Verb Issue r26 (May 4-10, 2012)

Free weekly

May 4–10, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb

$200M Sought For Stadium

Regina Asks Province For Funding P2

Pass The Hat

Comedy Troupe Offers Laid-Back Fun P10

The Avengers

Action-Packed Blockbuster Amazing P15

Toilet Speed Record

Canadian Races ‘Throne’ At 75 Km/h P7

Kerri Senkow Regina Singer On Her Struggles, And What’s Next P9

Photo: courtesy of Jason Grover Photography

Section Local Page 2

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

City Seeks $200M For Stadium Funding Regina Asks Province For Money To Replace Mosaic, Will Kick In $88M Itself Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — The Saskatchewan Roughriders are one step closer to a new home after plans to replace the aging Mosaic Stadium took shape this week.

The City of Regina has released details of a funding request submitted to the provincial government in late April for the $1 billion 15year Regina Revitalization Initiative, which includes a new football stadium.

The total cost of the stadium is expected to be about $280 million, of which the province is being asked to contribute $200 million, says Brent Sjoberg, deputy city manager and chief financial officer.

“I can’t confirm what we’re proposing yet, in terms of the stadium concept,” he says, adding that the province has been asked to respond to the request by May 31st.

Although he won’t say what shape the new stadium will take, Sjoberg has previously indicated that an open-air facility costs between $200 and $250 million, while a stadium with a fixed roof is worth about $380 million. A stadium with a retractable roof costs about $430 million.

Photo: courtesy of Brettede

According to Sjoberg, the full proposal will be available after

press time. says Cheveldayoff of the Regina “I’ve written a letter back to the Revitalization Initiative, which was mayor today, asking for more infor- introduced April 19th, 2011. mation in several different areas,” Under the proposal, $348 million says Saskatchewan Party Minister worth of public funding is needed Ken Cheveldayoff, who is in charge to complete the Initiative, which of the file. also includes an overhaul of the “For example, have they had current CP rail yards and the condiscussions with the Roughriders? struction of a mixed-use neighAnd some information regarding bourhood in the area surrounding the funding model and how they Mosaic Stadium. propose to pay for It will also creit going forward.” “I’ve written a letter back ate abut 700 new According to to the mayor … asking commercial and Cheveldayoff, the for more information in residential units premier and the on 53 acres of incabinet will meet several different areas.” ner city property.

-Ken Cheveldayoff to discuss the proOf the $348 posal and various financing options. million, the province is being asked This current proposal stems from to furnish $230 million: $200 million a March 2011 announcement that for the stadium and $30 million for federal money would not be avail- land development. able for a new stadium.

The city has asked the federal A joint study between the fed- government, which previously eral government, the province, the declined to pay for a stadium, to city and the Roughriders examined contribute $30 million toward land the idea of building a domed facil- development. ity with a retractable roof, but the The city itself will provide $88 federal government refused to par- million, most of which will go toticipate in the $430 million project. ward the stadium project.

“We asked the city of Regina Sjoberg says the federal money to come back and take another would be used to pay for green look at things and come back with initiatives and land servicing costs. another proposal, and they have,” ”Things of that nature that the

federal government would typically be open to partnering on,” he explains.

Warren McCall, opposition critic on the project, says the financial details provoke more questions.

“For a project of this magnitude, if people are going to get the assurance and confidence in the information that they should expect when hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars are involved, this government has to get a lot more ready with the information,” declares McCall.

Pointing to the New Democratic Government’s support for the struggling Roughriders in the ‘90s, McCall says the opposition is not ideologically opposed to the idea.

But, he continues, “the fact that this kind of proposal was nowhere in the budget — we think the government has got some explaining to do on that front,” he says.

Sjoberg says the city is still on track to start construction in 2013.

Last February, the province provided the city with a $6.2 million low-interest loan to help cover $14 million worth of upgrades to Mosaic Stadium needed for the 2013 Grey Cup game.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Section Local Page 4

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Rental Units In Sask Receive Tax Break

New Initiative Expected To Create 10,000 More Spaces In Next Five Years Alex J MacPherson

income tax rate down to the 2 percent small business rate, will be regina, SK — Saskatchewan’s applied to income earned from strained rental housing market rental properties. could get some relief from a new It is expected to cost the govtax break that promises to add ernment $34 million in the first thousands of new units in the five years, but could result in the next five years. creation of 10,000 The provincial “We’ve heard a lot of new rental units government has positive feedback from by the end of introduced the [various] organizations.” 2016.

Corporate Income “During our -Tim Gross c o n s u l t a t i o n s Tax Rebate, which is designed to encourage develop- with stakeholders last year, we ers to get new residential construc- heard that corporate income tax tion projects underway. was one of the biggest barriers to The ten percent income tax development,” Social Services Minbreak, which drops the corporate ister June Draude told the Standing

Committee on Human Services.

“Our government listened, and with this budget we introduced the corporate income tax rebate on new rental housing.”

Tim Gross, executive director, Housing Development, says, “it is intended to encourage developers or investors in rental to develop rental housing in the province.”

According to Gross, there are currently about 90,000 rental units in Saskatchewan, meaning the initiative could increase the supply by 11 percent.

Gross emphasizes that the initiative is not a conventional corporate tax break, and is available to any organization, either for- or nonprofit, or private individual building units that meet the criteria.

To qualify, projects must contain at least eight units, meaning apartment blocks, townhouses, and newly-converted commercial properties can qualify.

Gross says the initiative is a response to the concerns of organizations working in the construction and development fields.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from [various] organizations,” he says.

“It’s something that people considering rental development have talked about, that there is unfair treatment in the tax system. This is one way to respond to that.”

Draude added, “the initiative is widely acclaimed across the

Photo: courtesy of Jordon Cooper

province. The mayor of Saskatoon called it wonderful. Moose Jaw mayor, Glenn Hagel, celebrated the initiative as removing the biggest deterrent to building new rental units.”

Bill Madder, CEO of the Association of Saskatchewan Realtors, agrees.

“I think it’s a great initiative from the government,” he says.

“We see it as a real positive to get rental construction back rolling again,” Madder continues.

“We definitely need the supply in the marketplace, and this should help offset some of the reasons why people weren’t putting new apartments up.”

Although he admits that “a large part” of the income tax system is federally regulated, Madder thinks the initiative will offset some of the barriers to development.

“It’s a pretty significant benefit,” he admits. “Ten percent is not a bad number.”

“I don’t see any restrictions or

anything that would turn anybody away,” he adds.

“It actually is an opportunity.

I think it’s a pretty bold step by the government, because this type of thing doesn’t exist in any other province.”

NDP MLA David Forbes, who is the opposition housing critic, says.

“I don’t disagree with the tax [break], but I do see some issues,” he explains.

“I just think there are some loose ends here that could have major implications down the road.”

Forbes is concerned that there is no provision for affordable housing in the plan.

