Eyelevel Gallery relocates
Disclaimer: Back before I became arts editor here, I was co-chair of the board at Eyelevel Gallery. During that time, I helped find locations and assist in two moves; one from Barrington and another move on Gottingen. I say this only because I know how disruptive it is to move a gallery, and how difficult…
Hurt her, and I will hurt you
To the son of a bitch dating my best friend… you are a manipulating, abusing asshole. The only reason you act the way you do is because you are so insecure. So instead, I watch you break her down to nothing, make her feel like shit about herself, and make her believe she can’t do…
Haligonian vs Halifaxian
Ok I am sick and tired of hearing the word Haligonian. Oh yes people from Halifax are Haligonians, because that makes sense riiiight? I would of thought it meant you were from Haligonia. We should change this stupid word to Halifaxian, because suprise suprise, we are indeed from Halifax. —A Halifaxian
Dear Friend
We’ve been good friends for a few years now but over the last year we’ve drifted apart. We used to hang out every Saturday night and stay up all night together, just hanging out in your old apartment; talking, laughing, watching TV. Over the last few months I’ve started to realize that I might like…
Crotchety Cashier
You’re a cashier… you have a job that a fat, hairy, mindless ape could do. Would it kill you to smile and be polite to customers? Your customer service skills have the same level of quality as sun dried dogshit and management has had several calls from customers about you. Not good calls either. Change…
It’s a yield sign not a stop sign!
To these people who claim they know how to drive, well fuck, pay attention when you’re at a yield sign. All you need to do is check to make sure there is no traffic coming and then proceed, not come to a complete stop backing up traffic a mile long ’cause you don’t know what…
Trouble
I know you’re good, and inside, you are a sweetheart. It broke my heart to tell you we were no more, because you deserve someone who cares for you fully. Maybe, if we met at another time and place, we could have worked. But you have to get your life together; you’re so lost right…
Driving drunk next time!
My girlfriend and I went for supper last night at her sister’s. We ended up having a few drinks (as it’s the festive season) so we got a cab home and left our car on the street. The responsible thing to do, right? When I got a cab back this morning to pick up our…
Very grateful VW driver
To the great guy who works at a convenience store on the corner of Windsor and Chebucto and the couple who also stopped to help me in the parking lot. Thank you all so very, very much. I am sorry my car mishap covered you all in mud, but so very grateful you bothered to…
Comics for Christmas?
Mike Crossman at Monster Comics Lounge (2091 Gottingen Street, 429-1398) says the most recent edition of Robert Kirkman’s popular zombie serial—now also a TV series—The Walking Dead is particularly hot right now at his north end store. (And for those who are just getting into it because of the show, it’s already at Volume 13!)…
Filled with Gratitude
There is something about this time of year that makes the small gestures have huge impact. Whether you are making sandwiches for the less fortunate, buying a gift for a stranger in need or giving that extra bit as a tip for great service. Finding some way to do something nice for someone is rewarding…
Skaters v.s. Skaters
Dear City of Halifax, why is it you treat the ice skaters of winter differently than the urban skaters of summer? Yes I’m a skateboarder and yes I enjoy ice skating. However, when I ride my board at the Commons Skate Park without a helmet I’m met with a fine of $138. Yet I I…
NSCAD students go flying
As you’re lugging that overstuffed bag through Robert Stanfield International Airport, take a breather and check out maquettes from NSCAD’s Sculptural Propositions class (located conveniently just past the Burger King). Led by Steve Higgins, eight students imagined a public sculpture for the airport, taking into consideration appropriate materials and budgets. Above: a piece by Jessica…
Buy Local Pledge winners celebrate local businesses
The Coast’s Buy Local Pledge was once again a tremendous success. This year 590 Coast readers committed to spending $100 each in locally owned stores for Christmas shopping, placing $59,000 into the local economy, a significant increase from last year’s pledge total. As incentive for pledging, The Coast awarded four prizes, each consisting of $500…
The Hacker
So it’s been weeks that I am taking the same bus home and there you are everyday in the front seat of the bus hacking non-stop. Has it ever occurred to you to see a doctor? For a full 45 minutes to an hour everyone on this bus has to listen to your non-stop flem.…
Comparing Cities and Salaries
The aqua bandits have now decided to jack up the rates to upgrade the infrastructure, and give management 20 – 40% pay raises to bring them in line with similar municipalities. Our only line of defence rubber stamped it, much as they did when the power company wanted them to spring for lube to soften…
Boxing Day at Biscuit
We’re in the home-stretch now, people. December 25 is but days away, but for those who haven’t quite had their fill of shopping, the deals just keep on coming. Biscuit General Store (1661 Argyle Street, 425-5436) is offering its biggest Boxing Day sale evah. You’ll find 60 percent off all clothing, with everything else at…
Thank You!
