No blemishes on The Skin I Live In
A genre-defying mix of horror and melodrama, The Skin I Live In is the latest tale of obsession and sexual identity from Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar. Antonio Banderas stars as a wealthy plastic surgeon who has mutated pig cells to create a transgenic human skin resistant to burns. Banderas’ leading-man good looks add to the…
Happy Feet 2 busts a move
CGI dancing penguins re-interpret pop hits and hip hop classics in George Miller’s 3D sequel to his 2006 Happy Feet. Mumble (Elijah Wood) is all grown up and his and Gloria’s (Pink) son, Erik (Ava Acres), struggles to fit in—he can’t dance, just as Mumble couldn’t sing when he was a chick. When their rookery…
To Occupy or Not to Occupy? Should That Be a Question?
I support the Occupy NS movement in principle, however, I think there are more effective strategies for citizens to effect institutional and legal change in this country. For holding this point of view I have been called “Jaded, Apathetic and Cynical”. Occupy does not have a monopoly on concerns with the growing inequalities in western…
Wildflower offers 25 percent off
We had a lovely email from Jill Strong of Wildflower Clothing (5553 Clyde Street, 420-0364). Here’s an excerpt: “I was overwhelmed last week to learn I was voted Best Salesperson in the Coast’s annual Best of Halifax survey. Clearly, this is an honour I couldn’t have achieved without the support of such an amazing clientele…
Zuppa Theatre’s Protests
Citypages.com overcome Zuppa Theatre’s latest fundraiser Get Thee Behind Me Satan: Songs of Protest is well-timed; as the fallout from the Occupy NS eviction last weekend continues, it might do some of us good to air our grievances through song. The show, taking place at the Music Room on Friday November 18, will present some…
Occupy Idiot
So you saunter into my workplace 10 minutes before close, look at my coworker mopping the floor and cheekily ask if I ‘want to make one more sandwich?’. I say sure, what would you like. While I’m whipping you up a delicious ham and cheese, you chat with a regular and I overhear you tell…
Art Life
I’ve heard this a lot lately as justification for NSCAD’s recent troubles: why do people keep saying all artists are pretentious? They are people. Individual people. I’ve met prententious assholes from all walks of life. Why artists in particular? I don’t get it. I’m not an artist, but I know lots of them, and most…
YOU ARE A FUCKING WIMP
The other day my kid was walking home from school and told me she heard laughter and the word “RETARD” being shouted by someone out of a passing car and do you know who this taunt was directed at, A FATHER AND HIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE CHILD, WHO CLEARLY HAS A DISABILITY!!! HEY SCUMBAG, does…
Blood vision
DalTheatre hasn’t sealed up their Halloween buckets of blood quite yet (that’s a thing, right?). Their new production, Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding, translated and adapted by Ted Hughes, promises tragedy, love and love and tragedy. Says director Jure Gantar of what is arguably Lorca’s most popular play, “It’s beautifully poetic and offers us a…
Assisted Suicide – Time is Right?
I’m sure a lot of people have known someone who has had to endure excruciating pain, or be deprived of feeding or water, but kept alive because the law, as it currently stands, says so. It’s refreshing that this topic is now being debated and perhaps there really is a chance that some progress can…
To My Bee
I love all of the crayon pictures you make for me, and how you still call me “Mama” I love that you wear swim goggles while you eat your soup and that Velma from Scooby Doo is your hero. I Love watching you grow, and sing and want nothing more than for you to always…
Downtown Traffic Changes are Crap
Did the designers of the traffic changes ever consult cyclists or pedestrians? The redesigned traffic patterns are all about moving cars in long straight lines. Guess what? Pedestrians and bikes don’t like to move that way – they flow like a stream, not a pipe. The Blowers/Grafton intersection is going to end up seeing a…
My Husband to Be
I think of you all of the time, and miss you when you go to work! I love watching movies with you and doing impersonations of Jimmy Stewart. Thank you for always being so supportive and Loving, and always knowing just how to make me! Thank you for morning coffee, love letter post its, and…
Wedding Photos in Front of Burning Building
A certain well-loved Nova Scotia resort building burned to the ground, and the couple who got hitched on the premises posed for their wedding pics in front of the burning building, with big smiles on their faces. Is this not a bit disrespectful? Is this something they are going to have a laugh about years…
Ode to the World’s Best Mom!
