Not so super
Last weekend I went grocery shopping at the Superstore on Barrington Street. When I’m shopping for produce, I always check where it was grown and buy local when possible. I appalled to find that, at the peak of harvest season in the Maritimes, it was impossible to find anything local. Carrots, potatoes, apples, onions, blueberries,…
Dual methodologies
Your investigation of how the sewage plant broke was an interesting read. The criticisms over a one-step design/build contract versus a more common two-step design-then-construct process were not fair, as each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Proponents and detractors of each method exist with no side being able to claim that it is a…
The operational loop
I disagree with the Toronto engineer’s negative view of traditional design/build public projects. However, I agree with the comment that “either way…” the “operations guys must be involved in the design process.” That, to my mind, is the key point of the whole article. To reiterate, it is not that the design/build process is necessarily…
Quick! Attend this! Fresh Flesh tape release at the Khyber
Now, if this doesn’t sound like a charming evening, I don’t know what does.
Modest Mouse’s guitar technician weighs in on our harbour issues
Wendy Lynch RedfernI’d place some money on them to win Revel in the Modest Mouse Halifax aftermath. A pretty entertaining read, overall.
Passport Woes
So my husband’s from England and immigrated. His passport expired about a year after he got here. Now we’re planing to go back and see family in about half a year, so we’re renewing. Mine? Downtown Halifax and a few weeks. His? The UK will not renew passports for citizens living outside the country. Ottawa…
Follow the rules
To those who walk their dogs on leash in the off leash section of a certain unnamed park screaming and digging your heels in trying to hold back your beasts b/c they aren’t friendly; here’s an idea! Walk them in the areas that aren’t off leash. I know novel idea right? The off leash parts…
Lessons for Diners.
Here are a few tips for people dining out. 1. We, as servers, don’t expect you to be flowing with exuberance, but don’t be in a pissy mood – if you’re here to eat good food and paying for it, BE NICE. 2. Acknowledge your server. Thank-you’s would be nice. 3. When I collect your…
Where is the Atheist bus ad??
Months ago, people tired to put an Atheist ad on Metro Transit. Metro said said. People then went to the Supreme court. Metro then said alright, we’ll run your ad. So where is it?!? I’m dying here. I want to see that ad! I want to have my picture taken with that bus! I want…
Wedding flowers stolen
What were you thinking F$#!WAD? So you see 20 small planters filled flowers, in the shade, on the lawn of a house in the north end and you think – “Oh! I must take me some of those?!” Did they have YOUR name on them? No! Were they out by the curb where people put…
Palookas Boxing Club in regulatory battle
[image-1] It’s Round Two for Palooka’s Boxing Club (2110 Gottingen). The non-profit agency has been trying to get its liquor licence amended such that it can host regular Friday night amateur boxing events and sell alcohol to the public attending. (Presently, the club’s licence allows for alcohol sales only at private functions.) The added revenue…
Go to The Room!
Thursday night at the Khyber is the Halifax premiere of The Room, Tommy Wiseau’s cult film, considered to be the “Citizen Kane of bad movies.” If you want an amazing list of reasons why this film shouldn’t be missed, check out the continuity section of the wikipedia page. Apparently Wiseau discovered that the screening was…
Sick and tired of nosey neighbours
Okay, aside from the constant negativity you give to my face when im outside, I also hear the things you say behind our backs. Do you really have nothing better to do but to gripe and bitch about what everybody else does? You judge me because my wife mows the lawn? What the fuck? I…
assholes beeping their horns when picking up or dropping off.
What the fuck is it with all these idiots( and there are alot of them) who feel the need to beep their fucking horns at all hours of the day and night 10 seconds after they have just dropped someone off at my apartment building?Do they think some fucking alien craft will swoop down from…
Walk a little louder why don’t ya?!
To the girls who moved in above: I’ve seen you. You aren’t very large. So why the hell does it sound like there are elephants walking around up there?!? Do you ever rest? I realize you may be busy unpacking but holy shit.. sit down once in a while or at LEAST after midnight. You’re…
For the love of FUCK go back to grade two.
You’re = not a possessive Your = possessive There = not a possessive Their = possessive Now let’s use these words in a sentence: Your dog is as ugly as you are. You’re a dumbass who needs to go back to grade two. There are smarter people in this world than you; 6,999,999,999 of them,…
Pow! Splatch! Kerbloosh!
the only good reason i can think of to be running down one of the busiest streets in Halifax at lunch time in a ultra tight ultra revealing “lemon” outfit is that you’re a super hero on your way to fight crime. NOTE: your powers of transparency seem to be malfunctioning, as you ran right…
Driving me Crazy!!!!
