Argyle Fine Art grand opening tonight
Argyle Fine Art celebrates their new location with the grand opening tonight from 7-9pm. The first show of the season, entitled Pre-Shrunk, features with work of more than 50 local artists. AFA also has a Valentine’s Day deal: For only $50, a local artist will create a very special Valentine for you or your significant…
Recently Engaged: Lynn & Robinson
I grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia. My parents lived in the house I grew up in for 32 years and I have many beloved memories growing up there with my family. When my parents could no longer look after our turn of the century home, the house was sold to a…
Cooper Tardivel goes west
New Orleans is the home of Tales of the Cocktail, a week-long event in July that brings together chefs, bartenders, spirits experts and suppliers to celebrate all things in mixology. The conference has become so popular that it’s now on tour, with a mini-festival to take place in March in Vancouver. Halifax cocktail star Cooper…
To the Teens Smoking on School Steps
I wanted to let you know that I was only sending love when I asked you to move away from the front of the elementary school as you smoked Wednesday afternoon. To the girl, who was smoking; you are beautiful and whether you know it or not, little girls look up to you. You could…
A Certain Wayward Teen Drove Again?
I never would have expected that scumbag with the shit-eating grin, who killed that poor woman while driving 6 years ago, to have another lapse. Really what a shock… HOW THE FUCK IS HE NOT IN A JAIL BREAKING ROCKS, JUDGE? Come on, our courts are so fucked! This putz needs to be kept in…
You Can Apply to HPX 2011 Now
Apply here!Fest runs from October 18-22 this year. In a completely unrelated note, my friend Michel was all like “I’m going to listen to DBC, they’re coming to Gus’, you would be an idiot not to go” and I was like “What’s that?” because I don’t know anything. And then, suddenly, the doors of 80’s…
Right on
For telling those students to shut up in class. Some students are just plain f’kin ignorant. Feet on the bus seats, texting in class, bad manners everywhere and most are still living in high school. Go to the library and f’kin try to study. Wide open social hour and they don’t give a fuck about…
I need a cell phone why??
This just drives me nuts: I go to a popular video sharing website to make my own account and am told I can’t give an e-mail address for a verification code, I have to give my cell phone number. Are you kidding me? So I go to the FAQ’s and “what if I dont have…
Recently Engaged: Rachel & Daniel
Daniel and I are High School Sweethearts and have been building our life together for 7 years now. We’ve known for some time that we’d one day get married, and I was very excitedly looking forward to the day when he would ask me to be his wife. Our engagement came on a day that…
Scanway celebrates 30 years
Scanway will enjoy it’s 30th anniversary on Thursday, February 3. The Scanway empire—overseen by owners Unni and Geir Simensen—also runs Spring Garden eatery Saege, which will be serving Scanway’s original menu at the original 1981 prices on the birthday, for lunch and dinner. Or stop by Scanway’s Quinpool location (6088 Quinpool Road, 425-0683) to enjoy…
I know why I loved you
Looking at you as we spoke, months since we’d seen each other, I could see why I fell for you then. You said you saw the same. It really is a tragedy we drifted apart—I really wanted nothing more than to be there for you, for the rest of our lives together. My heart has…
Police Doing Their Job
Props to the beat cop on Quinpool for pulling the cellphone talker in the Range Rover over. 1 down, countless thousands to go! —Cranky
Baby, I want your money
Look, Bridge. I threw in three perfectly usable quarters and you didn’t want them. I checked to make sure they weren’t American quarters or weird ones with commemorative symbols or what-have-you, just three regular 25-cent pieces. But nooo, my money’s not good enough. Enough with your greed. —Rejected
The Everything To Do With Sex Show Comes To Town
Are you horny? Isn’t everyone? You might want to head down to The Cunard Centre (961 Marginal Road) for the Everything To Do With Sex Show, kicking off Friday, January 28 at 5pm and running until Sunday. Hours are Friday 5pm-midnight, Saturday 11am-midnight and Sunday 11am-6pm. You’ll find a wide selection of vendors offering everything…
Peter Kelly is pursuing the stadium dream
The city is officially in pursuit of the 2015 Women’s Cup of soccer, which of course would require a stadium. There’s been a lot of talk about how to achieve that, with the options coming down to either enlarging the current Huskies stadium on the SMU campus, or building a brand new stadium somewhere else.…
Calling Out the Drones
My bitch is directed to groups of people who attempt to enter/exit buildings at once, who—although there are, at the very least, two possible doors to go through—only have tunnel vision to the one door that traffic is slowly trickling through, while a unnecessary cluster of people builds up waiting to get through the open…
F’kin texters
It has gotten out of hand. They walk you over on the sidewalk, mow you down on Spring Garden Rd., play with their toys in class and everywhere else, don’t pay attention to their surroundings and basically forget that were supposed to live in an ethical society. Shove your F’kin toys up you know where.…
Commons Tent City?
I love the skating oval, it’s really brought haligonians together in a way that doesn’t usually happen, but the whole plot looks like a tent city. Surely, when they were grading the earth for 4 months, someone would have thought about how it looked from the outside? It looks like the protest trailers at Africville.…
Commons Crosswalk Courtesy
Thanks very much to the driver of the red car who, despite the fact that the crosswalk lights were flashing and I was walking in the crosswalk, tried first to continue on his way, and then when he realized I was still walking, tried to drive around me (and my dog) while going through the…
A chef outside of the kitchen
To the wonderful chef who works at a downtown hotel, you found my friend when my drunken ass couldn’t. It means a lot to me that you took the time out of your night to help . Thanks again. —Those shoes and that much alcohol will never mix again
You deserve the best
I’m so sorry things have gotten to this point. You are a one in a million kind of woman and I’m going to miss you terribly. I will never give up thinking that maybe… maybe someday. There was so much love and so much good. Once we’ve sorted out our respective issues… who knows. I’m…
Jackson Browne is Coming
You know, I always used to think that old folk song from the Simpsons with the old-man dancers went “Old Grandma, she ain’t what she used to be, ain’t what she used to be” etc. I was corrected the other night and sternly told it’s ACTUALLY “Old Gray Mare, she ain’t what she used to…
Renovator’s Resource moves
Formerly on Almon Street, Renovator’s Resource can now be found just a little further south at 2457 Maynard Street (429-3889). The business remains the source for anyone renovating or looking to add something to a project as the shop is filled with salvaged building parts and furniture, including clawfoot tubs, lighting fixtures, doors, radiators and…
Recently Engaged: Carolyn & Kevin
[image-1] Near the mid point of 2009, Carolyn and I had just celebrated the 13th year in our relationship. I initially thought that with 13+ years of build up, this proposal had better be as thoughtful and exciting as she deserves, but I quickly realized chartering a private plane for an overnight ‘rendezvous’ to an…
To The Guys At The Bar on Young St.
