Buskers’ street style
Expect a packed boardwalk, flying footballs, juggling, mimes, juggling mimes, living statues and requests for volunteers August 2-12 for the 26th Halifax International Busker Festival. Whether your memories of festivals past include being charmed by the various accents or well-defined muscles of bicycle acrobats, or not knowing where to stare while someone plays a saxophone…
This is arts country
This ain’t your average festival—it’s a full-blown experience in the form of a 24-hour open air art exhibition. White Rabbit Arts is opening its (out-of-)doors for the fourth annual White Rabbit Experience 2012, August 18-19 at Red Clay Farm in Upper Economy. Event organizer Andrew Maize says it’s “a chance for people to celebrate the…
Time out at Sir Sanford Fleming Park
Meantime in Greenwich is an innovative public art project by media artist David Clark being officially unveiled Monday, August 6 in Sir Sanford Fleming Park. The project is a nonlinear audio narrative and augmented reality experience presented through a series of interactive sundials distributed throughout the park. Park visitors will be able to download a…
Active transportation fail: stairways edition
Our society is, slowly, making headway on the active transportation front. While sometimes it seems like we’re butting heads against a brick wall, bike paths and walking opportunities are at least given lip service by politicians and city planners. And for good reason: a good active transportation system reduces overall transportation costs (each person on…
SHIRTS + SKIRTS: a tournament of many skills has some fun on the Common
Let the game begin! Which games? All of them, at the same time! Bored of the same old Olympic sports? Check out SiNS Dance Collective perform their new outdoor performance piece, SKIRTS & SHIRTS: a tournament of many skills. It’s a quirky and competitive combo of contact dance, improv athletics and park games. Soccer meets…
Never heard the end of it
The Japan air incident 20+ years back was something I hadn’t heard about recently and I was startled by the witnesses and concurring radar evidence. I dug deeper into some of the higher evidence quality cases like the recent mass sightings in Israel and the startling possibility started to dawn on me that we may…
Nepotism at its finest
I’ve been covering a job held by a woman on maternity leave for the past year. She’s coming back to work in a few weeks. Of course, for the past few months I’ve been looking for work so when the job ends I won’t be unemployed. However, I really enjoy this job, your company and…
Still holding a grudge
I am still holding a grudge against this girl who is a former girlfriend of my partner. Back in the ’80s everybody said she had better hair than me. That she had a better overall appearance than me. I personally did not think so. The only thing that she had better than me was she…
Sex starved
Imagine getting your jollies at the dentist’s office. A certain person that I know of talks about getting off at the dentist’s office. When at the dentist office this male individual gets off by looking at the dental hygienist while she is cleaning his teeth. He feels her breath breathing towards his mouth. He feels…
GO TEAM CHOCOLATE!
You are def one amazing woman. Smart, witty and have a heart of gold. You make me smile even when you aren’t with me. Waking up next to you is the best part of my day. You were a great ear when my Aunt passed, you realized how much she meant to me and my…
Everyone tells me
That I should try to make you part of my life again. My biggest worry is that you’ve “settled” for someone else. I’d fill your house with mini carnations again, if you’d let me. Or steam up some car windows on frosty nights. Or share a secluded corner booth. Because I’ve been unable to stop…
A lovely memory
To the jogger on Kearney Lake Road Monday evening July 30 at 6:37pm: I was on my bike heading toward Clayton Park, you were heading away, we were both on the shady side of the road. As I approached you, I gave you a small wave and you smiled and in that instant, you took…
Premiers come to Halifax, do a lot of nothing
Well, at least Nova Scotia’s tourism industry received a bit of a boost. On Friday afternoon the annual meeting of the Council of the Federation wrapped up following three leisurely days of meetings and socializing that demonstrated, once again, that in Stephen Harper’s Canada you shouldn’t expect much in the way of progressive political leadership.…
Fed up with frivolous bitching
C’mon people, let’s tone up the intellectual content of this section. It’s degenerated into “You stinky-bum, you,” and “Your Auntie eats rubber boots,” level of name calling. Let’s start a new topic of high calibre and deep philosophical import. (Ahem) my Mensa-level bitch… I absolutely HATE my cereal milk turning purple when I add blueberries…
Shovelling coal in Cole Harbour
There was a time when I didn’t believe in hell but I am sure now with every fibre of my being, that it exists and that I am right here in it. Basking in the midst of the molten fucking lava as we speak; shovelling coals into the fire pit; the devil Satan himself I’m…
Accessibility advocate calls for Chickenburger boycott
Business is booming at the new Queen Street Chickenburger, but not everyone can enter. Accessibility advocate Gus Reed says the new restaurant might as well have posted a sign on the doors saying people in wheelchairs are not welcome. Reed has created an online pledge to boycott Chickenburger until it provides access to the inside…
Halifax Pride Parade 2012
Halifax Pride parade 2012
Equal rights?
