Verb Issue R24 (April 20-26, 2012)

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Apr 20–26, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb

Council Approves Taxi Fare Hike

Increase Part Of Industry Overhaul P2

New Territories

Gabriela García-Luna Explores Domestic Archaeology P11

The Lucky One

Gerry Dee

Sappy Romcom Predictably Mushy P14

Butt-Pinching Ghost ‘Grasper’ Ghoul Gets Fresh At Bar P7

Comedian Talks Teaching And CBC Success P9 Photo: courtesy of the artist

Section Local Page 2

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

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Taxi Fare Increase Approved By Council

Ten Percent Rate Hike Part Of Ongoing Overhaul Of Regina’s Cab Industry Alex MacPherson

REGINA, SK — The cost of taking a taxi in Regina is set to jump by almost ten percent next month, after city council approved a meter rate hike.

Under the new model, a 5-kilometre trip will cost about $12, a 10-km trip just over $20.

Council approved a number of recommendations from the administration that, taken together, bring the total increase to 9.45 percent, just shy of the 10 percent requested by the industry.

This new hike is designed to combat inflation, with the approximate

cost of operating a taxi derived $3.80, and the distance rate will from the rate of inflation in six dif- go up by $0.10 for each additional ferent areas, including the price of 60 metres. fuel and vehicles.

There will also be growths in the The rate increase is part of an waiting time rate — which will inongoing overhaul crease from $0.10 of the city’s taxi “When someone comes for each 12 secindustry. [to] Regina, they shouldn’t onds to $0.10 for “This is a bit have to wait for a long … each 11 seconds of a catch-up, if — and the hourly you will, because time … to get a taxi.” rate, which will -Michael Fougere jump from $30 we haven’t seen an increase in taxi rates for almost to $33. three years,” says city councillor Fougere says council did not Michael Fougere. look at rates until some other imUnder the new model, the initial provements to the industry had meter drop rate for the first 120 been dealt with, and that the sigmetres will increase from $3.50 to nificant hike would probably not be repeated next year, despite council’s commitment to reviewing rates annually.

“We’ve been dealing with the industry for several years, but more intensely for the last three years, on a whole host of issues related to new technology, safety for drivers and customers, and improving service to the public,” he says.

The recommended improvements to the industry also included the addition of GPS and security cameras.

Bubba Singh, general manager of Co-Op Taxis in Regina, thinks the fare increase was a long time coming.

“It’s been three years,” he says.

“After three years, you have to have it. Everything else is going up.”

Singh suspects that some people might be deterred by the higher

price, but expects the customer base will eventually stabilize.

“We’re okay,” he declares.

In February, council heard the results of an extensive survey conducted by Tennessee Transportation & Logistics Foundation.

One of the recommendations submitted to council involved the issuing of more taxi licenses, as the report indicated that the number of taxis per capita was one per 1,400 in Saskatoon and one per 1,450 in Winnipeg.

The report suggested issuing seasonal or temporary licenses to create a ratio of one taxi for every 1,250 people.

“As a councillor, we only have one term to make a good impression,” says Fougere. “When someone comes in to visit Regina, they shouldn’t have to wait for a long period of time at the airport … or at a hotel to get a taxi. We have to make sure we have enough licenses out there, and taxis, to service the market.”

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Section Local Page 3

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

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Half Of City’s Tennis Courts Facing Closure

Favouring Quality Over Quantity, Regina Plans To Decommission 23 Facilities Alex J MacPherson

for other recreation uses…”

The recommendation came on Regina, sk — The city of Re- the heels of a study that pointed to gina isn’t paving paradise to put a decline in the number of people up a parking lot, but they are playing tennis in Regina. decommissioning about twenty According to Daradich, the decioutdoor tennis courts. sion was based on public consultaThe city currently operates 57 tion. The city held two public meetoutdoor tennis courts: 14 synthetic ings in April and offered residents and 43 asphalt; with many of the the chance to complete an online asphalt courts having fallen into survey. disrepair, the city was prompted “Through that process we heard to remove some while improving from people that what they were those that remain. Based on rec- really interested in quality versus ommendations in the Recreation quantity. They felt that we could Facility Plan, a comprehensive study have fewer courts, just so long as conducted two the courts that years ago, Regina “For the most part, people we did have were is planning on de- are really supportive of well-maintained,” commissioning 23 [this] plan.” she says. asphalt courts — “For the most -Janine Daradich part,” she continmore than half of the total number — and adding ues, “people are really supportive of two new synthetic courts. [this] plan. They see that there are “Right now, we have a number tennis courts in their community of asphalt courts that are not in that are not in the best condition very good condition,” says Janine right now, and they really underDaradich, coordinator of infrastruc- stand and would prefer that there ture strategy. [should be] fewer but they are really “When the Recreation Facil- well maintained.” ity Plan was approved by council David Sutherland, a volunteer in April, 2010, one of the recom- coach at the Sundown Optimist mendations … was to continue to Tennis Club, thinks the city’s plan provide four city-owned synthetic is a good one. multi-court facilities, and decom“My first impression is I think it’s mission or retrofit asphalt sites if fine. They’re distributing [resources] no longer required.” geographically, which I think is fine, Compiled in 2010 from extensive and they’re also trying to put more research conducted by Professional resources into a major centre. I think Environmental Recreation Consul- concentrating on better quality tants Ltd., the Recreation Facility courts in fewer locations just makes Plan is intended to provide a vision more sense.” for city facilities through to 2020.

Sutherland agrees that many The plan states: “[o]verall, the pub- courts are not being used, although lic is willing to give up quantity of he describes the state of tennis in asphalt sites for improved quality, Regina as “static.” with a preference to see decom“Generally, I approve of the phimissioned asphalt courts adapted losophy,” he adds. “It’s better for

the tennis players.”

Daradich also indicated that the two Lakeview courts, which the report said are in need of upgrading, will probably be replaced with a new, four-court facility at

the South Leisure Centre. According to Daradich, the financial implications of the decision are not yet clear. The city stands to save some money on maintenance, but the new facility will require some

significant spending. The next step in the process, explains Daradich, is to send the proposal to council. If it is approved, more concrete data will be collected.

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Section Global

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Apr 20–26, PH‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Optimistic Outlook Good For Your Heart

A Happy, Cheerful Outlook Could Reduce Cardiovascular Risk By Up To 50% Adam Hawboldt

cambridge, ma — Having a positive outlook can reduce your

risk of heart attacks and strokes, new research has revealed.

Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health have previously

established that depression or hostility can be harmful to your blood pumper, and they have now have followed that up in the first

large, systemic review of studies published in the last 15 years to illustrate that being optimistic can be good for you.

“The absence of the negative is not the same thing as the presence of the positive,” explains lead author Julia Boehm.

The association remained even after the researchers accounted for other harmful activities, like age or socioeconomic status.

“Even if a person is overweight, smokes a lot and has high choles-

“Even if a person is overweight, smokes a lot and has high cholesterol, they can still benefit…”

-Julia Boehm terol, they can still benefit from positive emotions,” she says.

“It is something unique about well-being itself.”

And, according to Boehm, the effects of a cheerful attitude are quite staggering.

“The most optimistic individuals had an approximately 50 percent reduced risk of experiencing an initial cardiovascular event compared to their less optimistic peer,” she explains.

If future research continues to confirm that optimism impacts cardiovascular health, the findings could very well lead to the development of new treatment strategies for heart disease, but for now the

researchers recommend people treat themselves by focussing on what makes them happy.

