Hamilton Review

Hamilton Review in Print

2009-10-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Tentative plans are in the works to take the "Hamilton Review" name and publish a free, monthly, tabloid-sized magazine in the Hamilton area. The concept involves bridging the gap between local, independent media and a major metropolitan newspaper—"a soft news publication with a hard news feel." More details to come.

For more information, please contact editor@hamiltonreview.com.

The return of Hamilton Review?

2009-03-03T23:38:00.000-08:00

A lot has been happening in Hamilton lately, and I felt that it was maybe time to resurrect the blog. Thoughts?

If you'd like to see what I've been up to over the past six months, check out VIEW magazine in Hamilton. Some of the articles come up online as "A. Dowler" or "-" for some reason, but my name will be at the end of everything I write.

Side Notes: Work in Progress

2008-07-28T23:35:00.001-07:00

(1) The blog break is still in full swing, much to my chagrin. Three consecutive weekends out of town (including this coming Friday) and the rhythm really starts to fall apart. The mid-summer doldrums have finally arrived, and I apologize profusely. On the plus side, I'm hoping that all of this downtime will produce some solid posting in the coming weeks. There's been some loose talk of a print version in the fall. Any thoughts?

(2) The Ti-Cats are heading to Montreal this week to battle the Alouettes, kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. The team needs to make some serious moves over the next few weeks if they want a shot at an Eastern playoff berth, especially with a 1-4 record out of the gate.

(3) On a lighter note, I found some old concert tickets the other day, including a Sloan/Flashing Lights gig from 2000. "Where the Change Is" is a classic, check out the tambourine work from Hamilton native Gavin Dianda. Just search "New Music Canada, Artists, Flashing Lights" on cbcradio3.ca, and enjoy.

O'Neill's

2008-07-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Adam took me to a burger stand in the east end last night near the corner of Barton and Kenilworth. O'Neill's, "home of the one-pound burger," proved to be a solid little take-out restaurant with great food. There was about a 20-minute wait due to the large volume of orders being placed, but if you're patient and enjoy a great burger with fries, then O'Neill's is definitely worth a look. Check it out if you're in the neighbourhood, 1374 Barton St. E.

Note: I was at IWS for the Ticats game this afternoon, but I need to let the last-minute loss sink in a little before posting about it. So close, so close...

Side Notes: Links, Tunes, and Football

2008-07-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

(1) Some good friends and former coworkers of mine have blogs of their own on the go, and they're definitely worth checking out. Sarah Beukema, Sarah El-Hamzawi, and Chris Arnett tackle all things fashion, culture, and strange. I'll post the links permanently under the "friends" category.

(2) Special thanks to Two Hours Traffic for playing a slightly extended set after we walked in during the last song on Wednesday. "New Love" was a great closer, I don't think they played it last time.

(3) The Tiger-Cats will be squaring off against Saskatchewan tomorrow afternoon at Ivor Wynne Stadium. I caught a few interviews with Jesse Lumsden and Kori Dickerson this week, and the team seems to be extremely focused. "11 wins this year" was the prediction from Dickerson. The last time the Cats went 11-7 was 1999, which was also the last year they won the Grey Cup. Eerie foreshadowing, or wishful thinking? I'm pulling for the former.

Mac News

2008-07-10T09:56:00.001-07:00

I had an editorial published in the Silhouette this morning regarding Peter George's full contract and the message it sends to McMaster students. For those of you who aren't familiar with the fine details, you can view the contract here. If you're in the west end, grab a copy of the paper on campus. The content may not be posted online, so I'll run the full article on here if that's the case.

Also: Because it's so nice out today, here's a classic track to ride out the afternoon.

Thanks, CANCON

2008-07-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

While listening to the radio this morning, I came across two stations playing the same song at the exact same time. Both 102.1 The Edge and Hamilton's own Y108 were pumping out "That Song," a Big Wreck hit from 1997.

I understand what the MAPL system is trying to do, but when you're regularly filling the gaps with music from over a decade ago, it's not exactly showcasing the best and brightest new talent in Canada. I can understand the move on Y108 given their classic rock format, but the Edge can do better.

Check out Let's Fix CANCON, a website devoted to overhauling current CRTC regulations.

Bird Rentals

2008-07-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe I missed the boat, I didn't realize these guys were back together. Awesome in 2005, awesome today. Definitely one of the best groups to come out of Hamilton in recent years. Check out some tracks here, and you can catch the Bird Rentals live at the Casbah on July 18th.

