Trees felled on the Common
[Image-1] There’s a lot less shade on the Common, these days. Dozens of mature trees have been cut down to make way for the roundabout construction on North Park and Cunard Streets, leaving some park-goers angry. “They’re cutting down all our beautiful, ancient trees and all for what? For nothing,” says Daniel Towsey. “You don’t…
Saunders inquiry doubles down on secrecy
[Image-1] As the inquiry into Loretta Saunders’ murder resumed Tuesday morning, a member of her family leaned over the back of a courtroom pew and handed a Halifax Regional Police constable a pink rubber bracelet. The constable, who investigated the case, thanked him. The bracelets, which say, “Loretta and the stolen sisters,” are meant to…
Beach yums: Kooks Canteen
Long days at Lawrencetown Beach just got even better, Rose & Rooster Bakery (6502 Highway 207, Grand Desert) is taking over the long abandoned greasy canteen space and opening a spin-off, Kooks Canteen. “The hot dog machine and deep fryers are still there, but we won’t be using those,” laughs Sarah Zollinger. She says homemade…
Art, tan, laundry, GreatLife!
Like every good idea, the upcoming GreatLife! exhibit (July 28 to August 2 at Anna Leonowens Gallery, artist talk July 31, 12pm) started as a joke. NSCAD student union president Caleb Hung and artist Stephanie Yee were discussing emerging artists’ reliance on artist-run centres, centres that often have their own location and funding problems. “Sometimes…
Jazz Festival Bitch
Long time supporter of the Halifax Jazz Fest. This year I bought my $125 tent pass even before the line up was announced. Two of the six “paid” events were cancelled. Not the fault of the festival organizers but not my fault either. The person I spoke to at the office was both rude and…
High 5: North Park Street is closed and I’m OK with it
Silver lining of North Park closure: walking up Cunard to Common without having cars do the slow inch toward me during the walk signal. 1. “In Your Car,” Ty Segall 2. “Cool 2 Drive,” The Mean Jeans 3. “Death Drive,” Islands 4. “Take a Walk,” Wet Denim Wet Denim by wet denim 5. “Stop,” Twin…
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
In the second iteration (thankfully Franco-less) of the Planet of the Apes prequel, 10 winters have passed and we get the sense that things aren’t going great for the human race. Decimated in the first two minutes by the Simian Flu, everyone’s dead except CDC agent Keri Russell (the only human female speaking part in…
Dear Irresponsible Greyhound Owners / Director of Local Rescue Group
I am the owner of two small-medium sized dogs, both very well socialized who love to play with dogs of all sizes. Recently, I have had encounters with a number of greyhound owners using the Cogswell park in the evenings, when other non-Greyhounds are present. This evening was the final straw. My two dogs were…
Overrepresented in the stats
[Image-1] Before her short life ended, Inuk woman and SMU student Loretta Saunders was researching the murders of three indigenous women from Nova Scotia. Two of the three cases resulted in convictions. One didn’t make it as far as Loretta’s. It took 35 years to convict the person who put a bullet in Anna Mae…
To My Best Friend
I want to fuck you until we are both blind from the pleasure of it. At least someone knows now. —Your Best Friend
Hard way home…
I haven’t been very kind to you over the past few years. You’ve gone through some tough times. And you’ve lost a lot of friends. It’s going to be hard to come back now that you have nothing left. But you’re strong. You’ve seen worse. You can do it. —Love yourself and everything will fall…
Something is wrong with this picture- re. new Trade Center
WTC 1 in New York City (the new one) cost 3.9 billion to build. Our unbuilt new trade center is estimated to come in at 500 million. Is this screwy or what? —Bluenoser
Chasing Your Dreams
We work together in a local grocery but being on opposing shifts means i don’t see you very often. After hearing that you are moving away I just wanted to say that your smile is the highlight of my week and that you totally rock the pinstripes. I’d love to get a coffee with you.…
It’s you and me
It’s been 6 years. And I still miss you. I remember listening to silly love on the bus ride to your place. It seemed like the sun was always shining. I don’t remember a time when I was happier. It was the idea of something more- of what was going to come next. We never…
Where did the good go?