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Walking Can Ease Depression Adam Hawboldt

Which, according to the scientists, is great news. stirling, scotland — Walk“Walking has the advantages of ing can help alleviate the symptoms being easily undertaken by most of depression, acpeople, incurring cording to a new “Walking has the little or no finanstudy. cial cost and beadvantages of being It’s no secret easily undertaken …” ing relatively easy that vigorous exto incorporate -The authors of the study into daily living,” ercise helps fight depression, but researchers at the say the authors of the study, who University of Stirling in Scotland caution that more research must be have found that even gentle exer- done to determine how long you cise can benefit sufferers almost have to walk to abate symptoms. as much.

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Global At A Glance Reversing blindness — Scientists have managed to restore partial sight to blind mice, in a new experiment that has groundbreaking implications for humans. Researchers at the University

College of London injected light-sensitive nerve cells into the mice, though they caution more tests are needed before the process could help humans.

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Section Global

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Apr 20–26, PH‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Alter Memories To Stop Cravings Adam Hawboldt

Women The Most Moral Ladies Over 30 Consider Others More Than Men Adam Hawboldt

a more individual approach and are more self-interested,” Roger Steare London, ENgland — Wom- tells the Daily Mail. en over 30 are more moral than “What this shows is that when their male counit comes to work t e r p a r t s , a c - “[W]hen it comes to work men have to … cording to new men have to … put their put their ego research. to one side and ego to one side…”

“Women preshow some hu-Roger Steare mility…” fer to make their decisions based on how it impacts Using his own “Moral DNA” others — which tends to produce test, Steare analyzed the results of better decisions — while men have 60,000 volunteers from more than

200 countries.

“What stood out from the answers was that obedience decreased with age, while reason increased — a logical occurrence as we make the transition from youth to experience,” explains Steare, who goes on to say that this maturation process continues until our mid60’s — when we’re at the absolute peak of our intellectual and moral powers.

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Global At A Glance Water ups intelligence — Drinking water while taking tests can increase your grade, a new study of university students has found. Those who sipped on the refreshing beverage

did 10 percent better than their peers who didn’t. Collaborating psychologists studied hundreds of students taking tests in their first and second year, and accounted for the individuals’

predicted grades to ensure it wasn’t just that the more intelligent students were likelier to bring drinks with them compared to their peers.

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Naturally, the drug film called up difficult memories in the subBaltimore, md — Scientists jects, leaving them vulnerable and have found that manipulating drug exposed. addicts’ memories can keep them After this initial film viewing, from falling back into addictive the participants were then shown behaviour. drug-related films in what researchA team of researchers, led by ers called an “extinction process.” neuroscientist Researchers Lin Lu of Peking “[Altering] drug addicts’ found in a folUniversity, used memories can keep them lowing examinashor t f ilms to from falling back into tion that those curb heroin adshown the drug dicts’ memories addictive behaviour.” reminder before -Adam Hawboldt the ex tinction of prior drug use.

Lu and his team studied 22 session reported less cravings. heroin addicts who had taken the “The [memory] procedure dedrug for an average of 11 years, creased cue-induced drug cravreports the BBC. ing and perhaps could reduce the These subjects were shown ei- likelihood of cue-induced relapse,” ther a video of a natural scene or write the authors in their report. someone doing heroin.

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Feature

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Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Festival Of Plays Welcomes SK Dramatists

Yearly Event Offers Local Playwrights Chance To Workshop With Professionals Sebastien Dangerfield

Regina, SK — It has been said that writing a play is kind of like building a house.

A plot has to be built up the way a house is built — brick by brick, story by story. No structure has a chance of standing unless its foundations are strong.

And it is precisely these kinds of foundations — the strong, stable and lasting kind — that the Spring Festival of Plays, which will be taking place in Regina at the end of April, is looking to provide for its playwrights.

Put on by the Saskatchewan

Playwrights Centre (SPC), the fes- many Saskatchewan playwrights is tival, which began in 1983, brings to have their work accepted into local dramatists and actors together the festival. with directors and dramaturges This year, like in years past, the from around the country for a week SPC put out a call for scripts in the of workshops and fall. public readings. “What we want to do is Many drama“What we want develop our playwrights tists submitted to do is develop through developing their work but, in the our playwrights end, only nine through devel- plays.” were chosen — -Gordon Portman eight from Sasoping their plays,” explains the new resident drama- katchewan and one from New turge Gordon Portman.

Brunswick.

“We want to give them the opFour of these plays — God, Todd portunity to grow and learn, to test and the Last Song, The Frenzy of and challenge themselves.”

Queen Maeve, For Real and DemoHowever, the first challenge for litics — are a part of the Mainstage Series, which means they’ll each be receiving the full, three-day workshop treatment along with a full public reading.

The remaining five plays will make up the Tasty Bit Series, where they will get about half a day’s worth of workshopping, with an excerpt being read from each as a curtain-opener of sorts.

Regardless of whether a dramatist’s play gets the Mainstage or Tasty Bit treatment, Portman notes that what these playwrights will take away from all the workshopping and the readings will be valuable.

“The primary benefit is they actually get to hear their play read aloud,” says Portman.

“Plays can sound very, very different in a playwright’s head than it does coming from actors’ mouths.”

The festival also provides an excellent opportunity for up-andcoming playwrights to have their work assessed objectively, and to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and how to polish the piece in its entirety.

What’s more, simply being accepted into and appearing in the festival can sometimes open doors for Saskatchewan playwrights.

“One of the things we do when

Photo: courtesy of the Saskatchewan Playwright Centre

Last year’s Spring Festival of Plays we choose directors is we have professional theatre companies,” directors come in who work with continues Portman.

“So, in a sense, it becomes an audition — a trial run. It gives our playwrights an opportunity to have their works read, seen, heard and considered for life beyond the festival.

The festival takes place April 30 th -May 5th at the University of Regina’s Riddell Centre on the Shumiatcher Open Stage.

For more information visit www. saskplaywrights.ca.

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Offbeat

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Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Lickable Elevator A Tasty Treat Adam Hawboldt

accommodating bell boy.

Speaking about their Willy London, england — A UK Wonka-inspired design, McVitie’s snack company has wallpapered Jaffa Cakes senior brand manager an elevator with Philippa Tilley excookies. “[O]nce one cake had plains, “We are all At the Engine been licked, it was about bringing a offices in Lon- replaced by a … bell boy.” bit more fun to don, McVitie’s put life. This was the -Adam Hawboldt perfect way to 1,325 Jaffa cakes on the walls, inviting people to then get a little joy straight to stressedlick/eat the snacks. Not to worry, out office workers.” though — once one treat was licked, What a tasty idea. it was removed and replaced by an Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat At A Glance sexbots — Scientists have theorized

Pub Ghost Pinches Bums Dubbed ‘Grasper,’ Ghoul Gets Fresh At Bar Adam Hawboldt

Birmingham, england — Some ghosts simply don’t have any manners.

Take, for example, the apparition haunting the Queen’s Arms pub in Birmingham, England.

Nicknamed “Grasper” by the staff at the bar, the ghoul terrorizes the place by pinching people on their buttocks.

Assistant manager Paula Wharton, 41, first thought it was a case of her muscles spasming.

“One night three of us were talking and I mentioned that I’d felt this pinch on my bum, and everyone

else said that it had happened to luck, but when I spun around ready them, too,” Wharton explains to to give him a piece of my mind The Sun. “It can’t have been a cus- there was no one there. I was really tomer as I’ve never had my bum confused until the staff explained pinched when that there was a I’ve … stood be- “It was a little scary, but ghost running hind the bar. It’s … there are worse things around the place happened to all of that a ghost could do…” pinching people us on a few occaon the bottom. It -Ashley Beland was a little scary, sions.”

And it’s not just the staff who’ve but I suppose there are worse been pinched either. things that a ghost could do to you.”

