Osheaga Days 2+3
My singular reason for attending day two was Bright Eyes. Who I have somehow missed live in my love affair with Saddle Creek and Barsuk bands. After saying whatup to my girl Kinley Dowling of Hey Rosetta, who were busking for War Child after an early mainstage slot, I waded into the crowd for Conor…
Recently Engaged: Alison & John
When you think “proposal”, what pops into your mind? For me, it used to be a romantic dinner, a bended knee, flowers perhaps. Our engagement story didn’t exactly turn out like that. I suppose you could call it romantic comedy, with an emphasis on the “comedy” part. On the weekend before my 30th birthday, I…
Pierce Brosnan, ice cream sandwiches
The big night is tonight! At 7:30 pm tonight, we’re opening our doors for the premiere of our very funny (if we do say so ourselves, and we do) one-woman show and night of sketch comedy. We’ve got about a kabillion things to do before showtime, and so what are we going to do instead?…
Halifax council delays stadium decision to next week
Talk of a new stadium in Halifax has been around for years, but council only took action when it decided earlier this year that a stadium could be used to chase a bid for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, even though Trade Centre Limited had advised against pursuing the bid. In February council…
Where is My Freedom of Choice?
I am a little perplexed at why someone would want to see anyone (let alone a beloved member of their family) suffer any longer than absolutely necessary with a terminal disease. It is considered inhumane to treat our pets this way, maybe we need to change our views on how we treat our own kind.…
Penny Pinching Asshole
To the fuckface bus driver who drives the Colby bus in the mornings. Thanks for announcing to the whole bus I was 5 cents short on my bus fare. Thanks to you and your two cents worth, I had to put an extra LOONIE in – cuz that was all I had. You just had…
Kids These Days
I’m no senior citizen but I have been feeling really old and crotchety lately. My major source of annoyance: teenagers! My partner and I checked out the fireworks on Lake Banook and we were surrounded by teenagers… teenagers who screamed bloody murder for no reason in the middle of the show, teenagers who climbed up…
Southern Shores Get Pitchfork Love
mat dunlap smile away The taste-making music website Pitchfork has highlighted a song by Halifax beat-poppers Southern Shores. The duo – comprised of Ben Dalton and Jamie Townsend – caught the attention of experimental pop label Cascine Records, who released Southern Shores’ fizzy-sweet debut EP Atlantic on their website. Writer Jordan Sargent examines the song…
Dear Arcade Fire
Your concert last Thursday was the best concert that I have ever been too. I have been waiting to see you since 2002 when I saw you in a little club in Cambridge, ON. Your energy and enthusiasm in your performance was intoxicating and I am still all excited and pumped up by your concert.…
Sharkie
You are my favourite one! —Lil T
Double Love
This love is for two groups. First, to the wonderful city of Montreal for showing me such a great time last week as you always do. You’re busy but still somehow laid back vibe really put me in a good place. Your women are gorgeous, your chicken is delicious and your people are enthusiastic and…
Stud
Nothing starts my day like a quick caffeine fix and a flash of your charming smile, finding myself skipping down Robie on my way to see you. Your personality brightens my mornings and I absolutely love seeing you in the mornings, it’s the only reason I’d spend $5 on a coffee. —Coffee Love xx
The Good Folks on Gottingen St.