We used to be friends. We have a lot of common interests. Everything from hobbies, to TV shows, to music…Yet, you won’t talk to me anymore. What happened? Why won’t you tell me what I did? I miss having friends like you in my life. —Too sad to be bitchy
Oh, look kids…there’s Thong Man
In advance of the Pride Parade, it should be said, for those who have not figured this out yet, this is a parade celebrating the wonderful variation of nature that is adult sexuality. S-E-X-U-A-L-I-T-Y. In other words, there may be scantily clad adults participating in this event. If you want to bring your children to…
Anchored Coffee: the toast of Quinpool
There aren’t many snacks more comforting that toast and butter, and doesn’t Anchored Coffee know it. In a rare occurrence of Halifax getting in on a food trend while it’s still a food trend, Anchored’s Zane Kelsall, and co-owner Dean Petty, are teaming up with their pals at Pro Skateboards and Snowboards (6451 Quinpool Road)…
The New Pornographers play SandJam Halifax
One of Halifax’s top beach volleyball tournaments, SandJam Halifax (I know, there’s a ton) is bringing The New Pornographers to town Saturday, August 30. THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS: Very catchy, touring in support of their upcoming album, Brill Bruisers. YOU: Ankle deep in sand on an Olympic sized beach volleyball court. Loving life?
Justice inches forward in Loretta Saunders case
[Image-1] As the Crown played a video in Halifax provincial court Monday morning, Blake Legette covered his eyes with his hands and Victoria Henneberry buried her face in her arms. The acoustics in the room were poor, the judge noted, but as the clip played, sobs and sniffles from the second row where members of…
SCHOOL BULLY
To the student at Eastern College who got an instructor fired for not giving you the mark you wanted and saying “I’m Sorry” I would love to be a fly on the wall when you have to work in the real world. I hope the instructor is your boss in the real world so he…
Get the kink out of my neighbourhood
For gods sake you freaks. So glad you are not moving to my neighbourhood. You are bad citizens and contrary to your beliefs you do nothing for the city. Just yourselves. Get off your kinky high horses and rejoin the rest of society. — Parents on Joe Howe
Running for One-Eyed AIDS Babies
Do not set up loud speakers, play music and play commentator in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. It wakes those of us whose only day to sleep-in is on a weekend. It is inconsiderate and generally pisses off your supporters. And when I hear you say, “we have a permit”, I realize your charity…
Hurtin’ for the Green
I know this has been spewed many a time before, but I wish weed was legal. I’m wishing I could just walk into a vendor and purchase it (just like I can with a few bottles of beer) and smoke a joint on a beautiful sunny Sunday. Such hypocrisy involved in the drug laws. Makes…
Positive Perspective
Saturday night (or early Sunday morning), my car was broken into, window smashed, and purse gone. Instead of expressing negative thoughts towards the troubled individual(s) who felt the need to do this, I would like to express the gratitude I have towards the people in my life who supported me during my dramatic reaction upon…
Tinkerbell Twilight
What a glowing apparition at the JazzFest…Your sublimely featured face captured my undivided attention…Hope to encounter you again soon and be touched by your sparkling wand! —Peter P.
Biker “Gangs”
Okay, we get it. Mum and Dad didn’t give you hugs as a 9 year old, and because of those acne scars you were shunned as an awkward teen. You didn’t get a lot of attention as a child. This does not give you the right to drive up and down a street with your…
Simple Kindness Made my Day
I was waiting in line at a drug store when a new cashier opened up. Another customer made it to this new cashier before me, but when she noticed that I had been waiting in line, she let me cut in front of her. Such a simple kindness can be hard to come by these…
Drink up at The Juice Press
After getting hooked on cold press juices while living in California, Spenser Allaway sent her sisters a subtle hint. She boxed them up a juicer of their own and shipped it home to Halifax. “I have an immune deficiency, so it’s been vital for restoring my health,” says Allaway, who’s sisters Tiffany and Kensey immediately…
poor wooden box
you sit upon the electrical box on gottingen and north, is your stain of poison? why has no one taken you home. you are a old looking bread box or possibly a vintage desk organizer. but you wont be in good condition for long with the humidity and summers rains, your wood is sure to…
Walking your dog in Fairview
About two weeks ago, I was sitting on my front deck with my ruffers and you happened to walk by with yours. You slowed down, we said “hello” and I’ve been waiting for you to walk by again ever since. I hope you see this and remember how to find me. —Pooch Porch
Chance encounter on Gottingen St.
