So Long, And Thanks for All The Bricks
sad face After four years of playing face-rattling rock n’ roll, the Cuban Assassins are calling it quits, with a final show on Canada Day at Gus’ Pub with Myles Deck and the Fuzz Troublestarters and Flagshipsinker. Bassist Brent Gelkie is pragmatic about the split. “We’ve been playing the same set for over a year…
For the Common good
Julé Malet-Veale The Common director Dustin Harvey wants inside your head. Warning: You may feel totally self-conscious as a spray of water tickles your face, which is pressed against the metal fence surrounding the fountain in the Common. But the voice telling you to stand there is kind but firm in its instructions. Hold on…
Capture the Flag: tonight at 7pm
Meet at the waterfront wave at 7pm for some good, clean fun. You still know how to play, right?
Hoist with your own petard
To the lady barging down the street with her 6 year old daughter hitched and muzzled into the industrial child harness – who, using all her might, courageously kept her grasp on the huge, padded handle / leash that is basically soldered into this contraption – what is wrong with you? What is wrong with…
A coffee shop is the enemy, not hunger and poverty?
Why do you protest the G20, G8 ? Would you prefer that the powerful nations did not communicate openly? Would you prefer no communication? War? Capitalism is our system, it is not perfect, but here in Canada unlike East Africa you likely wont die from the flu, you you wont get a 4000 year prison…
Charlotte’s Web
Oh Charlotte… why must you make your invisible, silky strands of webbing where I walk in my yard. And why is it always at face level so it ends up on me. —WebbedOut
Single Parents Beware:
Thank you daycare for allowing my ex to make another attempt at ruining my life. Apparently; even if you have sole custody of your child, if you write who the other parent is when entering info at your daycare, he/she can then have access to all account information from there on out… including what’s being…
In an orderly fashion, please
Why can’t bus riders leave their seats a little bit earlier, and be ready at the doors when they open? Instead they wait until the bus has stopped, and then saunter lazily to the doors, which causes a great big clusterfrak as they’re trying to get off at the same time as people are trying…
Looks matter a bit, but I’m not shallow!
My friends know I’m looking for a man, and I’ve been single for 4 months. The other day one of them tells me “I’ve got a nice guy I’d like you to meet some time. I know you’ll like him.” I agreed to meet him some time, but I asked her if he was cute.…
PL-ease!
We met the Queen. Was awesome. Minions in check, we head back to the v-dub, only to find that the parkade pay-a-meter was out of service. No big deal if there wasn’t a giant line up of angry payers (and I’m sure we won’t be the only bitch submitting on this) who couldn’t exit the…
Segregation in Schools…
Yesterday was my high school graduation. All of the African Nova Scotian students got special sashes different from the sashes all the other students had, and way over half of them got special African Nova Scotian scholarships. I personally know a lot of them just slacked off all year and now they get scholarships because…
Word on the Street moves back to the street
This is great news, considering the fate of the free festival was uncertain, but Word on the Street will be back outside this year, September 26 at Victoria Park, 11am-5pm. The event, which was indoors for the past 10 years, will be under a tent, with plans to move inside (location unknown) if weather doesn’t…
Transit bitch…with a twist!!
This actually isn’t a ‘metro drivers are dicks’ bitch that are famous for being on here. This is a passenger bitch. I know, I know, I know you will find the public on public transit. I understand. There is nothing we can do about it. So… when dogs around the neighbourhood are barking because they…
Break Time Taking Up Productivity?
