Give me a break
After changing hands it was reasonable to expect a few changes. First it started with higher prices, then the cream cheese on the bagel got a little thinner, the service got progressively worse. Now you are putting green onions in the chive cream cheese! Give me a break. You are the worst. —I’ve got 99…
[Cold]playin’ with my heart
You took the record player, records, and all our favourite CDs when you left me. Can we at least trade? You left Coldplay’s ‘Mylo Xyloto’, but I really need Coldplay’s ‘Parachutes’. Not sure if this is a bitch or a love if I’m bitching about my two loves. (you and music) —Too Quiet
You can’t fix
So you decided to park your shitty van in a reserved apartment building parking spot. I caught you doing this and told you to move your vehicle. You had the nerve to argue that you were only going to be a little while while you walked down the road to the yard sale. You are…
where is the love?
Why is it taboo to come right out and say you are lonely? I’m a nice girl who has clawed my way out of a deep, dark pit of adversity without a shred of self-pity. I raise a sweet little boy on my own, supporting us both with a professional career that I love and…
Want you so bad
Wish things were different. —Total shithead
To my handsome R. A.
The Residence Assistant on my dorm’s eleventh floor Is just the sort of person whom to know is to want more. A few days with his floor mates and he’s turned them into friends. The warm and ringing laughter at his table never ends. Too busy for a movie night, too busy for a walk,…
How many city workers does it take to change a light bulb?
Before I moved to Halifax four years ago I had people constantly telling me how friendly and safe a place it was. I pictured a place I, a then 19-year-old student, would be able to walk around free of fear of being threatened or harassed. I constantly hear smack talk about places like Toronto, saying…
Three’s a crowd unless it’s in your bed
Thanks for inviting me to join you and your bandmate the other night. I guess the only thing hotter than watching you play rock and roll music is rocking out and being sexy with you gals in the sack. Next time can I get tied up with licorice rope? —I thought my band had the title…
Welcome back, students
Went to the ER last weekend with a friend for an actual, non-self-inflicted, non-stupidity related medical emergency. Endured a seven hour wait for treatment due to the surfeit of drunken frat boys suffering from alcohol poisoning, drug-induced psychosis, injuries sustained in drunken brawls and other alcohol-fueled stupidity. And these represent the brain trust of the future!…
SMDHHPX
Seriously? As a music festival that prides itself on, amongst pretension and self-congratulation, showcasing interesting and important music, the first act you list on your flyer is a dubstep artist? Seriously? That’s the main attraction? Well so much for integrity. But hey, what the fuck do I know… —Not as surprised as I should be
Tricksy transit
I just want to express my distaste at having been told today by a bus driver to “look more like you’re waiting for the bus.” I’ve lived in Halifax for eight years and standing at the bus stop and looking at the approaching bus has always been enough. Should I also wave my arms wildly? Use a…
Sink or swim
To the wonderful staff that works at the pool: Keep it up! Your enthusiasm and smiles are keeping me motivated to keep on swimming! —A struggling fish
Pulchritudinous dude
You used to come into Propeller fairly often to get your growlie filled with double IPA. You’re a welder and a dreamboat. Your absence has been noticed. —Hoppy to have met you!
Hodor (OK, Kristian Nairn) to DJ in Halifax
The one and only Hodor, Kristian Nairn, who can definitely say more than one word irl, is coming to town for Hal-Con (Nov 7-9, WTCC), and while he’s here, he’s stepping behind the decks at the Marquee Ballroom November 8 as part of his Rave of Thrones tour, because of course he is. Nairn is…
Adria’s Top 5 Atlantic Film Fest 2014 Screenings
I hit the movie theatre hard this week and never want to see a bag of popcorn ever again. But I did experience some impressive and incredible locally produced and international films. Also, do not miss David Cronenberg’s critically acclaimed Maps to the Stars on Thursday night. Here are my top 5 so far: Howard…
Anti-Capitalist 100K+ salary university profs arguing in the Coast that NS should “degrow” the economy, “embrace (economic) backwardness,” live a “bare-bones” lifestyle “cobbling together ad-hoc jobs to make ends meet, in Harmony with the Seasons.”
