NSDCC Summer Show is this weekend
Every summer around this time, the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council (1113 Marginal Road, 423-3837) hosts their big sale in the parking lot so recently occupied by the Halifax Jazz Festival tent. This weekend it’s happening again, with 10-15,000 attendees expected, if previous years are anything to go by. You’ll find work of the by…
Splice changes hours
Woody Lidstone, Shoptalk’s contact at Splice (1668 Barrington Street, 444-4225) is always good at keeping us in the loop with what’s going on at the computer training, consultant and repair clinic. “We’re open an hour earlier and an hour later on weekdays, because we want to make it easier for folks to get their Mac…
VinArt moves, changes name to Harvest Wines and Spirits
Clayton Park wine, beer and spirits store now can be found on Bedford Highway It’s now called Harvest Wines and Spirits (757 Bedford Highway, 443-7897). It’s right next to Clearwater seafood, so maybe you’ll want to pick up some wine with that lobster dinner you had planned?
Bellissimo finishes renovations
Having closed for almost three weeks to complete a little internal restructuring, Bellissimo (2743 Agricola Street, 423-6014), which also includes Abby’s Fabric Shoppe, has now reopened. “We’ve expanded,” reports the delightfully named manager Lacey Fanjoy. “There’s much more natural light, which is important to us.” And, we’re sure, to customers. Along with the brighter store,…
Morrigan LeFay’s Mystical Gifts moves
As of July 13, when you’re headed over to Dartmouth looking for an edged weapon, some velvet dresses or to restore your supply of Tru Blood, you’re going to have to go a little deeper into town. Morrigan LeFay’s Mystical Gifts has moved from 79 Alderney Drive over to 117 Portland Street, just a few…
Proskates goes home
After almost 25 years in business, Pro Skateboards and Snowboards (5222 Blowers Street, 429-6788) are changing things up again. They’re shutting down their three stores, the two on Blowers (including Pro Girl, 5240 Blowers Street, 405-3535) and Pro Skates Uptown (6070 Quinpool Road, 406-4006), and moving everything into a new location for September 1, at…
Pro Hockey Life lives
As Shoptalk reported in May, the national sporting goods retailer Pro Hockey Life (Dartmouth Crossing, 200 Hector Gate) is opening its Halifax-area store. To celebrate the event, they’ve brought in Team Canada Gold Medalist, Norris Trophy finalist and LA Kings star defenseman Drew Doughty. He’ll be signing meeting fans and autographs at the store on…
Hey local bands! We want your fall music
Fall is in fashion. Our Fall Music Preview issue is coming up at the end of August, and we want to include your upcoming releases (end of August-end of November). Send your band name/album title/date and any other details you think we should know to arts@thecoast.ca. DEADLINE: August 7.
Singing in the rain
Thank you to all of the courteous drivers out there that stop and allow me to cross the street at an unmarked intersection. In this kind of rain, it’s nice when you recognize that the longer I stand there and wait, the more soaked I get. Thanks for helping me get home a little less…
Five-tier smoking bitch
1) If I can’t smoke (due to the choice to quit), no one else should be able to. seriously. Make it illegal all around. But legalize pot. 2) If the government will still sell smokes, perhaps they should subsidize cessation programs, like the patch, which costs $38 a box for 14 patches. True, it’s less…
Broken beer bottles where kids swim!!
What the fuck is wrong with people? To the gents who left their broken shards of beer bottles hidden in the water just off shore at Paces Lake, where my young niece, nephew, and my entire family (grandparents included) have been swimming unscathed our entire lives. YOU FUCKING ROCK!! My nephew sliced his foot open…
Dumb lady at Wally World
You broke something made of glass (which you hadn’t purchased), then proceeded to look around, made sure you didn’t think anyone was looking then casually started looking at DVD’s while stepping around the broken glass… well … I was in a pissy mood to begin with so when I politely said “You should probably tell…
Telemarketers at 4:30am?!
What the fuck are telemarketers doing calling at 4:30am? Wake us up thinking that some emergency had happened to a family member or friend by calling at 4:30am then barely explain what the fuck you’ve called about to our soggy, sleep-ridden brains on a terrible connection. Fuck. —I Want My Sleep Back
Dear Strikers – SUCK IT!
