Serpentine Studios spring forward
Serpentine Studios (1668 Barrington Street, Suite 200, 406-1668) spring session begins the week of March 25-31. For those who think Beginner Bellydance, Yoga or Circus Fit might be for them, the first class is free. Just drop in and try the class, no pre-registration necessary (though it is encouraged, as classes fill up quickly). Class…
Get stoked for the Halifax Jazz Festival!
We are happy to be the first to announce an early look at 2012’s Halifax Jazz Festival. Despite what the weather is telling you, it’s not too early to start thinking about July. Tickets are on sale right now, so don’t snooze. All prices included taxes and fees. Saturday, July 7 you get Canned Heat…
RSSC’s crowdfunded house
Lovers of zines, screenprinted matter and everything DIY, your Halifax hub needs you! The Roberts Street Social Centre, home of the Anchor Archive Zine Library, Inkstorm Screenprinting Collective, the Crow’s Nest meeting space and the Peoples’ Photocopier, is fundraising for their proposed May 1 move (beta.indiegogo.com/Roberts-Street-Social-Centre-MOVING). The centre—which for seven years has been a media…
Q&A with Brent Butt
Brent Butt performs in Halifax Thursday, March 15 at the Rebecca Cohn (8pm. $35/$40). He answers a few questions for us about comics (print variety), comics (stand-up variety) and making a hit. Q: What is a typical day for Brent Butt? BB: A lot of time at the gym. A lot of working out. Running…
Another brewery for Halifax
It’s becoming a welcome embarrassment of riches in the local brewing scene. This week we learn that a self-described “nanobrewery” will soon open in Halifax, called Bridge Brewing Company. Java Blend’s (6027 North Street, 423-6944) Peter Burbridge is behind the new enterprise, but is hesitant to discuss it, telling us that he wants to build…
Trouble times doesn’t mean the end
I know that we are going through a down phase right now, but I really don’t think it’s the end. The connection, love and passion we share is something amazing. I have never felt this way before and will wait as long as it takes for you to realize that our love is meant to…
Happy birthday, Scribbler!
Continuing with our band birthday theme in Scene and Heard, here’s another reason to put on a colourful paper hat. Thursday, March 15 is Scribbler’s seventh birthday and five years since the release of their second album Backitius. To celebrate both these events, the group will be making its entire discography free for download at…
Halifax’s transit strike is over
Halifax’s transit strike is over. Tuesday, both the Amalgamated Transit Union and the Halifax city council voted to accept a new contract between the two. Mechanics went back to work Wednesday; ferry service will resume Thursday and full bus service Friday, after 43 days off the road. In reward for their great patience, transit users…
Oh meek Nova Scotians
The bus strike effected the people that least could ‘afford’ it. The working poor that are trying to stay ahead of their bills, our seniors that are on fix incomes and our students that are heavy in debt. The city didn’t care, the ATU surely didn’t (blocking accessabus, snow plows, etc). Now they get a…
See you over there?
I got excited when I read your post I did write in The Coast before but you’re off at 9pm So we must work for 2 different companies unfortunately. —Sexy Eyes Post
You bunch of fuckheads
Bill C-10 (AKA the Conservative omnibus bill) passed, and none of you did shit. I know you didn’t, and now you’re complaining about it as a fucking coffee shop talking point you heard about on Twitter. This is a bill that gives us stiffer penalties and mandatory sentences for drug crimes such as possession, puts…
Thank you and fuck you
Today marks 41 days without buses for 96,000 Haligonian commuters. A ‘tentative deal’ has been reached, although I’m not sure what new perks it gives transit workers since its details haven’t been released. But as if the six-week logistical paralysis hasn’t been enough, now there’s talk of a price increase – which I can understand…
Ninja bikers and pedestrians
Enough with the black clothing already. Car drivers cannot see you. Wear something light or get a reflective tape or a little light. I don’t think that you know just how invisible you are. —Patient (Sort Of) Car Driver
The Men Who Killed Me
The year is still young, and already I’ve been wowed by the Halifax theatre scene. Great comedy like the KTS production of Noises Off has made me laugh. Plays like Ms. Right Now, Pageant and Intimate Apparel have made me ponder society’s obsession with appearance. And brave and brilliant works like The Monument and The…
New Work in Progress blog from Eva Madden-Hagen
Eva Madden-Hagen is one of the Work In Progress bloggers here at The Coast.ca, and she has just put up a new post about her new experimental film POSE. Click here to read it. Madden-Hagen will give the final workshop in her AFCOOP Filmmaker in Residence series this Thursday, March 15, 7pm at The Atlantic…
Free coffee at Ireland 32 on St. Patrick’s Day
This Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day, from 9am to 1pm, Ireland 32 Cafe (6220 Quinpool Road, 444-7555) will serve free fair trade organic coffee served up by owner Noel Gallagher himself. Gallagher moved to Halifax from Ireland nine years ago, and opened the cafe last year because “I like to try different things,” he says. The…
Help Argyle Fine Art find its signs!