Alright!!! Attention all R’tard’d drivers out there (you know who you are). Get off the damn road if you are (a) driving slower than cold molasses on a winter’s day going up hill, get off the damn road!!!! (b) If you don’t know how to tell the difference between certain traffic signs, get off the…
jerkoffs
I read about the women who are mad that they get hit on at work. Your not the only ones. I am a cook and I work with a lot of waiters who are not hitting on the waitresses because they are hitting on each other and sometimes me. They know I like girls but…
Loud Bikers
To all you fat, bearded, assholes driving your noisy Harleys up and down the street at all hours of the night: Who the fuck do you think you are? You claim that bikers do not get the respect they deserve, but do you deserve any respect at all? No, you don’t. Your need to make…
Province fails to meet legislated environmental targets
In 2007, the Nova Scotia legislature unanimously passed the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, a piece of legislation that was celebrated around the country as a progressive approach to environmental stewardship. And that celebration was warranted—for the first time, it named specific regulatory goals—21 of them, over the next 20 years—that had to be…
Metro Transit Ads Suck
I just want to look out the window when I’m on the bus. It’s one of the only things that makes riding Metro Transit bearable. But Metro Transit has to cover up the windows with ads, so the view is obscured by a fuzzy haze created by the advertising decals. I just want to tear…
Drive-thru madness
Lady in the huge white Buick, why did you have to ruin my morning? I was only there to get my coffee.Yes I know its confusing to know where you should put your car, but really its easy, follow the rest of the cars, that are all waiting patiently along side of the building so…
Kind soul on the 7th floor
I just want to send out a thanks to the guy that works on the 7th floor of the medical building on Portland St. Friday morning I left school to go see the doctor as I was suffering from heat exhaustion and severely dehydrated, not realizing the clinic wasn’t open until 9am, and I was…
The Glasses Finder
They aren’t mine, they wouldn’t look good on me. However whoever found the blue pair of glasses on Jubilee Road, nailed a piece of paper with “FOUND GLASSES” in red sharpie on their front step’s railing and placed said glasses on top of the railing is really awesome. Coming from a person who has lost…
When in Rome…
I’m getting full all the way to my red neck with all the cryinbg from City-folk Coast readers about how we rural folks use the wilderness. You soft sandle-wearing pansies want to turn the wilds of NS into a giant Point Pleasant Park for dogs and squirrels. Well, guess what? Just because you made your…
stolen now found
Last week my wallet was stolen from my work place with EVERY piece of ID i had, i was devestated. Today i received a call from a girl who had found it 2 blocks away and hanging in a tree. i didnt have anything to offer her, and she was ok with that. Today, that…
No UV Ray/Rocket Reducers… but BURIED INSIDE!
The two bands I wrote about last week aren’t able to make it to town, unfortunately. But there is good news. Because of the hurricane canceling their ferry ride to Newfoundland, Buried Inside have been kicking around town this weekend and are playing again at Gus’ Pub with Minivan Halen (for real last show this…
30 Seconds to Put Cream Cheese on a Bagel???
I went for lunch downtown, ordered a bagel. The girl behind the food counter was having a little problem spreading the cream cheese when this sacred cow supervisor walks up to her and says: IT SHOULD ONLY TAKE YOU 30 SECONDS TO DO THAT BAGEL! before she disappeared out back. I was unaware these poor…
To All you Drivers
To all you drivers who come into my work and pick up and deliver me packages, i cant stand when you try to hit on me, its uncalled for, i’ve spoken with a few other receptionists and they feel the same way, we are only here to do our job, its not time to try…
please, shut the fuck up.
listen, i’m ok with people listening to tunes on their deck in the summer. i’m ok with sitting around, drinking some beers and smoking a bowl or two. but every fucking day? seriously! im tired of hearing you blast dave matthews and the tragically hip day in an day out (granted, sometimes you do play…
Movie Theatre Etiquette: A New Rule
I’ve asked you nicely—many, many times. I’ve told you firmly and loudly—many, many times. Now I’ve had enough with the asking and telling. This is the NEW RULE: When IDIOTS (you know who you are) go to movies clearly intended for GROWN-UPS, and keep checking their phone messages every five minutes—I counted AT LEAST 20…
Free yoga at Moksha
The kind, flexible folks at Moksha Yoga (1512 Dresden Row, 420-0888) are offering free yoga August 29 and August 30 to everyone. Here’s the deal, according to Moksha Yoga’s Joanna Thurlow: “One of our major concerns is financial accessibility, especially considering the current financial climate. So, for two days, this is our way of ensuring…
Contest! Name the sewage plant, win a crappy prize!