To the guy that works at a coffee shop on Queen St. who gave me a free coffee because “my smile lit up his world.” I just wanted to let you know that you deserved it. —Smiling and Sipping Coffee
Books for kids and adults
The bookstore for children and young readers, Woozles (1533 Birmingham Street, 423-7626), has plenty to offer adults too, but if you have kids on your gift list it’s definitely worth a visit. They’ve got Snow for Christmas by Nova Scotia writer-illustrator Doretta Groenendyk, about a little boy who wants snow for Christmas. Don’t we all,…
Doomed To Face The Cold
To the assortment of douche bags working at a downtown club the other night, I hope you shit heads know how to read: You told my brother to get out after five beers for apparently “having too much to drink” and no other reason. When he got to the coat check, he couldn’t find his…
Critics’ picks: We goofed!
In the Coast’s Critics’ Picks list for Music, published last Thursday, we incorrectly identified the label that released Bad Vibrations’ Under Pressure seven-inch. We identified the label as Brotherhood Cassettes, who actually released the Bad Vibrations/Bloodhouse split tape earlier this month. The seven-inch was actually released this past June by Sewercide Records. Even though the…
Spruce Beer
Please make more. —Spruce head
Laundry boy
You were running down Cunard with cold clenched fists in the snow, and a red and black checkered shirt, to the laundrymat on Windsor. You looked back before you crossed the road, and I’m not sure why, but it pretty much made my day. You, sir, are adorable. —Purple hat
You Park Like An Asshole
Why do we have laws for illegal parking? It’s obviously nothing more than a cash grab rather than for safety reasons: This weekend some asshat parks in front of my place, fine. However, no thought of checking to see if he’s blocking my driveway; the entire rear wheel is in my driveway (not to mention…
Christmas Turkey
After a long summer without you, I am so glad to be back in Halifax and enjoying your company. Going home for Christmas makes me only that much more grateful that I have someone like you waiting for me when I get back, cold feet and all. I cannot wait to live with you, and…
I
I love the elves that work for Santa at the mall. Everytime I’m there, seeing you is the highlight! Especially the one with the red beard. Hope you guys come back next year! —A Wannabe Elf
Fake-Chilean
Accept it, you’re Canadian NOT Chilean. Stop saying your family is from Chile because THEY ARE NOT! Just because your step dad is from the country it does not give you the right to start telling people you’re Hispanic. Shit, are you that desperate to make your life seem a little more interesting that you…
Festivus for the Rest-of-Us
To the guy who left me a $10 tip and wished me “Merry Christmas” when I was having a particularly awful night at work: thank you so much for taking two seconds to offer a discouraged girl some kindness. You’re my Christmas Miracle. —A distraught waitress
To the person hacking up a lung in the library
Like my cat with a hair ball you chose the most central area of the library to spread your phlegm from. Not that you don’t have a right to cough (this is the reason that I am writing a bitch and not calling you out in person) but please realize that your mucus filled vocalizations…
Heros of Canton
I love that with the colder weather I am seeing so many Jayne Cobb hats around the city. Every time I see one it makes my day better. —Fellow Firefly geek
It’s a Shame
My husband witnessed two young female adults shoplifting at a grocery store tonight. They were in their late teens. I feel bad that the parents have to deal with the little assholes over the holidays. You guys just destroyed your family holiday. —You deserve jail
With LOVE
I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! During this time of year it’s hard to imagine I will not be spending time with your lovely family. Last year we had the chance to re-kindle our love but things didn’t work out for us! I know you’re happy now and things…
Big Red
If you see this you’ll already be heading to the airport, where you’ll no doubt hold doors open for strangers, help people with heavy parcels, and strike up adorable conversations with everyone you meet. I admire you for taking risks and following your heart. You’re a generous and warm girl, you deserve all the success…
Mr. Plow Where Art Thou!
