Verb Issue r28 (May 18-24, 2012)

Free weekly

Verb New SK Scholarship Up To $2,000 For University Students P3

The Strumbellas

Alt-Funky Rockers Get Funky P11

May 18–24, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb

The Dictator

Baron Cohen Rules In Political Satire P15

Fist Pump Record Man Grooves For 16 Hours P7

Del Barber Winnipeg Musician On Where The Road Leads P9

Photo: courtesy of Mark Maryanovich

Section Local Page 2

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

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Regina To Raise Debt Ceiling To $350M

Photo: courtesy of Daniel Paquet

75 Percent Increase Thanks To Several New Projects, Including Library Branch Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — A spate of big projects and rising expectations have driven the City of Regina to reconsider its debt ceiling — and increase it by 75 percent.

Council voted to increase the cap, the amount of money a city is allowed to borrow, from $200 million to $350 million.

The increase must be approved by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, but city officials do not

foresee any difficulties. amount,” says Sjoberg.

“I’d almost say we’re almost O’Donnell says the proposed being encouraged to do it,” says increase is being driven by growth. councillor Mike O’Donnell. “This is “One, it definitely is a reaction to rather open-ended so the money growth and the fact that we are gocould be there, and further, I always ing to, by all appearances, continue say each one of these decisions will to grow,” he states. “Secondly, it’s a be made in the public and on their reaction to expectations. People’s own merits.” expectations Brent Sjoberg, “[S]ome of the old have also risen, so deputy city man- structures … just don’t some of the old ager and chief meet what people expect structures and old financial officer, facilities we have anymore…” agrees. just don’t meet -Mike O’Donnell what people ex“The city has a good credit rating right now,” he pect anymore, and they want to explains. “We’re in a good place have better.” right now [and] we’re confident that The Municipal Board typically we’re managing this well.” permits a city to borrow a sum Regina is currently carrying equivalent to its yearly revenue, about $90 million in outstanding Sjoberg explains. In 2010 Regina debt, but several new projects will took in $471 million; by 2016 the require extensive borrowing. A $150 city expects its revenue to exceed million wastewater treatment plant, $500 million. The requested $350 a new downtown library branch, million ceiling is still well below and $80 million for the $1 billion what would be normally allowed.

Regina Revitalization Initiative, a “By that rule of thumb, we seem mixed use neighbourhood project to be in good shape,” O’Donnell that includes a new football stadi- says. um, are all undertakings prompting Though city administration the city to borrow more money. might dream of being able to pay “You add all those things up for projects as they come up, in and it comes to quite a significant most cases that is not feasible. But,

Sjoberg says, “not all debt is a bad thing.” In certain cases, he explains, borrowing can be cheaper and more efficient than saving.

First, borrowing spreads the cost of a particular asset over the time that people will benefit from it.

Second, it removes the need to pay for inflation: rising construction costs can add a significant amount to the total bill if it is paid for later rather than sooner.

Third, borrowing is more flexible than saving.

Cities can shop around for the best rates and build when projects are needed, not one or more years in the future.

And, according to O’Donnell, there is another upside to borrowing.

“Any time we borrow it has to go before council; any time it goes before council it is in the public forum,” he explains. “That means people can always come forward and state their view and can influence council.”

“It says there may be municipal dollars to do municipal projects, but it also invites other people to be part of that process,” he adds.

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Section Local Page 3

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

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New Scholarship For Students Revealed

High School Graduates Heading To University Are Eligible For Up To $2,000 Alex J MacPherson

and available in the province. We know that that’s going to increase Regina, SK — High school by tens of thousands, but we also graduates headed for the prov- know too that increasingly more ince’s universities and trade skills training and more education schools will soon get a break are … required for students.” from the government — a break “We’re trying to send a really to the tune of $500 per year. clear message to our students,” he Beginning this continues. summer the Sas- “It’s another investment “We’re going katchewan Ad- in young people in to help make vantage Scholar- Saskatchewan.” sure that postship will provide secondary edu-Rob Norris cation and skills high school graduates bound for post-secondary training is more affordable and institutions with $500 per year, up more accessible for those that are to a lifetime maximum of $2,000. leaving high school, graduating, The scholarship will be available to and then moving onto the postanyone enrolling in an institution secondary sector.” recognized by Canada-SaskatcheThe scholarship is expected to wan Student Loans. distribute $4.5 million to about “It’s another investment in 8,500 graduates, Norris explains, young people in Saskatchewan,” adding that the program will be says Minister of Advanced Educa- evaluated regularly to ensure the tion, Employment and Immigration money is being well-spent.

Rob Norris.

The scholarship fits into a suite of “What we know today is there measures aimed at post-secondary are more than 11,000 jobs open students, including the Innovation

and Opportunities Scholarship, and the Graduate Retention Program.

Norris says the investment was prompted by the fact that jobs require higher levels of education and training than ever before.

“This is among the most comprehensive and progressive benefit packages for students of any Canadian province,” he adds.

Cam Broten, opposition critic for Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, thinks the government should adopt a twopronged approach to making postsecondary education accessible.

“It ties into the larger question of affordability, but also what support is being given to post-secondary institutions and what implications there are for students,” Broten says.

“Support for students and support for families through such scholarships, that’s something people support and people appreciate, but it’s important to look at the other side of the equation as well.”

According to Statistics Canada,

Photo: courtesy of the University of Saskatchewan

the average undergraduate tuition rate increased by four percent between 2010 and 2011, from $4,942 to $5,138.

Tuition fees in Saskatchewan jumped five percent in the same period, from $5,173 to $5,431.

“It’s important to keep that broader perspective,” Broten continues, “to see whether or not funding provided through such scholarships or bursaries will simply be eaten up by higher tuition.”

Norris states that the

government believes it’s providing a balanced approach.

“We know there’s always more to do, but with record investments in post-secondary education in our first five budgets — $3.5 billion in post-secondary education — we think this is making and having a real and desired effect: affordability and accessibility for students and ensuring that the institutions have the resources they need to continue to operate,” he says.

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Section Global

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May 18–24, PH ‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

You Become What You Read Adam Hawboldt

vicariously experiencing the emotions, thoughts and beliefs of the hanover, NH — Have you ever characters, “experience-taking.” read Jack Kerouac’s On The Road This can have a positive efand felt the urge to drive cross coun- fect and change us for the better, try? Did Hunter S. Kaufman thinks, Thompson’s Fear “[E]xperiencing noting that if you and Loathing in [characters’] emotions bonded with To Las Vegas make [is dubbed] ‘experienceKill a Mockingyou want to take a bird ’s At t i c u s wild, morally am- taking.’”

Finch, you might -Adam Hawboldt become more fobiguous drug trip in search of the American Dream? cused on ethical behaviour.

According to new research, Interestingly, Kaufman believes readers have a way of losing them- this effect occurs only with written selves in fiction to the point where works. their behaviour and thoughts can “When we watch a movie, by morph to match those of their fa- the very essence of it, we’re posivourite characters. Geoff Kaufman, tioned as spectators,” he explains. a post-doctoral researcher at “So it’s hard to imagine yourself as Dartmouth College, and his co- the character.” author Lisa Libby have dubbed Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Genes Shape Character

Nature Impacts Personality More Than Nurture Adam Hawboldt

edinburgh, scotland — Nature has landed another flush blow in its never-ending bout against nurture.

Edinburgh University researchers have discovered that genes play a much greater role than our upbringing when it comes to key

“Previously, the role of family … dominated people’s ideas about what affected … wellbeing.”

-Timothy Bates personality traits like social skills and learning capacity.