“I was stood at the bar enjoying And while that may be true, the a glass of wine when I suddenly felt good folk at the Queen’s Arms have a sharp pinch to my bum,” confirms had enough — a team of ghostpatron Ashley Beland, 26. “My in- busters is set to visit the establishstant reaction was that it might ment soon. have been a sleazy bloke trying his Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Play In The Dark With InvisiBall Adam Hawboldt

player to the other, kind of like the way tennis opponents volley.

Stockholm, sweden — How “It’s a game played in a pitch good is your hearing? black room, blindfolded or by blind If it’s excellent you might want people,” says Lidbo on his website. to try InvisiBall.

“It’s not easy to explain how the The new game — invented by game is played,” he continues.

Hakan Lidbo, a techno-music pro“It has to be experienced.” ducer from SwePlayed on a den — pits two “It’s a game played in four-metre-byplayers in head- a pitch black room, 10-metre court to-head tennis- blindfolded…” with speakers in like action in a all four corners, -Hakan Lidbo the game involves pitch dark room.

With out the use of their eyes, infrared sensors that monitor the InvisiBall competitors must use their movement of each player’s racket. ears to win.

And don’t fear if you want to take The catch? Well, there is no in a game: computers generate a actual ball involved in a game of three-dimensional image of the InvisiBall. court, allowing an audience to folInstead, players used rackets low an InvisiBall match in progress. designed to pass sound from one Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

that in the future, sex tourism will involve robot prostitutes. Professor Ian Yeoman and sexologist Michelle Mars claim this will eliminate sexually

transmitted infections and free the industry from sex slavery. The duo predict s that 10,000 euros will get you an all-inclusive service from the sexbots.

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Music

Page 8

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com Chad Kichula & the Douglas Avenue Garage Band — Played with swagger and absolute confidence, Kichula’s roots/Americana songs echo with the dark shadings of, say, a young Bruce Springsteen mixed with Johnny Cash and a touch of Steve Earle. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Wednesday 25

Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring The Ben Winoski Project playing some guitar-oriented, Latin-style folk. 9pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.

Photo: courtesy of Jen Shaw

(NEXT WEEK) DAN SILLJER @ MCNALLY’S tavern — This incendiary guitarist

The record blends different types of music, from blues to jazz and rock to soul, to create a sound that mixes the past and present into one cohesive, excellent album. Silljer will be playing McNally’s Tavern on April 27th; cover is $5 -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Friday 20

wanna dance. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge.

No cover.

has been burning up the local scene for a decade or so. A musician’s musician, Silljer started out playing with Jason Plumb and The Willing before striking out on his own and releasing Foolish Heart — his first solo album.

Carroll Baker — Come check out “Canada’s Country Sweetheart.” In a career that has spanned five decades, this wildly talented musician from Nova Scotia has won Juno awards, released more than 20 #1 records, and been inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $25–30, available at the box office or online at casinoregina.com.

DJ Pat & DJ Kim — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor. 9pm, Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club, $5 at the door.

Jen Lane w/ Smokekiller — These local musicians play the sort of straight-ahead rhythms that are infectious, and have the kind of simple harmonies you can’t resist.

8pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10.

Peace Party — Don’t miss out on your chance to see Alien Beings, CJE, Sly Business, Magnetic, Quick & Dirty, Parweez and Vancouver’s own DJ Abel all perform under one roof on one night. 7pm, The Distrikt.

Tickets are $20, available at 306 Shop, Head 2 Head, Vintage Vinyl, Waterfront Beach Bar, or through any performer.

Kittie, The Agonist, Blackguard, Bonded by Blood — Headlined by Kittie, the badass all-female metal band from Ontario, this threatens to be a hard and heavy night for music lovers. 7:30pm, The Exchange. Tickets $18, available at www. enterthevault.com Alain Lalonde — Come check out this dope local DJ/producer as he does his thing and spins the kind of sound that’ll make you

Sean Burns Band — An accomplished singer/songwriter from Ontario, Burns plays the kind of music that echoes Steve Earle, Blue Rodeo and Tom Petty. If that’s the kind of music you dig (and who doesn’t?) you might want to catch his show. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

The Dudes — This Calgary indie-rock band sounds kind of Modest Mouse, but with a rawer edge . They’ll be joined by Edmonton’s Black Mastiff. Certainly a show worth checking out. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Damn Straight — Coming from Winnipeg, this talented five-piece plays country, rock, you name it. They’ll be belting out your favourite party tunes for you enjoyment.

The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Dangerous Cheese — Think Billy Idol meets Michael Jackson in a Flashdance scene with Top Gun jets roaring overhead the Footloose barn. Think that, and you’ll begin to understand the ‘80s-type craziness this local band brings to the stage.

Also performing will be Whatever. 9pm, The Sip. Cover TBD. Tim Romanson — This multi-instrument performer is singer/songwriter from central Saskatchewan who plays a brand of outlaw country-rock that’s often accompanied by a damn dynamic fiddle show . 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $10.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

(NEXT WEEK) CHRIS CARLIER @ THE EXCHANGE — You name it, this lo-

cal musician plays it, including tenor sax, guitar, piano, percussion, clarinet, didgeridoo. And much like his ability to jump from one instrument to another, Carlier is equally at home in a host of music genres. He’s an accomplished

jazz musician, has been pumping out electronic music since 2003, has even wrote a symphony, and lately he’s been playing a form of atmospheric “chamber pop music.” Come check Carlier as he takes the stage on April 28th at The Exchange; tickets TBD. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Saturday 21

Sunday 22

The Lonesome Weekends — Blending country, folk, rock and roots, The Lonesome Weekends have a straight forward, authentic sound that is bound to take them places. 8pm, The Artesian on 13th. Tickets $15 at the door and $12 in advance, available at Mysteria Gallery, Buy The Book or online at www.picatic.com/event613690 Soccer Mom Records presents: Jason Plumb and the Willing, Dan Silljer Band, Cody Gamracy, Creosote and the Jeff McLeod Trio — Come check out this line-up of stellar local artists as they take the place by storm. 7pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $25, available at the box office or online at casinoregina.com.

Tricia Foster — In the midst of a 21-day tour across the prairies, this Montreal-based musician is stopping in Regina. Provacative and catchy as they are vulnerable and powerful, Foster’s songs are something you just have to hear. 8:30pm, Creative City Centre.

Cover $10 at the door.

DJ Noor — Born in Kuwait and exposed to the international club scene at a young age, this talented DJ knows how to rock a crowd. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. Cover $5.

Sean Burns Band — An accomplished singer/songwriter from Ontario, Burns plays the kind of music that echoes Steve Earle, Blue Rodeo and Tom Petty. If that’s the kind of music you dig (and who doesn’t?) you might want to catch his show. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Songwriter’s Sunday — Featuring singers/songwriters Eileen Laverty (Saskatoon), Annette Campagne (Regina) and Lis Soderberg (Toronto), this show will gives you insight into the pains and processes that go into creating quality music. 8pm, Creative City Centre. Cover $10 at the door.

Monday 23

Monday Night Jazz — Featuring Uptown Jazz, Regina’s Power Jazz Trio. 8pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.

Tuesday 24

Johnny Reid — If you’re a country music fan, chances are you know who Johnny Reid is. Heck, seeing as Reid won the CCMA award for top selling album in Canada in 2008 (Kicking Stones), 2010 (Dance With Me), and again in 2011 (A Place Called Love), chances are you probably bought one or two of Reid’s albums. Now you can see him live. 7:30pm, Brandt Centre. Tickets $34.50– 72.50, available at www.ticketmaster.ca Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.

Thursday 26

Joel Fafard — This gifted slidefinger guitar player from Saskathewan is a virtuoso talent with a Juno nomination under his belt. With a sandpaper vocal style and talent oozing from his pores, Fafard is a new-generation bluesman. 8pm, The Artesian on 13. Tickets $15 at the door and $12 in advance, available at Mysteria Gallery or online at www.pictatic.com/9258 PS Fresh — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon.