The Abbreviations

2008-07-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just put together a small bio for the Abbreviations, which you can read here. The band recently signed with Down by the Point Records, linking up with Matt Paxton, Cam Malcolm, and Cowlick. Give a listen on their MySpace page, "Never Walk when you can Ride" is a great track.

CFL-Congrats

2008-07-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

The streak is over. Hamilton trounced the Argonauts 32-13 at the Rogers Centre, finally ending a seven year dry spell in Hogtown. As if the victory alone wasn't sweet enough, the team looked fantastic. Printers was a machine, the receivers looked sharp, and Lumsden/Smith tore up the backfield. Props to Lawrence Gordon for bouncing back from a rough game against Montreal.

This is the team's best start since 2004, and a win against Saskatchewan next week isn't looking so out of the question. Is it too early to use a "Boston Celtics of the CFL" tag?

See you in Box J on the 12th.

CFL- Game Two

2008-07-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be a Hamilton Tiger-Cat? The Tabbies are currently lacking Canadian starters for tonight's contest in Toronto, and need to dress a minimum of seven by game time. You can contact the front office here. Special preference will be given to alumni from the McMaster intramural flag football league.

On a serious note, the Cats are currently boasting a 0-10 road record, and have gone 1-16-1 against the Argos over their last 18 meetings. We need this win, big time.

Prediction: One shot for every Ti-Cat penalty, and I'm running out of whisky.

Right Move on Lister?

2008-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Even though a Lister Block deal has finally been closed with LIUNA, I'm wondering if it really is the right move for the city. Don't get me wrong, it's about time something was done with the site, and I'm glad to see a plan in motion for the next 4-5 years. However, it's the specifics of the deal that have me scratching my head a little.

Check out Nicole MacIntyre's Lister Math (at the bottom of this page), there are some interesting figures to consider. The deal will cost taxpayers an extra $1.3 million per year, although the city will own the building in 20 years. Cal DiFalco also raised a good point on MacIntyre's blog, noting, "A new City Hall or retirement residences are things that ordinary people would see as staples of a city. Not attractions."

Is restoration still a good idea? What do you think?

Spec Updates

2008-06-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Hamilton Spectator ran another one of my articles this morning, which felt great. You can check it out here, and feel free to weigh in on the debate.

Also, big news regarding the Lister Block. Apparently LIUNA accepted a deal from city hall at the eleventh hour, and will finally begin work on the site. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the project, and what made Joe Mancinelli change his mind only hours before the window closed.

Side Notes: Lister Block Online

2008-06-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hamilton stalwart Matt Jelly recently started a Facebook page regarding the Lister Block, which you can check out here. According to the site, a full web page will soon be up at listerblock.ca, which should be a great resource for anyone interested in saving the heritage building. I'll post the link when it comes up.

July Preview

2008-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

The last few days of June could be some of the most important in recent Hamilton history. On June 30th, developer Harry Stinson is hoping to close his $9.5 million bid to purchase the Connaught and begin renovations. Not long after that, city council will be forced to give $7 million back to the provincial government after failing to broker a deal with LIUNA regarding the Lister Block.
Make no mistake, each of these events could have a major impact on the economic future of Hamilton. The failed Lister deal is the fourth in recent years, including 1995, 2000, and another bid earlier this year. Even Harry Stinson expressed interest in the property, and was shot down.

While the Lister deal may be dead once again, I'm hoping that Stinson can inject some excitement into the core and generate a little positive press.

Churchill Rink

2008-06-28T15:50:00.001-07:00

When the Churchill Fields Lawn Bowling Club folded last year, many people thought the grounds would remain vacant unless the Club was resurrected. However, I just heard about potential plans to turn the site into an outdoor skating rink. In recent years, the old outdoor rink on the east side of the park seems to have waned in popularity, most likely due to inclement weather and a lack of consistently cold evenings. If the new rink becomes a reality, I think it would be a huge boost to winter activity in the Westdale area. It would be even better if the existing LBC could still operate during the summer. What do you think?

Side Notes: Feeds and Links

2008-06-27T17:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks to a great new feature on blogger for all of us technical hacks, you can now subscribe to hamiltonreview quickly and easily by following the "Subscribe to HR" link.

Also, I'm going to have another Opinions piece in the Hamilton Spectator on Monday, regarding the Golden Horseshoe Pan Am bid and Ivor Wynne Stadium. I'll post the link when it comes up.

