18 minute read
Silliphant
Book release: Nothing You Do Matters
Prairie journalist, documentary filmmaker, and business owner releases short story collection
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hannah eiserman
a&c writer
Craig Silliphant holds firmly that “prairie writing doesn’t have to be stuffy stories about grain elevators” – and his debut collection of stories featuring movie stars, an ambivalent God, and a ghost roommate you just can’t get rid of delivers!
Silliphant describes himself as “a lot of things, but mainly those things all fall under the category of writer.” He recently “spent about 10 years writing for Planet S and Prairie Dog, mostly writing music and film criticism.” Currently, his day job is creative director at Rawlco Radio in Saskatoon. He also has a freelance career in business on top of that – his company Thoughtlab Media actually published Nothing You Do Matters, amongst their other forms of media production. Before Nothing You Do Matters, the company also published Exile Off Main St.: Random Dispatches from the Saskatoon Music Scene, an anthology of essays, memoirs, and other randomness by Silliphant and other musicians in Saskatoon. Choosing to self-publish his works gave him more control over the finished project: “I know what I want it to be,” he says. “I don’t want a bunch of people getting their hands in there and changing it.”
Silliphant’s love for books started early, growing up in a reading household. “I was always surrounded by books as a child,” he says. “I started reading Stephen King when I was eight or nine years old – probably just because my dad had it laying around.” He has been writing for as long as he can remember – he even wrote and exchanged stories with his friends during high school and into university.
“I always loved writing fiction,” Silliphant says. “And I thought to myself… when I was young, wouldn’t it be amazing if one day I could get paid to write? Like that could be an actual job? And of course, like, to me, that meant you’re Stephen King with an audience of millions and making millions [from] writing novels. What didn’t really occur to me is a few years later I kind of realized one day I always wanted to get paid to be a writer and… I am now? Of course, that wasn’t writing novels and stuff. It was writing everything from advertising to journalism to magazine articles… But you know, it was a full-time job; it paid for my existence, and eventually it would go towards supporting my family.”
Reaching this level of stability enabled Silliphant to go back into writing fiction. Now that he’s “not chasing freelance gigs around anymore to make rent,” he says, he’s able to “step back” and return to his “first love.” He wasn’t sure that what he was writing would be any good, despite the years he had packed into learning the art of storytelling. After deciding to just commit, he started working on a novel in his free time. From there, he had to ask himself some questions, like: “Can I sit down and write fiction that would be any good? Do I even like these stories? Do other people like them?” So, he sent his work to some trusted friends who “wouldn’t just blow smoke up [his] ass” and the results were “largely positive.”
His fiction writing endeavour wasn’t a pandemic-specific project, but Silliphant does say that the pandemic helped give him focus. He says he was “very fortunate” in that he and his wife both had good jobs to support them through it, but mostly, he credits his stamina to his children. “When I was probably in my twenties or thirties,” he says, “even when I was married like, my wife was taking her PhD and we didn’t have kids, so we could go to a show on a Tuesday night and watch a friend’s band and roll in [at] two in the morning and it wasn’t really a big deal. But once you start having kids, it gets harder to do that stuff.” But this is a good thing! He says that one “start[s] to think ‘oh, they’re going to suck up all my time’ but what it really means is that you’re home more. I’m not going out to do a bunch of things; I have more time to write.”
Moreover, demystifying the process and the romantic notion that “they only work when the
Craig Silliphant A far-out book cover, bro.
– Craig Silliphant
muse strikes them” is crucial to actually getting things done. Silliphant says: “I’ve learned that if you want to get a creative project done, whether that’s a book, a film, a piece of art, whatever you’re working on, it can’t be this ‘airy fairy’ sort of thing, where you’re just waiting to catch ideas and sit at Starbucks tweeting while looking out the window… No, its like, you have to sit down and write.” The story collection evolved out of two years of commitment.
The title story of the collection is told from the perspective of God. I thought this was quite a bold choice, so I asked Silliphant what the process of developing the story was like. “I read a lot of sci-fi and genre fiction and stuff like that,” he says. “And I like the idea of a more realistic piece of science fiction – I don’t know if you’d really call that story science fiction or not – and I just had this idea that’s probably been bouncing around my head since I was young. The premise of the story is why does God not interfere in the world events, you know, what’s happening in the Ukraine right now or a child that has cancer… why doesn’t God intervene in that?”
