The success of Failure
Award-winning transgender writers and musicians Rae Spoon and Ivan E. Coyote are failures. And they are damn proud. Together, they celebrate Gender Failure, a collaborative collection of essays based on an international touring live show at Bus Stop Theatre April 20. “In the show, I don’t trace my entire journey and the gender binary,” says…
Trailer Park Boys: Don’t Legalize It
The Boys return for round three of the same, at first in splinters but eventually brought together by petty crime and Ottawa, of all places. Julian (John Paul Tremblay) is selling urine stolen from the military to drug parolees in Montreal; Bubbles (Mike Smith) is living under J-Roc’s (Jonathan Torrens) porch and delivering fried chicken…
Don’t Hate That Brute!
Much love goes out to the bouncers at the Underwater Pony Bar. Night after drunken night you put yourself in harm’s way because immature little boys (and girls) can’t handle their shit. Next time you wanna cuss out some “muscle head” because you think he’s playing door god, just be thankful they are there when…
To All ER Staff
I had to visit the emergency room twice this week, and I just needed to say how grateful I am to everyone that I encountered. Sure, the wait was long, but every staff member I dealt with—nurse, doctor or porter—was kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful. What could have been a scary few days was made so…
Racing Cars
Hey, you two idiots in Dartmouth (near Sea King Rd) racing side by side, and almost hitting us head on, what are you doing? Having a car is not something taken for granted. Be responsible. Don’t do this again. -Fed Up With Punk Drivers
Grandchild O’Mine
You are perfect, my little guy. Everything little thing you do is magic, as the song goes. I can’t love you anymore than I do. Impossible. I know all grandparents think their grandchildren are the best, but mine just IS. Love you, stink foot. And will be happy to see you sitting on the potty.…
Beautiful Stranger
I had just found out I was denied $3,000 I was relying on; four hours later my boyfriend and I broke up; then as I drank my pity beer with two girlfriends at a bar where I am well-known at they skipped out on their bill (even though I paid mine) and left me to…
The Security Guard at the Killam
You make the late nights a more bearable, man. I bet I’m one of many who appreciates your kind eyes and smile as you scan student cards for those staying past 12am. -A Student
Yay Roy Building Workers!
I saw that you were on the scaffolding and you were wearing your harness and you were practicing fall protection safety! I would have kissed you but you were up high being safe. Big love from us all for taking care of yourself and being able to go home at the end of the day!…
Barrington Street Violinist
Thank you so much to the lady who sits at an open third floor window to play violin for all of us walking below. We always stop to listen and my daughter always asks for violin when we go past. Thanks for making our day brighter! -Music Lovers
Special K
(I hope this gets to print so you can finally get your LTWEL….) You are so special. You work so hard. You school so hard. You are so loving. A true gem. -d
Pavia wins a spot in the new library
We’re guessing Christopher Webb and Victoria Foulger weren’t using their library voices yesterday when a unanimous decision from council awarded their Herring Cove treasure, Pavia Gallery – Espresso Bar & Cafe (997 Herring Cove Road), the tender to be the new almighty library’s onsite cafe. For the past three years Pavia’s been a sweet spot…
Secret Friend Love
There’s no one I’m happier around than you, no one I look more forward to seeing than you; no one who makes me laugh like you; there’s no one like you in this whole city makes me feel the way you do. I’ve been feeling it for awhile and you must feel it, too. -Wake…
Nostalgic Woes
Stop living in the past. We all enjoy the heritage buildings, and hopefully can preserve most of them for use. That’s right, USE—buildings are designed to be used. Modernity is here to stay. If you want proof, go travel. Historic buildings can co-exist with modern ones, and there are plenty (read: almost every) cities that…
Say grilled cheese!