I just wanted to give much love to the people on Gottingen St. for being so amazing during the five months that I have been here. I look forward to my return and will think of you all when I am sitting in Ontario with no ocean around me. —Lady with the Red Hair
New Dog Day Today
If you were on the internets yesterday, you may have noticed a lot of people changing their Facebook profile photos to this: As part of a smart promotional plug for their new record, Deformer, Dog Day urged the rest of us yobs to use the album cover as our new Facebook face and receive a…
My Lil T-Rex
You make me so happy! Rar xo. —Sharkie
A Dad Again
After getting so few occasions for quality time, I finally got real quality time with my daughter on a weekend trip. I hadn’t put her to bed in years and it makes my eyes well up when I think of reading her bed-time stories and being there when she wakes up. I was a doting…
Sunday Evening Ink
You had some drinks on my patio Natal day Sunday, with a beautiful floral forearm piece, pink eye shadow and a nose ring. We chatted about ink and local shops as you settled your bill. You were a pleasure to speak with and brightened the rest of my busy evening, sadly I did not catch…
Flowing Silver Hair
There is a bus driver that operates the number 20 and also the number 80. He has flowing silver hair. When he walks his hair just flows in the air. He is about five foot seven with a nice build. Hope to see you soon driving the bus. —A Faithful Passenger
Virtual Smoochies
Now that I have emerged from the nastiest 6 months of my life, I want to send smoochies and hugs out to all those who helped me along… without you I would be lost. To my Truro posse, thanks for helping while you could. To The Members of the Halifax Bitchers Society thanks for the…
Arcade Fire Still Burning in My Heart
I’d just like to say, on behalf of all AF fans, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING!! I got the chance to touch your shoe and my friend beside me caught Win’s pick. The music was brilliant, as usual. Of all places, you came to Dartmouth, and I hope you come back again! —Dazzled Fan
Pinot Notoveryou
Seeing you today yielded a sever panic attack only to be remedied by two bottles of wine. Will this ever end? How do you make love stop? —WFNVD
Hey Babe
You are there – I am here – I miss you. —Love You
You Made Me Feel Pretty
I just wanted to say this, to a certain pretty boutique, you’ve got a return customer. Your staff is very friendly. I’m a plus-sized girl and I was nervous about coming to your store, but after I finally worked up the nerve, I’m really glad I did. Your staff helped me pick out a dress,…
Sappyfest 2011, Day 3:
As the final day of this little festival commences, people recede into the shade under the only tree near the Town Bandstand where Toronto’s Lisa Bolzikovic begins quietly. The sky is intensely blue and the shade offers very little respite from the scorching sun. After a few sullen numbers unaccompanied, Bozikovic is backed by three…
Library Hottie
To the library hottie, I wish I hadn’t split before I got your name or that I seemed to lose my ability for coherent speech. Thanks for the help though. —Not All Those Who Wander are Lost
(Don’t) Mind the Gap
Hey people, so my boyfriend and I have a 20 year age gap between us. I’m 27, he’s 47. Yeah, maybe not something you see every day, but you know what? We’re both just two human beings who get along great. So this lady decides to stand directly outside the restaurant window we’re sitting beside…
Three Cheers
…for the Arcade Fire percussionists rockin out in the back – we loved your tambourine dance and crazy drumming hijacks! —Dancing with You
Blowing in the Wind
Dear cigarette smoking GRANDMOTHER at the Natal Day events on the Commons: Seriously? Did this actually happen? You lit up in front of what appeared to be your 5 young grandkids, and my 7 month old baby who was less than 5 feet behind you. Then two other members of your group did the same.…
Cash Lovey
You’re the highlight of my every second Thursday. Everytime I leave your window I regret not asking you to hang out. Though we’re both in relationships (maybe still, maybe not), I think we could be great friends. Seems we have so much in common and your eyes… wow! Ok, maybe it’s a bad idea. Or,…
Hard to be Proud
I am not a pride fanatic. I actually think it is a tad obnoxious at times, however I do get annoyed with recent statements made in a certain paper in regard to the parade. I agree sometimes people push boundaries however boundaries would never expand had we not the courage to push them… besides, who…
Fat-Ugly-Lazy-Bad Teeth
If you fall into any of those, please can you just get a call center job for the love of all things? Why do you insist on working with the public, in the public? No one, and I mean no one, wants to see or smell you from across any partition, table, check out or…
That’s My Polski!
