Lillian
I really like when the universe throws me a streetstyle bone and guides me to someone like Lillian, who studies costume design chez Dalhousie and MADE HER OWN DRESS. She just started designing and making her own clothing this past summer and man-oh-man does she look good! Old sewing patterns, fashion drawings and clothing styles…
Kerry
I caught up with Kerry outside of TD bank on Spring Garden and was oh-so-happy that I did. Kerry works in graphic design and says he dresses to play the part. Creativity and professionalism are two things that Kerry likes his wardrobe to say about him. And if I do say so myself, I’d say…
See Biscuit
There’s nothing like the camaraderie of organized learning. Big groups of students, sharing each others’ late night assignment pain, learning together, forging lifelong bonds—it’s enough to make you misty. Risk it for the Biscuit a NSCAD University group exhibition (opening Thursday, November 24 at 2053, 2053 Gottingen Street, 7pm) is a good example of power…
Clooney works hard for The Descendants
Too many filmmakers stick George Clooney in underwritten parts and hope his charisma will fill the holes (Jason Reitman, Steven Soderbergh and the Coens: you should know better). But Alexander Payne returns seven years after Sideways with a piece that makes Clooney work for once. In The Descendants he’s Matt King, whose wife is in…
Hannah
“OH MY GOD”—are the words I had to stop myself from screaming when I spotted Hannah on the other side of the road. I crossed the street and introduced myself and discovered that Hannah is no stranger to youlookfiiine. Woohoo! Her red lips, leopard coat and over-all swagger had my heart skippin’ beats. Not to…
YOU ARE NO SUPERVISOR!!!
I have to do this this way for the threat of losing my job is too great. You fat lazy SOB I’ve done everything I could to help you around the contract I’ve been put into offices then shoved into your unsanitary washrooms then had to go help your other employees because they are too…
You tall, tall tree
Every year Nova Scotia sends a tree to Boston, in thanks for Boston’s quick response to the Halifax Explosion in 1917, landing here within 48 hours with supplies and doctors and nurses. This tree-giving tradition has been going on for 40 years now. I only learned of it recently and I thought it was a…
To the numb nuts of winter
OK, so I get my snow tires put on, ready to meet the challenges of winter. Yet, how can I feel safe when so many fucking stupid knobs out there drive on bald all-seasons? A taxi driver I know refuses to changes his shitty tires for the winter and I’m sure many people do because…
New song: “Peter Kelly has got to go”
I have no idea what band sent The Coast this clip. For your listening enjoyment, click here.
Halifax really does drink
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times: “Halifax has the most bars per capita of any city in Canada.” I gotta say, though, that I’ve always thought that was probably bullshit. Here’s my thinking: this town lacks the small neighbourhood pub culture found in Britain and many American cities I’m well…
Know Issue
Your show was so amazing, where did you go? The world needs you, please come back! Love you! —#1 Fan
Pick me
I never thought that someone like you, could make me feel the way that you do, even though you ain’t my style, when I’m near you I have to smile, never had a man treat me so right, even though you never spend the night, so this is your warning, big, bad Buck I’m gonna…
Thank you!
Thanks to the dude with the ‘beer’ belly for the ten bucks and buying that lady her smokes. She was pretty happy about that and so was I. Although I probably should have said something better than ‘just pay my rent’ when you asked me what I would do with a thousand dollars. That was…
Better late than never
Dear geeks who run Hal-Con, I just wanted to say that I think you’re doing a bang-up job. I had an amazing time the other weekend, and although there were a couple minor kinks and I may have disagreed with some of your costume contest results, all in all you are kicking some ass. And…
Nothing lasts forever
You cold hearted bitch. You left and I got my life back, I went out and enjoyed myself for a change because I was no longer being oppressed by you, and now you’re back. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming I know you’ll never leave forever. Now you’re back to make me miserable,…
No respect for others
I guess it must be time for me to move. The reason being is that I live in the north end of the city and it is very hard to get any sleep. I have a job where I must get up very early so I must go to bed very early in the evening…
Identical outfits
I was so proud of myself when I had saved up enough money to buy myself a very expensive outfit which included an awesome pair of shoes with a matching bag. I ventured out last Saturday night for a night out in downtown halifax. Well in the most popular night club was a very tall…
Gain some independence
I can’t stand people who can’t do anything by themselves. Do you really need someone by your side for every move you make? Can you even ride the bus alone, or go to the mall alone, or go to the gym alone, or sit at the coffee shop alone? How annoying, and how needy can…
Basic bitches
You have fake uggs and don’t wear sunglasses. You don’t wear jewellery and never drink lattes or caramel macchiatos. You’ve never travelled anywhere outside Nova Scotia, and you have an expensive purse. You never wear heels, and you certainly don’t know designer. You’ve never heard of Orgasm blush and you don’t shop at cosmetic store.…
Troubled teens
Apparently there is a youth shelter located in my neighbourhood for “troubled teens.” I am so sick of hearing constant yelling, shouting, cursing, and fighting from this house, or whatever it is you want to call it. I can even hear it from my apt when the windows are open. There are ambulances and police…
John Beale sends in the clowns
You know the deal. It’s Sunday. You have a creeping headache. You’ve already watched Kill Bill one hundred times and can’t stand the thought of heating a pan of McCain Smiles in the oven and wallowing. John Beale (The Peggy Show, The Crucible) presents The Joy of Failure: Walk-in Clown Clinic as your angelic light,…
To a girl I am ashamed to have ever called a “friend”
Well, I was finally able to see your true colours after multiple warnings. I am so glad I finally ended our friendship and just thrilled I will never see you again. I am so glad I won’t lose anything else, from clothing articles to jewellery to time to money, which you still owe me, but…
Run your fucking parade better next year!
