Verb Issue R30 (June 1-7, 2012)

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Jun 1–7, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb These Folk-Punk Rockers Tell Us All That They Know P9

Legislative Artists Selected Kaleidocycle Creators To Mark Building’s 100 Years P3

Innovative Production Explores Loss P11

One Life

T-Shirt Phone Charger

Animal Documentary Spellbinding P14

Clothes May One Day Power Electronics P7 Photo: courtesy of Joseph Eastburn

Section Local Page 2

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

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SK Bucks National Trend By Going Younger

Healthy Economy, Fewer Seniors Helps Our Province Reverse 90-Year Tradition ALEX J MACPHERSON

REGINA, SK — As talk of a slow decline into old age filters through Canada’s national press, new data shows that Saskatchewan is getting younger, not older.

Statistics Canada has published information from the 2011 census showing that, over the last five years, Saskatchewan has bucked the national trend and experienced a decrease in its median age.

Between 2006 and 2011 the median age fell from 38.7 to 38.2 years, positioning Saskatchewan as the second-youngest province (behind Alberta), and well below

the national median of 40.6 years. 1951, 28.7 in 1981, and 36.7 in 2001.

“We have been working hard Randy Widdis, a professor of geat making Saskatchewan the best ography at the University of Regina, place to live, work, do business and agrees with Boyd, and thinks the raise a family,” Economy Minister economy is responsible for the Bill Boyd said in turnaround. a news release. “[A] big part of it is …

“That’s what “[These] results huge demand for young histor y shows: show that we are people here.” when provinces doing the right do well, then -Paul Hackett they attract inthing, as more young people are choosing to stay migrants. When they don’t do in Saskatchewan and moving to well, people leave … People will Saskatchewan to find work.” go where there are opportunities.”

The latest data suggests that the Paul Hackett, who is part of the province is going against a ninety- Saskatchewan Population Health year trend. In 1921 the median age and Evaluation Research Unit, and was just 21.2 years. It rose to 27.4 in a professor of geography at the University of Saskatchewan, agrees.

“Part of it is decreased demand [for jobs] elsewhere … and a big part of it is the opposite — huge demand for young people here,” he says.

“I moved here in 2006 from Manitoba,” he explains. “Since then, the labour market has been through the roof. As has the economy, as has population growth in general.

You’re looking at a fortunate period for the province right now.”

Widdis says Saskatchewan’s booming economy will spawn a younger population because it is a magnet for immigrants and people from other provinces. Economic strength also plugs the leak of young people looking for work in other provinces.

“With Saskatchewan in particular there’s always been a large outmigration,” he says. “And who’s moving out? The young [people].

The combination of declining birth rates plus a fairly significant outmigration of the young and an aging population, that’s the reason why. It’s turned around in the last five years [because] the economy has picked up.”

Another factor, Widdis adds, is “the increasing relative percentage of First Nations people in the province, who have traditionally had higher fertility rates.”

Hackett thinks the resource- and energy-heavy economy, which requires plenty of physical work, is responsible for the gap between men and women. The median age of men in the province is 37.0 years, while women clock in at 39.2 years.

Although the province is getting younger, Widdis says there is still a shortage of skilled tradespeople, many of whom decamped

Photo: courtesy of Dave King

to Alberta in the mid-2000s.

The 2011 census also shows that over the last five years, Saskatchewan was the only province to experience a decline in its proportion of seniors.

People aged 65 and over now account for 14.9 percent of the

provincial population, down from 15.4 percent in 2006. The national figure is 14.8 percent and rising.

Saskatchewan is older than the national average but getting younger. Canada, on the other hand, is aging rapidly.

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Section Local Page 3

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

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Photo: courtesy of the Saskatchewan Legislature

Artists chosen for the Legislative Building Artist in Residence Program (left to right) Allan Dotson, Miranda Jones, Terri Fidelak, Laura Hale, Heather Cline, Sandra Lendingham, Anita Smith (missing: Rob Assie)

Artists Revealed For Legislative Residency Provincial Creators Selected For Program Celebrating Building’s 100 Years Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — Dark-suited politicians and civil servants working in the Legislative Building will soon have some new colleagues, though perhaps not the sort to which they’re accustomed.

The Saskatchewan Legislative Building will be home to eight artists over the coming year. The artist-in-residence program, part of the province’s year-long celebration of the massive building’s hundredth anniversary, includes artists from Saskatoon and Regina, each of whom will contribute to an exhibition in the rotunda.

Led by residency coordinator

Laura Hale, the program will make projects are focused on people of local art more accessible and in- Saskatchewan and celebrating this crease the visibility of the provincial building through art and artists.” arts community.

The artists were chosen by a “It started steering com with re ques t s “[T]he program will … mittee. Hale says for proposal and increase the visibility the committee reeach artist had of the provincial arts ceived about 30 to respond to proposals, seven the same starting community.” of which were se-Alex J. MacPherson lected. point or inspiration, which was this building and The participating artists are: what it represented,” Hale explains. Robert Assie, Heather Cline, Al“It represents the spirit of the lan Dotson, Terri Fidelak, Miranda people of Saskatchewan, and their Jones, Sandra Ledingham, and Aniambitions and their thoughts for ta Smith. Hale, a multidisciplinary the future,” she continues. artist, rounds out the group.

“The spirit of the installations, the Those selected have diverse artwork and the community-based backgrounds and a wide range of

skills. Cline and Jones are painters, Assie and Fidelak sculptors. Dotson works in comics, Ledingham is a ceramicist, and Smith is a performance artist.

Hale says the artists will work in the Legislative Building and in the community. Outreach is an integral part of the program, and the chosen artists are already committing to work with various groups, including seniors, young children and women’s groups.

“They will be the stewards that lead us through artistic exploration and interpretation of what is, without a doubt, the most significant historical building in our province’s capital,” Kevin Doherty,

minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission, said in a news release.

Under Hale’s guidance, the artists will use their skills to develop a piece of work that explores the history and significance of the building as well as the future of the province.

Each artist will host a community project and contribute a work of art that will be displayed in the rotunda.

These works will be unveiled on December 5th.

“It’s kind of like curating a show,” Hale says.

“Which pieces would work well in which areas.”

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Section Global

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

‘Snakebots’ Help With Surgery Adam Hawboldt

on the patient.

Argenziano, who advocates for new york, ny— Next time you the use of snakebots during opgo for surgery, a small snake robot erations, says they give surgeons may be inserted in your body. a whole new perspective.

That’s because doctors are now For now, these snakebots are using creeping metal “snakebots” powered by tethers that are conto help them operate on hearts, trolled by humans, but experts beprostates and other organs. lieve the day is coming — and com“It’s like the ing soon — that ability to have “It’s like the ability to these robots will little hands inside have little hands inside be able to move the patients, as if the patients…” around the body the surgeon had on their own.

-Michael Argenziano been shrunken, “It won’t be and was working on the heart very long before we have robots valve,” says Michael Argenziano, that are nanobots, meaning they the chief of adult cardiac surgery will actually be inside the body at New York Presbyterian Hospital without tethers,” explains Argenand Columbia University Medical ziano.

Center in New York.

Tether or no tether, these snakeHow these machines work is bots are making complex surgeries simple: the snakebots carry tiny easier and faster — for instance, cameras, scissors and forceps, then instead of hacking open the whole “slither” through your body to lo- chest during heart surgery, now a cate the problem area. small incision can be made and the Then, under the control of a doc- robot can be inserted. tor, perform the necessary surgery Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

‘Dumb’ Ladies Preferable

Men ‘Programmed’ To Like Unintelligent Women Adam Hawboldt

Austin, tx — Men are apparently programmed to seek out women who act dumb, according to a new study.