Timothy Bates, who led the study, and his team arrived at this conclusion after examining 800 sets of identical and non-identical twins. Twins of both kinds were used because, for the most part, they share the same home environment, yet it’s only identical twins who also share the same genetics.

The participants were asked a series of question about how they perceived themselves and others, and their answers were then applied to a well-established psychological scale.

Bates and his colleagues found that identical twins were twice as likely to share the same personality traits, which suggests that DNA has a much greater impact in determining who we are. The finding flies in the face of an existing belief among

psychologists that where and how we grow up plays the most important role in determining personality.

“Previously, the role of family and the environment around the home often dominated people’s ideas about what affected psychological wellbeing,” explains Bates.

“However, this work highlights a much more powerful influence from genetics … If you think of things that people are born with you think of social status or virtuoso talent, but this is looking at what we do with what we’ve got.”

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Global At A Glance needle pain — Looking away as a needle punctures your skin makes it hurt less, according to new research from Germany. Study participants received painful and non-painful stimuli to one of their hands while watching either a video of a hand being pinched by a needle, a hand being touched by a Qtip or a hand with nothing touching it.

Those who watched the needle video reported more intense pain. Feedback?

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Section Global

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May 18–24, PH ‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Temperature Of Food Impacts Taste: Study Adam Hawlboldt

our work shows is that, in addition to these sensitive individuals, the st. catharines, on — The temperature of a specific taste can temperature of food can have a affect how intense it tastes.” significant impact on how we think The scientists recruited 74 parit tastes, new research has revealed. ticipants. Over the course of three A team of resessions, the searchers at Brock “For some individuals, subjects tasted University in On- temperature alone can sweet, sour, bittario have proven elicit taste sensations.” ter and astringent that changes in (think cranberry -The researchers juice) solutions at temperature of food and drink affect how sour, 5° Celsius and 35° Celsius, and were bitter and astringent something then asked to rate the intensity of tastes, though it doesn’t impact taste. sweetness.

For all of the testers, tempera“For some individuals, tempera- ture influenced everything but ture alone can elicit taste sensa- sweetness. tions,” the researchers concluded.

Astringency was more extreme “These individuals seem to be more when the solution was warm; what’s sensitive to tastes in general. What more, the power of its flavour lasted

longer with the warm solution than the cold one. The same held true with sourness.

As for bitterness, it was more intense when cold and the intensity declined faster in the cold solution than the warm one.

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Global At A Glance

Stay Sober Pills Tablet Weakens Effect Of Booze Adam Hawlboldt

treatment of alcohol intoxication and alcoholism,” Yale researcher new haven, ct — It seems Deepak D’Souza told the Daily like there’s a pill for everything Telegraph. these days: pills for depression, “Alcohol is abused commonly pills for weight loss, pills for erec- but there is no remedy for alcohol tions and hair loss and anxiety. intoxication.”

And pretty Designed to alsoon there may “Alcohol is abused low you to tolerbe a pill on the commonly but there is ate booze better, market that can no remedy for alcohol researchers post stop you from that iomazeril intoxication.” getting drunk. would take the -Deepak D’Souza pleasure out of Cr e ate d by Yale University researchers, ioma- drinking, thus quelling the urge zenil, when taken before drinking to drink in the first place. alcohol, will weaken the effects That being said, it is unlikely the booze has on your brain, thus, al- drug would protect organs like your lowing you to stay sober for longer. liver and your kidneys from any Scientists hope it could help damage. wean heavy drinkers off the bottle.

Currently, the research being “A medication that has the po- conducted at Yale is looking at iotential to block alcohol actions in mazeril and its effects on intoxicathe central nervous system could tion and driving. act as a unique medication in the Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

bionic eye — Stanford University researchers have created a bionic eye that will allow blind people who have age-related macular degeneration and

retinitis pigmentosa to see shapes and colours. Current eye implants are battery powered, but this new version uses infrared glasses to power the

solar panel-like contraption. A retinal implant is attached to the back of the eye, and the glasses do the work from there. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Feature

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May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Festival Of Cultures Celebrates 45 Years Mosaic 2012 Brings Food, Drink, Entertainment From Around The World To You Sebastien Dangerfield

Regina, SK — Does watching a traditional Korean folk dance, while eating bulgogi and learning how to say “hello” in Hangul interest you?

How about sinking your teeth into a piece of jerk chicken as

“And the entertainment at each pavilion, well, it’s just awesome.”

-Terry Zwarych smooth reggae licks waft behind a daring fire eater?

If so, you’re not going to want to miss Mosaic 2012: A Festival of Cultures. Now in its 45th year, the festival has come a long way since its early days.

“When it all started, it was just a one day, all-under-one-roof kind of thing,” says Terry Zwarych, the festival’s co-chair. “Then, year after year, it slowly morphed into what it is now.”

And what it is now is something else: a massive city-wide festival that celebrates the vast array of cultural groups in Queen City, Mosaic ranks up there with other large events of a similar nature.

“It’s one of the 50 largest cultural festivals in North America,” explains Zwarych. “This year there are 19 pavilions spread all over the city.

There are some at the university, some in their own clubs, some in the exhibition grounds. They’re all there for you to go out and get immersed in another culture.”

If you’re wondering how the festival works, it’s simple. First up: buy a passport ($14 adults/$9 youth and seniors). This will get you into all the pavilions (as many times as you want) as well as access to transportation. There are six separate bus routes, each taking you to certain designated pavilions.

Once you get to a pavilion, there will be entertainment specific to that culture and traditional food available.

“In 10 minutes you can have some of the best lasagna, some of the best baklava and ouzo and then some of the best perogies you’ll ever eat,” says Zwarych.

“This is not prepackaged stuff … It’s stuff that, if you went to someone’s house, this is what you’d be eating. And the entertainment at each pavilion, well, it’s

Regina Highland Dancers at the Mosaic 2012: A Festival of Cultures kick-off week just awesome.”

Based on the Amazing Race, get, you’ll be entered to win $1,000Along with shows and meals, this contest requires you to go to $4,000 WestJet vouchers. each pavilion also has cultural dis- as many pavilions as you can, get “We started this last year, and at plays and people eager to answer codes by means of dancing, speak- first some of the moms and dads questions so you can learn about ing or searching the building, then had enough, but the kids wanted their culture while having fun. either filling out the codes page in to keep going,” says Zwarych. “In And speaking of fun, for the sec- the passport or texting the codes in. the end, though, everybody ended ond year the festival will include Depending on how many places up loving it.” the Three Amazing Days contest. you visit and how many codes you Mosaic 2012: A Festival of

Photo: courtesy of RMC - Mosaic

Cultures will be running from May 31 to June 2; for more information, go to http://reginamulticulturalcouncil.ca or call the Regina Multicultural Council at 757-5990.

You can also follow the Mosaic: A Festival of Cultures on Facebook or Twitter.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat

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May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Man Runs Race In Hot Air Balloon Adam Hawboldt

Fist Pump Record Tried

Man Grooves For 16 Hours In Dance Move First Adam Hawboldt

pumping around the University of Akron campus. akron, oh — Some people “And every minute that I do this will do just about anything to set is a new record.” a Guinness World Record.

And to ensure that he set a long Take James Peterson, for ex- and impressive record, Peterson — ample. an unemployed Peterson was “My fist is super-glued e l e c tr i cian — recently at Man- together to ensure I didn’t take any ny’s Pub in Akron, maintain perfect fist chances.

Ohio, when he “My f ist is started pumping formation.” super-glued to-James Peterson gether to ensure his fist in the air.

He didn’t stop for the next 17 I maintain perfect fist formation,” hours. he added.