They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover.

Casey Stone Band — With a commanding stage presence and the pipes to match, this local band can go rock or country or whatever you want. 9pm, McNally’s Tavern.

Cover $5 Johnny Reid After Party — Stop by after the big concert, bring your tickets, get in free, and listen to DJ Dusty spin all your favourite country hits. After the concert, The Pump Roadhouse.

Alex Runions — This Regina-based urban country rocker’s star is on the rise. In 2009 he released his self-titled debut album, and since then things have been certainly been looking up. In fact, Runions has been nominated for three Saskatchewan Country Music Awards and was a finalist in the 2011 Canadian Radio Star Competition. Come check out his heartfelt, melody-driven version of urban country music. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $5.

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

Damn Straight — Coming from Winnipeg, this talented five-piece plays country, rock, you name it. They’ll be belting out your favourite party tunes for you enjoyment.

The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Drewski — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night. Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Dangerous Cheese — Think Billy Idol meets Michael Jackson in a Flashdance scene with Top Gun jets roaring over the Footloose barn, and you’ll begin to understand the ‘80s-type craziness this local band brings to the stage. Also performing will be Whatever. 9pm, The Sip. Cover TBD. Tim Romanson — This multi-instrument performer is a singer/songwriter from central Saskatchewan who plays a brand of outlaw country-rock that’s often accompanied by a damn fine dynamic fiddle show .

8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $10.

(COMING UP) KEVIN COSTNER @ CASINO REGINA — Some things you might

already know about Kevin Costner: he’s won two Oscars, he starred in The Bodyguard, and he’s arguably the greatest sports-movie thespian ever. Things you may not know: he is a serious student of John F. Kennedy’s life, and he has a

Photo: courtesy of the artist

band. This A-list actor is the frontman for Kevin Costner & Modern West — a country rock band from down south.

He’ll be playing Casino Regina on June 30th. Tickets are $85–90, available at the Casino box office or online, or call 1-800-555-3189. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Arts One

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Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Comic Gerry Dee On Life After Teaching Photos: courtesy of the artist

Comedian Talks Lying To Kids As He Wraps Season One Of Successful Mr. D Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — Gerry Dee used to work as a teacher. In fact, he liked everything about the job — except teaching. Which is probably why Gerry Dee now works as a comedian.

“The best part of teaching for me was seeing the kids and hanging out,” he says. “I loved everything else — coaching, lunch duty, hall duty, talking to the kids. I just didn’t like standing there and teaching.”

Ten years in the trenches didn’t blunt Dee’s enthusiasm for the perks, but the need to teach and mark papers convinced him to give comedy a try.

“I thought of comedy, it had al- teacher working at a prestigious ways been something in the back high school. of my mind,” he says, “You reach “I just want the show to be real,” a stage in your life — I was 30 — Dee explains. “I want it to be a real where I thought, feeling for teach‘you know, I’ve “We can’t say, ‘hey kids, ers and students got to try this.’” listen. I didn’t really mark … this is about E v e n t u a l l y, these. I just put red marks teachers, their Dee was spendrelationship with ing more time on- on them…’” kids, and how -Gerry Dee they teach.” stage than he was in the classroom, and he began to Mr. D is extraordinarily funny build a career for himself in stand- because it exposes teachers as huup, delivering raspy one-liners to man beings, a big step for even audiences around the world. But the feistiest student to make. Dee now the erstwhile teacher is back knows that most kids regard their in the classroom with his latest ven- teachers with something approachture. The CBC comedy Mr. D offers a ing reverence, and works hard to hilarious look at a profoundly inept exploit this.

“When you see a show where people are exposing some of our little idiosyncrasies, our secrets, our flaws, we laugh,” says Dee. “Most teachers that watch it and enjoy it will say, ‘Oh my god, I’ve thought of doing that’ or ‘I’ve done that.’

But we’re not in a profession where we can tell people. We can’t say, ‘hey kids, listen. I didn’t really mark these. I just put red marks on them’ … We can’t do that. We lie.”

With the first season of Mr. D behind him, Dee is returning to the stage. The transition seems staggering: television is scripted, whereas live comedy is dynamic. But the big switch doesn’t seem to faze him: “It’s very different, but it’s not

hard to go back and forth at all,” he says. “Stand-up is something I’ve done now for 13 years, and it’s very easy to just make that move.”

“I don’t know if I’m the busiest man in comedy, but I’m certainly busy and I’m really happy how things are going,” Dee laughs. “It’s been a fun ride these past couple of years, and I hope it continues.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Gerry Dee: Life After Teaching

Where: Conexus Arts Centre When: May 4 Cost: 49.75+ @ admission.com

Musician Burdick Reveals The Perfect Instrument

own compositions, as well as compositions by Louis François Dauprat Regina, SK — Musician and com- and Jacques François Gallay. poser Richard Burdick spent years “It’s a variety of stuff,” he says waiting for the perfect instrument. of the show. “Recordings I’ve done This year, he found it. over the years, and a few pieces by Most people know what a Stradi- a guy who taught at the Paris Convarius is, and violins — especially servatory around 1810, Duprat. I’m those made by the famous family of billing this as kind of a casual talk Italian luthiers — are rather famous. about music more than a regular French horns, on the other hand, concert.” remain strangely mysterious.

Duprat and his student Gallay But not to Burdick, who has composed for the natural horn, the spent his whole life playing the valveless ancestor of the modern instrument. And when a horn made French horn. Although the addiin 1934 by C.F. tion of mechanical Schmidt came “Generally, [the French valves made the on the market, horn] is quite nice. instrument much he had to have it. Nothing weird about it.” easier to play, “I’ve been Burdick prefers -Richard Burdick the natural horn, lo ok ing for a better horn with better intona- which relies on the player’s ability tion for years,” he says. “[This one] to control the sound using only is a little unusual, but it’s just the his mouth and his hand in the bell. perfect horn for me. I have a great Both Duprat and Gallay comanalogy: my old horn plays like an posed at the height of the classical automatic drive car; this one plays period. Their music, Burdick admits, like a manual transmission. It’s a is “sort of old-fashioned.” little harder to play, but you have “Generally, it’s quite nice,” he more control.” laughs. “Nothing weird about it.”

Most people know Burdick as the Besides providing an opporprincipal horn player in the Regina tunity to play some little-known Symphony Orchestra, but he is also music, the concert will also give a talented composer and a passion- Burdick a chance to demonstrate ate horn enthusiast. His latest proj- that the French horn is an astonect is a retrospective, an evening of ishingly versatile instrument. Few horn music during which Burdick composers bothered to give the will perform selections from his horn its due, but Burdick says the

ArtsSect &C

Alex J MacPherson

Photo: courtesy of Rebecca Burdick

instrument is more adaptable than most people realize.

“We go very low and moderately high, but the French horn is the soul of the orchestra,” he says.

“If you listen to the orchestra and close your eyes, you can pinpoint every instrument. But not the horn: it bounces around and fills up [the sound]. I think people will be surprised with how much contrast there is [when they] realize how much [horn] they’re hearing.”

“It’s my passion,” he adds. “I’m doing what I really like to do.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily

Where: Globe Theatre When: Now ‘til April 29 Cost: $25+ @ Globe Box Office

Richard Burdick in Concert

Where: St. Luke’s Anglican Church When: April 29th Cost: $10 at the door, $5 for students

Gabriela García-Luna: New Territories Where: Mysteria Gallery When: Now ‘til May 10 Cost: Free!

Want some coverage for your upcoming event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP!