Researchers from University of Texas at Austin claim this is because

“[W]omen who appear to be intellectually inferior are perceived to be easier conquests.”

-Adam Hawboldt women who appear to be intellectually inferior are perceived to be easier conquests.

American scientists had participants — a sample of men and women — create a list of 88 factors that made women more exploitable or suggested they were attention

seekers.

The researchers then showed photos of women exhibiting these factors to 76 other men, asking them to rate how desirable they found the subjects.

As it turns out, psychological vulnerability — such as being on the low side of the intelligence or immaturity scale — was a turnon for men, who tended to rate these women higher than those

who were portrayed as being smart.

However, the participants were decidedly less interested in pursuing long-term relationships with the allegedly “dumb” women.

“The assessment of a woman’s immediate vulnerability may be central to the activation of psychological mechanisms related to sexual exploitation,” concludes the study.

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Global At A Glance earliest flutes — Researchers have

discovered flutes dating back 45,000 years in a human cave settlement along the Danube River in Germany. According to radiocarbon dating, these rank

among some of the oldest instruments known to humans. They were created from mammoth ivory and what appears to be the bones of a bird. Feedback?

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Section Global

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Crotchety Elders A Myth: Study Adam Hawboldt

Possible Shopaholic Cure

Alzheimer’s Pill Greatly Reduces Impulse Buys Adam Hawboldt

minneapolis, mn — For all you shopaholics out there, there’s hope.

Doctors think they have figured out a cure for your affliction, in the form of a medication called memantine.

Designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, memantine was given to a group of nine shopping addicts, ages 19 to 59, with “compulsive buying disorder” — which is based on the senseless preoccupation with shopping and spending money After an eight-week period, both men and women taking the pill experienced positive results.

“Hours spent shopping per week

and money spent shopping both After taking the memantine, the decreased significantly, with no side symptoms of shopaholism were cut effects,” says the team of psychia- in half, with less impulse buying trists from the University of Minne- along with less impulsive urges, sota, Minneapolis, thoughts, behavwho conducted “Hours spent shopping iors. the study.

M e mantin e, per week … decreased …

As for the vol- with no side effects.” also known as unteers who took Ebixa, acts on -The researchers glutamate — a part in the study, they earned around $64,000 a year chemical in your brain which is on average. thought to be involved with deMoreover, the participants were mentia. spending roughly 61 percent of Glutamate has also been linked their annual income on impulse to obsessive behavior and may play purchases, most of which were a role in OCD (obsessive compulsive clothes. disorder).

What’s more, before the study Compulsive buying affects nearthey were searching for bargains for ly 5.8 percent of all adults. an average of 38 hours every week.

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85-year-olds, from all social classes and backgrounds, were carefully newcastle upon tyne, eng- selected to undergo “multidimenland — We all know the stereo- sional assessments” by a research type of the old curmudgeon, or the team. cranky octogenarian who hates life The assessments included meaand everyone in it. suring cognitive abilities, body meaThe problem with that stereo- surements, blood tests, exercises on type is — it’s not laptops and with true. “[I]t’s quite extraordinary pen and paper, In fact, Tom how little we know about questionnaires K i r k w o o d , a n what 85-plus-year-olds and a whole lot expert on aging more. from Newcastle are like.”

According to -Tom Kirkwood Kirkwood, the reUniversity, has done research that suggests the searchers selected this age group 85-plus generation is much happier because, “[a]lthough the 85-plus than you would expect. population is the fastest growing, “It’s a myth that they are bowls of it’s quite extraordinary how little misery, unhappy with their lot, and we know about what 85-plus-yearalways going on about ailments,” olds are like.”

Kirkwood tells the Guardian. “Four Now, thanks to Kirkwood we out of five of them actually think know a lot more. His findings reveal they are doing pretty well.” that 80 percent of the group he Kirkwood’s research is the larg- selected need little care. est of its kind ever undertaken.

And about the same percentage Known as the Newcastle 85+ rate the quality of their life either Study, Kirkwood’s research began good or excellent. in 2006 when more than 1,000 Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Global At A Glance Beetroot boosts breathing — Good news for all you trumpet players and freedivers out there: apparently drinking a 70-millilitre shot of beetroot juice can help you hold your breath 11 percent longer. This is because the drink

contains a high level of nitrate which, once inside the body, is broken down into nitric oxide — a compound that helps our muscles perform normally while using less oxygen. Feedback?

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Feature

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

JazzFest Regina: Something For Everyone World-Renowned Acts, Jam Session, After-Hours Program At Annual Event Sabastien Dangerfield

Regina, SK — JazzFest Regina is back and better than ever.

Now in its fourth year, the fledgling festival has improved by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2009. So much so that this year they’ve managed to land Jason Marsalis as their headliner.

For those of you who don’t know, the Marsalis family is kind of a big deal in the jazz world —

“You’ll get duos or a group of eight or nine people playing…”

-Peter Champagne like, world-renowned, insanelytalented, first-family-of-jazz big.

“That was kind of a breakthrough for us,” says Peter Champagne, the executive director of the festival.

“Any time you can get a really, really substantial headliner, one that’s world class, it’s a sign things are going well.

And indeed they are.

Not only have organizers booked Marsalis (who will be performing on Friday at the Applause Theatre), but they’ve also managed to snag the incomparable Nancy King.

“Nancy is one of the last great divas,” says Champagne. “She’s a diva in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan.”

King will be performing during the Father’s Day brunch on Sunday in the ball room at the Regina Inn. Other ticketed performances at the festival include Roots and Herbs (Friday at Bushwakker) and a jam session on Thursday at O’Hanlon’s.

But the music doesn’t stop there.

With a series of free stages, 20 in total, the festival has grown to the point that it now has a little

Photo: courtesy of the Regina Jazz Society

something for everyone — no matter what kind of jazz you like.

“You’ll get duos or a group of eight or nine people playing that’s closer to a big band,” says

Champagne.

“You’ll get a band playing dixieland or you might have someone playing some Miles Davis cool stuff.

It’s a real smorgasbord.”

To complete their three-pronged festival approach, organizers have also incorporated an after-hours program where jazz musicians will

perform late-night shows at various bars around the Queen City.

The reason behind having this third element in the festival is simple.

“When you’re finished seeing a headliner and still feel like having another fizzy pop or two, then you’ll have a place to go,” explains

Champagne.

And while that’s the main aim of the festival — to give fans places to go and listen to jazz — there’s more to it than just music.

Keeping with the ideas of the Downtown Neighbourhood Plan, the jazz festival wants to do its part in making Regina more vibrant and vital.

“That’s really the conduit that we’re trying to go down,” says Champagne. “We’re trying to do something that’s beneficial for the city and the artists and people who enjoy festivals and like listening to live music.”

JazzFest Regina runs from June 13th until the 17th; for more information, check out www.jazzfestregina. com.

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Offbeat

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Beer-Seeking Cows Crash Party Adam Hawboldt

Boxford, MA — Talk about a bunch of party animals.

In Boxford, Massachusetts, a gang of cows crashed a backyard party recently, and instead of just milling about, these badass bovines went straight for the beer.

After escaping from their pasture, the herd of five or six made their way to a local home, crashed on outdoor party and drove off the partygoers.

Phone-Charging T-Shirt

Your Clothes Could One Day Power Electronics Adam Hawboldt

columbia, sc — Some day soon your shirt may be able to charge your cell phone.