Furthermore, he is worried that new developments might be out of reach for low- and moderateincome citizens. He also worries that there is nothing to prevent developers from building expensive condominiums instead of apartments which, he says, “wasn’t what they were meant to be.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Global

Page 5Page PH

May 4–10, PH‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Your Brain Might Make You Lazy Adam Hawboldt

Sleep More, Lose Weight Nine Hours A Night Offsets Obesity Genetics Adam Hawboldt

seattle, wa — If you like to snooze, you’re going to love this.

New research out of the University of Washington has found that sleeping nine hours a night can counteract genetic predispositions to obesity.

Led by Dr. Nathaniel Watson, the researchers also found that sleeping less than seven hours a night was associated with both higher body weight and an increased susceptibility to the genetic factors that influence a person’s body mass index (BMI).

There are numerous genes Conversely, in twins who slept that have been linked to obesity; for more than nine hours, genetic however, this is the first study that factors accounted for only 32 perexamines how sleep affects those cent of weight variations. genes.

“The results Watson’s team “[E]xtended sleep is suggest that examined 1,088 protective by suppressing s h o r te r s l e e p pairs of twins, expression of obesity provides a more and found that permissive envifor twins sleeping genes.” ronment for the -Nathaniel Watson e x p re ssi o n of less than seven hours, genetic influences made obesity related genes,” says Watup 70 percent of the difference in son in a statement.

BMI, while common environment “Or it may be that extended accounted for four percent and sleep is protective by suppressing unique environment coming in at expression of obesity genes.”

26 percent.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Being Bilingual Enhances Memory, Attention Adam Hawboldt

an auditory system that is highly efficient, flexible and focused,” chicago, il — It’s no secret that explains auditory neuroscientist being bilingual has its benefits.

Nina Kraus.

But aside Kraus and the from the obvious “[Bilingual speaks have] other researchers communication an auditory system that is from Northwestadvant ages it highly efficient…” ern Universit y offers, recent remonitored the -Nina Kraus brains of 48 stusearch suggests that speaking two languages also dents; 23 spoke both English and enhances your memory and im- Spanish, while 25 of them were proves your ability to pay attention. English-only speakers.

“The bilingual’s enhanced exDuring the test, the stuperience with sound results in dents were subjected to two

environments: the first was a quiet laboratory, while the second was filled with noisy chatter.

In the quiet environment all the students’ minds responded similarly, but in the noisy room the bilingual students proved far better at processing sounds, and were more adept at tuning into important information by blocking out distracting noises.

Kraus explains this is because bilingual people tend to have sharper, more responsive minds.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

nashville, tn — For all you slackers out there, don’t worry: it’s not your fault.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University suggest that lazy people have brains that are hard-wired for underachievement.

After scanning the brains of “gogetters” and “slackers,” scientists identified neural pathways in the human brain that influence how willing an individual is to work hard.

M o r e s p e c i f i c a l l y, m o r e

motivated people had higher levels of dopamine in the striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, areas of the brain that play a key role in the feeling of reward when something is achieved.

Slackers, on the other hand, had increased dopamine levels in the anterior insula — the part of the brain involved in emotions and risk perception.

Twenty-five healthy volunteers, aged 18 to 29, took part in the research.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Global At A Glance New Cancer test — Scientists at Imperial College London have developed a blood test that can detect breast cancer decades before it develops.

Researchers have identified a “genetic

switch” — carried by one in five women — that doubles their risk of developing breast cancer. Scientists estimate the test will be available in about five years. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Feature

Page 6

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Sask Fashion Week Celebrates Local Style

Emerging, Established Designers Will Showcase Thriving Industry, Talent Sebastien Dangerfield

around here.”

One of those people was Riley Regina, SK — When fashion Lawson — a local personal image designer Tia Zelinski moved back consultant and fashion stylist. With to Regina, she knew what she had Lawson’s help, Zelinski soon got to do. involved in the “I knew I was “[S]tarting up an event local scene, met going to have like this has opened the the right people to push my way door for so many people.” and now, almost a into the fashion year after arriving -Tia Zelinski home, is debuting industr y,” says Zelinski, a recent graduate of Le- her first spring collection at the thbridge College’s Fashion Design Saskatchewan Fashion Week (SFW). and Marketing program. “I knew SFW, which is launching its I had to start contacting people inaugural week of events, was who were doing that kind of stuff created by its directors Candyce Bakke, Chelsea O’Connell and Chris Pritchard to celebrate the thriving fashion and creative design industries in this province.

“I think starting up an event like this has opened the door for so many people,” says Zelinski. “Honestly, I don’t think they thought it was going to be as big as it is.”

Zelinski is right. In the beginning, no one really know how SFW would exactly break down.

“Early on, I was nervous,” admits Bakke. “Were we going to have enough designers apply?”

The answer was a resounding “yes.”

In fact, with 30 applicants, organizers even had to add a free show on May 12th so they wouldn’t have to turn any designers away.

“The response was overwhelming,” says Bakke.

“And for our first year, we definitely have an excellent variety of designers.”

As one of those designers, Zelinski heads into the SFW expecting

Photo: courtesy of Saskatchewan Fashion Week

one main thing — feedback.

“With this being my first collection, this has been a learning experience for me,” says the young designer.

“And I’m eager to get some feedback on my work. Whether

it be criticism or compliments, it doesn’t matter. Fashion is one of those things you don’t really know if you’re good at or not until you get some feedback. So I’m looking forward to that.”

“I wanted to make something

wearable,” Zelinski says of the collection she’ll be showing at the event. “I focused on creating things that I’d like to wear, that my friends would like wear.”

This philosophy and approach to design fits in well with the ethos of SFW. Organizers of the event know that Regina isn’t New York or Paris.

Nor is it trying to be.

“This is about staying true to our roots and where we come from and being proud of that,” explains Bakke. “And that really shows in a lot of our local fashion designs and how we dress … It’s not about what’s hot and what’s not. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in whatever style you choose to wear. It’s about you being you, and being able to find a designer to fit your style.”

The 2012 Saskatchewan Fashion Week runs from May 10 th to May 12th. For more information about tickets, times or the event in general, please visit http://saskfashionweek.com.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat

Page 7

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Man Sues Over 2-Year Erection Adam Hawboldt

Nude Inn's Bottom Line Motel Goes Clothing Free To Make Ends Meet Adam Hawboldt

“It’s just a niche in the market,” Hodge told Florida Today.

Cocoa Beach, fl — SomeThe decision to transform his times nudity is the only answer. business into a clothing-optional Or at least it was the answer motel was by no means an easy for one cash one for Hodge. strapped motel “Paul Hodge hit on the First he had to in Florida. idea to relaunch as a hotel convince his wife L o c a t e d i n for nudists.” it was a good Cocoa Beach, the idea, and now he -Adam Hawboldt has to deal with Fawlt y Towers Motel had experienced years of irritated neighbours who believe declining business and increased his new venture will expose tourists competition from larger chain ho- and local kids to unwanted sights. tels. Things had gotten pretty bad, But for Hodge, this nude-motel but then owner Paul Hodge hit on plan is all about the bottom line. the idea to relaunch as a hotel for “It’s sort of a make-or-break situnudists. ation,” explains Hodge. “We can’t

911 Called Over Stolen Weed Adam Hawboldt

County police spokesperson, Sergeant Sonya Rorls. college park, MD — Things Three current and two former you should do after a home inva- University of Maryland students live sion: call 911. in the residence that was robbed.