Last week, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals made a news splash with their suggestion that they could buy naming rights to Halifax’s failed sewage plant. Of course, there’s no chance at all that the city will take PETA up on the offer, but it got us here at The Coast thinking: Why doesn’t…
Tribute to Muriel Duckworth
Muriel Duckworth’s death on Saturday, August 22nd, brought a fitting tribute from her friend, the noted scholar and peace activist, Ursula Franklin: “I would like her to be remembered as somebody who demonstrated that it’s possible to change one’s society, to be profoundly critical and still remain a respected member of that society.” Muriel Duckworth…
Alex Fountain memorial show at the Pavilion
Halifax lost a wonderful, honest and enthusiastic person when Alex Fountain passed away on Saturday night, at age 20. Fountain was a staple at shows, standing right up front, pumping his fist in the air with a huge grin on his face. Aside from his immeasurable contributions to the Halifax music scene, (Fountain played in…
Glorifying War on Saturday morning
Why is it that our government spend money on a particular defense aircraft show that violates the skies every summer? I was on my way to the saturday market when i nearly hid under a desk upon hearing the threatening rumble of a fighter jet roar over the Halifax penninsula. It was seriously frightening!and sickened…
Bitch Customer
This is something I witnessed while on my trip to Glasgow, Scotland when I used a computer at a library the other day. I’m a user of my local library in Halifax and I hope I NEVER see this happen back home…. To the fucking wide jerk in the library. How dare you treat library…
Kill Bill
Dear Hurricane BillYou sucked. —I wanted free shit blown into my yard.
Pompous Jerks
I went into Sobeys to get milk and juice, right before they closed tonight. As I walked into the aisle, past about five college boys who were congregating around started staring me up and down, as one of them said a drawn out “hiiii” sketchily. Now I know this is going to come off as…
Thieves suck
This is a big fuck you to whomever hit our store last week. Maybe it’s just me but how selfish can you be to take something that’s not yours. Okay you might not be able to afford some of the things that we carry… but if you want it that much then save up for…
Hurricane Bill (leo)Tards
Watching the evening news and anyone stupid enough to get close enough to the ocean re.:(Peggy’s Cove) to get swept in deserve to drown. Can you say natural selection? —High and Dry
Thanks a lot.
I just want to say thanks alot for leading me on for weeks with your stupid flirty text messages. Thanks for sleeping in my bed, telling me I’m the best and that you love me, thanks for letting me fall for you, and thanks for not realizing that the only reason I never made a…
Hurrilame
What the heck Bill, you call yourself a Hurricane? I haven’t seen anything that anti-climactic since…well ever. You aren’t fit to lick Jaun’s boots. —Storm Watcher
New Japanese Restaurant opens
Once there was La Cave. Then, Stonehaven. Then, Stonewall. Most recently, La Cueva, a Latin American restaurant. The consistent thread through these Blowers Street eateries… the cheesecake. Now it’s time for something completely different: Shoptalk has learned that a new Japanese place has opened at that address, Fujiyama Restaurant (5244 Blowers, 492-1133).
Susie’s Shortbread celebrates a year
Saturday, August 29 is the first anniversary of Susie’s Shortbreads (1589 Dresden Row, 406-7075). To celebrate the first 50 customers in the shop on Saturday will receive a free gift, plus there’s be product samples all day and something called “Cupcake Bingo,” which might win you a free giveaway. Stop by for your cupcake needs…
Who IS in Charge?!
I love walking the trails around HRM. Gets me to some interesting places, spaces and yes to work. Been sitting on this one for awhile now, making calls and asking questions. Several months ago, I stopped to chat with a Trail Warden the only to find out the province didn’t build these trails, neither did…
Bonus
This is a thank-you to the friendly girl who sneaked three bonus chicken fingers into my two-piece snack pack. You told me apologetically that all you had left were drumsticks and wings, and I said that was fine, whatever you had was good. I guess you still felt you had to make up for it.…
Because I Can’t Get Shitfaced, I Can’t See Live Music
Just because I’m too young to drink, I’ve had to miss every single one of my favourite bands few Halifax stops. Just because I’m 3 years too young to drink, I can’t be around alcohol. If I wanted to get drunk I’d ask my 19+ old sister to buy me booze. Not wear my favourite…
I feel really lonely and empty
I feel really lonely and empty I feel really lonely and empty. I have a condition called avoidance personality disorder. Never knew what it was like to be in love….too afraid of rejection and intimacy. I’m 48 now and considering checking out (considering I say not actively planning so please don’t send the guys with…
You guys made my week!
