Jenine Dowden photo portraits special for Valentine’s Day
You may find it hard to believe, but that day adored by lovers and loathed by the lonely, falling on February 14, is just over a month away. If you’re looking for a unique gift, for yourself or your significant, consider Blue Vine Photography (404-2309, bluevine.ca), run by local photog Jenine Dowden. You can get…
Thrillema returns…
You just can’t keep a good zombie down. Jason Eisener’s popular cult movie series starts up again on January 21, at its new fancy Dartmouth Crossing theatre home. The first screening is Peter Jackson’s DEAD/ALIVE (the uncut US version), and as always, it will be a 35mm print. The night kicks off at 9pm with…
Jennie Philpott’s punk portraits
Kat Bjelland by Jennie Philpott It doesn’t get much more trad than portrait paintings of women, unless you are NSCAD student Jennie Philpott and your series of oil paintings is a tribute to female underground singers. It’s a kickass twist on two male-dominated art forms. Danyell DeVille (of Hamilton punk band Pantychrist) growls right off…
Ice capading at Sportswheels
If the sweet perfume of zamboni fumes and hot chocolate is luring you back rink-side, but you’re bladeless and kinda broke, there are options. Equipment and service shop Sportswheels (209 Sackville Drive, 865-9033, sportwheels.ca) sells used pairs, starting at around $20 for women’s figure skates, $50 for men’s hockey. What’s available depends on what’s been…
I’d Rather Go Naked Than Fly in Fear
Wow, what a ridiculous amount of bullshit surrounding the new airport scanners. I have actually been in one of these contraptions as they were testing one at the airport when I flew to Europe last spring. For those who are worried about “people from the airport standing around seeing you naked” and the “invasive” nature…
Dear middle-aged Sackville skeet
Dear middle-aged Sackville skeet with the raspy smokers voice and ‘fresh’ pink hat: I do not need to hear about how you want to ‘get freaky’ tonight and give your man ‘the french tickler.’ This enduces vomit, especially in the morning, and especially on the 80. At least she admits it, ‘I know I look…
Not enough bitches
For reals Haligonians, you must have more to bitch about! It makes me bitchy when there aren’t enough bitches to occupy my time wasting. Goodness knows everyone bitches enough to co-workers and friends so please, take time out of your day to bitch here for us all to enjoy!—Bitch Sized Hole in My Heart
Grrrr…
When you come up to me in a small restaurant in which the tables are all full and there are also people standing waiting for their takeout orders, don’t stand there fucking glowering at me like I killed the baby Jesus, when I tell you there will be a wait for your order. In our…
Movie manners – my bad?
to the woman @ Park Lane who started talking on her cell phone in the middle of the movie: When I asked you to please turn it off, you said, “You don’t have to be rude.” …What??? Me, I’m…—Still Laughing in Disbelief
Flannel fuckwads
You. In the PJ bottoms at the mall. You look like an idiot.—Tired of slumber wear
to cool employers of halifax (& beyond)
i can remember when i worked i at the mall and not being able to wear my dyed hair up and regular jewellery was all but banned. never mind that needed to fill piercings in visible places. i remember feeling that none of those rules made any real sense (especially since most of the customers…
bedford is moving on up
i was in the bedford place mall today and guesse what? there is a tattoo artist working in a new spa in there, i have never seen a tattooist in bedford but we finally have one. and shes a gal!!!! and shes real good!!!!!—tattoo lover
Hey Cable company…WTF?