You are the greatest and best in every way! Thank you for always being here for all of us, and for all of the great memories and adventures to Mahone Bay and Peggys Cove! I know that times are stressful, so here is a pick me up to say that we love you! You’re the…
Rhonda’s Party wins at the enRoute Film Festival
The Air Canada in-flight magazine enRoute hosts its own Film Festival in Toronto, and it was announced last week that the festival awarded its Achievement in Cinematography to Rhonda’s Party, the short film by Cape Bretoners Ashley McKenzie and Nelson MacDonald. Their director of photography was Becky Parsons. A big congratulations to all of them.…
Erin My Darling
I can’t imagine any day without you. Will you marry me? —Yours
Fluttering Heart
It has been almost six months since I have seen you drive by. My heart flutters when I have happy thoughts about you. Someday I think that I will change my hair colour to red, which will match yours. You are and will be the best acquaintance that I will probably ever meet in my…
Councillor Jennifer Watts issues apology for Remembrance Day eviction
Councillor Jennifer Watts has issued the following statement: I am making this statement as a Halifax Regional Councillor and as a resident of this municipality. I deeply and sincerely apologize for my role in the unfolding of the events that took place with the enforcement of the eviction of Occupy NS on Nov. 11 in…
Summit big sale and thank you event
The Summit Day Spa (temporarily at 2032 Robie Street) is hosting a big sale and thank you event for all of its clients who have visited them since the business moved to its Robie Street spot. The event is on Sunday November 20 from 1:30pm-4:30pm. Summit will be launching our new brochure and exclusive new…
Brooklyn Warehouse under construction
No offense to The Brooklyn Warehouse (2795 Windsor Street, 446-8181), but you’ve looked better. There’s a good reason for the gaping hole in the sidewalk: a permanent enclosed patio is under construction and will be complete by the new year, so promise the good folks at TBW. The restaurant will remain open through the construction…
Quarrelsome Yeti opens Pop-Up Store at Carbonstok
This Thursday evening, November 17 from 6pm to 8pm is the Grand Opening of Carbonstok’s (1235 Barrington Street, 404-7288) first Pop-Up Boutique. Geordan Moore (aka The Quarrelsome Yeti) is a Halifax-based artist and Illustrator who studied graphic design at NSCAD, produces drawings, paintings and prints in a shared studio in Dartmouth. His work can be…
Kevin Smith returns to Halifax (this time with Jason Mewes)
Kevin Smith was not fucking with us when, at the end of last week’s show at the Spatz Theatre, he said he’d be back. He will return to the same venue on December 12 with his show Jay and Silent Bob Get Old, which includes Jason Mewes, his cinematic buddy from movies such as Clerks,…
Occupy This
So this so-called sociological movement is about what… can someone please clearly state now what this shenanigans is about… yes, I’m still waiting, what, I can’t hear you?? Let me tell you about the true 99% out there, working our butts every day to make a life for ourselves in this lovely province. We get…
It’s YOUR Own Fault
So while Occupy NS sits around, picks its nose and complains about Peter Kelly, I ask you this: Who’s fault is it that Kelly was re-elected? If you’re not willing to vote, participate in society, then please, just shut the fuck up. Be the change you’re bitching about, instead of sitting back and asking for…
Occupy No More
To the people and police who helped stop a situation that was getting wildly out of control, thank you. I know that you all receive a lot of flack, but this is one person who appreciates you making this city a more calm place. I am happy to take my little ones through the park…
Police
Thank you. I know that you guys do a lot, and don’t often receive anything in return, so this is one citizen saying thank you. Thank you for helping the city be a more safe place to live and travel through. —Grateful
Bus Girl
Your smile made the Monday morning bus ride so much better. Missed that smile today. —Bus Boy
Love to Cabbies
This is a bit late, worst month of my life, but much love to the great cab driver who gave me back my $100, after I accidentally passed it along with my $10 cab fee. You gave me hope. —Blondie Wishing There Were More People Like You
Time Flies
To the awesome guy I shared a seat with on the way back to Halifax from Montreal: you were great! I can’t remember the last time I had such a good conversation with anyone, let alone a stranger. You made my flight and my week and I wish I’d been ballsy enough to ask you…
Little Brown Knitted Hat
I was at a pub last Friday and lost my knitted toque. My grandmother knit it for my grandfather over 20 years ago, he gave it to me and I absolutely cherished it. I’m totally blaming this loss on that last glass of white wine but if you happened to pick it up I would…
Mr. H
Dude you haven’t missed a single day. Your class makes all my shit worth it. You’re a phenomenal teacher. Thanks man! —D Block Kid
To the Beautiful Bearded Man
Kiss kiss. —Me
Against or With the Grain?