To all my amazing friends: Thank you all so much for making this past week so awesome! 6 days at a beautiful cabin with some of the most amazing people ever! We drank, we ate, we swam, we laughed. A lot. Last year was great, byt this really was the best vacation ever! Can’t wait…
Dude you are the best!
This goes out to the guy who pushed my car out of the intersection, thanks so much. You rock. Maybe one day i can drive my standard car without the muscle of other! Hopefully tomorrow. Oh and sorry for not clutching wile you pushed, I have so much to learn. —Should have gotten an automatic
Manhandling panhandler
Wow. Dude on spring garden sure is agressive in his panhandling technique. He TOLD me to give him change. I told him I only had bus fare. He told me i should buy a car. Well, he should buy deodorant. For his next trick, he grabbed (!) a young girl by the shoulder and told…
Greatest landlord
The last time I lived in her building, I left the place in bad shape and skipped out without paying part of the rent, but three years later she agreed to rent to me again. In return, I’m keeping the place in great shape and paying my rent on-time every month. Thanks again! —Happy tenant
Married life
She’s mean and lazy. She won’t clean, won’t work, spends all my money and insults me constantly. Everytime I try to talk to her, it turns into an arguement. Most nights we sit in silence watching television. Sex is nearly non-existent and mostly consists of me doing things to her. But, we have two wonderful…
Fuck You, American Tourists
To the guy who dropped 700 American dollars on my counter and expected to exchange it without a fee or and give you back 20 cents to the dollar, fuck you. Honestly, a big, fat, fuck you. Your muttered “fuckin’ Canadians” as you turned your back and walked away is so typical of your country’s…
Babies deserve breastmilk
I’m so fucking pissed off about these stupid skanks who say things like, “Breastfeeding is disgusting!” or “Nobody’s touching my tits but me and my boyfriend!” How fucking selfish can you be? Your milk is created by your body to provide your baby with the perfect amount of everything that it needs, and allow it…
Globe & Mail gets Halifax sewage wrong
The Globe & Mail rather lamely tries to connect Halifax’s failed sewage plant situation to the passing by of Hurricane/Tropical Storm/No Show Bill: The hurricane barrelling down on Halifax this weekend promises to bring the glimmer of a silver lining to more than just the surfers eagerly awaiting big swells. Coming after a stretch of…
Muriel Duckworth dies
Longtime Halifax peace activist Muriel Duckworth has died. Her family sends the following short obituary: Muriel Helena Duckworth, 1908-2009. Surrounded by her family, she died with dignity and grace on August 22, 2009. With love and respect we bid farewell to our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and champion of peace and justice. We will…
Radical concepts is getting out of leather
The Sign used to say “Radical Leathers” but the store, actually Radical Concepts (137 Portland Street, Dartmouth, 464-0404), is getting out of the leather business, selling off its stock at cost. If you are into bike leathers and jackets, check them out before they’re all gone or stop in for the quality urban wear or…
NOT a boring break up story
Yes, I know I shouldn’t be asking bitchers for advice. And this is probably boring, but what the hell. I met a certain boy when I was twelve. He’s two years older than me. Many many years later, we are both college students, and I am just as in love with him as when I…
Dark Haired Woman in Black SUV.
I was standing at the curb waiting to cross at the crosswalk at Main and Alex. You stopped. Good driver. Biscuit! But when I waited to make sure traffic coming from the OTHER direction was stopping as well, you lost patience and proceeded through the crosswalk. No biscuit! I looked both ways before I crossed…
Abolish Skateboard helmet laws in Halifax!
If you don’t skateboard you probably think that the semi-new law that forces skateboarders to wear helmets is a great idea. I am bitching to tell you that it isn’t. To begin the Police force is funded by our tax dollars. They are wasting our tax dollars by NOT addressing the majority. Skateboarding amounts for…
dirty bathroom
To all you shitty roommates out there. Band together and make each others lives a living hell. —rent
Not Appreciated
This bitch is to the old couple that lives two houses down from me: I do not appreciate being called “meatball”, “beach ball” or any other name when I walk to catch my bus in the morning. It really ruins my day. I understand that I have weight issues, but that is no reason to…
Bakery Perfume
I LOVE being anywhere on Quinpool and smelling the smell of a certain bakery! I am not a fan of your bread but damn! I could fill my belly just with that delicious yeasty odour! —Bread Girl
To My Metal Boyfriend
I didnt know that metal was a thing until I met you. I thought that you were cooler than me and I never talked to you. Now I don’t shut up and you laugh a lot. I still hate metal and you’ll always hate twilight and 90’s boy bands but we love each other very…
A “your welcome” would be nice
Dear Mr Elf Man, You take my money every time I go to pay for parking at work. I say hello and you say nothing. I say thank you have a nice night. You say nothing, you don’t even smile. You just put on a sour face and hand me my ticket. If you hate…
thank you everyone for getting me home
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped me find my way. I am new to Dartmouth (from Manitoba) and I was driving aimlessly trying to find my way untill I decided to finally stop and ask someone for directions. I wound up stopping a few more times and everytime I got…
Jeep Girl
This is to the inconsiderate Jeep Girl who cut me off early Friday morning on North St, just before the intersection at Gottigen St. You had to have seen my blinker on, as I was patiently waiting to change lanes. You appeared to slow down to let me in ahead of you, and when I…
Hurricane Who? What? Ahhhh…it’s nothing …..