Peterson, 34, said it was his goal A seasoned veteran of the fistto create his own world record for pumping scene, Peterson says he the longest continuous fist pump. likes the Jersey-style fist pump “I have set the qualifications for (where you use your elbow to this record,” said Peterson while fist roll your fist) better than simply

thrusting his fist in the air.

And this is not the first time he tried setting a new record for Jersey-style fist pumping.

“I did this on St. Patrick’s Day,” he explained, “but it was not documented.”

This time around, though, he didn’t make the same mistake. His deed was recorded on dual cameras operated by Clay Hunt and Matt Rohrbach of ZinniHunt Productions.

What’s more, for additional proof, Peterson asked strangers he ran into to sign the neon yellow polo shirt he was wearing during his effort.

Peterson will now send footage of his deed to Guinness.

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‘Poo-Machine’ Exhibit Mimics Human Digestion Adam Hawboldt

tasmania, australia — You’ll be hard-pressed to find an exhibited piece of artwork quite like the “Cloaca Professional, 2010.”

Created by Belgian artist Wim Delvoye and housed in the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, the “Cloaca Professional, 2010” — dubbed the “poo machine” — was designed to mimic the human digestive system.

Easily the most talked-about And the “Cloaca” is by no means piece in the MONA, which itself has the only strange and/or disgustbeen nicknamed ing exhibit in the the subversive, “The machine is fed twice MONA. a du l t D isn ey - a day on one end…”

Owned by philand, the poop lanthropist David -Adam Hawboldt Walsh, who made machine consists of a series of glass receptacles that his fortune as a professional gamhang in a row. The machine is fed bler, the MONA houses one of the twice a day on one end, the food is largest private collections in the ground up naturally (the way it is in world, which is worth an estimated the human body) and is expelled at $100 million.

2pm daily on the other end.

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canberra, australia — Most people run marathons on land, but not Rob Ginnivan.

The 47-year-old Australian, who has been in 18 marathons on six different continents, recently finished a half marathon on a treadmill — while floating in a hot air balloon.

Ginnivan first thought of running in a mid-air marathon when he and his wife Kristen took a hot air balloon

ride to celebrate their anniversary.

“While I was up there I had the ‘ah-ha’ moment that maybe a treadmill might fit in here, and I could run a marathon,” he explains.

Now that his mid-air run is over, Ginnivan has completed his land, air and sea campaign to raise money for the Heart Foundation. Last year he ran a land marathon in Morocco and ran an ultra-marathon aboard a ship.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat At A Glance oldest yogi — Tao Porchon-Lynch is the world’s oldest yoga instructor.

Not only is the 93-year-old, who lives in New York, now a Guinness World Records recipient, she’s also a dance

competitor, and has no plans of stopping any time soon. “I’m going to teach yoga until I can’t breathe anymore,” she tells the Telegraph. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Music

Page 8

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com Frey (lead vocals), Paul Cybulski (keyboards and vocals), Jamie Bohach (lead guitar and vocals), Dave Hoffert (bass guitar and vocals) and Bruce Beaton (drums and vocals) take hits from the ‘80s and toss in a liberal dose of music from today’s Top 40 for a show that has a little something for everyone. Come check out what this talented local band is all about. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Leanne Pearson — This 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Winnipeg has a natural charisma and a sweet, warm voice that takes centre stage. 8pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.

Photo: courtesy of artist

(Coming Up) K.D. LANG @ conexus arts centre — Kathryn Dawn Lang’s

The country girl from Edmonton went on to win three more Grammys, numerous Juno’s and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. k.d. lang will play Conexus on September 13th; tickets are $73.75–106 , available at www.livenation.com -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-8818372.

Friday 18

singer/songwriter from Winnipeg has a natural charisma and a sweet, warm voice that takes centre stage. 8pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.

music career began in 1983, when she formed a Patsy Cline cover band. Five years later she recorded “Crying” with music legend Roy Orbison. The collaboration won them a Grammy and k.d. lang’s career was off and running.

Chris Carlier & The Scarletts — You name it, this local musician plays it, including tenor sax, guitar, piano, percussion, clarinet and didgeridoo. And much like his ability to jump from one instrument to another, Carlier is equally at home in a host of music genres. Playing with the Scarletts, he makes mellow pop/folk music that goes well with wine. 8:30pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 in advance at Mysteria Gallery.

The Lovin’ Spoonful — In 1965, two rock n’ rollers from Long Island teamed up with two folk musicians from Greenwich Village to form The Lovin‘ Spoonful, and in 2000 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In between, they recorded such memorable songs as “Do You Believe In Magic” and “Summer in the City.” Be sure to check these guys out when they come to Regina. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $30–35, available at the box office, online at www.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000.

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.

Slow Motion Walter — Regina’s own Bryan Baker (lead vocals and guitars), Laural Frey (lead vocals), Paul Cybulski (keyboards and vocals), Jamie Bohach (lead guitar and vocals), Dave Hoffert (bass guitar and vocals) and Bruce Beaton (drums and vocals) take hits from the ‘80s and toss in a liberal dose of music from today’s Top 40 for a show that has a little something for everyone. Come check out what this talented local band is all about. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Royal Canoe — If you’re into falsettos, guitars, effects pedals, drums, basses, tambourines, shakers, five-keyboard superweapons, and one awesome, poppy sound, come check out this six-piece from Winnipeg Also appearing will be Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Leanne Pearson — This 22-year-old

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

Sonic Orchid — Consisting of Kristina Gasparic (vocals/keyboard/guitar), Brad Evanochko (guitar/vocals), C.J. Cook (bass/ vocals) and Grant Frew (drums/vocals), this female-fronted rock band is all kinds of good. From soaring vocals to catchy guitar riffs and driving drums, this local four-piece has a sound that’s kind of a melodic-poprock-metal for the new millennium 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 dynamic fiddle show.

8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $10.

Saturday 19

Rye N’ the Vats — If it’s eclectic you’re looking for, then look no farther. This local seven piece is made up of eclectic musicians playing a mix of styles that involve tubas, trumpets, banjos and more. 8pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets TBD. P oor Young Things w/Jam e s Struthers — Straight out of Thunder Bay, Ontario, this five-piece has a sound that’s kind of like Tom Petty meets Powderfinger with a touch of something extra. They’ll be joined by James Struthers, a gifted songwriter with a soulful voice. 6:30pm, The Club. Tickets TBD. Counterparts, Your Demise, Hundreth, Gideon — Prepare to be rocked, Regina. With four of heaviest, hardest bands you’ll hear in some time, this is going to be a metal show that’ll knock you out of your socks. 7:30pm, The Exchange.

Tickets $10, available at Vintage Vinyl and Madame Yes. 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 Slow Motion Walter — Regina’s own Bryan Baker (lead vocals and guitars), Laural

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.

Sonic Orchid — Consisting of Kristina Gasparic (vocals/keyboard/guitar), Brad Evanochko (guitar/vocals), C.J. Cook (bass/ vocals) and Grant Frew (drums/vocals), this female-fronted rock band is all kinds of good. From soaring vocals to catchy guitar riffs and driving drums, this local four-piece has a sound that’s kind of a melodic-poprock-metal for the new millennium 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 dynamic fiddle show.

8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $10.

Sunday 20

Hoopsnake w/Rebuild, Repair — Hoopsnake is metal band out of Squamish, B.C., Rebuild, Repair are punks from Edmonton. Together they threaten to put on one heckuva heavy awesome show. 7pm, The Club. Tickets TBD.

Black Dahlia Murder — Comprised of Trevor Strnard (vocals), Brian Eschbach (guitar), Ryan Knight (guitar), Max Lavelle (bass) and Shannon Lucas (drummer), this American metal band’s last four albums have cracked the US Billboard 200 charts.