Do you see what I see? No salt, no plowing, no pre-emptive planning by HRM to make its streets safe and driveable. It’s gotten worse every year. The phrase “driving too fast for conditions” is now laughable. Get the damn salt on the road early, don’t wait till folks are in accidents that are preventable.…
Here’s to you, 2012!
I haven’t even met you yet, but I know your numerology vibe, the way you roll off my tongue, the way you erase every vestigial evil of the year past-will bring love and joy at last. —Waiting for Mr. 4
Tattoo “Artists” Suck
Why is it that every tattoo artist thinks their shit doesn’t stink? Why do they feel they deserve $120/hour with no education? Why is it that they are always ready and willing to tattoo, until their works needs touching up? Why? Because they all suck! —Inked
Dragon Mittens
Thank you, to whomever it was that found my son’s homemade dragon mittens and stuck them in the fence by the Quinpool Superstore. He really loved those mittens, and I was just starting to think I wouldn’t find them when lo – there they were. Many thanks, from a parent to a stranger. —Missing Mittens
Road Rules for Dummies
Oh my fucking gawd. How is it that winter manages to sneak up on so many of you? So much so that the snow must freeze what’s left of your brain cells as you get behind the wheel. 1. CLEAN THE SNOW OFF YOUR FUCKING CAR!!! Switching on your wipers and rolling down your driver’s…
Life sucks but you don’t!
Thanks for being there pookie. I hate this world and all of the people in it, other than you. You make the sun shine and the air smell sweet. If only the world was full of people like you. — Ridethespiral
Schooner Books offers more than books
Down in the south end, Schooner Books (5378 Inglis Street, 423-8419) is well-known for its historical and text books, both good quality second-hand and out-of-print, both literature and non-fiction, but they do a host of other things, too. “We’re doing really well on vintage photographs,” says owner John Townsend. “And our Canadiana has been selling…
Lil’ Wonder in the Waiting Room
I went to get a new ID made up this morning. While waiting for my card a little girl around 2 approached me. Her dad calling for her to return to where he was. Little girl walked away to the newspaper stand and grabbed the daily newspaper. She came back to where I was sitting,…
Launching Your Dog Poop!
Ever get under the railroad bridges in the city? Lots of grocery bags tied up, full of dog poop. Sure, picking up after Skippy is great, but us Hermits down here don’t like you disposing of your dog shit like this! We’re people too! Take the friggin bag home and put it in the garbage.…
Little Mysteries prize opportunities
From now until the end of December, with every purchase at Little Mysteries Books (1663 Barrington Street, 423-7106) the total amount spent will be tallied and put on a ballot with your name. All the ballots will be collected and at the beginning of January one will be chosen, the winner will get back the…
Wikileaks reveals intense PR push to sell US war planes
Peace activists protest coordinated campaign to “sell” F-35 stealth fighter jets to Canada.
Last Gamestore here for you at the holidays
What do these imminent holidays mean to a lot of people? They mean toys and games. And in Halifax, games are very much the business of The Last Gamestore (278 Lacewood Drive, 457-7529) out in Clayton Park. It went through a few changes not long ago, turning its focus from comics to solely games. You…
Honour thy mother
To the girl I saw freaking out at her mother in a parking lot in Bayers Lake, for shame! Yes, I don’t know what your mother said to you, or what she’s done to you in the past, but my guess is you are just an angsty teen. Still, I think you were a little…
Love That Got Away
To the most special girl I have ever met, this is for you. We were together for about 3 years and the first year was great. After that you brought 2 little beautiful girls into my life and I could not be more happy, we had our bad times but you stuck them out till…
The Cave
We can’t be ‘good friends’ or ‘great friends,’ just because I have another friend that I also very much enjoy spending time with? This means that our friendship has to die slowly simply because you can’t stand to share me? The idea of a ‘best friend’ is fucking stupid and I’m sorry you can’t see…
Who’s the Champ?