Things you shouldn’t do after a Police say the three masked home invasion: tell the 911 operator men entered the house through an the intruder took open door. They your marijuana. “[T]he police can’t charge also confirmed “ I woke up him with possession … the robbery was to one of them because, technically, he drug-related. walking in my “ T hey s tole room and asking wasn’t in possession…” laptops, cell -Adam Hawboldt phones, money where my money and drugs were,” the unnamed [and] marijuana,” says Corporal Maryland man tells a 911 operator. Mike Rodriguez.

“He took my weed and took my As for the guy who called 911, rent money.” the police can’t charge him with Needless to say, this wasn’t a possession of marijuana because, standard, everyday kind of call. technically, he wasn’t in possession “We don’t usually get those kind of any marijuana. of reports,” admits Prince George Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat At A Glance toilet racing — Jolene Van Vugt has made it into the Guinness World Records book for setting a new land speed record for the fastest motorized toilet.

She steered the contraption through

some wobbles before clocking in at 75 kilometres an hour in Sydney, Australia. The previous record was set by Edd China in 2011. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

pay ourselves in winter. We had to scrap health insurance.”

So far, Hodge’s new strategy seems to be working.

“I’ve been swamped all morning and we’re looking for it to pick up,” says Chiquita Ward, who works the front desk.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

sacramento, ca — A California man is suing BMW North America, alleging that a four-hour ride on his motorcycle gave him an erection that's lasted for two years.

The afflicted man, Henry Wolf, claims the ridged seat on his 1993 BMW motorcycle, which he put on his bike to make the ride more comfortable, caused the unfortunate

situation.

What’s more, because of his “persistent, lasting erection,” Wolf claims he’s unable to engage in sexual activity.

Wolf is suing BMW America and the maker of the seat, Corbin-Pacific. He is seeking compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress and what he calls “general damage.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Music

Page 8

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Vibes will all be making an appearance. 8:30pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.

Steph Macpherson — If you like Stevie Nicks, Sarah Harmer and/or Jeff Tweedy, then you’ll really dig this musician and her harmonylaced folk/pop sound. 7:30pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10 at the door.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

(Next Week) SONIC ORCHID @ MCNALLY’S Tavern — Consisting of Kristina

Since forming in 2002, Sonic Orchid has continued to evolve, and after the release of their first album, ‘08’s Love and War, the band has garnered solid attention. Come check them out at McNally’s on May 12th; tickets are $5 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback?

Text it to 306-881-8372.

Friday 4

Absofunkinlutely — This four-piece from Saskatoon bring a unique blend of stubble-funk, prairie-disco, reggae-rock and northern soul to the stage. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Gasparic, Bran Evanochko, C.J. Cook and Grant Frew, this female-fronted rock band offers soaring vocals, catchy guitar riffs and driving drums, and offers up a sound that’s melodic-poprock-metal for the new millennium.

Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan — Tillis is a CMA-winning musician from Florida who was ranked # 30 in CMT’s Greatest Women of Country Music countdown, Morgan is a wildly talented country singer from Tennessee who has had 25 of her singles on the Billboard Hot Country chart. Together they’re in the middle of the Grits & Glamour tour. Come hear acoustic country at its finest. 8pm, Casino Regina.

Tickets $50–55, available at the box office, online at www.casinoregina. com or by calling 565-3000.\ Jayme Stone — Ever hear of banjo jazz? If so, you know how infectious it is. If not, you might want to drop by and check out this two-time Juno-winning, modernday banjo wizard from Toronto.

8pm, Creative City Center. Tickets $10 at the door.

The F-Holes — A while back, this five-piece from Winnipeg were playing instruments with a lot of f-holes in them and thought it would make a cool band name.

These day, The F-Holes have developed a roots-type sound that combines rockabilly, country and Dixieland. Also appearing will be Red Moon Road and Black Drink Crier. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10 at the door.

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.

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 wanna dance. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge.

No cover.

The Great Bloomers — Combining elements of country/pop melodies with gritty guitar riffs, this five-piece from Toronto puts on a show that’s simply captivating. Also appearing will be the Make Liars.

9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Stephanie Thomson — Playing a subtle and engaging brand of contemporary/inspirational pop, this local musician puts on a show you might not want to miss. 9pm, 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.

Saturday 5

Peter Katz, Belle Plaine, Andy Shauf and Julia and Her Piano — Talk about a show!

There’s the Juno-nominee who plays an infectious brand of acoustic/folk music (Katz). There’s a Saskatchewan songstress with a sultry voice you won’t forget (Plaine). And there’s a couple of uber-talented local acts to boot. 8:30pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets $15 at the door, also available in advance at Mysteria Gallery or www.picatic.com/event803690 Reform Party, Tinsel Trees, Empire Choir — Saskatoon’s Reform Party is back, performing songs from their new EP Perpetual Motion of the Modern Man. They’ll be joined by Tinsel Trees and Empire Choir 10pm, The Exchange.

Tickets $10 at the door.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

(Next Week) SLOW MOTION WALTER @ MCNALLY’S Tavern — Saskatchewan’s

music from today’s Top 40, covering everything from the Tragically Hip to Billy Idol. So if dynamic bands that play all your favourites are your kind of thing, come see SMW at McNally’s on May 18th and 19th at 10pm; tickets are $5 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

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.

Grand Master — An energetic progressive heavy metal trio from Winnipeg, these guys are all kinds of good. Drop by their CD release show here in Regina. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $8, available at Vintage Vinyl.

“Official Rock & Roll Party Patrol Machine” has a little something for everyone. Regina’s own Bryan Baker, Laural Frey, Paul Cybulski, Jamie Bohach, Dave Hoffert and Bruce Beaton take hits from the ‘80s and toss in a liberal dose of

Absofunkinlutely — This four-piece from Saskatoon bring a unique blend of stubble-funk, prairie-disco,reggae-rock and northern soul to the stage. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Stephanie Thomson — Playing a subtle and engaging brand of contemporary/inspirational pop, this local musician puts on a show you might not want to miss. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.

Sunday 6

Eamon McGrath — With a style that swings from bombastic punk to intimate country, this 23-year-old from Edmonton puts on an eclectic and all-around awesome show.

Come check him out. 7:30pm, The Club. Tickets TBD.

Tuesday 8

Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.

Wednesday 9

Anderson Burko — Blending roots, folk, blues country into one amazing sound, this local up-andcomer is throwing a release party for his new album, Mitch’s Garage.

8pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets TBD.