I was looking forward to watching a certain holiday parade this past Saturday. I had a group of friends taking part, and I was lucky enough to have a pretty good vantage point – right on the main downtown strip of Barrington. As you can imagine, it was super busy in this area. There were…
17 year old charged with murder
I cannot believe the things I read. This makes me sick to my stomach. How can a 17 year old do something like this. Now his entire life is over. The worst part is, he does not even show any remorse for killing a 20 year old. He ruined 100 lives, broke his families heart,…
Not your dreamgirl
After all these years… I am so pissed that I still think about you. —Chubby Cougar
You created a monster
This child suffers from FAS. He’s been at the att. of authorities for years. Where is the fucking prego bitch who could not STOP drinking long enough to give birth 16 yrs. ago? Your child is fucked up. You loved booze more than life itself and created a monster. He is destined to failure and…
Money in limbo?
Ok, here it is the age of instant this and instant that. High speed communication is the order of the day, and everyone wants it even faster. So, why when I ask my partner to transfer some cash into my account, which has already been added to her list for accepted transfers on said account.…
Local lunch provider getting evicted from Scotia Square
On the counter at PG’s in Scotia Square (5251 Duke Street, 429-8806) are multiple copies of a complaint letter for customers to take and send to Craig Smith, the senior leasing manager at Crombie REIT, the Stellarton-based property management company that controls Scotia Square leases. The owners of PG’s, Eva and George Sayde, are hoping…
Maples Gallery moves from furniture to art
Marking six months at Bishop’s Landing, Maples Gallery (1475 Lower Water Street, 405-7050) owner Arlene Vincent couldn’t be happier with her move from the Bedford Train Station to a location busy with residential foot-traffic and tourists. “My Bedford customers are finding me, and customers from Halifax as well,” she says. “Obviously my space is smaller,…
Proskates Fundraiser for Chet Kirkby
Nathan Boone Billie Dre and the Poor Boys Longtime friend and supporter of Proskates Chet Kirkby recently suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed and unable to work as a carpenter. The shop is hosting a fundraiser for Chet this Saturday, November 26 from 5 – 10pm featuring sets by the Graboids, Old Neck, Billie…
History is ballin
To the teacher who called me out on my BS- thank you. Even though I felt terrible, I deserved it. And thank you for being so kind in our meeting. There needs to be more people like you. —Misguided Student
Rooster
I don’t mind your insecure strutting. You don’t have to worry so much. I like you a lot. —Serpent
Much appreciated
Yesterday I was running through Point Pleasant Park. It was dark, cold, and windy, and just as I was thinking about cutting my run short a stranger reached out and gave me an enthusiastic high-five. What a day-brightener! Thanks for perking me up, putting a smile on my face, and giving me the energy to…
The cowardly punk…
I don’t usually get worked up, but what the fuck is wrong with kids these days? I read the article about the elderly Spryfield man who died from injuries. Do 17 year old kids have nothing better to do than to prey on seniors? Apparently not. And I suppose that makes them feel like big…
We’re not all bitches
To the men out there who refuse to initiate conversations with women: Grow a pair. Honestly I understand that some people are shy and what not, but not all of us ladies are bitches. Even if we aren’t interested we will let you down gently. I promise. Don’t let one or two girls set a…
Go clean my coffee maker, bitch!
Some know you as pure and white, but I’ve gotten a taste of you and you are pure acid. There is nothing about you that is sweet, you are truly a spoiled fruit. Yet once a month, women take you home and do nasty things with you. I’ve have had enough of you. —I’m Locking…
My first
To my first of the day, where in the hell do you come from? You are loud, long winded, and you have an air about you that stinks to high heaven. I try to cover you, but you always manage to break loose. —Embarrassed
Kiss your best volunteer goodbye
In my years of university, I volunteered for your company, doing a lot of office work for you. Everyone continuously praised me for my work. You even called me in on my days off in the summer, and I showed up and helped you out for FREE. You also suggested that if there was an…
Dear Smokers
I used to be one of you and I’m not anymore. You smell, you litter, and you inconsiderately blow smoke in my PREGNANT face. Please don’t smoke in bus shelters, near building entrances, or in the hallway of my apartment building. It’s gross. —Ex Smoker
Really, get a life
This bitch to is to all the people who have no life but to post a reply onto every Bitch that is posted on this site, most of the time you sound like pathetic losers who have nothing else to do but be childish, ignorant and naive. This is a great forum for people to…
Wasabi House opens
The line-up on Saturday night was almost out the door, so that’s a great sign people are excited about a new Japanese place recently opened on Quinpool. Wasabi House (6403 Quinpool Road, 429-3300), the new project of chef Richard Wu and his wife Michelle Lin is now taking sushi-lover walk-ins and reservations. A few extra…
The Corridor gets distribution
Congratulations to Evan Kelly, Josh MacDonald and all the talent behind The Corridor, the Nova Scotia-shot story of a group of friends who go out into the wintry woods and discover something terrible there. The movie, which screened to much acclaim at the Atlantic Film Festival in 2010 and has since been featured in film…
Alicia Melanson special salon event
Alicia Melanson would like to invite both her loyal and new clients to her Hair & Makeup salon ((1725 Barrington Street, 3rd Floor, 433-1616) on Thursday, December 1 from noon until 8pm to enjoy lots of holiday specials. They include sales, tax free products, holiday beverages and snacks. You can pre-book appointments now for a…
Caffe Sospeso Plus closes
Shoptalk has had word from Caffe Sospeso Plus (6214 Quinpool Road, 423-5312) owner Tarik Dugmag that his business is closing. “Caffe Sospeso Plus thanks the HRM community, employees, family and friends for their support,” he writes in an email.