Someone has taken the Argyle Fine Art (1559 Barrington Street, Unit 102, 425-9456) signs. You know the ones, well-designed sandwich boards that have always alerted pedestrians that one of the city’s finest art galleries is right there. Three of the signs have gone in the past 24 hours. This is a premeditated sign stealer they’re…
EXPOSED: “A Naked Screening of a Work in Progress”
As some of you who follow this blog will know, I’ve been working this winter on my latest experimental film project POSE. It’s about Dave Cullen, a local storyboard artist who has taken up nude modeling and the comparisons and contrasts lying therein. Part of the duties of the filmmaker in residency program at AFCOOP…
I see you over there
I think that you wrote in the Coast before. I hope so. I know you see me looking over my desk so I can purposely make eye contact with you. You’re sexy. Keep looking my way. —I’m Off at 9pm
Meet The Mind Diddlers
Note from the editor: The Mind Diddlers will guest blog from time to time about the business of making Halifax laugh. Get the inside story on what drives a comedy troupe to do what they do. It was 2010, the Togo National Football Team had been involved in an attack in Angola and as a…
Transit union votes to accept contract offer
Members of the union representing striking Halifax transit workers have voted 88 percent to accept a contract offer from the city. Halifax council will meet tonight at 6pm to vote on the same contract. That meeting is in closed session, but an announcement will be made immediately after. I’ll live-blog the meeting on Twitter (twitter.com/Tim_Bousquet)…
Jon McKiel, “Ice Man” video
The super talented Ryan Delahanty from Bourbon Jungle fame created this chilling masterpiece for Jon McKiel’s haunting “Ice Man” song. It is very bloody, so be warned. B-movie horror style suits McKiel really well, though. Two great tastes, etc. Related Stories
Smooth tower guys
The sight of your smooth armpits as you workout causes me to get hot, making me work out harder. Your bare flesh shows how self-confident you are!I love watching you pump that iron while my thoughts wander to imagining where else you have shaved your body. Love to see more of you men in the…
Call for submissions: OUTeast Queer Film Festival
OUTeast, Atlantic Canada’s Queer Film Festival, is accepting film submissions for the 2012 OUTeast Film Festival, happening in Halifax in June, with programming, schedule and venue details to come soon. Here’s the deets, from the press release: “OUTeast is dedicated to presenting the very best in queer independent cinema from around the world to our…
The straw that broke
To the degenerates who pelted me (and likely others) with an egg this evening (and to all other degenerates I’ve had the misfortune of sharing this planet with): I will never be able to find you or seek vengeance (and I am lucky that it wasn’t a bullet, knife or other lethal weapon), but I…
Donna Hiebert moving on
Donna Hiebert is moving to Mexico. Maybe. She’s definitely leaving town, putting more attention towards sculptural work, and as such is closing her gallery at 5775 Charles, next to Local Source. Her jewellery will be on sale until she closes on March 24, everything 50 percent off. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-4pm.…
HFX love
Halifax, I may not always like you, but I will always love you. Thank you for letting me find myself. You have given me the peacefulness and stillness that was missing in my life. I know I complain about you a lot and always manage to point out your flaws, but in three years when…
Drivers be aware
As if it doesn’t boil my blood enough that for every single barrel of oil we ravage the earth for, 8 barrels are used. If that weren’t enough to make this pedestrian angry at the sight of car after car… after car… what really takes the cake are all those terrible drivers. This is a…
TED rocks!
