Verb Issue r29 (May 25-31, 2012)

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May 25–31, 2012 • Pass it on

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THE NOVAKS This East Coast Trio Plays Bold, Beautiful Rock P9

Wall, Mulcair Feud

Randy Travis

MIB 3

The Seven ‘Weirdos’

Breakdown: Issue Reveals Canada’s East-West Divide P3

Smith Falters In Third Installment P15

Country Music Legend Reflects On 25 Years In The Business P10 The Personalities Who Ruin Everything P7 Photo: courtesy of Adam Penny

Section Local Page 2

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Surgery Wait Times Drop Across Province SK Initiative On Track To Conduct Operations Within Three-Month Window Alex J MacPherson

97 percent of all surgeries in the province were performed within Regina, SK — Broken hip? the current one year target window, Shattered knee? Don’t worry and 88 percent inside six months. about it: a new report from the “When you look at the 97 perprovincial govcent completion ernment sug- “I think we were very rate and the degests that long successful in the past crease in number waiting times year.” of patients and are a thing of the the percentage -Mark Wyatt of patients who past.

According to the Saskatchewan have been waiting over the 12 Surgical Initiative Year Two Report, month mark, I think we were very the comprehensive program is on successful in the past year,” says track to ensure most patients re- Mark Wyatt, executive director of ceive surgery within three months the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiaby 2014. tive.

The most recent data shows that Since its inception in March 2010,

the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative has cut the number of patients waiting more than a year by 77 percent, from 3,997 to 914.

The number of patients waiting more than six months has fallen 58 percent, from 9,875 to 4,517.

“Our goal moves now to a six month target,” Wyatt explains, “and while we’ve had good success during the first two years, the targets continue to be challenging.”

Wyatt says cutting the target will be difficult because it involves streamlining almost every aspect of the healthcare system, not just the traditional bottlenecks — orthopaedics in Regina and otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat) in Saskatoon.

Increasing operating theatre efficiency is an important component of the program, but surgeries cannot be performed unless adequate recovery beds are available.

“When we look at the dimensions of the initiative, we talk about sooner, safer, and smarter,” Wyatt says.

“A lot of the issues the public is most focused on are around the sooner part of it, reducing wait times, and that’s absolutely critical … but the challenge when we look forward is how do we sustain

those shorter wait times.”

The “safer” element is simple.

Mistakes mean time, money and serious risks; eliminating them makes the system more efficient.

The “smarter” component is dealt with by an online specialist directory, faster access to day surgeries and third-party CT scans, training for extra operating room nurses, a new system to manage operating room schedules and supplies, and patient “pathways” that streamline care for patients with hip, knee or spine problems, as well as those with prostate cancer or urogynecological problems.

A pathway, Wyatt explains, is about “looking at a patient’s journey from the time they are referred by a family physician as a potential surgical candidate right through to the end of their care … and looking at all the different steps along that pathway as to how you can improve the patient experience and look for more effective and efficient ways of providing care.”

The Surgical Initiative received $60.5 million in the latest provincial budget, which is expected to provide an additional 4,000 surgeries and reduce the maximum wait time to six months. By 2014 the target wait time is three months.

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Section Local Page 3

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Photo: courtesy of Matt Jiggins and Brad Wall Facebook

Thomas Mulcair (l) and Brad Wall’s feud reflects the east-west divide in Canada

Mulcair, Wall’s Feud Is Hurting The NDP

Political Scrap Over Resource Revenue Reflects Canada’s East-West Divide Alex J MacPherson

regina, SK — The ongoing sparring match between the premier and the leader of the federal New Democratic party, conducted on Twitter and in media scrums, has pushed the provincial NDP “between a rock and hard place,” says one expert on Saskatchewan politics.

“The NDP, provincially, has absolutely nothing to win in this situation,” says David McGrane, a professor of political studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

Earlier this month Premier Brad

Wall attacked Thomas Mulcair’s economic phenomenon where inclaim that the nation’s reliance on creased resource revenue causes resource revenue — particularly a currency to spike, hurting nonthe energy sector — has caused resource sectors — is an “extremely the dollar to spike, theoretical” probmaking exports “The NDP, provincially, lem masking a seless profitable has absolutely nothing to rious issue. and gouging the win in this situation.”

“There apmanufacturing inpears to possibly -David McGrane be an imbalance dustry. Wall told reporters: “Here’s someone who within our economy between the wants to be the national leader manufacturing sector and resource who, for the sake of politics, I think, sector … and that, I think, has set would risk the economic advantage up a bit of an east-west dynamic,” of the country.” he says.

McGrane thinks Mulcair’s diMcGrane says the provincial agnosis of “Dutch Disease” — an wing of the NDP, which is currently

without a leader, would do well to avoid the fray.

Since Dwain Lingenfelter lost his Regina seat in the last provincial election, Saskatchewan’s NDP has been headed by interim leader John Nilson, who, McGrane says, will probably avoid making a stand.

“Nilson’s a pretty smart guy, and he’s not going to want to tie the hands of any future leader by making some sort of declaration radically in favour of Brad Wall or radically in favour of Mulcair,” he states.

In an e-mail, Nilson stressed his party’s commitment to “critical

discussion on our ever-evolving economy” and explained that “Saskatchewan’s New Democrats are not interested in giving credence to the premier’s political attack [on Mulcair] via social media.”

Wall, McGrane explains, is employing “one of the best ways to get popular in Saskatchewan politics”: picking a fight with Ottawa. “[Wall] wants the people of Saskatchewan to be saying … ‘Look at Brad Wall on the national stage defending our interests,’” says McGrane. “It definitely worked in the last provincial election.”

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Section Global

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May 25–31, PH ‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Spicy Food Protects Your Heart Adam Hawboldt

levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, aka “bad choleshong kong, china — If you’re terol.” not a fan of spicy food, you might What’s more, the capsaicinoids want to give it another try. blocked the gene responsible for Not only do hot eats lower your making your arteries contract. With blood pressure, increase your sero- the arteries more relaxed, blood tonin levels and was better able to aid in weight loss, “The spicy food eaters flow to the heart . but now scientists had lower levels of … ‘bad Which is good have come to the cholesterol.’” news for spicy conclusion that eate r s . B u t i f -Adam Hawboldt you’ve tried and spicy food may also help protect against heart tried and can’t stomach spicy food, disease. don’t fret — you can still find ways New research out of the Chinese to get your dose of capsaicinoids.

University of Hong Kong has exam“Some capsaicin is present in ined the effect of capsaicinoids — a milder peppers, like Spanish pimencompound that gives jalapeños and tos, sweet bell peppers, and cherry cayenne peppers their heat — on peppers,” Alexandra Caspero, R.D., hamsters. explains to MSNBC. They divided the hamsters into And while experts are certain two groups, feeding each a high- spice is good, they also warn that cholesterol diet: one group was too much of a good thing can be fed spicy meals while the other ate bad for you. In fact, too much spicy capsaicinoid-free food. food can cause tissue inflammation, The result? so enjoy it in moderation.

The spicy food eaters had lower Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Anxious Men More Social

Stressed Males Exhibit ‘Female’ Response: Study Adam Hawboldt

freiburg, germany — Men who are stressed out become more social and are likelier to trust others and share resources new research has revealed.