We crossed paths as you were leaving the Propeller Brewery and then we randomly said “hi” to each other as you got into your silvery VW station wagon. I almost asked if you wanted company while drinking your cold brew. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to my gut and kept walking but on a positive note,…
Hey you, cheap ass company!
Stop demanding five years of experience for an office position you’re only paying $13/hour for. I read the responsibilities and I know I can do that job, I’ve been doing that type of work for 2 years. Someone with NO experience can learn to do this job in a week or two. Give me a…
Change needs to come!
For all the pets out there: First landlords, immediately denying people with pets, yes I get you have had some bad experiences,it sucks. But not everyone is not a bad pet owner and not everyone has pets that’s bark,spray or destroy things..children and drunk people probably do more damage… Pet friendly places are ridiculously expensive!?!…
Yes, we’re throwing a Food Truck Party
Like you, we’ve really been enjoying watching Halifax’s street food scene explode with creative flavours, colourful trucks and roving entrepreneurs over the past couple of years. We’ve also enjoyed adding more delicious things to our Must-Try list, and then trying all of them. Repeatedly. Because there’s no better time than summer to eat outdoors, we’ve…
Halifax mentioned in national list
[Image-1] Showing once again that Halifax isn’t some second-rate, small-town city that can’t compete with the big boys, the demolition of the former Halifax Infants’ Home has been selected by Heritage Canada The National Trust as one of their top four historical losses this year. The 115-year-old testament to our shared history was boldly (and…
Queer Acts Theatre Festival
I felt both weighted down and buoyed up as I left the Bus Stop Theatre late last night I’d seen five very different plays that are part of the sixth Queer Acts Theatre Festival. The plays are in various stages of development, from newly-hatched to fully-feathered. They all made me laugh a little. They all…
ShopTalk presents: 25 Things To Do Downtown
1. Remember that the waterfront isn’t just for tourists But it is a good spot to people-watch said camera-slinging visitors. Walk it, run it, admire it from the ferry, eat take-out from Canadian Bacon Cookhouse or The Shack (Queen’s Wharf), check out Historic Properties (1869 Upper Water Street), rent wheels from I Heart Bikes (Sands…
This Has Got To Go!
The word “dystopian” is used WAY too much these days. Stoppit. —Kelsey Grammer
Take a look Up at the Real World
A professor once said in a class of mine “It should be law to clothes line anyone that walks and texts in public!” I wonder how this law could have been implemented this evening while I was driving my car down Mumford Rd. and the young man who clearly read the cross walk light sign…
chicken face’s honour
To my guy from the past; I remember chicken face’s honour and mustard fiestas. I hope these words find you and make you pause and maybe smile. —your girl from the past
Dog Owners Vs Cat Owners
Over the years, I have found dog owners are controlling people and because they can’t control people, they prefer their canines over humans. They must have mastery over a creature, the total opposite of cat owners. Of course we all know NO one owns a cat. Cat owners are generally laid back and have a…
Backyard Tunes
Thanks to my cool neighbours who blast tunes in their backyard. I love dancing around to your 90s grunge. —groovin’
Gay Squirrels?