The Cheese Gypsy is rollin’ into Halifax this spring—May 1 to be exact. Owners Mike Rossi and Robin Kelly have been planning the truck for years, but started making real moves this year. “We finally pulled the trigger last fall,” says Rossi. The couple has been together for over 15 years. Rossi says Kelly is…
Cape and Cowl crusader
If you’re a nerd in Halifax, you’ve probably heard of Jay Aaron Roy. He’s the director of popular podcast and live comedy show Geeks versus Nerds. If you thought he couldn’t get any nerdier, think again: now he’s opening a comic book store. The shop, called Cape and Cowl, is slated to open this summer…
It Was A Slice
Dear Halifax, Nine years, nine frickin’ years! Longer then I have lived anywhere in my life. Moving in and during the first few, I’d always told myself, four years max. But you caught me, you grabbed my attention. It was a wild ride. So many experiences, people, friends, events, opportunities, community and smiles. At times…
Stop Being a Flake
To have a friend you must be one. -Annoyed
Coyote Woman
Your smile and enthusiasm are incredible and light up any room you are in as well as everything and everyone in it. I’d meet you halfway anytime, if your old pickup truck can handle it! Just have not asked, as I’m a big old scaredy-cat. -Black Sheepdog
Many Faces
I am a woman of many faces. I am a professional, I am a mother and I am a woman. I am not complicated, even though some might think. I am who I need to be at any given moment. Society has pushed me to show the appropriate face in the individual settings, whether I…
Proof Common Sense is More Rare Than Live Dodo Birds
So it’s now blatantly obvious…rocket scientists—while very smart when it comes to getting those ships into space and even having people survive for long periods of time while floating around up there—none of these people have any common sense. For awhile I have been reading stories seeing TV/videos of people planning on manned Mars missions.…
Ahh Nova Scotia Hate
Taxes in Nova Scotia wouldn’t be so high if people would stop leaving. If people stayed, jobs would be created and everyone would have an opportunity to move up in the world, and do it here in Nova Scotia! I’m sick of seeing articles about how crummy the economy is here and that people are…
My Bad Halifax…My Bad
Dearest Halifax, After a few years of far-off self discovery, I’ve come back to you. And boy did I miss you! The realization hit as I was driving across the MacKay at dusk, with the radio blaring The Trews’ “Sing Your Heart Out.” I cried happy tears. And then ate a Bearly’s Deluxe Burger…and happy…
Anonymous Hip-Hop Lifesaver
You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but you saved my life Canada Day 2012 and you don’t even realize it. You walked past me on the Portland Street overpass just past midnight. I was alone, depressed, crying and wanted to jump. You were the only one out of a dozen people to…
Sunny Side of the Street
To the Falkland Street gang with our French friend on the corner, you’re my favourite part about the neighbourhood. I appreciate knowing all I need to do in order to be in great company is sit out front our house and relax. Looking forward to many more days of sunshine and coffee cups. -Bicycles
The Big Ride’s Halifax detour
Clara Hughes may be biking across Canada to raise awareness for mental health issues across the country, but local programs are reaping the rewards. When the Olympic medalist decided to make a stop in Halifax for Clara’s Big Ride on Tuesday, April 15, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia knew this was a golden…
Procedural drama
Some, but not all, trans Nova Scotians no longer have to shell out thousands of dollars for sex reassignment surgery. On April Fools’ Day, the province announced it would fund eight different types of sex reassignment/gender confirming surgeries for trans Nova Scotians. The procedures allow trans individuals to reflect on the outside the gender they…
Come what anime
Matt Rawle hopes to brings Japanese culture to Barrington Street, but not by opening up a new sushi place. His Japanese culture shop, Hibiki Anime Shop (location TBA), will focus on anime and manga products, everything from figurines to posters to DVDs. “I know when I was growing up, I would have killed for there…
An Evening of Ives
Talent on parade in “An Evening of Ives” Review eight plays in 150 words? Impossible! Briefly review one fabulous evening of theatre which just happened to be made up of eight plays? No problem! For the second year, Lions Den Theatre has produced a directors’ showcase comprised of short plays by wordsmith extraordinaire David Ives.…
Spring Cleanup
Would it be possible for you to take pride in your property? Clean the garbage, tidy old foliage, paint and so on….(your place looks like a dump compared to the rest of the block). -Neighbours
WTF?! REALLY YOUNG PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!22222two22!!!