This finding flies in the face of previous studies that suggested men under stress take a “fightor-flight” approach and tend to become more aggressive, while women were likelier to display a “tend-and-befriend” behaviour, and reach out to others.

“Apparently men also show social approach behaviour as a direct consequence of stress,” says study researcher Bernadette von Dawans, of the University of Freiburg in Germany.

Von Dawans and her team examined 67 males from the University

of Zurich. Half of them were put under the stress of public speaking and by having to complete a difficult mental math test, while the other half were given a stress-free group read along and some simple counting exercises.

Global At A Glance World’s Second tallest — The tallest broadcast tower in the world has officially opened. Standing at 634 metres high, the Tokyo Sky Tree is not only the tallest tower, but it is officially the second tallest man-made structure, behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (829m). The Sky Tree is expected to draw nearly 32 million visitors a year — that’s more than Tokyo Disneyland, and on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji. Feedback?

Text it to 306-881-8372.

After they were finished, all of the test subjects played a series of trust and sharing games, as well as a roll-of-the-dice gambling game to gauge how aggressively risky they were.

The participants’ heart rate and cortisol (a stress hormone) levels were also monitored.

Despite stereotypes, researchers found that stress made the men kinder, gentler and more friendly.

Moreover, they found no difference in the risk-taking behaviours of the stressed and unstressed men.

The study didn’t compare male and female stress-coping mechanisms, but researchers say their findings reveal that the “tend-andbefriend” strategy of stress management isn’t exclusively female.

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Section Global

Page 5Page PH

May 25–31, PH ‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Skinny Jeans Can Cause Pain Adam Hawboldt

Parents Happiest Of All Kids Up Contentment More Than Child-Free Life Adam Hawboldt

“We are not saying that parenting makes people happy, but riverside, ca — To have or that parenthood is associated with not to have children, that is the happiness and meaning,” explains question.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, professor of And the answer, well, that de- psychology at UC Riverside. pends on how happy and fulfilling “Contrary to repeated scholarly a life you want to and media prolive. “[P]arenthood is n o un ce m e nt s , According to associated with happiness people may find researchers from and meaning.” solace that parthe University of enthood and -Sonja Lyubomirsky child care may California, Riverside, the University of British Colum- actually be linked to feelings of bia and Stanford University, parents happiness and meaning in life,” have greater levels of happiness continues Lyubomirsky. than those without children.

Researchers conducted studies

on 186 participants, testing whether parents were happier overall than their childless peers, whether parents felt better moment to moment than non-parents and whether parents experienced more positive feelings when taking care of their kids.

The answers to all these tests were yes.

Researchers believe the consistency of these findings “provides strong evidence challenging the widely held perception that children are associated with reduced well-being.”

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Global At A Glance eat, drink, work — Professional wom-

en drink more than those with manual jobs, claims new studies. Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that women with high-profile careers,

such as managers of large companies, drink a bottle of wine a week, or roughly 11.2 units of alcohol, compared to female hairdressers and factory workers, who drink around 6.2 units. Though

some researchers declared a bottle of wine a week was not extravagant, they do caution against using booze to reduce stress. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

one of the nerves that runs in the outer part of a thigh gets comBaltimore, MD — Zac Efron pressed,” Boyle tells ABC News. wears them, Mila Kunis wears them These symptoms are often and, chances are every hipster you worse in people who wear high know has at least one pair of them heels with skinny jeans because of in their closet. the way the pelvis tilts, which can Yessiree, any way you slice it, increase the pressure. skinny jeans are back in fashion.

Boyle warns that if you are exAnd according periencing pain to recent studies, “[Wearing skinny jeans but choosing to that’s not nec- can cause] tingling, ignore it, you face essarily a good numbness and pain…” permanent nerve thing. damage.

-Adam Hawboldt D r. K are n Options for alBoyle, a surgeon at the Greater Bal- leviating any health issues associtimore Medical Centre, claims the ated with skinny jeans include purtrendy clothing choice can cause chasing jeans that have added lycra, “meralgia paresthetica” — a disor- which gives them more stretch. der that causes tingling, numbness Worse case scenario, you can always and pain in the upper legs. just wear looser pants.

“It’s a disorder that occurs when Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Feature

Page 6

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

General Fools Festival Back To Split Sides

Local, National Comedians Showcase Talent As Event Celebrates Four Years Sebastien Dangerfield

General Fools actor Jayden Pfeifer.

“We didn’t know what the future Regina, SK — It all started would be like, so we formed the in 1997. company.”

After performing shows in and Flash forward a dozen years, around Regina for a couple of years through all the shows and travelprevious, a group ing and far away of young impro- “It’s always fun to festivals, and the visers decided to do shows with other General Fools are form an official improvisers.” still going strong. improv compaSo much so -Jayden Pfeifer that in 2009 they ny. They called it General Fools — the first of its kind figured it was time to put on a fesin the Queen City. tival of their own.

“We just loved performing on “We had been attending imthe fly, working on impulse and prov festivals for five or six years,” we wanted to do more of it,” says explains Pfeifer, “and one day we

decided we wanted to produce our own. We wanted to bring other companies to Regina. So we bit the bullet and threw a festival.”

The attempt at kickstarting a comedy festival went over well.

“The turnout was amazing,” he continues. “The reaction was amazing. People came out in droves, so we’ve been doing it every year since.”

Now in its fourth year, the General Fools Festival is constantly bringing in new and amazing acts to crack-up local theatre-goers.

This year, along with the General Fools, the festival features Like Father, Like Son (a duo from Rapid Fire Theatre in Edmonton), Vancouver’s Sunday Service and a couple of other talented improvisers who aren’t part of a company.

Running from June 6th until June 9th, the festival involves showcase performances from all the companies, along with a few collaborative shows. Some of those collaborations will involve a few members from each company, others involve every single person in the festival.

“It’s always fun to do shows with other improvisers,” explains Pfeifer.

“You get to learn a little bit about their style and how to mesh it with yours.”

And while working with others is a great experience, for Pfiefer the real joy of improv is working with those closest to him.

“We’ve been the same core ensemble for 15 or 16 years, so we have a lot of history together,” he says. “We’re each others’ best pals and support systems. So when we

Photo: courtesy of General Fools

get on stage, those thousands and thousands of hours performing together and our personal relationships really make for a strong and comfortable foundation. You can blaze into it with no fear.”

It is precisely this comfort and lack of fear that helped General Fools move from short-form improv (a la Whose Line Is It Anyway?) to longer, more involved shows.

“A way to think about it is as a scriptless play,” says Pfeifer. “We do a bunch of different scenes, play a bunch of different characters, tell a bunch of different stories, but it’s all woven together as one show.”

The General Fools Festival will be held at the Artesian on 13th. For more information about the festival visit www.generalfools.com.

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Offbeat

Page 7

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Seven ‘Weirdos’ Who Ruin It All Adam Hawboldt

Two Flies Per Bathroom

Beijing Unveils New Public Washroom Rules Adam Hawboldt

beijing, china — New regulations in Beijing stipulate that public bathrooms can have no more than two flies per stall.

And we’re not talking about pants zippers here. No, we’re talking actual buzzing, pesky house flies.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of City Administration and Environment issued the rule as part of a “new standard for public toilet management.”