Sick and tired of asshole men!
You’re needy and clingy and you don’t know when to stop and act like a man. Grow the fuck up, if you don’t want to get therapy for your daddy issues, then accept it and move on, but don’t take it out on me, when you’re drunk and horny. I don’t want your aggressive behaviour…
The family you choose
To my two beautiful roommates and best friends, you have been there through every single thing, and have both made me a true third sister. I wouldn’t know where to begin to express what you both mean to me. But, here’s a start? I love you both. Buffy again tonight? —J
To all the mid-life crisis women of this city
First, to the 50 something blonde drunk twit at the Finger Eleven concert. Throwing yourself around and hanging off all the twenty something men during the slowest of songs, stomping all over my feet, and rubbing your old boobs against my back warrants a slap in the face. You’re lucky, I have developed tolerance over…
He took it out. Yes, IT!
On the weekend I went out to a certain bar and I got hit on by this guy. He saw me and I will admit he was kind of cute. He was older and I thought he was mature especially with the way he was dressed. He told me he was a teacher. Then he…
I can’t believe you moved 2000 miles for me!
Littleone, it’s been 2.5 years since we met at HooDoo’s, I fell in love that moment! Then you moved halfway accross the country to start a new life with ME! I love you so much, and will honour and respect you always! Your kids are mine, and with time, mine will be yours! I love…
BBF
It is like years before either one of us was born the universe knew this time in our lives would come. William Robinson Jr. put it to music so long ago, and the words ring in my mind when I think of you… You really got a hold on me (really got a hold on…
Seriously?
To the restaurant on Spring Garden Rd. in which this bitch is bitching to, you bring me a beer, I take… what… 2 sips of it… then a FLY inside YOUR restaurant lands in it. “Well, if it had been in there when I poured it I would get you another one.” Umm, okay, I…
Hey there
Do you read The Coast? I feel as though you do. We’ve only talked twice, but those two times we conversed as if we knew eachother from way back. You are so mysterious, smoking your cigarette and leaning against the wall. I wish we could hang out and get to know eachother, although I haven’t…
Snobs in a classic car
My bitch is about two men. They think that they are hot shits when they are in this classic car. They usually are parked up at the gas and coffee shop. They park up there hoping that somebody will come by and praise up the car. Mind you there is absolutely nothing wrong with somebody…
To my sweet, sweet boy
Things are going to be tough for the next little while, but I think we can make it! I love you so very much. Bunches and bunches even. —Your Sweetie Pie
Well, thanks
Fuck you. I wish you would for once think about someone other than yourself, then you would realize how horribly you treated me and that maybe I do deserve at least an apology. Have a good life being 35 and still living in the same town in your parent’s basement. —Anon
I don’t hate mothers, just S.E.T.s
So, your union was blessed with issue and you’ve had a baby. Great. I wish only the best that the world has to offer for you and your child. So, you’re shopping at the mall and your infant needs a diaper change so you go out to your car to perform this act of mercy.…
Life as we know it
Life is not always easy. Life is not always fair. Too many people undervalue what they are, and overvalue what they’re not. I wish that all feelings of sadness, defeat, anger, fear, worry, loneliness, shame, guilt, regret, and despair could vanish. I wish racism, poverty, injustice, animal cruelty, and war could end. I wish cancer…
Not an open book!
All I wanted to do was go into the library, load a file from a jump drive and print it. I was told upstairs that, since I don’t have a library card, all I was required to do was get a temporary code and the rest would solve itself. So I go to the info…
Inspirational quotes
Magical quotes to get you through the day! When you are self-approved you know your inner world creates your outer world and there are no limits to what you can create. The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don’t, but in the end they’re…
Dangerous junk on highways
Why don’t the cruising police remove dangerous accident-causing garbage (blown tires, logs, pieces of wood, etc.) from main highways instead of sitting and waiting for unsuspecting drivers who may happen to exceed a posted limit by 10km per hour? And don’t tell me they pick up garbage, because I’ve seen them pass by while I…
The real occupiers
Why does Canada and especially Nova Scotia allow certified war criminals to attend an “International Security Forum” every year? Hypocritically, our federal government makes a list of what it sees as war criminals, yet at the same time allows them to attend security forums! Just who do they think they’re fooling? Not all of us…
The Theory of Loser Relativity
6am, I’m coming out of a gas station, on my way to work. There’s an occupy protestor standing outside having a cigarette. He’s dressed in a denim jacket, jeans. He looked like he hadn’t showered or changed his clothes in several days. His hair was the typical scraggly hippy doo, unkept, unwashed, borderline dreadknots. The…
Sock it to ya!
“God bless your cotton socks”… Why is it that every person I’ve ever met who says “God bless” turns out to be an asshole? Go fuck the pope, you menopausal misanthrope! —You Know Who You Are
SHUT UP ALREADY!
Every fucking night at around 10 you start clomping around walking on your heels or having one of your boyfriends over stomping around in too big shoes, and it goes on all night til 6 am. Every night for the past 3 weeks you have kept myself, my boyfriend and our two little boys awake…
The nail salon will rob you!
