Rebecca
I had my friend Mieks on my mind as I was walking to meet her for an early morning brew (coffee guys, not beer) earlier today. Mieks has a habit of wrapping her scarf around and around—just like Rebecca! So, when I saw this gem PERFECT for youlookfiiine I called it fate and decided to…
Chad
Chad’s style is right up my alley. I snapped this sneaky pic when he was distracted by something picture-worthy. Anyway. I dig this guy’s plaid (he loves it—and I KNOW this to be true), beard, toque and desert boots. Y’all KNOW I’m a sucker for a beard. How can you not love a man in…
Gorgeous, sad drama Monsieur Lazhar
Quebec filmmaker Philippe Falardeau weaves a sad, gorgeous commentary on grief, immigrant struggle and educational bureaucracy in Monsieur Lazhar, an adaptation of a one-man stage play. Having escaped persecution in Algeria, the title character (Fellag) takes charge of a Montreal classroom where the previous teacher took her own life, a suicide that’s left the pre-teen…
The Hunt Club closes
It was a cool place, and quite original: The Hunt Club ( 5640 Spring Garden Road, beside Bubba Ray’s Sports Bar) offered western-styled wear for men and women and was also a bar, just adjacent to the much-larger Bubba Ray’s Sports Bar up above Spring Garden Place. But, we’re sad to report that The Hunt…
Storytelling our City maps Halifax
As part of the Black Rabbit Festival (and a fundraiser for this summer’s White Rabbit Festival), Performance in Progress—a group of theatre enthusiasts, musicians and community collaborators—are mapping out our city with stories. Storytelling our City asks “what is a city but a collection of its people, places and the stories that weave them together?”…
Enrique
Enrique had all of the signs for YLF—corduroys, a pop of colour and Raybans. Y’all know I’m a sucker for them! I caught up with him on his way to work for the Community Culture and Heritage Department—say that fives times fast. Enrique likes to shop “nowhere in particular”, just wherever he sees something that…
A different kind of bus bitch
Yeah we all know the Transit Union are a pack of dirty bastards and there is no use in rehashing it over and over but when I encounter a person with the resources to help and with PROMISES of help and then backs out at the last fucking minute? Over and over and over?? That’s…
Love love love
You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met and I look forward to every day just because I know you’re going to be in it 🙂 <3 x 100000000. —Girl Who Used to be Blonde
My love
I love you so much and thought I would send a little note to tell you so on Valentine’s day. Love you so much and you make me so happy. Happy Valentine’s day. —Babe
Your bed
Thank you so much for inviting me in to your super comfy bed. It sucks me in every time. I get lost in it and never want to get out. Your dog is the same way. Lost in a Fury of comfort. —Your Bearded Dude
Madelaine
Madelaine was just the fiiind I was hungry for. The fiiind I’d been waiting for! Madelaine is a student AND A CIRCUS PERFORMER. Colour and whimsy (if you couldn’t tell already) inspire her style and she likes to shop chez Elsie’s. She is also a regular clothing-swap participant where she claims she has found many…
When is Kelly going to go all “Occupy” on these protesters?
When will P. Kelly call his buddies at the PD and arrest these transit protesters, the same way they did the occupy protesters? You know, throw them down on the ground on a major holiday in the middle of a rain and wind storm, and arrest their asses. Why is it okay for protesters to…
Elise Boudreau Graham’s The People’s Princess buttons up
Elise Boudreau Graham’s fascination with Lady Di began a while ago, with a commemorative mug. “I’ve been collecting Lady Di souvenirs for a while,” she says. “I bought a mug with a picture of Diana and kept going from there. I think it was because her haircut reminded me of my mom.” Boudreau Graham’s latest exhibition, The…
Canada Post
I lived in Japan last year and did my fair share of mailing various items from what is supposedly one of the most expensive countries in the world. A 200g package cost about $12 Canadian to ship Osaka–>Halifax, Express, by post office. I went to ship an item in the opposite direction for the first…
To my sweets!