What is happening with Environment Canada’s site and this years first hurricane related weather event? Why do I have to go to American sources in order to plan around a Sunday and Monday that Environment Canada categorizes as rain and a mix of sun and cloud? I find this to be very disturbing and given…
Stupid Cops
This bitch goes out to the cops who held my one friend for questioning and took my other SOBER friend to the drunk tank last night (thursday the 20th) at a certain bar famour for its powerhour from 9-10 on that night. Just because somebody forgot to pay their tab during a big party does…
Thank You So Much!
To the wonderful cute guy with the white sports jersey on the #80 you are AMAZING! You played with my little 2 y/0 girl and made her laugh the whole ride from Sackville to Halifax and kept her from being cranky on that hot bus. Being a single mom is hard enough, but people like…
Refugees from Windsor and Almon
With the heavy reno going on in the building at the northwest corner of Windsor and Almon, the businesses that were once in there have all had to relocate. Shoptalk reported that the first to go, Jeans and Gents, having been on Windsor for 20 years, now can be found at 2592 Elm at Chebucto.…
Smoking cops are the least of our worries…
Can everybody shut the fuck up about the smoking cop? This is how far the anti-tobacco hysteria has come. Throughout the country, Canadians are finally coming to realize what many of us have known for years – that “law enforcement” attracts a higher percentage of bullies, liars and border-line sociopaths than exists in the general…
Plus, you’re cute
to my cat: I love you. Last night you caught and ate a month that was terrorizing me and this morning you are hunting a house fly. Thank you! —the human who feeds you and scoops your shit in return
Dear Cup Holder Thief
Not only are you as sneaky as you are creative, while my sunroof was down last night you somehow managed to plunge your way into my locked car, not knocking the full McDonalds cup in the cup holder directly below you. After you were inside you decided nothing was of value but the main cup…
Court orders HRM to pay $81,125 for smelly sewer plant
Supreme Court Judge Gerald Moir has ordered the Halifax Regional Municipality to pay Allison Willis $81,125 in damages for a smelly sewage plant the municipality constructed next to Willis’ property. Willis is a 70-year-old man who was born on, and lived his entire life on, a farm in North Preston. A sewage plant was constructed…
YOU DONT TAKE DEBIT????WHAT CENTURY ARE YOU IN
AM craving a strawberry cheese danish one afternoon on my way to work and i stop by THE LARGEST COFFEE FRANCHISE IN CANADA after i make my order,lady tells me they dont take debit….WHICH PLACE IN THIS CENTURY DOESNT TAKE DEBIT..EVEN THE CORNER STORE ON MY STREET DOES..YOU ARE A LARGE FRIGGIN FRANCHISE AND YOU…
shitty parenting
Seriously, how the fuck do you justify giving your baby pop??? On the bus today, a baby less then a year old, drinking orange soda pop out of a baby bottle. What the fuck?? Are you fucking stupid?? Some people really shouldn’t have children. —virgomom
TAG: > WTF is up with all the taglines?
Ok – the first few were funny. Now that there is a custom tagline that basically sums up the title of the bitch – it has lost all impact. If anything, it gives me more to read without giving me any more information. As a writer, I have always been taught that you tell your…
Cyclists from my pedestrian point of view
Okay – When I am walking down the sidewalk, I DO NOT mind, stepping aside for half a second, to allow a person on a bicycle to pass me. I know Halifax has its panties all up in a bunch about people riding bikes. The pedestrians, and the drivers. Drivers, I understand a bit more.…
Just another Coast Bitch
Um, what’s up with all the headers? Are we labelling every single post now Mr. Coast Moderator? Perhaps we like the BRIGHT RED HEADINGS? While I giggled at first, the novelty is wearing off now…. —Tired of recieving Headers…..