Now don’t get me wrong, I am completely for equal right for all. Including, men, women, trans, staight, gay, bi, black, white, purple. You get my drift. But I am a little confused on what “equal rights” means. It should be common sense. Yet how it is equal rights for a gay man to be…
Thank you
For showing me how to live again. —My Wait is Over
Stripper poles
Stripper poles now in your neighbourhood bar. My friend came to visit me, we went downtown for a meal and a drink. There was a stripper pole to the right of us with an overweight broad rubbing her vagina all over the pole. She had a black thong on and we could see everything. I…
Rain on my Pride Parade
To the person(s) who decided to report to one our fine Halifax Police force that I was smoking weed. Here’s the facts for you, I am a long term survivor of HIV/AIDS, over 20 years now. In the last five years I have developed a severe neurological disease in my brain. I live in excruciating…
Techno dance friend
You were at The Scientist of Sound show. The only one dancing by herself. I decided to dance next to you and you made my entire night. The show kinda blew after you left. I’ll be at the next show looking for a dance partner, I hope to see you there. —White Shirt Bearded Wingman
Follow the yellow puddle
My darling, words cannot express what you do to me. You’re so close yet I cannot touch you. My heart aches with what could bes and what ifs. Your words “You’re so beautiful,” sounding so sincere, damn near broke my heart. I want you so much it hurts. I could love you. Thank you for…
Blondie
You frequent Shubie Park with your little mohawk’d pup. Where did you come from??? —Golden Retrieve Me
You monkeys in your cages
To all the assholes who think it is beyond necessary to yell hateful slurs out their car windows as they drive by, to throw shit, to make animal noises or to be otherwise pitiful excuses for human beings because you had half a beer and feel like big men: It is not necessary. You aren’t…
Racist pride night
My roommate walked back from the Mosque during Ramadan prayers with his friend and were subjected to drunken taunts, racist slurs and people being genuine assholes. I thought on the night of the Pride Parade people in this city would actually be a little more accepting, but put alcohol in someone’s hands and the truth…
Another bus bitch
To the driver of the #1 who looked me in the eye and passed right by me when I was standing by the bus stop on Gottingen Street: What the fuck? Why didn’t you pick me up? Fuck you. —T Nut
Who is running for mayor of Halifax
The district District map: The mayor is the only position that is elected by voters from across the Halifax Regional Municipality, from Hubbards in the southwest to Ecum Secum, three hours to the east, from the outer edges of Upper Sackville to downtown. Even the lighthouse keeper on Sable Island can vote for mayor. Candidates…
Who is running for council in District 1: Waverley—Fall River—Musquodoboit Valley?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Barry Dalrymple Council report card Website Twitter: None Facebook: None Email Steve Streatch Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates a questionnaire, asking questions that are…
Who is running for council in District 2: Preston—Porters Lake—Eastern Shore?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Laurie Cook Website Twitter Facebook Email Jason Josey Website: None Twitter Facebook Email Will Gilligan Website Twitter Facebook Email no text no text David Hendsbee Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email no text no text Keith Leahy Website: None Twitter:…
Who is running for council in District 3: Dartmouth South—Eastern Passage?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Jackie Barkhouse Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Bill Karsten Council report card Website Twitter: None Facebook Email no text Jim MacDonald Website Twitter: None Facebook Email no text no text no text no text no text 20 questions from…
Who is running for council in District 4: Cole Harbour —Westphal?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Angela Jones Website Twitter Facebook Email no text no text Lorelei Nicoll Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Barry A. Smith Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates…