I love our new house and the little family we’ve built together (you, me, and the cat!). I look forward to many more years of falling more and more in love with you and adding to our little family. Happy Valentine’s Day to the most wonderful woman in the world. Thanks for loving me <3.…
I really hope your insanity is baby-related
Everyone here has a job to do. The company is growing by leaps and bounds, so we are all helping each other get through the mountain of work that’s piling up. The boss says “it’s not in the budget” to hire more people (clearly he is missing the point that this is all going to…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Enjoy this adorable cartoon by Kate Leth and then go check out the FREE LOVE—you never know, there may be a valentine waiting for you!
Ulimate Dog Tease on its way to the big screen
Haligonian Andrew Grantham, whose YouTube video Ultimate Dog Tease is more than a frikkin’ sensation, it’s a monster meme worldwide—94 million hits and the most viewed YouTube video in the United Kingdom last year—is making waves in Hollywood. Variety is reporting that Grantham’s video is at Paramount Studios, which is talking to Seinfeld writers Alec…
Paper Beat Scissors new single
Paper Beat Scissors—fresh from the one-two punch of a European tour and Fredericton sojourn at the Shivering Songs festival— would like to let you know about this lovely, heart-swelling song, “Rest Your Bones”, the first single off his self-titled debut album (out March 6th on Forward Music). PBS will play in Halifax at the Khyber…
Jerry Seinfeld in Halifax April 14
Jerry Seinfeld, of the funky basslines and clean, observational humour, makes a Halifax stop on his worldwide comedy tour on April 14, at the Metro Centre. Tickets are $68 to $108 (the man loves Porsches, ok?) and go on sale Saturday, February 18 at 10am. Head to www.ticketatlantic.com to get you some.
Go ahead and strike, but please don’t leave such a mess
It matters not which side of the fence I am on. There is a strike in progress and so be it. Yet there seems to be a strange double standard here. In our community there is a site where there have been shelters built, there are multiple burn pits, and piles of wood waiting to…
Much ado about Whitney
We were all given the sad news this past weekend about the passing of Whitney Houston. She was an extremely talented, beautiful but troubled lady. It is tragic that she has died at such a relatively young age, as the result of what, appears to be so far, prescription drug abuse/misuse. It’s too bad, it…
Tidings of the day
Happy Hallmark Day, you freaks. Hope you enjoy your Dutch ovens. Grumble, grumble…. —If Only I Were Hip, I’d Shake It, Too
Menopause? More like MEANopause…
What is with all the old ladies around the city who just think they’re entitled to shit? Entitled to not have to wait in lines like everyone else, entitled to not have to sign up for exercises classes like everyone else, entitled to not have to just use plain common courtesy and politeness like everyone…
Ungrateful servers
Colleagues and I often eat several times a month at your upscale restaurant in downtown Halifax. At times, we invite business associates/prospects. Over the last several weeks we’ve began to notice that a number of your servers do not offer any form of thanks. No “thank you” for the gracious tips we leave. No “thank…
Let me have my ice cream
To one of my father’s dear friends: While I was in the kitchen having some ice cream. You come waddling over with your big ol’ beer belly and tell me I need to be healthy and work out. That that shit isn’t good for me. Yes I know it’s not but let me have a…
Here a strike, there a strike, everywhere a strike strike
Haligonians can’t get to work. Flights are in question. Ontario loses another 700 manufacturing jobs (the new have-not prov). Athens is burning. My semester might be invalid? Get over yourselves. I’m willing to put up with traffic, I’ll (sadly) forgo my plans to meet my family in the tropics (but really… plleeaasee Air Canada), we’ll…
Cretinous thieves
Ok, let’s take note shall we. It’s February. Meaning snow, rain, freezing rain, wet snow, streets and sidewalks icy as hell. And of course, very little to almost no work at all for the majority of folks here. And a transit strike. Sweet. And what do you go out and do? Steal a bike that…
Crossing the border
My mind was blown last night. PEI, NB, and NS all got pounded with a substantial storm the night before. Was stressed about the drive back from Charlottetown to Halifax but, much to my surprise, the roads were very clear, actually DRY in some places. That is until we crossed into NS from NB. I…
Nectar changes hands
“We bought it because we liked it, not because we wanted to see it change,” explains Iain Hurst of Hurst Hospitality, new owner of Nectar Social House Restaurant and Lounge (62 Ochterloney Street, 406-3363), one of the finest restaurants in Dartmouth and a multiple Best of Food readers’ poll winner. That’ll be a solace to…
Back Pages closes on Saturday
As we reported in early January, stalwart local used bookstore Back Pages (1526 Queen Street, 423-4750) is closing. The last day will be Saturday, February 18. We wish owner Michael Norris all the best and thank him for his service to Halifax’s literate. Related Stories
Crazy dog lady
Is there anything more sappy than submitting a “love” to the girl you care about the most? If there is, I will probably figure it out and do that, too. Aw shucks, you’re beautiful, smart, sexy and a great cook. Your devil dog can be kind of smelly sometimes but I like him too. My…
Can you see me?