I read so many complaints in the bitch column about bad drivers in this city. I’ve gotten pretty worked up myself about some of them. But I do have to say something positive. If you’ve ever driven around in a large city. One thing you see a lot of… car accidents. Not so around Halifax.…
They Be All Like….
To the girl in fishnets, blue pumps and red panties on Spring Garden the other night; I was having the worst night ’til I saw you strut down the sidewalk like it was your runway. You worked that outfit, and it’s great to see someone do something that different. But I do hope you know,…
Way To Go Peter Kelly
It’s about time someone kicked those bums out of our parks. They were a bunch of squatters who just used protesting as a reason to setup a tent city. A lot of people support this eviction despite what the media says. —Occupy a Job
You Couldn’t Wait for a Break in Traffic?
To the asshat who thought it okay to spit out of their car window on a busy road in afternoon traffic: Fuck you! Where do you think it would go at 80km/hour!? Do you understand the basic concepts of gravity and physics!? Your huge loogie hit my car’s hood with a disgusting splat and bounced…
Bus Shelter Placement
Why are new shelters being placed with the opening away from the street? It doesn’t allow us enough time to step out and go around when the bus arrives. If it’s to protect us from elements, it’s not working. I discovered this on a blustery night standing at the Walmart on Damascus Rd. The wind…
You Vile, Dirty, Trashy Piece of $hit
Right there, in plain view, with atleast five other customers watching, we saw you – picking bagels out of the “self serve bulk bakery” section of a certain grocery store. Picking each one up with your dirty, publicly sullied hands, checking it out and yes – deciding which ones to throw in your bag and…
Tired
I’m tired. I’m tired of being tired all the time. I’m tired of complaining that I don’t have enough free time to do the things that I really want to do, and then do nothing with the free time I have because I’m too depressed to do anything. I’m tired of feeling like an empty…
Barrington St. Blues
This is for all those little urban guerrilla wannabes that I saw on Saturday yelling brilliant things like “Shame, Shame”, “Fuck da’ Po-Leese” and “This is what a police state looks like” while being allowed to proceed unmolested down to the Grand Parade where they spent the rest of the day chanting equally moronic slogans…
Thank You For Your Concern!