My employer has recently instated a new rule where we have to be productive a certain amount of time. Sounds rather innocuous right? After all, workers should be working. Except they’re now saying our break time counts against our productivity and adding that to any time when the company has no actual work for us…
Queen Sized Mess
Her Royal Highness comes to visit and suddenly it’s just cause to shut both of the bridges down? People have places to go and schedules to meet, but that all goes to the wayside thanks to a geriatric, over-hyped celebrity. Sure, shes the monarch, but it’s not like she actually does anything. Maybe next time…
Ball crossing goaline = goal
Friggin’ Refs. Friggin’ mistakes. Get some instant replay, already! Not for everything – but GOALS are pretty important detail to keep accurate. —Tired of yakking at the screen
To the Black Block:
You should go and find some blocks to play with misguided losers. Feel better now that you’ve had your tantrum? Betcha all have rich parents that you’re rebelling against. Did you make a statement? If so, what was that statement? Ever try doing something constructive? Ever hear of constructive positive change? —Blockheads be-gone
Trinity is Two at Park Lane
Get yourself down to the Spring Garden location of Trinity Jewellers (Park Lane Mall, 5657 Spring Garden Road, 446-7901) in the next two weeks to take advantage of their having been in business there for two years. You’ll find selected merchandise going for 20 to 60 percent off. It’s summer! Buy your honey a ring!
Fleet review from Georges Island
It’s funny how things happen sometimes. I was on assignment down on the waterfront for next week’s Go Local Shoptalk, when I ran into a gentleman of my acquaintance who invited me to join him to view the fleet review and potential Snowbird flyby from Georges Island. Jumping into his speedboat, it took no time…
An Open Letter To My Fellow Cranky, Old, Reactionaries
Like you I watched this weekend as downtown Toronto was reduced to the level of a Mogadishu with pretentious brew-pubs. Like you I came close to bursting blood vessels in my skull that I didn’t even know I had. Like you I had to resist the urge to embrace globalization by putting my fist through…
Trip to Spin City
I have searched far and wide across the vast stretches of media sources that have covered the G20 summit, the protest, and the riots that ensued. In my search I have not found a single bias-less article on the matter. Second hand accounts from a few twittering, angry, uninformed leftist or heavey worded, quick to…
Lock Your Doors & Windows
Listen up women, you’re not living in Pleasantville or the 1930s down in South End Halifax. You NEED to make sure you lock your doors and windows before you go to bed. This morning police reported yet another woman waking up on Saturday to find a man in her bedroom touching her, and then running…
Stop fucking up my name!
How fucking simple is it? I’m a “MAC,” NOT a fucking “MC.” My last name is spelled “MacD…,” not “McD…” or “Macd…” or “Mac D…” And it’s not even an uncommon last name either, seriously like half the fucking population of Nova Scotia has it for Christ’s sake! If I can make the effort to…
Where are the mountain men?
Where are the single, successful, manly men hiding in this city? I’m tired of showing up somewhere, thinking there are a ton of guys, and then realizing that I’m really just outnumbered by gay men who have no interest in me. Please, Halifax, tell me where the straight guys are!? —Girl who likes guys that…
Delicious Stillwater
When I ask for a glass of ice-water because I’m getting dehydrated in your airless institution, don’t look at me like a fucking idiot and jerk your head towards a half-full pitcher of warm, dirty-fucking-toilet-water that’s sitting on the corner of the bar that every drunk asshole nearby has probably drooled in or roofied. If…
Dinner Theatre Party Poopers – C.B.F.U., Saturday night
To the tight-assed couple who did not want us to sit at your table and encouraged us to sit “elsewhere”… you sat there stoned-faced when everyone else was laughing… get a sense of humor… WOULD IT KILL YA TA SMILE? —Two women with a sense of haha!