If you’re going to get together in a group and do something in public you shouldn’t feels so damn entitled to privacy. I’m talking about the breast feeding groups that get together at the coffee shop. By doing something in public you’re assuming that others are going to be there and might share the same…
To the people at the bridge who cared
Thank you to the people who cared enough to speak up and help me get on a bus to go home with my 2 kids!! It’s hard to travel with 2 small kids and it also makes it even harder when you cant afford a double stroller to travel with. The stroller I had was…
Nobody Wants To See That
It’s December, nobody wants to see your fat ass wearing your stupid purple short shorts. I don’t care how “awesome” you think they look, you are fat, pasty, and flat out nasty. I don’t want to see your cottage cheese thighs and half of your underwear sticking out of your pants. I can’t even call…
Bus Terminal Chivalry
To the lovely young guy who showed me that there is still kindness in the world, thank you! I was sitting on the 55 bus at the bridge terminal, when two elderly ladies got on. One of them had dropped a glove on the ground outside and not noticed. This young guy jogged out of…
Little Jeweller
We go to school together and receiving your smiles at random has become the highlight of my days. I’ve accepted that I will probably never muster up the courage to approach you and my cowardice has become a running joke among friends. I’m usually exceptionally outgoing and personable, but whenever you walk within fifty feet…
Chunky Charlie and Tubby Tina
Parents who allow their kids to become obese should be charged with child abuse! Do those parents not realize the health problems those children may develop, including diabetes? You’re the parent, make the correct decisions regarding what your kids eat. Just because your severely obese yourself doesn’t mean you child needs to be the same.…
Tall gorgeous blond
At my certain water front college: Every single time I see you I stop and stare because you are so amazingly gorgeous. Like today when you were going onto the commons after lunch and I was trying to carry a conversation… I want to send some love to you for Christmas. —Love stoned
Merry Christmas with Gwar
Christmas With Gwar – Watch more Funny Videos This actually isn’t that different from my own Christmas at home. There’s already the breaking of things and the crying babies—just add white tequila and my dad playing “Mississippi Queen” on Rock Band drums on repeat: “JUST ONE MORE TIME, KIDS,” he says. RARERHGHGHHGHGH!
Tick-Tock
I remember feeling absolute love, I remember the voice telling me to forgive. But it took too long, I ruined it all but even a year later, I love you more and more each day. It hurts now, I hope I can change and somehow show you that our love is true and we are…
Customer Service Fail
I was at a coffee place this morning getting an iced drink, I’ve been feeling under the weather and it really feels good on my throat. But to the woman in front of me, shut your fucking trap and get your order. Learn to get it right the first time, I have never waited for…
Jade W offers variety
“For 10 people coming in the door, they’re looking for 10 different genres,” explains Jade W owner Sydney Hansen. “I encourage that. I say there’s a book for everyone, though not all the same book.” It works out, too, because the Jade W is a purveyor of variety, used and new, and in the new…
Glitter
Glitter people, how über fab you are! I will miss the pink door and the relentless pranks. How I learned to use Ze and Hir, I think that needs a special thanks. Ohh how I will miss the pranks. Pregnant women eating and strange noises from the disaster office. I will miss you and maybe…
Thanks for the backpack!
To the lovely people who helped me out when I was struggling to carry my weight in painting supplies- you’re the best! You went out of your way to grab me a backpack and then carefully loaded all my stuff in it, which made my walk home a million times easier. I wish I could…
Legalize Polygamy
Why should someone be charged as a criminal for having more than one wife? If he is married and whores around that is ok but if he is married to the both of them it’s wrong. There are many people religious and non religious that believe in polygamy! Why should the government care who fucks…
What’s wrong: No schedules or route maps at Bridge Terminal.
