For my friends turning 40
I was mistakenly so stressed about turning 40 in 2012. It has been a fantastic 5 months so far and every day is a new adventure. Is it because 40 is a magical age? No. I just decided that life was going to be about making me a priority and not an afterthought. And my…
The sweetest thing
I happened to be out at this “PERFECT” little bar in Dartmouth last Friday night. It was a quiet evening but got a little busier in the evening. The band was really good and the patrons were enjoying the atmosphere. My eye caught this handsome gentleman buying a drink. He was well dressed, dark hair….soul…
Homeless harasser of SG
To the red-jacket homeless man I keep passing by at multiple places on Spring Garden: I have nothing against homeless/jobless people and understand that life has dealt you a pretty bad hand for you to be where you are now. I’m in no place to speculate about how or why you are where you are.…
Fid bids farewell
When Fid Resto (1569 Dresden Row, 422-9162) announced that it’d be closing in late May, people freaked out a little. Saddened by the loss, the internet threw around dismayed comments about the decline of downtown Halifax and landlord accusations, while in reality it turns out that Dennis Johnston and Monica Bauche just want to take…
Strange Adventures’ new home
Late in 2012, Calum Johnston got the news in that “eight to 12 months” the building that his Strange Adventures (5262 Sackville Street) called home for over 20 years would be redeveloped, therefore forcing the shop out. Luckily though, the long-loved comic store will be able to stay downtown; Strange Adventures will move into a…
I’ve just seen a face, and other clichés
Sometimes you take my bus. Sometimes I see you walking around North End. You have a mustache and a bowtie. You’re probably an artist. If you aren’t, you must be art incarnate. Your eyes are golden, and the other day, on Windsor, they accidentally met mine. Keep being perfect, mysterious boy. I’m sure your smile…
Feelings for a certain bitcher…
I’ve grown rather fond of reading your daily comments. I enjoy your way with words and also share your spiritual insights. I find myself wondering what it would be like in your presence, surely your avitar doesn’t do you justice. Would you like to do coffee or dinner sometime, wog dog, my queen? —A Secret…
Transit sucks
Why does go time not work? It has been more than 1+ month of having one of the only useful parts of Metro Transit completely out of service. You can’t call Go Time to see when your bus is coming, why does Go Time even exist? And now you can’t even use google maps, which…
Fid Resto to close
Fid Resto has sent out the following press release: After 13 years in business, the owners of one of Halifax’s best known and respected dining establishments, Fid Resto, announced today that the restaurant will close by the end of May. The lease was up for renewal and this provided a natural timeline for the owners…
CLEAN UP YOUR DOG(S)’S CRAP
We recently moved to Halifax from a major urban Canadian city and were delighted that our building complex has a designated off-leash dog park: so welcoming and convenient! The park even has a “doggy bag” dispenser that generous neighbors (including myself, and who I take to be a building superintendent) fill with waste bags. The…
Stupid dog owners who buy dental chews for their dogs
I cannot believe the enormous stupidity of dog owners who buy those horrible doggie dental chews they advertise of TV. Get your dog a good old butcher’s bone which will make your canine’s teeth white & healthy. Don’t buy these horrible, additive-ridden products. They are every bit as bad as the beef or chicken jerky…
Props talk
Come April, Props Floral Design (1664 Granville Street, 429-1935) will be packing up its flowers and moving to the Hydrostone Market. Susan MacIntosh, owner and lead designer, has been looking for a new location for a few months because the current building is going to be redeveloped. “We got an offer in January for the…