Why do young people suck so badly?! They’re sullen, un-worldly, can’t remember their elders’ names, can’t drive and they don’t even like each other. And I’m supposed to show these punks respect? Why? Because they can’t buy chips for a quarter like we did 60 years ago? They’ll tell you off, shove a shopping cart…
Stupid People Who Get Fired And Then Blame Others
I am so sick of hearing about a woman who keeps getting fired. She blames it on everyone and everything but herself. Take a good hard look at yourself lady. It’s not them…it’s you. -So Sick of Hearing About You
Talay Thai transport
One of south Barrington Street’s Thai food fixes has found a new home to serve its Best of Food award-winning curries, salads and pad Thais from. But worry not, creatures of habit, Talay Thai (1261 Barrington Street) isn’t straying too far. The Halifax location of the resto will dig up its roots and make the…
If you identify with any one of these things, then you are a HIPSTER!
– go to live music shows – eat gourmet burgers – eat fast food burgers – like doughnuts – sit in parks – play a musical instrument – drink microbrewed beer – buy “local” – are an art school graduate – are a journalism graduate – have a beard – wear fitted clothing – are…
WTF REALLY OLD PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!11111one11!!!
Why do old people suck so bad?! They’re moody, stupid, can’t remember their own names, can’t drive and they don’t even like each other. And I’m supposed to show these assholes respect? Why? Because they could buy chips for a quarter 60 years ago? They’ll tell you off, shove a shopping cart into you and…
I’m Lovely, You’re Lovely, Let’s Be Lovely Together
I used to think I was pretty good with words but around you I’m not. It’s cool if you’re unknowingly toying with my emotions for tips (it’s working) but if you’re not that’s neat too. Thanks for making me smile. -pizzapoplover69
Young Love
Your freckles. Eyes. That’s all. Or everything. -Leaving, Back Soon
Fox
Life sure is hard right now, but at least we’ve got each other. How can I ever repay you for being here? I’m not sure how to navigate this, all I know is that my broken heart is soothed when I hear your voice and when I look into those stormy eyes. We’ll figure it…
Lost and Found Purse
Thank you, thank you, thank you (I can’t say that enough) to the young man who not only found my purse on Rainnie Drive/Citadel Hill but then took the extra effort to take it to a Royal Bank, having seen their cards in my wallet. The purse fell out of my backpack and I didn’t…
March Madness New Media vs Old Media: WE HAVE A WINNER
We’ve been duking it out for 17 days now, trying to answer the age old question is journalism dead? Or rather, who’s still hip and with it, New Media or Ye Olde Media? It’s been a self-indulgent tournament, lots of low blows and crap talking, but in the end it was you, and your great…
Hipsters Do Suck
There is a blog that used the term “cultural vampirism” to describe the nature of the hipster subculture—a group comprised mainly of young people parading around in tight vintage clothing and basking in the ironic exploitation of pop-culture fashion taboos that have made a recent comeback on expensive runways. Not a fan of those people…
Emphasis on SLOW
If you’re going to advertise your mediocre CD with a pre-order that includes a t-shirt you may want to send out those t-shirts. Been waiting since Dec and have been ignored and put off multiple times when trying to ask the band about it. You should probably try to hang onto the small fan base…
How Is It Possible That You Work for People?
You know it’s notorious, lady, you are barren of soul, You’re cold-faced and cold-hearted and and way oversold, and that is unfortunate for us because of the position you hold, Acting like your public consultations gonna make us all bold. You are yelling, you’re stressed, your words drip with detest, You’re pissed you can’t handle…
Hipster Hate Hipster?