I don’t get nails done often, but after 3 months at sea, wanted to do something girly to celebrate getting home. I went to the salon asking to have my nails painted in French Tips, and before I had a chance to say anything more, the guy grabbed a nail clipper and cut off all…
Humanity International Film Festival call for submissions
The Humanity International Film Festival is launching in Halifax June 1-6, 2012. This local, non-profit short film fest is sponsored by the Humani-T Cafe (5755 Young Street, 454-9999), where the films will be screened. The festival will showcase independent and international short films, and the organizers are especially encouraging local filmmakers to submit as there…
Review roundup: Martha Marcy May Marlene, Melancholia and Twilight: Breaking Dawn
Click a title for the review: Martha Marcy May Marlene Melancholia Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
A victory for open government!
Readers know that I’ve long been a crusader for more open government meetings. I’ve long maintained that Halifax council stretches the legal cover for secret meetings to cover all sorts of topics that should rightly be debated in public session. A particularly egregious example was slated to happen next week: a “lunch and learn” where…
Remedy waxes off for charity
On Tuesday November 22 from 10am-6pm, all waxing services purchased at Remedy Facial Bar & Spa (1546 Granville Street, 425-7586) will have the proceeds go to the Christmas Daddies 2011 Telethon. Remedy is looking to raise over $1,500 for this worthy cause, so go get waxed for charity!
Grocery angels
Thank you to the couple who drove me home with all my groceries. I’ve been helping my mom out by buying my sisters lunches… and it adds a good 10 pounds to my groceries. You guys don’t know how much you’ve touched me, life hasn’t been easy but its good to know people still have…
AGNS’ Children’s Festival Celebrates Music and Art
http://www.partneringfirstsolutions.ca drumming workshops! This Sunday, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be combining a variety of musical and artistic activities for the kiddies as part of their Children’s Festival celebrating International Children’s Day. The 10th annual gallery-wide festival is titled “Art Beat” and will explore how music and rhythm make us creative. A diverse…
You’re an asshole
Who the fuck do you think you are? Here you had a beautiful, smart, funny, sexy woman who wanted you, and you were too dumb to hold on to her? I swear, all men are stupid! I don’t understand it. You all say that you want a woman who is independent and gorgeous and smart,…
You are not above the law
We live in a day and age where government budgets are disgusting, one government passes the next a bunch of debt and takes their checks to the bank while the taxpayers cover their salaries, their pensions, and the debt they left behind. Here in Nova Scotia we have some of the highest rates of taxation…
My Bedford hottie
You still make my heart jump to my throat when I see you. You are my Bedford honey bun with gooey white icing on top. I get all goosebumps all over my entire body when I see you. Now that the cold weather is fast approaching I won’t be able to tour the Bedford area…
Neanderthals still exist and operate businesses
To a certain neanderthal who operates a chain auto repair garage in Dartmouth who said that they “like their women dumb as posts”, my sympathies to the dumb post in your life if you have one. My guess is that you may have had one at one time, but she wasn’t as dumb as you…
What the hell?
The first hint of winter showed its ugly face during my morning commute – wet snow flurries and high wind. How is it that other drivers feel the need to reduce their speed to well below the posted limit due to “dangerous” conditions, yet neglect to turn on their god damned lights? —Need My Morning…
Cubicle to the cage auditions this Sunday
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick-based Hemmings House Pictures is holding its second round of public auditions Sunday, November 20 for an up-coming documentary TV series called Cubicle to the Cage. The series, which will air on the HD network radX in 2013, will be shot entirely in the Maritimes. It’s intent is to turn average…
Goodbye Bayers Lake shopping
Now that the buses are not allowed to make those wonderful stops by certain stores due to “private property” issues I bid you farewell. Taking my life into my own hands without crosswalks does not appeal to me. Feel sorry for all the workers who will have to travel down to the main street in…
Superficial bitch
I risked my dignity, but I went ahead and asked you out. Got turned down flat, goodbye dignity. You told me I was a nice guy, but I just wasn’t right for you! We got along great, but you weren’t interested. What gives? Because you’re an accountant and I’m currently unemployed, I’m not good enough…
For the love of three cents
I ordered lunch today at a well established downtown halifax mall food court. The cashier/owner told me four dollars so I hand her a ten dollar bill happily waiting to receive six dollars back. so what do you do, you give me a five dollar bill and a pile of coins. I quickly count them…
Get the fuckin’ fuck off your lazy asses and do your own share of work, fuckers!
I have ZERO time and/or tolerance for lazy, worthless, no-good, useless, selfish pricks with a sense of unearned entitlement who come to the workplace every day with no intention of doing any actual work, leaving those of us who still have work-ethic left to do it ALL… those of us with 5, 10, 15 and…
Friday Five: Working for Your Weekend
working for it Weekend! Woo! Here’s some stuff you might be interested in: 1) In case you forgot, Michael’s has its grand opening as a live music venue tonight. Go see Jenocide drop a new video featuring attractive Haligonians and a boat. By all accounts, Windom Earle’s live show is out of control right now…
Things that I hate about xmas season
One: All the damn people in the stores that take their sweet ass time while you end up waiting for their slow asses to move. Would it kill them to move so someone else can pass them? Two: The crazy ass drivers out there. It’s not even safe to cross the road cause most are…
Questionable security
The other bright sunny day on the overpass across Alderney to the escalator to the library a young comic book couple made fun of a nice lady with challenges. They started yelling retard at her, she became so upset she told them to fuck off in marbled speech. They then started telling her to fuck…
C’mon Occupiers – Defend yourselves
OK, I am sorry, I know the Occupy rant has been done to death. I just find it really surprising how little support there is for the “movement” on here. So, c’mon, if you’ve got it all figured out – tell me – wtf do you really think you are accomplishing with this? What changes…
Trassh Productions touches a Nerve
Timothy Richard Susan (Kathryrn McCormack) and Elliot (Ian Mullan) are adorably quirky and cute. They’ve met online and are on their first date in a New York bar when things start to go hilariously wrong. Elliot, “a puppet-lover who hates rollercoasters”, keeps revealing disturbing tidbits about his obsessive personality, while the calmer, more collected Susan…
Businessmen compete with rats
I have no idea who’s responsible for this:
Babe!!