Xie Guomin, the official responsible for the initiative, says the twofly rule was not compulsory, but was a new benchmark to improve

Boy, 14, Conducts Orchestra Adam Hawboldt

me to be better.”

Though young, Salazar has clear caracas, venezuela— José ideas about how he will go about Ángel Salazar, a 14-year-old from his new appointment.

Venezuela, is quite possibly the “Conducting is a wordless lanyoungest orchestra conductor in guage. I have to convey confidence the world. to the musicians in order to get a Salazar was recently appointed confident performance back from to direct the Venezuelan Youth them … I have to co-ordinate my Orchestra, which b o d y ’s m ove consists of 70 to “I guess [the musicians in ments with the 8 0 musicians, the orchestra] are forcing music,” he conhalf of whom are me to be better.” tinues. “I let the older than him. internal chanting -José Ángel Salazar … guide me.”

Naturally, this presents certain challenges for the “I am not sure I am the youngteen. est,” he adds of the world’s young“It’s hard because I have to find est designation. the way to communicate, or some“Maybe there is a younger contimes tell off kids who are much ductor in some small town someolder than me,” he admits to the where else.”

Guardian. “I guess they are forcing Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Beijing’s notoriously dirty public bathrooms.

Along with the two-fly rule, public bathrooms in Beijing will also be held up to new odor standards as well as restrictions on the number of pieces of rubbish you can discard (no more than two).

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

were those who swear loudly, followed closely by ones who easily Pullman, wa — Researchers become angered at the slightest have identified seven specific types grievance, and those who have of people who can spoil anything poor personal hygiene. from a shopping trip to a restaurant The research was conducted meal for others.

by Joel Anaya, A recent study “Researchers have a senior majorco n d u c te d a t identified seven specific ing in hospitality Washington State types of people who can business manUniversity on soagement at the called “customer spoil anything…” university. He ex-Adam Hawboldt amined over 200 service sabotage” has listed the types of problem- instances of frustrated customers atic customers, and they read like at various online commenting sites. a bizarre Snow White and the Seven “Customers don’t just go to a Dwarfs cast list: dopey, grumpy, restaurant to enjoy a burger,” exsmelly, pushy, stubborn, inconsider- plains Anaya. “They go to have a ate and rude. good time.”

The most common offenders Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat At A Glance $4.4M jersey — Babe Ruth is no strang-

er to records. The former New York Yankee held the major league homerun record from ‘21-’74 and is the only man to have hit 40 home runs in more

than 10 seasons. And the Bambino has broken another record: a jersey he wore sold for more than $4.4 million, a record for any item of sports memorabilia.

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Music

Page 8

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com 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. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon.

Cover $10.

Sunday 27

(N E X T W E E K ) B. A . J O H N S TO N @ O’HANLON’S Pub — If you haven’t

heard this Hamilton musician before, you better brace yourself — for hilarity.

In the past, this talented singer/songwriter has released songs with names like “Jesus is from Hamilton” (a song about JC helping the Ti-Cats) and “Love

Friday 25

The Skydiggers — This roots/ rock act from Toronto has been doing their thing since their self-titled debut album dropped in 1990. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $22, www.ticketedge.ca 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.

Casey Stone Band — With a commanding stage presence and the pipes to match, this local band can go rock or country or whatever you want. 9pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5 Def 3 w/guests — With his high energy performances and upbeat sound, this emcee has contributed greatly to the local hip hop scene.

9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Craig Mortiz — If hard-hitting, honest 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. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Shane Chisolm — A three-time CCMA award winner, this country/ rockabilly singer from Ontario has a sound you simply have to hear. 9pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance by 6pm.

JJ Voss — With more than 15 years of live stage performances under his belt

Photo: courtesy of the artist

Letters to the Girls in High School Art Class” (self-explanatory). And with this latest album Hi Dudes!, this alternative acoustic musician has amped up the funny. Check him out when hi plays O’Hanlon’s Pub on June 1st; no cover.

-Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

buckle, this local country/Americana/ folk rock singer based out of Regina has come by his inspired stage presence honestly. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon.

Cover $10.

Saturday 26

George Thorogood and the Destroyers — With two platinum albums, six gold albums and more than 15 million records sold, this American blues rock vocalist/guitarist has been going strong for decades.

8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $60–65, available at the box office or online at casinoregina.com.

Port Noise — This local four piece place their music hard and loud with a very distinctive sound. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10 at the door.

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

Pink Slips — Come check out this local band as they strut their stuff and do their music thang. 9pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5.

Craig Mortiz — If hard-hitting, honest 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. 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.

Shane Chisholm — A three-time CCMA award winner, this country/ rockabilly singer from Ontario has a sound you simply have to hear. 9pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance by 6pm.

Adaline — Come join the crazily talented electro/alt-pop artist from Toronto for her CD release party.

She’ll be joined by special guests Erin Passmore along with the Fortunate Isles. 8pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets $12, available at the door or in advance at Mysteria Gallery or http://www. picatic.com/event7193690 Dominique Fricot, Ciseaux — Vancouver’s Fricot fuses rock, soul, folk and jazz with a deep baritone that will linger with you long after the show is over. Also from B.C., Ciseaux is inspired by everything from Bach to ‘60s soul, and you can tell.

Her music is classic and poppy and utterly infectious. 7:30pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10.

Monday 28

Cris Derksen — A classically trained cellist 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 unique, passionate, thoroughly awesome sound.

7:30pm, Artful Dodger Cafe and Music Emporium. Cover $10.

Monday Night Jazz — Featuring Uptown Jazz, Regina’s Power Jazz Trio.

8pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company.

No cover.

Len Gadica — This one-man band from Melville is no stranger to Casino Regina, and every time he plays here the dance floor is packed as polkas, waltzes and other popular tunes waft through the air. 8pm, Casino Regina.

Tickets $10, available at the box office or at www.casinoregina.com

Photo: courtesy of the artist

(NEXT WEEK) ADAMS RIB @ MCNALLY’S tavern — What do you get if you mix

pop while holding a funky, island-like balance beam. These guys have toured extensively since coming together in 1996. They’ll be coming to Regina on June 1st and 2nd , and playing McNally’s Tavern. Cover is $5 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-8818372.

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

and awesome. 8pm, The Exchange.

Tickets TBD. 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.

the music of Bob Marley, Dave Matthews and U2? The answer is something that sounds a lot like adams rib. With strong melodies and groovy tunes, this act from Ontario walk a tightrope between rock edginess and melodic

Wednesday 30

Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Last Mountain Breakdown, playing country-folk and bluegrass.

9pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company.

No cover Descalso — Come bid farewell to this local reggae, rock, pop fusion act before they ship off to Montreal to pursue the dream. They’ll be joined by The Andino Suns. 8pm, The Exchange.

Cover $10.

Thursday 31

The Strumbellas — This is not your standard country music. Coming straight from Toronto, The Strumbellas have a sound that’s bigger and louder that any band with a banjo deserves to sound: it’s all high energy

Lords Kitchner — Hailing from Moose Jaw, this indie-prog four-piece has a fresh and unique sound that is a testament to raucous rock music.

9pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5 Rockbox — Back by popular demand, this band plays everything from country classics to top 40 hits and more. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse.

Amy Nelson — This up-and-coming local musician has been turning heads on the country music scene in Western Canada. With a sweeping voice and unmistakable stage presence, the sky is the limit for this high school music teacher. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon.