I was looking back to see if you were looking back to see, if I was looking back to see if you were looking back at me. You were cute as you could be, standing looking back to see if I was looking back to see if you were looking back at me. <3 Happy…
Learn to read
To all you A Holes out there that are down on the transit drivers. LEARN to read. Get facts before you flap your lips about something you know nothing about. Read the articles supplied by a great newspaper, The COAST. Management of transit cause overtime every time there is a concert, fireworks, show at exhibition…
Hey, pal
So, I like you. I have since we met, as stupid as it sounds. I’m just horrible at showing it. I’m horrible at the whole body language stuff and touchy feely shenanigans. I’m horrible at goodbyes and looking into eyes. Just want to send out some love because I enjoy spending time with you any…
Sick of STRIKING
Ok I’m a bus driver and have to admit, I hate this striking bullshit period. I wanna go back to work so bad you have no idea. All the higher ups are sitting on their asses twiddling their thumbs waiting by the phone to see who’s gonna call who first… who’s gonna cave in first.…
Must love dogs
To the guy who carried his dog down the slippery sidewalks of Morris St. Sunday evening, props. I saw you walking your medium sized dog who seemed to be slightly struggling and moments later you were carrying him/her (which didn’t look like an easy task). I am so glad to see someone put such care…
It’s not Nova Scotia, it’s you
Ok now, everyone is really sick of you bitching about still not having a career ever since you got this business degree a year ago. You blame NS for not having any jobs and continually threaten to move out west. Just throwing out resumes online isn’t gonna get you anywhere. I looked at your resume,…
Writer
We danced all night and it was so amazing and hot. I have been thinking of you all day and I just wanted to say, thanks. —Forbidden
You poor jealous thing
This one goes out to the cow on my Facebook who sent me a nasty inbox, telling me to stfu about Valentine’s Day and my ‘loser’ boyfriend. So what if I have been doing countdown to Valentine’s Day statuses every day for the past 2 weeks! I can put whatever I want on my page,…
The Word on the Street Spelling Bee for Adults: OH YES
Word On The Street’s first ever spelling bee fundraiser is the perfect chance to blow off the steam built up from years of looking at misspelled signs, menus or texts. Thursday, March 8, 7-11 pm at Murphy’s the Cable Wharf Restaurant, you and your team could show them all. For this year’s fundraiser, WOTS put…
I need a valentine
PK will you be my valentine? —I Like Kitties
How to ride a bicycle
Do it in the road. Nobody expects you to operate a vehicle on the sidewalk and doing unexpected things is not only a violation of road etiquette and common sense, but in this case it’s illegal. You may feel safer but here’s the real trick: you’re a moron. Nobody is going to hit you if…
At the queer dance party
Friday night at a north end bar near the end of the party. I was sitting near the bar wearing a grey touque and you were on your way out. For some reason you decided to stop and talk to me. I honestly remember nothing of our conversation except that I told you I had…
Why so many hipsters?
I cannot believe the quantity of so called hipsters in Halifax. Dirty, cheap, whiny and with a huge sense of entitlement for EI, government money and cheap housing. Please get a real job because your songs, paintings, sculptures and handcraft suck! —Annoyed By Hipsters
Silent auction attendee
To the fellow who showed up at our organization’s silent auction because you saw it in The Coast, thank you so much for coming even though you weren’t related to any of the organizers or the band. I think you were the only person who didn’t have some affiliation to us and we love you…
Since when?