Hey cable company, get your shit together. I waited for your sub-contractor to get to my place to hook up my cable. It was my birthday… But I couldn’t go anywhere, because you’re dicks. 12-6. I called, and complained. You told me to fuck off in a very rude manor, and called me a liar…
Dear Motherfsck’r
Who the hell robs an independant business on their slowest night? Youve been hitting up all the small businesses, I see you again and my fist will make its way into your personal space (somewhere between your top and bottom jaw).—A girl who wont be victimized
The Grad House returns
For those former Dal students who thought the old Grad House, now demolished, was an essential part of your higher education, you’ll be thrilled to know that those who are coming up behind you won’t be denied the experience. General manager Mark Jurkovic says the new Grad Lounge will open in mid-March. “Just to be…
To the girl in the Hot Pink Echo
How dare you scream at me for staring at your hideous car. Seriously, you have a Toyota Echo (sedan) painted hot pink. It’s not even good quality paint. It looked rolled on. On top of all that the front plate says “Jealous” in hot pink cursive writing. Here are the facts, your car looks retarded…
GET A LIFE
To the people living across the street from us,i just have to say on behalf of my roomates you guys are by far the biggest losers, we know its your house that calls the cops for the parties,its not our fault you guys dont have friends.—over boring people
To my cat
You’re always so happy to see me, cuddle with me whenever I want, and look so cute lounging about. Hooray for you!—KM
Weasel-powder fucktards
Every half a generation or so, cocaine becomes ‘cool’ again, I.E. accepted, and the School of Hard Knocks starts enrollment for the next Master Class. Students of this particular school can choose the ‘intensive’ program, which hands your sorry ass back to you in a year or less, or the full-term program, which allows you…
Out for a Walk.
To the people I passed that were out for a stroll by the Arm on New Years Day: thank you for returning a smile, wishing me a happy new year, and being generally pleasant. You are why I love walking the dogs, and made me feel a little less lonely. Hope to pass you again.—Two…
Token commute bitch
#20 riders: holy bejeezus, the bus doesn’t end at the rear door. If it’s crowded, move the fuck back! Fellow in the blue Jetta who bumped me while I was crossing at Harvard: it’s not a huge deal, everyone makes mistakes and nobody got hurt, but please, don’t fucking beep at me as if it’s…
HRM Steals Charitable Donation
Dear Charity, I won’t be making a donation this year as HRM stole your money. You see, I parked at the Bloomfiled Centre overnight (1-8am) because of their damn parking ban. I had rented a car to visit a friend who was unable to come home for Xmas. Apparently, you have to PAY to use…
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
And baby, it’s f**king freezing inside too. Heat included? Someone better mention that to this south end landlord. At the very least, knock a hundred bucks off my rent and let me heat the place myself. I’ve spent the last month cozied up with blankets, sweaters, space heaters, slippers, and coffee because my apartment is…
Morris East gets ready for winter
When so much of your menu is based on the fresh food available locally and through the farmers market, what happens now, with the ground frozen and goods harder to come by? Shoptalk put this question to Jennie Dobbs, owner of stylish pizza-and-more bistro Morris East (5212 Morris Street, 444-7663) with its menus changing more…
January 9: Goodbye Dunce Club, but hello fun night of punk shows!
If you like punk music and live in HRM, you had best be planning on leaving the house on January 9. It’s all happening! An all ages 80s punk cover night at the Pavilion with a Black Flag cover band, xEnvisionx playing Minor Threat, Murda Inc. playing Bad Brains, Neville & The Nickersons playing The…
Dear Fake Red Head.
You’re beautiful. On the outside. But you think that’s all that matters. No one is going to love you and treat you with respect if all you do is shit on everyone around you. Smarten up, or live lonely.—Guy Who Thought You Were Cool Once.