You are the most important person in my life. I love you more than anything. I understand you need space, and I know my actions put us in the current situation… but I will be there for you as long as it takes. This will only make us stronger for our future together. I am…
Broken sisters
I spent my life “taking care of you”. I was always there, even when I didn’t wanna be. You always called when you needed something, now I never hear from you. You had a baby boy, my 2nd nephew, I never get to see. It makes you feel good to use your child as bait,…
Just a bus bitch
I’m behind this bus that’s pulled into a stop on Spring Garden nearer Robie, two cars are ahead of me completely parallel to the bus. Bus turns on his blinker and just pulls out. The driver of the second car was quick enough to realize that a big honking bus was about to completely sideswipe…
Welcome home gekko
When are you going to let me kiss your face and eat your ears? —Tilly
Smiling in my sunnies
A big Halifax high-five to the thoughtful soul who found and turned in my cherished Versace sunglasses at a grocery store several weeks ago. I hugged the manager, but it was meant for you. —S.D.
A right? No. Privilege? Yes.
Through Occupy, and the “Reduce the Fees” movements I’ve been hearing a lot of talk from university go-ers, alumni or university age folk touting the idea that education (specifically post secondary) is a “right”. There’s many changes we should be lobbying for in terms of tuition costs and Gov’t funding, but we should not be…
Subsequent suffering
Here I am years later after being subjected to you and what do I see, you’re taking a photo of my house. Seriously you took my job, my community, access to my friends, and now this. I’m scared and it brought back all of my insecurities from being treated like a yo yo. If you…
Big fish in a little pond
Oh, how I wish things between us would have worked out. I was falling in love with you and it was so exciting – a feeling I hadn’t had since I was 17. I was so happy I found you. Life got crazy, you got incredibly busy, and you just didn’t have time for me…
Citadel Bomb Blasts
Is it really necessary to fire off a friggin cannon every day at noon? I wouldn’t mind if it was a little cannon but this thing is a full size war of 1812 cannon or something. When that thing goes off you can actually feel the shockwave. Last time I was walking around the Citadel…
Baggie’s BACK!
To the kind samaritan who found and DROVE my precious kitty right back to my apartment: YOU ROCK! This is the kind of stuff AWESOME is made of. Can’t thank you enough. (He was missing for two months!) —Stoked
Another Occupy bitch
I support the goals of the Occupy movement. I think they are protesting against a legitimate problem, a massive problem. But I have to say that I’m, disgusted by the way everyone has been acting through this whole thing, the protesters, the police, and the mayor/city council. First of all, I agree that they shouldn’t…
Cats have feelings too
To the nice young man, his mother, and the male motorist who all came to that poor little kitty’s side on Cunard today. I’m glad that the little fellow was surrounded by love in his last moments of this world. Rest in peace, lil puss. —Red Backpacked Pedestrian
FED UP FED UP FED UP
I was doing a little shopping on Wednesday afternoon. I felt like a double cheeseburger. Well, when I received the burger it wasn’t even warm. I called up the fast food restaurant and explained to the manager that my burger had not been made fresh but it must have been sitting under the heat lamp…
Dalhmer
Today you should have your cake and eat it too – since it is your birthday!! —Cake Maker (Cake Buyer)
Pizza love
Thank you so much for donating those 2 pep and 6 veggie pizzas last night (Nov. 15th)! Your generosity was greatly appreciated, and the pizzas were really tasty! You know who you are! —Occupizza
What to do?
I don’t know what to do. My husband is bi-polar and it’s been tough since we came to N.S. 10 years ago. I have MS. I set up a small business when I found out. I recently had CCVSI and will be walking again soon. Amazing. Problem is, last time my husband was manic, he…
Toy shop
Thank you for hiring me so that I may make some extra money for Christmas! —Happy Elf
Didn’t get the memo
So I was sitting reading ‘The Book of Negroes’ minding my own, when a lady came up to me and told me I should not be reading it because I had no right to. I am totally confused by this tidbit of info. —Black Rose
Late night news
I watch the late night news, nightly. And usually only on 1 station because it is on at a time that is convenient for me and usually provides up to date information. That being said, I have found it PAINFUL to watch for the last month. Why would you have someone report your news who…
Make It Shake It
Poster by Yorodeo Local pop-punkers Make No Gains are celebrating the release of their first 7” End of History with an all-ages whizbanger at Shake It Dance Studio (5523 Cornwallis) this Saturday. The band — a newly pared-down threesome featuring Daren Arthur, Cole Francis and Vince Macdonald – enlisted the talents of recording dynamo James…
Newspaper Bitch
To a certain local newspaper who recently re-designed their website? Change it back! Your new site completely sucks. I use to read your site every morning when I got to work, and I have got to tell you the truth, I have turned to another source for my local, Provincial, National & International news. But…
How far have we come?
I’m writing to express my frustration with sexual harassment in the workplace, and that in this day and age, it not only still occurs, but is tolerated. Up until today, I worked for as a youth counselor in a group home. Last week, a male coworker approached me aggressively and stated matter of factly that…
WTF is wrong with our mayor?