Just wanted to say thank you to the bouncers who were so nice and helpful. I should have been told to leave myself for being intoxicated but you never asked even through all the drama of the young people that were there. I didn’t even ask the 2 of you your names. You’re awesome and…
Constant Constables
Look, I am not a murderer, a robber or a mugger. There ARE these sorts of people lurking in our city committing real crime. Rather than banging on my door every night (without a warrant I’ll add) because someone complains “harassment” is a waste of my time, definitely yours (you can bet I’m in a…
Seaport Farmers’ Market’s permanent residents
This is just to let you know that The Fish Shop, serving seafood chowder, lobster rolls, and the very best seafood is now open at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market (1209 Marginal Road) Tuesday through Sunday: Tues 10am-6pm, Wed 8am-6pm, Thurs and Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm and Sunday 8am-4pm. And those hours apply to Fox…
Blue Vine Photography wants you (ladies)!
January and February are all about Valentine’s Day at Blue Vine (bluevine.ca). Lady For $250 you get your very own 90 minute “Boudoir Photo Shoot” along with a black or red keepsake album with 24 of your favorite images, which makes a dazzling gift for your nearest and dearest. Or you can pay $325 for…
Will Wayne Anstey, city’s top staffer, be fired for this?
[image-1] A major scandal is rocking Halifax City Hall. Some councillors want to fire Wayne Anstey, the city’s head bureaucrat. Councillors Gloria McCluskey and Mary Wile had a public screaming match Saturday at what was supposed to a staid and celebratory grand opening of the Canada Games Centre. Most important, council is left dealing with…
Annie’s Place Cafe is back
[image-1] Annie’s Place Cafe (420-0098), formerly on Birmingham Street, has found a new location and will be open for business Wednesday. The new locale is 1592 B Queen Street, the former site of Bravo, across from Armory Park. “Well be open six days a week, 7am-3pm, Monday through Saturday” says proprietor Ann Joseph. “Basically the…
HRM guy gives a boost
Thanks to the HRM employee who stopped his big yellow truck (with flashing lights) on Barrington street this weekend to block a lane of traffic and allow 5 minutes of security so I could get my car boosted. It was obviously not part of his job, but he stopped and helped anyway—a great example of…
Glass Fragment
To the punks that came to my home and smashed my back door window out in the middle of the night. Next time I won’t call 911 on your dumb asses. —Disregarded
Mr. Brightside
My dearest muppet, you are talented, kind, cute and by definition, funny. How could anyone resist you? Your smiling eyes have helped my broken heart to mend. Maybe one day I’ll pay back that dinner I owe you, regain some courage, and tell you this to your face. I think I love you. —Formerly Heartbroken…
Secondhand clothing stores
Just want to know what is with the tough, rather unfair return policies at the local second hand clothing stores. Could it be they are afraid of loss even though they get the product for free? —No salvation in this village
Wine Debrief and Dance Party Love
To the lovely folks in our program. Thanks for the laughs, walks, dance parties, coffee dates and wine debriefs. Learning is fun. Glad to share the journey with you folks. Let’s go camping when the ground defrosts. —L. Lion Heart
Sobering Experience
So a recovering alcoholic goes into an establishment that serves alcoholic drinks, took a drink of something without checking it, and is all pissed off because he got served the wrong drink (which happened to contain alcohol). Is this shit even news worthy? These things happen, people make mistakes, if you’re so scared of falling…
Lovin’ sax
To the sax quartet who played at the market Saturday morning, thank you for your lovely music so expertly played. It was a game changer for sure and totally made my day. Repeat performances please! —MG
Roommate Rampage
I understand that when students first go to university, they’re usually living on their own for the first time without constant parental guidance and influence. They’re even more lost than usual if they’ve been sheltered to the point of smothering. This is no excuse at all for them to disregard even the most basic aspects…
TLC
I love you so much. I want you to know that I need you to get better and I can’t wait to get you in my arms and hold you. I know you’ve been through so much in this short year, a car accident, heart surgery, and I want you to know that I love…
Instantly Gratified
This country seems to be overrun with coffee snobs who look down on the very idea of drinking instant. I can’t even bring my goddamn mini jar of instant coffee to work without getting pained expressions from all the people hanging around the friggin percolator for their all-organic free trade coffee. Nothing wrong with the…
LIAR
Dear compulsive liar, we had a great few dates, but after I found out everything you told me was a complete lie (even what kind of clothes you owned) I totally lost all respect for you. Here I am putting up with your ego bullshit when you really have no right having an ego at…
Ollo
I love that we can go to sleep completely mad at eachother but when we wake up it’s like it never happened and we’re both head over heels in love again. —Babbz
PP Love
Anyone seen this guy play? The crazy ass harmonica player? So amazing! Thank you for inviting me to your show the other night! After seeing tons of your videos, and bunch from back in the day, all I can say is I am absolutely amazed! I knew you were good, but to see you play…
Cheater
I am so tired of hearing about, seeing and dealing with the act of cheating. Why do we cheat, why can’t we just break up with out partners? It is so so hurtful. I know from experience. If you tell your loved one you’re cheating on them, it’s like stabbing at their heart, but if…
Pervert Stalker Dude
Hey ASSHAT! Yeah, you! The jerk who thinks it is okay to stalk women in your vehicle just because you can’t tell the difference between a hooker and every other female in Halifax! Next time you follow me in your car for half an hour, when I am walking to my destination I WILL be…
Handsome
Our eyes met as we passed each other on Friday, and I actually surprised myself by holding that gaze and smiling at you. You smiled and said “hi” and it just made my day. I know we’ve met before. —Hope I didn’t miss my chance
Money For Nothing On Childrens’ TV
So an ad for vaginal yeast infection cream appears on the children network here in Dartmouth. So THAT is ok but Dire Straits gets censored? Holy fuck, these politicos need their heads pulled right out of their rectums; my feeling is the ring has sealed right against their necks so pull hard! My 5-year-old is…
Do Your Job
Is there a connection between the steady decline in academic standards and the poor journalistic skills evident in so very many online news articles? Spelling mistakes, omitted words, inane repetition and incomplete sentences abound. No one is perfect but this occurs on a daily basis. I expect more from people who get paid to write.…
Condoms from Mom
I was eating my meal in the food court and you were a cleaning lady who was bragging about how happy your son is going to be when you bring him home condoms! I didn’t know whether to think you were having sex with him or treating him like a child or both! If your…
Shut up in class!