Another Day In The Life Of Ivan Sonofabitch
To the absentee oligarchs for whom I have toiled these last 7 years, who have decided, in these unprecedented times of boom economics and unlimited growth, to transfer their corrective labor facility even deeper into the wilderness of Burnside Gulag – FUCK YOUR MOTHER! To the fat Party bosses and fossilized shit apparatchiks of HRM…
supper time haters
To my neighbor who finds my music too loud, You should have known when you moved in to a semi-detached home, that you may, on occasion, here your neighbor. I try to be respectful and keep my volume at a reasonable level and do not listen to anything with offense lyrics. Why do you feel…
Veggies
Dear cantankerous old bastard, You don’t intimidate me when you come into the cafe asking/ testing me on menu items while staring me down and rolling your eyes. I’m so sorry that I referred to vegetables as veggies.. That seemed to really bother you..but I guess that’s just what “Kids these days” call them. (I…
Glad the holidays are done
love to all that worked for xmas eve, xmas, ny eve and day. LOVE to those that work at other people’s parties, serve, cook and clean up all the festive mess. LOVE to all that,despite the Holiday season, do not get a token of gratitude, often working crazy hours at minimum wage and getting no…
SNOW AND WINTER DRIVERS,AGAIN
why is it that when it snows,all the idiots seem to come out of the woodwork.i sat with a feeling of dismay at the height of the storm,yesterday,just watching these stupid fucking fools,tring to drive in whiteout conditions.jesus christ,you couldn’t see two fucking feet in front of you,and yet you try to pass other cars…
Grocery Shopping
I’m amazed at how often I frequent one aisle for one product only to find a lorn individual standing in the way of the singular thing I covet. Or, they block the whole aisle with their cart and their vacuous, thousand-mile stare. As if the neural connection of desire and product has disappeared, leaving only…
Snowplow Operators
My neighbor is mentally leotarded and would like to work but no one will hire him! I told him to call the Halifax Regional Municipality and ask if he could be a snowplow operator too!—YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID!!!
2010: The Countdown to 2012–The End of the World–Will Now Begin in Earnest
Crap. Y2K all over again. What a pain. You would think people learned something about superstitious feelings of foreboding due to some obscure theory. It would be worth it if the fear of impending doom changed the world in some way. It didn’t in 2000. Except, maybe, everyone was so distracted by the potential for…
Snowstorm Runners Create Road Hazard
Yes the sidewalks are snow-covered, and yes the streets are slightly more passable. If the sidewalks were clear and the streets covered would it be ok for me to drive on the sidewalk? Fantastic that you’re dedicated enough to run through the bad weather. If the sidewalks are too slippery for you to run on…
Hey Boyfriend!!
After manscaping, Please was the pubes off the bar of soap—Makes me Wanna Hurl
Tired of getting milked by Superstore
My corner store (a great bunch of guys) sells milk for $5.49 for 4 liters …. at Quinpool supermarket, on the other hand, sells at $6.99, a 20+% gouge. Plus their “fresh” vegetables look constantly liquidated. Is it just the fact that you have a largely student (=low income, often pedestrian) population to exploit that…
Please advise your server about any allergies (unless we’re busy)
Before my girlfriend and I went to a family dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Clayton Park for NYE, I phoned ahead to inform them that she has Celiac disease, which basically is an allergy to gluten, which is found in wheat rye, and barley. Even a very small amount could set off a serious…
Going Hiking,I think not!
I’m over seeing again and again people wearing hiking boots!You aren’t hiking in the city why the unnesessary ugliness?Hiking boots are for people who go hiking up mountains they are not made for the city and not made to be worn in the presence of couture.Just because you don’t understand fashion does not mean you…
New Years Resolution- NO MORE YOU.