Engineers at the University of South Carolina have found a way transform cotton into a flexible conductor, meaning that it could one day be used to help power all of your electronic devices.

“In the future, you can imagine our cell phones will be just like a piece of paper you can roll up. But we need to have a flexible energy

device to integrate with flexible, three hours. stretchable motherboards,” XiaNext they heated it in an even odong Li, a mechanical engineer hotter furnace for an hour. at USC explains in Soon the tee his paper.

“This is a very simple, changed into acTo d o this , low-cost process. And it’s tivated carbon, Li and his col- green.” so the researchleagues took a ers coated it with -Xiaodong Li a nano-layer of a $5 cotton T-shirt from Walmart and tried several conductive metal and, tada!, they “recipes” on it. had an energy storage device.

First they put the shirt in a so“This is a very simple, low-cost dium fluoride solution for an hour process,” says Li. before taking the wet material and “And it’s green.” drying it in a preheated oven for Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Self-Driving Cars Complete 200-Km Journey Adam Hawboldt

gothenburg, sweden — Driving is about to get a whole lot easier.

That’s because Volvo has put on the first public test of cars that drive themselves, with a convoy of the autos completing a 200-kilometre

journey in Spain. The cars, which were outfitted with cameras, radar, laser sensors and more, were wirelessly connected and mimicked the movements of a lead vehicle, which was driven by a professional driver.

The vehicles drove at 85 km/h, while maintaining a gap of just six

metres between them.

“People think that autonomous driving is science fiction, but the fact is that the technology is already there,” says Volvo Car Corporation’s project manager, Linda Wahlstroem.

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“They got up as the cows went toward the table,” Boxford police lieutenant James Riter told NBC. “They stepped back and the cows took over the table, knocking over the beers with their noses, drinking the beer off the table. They went to the recycling bin to find any leftovers.”

When asked if the cows had a good time, Riter was quick to answer.

“They enjoyed it,” he said.

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Offbeat At A Glance Frankenfish — Mark Sawyer in Eng-

land has caught a rare “Frankenstein fish,” which appears to be made up of three different species. Sawyer believes the creature is comprised of a roach

fish, a brown goldfish and a bream.

“I have caught thousands … of fish, but have never seen anything like it before,” says Sawyer. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Music

Page 8

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.

Wednesday 6

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

9pm, Bushwakker Brewpub. No cover

(Next week) MANAFEST @ THE EXCHANGE — Think Limp Bizkit, think

P.O.D., think Linkin Park, and you’ll get an idea of what Manafest (aka Chris Greenwood) is all about. With six studio albums under his belt, this rapcore artist from Pickering, Ontario, has done quite well for himself. Two of his albums

Friday 1

Out of the Ruins — Fronted by the fierce female vocals of Lisa Sinner, this heavy metal act is set to release its first EP in 2012. The music is hard, melodies soar. Come check it out.

7pm, The Club. Tickets TBD. Andy Shauf — Come out and listen to musical stylings of this local act as he plays during Tyson Atkings’ solo art exhibition reception. 7pm, Creative City Centre.

The Fortunate Isles, Enjoy Your Pumas, Hunger Hush, Me and Euphoria — Four great bands, one cheap price. If it’s good music of varying kinds you’re after, you might want to pop by and check out this show. There’s dance rock, pop rock, easy going tunes, you name it. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $12 at the door, $10 in advance at B-Sharp Music and Stone’s Throw Coffee House.

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.

Adams Rib — What do you get if you mix 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 pop while holding a funky, island-like balance beam. 9pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5.

BA Johnstone — If you haven’t heard this Hamilton musician, you better brace yourself for a serious dose of hilarity. With songs like “Jesus is from Hamilton” and “Love Letters to the Girls in High School Art Class,”

Photo: courtesy of the artist

— ‘07s Glory and ‘11s The Chase — were nominated for Juno awards. A compelling stage performer, Manafest will be in town on June 15th. He’ll be doing his thing at The Exchange; tickets $10 in advance at Vintage Vinyl and Madame Yes, or $15 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

how could he be anything short of awesome? 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Rockbox — Back by popular demand, this band plays everything from country classics to top 40 hits and more. 9pm, Pump Roadhouse.

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

Flicker — If you’re in the mood for some good, ol’ fashioned kickass music, then you should probably check this act out. 9pm, The Sip. Free if in attendance before 6pm.

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 $10.

Saturday 2

Loverboy — With songs like “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” “Working for the Weekend” and “This Could Be the Night,” this five-piece from Calgary played itself straight into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Don’t miss them when they the casino. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $40–45, available at the box office or online at casinoregina.com.

The Ben Winoski Project — With Winoski on nylon string guitar, Jeff Storry on electric guitar, Kory Gibbs on percussion and Rob D. on bass, this quartet plays a style of Latin instrumental guitar music that’s infectious.

7pm, The Exchange. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 in advance at Vintage Vinyl and Sawchyn Guitars.

DJ Noor — Born in Kuwait and exposed to the international club scene at a young age, this talented

(Next Week) FUR EEL @ THE DISTRIKT

— There’s nothing slow about this four-piece funk/soul band from Regina.

Formed in 2010, Fur Eel quickly released their first album, Elephant Summer in 2011 and are planning to head back into the studio to record their sophomore effort later this summer. Not only

DJ knows how to rock a crowd. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. Cover $5.

Adams Rib — What do you get if you mix 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 pop while holding a funky, island-like balance beam. 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, Pump Roadhouse.

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.

Flicker — If you’re in the mood for some good, ol’ fashioned kickass music, then you should probably check this act out. 9pm, The Sip. Free if in attendance before 6pm.

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 $10.

Photo: courtesy of Matt Yim

do they work at a rapid pace, but Fur Eel’s music is high energy too — full of bumping bass and funky jazz guitar licks that will make you want to bust a move or two. Fur Eel will be playing The Distrikt June 9th. Tickets $10 in advance, at St. John’s Music. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

the music lover out there. Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $5.

Monday 4

Monday Night Jazz — Featuring Uptown Jazz, Regina’s power jazz trio.

8pm, Bushwakker Brewpub. No cover.

Randy Travis — With more than 20 million albums sold and seven Grammys, this country singer is nothing if not a legend. For the better part of two decades, he’s been the cornerstone of the new traditionalist movement in Nashville. 8pm, Casino Regina. SOLD OUT.

Naysayer — This band from Virginia plays hardcore with style and grit.

Also playing will be Focused Minds, Hold Fast and Weak Ends. 8pm, The Club. $10 cover.

Sarah Burton w/ Tyler Gilbert — In the middle of a crosscountry tour, this musician from Toronto with a soulful voice and rocking sound should not be missed. She’ll be joined by Calgary singer/songwriter Gilbert. 7:30pm, Creative City Centre.

Tickets $10 at the door.

Thursday 7

Jay Aymar — This singer/songwriter fuses elements of folk and root with deeply poetic lyrics. The result is a smooth, matured sound that comes at you from unexpected angles. 7pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10 at the door.

PS Fresh — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon. They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover.

Deertick — With badass lyrics and a hyper-political message, this American alt-country band can make you think and groove all at the same time.

8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $27.75, available at www.ticketmaster.ca

Third Degree Birnz — Together for more than 14 years, this band is versatile, road-tested and all kinds of good. They can take a classic and put their own twist on it to produce something excellent. 9pm, Pump Roadhouse.