Dear shirtless dog owners
I know your grey pitbull is really cute. Absoultely!! But you know whats NOT cute, her shit that you wont pick up off our front lawn. There are other apartments in this building, and there are other people that live here, and its unfortunate that everyday I walk past our front lawn, I get swarmed…
Incredible Picnic postponed
The Incredible Picnic scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed a week, because of the stormy weather forecast. While this is disappointing news for all who were looking forward to the big local food celebration, if delaying the gastronomical gratification for a week means not sharing a picnic basket with Hurricane Bill, it’s hard to…
Help wanted. Payment: beer!
Greg Nash, who is overseeing brewing at the new Hart & Thistle brewpub on the waterfront, just posted an interesting call for help on H&T’s Brewer’s Blog: Ladies and gentlemen we need your help to make more great beer at the H&T! What: Hop Harvest When: Sat August 22nd 2009, 9:00 a.m. sharp (weather permitting)…
Atlantic Film Fest announces its Atlantic program line-up.
Burning Rubber performance by Steven Laurie, 2007. This year AFF is spreading out the anticipation; it’s like an advent calendar for film nerds. Yesterday they announced the Atlantic program line-up, with over 70 short and feature-length films. Newfoundland film is really strong this year—the Atlantic gala presentation is Love and Savagery by director John N.…
Minivan Halen’s last show at the Paragon
Paul HammondText appeal Minivan Halen play their last Halifax show this Friday August 21 (with Slave Class from PEI and Buried Inside from Ottawa, The Paragon, 10:30pm, $10), it’s been a short, but sweet, run for a band who primarily played house shows, all ages shows and the VLT room at Gus’ Pub. “We specially…
Why are people in Nova Scotia so fat?
I travel for work quite often and the first thing I notice whenever i land in a city West of NB is that people (especially young women) are much slimmer than the ones in NS. What the hell is going on in this province? 19/20 women are fat. Is it that we have lower social…
Tea two milk one sugar please?
Okay i work at a certian coffee shop, they are everywhere, you know which one. Ive been to 2 different ones in the last 2 days, both have messed up my tea. I work at this place myself, its not hard to make a fuckin tea properly. What the hell is wrong with people. I…
SpringG newsboy
You faithfully hand me the paper and get in “have a good day” before I do. You make my morning every morning…so thank you! On a sad note – I move in 2 weeks and wont get to walk by you m-f 🙁 —PublicGardens Girl
A police officer smoking in the patrol car and then littering!!!???
Ok, first of all I know that there have been 1000 bitches on here before about smokers and their throwing their butts on the ground. I happen to be a non-smoker completely against it but I’m really trying to mellow out about it as I really can’t do anything about it or see it stopping.…
Behind you!
This is a curious question I have based on my observations of bicyclists this summer. Why is it that cyclists never look behind them while riding? I understand that if bikes have mirrors, they may as well add an engine too. But why have I yet to see a cyclist look behind them? As a…
go read a book…
I’m going to scream if I get one more email asking me to help “save the Canadian Networks”…For what? So I can sit in front of my tube and watch ANOTHER of these ridiculous “crime” shows?! Who watches these things anyway? Do you think you’re learning something? The “science” used on these idiotic shows is…
Awesome Neighbours
To all my awesome neighbours and the bystanders in and around my street Wednesday night who offered assistance after my dog got attacked by two others. Thankfully there are no injuries, but lots of shaken nerves and tears. Thanks for making sure we were o.k. and checking up with us afterwards. Its great knowing I…
Rocket Reducers and Ultra Violence Ray try on Halifax for size Tuesday August 25 at Gus’
it’s the little things in life that keep Rocket Reducers happy Rocket Reducers and Ultra Violence Ray are two amazing Ontarian punk bands making the long, arduous trip out east from Ontario for the very first time. It’s a little like a first date, isn’t it? Will we like each other? Will they want to…
The Baby Formula: Director interview
Married couple Lilith (Megan Fahlenbock) and Athena (Angela Vint) are both pregnant with each other’s children via sperm created through the women’s stem cells. Director Alison Reid extensively investigated the real-life embryonic stem-cell research that inspired the premise, though for the purposes of the film “we assumed the science is further along than it is.”…
Mad Men reborn
Don Draper (Jon Hamm) may have returned home at the end of season two, but judging from the opening scene of season three—a theatrical reenactment of Draper imagining his conception and birth—he’s no less troubled. And, as we learn when he and darling Sal (Bryan Batt) take a business trip together, Draper still can’t resist…