After all the months of exhausting ups and downs.Everything you have thrown at me,this is how you repay me?You didnt even have the decency to come across the room.There is a word for people like you, scum.—bye bye baby
Slowcoasting into 2010
This is to Slowcoaster, for being such consistently rocking musicians and performers. You made New Year’s at the Paragon so so very worth it.—An Old Fan
This is a stupid bitch
Okay, I’ve spent the entire day flipping through various news stations (working off a hangover) and I’m disgusted/shocked/provoked to see all these idiot newscasters talking about the Biggest News/Economic/Entertainment/Etc Stories of the Decade! 2010 is the last year of the decade, not a new one. The decade is from 1 January 2001 to 31 December…
voices in my head
For about 10 years (at least) I have had the same three tunes in my head.Over the Mountain(Ozzy); Get the Balance Right (Depeche Mode) and Collapse New People (Fad Gadget). Whilst it is better than voices telling me to go on a killing rampage(like before); does anyone else have this condition and how did they…
The religious bearded fellow at parade square December 31st…
You mildly interupted a lovely evening with my wonderful girlfriend last night. You handed us a “jesus-paper” shaped like a million dollar bill and asked us if we think we’re going to heaven. I replied curtly with “definately not”, followed by a refusal to answer your questions, and a word of respect towards the courage…
Tips are the shits
I think the cabs in this city suck. Sure they drive you home, well if you home is somewhere in downtown Halifax. But this 3 dollar charge as soon as you get in, that should be the tip. A 20 dollar cab ride from Dartmouth to Halifax is the same cost I pay to go…
Warming Up Cars
Alright these anti idling/warming up your vehicle commercials are bogus and clearly corrupt with the service guy saying using your starter more won’t hurt it………………….. Has anyone here ever topped off their car with oil that was outside on a cold january day? It flows very slowly like molasses……Using your starter more won’t make it…
company laying off employees while on parental leave
It’s hard to believe that such a large hotel company managed by one of the top managment companies would terminate employees while there on parental and maternity leave. For such a family orientated besiness. I am shocked and disgusted on how my fellow employee was handed an record of employment saying he quit his job…
Some more QEII love!
This year I came down with appendicitis on, of all days, Christmas Eve. I had my surgery on Christmas Day. I was alone in the city, with all my friends gone home for Christmas and my family home in New Brunswick.Thank you so much to all the various departments (ER, ultrasound, CT, general surgery, recovery…
ummm, errr….did our PM just suspend Democracy again?
ummm, errr….did our PM just suspend Democracy again? Like is he doing it cuz he needs more time off to pick out better sweaters….get a neater haircut….or maybe wait ’til things cool down a bit over Afghan detainees and suspend some committees while he’s about it? Smells of a rotting 3rd world banana republic to…
A taste of home..
A huge thank you to the owner of Steamy’s on Quinpool. I went in tonight after my first shift back at work after spending a week home in Montreal, starving, tired, and missing home. You were closed but made me a (delicious) poutine anyways, and then gave it to me free of charge. Your little…
R-R-R-RIP OFF !!! :D
I paid 250$ for a certain popular, Australia brand boot. that was in November. 3 weeks after I bought them I noticed a rip in the hide i DIDNT create myself/ would not have any logical reason to create myself. I took them back. “Sorry not our problem- we only cover manufacturing defects”. fine. I…
Grrrrrr, i hate supporters of the winter parking ban even more than the ban itself. Because they are IDIOTS!
Hey all you fucktards who support the winter parking ban: look out the fucking window. My point way back compared Halifax to Montreal because they get 5 times more snow and don’t ticket people when the streets are BONE DRY! You might risk a ticket if you are parked on the street when the plows…
Successful kegger thanks to you
To the folks at Garrison Brewery, especially that one guy whose name I can’t recall: YOU ARE AWESOME. Our keg party was a great success thanks to you, your wonderful prices, lovely customer service and delicious beer!—Hostesses
Street Feat
To the young gentleman who sells the Street Feat newspaper outside of Second Cup: you are a great person with a ton of enthusiasm. And you are exceptionally polite. I hope you sell a zillion newspapers.—D
Climate change 2010: time to get our shit together