Tuesday 5

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

(Coming up) BACHMAN AND TURNER @ Casino regina — After decades

now they’re back with a new album and a new tour. They’ll be stopping in Regina to rock the casino on August 8th. Tickets are $80–85, available at the casino box office, by calling 565-3000 or online at www.casinoregina.com -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Sunday 3

Fall City Fall — This metalcore band from Calgary are appearing as part of The Dead Saints Tour. Also on the docket are Slumlord, Take the Earth Beneath Us, Greater Than Giants and A Perfect Punchline. 7pm, The Club. Tickets $15 at the door, $10 in advance.

Songwriter Sunday — Featuring singer songwriters Blake Berglund, J.R. Louis and Careful Hands, this intimate gathering is ideal for

apart, Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, of Bachman Turner Overdrive, have finally reunited. With songs like “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” “Takin’ Care of Business” and “Hey You,” these guys stomped the terra of rock and roll, and

Photo: courtesy of the artist

Arts One

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Larry And His Flask Talk All That We Know Photo: courtesy of Joseph Eastburn and courtesy of the artist

These Folk-Punk Rockers From Oregon On Touring And Their Latest Album Alex J MacPherson

different.

“It’s kind of a mixture of all of Regina, Sk — Van Halen, our influences,” writes Marshall.

Manfred Mann and the J. Geils “There’s a whole lotta punk, a litBand share the distinction of be- tle folk, country and bluegrass [in] ing named for a band member there. And from there you can find who is not the lead singer. Larry swing/big band and Balkan-type and His Flask has stuff. Even hardthe more un- “[W]e always aim to have core and hip hop.” common — and the same energy on the Polished yet perhaps unique album as we do live.” raw, Larry and — distinction of his Flask sounds -Jeshua Marshall like a marriage being named for a band member who isn’t in the between the Dropkick Murphys band at all. At least not when the and Old Crow Medicine Show. sun is up.

Add to this a series of compli“Larry is a character invented cated vocal parts, multilayered by our drummer, Jamin, about ten harmonies which Marshall insists years ago,” Jeshua Marshall, who are there because “it’s really fun for plays bass in the manic folk-punk us to write them,” and you have the outfit, writes in an e-mail. ingredients for All That We Know, “Larry is not a bad guy, but when the band’s latest full-length record. he has a little too much to drink [he] Overflowing with intricate arcan be somewhat of a creep and rangements and lighting-fast pickmischievous individual. We can all ing, and crackling with electric enbecome Larry on any given night.” ergy, All That We Know sounds like This is important. Larry and his the infield at the Kentucky Derby.

Flask is a group of six bearded and It’s a bourbon-soaked crescendo of extremely serious musicians who high-speed banjo and driving bass. don’t take themselves very seri“It was a very tough yet inspirously. They are dedicated profes- ing recording setting,” Marshall sionals who like nothing more than writes, explaining that his father cutting loose on a tiny stage in the was diagnosed with terminal cancer back of a sweaty club. two days before the sessions were Formed almost a decade ago to begin. He and Jamin considered in Oregon by brothers Jamin and packing it in, but “our parents inJeshua Marshall, Larry and his Flask sisted we continue with our plans was originally a balls-to-the-wall to do the record. I think the pain punk outfit, the sort of band where of that heartbreaking experience beer-swilling antics took prece- helped us to perform our absolute dence over trivialities like melody best and brought us together as a and harmony. Their shows are still family and a band.” rowdy, as physical as they are musiMarshall is right. All That We cal, but their sound is completely Know is a great record because it

captures a band at its peak, musically and emotionally. The songs are played at top speed. It builds until it can’t possibly build anymore, and then it builds some more. This lack of resolution might trouble some rock critics, but it is also completely honest.

More importantly, All That We Know is designed to please fans, and that is exactly what it does.

Larry and his Flask have always been a live band, and the record does a terrific job of translating the inimitable energy of a live performance onto tape.

“In the studio,” Marshall writes, “we always aim to have the same energy on the album as we do live.

That’s probably the hardest part of recording for us.”

“Performing music live gives you something that you cannot get from anything else I have ever experienced. It is not only an adrenaline high that happens when you are playing fast, energetic music, but a connection with everyone in the business and the audience. It is a truly beautiful experience we all hold in a very high place.”

Larry and his Flask have big plans for the summer — they are taking their manic show on the road, across Canada and the United States, before heading into the studio in the fall — and Marshall seems

Event Info

Larry and His Flask Where: The Exchange When: June 19 Cost: $13 (Ticketedge.ca)

content to immerse himself in the adventure of being in a touring band.

“It is a constant adventure into the unknown. Sweaty, stinky and at

times a little insane,” he concludes.

And when Larry makes an appearance, you know it’s going to be a good night.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Sheila Kernan’s Work Bold, Vivid, Boundless

ArtsSect &C

Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — Sheila Kernan finds inspiration everywhere.

Camera in hand, she wends her way across the continent in search of material. Transfixed by the rough beauty of the Canadian landscape

“I just love the energies of the two different subjects.”

-Sheila Kernan and captivated by the rhythmic pulse of the largest cities, she weaves her travel experience into her work. And while her paintings are about places real and imaginary, they also capture the energy of our relationship with our surroundings.

“I do a lot of hiking as well as

Photo: courtesy of the Assiniboia Gallery

visiting the big urban centres,” Kernen says. “I just love the energies of the two different subjects: the more chaotic business of the

city versus the more serene, calm nature.”

Kernen, who is 29, is an accomplished painter. She began as a photorealist before developing her own form of postmodern expressionism. Her latest works have been collected into Boundless, a new exhibition at the Assiniboia Gallery.

Although at close range Kernen’s paintings are a riot of meaningless dots and lines and splashes of colour, from further away the shapes and colours resolve into images.

These images are dominated by patterns levered into spaces normally reserved for advertising.

Created using hand-cut stencils, Kernen’s works evoke wallpapers and fabrics, human debris scattered throughout unpeopled vistas.

“I try to avoid, in my cities, putting identifiers like McDonald’s signs,” she explains. “Instead, I started doing the pattern work within the advertisement slots, so it creates another point of excitement.”

Kernen’s urban scenes are more familiar than recognizable. She admits to drawing on different resources — buildings from New York, say, and storefronts from San Francisco — meaning her paintings evoke the energy and dynamism of a buzzing city without providing a concrete location. She isn’t painting New York, San Francisco, or Toronto; she’s painting the feeling we get from light reflecting off the buildings, the steady vibration of nighttime in the city.

“Every place has a different feeling and a different vibe,” she muses.

“That reflects into the paint. What I think is really awesome [is] that, especially in cities, it’s so universal.

When you go at night and you take away the sign identifiers and it’s just light and reflection, every city is very similar.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

5 Qs: Ruins To Ren

Curator Long Talks Norman MacK Alex J MacPherson

MacKenzie wrote back and said, “I’m the only one in this city who knows No one knows when Norman what an artwork is and I’m the only MacKenzie began collecting art. All one who suffered any loss.” The we know is that on June 30, 1912 picture we get is somebody who the Regina Cyclone, a devastating was an avid collector who cared twister, tore the roof from his house, deeply about the works, and who obliterating the makings of a sig- was collecting in virtual isolation. nificant collection. Natural disasters AJM: Natural disasters routinely can be crippling, but MacKenzie destroy people. Why was MacKenzie was undaunted. After repairing his able to regroup so quickly? house, he and his wife embarked TL: I think it says something to on a world tour; this trip was the MacKenzie’s determination. I think genesis of what would become he was a very tenacious person. the MacKenzie And it also speaks Bequest, a prodi- “[The exhibition] really to how much he gious collection does give you a window loved to collect o f i nv a l u a b l e into the past.” art. That ’s the works donated only conclusion -Timothy Long I can come to. to the University of Saskatchewan with the caveat It’s interesting: that fall after the that it remains in Regina to form the tornado he and Mrs. MacKenzie nucleus of an art gallery. Portions of went on a round-the-world tour.