So you’re on strike, I emphasize with the plight of the worker and all that jazz. Heck it must be way hard for you to live on 20 an hour to stock shelves, but hey, I don’t judge. Here’s the deal though, I’m trying to get to my job on the Hammonds Plains Rd (which…
Halifax Pop Explosion Initial Lineup Announced
The lineup for the Halifax Pop Explosion was announced yesterday and you can see it here. So what do you people think? People are pretty stoked for the Hold Steady. I am going a little nutso for The New Pornographers FEATURING NEKO FRIGGIN CASE myself. Early bird passes, alas, have sold out, but if you’re…
Be Well facials
Local spa Be Well (2110 Robie Street, 422-2767) have launched a facial treatment cleaving to their philosophy of offering organic and chemical free services. The spa, run by Dr. Cheryl Lycette, now has an anti-aging facial, using products you can purchase and take home. A message to Shoptalk from the spa explains what goes into…
#18 Bus driver
To the #18 bus driver on tuesday around 6:30: You are awesome hot and I would give up bipedal locomotion for public transport if all drivers looked like you! Thanks for the wave when I got of the bus.—Tired from work
Jazz Fest
Your pizza is awesome!!! —K.L.
Tattooed navy man
We met, a year and a half-ish ago at the Alehouse. You were have a Chinese symbol tattooed on your neck. You were there with a bunch of other navy guys, including my friend’s boyfriend… We hit it off right away chatted,danced and kissed the night away. Later, you came back to Dartmouth with my…
You Rock That Longboard
To the guy with his guitar and long-board who I see every so often in the superstore on Quinpool. Just wanted to say you rock and I think you’re pretty cool. If I could long-board I’d bring my guitar with me too. Thanks for being you. —My Hairs Bigger Than Yours
Walk-by grandma
To the lady at the Bayers Road bus terminal who gave my son a special treat. Thank you. You helped me to show him that good people do exist outside of books. I hope you get grandchildren of your own one day. —Refreshed and re-energized mama
Beating the heat
I’m loving Halifax in the summer. Last weekend was a great example. It’s humid out but I’m still able to find great ways to cool off and tons of great things to do. Wine tasting, harbour cruise, patio life, swimming nearby, kayaking and so much more… it’s a lovely time to be near the ocean…
From Boomers to Cheers….
I had fun with you Sunday night, its too bad your brother cock blocked you. Maybe sometime we will get to cross paths again and we can run away from your cock blocking brother and spend some time alone… —Confident cheers chick
Goodbye Mama G’s
It has been six months that I’ve been working in this mall, I did my last day Friday and I have to say goodbye. To you dear customers that I’m going to miss: your smiles and compassion for the language barrier filled me with happiness. To you dear coworkers/friends, with your jokes and our friendly…
Thanks Coast & JazzFest!
Thanks for allowing me to attend such an awesome concert on Friday – winning tickets totally made my weekend! We had a wonderful time, thanks for supplying the catalyst for tons of fun & happy memories – much appreciation! —Good for the De La Soul
Connecting our city
This love is for you, local, free, alternative newspaper that connects Haligonians to the odd, the under-supported, the controversial, the issues that we should know about, etc… Thanks for giving a shit. Thanks for profiling our local artists, events, politicians, businesses, etc. You are our life-blood. —Thursday is my favourite day!
What an opening!
To the organizers and volunteers of Jazz Fest, the performers, and to all the fans shaking their cabooses on Friday night: Thanks for an AMAZING time! WOW, big props all around…much appreciation… much love!
Shout out to the dead!
To all the people on the “zombie walk” yesterday: You guys rock! Everyone was really into it and the make up was fantastic! Particularly the guy with the hot dog intestines coming out of his shirt! You all made a lazy Sunday bus ride a lot more entertaining! Thank you. —Zombie Lover
Walking to Work (Because Bike Thieves Suck!)
Many of us work hard for the money we earn and we like to get home as timely as we can. When I work until 1130PM I don’t want have to walk to home because some 14 year old punk with a purple ball cap and red back pack decided that it was a great…
Eight Pack of Rage
Fuck the price of alcohol, it is absolutely ridiculous. I’m a man that liked to have a beer after a long day at work; maybe a case or two on the weekend… but no longer. Brewers can cram a can or two in their arse and so can the government for taxing it so. The…
Seriously… ?