I was sitting in class the other day listening to the professor drone on and on about the day’s topic, when the 3 girls next to me, who were obviously bored started to text eachother, that would be all fine and dandy but turn your ring tones off! You are in class, you each are…
End of My Rope
Alright… enough! I posted a bitch recently about my boss and the toxic work environment that I work in. Y’know, the one about setting up the workplace’s fb page, coming in early when the boss wanted to stay at the cottage to drink, staying late, bringing in business and yet my hours were cut by…
Education Cuts
Recently there has been a proposal that instead of cutting jobs they simply not replace those teachers who retire? How is that not cutting jobs? What about the hundreds of teachers who have been jumping through hoops and waiting their turn? I’m not an expert, but from my observations the state of things is due…
Canadian casualties in Afghanstan: 2,013
DND releases figures showing 2,013 Canadian military casualties in Afghanistan
Angel Lover
LC, it has been over a year and a half since you’ve left your human body here on earth. I am so grateful to have known you. I will carry our memories everywhere and I’ll never forget the things you’ve taught me. Words aren’t good enough for what you showed me, I wish I could…
Perpetuating the East Coast Stereotype
This has been the worst day of my life, other than the day my father died, but it had some guardian angels who reminded me what life was all about. After my cv joint/axel-y thing-y busted I walked to a gas station and called my boss to let her know… then I went back to…
Brooklyn Warehouse poised to open second location
In a message to members of its Facebook Group, the owners of the Brooklyn Warehouse (2795 Windsor Street, 446-8181) have offered a few delicious bits of info on the prospects of a new location. And we quote: “Without confirming if we have found that space, we can say we are moving forward to establishing something…
His Greatness wows at winter reading series
What could be more pleasurable on a cold winter night than seeing some of Halifax’s finest actors reading plays by some of Nova Scotia’s most talented playwrights? If you can’t think of an answer, you might want to take in the Cold Readings Series at Plutonium Playhouse. Last week’s offering was a reading of His…
Hobo with a Shotgun kills Sundance
Could the incredibly fun, bat-shit-insanely sadistic B-movie Hobo With a Shotgun possibly stand a chance of breaking through to the mainstream? Yes, according to New York Magazine, who called the film a sadistic pleasure that made them laugh so hard they cried. Esquire tweeted, “Hobo with a Shotgun: gleeful Grand Guignol/Grindhouse lark has gags to…
Expert calls for change to sex work laws
Dal law professor Elaine Craig calls for change to laws and regulations governing sex work.
The relative costs of maintaining the Common skating oval
Watching the public debate about whether the speed skating oval should be made permanent, I’m struck by how the costs of the continued operation of The Oval are blown all out of any reasonable proportion. Let me elaborate. First, let’s acknowledge that making The Oval permanent will entail one-time capital costs. It’s my desire that…
Mouthy bitch
To the mouthy young lady on bus 14 last Thursday night, someone should wash out your dirty mouth with anthrax. You insulted everyone by your cell talk about fucking old people this and old fux that. Go home to your vibrator and leave us old fux alone. —Insulted
The Ol’ Boys in Blue
To the three cops standing around like high school bullies outside a building on Gottingen late last night: What is the deal with you guys? You were shining a light into a woman’s face taunting her and being overly condescending until she went back into her apartment. After that you proceeded to shine your flashlight…
B.A.’s Cheesy Birthday
i took this three years ago aw This weekend heralds the annual two-day drunk that accompanies the birth of the one-man genius of love, B.A. Johnston. He has assembled a powerful line-up to surround him on these two evenings: Friday features Homo Duplex, Bad Vibrations, Fat Stupids, and Hymn while on Saturday Windom Earle, Quivers…
This is not your home
On the #1 bus to Mumford last Wednesday night, you were doing your nails, maybe after doing someone else. Who knows and who cares. All I care about is sitting in a seat without disgusting nail clippings everywhere and maybe drippings of another source. Stay the fuck home next time. —Disgusted
Shitty Situation
Okay, so at the coffee shop I work at, we have a staffroom which also doubles as a bathroom. Regardless, it’s off-limits to the public (we DO have public bathrooms). Tonight, a guy comes running in and just runs into our staffroom (people often mistake it for the public bathroom, but realize their mistake quickly).…
The NS government, past and present
This is not an NDP bitch, or a Conservative bitch, or even a Liberal bitch; it’s a bitch at all three! For their general incompetence and lack of leadership over the last thirty years, which have seen this province dwindle in every economic and cultural aspect. Why are people not more outraged at the proposed/alleged…
Fuck off learning disabilities
I hate my learning disability! ADHD. I may even have bipolar once I go to my shrink tomorrow. I went for a job interview that I really wanted and fucking failed the tech part of the skill testing. I couldn’t get the job that I wanted. Tech support. I’m pissed off with myself, my learning…
Stop Whining
What is it with people giving me the stink-eye at work when our debit machine won’t read their card, even though it looks like it’s been through the wash three times and chewed up by a dog to boot? Either accept that as long as your card is worn out some machines won’t be able…
Halifax cocaine is cut with levamisole