MacKenzie’s collection are now on And he’s back buying art. I can only display at the gallery, and I caught guess that he had already bought up with head curator Timothy Long his tickets before the tornado. to chat about MacKenzie, his art, AJM: Can you tell me a bit about and Ruins to Renaissance. what’s in the collection?

Alex J MacPherson: Can you tell TL: We know he collected in me about MacKenzie himself and his a number of different areas. He reaction to the tornado? collected Canadian art, the work Timothy Long: He was anxious of artists he knew and considered to have the works that did survive friends: Ontario artists like Homthe tornado restored where they er Watson, Saskatchewan artists could be, so he sent a number of like Inglis Sheldon-Williams and these pieces over to England to James Henderson. We also know have some work done on them. In that he has a collection of antiqresponse, his dealer said, “I could uities, works of the ancient Near also send another couple hundred East and Asia primarily. And then works that could be auctioned to in 1916 he becomes involved with the good people of Regina so they J. Purves Carter, an English dealer can replenish their collections.” based out of Florence, and that’s

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, 11 Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Chrystene Ells Explores Loss Of Speech, Time In Kaleidocycle Alex J MacPherson

naissance

Photo: courtesy of Francois Musin

Kenzie’s Bequest when he begins collecting works of the Italian Renaissance and other old masters.

AJM: Did working with his collection teach you anything about MacKenzie himself?

TL: MacKenzie’s personality comes out in some of his choices.

He’s a man’s man. He likes, as he describes them, virile scenes of storms and rugged landscapes and a log drive down the Saguenay River.

He gets a thrill out of those kinds of images, and so that affects his choices in Canadian art particularly.

But obviously he was drawn to the more sensitive and elegant work of the Italian Renaissance as well. That was the gold standard, the rebirth of Western art. And every artist after Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci had to measure themselves against their achievement.

AJM: So not only is this exhibition a portrait of the gallery’s founder, but it’s also a look back in time.

TL: It really does give you a window into the past. And there are multiple portals in this show: you get to see how MacKenzie saw his world through his collection of art, and we have some amazing pieces of works from the ancient Near East — cuneiform inscriptions that give us a picture of what life was like in Iraq and that area of the world 2,000, 3,000 years ago.

It’s time travel and it’s one of the real pleasures of working with an art collection that spans not just centuries, but millennia.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Regina , SK — Ever y thing changed when Chrystene Ells was launched out of her body through the top of her head.

At first, Ells thought she had died. The partial seizures deprived her of speech and linear time, and she was floating in a sea of dreams and wonder. Nothing that used to matter seemed to matter at all; she became convinced that the social structures we take for granted were a veneer for some deeper meaning or perception.

To cope, she began riding her requires immersion, and it occurred bicycle. She often rode all night, us- to Ells that live theatre was the natuing cycling as a tool to make sense ral choice. of the phantasmagorical world she “There’s something about bethought no one else could see. ing able to tell a story live onstage “There’s a tremendous absurdity where you can bring the audience that came front and centre when into the experience,” she explains.

I want through “More than film, this,” says Ells, “I don’t want to spoonmore than writwho has since feed people … because I ing, more than regained speech don’t know what the hell painting, theatre and has the unhas that capacity. canny ability to is going on myself.”

There was no way -Chrystene Ells in the world to armake her experience sound completely normal. ticulate what I was going through “It has to do with what people using anything less than a comthink is important and how seri- pletely multidisciplinary storytellously people take life. It all seemed ing approach.” really funny to me.”

Kaleidocycle is a work of theatre, The experience changed every but Ells shies away from deeming it facet of Ells’s life, and while she’s a play because, in its most primitive no longer being pathologized by form, plays tell stories: characters squads of lab-coated doctors, she do or experience things, events doesn’t see the world quite like occur, time passes. anyone else. Kaleidocycle, a strange Kaleidocycle is not like this: things and wonderful collection of char- happen but we’re not sure what acters and puppets and shadows they are, and there may be some and music, evolved from her first characters or, then again, there may attempts to explain just what hap- not. Kaleidocycle doesn’t tell a story; pened. it shares a feeling.

“It was a weird choice,” laughs “I’m trying to convey what hapElls. “I’ve kind of moved away from pens when the world fractures and theatre in the last little while, and you go off,” says Ells. “I want to try to I’ve been focusing more on ani- find a way to illustrate the nonlinear, mation and film. But theatre is my non-spatially secure, non-normal first love.” perception. How do you convey Capturing an experience so di- that in a play with characters?” vorced from what we call reality The word phantasmagoria, which I used in the first paragraph of this story, refers to a sequence of real or imaginary things, projected images in a dream. This is the Ruins to Renaissance like heart of Kaleidocycle is about: capWhere: MacKenzie Art Gallery When: Now ‘til October 14 turing a feeling.

Cost: Free!

“I don’t want to spoon-feed people, to try and explain, because Sheila Kernan I don’t know what the hell is goWhere: Assiniboia Gallery ing on myself,” she says. “Through When: Now ‘til June 16 Cost: Free! this process I’ve learned to speak [again], but also learned to underKaleidocycle stand the depths of the shift in my Where: Globe Theatre own perception.”

When: Now ‘til June 9 Cost: $20 (Globe Box Office) We see the world through a Want some coverage for your upcoming specific frame of reference. This event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP! perspective changes over time, of

Event Info

Photo: courtesy of the Globe Theatre

course, but the shifts are incremental, almost imperceptible.

Ells experienced a radical, worldshattering change, and that is what Kaleidocycle is trying to convey.

Ultimately, Ells’s creation offers

a chance to step into a different world, one brimming with colours and shapes and novel sensations.

It’s an experience worth having, if only for a moment.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Food

Page 12

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Kalamata olives are a perfect match with Greek food. These plump, meaty, preserved fruits are known worldwide, and whether you love them or hate them, they are full of facts.

Kalamata olives are almond ■shaped and have a deep purple colour

They are generally pre■served in wine vinegar and olive oil

olives are named af■terThese the southern Greek city of

Kalamata, and have Protected Designation of Origin status

The city and olive got their ■name from the Greek “kala matia” or “beautiful eyes”

The Chimney Keeps The Classics Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Nostalgic Food And Decor At Montague Street Restaurant Jessica Bickford

There are some things in life that never change, and in such a fast-paced world it is nice to be

able to go somewhere that is just the way it used to be.

If the nostalgia you’re after is a bit of food and atmosphere, The Chimney Restaurant is the place to go.

The Chimney has been open since 1975 — that’s 37 years! This is incredibly impressive for a restaurant, and owner Spiro Gourgaris has done it by sticking with what has worked for them.

The interior of The Chimney is log cabin kitsch with wood-covered walls, false mirrored windows, assorted lanterns as light fixtures above each table, and a veritable armoury of muskets on the walls.

Of course, there is also the namesake fireplace in the centre of the room, making for a very family friendly and eclectic atmosphere.

The food is just the way it used to be, too. And when dishes are made from scratch with care, they are as tasty as you remember them.