I had the pleasure of attending the TEDx event held last weekend and what an event it was! From the diverse range of topics, to the musical performances and all the professional and helpful volunteers, it was one of the best run events I have attended in a long time. I really hope that this…
Aflame at the Seaport
Aflame Creations, the handmade designs of jeweller Megan Archer, can be found on the weekends at the Seaport. Her pendants and earrings are made of enameled copper, with different-coloured glass powders applied to the copper and then fused in a kiln at 1500 Celsius. She will do custom work by request, and this is just…
Mumford Video to close
Mumford Video (7037 Mumford Road, 454-9000) is closing. But owner Judy Gavin is quick to point out that it isn’t due to business problems, rather that her lease is up and she’s choosing to call it a day. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” says the former government employee. “I’m a film buff…
Carpool lovefest
According to the paper, it is at least somewhat possible that this shit and terror transit strike could be over at the end of the week. So I guess it’s time to get my ass in gear and start buying presents for my fabulous carpoolin’ coworkers who tirelessly and without complaint picked me up, dropped…
We’re happy to be back
Halifax, we’re happy that the wheels on the bus will go ’round and ’round again. —Driver
Dear husband
Love you more every day. I still sometimes can’t believe I was lucky enough to get you. —Your Wife
Groundhog Day
You are the real-life Bill Murray. You wake up everyday and relive the same exact relationship with someone else. Right down to the pictures. It’s creepy. I used to think that living in a small city was a curse, but now I am going to use it to my advantage and know that you WILL…
Shave it, don’t save it
You used to trim. Then after we had kids, you sort of just stopped. For Christmas, I bought you a body shaver, thinking that would get the hint across. It’s didn’t. You didn’t even try it. My complaining about having to use a lint roller on the bed sheets each morning didn’t evoke any stimulation…
Hali-town
I’m so ready to get back to your poop stinking Commons and rain covered May. Who says that April showers bring May flowers? Because not on the East coast. Seriously though, I love you for it and how it makes me appreciate those hot August days on the ocean and cliffs. I want to walk…
Priorities
SO I went for a haircut on Friday, my barber being the victim of several acts of well publicized vandalism. He had just finished telling the other patrons and I about his tormentors latest attack: complaining to the police that he was selling booze in the shop. He had been visited by two plain clothes…
HALIFAX LOVERS!
To everyone in Halifax who is finding the positive on a day-to-day and sharing it with The Coast – THANK YOU! When I’m feeling bummed out, your stories of gratitude and love make me want to hug everyone. You guys are one of the many bright spots in my day and you deserve to know…
Farewell to a dream
Well, it’s been what 5+ years for me, wishing and waiting, on you, on a dream I guess. Reality has finally set in for me, I needed this closure, how ironic to get it straight from her mouth, all the best to you. P.S. I really liked you… I guess you just weren’t that into…
You should be sorry
G pig, I know you think you “didn’t do anything wrong” by screwing my boyfriend of ten years, over and over, even after I told you that it was ruining our relationship. I hope you realize how selfish and delusional you are. Your presence caused me to deal with family tragedy alone, poisoned our strong…
Oh baby, not for that $$
I have an ad online because I am looking for another family to take on for casual childcare in the evenings/weekends. I’m a mature female, late 20’s, own my own vehicle, have previous nanny experience and CPR/first aid for adults/infants/children. I have at least 5 references from current families I work for not to mention…
So inappropriate
So I know she is your mother and only my aunt but do you really have to announce to the world (and half of her family) on your status update that your mom has cancer? Really did not appreciate seeing that today. A phone call would have been nice… but then again how else could…
Lazy people
Citizens of Halifax for cripes sake take down your xmas wreaths. It’s March, don’t be so friggen lazy!!!!!! —Susieq
Litter bugs
The weekly flyer that is poorly thrown at every house in Halifax, wrapped in a yellow bag, is an eye sore that rarely makes it off the street and out of that bag. Please find another mode of advertising! I am sick of picking the soggy mess off my driveway!!! —Jenn
It’s legal!
Seriously people? Cigs are legal. Still. Next time I see you covering your mouth n nose 10 feet away while I am smoking I am going to lose it. I purposely stay away from high traffic areas when I smoke and will move far away when I see someone coming. I understand it’s gross, stinky…
Dal strike averted; transit strike looks to end
Over the weekend, two important labour agreements were reached. Dalhousie University came to an accord with the Dalhousie Faculty Association, averting a strike scheduled to begin today, and Metro Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union hatched a deal that may soon bring an end to the 39-day strike by transit employees. Both agreements are tentative…
Mandatory what?!