Five Qs: Mrs Dext

Actress Lorna Wilson On Monolog Alex J MacPherson

Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily is an unconventional play. There are only two characters, yet they never appear onstage together. Composed from a pair of monologues, the play examines the relationship between a wealthy Toronto socialite and her daily maid. Cast against a backdrop of social chasms and impending change, Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily evolves into a humanist triumph. Edith Dexter and Peggy Randall seem like polar opposites, as different as two people could possibly be. But as the play unfolds the lines separating these women are blurred: similarities emerge and the bonds are strengthened as both grapple with problems that transcend class and money and status.

Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily, which was written by Joanna McClelland Glass, is a play about overcoming adversity and the importance of empathy. Verb caught up with Lorna Wilson, who plays Peggy Randall, to

chat about monologues, relationships and bad grammar.

Alex J MacPherson: First off, let’s talk about structure. This is an unusual arrangement.

Lorna Wilson: It is unusual! The big challenge with a monologue is that you’re all by yourself onstage, alone, with no other actor to “It’s really jus play off. It is a well- with the issue written monologue, women are fa though. It has to be well-written and it has to be character-driven. It can’t be literal; you have to understand the character almost from what she doesn’t say. It has to build to some kind of frustration, to a climactic moment when something happens, a decision has to be made. Joanna Glass has written this fantastic piece that talks about my life.

AJM: Where does that tension come from?

LW: The whole tension in this play is that my boss, Mrs. Dexter, her husband left her and has gone to

Culture tion Pages PH, PH PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, Apr 20–26, ‘1211 VerbNews.com

Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — Gabriela GarcíaLuna’s latest collection of work, New Territories, is an exercise in domestic archaeology.

Pulling back layer upon layer of weathered wallpaper, García-Luna transforms decaying walls and faded decorations into a metaphor for the passage of time and memory.

Her work draws on personal history, offering insight into the lives of those who came before us.

“There are the layers of wallpaper, so when this wallpaper was ripped off, you can see through the lives of others,” she explains.

“The style of the wallpaper, flowers or colours, there were some mysteries there to discover. I responded to that. It was something new to me.”

Wallpaper is not common in García-Luna’s home country of Mexico, where many of the houses are made from brick and plaster, and walls are painted, not papered.

But unlike paint, wallpaper preserves. It creates a series of layers, Giclée print on cotton paper, 2011 each tied to a human being. New Territories gauges the frailty of life “Here the land is so strong. I a destination. and experience against the perma- guess I was absorbing that,” she “When I’m creating the work, I’m nence of architecture. muses, “We can see that art mak- discovering for myself,” she says.

Working like an archaeologist, ing in Canada is so linked to the “[Then] I’m discovering through García-Luna strips land, and it’s not the viewer. I’m not dictating a view; walls of their pa- “Ultimately, these are a coincidence I’m more interested in what’s happer, revealing abstract pieces and that — the strength pening in front of the piece with stories that have gives the freedom of and the energy the viewer.” lain undisturbed of earth and the “The enjoyable part of the work interpretation…” for decades. vastness of it re- is along the way, you know?” she -Gabriela García-Luna ally dictates a lot laughs. “I try to bring to my work “I was fascinated by what I saw,” she says. “I of your thoughts and imagination.” or to my life ways of seeing that took photographs and used them Regardless of what viewers see, are interesting, engaging — posto construct the images you see in García-Luna will be pleased, as she sibility.” the show. Layers of paint, layers of says she sees art as a journey, not Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. paper eventually become an image a viewer has to discover — the complete cycle of the piece.”

Because every interpretation is valid, García-Luna’s work is extremely accessible. Some see topographical maps in the tattered wallpaper; others see an investigation of what the home means. There is no right answer. García-Luna admits she likes this approach, because it is as interesting for her as it is for the viewer.

“I’m not expecting to have a precise interpretation,” García-Luna continues. “Ultimately, these are abstract pieces and that gives the freedom of interpretation.”

One theme that is difficult to ignore is the relationship between New Territories and landscapes.

Most of the works in the exhibit resemble watercolour landscapes, a fact García-Luna was quick to latch on to.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

ter And Her Daily Photo: courtesy of Kiriako Latridis

gues, The Bond Between Women

live downtown with the next-door neighbour. I am so distraught over what this has done to my boss, and I’m trying to find ways to cheer her up. And I have an issue, too: I will lose my job when the divorce is final. She has to go to a little apartment and I won’t be her daily.

AJM: So the play st identifying hinges on that relaes these two tionship?

LW: I think that it acing…” comes back to the -Lorna Wilson quality of our personalities. We’re all going to have issues — everybody does — but my character somehow has this humour. It all comes down to the most powerful things in life: your mortality, your relationships. Those are the things people, no matter who they are [or] what they do, grapple with. I don’t care who you look at from the outside, there are things going on we don’t know about.

AJM: Was it difficult to move away from traditional acting and being

Hidden Landscapes Uncovered In New Territories

bale to riff off other actors, and back into a monologue form?

LW: Terrifically challenging, probably the most challenging acting experience I’ve ever had. There’s a huge amount of technical work to be done. What’s been exciting is realizing that I can do it and that I actually love [my character] because she has some great stories that she tells. She has bad grammar — she left school at 12. I had to learn a whole new way of speaking. An accent would be easier, an accent has a rhythm. It’s been hard to learn.

AJM: What do you hope the audience gains from watching Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily?

LW: It’s really just identifying with the issues these two women are facing in later life, having real sympathy and love for these people. They’re very vulnerable people.

I think they will be perplexed and will be entertained watching it. I hope they enjoy watching the two of us.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Food

Page 12

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Wild boars are the hairy, tusked ancestors to our modern domestic pigs, and hunting these large beasts is considered a test of bravery.

Like other game meats, wild boar is succulently factual.

Most of the wild boar meat ■people eat comes from farms, where the animals are raised like free-range pigs

boar meat is lean, ■fullWild of protein, and has more flavour than pork

sometimes take twice ■as Boars long as pigs to reach market weight, which is why their meat is pricier

bristles from wild boar ■hairThe can be used to make hair and paint brushes

Revamped Fireside Bistro Shines

Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Renovations Heighten Cozy Atmosphere At Smith St. Eatery Jessica Bickford

Of all the heritage buildings in Regina, the location of the Fireside Bistro is one of my favourites. Spread over two floors, the restaurant is full of character with intimate spaces and little nooks here and there that speak to its nearly one-hundred-year history. And even though the

Bistro has recently finished up some extensive renovations, they have kept all of the gravitas appropriate to a building of such a distinguished age.

Scott Aspelieter, the chef and owner of Fireside, says that he likes to focus on fresh meat and seafood, serving original items that you can’t find anywhere else. With a brunch menu every weekend, along with lunch, dinner and lounge menus, there is certainly a lot to choose from no matter what you are after.

We started off with the colourfully presented sesame ginger chicken, which came nestled on a bed of Asian noodles and was served with a small salad of mixed greens. The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, with a deep sesame flavour and ginger spice.

Topped with red and green peppers, green onions, and a mix of white and black sesame seeds, the meal was bright and fresh, and although filling, it was not at all

heavy. delicious and intensely satisfying Next up was my all-time favou- combination. rite dish, which I have to admit I We finished things off with one order every time I get the chance of the best chocolate brownies ever, to go to Fireside. It’s the wild which came topped with whipped mushroom fettuccini, which can cream and strawberries. be topped with a variety of meats. I All the desserts at Fireside are was lucky enough made in-house by to get a bone-in “The chop was moist Scott’s daughter wild boar chop on and succulent, with just Maegan Lawson, mine, which came the slightest amount of so the others are lightly breaded sure to delight. and fried. Wild seasoning…”

Fireside’s patio -Jessica Bickford is open whenever boar is a fantastic meat, and even though the kind we our temperamental weather perget here is farmed, it has so much mits, and they also offer catering for more flavour than pork. any special events you might have.