We started off with a couple

of appetizers. The meaty Greek chicken dishes, the first of which ribs were falling off the bone and was a retro, though perfectly exeslightly crisp on the outside. Sea- cuted, chicken neptune. Comprised soned with oregano before be- of flattened chicken topped with ing drizzled with fresh tasting crab, The Chimney’s “[W]hen dishes are made asparagus spears signature lemon from scratch with care, and a light holsauce, which is they are as tasty as you landaise sauce, tart, smooth, and and served with slightly creamy remember them.” a rice pilaf and -Jessica Bickford vegetables, this without being overly rich, these ribs were fantastic. meal was a good size for those with We also tried the traditional larger appetites. horyatiki salad, which was full of Next up was a Greek classic: chunky vegetables, salty feta and Athenian chicken. The chicken deliciously tender kalamata olives. breast was stuffed with feta, spinTheir house special, pepper- ach, and spices and was nicely corn steak, was up next and it was browned along with being very beautifully chargrilled and perfectly moist. Served with some very lemrare, and served with a brandy and ony potato chunks that were tart mushroom sauce that was slightly and tasty, the flavours of the dish sweet and peppery without being conveyed Mediterranean warmth. overpowering. The sides for the The Chimney has been open so steak were a fluffy stuffed potato long because they give their cusand some simple steamed veggies tomers what they want, and stick in a light and creamy cheese sauce. to providing tasty classics prepared Following that we had two well in a cozy environment.

Want to visit with some friends?

They also have a party room in the back that is always busy. Prefer to eat at home? They also delivery.

I’ve heard that their pizzas are top notch, too, so I’ll be back to check ‘em out.

If you’re into a bit of nostalgia, along with a nice meal, The Chimney is a good place to go.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

The Chimney

Address: 2710 Montague Street Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 12am; Sunday 4pm – 10pm

Reservations: 584-7777

Opinion

Page 13

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Wall Has Handled The Mulcair Tussle Well

Our Premier Isn’t Perfect, But He’s Right In Standing Up To NDP Leader’s Claims The Editors of Verb

REgina, SK — “Canada will be a strong country when Canadians of all provinces feel at home in all parts of the country, and when they feel that all Canada belongs to them.”

Pierre Elliott Trudeau said that, and whether you love the former Prime Minister or loathe him (the latter being more likely around these parts), Trudeau was a staunch proponent of federalism.

And so too, it turns out, is Brad Wall.

We commend Saskatchewan’s current premier for standing up to federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair over the past couple of weeks and, in doing so, promoting a renewed federalist sense in our country.

Don’t get us wrong: we’re not of the opinion that Wall is infallible.

In fact, far from it — whether it was overestimating potash rev- industry, especially in Ontario — enues by a mere $2 billion (which Mulcair is essentially drawing a line Wall has admitted is his biggest in the sand. mistake) or increasing public sector He is pitting east against west, spending rather makers against than reigning it in “We don’t believe that a takers, in his quest (as is more typical politician should seek to to become Prime of Conservative divide the country…”

Minister, and we governments) to think that’s ridicu-Verb’s editors lous. highlight just a few examples, Premier Wall has We don’t believe that a politician definitely put his foot in it on more should seek to divide the country than one occasion. for personal gain, and political exBut this time around, though, by pedience should never be placed going toe-to-toe with Mulcair, we ahead of the good of our nation believe that the premier is doing as a whole. the right thing — both ethically You know it, we know it, heck, and politically. even former Liberal leader StephaWall was in the right when he ne Dion knows it. took to Twitter to question Mulcair Remember back when Dion was for calling the West’s resource sec- gunning for 24 Sussex? Well, he tor a disease. rejected advice to adopt a similar And he was in the right once strategy in regards to the oilsands again when, a week or so later, on the grounds it was divisive and he tweeted: “Req’d reading for bad for the country.

NDP,Mulcair. Stats Can report toBad indeed. But good for Preday, manufacturing up in Canada mier Wall, for pointing out the error boosted by resources. Pesky facts in Mulcair’s thinking. [sic].”

Not only does it show that Wall No matter which angle you ap- is trying to operate with Saskatchproach it from, it’s good that Wall ewan’s best interests in mind, but is taking Mulcair to task because also with our country’s interests in anyone with even an iota of politi- mind, too. cal acumen understands what the Wall recognizes that the resource NDP leader is up to. strength of the West is a strength By claiming Canada is suffer- for the country as a whole. ing from so-called “Dutch disease” He realizes that “when you at— blaming energy exports from tack this resource wealth, you are the Alberta oilsands for artificially in many ways attacking the forraising the Canadian dollar and mula, the fiscal federalism we have, hollowing out the manufacturing that helps the different regions of

Photo: courtesy of the University of Saskatchewan

the country when they’re going through difficult times.”

What’s more, Wall also understands just how recklessly unCanadian Mulcair is being at the moment, and how his policies (should he ascend to power) would alienate the West worse than any other measure since, well, Trudeau’s National Energy Plan.

Wall sees all of this and is willing to stand up and fight for what he believes in.

And for that we should thank him.

He’s not perfect, far from it, in fact.

But he’s playing this one right.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

JunPH 1–7, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

One Life A Spellbinding Documentary Craig Narrates Riveting Film That Explores The Connections That Bind Us All One Life

Runtime: 85 Minutes Rated: G Adam Hawboldt What do you get when you take James Bond and put him in a nature documentary?

Pure awesomeness, that’s what.

In One Life, Bond-star Daniel Craig narrates an extraordinarily beautiful tale about the journey through life.

Created from more than 10,000

hours of BBC footage, this film is a and the harsh elements. This is, greatest hits compilation, of sorts. naturally, how directors Michael Think of the BBC’s Life television Gunton and Martha Holmes choose series (the one about animals, mam- to begin the journey — at birth. mals, insects, etc.), stripped of all fat, From there, they give us a series with all the best of sequences that scenes plucked “Packed … with too many show the extent and molded into incredibly stunning … to which dedia succinct and shots to count…” cated mothers absorbing narra(and fathers) will -Adam Hawboldt go to in order to tive, and you’ll get an idea what this documentary is keep their offspring alive. about.

There are magnificent shots of It all starts in Antarctica. A Wed- Japanese snow monkeys in the dell seal gives birth to a pup, sur- dead of winter, cuddling their rounded by snow and ice, with young in a thermal spring, spiknothing around for miles. ing their hair and picking bugs off Just the seal, her cute little pup their backs.

Then there’s the bit about the strawberry poison-dart frog. No bigger than your thumbnail, this tiny creature transports its tadpoles, one by one, to the top of a 30-foot tree for protection.

Pretty soon, though, babies grow up and the documentary shifts towards the search for food.

Here you encounter the lammergeyer (an African vulture that feasts on bones) and monkeys in Brazil who have learned how to use tools to get food.

Oh, and who could ever forget the high-speed chase between the fox and a baby ibex on a mountainside in Israel? Seriously, this minute or two of film is more intense than any action sequence a big-budget blockbuster could ever provide. It’s literally life or death for the young ibex.

The next stage of the movie is the predator/prey portion.

Easily the most feral and savage part of the movie, this segment begins perfectly, as the viewer is introduced to a praying mantis.

We’re told about its sharp eyesight and its quick reflexes, as Mr. Bond informs us the praying mantis is the perfect hunter.

The final segment brings us full circle, exploring the mating rituals of some of One Life’s subjects.

Here we watch grebes dance, a stag beetle fight for the right to mate and a female humpback whale lure suitors in.

Packed from start to finish with too many incredibly stunning, howin-the-hell-did-they-get-those shots to count, One Life is the kind of film that will appeal to every moviegoer.