[image-1] When Dave, a local cocaine user, spotted white and hairy-looking patches on his tongue, he was understandably “freaked out.” Doctors diagnosed him with oral thrush, but were puzzled as to why he, an otherwise healthy young man, would have an infection that typically affects those with compromised immune systems. “I was terrified. I thought…
Douchebaggery 101
I have a hard time understanding how such a small population of students can harbour such a large portion of macho douche bags. I walk by the school from the bus stop home and almost every time there is some shit hole or another driving his little loud-muffler hatchback clown car like a fucking crack…
To my greatest love
You are the “presents”in my life… you are a gift. You gave me you, N, B, N,and K. I thank you for loving me for my faults and letting me love your children. I thank you for being my reasoning and I thank you for being my lover, my friend, and most of all just…
Lawyers…
…really are pond scum. In order to access the justice system one must use a lawyer at very high cost. It is the biggest closed-shop rip-off of all time. They are the highest paid whores in our society and it is time we reclaimed our justice from their grubby money-grasping little claws. —Take back the…
CaliMist Daze
I’m not great at writing, but here I go… So, I am so grateful to have you in my life because you are so entirely patient with me. You treat me like a queen and listen to me cry over spilled milk a lot (but not actually milk, just silly things). I’m so happy you…
To the guy of my dreams
I love you more then words can say. You’re one of a kind and I couldn’t ask for a better boyfriend. Every morning I wake up, I smile because I have you. Some things may get a little rough sometimes, but we can make it, I promise you that. We’ve made it so far, and…
Cashier
We get it. You’re overweight. You’re obese. You’re just plain fat! You complain everyday “Oh my back/feet hurt,” “I wish I could sit down,” and the best “When’s my break? I’m hungry.” Why did you apply to be a cashier? Do you think cashiers sit on their asses when serving customers? Even the store manager…
The Clean House at King’s
Sometimes a play just speaks to you in the way you need to be spoken to, and as a woman, I’d say that Sarah Ruhl’s magical The Clean House does just that. It’s a funny—-no hysterical—-meditation on the meaning of love and the power of women. The King’s cast is truly phenomenal. Gabrielle Rekai radiates…
ECMA 2011 Nominees Announced
Complete list below. Take a look, give high-fives to your favorites, etc.Congrats! ECMA 2011 MUSIC & INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINEES|MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS: Alternative Recording of the Year Pathological Lovers – Calling all FavoursRacoon Bandit — CampcraftRuth Minnikin – Depend on ThisRyan MacGrath – Cooper Hatch ParisSlowcoaster – The Darkest of DiscosWintersleep – New Inheritors Blues Recording…
Text and Drivers
I drive in bumper to bumper every day down Chebucto Road. I can’t get over the people in their 20s with their heads down looking at their knees. It is, as, or more dangerous to drive while texting than while drinking! Let alone at rush hour in HRM. Can’t help but notice the nice cars…
Dear Mr. Migraine
Why the fuck do you wake me up at 3-4am every fucking day this week demanding to be fed the last bit of my sanity? I have to get up at 5am you asshole and I don’t have time for this shit. And tell your friend Mr. Kidney Infection to go fuck himself too. I…
Here’s What You’ll See/Hear on April 9th
girl you’re so groovy So I hadn’t read much about the Doolittle tour that the Pixies will be bringing here on Saturday April 9th, but the press release makes it sound pretty big. Epic, even. I’ve actually never seen Un Chien Andalou, so that will be something. The pre-sale for the show starts tomorrow at…
Shitty Toy Graffiti Writers of Halifax, Beware
Dear shitty toys, please stop throwing up horrible tags on gorgeous buildings around town. You make the rest of us look like tools. Put Halifax on the map with nice tags on buildings that deserve them. —Human
Stop Staring
I was at a doctor’s office somewhere in the fucking Valley and the pricks in there kept staring at me. What’s the problem? Then complaining that my cell phone was too loud. I was setting the caller ID ringtone, moron. I had 2 hours to fucking kill before I got to see the doctor. So…
Pixies Will Be Bringing Big Big Love to Halifax
feeling allllll riiiiiiight Oh yeah, it’s really happening. PEEP THIS. SATURDAY APRIL 9th = THE GREATEST NIGHT OF YOUR LIFE. Get riled up with a brilliant oral history of the band from this 2004 issue of SPIN edit: The “tickets” link on the tours page isn’t active yet. I’m watching it (along with everyone you…
Some pregnant women in the workplace
Before I start, I want it known that I do not hate pregnant women whatsoever, I just have an issue with how far into the pregnancy some of them should be allowed to work. I know that in a lot of cases that dual income is needed to pay for everything nowadays but I really…
Is it a special club now?
Before I begin, let me just say I’m all for equal rights for every human being. I am neither racist, sexist or a homophobe. But I’m noticing that that this city has an extravagantly over-the-top gay community. You’re gay, we get it, and nobody’s even shocked by it anymore, we’ve all come a long way.…
What I have learned this year
People that are tight with their money are also tight with their love and compassion. Intuition is a Gift. People who CAN help won’t, and people who can’t try. Be your own saviour, protect your sensitivity. People that drop extended family names you have not talked to in years during interviews are unprofessional. Some people…
Recently Engaged: Jennifer & Hans
We met in university and had been dating for three years at the time of the proposal. It was always my belief that Hans would propose after he finished his education therefore when he did pop the question it came as a complete surprise to me because he still had two years left of his…
Name The Oval!