Your dog’s license doesn’t authorize him to drive
To the stupid woman in the red Ford station wagon Saturday morning, heading to Halifax on the MacKay Bridge: Traffic was stop and go as all of the lanes from the toll booth merged into one due to construction. I’m not sure why you thought it was a good idea to rummage through a grocery…
Darell Dexter approved moving Bridge Terminal onto Dartmouth Common land in 1995
Premier Darrell Dexter says he has problems with HRM’s plans for expanding the Bridge Terminal on Dartmouth Common land, so I wondered what his past stance on the issue has been. I stopped by the municipal archives this morning to find out. Dexter sat on the old city of Dartmouth’s city council from 1994 through…
World Cup referees continue to spark controversy
Apparently England’s goal did not cross the line We haven’t even finished the second round of the World Cup yet and already it’s been a remarkable and memorable tournament. After a slow start to the competition, we’ve seen some incredible goals and some very dramatic endings. Unfortunately these moments are already overshadowed by another topic:…
Taj Mahal reopens
Closed since a January fire that shut down three restaurants, including Thai Chin and Cafe Chianti, we’re pleased to report that Taj Mahal (5175 South Street, 492-8251) has reopened, so expect to find your murg makhani, your dhaba gosht masalaedar and your tandoori machi, all available once again. No word yet on when Thai Chin…
Outside The Lines to close
Shoptalk has learned that Outside The Lines: Books for Critical Minds (6265 Quinpool Road, 422-3544) is closing, with June 30 the final day doors will be open. Owner Bob Haywood sent an email to customers and friends explaining that the bookstore, specializing in philosophical, political and university texts, has been a money-losing proposition for some…
Food fit for a Queen
Government House, the official home for the Lieutenant Governor, is also the official residence for the Queen, if she so decides (there’s no confirmation she’s actually staying there). Walking in on Sunday afternoon it’s so quiet, there’s little indication that royalty’s on its way—except for maybe the giant portrait on the staircase, and the metal…
Nova Scotia’s take on the latest G8 fashions
This weekend a few Toronto clothing stores took a shit-kicking (literally) in Toronto thanks to protesters/anarchists/vandals/shit-for-brains (pick your name, depending on what side you’re on), including American Apparel, which had police-horse crap thrown inside the store. Not to make light of a horrible situation, but those American Apparel high-waisted, pleated pants are a fashion crime.…
Summer Job
To all the little angels out of school for the summer. Panhandling is not a summer job. —Senor Campana
FOXTROT UNIFORM DELTA NOVEMBER DELTA
Here’s a heartfelt one-finger SALUTE to the naval ass-hat who decided to close the dockyard 1 1/2 hours early with several hundred people in line. People had been there for up to 2 hours only to be turned away. You’ve got it on the website as open 10-4, if you were going to shut down…
Human training required
What is the problem with me asking you not to pet my dog? I’m trying to train her not to jump all over people; that’s why I had her on a short lead as you walked by. Yet you still did. Your weak argument of: “Oh, it won’t make a difference,” means you sure as…
Bitch Love!
Thanks to Admiral Ivan, Life Sucks and TTFN for putting a smile on my face nearly every day! You guys rock! —TheBlackRose
Grocery Man
To the cute guy ahead of me in the checkout at Sobey’s Tacoma drive in Dartmouth on Sat. June 26: You asked me about the frozen fruit in my cart. I told you it was for the fruit smoothies I take to work everyday. Wish I had been a little smoooother when you told me…
To my corbie family
I am sorry you lost one of the wee ones to a transformer. Keep the other two safe and I’ll be around with loving and snacks. Rawk —Crow lover
Scotia Square Coffee Shop Love
To the Star employees working at the coffee-shop in Scotia Square: Thank you so much for my daily afternoon caffeine hits. I couldn’t get through my day without you. <3 —Toffee-nut
AHOY SAILORS!
Thank you for looking too friggin’ cute in your uniforms and freshest polo tees and for inviting my friends and I to drink expensive alcohol for free on your “massive party bus” this saturday… you are so very very friendly and eager. And for that, I salute you. xoxoxoxox —KTW
Happy Hippo = Happy Cashier
To the guy who gave a tired cashier one of his Happy Hippo treats: You made a very long and shitty shift bearable. Thank you. It really doesn’t take much to make someone’s day, and you certainly made mine. I wish I’d been able to think clearly enough to thank you properly, but I gushed…
The real men are in Dartmouth! Oh Yes!