To the person/people constantly breaking the bus stop windows around Clayton Park/Bayer’s Lake area: What exactly does this achieve? I’d consider a bank robber higher than you on the list because at least they’re doing it to get some kind of payoff. Aimlessly shattering glass gets you what?… “props” from your posse?… Oh f*** off.…
Seasonal Pain in the Ass
I hate fruit flies. They’re everywhere. In everything. I’m cleaning everything, setting out death traps, no matter how clean & tidy though, the sight of them makes me feel like I’m living in a dump. Or visiting filthy restaurants. Or slimy bars. Fuck OFF already. I’ll get you all, one at a time, if it’s…
DUHHHHHHHH
When did we all decide to replace vowels at the beginning of words with “UHH”? “Paul has an UHH-lectric bike which he UHH-magines he will take with him to the UHH-lympics.” I challenge you.. spend one day listening to the way our language has eroded.. and it’s not just youth.. it goes all the way…
“Socialist/Liberals”
Why is everyone under 30 a socialist/liberal? When did complaining about something turn into an opinion about something? Why did they co-opt the word, “liberal”? Fuck you, you spineless liberal!—At least the Democrats will put a Predator drone up your ass…
Have some common sense… or, another bus bitch
I’m going to try to avoid ranting & raving about how people don’t understand how public transit works and how inconsiderate a lot of people who ride the bus are. Instead, here is a recap of the few rules of riding the bus, which should be common sense… 1. Move to the back of the…
Get your Shit together
An overflow this time due to the rain… When will these people get their act together? How hard can it be to build and run a properly functioning waste treatment plant, seems other cities can do it with no problem? —Holy Crap, why am I not surprised that the Waste Treatment plant failed again?
No, only joking…moron!
I’m working at a facility, which closes at 7pm on Sundays. A customer calls around 6pm. Conversation goes as follows: Customer: “What time do you close tonight?” Me: “We actually close at 7pm, in an hour..” Customer: “Hmmm, hah, really?!.. at 7, really?” Me: “Yes, that is the case.” Customer: “Hmmm, serious? Hmmm, well, so…
More than just taking in the scenery
Hey creeping scumbag: Yes, I saw you on Citadel Hill, parking your bicycle under a tree, and then sneaking up as close as possible to two young girls sunbathing and taking pictures. Yes, I stormed up the hill and confronted you. No, you saw nothing wrong with photographing minors without their consent. And yes, I…
Title: Ex’s and Oh…my god suck it up
I know. Getting dumped sucks. So so so much. And she was the best thing to ever happen to you. She is a perfect goddess sent from the heavens you don’t believe in. You will never love again. Ever. Because you’re heart is beyond repair. Don’t worry, I’ve memorized your lamentations, and you clearly haven’t…
Help Roller Town help you
Picnicface has received Telefilm funding to go ahead with Roller Town, but movies are expensive shit. So big spender, if you donate to the cause, you’ll receive a gift. For a full list of donation prizes, visit rollertownthemovie.com. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this?
Jazz Fest: Diallo and Church Span the Globe
“Sit down!” As Alpha Yaya Diallo and his band took the Festival Tent stage last night, a few voices rose in anger to scold some late arrivals who’d decided to stand in between the rows of seats, blocking the viewplane of several audience members. One of the reprimanded dudes shrugged, look back at his friends…
Jazz Fest: Sigesmund and Binney Brighten a Soggy Night
The ingredients were all there for a low-energy night at the Halifax Jazz Festival tent. The skies were ominous, the constant drizzle ever threatening to erupt into a full-fledged downpour and gusts of wind crackling the plastic tent covering and knocking sandwich boards to the ground. Viewers of the World Cup final had been drained…
Holy Fuck, They’re Playing After Jim Guthrie
dududududance! Thursday, July 29th is turning into a real one-two whammy punch, as my Dad would say. We previously told you that Jim Guthrie would be playing a show on that particular date. It turns out that Guthrie’s show is now at 7pm, and fellow Sappy-festers Holy Fuck playing a show at 10pm. Hope you’ve…
Don’t like to remember…
I can still remember the police tape, blockade, and cinders coming from your building. I was grief stricken that I may never get to see you, smell you, or taste you ever again. I sank into despair as I drove by the remains on South Street every day – why did you have to leave…
ARRRGGGHHH!!