To a surprisingly helpful Air Canada employee
Hey, Jeff from Air Canada! Thanks so much for helping me get home after I missed my flight, after everything that happened that day it was just nice to have someone help us out. Free of charge too! Merci you wonderful God of general air travel! —An Idiot Who Missed His Flight
If we’re talking about cards, it must be a game
I’ve been hearing the term “playing the race card” more and more lately and it’s starting to piss me off. Sure, when it comes to racism, you could probably say that there are winners and losers. But the last time I checked it wasn’t a competition or some kind of game, so lay off already.…
More of a “huh?” than a bitch
I love that we have a tax free Lottery, and that it provides residents of Ontario with lots of winnings; but why does the Lottery have 2 different “Lifetime”s? Their ‘Set for Life’ scratch tickets win $1000 a week for 25 years, a total of $1,300,000.00. But their February ‘Set for Life’ Bonus draw on…
Hearing Mumford & Sons at the market
To the taller and leaner Marcus Mumford look-a-like at the market this Saturday… would you be my Lover Of The Light? Hope to see you there again;D —Awake My Soul
Delusions of grandeur
So a local restaurant is crowdfunding its renovations…Why would I donate money to a for-profit business, when there are charities, non-profits, and arts organizations out there that actually do good for society with the money they raise? What does my donation do in this case? It helps this business expand its kitchen and allow it…
Recently engaged: Kate & Damon
I met my best friend while taking a chance on a co-ed flag football team. Damon never spoke, and I was too intimated to speak to him, especially while running drills against him. I was immediately captivated by his eyes and his smile, but couldn’t say a word. We finally spoke for the first time…
Down Home Dog, coming soon
The Halifax location of the pooches paradise for grooming and treat-buying Tailwagrrrs (6021 Cunard Street, 422-9364) will be taking on a new name in March. Though most of the reasons dog owners know and love the shop will stay the same (two of its groomers will be sticking around) it’ll re-open as Down Home Dog,…
Texting moron
To the idiot driving the silver hatchback sunfire who almost hit me Friday morning walking into the medical clinic in Dartmouth, nice job almost mowing down a pregnant lady! When I called you on it you opened your door and laughed. I hope your little douchbag friend and you had a great laugh and when…
Thanks neighbour!
You must have seen me struggle to pull down my green bin on garbage in my inappropriate footwear in the sleek snow with a toddle running around. I don’t know who you are but thank you so much for pulling it back up for me. It was a really pleasant surprise to see it back…
I only feel pity for you
You don’t have a conscience or you are that narcissistic you think you are so much smarter and better than.. Capital Health offers help to those people now. I do hope your daughter doesn’t marry a psychopath just like her father. You do know that girls do grow up to marry men just like their…
Relieved roommate
I have been stuck with you for the past two years and I have done nothing but support you and clean up after your filthy ass. We were supposed to be “best friends” but you have done nothing but lie steal and mock me every single day of my life. You lived in a sloppy…
Karma will be a bitch
So, your arrogant ways led to the demise of a promosing young talent. You are such a finger sniffing loser. Karma will be a bitch and you will go down hard. Gangsta wanna bees dont make it as far as they think and most would not touch your hateful ugly ass with a 10 foot…
I truly wonder
Why is it that we can’t claim our rent as a tax deduction is such a shitty province? You can in Ontario and it results in a much bigger tax return. Not sure about the other provinces. —Any Answers?
You scratch my paint with your door?