To the gentleman who showed concern after I took a tumble off the curb outside a pub the other night- thank you! I was too stunned/in pain to properly thank you (it turns out the fall actually fractured my foot!), but the concern was definitely appreciated. —Klutzy Magoo
Times are Becoming Much Different
I notice that it is generally the same people who hate the Occupy movement that are afraid of the changes coming to a certain coffee chain. Maybe it is time we just stop collectively listening to these losers whose definition of an important news item is whether a place serves lattes or not. —Stop Yelling…
High School
I HATE MY SCHOOL! Yeah ok that’s what all teens say. But this one has taken suckitude to a whole new level. No joke! Cliques, drugs, smoking in bathrooms, unaffordable/unhealthy lunches in the caf, not enough textbooks, sucky library resources, printers & computers that don’t work, horrible class control, fights in the hallways… The few…
Australia Hits
To the guy with the Australian accent at a certain bar Thursday night, I wasn’t lying – November 18th really is “have sex with a guy with a mustache day”. Hope I see you out again. —Blue Dress
Sticky Fingers
Thanks to the random folks for coming to my small birthday gathering. Licking and mauling the cake my mom made for me was super classy. —Grrrr
Pub Dining Etiquette
Speaking of a certain waitress at a pub, why be such a bitch that you give me and my friend plastic cups for our beer pitchers with the meals we ordered, meanwhile the family next us gets glasses with their ICED WATER?!! Well I hope you enjoyed assuming that we wouldn’t tip you and weren’t…
Recently Engaged: Karen & Brian
About two years ago the parent-in-laws were teasing me about when I would tie the knot with little lady. Thinking myself to be clever (and buying me a little time), I responded with the idea that I required a dowry of one goat. Eventually the wine flowed and the topic was dropped. Almost a year…
Good Move
Well Mayor, If we didn’t like you then we sure don’t like you now. Expect more ” I hate the Mayor” rallys. Watch out, we might bring tents. —Midnight Wanderer
Jerky Ol’ Commenters
To the people who say so long NSCAD, no one will notice and time to shut it down… you obviously have zero knowledge of the art community. NSCAD means a lot to a great many of people and for you oblivious dummies to comment under articles about the school saying such silly things about something…
Should You Have a Baby?
If there wasn’t a human life at stake, I would say go for it – it’ll definitely teach you a thing or twenty. It just may turn you into a patient, compassionate, loving person – and your friends would definitely appreciate it if you lighten up. Or, if you have a nervous breakdown, I might…
The Flower Shop blooms
A 75-year-old flower shop, known simply as The Flower Shop (1796 Granville Street, 423-7133), is still standing, though a miscommunication resulted in a report in our online Best of Halifax results indicating otherwise. Approval has been given from council for the building housing The Flower Shop to be developed, but there’s no timeline yet for…
The Grocery Apocalypse
Harking back to the days of Paul Tournal’s anté-historique, we feel that the hunter gatherers of that time would well represent the emotional aspects of these modern decrepit, ill planned, consumers. Whatever did we do before tweets, and status updates to bring awareness of oncoming horrendously unexpected, catastrophic closures of retail indulgence. Oh how the…
Respect and Remembrance
I’m so upset about Mayor Kelly getting the police to kick out the peaceful Occupy NS demonstrators! The demonstrators moved to Victoria Park out of RESPECT for the veterans who fought for our freedom! How could our city authorities show such DISRESPECT to the people on this day of PEACE!!! I pray for us all–God,…
Poppy Can Thief
How can you look at yourself in the mirror? To walk into a hospital and tell the volunteer that you were there to collect the poppy cans, despite the fact you were in jeans and a stanky hoodie, is abhorrent. The money that is collected goes to help veterans who have fought to give you…
Library Etiquette
When I was very, very young, my parents taught me that you were not to yak it up and disturb other folks in the library. What ever happened to this ”golden rule?” A certain location, particularly in the public usage computer room, seems to have forgotten this dictate. Many people seem to think they’re at…
Disrespectful Paranoia
You believe that everyone is out to hurt you, that everyone – from corporations to your closest friends – has ill will toward you always. You vomit out your most personal issues, goad your friends into offering opinions, and then, should they tactfully disagree with your made-up mind, you pout, rant, and de-friend. You are…
That’s How You Remember?
I get it. The protestors were upsetting people and you wanted them out. No, no. I understand. But to wait for days after the decision was made? To do it with a surprise attack? And on Remembrance Day? Of all days? With this weather? With this meaning? You and everyone who was on board with…
Pay Attention Pedestrians!