Cover $5.

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

Tuesday 29

Old Man Luedecke — One of Canada’s best loved roots singer/songwriters, Luedecke plays memorable melodies and has an easy charisma on stage that will suck you deep into his performance. He’ll be joined by the incomparable Del Barber. 8pm, Artesian on 13. Tickets $15 at the door or in advance at Mysteria Gallery or online at http://www.picatic.com/ event1283690 Charlie Pride — An American country legend, this smooth baritone from Mississippi has 39 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country charts. 8pm, Casino Regina. SOLD OUT.

(Next Week) (COMING UP) JOHN FOGERTY @ BRANDT CENTRE — Before

this Californian became a solo act, he was part of Creedence Clearwater Rival, one of the most iconic bands of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, not to mention the guy who Rolling Stone ranked the #40 best guitarist of all time. His solo hits

Photo: courtesy of the artist

include “Centrefield” and “Jambalaya,” but come this spring he’ll return to his CCR roots as he sets out on tour, performing the music of CCR. He’ll be at the Brandt Centre on September 21st; tickets are $28+ (Ticketmaster).

-Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Arts One

Page 9

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Photo: courtesy of Adam Penny and the artist

The Novaks: Bold, Brash And Beautiful

This East Coast Trio Plays Rock & Roll The Way It Was Meant To Be Played Alex J MacPherson

people describe us as bluesy rock, but I hate that. It sounds like you’re Regina, SK — “I don’t know going to go see Colin James or the how to do anything else,” says Jeff Healey Band. They’re fine, but Mick Davis. “I’m f***ing useless that’s not what we do.” at anything except playing guitar What the Novaks do is play and singing. This has to work.” rock & roll with feeling. Davis and Davis is talking about the Novaks, company have a knack for distilling the rock band he fronts. I first heard rock down to its essence: muscular Davis sing in 2005, when MuchMu- drumming, punchy bass lines and sic still played music videos. Their driving guitar riffs. first single, “I’ll Give You a Ring,” Some bands are great because made me feel like they become guitar rock had a “You’ll never know what what they prechance. you’re getting unless you tend to be, transSince then, Da- go see the bloody band.” porting listeners vis, Mark Neary, into their private -Mick Davis world; the Novaks and Elliot Dicks have been fixed in my mind as mes- are great because they don’t presianic figures, storming forth from tend to be anything at all. their home in St. John’s to save rock “The whole idea is just doing it, & roll. I haven’t been disappointed. being lost in it,” Davis says.

“I say rock & roll, but it’s so sub“When I’m singing, that’s the jective, isn’t it?” Davis muses, his only time of day when I’m not there, reedy voice startlingly unlike the I’m not thinking about anything, nasal howl he displays onstage.

I’m worry-free. That’s what it’s all “Sometimes that’s a bad word, about, and the more we can do depending on where you are. Some that, the happier we’ll be.”

Mining the band’s lyrics for deeper significance is futile; Davis chooses words for their shape as much as for their meaning.

Davis plainly learned a lot from Jagger and Richards. The band’s three records — The Novaks, Things Fall Apart and Big World — are populated by rock & roll archetypes: long lost girls, late night drinkers and early morning regrets. But getting the point is as simple as letting the music wash over you, absorbing the feeling of it all.

Born as a four-piece, the Novaks spent several years as a trio following the departure of guitarist Chuck Tucker. Davis enjoyed the challenge, but he is overjoyed at the prospect of having another guitar player, Brad Power, join the band.

“We just feel like a brand new band,” Davis explains.

“When we had our original guitar player it was more of an AC/DC thing, where we were playing the same thing on the guitars. Then we went into a trio and it became

a very open sound, a very wideopen sound.”

“And now we’ve got a guitar player again, but it’s a completely different ball game,” he continues.

“He’s my favourite guitar player I think I’ve ever seen on earth. He’s all feel. It’s like having Eric Clapton from 1965 in the band.”

Davis says the group expects to make another record this year, but uncertainty in the music business — “the goddamn industry is upside down,” he laments — means plans are slow to develop. Rather than hang around, they decided to take the show on the road.

“It’s like the old Billy Joel line which I love,” he laughs, “‘It doesn’t matter what they say in the papers, ‘cause it’s always been the same old scene, there’s a new band in town, and you can’t get the sound from the story in a magazine.’”

Traveling the country is a serious endeavour for a band based in Newfoundland — after all, St. John’s is closer to Paris than Victoria.

But Davis insists that the only way to experience the Novaks is in a sweaty club.

“You’ll never know what you’re getting unless you go see the bloody band,” he laughs, “and our bend definitely has that. You won’t know unless you go to the show.”

This is Davis in his element. It may never have occurred to him that he could do anything else, but it doesn’t matter.

“Come on big world, don’t let me down,” he howls on the title track of Big World. This is misleading: the Novaks may not be, as Davis says, “f***ing millionaires,” but they have done it all themselves. And they’re making it work.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

The Novaks

Where: The Exchange When: June 4 Cost: $27.75 (www.admission.com/ event/DEER-TICK-billets/DTK0604

MacKenzie Exhibit Marks 1912 Regina Cyclone Alex J MacPherson

the colossal power of the wind.

“When the idea came for the Regina, SK — Inspired by a cen- Tornado Project, the many events tury-old disaster and driven by a surrounding the commemoration strong and vibrant creative partner- of the Regina Cyclone, it seemed ship, Spiraling Forces combines the like a good fit to do a show that best parts of art and dance into one brings together a dance project that immersive experiRobin [Poitras] ence.

“The show … is a was doing with A collabora- celebration of the colossal an exhibition that ti o n b e t we e n power of the wind.” would serve as its the MacKenzie Art counterpart,” says -Alex J MacPherson Timothy Long, Gallery and New Dance Horizons, a Regina dance head curator at the MacKenzie. company, Spiraling Forces takes its Long and Poitras spent hours name from the Regina Cyclone, a combing through the MacKenzie’s tornado that devastated the Queen vault, looking for pieces that might City on June 30, 1912. The show, relate to the idea of wind. Long which marries pieces from the calls this “going shopping,” adding MacKenzie’s extensive permanent that one piece inevitably would collection to a pair of live dance spark new ideas, connections and performances, is a celebration of associations.

“It’s one of the things I really like to do,” he enthuses. “When you look at a painting with a particular concept in mind, sometimes new associations spring to the forefront. We have one particular painting that became the core of the whole show.

It’s a painting of a dark, stormy seascape with a ship that looks like it’s just about to go under. It’s a painting called “Drifting Away,” part of the original MacKenzie bequest.”

Long says working with Poitras, who has a broad background in the arts, was like a breath of fresh air.

“She’s got a really sensitive eye … we feed on each other’s energy.

She thinks in a different way than I do, and she has an amazing power of association and of thinking metaphorically.”

One of the results of their collaboration is the deliberate decision to exclude human forms from the art.

Because none of the pieces depict people, viewers are forced to engage with the work in the same way they engage with nature. This adds another dimension — an examination of how humans and nature interact — to the exhibition.

Spiraling Forces also promises to introduce more young people to the MacKenzie — one of Regina’s most venerable institutions. Collaborations are fueled by creative energy, and it crackles through Spiraling Forces.