Thursday 10

Kerri Senkow — Since dropping her debut album in 2010, this local act is has really made a name for herself. She’s brought her infectious pop/rock sound to places all around the Prairies and is now preparing for a cross-Canada tour to promote her new album, and will be kicking things off right here in Regina with her CD release party. 8pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets $15 at the door, or $12 in advance at Mysteria Gallery.

Malika Sellami — WIth an eclectic folk sound that combines infectious melodies and creative instrumentation, this Saskatoonbased musician is kicking off her 13-day tour of Western Canda right here in Regina. 7:30pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10 at the door.

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.

Riff Raff — With a set full of 70‘s, 80‘s and 90‘s classic hard-rock hits, this local band knows how to get the party started. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse.

Wednesday Night Folk — Mark Radford, Val Halla, and Trivial

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

(Next Week) BUCKCHERRY @ WASCANA PARK (COMING UP) — This hard-

and “Lit Up.” Most recently this bitchin’ five-piece has been hard at work in the studio creating their sixth album.

They’ll be rocking Wascana Park on July 7th; tickets are $49+ (https://summerinvasion.ca/) -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback?

Text it to 306-881-8372.

Big Wreck — Formed in Boston in 1994 by Torontonian Ian Thornley, this rock band played for nearly a decade before disbanding in 2002.

But they’re back together now with a new album called Albatross, which hit #5 on Candian Rock Charts. Don’t miss this show. 8pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets $30, available at www.ticketedge.ca, or either at the Pump or The Tap offsale.

Monday 7

MondayNight Jazz — Featuring The Project, popular jazz and jazz hybrids tunes led by guitarist Jay Harmon. 8pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.

rocking band from L.A. formed in ‘95, dissolved in ‘02, then was recreated in ‘05 by original members Josh Todd and Keith Nelson. Since then, the band has released hits like “Crazy Bitch,” “Sorry”

Photo: courtesy of the artist

Arts One

Page 9

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Singer Kerri Senkow On Breaking Away

Photo: courtesy of Jason Grover, Sean Lussier, and the artist

Regina Artist Discusses Her Struggles, And How She’s Poised To Get Ahead Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — In October 2010 Kerri Senkow, a then-unknown folk-rock singer from Regina, won the Rawlco Radio 10k20 prize.

This is a significant accomplishment. The prize, which is designed to help emerging musicians create professional-quality recordings, has propelled numerous Saskatchewan acts into the upper echelons of the recording industry: Senkow will be releasing her album, Breakaway, on May 10th, a big moment for any songwriter. But the scope of her success wasn’t apparent until a

few minutes after our telephone expected it, but I wasn’t so much conversation. surprised that it had come at that “I was the night janitor for the time — it just felt like that was Rawlco Radio offices when I was supposed to happen. Now I just 19 for several feel relieved and months. I cleaned “I was on a mission to proud.” their bathrooms prove it’s possible … I just Breakaway is and offices,” she went on my own.” the product of wrote in a followhard work. Some -Kerri Senkow people have conup email. 10k20 was a reversal of fortune for the nections they can exploit, others young singer, who supported her- money they can use to buy success. self by scrubbing bathrooms and Senkow built her career alone, step busking, for hours on end, outside by step. But that doesn’t matter to liquor stores in Regina’s south end. her much: she is used to roadblocks.

“At the time, I felt like this was a “What I wanted to do was not so gift to help me achieve my goals,” much prove to everyone else but to she says of the prize. “Not that I myself that this is what I want to do.

I want to make a living doing. I was on a mission to prove it’s possible,” she says. “I said enough is enough.

I just went on my own.”

Senkow, who is a single mother, has had ample opportunity to quit.

Money is tight in the music business, and finding time to work with a daughter to take care of can be exhausting. But she seems indefatigable.

“I’ve never questioned my decision,” she says simply.

Although she can be slotted, as if by default, into the singersongwriter niche, the designation leaves something to be desired.

Senkow obviously writes and sings

her songs, and indeed most of them can be adapted to the solo acoustic format, but her band did an excellent job adding some rock & roll to the mix. It’s been a long, hard journey for Senkow, and it’s not over yet. But for a singer used to counting change from a battered guitar case, a debut album can’t be anything but a breakaway.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Kerri Senkow

Where: The Artesian on 13 When:May 10 Cost: $12/15 @ Mysteria Gallery

Pass The Hat Comedy Troupe Laid-Back Fun

ArtsSect &C

Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — Pass the Hat is more than the name of an event: it’s a philosophy. The thing is, it hasn’t always been that way.

“It’s funny,” says Dane Imrie, who hosts the monthly comedy show.

“Graeme Zirk, who started the show a couple of years ago, didn’t quite have a name for it. When people asked where the name came from, they thought it was a big philosophical theory. Turns out, the door guy moved to Vancouver and there was no one to get the cash.”

Improvising, Zirk found a hat and passed it around, hoping that free Host Dane Imrie along with comedian Jon Hill at a recent Pass The Hat market economics would win the blunted the appeal of Pass the Hat 50 percent, although he concedes day. It did: everybody paid, and a “The root of it is that we all like that other people might like them tradition was born. each other,” says Imrie. “We’re a more than he does.

Pass the Hat emerged in 2006 group that really wants to collaboAnd given that the show has when a group of friends decided rate. At the end of the day we all lasted this long, he thinks they’re the local comedy scene was defi- realize that Regina is a small enough probably doing something right. cient. There were no shows, says city that we’re not going to get suc“We try to keep it laid-back, but Imrie, no places to see good live cessful, we’re not going to get rec- it’s always tough,” he says. “There comedy. ognized, if we’re are some people who equate the “A lot of peo- “If there’s an agenda for the one person laid-back atmosphere of what we’re ple in bigger cities the show, it’s to make who succeeded trying to do with not working too might pass by and people laugh…” by blowing up the hard to keep people happy, to keep say there’s not reentire city.” people laughing. I think you can -Dane Imrie ally a market for Imrie joined have both.” big names,” he explains. “There was the fray two years ago. A friend “I think it’s just good, honest a lot of unrealized potential, where suggested he get up onstage and comedy,” he continues. “If there’s people could start up their own tell some jokes. an agenda for the show, it’s to make thing. Regina is a great city because “I took his advice after, like, six people laugh and also at the same you could actually do that. A lot of months of badgering,” he laughs. time do away with the silly old people here have good perspec- “[When] I got up onstage for the shopworn ideas of what comedy is.” tives, a lot of people want to tell first time, I failed miserably. It was Easygoing and funny, Pass the jokes. It was a perfect storm, really.” such a failure that galvanized in my Hat feels more like an open mic Everything has changed, of mind was the idea that I can’t let night than a formal comedy show. course. Regina is growing larger this be the only time. That’s what And if cajoled properly, Imrie says every year, quickly becoming a motivated me to keep going back.” the organizers are open to new favourite venue for the biggest Unable to stay away, Imrie kept comics. The only rule, he adds, is names in the business. But the ar- telling jokes. He estimates that his that performers shall not be drunk. rival of heavyweight comics hasn’t joke success rate is currently about “It’s the biggest, most hideous red flag,” he laughs.