Okay so a lot of talk about strikes and how bad economy is, on top of it how bad Harper is at his job (and just being a decent human being). Where in the fuckin police hand book does it say you protect and serve only political figures?! Harper calls in a police force to…
Lucky strike
Before the strike, I was worrying and stressing about what I’d do in the mornings where I usually bus to work, albeit a short ride. Thank you strikers for making me take that 30 minute walk. I get to work feeling refreshed without needing a sip of caffeine. —Feeling the Burn
Dearest Turkeyman
I would love to ruffle your feathers any day of the week. Although cats and turkeys sometimes have their disagreements, they always work it out in the end. You are my rock and I love you. Meow <3 —Cat Lady
David Myles is in the giving spirit this week
Starting today and wrapping up on Friday, February 17, David Myles is in the mood for love. Click to download an acoustic recording of Myles’ most requested song, “I Will Love You”. People are so romantic. Send it to your Valentine or hoard it for yourself like so many discounted boxes of Whitman’s Samplers.
Work with me or fuck off
Dear feminine sounding male asshole with the beard on the bike traveling to Halifax last Friday in the bike lane on the MacDonald Bridge: In case you didn’t notice, there’s a fucking bus strike! That means I have to walk 45 minutes to work. I was running late on the morning that you decided to…
United WE stand
Everyone is getting tired of the lies and inconvenience of this bus strike on the union’s part. It is clearly their fault, but I don’t think they realize we think this. So stop complaining and do something. We need to stand up and say we’re not buying into their lies anymore. Someone get the ball…
Facebook philanthropy
This is not a “Facebook Bitch” so all you whose fingers are itchin to pound out “Delete your Facebook account asshole” can go fuck yourselves. Facebook is becoming overrun with graphic images masquerading as some “awareness” campaign. “This puppy was stabbed in the face repost to take a stand against animal cruelty!!!” “repost to raise…
In context: Why bus driver overtime exploded last year
Bus driver overtime is at the heart of the current transit strike—the city says it needs to change the way scheduling has been done for over a hundred years in order to address overtime concerns. The union says the schedule changes are a deal breaker. I want to drill down into the overtime issue, but…
ArtPort Gallery provides local art to air travellers
ArtPort Gallery is a gallery located at the Robert L. Stanfield International Airport. In operation for seven years, it’s owned by Donna Mancini, who runs the place like a co-op; there’s always one of the 11 artists represented working at the gallery. Mancini is one of them, offering her multimedia work alongside original watercolour, acrylic…
Driver Adam Francis and his wife are on strike.
I caught up with Adam Francis at the Bridge Terminal this morning. We ducked into the bus shelter to get out of the rain. Here’s Adam’s story:
New Ravenous Energy Bar
It’s simply not cool unless you bring Edgar Allan Poe into it. So, anyway, Crowbar Real Foods, makers of the Crowbar, have now come up with another avian-related energy bar: The gluten-free Ravenous. Like the Crowbar, it’s vegan, but it also fits into paleo/primal diets and it’s free of refined sugar, too. Right now it’s…
A Valentine’s Day mixtape for makeout purposes
Here’s a great mixtape made with love by local music guy Andrew Neville. It’ll be so great to play when you serve your loved one that heart shaped apple pancake you made. Your loved one can also be your cat. And you can eat the apple pancake after she’s done smiling at it.