[image-1] Who’s responsible? Lori Patterson, Metro Transit, 490-6609. Remarks: It’s bad enough that GO Time, which was supposed to give us real time bus information, is just some sort of science fiction fantasy, like flying cars, and that the computer screen with scheduled arrival times has been kaput for several months. But now even the…
HA! A Little Peddie Road Rage
I was walking to work this morning and lo and behold, some car tried to drive through this older man in a crosswalk in front of the Grand Parade. Mr. Peddie proceeded to flip out major-league, threatened him in a voice that could rival Odin’s, leaving the dumb driver sitting there with his stupid gob…
No news to report
[image-1] When it comes to running the city, ‘tis the season…for putting things off. Even winter is sluggish this year; due to unseasonably warm temperatures and heavy rain, the hoped-for Wednesday grand opening of the Common skating oval is delayed until it’s cold enough to make ice. Whether the late arrival of winter reflects a…
Texting + Driving = Fucktard
Like you, the lady yesterday in Cole Harbour… hands over the wheel and texting. That was a SCHOOL BUS you almost hit, you fuckface!! Pull your head out of your ass! I would have been the first to tell the cops what you were doing when you hit… all you people need to put your…
Alabama Christmas Part 2
I love that in just a few short days the stores and businesses will close and the city will once again shut down for that once a year event of Christmas eve. I love that even the Tim Horton’s light are shut off for the rare evening and everything is quite. That no one can…
Medical Ethics?
After reading in a national newspaper about a trend in ‘fetal reductions’ performed on mothers carrying twins who don’t want the ‘inconvenience’ of having two babies, I have to wonder, how do you ever justify to your child choosing to kill his or her twin sister or brother? How would that make someone feel? Knowing…
Baby I’ve been drinking
Last weekend Whiskey Bent and Hellbound singer/guitarist T.J. Kavanaugh played me a bunch of songs from the band’s debut album, Singing Satan’s Gospel from his laptop—and lo, it is good. Produced over two days by James O’Toole, it’s clear that the band has put everything into this recording. It’s beautifully clean and precise—and yet it’s…
Easy Big Fella
It was lunchtime, heading out of Bedford, the turn arrow into Sunnyside had already turned red for you (Mr. Big Man). I had the nerve to hit my horn as I started to proceed legally in my lane when you made your turn. You really think that leaning pretty much into the passenger seat to…
Wrestling with mud fetishes
Q I am a 33-year-old married male who has a WAM—wet and messy—fetish. I’m into mud and clay. I have played with various substances in the bathroom by myself over the years. It always ends with me masturbating myself into oblivion, wishing there were someone with me so we could sensuously rub against each other,…
Retail recess
The later it is in December, the worse it is to be anywhere near a shopping centre. Tensions are high and the soundtrack can get incredibly irritating. So, last minute shoppers, check out these primo locations to ditch the hustle and bustle for a holly-jolly breather. The Hunt Club At this rustic retail retreat you…
The Cruelty of Children
Dear J.A., When we were kids, you came to school greasy and dirty, wearing ill-fitting clothes and velcro sneakers. You blinked a lot and stuttered and you were very shy. The kids made fun of you mercilessly. I made fun of you after a while myself. In hindsight, your parents must have been neglectful addicts,…
Shop & Drink
The later it is in December, the worse it is to be anywhere near a shopping centre. Tensions are high and the soundtrack can get incredibly irritating. So, last minute shoppers, check out these primo locations to ditch the hustle and bustle for a holly-jolly breather. The Hunt Club At this rustic retail retreat you…
Sally Hawkins makes Made in Dagenham
An account of the 1968 strike by female workers at a Ford plant that led to Britain’s passage of equal pay legislation, Made In Dagenham rarely strays from the “inspirational story” playbook. It’s got a plucky heroine (Sally Hawkins) spearheading an unimpeachably just cause—in this case, wages based on work rather than gender—against some irredeemably…
Barking up the local tree
Time is running out on The Coast’s Buy Local Pledge, our annual drive to have you commit to shifting $100 of your holiday shopping to local businesses. The pledge ends this Friday, December 17, so this is your last chance, folks. Go to thecoast.ca and sign up now. Don’t forget that if you pledge, you could win…
Melissa Leo goes the distance