To invoke a certain character from a not-so-recent stoner comedy: “If marijuana isn’t legal in the next five years, I have no faith left in humanity.” A little extreme, but I agree with the basic premise. It’s absurd that we’ve legalized alcohol and tobacco before pot. Marijuana does not lower your inhibitions, it’s not physically…
It’s called a salad
Why can’t I find a prepackaged salad that is actually vegetarian? What is with the propensity to stuff meat into a salad? You would think, salad = vegetarian, there is even sometimes a stigma attached to choosing a salad, but not if its filled with bacon and chicken and other non-vegetables. I understand some people…
Trend alert: Kony 2012 – for good or bad?
Of course, behind every new thing in the world, there are skeptics. And so there should be. Yes, I think people should definitely be aware of the Kony 2012 campaign, but no, I don’t think it’s something to feel “empowered” over or anything of the sort. Kony is a horrible person who should be stopped,…
Shitty parents
I’ve never ever expected a free ride from you. I’ve done it all myself, put myself through school, got married (with not one cent from you), bought and saved for my own house with once again, no help from you… all by the age of 27 which I think is pretty good. While I am…
YOU get no respect?
From personal experience… I depended on the buses to get to work every morning, after work, to get groceries and so on… I know this strike stuff is old news… but it’s current news as well. Most of you bus drivers shouldn’t be on the road. If you are fighting for overtime so you can…
Cute boy at work
You’re so amazing and I know you love me like I love you so why don’t we just say fuck it and date… oh yeah coz you won’t date someone you work with… Please dont play with my emotions and pretend you love me if you have no intention of being with me coz it’s…
Local or just trying to make a buck?
I’m tired of seeing restaurants using the word local only to find out of season produce and obviously imported meats and cheeses on the menu. Almost every “decent” restaurant in the city is using the word local to describe their food. And yet we see fresh berries, tomatoes, peppers, olives, huge shrimp… the list goes…
Put Me On moves
After three years in business, Pamela McInnis’s boutique Put Me On is moving just down the street, from 1532 Queen Street to 1526 Queen Street, the former location of Back Pages books. It’s “giving us a bigger, brighter spot and [we] will be welcoming lots of new local designers as well as consignment clients,” says…
Which side are you on?
Another reporter recently privately criticized me for, in an opinion piece on the transit strike, using the phrase “Whose side are you on?” I shrugged it off at the time—reporters have opinions, too, and I figured my colleague wasn’t aware of my reference to the labour song, “Which side are you on?” But yesterday my…
The Press Gang hosts whiskey nights, Tuesdays in March
Every Tuesday in March, from 7-9pm, The Press Gang ( 5218 Prince Street, 423-8816) is hosting a scotch whiskey education and tasting session, featuring many of the 75 single malts on site. Providing the knowledge will be consulting sommelier Wallace Fraser, co-founder and past president of the Association of Sommeliers of the Atlantic Provinces (now…
DTS presents Reasons to be Pretty
Neil Labute knows how to elicit a reaction. His writing is savage, and his take on the human condition is bleak. Reasons to be Pretty, which is being staged at the Neptune Studio Theatre by the Dalhousie Theatre Society, is no exception. It’s the story of a hapless everyman named Greg (Henricus Gielis) whose relationship…
Awesome Arabs
No white guy has EVER helped me with a door, a bag of groceries or a broken stroller wheel. But you guys never fail to uphold a true standard of civilization: respect and courtesy for mothers and their young children. Thanks for proving the stereotypes wrong everyday. Your mammas should be so proud! —White Mamma…
To the woman who keeps writing me back
To you, who looks for my words and understands the ones I don’t say. I long to tell you them, but time is still healing old wounds. You give me three words each day, and I give you many more. To be frank, “It’s wonderful to get out of bed and drink too much coffee…
To the guy protesting the protesters
I wish I could have joined you but I was on my way to work when I saw you today around 5:30 at the intersection by the MacDonald bridge. It was so great to see people honking to you and waving. I hope you keep it up and hopefully more will join in soon to…
Cute girl with the glasses
To the cute girl who comes into the convenience store I work at no matter the day or time I’m working. We chat a bit when you come in, we laugh, I really like your smile, I know you work a few doors down the strip mall and that you have a second job teaching…
All we need is love
Being your girlfriend makes me the happiest, luckiest girl on the planet. I hope someday you’ll marry me. —Your Woman
Qualified… but too young?