Inglourious Basterds: the Palermo review
Every Quentin Tarantino movie is an event. The best moments of Inglourious Basterds translate his love of cinema into thrilling pulp. The weakest get off on comedic slaughter. With clashing tones, the pieces never quite fit. The historic context of renegade Nazi hunters is problematic action movie fodder. Moral inquiry may, as he’s stated in…
Sunset Rubdown
Wolf Parade should call it quits (and not just because the band's last album was a dud). But Spencer Krug should devote all his energy to Sunset Rubdown—everything this band (which includes members of Pony Up! and Miracle Fortress) does kicks ass. Especially Dragonslayer, its third full-length, which even surpasses the critically acclaimed Random Spirit…
Sex work in the shadows
Halifax’s sex workers are regularly assaulted and have even been killed on the job. But as a result of our hypocritical attitudes toward sex—we can sell anything using appeals to our sexual selves, except sex itself—we can’t find a way to protect these women. Meredith Dault tells their story. photos Aaron McKenzie Fraser
Electro Chiac Therapie
With neon-pink covers and the initial pressing on lavender vinyl, this split seven-inch between locals ECT and Saint John’s Reclusive Mute doesn’t lack for colour, either in the presentation or the eletro-punk-experimental sounds. ECT’s Lindsay Sue’s vocals are only moderately intelligible between the shrieky volume and the fact they sing in the Acadian Franco-Anglo mash-up…
Black Moor survives and conquers
In the four years that Black Moor has been together, the band has opened for some impressive acts (Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, Priestess, Rammer, Cauldron), built up a ravenous fan base, gotten into a life-threatening car accident and then built it all back up again with a new album, The Conquering. All before their 22nd birthdays.…
Ryan Dahle
The singer-guitarist behind Limblifter returns to the accelerated rush that’s often distinguished his sound. Right off the top, “Chop Chop” hits you. “Shutdown” and “Awfulizing” repeat the effect. Dahle’s arrangements have always made room for solid, propulsive rhythm, which he gets from drummer brother Kurt and Megan Bedfield on bass. Ballads “Agoraphobe” or “Eek It’s…
It’s all Something Good
Markit and Boy-ill are close. They’ve been friends for over a dozen years, following each other throughout HRM’s schools, basketball teams and later forming the hip-hop group Fax 4 with fellow MCs Spesh K and Quake, as well as being roommates. Their latest collaboration, Something Good, sees them working more closely together despite the fact…
Kate Beaton’s drawing lessons
Sitting in Uncommon Grounds on Argyle, she is hunkered over a new comic about Simón Bolívar and Antonio José de Sucre. Her brown eyes are hidden behind her brown hair as she inks in her pencil drawings of the “celebrated liberator of South America” and his right-hand man. Kate Beaton’s comic, Hark! A Vagrant, covers…
Q&A with Something Good
Black: On your song, “Did That,” is that a Josh Martinez sample at the end? I can’t place it. Boy-ill: It is a local sample…Y-Rush told me once and I can’t remember. Markit: Y-Rush just does his own things in his attic at 4 am and the next thing…we hear it. Boy-ill: It is local…
TODAY: David Myles at Grand Parade
As he takes the stage at the Grand Parade, someone needs to crown David Myles king of the road. The long, lean man tours non-stop, or so it seems after a read of his blog and all the tour-dates mentioned therein. He played the nation’s capital for Canada Day and celebrated New Brunswick Day in…
The Cliks
With heavy-rock riffs and Lucas Silveira’s cocksure vocals, The Cliks are a good kind of dirty. The title track opens with a surf-style riff and climbing bass notes. Relationships are tough, especially on the road —“Not Your Boy” alludes to a flailing love affair. “Henry,” “We Are Wolverines” and “Career Suicide” kick up the rock…
Bike polo hits Hali
Two of Halifax’s most devoted bike polo players meet me, a clueless but curious civilian trying to learn about this most niche of cycling cultures. I know it’s cool by virtue of its exclusivity—hence its sex appeal—but certainly there has to be something more to bike polo to justify its cult following in Tokyo, New…
City hires auditor
Hoping to allay criticism that it is unwisely spending taxpayer money, Halifax council has hired an auditor general to inspect the city’s books. The decision was made in a secret council session last Tuesday, and no substantial information has been released to the public—we don’t yet know the name of the person hired, the person’s…
Amanda Blank
We all know how humid it’s been, but damn, this album is like, all hot and shit. Nestled between Lil’ Kim and Peaches on the raunchy female MC spectrum, Blank’s I Love You is a summer party album oozing with sex appeal. Backed by reigning electro/hip-hop kings Diplo & Switch (Santigold, MIA), help from Spankrock’s…