I work in downtown Dartmouth and live in the Woodlawn area and I have to say: Being a gentleman must be required if you are from Dartmouth ~ I have never witnessed so many men holding doors in my life! It’s is so nice to have guys literally running ahead of you to get the…
Fabio Capello – Passionate Coach.
I would absolutely love to be on the England bench during the World Cup with a bag of popcorn in my hands.
Fisherwomen
Hey there, you both seem like really nice women but something is making me shake my head. Its an online dating site and I know there’s no strings attached, but if you offer me your cell number (which you both have) could you kindly answer when I call it?! Is this the bait and switch…
Need not apply
A resume bitch… I get handed 5-10 resumes a day. I will throw them out if there are more than 5 spelling mistakes. “If u have a cvr letter in Txt type” it gets thrown out. It shows you’re immature and illiterate. Employers know it’s a resume, you don’t have to title it RESUME in…
Piss off, Eh…
You are certainly welcome to visit. While you’re taking in the attractions of this beautiful historic city, don’t talk down to the residents like we should feel privileged that YOU came all the way up HERE to see us lowly Canadians. Couple of things: I have lived here for all 27 years of my life…
Music in my unit
As someone who has to wake up at 5:00 AM tomorrow to go to work on the waterfront I don’t appreciate the loud music. I’m aware it’s only 11:00 right now but that is one hour past this 22 year old’s bed time. I’m not sure how late this concert runs and that’s the problem……
Black Olives
so why do people ask for “black olives”…do they think that there are green olives hidden out back that they will put on their sub if they don’t ask for “black olives”? Just ask for “Olives”! —Easily annoyed
What did the pigeons ever do to you?
Just outside the back door of the building I work in there is an air duct, and pigeons nest under it. I understand that this might not be the ideal place for nesting, but they like it. I use that door a few times a day to have a cigarette and observe the little birds.…
Look Ma, I can make the lights flash!
The bridge police really love their toys. I don’t understand why they have to sit on both sides of the MacDonald and leave all of the red blue and white strobe lights on, it’s not Canada day. All your doing is blinding drivers who are (mostly) capable of staying in their own lane and can…
Mobile Speedbump, My Ass
Got passed by three of you fuckers this week, and I was doing the limit. Bunch of hypotwits… —Practice What You Preach
Bongo Badness
Listening to you banging your bongo drums everyday is like listening to a baby banging on pots and pans. It’s cute for the first 10 seconds and then you just want it to fucking stop! It wouldn’t be so bad if you at least had some fucking rhythm! —Just shut the fuck up
Pine street racers!
I know Pine Street in Dartmouth is a way to avoid traffic, and it’s on a hill. But please, slow down. Cars race down here like race drivers getting close to the finish line. You wouldn’t want someone racing through your neighborhood, would you? I’m going to start taking pics of license plates zooming through…
The grinch who stole trivia night
To the jerk we caught cheating at Rogue’s trivia on Wednesday (on the Grinch question.) How sad is your life? You actually packed your idiot girlfriend up in the car and drove all the way downtown, JUST to look answers up on your cell phone in a bar trivia contest? That is the saddest thing…
Sour cream on everything
To the man with wolf’s teeth, thank you for all the afternoon visits and for being so darn cute. I am sorry I am always so incredibly awkward around you and I am sorry that when you tried to touch my hand I was too flustered to interact with you. Let us play another round…
Fabulous Roomates!