[image-1] City staff has written a mostly favourable report about the prospects of keeping the Common skating oval (see thecoast.ca/OvalReport), but stresses that the issue needs more investigation. They will bring a more detailed report to city council in March. With so much community enthusiasm for The Oval, and with the prospect of it becoming…
What’s wrong: Advertising on The Oval
Who’s responsible? Claudy Levy, oval manager, 490-2343. Remarks: Corporate sponsorship of events at The Oval is understandable; events like last weekend’s Master Speed Skaters’ Championship aren’t open to the public, so the public shouldn’t pay for them. But these ads have stayed up, even through the public skating Monday. City council, which sets the rules,…
And if you’re not into the Games, we can still help you
360fit 900 Windmill Road, Suite 107, Dartmouth, 407-2525 360online.ca Maybe you’ve quit working out at the gym because you find it too impersonal. If so, you’ll find everyone knows your name at 360fit. Best of Halifax-winner Devin Sherrington opened 360fit with his wife Geena because he found that at conventional clubs, “Nobody cared. They just…
Biathlon
Did you know that the word “biathlon” means “two tests” in Greek? It seems that the sport, which combines cross-country skiing with target shooting, has its origins in ancient traditions of skiing and hunting dating back more than 4,000 years. If you’d like to reconnect with your prehistoric roots and train for these two ancient…
A serious Dilemma
The misleading marketing campaign for Ron Howard’s latest film suggests an irreverent jokefest, when in fact it comes closer—though not close enough—to working as a relationship drama. Vince Vaughn and Kevin James are best friends whose car-design company is on the verge of a breakthrough when Vaughn’s Ronnie catches his buddy’s wife (Winona Ryder) with…
Green leather purse
You went up on stage and said something about your name involving a “J”. I was too shy to approach and dance with you at the front of the dance floor to tell you, but you were the cutest girl in the whole bar. —The les in the red checked shirt
Episodes
If there’s a lesson to be taken from Ricky Gervais’ performance as Golden Globes host (besides not pissing off the Scientologists), it’s that British and American humour is divided by more than an ocean of sharks. Perhaps Showcase’s Sunday night lineup—including the American remake of popular Shameless—is meant to bridge the post-colonial differences through the…
Stamos’ evolution
For a choreographer, the starting point of a dance can come from anywhere: nature, an existing piece of art, a world event. Montreal choreographer and contemporary dancer George Stamos discovered the inspiration for Troglodyte Plastique, which premieres Thursday at the Sir James Dunn, at Value Village. In the secondhand store he found a bunch of…
Target Shooting
Fancy yourself a sharp-shooter? Test your skills against the best at the Atlantic Marksmen Association’s target shooting range in Dartmouth. A number of AMA junior members will be competing in the Games. Beyond air guns, members can also shoot pistols and rifles, but they require the appropriate government licences. Membership is $150/year for anyone over…
Parker: The Outfit
To get revenge on a criminal organization known simply as The Outfit, Parker asks his many friends in the underworld to hit the group as hard as they can. Darwyn Cooke uses various techniques to depict the different heists, from newspaper-like strips to simply adding illustrations to pages of text. Each heist works as a…
Kloqowej (Star) keeps it all in the family
Ursula Johnson calls curating this exhibit an “intense” experience, and an incredibly special one. Kloqowej (Star) showcases a collection of 30 intricately woven baskets, spanning the 30-year career of Caroline Gould, who also happens to be Johnson’s great-grandmother. “Even though my art is very different…I like to think it’s the same type of subject matter.…
Wheelchair Basketball
Basketball players have been wheeling around local courts since the ’80s, but the past nine years have been the sport’s most active. The Nova Scotia Wheelchair Basketball Association currently has three competitive A teams, two of which—the Nova Scotia Flying Wheels and the Halifax Heat—are based here. The season runs from September to March and…
Movie manners
The lights dim as the pre-show comes to an end. I settle into my usual slouch, folding into my padded chair like an accordion. I don’t have especially high hopes for Season of the Witch, but as the film starts I notice what, to me, is a rare and precious phenomenon: a quiet theatre. At…
Make Me A Woman
As a newbie to Vanessa Davis’ writings and artwork, Make Me a Woman is not just a treat, but a feast for the eyes. Eschewing the traditional four-panel format for more complex layouts, her sense of composition and perspective supplies each page with vibrancy and flow. While her line drawings (partial erase marks and all)…
Judo
Judo is the martial art of using your opponent’s own strength against them, making it a great self-defence sport. You won’t learn how to strike or punch, but you will be able to throw your opponent to the ground and subdue them. The Halifax Judo Academy, which operates out of the King’s College Gym, offers…
Boxing
If the cold, dark days of winter leave you feeling punchy, take your fists down to Palooka’s Boxing Club and ask for Tyson Cave. Cave is the head coach at Palooka’s and teaches over 200 classes a month. Classes range from beginner to advanced boxing and also include women’s boot camp, Muay Thai and jiu…
Ringette
Originally developed in the ’60s for women as a no-contact alternative to hockey, ringette remains popular with women today. It’s a low-injury sport that focuses on camaraderie, says Bruce Hennebury, a volunteer with Ringette Nova Scotia. There’s a ringette association for every geographical area of the HRM, just check out the Ringette Nova Scotia website…
Rat Girl
Life should have been grand for Kristin Hersh: Throwing Muses was about to become the first American band to be signed to seminal label 4AD Records. But right before her 1980s indie band began recording its first major album, Hersh was quietly dealing with a personal hell. As a result of a traumatic bike accident…
Attraction is not a zero-sum game
Q I am a 23-year-old straight female. A year ago, I moved across the country to live with my boyfriend of four years. He is in graduate school and the only person I really know here—I am working two part-time jobs and my co-workers are either much older or a very long commute away—so I…
Alpine Skiing
You’ll have to head out of the city to find a hill big enough to ski on, unless you want to nose-dive down Citadel Hill. Ski Wentworth, an 80-minute drive from the city in the town of Wentworth, will be home to the downhill skiing events at the Canada Games but, for now, amateurs can…
Myles Deck and the Fuzz