Long agrees that being open to innovation and expanding the definition of what fine art can be will unlock the gallery for more people than ever before.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

ArtsSect &C

Five Questions W

Country Legend On Spending T Alex J MacPherson

feel like I’ve been here a long time.

It used to be this simple: we record A quarter century is a long time. an album, put the singles out, proI’m only twenty-four, which means motions staff calls radio, they play twenty-five feels incomprehensible. it, and then we go out there and But not as incomprehensible as tour. It’s so different now through twenty-five years in the music busi- the computer world we live in now. ness, an industry as fickle as it is flu- The amount of younger people id. Randy Travis knows all about it, within the business making records, though. His debut it’s amazing how album, Storms of “You’ve got to do many people are Life, which hurled something and for me I’m closer to 20 than him into the up- real fortunate: what I do they are 40. per echelons of AJM: But deAmerican coun- as a living, I love it.” spite the changes, -Randy Travis you seem fairly try music, was released in 1986. Since then he as comfortable these days. released dozens of records, had RT: I’m fortunate, I’m sitting in more than 20 number one singles, a real comfortable place. Yeah, I’m and toured extensively. Amazingly, not getting that kind of airplay anyhe is as busy now as he was a quar- more, but I was fortunate enough to ter century ago: this year Travis is find songs that were what people releasing two albums — Randy would call signature songs, and Travis, a compilation, and Anniver- there were several of them. If I can’t sary Celebration, a double album of ever get airplay again, I’m sitting in collaborations — and giving more a good place. than 80 concerts. Verb caught up AJM: You’ve got a heap of new with Travis in Texas to chat about projects on the go, maybe more than how the business has changed, why ever before. What’s the appeal of he keeps working and why he loves working so hard? the Grand Ole Opry.

RT: I like to work. I like to do conAlex J MacPherson: In a quar- tinual things, new things as years ter century, how has the business go by. I always have done that for changed? some reason. I can’t sit around Randy Travis: I like that term, a and do nothing. Everybody needs quarter century. I hadn’t heard that a rest every once in awhile, but I one before. That really makes me like to play music and I love doing

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, May 25–31, ‘1211 VerbNews.com

Family Matters In Funny Play Over The River Alex J MacPherson

With Randy Travis

Photo: courtesy of the artist

The Past 25 Years Making Music new projects. Somebody asked me about retiring and I said, “what would I do?” You’ve got to do something and for me I’m real fortunate: what I do as a living, I love it. That time onstage for me is so special.

AJM: You’ve received plenty of accolades, but I understand you’re most proud of your induction into the Grand Ole Opry.

RT: The Opry is special to many, many people in this business. You walk on that stage and it feels different than any other I have been on in my whole life. It’s probably because of the history there, the people who have stood there and sang on that stage, people I grew up listening to and grew up singing their music.

It’s a big honour to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. As a kid I doubted…I was singing at eight years old, but I didn’t have dreams like that. I always told people I just wanted to make a living writing and singing. As this all started it went way, way beyond anything I had ever thought about.

AJM: When you’re playing a show now, what do you hope the audience takes away from it?

RT: A lot of things! If you look at the songs, certain songs mean more to some people. For me, “He Walked on Water” takes me back to my grandfather and my grandmother, and it seems to do the same

thing to a lot of people I have met through these years. At the end of a performance I want to feel like that audience has left there, heard those songs they wanted to hear, and I want to feel like I’ve done the best possible job that I can do as a singer. I want them to be so pleased with that show; that means a whole lot to me.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

of public record. But they also care deeply about him, and are devasRegina, SK — Overbearing tated by the thought of him leaving. grandparents: everybody has one.

“That’s definitely what this play Nick Cristano, unfortunately, has demands,” says DeLong of the overfour. the-top characters, adding that the Nick is the guilt-ridden protago- actors came to rehearsal brimming nist in Over the River and Through with ideas. “They’re very accomthe Woods, a new production by plished,” he muses, “each and every the Regina Little one of them. My Theatre. Written “When I read the play I challenge is a lot

by Joe DiPietro thought, ‘I’m Nick, I’m the less [significant].” and directed by main character…’”

DeLong says Howard DeLong, the play struck a -Howard DeLong chord with him. the comic drama focuses on a tight-knit Italian fam“When I read the play I thought, ily. When Nick, who is nearly thirty, ‘I’m Nick, I’m the main character, announces his intention to move that’s me,’” he says. “I ventured off across the country like his parents, … there are some regrets there, his grandparents respond with a for sure. Did I do the right thing? declaration of war.

I think I did.”

Sensing that their family is about “Did Nick do the right thing?” he to disintegrate forever, they will do anything to stop him. Including baiting him with Caitlin, an attractive neighbour. But not everything is as it seems.

Over the River and Through the Woods attempts to balance the importance of family with the irrepressible urge to explore.

“It’s a real character-driven play,” says DeLong. “You’re going to see some delightful grandparents, each with different mannerisms, and you’re going to see the full range of emotions. There might even be a tear or two. It’s very touching.”

Domineering grandparents are nothing new, but Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma take the act to a new level. Brimming with pithy aphorisms and blunt advice, they seem to revel in haranguing Nick, and making his decision a matter

laughs. “Just watch out for the end.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Spiraling Forces

Where: MacKenzie Art Gallery When: Now ‘til August 12; dance performances June 29

Cost: Free, but tickets required. 584-4250

Randy Travis Where: Casino Regina When: June 6 Cost: Sold out

Over the River and Through the Woods Where: Regina Little Theatre When: June 6-9 Cost: $19/$17 (306) 779-2277

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

Food

Page 12

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

There is nothing quite like the tropical taste of mango, and these sweet, pulpy fruits are a staple in East Indian cuisine.

Whether you eat them raw, drink them, pickle them or turn them into jelly, mangos are dripping with juicy facts.

Some mango trees over 300 ■years old still produce fruit Mangos can be eaten ■unripe, usually in savoury applications like pickles and chutney

The sap and skin of mangos ■contains a chemical that causes an allergic skin rash in some people

are the national ■fruitMangos of India, Pakistan and the Philippines, with India also being their top producer

Tandoori Kabab: Inspired Cuisine Photos: courtesy of Kendra Kuss

New, Classic East Indian Dishes Offered At Albert St. Restaurant Jessica Bickford

I have to say, I love East Indian food, but sometimes it seems like you can never get anything really different, so you get stuck in a generic chicken curry rut.

I’ve had this problem, but Tandoori Kabab Touch and owner Shahida Khalid and her family have helped me see the light (if the light is deliciously different Indian food).

Hakka Chinese is a fusion of restaurant-style Chinese food done with Indian flair that is incredibly

popular in India and larger centres like Toronto. Shahida served me up a great variety of these dishes, kicking things off with some chili chicken.

This item offered large pieces of rich, breaded chicken mixed with a ginger- and garlic-infused sauce, red peppers, green chilies, and white and green onion.

The sauce was thick and fragrant, with the heat of the ginger and chilies front and centre.