Mayor Kelly is a jackass. How fucking long has he even been mayor? It’s starting to turn more into a benign dictator than the mayor we all used to love and respect. —Bring Back the Old Mayor Kelly
Dirrrty
Yes, I did just give you the stank eye for handing me a crusty disgusting identification card. “Can I see a piece of photo ID?” “Oh no problem” *takes out drivers license crusted in mud and brown stuff with the edges peeling off and hands it to me with long fingernails and brown crud under…
The Halifax Theatre for Young People’s dynamic duo
The Halifax Theatre for Young People—you know what kids are cool with? Rebranding!—presents a pair of two-handers best seen together. Glen J. Matthews and Doug MacAulay ably and sensitively anchor In the Fall as James and David, brothers barely in their teens in Cape Breton in the ’50s, while Kristen Slaney and Helena Pipe are…
Derek Hill: Meet the artist
From Lower Sackville Tattooing since 2007 Trained with Scott Forbes, Oceanic Style I like doing a lot of different stuff. My favourite thing is when someone comes in with a cool idea and lets you do your own thing with it. Are you seeing any trends in tattooing these days? A lot of script. Everybody…
Thee Oh Sees
Thee Oh Sees continue their productive march, putting out meaty albums with startling regularity. Their latest offering is a return to the usual riffy standard, after Castlemania’s charming patchwork of nuggets. “Chem-Farmer”’s relentless thundering drums and bass provide a nice foil to the perky keyboard, the creepy falsetto/monster voice duet on “Crack In Your Eye”…
Holiday craft fairs
The Designer Craft Show Christmas 2011 November 18-20, Cunard Event Centre, Pier 23, 961 Marginal Road, 423-3837 Adults $7, weekend passes $9, students, seniors and groups of more than seven, discounts available November 18, 10am-9pm November 19, 9am-5pm November 20, 10am-5pm The Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council Designer Craft Show is the annual juried craft…
Five years of For the Love of Art
Five years ago when Leave Out ViolencE (LOVE) Nova Scotia was trying to put together a fundraiser they decided to show the arts community some affection in hopes that they’d get some love in return. “We use so much creative expression in programming for our youth,” says LOVE’s executive director Sarah MacLaren.”It’s a nice fit.”…
Free Will Astrology
Happy Birthday! SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) In his poem “Ode to the Present,” Pablo Neruda tells us how to slip free and clear into the luxuriously potent opportunity of the present moment. The here-and-now is so ripe and willing, he says, so malleable. “Take a saw to its delicious wooden perfume,” he continues, and then…
Matt Andersen
From the high-tone cover art to Colin Linden producing in Levon Helm’s studio in Woodstock, NY, Coal Mining Blues looks to be Andersen’s move uptown. Loyal fans of the king-size New Brunswick blues belter may miss the rough edges. With four original and two cover ballads included, Andersen is challenging himself and the listener. Since…
Gift ideas: For the musician
1 Snow-leopard print faux-fur coat $48, Lost & Found, 2383 Agricola Street, 446-5986 2 Alabama open-back banjo They start at around $250 for beginner’s models, but it’s the open-back edition that will really impress. $500, Halifax Folklore Centre, 1528 Brunswick Street, 423-7946 3 Maritime Conservatory cloth bag $4.95, Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, 6199 Chebucto…
Nerve’s date night
This weekend, Trrrash welcomes you to openly gawk at a couple’s first date. Go ahead, stare, laugh out loud, squirm in your seat… you won’t be alone. Adam Szykowicz’s Nerve is a dark comedy of the uncomfortably real kind, it follows Elliot and Susan on their very first date leaving the audience to find out…
Nova Scotia in the blood
This is a Halifax Inspired tattoo, my husband [Chris Mitchell] got this done before he moved to Fredericton for school. He grew up around The Dingle in Flemming Heights and always wanted to remember home while he was away so he got this tattoo of the dingle tower! —-Kaylyn Mitchell Thought this might count as…
Gift ideas: For the Halifax hipster
1 Margeurite Necklace From Cheryl Doucette’s Kokopelligirl Etsy site, this necklace with glass flowers on a silver chain is just one of the many handmade creations available. $19 USD on the Kokopelligirl Etsy site, etsy.com/shop/kokopelligirl 2 Clutch Culture Zippered Pouch A rad local line with rad local accessories, consider this army green- and black-printed pouch,…
Amber Thorpe: Meet the artist
Tattooing since 2000 From Niagara Falls, Ontario Trained with Charlie “Harley Charlie” Duarte at Way Cool Tattoos Style Bright, bold colours are what people most know me for. What’s popular in your shop right now? We do custom work, so it’s definitely a mix. But in Halifax anything to do with the sea, the ocean,…
Gift ideas: For the outdoor enthusiast
1 Smartwool toe-sock micro Shoes and socks with toes are all the rage right now. $20, Trail Shop, 6210 Quinpool Road, 423-8736 2 Wonka Snowshoes Wow, snowshoes have changes a lot. Remember when they used to look like tennis racquets strapped to your feet? $119 (last year’s model), TAO Adventure Outfitters, 5187 Salter Street, 481-9826…
Le Coq rocks
It’s 7pm when I head out to meet a couple of friends at French country fare resto Bistro le Coq. I’m late, and my friends are already seated and snuggled up to some fancy drinks—the champagne cocktail of the day, with grapefruit juice ($8), and a glass of Bouvet champagne ($6). I order a glass…
Kirt Silver: Meet the artist
Tattooing Since 2003 Trained with Mike LeBlanc at Iron Ink in Truro Style I’ve had to become fairly well-rounded as I was the only person in my shop for the first seven years. I can do big black-and-grey works, traditional Japanese, full-colour, new school. At this point I’ve become well known for my colour realistic…
Dreamlike Melancholia beautiful, problematic