Who is running for council in District 5: Dartmouth Centre?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Sam Austin Website Twitter Facebook Email Ken Bowman Website Twitter Facebook Email Bryn Jones-Vaillancourt Website Twitter Facebook Email Gloria McCluskey Council report card Website Twitter Facebook: None Email Sonya Dudka Website Twitter Facebook Email Kate Watson Website Twitter Facebook Email Bill…
Who is running for council in District 6: Harbourview—Burnside—Dartmouth East?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Darren Fisher Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Jerry Pye Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates a questionnaire, asking questions that are more personal than political. Here…
Navy boys
You are the only men in uniform that make me weak in the knees! I love your rough and tumble lifestyle, crazy antics and the things you can do in the bedroom. —Hello, Sailor!
Who is running for council in District 7: Peninsula South?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Dawgfather PHD Website Twitter Facebook Email Waye Mason Website Twitter Facebook Email Sue Uteck Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Gerry Walsh Website Twitter Facebook Email Mike MacDonell Website: None Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the…
Who is running for council in District 8: Peninsula North?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Karen Dempsey Website Twitter Facebook Email Doug MacDonald Website Twitter Facebook Email Dawn Marie Sloane Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Jennifer Watts Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email James McKay Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The…
Who is running for council in District 9: Peninsula West—Armdale?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Giovanni (John) Abati Website Twitter: None Facebook: None Email none Richard MacLean Website Twitter Facebook Email Linda Mosher Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email John Wimberly Websitee Twitter: None Facebook Email none 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human…
Who is running for council in District 10: Birch Cove—Rockingham—Fairview?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Kurt Bulger Website: None Twitter Facebook Email John Thibeau Website Twitter Facebook Email Russell Walker Council report card Website: None Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates a questionnaire, asking…
Who is running for council in District 11: Spryfield—Sambro—Prospect Road?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Steve Adams Council report card Website: None Twitter: None Facebook Email Peter Grabosky Website Twitter Facebook Email Jim Hoskins Website Twitter: None Facebook Email Tom Lavers Website Twitter: None Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the…
Who is running for council in District 12: Timberlea—Beechville—Clayton Park West?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates P. Rano Khokhar Website Twitter: None Facebook Email Reg Rankin Council report card Website Twitter Facebook: None Email Bruce E. Smith Website Twitter Facebook Email Mary Wile Council report card Website: None Twitter: None Facebook: None Email 20 questions from The…
Who is running for council in District 13: Hammonds Plains—St. Margarets?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Peter Lund Council report card Website Twitter: None Facebook Email Doug Poulton Council report card (2008) Website: None Twitter: None Facebook: None Email Matt Whitman Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We…
Who is running for council in District 14: Upper/Middle Sackville—Beaver Bank?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Brad (BJ) Johns Council report card Website: None Twitter Facebook Email Laurie Sauers Website Twitter Facebook Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates a questionnaire, asking questions that are more personal than…
Who is running for council in District 15: Lower Sackville?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Steve Craig Website Twitter Facebook Email Janet Langille Website: None Twitter: None Facebook Email Stephen Taylor Website Twitter: None Facebook Email Curt Wentzell Website Twitter Facebook Email Ian Wilson Website: None Twitter: None Facebook: None Email no text no text 20…
Who is running for council in District 16: Bedford—Wentworth?