Next up was another new treat for me, the Tandoori Touch special,

which was a combination of Seekh If you’re interested in checking out a kabab, tikka boti and tandoori few different options, this is a great chicken. The Seekh kabab was way to go: variety is always nice, a mixture of ground beef, pep- and anything from the tandoor is pers and spices spectacular. which had been “Tandoori Kabab’s naan Af ter a few wrapped around is their own secret recipe, new things some a skewer and and it is [light]…” old favourites cooked in the were in order, and -Jessica Bickford butter chicken tandoor, while the tikka boti was large pieces of chick- and daal makhni fit the bill. The en (white meat) cooked in the tan- butter chicken was creamy and rich, door, giving them a delicious smoky with that slight sweetness indicaflavour. The Tandoori chicken was tive of the dish, though it had a bit similar, but used thigh and leg meat. more spice than average.

The daal makhni was a luscious lentil dish that was mildly spiced and very hearty, especially with some naan. Tandoori Kabab’s naan is their own secret recipe, and it is lighter than most.

No meal is complete without a bit of dessert, and kheer, or rice pudding, is a staple.

Tandoori Kabab’s kheer was smooth and creamy, a perfect treat for summer.

I also tasted their mango lassi, which is a personal favourite. Lassi is a yogurt and milk based beverage: cold and slightly tangy, but still sweet.

Mango lassi is also great to have on hand for those of you who might struggle with spice, because the dairy in it helps to dull any lingering heat.

Tandoori Kabab Touch is really something special, dishing up a fun spin on classic Indian cuisine.

Shahida and her family are incredibly welcoming, so come on down and say hi.

And with a surprisingly large interior that can accommodate parties of over 100, bring your friends.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Tandoori Kabab

Address: 1207 Albert Street Hours: Mon — Thurs 11:30 AM — 3 PM, 5 PM — 9 PM; Fri — Sat 11:30 AM — 9:30 PM

Reservations: 347-2222

Opinion

Page 13

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

We Think All Drugs Should Be Legalized

Our Ultimate Goal In Revamping Policy Includes Regulation, Removing Stigma The Editors of Verb

neighbours that the liberalization of drugs makes both dollars and This is the final installment of a three-part sense, and then move to what we series pertaining to Canada’s ineffec- think is a logical drug policy, one tive war on drugs, in which we examine that includes the legalization and what our revamped drug policy should regulation of all drugs. Such a policy look like. would allow us to reap myriad benREGINA, SK — As we’ve previ- efits — both fiscal and social. ously discussed, we think that Let’s start with the fiscal. AcCanada needs to reimagine its cording to the Canadian Centre on drug policy in order to make it Substance Abuse, the illegal drug as effective as possible — our trade sets the government back an current hard-line not only stuffs estimated $8.2 billion annually. Of our jails with people who don’t that, $2.3 billion is spent on enforcedeserve to be there, but also ment (this includes policing, courts doesn’t work to and corrections). wean users off “The demand for drugs That’s a heaptheir addictions. … will always exist, but ing sum for such And that’s why the supply of illegal drugs an inef fec tive we think that lepolicy, so why not galizing drugs is does not have to.” try something dif-Verb’s editors ferent? Why not the way to go.

We’ve already argued for the legalize drugs and tax them like complete decriminalization of per- we do for alcohol or cigarettes? Not sonal possession based on the suc- only would we seriously reduce our cessful policy Portugal implement- enforcement budget, but if we leved in 2003. We have also stated ied a “sin tax” on the tens of billions that once drugs are decriminalized, of dollars in illicit drug sales every supervised injection sites should year, well, let’s just say we’d have a open in every major city across the lot more money floating around in county, while jail terms for personal our federal and provincial budgets. possession of narcotics should be How much? One source, the eradicated in favour of therapy and magazine BC Business, estimates treatment. that the BC marijuana trade alone Ultimately, however, these are brings in nearly $7.5 billion a year. simply foundational steps neces- By legalizing and taxing marijuana, sary to achieve our end vision. You federal and provincial governments see, if we rush things too quickly would stand to make hundreds of and try to change everything all millions, depending on how heavyat once, we run the very high and handed the taxes were. very real risk of straining our relaAnd please remember, that’s tions with America to the point just by legalizing weed in BC. Imagof rupture. Sure, in an ideal world ine the untold economic benefits no external force should dictate of taxing all drugs all across the what we do, but the U.S. is one of country. our biggest trading partners and Consider how much good reguwe need to approach the situation lation of the drug industry would pragmatically. bring. First, we believe that the So let’s revamp our drug poli- number of deaths would decrease. cy piecemeal, show our southern If the government was responsible

for the drug trade, the standards of quality and safety would increase greatly (they aren’t going to want anyone to get sick or worse on a bad trip).

What’s more, legalizing and regulating the drug trade would decrease the presence of organized crime in Canada. It’s no great secret that a criminalized drug market creates a vacuum in which organized crimes exists and thrives. But if you get rid of that vacuum, you also get rid of the money that is the lifeblood of these organizations and starve them into submission.

It worked when America repealed prohibition, and it could work for us.

The demand for drugs, illegal or legal, will always exist, but the supply of illegal drugs does not have to. Through legalization, regulation and taxation, we can tear drugs out of the violent underworld, remove the stigma, and bring the industry

(along with its billions of dollars in revenue) out into to open — where

it belongs.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

May PH25–31, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Humans’ Darkness Exposed In Tyrannosaur Director Considine, Cast Doesn’t Hold Back In Frank, Cruel Character Study Tyrannosaur

Runtime: 91 Minutes Rated: 18A Adam Hawboldt There’s no chance you’ll ever mistake Tyrannosaur for a Disney movie. Not a snowball’s chance in hell.

Right from the get-go, when you see the main character Joseph (Peter Mullan) drunkenly kick his dog to death, a cloud of grimness settles atop the landscape. A cloud

that will hang over you, and anyone window and beat the ever-loving else who watches this film long you-know-what out of three youths after the final credits roll. in a pub.

Written and directed by talented Not exactly the kind of guy you’d British actor Paddy Considine (The want to have over for dinner.

Bourne UltimaThe thing is, tum, Last Resort), “Mullan’s … performance though. Joseph Tyrannosaur is the is taut, muscular and isn’t all bad. Sure bleakest, gloomi- powerful…” he’s wildly unest, rawest look at happy and pos-Adam Hawboldt sibly a psycholower class England to come around in quite some path, but his soul isn’t completely time. dark. I mean, in between bouts of Joseph is a widower, a borderline drinking and raging, Joseph is, at alcoholic and a full-blown rageahol- times, capable of small expressions ic. Before the story even gets re- of love and sincerity. He’s partial to motely rolling he’s already killed a neglected neighbourhood lad his dog, thrown a brick through a and he’s always there for his old drinking buddy Jack (Robin Butler), who is dying.

He meets Hannah (Olivia Colman) is a woman of strong Christian faith who runs a charity’s thrift shop.

She is a generous soul, terrorized by her jealous, abusive husband. And, like Joseph, she too has a drinking problem.

Joseph and Hannah meet one day when he stumbles into her thrift shop.

Naturally, Joseph is mean to her but Hannah doesn’t back away.

Used to being abused, she decides to pray for Joseph instead of judging him.

Soon a friendship blossoms between the two that, for a few brief moments, allowing a ray of light to break through the ominous cloud that hovers over this film.

But make no mistakes, Tyrannosaur isn’t a feel good movie. It’s a cruel and frank look at the dark underbelly of human existence, and an astute and gritty character study of the down and outs who live in a place where kindness is a weakness and violence is always an option.