I do not care how old you are, you have no right to open your door and scratch my car paint. And I react to this, catching you in the act, as you call me the bad guy? I can just imagine how you drive…I hope I made you shit your depends when I yelled…
Crazy neighbour
A good friend of mine recently adopted a beautiful black labbie from a shelter. She’s a sweet girlie but likes to bark. Probably because the houses on either side of my friend’s have dogs. Makes perfect sense, right? So one day last week, one of these neighbours comes over and threatens to poison this lovely…
Ex-roomie
Here are some feel good vibes for my former roomie of five years or so. It has been a couple years since we lived together but anytime we are together I still feel like I am home. You are my best bud and can’t wait until we live closer together. Sorry to be sappy but…
Missing Carbonstok, already
Social media was buzzing with well wishes and shopping nostalgia yesterday when quirky lifestyle store Carbonstok (1235 Barrington Street) tweeted out a release stating that it’d be liquidating its inventory, and closing up shop. After nearly five years of making its patrons chuckle and crave a home makeover, Gordon Stevens made the tough choice to…
Bus breath
More than once I’ve been faced with having to sit in close proximity to someone on the bus who hasn’t taken the time to brush their teeth. I realize that maybe there is the odd occasion that someone is so rushed to get out the door and catch the bus that they simply haven’t had…
Don’t fight the feeling
I got it, you don’t want me or anything from me. Why then be so gruff with me?Negative attention is still attention.. it’s obvious you’re not completely over me. I told you the rumours I heard about certain people “playing games” with some unfortunates on Boards similar to this one. Am I the latest unfortunate…
Opened my eyes
You came crashing into my life so abruptly I had no idea what to think or how to feel. In such a fast time we fell in love, moved in together, got engaged and now I cannot imagine my life without you…I know we are constantly being judged on how we met through POF and…
To my ex sociopath fiancé
I left your sorry ass last December, 12 days short of our one year engagement anniversary. We got back together around Christmas, and then we broke things off again. In January you came back to me crying your eyes out about how much you love and miss me, how your life isn’t the same without…
Recently Engaged: Rochelle & Jacob
While working for the IWK and worked as a part-time realtor with EXIT Realty Citadel (now Metro). Every year there is an EXIT Realty convention in the United States. In October 2010 the week-long convention was in Dallas, Texas and of course I went and was really excited to experience this new place. My friends…
I regret that I don’t regret a thing
Bob Marley sounds, cool drinks and wounded souls. I hate the way everything turned out but I loved everything about that night. My offer still stands for the tie dyeing once you move from the city. I truly wish things could be different. I have taken your words of advice to heart, but right now…
Musicians in tune with management
The 11-month-long Symphony Nova Scotia dispute is nearing an end. The new 60-page contract has yet to be signed, but full-time musicians voted last week to accept an offer from management. Both sides say they’ve reached a deal that will give full-time players a 6.6 per cent raise over two years. The 2012-13 increase is…
Nickled and dimed
To the stupid official that came up with the plan to lower the cost of the bottle deposit from $0.10 to $0.05 and get the people to put the bottles on the curb for bottle trucks, funded by the government. YOU idiot, they already tried that and it didn’t work. What makes you so sure…
No need for romantic language
Hey, media source, she was RAPED. She wasn’t “forced to have sexual intercourse.” —Tired Lady
Lost valentine connection
We met in the woods with our dogs then again on the street hours later. Your dog had two different coloured eyes and you were wearing a big sweater. It was Valentine’s Day and I’m a fool and forgot to think about love and ask for your your number or at least your last name…
Recently Engaged: Brittany & Colby
My fiance and I met online, on the ever-so-popular, yet dreaded, Plenty of Fish. At first my roommate made me an account as a joke but when I came across Colby I was struck by the amazing beard and silliness of his profile picture. I hesitated for days to message him but finally built up…
The Mighty Northumberland “Old Ways” live at The Coast
Related Stories
Scanway sells its home on Quinpool
As of March 2 you won’t be able to press your face longingly against Scanway Catering & Pastry’s storefront window on Quinpool Road. The company known for its towering cartoon-like wedding cakes and catering services sent out a release this afternoon stating they got an offer an offer they couldn’t refuse for the building at…