Apostrophes (NOT apostrophe’s). Learn to use them, it’s not that hard! —Your Friendly Neighbourhood Grammar Nazi
What is with…
all the naked barn stars smoking at the terminal bridge and making me late for work? Arrrrgh! Seriously, those naked barn stars are everywhere, smoking and claiming to be vegetarians!—Offended sensibilities
Neighbour From Hell
To little ‘big’ man and your lovely hillbilly wife: You really should be proud. You had two middle-aged women with extensive health issues arrested on the false claim your stupid wife was attacked. I hope you’re proud of yourself, especially after one of those women (my best friend of many years) was punched in the…
Rock and Roll Ghost Town
I’m beginning to wonder if playing in a band based out of Halifax is really worth it anymore. We have some really cool venues here and there’s plenty of interesting musicians to go and see, but where the hell are the audiences? Fifteen years ago, myself and all my friends would wait all week to…
Ally Bino, the psychic lobster, loses World Cup prediction
Paul the Octopus may be eight for eight, but Ally Bino, “Fisherman’s Market’s psychic albino lobster,” predicted a win for the Dutch.
Got luv for Antidepressants
Thank-you for giving me my life back. I had no idea life could feel this good. So, this is what regular folk feel like most of the time? —Waking up every morning isn’t so bad after all
I’ll get over you
When the salt from my tears Burn my eyes For the very last time. When all the memories Make me smile Instead of cry. When I forget your birthday Your phone number The name of our unborn son, When I kiss another one- I’ll get over you. When I wake up with a smile on…
Nothin but love for my… “Pretty Ricky”
Its only been a few weeks since we’ve been talking but I feel like I know you from a past life… Our endless conversations every day make me feel closer to you and I’m so grateful I found you. Can’t wait til we swim with the dolphins! 😉 Can’t wait to FINALLY be yours! —La…
Call 811 for medical advice…
Something weird was happening to my eye the other night and I didn’t know whether to go to Emergency or not. So I called 811 and was connected right away with a Registered Nurse who did a great job with ‘triage’, calmly going through a Q&A. Conclusion: Go to Emerg. I’m glad I did. If…
Quinpool Vet:
To Dr. C and his staff – I brought my sick cat in for what I thought would be a relatively minor matter. The diagnosis proved to be much more serious, resulting in euthanasia. The tact, thoughtfulness and kindness with which both my cat and I were treated made a terrible experience a little bit…
Snoop on Corrie St?
The Snoop Dogg is a fan. In a world gone mad this brightened my day. Too bad he won’t meet Blanche or Fred. —Ferdinand
“HalifaxBoy”
Just thought I’d say that you sound kind of absolutely awesome.—Just some girl
You’re 6 Feet High and Rising
You and your boys posted up in front of me just in time to see the headliners go on. I didn’t hear Plug Two, but he was there behind your big, bald head for all I know. —Too $hort
Whoever destroyed the flowers and plants on Quinpool
Last night I went to rent a movie around midnight from Video Difference, and the walk down Quinpool Road looked just like it always does, with the flowers in the planters where they belong. Then around 2AM my roommate came home with an armful of flowers, saying that she found them strewn all over the…
Nice “fresh” air!!
To the fucking assholes that continue to smoke at the bridge bus terminal even though there are no smoking signs everywhere. Fuck You!!! It’s bad enough I have to wait for the bus, but to have you pricks stand in front of me and light up and blow your fucking smoke everywhere, all over kids,…
Why does it have to cost so much to live in NS?
I’ve lived in lots of other places, and those of you tried and true to NS will probably tell me to go back there, but why is it so expensive to actually “live” in Nova Scotia? Yes, house prices are reasonable compared to some places in other provinces, but really, that’s all it really has…
Still proud
To the “gentleman” who felt the need to yell out a racial expletive as he sped past me in his car last Friday afternoon: you did not break my spirit. I am still black and proud. And PS- I am also gay —Black, proud, gay and loving it
Wonder where the police are when driver’s pull this shit?!