So, first I’m “queer.” Now I’m a male squirrel who fucks female cardinals…Coast: WTF is wrong with you people? —Mr. Meaty
To the cyclist on North St., heading towards the MacDonald Bridge at 6:50 am
I just wanted to let you know that I fully sympathized with you this morning (July 16, 2014) when the car in front of me purposely ran you off the road three times in a row, then cursed at you and told you to “get a car.” I couldn’t do anything then, but I noted…
Playing it Cool
You’ve been the love of my life so far, and now you treat me like a stranger. I know I messed up. But it’s a dagger in my heart whenever I see you and you give me the cold shoulder. I wish I could talk to you—or that I had a time machine. —CJM
Twelve hundred daughters, sisters, mothers
[Image-1] It’s always a good time to be reminded about the confounding number of murdered and missing First Nations women in Canada, but today it’s sadly even more relevant. As reported in Metro, and via her own Facebook page, Loretta Saunders’ sister, Audrey, is seeking donations to help travel to Halifax next week for the…
MODA Urban Dining moves on
There’s no place like home, that is if you really love your home like Matthew and Melissa Pridham do. The owners of downtown Halifax’s MODA Urban Dining (1518 Dresden Row)—which opened its doors in 2010— originally met in Bermuda, the home they’re closing the restaurant to return to. “Halifax was never meant to be our…
Queer Acts, now
Agokwe has been on Queer Acts Festival director Adam Reid’s radar since 2009. That’s the year that the Ojibwa playwright and performer Waawaate Fobister’s solo show took the Toronto theatre scene by storm, racking up six Dora awards. “I knew right away that Agokwe would be a great fit for Queer Acts,” recalls Reid. “It’s…
Proud to be your neighbours
The Gottingen corridor between North Street and Cogswell Street has had many faces over the last hundred years. And in the last few decades, the gay community of Halifax has found a home there. A number of LGBTQI-friendly businesses now operate on Gottingen: The Company House, Sea Dog’s Sauna and Spa, One Block Barbershop and,…
Jessica Lea Mayfield
Though the Black Keys had little to do with Mayfield’s latest, that’s who comes to mind. She also is from Ohio, likes things mostly slow and distorted and emerged with Dan Auerbach’s encouragement years ago. Considering the deadpan coo in Mayfield’s singing, this three-piece works the amps hard. When her guitar chimes in bursts over…
Somewhere over the rainbow
“At the present time, there are approximately 82 nations that criminalize same-sex relations, and of those, eight have a death penalty for consensual same-sex conduct,” says Tan-Nee Ng, a board member of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia. “We think that we’ve fought for gay rights and we have reached some semblance of equality,…
Bruce Ley
Ontario-based Ley is a Zelig of Canadian music. He’s played country with Tommy Hunter, disco with the T.H.P. Orchestra and in the early ’70s band Brass Union. With partner Candice Bist, Ley’s been writing songs all along, inspired by everything from Sufi mysticism to slick fashion ads. His veteran session colleagues join in, providing an…
Hot Picks
Pride Parade Pick out a choice spot early, and join tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of participants in this year’s parade. The 27th annual event will kick off on Upper Water Street, before winding its way down Barrington, up Spring Garden Road to South Park and ending at Sackville Street. The largest parade…
Sally Seltmann
These days, ethereal female singers could have their own aisle in your imaginary record store. This Australian siren would rate a life-size cutout at the entrance for the clarity of her vocals over strings and woodwinds, which glide deftly from counterweight to harmony. It’s debatable whether these songs would soar as they do without the…
Fearing & White
Stephen Fearing has had a fertile twelve months. The superb Between Hurricanes dropped a year ago, then his rock band’s South, now a second collaboration with Andy White. This album is a lot like Blackie and the Rodeo Kings’ latest. They boast the same drummer, Gary Craig, who injects extra oomph. Fearing tends to sing…
Free Will Astrology
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cancer (June 21-July 22) Mozart debuted his now-famous opera Don Giovanni in Prague on October 29, 1787. It was a major production, featuring an orchestra, a chorus and eight main singers. Yet the composer didn’t finish writing the opera’s overture until less than 24 hours before the show. Are you cooking up a…