70 grand a year and can’t afford to keep the heat on
What’s wrong with the above statment – I make a shit load of money by Nova Scotia standards, I have a comfortable and modest home with every energy effecient upgrade reasonable for a home of its age, and I can hardly afford to keep the place heated to 19 degrees for the 8 hours a…
70 grand a year and can’t afford to keep the heat on
What’s wrong with the above statment – I make a shit load of money by Nova Scotia standards, I have a comfortable and modest home with every energy effecient upgrade reasonable for a home of its age, and I can hardly afford to keep the place heated to 19 degrees for the 8 hours a…
Purrrrfect
To the server at a certain Quinpool road restaurant, you make work, and life, more enjoyable. You’re simply wonderful and I want to supply you with improperly made Veggie Thai Wraps for every life time we share together, which I’m sure will be infinite. BC will be purrrfect. —Baloney
Just sayin’, shut the hell up
Just Sayin’, Just Sayin’ ? No you’re not “Just sayin'” You’re spewing bullshit and you know it and you end it with “Just Sayin'” in some fucked up attempt to maybe acknowledge that you know what you’re saying is stupid and dumb and unfounded but you’re going to say it anyway. It’s another one of…
I didn’t hear the voicemail
I miss you so much it’s disgusting. It’s been pouring and I always giggle to myself because I get to tell you about it.. and then I remember I can’t anymore. I know this was my decision and it is something that I felt was better for me but holy shit I just want to…
Casino cast
How did it feel seeing me at the casino the other day with a huge cast on my leg and crutches, knowing that this was your doing? I keep wondering what must have been going through your mind…Knowing you pushed me, a girl half your size and less than half your weight… You just stared…
When you are ready
There is a ticket waiting for you to come to Singapore. And a complicated coffee. —Waiting For You and Your Laughter
To the sociopath who has been stalking me
Lisen, I realize that you are probably mentally ill and there is no point in trying to reason with you because you will twist what I have to say to your own benefit. But to your group of followers who cant or choose not to recognize a mental illness if it walked up and slapped…
Goodnight, sweet kitteh
Words cannot express how much I miss you already. Sleep well, little girl. You deserve it. —PK
What are the ethics of treating your friend like shit to make them fall OUT of love with you?
I’m just curious. And I’m talking about the manipulative, destructive, venomous, self-righteous yet sugar-coated shit that hits you later as utterly mean. Would a true friend act this way? —Tired Of It
Hi, you
To the charming, sweet, handsome boy in one of my classes at Dal: I’ve been talking to you a lot lately and I’m sorry I’ve been acting sorta shy but it’s because I really like you and also you kind of intimidate me with your lovely voice, intelligence, and big, beautiful smile. It’s also cute…
Your picture reminds me how it was never going to work
After months of never seeing your face I found an old picture I had of you. Sadness, happiness, regret and joy were all wrapped up into that one photo. Do I miss you? Not much – there are flashes but they fade as quickly. The one thing I hope is that you learn to live…
The most beautiful girl on the bus
We were both on the 1 by Spring Garden this evening, and I must say you’re probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen on public transportation. Seeing you and sitting next to you on the bus boosted my giddiness meter through the roof. Also your auburn (or whatever reddish colour it is) hair is…
A moveable feast
Nick Horne has always been good with his hands. Growing up, he was taught the joys of gardening by his mother at an early age. In the fall they would harvest, canning and preserving their produce for storage in his family’s root cellar. As he got older, his love of food turned to automobiles. When…
Warp Speed ahead!
So, your sea doesn’t seem to have all that many fish swimming in it and Cupid hasn’t exactly been Hawkeye lately. What’s a love lorn, comic reading, sci-fi and fantasy loving person to do? Get off the internet and into a chair at The Hideaway Pub & Grille, of course. This Sunday, Halifax’s favourite geek…
Supreme courts
Maritime Centre 1505 Barrington Street Favourite: Holy shit guys, hidden within this dark, bunker-esque food court is some of the best Korean food in town. The family-run Ichiban Noodles and Sushi knocks service, selection and flavour out of the park. The kimchi stew is phenomenal, the sushi ain’t bad and there’s even a restaurant-style private…
Stack mentality
Will Robinson’s gone from the halls of NSCAD to the stacks of Dalhousie’s Killam Library, a monstrous concrete box of a building he plans on covering in black vinyl and spinning around like a record. “These are the original plans,” he says, bringing up the Killam’s blueprints on his laptop. “I might print them all…