Maritime morning, noon and night
I used to listen to our local FM news/talk radio station all the time. The talk portion during the day and the syndicated sports shows at night held my interest. For months now anytime and every time I tune in I’m subjected to an ‘encore presentation’ of the same flagship morning show EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.…
HRM has bad managers
I cannot believe the way this municipality is run. It’s bad enough we have inept council but the managers are even worse. Writing out propaganda instead of avoiding a bus strike through negotiation, poor snow removal, streetlights not working, project and repair half done. This place is totally dysfunctional and it’s time for a change.…
Dollars and sense
I’m walking down Robie St (South to North) the other night. I walk past the QE2 and notice the signage for Emergency has no lighting. It’s not that the light is burned out, rather, there is no light provided. That seemed a little strange for something so important. A couple of minutes later I walk…
Strike on the strikers
It’s not been on that long but let’s face it, we’re sick of these whinging strikers! Well, let’s fight back! If you work in a cafe/coffee shop, go on strike when they come in for coffee. If you work in a supermarket/drug store, go on strike if you see one of them come in looking…
Take care of your own planet first
Why the fuck are we spending millions of dollars trying to go to the moon while there are a million problems here on earth? Why don’t you take care of everything wrong with this planet before venturing off into outer space? You’re all a bunch of idiots. I cannot believe morons like you are the…
Sweet PK
Oh PK, how I love how outspoken and unafraid to tell it like it is. If only one day we met for a second. I’d love to make you purr… —I Like Kitties
Confused, about a lot
I am confused. Truthfully I am. I just dont understand whats going on with Canada today. Or Nova Scotia or kids today for that matter. Remember the days when making mud pies was normal? Not having a cell phone attached to your ear at 8 or 10 years old and who wore bras and mini…
An environmentally friendly Halifax
Yay environment! Since the strike has commenced, this city has become eco friendly! Wow! This is so great. Those buses produce so much pollution that can make humans and animals sick. Pollution also kills nature, destroys trees, harms our air and contributes significantly to global warming. There is so much beauty around us! Let’s take…
100% pure bullshit
Your burger joint advertises 100% REAL Beef. Why are you lying? Your burgers are so full of chemicals they don’t decompose EVER. The buns don’t even grow mold! It makes me sick that a billion dollar corporation has to cut corners on health standards to earn even more profit. How hard is it to make…
Beginning of the end
Ok so I wake up this morning and I can hear my wife out fiddling around in the kitchen making breakfast (as it should be) and I realize that I will be getting breakfast in bed. Great! So I turn on the TV and start watching the news. A little while later she comes in…
Fuck you MS
You’ve affected three people on one little branch of my god damn family tree, and because one of them is my dad now I’m going to worry that I’ll be a fourth. Or worse, my little sister with two littles of her own. Fuck off. —Multiple Headaches
You smell like piss
Hey, guy who is in all my classes, you know that smell that your piss gets when you’ve been drinking a lot of coffee? Why do you always smell like that? You dont even smell like coffee. I’ve encountered heavy coffee drinkers who just smell like a coffee shops or something, but you smell like…
Just say no to crack
What is it with all the chickies wearing wedgie-tights? It’s like they forgot to get dressed and left their skirts or pants at home. Anatomy lessons for little kids? Free jollies for pervs? What gives? Most people are pulling their drawers OUT of their arsecracks and we have these chicks who are stuffing them IN.…
Splurge moves
As of February 1, Splurge is now in the former Dio Mio location at 1480 Brenton Street (420-9530). Owner Sarah deWolf says there was a couple reasons for the move: the location was nearby and it’s twice the size of their spot in Park Lane, allowing for room to grow her stock. Plus, “traffic was…
RED HOT LOVE SALE at Indie boutik Collective this weekend
Five days of love. How can you resist? It’s called the RED HOT LOVE SALE, and it’s happening at Indie Boutik Collective (1542 Queen Street, above Sweet Pea), February 11-15. In case you didn’t know, the shop is a collection of some of the best local and Canadian designers. And the sale is 25-75 percent…
Bad drivers 2
Oh, hello Mr. in the white Acura SUV. So we meet again, except this time you are barreling down Windsor Street exchange coming from Bedford, weaving in and out of lanes, causing others to slam on their brakes to avoid smacking you as I had to do the other day, all the while flipping the…
New local butcher and produce market to open in the Hydrostone
Jessi Gillis worked in Ontario for six years. The Haligonian was really impressed by the connection some consumers had with their suppliers. “I saw some amazing small-scale butcher shops there,” she says. Coming back to Halifax, she noted the locavore movement really taking off, especially with the growing success of farmers’ markets and was inspired…
Heart qualities
Before you blow all that change on the flowers and chocolates remember the greatest gift we have to share is the quality of our heart. The most important quality being compassion, not just for those close to us but for all. Happy Valentine’s to all. —M.N.W
All the single ladies
I really hope you do not feel sad or alone this Valentine’s Day because you are amazing and I sincerely hope you know that. The fact that you love and respect yourself truly shows that self-love is the greatest way to find true love. You don’t need anyone to make you feel beautiful or special…
Wanderlust
Halifax, I want to thank you for being my one, true home. No matter how often I say I need to leave (because sometimes, it just has to happen), you’re here when I come back, welcoming, and will always be the city I love most. The people I’ve met throughout my life here are unforgettable,…
Sick of your so-called sickness
We’re almost 1.5 months into 2012 and you’ve already taken 11 sick days. Last year you called in sick 23 days during the year. You kicked up a stink when HR asked you to start providing doctor’s notes, so I’m making sure HR sticks to that this year with you. We all know you’re faking.…
I leave the country for a goddamn month…
So I go to China for a month and come back to what? A damned transit strike? Are you kidding me? I have to work on Tuesday morning, flush with jetlag! I can’t drive. I can’t bike. My eyesight doesn’t allow for those sorts of luxuries. I can’t leave you people alone for a fucking…
Just tryin to have a good jerk!