Black Moor’s Top 5 metal songs
[image-1] 1) Emerald, Thin Lizzy Emerald – Thin Lizzy 2) What it is, Pride Tiger What It Is – Pride Tiger 3) Rime of the ancient mariner, Iron Maiden 4) The Last Baron, Mastodon 5) The Syndicate, Children of Eve The Syndicate – Children of Eve
The Bard’s CSI
Good news. If you’re tired of those SVU and CSI summer reruns but really need a fix of blood, sex and madness, Shakespeare by the Sea’s Macbeth is the perfect answer. The production literally drips with blood and crackles with energetic sword fights. Genevieve Steele as Lady Macbeth wields sex as handily as the men…
Rail to trail project gets OK
Halifax council last week agreed to spend $2.7 million to purchase the Chester Spur Line, a rail corridor that winds its way from Fairview, around the Fairmount neighbourhood and out to the Lakeside Industrial Park. CN stopped running trains on the line some years ago, and last year put it up for sale with a…
Assembling a local picnic basket
Sunday August 30 is the Incredible Picnic, the province-wide celebration of local food. At the Halifax location, on the Garrison Grounds, onsite vendors will have samples, but the truly adventuresome will bring their own picnic baskets. You can’t, however, rely on imported picnic staples like watermelon. Fortunately, savvy Maritime entrepreneurs make eating locally easier. Starters…
Charlie A’Court busks for housing
Charlie A’Court may be a two-time East Coast Music Award winner, but he paid his dues getting there. When the Truro blues man arrived in Halifax fresh-faced at 21, he struggled to make rent. “I spent that whole summer busking and that was the money I’d live off,” he explains. “Sometimes people would bring a…
Top Quiz and Trivia nights
Halifax is brimming with trivia and quiz nights that’ll keep you on your toes until Jeopardy’s back on the air. And yes, it will be hot in the bars, but hey, that’s what beer’s for. Sipping, chugging or dousing—the possibilities are endless. Rogue’s Roost 5435 Spring Garden, 492-BEER, Wednesdays, 10pm-12am Running on year seven, this…
Andre Rochefort: primo bowler
A primo bowl Modest to a fault, champion bowler Andre Rochefort is knocking them over in the five-pin world. There are about 600 five-pin bowlers in Nova Scotia right now. And Andre Rochefort is the best. He’s got top high average (which is the highest score for a full year; in bowling that means 90…
Gomorrah
This film follows five lives knotted up in the power-dynamics and displays of power put on by the Camorra, the mafia in contemporary Naples. As with Traffic, The Departed (Martin Scorcese executive produced Gomorrah) and City of God, the individual stories range from the little guy to the big players. The lives of the main…
How to listen to citizens
Matt Hebb, the 2009 campaign manager for the Nova Scotia New Democrats, injected some humour into his presentation last weekend at the federal NDP convention in Halifax. His talk was about how the NDP managed to pull off a majority government in the June provincial election. “One of the secrets of winning is to get…
ADVENTURELAND
Pitched as a wacky comedy for its theatrical run, Adventureland actually has very few laughs—perfectly fine in a sensitive, well-wrought coming-of-age story, which is what it actually is. This film has all the heart and insight erroneously attributed to Mottolla’s first film, Superbad. James (Jesse Eisenberg) is a newly graduated (class of ’86) lit student…
Welcome to Gaydom, boys
Q I just turned 20 and have been out of the closet for a year. A lesbian friend wants to hook me up with her gay friend, let’s call him Kyle, a cute, fit boy who runs track and does theatre. The issue is, he’s just 17 and starting his senior year in high school,…
Eli Roth’s personal effects.
When you talk to Eli Roth, there’s a recurring motif in the conversation: he keeps it personal and unapologetic. Roth is on the phone from Vancouver, where he’s talking up Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, in which he plays Donnie “The Bear Jew” Donowitz. He lets the dialogue flit to-and-fro, from his own filmmaking, his relationship…
Worms 2: Bigger, badder, wormier
Bigger, badder and wormier than ever, Worms 2: Armageddon takes everything you loved about the previous Worms for Xbox Live and improves it. Decimate your opponents with a vast arsenal of series staples, including concrete donkeys and holy hand grenades, paired with newcomers like bunker busters and lightning strikes. With a light-hearted, humourous style, it’s…
Dartmouth waterfront trail is incomplete.
[image-1] What’s wrong? Dartmouth waterfront trail is incomplete. Who’s responsible? Peter Bigelow, HRM property manager, 490-6047. REMARKS The new waterfront trail is a great success, and for good reason: it’s got spectacular views and helpfully connects the two ferry terminals. But a reader complains that there still gaps in the asphalt, where the trail crosses…