Funny what flipping a calendar page means to us. This last week of the year we assess our failures and successes, recall people we’ve lost. The newspapers break out their “best of 2009” lists and, next week, the “what to look for in 2010” lists pop up. A lot of this reflection is playful, but…
It’s Complicated falls flat
It’s pretty complicated stuff for a long-divorced couple to throw themselves into a heated fling to discover whether the relationship was terminated too soon. Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin (as the divorcees) and Steve Martin (the third point in the triangle) bring an undeniable maturity to the sex-romp storyline. However, it’s remarkable how much director Nancy…
Many happy returns policies
You are moving. You’re packing and digging and cleaning. You find a pair of knee-high wool cross-country ski socks, tag still on, with a receipt. The slip says they were bought in 1994. Do you… a) toss them in the trash? b) put them in a bag for charity? c) trot off to the store…
2009: The year in new restaurants
View New on the Scene 2009 in a larger map If we missed any, please let us know at shoptalk@thecoast.ca
Complete guide to New Year’s Eve
NEIGHBOURHOOD TOP PICK DJ Anderoc If you live in the west end (or you’re up for cabbing there), The Armview has a solid neighbourhood gathering set up for New Year’s Eve. Chef Troy is making hors d’oeuvres to serve all evening, with bubbly at midnight. The lounge side of the restaurant will magically transform into…
2009: the year the system went to shit
Two thousand nine is the year the system failed us. On every front, the established order collapsed, and regular people realized we can no longer rely on the powers-that-be: we have to take matters into our own hands. Rightly, 2009 began in September 2008, when the absurdities, lies and perverse power relations of capitalism were…
The tears of a prude
Q Set me straight. I married my wife several months ago after dating for three years. Things are generally excellent, except for one problem: When my wife gets drunk, she gets crazy flirtatious. She’ll dance close to people, touch them, hold hands. A couple of times, I thought it went too far and I told…
Decade in review: Theatre outta space
“There’s not enough to share around,” says Ben Stone. He’s talking about space, permanent performance venues. His company—founded in 1999 as Zuppa Circus, now known as Zuppa Theatre Company—has utilized venues large (the Halifax waterfront) and small (North Street Church). Other than Neptune’s two stages, Fountain Hall (occupied by the company) and the studio(beautiful, but…
Renew your connections, Sagittarius
Capricorn (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19) “I am a man of fixed and unbending principles,” said American politician Everett Dirksen, “the first of which is to be flexible at all times.” That’s the kind of playful and resilient spirit I urge you to aspire to in 2010, Capricorn. I think you’re most likely to have a successful…
AGNS’ portrait of problems
Ray Cronin has an office with a gaping picture window giving view to the provincial legislature across the street. After 18 months as director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Cronin’s gone through the looking glass and is still winding his way through wonderland. Running a provincial art institution, Cronin works with…
Andrea Somers’ Brave heart
Patience is a virtue, especially when it takes almost half a decade to finish what you’ve started. Andrea Somers kicks off the New Year with a bold statement: Brave, her debut solo album, is being released at The Seahorse Tavern on January 2. While the album artwork (photographed by Karen Baer) portrays the artist draped…
Year in Review: 2009 Theatre picks
A Beautiful View Audiences loved Daniel MacIvor’s funny and poignant take (pictured above) on love without limits. Adult Entertainment A gritty script and some fearless actors made this Taboo production a true standout. East of Berlin 2B Theatre brought together a winning combination of thought-provoking writing and first-rate acting. Extinction Song Ron Pederson lit up…
Creating sparkling duos with champagne
The Liberace of holidays, New Year’s Eve is all about sparkle. From fireworks to sequins to sparklers to wine, everybody is looking for a little more razzle and a lot more dazzle. And if your drink can erase Ryan Seacrest’s spray-tanned face in a haze of bubbles by the time the ball drops, so much…
Decade in review: movie stars witnessed
Michael and Paul Donovan, Salter Street Films No one in Hollywood would finance Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore’s searing look into gun violence in America, so this Halifax company, which closed in 2003, stepped up—and got an Oscar for its gamble. Jason Eisener Eisener has been making genre shorts with his band of Dartmouth renegades…
New Years’ bubbly drinks checklist