They’ll be joined by Exhumed and F*ck the Facts. 7pm, The Exchange. Tickets are $25, available at www.culturalexchange.ca Electric Kitten — Coming at you straight out of Winnipeg, this talented and sexy DJ plays everything from electro and house to mashups. She’s sure to set the dance floor on fire. 9pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Tickets TBD.

Photo: courtesy of artist

(NEXT WEEK) CRIS DERKSEN @ ARTFUL DODGER — A classically trained cellist

She’s played everywhere from Germany to the Czech Republic, and has also been a side player for the likes of Kanye West and Rae Spoon. Derksen will be playing the Artful Dodger on May 28th.

Tickets $10 in advance (ticketedge.ca) or $15 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

for this local musician known for her unique and eclectic blues and rockin’ folk music.

8:30pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company.

No cover.

together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover.

from northern Alberta, this talented musician is a rising star on the Canadian music scene. With captivating melodies and alluring baselines, she melds together hip hop, folk, rock, and country to create a uniquely passionate, sound.

Joe Zambon w/guest Sarah Farthing — A talented singer/songwriter from Ontario, Zambon plays a laid-backbut-infectious kind of acoustic folk music.

He’ll be joined by the always entertaining Sarah Farthing. 7:30pm, The Club. Show is by donation, recommended $10–15.

Thursday 24

Die Mannequin — Fronted by 23-yearold singer/guitaris Care Failure (aka Caroline Kawa), this Toronto-based punk band has opened for the likes of Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses, Marilyn Manson and Sum 41. Joining Die Mannequin will be fellow Torontonians, the indie rock band Dearly Beloved. 10pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10, available at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes or online at www.ticketedge.ca.

PS Fresh — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon.

They both landed in Regina and have come

Barcode w/Fully Completely Hip — Come on out and support these two talented local bands. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern.

Tickets $5 at the door.

Craig Moritz — If hard-hitting, honest and awesome country music is what you’re into, look no farther. This musician from Alberta combines a clean sound with a down-home approach. The result? A rising star on the Canadian country music scene to keep an eye one. Check him out. The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. JJ Voss — With more than 15 years of live stage performances under his belt buckle, this local country/Americana/folk rock singer based out of Regina has come by his inspired stage presence honestly.

Bring along your instruments and join in for an open-mic session afterwards. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover $5.

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

Whatever — Wanna see a bumping live show? Come on down and try this on for size. 9pm, The Sip. Tickets TBD.

Tuesday 22

Zeus — Touted by Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett as the “next great Canadian rock band,” this four-piece from Ontario’s star is certainly on the rise. Since dropping their first full-length album, Say Us, in 2010, Zeus has been busy touring, honing its three-part hipster-like harmonies on the road. The opening act will be Wake Owl. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $13, available at www.ticketedge.ca Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.

Wednesday 23

Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Tara Dawn Solheim, a return engagement

(NEXT WEEK) LORDS KITCHNER @ MCNALLY’S tavern — With almost

three years as a band under their belts, childhood friends Garret DeLaurier, Andrew Fyvie, Brett McKay and Drake Mark have an organic, onstage chemistry that’s hard to miss. Hailing from

Photo: courtesy of artist

Moose Jaw, this indie-prog four-piece has a fresh sound that is a testament to melodic, catchy rock music. Lords Kitchner will be strutting their stuff at McNally’s Tavern on May 31st. Cover is $5. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Arts One

Page 9

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Del Barber On Where The Road Leads Photo: Mark Maryanovich

This Wandering Musician Ruminates About ‘Place,’ And Coming Back Home Alex J Macpherson

romantic about somewhere else.”

For Barber, somewhere else was Regina, SK — Del Barber a Chicago open mic night. He would spent the best part of a decade lug his guitar across town knowon the road before becoming ing that fifteen minutes under the a professional musician. He lights was the salve for what ailed worked as a tree planter, a break- him. Music became a passion, then fast server, a mountain guide, a an obsession. Fortified with the janitor, a landscaper, a farmer, knowledge that the road, if not the an ice-maker, a destination, was driver, a fisher- “It’s not about the clear, he headed man, and the winning … sometimes, it’s north and startguy who drove more about this lifelong ed writing songs. drug addicts to Coming home their court ap- process.” made him realize -Del Barber that his Kerouapearances. He has lived in eight provinces and cian odyssey would end where it fifteen states. began — southern Manitoba.

“I was kind of obsessed with “There’s something really sad the road in my early twenties, and about searching endlessly,” he musobsessed with seeing new things — es. “I’m not looking for some kind thinking that the grass was greener, of end-of-the-rainbow gold bucket. that naïve twenty-something men- It’s not about the winning or the actality of wanting to escape,” Bar- complishing; sometimes, it’s more ber explains. “I hope it didn’t take about this lifelong process.” leaving…I know so many sort of Since 2009 Barber has writsad stories about waxing poetic or ten and recorded three albums:

Where the City Ends, Love Songs for the Last 20, and Headwaters, which was released a few weeks ago. Part poet, part folkie, part novelist, he paints compelling portraits but his songs, even the upbeat ones, have a sort of bleakness to them — the same emotional desolation found in Nighthawks, Edward Hopper’s 1942 masterpiece. His music is at once intimately familiar and achingly distant.

Barber’s stories are about broken things and damaged people. This is nothing new, of course; for decades, singers have made money singing about people who have none.

But Barber’s characters are never means to an end. He treats them with compassion and humanity.

Even though his songs are populated by broken men and women with nowhere to go, he hopes they find their way home.

If there is an arc to his career, it is anchored in the idea of place. “ T h e li te r a l m e a ni n g o f

headwaters is where watersheds start, and those places are always interesting to me,” he explains. “The metaphor is: you can’t be a good fisherman unless you know what the watershed’s about, you can’t have any sense of what bait to use unless you have this understanding that it’s coming from somewhere.”

“How can you be in touch with where you’re from? What does it mean to be from somewhere?” he continues. “What does it mean to lose your place?

“A lot of my friends growing up in rural places only ever wanted to leave,” he says of his home. “Some of them left and now don’t have the privilege to return, because those economies are gone. There’s something about the evacuation of the rural landscape that worries me, and I can’t help but be a part of that. I want to question it in a healthy sort of way.”

This is the key to unlocking Del Barber’s music. Every song is a

search, every album a transposition of the highway to the studio. Headwaters raises as many questions as it answers, but it brings Barber one step closer to home — or maybe one step further down the road.

Although he is a veteran road musician, accustomed to sleeping on a different sofa every night, Barber isn’t jaded nor weary. He treats every night, every concert, every song like a second chance.

And touring only stokes the fire.

“I guess I want to progress,” he says. “I also want to grow in my performing — be a better storyteller and better songwriter. I think that’s where my hunger lies: how do I become great at this?”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Del Barber

Where: Artesian on 13th When: May 29 Cost: $15 at Mysteria Gallery or at the door.

ArtsSect &C

Visual Artist David Spriggs Subverts Perspective In Holocene Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — David Spriggs is not interested in toppling governments or inciting riots, but his art is nonetheless revolutionary. Rather than work within the confines of established traditions, he has created an entirely new form — a fusion of painting and sculpture that works as a window to infinity.

“Well, I used to be a painter,” Spriggs says. “I always thought it would be interesting to paint through space. I guess the first time I really thought about it I was thinking about how, with a printing process, to do it in different layers.”