The district District map: (Click here for a written description of district boundaries.) Candidates Tim Outhit Council report card Website Twitter Facebook Email Mark Ward Website: None Twitter: None Facebook: None Email 20 questions from The Coast Meet the human behind the politician: We sent the candidates a questionnaire, asking questions that are more personal…
Worst roommate experience
Just moved to Halifax, barely met roommates before moving in. Ended up moving in with a control freak who dictated where even my groceries went in the house. Stole or broke my kitchenware. Wanted to lock up my dog in my room, whilst his/her 3-4 dogs ran loose and barked (dogs present constantly changing since…
I still love you
In spite of how awful you were, when you unceremoniously dumped me, almost three years ago…I still love you and wish you well. —Alaaaawtolderthanyou
TOURISM SCHMOURISM
This drives me nuts. Nova Scotia spends millions promoting our Ocean Playground… even including great shots of surfing. Yet Friday night (before 6pm) I’m out at Lawrencetown Beach, a provincial park, with 200 other surfers, and the Beach change rooms, and bathrooms are LOCKED/CLOSED. What the @$#%? And again this year as soon as September…
Clean cut, entitled baseball fuck
Walking through the North Common the other day, on the path toward Tony’s Pizza, the sun was going down (very much in our eyes), I was with a friend, and pushing my bike. Some entitled twat playing baseball grunts at my friend and I to “Get off the field.” Not a “Hey, look out, there’s…
Home away from home
To my amazing coworkers, it’s as if you all knew that food was the way to my heart because every week someone brings something to share and it makes me so happy that I break out into song and dance in the kitchen when nobody is around… You are all so lovely to work with…
My morning coffee
This morning I got on the bus to go to work, not awake yet, and a wee bit sad as my attempt at a homemade iced coffee had failed miserably minutes prior to catching the bus. The bus driver, of the 80 or 81, well let me just say that you rock your job. Seriously,…
Dirty bird liar!
To the so-called “man” I dated briefly for a few months who told me he was clean—FUCK YOU ASSHOLE. You gave me chlamydia, and I know it was you because you are the only one I have been with since my last check up. Thanks for making me feel not only shamed and disgusting but…
My Bear
I looked at you today when things happened and wanted so badly to let it just be. I cried…you wondered what it was about and it’s this: I see you and think of you as a father of my children, my protecter, someone who makes me feel like no other man has ever made me,…
Always fresh, always thankful
Hey Canada Post, I work the early morning shift at a very early morning/late night coffee establishment in the Young Street area, and having your employees come in always makes my day. They are always very kind, smiles abound, and willing to chat a little. Please always keep the salt ‘n’ pepper gentleman who orders…
Racist bouncers
My lovely Latin American girlfriend and I decided to go out dancing with some friends the other night. We are both 21 years of age, and should obviously not have any issues entering such an establishment; however, after waiting for over an hour in line my Latin lover was turned away after showing three pieces…
Butts are bad!