In what is becoming an increasingly sad tradition of good local bands calling it quits, Myles Deck and the Fuzz recently announced its last show will take place at Gus’ Pub on March 26. I have always admired the Fuzz’s total commitment to sneering, Stooges-styled garage rock and its final release, You Can’t Heal a…
Snowboarding
Canada Winter Games athletes will hit the hills at Martock, near Windsor, to compete. At 45 minutes outside of Halifax, it’s an easy place for you to snowboard, too. Group and private lessons are available, with lessons for first-time snowboarders offered twice a day on weekends and holidays, $49.95 (equipment rental included), and an eight-week…
Reserve Judgements
In mid-September, the Pictou Landing First Nation band council filed a lawsuit against the province of Nova Scotia, Neenah Paper, Kimberly-Clark and Kimberly-Clark NS Inc., demanding action on Boat Harbour. The harbour is adjacent to the reserve and has been absorbing pulp processing effluent —currently about 95 million litres per day—for 44 years. The effluent is…
Cross-Country Skiing
The snow in Halifax rarely piles up much, but walking trails at any HRM parks can be used for cross-country skiing; a city employee recommends the former railway lines at the Musquodoboit Trailway and the Timberlea trails. Martock is the official Winter Games venue, and has cross-country programs offered for adults and kids (see also…
Ship Shape
It’s hard to miss the sails on the mast in front of the Ship Victory Restaurant & Lounge. The sign, which completes the pub’s intricate boat theme, is almost like the X that marks the spot of a neighbourhood pub that doesn’t have a neighbourhood. Surrounded by a sea of dusky parking lots, it feels…
No Strings Attached keeps it light
Pleasant surprises abound in Ivan Reitman’s romcom about an aspiring TV writer (Ashton Kutcher) and a med student (Natalie Portman) who try to carry on a sexual relationship without getting their emotions involved. Portman, clearly enjoying a break from Serious Movies, shows real comic chops, while Kutcher’s lack of electricity comes across here as laid-back…
Townsend takes off
As a young girl, living in a house in the woods outside of Sydney, Carmen Townsend used to amuse herself by dancing around the living room to Heart. She and her sister fought over who got to be Ann and who got to be Nancy, and tried to copy their ’80s bouffants. Years later, as…
Jenn Grant
Remember when Liz Phair tried to become a pop star? That risk certainly didn’t pay off for the indie rock icon. But Jenn Grant does it right, and with sincerity. She bravely leaves behind the devastating folk of Echoes to follow her heart wherever it leads—from the dance floor to the warmth of her kitchen…
Speed Skating
Speed Skating You’d think that with all the excitement surrounding The Oval, Halifax would be buzzing with adult speed skating programs and ambitious skaters. Currently the speed skating community in Nova Scotia does not have separate adult-only programs. But fear not—ambitious adult speed skater wannabes can train alongside younger athletes at the Dartmouth Speed Skating…
Midwifery kerfuffle
The IWK dropped its midwifery program in mid-December, leaving approximately 60 expecting mothers to rely on other delivery options. The Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, an organization fronted by “consumers,” hopes to bring the traditional method back to the public by adopting midwifery as a community program. According to organizers, the coalition’s rally, planned for…
Archery
Alfie O’Quinn, president of the Archery Association of Nova Scotia, made his own longbow last year. He chopped down an ash tree, cut out a suitable piece of wood, sanded it down and braided a string for it. He says archery is a fine-dexterity sport that requires discipline. If you want to get involved, you…
Smith Westerns
Who doesn’t like the golden nuggets of ’70s glam rock performed by the likes of David Bowie, T. Rex and Mott the Hoople? Although initially coined as a passing fad of sugary British pop, its heartfelt sentimentalism and rollicking guitars has left an indelible mark on pop music. It’s hard to believe Dye it Blonde,…
Squash
Before the Games even get here, squash players and fans in Halifax will be buzzing over the Bluenose Squash Classic, taking place at The Tower on February 1 to 6. And if all this squash talk is inspiring you to pick up the game, Squash NS has plenty of club information if you’d like to…
Skratch and win
Skratch Bastid, real name Paul Murphy, has lived in Toronto for two years, but it still feels like the Haligonian has never left. With a slew of shows in the city every year, it’s apparent that the Halifax DJ prodigy will always have one foot in the east coast, even when playing shows around the…
Curling
HRM residents who want to hurry hard and try their hand at skipping and throwing stones should consult the Nova Scotia Curling Association for more information. Among the city’s several rinks, the Mayflower Curling Club is home to the 2011 Junior Men’s provincial champions and the women’s Canada Games team. It’s also the official venue…
Silence speaks loud in Rabbit Hole
John Cameron Mitchell’s directorial resume, which includes the sexually explicit Shortbus and the transsexual rock star romp Hedwig and the Angry Inch, hardly identifies him as a candidate to helm a delicately measured and deeply resonant film about loss. But here it is all the same. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart play a couple mourning…
Querkus breaks out the party hats for David Lynch
It was David Lynch’s 60th birthday that pushed Winnipeg’s electro-acoustic artrockers Querkus to record a full-length album. After throwing a big bash in homage to the filmmaker, complete with costumes and cover tunes, they started working on Spaces Between the Leaves Make Way for the Stars. Four years of hard work later, the band is…
Kestrels
This fine Halifax- and Truro-based trio’s latest offering further intensifies the band’s insanely catchy, slap-happy pop-punk, circa ’90s-era Superchunk. Melodic lines delivered with a smile yet carefully adorned with guitar bliss, overloaded amps and feedback swirling around your head on angel’s wings. If the first two new tunes on side A haven’t convinced you about…
Synchronized Swimming
Dancing in water while holding your breath? If you’ve ever wondered how Sylvie Frechette made it look so effortless, and secretly wanted to take the synchro swim plunge, you’re not alone. The past few years have seen a rise in interest in adult (masters) level synchronized swimming. Atlantis Synchro offers adult recreational and competitive programs…
Brandi Disterheft comes to Halifax, and all that jazz
Brandi Disterheft means business. The Vancouver-born, bass-toting, Juno-winning, jazz goddess has recently moved to what she calls the “mecca for jazz music,” New York, to write, play and listen to music and to learn from renowned double-bassist Ron Carter. She’s been keeping ultra-busy touring internationally, playing the jazz-festival scene and currently, working on a new…
Figure Skating