Spriggs has been experimenting with perspective and space since 1999. He paints on multiple layers of clear film suspended in an elaborate

Photo: courtesy of David Spriggs

metal frame and stretched tight with heavy springs. He has refined the technique over time, but the effect remains the same.

“The whole piece has actually

been created with linear perspective as a single vanishing point,” he says of Holocene, which is on display at the Neutral Ground Gallery. “Because I painted on many sheets, the vanishing point is at the back of the work. I wanted to create a piece that’s more about perspective where the viewer can actually walk around to the back of the piece and see the inverse.”

Holocene was created in 2011 for the Prague Biennial V, a massive international art show. An exploration of architecture and infinity, it demonstrates how shifts in position distort straight lines.

“From the front you have a very clear perspective which appears to go infinitely backward; from the side, when you’re looking down the sheets, it starts to break apart, recomposing into some other kind of form,” he explains, though he admits he has struggled to get people to see his work as serious.

But seeing Holocene leaves no doubt about the intellectual and emotional depth tied up in

Spriggs’s art. Even the title is a hint: it refers to the present epoch, which spans all of recorded history.

“I guess I just want to provoke thought, and further the history of thinking about the arts,” Spriggs muses. “Good art is not always too direct; otherwise it becomes the illustration of an idea.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Skydiggers

Where: The Exchange When: May 25 Cost: $22 @ Ticketedge.ca

David Spriggs: Holocene

Where: Neutral Ground Gallery When: Now ‘til July 28 Cost: Free!

The Strumbellas

Where: The Exchange When: May 31 Cost: TBD

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

Five Qs W

TO Six-Piece Talks Alex J MacPherson

Toronto roots rockers Skydiggers have been making music since the late ‘80s, and have demonstrated remarkable staying power in an industry that seems to value disposable melodies and rapid turnover.

In fact, they’re making the best music of their career. Northern Shore, which was released in April, has the band “Unless we’re doing what it does and growing, best: pumping out not really any great rock & roll.

Shifting effortlessly between simple acoustic ballads and rollicking alt-country jams, Northern Shore shows how looking back can spark forward movement.

Verb caught up with founding guitarist Josh Finlayson to chat about looking forward, looking back, and making music two decades into a storied career.

Alex J MacPherson: First off, tell me a bit about why Northern Shore sounds eclectic but not fragmented — a fine balance.

Josh Finlayson: We recorded in three different ways. I have a studio at my house, and Andy [Maize] and I recorded vocal and guitar to a click track. We built some tracks that way, and took some of those tracks and went into Blue Rodeo’s studio in Toronto and added stuff there.

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10,‘1211 May 18–24,

VerbNews.com

Alex J MacPherson

With Skydiggers

Photo: courtesy of the artist

s Pushing Limits On Latest Album

Then we also went up to the Bath House, the Tragically Hip’s studio, and recorded live as a band. All of these approaches we’ve used in the past, but I think it was a combination of using a producer and really kind of acquiescing our authority to him and letting him…push our boundaries and our limits.

AJM: That idea, pushing limits, seems to be what e evolving you’ve done with this , then there’s record.

JF: Unless we’re y point…” evolving and grow-Josh Finlayson ing, then there’s not really any point in doing it. That, to me, is the payoff. All the other work that you do, all of which is gratifying as well, I think the creative process is about discovering what you don’t know you’re capable of, not what you’re comfortable doing. Not every idea that you chase down works, but it may take you [somewhere new].

AJM: Northern Shore came after a retrospective collection. Tell me about the difference between the two.

JF: We released a retrospective record celebrating 20 years of being together in 2009, and that was a lot of looking back, which is honestly not my favourite thing to do. But I really enjoyed that process. I think the theme running through this record was more one of community.

Alt-Country Rockers The Strumbellas Get Funky

The studios we recorded at — the Blue Rodeo studio, the Tragically Hip studio — these are all peers and friends of ours for many years. We recorded some of our own tunes, some of Peter Cash’s tunes, some of Andrew Cash’s tunes. To me, that’s less looking back and more drawing from the community we’re a part of and still draw inspiration from.

AJM: So you’re back out on the road now. Has playing shows changed much, if at all, since you started?

JF: I think hopefully we’re better players on a really simple front.

The work we’ve done to create and connect with an audience is something — to a large extent a big part of what we are doing is going and maintaining those relationships with people and honouring it.

AJM: Tell me a bit about the chemistry that develops when you play with the same guys for years.

JF: The sense of chemistry is something that you never want to lose at all. That’s my feeling. Certainly the playing is definitely a big payoff in a different way. There’s value to all of it, but it’s important that when you’re playing you honour the songs you’ve written and the audience are coming out and spending their money to come and see you play.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Regina, SK — Simon Ward is not a typical frontman.

His band, The Strumbellas, are a relatively fresh alt-country outfit from Toronto. Driven by Ward’s deeply emotional songs and fueled

by Fender Telecasters, the band’s debut album, My Father and the Hunter, has all the ingredients for a great record. But Ward can’t stop worrying about it.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself,” he explains sheepishly. “I feel responsible for the band’s success. Six other bandmates came onboard, into this band, and put aside a huge part of their lives. I’m personally responsible, and if people aren’t liking the album, I take it out on myself.”

This is the reason The Strumbellas It is true that The Strumbellas don’t sound like beginners: rather depend on Ward than submit to for direction, but “I’m trying to make tradition, they it is also true that a beautiful song for have expanded their signature someone to have on their on it. sound is as imAnd while portant to their headphones.”

Ward says he will -Simon Ward continue to fret success as Ward’s contemplative songs. over the album, he’s already preMy Father and the Hunter, which paring to take it on the road. was released in February, is evidence of the band’s ability to marry styles and genres without alienating fans. Both a rollicking good time and a sombre look at the detritus of modern living, the record casts Ward’s black musings — “I believe in death, ‘cause death has always won the last hand,” he sings on “The Bird That Follows Me” — against a raucous musical backdrop.

The Strumbellas — Ward, David Ritter, Jeremy Drury, Isabel Ritchie, Darryl James and Jon Hembrey — have a knack for giving skeletal songs shape, structure and colour.

Layers of guitars, violins and banjoes, and an arena-ready rhythm section flesh out Ward’s vision. And even though Ward spends most of his time ruminating about death, everyone sounds like they’re having good time — and that’s important.

Ward recognizes this, and lavishes praise on his bandmates. At the same time, however, he reiterates his commitment to songwriting.

“For me, I’m trying to make a beautiful song for someone to have on their headphones,” he says.

Despite referencing Johnny Cash a half dozen times in 20 minutes, Ward says he rarely mines country music for inspiration. In fact, he rarely listens to it at all.

“I respect it so much, but it got to the point for me where I don’t listen to it so much because it’s so country,” he says of the late greats.

Photo: courtesy of Heather Pollock

“I think the tour is going to be really fun,” he says of the band’s upcoming jaunt through the prairies. “I need to get out and start playing shows. When I sit at home, I just worry.”

But if the fans are right — and they almost always are — Ward doesn’t have all that much to worry about.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Food

Page 12

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

The taste of Louisiana is a heady mix of influences that comes together to form one of the most complex food cultures in the world. There can be endless variations on classic dishes, and jambalaya is one of them that is stuffed with spicy facts.

is made with var■iousJambalaya meats, vegetables, broth and rice all cooked together

and Cajun are the ■twoCreole main variations of Jambalaya

Creole was originally an at■tempt to make Spanish paella in Louisiana, where saffron was replaced with tomatoes for colour

Cajun Jambalaya originated ■in Louisiana swamp country and omitted tomatoes

Rock ‘A’ Grill: Eats To The Streets

Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Funky Food Truck Brings Top Quality Items To Queen City Jessica Bickford

There is change a-coming, Regina.