I have a wonderful house full of great girls! Over the past year my four bedroom flat has had the pleasure of being home to six amazing females (not all together, that would have been interesting). When we moved into our house on North Street, it was not in the best shape. To be more…
Curtis the sushi king
No one ever made raw fish look so good. You are the best sushi waiter in Halifax! Big props and big tips to you pal! —Maki’n me hungry
Should have loved you
We wanted it to work out so badly. I loved the idea of us together. But lo and behold, I put things in my mind about you that convinced me you were not my next love. Whether I made a mistake by pushing you away or not, you are 100 percent, without a doubt, the…
Online Daters
To the Blind date couple sitting next to me at Second Cup in Bedford…. you truely made my day. You asked each other the most stereotypical first date questions “So… what do you like to do for fun? “I like, umm… camping, hiking, swimming… but I’ll try anything” I wanted to jump in and say….…
Yard Work
Dang, you’re a handy gal to have around. —Not so handy fella
The New Chick
You’re a breath of fresh air even though some worlds have been turned upside down. Roll with it. —Not So Cranky
I love you today!
Big nose, big chin and wrinkles at age 22! You’re kind of goofy but also provide a good representation of who I am. You’re kind of neat to look at. —… Check with me again tomorrow.
Vote for Forsyth in TIFF’s emerging filmmakers competition
Halifax filmmaker Walter Forsyth was one of five emerging filmmakers chosen to take part in a contest through TIFF. Filmmakers were given a camera and $500 to create a film based on the theme of water. Five were chosen as finalists, including Forsyth’s “This tear is a word,” which uses the distinctive voice and words…
Ex boyfriend
You know the thing that bothers me most is that you can’t just let go of me. I know it’s hard to let go of someone who supported you so much but at the core of the problem is the fact that you don’t realize that you are constantly manipulating people around you. Take responsibility…
We all learned this in Elementary School!
Hand signals!!!! We all learned how to use them in Elementary School. Why do so many cyclists in this city use their right hand instead of their left (or non at all)? Really it’s Elementary dear cyclists!!! —LTS
I Hate Hali
Yeah fuck this city! It has no idea what real life is, it’s boring, and dieing. It’s filled with idiots that think its some how gonna make it, and they are wrong. The entire image of Halifax in Canada’s eyes is “college, combat, conservative”. T Dot = freedom + $$ —JESUS
Would a l little modesty kill you?
I have no problem with women breastfeeding in public places… but is it really necessary to do it in the shoe aisle at Value Village? Just pulling one out of your already low-cut shirt and putting your baby to it, where EVERYONE can see EVERYTHING??!! You could have gone to your car (I know you…
To the Transit Driver Who Needs to chain smoke in front of our children’s school
Being married to a smoker, I do understand your need for a ciggie, but chain smoking in front of the school, is simply not right. You cannot continue to hide behind your union or your little bus riding posse any more. Good luck on using your intimidation tactics for me anymore – I am not…
Street Market Sunday
A summery thing to do withy your Sunday would be to wander down Gottingen, near the corner of Cunard and outside Alterego’s Cafe (2193 Gottingen Street, 431-3170) from noon until 2pm. There you’ll find the new Gottingen Street Market, featuring a live DJ, art, clothes, crafts and lots of food. Make Gottingen Street part of…
Amelia Curran Plays for the Queen
pip pip etc As previously mentioned, Amelia Curran will be most definitely playing at a garden party for the Queen on Canada Day at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. She’ll then join K-OS, Malajube and Digawolf for the afternoon CBC Singer-Songwriter Circle at Major’s Hill Park, followed by an evening solo performance on the Canada Day…
Go USA… ?