Dear unionized univesity faculty couple with a combined income over 200 thousand dollars a year who wrote the editorial in the Coast arguing NS should “de-grow” the economy and that NSians should “embrace” (economic) “backwardness,” and live some kind of Grapes of Wrath style, hard-scrabble, hand-to-mouth, subsistence “bare bones” living by “making ends meet” “cobbling…
Lost in Transportation
[Image-1] Since I’ve moved from France to Halifax, I’ve been using public transportation more often. I could say I do it because it’s good for the environment, or because I like the exercise, but then I’d be lying. I use public transportation because it’s very expensive to own a car, and when you live in…
City doesn’t know best, says Quinpool developer
[Image-1] If the city tells you to change the dimensions of your multi-million dollar development, you would probably go ahead and make those changes. That’s why you’re lame. Not like those rebels with sort-of-a-cause APL Properties, who instead chose to ignore city council’s recommendations on their 22-storey Quinpool Road proposal and re-submit the exact same…
Politics in business
Seniority this, seniority that. I understand why employers want to hire people who have served the most time, or experience. But maybe they should focus on knowledge first. I lost a job opportunity to a fruit loop dingus. I blame it on myself, seniority, and the other dingus who hired her. I have no choice…
Halifax Pop Explosion schedule is now live!
Let the planning begin! Halifax Pop Explosion has launched the schedule to rule all schedules and you should click on it now. And they’ve added Nick Thune, Mounties, Smalltown DJs, Ain’t No Love and Gay Nineties to the already pretty stacked lineup, no less. The festival runs from October 21-25, 2014. Passes for the event…
AFF review: Santa Quest
John Dunsworth walked into a crowded Park Lane theatre on Saturday afternoon and sat down next to old friend, filmmaker Neal Livingston. Dunsworth chatted with his friend until it was time to stand and address the crowd. Director PJ Naworynski and producer Edward Peill stood beside the Trailer Park Boys alumnus but it was obvious…
sharing the sidewalk.
I tip my hat to runners, not everyone can bring themselves to dawn a vigulant fitness routine. The problem is that every morning on my way to work, I end up pushed off the sidewalk by mass groups of these runners. I have ended up with wet/muddy shoes all day, or in a few cases…
No cash back.
What’s the deal with your sandwich shop,s insanely annoying and illogical : no cash back on gift cards policy. Something your staff likes to repeat over and over, again, never with any explanation. When the balance dwindles down to a couple dollars or a handful of change,the exact same routine ensues, staff member crosses out…
Ex marks the spot!
You continue to allow your ex to control your life. You have children together and yes, to an extent, you need contact. I have zero issues with that! This person constantly texts and calls you for frivolous things that can obviously wait (and some things that do not even concern you). They are trying to ruin our relationship…
Take that, construction zone, Penelope’s is open
All signs point to the block of Cunard Street between Maynard and Agricola being closed—it’s fenced in, barricaded and accessorized with neon orange signs and pylons. The second stage of the North Park roundabout roadwork is what’s shut down the corner and part of Agricola Street, but behind the racket and the obstacle course Penelope’s…
Film fest freaks
Remember when the Atlantic Film Festival was a four days longer? Or when it would bring in amazing films from all over the world, and not just fill theatres with as many “Atlantic Shorts” as they could to try and boost attendance? I didn’t think a film festival in Halifax could become more of a…
Cubicle crush
You seriously brighten up my day when I see you at work. You make me laugh, and your smile is a ray of sunshine that warms my heart. I hope that soon I can muster up the courage to tell you how you make me feel. I would love to spend the day with you…
To alcohol:
WTF! I thought we were friends? Now I’m sitting at home after several hours in the emergency room from throwing up. I got a throat infection and the doctors say I shouldn’t drink again? At least I have a reason to spit now, since I can’t swallow anymore. —Goodbye weekends
Please make it stop
Normally i have no sympathy for the cyclists in the city. but today it was over-ridden by another idiot driver on portland street. Police need to line that entire road and nail every one of the fucking idiots that drive that route and drive like maniacs. Red-light runners, not amber but a full on red.…
Bitch and a Bastard
You both deserve one another…You all can go to fucking hell. —Done
NSP Won’t Take Money?
