Pater and Bob Joy at Chien Noir and Atomica. And then there is always the Old World Shoppe, where things are pretty much taken for granted…..
WE MISS FLOYD PATTERSON at council, as the long-time area radio and TV personality dropped the last election to newcomer Bill Glover. Patterson always had a good word for the mayor and his plans, even if he sometimes had trouble with being original in his comments. Patterson represented a certain segment of (very much) older boomers in Sydenham Ward, and the political barometer there dropped a few kilopascals in the last contest. Glover represents the younger set these days in the ward, those in their 30s and 40s. And he is clearly a bit more wry and nuanced in his judgments than his predecessor. One thing Patterson did have, however, was a great wardrobe, but Glover has kept up that tradition.
IN THE NEW COUNCIL, as it appears on Ch13, Vicki Schmolka appears the brightest and most progressive of the new councillors. She recognizes that there are other issues about aside from development and clearly has people-issues at heart. Looking at people issues, one laments the latest in the grand marquee sweepstakes swamping the waterfront. Had the chance to travel up to the top floor of what inhabitants of the Ontario Street tower call “The Railroad Works,” and saw the city and lake in glorious 360 degree IMAX technicoloour. Great view from up there, for a few lucky and well-off souls, but this latest high-rise subtracts even more than ever from historic Kingston and its waterfront. The folks facing East on Ontario Street must rue the babbittry that results in such architectural attraction, and the towers look lousy looking out, and lousier looking in from the lake. What was on land mogul Britt Smith’s mind, aside from the dough to be made when he closed this latest Faustian deal? And the Railroad Works went up super-fast, perhaps too quickly, so we shall see…..
QUEEN’S BASKETBALL has taken large steps in both men’s and women’s divisions this year. The Golden Gael men play Toronto tonight at 8 pm, after defeating Ottawa U in Ottawa last Friday night 65-64. Ottawa turned around Tuesday night and defeated #1 Carleton 64-62 before 9750 fans in Ottawa. The hoop product is better here than it ever has been, and one reason for the men’s team’s success is Frontenac graduate Mitch Leger, a 6-6 forward who has range, stretches defenses, and is hard to stop inside. The U of T, meanwhile, is playing as well as any team in the country, so this one will be interesting. Th Blues beat the Gaels in overtime in Toronto, and the women’s team also lost to the Blues. Both Gael fives are looking for revenge, the women tipping off against a large Blues squad at 6, the men following at 8. Leger is a good bet to make all-conference at the end of the season. If you’re not busy watching a movie like “Th Queen” or “Shut Up and Sing,” head down to Bartlett and make some noise. Both squads will play Ryerson tomorrow eve., same times, same place.