The internet was great in the 90’s. What the fuck happened? Now it seems I can’t go online to do anything without constant pop-ups and annoying as fuck advertisements before every video I watch. The internet used to be a place where you could go to escape commercialism and all that shit that corrodes TV.…
Your friend getting married? Kiss her ass goodbye!
This bitch goes out to all the married ladies who can’t be bothered with their single friends anymore. Have you lost your identity, career and friends now that you won the title of WIFE. I get that you are no longer you–you’re a “we”. Really, I get it. I guess our friendship isn’t worth returning…
Beware of fakes
I have no opinion on who’s right about the bus strike, I just know it’s really hard on lots of people. So, I’ve got a car, I’ve got some time, and I thought I’d try to help out, for free, some people who are really in a jam. I answered an ad for someone who…
REALLY STRESSED OUT
Would you tear a strip off of your partner if he had to wait in the car for about twenty minutes while you were in a clothing store waiting to to have your clothing pieces rung in BUT there was ONE ITEM that would not RING IN RIGHT so it took about twenty minutes to…
Rules do not apply to you then?
So, miss HRM Policewoman in a marked cruiser driving on Main Street, near the veggie stand (where numerous accidents and deaths have occurred), you do realize that it’s a 50 zone right? So why do you cruise on by at around 70?? You’re having a nice chat with your coworker and not on your way…
Don’t you hate it when…
Your girlfriend says she really wants you to sleep with her best friend and gets you all heated up and then right before you are supposed to do it all the drama starts up and there are fireworks for the next few days all because she suddenly didn’t feel secure in letting her man pound…
I love pedestrians
I get it, there’s no transit. And no transit means more pedestrians. As a motorist, I’m on high alert for these pedestrians. The last thing I want is a ticket for failing to obey, and a death on my conscience for the rest of my life. But, armed forces gentleman, It’s 11:00pm and you’re wearing…
A circle of lust at La Ronde
Sure February is all about candy hearts and valentines, but where are those gifts meant to lead? Why the bedroom, of course! So it’s timely that DalTheatre has taken on Arthur Schnitzler’s scandalous (for 1921) play. The tiny MacK. Murray studio is transformed by a lush and lacquered red and black set centered around a…
Chairlift
Chairlift’s second full-length, Something, is a mess of retro synths and ’80s pop vocals perfect for the American Apparel crowd. The two-piece sounds like what you’d expect from a group that licenses its music to Apple: downtempo electronica that was probably made on a MacBook. Their minimalist aesthetic is most similar to the UK’s SBTRKT…
The Middle Spoon hits the sweet spot
When my girlfriends and I arrive at The Middle Spoon on a Saturday night in February, the bitter cold has pierced through my coat and I’m tempted to order a coffee to warm up. But then I look at the cocktail menu and swiftly come to my senses. It’s 10pm. Several tables are full, but…
Steampunked
It’s a Sunday afternoon and the upper floor of Humani-T Cafe looks like a turn-of-the-century French salon or Victorian pub. The people packed into the space are wearing lace, corsets, top hats and goggles and are more likely to take out a pocketwatch than a cell phone if they want to see what time it…
Sex and Dating 2012 survey results
[ jump to: DESCRIBE YOURSELF | HAVE YOU? | MEETING & DATING | SEX | OPEN FORUMS ] DESCRIBE YOURSELF My gender is… female 62.4% male 35.7% other 1.2% transgendered 0.7% My sexual orientation is… straight 69.7% bi 11.8% bi-curious/tri-sexual 7.0% lesbian or gay 6.7% not…
Liz Worth’s punk poetry
Afrika Bambaataa identified the four pillars of hip-hop culture as MCing, DJing, b-boying and graffiti writing. No one has ever definitively outlined the pillars of punk culture, but poetry would have to be one. Amphetamine Heart is Liz Worth’s first collection of poetry. Visceral and direct, it does much to cement poetry as one of…
A$AP Rocky
If there’s such a thing as postmodern rap, A$AP Rocky’s LIVELOVEA$AP qualifies: he’s a Harlem native who raps with a brazen Houston drawl and admires grills and purple syrup, who spits like the swaggering spawn of Odd Future and The Cool Kids, and whose name is a little too reminiscent of still-active MC Aesop Rock. Which…