The chop was moist and succu- It’s clear the Fireside Bistro is living lent, with just the slightest amount up to its location with great food of seasoning to play up the delicious and atmosphere that is as charming flavours of the boar. The pasta, as as the building itself. always, was superb — perfectly al Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. dente and covered in a rich, creamy sauce that was studded with assorted mushrooms. The umami 2305 Smith Street of the mushrooms, along with the Address: Hours: Monday – Friday 11am – Close indulgent sauce and filling pasta, Saturday – Sunday 10am – Closed made this option an incredibly Reservations: 761-2305

Fireside Bistro

Opinion

Page 13

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Bring The NHL To SK? We Hope One Day

Our Growing Economy And Population Could Make A Franchise Here Viable The editors of Verb

Regina, SK — Ever since On Ice Management Group Inc. presented a bid to the NHL to bring a team to Saskatoon, people have been weighing in on the subject.

Some, like Don Cherry, think we can do it soon. Others say it’s impossible.

We believe that while it’s not viable to have a team in Saskatoon right now, one day — if the stars align properly — we could sustain an NHL franchise.

Consider, for a moment, Winnipeg. Currently, the Jets have the league’s smallest market and the smallest arena, yet despite these disadvantages recent reports out of Winnipeg claim the Jets may

“[P]erhaps most importantly, Saskatchewan is a hockey hotbed.”

-Verb’s Editors have finished this year as one of the league’s top-15 revenue generators.

There is a lot that we’ve got going on that could make a potential Saskatchewan franchise as successful as Winnipeg’s.

Finding a group of investors doesn’t seem to be a problem. Plus Saskatoon, where the team would be located, has an arena (the Credit Union Centre) that wouldn’t be the smallest in the league.

And our average after-tax household income of $55,908 — which is higher than Edmonton, Toronto and Winnipeg — means people could afford to attend games, and purchase souvenirs or food. Also, and perhaps most importantly, Saskatchewan is a hockey hotbed.

This isn’t to say we should get a team right away. Even though it would probably fair better than franchises in Phoenix or Florida, trying to bring a team to Saskatoon any time soon simply isn’t feasible.

We think Saskatchewan has the potential to make this venture a success — eventually. But in the meantime, we’ve got a lot of growing to do .

First of all, our population needs to increase significantly. Stats Canada notes the census metropolitan area (CMA) of Saskatoon is 260,600 residents; the CMA of Winnipeg is 762,800. While that is quite a gap, we have hope we can close it.

Photo: courtesy of Kris Krüg

Winnipeg’s Jets brought the NHL back to Manitoba last year to great success. Perhaps the same could be in store for Saskatchewan.

After all, Saskatoon is the fastest for all 41 NHL home games in the keen interest in the team. just sit on our hands and hope. Let’s growing city in the country. If this dead of winter is somewhat ludiIf we can do that, then the rest be active: let’s do our homework trend continues and if people are crous. So the onus will primarily be is gravy. and come up with a concrete game sometimes willing to travel in from on the population of Saskatoon to If a team were to move here plan and proposal. Let’s crunch the cities like Regina and Prince Albert continue growing. someday, you can bet your bottom numbers, develop a city plan, make to watch games, then it could work.

What’s more, our economy must dollar it would muster tremendous improvements to the Credit Union But you can’t entirely depend on also maintain its current growth fan support.

Centre (or find money to build a out-of-town fans. It’s one thing for rate. Jobs need to keep being creWhich is a huge, because the new arena). the province to support the Riders ated, we need a bigger/better cor- NHL is an attendance business in Because if we want to bring the (they only play nine home games in porate presence, and we need the which ticket sales constitute the NHL to Saskatchewan, we’re going the summer/fall), but to expect peo- big boys (and girls) of the potash biggest form of revenue. to have to make it happen. ple to drive hundreds of kilometres and uranium industries to take a But in the meantime, let’s not Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

AprPH 20–26, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Sappy The Lucky One Predictably Mushy Efron, Schilling Manage Some Chemistry Despite Shallow Plot, Same Old Themes The Lucky One

Runtime: 101 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt Spoiler alert: Scott Hicks’ new movie The Lucky One is based on a Nicholas Sparks novel.

So, like every other insipid Sparks’ story, you already know what’s going to happen.

First, it’s going to star two beautiful white people: in this case it’s Zac Efron (High School Musical) and

Taylor Schilling (Atlas Shrugged). he sets to do the impossible — find Next, there’s going to be an ob- the mystery girl in the image. stacle that makes love between Which, being a Sparks story, he these beautiful folk seem absolutely does. impossible (in previous Sparks’ Then, because it always seems stories that obstacle has ranged to go this way, something horfrom social status rible happens to parents to 9/11). “[M]ost of the characters that jerks tears T h i s t i m e are no more than vague and turns an utaround, the mas- sketches…” terly forgettable ter of sap opts for romance in a -Adam Hawboldt completely forsomething much more absurd. See, Efron’s character gettable tragedy. is a U.S. Marine who, while pullIn the case of The Lucky One, ing a tour of duty in Iraq, finds a you’ll just have to watch the film photograph of a blonde girl. He’s to see what happens. convinced he only survived thanks Oh, and I almost forgot … like to this photo, so once he gets home every other Sparks’ novel-turnedfilm there must be a movie poster of the aforementioned beautiful white people embracing (see The Notebook, Dear John, The Last Song).

Right. So there’s The Lucky One in a nutshell for you. And how good it is really depends on how much you like Nicholas Sparks movies.

If you’re of the “oh-my-god-TheNotebook-was-the-best-movie-ever” school, well, you’re probably really going to dig this flick.

Now, you won’t like it as much as The Notebook because, well, let’s admit it: Zac Efron couldn’t hold Ryan Gosling’s thespian jock strap on his best day.

But nonetheless, The Lucky One is emotionally honest and mushy enough for anyone who enjoys a good, paint-by-numbers romance.

Plus, Efron — who has become a better actor than I would’ve guessed even five years ago — and Schilling even manage to kindle a sort of smoldering fire between them once the movie gets up and running.

However, if you’re more of the “I’d-rather-eat-glass-than-watchanother-Sparks-inspired-movie” type, then avoid The Lucky One like it’s the bubonic plague. Because this latest novel adaptation is as schmalzy, contrived and predictable as ever. What’s more, most of the characters are no more than vague sketches, many of the love scenes lack oomph, and the dialogue is so syrupy you could pour it on pancakes.

And unlike, say, The Notebook, which carried a certain sentimental weight, Will Fetters’ screenplay for The Lucky One leaves the film empty, vacant, shallow and, at times, completely void of meaning.

But in the end, no matter what

I say about the movie — good or bad — will change the fact that The Lucky One, like most other Spark’s

movies, is going to bank a veritable fortune.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

AprPH 20–26, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Think Like A Man Just Misses The Mark

Photo: courtesy of Sony Pictures

Great Ensemble Cast, Funny Script Can’t Save Romcom From Weak Basic Premise Think Like a Man Runtime: 122 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt The idea behind Think Like a Man is a pretty interesting one.

The movie uses comedian Steve Harvey’s 2009 best-selling advice book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, as the basis for four interconnected fictional stories about men and women and the brave old world of love.

You’re probably asking yourself, “What’s so interesting about that?”

Well, unlike other movies that are simply based on books, Think Like a Man takes it one step further and has Harvey enter the story, playing himself as the best-selling author. It’s a subtle fusing of fact and fiction that, instead of feeling contrived, actually works to serve the story as a whole.

Not to mention Think Like A Man features one of the best ensemble casts I’ve seen in a long time.