This is a bitch for the asshole who nearly ran me off the road yesterday in his truck in Millwood subdivision: I stopped for a reason ASSHOLE!! There was a car parked on my side of the road next to the tennis court and a dump truck coming towards me on the other side when…
COD
Why must you be the way you are? You can be balanced, yet unbalanced at the same time. You cause joy, yet cause pain. You’re a hideous bitch goddess, and it’s clear evidence that some people are masochists. —Lightweight Rangers suck
Fuck you, Fates
Yeah, that’s right, fuck you Clotho for taunting me with your amazing use of timing. I don’t believe in Karma but maybe I should. Good job on your efficiency too, do you get a group rate? Blarg. —Cranky
Canadian Student Bones
Bitch! That would be the woman that I reached when I called to talk about my student loan and make a little sense out of their oh-so complicated form. You can call me stupid, but I was seriously confused and thought it was necessary to call to make things clearer. After quickly explaining why I…
Jazz Fest: Samba Nova and NSCC in the Afternoon
If it wasn’t for the matching green shirts and the colourful drums of varying sizes they held in their hands, one would never guess that the members of Samba Nova were all part of the same muscial posse. The Brazilian percussion collective is a multicultural, multi-generational group, with members ranging in age from 20 to…
Dear Metal Cab:
Thank you Ralph, for your awesome musical taste in music and serious driving skills!! You always play fantastic tunes (Anvil, Maiden,even Deep Purple) and take us up the driveway! You’re the man dude! The perfect conclusion to a horrible day in Halifax is listening to “Aces High” on the cab ride home! —71*5 Quinpool
My secret love
I love you my darling, dependable fan. I bring you out of the closet each year, tenderly wash your face, your strong inner parts and turn you on. And then you turn me on. You have been with me longer than all my husbands, lovers, and partners. My last lover was wary of you participating…
Haha
Shaw, you are fucking hilarious and you truely make my work nights better. Never change for anyone. —Rolled up dick in my underwear
Hurt
You broke my heart before I got the chance to tell you how I truly feel about you. My feelings grew so strongly during our time together. Now that you’ve ended it I have nothing left inside of myself. Nobody will ever compare to you in my eyes. If you wanted to come back, I’d…
One more chance?
I miss you. it shouldn’t have ended like that. If you would just give me one more chance, if you would just give US one more chance… it might be the best. until then, I’ll keep your side warm.
Linden Blossom Time
Walked home from downtown Thursday. Gorgeous — sunny and 28 degrees. Tossed some coin to an enthusiastic sax player busking on the corner. Traversed the Public Gardens, crossing paths with ducks . A block over, girls ride horses — Yes, right in the middle of the city! The shaded serenity of Camp Hill Cemetery, resplendently…
Extra Time
Thanks a whole bunch to the very nice customer service person who works for my cellphone company for giving me back the minutes that I had accidentally let expire. I usually don’t have anything nice to say about this company but I really appreciate what you did for me – may good things come to…
Bestest Bus Driver
Sorry PDG, but I think my bus driver takes the cake. Depending on my prior evening, I can be a little sluggish in the morning… so THANK YOU to mr morning 21 bus driver! You are, in fact, the man. I’ve been late for the bus for 3 days in a row now (think 3-6…
To The Wallet Finder
To the person who found my wallet, with 70$ cash hanging out of it, and returned it completely intact and safe-with all monies in it, to the police. THANK YOU so much. I was going to lose my mind without any ID to my name! If you would like a reward, I am a good…
I’m gonna love you come rain or come shine…
Dear Mr. Francey: You’re songwriting, your voice, your humble presence and hilarious heart warming stories were so darn wonderful to hear at Stanfest on the weekend, and tonight at the Company House. May you keep bumping into inspiration so that we may enjoy being warm and fuzzy by your beauty songs. —Cause I’ll always be…
Foggly Goggle-ess
With the lovely stretchers and tattoos. You asked me about my piercing, and with an overall delight. I know it’s your job, but it’s still really nice. You’re absolutely beautiful. —Anti-eyebrow
Hacking, coughing, sneezing, spitting
I called in sick not just because I was not well enough to properly do my job but also for the consideration of my co-workers who probably don’t want what I’ve got. So, your little rule is that if I’m out for more than one day I need a doctors note. Are you sure a…
Kearney Lake Lights
Red lights at the 102 on-ramp are just plain fucking brutal. The fucking light stays red for what seems like 5 minutes, traffic is backed up and there is close to no oncoming traffic. There has got to be something fucked up in the system somewhere. I hope this gets fixed sometime. I know I…
To The Hotel That Hate Bikes
I’m sorry I locked my bike to one of your beautiful lamp posts, but there were no signs indicating they were private property nor that my bike lock would be cut and my bike removed. It doesn’t seem fair that you can destroy my private property without any warning to remove my bike… I suppose…
Jazz pains
To the jazz player downtown: I can appreciate that you’re talented and that you want to share your talent with the world, but please understand that jazz music only appeals to a select few and that not everyone wants to hear you play for hours everyday. Maybe you could do me and my sanity a…
Not a city person
I wish I could have just one moment of quiet in this god damn city. Yes, it is partly my fault for choosing to live downtown. But between the construction, car alarms, noisy neighbours and street musicians (who need to take a fucking day off by the way) I feel like I’m going to lose…
What is with all the Stars?