WTF!!!!! I am educated and the head of my department in NL. For some reason it’s not good enough for the employers in NS. I have applied for jobs which meet my qualifications for the last year and nothing. If they contact me and find out I’m in my 20’s and not 40’s it seems…
Tues pm, drooling drunk guy on Gottingen
Tuesday night, post-NSCC. There were a bunch of you, friends, who’d come out and were leaving, and getting into some kinda conversation with the big sideburned dude. I was on the way out, lost in my own thoughts (I’d already averted a conversation with him) and not really paying attention, but in retrospect on the…
The truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth
The vast majority of people speaking out against the transit strike are not capable of supporting any union for any reason at any time. —So Fuch You
Good people
I just wanted to give a shout out to all the great dog owners in halifax. Your furry four leggers are obviously well trained and loved, extra points for scooping that poop. A special love goes out to the owners of the brindle boxer girl. She is so sweet and doesn’t jump up, just wiggles…
Shy painter
Your total ignorance of how awesome you are makes me want to kiss you all over your face. Too bad I’m shy too. —Scientist
Please go back to work!
Yes the radio contest is in bad taste, yes it was all about getting ratings we all know that. But Megan please don’t get wound up and bring this up in the House. Since I voted for you what exactly have you done for this riding? I mean really what constituents have you helped, which…
On and on
I’m not a transit user but even so it’s been six weeks now. I find it quite disrespectful that Metro Transit would allow their union to keep them off the road this long. It’s been said over and over again that a full time driver working 40 hours a week make $50,000.00 a year. I…
Dear metro transit
You went on strike in the start of February and now you’re upset cause you’re not getting your way. The city won’t give you what you want and you go boo hoo. Well guess what? When it was cold yes you had more support now we see what is really going on. You are losing…
Scam artist beware
Warning to all Good Samaritans of HRM: there is a scam artist prowling your streets, looking to prey on your compassion and faith in humanity. She pulled her scam on me last summer, and recently tried to do the same thing to my friend as we were leaving a Moose Heads game. If you see…
Zelios family makes another go of it on Quinpool
From the ashes of It’s All Greek To Me comes Blue Olive Greek Taverna (6196 Quinpool Road, 407-3000). In style—the same Greek national colours blue and white—menu and disposition it seems very much like its predecessor, which closed in early 2012 to stories in the daily press of litigious suppliers and staffers owed paycheques. Janet…
Permanent Ink provides tattoo experience in multiple styles
Jason “Dr J” Suter has been doing tattoo work since the late 80s, and Permanent Ink (3040 Oxford Street, 444-4465) has been open since 1990 in a variety of Halifax locations, including Spring Garden Road, the corner of Bilby and Isleville and 6243 Almon. Now on Oxford, the studio also includes artist Becky MacKeigan. “For…
Int’l Womens’ Day
To a certain worldwide dominant search engine company for changing your logo to support Int’l Women’s’ Day. Reminding us with two red circular blots that every month us women have to go through our menstrual cycle is vehemently offensive to all women. No doubt this is some man’s sick joke from within your graphics department.…
Daddy’s girl
You are a pathetic excuse for a young woman… well almost 30ish woman. You don’t have a cent to your name, despite working at that call center. Your credit is so shot that banks won’t contact, deal, or solicit you. You apply for credit cards constantly and wonder why you are never approved. You cry…
Heartwood changes hands
Halifax’s only exclusively vegetarian restaurant has changed hands after 17 years on Quinpool Road. The new owner of Heartwood Vegetarian Cuisine (6250 Quinpool Road, 425-2808), Carrie Surrette, would like to assure longtime customers will be able to continue enjoying the daily specials, rice bowls, and other favorites. The resto also offers gluten free bread/wrap options,…
Now, listen here
I’m sick of overhearing people make snide remarks in front of innocent salespeople/clerks about some aspect of the business that is OBVIOUSLY out of said salesperson’s control. File a FORMAL complaint if you’re so miffed. Being an ass about the price is NOT the fault of the nice lady making your sandwich or ringing you…
Enough already…
Static electricity, I have had enough. I am developing OCD as a result of coming up with ways to avoid you. You are a sneaky little bastard — if I forget for even one time exiting the car — ZZZAP! An innocent peck on someone’s cheek — ZAP!! It hurts and it’s mean. And I…