Lunch monitor
PG’s Cafe & Grill 1266 Hollis Street After 20-plus years of serving regulars at Scotia Square, PG’s has settled nicely into its home on Hollis. And yes, the crazy deals remain. Some of PG’s daily specials, like lasagna ($6.25) or the chicken skewer, rice and greek salad plate ($7.45), rotate throughout the week but you…
Important felines
Depending on what circles you run in, the majority of your internet leisure time (and, let’s face it, probably some of your internet work time) is flooded with images, gifs, videos and cartoons of cats. Not since Egyptian times has pop culture been so dominated by these fuzzy dictators, something that Argyle Fine Art curator…
Patch works
Building have feelings too. Stephen Kelly’s Patch is a technological and artistic milestone, combining computer science and art to create a unique experience. The work is based on computational art, where code or algorithms help run the artwork. Kelly is an expert in mixing technology with art as an artist and a Ph.D computer science…
More than lip service
It’s February, and your kisser is likely demanding some moisture. And during peak season for dry lips that Chapstick is probably not cutting it. Enter Anointment Natural Skin Care’s lip balm–available at Nurtured, 2571 Robie Street—the answer to your Napoleon Dynamite-style desperation. It just so happens that April MacKinnon’s environmentally-conscious line of products is celebrating…
In Position
The story of African Canadian immigrants is beautifully shown in this exhibit which brings together well-known works and local pieces. The result is a visual history. Megan Morgan’s “Re-Photograph” series displays her multi-cultural family while Dawit L. Petros’ album of Eritrean immigrants shows diversity within the African Canadian community. Christina Leslie’s “EveryTING Irie” series is…
Kalmunity service
The Word IZ Bond spoken artists collective (you may know them from hosting the spoken word series Speak! at The Company House on the third Thursday of every month) and Montreal’s Kalmunity Vibe Collective go way back, but it’s been about a decade since they’ve performed in Halifax. "We have wanted to have them back…
REC 3: Genesis
The REC films are a series of horror movies from Spain that use the country’s Catholicism as a backdrop for a zombie apocalypse. The religious overtones get more apparent with each film, with them being especially prominent in REC 3. Koldo and Clare are a young couple who have just gotten married. The wedding is…
Austin power
Local pop-punk band Cold Warps is gearing up for a 4,196-kilometre drive. Along with Kestrels, Skratch Bastid, Ben Caplan and Steve Poltz, Cold Warps will represent Halifax at The South by Southwest international music festival in Austin, Texas next month. Wish them luck! Joined by Cousins and Organ Magic, Cold Warps kicks off its first…
Little Inferno
Perhaps one of the most unusually entertaining launch games for the WiiU’s eShop (also available on Mac and PCs), Little Inferno is a fascinating art project as much as it is a game.The entire experience is set in front of a fireplace, in which the user burns things like toys, food or completely unexpected objects.…
Skateboarders are targeted by the police
When visiting other cities I’m both amazed and relieved the first time I am rolling down the street on my skateboard and see a police officer, as the officer hardly gives me a passing glance. But in Halifax I feel like I’ve robbed a bank if I make it to the store and back on…
Iceage
If punk is dead, these 20-somethings didn’t get the message. Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, left-leaning punks Iceage have taken the urgency of early Black Flag and combined it with the book-smart aggression of fellow Scandinavian-revolutionaries Refused to create an album that’s equal parts unabashed-desolation and youthful-exuberance. On the aptly titled You’re Nothing, Iceage unleashes a…
Roots ruckus
It’s already been an action-packed year for these roots-rockers, they’re mid-tour, half-way through recording a new album and were just nominated for their first Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. They play a show in their hometown Toronto then plan to drive all night to get here. “I heard there’s no…
Foals
On “Inhaler,” the lead single from UK math-rockers Foals’ third album, Holy Fire, the tunesmiths explode in a flurry of distortion and arena-ready riffs. Anchored by bandleader Yannis Philippakis’ usually inaudible croon, during the opener’s climactic chorus, the young singer’s vocal chords sound close to combustion, screaming, “I can’t get enough space,” overtop his band’s…
James Gordon