Melissa Leo doesn’t do any boxing in The Fighter, but her role nevertheless required her to step into the filmmaking ring with two men responsible for on-set verbal brawls that have become the stuff of YouTube legend. Playing mom to Christian Bale, who went notoriously batshit after being distracted by a crew member on the…
How Do You Know is so-so
James L. Brooks has a knack for crafting lines of dialogue that are simultaneously funny and touching, the kind that make you wish you could distill your own thoughts so economically. Reese Witherspoon plays a softball star who, reeling after getting cut from the US Olympic team, takes up with Owen Wilson’s dimwitted major leaguer.…
Buy Local profile: Christine Bower
Here’s a perfect example of how The Wooden Monkey tries to offer something unique to its customers while managing its costs: the hunt for non-dairy cheese to put on the vegan nachos. “We did find it,” explains co-owner Christine Bower. “But we can only buy it in little, tiny packages!” Bower says that when you…
The King’s Speech is a royal drama
The lovely film The King’s Speech is about all things that we think of when we think of the best of the UK, particularly its WWII legacy. This is a nation that can sometimes get it right and rise to the occasion, and carry on under difficult circumstances. The King’s Speech tells the tale of…
No rhythm for Black Swan
The plot of Darren Aronofosky’sBlack Swan is similar to that of his elegiac The Wrestler: talented athlete faces greatest challenge despite obstacles, namely self. Which is basically the plot of any Disney movie, and perhaps if Black Swan were animated, it might not come off so ludicrously. Natalie Portman is Nina, a prudish ballerina under…
Buy Local profile: Karyn McCombe
Open for six years, the Euro-styled decor and accessories store Bellissimo has gone through many changes—moving up to the north end from its original location on Market Street, absorbing Abby’s Fabrics and last summer’s expansion. Owner Karyn McCombe says the changes and influx of new products makes it difficult to describe exactly what they do.…
Critics’ Picks 2010: video games
Blur Xbox 360/PC/Playstation 3 (Bizarre Creations) You know that feeling you get in Mario Kart? Dropping a banana peel or shooting a red shell? It’s similar to that but way more street. Call of Duty: Black Ops 360/PS3/Wii/PC (Treyarch) CoD is like that best friend who comes to visit once a year. They’re the perfect…
Critics’ Picks 2010: DVDs
Apocalypse Now (Three-Disc Full Disclosure Edition) (Lionsgate) It occurs to me that I’ve owned more versions of Apocalypse Now, on more video formats, than any other movie. As this Blu-ray includes both the original masterpiece, Apocalypse Now Redux, and George Hickenlooper’s Hearts of Darkness documentary, it will hopefully be the last. –MP Cabin Fever 2:…
Shotgun Jimmie gets inspired
Shotgun Jimmie is pretty pumped for this weekend. So pumped in fact, that he’s been writing in honour of the occasion. “Opening for Joel Plaskett at the Seahorse…crazy epic situation. So I decided I should definitely try and write a song or two about it.” Those lucky enough to have tickets for the show (Plaskett’s…
Free Will Astrology
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) My favourite news source, The Onion, reported on a proposed law that would prohibit marriage between any two people who don’t actually love each other. Couples whose unions are rooted in mutual antipathy or indifference are of course protesting the plan, insisting that they have as much of a right to…
Five years and counting for The Trouble Shooters
This time of year isn’t just a holiday hullabaloo for The Trouble Shooters, it’s their anniversary too. Five years ago on Boxing Day Chris Martin and his then three-piece outfit played their first gig and since then they haven’t just been growing older, they’re also getting bigger. The now seven-piece band will kick off year…
A sick system
In August 2000, freelance writer Barry Boyce came down with a typical case of the Hospital Blues. In a column for the Halifax Daily News, he wrote that he “stepped in a hole in the floor of an old country barn,” twisted his ankle, “and within minutes my foot was the size of a small…
Home for the holidays
Spincycle Squared hasn’t graced a Halifax stage in over two years and Scribbler has been busy making studio magic at the Echo Chamber. But the holidays are a time for sharing right? Scribbler’s Craig Currie thought so and put this show together just in time for Spincycle’s drummer Christian Simmons to come home for the…
Critics’ Picks 2010: books
Alexander MacLeod, Light Lifting (Biblioasis) MacLeod’s evocative short stories capture the motion (athletic competition, youthful thrill-seeking, chasing after kids, working), the emotions, motivations and meanings to these movements. –SF Amy Sedaris, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People (Grand Central Publishing) Amy, get your glue gun. Crafting for Jesus? Beer-cap and pipe-cleaner castanets? The queen of…