A digital, slow motion apocalypse: a dreamlike juxtaposition of beauty and death, as a menacing planet swallows earth whole, to the music from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde. This is the prelude to Lars von Trier’s Melancholia, a movie in two chapters for two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), who look nothing alike…
Lydia Klenck: Meet the artist
Tattooing since 2006 From Nova Scotia Trained In Toronto with Bill Baker Style Portraits, traditional American What’s popular in your shop right now? It’s a range, lots of traditional stuff and portraits, what we do in the shop. Japanese, black and grey. Do you have a tattoo you’re most proud of? The one that I…
Underground art documentary and exhibition
New Brow is a 2009 documentary feature film that examines the rise of contemporary underground art or lowbrow art. The phrase, lowbrow art, was coined by underground artist and Juxtapoz magazine founder Robert Williams, and refers to the underground populist art scene that grew out of Los Angeles in the 1970s. With roots in punk…
Mark Marshall: Meet the artist
Tattooing since 1981 What what was it that originally drew you to tattooing? I’ve always loved art and I have a family member who is a tattoo artist. It’s actually three generations. When you started in New York City in the early ‘80s, that was long before the current popularity of tattooing. What was it…
Ria’s spark
Pop music may often seem like comfort food—an easy treat, a guilty midnight snack—but sometimes the songs that stick with you are the more uncomfortable concoctions: bite-sized dramas inside which you can taste tinges of desperation and pinches of angst. Take, for example, “Under Your Skin,” the lead single and title track from Ria Mae’s…
Nova Cantabrigiensis
On the cusp of adulthood and hopeful days ahead, Devlin set out to study theology at the University of Cambridge, only to suffer a mental breakdown which derailed his career forever. The devastation lingered upon his return to Nova Scotia, and idealism and rose-coloured nostalgia led Devlin to create Nova Canatabrigiensis—a series of drawings representing…
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 totally unsatisfying
Breaking Dawn isn’t a movie; it’s yet another installment of daytime television on the big screen, utilitarian dialogue and O.C. style soundtrack included. For people who haven’t tuned in to Stephenie Meyer’s book-turned-movie franchise, don’t expect an on-screen plot debrief to lure you in. Bella (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson) get hitched—an hour…
Two’s company
The Famines make music that is stabby and cacophonous and brutally intelligent. A musical test-drive through the pulverizing Complete Collection of Singles 2008-2011 is exhilarating and also dangerous—in this record’s wake, a lot of other music feels disingenuous and boring. Most bands this good don’t last—they eventually shatter from within. Fortunately, Raymond Biesinger and Garrett…
10 things to think about before getting a tattoo
1. What it is A tattoo is a permanent disfigurement of your flesh. Sure, there are lasers to remove them now, but it takes a long time, is painful and costly. Do not enter into this lightly. And know that what’s cool now may not be cool later. 2. The philosophy If you have ink…
Home is where the art is
Faces & Tulip oil on canvas ($1,600) by Michael Lewis Lewis is well-known for his moody, evocative paintings—they appear in downtown restaurants such as The Wooden Monkey, Economy Shoe Shop, Tom’s Little Havana and The Press Gang. He also did the plywood floor design in the Lady Luck Boutique/Hydrostone Gallery neighbour, Rusty Hinges. In his…
Storytime with Mark Bragg
For Newfoundland’s zany Mark Bragg, songwriting isn’t about letting listeners into the depths of his soul, or getting pent up emotions off his chest. He’s a storyteller just as much as he is a songwriter, and the darkness he likes to explore is that of imagined characters. “Hammering on a piano or guitar, images and…
Tattoo rules in Nova Scotia
You need a licence to cut hair in Nova Scotia, but don’t need one to be a tattoo artist. Strange? Plenty of people think so, and The Coast has agreed in such articles as a 2006 look at government discussions of tattooist regulations. Now it’s the end of 2011. “We’re just in the middle of…
Twice arrested
On November 11, the Halifax Regional Police department served notices of eviction to Occupy Nova Scotia, then encamped at Victoria Park. Word of the eviction spread among Occupiers and supporters via telephone and email; I got the message and headed down to the park. When I arrived I found an extremely agitated community, already surrounded…
Mother Mother gets around
“We’re huge everywhere. It’s cool,” says Mother Mother’s Ryan Guldemond in response to a question about the band’s international popularity. He’s kidding, of course, but the Vancouver-based band is well on the way to proving that this statement isn’t entirely untrue. In the six months since the Mother Mother’s last visit (a sold out Paragon…
Chasing Freedom
Chasing Freedom is a story of Black Loyalists, slaves who fought in the American Revolution and were granted freedom in Birchtown in the late 18th century. As the title suggests, what is officially granted proves elusive. One of the ensemble of characters, Lydia, puts it: “No different from what we left behind.” Her son and…
Lunch treachery
Among plenty of other concerns, the eviction of the Occupy Nova Scotia group from Victoria Park highlights Halifax council’s over-reliance, and likely illegal, use of secret meetings (see “Remembrance Day Shame,” pg TK). But secret council meetings are nothing new, and council finds still other ways to keep the public and press from watching its…
Remembrance Day shame
The city’s Remembrance Day eviction of Occupy Nova Scotia was cowardly and shameful. The Occupy group had demonstrated a spirit of cooperation and compromise. When concerns were raised that their Grand Parade encampment would take away from the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Grand Parade cenotaph, the Occupiers listened, consulted with veterans and reached a…
Tats start here