So much is right with Ms. Right Now
Alison (Margaret Legere) is a second year law student at Dalhousie University. Despite being smart and beautiful, she’s extremely introverted (At least that’s how I’d describe a girl whose closest friend is the long-deceased poet and wit Dorothy Parker) and struggling to find her identity. A new roommate (Kathryn McCormack) introduces her to the concept…
Codename Sailor V
Codename Sailor V is bound to be recognized as the precursor series to the popular Sailor Moon. The stories start off very similar—young Minako Aino meets a talking cat who gives her the ability to transform into the magic-powered Sailor V. Her mission is to defeat the forces of evil, from energy-stealing aliens to petty…
Strike city
Labour problems have come to Halifax in a major way. Some of the management-union fights involve private companies like the Chronicle-Herald and Oland Brewery (see sidebar), but the bulk of current or impending conflicts reflect public agencies attempting to roll back existing pay or benefits for public employee unions. The provincial government, for example, has…
The Rook
When Myfanwy Thomas awakes in the rain with dead bodies surrounding her, she knows only what is provided by a letter in her pocket addressed to her from…herself. She learns that she holds a high level position in a secret supernatural government agency—organized like a chess board—and that a traitor from within stole her memories…
Q&A with Jenocide
Your favourite, Jenocide, has been in LA for while, teaching and preaching about how to kick it Halifax-style. We talked about it and now all I want is chicken and waffles and sunshine. Yes, she is coming back, so you can breathe easy. Q: What is going on over there? Why are you there? A:…
Forza Motorsport 4
Although Mario Kart 7 has its charms, those wanting a more realistic racing experience need look no further than the latest entry in the high-octane Forza Motorsport series. Forza 4 delivers a fully flushed out racing simulator with more cars and game modes than you could ever want. What stands out the most are the…
Women Making Waves in Halifax
Kari Skogland is unique. She’s a Canadian, female filmmaker who would rather make Quentin Tarantino-inspired films than romantic comedies or indie dramas. Her last film, the 2008 political thriller Fifty Dead Men Walking starring Ben Kingsley, certainly shows her love for action. “I love blowing things up,” says Skogland. “I like bringing the female perspective…
Full House
A row of dolls greet us in the stairwell of Wasabi House, a moment before we are greeted by a host as soon as we reach the top of those stairs. Colourful globe lights hang in the air, giving golden and blue-tinged pops of colour to an already rosy room. We are brought to a…
London River
In the days following the London bombings of July 7, 2005 (or 7/7 as it is known in the UK), Elizabeth (Brenda Blethyn) comes to the city from her Guernsey farm, searching for her daughter, while Ousmane (Sotigui Kouyaté), a West African Muslim, has come from France looking for his estranged son. Both are stunned…
Ben Caplan’s towering success
To say 2011 was the year singer-songwriter Ben Caplan broke would be an understatement. After leaving Nova Scotia early in the year, Caplan found himself on his first national tour, followed by gigs across Europe. But if his recent stop in Halifax before heading to Austin, Texas for South By Southwest is any indication, 2012…
Tentative laughs
To see a weekend standup show at Yuk Yuk’s in the Westin is to watch a manicured performance. But to bear witness to an open mic comedy show in Halifax is to enter a room divided. The front of the house will be occupied by pockets of friends, in herds of small numbers. Meanwhile, the…
Noise addict
Sitting in Tiffany Naugler’s cozy north end apartment, where framed show posters and press passes decorate the walls and freshly painted wall-sized banners and piles of handmade merch hang to dry, it all becomes clear: work and play can co-exist. And they do here at the nerve centre for Noisography.com, a local website that delivers…
Page Eight
Pravda playwright and The Reader screenwriter David Hare returns to directing for the first time in years with this John le Carré-style British spy drama. Johnny Worricker (Bill Nighy) plays a straight-arrow MI5 man, hollow from too many hard years and a bad relationship with his ex-wives and daughter, but still with a firm grip…
Like A Motorcycle
An EP of six songs, with only one topping three minutes, this is lean, mean and fucking good. From the first riff and waah-oh of “Hitting The Bottle,” the Halifax trio (Jillian Comeau, Kim Carson and Michelle Skelding)stakes its claim to a sweaty, relentless sound, tapping into a particular be-leathered badass rock vein. What makes…
Striking the environment