“I’m not a religious person in any way, you know,” he continues. “I have certain spiritual beliefs and a lot of them revolve around that idea of optimistic nihilism where the title of the book comes from, ‘Nothing You Do Matters.’” In Silliphant’s story, God’s view of the earth is something akin to “ants in your backyard or a school project you did when you’re a kid. You’re not going to carry around that papier-mâché volcano you made around your whole life, and put it on your mantle and like, be an adult with kids and wife, or a husband or whatever, and still be carrying this thing around.” The story represents that idea of relinquishing control over a primary creation.
Silliphant really likes the idea of taking an overdone or cliched story and turning it at a slightly different angle to make it fun again. He tells me that “one of the stories is about a group of twenty-somethings that live together, and they have a ghost that haunts their house. It’s not a normal ghost story in the sense that you know, you have the scene where everybody sees the ghost… They’ve had this ghost before; they got rid of him once, and now you’re picking up the story when the ghost comes back.” Humorous irony is deeply embedded in his collection.
Nothing You Do Matters is available for purchase at Saskatoon retailers like Turning the Tide and McNally Robinson, or on Sillipant’s website: craigsilliphant. com.
A classic ‘50s feel and boozy milkshakes… what more could you want?
Content Pixie via Unsplash This is definitely a stock photo, but that classic milkshake vibe is universal.
jorah bright
a&c writer
I’m not the biggest fan of restaurants. There’s something about eating in front of other people that makes me nervous. So, when I find a place that I like, with good food, I tend to add it to my regular rotation of restaurants. My first trip to Pink Cadillacs Malt Shop & Diner in Saskatoon was no exception – but I ended up pleasantly surprised!
Pink Cadillacs truly felt like a trip back to the ‘50s. From the floor to the seating, the atmosphere was fantastic. The walls were covered in pictures of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.
The most important thing in a restaurant for me, other than the food, is the noise. Some restaurants have too much noise and it gives me sensory overload. If the music is too loud or there are too many different TV’s playing aloud, it can ruin the experience. The volume level at Pink Cadillacs was fantastic. There was music playing, but it wasn’t so loud that it took away from the conversations I was having with my friends and the music wasn’t abrasive. There were TV’s as well, but they were placed so that if you were more engaged with the conversations held with those at your table, you wouldn’t be distracted by them.
My friends and I went on a Tuesday, when the special was 1/2lb of dry ribs with a caesar salad for $10, which two of us got. The caddy sauce, which is just buffalo sauce, was the best buffalo sauce I’ve ever had. Since moving from my hometown, I have been searching for a similar buffalo sauce to the restaurant there that I loved, and I finally found it at Pink Cadillacs.
The menu is large, but not so large that it becomes difficult to pick what you want to order. The prices have a good range. A grilled ham and cheese with a side is only $12 while a AAA New York Strip steak with a side is $18. Burgers range from $13-$19 depending on the number of toppings and what the toppings are (and yes, there is a fried peanut butter and banana burger)! Hotdogs range from $10-$14 and you can get a hotdog loaded with different toppings, with a side. Sandwiches range from $13-$16.
One of the best things on the menu are the milkshakes. There are regular milkshakes for $5.00 or malt shakes for $5.50. The milkshake sizes are big – and they are fantastic. In addition, they give you the excess milkshake that didn’t fit into the glass in a cold cup with a spoon for you to eat. For a little bit more money, you can get a combo of different ice cream and toppings, like the “Monster Mash” with chocolate, Oreo, Smarties, and Reese’s Pieces. And for those of legal drinking age, they have ‘big kid shakes’ – alcoholic milkshakes – for $9. They mix the milkshake with things like coconut rum, bourbon, vodka, whiskey, and more. Though I don’t drink, the ‘big kid shakes’ were a hit at the table with those of my friends who do drink.
I highly recommend Pink Cadillacs for those looking for a chill place to sit down and eat that has great atmosphere and great food. Pink Cadillacs Malt Shop & Diner is located in Saskatoon at Hampton Village and 8th Street. You can check out their menu at pinkcadillacsdiner.com.