Come on. You all know you’re full of crap. I’m one of you—and I KNOW. -3H sauce
Future Islands
By now, most of us have caught the semi-viral and completely thrilling performance Future Islands gave on Letterman to promote Singles. The dance moves, the growl, the polished synth-pop along with the slow realization that there was nothing ironic or gimmicky happening on screen caught everyone–including Letterman himself– off-guard. On Singles, Future Islands is operating from…
Letters to the editor, April 10,2014
Tim city I was saddened to read that news editor Tim Bousquet has left the paper. His well-researched and searingly honest journalism became in many ways the “conscience of the city.” I wish him well in all future endeavours. I trust that The Coast will continue in its tradition of investigative journalism by following the…
Drive-By Truckers
For a combination of storytelling, rocking out and keeping it fresh, this Southern band may be the most reliable in the world. Originators Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley carry on after 15 years and numerous personnel changes, swapping songs and licks on their handcrafted guitars. Drive-By Truckers is the beaker where Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Replacements…
Rio 2
Sometimes I hate things on principle—like when I refused to see Rio because it looked like one long annoying Madagascar-esque monkey music video, and then Netflix happened and it was actually adorable. So of course, it had to have a sequel, because doesn’t everything? It’s like the long slog of life played out on the…
The truth is simple: We need more nurses here
I have been a registered nurse for just under a year, and over the last 10 years I have been an inpatient at Halifax area hospitals for twice that time. I have not been at the bedside long enough to have forgotten what it’s like to be in the bed. At the end of many…
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Oh the capering that abounds across Europe in Wes Anderson’s latest fairytale for adults, The Wartime Nose-Punchings. As usual, it’s beautifully set-designed, impeccably scored and acted with all the emotion of Hannibal Lecter on a bender. Ralph Fiennes is the best thing by a Kropog as Gustave H., the elder-lovin’ concierge at the Grand Budapest…
Kind of Bleu
“What kind of salad dressings do you have?” DJ Stilldrunk (Loukas Crowther) asks the server. She lists varieties until DJ T-Woo (Trevor Wood) interrupts her, “Just bring him a bowl of something, he won’t know the difference.” For over four years, these two best friends have hosted the wild monthly dance-party Bleu Nuit. On Saturday,…
Draft Day
Kevin Costner’s unexpected comeback continues with this surprisingly fine sports jam in the vein of Moneyball—it’s not about the meal, it’s about how the sausage gets made. In this instance, the NFL draft. Costner is Sonny Weaver Jr., GM of the Cleveland Browns, and he needs to bring his town a win (because as the…
Neverending Glory
“So Long was very close to being a farewell record,” says Glory Glory’s Adam Warren. The band began recording in 2012, hoping to raise production values from its self-recorded 2010 release Zombies by tracking with Tim Jim Baker at The Shed in Shad Bay. But things didn’t quite go as planned. “We ran out of…
Harvey
“In this world, you must be oh-so smart, or oh-so pleasant,” says Elwood P. Dowd (Dave MacNeil), the visionary in Harvey who befriends a giant invisible rabbit and chooses pleasant over smart. Dowd spreads his sunshiney outlook despite opposition from his dithery sister (Cathy Cameron) and his self-absorbed niece (Rebecca Schneidereit). In my memory, Harvey—made…
April Reign
April Assault VI emerges from the broken, burning earth this weekend to lay waste to Dartmouth’s unsuspecting masses and raise money for cancer research at the same time. Ten bands over two days are ready to pummel your soul with their dark rituals, including the Best of Music’s winners Black Moor and Orchid’s Curse, who…
Got The Nook
Low-key, jazzy music fills The Nook. This new cafe-meets-lounge on Gottingen is, in fact, incredibly low-key in general. There’s a warm, slightly industrial feel to the space that feels very in step with how this part of Gottingen is developing. Natural light floods in through a big window at the front that is lined with…
Poetry saves lives
National Poetry Month celebrates all poetic rhythms. Halifax’s poet laureate El Jones believes poetry humanizes people, brings us closer together. Jones is a powerhouse of spoken word and activism. As the city’s fifth poet laureate, she notes poetry is all about transcendence. “The job of the poet to listen and give it significance, people just…
Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction
Wonderbook is the creative writing textbook you wished you’d had as a teenager. Rather than dictating rigid rules, it encourages play and creativity: instead of charts and diagrams it uses pictures of gangly monsters and abstract paintings to illustrate its points. This fits, as Wonderbook is aimed at sci-fi and fantasy writers, and also because…
Board game empire
We hold these truths to be self-evident, not all games are created equal. If you’re staying up all night eyes-to-screen with Call of Duty or geared up with a headset and World of Warcraft with 46 of your closest avatars, crushing candies on the commute to work or creating a Dance Dance Revolution—think about turning…
Radio Radio
Linguists could get lost in the words of Radio Radio: Acadian French, Franglais and invention as befits rhythm. On the title cut, a hockey fan might swear he hears “Crosby” but it’s “cross-breed,” of a panda with an iguana, no less. Two fellows from Clare, NS and one from Moncton constitute the group’s core. In…
Free Will Astrology
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) It’s Love Your Messes Week, Taurus. In accordance with the astrological omens, you are authorized to love the hell out of the messes in your life—from the small, awkward knots of confusion to the big, beautiful heaps of fertile chaos. This is not a time to feel embarrassed or apologize for…
My Prairie Home
I first watched–experienced–My Prairie Home during a free screening hosted on the NFB’s website. A social network status update alerted me to the screening and although I was tired and the hour was late, I embarked on the documentary. I was not disappointed. The subject of the film is country-folk singer-songwriter Rae Spoon–a transgender person…
Sex work and my sexless marriage
Q I’m an old guy, fast approaching geezerdom. After 45 years of marriage to the same woman, the sex has fallen off to zero. We otherwise have a great and comfortable relationship. If I want any at all these days, the only options are masturbation or professional service providers. I was very nervous the first…
Amber Alert
Amber Alert is a found footage horror-thriller that actually does something different. In a genre that is almost exclusively populated by ghosts, witches, devils, zombies and other supernatural foes, this movie features a very real monster. Sam (Summer Bellessa) and Nat (Chris Hill) are making an audition tape for a popular reality television show. They’re driving…
The right game for you
For TV addicts Strange Adventures 5110 Prince Street, 425-2140 “Game of Thrones definitely,” says Kate Leth. “Zombies is super-fun so anyone who likes The Walking Dead or horror shows—it’s cooperative, versus, challenging and really fun with a lot of expansions. We also have My Little Pony Monopoly and Big Bang Theory Clue.” For tyrants Quantum…
Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight is a meandering story about sexual excitement, boundary testing and the wreckage of revenge. Rachael (Kathryn Hahn) is a quirky and charming stay-at-home mom who seems to have everything: a beautiful home, a successful husband and a good child. Unfortunately, she is bored out of her skull and likely depressed. Rachael becomes obsessed…
Do you wanna play?
Thursday, April 10 Board Game Day Over 100 games to choose from, fall in love with something new. 5:30pm, Games People Play, 1587 Barrington Street, 444-4003 Magic Legacy Format An “eternal” format, play cards from all legal sets but with a power cap. 6pm, The Monster Comic Lounge, 2089 Gottingen Street, 429-2398 Hero Clix Construct…
The Hidden Cameras
It would appear Joel Gibb now is The Hidden Cameras. A changing cast of players pitches in on Age. Intermittently, we get spirited violin and cellos, sometimes a dozen voice choir. Then, on “Gay Goth Scene,” here’s Mary Margaret O’Hara reprising beyond-Yoko yelps she performed for the mutant in the film Splice. “We conditioned you…
Ready player one
Have you always been a big gamer? Yep, I’ve always had games in my life in one way or another. When did the jump from playing games to creating them come to you? Pretty early on. I remember playing a simple world map adventure game as a kid and thinking how cool it would be…
Be Massage Therapy’s moving
The closure of the South Park Street’s YMCA (don’t even, we’re still coping over here) means that after nine years Be Massage Therapy (1565 South Park Street) is on the move. Be and its therapists will remain open and working out clients’ kinks inside the Y until May 5, then it’ll call 1341 Birmingham Street…