It’s captivating and educational, cute and visceral, heart-warming

Photo: courtesy of Alliance Films

and heartbreaking.

Run, do not walk, to see this one.

You won’t regret it.

One Life will be opening at the

Regina Public Library on June 7th; see http://www.reginalibrary.ca/ for more information.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

JunPH 1–7, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Dark Snow White Compelling, Stunning

Photo: courtesy of Universal Pictures

Theron Captivating As Evil Queen In Violent, Visually Spectacular Remake Snow White and the Huntsman

Runtime: 127 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt Once upon a time ago, in Germany, two workaholic brothers were busy writing stories about Germanic folklore. Stories chock full of incest and cruelty and barbaric violence.

Their names were Jacob and Wilhelm, and they came to be known in later times as the Brothers Grimm.

Yes, those Brothers Grimm — the guys responsible for Snow White and Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella.

See, back in the day when Jake and Willy started out, the brothers held true to the brutal, medieval nature of their tales.

For example, in the original version of The Goose Maid, a servant was stripped naked, thrown into a barrel studded with sharp nails and hauled screaming through the streets.

And then there’s the original version of Snow White, the one where the evil queen is, in the end, forced to dance to her death in white-hot iron shoes.

The only reason I mention any

of this — the reason I bring up the of Snow White end. nightmarish brutality of the original This action fantasy film opens Grimm stories — is because I have a like a full-scale broad sword atsneaking suspicion the good broth- tack. There’s an epic battle, the king ers would really (Noah Huntley) dig how visceral “Snow White … is an epic meets a beautiful Snow White and spectacle full of dazzling creature named the Huntsman is. visuals…”

Ravenna (Charlize Directed by Theron), brings -Adam Hawboldt her home, makes Rupert Sanders, the latest take on the Snow White her queen, then finds himself with saga is, if nothing else, violent, bleak a dagger driven up to the hilt in and revisionist. his chest.

Sure there’s a romance, a poiFrom there, Snow White and soned apple, an eye-opening the Huntsman wades deeper and smooch and a maiden with a coal- deeper into the dark, haunted forblack heart. est of despair — and that’s not a But that’s basically where the metaphor, either. similarities with the Disney version After Ravenna takes control of

the kingdom the former king’s daughter, Snow White, escapes into an actual haunted forest where rocks turn into trolls and tree branches sense human weakness.

Not to spoil too much, she’s pursued by the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) and her childhood friend Prince William (Sam Claflin).

Things happen.

The dwarves appear (there are eight of them and they don’t sing!).

Snow White eats the apple. Someone kisses her back to life and Snow proceeds to go all Joan of Arc on the evil queen’s ass.

This film was terrific, and visually exhilarating. Set against wintry landscapes and medieval fortresses,

Snow White and the Huntsman is an epic spectacle full of dazzling visuals and state-of-the-art CGI effects.

What’s more, the acting was pretty good (especially Theron as the evil queen), and the revisionist tone of the story is more than enough to hold your interest until the final credits roll.

Too bad the narrative is so weak.

Too bad writer Evan Daugherty felt the need to over-explain every last damn thing and psychoanalyze the heck out of the characters.

With a bit of streamlining, this could’ve been a fantastic flick.

As is stands, though, it’s still pretty good.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: War On Drugs Part 3 Last week we asked what you thought about Canada one day legalizing all drugs, and here’s what you had to say.

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

Brad Wall, Thomas Mulcair feud?

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 Legalizing all drugs is the worst of all ideas, you’ll have people on every street corner going crazy and it

would cause more safety issues for the public. Safe houses or not. Organized crime may go down but random deaths/killings and muggings will go up.

What people dont seem to realize about the war on drugs is that the drug addicts do not want to quit, offering a place to do these drugs safely prevents a need to steal and hurt people and the option is always there to just not go. This will prevent not only crimes with drugs but crimes in general! this idea is genius and action should be taken ASAP! You’re messed up if you think it’s not a good thing.

Legalizing all drugs seems a little... extreme? I think laxer laws around posession is a great idea but opening an insite in every city I don’t think would counter the health issues that crop up from available, and now legal, substances.

Good luck gettn Harper 2 back leglization though maybe if he thinks he can make a buck hed be in2 it. Doubt hed want to piss off US tho

of money. But I think that it would have to be controled in a way that makes sure people are not getting an amount that could kill them. As long as the government had certain places to supply and use the drugs. A controlled environment would be the best thing. There is money to be made by the government and I believe this will happen in my lifetime.

At least with weed It’s crazy how people think legalizing drugs will make more people likely to do them. It’s like saying giving teens condoms will make them likelier to have sex. Nope: it’ll make them likelier to stay healthy and avoid pregnancy. If people wanted to do any drugs now, they can.

Legalizing them won’t make anyone more of a user. It’s smart to have a progressive view of drugs, and Canada would do well to look at how even more longterm data from Portugal demonstrates that this is the way to go.

Time To Leaglize pot But I Wonder How The Cost Of Alcohol abuse Compares

Should a guy get mandatory time for havin a bit of pot on him? I dont think so, doesnt make sence economically. Their r better ways 2 spend tax dollars. PM Harper is on “Bad Medicine”

Youd have to spend way more in policing, healthcare etc if you legalized all drugs would that cost same as or more then using cops to fight black market drug trade know? Just something to think about

If drugs were legalized and controled in canada. The government could make a huge amount

I agree with legalizing and taxing drugs it will eliminate the black market drug rings and make people feel at

Texts ease to smoke a joint.

Only pot should be legal and taxed keep jails for people who commit harsher crimes and save tax payers billions of dollers in the long run.

Off Topic Re: “Five Questions With Randy Travis,” Arts & Culture spread, May 25th issue

I love randy Travis ever since I was a kid and also wrote to him he sent me back a letter a photo of himself like what kind of musicians these days will actually take the time to write a letter take a photo then mail it with emails, facebook and all the new age a good old fashioned letter but he totally rocks and I can’t wait to see him finally live yay :-D I agree! The downtown terminal should be smoke free too! Why should I have to get cancer from 2nd hand smoke? Non smokers ride the bus and should not be subjected to that smoke!

It seems to me that atheists are so sensitive. It’s difficult not to offend them. I hold Christian beliefs but don’t label myself as Christian. We don’t want to offend you unlike your comment “I don’t care if you’re offended”.

We want everyone to experience joy in the Christian faith (not a religion I might add).

I respect atheists but why can’t they do the same in return?

It seems to me that there’s a missing level of respect for opposing views in recent back and

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forth texts between religious and nonreligious people from both sides. Whatever happened to live and let live? If you’re not hurting someone or advocating hate or intolerance, then go do what you want. Mutual respect seems elusive, but we should give it a try.

Feedback christians complaining of feeling persecuted for the beliefs is kind of hypocritical as they scratch their heads why the hindi and muslims feel persecuted… Its because the damn christians are racist and discriminate with hateful joke…

I love atheists in spite of the hate they have toward Christians. To all of you atheists I dare you to say you love us Christians. You can’t do it can you?

How much Euro peasant ya got in ya?

Did you feel an urge to drop to one knee with a “Your Majesty!” on Tues when the Royals were in town? My Indian side had a hard time holding the Euro side erect. Old habits die hard!

Drive listen to bangs & rattles complaining whining repetitive questions get cut off all day and try to adhere to an almost impossible Schedule oh yeah and be pleasant to everybody while being proffesional for 8 hrs + a day now ur a bus driver.. Get a clue its not easy IM GRADUATING TOMORROW!! Oh

yeah! Party at my house!