Six years on, and Pass the Hat is only getting better. But some things never change: money is still collected, after the show, in whatever hat happens to be on hand.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Photo: courtesy of Mary Gallinger

Event Info

RSO Pops: All You Need Is Love Where: Conexus Arts Centre When: May 12 Cost: $52.50 (admission.com)

Pass the Hat Where: The Exchange When: May 11 Cost: $10 (in a hat)

Robin Lambert Where: Dunlop Art Gallery When: Now ‘til May 17 Cost: Free!

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

Victor Sawa on stage conducting the Regina Symphony Orchestra

5 Qs: RSO’s All Y

Maestro Sawa Talks Fab Four Trib Alex J MacPherson This is Chuck Klosterman writing about the Beatles: “The Beatles are generally seen as the single most important rock band of all time, because they wrote all the best songs. Since both of these facts are true, the Beatles are rated properly.”

Now, I like the Rolling Stones more than I like the Beatles, and am willing to defend that any chance I can, but even to me it’s obvious that performing Stones songs with an orchestra would be cacophonously bad. Not so with the Beatles, which is why the Regina Symphony Orchestra is joining forces with the Classical Mystery Tour to reanimate some of the greatest rock & roll songs ever written. Verb caught up with Maestro Victor Sawa to talk about cutting edge tunes, why all music is pretty good and, naturally, who was the best Beatle.

Alex J MacPherson: Why do you

like the Beatles?

Victor Sawa: Everything they did was a hit! And how they developed, that was the thing. Start with ‘Roll Over Beethoven‘ — that was very early primitive rock. And then they went so sophisticated so quickly, their whole life experiences, everything. Cutting edge. “[The Beatles AJM: Most pop on top with al music doesn’t have different hits… that lasting power, but people will probably be listening to John, Paul, George and Ringo a century from now. Why? VS: It’s amazing because the nature of pop or rock music, whatever you want to call it, the staying power is what, two weeks? Three weeks? There is a truth to that, but these guys stayed on top with all these different hits. When you reheard them all those years later they started making even more sense. As you matured the pieces

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages May 4–10,10, ‘12 11 VerbNews.com

Alex J MacPherson

Regina, Sk — Robin Lambert’s art shows how the simplest things are sometimes the most meaningful.

His work blurs the line between fine art and social experiment. Part creator, part helpless observer, Lambert prefers the open air to the studio; working on a grand scale, he launches his projects into the wider world before collapsing them for the gallery. His latest project The only thing I know for sure is that while I am looking for you, you are looking for me, is a postmodern travel di- I am Looking for You (Erin’s Bag), 2009 ary — an account that mirrors the fundamental actions of life. don’t understand what happened, Philosophers have argued that the The only thing I know for sure is if they can see in the way the gal- simple act of engaging is intrinsia record of Lambert’s experiment. lery is laid out that there were two cally valuable.

Co m p r is e d o f people and they Lambert takes it a step further, photographs and “It was never really were engaged in removing an arcane idea from its other ephemera, about the finding to me; an activity,” he academic context and putting it it relates how the it was always about the muses. on display in a manner anyone can artist recruited By framing ev- understand. two people and looking…” eryday activity in He transforms the act of looking -Robin Lambert terms of means into something rewarding, someset them loose for a month in the big city. They had a and not ends, Lambert offers a new thing human. single goal: document their search perspective — the notion that goIn Lambert’s case, looking is a for the other person. ing to the grocery story ought to metaphor for the very act of living.

Lambert hit on the concept be as rewarding as eating dinner.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. while wandering through San Francisco with a friend.

“The first idea was to go somewhere, get someone else, and try and find each other,” he explains.

“When I got home, I started writing down thoughts about this idea, how the city could represent the world at large. We’re all kind of lost in a way, and not knowing where we’re going.”

Lambert has conducted the experiment twice, once in Vancouver and once in Montreal.

“Even though I’ve experienced it twice now [and] thought about it for years, it’s still a daunting idea for me,” he laughs. “I couldn’t imagine finding someone in Regina, yet they found each other in Vancouver. In Montreal, I assumed they’d find each other, but they never really got close.”

But he is okay with that: “It was never really about the finding to me; it was always about the looking, and how people look and what does that mean.”

This is the crux of Lambert’s work, and also the hardest idea to convey. Capturing in two dimensions the spirit and drama of a complicated search is not easy.

Avoiding video, which would have been cumbersome, Lambert circumvented the problem by choosing to ignore it.

“I would say it is successful, if someone comes away, even if they

Photo: courtesy of Kara Pecknold

Photo: courtesy of Merrissa Karmark

You Need Is Love

bute, And Who’s The Best Beatle

matured with you, and that is one of the great qualities of classical music. You hear Beethoven’s Sixth at different times in your life and it means different things to you.

AJM: The Beatles were so willing to try new things, which I think makes them uniquely suited to this experiment. Do you agree? s] stayed VS: I don’t know if you remember, but ll these your first time, the …” first time you heard -Victor Sawa Sgt. Pepper’s, it came out of nowhere. I mean, where is this coming from? This is so diametrically the opposite of what they were doing before. They’re saying there is a whole world out there, and they’re starting to explore the world of music.

AJM: I think this concert can show people that classical music need not be formal or even stuffy. What’s your take on blurring lines between classical and pop music?

Robin Lambert Captures The Art Of Searching

VS: If this doesn’t do it, then nothing will. Music is music, and this has been the hardest theme for me to really get through — that it’s great music, all of it. I’ve succeeded to a point. Film music, rock music, classical music: it’s music. That’s really the theme of it all, and you don’t need to dress it up. Before the First World War it wasn’t stuffy. It was after the First World War that things got very stilted, and there’s no real reason why. It persisted through to this day, and there are movements to lighten it up, loosen it up. Taking the mystique out of it is great.

AJM: So I have to ask, who was your favourite Beatle?

VS: You’ve got to go with John Lennon or Paul, right? They were the real composing geniuses. I mean, they all did, they all contributed. It’s hard to pick one, and with this group as well, they all look pretty great!

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Food

Page 12

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Pickles are a sandwich staple in Western culture, but many people are only familiar with pickled cucumbers — you can actually pickle just about any vegetable. One of the specialties of Lebanon is the pickled turnip, which comes with a serving of bright facts.

Turnip pickles are brined in ■a mixture of vinegar and salt neon pink hue of pick■ledThe turnips isn’t food colour-

Zam Zam Wraps: Healthy To Go

■

Jessica Bickford

ing, it comes from beets being added to the brine

Turnip pickles are eaten as a side dish, as part of meze, or in wraps and sandwiches

Pickled turnips taste vin■egary and have a satisfying crunch

Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Cornwall Centre Eatery Provides Fresh Middle Eastern Cuisine I have been complaining for ages about the lack of Middle Eastern food in Regina, but finally things are starting to turn around.