Ranging from the ridiculously attractive (Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good) to the notoriously funny (Kevin Hart, Romany Malco) to the “why-in-the-hell-would-anyoneput-this-guy-in-their-movie” (Chris

Brown), the actors in this flick have buddies who play basketball toan easy chemistry that goes a long gether. way towards giving an otherwiseYou have the mama’s boy (Terbreezy and predictable movie legs. rence J) who is dating the single Directed by Tim Story (Barber- mom (Regina Hall), the dreamer shop), Think Like a Man uses Har- (Michael Ealy) that falls for the vey’s best-selling independent book as the cen- “The narrative basically businesswoman tral troublemaker boils down to a bunch of (Taraji P. Henson), to shake the ever- stereotypes…” the player (Malco) loving crap out of who tries to do his -Adam Hawboldt thing with the 90the status quo.

This happens when the women day rule girl (Good), and the nonin the movie read the book — which committer (Jerry Ferrara) who is spills secrets about cracking the trying the patience of his long-time male code — and start using their girlfriend (Union). newfound insights to achieve their And then, on the outside lookgoals and manipulate the guys. ing in you have Cedric (Hart), the These men, conveniently, are wise-ass narrator who is divorced

and loving life.

This guy is a riot. He cracks the group up with stories about his ex-wife, spends most of his time in strip clubs and generally lends the movie a sort of manic, muchneeded energy.

The screenplay, written by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman (Friends With Benefits), makes the most of the chemistry between the cast. Merryman and Newman write smart, funny male-female banter, and the rapport between the two groups is almost pitch perfect.

Nevertheless, for all the chemistry and good writing, Think Like a Man never quite hits its stride.

First off, with a running time

of two hours, this movie drags on way too long, losing steam partway through and never quite maintaining the momentum needed to see us through to the end.

What’s more, though the decision to include Harvey was a good one, it’s not enough to save the story from itself.

The narrative basically boils down to a bunch of stereotypes operating within the stereotypical battle of the sexes. The men are infantile and afraid of commitment; the women pushy and high maintenance. For all the potential this film has, Think Like a Man ultimately flounders.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: Legalizing Brothels

Last week we asked what you thought about legalizing and regulating brothels in Saskatchewan, and here’s what you had to say.

Next week’s topic: see page 13 — what do you think about

On Topic There’s employers in this province who verge on human trafficing to meet their labor needs. The bastards would traffic it were legal. This dark thread of callous greed stains a good bit immigration policy.

Don’t ever kid yourself about this!

bringing an NHL franchise to Saskatchewan? Text FEEDBACK and your thoughts about the topic (or anything else) to 306–881-VERB (8372) and you could see your text printed in next week’s issue!

Re: legalize/regulate brothels. I think this is extremely sad.

Women do not need to be valued only as a commodity for sexual services. Not once did this ‘article’ propose men should be involved as an item to be sold. Its always about the women and how they can be objectified/regulated

into makong a profit.

There is so much more information as to why women enter this trade and just as many variables when talking about legalizing this disgusting type of slavery. Your article lacked important information when considering all aspects of this trade. To simply say that we should get on the band wagon because it worked for another state is incredibly flawed and does NOT make it right.

Legalizing or regulating the sex trade does have some very real benefits but also lots of negatives.

Improving safety and health sound like great ideas, but is this the best way to do it? Just curios.

Is it just your opinion that brothels should be legal or have you read the studies?

Maybe start with Victor Maleryk’s (sp?) work.

I support movement towards making the sex trade industry and those who work in it safer, but I think providing support systems to transition the men and women who have ended up in it, for whatever reason, should be an integral part of the process.

Simply legalizing it could just further the commodification of women’s bodies. We need to be supportive of those who end up in the sex trade industry, provide them with the right to a safe working environment, and assisstance to transition, should they choose, into other employment options.

Off Topic Re: “‘Nubrella:’ Hands-Free Umbrella,” Offbeat page, April 13th issue

The nubrella is the coolest thing i have ever heard of all it takes is one person to make an invention into a reality.

Re: “Frozen Foam Chills Beers,” Offbeat page, April 13th issue

About time this province should wise up to reality. I support legalising all sex trade workers. <Glen>

Ichiban beer foam only available in japan...

And my basement because I know how to brew like a BAUSS!!!

Feedback : let’s legalize brothels already people there’s many people who wood benefit! - dj heywood

Re: “The Cabin In The Woods Worth The Trip,” Movies page, April 13th issue

Come on people just want some good ol fun and are willing to pay we need to start taxing that money being spent on 20th G W Mort Legalize brothels, hey? I’m pretty sure theirs going to be a ton of pervy comments

Counter review: Cabin not worth the trip…

How can you spoil that which was not fresh to begin with?

I mean talk about lack of creativity this movie takes a bit of everything and throws it into a blender…The resulting pile of crap is terrible…daring this movie is I agree Adam but daring in it’s flagrant plagiarism.

Ambitious it is I agree Adam but in a way that is preposterous.

Ambition is not always a good thing. And it is about as stylish as a polka dot tie on a plaid shirt with a striped blazer. Sorry but I’m gonna call foul on this…what I really abhor is the subtle Hellraiser (because I am a huge fan) reference…watch for it, should you choose to shun my advice.

Re: “The SLGA Shouldn’t Regulate Morality,” Opinion page, March 30th issue

No stripping where alcohol is served?

Whenever I’ve told friends this from outside saskatchewan they thought I was joking. And it is a joke that we have laws like this! Its adult entertainment but I forget that brad wall and company aren’t adults. The SLGA is suppose to regulate liquor and gaming.

Go do that and stop regulating what I look at!

It would make more sense and would be more productive to sweep streets when there are no vehicles parked there. Give people notice to move their vehicles and do a proper street cleaning the first time.

The Sask Party gov’t is spending $2 million on yet another study of the “Aboriginal Problem”. Really!

I mean REALLY!!!

The multimillion dollar Federal Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples a few years back was the definitive work in this area. Instead of wasting public purse the Sask Party should just dust off the RCAP findings and recommendations! We abos know exactly why

Texts this isn’t being done.

Infuriating!

Why do people start driving first and then decide to put on their seatbelt? It’s kind of like putting on your pants and realizing afterwards that you have to put on your underwear.

YB people try to tear others down because of their own insecurities. It’s bulls$*%. Don’t take that crap from anyone, ever. I took for too long in my own life, and it takes strength to see past their sh*t but in the end it’s worth it.

You rock!

420 is best day of the year. day of weed and anniversery. I love you terrilynn lets go smoke one and look forward to next year!

All you lot complaining about slow traffic have absolutely no idea how pathetically inadequate your reflexes are. If you’re not an NHL goalie or F1 driver you should stay well below the speed limit!

Has any of you readers watched someone die from lung cancer? I have, I watched my dad die from it and it is the scarriest thing I have ever seen. I

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Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

was told how he was gonna die and now it is etched into my memory, so remember this every time you smoke that cigarette.

YB

notice DOWNtown Kitchen is LHK. Ultralight! Small appliances crappy sinks or no sink in some suites.

Good for tent living too.

OH GOD the canucks are stressing me out so much right now i hope they can pull it together tonight or they’re out :(

Chips go straight to your hips.

Wow way to choke canucks. Cue Vancouver burning down and making international headlines out of their dumbassery in 3, 2.......

So like how wealthy and successful does Saskatchewan have to get for poverty to start getting better instead of worse every year?

“Let’s talk dirty” ..

“What?!” .. “I said it’s 10:30.”:-) Ok we got a new vein.

DOWNtown Kitchen: Poach eggs and boil frozen perogies in the same frying pan.

Gooey comfort food.

DOWNtown Kitchen: Boil macaroni and wieners in the same pot. Take the weiners out when mac is done.