Donovan = US Hero. I know the phrase ‘GO USA’ is not a popular one around these parts; but yesterday’s game was a reason why we all love the World Cup – not because we love the USA, but because we love drama. USA facing elimination against Algeria, score a goal in the 91st minute…
Meeting Queen Elizabeth
You only have a few seconds to impress Queen Elizabeth on Monday, June 28, when she walks Garrison Grounds (3:40-3:50pm) and the Common (4:15-4:25pm), then Tuesday on the wharf behind the Maritime Museum (4:45 pm). But if you want to play with the Queen, you have to roll like a king. Here are tips so…
Halifax Patio King hits 20
As we slip silently into summer’s gorgeous grasp, patio culture becomes a thing here in Halifax. It’s worth noting that multiple winner in the Best of Food reader’s poll for Best Patio—not to mention all the other awards its garnered—Your Father’s Moustache (5686 Spring Garden Road, 423-6766) has been around for 20 years this year,…
Damien Jurado
Damien Jurado has a compelling way with imagery. There is always at least one indelible lyric or sentiment that lingers. On Saint Bartlett that line comes in the second act, after the more upbeat and hopeful “Cloudy Shoes” and ragged feedback-laden “Wallingford,” when he turns back to mournful acoustic self-accompaniment on “Kalama” and sings, “Mother…
Cigar Box Banjo: Notes on Music and Life
Paul Quarrington passed away in January of this year. He’d already been working on a book about his life in music when he was diagnosed with advanced, terminal lung cancer. This became his “new thematic material” for a book that became about his life, as seen and heard through music. The novelist, who won the…
OWL
Chants is like a pocket full of favourite childhood candy. One half of The Superfantastics, Matt MacDonald, brings another dose of power pop, this time through the voice of Vanessa Murnaghan. Short and sweet like Pixy Stix, “Goodbye Bye” is bittersweet like Sour Cherry Blasters, “Airport” is a great standby with a surprise inside like…
Mess call
Summer and the ’60s go hand in hand for me. Not because I bought my first six-string at the five and dime, but because every time the mercury starts rising, I dig out my Frankie and Annette, Beach Boys, Drifters and Diane Renay records. All of the catchy oohs, ahhs and baa-daa-daas basically turn life…
Ways of Staying
Johannesburg journalist Kevin Bloom illustrates a post-apartheid South Africa united in fear. White and black people both perpetrate and suffer violence and psychological injury. Writing through the three years before players took to the pitch for the World Cup, the author walks shifting ground. Taking a good look around, Bloom considers the murder of his…
Gord Downie and the Country of Miracles
This is a huge improvement over Downie’s first two solo albums, which often sounded dissonant (that almost-shrill register of his voice he favoured then) and disjointed. Downie dwells in his deeper tones here and his lyrics have depth without trying to be deep, or opaque for what sometimes seemed like opacity’s sake. Thematically, Downie appears…
Reigning men
For the next week, 5,000 sailors will spill into Halifax Harbour, just as the Queen makes her royal visit with Prince Philip. While you may not find them in the same place–no matter how high Elephant & Castle flies its Union Jack—it’d be in good taste to make a toast to Her Highness in a…
The real J-Bru
“I can’t believe you work here,” says an obsessed rap fan to his idol as the fan tries on a new pair of shoes. For the last nine years Jason Bruce has been leading a double life. During the day he works at Foot Locker in the Halifax Shopping Centre, and at night he is…
A sailor’s guide to watering holes
If you’re walking around downtown this week, chances are you’re a sailor after a stiff drink or sailors are asking you where to find one. Luckily, plenty of bars will be catering to our thirsty visitors. Sailors can get a taste of their naval history if they head to The Seahorse Tavern (1665 Argyle Street).…
It Kills is reborn
Some relationships are better the second time around. There is history, understanding and an established way of relating. Former members of i see rowboats, Lisa Lipton, Solomon Vromans and Will Robinson, have reunited to become It Kills. “Once we disbanded from i see rowboats we just started up a new project a few months down…
How to get on a boat
Halifax International Fleet Review means more navy ships will be coming into the harbour than the average person can keep track of. The event’s website (see tinyurl.com/ShipsGalore) has a list of all the ships, detailing a short biographical history and statistics for each vessel, including what kind of weaponry the ships carry. There’ll be at…