Zam Zam Wraps just opened pita by miles. their second location in the CornGhaleb El Fouani, the owner wall Centre, and even though they of Zam Zam, says that he wants are away from the main food court his business to “grow healthier” (beside Bentley), business seems to by moving towards more “goodbe booming. for-you” cooking, It’s no wonder “Their tanour flatbread like roasting all though, because … is high in fibre, low in their meats, and Zam Zam is serv- sodium and preservative- steaming instead ing fresh, healthy of frying their food that is just as free.” vegetables.

-Jessica Bickford quick as a sandI tasted three wich, but so much tastier. Their kinds of wraps, all served up on tanour flatbread is really their claim whole grain tanour and with all to fame as it is made from whole the vegetables they offer, along grain, stone-ground flour, and is with tzaziki — made fresh daily, high in fibre, low in sodium and and deliciously creamy with a hint preservative-free. It is also delicious, of garlic and lots of dill — and garlic and with its slightly crunchy texture mayo. The vegetables were the and toasted flavour, these guys usual wrap suspects, but also on beat a plain whole wheat wrap or offer were pickled cucumbers and

pickled turnips shipped in from Lebanon. Both options were nice and vinegary, offering some acidity to the wraps, and the turnips had a great pink colour.

For meat I had beef donair, lamb donair and chicken shawarma. I love donair, and the beef and lamb were fabulous — tender and thinly sliced, with a slight saltiness that went well with both creamy sauces.

The chicken was excellent too, really fresh and moist.

I also tasted the Middle Eastern platter, which had a base of kabsa (vegetable basmati rice), a piece each of Zam Zam chicken and tandoori chicken, hummus, a stuffed grape leaf and some fresh vegetables with tzaziki. The kabsa was fragrant and hearty, the hummus was smooth with a good amount of garlic and lemon, and the grape leaf stuffed with rice and was citrusy and minty and fantastic.

The Zam Zam chicken was seasoned with garlic, lemon and a mix of Middle Eastern herbs, while the tandoori chicken was slightly spicy (the perfect amount if you’re a little sensitive to heat) with a great red colour.

Zam Zam Wraps is a delicious and healthy lunch option for those of you who work downtown.

With their authentic eats, I’d be willing to make the trip for the taste of the Middle East that I crave so much.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Zam Zam Wraps

Address: Cornwall Centre 2nd Floor Hours: Open during mall hours Contact: 522-4030 www.zamzamwraps.ca

Opinion

Page 13

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular It’s Time For Us To Evolve: Saying A Prayer At A Municipal Gathering Is Exclusionary the editors of verb

regina, SK — “This is not a Christian country or a Christian city. It is a secular multicultural country and secular multicultural city with people from numerous religions as well as spiritual people, agnostics and atheists.”

Ashu Solo, a member of Saskatoon’s cultural diversity and race relations committee, said that a few weeks ago after he attended a civic banquet that was preceded by a Christian prayer. He was advocating for the secularization of civic events, that is keeping religion out of our

“[People who pray] just shouldn’t force it upon others.”

-Verb’s editors politics and public institutions, and we here at Verb agree with him.

To be perfectly clear, we support people’s ability to pursue religion, if they so choose. And we disagree with recent suggestions that the Christian prayer recited

by Saskatoon councillor Randy Donauer constituted bigotry, or that he or anyone else involved should apologize.

What we do believe, however, is that much like technology our society has evolved by leaps and bounds and we need to keep pace with the changes. If some people want to pray, they can by all means pray. But they can do that in their heads. They can do it at home. They can do it in church.

They just shouldn’t force it upon others. That’s not what religion is about. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, religion is to love, to serve, to think, to be humble, and to respect others.

And therein lies the crux of this whole issue: respect. It’s something that’s often missing when people talk about religion. When you stray too far to either side respect tends to get tossed out the window.

On the one hand, you have people declaring that a prayer at a civic dinner warrants complaints to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

On the other hand, you have those who smashed Jacob Nantau’s car window and removed the lug nuts from his tires after the Middle Lake high school senior attempted to have grace removed from his

graduation dinner.

So while we will advocate for an individual’s right to pursue their own religious beliefs, saying a

Christian prayer, or any prayer, at a public, civic event is exclusionary.

Including appropriate prayers to acknowledge every religion out there

is a nice idea, but seems impractical.

It’s time for Saskatchewan to adapt, and keeping civic life secular is the way to go.

Ultimately, freedom without respect is kind of like knowledge without wisdom: pointless.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

May PH4–10, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Coriolanus Gripping, Dark Adaptation

Ralph Fiennes’ Directorial Debut A Thrilling Remake Of Shakespeare Play Coriolanus

Runtime: 123 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Some Shakespeare screen adaptations are so bad they make you want to jam a fork in your eye by the 30 minute mark. I’m thinking of movies like O, by Time Blake Nelson, and Gregory Wright’s MacBeth.

Other adaptations — say, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet or Ran by

Akira Kurosawa — take the Bard’s He strikes it across a stone, again timeless work, shake them up and and again: it’s a raw, primitive, anbreathe new life into them. cient image. Then the camera pulls And that’s precisely what Corio- back, and both the weapon and lanus, the latest adaptation, does. man are revealed in a contempoWith a primal and pitch-perfect rary context. The flickering light is yawp, it pulls the from a television Bard’s work into “Coriolanus has a sense on which dance modern times like of immediacy and gritty images of police few films have be- realism…” and protestors fore. doing battle on -Adam Hawboldt city streets.

Directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes The man with the knife, we soon (Schindler’s List, The English Patient), learn, is Tullus Aufidius (Gerard ButCoriolanus opens with a close-up of ler), commander of the Volscians a man in a dark room. and sworn nemesis of Coriolanus In flickering lights, he sharpens (Fiennes), the leader of Rome. a knife engraved with tribal runes.

During the course of the story (one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest and most visceral), these two lads wage war against one another before Coriolanus offers his life or his service to his sworn enemy after he is forced from Rome.

But I do want to say this: Fiennes adaptation is so terrifically modern that at times it’s unnerving. I mean, there was one point of the movie where I looked around in disbelief — was this the evening news? With its protesters rampaging through graffitied streets, its burning cars, its themes of power, revenge and class war, this could be Greece. Or images from the Arab Spring. Or Bosnia, circa 1990.

With loads of nervous, handheld camera work (compliments of The Hurt Locker’s Barry Ackroyd), Coriolanus has a sense of immediacy and gritty realism that pulls you into the story through the smoke and wreckage, and into the heart of a timeless tale of violence and pride.

As director, Fiennes does an excellent job: Coriolanus is a great story and a complicated one. There are teems of characters, all with different motivations and agendas, but Fiennes handles it all with aplomb.

And in his role as the lead character, Fiennes is equally adept. He understands Coriolanus is a military hardass who suffers from honesty, a desire for vengeance and who has completely lost touch with humanity.