Make mac and cheese in the pot. Ketchup.

In case you didn’t

Go kings . Can t wait for oilers come in september . Maybe nexts year they will be in the playoff . I love see snow in April go old Sask.

Awesome quoting from “KUNG FU PANDA” WICKED why are buses leaving the terminal 1 and 2 mins early!!!??? when my bus gets there at 44 and the bus i need leaves at 44 thats not fair!!!

If you see someone trying to change lanes and has their signal light on, you don’t speed up. Cut them some slack and let them in. Let’s share the road please.

It’s no wonder people don’t respect cyclists on the road. They blow through stop signs and red lights. Cyclists are regarded by the law as a vehicle. If you want to be on the road, follow the rules of the road!

You know you’re DOWNtown on a windy day when garbage is flying around like flocks of pigeons!

How about canucks make it through ‘til next round, then trask van again like a bunch of morons. I mean how stupid do you have to be?

Yo YB dont let others get you down u only gotta anser to urself.

Friday th 13 it ‘ s my birthday happy 35 ! :) The film “Sucker Punch” and its genre seem to be mentally preparing young girls for hard core war.

Sometimes I get a real bad feeling about the future!

If you don’t have some kind of very real faith or religion to guide and strengthen you in the work then you shouldn’t be involved in social work or police work!

It is possible to have enough natural smarts to do social work and police work well without religion but this kind of intelligence is very very rare! why are buses leaving the terminal at 44 and 45? the schedules

say 46. arent they supervised!? the bus is ALWAYS early. wtf!?

My bus driver rocks!

Do police sirens really have to be sounded in the middle of the night waking up the whole neighborhood?

I agree that school zones feel slow but wouldn’t you rather lives were saved instead of taken by someone texting while driving at 50km/h?

Wow whats with the hostility towards school zones? They’re 30 kph, deal. It’s like a freaking half block long or something are you unable to slow down for that amount of space? It translates to maybe 15 seconds.

I’m sure you’re a great driver, I don’t mean this to sound so snarky but I honestly can’t see this being that big of a deal :) (emoticon to alleviate previously alluded to snarkiness) Yeah dre and snoop and pac the greatest things I’ve seen and snoops comin to SK maybe he’ll bring pac haha!

The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.

Nightlife

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Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Friday @ Beer Bros.

Venue

Beer Brothers Bakery and Cuisine on Friday, April 13th

Location

1801 Scarth Street

Playing on Arrival

“Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys

Music Vibe

Changes all the time

Feature Deal

Meat pies made fresh daily

Popular Drink

Pints of Velvet Fog beer (made

by Wild Rose Brewery in Calgary) for $7.39

Food of Choice

Beerogie — perogies (made fresh daily), served with cabbage rolls, sausage and mashed potatoes

Something New

The patio opens May 20th

Photos courtesy of Klein Photography (feedback@verbnews.com)

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You may have a brilliant idea this week, the kind that inspires you and others. If such a flash of brilliance comes, here’s what you should do: first, write it down. The more concrete you can make it, the better. Once you have the thought, it’s time to develop a plan of action to get the ball rolling. I know a lot of times you have good ideas and just let them slide, but don’t let this one pass. What good are great ideas if you never follow through on them? Think about it.

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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

Time to get all astrological, dear Virgo.

This week will see Mars turning directly into your sign, which means a couple of things. First, you will start to feel a whole lot better about yourself and life in general. Second, you’re plate is going to become rather full: things will be coming at you constantly, but don’t worry. These won’t be obstacles, so you’ll be able to make tons of progress in everything you attempt. You’ll be a busy, though a happy, little bee. Enjoy.

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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

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If you feel like retreating to your bedroom, slamming the door and locking the world out this week, do it. There’s a lot to be said for some serious alone time, so if you don’t feel like talking, that’s the right decision to make. But while you’re alone, don’t just mope — put your time to good use. Examine your life. Find the things you can improve on, then construct plans to make them better. By doing this, when you re-emerge and join the world again, you’ll have a clear path to follow.

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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

This week you may be full of energy, dear Leo. If that’s the case, put it to good use: with the weather warming up, get outside for some exercise or do some work around the house. Consider throwing yourself headfirst into a project you’ve been putting off. Times like these don’t come along all that often, so make the most of it. And if, by chance, you’re not feeling overly energetic don’t just laze around: force yourself to get up and do something.

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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

Communication is the key to success this week, dear Capricorn, so keep all avenues open. If you have issue with something, talk about it. If someone deserves praise, tell them. If you’re having difficulty figuring something out, ask someone for help. Remember, though, communication extends far beyond talking, so keep your ears open and listen to what others have to say. And keep your eyes open, too, because often the most powerful messages are non-verbal ones.

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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

You may be in for a very emotional week, dear Cancer. One minute you could be blue or in the dumps, the next you might find yourself smiling from ear to ear. Best brace yourself for the roller coaster ride, because there’s nothing you can do about it. Oh, and don’t fret about bouncing between highs and lows — it’s all part of being human. Sometimes you just have to deal with what comes your way, make the best of it, and grip on to the high points when possible.

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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

Sometimes it feels like we’re trying to fit square pegs in round holes. This may be one of those weeks, dear Sagittarius.

One of the ones where no matter how hard you try, success is always just out of reach. Don’t let it get you down, though, and whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep plugging away. The efforts that seem to be for naught this week will bear fruit in the near future, so turn up the volume on your sticktoitiveness and beat on like a boat against the current.

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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

Instinct can be a double-edged sword: sometimes when you follow your gut it gets you into trouble, other times it can pay off — in a big way! This week brings you more of the latter scenario, dear Gemini, so trust your instincts. Even if what your gut is telling you seems wildly outrageous, listen to it. Unless, of course, it’s telling you to break the law or place yourself in extreme danger. Otherwise, if you follow your hunches things should work out just fine.

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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

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Positivity is power, so stay positive this week, dear Scorpio. Even if things seem bleak they’re never as bad as they appear — there are silver linings everywhere, all you have to do is look for them.

A wise person once said that “the positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.”

Keep those words in mind in everything you do this week: if you stay positive, positive things will happen to you. And remember: nobody likes a negative Nelly.

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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

What do you want, Taurus? Not what would you like to have. Not what you think would be good. What do you REALLY want? That’s the question you should be asking yourself this week. And while the answer may evade you at first, the deeper you dig the sooner you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. Now is a great time for reflection and soul searching. Just give yourself some time to think and be ready to grab the answers before they zip past you.

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“Don’t worry, be happy.” Bobby McFerrin sang it, now it’s your turn to live it, dear Libra. This week there is nothing you should worry about, which will leave you to enjoy the simple, ordinary things life has to offer, like a hot shower or that first cup of coffee in the morning. Getting ahead, earning money and conquering the world aren’t really things you should concern yourself with at the moment.

There is no need to take life seriously right now, so kick back and enjoy.

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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

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Charles Wright, a seminal pioneer of soul and funk music in America, once told you to “Express yourself!” These are words to live by this week, dear Aries. It’s time be more open, especially when it comes to your affections. Don’t be afraid to show someone how you feel — you’ll not only make others happy, but you’ll receive the same sentiments in return.

What goes around comes around, right?

So put yourself out there. You may be surprised how people will receive you.

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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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Horoscopes

Apr 20–26, ‘12 VerbNews.com 6 7 5 4 8 1 2 3 9

Time Out

Page 19

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Sudoku

Directions: Fill each box with a digit from 1-9, following these conditions: - Each row must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.

- Each column must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.

- Each of the nine 3x3 boxes must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.

6 4 8 2 4

3 5 9

7 2 5

1 6 8

6 9 1 5 9 4 3 8 6 7 2 5 3 4 8 7 1 1 7 9 2 3