To that pedestrian who paid more attention to his god damn ipod as you walked into the middle of the roadway without even looking… just as my patience waiting for you turned into being pissed off at the lack of fucking respect – you then give me that ‘whatever’ look at the final second as…
Occupy This… All By Yourself
You think you have an issue but you don’t. Instead you see opportunity to speak rudely to others and call people down presuming things you can’t possibly know about a blogger’s past experience, education, etc, generally making a fool of yourself and constantly exposing your LACK of a comprehensive education (despite what wiki said.) You…
A Peculiar Imposter
As a regular consumer of tales of miscommunication, mistreatment and mishap in a certain online community, I have discovered the presence of a duo fashioning themselves from everything to Lord Alfred to Edgar Allen to U.S. presidents. These would-be scribes take a unique thesauric approach to their manner of speak. They turn the mundane into…
You Have a Lane – Please Stay In It
Folks, when you come up behind a pulled-over bus, and there is clearly time to pass it (let’s say it just stopped and you can see a crowd of people waiting to get on it), there’s just one other teensy-weensy thing that maybe you could take into account – if there is oncoming traffic in…
Stolen Kayaks
To the idiot(s) who stole our kayaks from our backyard this week, I wish that you go for a paddle and get swamped by a “perfect storm” kind of a wave. I loved these boats and paddled them all over NS (eastern shore, south shore, Cape Breton, tidal bore, etc). Apparently you have been stealing…
The Heave-Ho
All right. I am pissed. I just found out that a certain food concession tenancy has been terminated – because the mall wants to move a coffee chain into their spot. A coffee chain doesn’t sell an all day breakfast of scrambled eggs, great home fries and bacon. It doesn’t sell hot turkey sandwiches. It…
Ways To Increase Traffic in HRM
1. More people on bikes = less cars in traffic. 2. Less traffic = motorists can get where they want to go faster and easier. 3. Yelling at people on bikes and intimidating or scaring them with your vehicle = less people on bikes. I’m absolutely fed up of being yelled at and intimidated by…
Spit in My Food!
No, it’s not because you spoke a different language that I moved table – it’s because you were standing right over my shoulder yelling at your buddies and your spit was falling in my plate!! Please learn some manners. Also, to the lady staring at me eating… what is your problem? Never seen anyone before…
Occupy eviction and council secrecy
Stepping back from the debate over Friday’s Occupy eviction, I would like to use the event to shed light on a recurring abuse at City Hall: the improper use of secret council meetings. And so, I have sent the following letter to city officials. 14 November 2011 To: Cathy Mellet, HRM Municipal Clerk Nancy Dempsey,…
Occupy NS eviction: Who OKed the cowardly and shameful act?
I was asked to comment on CBC’s Newsworld today, and while at the Ceeb’s Bell Road studio, ran into Halifax mayor Peter Kelly. I proceeded to interview him about yesterday’s eviction of the Occupy Nova Scotia demonstrators. Listen to the first part of my interview here. Listen to the second part of my interview here.…
Video from the Occupy NS eviction
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City evicting Occupiers
UPDATED BELOW, 4:09pm UPDATE II, BELOW, 5:25pm Occupy Nova Scotia demonstrators were served an eviction notice today. The timing was telling. The Occupiers won great good will by agreeing to move their encampment from Grand Parade, so that their protest would not take away from Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Grand Parade cenotaph. By all…
You Know I Love You
Just thought that I would send some love your way. I think about you and when you are not here I miss you. I’m not sure if you will know this me but I want to let you and the whole world know that I love you very much and I would do it all…
Back in the Dark
Thanks to the shithead whole stole the brand new $20 flashing tail light off my bike, which I had JUST bought. If you’re a cyclist: shame on you — we should be sticking together. If you’re not, of what possible use could it be to you? —CycleMom
My Own Personal Gulf Of Mexico
Had a burner guy come over and spill some oil in my home. I suppose if his boss had said “I’m sorry” instead of “My son’s asthma was much worse than it sounds like your kid’s is-just leave the windows open for a few days in November” I would be less upset. Or maybe not.…
Not Just a Day
Mine isn’t a bitch so much as a humble request. This Friday is November 11. Remembrance Day. The one day a year, (it should be more than one day IMO, but, that’s another bitch for another time), that we pay our respects to those brave men and women who answered their country’s call, fought and…
Books R Us closes
Books R Us (6050 Almon Street) has closed. It was one of the last used CD and DVD emporiums in Halifax, a place to also get magazines, vinyl and video games. Open since 1988, it shut down at the end of September, and a sign in the window says “Thank you Halifax,” and that all…
Can the Noise!