It’s difficult to pinpoint when tattoos began. The art was happening millennia before the mechanization of the tools occurred. The earliest recorded tattoos date back to 5,000 BC. Western cultures began to notice these strange markings when explorers “discovered” Polynesia in the South Pacific. In typical fashion, Europeans took the nomadic Polynesians (sometimes by…
Multiple joys of Martha Marcy May Marlene
Here be proof that the Olsen family gene pool contains both acting talent and the capacity to produce normal-sized humans. Elizabeth Olsen, younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley, is a revelation as a young woman who escapes a creepy cult headed by a soft-spoken sexual predator (John Hawkes), only to find herself haunted by…
Nova Scotia introduces plan for body art regulation
Legislation proposed by the province today, November 23, will regulate and provide technical guidelines to tattoo artists and piercers. The Body Art Act would require establishments that offer body art services to meet standards for infection control and disease transmission. “Government recognizes the growing demand for body art services in the province, but we also…
Adaptation boogie
Adaptation boogie Eons ago the Mi’kmaq left a mark. Archeologist Matthew Betts says we can learn from their mistakes and successes. Isn’t it ironic, Alanis, that civilization (that uncivil thing) has brought us to the brink of itself? Our environmental impact has become seemingly untenable and gets worse every Earth Day. Having written that, even…
Flower
Sometimes you don’t want to shoot things. Sometimes you just want to fly. Relaxation and peace is what you’ll find in one of the PS3’s best and unique games, Flower. You take control of the wind and your goal is to gather as many flower petals as possible as you sweep through levels. When playing,…
Halifax International Security Forum is this weekend
The third annual Halifax International Security Forum, coming to the Westin Hotel this Friday through Sunday, is “a must attend place for thoughtful and engaged leaders who deal with defense and security issues to come together to learn from each other,” according to the forum’s website. Speakers will include Candian Defence minister Peter Mackay, *Rollling…
What’s the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?
Ugh. That girl who got the Sidney Crosby tat and was in the Herald a few years ago. —-Chrissy Merrigan When I was getting one of my tattoos done I asked the artist the same question and he gave me his book of tattoos he’s done and one guy got a crying penis on his…
Civilization V
Sid Meier’s long- running turn-based strategy franchise has been a staple of PC gaming for years, but does the latest version offer enough to warrant an upgrade? Yes and no. If you’ve been playing Civilization for some time, you’ll appreciate the improved visuals and fluid interface, but the difficulty and “hardcoreness” of the gameplay is…
Andrew
Andrew is pretty much everything you want in a man. Stylewise, anyway. He looks so put together with a combination of laid back, classic pieces. Deck shoes, Club Master Raybans and a baller winter coat make for the ultimate downtown Halifax get up. Andrew is an English student at Dalhousie and likes shop D2 and…
Tattoos of the Halifamous
Ryan Cook Musician Andre the Giant: When I was a kid I was enamored with the idea of him and big, larger-than-life people. And I’ve never seen someone with [a tattoo] like that. Arabic script: It says “In the name of Allah.” I went through this brief phase when I was 20—I embraced Islam for…
My dumb tattoos
I have three tattoos, all done between the ages of 16 and 18 and each one is kind of bad in its own right. Tattoo #1: Lacoste alligator logo on my back left shoulder, when I was 16 at Red Dragon Tattoo in Oromocto, NB, two hours before my father was remarried. He dropped me…
Mike Trask
Bearly’s mainstay Mike Trask opted to step away from his usual partners in crime, Mudhill, to record his solo debut Jamboree. He opted to strip away everything to create an album with DIY appeal. While this is a passion project (see the handmade packaging), one has to wonder if this would be better served as…
Vintage glory
Every Canadian schoolboy and girl knows Canadian confederation took place on July 1, 1867. At that time, Halifax was a bustling port city. This was long before the bridges, but Samuel Cunard had already started a steamboat ferry service 30 years earlier between Halifax and Dartmouth to get people across the harbour. The main streets…
Fashion mash-ups
Don’t throw away those old pair of jeans just yet. Designers are turning old into new in the vintage movement. Amy Honey’s shop, Fancy Lucky (4144 Lawrencetown Road by appointment), offers vintage items from the ’40s to ’60s. The Lawrencetown based designer upcycles clothes, restoring old pieces with a modern touch. “Each item is like…
Dan’s tips for first-time doms
Q I’m 21 years old and in a monogamous relationship. I lost my virginity to my boyfriend, and it was a really great experience. I was drawn to BDSM even before I began having sex, and he’s been happily fulfilling my needs. However, he revealed fairly early on that he also enjoys being submissive during…
Childish Gambino
Listen long enough to Childish Gambino—AKA Community’s Donald Glover—and you’ll hear his primary gripe: no one takes his rap career seriously. But his resume informs his music, and his ability to make people care about him is Camp’s most impressive trick. Sure, there’s no evolution whatsoever from his past mixtapes, the narrative’s identical: alternately an…
Brand new glory
Gottingen Street, once a booming retail district where Glubes Furniture was a star, might one day be again. Though it’s bound to look and feel different when it does, with new condos, the Plan B co-op store and just opened in August, NovaAfrican Designs & Artifacts. The shop is the inspiration of Shelly Muchayi (picture…
Lady Gaga In Moncton?
my hair is like eggs. A former Coast co-worker and reputed Lady Gaga enthusiast Jordan Smith (hi Jordan) posted a link to his Facebook titled “Lady Gaga in Moncton Today??” The blog he linked to features two videos that seem to suggest that Ms. Germanotta herself was strolling through the Moncton airport today with two…