This bitch is not geared towards all smokers—just the ones who improperly dispose of their disgusting cigarette butts. I was just enjoying a lovely sunny day sitting on a park bench. Unfortunately my feet were totally surrounded by cigarette butts and there was a garbage can literally only a few feet away. Cigarette butts are…
No good know-it-all
Just shut the fuck up for a change. There’s nothing worse than listening to you spew shit from your pie-hole. The house fire in Dartmouth that started by a cigarette (according to the media), but you said no it didn’t. It’s suppose to be rain with a 60% POP. You said no, it will be…
Jogger love
To the girl I see occasionally running the same route as me in the north end: you are cute. as. hell. We exchanged smiles as we ran past each other earlier tonight and you almost made me trip over myself. You are more than welcome to stop me in my tracks the next time our…
No texting during movie
You little twit. You clearly don’t understand every movie theatre’s policy of texting during the movie is NOT permitted. Somehow, you felt this policy did not apply to you, so I took the liberty to remind you that the rules do apply to everyone by smacking the back of your head rest as a GENTLE…
Just a warning
I just want to warn people about buying these specials including vouchers online offering services in the city. I bought one for a teeth-cleaning/polishing, and am not a happy customer. It was impossible to get an appointment until I finally contacted the seller of these specials. Then, when the day came, I was directed to…
HB Studios Barrington location to close
HB Studios, who just released their new game Medal Bound, has closed their Halifax office. The lease on its Barrington Street location is up and the company has chosen not to renew. HB Studios will now be based out of their Lunenburg location. Peter Gorman, executive producer, seemed surprised when asked about the rumours of…
You never know where an angel can be
Each night, I walk my dogs in an area that would be too easy for someone to hide, but it’s the only choice I have. Sometimes I had noticed an elderly man looking at me through a window across the street. A few days ago, you were sitting on your front porch. I was a…
If my taxes pay your salary, I want AC
Okay, bus drivers. It is July. It is warm. There is no excuse to not have the AC on buses, especially during rush hour. I get there are buses with no AC, but I have been on buses with no windows or ceiling vents open. Having those damn vents open should be fucking mandatory if…
Evolve 2012
DAY 1: FRIDAY Unless you are a magician or time-traveller, it’s almost impossible to see every band at Evolve. At least, every full set. Five stages were full from noon ‘til morning light, every night. But the grounds are cozy so you can mosey through the bands with drinks in your hands. This year’s lineup…
Pipe down please!
Dear north end bagpiper, At first I thought your occasional daytime outdoor bagpiping was a bit irritating, but I also thought it was cool to have a bagpiper in the neighbourhood. As the summer wears on though, it’s become a real hassle. And it turns out I’m not the only one who thinks so…you have…
Tea hive tenderness
We shared an all-too-brief moment this past weekend at the Evolve Festival—as I stepped up to the counter, I was nearly floored by your wavy blond hair, azure eyes and altogether perhaps the softest features I’ve ever seen on a person. Between the exchange of demure smiles and the back-and-forth glances thereafter, I knew I…
Dog poo: why put it in a plastic bag?
First time hiking in Long Lake Provincial Park. Beautiful rugged trails & waterfalls once you get around the lake. Could not believe the amount of dog droppings… most I have ever seen on an HRM trail. But what was worse were the plastic poo bags, that were abandoned on the side of trails. I picked…
Tell them yourself!
What pisses me off to no end, are the people on here that bitch about their friends with hopes that they come on here and see it. If I was your friend and did happen to come on here and read your bitch, I would call you out TO YOUR FACE about being a gutless…
SappyFest compilation revs your engine
Pigeon Row hypes up the crowds yet again for this summer’s SappyFest (August 3-5, Sackville, NB). Are you so ready? Click and download a compilation to get you in the mood, featuring songs from this year’s headliners like Cold Specks, Thee Silver Mount Zion and Fucked Up.
Eiffel Tower?
I’ve seen you at a few of my shows, and you’re always with your friend, and I have to say you are the SEXIEST woman I’ve ever seen. Next time you’re at a show, please say hi. Or If I get the courage, I will say hi to you. —That Guy On Drums
Uncaring mother
To the mother of of the 5-year-old on Albro Lake Road… the street is not your daughter’s personal playground. It’s for fucking cars. Not kids. Yet you’re sitting on your front porch, waving at your daughter with a BIG smile, drinking your drink and not giving a fuck about your child, who could have had…
TM
Thank you for showing me what love is really like. —MC
My first love
It was 1970. You were my first and only REAL love. Yes, I am married now and so are you. I was only 17 then and very jealous and immature. I wish that I did not treat you so immaturely. I would get mad when you watched Mash. Now I feel like a fool when…
Hey “Jamie”
Listen dude, we’ve never met, but apparently it’s your birthday. Now, I’m glad you and your friends are having fun, and happy birthday to you and all, but it’s 1:47am! You guys have the rest of the day ahead of you, surely you can belt out that stupid song at the top of your lungs…
ID under 65
What a bad experience I had on Canada Day, visiting Halifax for the first time in almost five years with my wife who had never been. We went down to Alderney Landing to catch the free concert and fireworks and got in line for the beer tent. Then, when my wife presented her valid, English…
My one
You are my one, and you always will be. I know you need your time and space in order to work some things out, and I know I do too. However, I will always wait for you, because without you who would I discuss the latest and greatest horror films (fan cam?!), books, my nursey…
For the reason of insanity
I truly hope you will come to terms with the abuses that were inflicted upon you. I saw that you can be a good person… If caring for another human’s feelings makes me an insane person well I am not guilty for reasons of insanity. —Caring Bitch
Job hunt blues
To the certain post-secondary school who granted me an interview in their recreation facility, while I thank you for the opportunity I’m puzzled by your unprofessionalism. If there are no plans to contact the unsuccessful candidates please do not set the expectation, repeating over and over that you will call and email when you plan…
Guys with long hair are super cute!