The first place you’ll want to inquire about how to throw a triple lutz is the Halifax Skating Club at Centennial Arena. Founded in 1862, the club now has more than 200 members and offers a variety of programs for adults at all levels of skating. Unfortunately, the current programs are all full for this…
Blotter access
A new study ranks Canada dead last in an international comparison of freedom-of-information laws,” reported the Canadian Press last week. The news came as no surprise whatsoever. Last year I participated in a forum attended by a dozen other journalists, academics and activists working on Freedom of Information issues who were all appalled at the…
Free Will Astrology
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) In the early 20th century, many women at the beach covered most of their bodies with swimsuits made of wool. If they went in the water, they’d emerge about 20 pounds heavier. Swimming was a challenge. Your current psychic state has resemblances to what you’d feel like if you were wearing…
Freestyle Skiing
At the Games all the downhill events including moguls, aerials, dual moguls and half-pipe are freestyle, and will take place at Ski Wentworth during the first week of competition. Ski Wentworth offers a series of programs, though their students are boys and girls in the age range of six to 20. “We try and encourage…
Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, doesn’t spring to mind when you think of quintessentially Canadian sports. As such, the Halifax Table Tennis Club has a relatively low profile: It meets twice a week in a church hall, the membership counts only eight full-time and eight part-time members and the club is not currently accepting…
Artistic Gymnastics
Gymnastics improves your flexibility, muscle strength and even your ability to fall smoothly, which will go over equally well at the bar or the ski hill. Titans Gymnastics Club in Dartmouth offers coached evening classes Mondays and Thursdays from 9pm to 10:30pm. You get a free trial class if you just want to try it…
Hockey
Hockey isn’t the expensive, ultra-competitive sport it’s made out to be—there’s a sledge version for people with special needs, and recreational leagues for any skill level. Start by calling your local rink. For example, SportsPlex has a drop-in recreational league for people of “decent ability” organized by Bob Dalling. The first 20 people in the…
Even 3D can’t save The Green Hornet
Cinematic artiste Michel Gondry brings together four of the most commercial forms in American movies—the ’60s television show revamp, the superhero story, 3D photography and Seth Rogen—in this lightly amusing midwinter time-waster. Rogen is Britt Reid, a party boy who inherits a newspaper business from his father (Tom Wilkinson) and, for vaguely explained reasons, simultaneously…
Badminton
Badminton has been played in some form since ancient China, Greece and India. In Halifax, the Nova Scotia Badminton Association is here to give you information on the modern game. At Dalhousie, the Dalplex offers court bookings for Dalplex members—also daily, monthly and yearly rates available for non-students, $11-$550 —and they can also access the…
The Centre for Art Tapes harvests bright ideas
For 22 years the Centre for Art Tapes has been helping the creative and curious bring their brainstorms to life and experiment in a new medium. At this year’s screening, Alison Creba and eight other scholarship recipients will share their hard work in the form of documentary, animation, experimental video and online interactive art. Creba…
Bars on ice
Oh, how we love The Oval. It’s officially the highest concentration of smiling people in HRM. Finally, the Common is alive, as is the spirit of winter. And while we’re talking spirits…here are some great places to grab a drink or two after you’ve skated yourself silly. jane’s on the common Carefully cross the icy…
Mormon Shmormon
You pretend to be a religious Morman girl. You attend church, pretend to do all the right things. But yet you sleep with other people’s husbands knowingly? Do you know what that makes you? Do you realize what your God thinks of people like you? I’d remind you what awaits you, but you obviously don’t…
The bell that wakes me up
To the blond girl who works at a phone store in Mumford. I see you every day and we have caught eyes a few times. I take enjoyment each morning to know that I might be able to see you again when I get my coffee. For she is like a song, she is like…
Fruit Frustration
I love that you have a fruit shop. Too bad that the arrangement I bought for my dead mother’s funeral reception was totally rotten. I called to try to remedy the fact that your fruits were terrible. You told me that it was my problem and that you have no control over the fruit you…
Attitude
To the jerk online who replied “fuck you” to my offer, go to hell! Your item is not even worth a penny, let alone what I offered you! Get over yourself! —Gal
The oval
I love you! Can we keep you? Please Halifax? —New to skating but loving it
Stitch Bitch
To the asshole who lives in a building on Chebucto and thought it would be a good idea to put a big mirrored door out on the curb the day before a snow storm and two days before garbage day, thanks a lot jerk off. I really wanted to spend my Thursday night in the…
You’re amazing
You’re a Cassandra. You feel lonely sometimes, and people who say they love you use and abuse you. Even in your own home. You are slim, beautiful, dusky and mysterious. I love you in a way your poser cannot. You are simply beautiful. —Your best pal
A person in need of some inspiring words
To the man having a conversation with someone in the back of the 80 on the way to Sackville wearing aviators and a beige jacket… I apologize for eavesdropping, but the words you spoke about having no regrets, and it’s never too late to do something with your life, etc. The way you worded what…
To The Blue-Eyed Girl
I was reading back in these stories posted and did a double take when I saw yours. I remember your bag, it was a batman tote, and that’s what caught my eye at first… until I realized how pretty you were! I’m sorry your bag ripped, I hope you were able to sew it like…
Don’t let them go
I work in retail and the one thing that bothers me more than annoying customers who complain over nothing are parents who bring in their young children around 5 years and younger, and don’t look after them. No, I’m not talking about them destroying my department, I mean bringing them in and just walking ahead…
Cute Guy from the Weight room
I hope I can talk to you next time I see you. I’ve been trying but I just can’t build up the confidence. Hoping it happens and I’m not too late. —Girl from the cardio room
Waiting and tired of it
So I went to the grocery store the other day, Sunday to be exact. The place was packed and of 11 lanes only 3 were open. The line ups to get processed were fully blocking the walkthrough aisle. I know that as a former restaurant manager that labor costs are one of the most controllable…
Happy Birthday