Movie review: the Batman
A spoiler-free review of the sensational remake
amir said contributor
The Batman, the first solo live-action Batman movie since 2012’s the Dark Knight Rises, was released just last week – and it certainly lives up to expectations.
The film is directed by Matt Reeves and stars Robert Pattinson as the titular character, taking up the torch after past portrayals by Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, and Michael Keaton, among numerous others over the past several decades of Batman’s cinematic history. He is joined by Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle (better known as Catwoman), Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. These heroes face off against iconic Batman villains Carmine Falcone, the Penguin, and the Riddler, portrayed by John Turturro, Colin Farrell, and Paul Dano, respectively. As is Batman tradition, the story is set in modern-day Gotham City and depicts Batman’s career as a crime-fighting vigilante operating against the city’s festering criminal epidemic with his signature bat-themed armory consisting of high-tech weaponized utilities such as the Batsuit, Batmobile, and Batcycle.
The Batman stays true to its roots by following these iconic characters, settings, and devices; where it distinguishes itself, however, is its tone, themes, and social commentary. Unlike other iterations, the three-hour film places more of a focus on Batman’s detective escapades. Other films have looked over Wayne’s moniker of “world’s greatest detective” in favor of flashy fight scenes that focus more on his physical attributes than his mental ones as seen in the comics. The Batman instead puts his sleuthing skills front and center as he works with Jim Gordon to solve a dangerous case involving Gotham’s elite and the nefarious Riddler.
Pattinson’s portrayal of the character as a tormented soul who flips from being soft-spoken to screaming as he pulverizes his enemies also shows a more realistic version of Wayne’s traditional backstory of an isolated orphan raised unconventionally after the death of his parents. He is clearly troubled by his past, and Pattinson plays this side of the character brilliantly.
The film’s social commentary, ranging from topics such as the objectification of women to White supremacy, is incredibly impactful, especially when compared to real-life issues found in Western society. Without getting into spoiler-level detail, the social commentary present in the film tackles these issues both subtly and blatantly, yet does so tastefully and in a manner that radiates a certain degree of genuineness and resonates with audiences. The Batman franchise has always highlighted organized crime and corruption, and the newest live-action foray does this while expertly bouncing other pressing issues relating to equity and equality against it.
The level of immersion felt in Gotham City is astounding, as the audience is taken through a variety of settings ranging from high-class mansions to the slums; the audience is introduced to characters of every social standing. Throughout its three-hour runtime, the audience is made to fully appreciate how fleshed-out Gotham City is, thanks to Matt Reeve’s brilliant direction and Greig Fraser’s expert cinematography. The thrills and tension are felt throughout the film, as the plot moves fast enough to keep it exciting while taking its time to thoughtfully explore its characters, make it well deserving of its lengthy runtime.
Exciting action sequences and suspenseful moments keep the audience on edge on numerous occasions throughout this neonoir masterpiece. The Riddler in particular is depicted as a parallel to real-life serial killers and terrorists, which causes the audience to feel more of a sense of dread whenever he or his “riddles” are on screen. He keeps the audience on their toes when it comes to his mind-games and puzzles, creating an enemy formidable enough to face off against the caped crusader.
The Batman is a film that stays true to its comic book and cinematic roots while breathing fresh air into the franchise through its suspenseful and thrilling nature, biting social commentary, and unique iterations of classic characters and settings. The film’s detective noir elements are reminiscent of DC’s comics, while the well-choreographed action sequences and graphic violence are up to par with those of past films. I strongly recommend the Batman for any and all audiences, ranging from casual moviegoers to diehard Batman fans, as it is a consistently high-quality, relevant, and entertaining film that does justice to the eighty-year-old franchise and talented cast and crew behind it.
editor: katie mutschler sports@carillonregina.com the carillon | mar 17 - mar 23, 2022
An interview with Karla Holzer, owner of Supplement King
Get your creatine here!
victoria baht
s&h writer
Are you looking for a way to improve your metabolism, gain some energy, improve your daily intake of vegetables and protein, and improve muscle growth? Well, Supplement King has got the goods for you! This week, the Carillon did an interview with one of the owners of Supplement King to get you the best information about certain supplements to boost your health!