Rock Show plugs in
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has never sounded so good: Rock Show: At the intersection of music + art has arrived on the gallery’s fourth floor, described as an exploration of “the influence of music as subject and subculture on contemporary visual artists and their art.” Included in the show are works by Carl…
Going bananas at Bistro 920
It’s Saturday afternoon, I’m on Portland Street, so what is there to do but go to one of those little restaurants stuck in one of the thousand strip malls that make up this part of Dartmouth? Formerly the Colby Ale House, Bistro 920’s newly revamped menu features classic fare like pasta, sandwiches and thin crust…
Uh Huh Her’s sweet Future Souls music
In 2008, Los Angeles-based Uh Huh Her’s Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey had just released their debut EP, I See Red (2007), had only played two dozens shows together and giggled into the phone like new found best friends. Grey had just finished up with her previous band Mellowdrone, and Hailey was best known as…
Mega Bog standard
“It’s all hyper-sexual, Aquarian music, and I think that’s what a lot of Seattle music is about right now,” says Erin Birgy of the west coast dream-ambience band, Mega Bog. “Themes include accountability, swimming nude, miscommunication and the burning love that’s consistent within the present moment we’re sharing. That’s probably true forever and everywhere, in…
Grease is the word
Q Two questions, Dan. 1. Recently, I went to a bar with my brother and encountered a friend from high school. My brother told me that, toward the end of the night, my friend followed him into the bathroom and made a drunken pass at him (which apparently involved a clumsy grab at his penis).…
It was heartbreaking
My coming out happened in stages. When I began dating my first girlfriend in high school, I told a few friends, a feminist cousin, and a high school English teacher. I came out to my Dad in an email in 2012, explaining that the girl I’d called my best friend for months was actually my…
My mom already knew
It was the summer of 1997. I was 14. I had known I was becoming sexually attracted to other girls for a while. It started off as innocent, playing house with my girlfriends but both being the Mommy, that kind of thing. Eventually, as myself and my playmates grew a little older and a little…
Essential YG tracks
1. “Bicken Back Being Bool” This week brought a new video for My Krazy Life‘s top track, and it’s bery, bery bool (also, blink and you’ll miss Ty Dolla $ign, so don’t blink). 2. “Toot It and Boot It Remix (ft. 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and Ty Dolla $ign). YG doles out some dodgy relationship…
Willie Stratton & The Boarding Party
Willie Stratton and his first-rate band come rollicking out of the quiet hills of Bedford for another smack of folk-rock bliss. Peppered among some sturdy ballads and a few old favourites is a smattering of tracks that points towards a new direction for the group: “Trinkets” and “Forest Tea Part III” are (relatively) subtler in…
A peek into Peep Show’s porn screening
Jean Ketterling doesn’t want to anyone to get the wrong idea. “It’s a porn screening,” she says. “I think that’s important to put that out there. We’re very explicit about the fact that you will be seeing explicit content.” Ketterling, on behalf of the Rad Pride Collective, is organizing this year’s Peep Show —an annual…
Tonstartssbandht
Tonstartssbandht’s new live LP Overseas is a mammoth achievement: a transfixing showcase of synchronicity between drums and guitar, old songs and new, rehearsed and improvised. The duo—brothers Edwin and Andy White—has been churning out these tunes for ages, releasing tape after tape and touring on the DIY and small fest circuit—their modest set at last…
Former Pride executive charged with stealing funds disappears
A former vice-chair of Halifax Pride is missing in action after he allegedly stole $16,400 from the festival last year. After making every attempt to contact him, police have an arrest warrant out for 27-year-old Chris Scullino, who they believe is currently in Quebec. Scullino is accused of depositing money meant for Halifax Pride in…
Raymond Taavel remembered at Pride
It’s been over two years since Raymond Taavel was murdered, but the respected community leader isn’t soon to be forgotten. Now, those wishing to honour Taavel’s memory can purchase a memorial pin created by his family and partner Darren Lewis. “Ever since this whole tragedy started, the family and myself wanted to do something in…