As I arose at first light from my slumber of satin sheets and twilight delusions of fairy tales come true, I was thrust upon the floor by an unseen force with such strength as could only be compared to an equestrian of fine nature. Now my head was quickly rushing to meet with reality at…
TONIGHT: Kestrels, The North Lakes, Motherhood
kestrels My favorite band in Yarmouth last weekend was Kestrels, who played a roaring set at 1am in a hotel ballroom that ended with Chad Peck throwing his guitar across the stage. That poor guitar. You can witness the essence of Chadmania (TM) for yourself tonight at Tribeca when the band plays with The North…
Dartmouth Bound Motorists
To the motorists (especially bus drivers who are responsible for many others) coming off the MacDonald bridge, turning right onto Wyse road… PLEASE YIELD TO THE PEDESTRIANS AND SLOW THE FACK DOWN! I believe the speed limit is 50km/hr on the bridge? So I can only assume the speed should be much less than 50km/h…
The Lights are On But Nobody’s Home
Blah blah blah, blah blah, blah….. Those bitching on here, day in and out, about the occupy movement are freakin’ ridiculous. Here’s a thought – if you put a tiny % of the effort and attention it takes to bitch and moan about this movement into say, critiquing something actually worthwhile, we’d all be a…
Enough is Enough
I feel like an extreme example of ‘be careful what you wish for because it might come true’. We have been together for 2 years, and you insist on sex every night. Whenever I am too tired, you give me a bj or a hj. I used to think a woman like you would be…
Get Over Yourself
I was on the bus today and it was actually a very pleasant bus trip… until this woman beside me decided to look up from her reading and decided that these two people across from us were laughing at her, mocking her and of course talking about her. She started to talk very loudly (so…
Sluts
To all you women who have fuck buddies instead of boyfriends: You can tell me it’s 2011 and sleeping around is more of a norm now, but the fact of the matter is, you’re all sluts with no respect for yourselves. Just let a man use you for sex, oohh you’re not a waste of…
Patience is a Virtue
You were sitting behind me in one of the back seats, huffing and puffing the whole time, because the bus wasn’t going as fast as you would have liked. We hit a red light and you say out loud to yourself, “Seriously?? Some of us have jobs to go to.” What was your problem? It’s…
Occupy Open Heart Forgery
Celebrate the November issue of Open Heart Forgery by a) downloading it off ohforgery.com and enjoying the works of 21 local writers—the most OHF has had in a single issue—including Janet Brush, Katy Curwin, Arlene Diepenbrock, Harry Garrison, Serena Gauthier, Rowena Hopkins and others, and b) by attending Occupy Nova Scotia: Open Mic of Socially…
Occupy Some Balls
You guys are going to take it up the ass for the rest of your lives because you don’t know what it means to fight for what you believe in. Suppress your fellow man, you’ll get far. Remember the woman who tried putting a flower in the end of the rifle? She was shot and…
Halifax Theatre for Young People open Fall production with double bill
Halifax Theatre for Young People—HRM’s only facility-based professional theatre company exclusively for young audiences—have put together two very different one act plays as a double bill for their fall 2011 production. In the Fall, suitable for all ages, adapted by Chris Heide from a short story by Alistair MacLeod, is set in 1960s Cape Breton…
Stupid AND Neurotic. Nice Combo!