To all you bi-atches out there that want a piece of my Eastern European stallion: Back the fuck off. Like c’mon now. We may not be together anymore but he’s still my baby and always will be. You will never compare to me. Yes, you’re probably heartbreakingly beautiful (I mean, you’d have to be, to…
Broke Stupid
I have gone to both college and university and I have pounded the pavement for jobs. I have been underemployed, underpaid and living at my parents house forever. I’m so sick of it. What happened to the ‘go to school, get a good job and succeed’ story? I have heard many of these same stories.…
New Aged Dating
I’m not sure what happened to dating, but it went downhill. When I was in high school people had to pick up a phone and actually call a person. With the new technology, phones you can text on, computers with chat rooms and all that jazz nobody has to actually put themselves on the line.…
Sandra “Sham-wow” Shamas + Wit’s End = Fate
We’re bound by fate to Sandra Shamas. She’s a very funny actress/comedienne from Ontario, and she wrote the first part of our upcoming double-bill production My Boyfriend’s Back and There’s Gonna Be Laundry, which is on from Aug. 3 to 5 at the Bus Stop Theatre. We’ve been putting the process of writing original work…
Osheaga Day 1
Montreal’s Osheaga festival rivals any Bonnaroo or Coachella lineup, but since it comes after those, it has yet to gain their traction on a wider scale, which is crazy to me, since it takes all of four minutes on the train to get from the festival site to downtown. Anyway, I arrived with what turned…
Sappyfest 2011, Day 2:
Fair readers, I must admit, yesterday I was lead astray. I did not see all there was to see. But I swear, it’s not entirely my fault. Weekends such as this make itineraries entirely foolhardy. Either way, I do still feel like I got a full day of festival and then some, but I did…
Pierce Brosnan spotted in Halifax
Former James Bond and Irish-born leading man Pierce Brosnan has been seen in town, most notably at Steve-O-Reno’s on Brunswick Street. He’s here working on a mini-series called Bag of Bones, adapted from a Stephen King story. Though his licence to kill has been reassigned, Brosnan keeps making good choices with his career, recently appearing…
Bingo! winner
The starting point of Bingo! is not all that original—-five friends reunite to share memories, secrets and rivalries on the eve of a high school reunion —-but in the hands of wordsmith Daniel MacIvor, a stock premise becomes an absolute delight. His cast of characters is quirky and complex. Marty Burt is “Dookie” a self-important,…
Sappyfest 2011, Day 1:
I arrived in Sackville around 5:30pm; The highway was full of cars, and we spot a few familiar faces along the way and one back window sign proclaiming ‘Sappy-Dappy-Doo!’). With just enough time to head to the local liquor shop and to direct a few fellow passengers to a vacant lot to set up a…
PRIDE My Ass
Once again this year’s Halifax PRIDE parade boasted its “family-friendly” atmosphere and now I’m just pissed off. I was horrified by what my daughter viewed last year at this parade and didn’t think twice about NOT bringing her this year. When’s the last time YOU told the bedtime story of “Sado-Johnny”; a man whose only…
All Human Beings are Real
I wish people would just shut the fuck up about other people’s appearance. I’m so tired of this worn out crusade against thin or fit individuals, and the bullshit hate that a lot of people seem to have for over-weight or out of shape individuals, or people deemed “ugly” or “beautiful”. We are all human…
Get a Clue “Barbies”
Do all you skinny, long haired, flirty girls think you’re really that hot? Just because you know how to put makeup on, spend a fortune on hair and barf after each meal, doesn’t change your personality. You suck. I’m so tired of guys swooning over bimbos when they could be noticing the awesome individuals that…
Sad Love to a True Gentleman
Many heartfelt thanks to the man who, after accidentally killing my cat and searching unsuccessfully for its owner, not only dealt with the body but showed incredible sensitivity and guts by leaving a lovely message where I would find it. The devastation of my pet’s death was greatly softened by this act of wonderful kindness.…
Don’t Flatter Yourself
After working alongside you and sharing generous flirtation, accepting a movie invite from me (never went, but anyway), and also playing an online game together, I was under the impression that you were almost a friend. Perhaps we were misleading each other because ultimately I knew you weren’t that serious but you didn’t seem to…
Stereotypes of Those Who Clean Gum Out of Urinals
I like to clean offices, it’s calm, nightly quiet, and I get satisfaction from making things shiny and clean. That does not make me a non-person. Last night, I was cleaning the men’s bathroom, had the door propped open and on my hands and knees, was scraping goo off the floor. And you, big man…
Thieving Wallet Duo
To the two fuckers who broke into my work’s LOCKED staff room and stole my wallet and my coworker’s belongings: fuck you. Fuck you so fucking hard. I hope you were pissed that you had to go through all of that goddamn work breaking our lock system and distracting me and my coworker to get…
Please Comply
When I ask to see your ID don’t hand me your wallet with the card in under one of those plastic pouches. Furthermore, don’t rudely smirk and half giggle then say, “Well I can’t get it out,” when I let you know there are holographic features on the card I have to check. It’s not…
See this Bass? Well, See this Mr. Clothes Store
Hey, Mr. ‘I’m so cool ’cause I sit all day at the till of a not very busy clothes store’ Store-Keeper, our maintenance meister went over on behalf of a lot of us and asked you nicely to turn down your low grade electronica which you leave blaring into the street ALL NIGHT and ALL…
You are Cut Off
What is with people who drive cars cutting off motorcyclists? I was cut off 2 times today and I am not a daredevil motorcyclist that gives other motorcyclists a bad name. I drive defensively, otherwise I would have been in 2 accidents today. So, to the lady driving the amber minivan who cut 3 feet…
Sappy Preamble:
What else could you possibly be doing aside from seeing Charles Bradley in Sackville, New Brunny? Not much, really.