Miro Davis goes back to nature with Skins
Since she was a kid playing in the mud Miro Davis has had a fascination with materials, nature and 3d spaces and it shines through in her latest exhibition Skins. The collection of sculptural pieces plays with porcelain, woodcarving, canvas, sculpted canvas, paint and grout to represent experiences Davis has had in nature, like laying…
NSCAD fashion gurus strut their stuff
The fashionable people of NSCAD are ending their fall semester on the catwalk. Thirteen student designers under the direction of instructor Gary Markle will show off their handcrafted collections and offer a peek at the caliber of work coming out of the growing fashion program. Student coordinator and designer Alison May Crozier, whose five piece…
Critics’ Picks 2010: music
Aloe Blacc, Good Things (Stones Throw) Apollo Ghosts, Mount Benson (independent) It’s criminal to have so many equally passionate and comical pop songs squeezed into 25 minutes, so I plug in my air guitar and press repeat. –RH Arcade Fire, The Suburbs (Merge) Mature and grown-up without losing their trademark energy, Arcade Fire take on…
Lebanese delight
As Dartmouth Crossing continues its seemingly endless expansion, so grow the options for lunch spots within easy distance from the thousands of Haligonians who spend their days toiling in the offices of Burnside. But they needn’t look as far as the shopping mecca—nestled right in the middle of the industrial park is Kababji. I head…
Argyle Fine Art to move
Shoptalk has learned that Argyle Fine Art (1869 Upper Water Street, 425-9456) is moving from its Historic Properties locale. It started on Argyle Street—as owner Adriana Afford reminded us, hence the name—though it’s been down on Upper Water for eight years. “The decision was not made lightly however the city is changing, especially this part…
It’s Electric, So Frightfully Hectic
When I heard that Sweet were coming to Casino Nova Scotia on Friday, January 21, my mind logically settled upon the next question: What’s the best version of the greatest karaoke jam of all time, “Ballroom Blitz?” Original? The Damned? Or Crucial Taunt? Camera one? Camera Two. It’s also worth mentioning that all of the…
ECMA Showcasing Artists announced
this photo has nothing to do with the ECMAs, unless Neil Hamburger is secretly hosting and YOU ARE ALL KEEPING THIS FROM ME. Haarrumpgh! Here’s the list of artists performing on the official East Coast Music Awards’ stages as part of East Coast Music Week, which runs April 13-17, 2011 in Charlottetown. Songwriter’s Association of…
Hobo goes Sundancing
After covering Sundance in sawdust with his short Treevenge in 2009, Jason Eisener is heading back to the land of Ugg boots and duck lips with his new feature, Hobo with a Shotgun, starring Rutger Hauer and some familiar localish faces, such as Rob Wells, Brian Downey, Glen Matthews and Michael Ray Fox. Shot in…
Logan’s second run
Ashley Pike Michael McPhee and Glen Matthews star in Logan and I, It’s pretty common to see several members of Halifax’s tight-knit theatre community supporting fellow artists on any given night at any given show in the city. But that was not the case with the sold-out run of The Doppler Effect’s production of Logan…
Wanted: old show posters
A new group popped up on Facebook this week with a purpose that I can definitely get behind: “Nova Scotia Gig Posters” creator Cara MacDonald seeks to collect all your old gig posters and put them online in a searchable archive. Holy balls that’s awesome. 300 posters have already been sent her way, and on…
Fall into Winter
Remember Fall Horsie? That sweet, dreamy ensemble led by Halifax-bred, Montreal-based musician Justin Karas? Remember their last album, Devil(e)durge, and how it was the prettiest album about Satan that you’d ever heard? Well, like most good things, Fall Horsie has adapted and evolved into a new ensemble called O’ The Fool. In an email, Karas…
Darrell Dexter announces changes to film industry and digital media tax credits
“It’s really an amazing announcement, it’s going to support the growth of the entire industry here in Nova Scotia.” So raves animation studio co-owner Paul Rigg about today’s announcement that residency requirements for both the Film Industry and Digital Media tax credits have been updated. The tax credits now includes someone who is employed on…
Magdalen magnified
Halifax based filmmaker Donna Davies’ new documentary on CBC-TV’s Land and Sea wouldn’t have been possible without some moonshine. Not necessarily the ingestion of it, but interviews from a previous documentary involving the trade on her native PEI. A search for interview subjects brought her to the town of Souris and its ferry port to…