I really don’t get it? Why all of a sudden are there these giant stars on some many peoples homes? What do the signify? I Googled it and found a wiki entry saying that they used to be on German barns but nothing about houses? No joke…8-9 homes on my street alone have stars mounted…
It’s not THAT warm out, is it?
Just because it’s the summer time it doesn’t mean you have to wear a bikini downtown. I know that you might be going to the beach later but would it kill you to throw on a tank top and shorts before you get there? You’re ruining my appetite. —Modest Haligonian
Metabitching
I love reading the Bitches and Loves as much as I love reading the entirety of your fine publication. However, one thing is really crushing my cogs – are there so few Love submissions that you are forced to print only the sappiest, most esoteric ‘anonymous’ love letters? I’m sick of reading about Brown-Haired Granola…
Infilling The Harbour
OK. Who authorized this? When were the public consultations? There are at least three locations in the harbour where land has been created in the harbour for greedy housing projects. This is Halifax. We have a harbour. Not much else. Why in God’s name are we letting people fill it in? I thought that up…
Vegetarians
It’s your life do what you wanna. Don’t preach to me about all my life choices & how I am polluting my body with meat. You can give me advice – go ahead, but when I wanted to go to Wendy’s instead of some palace of pita you acted like I asked for a pint…
Tardy Transit
Dear Buses of Halifax: God love ya for driving our sorry asses around so we can make it to work on time when we live an hour walk away. That said… why are you always so damn late after work?! I know it’s busy and shizzzz, but honestly… other cities have badass city buses that…
Reasons for not going out with you
Yes, please. Please fill my fb wall with more reasons I am a bitch… My family is on it, so they really need to see it. But then you’re shocked when you get 50 comments on your bantering posts from my family defending me? I told you why I won’t go out with you. Since…
I don’t like your girlfriend
I don’t like your girlfriend. I don’t like her because I want you. I want to be with you. When I first met you, all I could think of is how you would be the best boyfriend in the world. I thought about how lucky she would be. The way you look at me when…
Jazz Fest: De La Soul and Friends Kick Things Off
They were trying. Make no mistake, they were trying. As nominal frontman Posdnuos kept reminding the rabid crowd at the Halifax Jazz Festival tent last night, he and DJ Maseo were doing their level best to carry the De La Soul banner with the third member of the legendary Long Island crew unable to perform…
Cedar River, Michigan
On the lawn by the BP station in Cedar River, Michigan (note rectangular poo) It was a bit of aslog to get to Cedar River and the gas station with diet Coke and a stale tuna sandwich and this WIFI. It is hot, hot. This morning I was sweating by 7:30. The road, Route 35,…
Bitch Love
Bitchers and Lovers: Thank you for being so patient. As thanks I have a few double passes to Wednesday’s preview of Inception at the Bayers Lake theatres. The movie stars Leo DiCaprio and Halifax’s own Ellen Page, along with a few others. If you’d like ’em you should email me at robynm@thecoast.ca and tell me…
Dad vs. Bad
Thanks dad for telling my nattering ex-boyfriend to eff right off. He was taking things too far.—Happy
The Last Waltz
Ok, I know not everyone likes the bands that play here but I enjoy a good concert. I don’t have to LOVE the band, but as long as I don’t hate them I usually have a good time. I make enough cash that I can spring for concert tickets without bending the budget so I…
Drivers who switch lanes on the Old Bridge when your not allowed
Every day on the old bridge I see these rednecks who think they gaining time by speeding up the left lane then cutting off whoever they please into the right lane at rush hour. But they do not realize there is a sign that says ” Stay in Lane ” meaning its illegal to change…
World Cup styles out
Out of all the pro sports, except tennis, football is probably the most fashionable sport, and we can thank the Beckhams for that. Or not… Yes, there have been so low points: like the 1970s, but that decade was just stylishly cruel. Paul Breitner, West Germany, 1970s This is actually art—by Columbian artist Freddy Contreras,…
Already missing World Cup?
This is pretty much the last time, I’ll have to spell vuvuzela. I do find the sound of the vuvuzelas oddly comforting, like one of those old loon and wolf call tapes. So I’ll be tuning in to Vuveuzela Radio long after the cup’s been awarded. Hockey—it’s up to you now.