Today we are talking to one of the owners, Karla. Karla and her husband have been the owners of Supplement King in Regina and Moosejaw for five years now.
Do you have any past involvement with sports and education that helps you with this position?
I do not have any post-secondary education, although my husband and I were competitors in bodybuilding for many years. We were heavily involved with supplements and the industry, which motivated us to open up our own store.
Can you go more in depth about your bodybuilding experience?
My husband competed [in] body building in high school, then within a year of dating we decided to compete together. He did bodybuilding and I did a women’s figure show for a few years. Then we had our first child. Now have three kids and have put our passion into Supplement King!
Can you give the general public a brief description of what your store is like?
At Supplement King, we put our pride into giving the best selection and the best choices because there is a supplement for everyone. We see ourself as a health store; we pride ourself in having staff fully trained in each product on the shelf. This helps customers receive the best supplies for their goals and health. With that comes the best prices and working with the community. We often partner with local gyms and fundraisers.
What is one supplement that you think everyone could use or benefit from?
Protein powder is a big one, as most people do not eat enough protein in a day. Protein can help with metabolism and recovery. Another one is greens, which has your full serving of vegetables and antioxidants in one scoop. This helps with natural energy level and antioxidants.
What are a few of your best greens, and when should someone be taking greens?
All green powders are good. Greens help with natural energy level, daily antioxidants, daily serving of greens, and help with overall health. Every person should really be taking greens even if they eat lots of fruits and
Karla Holzer Will this pre-workout help me pass my exam?
vegetables.
What are a few of your pre-workouts that you think are the most beneficial, and
Any protein will be beneficial, although if you are looking for recovery after a workout, a protein isolate would be the most
beneficial as it absorbs super fast and will recover your muscles. This helps with future workouts and muscle soreness. Some top sellers are Diesel by Perfect Sports, Beyond Yourself and Isolflex by Allmax. We also have good protein supplements that are good for meal replacements, baking, and stuff like that. It is all based on what you are looking for and flavours.
Can you tell us the importance of creatine?
This is one of the top selling supplements. It helps with creating strength and recovery. It also helps repair your muscles...You have to be very consistent with creatine. You have to take it regularly for your muscles to be able to utilize what it is actually supposed to be used for. Sometimes, with women, they are skeptical with taking it as they are scared that they will gain weight, although that is not the case.
Is there something specific or a combination that you would suggest to someone that is new to the Supplement King store but is not new to the gym?
For someone that is new to the store but works out regularly, I would recommend protein powder and an essential amino acid or glutamine. This would work best to help with recovery and to give people long-term results as it helps repair your muscles.
Is it good to switch up your supplements or should you try to stay the same for a while?
It can be good to switch up your pre-workout as your body can get used to certain ingredients. This can lead people to find it is not giving them the same tingle as it was before. Vitamins, protein, and greens in any brand are going to be very similar.
Are there any supplements that we did not mention that you would recommend?
A new supplement that has started to become more popular is collagen. Collagen can help with your joints, skin, and nails. This is something a lot of women can look for, and anyone that is trying to improve their overall health can utilize. Another good one that is underrated is a carb supplement it is called Carboline or Electrolyte + BCAA (Carbs). This supplement can help if you’re working out for a long period of time and looking to put on more muscle. It is going to ensure that you are not eating away at your muscles while working out. For example, our son will take this instead of a Gatorade as it has no added sugar. It is really good for athletes and giving a good natural source of energy.
Those are all the goods that we are going to talk about today. To give you a quick recap of everything that has been said, taking some protein powder and greens is basically good for everyone! If this article makes you want to try out some good supplements, do not be afraid to ask the staff at Supplement King which ones are
– Karla Holzer
why?
This is tough, as every person has different goals when it comes to a pre-workout. If you are somebody that is looking for a high intense pre-workout that is high in caffeine, high in stimulants, help with blood flow and mental focus, some good options would be Impact Igniter by Allmax, Ultra days
and our best seller, which is Batch 27 made in Saskatoon.
What are a few of your best protein shakes that you think are the most beneficial, and why?