It was barely a month ago this week that the city decided to test

out a new plan for food trucks, it can be. particularly downtown. This is an I started with their classic Rock unprecedented advancement for ‘a’ Grilly burger, which had a thick, food in our town, as food trucks homemade patty that was incredhad previously been essentially ibly flavourful (they use some really banned except for some sidewalk high quality beef) and beautifully hot dog vendors. grilled. The meat was the star of Rock ‘a’ Grill is one of the first the show, but the cheddar cheese, trucks to be hitting the streets, tomato, mixed greens, red onion and they will be the ones who will and mustard, all on a lightly toasted have to work hard bun, played their to prove that this “[The wrap had] part well. This kind of system is marinated chicken, was a simple, but not only wanted, spinach, fresh tomato fantastically exbut viable in Reecuted burger. salsa [and] tzatziki…” gina.

Next up was -Jessica Bickford the tzatziki chickIt took a lot of phone calls — and probably a bit of en wrap, served on a whole wheat pleading — from dedicated people tortilla. It had large chunks of juicy like brothers Brian and Jeff Temple- marinated chicken, spinach, fresh ton of Rock ‘a’ Grill to convince the tomato salsa, tzatziki, and just a city to give this a go, so it is up to bit of cheese for that element of us food folk to give these new busi- melty goodness every sandwich nesses a chance. should have.

So, how good can food out of The zesty salsa was my favourite the side of a truck be? Well, Rock part; it really brought the whole ‘a’ Grill gave me a taste of a few of thing together with a fresh punch. their items to prove just how great Lastly I had their warming

jambalaya soup. This was a great take on jambalaya, with the classic holy trinity of onions, bell peppers and celery spiced up with some hot Italian sausage and accompanied by tomatoes and chicken.

The broth and sausage had some good heat to them, and the soup had a strong fennel flavour that was absolutely delicious.

Rock ‘a’ Grill is focused on turning out quality food, so they are starting off with a small menu that will likely expand with specials and other dishes that prove popular in the future.

They are also working to develop the best veggie burger in town, so you vegetarians will have to give those a taste.

Food trucks are a good thing, and they are one of the best ways to grow a food culture because the relatively low upfront cost (in comparison to a restaurant) allows enthusiastic chefs or cooks to start their own business. This drives creativity and competition, which can only mean better food for us patrons.

Toodling around town means Rock ‘a’ Grill doesn’t have a standard address, but their handy Facebook page will give you frequent updates on their whereabous, and what’s going on for lunch.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Funky Food Truck: Rock ‘a’ Grill Hours: Check Twitter and Facebook for daily locations and hours

Reservations: 535-1379

Opinion

Page 13

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Safe Injection Sites Should Be In All Cities

Promoting A Safe And Healthy Place To Inject Drugs Will Benefit Everyone Editors of Verb

This is part two of a three-part series examining the ineffectiveness and possible solutions to Canada’s war on drugs.

REGINA, SK — This week we are looking at the preliminary steps we can take to begin revamping Canada’s drug policy.

Last week we discussed how Canada’s current approach to the war on drugs isn’t working, but now it’s time to focus on what we can do to fix it.

We realize that there are many things to consider before overhauling how we as a country approach drugs.

We must approach this pragmatically, and consider how our actions will be received not only

by Canadians, but, because they are such a huge trading partner of ours, also by Americans. Sharing a continent and a border with the U.S. means we run the risk of straining our relationship with our neighbours to the south, who currently toe a much harder line when it comes to drug policy.

So instead of completely rebuilding the system, we suggest introducing some positive, incremental changes. These include introducing supervised injection sites in every major city across the country, as Safe injection sites, like Vancouver’s Insite, should be established in all major cities across the country well as adopting a similar approach to Portugal’s when it comes to is- up in public), while helping count- on average, 35 new cases of HIV treated for drug abuse. Not only we envision Canada’s revamped sues of personal possession. less addicts access and enroll in and three deaths every year. And is this a cheaper way to deal with drug policy will look like.

Although supervised injection detoxification and addiction treat- according to Health Canada, after users, it’s also more practical and Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. sites have received their share of ment programs. you take program costs into ac- humane. criticism — Federal Health MinisWhat’s more, if you crunch the count, Insite generates “a societal Rather than locking up thouter Tony Clement told reporters in numbers, services like Insite make benefit in excess of $6 million per sands of “criminals” every year, 2008 that Insite, monetary sense. year and is an effective and efficient they’re working to cure patients, Vancouver’s safe “Insite has [helped] With an annual use of public health-care resources.” help them reintegrate into society injection site, was addicts access and enroll operating cost in Given the current state of our and, as a byproduct, are fine-tuning an “abomination” in detoxification … the neighbour- health care, positive initiatives of new areas of drug treatment.

— the fact is, they hood of $3 million this ilk are necessary, and we beAn initiative such as this would programs.” work. in 2007, Insite may lieve implementing supervised work wonders in a place like Sas-Verb’s Editors seem like it costs a injection sites in Canada’s major katchewan, where jails have nearly Insite is the only legal supervised injection site lot. But when you dig beyond the cities is the logical thing to do . twice as many inmates as they were in North America. Located in Van- surface, you’ll see its benefits far And while we’re at it, let’s get designed to hold, and even mores couver’s Downtown Eastside, Insite outweigh any expenses. rid of prison sentences for personal with Bill C-10 set to increase senprovides a safe and healthy location According to the Canadian Medi- drug possession. That’s what they tences for drug offences. for addicts to inject drugs, primar- cal Association Journal, “Insite was did in Portugal, and, as we demonSo by setting up injection sites in ily heroin, cocaine and morphine, found to decrease needle sharing strated in last week’s article, it has major centres and doing away with although the organization itself which alone saves $14 million and been effective. jail terms for personal possession, doesn’t supply any drugs. Insite 920 life years over 10 years.” In Using the rationale that pris- we could take those first few fragile, has medical staff on location to the same article, the CMAJ also on stigmatizes people and that but fundamental, steps towards provide treatment for addiction, reported that by simply increas- incarceration is more expensive effectively dealing with the drug mental health issues and first aid, ing knowledge of safe injection than treatment, the Portuguese issue here in Canada. among other things. practices, Insite lessens the burden government now sends people It’s about time we stop thinking Since opening its doors in 2003, on our health-care system by $18 found guilty of possessing personal of this as a war with casualties, and Insite has improved public order million per decade. amounts of drugs to treatment. start treating the people involved (there are less stray needles laying On top of all that, conservative At the moment, nearly 40,000 like human beings. around, and fewer people shooting estimates say that Insite prevents, people in Portugal are being Next week we will look at how

Photo: courtesy of Stephen Dyrgas

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

May PH18–24, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Action Flick Battleship Should Be Sunk Summer Blockbuster Impresses With Explosions, But Falls Flat On Dialogue Battleship

Runtime: 132 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt Some movies are known for their dialogue.

Think Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise or Woody Allen’s Annie Hall.

Films like these cut and bounce their way to classic status on the wit of their words and the tongues of the stars that deliver them.

Rest assured, Battleship is not

one of these movies. Nor was it friendly war games off the coast intended to be. of Hawaii.

Directed by Peter Berg (Friday Next thing you know, three of Night Lights, Hancock), this film these ships are trapped inside a (based on the force field put up popular Hasbro “[T]he dialogue is so silly by gigantic alien game) was meant … it makes Transformers spaceships. The to be only one look like a well-written, extraterrestrials thing — a sumhave been called mer blockbuster. witty film.” to Earth by a sig-Adam Hawboldt nal sent into deep A wannabe epic full of explosions and aliens space. and cool CGI razzle dazzle.