Nap time
In a town of this size, it’s common for bands to share multiple partners. Nap Eyes is no exception. “I think we have the habit of just a lot of our bands sharing members,” says drummer Seamus Dalton, whose Nap Eyes mate, Josh Salter, also happens to front Quivers. “We’re pretty incestuous, you could say.”…
Hind Legs are hard in the paint
On a Saturday in the middle of an icy January, Hind Legs—a two- or sometimes three-piece garage band—shot its first music video. Halloway Jones, the lead singer and guitarist, hopes the video will give the group momentum as they head out on tour in a few weeks. “Music videos spread, they get viral real fast,”…
The Unthanks
The Unthanks sisters perform this tribute in a semi-classical setting at Union Chapel in London, England. Their disarming humour saves proceedings from becoming overly reverent. The six songs of Antony Hegarty are pretty but slight, leaving a notion that it’s an alien androgynous voice driving his appeal. The Robert Wyatt segment is another matter. Nine…
We’re not reviewing 3D rereleases
The Coast movie braintrust—Molly Segal, Matt Semanksy and myself, film editor Carsten Knox—has discussed this recent trend of older movies being released in 3D. We’ve decided to not review them. That’s included Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and this week’s rerelease of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The reasons for not reviewing them…
Ryan Adams
Reclusive, enigmatic, talented—all words that describe Ryan Adams, an artist who seems to be forged from the same mold as Neil Young. Ryan Adams bears an artistic integrity not found on many albums, his “my way or the highway” mentality may not garner him the adulation of the masses, but the albums are definite critical successes. Ashes…
Venture Under the Canopy
Gus, the Museum of Natural History’s tortoise in residence, must be thrilled to have some non-fossilized friends to keep him company for a little while. The visiting crew of creatures comes thanks to Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo in Ottawa, and gives Halifax a taste of the rainforest until late April. You’ll find 10 exotic habitats…
Honour V-day, see the The Vagina Monologues
Since it’s inception in 1996, The Vagina Monologues has become an international household name, wowing crowds in endless cities, languages and venues. But somehow, no matter how uniform the script, it’s never the same show. “Every year a new woman reads the part and brings her own experience to the piece,” says Danielle Dufour, the…
Discovering Tigran Hamasyan
With a love for music practically in his genetic make-up, it’s no wonder Armenian-born, New York-based Tigran Hamasyan became the innovative piano virtuoso that he is. With his father’s love for classic rock, his uncle’s jazz and his grandparents’ massive vinyl collection whetting his young musical palate, Hamasyan took to the piano before he was…
Safe House, cheap entertainment
Director Daniel Espinosa’s Safe House doesn’t tread into new territory, but uses tricks of the spy-movie trade, with claustrophobic chase scenes, shaky close-ups, and badass shoot-outs to boot. When the CIA safe house in Cape Town, South Africa, is breached, rookie Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is in charge of fugitive agent Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington),…
Let Viva Flamenco be your Valentine
You know what would make Valentine’s Day a lot better? If you were in southern Spain, falling in love with sunny skies, flamenco vibes and the colourful culture—so wrapped up in the passion of it all you wouldn’t even notice your sangria-stained teeth. And if you did, you probably wouldn’t care. Pipa Restaurant is doing…
Film moves beyond prejudice
Catherine Farquharson was excited to go to her senior prom. It was 2008, the first year that someone like Farquharson, who is white, would be able to attend the prom with her boyfriend, who is black. Charleston High School was about to hold its first integrated prom. “A few kids in our town are changing…
London Boulevard
The British gangster movie is alive and well, thanks to the efforts of Guy Ritchie and Jonathan Glazer. If The Departed screenwriter doesn’t quite reach the quality of those filmmakers on his directorial debut, he gets an A for effort. The super-stylish tale of an ex-con (Colin Farrell) who tries and fails to live the…