You drive up to the pumps while jabbering away on your crackberry. You get out and put on a white glove before using the touch pad or picking up the gas nozzle. At least you won’t have a cold when you run somebody over. —You’re a Dipshit
Smokers in This City
Is it just me that thinks this city is full of smokers? I am so beyond disgusted, and it isn’t even students – it’s adults! Everywhere I look every second of the day there are adults either smoking infront of hospitals, infront of their children, in groups – it is so gross. Are you really…
The Social Worker: A Novel
It’s been about eight months since Dr. Michael Ungar released his first novel and so far, the profusion of online feedback has mostly come from human service professionals. Simply put, whether you are a social worker or a milkman, grew up in foster care or lived a sheltered life, you have to read The Social…
Hot hot Havana Nights
It’s getting to be that time of year, where the nights are getting colder and your feet start itching to be on the beach. While Jeff Goodspeed can’t promise sand between your toes, he is doing his best to transport you to Cuba, bringing musical heat in support of his Los Primos Society. Goodspeed started…
Freakonomics
If you haven’t yet read Freakonomics, the bestselling 2005 book about how economics plays a part in our daily lives, don’t worry. Now that it’s been made into a documentary you can cheat and just watch the movie instead. Cheating is one of the issues the film delves into, as well as the importance of…
Occupy Argyle Street
Last week, Economy Shoe Shop owner Victor Syperek complained to Chronicle-Herald reporter Remo Zaccagna about the hole in the ground over on Argyle Street, the approved but unbuilt convention centre complex, which has become a cesspool overrun with rats. Zaccagna went on to interview developer Joe Ramia, who admitted that he has no tenant for…
Familiar Grounds (En Terrains Connus)
Life is bleak in Lafleur’s Quebec. Maryse (Fanny Mallette) enters a state of malaise after a man’s arm is cut off accidentally at the factory where she works; the first of three “accidents” punctuating the film. Maryse’s brother, Benoit (Francis La Haye) can’t get his act together and lives at home with their widowed father.…
Sexually happy after marriage
Q I’m an evangelical Christian in a country where that is not a political statement. My husband and I have been married five years. We have great sex several times a week despite having two kids under age two. We get along so well that even a couple of my atheist friends have admitted they…
Tower Defense: Lost Earth
It may seem weird to have a game within the tower defense sub-genre called Tower Defense (it would be like Call of Duty being called First Person Shooter). But this is one of the most challenging and addictive games available at the app store. The game is set in the future; humanity’s greed has led to…
Encounters with The Sleep Watcher
Editor’s note: After this story was first published, some of the people interviewed for the story requested that their names and other identifying details be changed. We are honouring these requests, indicating pseudonyms with an asterix (*). (November 15, 2011). Hillary Windsor was enrolled in a summer course at Dalhousie in July 2010. The 22-year-old…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) The Cunnilinguistic Dicktionary defines the newly coined word “mutinyversal” as “rebellion against the whole universe.” I think it would be an excellent time for you to engage in a playful, vivacious version of that approach to life. This is one of those rare times when you have so many…
The trouble with NSCAD
At the heart of Halifax, and Nova Scotia for that matter, is culture. It’s what makes us unique, innovative, sometimes a little strange but oftentimes enviable. Here, art is practically a natural resource. Our musicians, designers, artists, filmmakers and actors are abundant, and making national—or international—names for themselves. And while cultural value doesn’t always necessarily…
Rhonda’s Party filmmakers Ashley McKenzie and Nelson MacDonald
There’s a snappy back-and-forth that happens when you sit filmmaking duo Nelson MacDonald and Ashley McKenzie down. It’s a testament to the pair’s long history of collaboration, even if they don’t quite remember their own filmography. “We made our first film together when we were 17,” says MacDonald. “It was just for school.” “Which film…
Mad about The Passion of Adele Hugo
Love, lust and madness all intertwine in Eastern Front’s sensational new musical The Passion of Adèle Hugo. Written by David Overton with music by Zachary Florence and direction by Scott Burke, it’s the story of author Victor Hugo’s youngest daughter and her burning passion for a feckless soldier that pulls her from her Guernsey home…
Jack and Jill go for a shill