And what characters they are — the acting in Tyrannosaur is mesmerizing.

Mullan’s (Children of Men) performance is taut, muscular and powerful, while Colman (Hot Fuzz, The Iron Lady) plays the battered, alcoholic spouse to perfection.

And Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, HappyGo-Lucky) is so loathsome as James, at times you want to reach out and strangle him.

Yet for all that, for all the excellent acting and emotional turmoil, Tyrannosaur is, dare I say, too bleak?

The gloom is unyielding. The viewer never really gets a break.

Photo: courtesy of D Films Corp

With just a few moments of leavening humour — a dash here, a dash there — Tyrannosaur would’ve been elevated from a very, very good movie to an excellent one.

Nevertheless, it’s absolutely well

worth a watch.

Tyrannosaur opens as part of Regina Public Library’s film theatre on May 31; see http://www.reginalibrary.ca/ for more information.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

May PH25–31, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Men In Black Is Back, And Not That Good Photo: courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Brolin Shines While Smith And Jones Falter In Franchise’s Third Installment Men in Black 3

Runtime: 106 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt You have to admit, there are some damn fine movie trilogies out there.

There’s Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance Trilogy (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance/Oldboy/Sympathy for Lady Vengeance), Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy (A Fistful of Dollars/ For a Few Dollars More/The Good, the Bad and the Ugly), the original Star Wars trilogy, the Godfather trilogy.

The list goes on.

But nowhere on that list of damn-fine trilogies will you find the Men in Black franchise.

Sure the first one, which debuted 15 years ago, was zippy and fresh and funny and cool.

But Men in Black II was so bad that most viewers wished they’d had their minds wiped with one of those “neuralizing” flash stick thingamajigs the agents use.

As for Men in Black 3, well, it’s not nearly has horrawful (yes, I just combined horrible and awful) as the second installment, but it’s leagues away from being as good as the 1997 original.

In fact, even when zinging along a time travel twist. Interstellar assasat its highest point, MIB 3 still feels sin Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clemlike a futile attempt to repackage ent) escapes from a correctional whatever lightning and magic facility on the moon and steals a they’d found in the first flick. time-travel doohickey.

That doesn’t H is p l a n is mean the movie is “As a young agent K, Josh simp le: tr avel bad — just that it’s Brolin … is spot on. He back to 1969, kill not overly good. simply nails it.” the young agent But more on the K (Josh Brolin) and -Adam Hawboldt set off a tempovices and virtues of this film in a minute. For now, ral reaction that will echo into a let’s take a quick look at plot. present day destruction of Earth Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, by Boris’ alien race.

MIB 3 reunites Will Smith and TomNaturally, agent J is sent back in my Lee Jones as agents J and K. time to stop this from happening.

Again they’re charged with saving Ultimately though, is MIB 3 worth the Earth. watching?

This time, though, there’s a bit of To answer that, let’s pay homage

to Leone’s trilogy and break this film down into the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

The good — as a young agent K, Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men, True Grit) is spot on. He simply nails it. His bemused twang in his voice, his reticent demeanour, even his facial expressions are so much like Tommy Lee Jones it’s borderline creepy.

The bad — both Will Smith (Independence Day, I, Robot) and Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive, No Country for Old Men) were basically sleep walking through their roles.

Sure Smith was his usual charming self and Jones still plays cantankerous well, but neither one of them

seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Oh, and on top of that, the 3D format Sonnenfeld used didn’t do much to enhance the film.

The ugly — it’s no secret this script went through a lot of writers before it was finalized, but somewhere along the way they must’ve took the comedy writer’s draft and burned it.

There were plenty of opportunity for laughs here, but the problem is, unlike the original MIB, the laughs never seem to come.

So with all that said, my advice is this: sure, watch Men in Black 3, but only if you have nothing better to do.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: War On Drugs Part 2 Last week we asked what you thought about our proposed first steps in changing Canada’s drug policy, and here’s what you had to say.

Next week’s topic: see page

13 — what do you think about legalizing all drugs? 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 War on Drugs - As a survivor of both a drunk driver and the Saskatoon drug scene. I prescribe to

the AsIan solution summary exicution - their numbers are impressive, China drug use down 95% in four years, Malaysia drunk driving down 95% 8n two years. There has been little burden to the tax payers.

Their econimies are booming. Tey have almost no crime or social problems.

An example worth following, I think.

Shifting our focus from hardline policies to something that promotes rehabilitation just makes sense. Good luck getting the government to ok putting safe injection sites everywhere aren’t they shutting down the one in van?

Right giving addicts more access to drugs is not the solution to curbing the widespread use of drugs in our country.

This will only make things worse. The threat of punishment is the only thing that’ll work.

That’s what I want my tax money to go to gettin a junkie high!

I will never suport a gov’t or newspaper who supports this!

Help with rehab!

Sure bring an insite centre but where are you going to put it here? I don’t want to have anything like that near my house or my kids school. Outskirts maybe? An interesting proposition and worth looking at but needs more thought.

Yes! Insite has worked wonders in the DTES in Vancouver and is

definitely something we should be embracing across the country. If only Harper wasn’t so bullheaded we could make progress on helping others in this country.

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

Does being a multicultural country mean that we have to embrace everyone else’s culture but our own? Canada needs to get a backbone and stop being the spineless jellyfish that it is and stand up for things that make us Canadian and/or Christian.

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

(Off topic - civic events should be secular) Why is this even a topic for debate?

Leave the magic pixie dust, rain dances and rituals at home.

There is no place for it at a civic event. You wanna pray at a public event. Go ahead, it’s your right. But it’s my right to point out how ridiculous whatever space zombie cult it is you belong to and openly mock you. No, I won’t respect your belief in fairy tales and I don’t care if you’re offended. ALL RELIGIONS HURT SOCIETY!!!

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

For information Obama had soldiers burn Christian bibles in 2010 in fear of Muslims. Anyway, it’s interesting to see how many of you get so worked up about Christians. I’ll pray for you.

Texts

Re: “Stay Sober Pills,” Global page, May 18th issue

A pill that keeps you sober longer? They should sell them at bars they could make alot more money if people can drink more.

Re: “Stay Sober Pills,” Global page, May 18th issue

They should make a pill that makes heavy drinkers extremly sick if they consume alcohol that would help wean heavy drinkers off the bottle.

Re: “Needle Pain,” Global page, May 18th issue

needle pain - I would believe it. The first time I had blood taken I was watching and ended up getting woozy and passing out in the reception area.

Since then I have never looked and don’t get woozy and pass out.

Re: “Fist Pump Record Tried,” Offbeat page, May 18th issue

Fist pump first: he probably holds the record for biggest douchebag.

Re: “You Become What You Read,” Global page, May 18th issue

Adam I totally agree you do become what you read! My question have you read 50 Shades of Grey? Kari.

How long do you think it will take for the Establishment to realize that the “Occupy Movement” and “The Vancouver Riots” and “The Montreal Students’ Uproar” and “Nonparticipation by Youths during elections” are all signs of Youth activism based on their loss of trust and confidence in the system? I suggest that our Youth are legitimately questioning why they

Page 17

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

should sacrifice to get us out of the economic hole we’re in; the very hole that the spoiled brat boomers ahead of them created. Dennis Hall Doctors! They spend their whole lives studying and working on human physiology and they never see some simple basic governing systems principles. I suspect they’re just way too focussed on their pharmacy as treatments and cures.

