Verb Issue R34 (June 29 - July 5, 2012)

Free weekly

Jun 29–Jul 5, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb

Dragonette

This Electro-Pop Group Talks Musical Experimentation P9

SK Growth Spurt

The Detroit Cobras

Ted

Summer Invasion

20,000 Added In Population Boom P3 Seth MacFarlane Does Not Disappoint In This Raunchy Comedy P14

These Guys Are Rock ‘N Roll, All The Way P10 Check Out Some Extreme Sports And Great Live Tunes At This Annual Event P6 Photo: courtesy of Kristin Vacri

Section Local Page 2

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Saskatchewan Unveils New Time Capsule

Suggestions On What To Put In 2012 Container Currently Being Accepted Alex J MacPherson

regina, SK — More than a century after it was sealed in a cornerstone, the time capsule at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building will be replaced by a brand-new storage box. The new capsule, designed and built by a Saskatchewan company, is now on display in the Legislature.

“Premier Walter Scott declared that the Legislative Building would forever represent the character and ambitions of the people of Saskatchewan, from its first citizens to all the generations to follow,” Kevin Doherty, minister responsible for

the Provincial Capital Commission, building’s dome; the sides are insaid in a news release. scribed with the names of all the “We want everyone’s ideas current MLAs. about what important things deThe supplier — Pro Metal Indusfine us as a provtries Ltd. of Regina ince, and what “We want everyone’s — and design of should be lef t ideas about what the new capsule for the Saskatch- important things define were decided by ewan citizens of a an advisory comfuture generation us as a province…” mittee formed in -Kevin Doherty March. The comto know what Saskatchewan was like in 2012.” mittee will also decide which items The new capsule, which is made will go into the new capsule based of stainless steel, is longer and nar- on suggestions from Saskatchewan rower than the original so it can be citizens. placed in the cornerstone using the The first capsule, a copper box, existing opening. was placed in the cornerstone by Its domed cap mirrors the Governor General Earl Grey and Premier Walter Scott in 1909, three years before the building opened.

It was removed by LieutenantGovernor Gordon Barnhart and Premier Brad Wall late last year, on December 15, 2011.

The first capsule held a 60-page provincial telephone directory, a selection of books including a small bible, a City of Regina Municipal Manual and a 1909 Canadian Almanac, a variety of coins and banknotes, a map of the province, a six-foot Union Jack, and a wide variety of government documents and photographs.

The 1909 directory includes direct phone numbers for provincial cabinet ministers and Lieutenant Governor Amédée E. Forget. Premier Scott’s home address — 2043 Lorne Street — and phone number are also listed.

The capsule also held a stack of newspapers: editions of the Saskatoon Phoenix, the Regina Morning Leader, the Regina Daily Standard and the Saskatchewan Courier.

Mysteriously, the first capsule also contained a photograph that was not listed on the official

Photo: courtesy of the Government of Saskatchewan

Kevin Doherty with the 2012 time capsule inventory.

Robinson,” the photograph depicts Held in an envelope marked “F.J. Robinson, then deputy minister of public works.

Robinson evidently snuck his photo into the capsule to puzzle people more than a century later.

The 1909 capsule and its contents will go on display later this summer, a government spokeswoman said.

The Provincial Capital Commission will accept suggestions for time capsule contents until September 15th.

It will be placed in the cornerstone on October 11th, almost exactly 100 years after the building opened.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Local Page 3

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Sask. Growth Spurt Adds 20,000 People Photo: courteys of Daniel Pacquet

Immigration, Natural Causes Primary Motivators Behind Population Boom Alex J MacPherson

regina, SK — Saskatchewan may be a few years past puberty, but that hasn’t stopped a massive growth spurt — the largest in eighty years, the Minister of the Economy says.

Between 2006 and 2011 the province grew by 6.7 percent, or 65,224 people.

And the growth rate does not appear to be slowing: between April 1st, 2011 and April 1st, 2012, the province ballooned by an additional 19,642 people, bringing the total population to 1,072,082.

“This is extremely positive news for Saskatchewan,” says Minister of the Economy Bill Boyd.