Dear Halifax
Ever since I moved home to Australia, I have been missing you. You are a beautiful city filled with character and I hope that everybody living there appreciates you. You deserve so much love, and I hope to see you again soon. —Haligonian Heart
Server at Lunch
Thanks to the awesome server at the sushi restaurant yesterday. Our meals were delicious, but it was the excellent service that we appreciated more than anything. You’ve got a super personality and you’re attentive without hovering. We hope your boss knows what a great job you’re doing! —Tdauntie
Taxpayers bail out $5 million Trade Centre Limited operating deficits
The provincial Public Accounts for the 2010/11 fiscal year were released Thursday. Reporters and the public will be digging through the records over the next few days, but one thing jumps out immediately: the transfer of $5,003,641.60 from the Department of Economic and Rural Development to Trade Centre Limited (page 101). TCL spokesperson Neal Alderson…
Silly Boy
How dare you! I was all fine and good by myself, enjoying my life when you somehow came along and shook things up. You hacked into my encrypted heart and I haven’t been able to get you out. I changed my password numerous times but that was just no match for you and your tricks.…
Poor Gene Pool
This is for all the people who come from bad gene pools – please don’t go swimming. For the love of all things ugly you will only make uglier offspring than what your own parents created. Had they realized before they went swimming the outcome of that union I am sure they would have rethought…
Fatty Fatty Two by Four
Fatty fatty two by four you just shouldn’t eat no more. Get up off your fatass you lazy fat slob and go for a long walk – walk like Forest Gump ran-until you’re skinny. Or at least until your ass moves back around to behind you. When it’s easier for people to jump over you…
Do a Better Job Halifax!
Yesterday, while partaking in an urban hike, I had cause and curiosity to stop back in at the United Church/Turning Point area along Brunswick Street. This is an area I had not previously visited in some two to three years. I was shocked to see the changes and wondered if there is a new and…
Are You Michael Vick’s Mother or Something?
To the woman at the grocery store on Tacoma freaking out at the young woman with the pit bull: Please go play in traffic… now! You yelled at me (I guess it was the uniform) demanding to know where the dog’s muzzle was. The young woman and I looked at each other in confusion and…
Help Bring Kevin Hall Back to Halifax
You may not know Kevin Hall by name (yet) but chances are you’ve seen this recent NSCC Music Business graduate busting his ass backstage at various shows and festivals around the city. This very nice young man got the chance of a lifetime to tour with We’re Doomed on their Warped Tour dates a couple…
Still Dizzy For You
To the prettiest little boops in the world, I love you more than ever! —Dizzy D
You Stink Like Cat Urine
Ok, you take the bus. You stink like cat piss. We all know it and cringe when you sit with us. Can you spray yourself with Febreeze or something? Even your breath smells like cat piss. I don’t know if you’re drinking it or what. Today, your stench gave me an asthma attack. I can’t…
Passed Out
Thanks to everyone who helped me out on Sunday, July 24 when a trip to a certain grocery store went horribly wrong. I still have no idea what happened, and so I have no idea who to thank for helping out until the paramedics arrived – but please know I am very grateful. Thanks also…
Cutting HRM Council
To the URB, finally a decision regarding MY money that I approve of! Though the number could have been smaller, this is a good start. At least some of those bench warmers will be gone! —Taxpayer
Hey Bartender
You are the cutest bartender EVER. My friend and I were reading the Love the Way We Love column sitting at the bar two weeks ago. I saw you again last night and I wish I was brave enough to talk to you without getting all frazzled. I know it would be crazy to assume…
Evolve 2011: Day 3
On Sunday, most of our camp staggered towards their cars, headed home. Around ten of us decided to stay, despite the plump grey clouds hanging ominously above us. At this point my tent, bedding, clothes and rainboots were so mud-fucked that it didn’t matter. We stayed. There is something very decadent about drinking red wine…
Will my fiance think I am sick?