This veteran bard of Guelph wants to be a hellraiser, but is he too nice? When Gordon sings “Why can’t we all just agree?” in “We’re on the Same Side,” he is the least cynical person alive. The late NDP leader Jack Layton’s farewell letter has been adapted into “Jack’s Dream,” which may strike some…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! Pisces (February 19-March 20) You may have heard the thundering exhortation, “Know thyself!” Its origin is ancient. More than 2,400 years ago, it was inscribed at the front of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. As important as it is to obey this command, there is an equally crucial corollary: “Be thyself!”…
The Flowers from Hell
Mining the sublime from a broad selection of music is the knack of Toronto multi-instumentalist Greg Jarvis and his aggregation The Flowers of Hell. When Neutral Milk Hotel and the Czech band Plastic People of the Universe each get a baroque trumpet and violin makeover, you know somebody’s given this some thought. Klaatu’s “Calling Occupants” gets…
Mailbag Feb 21 2013
For the trees Work to shape an improved forestry of the future for Nova Scotia has begun. One of the first things this NDP government did was launch the largest public consultation on the state of Nova Scotia’s natural resources in order to produce a strategy for the future. That plan is called The Path…
Snitch
Everyone on all sides of the drug war is a big, giant jerk except for The Rock in the engaging little drama, Snitch. After his son is illogically given 30 years jail time for accepting a parcel of pills, hard-working divorced dad The Rock agrees to work with federal prosecutors in a mindbogglingly stupid attempt…
My sister, Bridezilla
Q I’m a 31-year-old genderqueer in Brooklyn. My only sister got engaged 48 hours ago, and she’s moving fast on planning the wedding. I have two questions. Number one question: I texted my sister the only date I wasn’t available in the next two years, which is Columbus Day weekend 2013. I have my 10-year…
Dark Skies
Life exists elsewhere in the universe, and it’s a big fan of the Paranormal Activity movies, in the new alien abduction horror flick Dark Skies. A modern family of Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton and a couple of bratty kids already has enough financial and familial stresses to handle before sensing a disturbing presence pranking their…
Gone Girl
Let’s call a spade a spade: I’m a literature snob. It is a rarity for me to pick up the book that “everyone is reading,” but in this case, I’m infinitely glad I did. From their once-perfect marriage, Amy and Nick fall into a mutual loathing. On their fifth wedding anniversary she disappears, and he’s…
Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See
Juliann Garey’s disciplined literary realism navigates a murky, disruptive plot detouring through Rome, Bangkok, Israel, Kampala, Nairobi and Santiago in debut novel Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See. Greyson Todd, a high-powered Hollywood studio executive hiding his bipolar disorder for years, tires of living the lie. Unhinged, Todd spontaneously abandons saintly suburban wife…
This week at city council
This week’s meeting was yet again a short one, and even councillors are starting to comment on how little is handled at council meetings, as compared to last year. A reader complains that I don’t explain why this is a bad development, which is a fair comment. A fuller, and more researched, explanation will have…
Get well soon at Stress Busters
Lola MacNeil has been making people feel good as a mobile masseuse for eight years, but has just settled into her own space. Stress Busters Massage Therapy & Wellness (3638 Dutch Village Road, 457-3990) celebrated its grand opening, and MacNeil’s choice to branch out, on the weekend. Her new office offers registered massage therapy along…
Healing random violence
To the woman who was raped on Agricola Street on February 14, 2012: Ever since I heard about what happened to you, I have been thinking about you, every minute of every day. I want you to know that you are not alone in your grief, your sadness and your anger. My heart is broken…
More Value Village
Bargain hunters, rejoice: the Bayers Lake Value Village location (209 Chain Lake Drive) expansion is coming soon. Signing a lease down the road (165 Chain Lake Drive, which also happens to be the former Ashley Furniture) means way more space (we’re talking double the sales floor) for all those ironic t-shirts and vintage coats. This…
Dance floor comedian
I was out with my girls at a downtown bar that is named for a very popular 80s comedy show, and you won me over with your crazy hip thrusting and sense of humor, even though you are way younger than me. We ended up dancing and laughing the rest of the night and when…
Hope your last shift treats you well!
To the driver of the 80 on Sunday night! Keep up the good work. Every Sunday night on the last run you are always there, always on time and very friendly! I was sad to find out that next Sunday is your last night driving the 80! —Night Shift