Sex and Dating 2012 Survey: submitted stories
Share the story of your best date: On the second date, the guy I was seeing drove up to Truro around Christmas to give me a little yellow ukelele because he remembered me saying I wanted to learn how to play. We’re still together, but my uke skills? Not the best. Best date so far…
Q&A with Quivers
Quivers have been busy blissfully playing their psychedelic punk music since April 2010, and this Tuesday, it all comes crashing down around your ears. It’s happening, they are breaking up. Click their name to listen to their songs. Have lots of tissues ready. Q: Why are you breaking up? Lyle: Because I’m moving away and…
Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo)
Mario is probably the biggest name in video games. Part of that reason is an impeccable track record for making high-quality games. The Italian plumber continues that trend in his latest 3D platformer. Combining classic side scrolling seen in New Super Mario Bros and the open-world 3D style from Super Mario Galaxy, this is probably…
Eco-Enemies
In the past few weeks the Harper government has become more blatant in its anti-environment stance, and much of the story has become public via whistleblower Lawrence Frank, former communications guru of ForestEthics. Frank says that the existence of anti-environment rhetoric from the feds is common knowledge among environmentalists. But it came to a head…
Only Serious About You VOLUME 1 By Asou Kai
As a genre of romanticized love between men drawn primarily by women for women, yaoi stories often lack much of a realistic stance. Only Serious About You is one of few seen in English that approaches the topic with such patience and honesty that its remaining tropes rarely distract from its merits. This first volume…
The Vow leaves reviewer’s heart unmelted
Early on in this tepid romantic drama, Channing Tatum’s college-quarterback voice elucidates the theory that major moments in life can shape one’s identity. No shit. The Vow isn’t deep enough to drown an ant, but it aims to submerge audiences in their own tears with its story of an artist (Rachel McAdams) who can’t remember…
The Art of Fielding By Chad Harbach
“The birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author,” wrote literary theorist Roland Barthes—so while The Art of Fielding’s hype has focused on its author’s exorbitant $650,000 advance, let Chad Harbach be dead for our purposes. After all, Faulkner’s loudness and anger when drunk doesn’t affect my reading of…
Whale Riding Weather‘s harsh truths
The first ten minutes of Whale Riding Weather are basically a soliloquy by an aging queen named Lyle. He’s fey yet charming, caustically funny and very drunk. Likeable, really. But as you watch the face of his younger lover Auto, who is sitting clench-jawed and vacant-eyed, you begin to wonder how charming and cute Lyle…
Remembering the Good Times By Richard Peck
Even though Richard Peck’s Remembering the Good Times was written almost 30 years ago, the story still resonates with modern readers. Written in 1986, Good Times tells the story of three best friends—Buck, Kate and Trav—as they transition between childhood and adulthood. After a tragic event, two of the friends are left to re-evaluate the…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) (January 20-February 18) Maybe there is a soulmate for you in this world. Maybe there isn’t. But you can count on this: If that person is out there, you will never bond with him or her by clinging to a set of specific expectations about how it should happen.…
Can’t stop, won’t stop
Lisa Lipton is happy. When we meet, she’s taking a break from a full day of installing her new exhibition, STOP @ forever, at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, a compilation of excerpts from her arsenal of performance pieces. She’s also in the midst of a residency at the Gatekeeper’s Lodge in Point Pleasant…
Welcome out, Chad (et al)
{image-1] Q I’m a 21-year-old gay male. My friend Marcelo is friends with Chad. Everyone who meets Chad assumes he’s gay. Never had a girlfriend, a dance major, dyes his hair blond/green/purple, got up at 2am to watch Kate marry William. Over four years at college, this situation has gone from funny to sad as…