And at first these aliens are more If that sounds remarkably similar curious than contentious, but a trigto Transformers, that’s because it is ger-happy Navy soon engages and remarkably similar. crap hits the clichéd fan.

Battleship begins with an interThis is when Alex Hopper (Taylor national naval fleet competing in Kitsch), a long-haired slacker turned loose cannon lieutenant, is charged with saving the world.

And when Alex spews lines like “You’re gonna die, I’m gonna die, we’re all gonna die — just not today” or when, after a half hour of uninterrupted alien attack, he says, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” you can’t help but feel this film is establishing a brand new low for blockbusters.

Don’t get me wrong: this hot, sticky mess is not Kitsch’s fault.

He does okay with what he has to work with.

But what he has to work with,

Photo: courtesy of Universal Pictures

script-wise, is simply awful.

Written by Erich and Jon Hoeber

(RED), the dialogue is so silly, so banal and so mind-numbingly terrible that, in comparison, it makes Transformers look like a well-written, witty film.

I kid you not.

But Battleship isn’t without its virtues. I mean, if you’re the kind of person who really digs bad movies because they are so monumentally bad, then you might like this one.

Oh, and if you’re into mindless action, massive explosions and serious eye candy, you’re in luck.

There more than enough to go around — especially in the eye candy department.

For the girls you have the everchiseled Kitsch (John Carter), Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood, Melancholia) and for the older set, Liam Neeson (Rob Roy, Schindler’s List).

For the guys, there’s Rhianna (yes, that Rhianna) and Brooklyn Decker (Just Go With It, cover of the 2010 Sport’s Illustrated swimsuit edition.)

So yeah, if it’s action and ass you’re looking for, by all means, check out Battleship.

But if it’s dialogue you’re looking for, stay as far away from this movie as you can.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

May PH18–24, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Photo: Paramount Pictures

The Dictator Rules As Funny, Witty Satire

Photo: courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Sacha Baron Cohen Is Unstoppable In Hilarious Send-Up Of American Culture The Dictator

Runtime: 83 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Simply put: Sacha Baron Cohen is a bold and brilliant comedian.

There are no sacred cows in his universe. No subject is off-limits, no envelope unpushable.

As a satirist, the guy is nearly peerless and absolutely fearless.

Take his latest film, The Dictator, for instance.

In it, Baron Cohen (Borat) plays General Aladeen, a violently misogynistic, racist, megalomaniacal leader of the oil-rich (and fictitious) North African nation of Wadiya.

After the West gets up in arms about his plans to build nuclear weapons, Aladeen (and his awesome beard) makes a trip to the UN to set the record straight.

He’s joined on his adventure by his uncle Tamir (Ben Kingsley), who has his own agenda — one that includes a body double of his nephew.

With all the time in the world on his hands, the real Aladeen ends up meeting a bleeding-heart liberal named Zoey (Anna Faris) and

proceeds to fall in love with her. wit as it rakes everything from postDoes that plot sound kind of 9/11 paranoia to inflexible ideolothreadbare to gies over the coals you?

“Good taste is tossed out of hilarity.

That’s prob- the window … [h]umour is And jus how ably because it king here, and the edgier funny is The Dicis. But really, who tator? the better.” cares?

Well, let’s just -Adam Hawboldt say it’s one of When the movie opens by dedicating itself those movies where you’ll miss a “In loving memory of Kim Jong-Il,” lot of funny lines because you’ll be it’s safe to say plot takes a backseat laughing so hard. to political satire.

But be warned — this movie is And what a satire it is. not for everyone.

Written by Baron Cohen with the Good taste is tossed out the winhelp of Seinfeld veterans Alec Berg, dow, run over by a garbage truck, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer, the then kicked into the sewer, and script exudes a take-no-prisoners political correctness be damned.

Humour is king here, and the edgier the better.

Without giving too much away, let’s just say that The Dictator wades into waters that are 100-percent guaranteed to outrage and offend a certain portion of the population.

So if you think its in bad taste to laugh at terrorism, abortion, pedophilia, suicide or even the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics, then you might want to skip this one.

But if you’ve enjoyed Baron Cohen’s work before, and dig a good satire, then The Dictator is going to make you cackle out loud and maybe even pee your pants a little.

Baron Cohen’s send up of the hypocrisies of American culture is the stuff of side-splitting genius.

It’s also the kind of stuff that’ll leave you with a little more insight by the time you exit the theatre.

Honestly. His speech to the UN, the one in which he compares modern American capitalism to a dictatorship, is so funny and true it’s scary — definitely something George Carlin or Bill Hicks would be proud of.

So if you want to laugh, if you want to think, give The Dictator a chance. It’s not better than Borat, but it’s damn close.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: Our War On Drugs Last week we asked what you think about Canada changing its policy on the war on drugs, and here’s what you had to say.

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

proposed first steps in altering our drug policies? 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 On drug policy reform.

People are using hard drugs to burn off a lot of what they used to with tobacco.

Thats right! The hard drug epidemic rose in tandem with the antitobacco movement.

So did obesity! If marijuana is a lesser evil so much so for tobacco. We can beat cancer! We ain’t got a hope in hell against the social mental and physical fallout from hard drugs!

Marijuana should be legalized regulated and taxed no question.

Great for the economy and justice system in so many ways.

Yes Portugal has the right idea. Helping addicts rather than punishing them for their disease is far more productive to society. Therapy vs jail time for personal possession just makes sense. Why put people in jail who don’t really deserve to be there? drugs shouldn’t be legalised cuz They’re already abused enough. And my mom is hotter than yours.

Treatment over jail time is stupid who wouldn’t take that?

Stay out of jail and you can still do whatevr drugs you want and then basicaly get of the hook for it?

Sounds like a recipe for disaster try using a little common sence here.

Off Topic Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

Feedback about the religious expression.

Article, its amusing how christians are whining about people discriminating their views, so that should mean if I am a satanist and pray at a civic event as well they can keep their trap shut Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

When in rome do as the romans do. The canadian society has been shaped with christian values. Stop infringeing on my beliefs by forceing yours on me. I can be sure if I were to visit a country whose views are non christian little concesion would be affected for me or mine Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

Texts

Page 17

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

If I want prayer at a public event I should be allowed. After all I am a taxpayer too.

be a Christian, and I’m perfectly happy that public events should be secular. Was actually surprised to read that they aren’t.

Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

I think those who texted in saying Canada was built on Christian values need to get with the times. While that may have been true in the past, clinging to something so hopelessly outdated simply because “that’s the way things were” is irrational. Canada prides itself on being an inclusive country; why we haven’t moved past exclusionary religious civic events is beyond me.

Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

Wow some of the texts last week about making public events secular seemed a little out there. Comparing it to Obama having no problems about burning bibles? WTF is that all about?

There’s nothing wrong with being religious, spiritual, atheist, whatever you think is best for you. But pushing it on others is utterly disrespectful.

We should all strive to be as considerate and inclusive as possible.

Re: “We Think Civic Events Should Be Secular,” Opinion page, May 4th issue

And as predicted, advocating against religion brought out some irrational/ unclear arguments from the religious camp. It’s those who can’t see beyond their own twisted beliefs to consider others’ feelings that give Christians a bad name. I’m proud to

So Verb hates god how surprising ill pray for you oh wait you wouldnt accept the Good lords grace anyways.