Snoop Dogg to play in Cape Breton
Wow – so I just got an email from “newly-minted” promotional company Captive Promotions, and they’ve managed to get Snoop Dogg as well as Down With Webster on the lineup of a big outdoor show on Sunday, August 8 at the Sydney Marine Terminal. This is a good year for Snoopers – apparently he killed…
Bloodhouse are Amazing
Happy Friday. I love music in Halifax. http://bloodhouse.bandcamp.com/
You Can Now Buy Bad Vibrations’ 7″
see evil After some delays, everyone’s favorite punks Bad Vibrations now have their excellent 7″ Under Pressure ready for your grubby little paws. It will be available during their show tonight with The Friendly Dimension, The Ether and Mean Mug waydowntown at Club 1668. $5, come after 10pm, and bring your pocket money for the…
Provincial authorities refuse to intervene in wilderness debate
Provincial authorities have sent a clear message about their priorities: They’ll intervene in city affairs to frustrate transit improvement, but when it comes to the city approving the bulldozing of 2,000 acres of wilderness, hey, no problem. Last month, premier Darrell Dexter expressed “concerns” with HRM’s plans for the expanded Bridge Terminal, an important link…
Morris East offers new cocktails
Morris East (5212 Morris Street, 444-7663) has a wine and beverage director. Yeah, we didn’t know either! Well, it’s true, her name is Katrina Roberts and through the artistic science of mixology she’s created The Rio, a frozen martini whose ingredients include mango, cardamom syrup and the Brazilian spirit cachaça. Too late for the Brazilian…
World Cup – Hali Style
Yesterday’s highly anticipated match between Euro giants Spain and Germany brought out the best crowds in downtown Halifax I have seen so far for the World Cup. It was a crowd worthy of the biggest game of the tournament. It was considered a ‘final’ in a sense due to the sheer magnitude of the teams…
No bridge toll relief for Metro Transit
The Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission wants to increase tolls on the Macdonald and McKay bridges. An application to the Utility and Review Board, which regulates bridge tolls, asks that fares for cars be increased from 75 cents to one dollar, with MacPasses increased from 60 to 80 cents. The higher rates will help pay the $137…
Birch Cove Lakes-Blue Mountain wilderness threatened by development
A high-powered and high-dollared political battle in City Hall is playing out largely unnoticed by local media. At stake are potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in suburban development and the future of a proposed wilderness park celebrated as an unparallelled urban gem by environmentalists. Over the past few years wilderness advocates have successfully convinced…
Close to Hefner
Documentary filmmaker Brigitte Berman relates a story about showing her film, Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, Rebel, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City: “A woman stood up after the film and said, ‘A friend asked me what film I was going to see and I said a film about Hugh Hefner’ and…
Alex Cuba’s code
Alex Cuba has taken a break for lunch. The Cuban-born-and-raised singer/guitarist is between two workshops on Sunday at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso. He’d already worked on two others the day before and played the festival main stage on Friday night. “They got me working,” he jokes. Along with Kieran Goss and Lynn…
Sunny De La Soul
In the suburbs, summers are characterized by a few things: the lukewarm tang of rum and cokes poured into plastic bottles; the smell of the grass in the empty soccer fields near your house and the insistent thud of hip-hop from your friend’s dad’s Jeep. And for many summers, there were only three groups that…
Pegging down the Jazz Fest tent
After this year’s Halifax Jazz Festival wraps up, it’s curtains for the tent at the corner of Queen Street and Spring Garden. “Right now the jazz festival takes up that whole corner. Clearly that’s going to change,” says Susan McLean, deputy CEO and director of public services for Halifax Public Libraries. The new Central Library…
Elizabeth Shepherd’s salvation
Vocalist and pianist Elizabeth Shepherd had an unlikely musical educator: the Salvation Army. Growing up with parents who were Salvation Army ministers, she spent her childhood moving around Canada and France, with the church as the main basis of the family’s social life. The Salvation Army “was a great foundation for music,” she says, listing…
NOMO standing still
We don’t know a lot about this Ann Arbor, Michigan, band, but they get a lot of love from NPR, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. The write-up in the Halifax Jazz Festival guide for says that NOMO is known “to send journalists-on-duty into dancing fits,” which doesn’t sound pretty. Have you seen journalists dance? To test…
Glory Glory Man United CD Release
It might seem odd that a CD titled ZOMBIES!!! is a fit summer release, but the members of Glory Glory Man United are just having some naming fun with an album bandmate Adam Warren says really raised their bar in terms of quality. “We recorded ZOMBIES!!! at home, by ourselves, with the exception of the…
Fashionable music
Aside from shaking hands with the Queen on Canada Day (“What the fuck!” is what she says to that, but in an excited way), local singer-songwriter Christina Martin has been working with artist Tacha Reed to create fun items for her fans. “I thought it would be fun to work with a local artist to…
Free Will Astrology
CANCER(June 21-July 22) Have you ever observed the rising moon with such a steady gaze that you’ve actually seen it move? Have you ever sat yourself down in front of a rosebud during the hour it exploded into full bloom? Those experiences have resemblances to a slow-motion burst of graceful growth that’s unfolding in your…
Scott Conarroe gets railroaded
Sitting on a passenger train somewhere in eastern New Brunswick and listening to a voice announce that the train will be an additional four hours late getting into Halifax, it’s easy to forget that train travel was once a crucial mode of transport. Photographer Scott Conarroe is conscious of this change. Known for his large-format,…
Scoot, scoot!