To the gorgeous guy, with the long wavy hair who was having dinner at a tavern on Saturday, thanks for the smile. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you, but didn’t want to be rude since you were eating. I was disappointed you didn’t stick around for karaoke. Hope to see you around again—I’d…
To a bouncer
I was out on a date with my best boy at my favourite club. I ended up getting quite drunk and clumsy and was asked to leave, so we left with no fight. As we were leaving, the bouncer asked me if I knew the boy I was with and if I was okay leaving…
Sick of smelling your dog’s poo
Stop throwing your bag of dog shit in our dumpster as you walk past. You only live a few houses away which leads me to think you just don’t want the smell of poop wafting out of your OWN garbage. Well guess what, we don’t either! —Dog Lover, Smell Hater
Mills is for sale
Mills Brothers is up for sale! Mickey MacDonald, owner for the past five years, has announced that he is selling the downtown department store. He has kept the business running after buying it from the MacLellans in 2007, but now wants to pass it off to someone who is more interested in women’s clothing. MacDonald…
Paying it forward
To the gentleman who gave me a 125 percent tip the other day, thank you. Not for the money (well yea that too) but for the act of sheer random kindness. It’s almost like you knew that all weekend I’ve been deeply upset by the state of the world and you were saying “look, it’s…
Yuk yuk yuk and more yuk
I was in a big box store on Saturday night. All I saw was nearly nude women in front of me. Mind you there is absolutely nothing wrong with women wearing summer apparel BUT when all I saw was a large women with a t-shirt on twenty sizes too small for her and when she…
Be the change
Early on the morning of April 17, 2012, Raymond Taavel and a friend were leaving Menz Bar on Gottingen Street when Taavel’s friend was suddenly attacked and thrown against the building. Raymond intervened, at which point he was thrown to the sidewalk and beaten to death. He was 49. That evening, a thousand people congregated…
Jerusalem: Chronicles From The Holy City
Quebecker Delisle reports from far-flung locales in an inimitable black-and-white style. A classic outsider, he simply and gracefully illustrates the world around him. As he did in his previous books, Pyongyang and The Burma Chronicles, he documents his exploration of the politically and socially alien landscape of a new city, in this case East Jerusalem—his…
All dolled up
A regular sight in Japan’s Harajuku district, flamboyant Lolita styles are turning heads in Halifax. Jacob Boon sizes up the small, strong scene. Most of the people at the Halifax Forum this balmy Saturday afternoon are dressed for the heat. But several young women are gathered in a slightly more demure fashion. They’re Halifax’s Lolitas,…
Ghost Islands of Nova Scotia
The title of Mike Parker’s latest book may be slightly misleading. Yes, there is a smattering of the supernatural, but it really delves into a subject perhaps more intriguing: baffling island culture now extinct on many of the 30 or so Nova Scotia isles Parker explores. For instance, readers learn of Percy Morris who was…
Unique and unexpected
Lysistrata is unlike any other piece of theatre I’ve seen: It takes the powerful outdoor setting and palpable actor chemistry that Two Planks and a Passion has become known for and adds some unexpectedly adolescent humour. Aristophanes’ tale of a war-ending sex strike where the women use both what’s between their ears and legs to…
Olympos
Olympos is a visually engrossing graphic novel loosely inspired by Greek mythology. The narrative follows the god Apollo, here a youthful looking boy who finds his endless days full of tedium. He entertains himself by interacting with other Gods and making sport of harassing Ganymede, a beautiful young man held forever captive within an endless…
Prideful performances
Young Kaii From Providence, Rhode Island, rising hip-hop star Young Kaii is taking steps to change the rap game. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Young Kaii says she has to work harder but doesn’t make compromises. Staying independent, Young Kaii creates art freely for herself and those who enjoy it. Inspired by east…
Mario Tennis Open