I received the final power bill for my recently-passed father’s account. I called to pay it as he left an insolvent estate. NSP wouldn’t talk to me nor take a payment as I was not an authorized user on the account. Now you know why your power rates are so high… even higher now… I’m…
please quit now
Every fall, the universities start up and traffic is horrendous until January, when I am assuming that many of you have failed or dropped out. This year, why don’t you save us all some trouble —hoping you quit while you still have your money
Girl
On the couch, in the passenger seat, on the front step, in the middle of the bed. I love you forever right beside me. —Guy
What did the trees do to you?
I was worried when you fucked the fire escape, and amused with the mess you made of the walkway. The painting annoyed me, but why the hell did you cut the trees down? Now the neighbours can see right into my place, and I have a panoramic view of the stumps. I used to love…
FIRST LISTEN: Stream VKNGS new album here
It took eight years, but it’ll cause about eight years of eardrum damage in one go—so don’t fret, VKNGS didn’t forget about your post-hardcore needs all these years. The debut full-length will be released Tuesday, September 16 by both Noyes Records and Acadian Embassy on clear vinyl. Inside the vinyl will be fine, angular, very…
Ten films to catch at the Atlantic Film Festival
With more than 150 films, the Atlantic Film Festival brings local talent, Oscar contenders and international flair to Halifax. Choosing what to watch is not an easy task. Here’s a top 10 list on what to check out. Heartbeat Halifax filmmaking takes centre stage in the drama Heartbeat. Set in the Halifax North End, poet/songwriter…
FIRST LOOK: Oddfellows Barbershop
Joel Martell was never “a dude that was addicted to his grooming,” but when he needed a change-up, he found a passion for barbering, and all its traditions and fine details. He’s returned to Halifax from Vancouver, after honing his hair-chopping chops at JD’s Barbershop and Barber & Co., and opened his own spot inside…
Quick and dirty
Q I am a man who tends to ejaculate prematurely. Not all the time—but at least 50 percent of the time, I’m good for two to three minutes and then I REALLY have to be careful. I’ve learned to manage it and work around it (like, stop if I’m too close and eat her out…
Free Will Astrology
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vigro (August 23-September 22) In 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard were the first explorers to reach the top of 15,781-foot Mont Blanc on the French-Italian border. They were heroes. One observer wrote the ascent was “an astounding achievement of courage and determination, one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. It…
Free Will Astrology
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vigro (August 23-September 22) In 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard were the first explorers to reach the top of 15,781-foot Mont Blanc on the French-Italian border. They were heroes. One observer wrote the ascent was “an astounding achievement of courage and determination, one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. It…
Nova Centre could mean big bucks for Halifax sex workers
[Image-1] Dreams of green are turning Halifax’s biggest hole into its newest convention centre, and the oldest profession has cause for excitement. So far there are about 13,000 delegates lined up to attend 18 events when the Nova Centre opens in 2016. Local sex workers expect that will make business busier than usual. “A lot…
Alimentary, my dear
At 9am on Saturday, Sept 13, the bell will ring for the first day of Alimentary school. A “festival of Food and Words,” Alimentary Ideas is the brainchild of Zahra Sethna and Stephen Mostad, editors of South Shore-based Rustik Magazine. An online magazine focusing on modern homesteading and exploring food tradition and small-scale farming lifestyles,…
Heart to heartbeat
A few years ago, it looked like Andrea Dorfman might never make another feature film. She had plenty to keep her busy. She made a documentary called Sluts, Emmy-nominated animations (Flawed) and collaborated with her friend, poet and musician Tanya Davis. Their video How To Be Alone from 2010—now approaching seven million views on YouTube—is…
Feds ban citronella pesticides
Insect repellent made from citronella oil was only recently banned by Health Canada, but some suppliers say the product has been blacklisted for a while now. “We didn’t have to pull it off the shelves,” says store owner Victoria Cottier of Organic Earth Market. “It’s been phased out for us by manufacturers who saw this…