Photographer Shehab Illyas has a story to tell: that of the personality and lifestyle of Halifax’s scooter owners. Walk into FRED on Agricola Street and you can follow his portraiture narrative, with local owners and their scoots placed casually in front of landmarks such as Gus’ Pub, the Common, Lost & Found and Pilcher’s Flowers.…
Go Local: Halifax Waterfront
But really, even on a day sans monarchy, the waterfront is a genuine pleasure for visitors and locals. With plenty to eat, see and browse, a few hours down by the water can just fly by. Boutique Joliette 1870 Hollis Street, 405-4057 After almost a year near the corner of Hollis and Duke, proprietor Alexis…
Shakespeare by the Sea: Treasure Island
Summertime in Halifax holds many treasures. Shakespeare By the Sea’s production of Treasure Island is the perfect way to take in the wonder of Point Pleasant Park and experience a modern day take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. Directed by Jesse MacLean, the retelling of Treasure Island features a fantastic cast of pirates, a…
A first look at Halifax Central Library
Last night Morten Schmidt’s rough sketches for the Halifax Central Library were unveiled. They’re still rough, but from what we can see at this point, the early plans demonstrate a solid understanding of community and staff desires and values, without watering down its architectural interest: plenty of green space, including indoor/outdoor trees, rooftop gardens and…
Peace works
Building a culture of peace may seem like an impossible dream when rich nations are spending billions in Afghanistan waging war on the world’s poorest people, all in the name of self-defence. Yet participants at a conference this week at Mount Saint Vincent University know full well that discussing ways of building a culture of…
The prehistory of sex
Q My husband of eight years confessed to wanting to watch me with another man. I asked if he meant it. He said yes. I asked if he wanted me to set it up. He said yes. I found a guy, and he agreed to a full STD screening—at my husband’s suggestion and our expense—so…
Off course
On sunny days, I like to make my way across the harbour to pick up a coffee or meal at one of the wonderful little restaurants and cafes that pepper downtown Dartmouth. If nothing else, the ferry ride offers an easy adventure and the chance to breathe in a little more salty air than usual.…
Alien invasion
“All the earthworms in Atlantic Canada were introduced from Europe,” Christopher Majka, Nova Scotia Museum’s beetle man, tells me. “They have influenced the soil environment but not necessarily in a harmful way. Only a very small percentage of introduced species become invasive.” Majka’s words come faster as he recounts the history of non-human newcomers to…
World Cup class
It’s the game that extended drinking hours in Toronto (hello, 10am beer) and had Haligonians spilling wine while cheering at the Italian Cultural Centre before lunchtime. Now it’s time for finals, and we’ve gathered some of the busiest spots to watch the World Cup until July 11 closes this tournament and sends all those vuvuzelas…
Jazz Fest daily picks
The Extremities, De La Soul, Ali Shaheed Muhammad Friday, July 9, 8pm Festival Tent, Spring Garden Road at Queen Street, $30-$33 Halifax duo Fresh Kills and Uncle Fester warm up the crowd with a set sure to please jazz freaks and hip-hop heads. Then we’ll put on our old Nike Dunks for De La Soul…
Big arms makers block nuclear disarmament to protect profits
Halifax peace conference hears that big arms makers are blocking nuclear disarmament to protect their profits. Veteran New Zealand activist Alyn Ware was the keynote speaker at the three-day conference hosted by Mount Saint Vincent University.