Q When I was 14, my parents informed me that I had a half-brother. He was my father’s son by another woman. My parents were already married when my brother was born, but I hadn’t come along yet. It was a huge scandal when it happened. My half-brother came to live with us after his…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! LEO (July 23-August 22) During my years as a singer in rock bands, I’ve had a theatrical approach to performing. On some occasions, I arrive on stage from the back of the club. Dressed in leather and rags and witchdoctor finery, with a rainbow of fake eagle feathers splayed from my coiffure, I…
Hermoddities’ oddfellows
A big-eyed figure with a troll-style shock of white hair hides behind a tree in a dark wood. A group of medieval dwarf-like creatures rows a boat obliviously as another one drowns. Identically dressed women erect a smiling canopy over a circus tent. These are just some of the bizarre creatures to be encountered in…
Theatre is alive and well in Chester
When I saw the title of this show, my first thought was who is Jacques Brel? Well, now I know that he is a fabulous Brussels-born composer who lived from 1929 to 1978, and I’m sorry I didn’t make his acquaintance sooner. The show (notice how I’m avoiding calling it a play, for although it…
Paper Weight holds it down
Finding Kate Walchuk’s work within Lost and Found is a little bit of a scavenger hunt, and she likes it that way. “I have the advantage of placing crafted objects in the same displays as their original referents,” says the artist. “My intent being that the art maintains a stubborn presence next to that of…
AFCOOP, CFAT and the AFFA no longer under one roof
The CBC Radio building on Sackville Street may not be the prettiest edifice in Halifax, but for the past 17 years it has been home to some of the most well-known film and video organizations in the province. So when it was announced last September that the building would be undergoing a transformation into a…
Double Dee success
We embark for our meal at Dee Dee’s in less than favourable weather conditions. On a day where the light sprinkle of rain is not a welcome relief to the heat— rather an addition to fog and a chilly breeze —I’m not all that keen on ice cream. But when we arrive at the little purple…
Arcade Fire burning
Arcade Fire is a band like any other band. Except: Arcade Fire make a fine living, because they self-record and own their studios and their masters and two of their three records have been insanely successful by indie-rock standards. Your band and all the people in it are broke. Arcade Fire know Bruce Springsteen and…
Dog Day’s stripped-down sound
Can a two-legged dog still run? That’s the question that Seth Smith and Nancy Urich, the husband-and-wife duo that makes up Dog Day, faced as half their band disintegrated—and just as the success of Concentration had them seemingly poised for a breakthrough. Now comes Deformer, Dog Day’s first album as a two-piece, and with it,…
Despite funny moments, Crazy, Stupid, Love disappoints
Despite some truly funny moments (half of which are in the previews), director duo Glenn Ficarra’s and John Requa’s (I Love You Phillip Morris) Crazy, Stupid, Love doesn’t live up to its full potential, falling into a well-worn Hollywood routine of soulmates and grand gestures. As Steve Carell’s 25-year marriage to Julianne Moore breaks up,…
Murphys law
The first release by the Dropkick Murphys was a split with fellow Bostonians The Ducky Boys. The lead song, “Barroom Hero” was a mini-classic during the east coast’s street-punk resurgence in the late ’90s. A slew of seven-inch splits and singles followed, but there was little indication that the Dropkick Murphys would become a Billboard…
Cowboys & Aliens drags
Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens is what you expect: a sci-fi action movie set in a lawless world of saloons and guns. An amnesiac cowboy wearing a digitized wristband that shoots stuff (Daniel Craig) ambles about wreaking havoc, killing some nasty looking aliens who’ve taken people hostage. The town’s head honcho (Harrison Ford), a mysterious…
Loud and clear Screams from the Gutter
Sometimes, if you want something, you just have to do it yourself. That’s the way Contagium’s Rob Butler came up with this weekend jam-packed with punk and hardcore music; he just wanted some live music to look forward to and didn’t want to wait around for it. “While there have been some good shows this…
No Smurf-in’ good
Director Raja Gosnell takes Smurfs where they shouldn’t go: out of Smurf Village (an alternate universe that “knows no sadness”) and through a blue moon-induced portal to modern day Manhattan. Hiding from evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria with a prosthetic shnoz)—who’s on a mission to extract the Smurfs’ happiness to become invincible—a band of Smurfs…
Natal Day soundtrack
While some long weekends mark a mass exodus of people skipping town to camp, swim and take really long drives, Natal Day weekend is tempting us to stay put in the HRM. We’re talking free music, every day. Here’s what the weekend has to offer. Saturday sees Gordon Tucker, Doris Mason, Mike Cowie, Rasta Gumbo…