To whoever texted about bus drivers not being able to drive worth spit obviously does not realize what it is like to drive 8 hours a day with losers cutting in front of the bus all day long.

Before you criticize, try to realize what stress another driver is under on a daily basis.

I think people should stop freaking out on bus drivers. Nobodys perfect in their job all the time, and they get you to their destination safely.

So Maurice Vellacott thinks that the bullying laws should apply to the fetus? Really? How do you bully a fetus?

All you’re trying to do is reopen the abortion debate Muarice.

Why don’t you do something for your constituents besides push your extremist crap on everyone.

Right to choose!

Just saw the Theo Fleury movie so sad what that pervert Graham James did to him. Child molesters should be locked up for life in cell with no

windows!

No matter what kind of names you call us Christians ( crazy twisted sick etc. ) we love you no matter what.

I’d just like to thank the Nightlife section for getting me dumped turns out your NEVER safe to cheat WHY not have clothing optional outdoor Pools that is where the Nakeds At? Montreal protests are inspiring. A disenfranchised generation is making their voice heard. We should be celebrating

them, not openly rebuking. Don’t let a few bad apples (i.e. the ones who vandalise/harm others, throw stones) be your picture of the protestors. There are many, many others who are working hard to make their beliefs known, subscribe to the outrageous laws imposed by the government, and incite change.

I think the downtown bus terminal should be smoke free I’m sick of breathing in 2nd hand smoke while I wait for the bus. Anybody agree or disagree?

When push comes to shove EVERYBODY

can get a little DOWNtown! “The lights are so much brighter. You can forget all your troubles forget all your cares!”

Just as small people apparently live big lives; big people apparently live small lives. Don’t get foolee by the posers!

New E.I. regs are gonna fail in Sask.

Employers here never ever hire smarter, better educated or more experienced than themselves! Its a greedy control thing.

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

Nightlife

Page 18

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Friday @ The Last Straw Venue

Last Straw Brew Pub on Friday, May 18th

Location

127 Albert Street North

Playing on Arrival

“Wild Ones” by Flo Rida

Music Vibe

Rock, dance and hip hop

Feature Deal

Fish and chips with cucumber salad for $8.95

Popular Drink

Vodka paralyzers

Food of Choice

Perogie wrappers — cheddar perogie filling, bacon and chives, all wrapped in wonton wraps and served with a sour cream dip

Wing Notes

$4.50 a pound on Tuesdays, with hot and roasted garlic and peppers the favourite of the 15 available flavours

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

Your patience might be in short supply this week, dear Pisces. If you find yourself ready to snap at someone or something, take a step back, count to 10, and remember that patience is a virtue.

Whatever it is that’s causing you stress doesn’t mean to exacerbate you. It’s thoroughly unintentional. But if all the breathing and counting and stepping back doesn’t work, just bite your tongue and walk away. Any sort of snarky remark will only make things worse.

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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

This may or may not come as shocking news, but society isn’t right about everything. So this week, dear Virgo, take some time to ponder all the social values you take at face value. Like most, you probably learned all these things when you were young and accepted them wholesale, without thinking. So consider them critically — you may be amazed at how you feel about them now.

Changing and adapting can be growing pains, but it’s worth it in the end.

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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

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Looks like this could be a whacky week for you, dear Aquarius. There could be unusual adventures, serendipitous events, harebrained schemes and more in your future. If something wildly out of the ordinary occurs, don’t turn your back on it — embrace it. Sure, it may take some adjustment on your behalf, but adjust you must. Whatever you have planned on your agenda, cancel it and follow this new path that’s opened up.

Be spontaneous.

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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

Former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown was once told “if you spend too much time polishing your image, you’ll eventually tarnish your character and be an unhappy man.” Just something to keep in mind this week, dear Leo. We all know you take pride in your appearance, but it’s the stuff below the surface that’s more important. Work on who you are as a person, not who you appear to be.

In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

Strive for that happiness, Leo. It’s worth it.

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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

Your mental powers are peaking this week, dear Capricorn. If you’ve been putting off a project that requires patience, precision and attention to detail because it seems too laborious, well, good news — the next few days will be a great time to start it. No matter what you do this week, you’ll be able to see things clearly and get your point across with all the precision of a diamond cutter. Weeks like these are few and far between, Capricorn, so put your sharpness to good use.

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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

Challenges are everywhere, dear Cancer. They confront us all the time in myriad ways, so expect something to come out of nowhere and challenge you this week.

How you deal with it will depend entirely on your outlook, but here’s a piece of advice: treat this challenge the way a good prizefighter would. If it hits you unexpectedly, don’t wilt. Instead, bite down hard on your mouthguard and do whatever you have to in order to rise to the occasion.

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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

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Alright, dear Sagittarius, here’s what it all boils down to this week: have the courage to stand by your convictions.

Don’t be afraid to defend your beliefs, should they be challenged. But remember — there is a chance your convictions aren’t perfect or even all that right, so be willing to dialogue with those around you. It’s amazing what can be revealed by conversing with people near and dear to you. Holding fast to your beliefs is great, but being willing to adapt is good, too.

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Buckle your seatbelt and get a firm grasp on the holy-crap handles, dear Gemini: this week threatens to be quite a ride. Expect the unexpected. Your behavior over the next while may be so different from the norm that it will confuse family, friends, perhaps even yourself. This could result in unexpected adventures, both good and bad — who knows what the result of this might be. So don’t worry if you feel a bit off-kilter; by the end of the week things will revert back to normal.

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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

“Develop an interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music — the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.” That’s a quote from the incomparable Henry Miller. It’s also some damn good advice to follow this week, dear Scorpio. Instead of being all “me, me, me,” lose yourself in the hot, wet steam of life. You might find there’s much more to things than meets the unobserving eye.

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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

Forrest Gump was wrong, dear Taurus: life isn’t like a box of chocolates. Life is like a roller coaster ride. One minute you’re high, the next you’re low, and while some may find that exhausting, it’s not, not really. Think about it: would you rather have a dynamic life full of ethereal highs and pitch-black lows, or simply live a staid, even-keel existence in which nothing ever happens? This week the choice is up to you, Taurus, so choose what you think is best.

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8 3 1 7

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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

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Have you been thinking about switching things up lately? Maybe pursuing a new passion, or traveling to the other side of the world for a while? If so, go ahead and do it — there’s no time like the present. So if some outlandish idea passes through your mind this week, dear Libra, grab onto it and put that thought into action. Not only will a shake-up reinvigorate you, it will also lead you down a path that will open your eyes to many new things.

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Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

Oh, Aries! What a week you have in store. Not only should your mood be brighter than usual, but your energy levels may evoke envy in quite a few people. This has all the potential to be a really fun week, but it won’t come without a bit of effort, so get yourself out there.

Put yourself in the position to enjoy life — you know you want to. Things may have been up-and-down recently, so you owe it to yourself to live a little. To laugh and smile and have a damn good time.

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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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Horoscopes

May 25–31, ‘12 VerbNews.com 1 3 6 2 4 7 9 8 5

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.

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

4 1 3 6 1 7 4 2 8