Moet Dom Perignon Whether you’re a rapper or just have a general predilection for ballin’, nothing says extravagance like a $200 bottle of Dom P. You can sip it reflectively or, for the ultimate fuck-you to poor people, spray it around like you’ve just won the Tour de France. Piper-Heidsieck Recession got you down? Piper-Heidsieck…
Decade in review: Palermo on Palermo
Partly, I loved having the excuse. I didn’t have to worry about my dignity when walking into Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. “You’re actually going to see The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas?” a friend would ask. “Yeah,” I’d say. “It’s my job.” Sometimes it is a job. Sometimes going to see Saw V is a day…
Up in the Air worth the trip
For most of us stuffed-in coach flyers, licking pretzel salt off our fingers, air travel is undignified. Not so for Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), who literally makes his home in the air and in airport executive lounges. His detached world is as crisp as the two white t-shirts that he packs in his carry-on luggage.…
Podcast: Titley and Palermo review 2009
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Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus a visual treat
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Pete’s Frootique
You are an exceptional bunch of people. Thanks for always being so nice to me whenever I buy groceries (which is several times a week). I’ve come into the store in a dour mood before, but I’ve always left smiling. You are a great bunch of folks.—Skull Pin
Thank You
Dear Nurses and Doctors and other staff at the QE2 cardiac Unit, ICU, 5.1, 7.1., You saved my father’s life. Thank you. It was over the Christmas Holidays but you still worked hard to keep him alive. You’ve given me the best present ever in mending my father’s heart, you’ve given me my daddy for…
Andreas!
Thanks for your help with the coffee table. I probably would have developed shin splints had you not been there. (I’m not even sure what shin splints are.) Enjoy Halifax, and a VERY happy new year to you.—Dan
0.50¢ Debit fee
Yes there is a debit fee, and there is absolutely nothing I can do to take it off! No, the fee is not a fucking tip for us, and to be honest I really don’t even know WHY there is a fee on it and I couldn’t care less really! One thing is, I can…
It will be “Twenty ten” not “Two ten”!!!!!!!!!!
It will be “Twenty-ten” not “Two-ten”!!!!!!!!!! Ever since the century rolled-over people seem to have developed a problem with what to call a year…..for example- two-thousand-nine or twenty-oh-nine magically became two-oh-nine….yesterday I almost choked when someone said two-ten…..I know there are bigger things in the world to worry about….I know…..I just can’t let it go—don’t…
Witnessed a parking lot fender bender
So in a Halifax grocery store parking lot today, my family and I witnessed one of the biggest acts of stupidity, where blame can be split 50/50. I turned my car into an aisle in the lot and had to stop right away to let a van back into a parking spot. As she was…
Free Canadian hip hop right here. Get it while it’s hot!
Hellafactz Could this be your New Year’s Eve soundtrack? Of course it could! “In continuing with their annual holiday tradition, Brockway Entertainment has compiled their 23 favourite Canadian rap tracks of 2009 and packed them all onto one album. The 2010 Canadian Rap Future Superstars compilation is non-profit initiative aimed at providing exposure for up-and-coming…
When Facebook Goes Wrong!!
This article from the Chronically Horrid speaks volumes about how low brow our society’s idea of entertainment is: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9014636.html I think we need another plague or something. Wake me when it’s over…—BRoc
That name again is Mr. Plow
I understand that at Christmas it is hard to shell out $50 for a parking ticket. But Halifax is not the only city who has a winter parking ban. All of Canada has! How many of you whiners have driven or ridden in a snowplow? I have ridden a few times, through snow, blowing wind,…
Free parking is not your right
I support the winter parking ban on Halifax streets. The streets are there for the efficient and safe movement of motor vehicles and bicycles. The streets are not there for the free and unrestricted use by Haligonians to park their motor vehicles. It is not a birthright that a Haligonian with a motor vehicle be…
Superstar shortlist: The arts decade in review
The Khyber building: The first exhibition of the 2000s in the Khyber’s Ballroom Gallery was Dwelling, a video exhibition by NSCAD grad Eric Michaud. This is what the Khyber Arts Society has always done best: showcasing emerging art talents. Russian Dragons were listed as the first music show of the decade at the now-empty, main-floor…