Don’t-miss G250 events
106.9 GotAVoice FM kicks off the festival: Your hub for all things G250 Tuesday September 9, 10am Gottingen has seen “dramatic change over the course of history, it’s gone through a bunch of very distinct periods and eras and I feel like we are really capturing that with a lot of the interviews and storytelling,”…
Celebrate Gottingen 250
Change has been a constant in Gottingen Street’s 250-year history. These days change is once again on the lips and in the air of Halifax’s north end, and back in 1756, it was no different. The Little Dutch Church was erected on the corner of Brunswick and Gerrish Streets. By the early 1760s, most German settlers…
Fall Arts Preview – September 2014
11 The Coast Fall Arts Preview hits the streets! You’ve got one, you’re OK. Atlantic Film Festival kicks off today, running to September 18, read our coverage on page 16 to plan your fest. 12 Darrin Rose brings his live stand-up show, My Dad’s Other Son, to the Neptune Theatre. Read more on page 22.…
Half-heard, chapter 5
You can open Northwood’s plant- and petiole-covered basement window if you ever want to. You would just skulk down the narrow driveway between them and the neighbours when pedestrian and car traffic is quiet and drop yourself to the ground. The window’s latch has been broken since the day Trevor forgot his keys and had…
Remembering the Spring Garden Road Memorial library
The PLANifax/Coast video team is excited to show you inside the new central library. Super-exicited, even. However, we want to give the Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library—which closed August 30, after seemingly endless debate about how to replace it—a proper good-bye first. The sexy new library may have soaring open spaces and recording studios,…
Fall Arts Preview October 2014
1 Who doesn’t love a good photo? Photopolis is the biggest photography festival in Atlantic Canada and for 31 days in October, the city will be covered with beautiful, provocative and moving photographs in 35 exhibits. Major international exhibits include a glimpse into Andy Warhol’s photography in Little Red Book at the AGNS and Syria…
Fall Arts Preview – November 2014
1 Vile Passéist Theatre: We love you. Keep doing what you do, you crazy diamonds. Devoted to performing strictly early modern plays, this not-for-profit art society pushes audiences past Shakespeare and into worthwhile scripts by lesser-known playwrights from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. Coming up in November at the Bus Stop Theatre, John Lyly’s Gallathea,…
Halifax’s disgrace
[Image-1] At first glance, there’s something particularly shameful about the way that Halifax Central Library has dropped “Memorial” from its name and is giving away certain objects from the physical Memorial exhibit, such as the Silver Cross. The significance of this Memorial was to honour our World War Two veterans. Remembering becomes more important over…
The wisdom of Nova Scarcity
The moratorium on fracking has put Nova Scotia’s business elite in a spot they’re not accustomed to: On the outside looking in. It’s a spot that social and environmental activists, heritage groups and even small local producers know all too well. Business elites have taken to our newspapers, radio call-ins and any other source that…
AFF by day
Thursday, Sept 11 Elephant Song features an intense psychological power struggle. This year’s Atlantic Film Festival opening night movie is a moody thriller set in a psychiatric hospital in 1966. Director Charles Biname pits Xavier Dolan against veteran Bruce Greenwood in a memorable exchange. It screens at 7pm in the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium for a…
Cocoon Bout-ique is south bound
One of Gottingen’s brightest spots, the multi-coloured Cocoon Bout-ique (2179 Gottingen Street) is saying so long to the neighbourhood. After almost a year in business, and in the north end, Amy Donovan’s shop of alternative fashion, pin-up styles and roller derby wear—for a wide variety of sizes, extra-small to 4x—is making the move to Vintage…
Goodbye to Michael’s Bar & Grill
The last remaining businesses of 6100 Young Street have been disappearing over the summer, all in the name of the block’s upcoming redevelopment into residential/retail space. But Michael’s Bar & Grill cuts the deepest—not just for its food and drinks, but also for its important role as a live music venue. The end of August…