Mario sport games have always had a certain charm that’s kept them fun, even if you don’t care for the sport being played. However, Mario Tennis Open falls flat on delivering a fun and whimsical take on tennis. Unlike its predecessors on consoles, this version lacks all of the thrills the previous games enjoyed.Special shots…
25 years of Pride
On Saturday, tens of thousands of folks will enjoy the 25th Halifax Pride Parade. The parade and the week of events around it are listed in tourist guides. It will be broadcast live on TV. Banks and governments and businesses will have floats. I won’t be there. Back in 1987, the date thought of as…
Dykes vs Divas
Whether repurposing purses as makeshift gloves or threatening opponents with hairspray, players in Sunday’s Dykes vs. Divas softball game packed each swing with plenty of glamour and comic relief. The Divas cleaned up 12-8, despite handicapping themselves with dangerously high stillettos—a feat that could be credited to the Divas’ tendency to tackle the Dykes and…
The Watch
It’s Ghostbusters meets The Burbs in the unfortunately flat alien invasion comedy The Watch. When a Costco security guard is gruesomely killed, manager Ben Stiller organizes a neighbourhood watch comprised of police force reject Jonah Hill, newcomer Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd), and Vince Vaughn. Despite their bumbling ineffectualness, the foursome somehow uncover an alien…
Just Folks
It’s that time of year when art lovers discover the latest sampling of local talent at The Eyelevel Gallery. The Folks Fest: Annual Members’ Exhibition will feature a variety of artists in video work, photography, installation and textiles. “What makes the event special is that there’s no curator picking and choosing the artwork,” says Elizabeth…
Step Up: Revolution
Flash mob theatrics and a dash of class politics spin together in the superficially fun Step Up: Revolution. This fourth film in the Step Up series finds classically trained dancer Emily (Kathryn McCormick of So You Think You Can Dance fame) moving to Miami with her development tycoon father. Emily soon falls for Sean (MMA…
Gee, Jimmie
I really identify with The Beav,” says Shotgun Jimmie (AKA Jim Kilpatrick), recalling his favourite childhood TV show Leave It to Beaver. “I watched it every day at lunch.” The classic sitcom, which followed the innocent but inquisitive Theodore “The Beaver” Cleaver through post-war suburbia, was a balance of traditional values and welcome change. Despite…
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Director Benh Zeitlin’s first feature, an adaptation of Lucy Alibar’s one act play, Juicy and Delicious, turns fantasy into reality. We see the world through six-year-old Hushpuppy’s (the captivating Quvenzhané Wallis) eyes, a tenacious girl who lives in the “Bathtub,” an area below a levee in the southern Delta, with her dying father, Wink (Dwight…
Erin Costelo’s power arrangement
Speaking by phone on a summery afternoon, Halifax-based singer-songwriter Erin Costelo is camped up indoors working on the final mix for her upcoming studio-album, We Can Get Over. “I was really proud of the last album and excited when it came out,” Costelo says of her 2009 debut, Fire and Fuss, “but after three years…
Everyone loves a parade
For the tens of thousands of people who will congregate in the streets of Halifax this upcoming weekend, Pride will seem like a colourful celebration of sexual diversity. But in 1988, there weren’t throngs of people lining the streets to watch and cheer. It was a political march, where close to 100 people—some hiding their identities by…
Catholic Gaydar’s pop power
Matt Packman’s (mostly) solo project Catholic Gaydar has been quietly ticking along for years, occasionally putting out pop-hooky, sparkling bedroom recordings or inspired covers online, popping up live once in awhile to play shows with friends such as AA Wallace, Jenocide or Windom Earle. “I’ve been doing Catholic Gaydar since Lulu LaRude started the 5…
Halifax Pride guide
Halifax’s annual pride parade started in 1987, when a brave group, some wearing bags over their heads, walked through downtown. In the quarter century since, the parade has grown into a week-plus series of events, and a celebratory mood has come to define the community-wide festival. See our complete coverage of Pride 2012, here.