My grandfather has problems with his kidneys. He can’t sit long in certain places because they give him excruciating back pain. It often makes him sick there’s so much pain. He’s been looking at this chair for a year now. It’s perfect for his back, just perfect. He can sit in it for hours and…
Dear Daddy
Hi Dad, thanks for jumping to my rescue when I fell down the stairs. Even though I really hurt my foot, it made me really happy that you care about me. I love you 44 googles. —Your Little Girl
Frustrated and Tired
How much exactly is it that one person should be expected to take? Don’t worry about doing anything correctly at work, just leave it for me to fix. Don’t worry about acting like a total douche bag at home, I don’t deserve to be treated any better! You just go about your life thinking you’re…
Your pig pictures are the coolest
Mr. Awesomest-Feel-Better-Card-Maker-Ever, thank you. You made my day, and every time I see my card, I feel better. You’re a great teacher, and a great friend. I’ll miss you when I graduate. —Great
Sick of being sick
I recently had to leave my full time job due to it causing issues with my depression/anxiety and causing a major mental health spiral. After seeing a walk-in doctor (because my own was away) I received a note saying I was unfit for work. My workplace “wouldn’t accept” it saying they needed more information. No,…
If you were a boy, I’d marry you
Dear friend, you are perfect. I don’t want to say the word perfect because no one is, but you really are exactly what I needed. You’ve made me love myself, and appreciate everyone around me more. You’ve made me a better person. I’ll never be able to tell you how much I care about you…
Larry Uteck Exit
I’m sorry, but are HRM civil engineers trained in kindergarten these days? The Larry Uteck exit has a round-about at each of the exit/on-ramps connecting into the 102! What idiot came up with this deathtrap idea? —Baffled Motorist
Dear Religious Canvassers
Religion is like a penis. It’s great to have one. It’s fine for you to love it. It’s even ok for you to think yours is better than anyone else’s. Just stop knocking on my door with it hanging out and trying to show it to me. Thanks. —Already Got One
Recently Engaged: Jessica & Graham
I knew the ring was coming at some point because I designed it, but I had no idea it would be this soon. I was coming home late from a work function, so Graham told me he would have supper ready. I arrived home to lobster, wine, and caesar salad… mmmmmm… and guessed it was…
My Pet Food Network launches
My Pet Food Network starts in Halifax on February 1. Founded by two St. Mary’s students, Richard Skelhorn and Lu Lin, it’s a pet food retailer that delivers in and around the HRM. They’ve started a website (mypetfoodnetwork.ca) where you can register now and browse products, and from the beginning of February order high quality…
Friendship is rare
To my boy who drove my bloody ass to the hospital after that ass on Chebucto was so blatantly stupid, thanks a lot pal. Good to know you always have my back, snoop can’t touch us and neither can Dre, but only cause we’re three thousand miles away! Yeah, What!?! —Omega One
How to play like you’re in the Canada Games
The Canada Games will be in Halifax February 11-27, with teenaged athletes from every province and territory competing in 20 sports in what organizers are calling “the largest multi-sport event in Nova Scotia history.” If you want tickets to sit on your butt and watch these athletes, head to the official Games site. But if…
Fatties and buses
I hate those fatties that take up like 2 spaces on the bus. There should be a special bus for fat people. —T.R.I.C.
(Not) Getting Effed by the Ban
Dear parking ban, thanks to you, my boyfriend can no longer spend the night. Go eff yourself, cause I’m certainly not getting any! —Angry & Horny
Can I Get a Glass of Water? No.
A few friends joined me at a bar over the weekend. We spent enough money there to deserve a glass of water when we asked for it. Bartender: “We don’t serve tap water. Bottles are $4.” An empty glass to fill in the bathroom was also out of the question. There’s nothing illegal about that…
Class Dismissed
Wow, I’ll bet it will be a long time before people are tempted to ‘try out’ the NDP. This toolbox goes and tells the school boards to submit an evaluation of how a certain percentage drop in funding will affect them and when they do, and tell us about it, he’s all “well we weren’t…
Baby, you’re a rich man
Go on! Keep on bitching about the rich and how useless they are. Kick back… relax! Just smoke a joint and wait for that cheque from your wealthy parents to come in, so you can buy your next stash. You certainly won’t have to worry about buying groceries this month; your folks should be bringing…
Not Underage
This has been going on for way too long. Please stop whipping out that ID card every time we go to the liquor store or other adult places. Holy fuck you are almost 30 and look it! You make yourself look like an idiot, not the little 12 year old you believe you still are.…
You’re Annoying
Please stop laughing all the time! Not everything is meant as funny. People think you are weird and I find you embarrassing to be around. Lay off the horsey sauce… —heeheehee FUCK OFF
Still not pregnant…
Five months and counting. — If I get my period next month I might scream
Market Magic
To the man in the wool onesie at the market on Saturday. The confidence to wear a wool onesie, with built in footies, is found in few men. And even fewer as attractive as you. Your beauty is divine and everlasting. I hope to see you again next weekend, as you are a shining example…
Sock It To Ya closes
The sock specialty store Sock It To Ya (5495 Spring Garden Road, 429-7625) has closed up, but Shoptalk’s sources tell us that they’re looking to reopen soon in Spring Garden Place, so keep your toes crossed for that.
Pipa gets a new chef
“We have hired a new chef, Bryan Corkery, former chef of Fox Harbour and The Press Gang,” announces Pipa (1685 Argyle Street, 407-7472) co-owner Victoria Gaspar. She says the resto will continue to offer traditional Portuguese and Brazilian dishes, but plans are coming together for a “weekly churrasco night—meat extravaganza!” and other theme nights. “We…
Recently Engaged: Janis & Ryan
My fiance and I have been dating for almost six years and we both knew from the first year of being together that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together. We were inseparable from the beginning. Last August, I won a flight at the Buskers on the Waterfront from Westjet. At…
Changes at Historic Properties
Things a little quiet these days down at the Historic Properties. Argyle Fine Art has moved up to Barrington Street, Harbour Swan Gift Shop has closed, as has Lady Luck Boutique, which moved much of its stock to its Hydrostone location (5519 Young Street, 444-3050). “The other store did great in the summer but the…
Changing Seasons
The stylish hotel bar Seasons (1980 Robie Street, 490-3331), once officially known as Seasons Bistro and Wine Bar, is now Seasons by Atlantica, following renovations. They’re back open today, so drop by to check out the changes.