Grimes, Silly Kissers, Duzheknew, DJ James Reid
When Claire Boucher—the face behind Grimes—tries to compare the music she enjoys to the music she produces, she laughs. “The kind of music I’m into is never the music that I’m producing,” she says. “When I first started playing, I was into country music. Hopefully those recordings are burned or destroyed.” It’s hard to imagine…
Uniformly impressed
This week the city will be hit with a barrage of sailors roaming its streets. Civilians aren’t required to know and adhere to any of the ranking positions. We won’t be called out for not addressing someone as lieutenant or not giving due respect for the type of lieutenant he or she is, but it’s…
No handouts necessary for Please Give
The most underrated American director this side of Richard Linklater, Nicole Holofcener, continues to be a master of The Moment: a tiny but meaningful exchange or look or gesture that conveys more emotion than any awards-bait monologue could. Her muse, Catherine Keener—this is their fourth film—owns a New York antique shop supplied by the possessions…
The Lucy Grays, The Numbered Head, Wizard
Halifax rock group The Lucy Grays just released a self-titled EP this past May, and took a performing break after the release show to regenerate themselves. “Getting the EP together was a bit of a cluster-fuck!” writes Tom Bilodeau, bass player for The Lucy Grays. “It was recorded in two different basements and the NSCC…
Getting a souvenir tattoo
Fleet week is here, and sailors want new tattoos. Danny Bartlett at Kara’s Urban Day Spa (5980 Spring Garden Road, 422-3900) says that he’s already inked a few sailors. Anchors are popular, or laurels to represent a rank, or the number 100 to commemorate the centennial. Guys are even doing “Pier 21 stuff, images with…
Brett Ryan’s salvation
Local soul man Brett Ryan is playing his first live gig since the release of his new CD, Salvation Radio, recorded both in Nashville and his own converted-church studio St. Cecilia, found on the shores of Purcells Cove. Salvation Radio is what Ryan lifted from the ash of the forest fire that destroyed his home…
Toy Story 3‘s your friend to the end
Leave it to Pixar to subvert the Hollywood rule of sequels, which states that each subsequent film must have eyes full of dollar signs at the expense of quality. (See: Shrek, all horror and action franchises.) Maybe 11 years and a few delays is all every sequel needs, because Toy Story 3 is just as…
Brett Ryan
A local rock contrarian for 20 years, Brett Ryan (see listings pg 25) is back and belting after a house fire. The disc is attractively packaged and has ace session work, especially the saxophones of Chris Mitchell and Kenny McKay. The songs all seem to aspire to be the best record Van Morrison never made,…
Theatre Arts Guild: Twelve Angry Men
If you like the way that television’s brilliant Mad Men offers a tiny window into the American psyche of the early 1960s, you’ll like Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Men with its social commentary on the US in the 1950s. The TAG production of his play captures the vintage feel beautifully in both the drab jury…
Free Will Astrology
CANCER(June 21-July 22) Here are the low-paying jobs I’ve done that I wasn’t very good at: tapping sap from maple trees in Vermont; driving a taxi in North Carolina; toiling as an amusement park ride operator in New Jersey; being a guinea pig for medical experiments in California; digging ditches in South Carolina and picking…
HRM’s Contemporary Visual Art Award Shortlist Exhibition
Artists Aaron Weldon, Kyle Monchuk, David Harper, Jessica Hein and Sara Hartland-Rowe have their work hanging at the Nova Scotia Archives right now as the five shortlisted artists for HRM’s second annual Contemporary Visual Art Award. “I feel ecstatic—it’s a good opportunity to get both my name out there and some more exhibition experience,” says…
Old age blues
As Canada’s finance ministers discussed pension reform at a seaside resort on Prince Edward Island last week, about 125 union members marched outside the gates chanting, “Hey-ho! Hey-ho! CPP has got to grow.” The workers, who sported blue t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Retirement Security for Everyone,” also waved placards calling on federal and provincial…
Grand Chief Membertou 400