A fish story
The tall ships have cast a long shadow on the waterfront. As busy as the boardwalk always tends to be in the summer, last weekend didn’t just seem like the average sea of shorts, sundresses and tanktops—it was a tidal wave of tourism with locals and visitors flooding the area to take in the incredible…
Slash’s conspiracy
LA guitar god (and lover of finely made top hats), Slash, comes to Halifax July 31 with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators to deliver a shred-heavy evening at the Cunard Centre in support of the new album Apocalyptic Love. But the Grammy award-winning guitarist is bringing more to town than just a high-octane rock show:…
Sea space invaders
Every day millions of massive ships move trillions of tonnes of seawater around the world’s oceans as ballast. Without it, any ship without full cargo could easily topple. The problem with this is, anything that survives in the water is discharged far from home. As a result, “We’ve got comb jellies in the Black Sea,…
Instruments play again
Six weeks ago, Pigeon Row’s Select Series released How Did We Even Get Here?, a free digital compilation of local music of genres with “post” in front of them, including Kuato, VKNGS, Union of the Snake and two of the bands on this show, Force Field and Instruments. The rarely seen latter band’s contribution is…
Wrapping good time
You might not want to wear white to the WetSpot party, this year’s Pride wrap-up event (July 28, 10pm-2am, Garrison Grounds, $16 advance tickets, $20 at the gate). “Rumour has it there’s going to be a lot of Super Soakers around,” hints Pride Week festival chair Krista Snow mysteriously. Snow hopes to bust some misconceptions…
Morgan McDonald
Releasing his debut EP Back to the Wilderness, Morgan McDonald’s country-folk tracks—sprinkled with a healthy dose of lap steel—are impressive. Although at times he seems to use those country crutches as filler instead of as additions to the songs, with the help of producer Paul Aucoin and paired with an obvious knack for storytelling (“Blood…
Cyndi Lauper gives a damn
On July 27, as proud and powerful people pump up the jams at Halifax Pride’s OutDancing event at the Garrison Grounds, a proud and powerful woman will be taking to the Casino Nova Scotia stage, down the street, to celebrate Halifax’s true colours. Cyndi Lauper is coming to town. Lauper is a very big deal.…
Kestrels
If your head bangs more than your toe taps—that’s a high noise to melody factor. If the ratio’s just under infinity, does that make it math rock? This Halifax trio is well set to spread its reach, the second album landing on a national label. Tim Wheeler of Ash adds his endorsement in the form…
Carnal condom control
Q I am a hetero female, but one of my biggest fantasies is for a guy to dress up in women’s underwear. Not full-blown drag, just a teddy, fishnets and some heels. He doesn’t even have to act like a woman. I just want him to parade around a bit, and just for me. I’ve…
Hot Chip
Britain’s sexiest dance-floor nerd-lingers, Hot Chip, returns this month with fifth studio album, In Our Heads. The glorified electro-Pavement enthusiasts follow up where 2010’s One Life Stand left off, delivering even more obtuse renditions of Devo songs that were never written by Devo, creating an LP that shows off the band’s soulful chops. “Motion Sickness”…