Fiennes also surrounds himself with actors capable of handling their roles. Vanessa Redgrave (as Coriolanus’ icy mom), Paul Jesson (as Brutus), James Nesbitt (as Sicinius) and Brian Cox (as Menenius, Coriolanus’ advisor) all turn in strong performances.

Photo: courtesy of Lionsgate

So do yourself a favour and check out Coriolanus when it opens at the Regina Public Library on May

10th. See http://www.reginalibrary. ca/ for more information.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

May PH4–10, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Action-Packed The Avengers Amazing

Photo: courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Joss Whedon And His Super Cast Kick Off Blockbuster Season With A Bang The Avengers

Runtime: 143 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt Ye gods! The Avengers was good. Like, astonishingly good.

Like, one-of-the-best-superheromovies-of-all-time good.

Seriously: this flick is right up there, running neck-and-neck, with The Dark Knight and Superman: The Movie. It’s that good.

Directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly), The Avengers is every comic book geek’s dream. I mean, this film delivers on every level you can possibly imagine.

First off, you get six superheroes plus a super villain for the price of one: Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

You also get a bunch of priceless performances. Johansson burns up the screen as the Black Widow, Hemsworth gets lots of laughs as the hammer-happy Nordic god,

Hiddleston knocks the ball out of to play this part. He brings to it the evil park as Loki, and RDJ is a scruffy warmth and vulnerable typical RDJ — smarmy, hilarious badassery that’s been missing and perfect. from the Hulk for A n d t h e n “Ruffalo — who may so long. Oh! and, there’s Ruffalo as very well be my new man as Bruce Banner, the Hulk. falo’s witty crush — was born to play Ruf I can readily rep ar te e with admit to you that this part.”

Downey is so spot -Adam Hawboldt on it hurts. when I first heard this I was leery. Sure Eric Bana was Speaking of things that are spot terrible as the Hulk and Ed Nor- on, the action sequences in The ton wasn’t much better, so Ruffalo Avengers are epic. Mind-blowing, didn’t have much to live up to, but even.

I still had a hard time picturing him There’s one 10, maybe 15, secin the role. ond sequence involving the Hulk Now I can’t picture anyone else. and Loki that made me want to Ruffalo — who may very well stand up, throw my hat in the air be my new man crush — was born and cheer like the Riders just won

the Grey Cup. As for the plot, well, let’s just say it’s serviceable. Thor’s brother Loki controls the Tesseract — a pulsing energy cube the opens a gateway to the universe. He plans to open that gateway and destroy Earth with the help of an army of reptile-like monster machines.

As head of S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has only one option: to bring together a team of egocentric superheroes, with reputations of not playing nice with others, to save the planet.

What ensues is simply marvelous (pardon the pun!)

Having all those super egos in one place at one time requires a balancing act of titanic proportions, and Whedon pulls it off without a hitch.

He portrays the Avengers as a fun, barely functioning dysfunctional family: they argue, their egos collide, they fight, they team up to take on the bad guy. Nobody in the film gets shortchanged, and every character gets his or her own story arc. It’s so impressive it’s hard to describe.

So let me just say this: The Avengers kicks off the blockbuster season with a whizz, wham and one helluva bang.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: Political Charities

Last week we asked what you thought about charities that promote a political agenda, and here’s what you had to say.

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

making all civic events free of religion? 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!

On Topic The current Opinion column on government cracking down on charities and political activism missed

the point entirely.

In the realm of environmentalism and social policy, our society relies on non-profits for central, left or even just sober second thought. (Yese there are some right leaning non-profits too.) Those speaking on the other side of these topics are corporations who can be political and fundimentalist churches which while non-profit also have Human Rights protection of religion on their side. So I find it suspicious when a right leaning government goes after non-profits knowing that the core beliefs of that same government will not be primarily supported by nonprofits but by business and religious groups.

Talk about cutting out your opposition.

Democracies need healthy and anarchic civil societies, especially advocacy groups. It is one thing to advocate for policy change, another to support a candidate or party.

As long as that line is not crossed, groups should maintain their charitable status.

And newspapers should be added to the list because they too are essential to democracy.

Ensuring that charities

don’t actively go out of their way to advance legislation is one thing, but I think some political engagement isn’t terrible. Many of these groups act as advocates for those who cannot themselves, and essentially tying their hands isn’t doing anyone any good.

Re: Charities Crackdown: If we are to be ratcheting up the monitoring of charities political activity we should do the same for the political activity of corporations and nonprofit corporations.

Not to mention preachers who tell their congregation how to vote from the pulpit.

The cons are just trying to do whatever they can to disempower the environmentalists in this country and it’s despicable. Keep an eye on Harper this won’t be the last we see of him slowly tightening is grip on everything.

Charities should stop being politically active right after corporations do

Off Topic Re: “Drunk Driving Fatalities Highest In Sask,” Local page, April 27th

Honestly for drunk driving it should be one strike and your out no questions asked.

Texts Drunk driving is 100% avoidable cabs exist

Re: “Drunk Driving Fatalities Highest In Sask,” Local page, April 27th

Re drunk driving article what about designated driving companies? Three in regina 1 in saskatoon Re: “Drunk Driving Fatalities Highest In Sask,” Local page, April 27th

The high rates of drunk driving in Sask are demoralizing. Why do people think it’s okay to get behind a wheel when there hammered? Sure you might be on some backroad but that doesn’t mean you might not kill/injure yourself if anything happens. Fact: you might think you’re not that bad, but just don’t. Please don’t get behind the wheel.

Re: “Drunk Driving Fatalities Highest In Sask,” Local page, April 27th

Sadly, most people probably won’t stop drinking and driving until a boose-fuelled fatality affects their lives. That’s how it was for me.

Re: “G-Spot,” Global page, April 27th issue

Feedback so you figured out the g spots there...... Now how do you get to it?!

Re: “Robot Mind Control,” Offbeat page, April 27th issue

Robot mind control

Page 17

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

thats awesome. I would need this when im lazy..lol If you want to impress the chicks when they ask your name say “Just call me DOWNtown Baby!”

Anyone partying needs to know that 11pm is quiet time, not 3am or 4am. Some of us work the next day and need to get some sleep before the morning.

Have some respect for your neighbors please!

“Unless you’re an F1 driver or an NHL goalie you should be well below the speed limit.”

That’s the stupidest f***ing thing I’ve ever heard!!

I hate weddings. Old people would poke me saying “You’re next”.

They stopped when I started going up to them at funerals and poked them saying, “you’re next “.

Whoever is breaking into vehicles around the city you are scum!

Get a job deadbeats!

Did you know onions can be toxic after sitting out for a while?

They suck in the toxins from the air... Hence why people get food poisoning.

I think people need to see that everyone is someone to somebody and if you cant see that then Why fight about brothels to save women if you’re goin 2 wave kids across the street u better know forsure that the oncoming traffic and the traffic beside u knows it! like really Re: STC 9 million is a lot cheaper then what Toon and Regina transit received! To you also suggest privatizing them as well?