This Happy Madison production, written by Adam Sandler and directed by Dennis Dugan (Just Go with It), doesn’t live up to Sandler’s glory days. What should’ve been a silly three-minute Saturday Night Live sketch is blown to epic proportions: Adam Sandler plays twins. Jack Sadelstein can’t stand Jill Sadelstein, a stereotype of a loud, obnoxious…
Immortals makes a heroic effort
The classic myth of Theseus and the Minotaur gets a lavish re-imagining by director Tarsem Singh (The Fall) and the producers of 300. The nihilistic King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) is rampaging across Greece in an effort to free the legendary Titans and destroy the gods of Olympus. Luckily, former slave Henry Cavill (the upcoming Superman:…
Road warriors
The Toronto-based creators of the Kill Shakespeare series—in which the bard’s best-known heroes hunt reclusive wizard William Shakespeare to help them battle Richard III, Lady Macbeth and Iago—are coming to Hal-Con. It’s the latest stop on a never-ending tour of com-cons, film festivals, bookfairs, Shakespearian celebrations, retail outlets and media appearances. “We just got back…
Justice
I can understand why Justice’s new album, Audio, Video, Disco, sounds nothing like its old album. After releasing its debut in 2007 to critical acclaim, every electronic act from that day forward stole the band’s signature sound (bass that sounds like a monster farting) and put it on every song out since. Then dubstep happened…
Review roundup: Immortals, J. Edgar and Jack and Jill
You don’t have to hunt for our latest movie reviews, just click a flick from the list: Immortals J. Edgar Jack and Jill
Kye-Yeon Son’s fine craft
Silversmith and NSCAD jewellery professor Kye-Yeon Son’s works somehow find a balance between delicate and powerful. Known for working with wire, stone, various metals and hollowware she creates sculptural and functional pieces that make bold statements in the world of fine crafts. A winner of this year’s nationally prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award for excellence in…
Good Food, indeed
It’s lunchtime on a Friday when we head out to the Good Food Emporium’s new Windsor Street location. It moved from Gottingen Street at the end of May. It’s a cool, crisp fall day and, once inside the restaurant, I’m hit with its warmth—not the heat, but a general good vibe. The place is packed—there’s…
Tuck and roll
It seems fitting that Al Tuck, whose songs are often described as having a timeless quality, has an attachment to what endures, whether in the form of music, technology or items of clothing. After a brief reminiscence over the days of rabbit ears (“No need to adjust your set, there’s nothing you can do,” he…
Stuffy ol’ J. Edgar
Director Clint Eastwood does American time travel, from the Bolsheviks to Nixon, tracking J. Edgar Hoover’s (makeup-laden Leonardo DiCaprio) life from the birth of the FBI to his death. Hoover’s portrayed as much a hero (for his overhaul of forensics) as a bigot and a liar. With the decade hopping, we’re kept at such a…
Ben Lee
Now 33, the Australian Lee was christened a whiz kid half his life ago, then drifted. Deeper Into Dream suggests there’s plenty more to his story. Clips of people describing their bizarre dreams invite the listener’s subconscious to the party. Xylophone and trumpets grace the contemplative, hearty “Indian Myna.” Warbling guitars introduce “Pointless Beauty,” a…
Hello Steve
Prior to the release of 2009’s We Are America, Atlantic folk-rockers Caledonia began charting their music into less folky territory. But singer- songwriter Steve Gates still had some songs to sing with his acoustic guitar. “We were trying to get Caledonia sort of out of the folk world at one point, but I kept writing folk…
Julian Lynch
On this, his third official release, Julian Lynch shows small signs of slumping. That said, listeners already familiar with his soft, swaying bedroom folk will find plenty in which to revel. All the slow-motion vocal phrasing and surprisingly warm, appropriate saxophone remains, but Lynch has not made any new leaps as a composer. This record…
Paper Lions shuck around
When hitting the road for a cross-country tour, PEI’s Paper Lions felt a little bad they didn’t have a new record to bring with them. So, they thought, what better to fill that void than a cooler full of 200 oysters? With a shared appreciation for the shellfish fuelling the band (drummer David Cyrus MacDonald…
Joseph Arthur
The Graduation Ceremony marks the return of Joseph Arthur the solo artist, as this is his first solo effort in roughly five years. While this is not an album that is going to start a party anytime soon, this is certainly a superb effort as far as singer-songwriter fare goes. Joseph Arthur is hardly a household…
Oh no, Theodore! gets serious
Oh No, Theodore’s Jeremy McLaughlin loves the Dumber and Dumber soundtrack, in fact he’ll even go as far as to say it’s the best soundtrack of all time. “My favourite part of any travelling we do together as a band is popping in the Dumb and Dumber soundtrack and blaring New Age Girl by Deadeye…