Oh, Ti-Cats

2008-06-27T12:40:00.001-07:00

I don't know what has been worse for the city over the past 24 hours: the Lister Block deal falling through, the Eisenberger press scandal, or the brutal showing at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

I was at the Ti-Cats home opener last night, and you could almost hear a collective groan echo throughout the stadium as the game closed. 33-10 Montreal, with the only Hamilton touchdown coming on a surprise 75-yard run from Tre Smith (on a handoff from Richie Williams, no less). I could write 1,000 words on what was wrong with the team last night, and rest assured, the message boards will be full of ire over the next week. However, one lowly post on the boards grabbed my attention, and I decided to take the high road. Here's to you, "blitz4." Let's try to keep the faith alive for at least one more game. Check it out.

Lister Blocked

2008-06-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

My apologies for the lack of posting, I've been trying to wrap my head around the current Lister Block fiasco. Rather than finally broker a deal with LIUNA that would see the aging landmark put to use, city council voted 9-6 against the proposed deal in favour of "staying the course."

Perfect. Three years later, and the building will continue to sit empty over a $50,000 discrepancy. I respect city council's efforts to protect Hamilton taxpayers, but if that was the case all along, why sink $25 million into buying the property from LIUNA in the first place?

You can check out the details here.

Bus Rider

2008-06-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Hamilton Spectator reported today that HSR services may soon be free when a humidex advisory is issued in the city. HSR representatives are slated to meet with city council on July 8, where the financial viability of free bus rides will be discussed in depth. The plan could be in effect as early as August.

Seems like a good idea to me, if the city can afford it. With so much talk surround Light Rail and other transit alternatives these days, it can't hurt to have a little positive press for the HSR. With driving becoming more of a privilege as gas prices continue to climb, this could be a great way to kick off a public transit boom in Hamilton over the next 5-10 years.

Side Notes: Chris Murphy

2008-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Legendary Sloan frontman Chris Murphy holds nothing back in a recent National Post interview. A lifelong fan myself, I was a little surprised at some of the things he commented on, including Leonard Cohen, My Bloody Valentine, and the Hip. Check it out here.

I really hope his sharp wit and sarcasm were the driving force behind this piece, especially "in the ’90s, all we had to do was show up, we were cooler than everybody." Oh, Chris.

Suburban Slump

2008-06-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

There has been a great deal of discussion lately regarding the devaluing of suburban property if gas prices continue to rise. Global News reported today that homes in the suburbs could see a significant drop in value if gas prices hold for an extended period in the $1.50 range.
What does this mean for Hamilton? For starters, the subdivision building-boom in Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Flamborough, and parts of the Mountain may come to a grinding halt over the next five years. Some pundits are already referring to Canadian suburbs as "the next ghost towns;" a trend which has already been observed in several US cities. While suburban property may be cheaper per square foot in some cases, the cost of commuting (even from rural Ancaster to downtown Hamilton five days a week) has some prospective home owners looking inward rather than outward.
What do you think?

NXNE

2008-06-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in Toronto for the North by Northeast festival, which has been great so far. Last night we caught Besnard Lakes, Swervedriver, Ted Leo, Attack in Black (surprise gig) and Hamilton's own Arkells, who played a really tight set. Swervedriver were also amazing, and it was cool seeing Attack in Black in such close quarters. Lee's Palace was about 40 degrees on the lower level, and surprisingly cooler upstairs at Dance Cave. All told, it was a solid evening.

Visited the Hockey Hall of Fame this afternoon, and took a picture with the Cup. I scored two goals in the virtual shootout, and you can check out a broadcast clip I recorded here. I'm expecting a phone call from TSN as we speak.

Spec Letter

2008-06-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Mike pointed out this letter in the Spectator today, in response to my article last week. Glad to see it generated some buzz around town.

Pan Am Games in the Golden Horseshoe

2008-06-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

$1.8 billion later, Southern Ontario may have a shot at the 2015 Pan Am Games. The Hamilton Spectator reported today that a successful bid would lead to multiple upgrades to the city's existing athletic facilities, including Copps Coliseum and Ivor Wynne Stadium. My only worry is that a collective "Golden Horseshoe" bid may lead to a series of costly upgrades for minimal city exposure (comparatively). On the other hand, Copps and IWS are long overdue for at least a face lift. If all goes as planned, the latter may even cease to exist come 2015.

All told, I think it's a good move for the city. Keeping in line with my take on the Lister Block situation, it may finally be time to bid Ivor Wynne a tearful goodbye and plan for the future. At the very least, here's hoping a new stadium can be built on the same site. Is it too outlandish to have the Ti-Cats play at Mac in the interim? Ronald V. Joyce Stadium would need significant seating upgrades, but look how well it worked in Montreal.