“Obviously, our province is grow- people moved to Saskatchewan ing at a rate since that we haven’t from other provinces and 5,431 seen since 1930. It’s very, very posi- moved out, most decamping for tive news that people from around Alberta. the world are looking at SaskatchBoyd says a diverse and expandewan as a place to ing population build their hopes “ It’s very … positive news creates challengand their dreams.” that people from around es, particularly P r e l i m i n a r y the world are looking at in healthcare data suggests and education, that the increas- Saskatchewan…” but that they -Bill Boyd are “good chales were driven by natural causes and immigration. In lenges.” the first quarter of 2012 there were Paul Hackett, part of the Sas3,713 births and 2,670 deaths, a katchewan Population Health natural increase of 1,043 people. In- and Evaluation Research Unit and ternational migration netted 3,436 a professor of geography at the people. Interprovincial movement, University of Saskatchewan, says on the other hand, was inconse- the benefits of a diverse and growquential: in the first quarter 5,422 ing population are very real, but

that proper supports — particularly education — are vital.

“These are people who are a tremendous resource for us, but if you don’t put in place the structures for them to succeed, you’re setting yourself up as a province for failure,” he explains. “We invest in road infrastructure; we should be investing in other kinds of infrastructure as well.”

Hackett is also a champion of economic diversification, which he sees as a hedge against collapse.

“We need to diversify now,” he says. “While we have the resources we should be looking to the future. We need to look at how we can diversify away from, as strange as it sounds, our major sources of

[revenue].”

Cam Broten, opposition critic for advanced education, employment, and immigration, says a growing population, particularly one as diverse as Saskatchewan’s, should be cultivated, but warns of challenges ahead.

“Any time you look at the possibility of an economic downturn, in whatever sector of the economy, it is a concern,” Broten says.

“I think that’s why it’s important now to be making sure we’re taking smart steps and appropriate steps, especially in the area of education, so that we have a population that is equipped to react and adjust to changes we can’t always predict.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Global

Page 4Page PH

Jun 29–Jul PH5,PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Erasing Memories On Purpose Adam Hawboldt

evidence to date that we possess some kind of control over autobiost andrews, scotland — We graphical memory.” all have bad memories: deaths of How Noreen and co-researcher loved ones, tragic accidents, embar- Malcolm MacLeod came to this rassing or demoralizing moments conclusion was through a quesin our past. It’s all tion and answer part of human “[I]ndividuals can be examination of nature. trained to not think about sorts.

But now new memories that have What they did research aims to was ask particichange that na- personal relevance…” pants to think of -Salma Noreen emotional memoture.

A new study reveals that people ries in response to cue words like can be trained to forget specific theatre or barbecue. details about bad memories withThey then asked the subjects to out ever erasing the memory of recall the cause, the consequence, the event itself. and the personal meaning they “The ability to remember and attached to that event. Finally, parinterpret emotional events from our ticipants were asked to come up personal past forms the basic foun- with a single word that reminded dation of who we are as individu- them of the event. als,” says lead researcher Dr. Saima Surprisingly, researchers deterNoreen. “These novel findings show mined afterward that people were that individuals can be trained to able to remember the cause of the not think about memories that have event while being able to forget personal relevance and significance how the event made them feel. to them and provide the most direct Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Math Tough For Scientists

Numbers-Heavy Research Unappealing: Study Adam Hawboldt

bristol, england — Z1 + Z2 = (X1, Y1) + (X2,Y2) Does this equation make sense to you? Does a story that begins like this make you want to read on?

If not, don’t worry: you’re not

alone. A new study by University of experiments needed to test those Bristol biologists has found that ar- theories. This presents a barrier to ticles and research that are packed scientific progress.” with mathematical equations tend So how do we go about solvto be ignored. ing this problem?

In fact, scien- “This is an important issue The authors of the tific articles that … [t]his presents a barrier study feel that by are filled with to scientific progress.” simply hiding all equations on evthe tricky stuff -Tim Fawcett a w a y, p e o p l e ery page are seldom referred to by other scientists would be likelier to read the re— people who use math frequently search.