FYI Christians don’t use magic pixie dust so get your facts straight before you start accusing please.

Abortion at any stage is wrong! Pro choice women like to say it’s their right to choose.

Well, someone chose to have you didn’t they? Why don’t you give your unborn baby the right to live?

People are wanting to adopt. If you say the mother’s life is at risk, that is the chance you take. You don’t kill an innocent victim. See the pregnancy through to the end. You’ll be glad you did.

Agree with txt about Vellacott. Troubling Harper’s permitting these crazies any air time even tho he’s publicly said not into opening abortion debate. Why let them speak if not to let his party know he wishes he could repeal but fears backlash.

Unwanted pregnancies negatively impact the society. Choice is powerful. You don’t have to agree with it, but then don’t do it and keep your issues of morality out of my life!

BUBYE SCHOOL! End is in sight cant wait for this to be ova!

“Obama came out pro gay marriage” and “he can kiss reelection goodbye”. WHAT! People underestimate how strong the LGBT community is.

The McDonalds downtown needs to be demolished

and replaced with something that reflects the city’s downtown in a positive manner.

Attention Pedestrians: When cars get the turn arrow there is no walk light for you on the other side until the arrow is off! Figure it out!

Awe :( I never win anything from you’s...

There was none of that aboriginal youth stuff around when my family went through high school. We just did it. Same for university. Metis also pay themselves.

This society with all its greed, selfishness, homelessness and poverty dishonours our ancestors. They fought wars, many made the ultimate sacrifice , giving selflessly their very lives so we could have something better than this.

All you immigrants and descendants of immigrants, your ancestors came here to build a better

society than this! They wanted to escape feudal society, not build this shabby hitech copy of what they were trying to escape!

Freaky foot mailed to Tories! I don’t vote conservative but thats too sick to even think its a joke!

Thanks to the drivers coming out in support of having patience for bicyclists. We appreciate it!

Deep-fried macaroni and cheese sounds like heaven.

How do you get involved with community gardens?

Show up, plant and rely on squatter’s rights? Is there some sort grand master gardner I should talk to?

Plurbius flavulius ;) Hit me up Rog, you no what im talkin aboutLOL The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.

Nightlife

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Jun 1–7, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Saturday @ O’Hanlon’s Venue

O’Hanlon’s Pub on Saturday, May 26th

Location

1947 Scarth Street

Playing on Arrival “Scream” by Usher

Music Vibe

Changes all the time, depending on what live bands are performing

Regular Gigs

Karaoke on Mondays, live bands on Tuesdays and Fridays, and a dance party on Thursdays and Saturdays

Feature Deals

Bohemian Lager or grape vodka for $5.50

Food of Choice Pizza

Something New

O’Hanlon’s has just started brewing their own beer — with five new beers on tap, come check ‘em out

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

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There’s good and bad news this week, dear Pisces. First with the bad stuff: someone may be in the mood for a fight this week. A full scale, knock-’emdown-drag-’em-out kind of battle. The good news: if you don’t engage, if you don’t provoke, then this will all blow over.

Oh, also on a good note, something new and spectacular is going to present itself to you this week. You’d be best advised to accept it with open arms. Excellent things will come of it.

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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

Think of yourself as the captain of a ship this week, dear Virgo. Your job is to keep the vessel on an even keel. At times that may be quite difficult: large gusts may come at you from different directions but don’t panic. Just keep your composure and keep sailing, and no matter what maintain a level head. Don’t overreact to things that are out of your control. Instead, think fast and adjust to whatever happens this week on the fly.

Have faith in your instincts.

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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

The Roman philosopher Seneca once wrote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” And he’s right. For the most part, luck is a result of hard work and the right chance at the right time. But sometimes, not often, but sometimes dumb luck just shines on you.

And good news, dear Aquarius — it appears you may stumble knee-deep into dumb luck pretty darn soon. Now we’re not talking win-the-lottery luck, but luck nonetheless, so enjoy it.

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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

Sometimes the truth comes at us in disguise, other times it walks right up to us, says hello, then slaps us square in the face. For good or ill, dear Leo, it looks like you may be dealing with the latter this week. And if you look at it with the right kind of eyes, blatant truths — even if they are unsettling — are much better than veiled ones. At least you know where you stand with them. So put your best foot forward this week, accept the cards you’re dealt and play the best hand you can.

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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

Do you have all the intellectual stuff in your life figured out? Have you collected all the facts, worked through the equations and theories, and come to some bedrock conclusions? If so, good for you.

But don’t trick yourself into believing you’re done. There’s a whole other part of the equation — the feeling part. And that, sorry to say, is a lot harder to get a handle on. So best get to work on your emotional world, dear Capricorn. It exists on ever-shifting sands.

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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

A pretty smart guy once said, “If you want to have a happy life, tie it to a goal, not people or things.” That guy was Albert Einstein, and he was truly on to something, dear Cancer. This week might be a good time to heed his words. If you haven’t already, set a goal for yourself then start planning ways to achieve it.

Remember: fools rush in. A plan, no matter how large or small, is often just a wish if you don’t have a strategy. Time to put things in motion.

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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

This may be one of those weeks when you have to put your foot down, dear Sagittarius. Don’t put up with anyone’s shenanigans. Or, as the incomparable Hunter S. Thompson might say, “Don’t take any guff from the swine.” Your time is too precious and important to waste on those trying to break and take you down. Concentrate on your own life, your own goals, your own problems. Let the naysayers say nay until their throats get sore. What they profess is of no use to you.

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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

They say we should make hay while the sun is shining. Words to live by, dear Gemini, especially this week. If something good comes up, take full advantage of it. Grab the metaphorical baton that life hands you and run with it. Run for all you’re worth. Far too often fantastic opportunities crop up and we miss them.

Try not to let that happen in the next few days. When the sun shines in your direction, make the most of it. You’ll be able to find an inner sort of peace.

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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

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You were put on this earth to have fun, dear Scorpio: never forget that. Any way you slice it happiness is your destiny, so it’s time to chase your destiny down with a big stick. It might not be easy, and forces may conspire against you to keep it out of your reach. Don’t let that happen.

Instead, pound the conspiring forces into oblivion and get what is rightfully yours.

I don’t need to tell you that happiness is the key to a good life, so do what you need to to lasso that elusive sucker.

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Gosh darn it! Just when you thought you had everything planned out and things were starting to go smoothly, along comes something that puts a kink in your plans. If it hasn’t come already, this week looks as good a time as any. Don’t worry though, dear Taurus. Whatever it is will be nothing more than a minor speed bump on the road of life. Treat whatever comes up accordingly, and remember: the hiccups you encounter are what makes life interesting.

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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

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If, over the course of the next week or so you feel the urge to blow town, don’t hesitate. Go somewhere you’ve never been before, meet new people, see new sights — new things will have a way of stimulating your creativity and levels of awareness this week, so seek them out.

And if you can’t get out of town for a bit, then try to find something new to do or see in the city. There’s lots of interesting stuff out there. You just have to start looking in different places.

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Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

Have you noticed that things seem to be speeding up lately? The tempo is quickening, dear Aries, and in the next week or so it may seem like you’re running around with an outboard motor strapped to your waist. Short trips, running around town, errands, work … everything seems to be approaching you at warp speed.

For some, this is the pace you excel at, so enjoy. For others, though, if you feel overwhelmed here’s what to do: put life on pause. You’ll make it.

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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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Horoscopes

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

Time Out

Page 19

5 6

2 7

Sudoku

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

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

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

8 5

5 9

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

1 5 6 9 2 4