Re: “Super Robot Vacuum Trilingual, Chats With You,” Offbeat page, May 11th issue

That vacuum sounds smarter than my brother and better at making pleasantries :) You know what’s crazy? That I work full time and I can’t afford to live anywhere in Regina. NOT EVEN A BACHELORS APT because min wage is too goddamn low. who texted in about verb being neutral or political: i think they strive for neutral but on opinion obviously take a stance. IMHO tho dont know for sure My grandson has sensory issues.

Occasionally the sounds/tones within the restaurants we go to overload his ability to sit NICE. One never knows what specifically is adverse to his perceptions....he may appear to be loose and undisciplined to on lookers. Reality is he is in overload.

About the kid in resteraunts text: im of the chill out opinion.

Kids are kids right so whats the big deal:) THANK GOD! The U.N. Gets it! If developed countries can’t set the

example by ending hunger within their borders then there isn’t a hope in hell poorer countries can.

Among developed countries Canada is the worst for hunger within its borders!

We’re very rapidly losing credibility and power in the global community! And its not like we don’t have enough to go around here.

It is my opinion lately brad wall seems to appear a lot like chairman stephan harper there seems to be a growing similiarity to dr evil and mini me.

G. T. Ha people freaking out about sex museum in t dot or wherever ned to chill. The more information kids have about sex, pregnancy, abortions and diseases, the better. it’s not as though they’re totally innocent about sex but they are often uneducated.

F**k me! Thank God this Rafferty Stafford trial is winding down!

Its just f**king sick the way press dwells on every little detail of that sh*t!

Ok, people who rail against those who spend a lot of time on the internet/social media: I realize it can appear to bea waste of time, or that we’re all socially inept, but the reality is social media is to attuned to what’s happening in the world, it can disseminate information like nothing else. You want breaking news? Get on Twitter.

id just like to say that public transportation are idiotic drivers that constantly put others in danger cuz they cant drive worth a spit!

Thanx 4 the tix

Something deep and dark in the toilet seat gripe. Unfair sense of entitlement desire to be pampered in a feminist age maybe some abusive control issue??? Ideally men should put down the toilet for women after they’re done and women should lift it when they’re done.

Sharing the tasks seems fair however its done. The toilet seat gripe I don’t get it?

Somebody help me out! Women complain about having to put it down. Men have to lift it. Shouldn’t we complain about that?

LOL cupple days of sun and theres so many peeps out there burnt already JD u know whats up man!

Beers + patio not good fml

Do u ever txt me back I sent in a question but no responce.

Hey drivers! Slow down when you drive & stop cutting people off, you’re getting as bad as Albertans!!!!

Rubber Duckie you’re the one, You make bathtime lots of fun, Rubber Duckie I’m awfully fond of you The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.

Nightlife

Page 18

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Friday @ 4 Seasons Venue

4 Seasons on Friday, May 11th

Location

909 Arcola Avenue East

Playing on Arrival

Live karaoke performance

Feature Deal

Vodka paralyzers for $4.75

Popular Drink Draft beer

Food of Choice

Pizza — tons of toppings to choose from, so you can get it just the way you want

Wing Notes

$5.99 for a basket on Tuesdays; of the 14 available flavours, honey garlic is the most popular

Coming Up

UFC on May 26th

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

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With the warm and welcoming energies exploding in your Third House of communication, dear Pisces, you’re going to do well this week. Feel like dazzling a crowd? Go out and dazzle. In the mood to get your point across? Put it out there, people will pick up what you’re putting down. Want to make some new friends?

Hit the town and you’ll meet some cool and interesting people. With your powers of persuasion peaking this week, you might want to put this time to good use.

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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

Sometimes our lives, unfortunately, become more talk than action. That’s just the nature of things, dear Virgo. If this situation sounds familiar, maybe it’s time to shake it up. Ernest Hemingway once wrote something to the effect that we should always do sober what we said we’d do drunk. Keeping with that theme, if you say you’ll do something this is the week to follow through. Talk is all fine and dandy, but at times it can be cheap — now is the time to leap into action.

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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

Stability: that’s the watchword for this week, dear Aquarius. If you find yourself falling for someone, don’t fall too fast.

Reign yourself in for the time being, until you can think clearly. If you’re upset over something, the same principle applies: don’t do anything to rock the boat. Remain as neutral as possible. This is by no means a new way of life you should adopt: the highs and lows of life are what makes it interesting. But for this week, dear Aquarius, try to keep things even keel.

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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

A lot of times people only see one side of you, dear Leo — the confident, bold, take-charge side. Maybe you should throw them a change-up this week. Show people your warm, loving, caring romantic nature. If you can do this, there’s no telling how much good will swing your way. People will see you in a new light and, as a result, want to get closer to you. Natural born leaders are great, but natural born leaders who are willing to lay everything out there are much better.

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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

When you get the chance, spend time with others this week, dear Capricorn.

Whether it be in a social or professional setting, your life will be made richer by communicating with others. Heck, it’ll be enriched by just spending time with people you know. That’s not to say everything will go smoothly, and there’s bound to be a bump or two along the way, but once everyone involved realizes how counterproductive arguments can be, everything should get ironed out.

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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

Here’s a challenge for you, dear Cancer. This week, do something out of the ordinary or something completely out of character. What that something is, I don’t know — but you do. If given the chance to try something new, leap at it.

You won’t be disappointed. However, opportunities to do new things don’t simply throw themselves at you every day. So if a chance doesn’t present itself, get out and create the moment for yourself. You won’t regret it.

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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

You may feel the urge to go for broke this week, dear Sagittarius. You might be tempted to use radical methods to get what you want, but brace yourself for the chance that it might not work. You may just see a problem and immediately decide you know the correct action to take. The thing about that, though, is that there may be forces at play that are so big and powerful that you won’t be able to overcome them with one simple action. Good luck.

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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

This week may be difficult at times, dear Gemini. You, who can be easily influenced by others, may be pushed and pulled in so many ways over the next few days that you won’t know what to do. And honestly, there’s no solid solution. If a bunch of people are asking and pleading for you to do things, take stock and weigh your options, then trust your instincts and do whatever feels right.

When you follow your gut, you can be certain that good things will happen.

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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

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Have you been feeling lost lately, dear Scorpio? Like you’re adrift at sea, surrounded by fog, with no lighthouse in sight? If so, here’s some good news: everything will clear up in the next few days. That doesn’t mean you won’t still have to paddle your way to land, but it does mean you’ll be able to put things into proper perspective and see the path you have to follow in order to achieve your goals. Follow it. You won’t be disappointed.

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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

You know that old biblical adage about judging not lest you be judged?

Well, dear Taurus, you might want to keep that in mind this week. Things may happen and your knee-jerk reaction will be to infer things without regard. Don’t do this! Try to keep an open mind and understand where others are coming from. Remember: everyone messes up from time to time. Right now, the more compassionate you are, the more success you will have.

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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

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You should take this week to resolve some personal issues you’ve been putting off. If you’ve been under a lot of stress or suffering from tremendous amounts of strain, try to find a way to relax and relieve the tension. Take a long walk in nature, do some exercise, meditate — whatever works for you. But no matter what, if you’ve been on edge lately, take some time out for you. Stress, when it builds up, is preposterously unhealthy, so get rid of it. Now.

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Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

You can’t do everything or be everywhere at once, dear Aries. Of course you know this, but early in the week things may pile up and you could feel the urge to try and tackle everything in one fell swoop. If this happens, take a step back, assess the situation and make a plan of attack. Don’t feel pressured. You’ll likely deplete your reserves if you try to tackle everything head-on, all at once, so instead, try to prioritize the list of things you need to do.

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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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Horoscopes

May 18–24, ‘12 VerbNews.com 6 7 2 3 5 1 8 9 4

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.

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