Thousands of First Nations are travelling to Nova Scotia this weekend from as far as Quebec and the States for the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou. Events include a free concert with Buffy Sainte Marie on the Common Friday night, a traditional Mi’kmaq village, native dance, drum competitions, artisan demonstrations…
Deal with your genital fear
Q My friend is a gay-identified FTM. He’s hot, he’s cute and above the waist, you would never guess what he’s got down below. We love to kiss and cuddle, and from my end, his blowjobs are great. The problem is that I have no idea how to reciprocate. He isn’t into anal (why would…
Jonah Hex dishes out the distasteful
This comic book adaptation plays like a trip inside the subconscious of a 12-year-old boy, a place where random shit explodes and Megan Fox’s cleavage glistens permanently. But to the post-pubescent, this tale of a scar-faced bounty hunter tracking down the man who murdered his family—and who plans to unleash a weapon of mass destruction…
Welcome to Fleet Week
Friday, June 25, begins a week of Naval festivities here in Halifax as the harbour plays host to visiting war ships from around the world. It’s International Fleet Review Week—the first in 25 years. And this time, the Queen is coming. The Fleet Review, reserved for special occasions only, will mark the Canadian Navy’s 100-year…
The Messenger
The daily life and work of Casualty Notification officers back in America is original and interesting. But Woody Harrelson’s role as captain Tony Stone, the veteran of this home-based unit, makes the movie. Going door to door to let families know of their losses over there is how he fights his war. The story’s downfall…
How to pick up, or put off, a sailor
Lock up your sons and daughters! Having been cooped for months at sea, the thousands of sailors in port this week will most assuredly be on the prowl, and who could blame them? For some landlubber locals, picking up a sailor from a faraway country may sound exciting. But for others, the extra dosage of…
Beeswax
Andrew Bujalski is king of the poorly named and slightly derogative mumblecore genre: this is his third low-budget movie, a microcosmically sized story produced without the burden of traditional Hollywood plot structures or trained actors. Bujalski creates a tight world about 20-somethings caught between college dreams and adult decisions. Jeannie (Tilly Hatcher), who runs an…
might even miss you, SS!
So, I’m giving in my two weeks notice tomorrow. It’s coming earlier than I had expected, but it’s what I feel needs to happen for me to be happy. I haven’t been happy there in a long time. 🙂 That said, there are many things – and people – that I’ll miss. Thank you to…
Clean up your mess!
To the people across the hall in my apartment building: the deck outside is communal. We spent some time making it look like more than a fire escape only to have you assholes wreck it by leaving your empties and cigarette butts, breaking/stealing candles and tipping over a flower pot. Way to go – you’ve…
Learn to F*@k’n drive before you kill someone!
What the fuck?! So I’m on my way back to work today and on the 102 outbound, approaching the spot where the hwy changes to 3 lanes for exit 1A to Peggy’s Cove/Exhibition Park. I see this blue honda civic (you know who you are) pulled off on the shoulder of the hwy with his…
You drive me craaaazy!
The upcoming event that you have been planning for, for the last month, is not rocket science! Stop talking about it and reiterating what you want me to do and where I have to go, I heard you the first, second, third and hundredth time. This is NOT my first rodeo. Im doing you a…
If a messy desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, then what does an empty desk signify?
OK, every evening before I pack up to go home, I try my darndest to make my desk presentable for all those who happen to lay eyes upon it (and they usually only happen to lay eyes upon it when they are giving me something to do, which I always do efficiently and accurately). I…
Kat Frick Miller’s royal paintings
Kat Frick Miller’s “Yours to discover,” 48×60″, oil on canvas. Although most Haligonians will be lucky to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II’s hat when she visits next week, artist Kat Frick Miller has been up close to her royal majesty in a more creative way. The inspiration for Miller’s portraits of Queen Elizabeth…
Go Local: Bedford
On our second annual visit up the Bedford Highway, we discover all sorts of cool stuff that makes us wonder if the peninsula is a bit overrated. Select Sounds 1475 Bedford Highway, 835-3274 “The vinyl is selling really well,” says owner Michael James. “And catalogue CDs that [customers] can’t get anywhere else.” Worth checking out…