The Sask NDP are so thick I bet last fall’s historic ass whipping has yet to sink in for most of them!

Lol person who said they were a goalie and driver wins for hilarious comment, even though kinda sounds like s/he’s whineing about driving slow.

Tang tastes like real orange juice to the same degree as the picture on the box looks like a real orange. Close!

OMFG i can’t wait for avengers this weekendhell yes its going to be so good!

Apparently the expiry date on microwave popcorn means a year later it won’t pop anymore. The bag eventually burns. More waste of everyone’s gas time and effort!

Some people have what could be called pet slaves. They keep pets confined to their home an unnatural n unhealthy life. Only to meet some need of the owner!

Morning. sucks.

Damn! damn! damn!

The eco-warriors who ram whaling ships and blow up pipelines are a tough call eh? Should they be admired or despised? I hear what they’re saying.

If I were certain it was the way to save the planet I would give up ten thousand yrs of abo heritage and never hunt fish or eat meat again. I’m just not convinced of this yet. The direct contact with the biosphere, the magic of being part of it is hard to give up!

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

Nightlife

Page 18

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Saturday @ Zahir’s Venue

Zahir’s Lounge on Saturday, April 28th

Location

1110 Victoria Avenue East

Playing on Arrival

Live karaoke performances

Music Vibe

Varies, depending what’s on the radio or jukebox

Feature Deals

$6 for double highballs or martinis, $9.50 for a Fuzzy Navel martini (peach vodka, vodka and orange juice) and free martini shaker

Popular Drink

Any and all shooters

Food of Choice Chicken wings

Wing Notes

$4.99 a pound with a pint of beer on Mondays and Tuesdays; of the 13 available flavours, Buffalo is the most popular

Coming up

May 5th UFC fight: Diaz vs. Miller

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

Keep it simple. That’s the motto for this week, dear Pisces. In everything you do, from work to home to your inner life, simplicity is the key. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid situations that seem confusing and complex, but what you should do if confronted with circumstances like that is don’t blow it out of proportion. Instead, remember that the best solutions are often those that are the simplest.

7 9 3 6 4 5 2 1 8

Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” And he was right, dear Virgo. If you want people to follow your lead it’s important to be nice to them. If you do this, you’ll increase the harmonic, universal energy in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Sometimes it’s important to stand your ground, but cooperation is the name of the game right now.

4 2 6 8 3 1 5 9 7

Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

5 8 1 2 9 7 4 3 6

Some good things could be in store for you this week, dear Aquarius. If you’re looking to start a new project, get on it.

If you’re searching for love, you’ll know where to look. Basically, you can do no wrong right now, if you set your mind to it. It’s just going to be one of those easy weeks, in which most things seem to go your way. That’s not to say there won’t be an occasional hiccup — if so, just take a sec for yourself and everything will calm back down.

9 5 4 1 8 6 3 7 2

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

Feeling adventurous, dear Leo? If so, get outside and get adventuring — who knows where the next few days will lead you. Go to a park, an arena, any public place, really. Get out, do something, and meet some people. You’re a social creature, Leo, so go socialize. And if for some strange reason you’re not feeling up to facing the world this week, you can find adventure elsewhere. Read a book or watch a movie, and let your imagination take you somewhere new.

2 3 8 4 7 9 1 6 5

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

1 6 7 3 5 2 9 8 4

If you feel like others are slighting you this week, you may not be wrong, dear Capricorn. Sure, sometimes our insecurities get the better of us, but at other times it’s best to trust your intuition. If things feel slightly out of whack, well, that’s probably because they are. But don’t take it to heart, Capricorn. Nine times out of ten — maybe even nine and a half — it’s not personal. But hey, if you feel like you need to say something, do so. Speaking up can feel good, too.

8 1 9 5 6 4 7 2 3

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

This would be a good week to show how sympathetic you are, dear Cancer. If you see a family member going through a rough spot, don’t sit back and say “oh, they’ll figure it out. They always do.”

Instead, this week you should give that family member a shoulder to lean on, an ear to talk to, or a hand to help them up. Even if it’s not someone you know well, those around you might be able to use a little support over the next couple of days.

3 4 2 7 1 8 6 5 9

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

Dear Sagittarius … have you been feeling more energetic lately? You may be feeling called to get out there and play in the great outdoors, rush to experience new horizons or blow off your plans and just go where the wind takes you. Some call it spring fever, but smashing routine in favour of spontaneous behaviour can be fun. Just be careful you’re not disregarding anything too essential, and you’ll be fine. A healthy dose of running wild is called for — have fun!

6 7 5 9 2 3 8 4 1

Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

You know that song “Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M? Well, that could very well describe your state of mind for the next week or so. Your personality and individuality will be shining as bright as ever over the next couple days, dear Gemini, so try showing off the qualities that make you so awesome. Oh, and because you’ll be in such a light and spunky mood, others will be attracted to you this week. Happiness and positivity breeds happiness and positivity.

3 9 4 1 6 8 7 5 2

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

You might meet a mysterious stranger this week, dear Scorpio. If you’re getting a creepy vibe from them, then you might want a little distance there. However, if this person is mysterious in a “hmm, this person is cool and intriguing” way, then take a chance and strike up a convo. We meet a lot of people in our lives, but only a few might really pique our interest, so when one comes along that seems fascinating, try to get to know them. Who knows where it might lead.

5 1 6 2 4 7 3 8 9

Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

You may find it hard staying focused this week, dear Taurus. You may seem distracted or perhaps feel out of sorts. If this is the state of mind you find yourself in, don’t worry — it’s nothing serious.

The fog descends on all of us from time to time. All you have to do is wait, and it’ll pass. By early next week you’ll be right as rain and your mind — after this brief vacation of sorts — will be sharper than a thumb tack. So rest easy for the next few days.

2 7 8 5 3 9 6 1 4

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

6

9 8 7 4 1 2 5 6 3

Finding it hard to make up your mind lately, dear Libra? Seem like every little decision is so big you can’t wrap your head around it, so you hmm and you haw and nothing gets done? If that’s the case, never fear: this week you’ll be able to take charge and make decisions with certainty, aplomb and elan. This will help you succeed on all fronts: at work, at school, at home, in life in general. So while your mind is clear and certain, make the most of it.

1 2 5 3 8 6 9 4 7

Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

6 4 3 9 7 5 8 2 1

It’s all about people power this week, dear Aries. If you want to feel your best and do your best, then you should spend time socializing with others. If you have a chance to attend a party, leap at it. But going out and having fun isn’t the only solution: if you’re really in a bind go to a public place where you can mingle. Think of bars, or popular restaurants, movie theatres, stores, whatever. Just get out and about this week. You’ll be surprised at what you might stumble upon.

8 3 2 7 5 4 1 9 6

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

7 5 9 6 2 1 4 3 8

Horoscopes

May 4–10, ‘12 VerbNews.com 4 6 1 8 9 3 2 7 5

Time Out

Page 19

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

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.

8

1

2 7

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