Transit operators say that one bus replaces 50 cars—making every bus strike a smack to the environment. The actual impact is difficult to quantify. The only place in town counting cars is Halifax Harbour Bridges. Its spokesperson, Alison MacDonald, says they’ve seen spikes in peak-hour traffic since the Metro Transit strike began (excluding spring break…
The Just Barelys
For those who have had the art- pop gems of The Just Barely’s 2005 release Top stuck in their heads for years, you’ll be pleased to hear their latest, Mad Bits, has enough solid jams to keep you going for another seven years. The time spent since the last release hasn’t been wasted—there’s absolutely no…
Dreaming of (i)Pad 3
For 20 years Andrew Maize had trouble sleeping on his back, that is until he received a thoughtful homemade gift from his 11-year-old cousin. That half-pound lavender eye compress, also served as inspiration for the (i)Pad 3, which Maize calls “technology so unadvanced, you’ll forget it’s even there.” a.corn inc., a NSCAD-based collective founded by…
Wearable Art attack
Even in the midst of a not-so-white winter the Wearable Art Show continues to snowball, picking up speed and growing pretty consistently. The 22nd annual bright spot on the art community’s calendar heads back to the Halifax Forum for a second consecutive year, embracing the new space and giving NSCAD’s most fashionable the centre stage…
Benn Ross
The Halifax indie scene would be missing a few beats over the last 20 years if not for Benn Ross, a veritable Zelig of the skins. Every few years, he’ll call in some favours and set loose his own muse. With its refrain”Come out from the shadows now,” “Hiding Heart” describes shyness and the struggle…
Solid Owen Steel
It’s been nearly two years since Owen Steel’s acclaimed full- length record smacked silly smiles upon our faces, but he hasn’t really stopped moving since then. And he hasn’t left us hanging either. Last summer he released a collection of B-sides and demos called Reel Ruffs & Other Stuffs and he’s continuing to tide us…
Of Montreal
In the past 10 years, Athens, Georgia’s Of Montreal released seven albums, two of them absolute pop gems (2007’s Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?; 2010’s False Priest). But fans tend to forget that before Kevin Barnes found his foothold as the godfather of psychedelic indie-rock, Of Montreal were a spectacularly terrible twee-pop band. Paralytic…
PANOS gets dreamy
Panos Giannoulis is certainly a familiar name, and face, in Halifax’s music scene. He’s exercised his well-honed musical chops with Their Majesties (formerly Porcelain Gods) and legendary jazz-man Jerry Granelli but recently took to challenging his songwriting and composing side in a project called PANOS, with Andrew and Seamus Erskine, Rebecca Zolkower and Andrew MacKelvie…
We Need to Talk About Kevin, you need to go see him
Director Lynne Ramsay creates a seamlessly claustrophobic account of a mother’s relationship with her disturbed son—an adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s novel so rich in colour and imagery, you wonder how this story could be told through words alone. Eva Khatchadourian (Tilda Swinton) gives up her globetrotting life to have a family with Franklin (John C.…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! PISCES (February 19 – March 20) Shunryu Suzuki was a Zen master whose books helped popularize Zen Buddhism in America. A student once asked him, “How much ego do you need?” His austere reply was “Just enough so that you don’t step in front of a bus.” While I sympathize with the value…
My Friend Jesus Christ
A modest formal experiment in narrative minimalism, Danish thespian Lars Husum provides as little data as possible to move the plot along for star appearances by My Friend Jesus Christ. Expect no realistic descriptions. Husum’s first novel transliterates cartoon panels depicting spare silhouettes without detail. Comic book exclamatories like SMACK, WALLOP, a page-long AAAAHHHH and…
Gun crazy
Thirty minutes after Halifax rang in the new year, a 16-year-old boy refused to turn over his earrings to a stranger at the Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth. Eighteen-year-old Jerrell Shephard allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the younger boy twice. Once in the chest and once in the head. Kyle Gallupe survived the gunshots.…
Flawed John Carter
One can’t count a paucity of ideas among the numerous flaws in John Carter, an adaptation of an Edgar Rice Burroughs story. The action-adventure flick brims over with alien creatures, plotlines that feature space travel, romance and war and thematic nods to environmental destruction, politics and the Bible. This J.C. (get it?) is a former…
Looking for your help
Q I’m a gay man in my late 20s who has been trying to deal with an attraction to young boys since I hit puberty. I know that what I feel is wrong and wish to Christ that I could have a normally wired brain. I have never abused a child; I do not look…