— say the researchers. And that’s “The top journals want articles not necessarily a good thing. to be … concise, with many of the “This is an important issue be- technical details going in an online cause nearly all areas of science appendix,” says Fawcett. “Forturely on close links between math- nately, our study suggests that ematical theory and experimental equations in an appendix have no work,” says Dr. Tim Fawcett. “If new effect on citation rates. So moving theories are presented in a way that … the equations to an appendix is off-putting to other scientists, may be the [best] solution.” then no one will perform the crucial Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Pics Of Sweets Spark Cravings Adam Hawboldt los angeles, CA — Have you ever looked at a picture of a rich, gooey, decadent chocolate cupcake, and immediately felt a craving for one?

Well, you’re not alone. Researchers have determined that when people see sugary treats, the region of their brains responsible for appetite control and pleasure light up.

The University of Southern California study involved two experiments.

In the first one, 13 obese Hispanic women were attached to

brain scanners as they looked at images of cupcakes, chocolate cake and cookies.

In the second experiment, the same participants were asked to consume a sugary drink before seeing the photos while they were still attached to the scanners. The result?

“Surprisingly, consumption of the sugar drink … actually increased the ratings of hunger and desire,” lead author Kathleen Page explains. “We didn’t predict a hunger increase … [a]pparently, the brain saw it as an appetizer.”

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372

Global At A Glance ancient road — You never know what you’ll find when you start digging: in Rome, they found ancient priceless artifacts. In Bucharest, an old wine cellar.

And, most recently, in Greece subway

construction workers unearthed a section of an 1,800-year-old road. Measuring 70 metres in length and built by the Romans, the road was paved in marble.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com

Feature

Page 6

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Summer Invades Regina At Wascana Park

Wakeboarding, Motocross, Skateboarding, Live Tunes At City’s Annual Event Sebastien Dangerfield

Regina, SK — If you want to grow and get better, change is inevitable.

Doug Elder knows this. As an organizer of the SaskTel Summer Invasion it’s his job — and the job of others — to make sure the festival continues to improve with each passing year.

“You have to evolve,” says Elder. “You can’t stay stagnant. You always have to be coming up with new ideas. That’s what it’s all about.

You have to bring new things to the table.”

And from the get-go, the brain

trust behind this annual event has early-to-mid-2000s. Then, in 2006, been tossing things down on said the SaskTel Summer Invasion brand table with steady abandon. was created — and with it came “About 11 years ago, OffAxis bigger and faster forward movestarted doing wakeboarding demos ment. on Wascana to showcase a fairly “We just kept adding things,” new and emergsays Elder. “We ing sport here,” “[A]nyone … who wants kept growing and explains Elder. to try wakeboarding can growing to the “Then there was a come down and … try. point that now big dig so we dewe have major -Doug Elder national and incided to do bigger events. After a while, we decided ternational music talent coming to move away from just being a every year.” wakeboarding event, so we added With acts like K’naan, Buckcherry, skateboarding and motocross and Dragonette, Danny Fernandes and local bands.”

Jordan Cook, it’s easy to see why That all happened in the the SaskTel Summer Invasion has become a staple of Queen City’s summer schedule.

And still — after they’ve managed to secure top-of-the-line entertainment year after year, after they annually put on a tremendous motocross show — the festival’s organizers are not content to sit back, rest on their laurels and put out the same product, time and time again.

Case in point: this year they’re altering the festival to make it more about community.

“For several years we ran the wakeboarding as more of a prorider demonstration, so we figured why not change it up a bit this year,” explains Elder. “So we opened it up and now anyone in the community who wants to try wakeboarding can come down and give it a try. You don’t have to be a pro, just come out and have fun.”

The best part? It’s free. And if you don’t have any wakeboarding

Photo: courtes of Daniel Zetterstorm, Summer Invasion, and the the artists

equipment, don’t worry. Grassroots Wakeboard School will supply you with everything you need.

And speaking of grassroots, that’s the underlying vibe that organizers want this year’s event to have. So along with the free wakeboarding they’ve also added a battle of the bands component to the schedule.

“We’ve had a huge response for that,” says Elder of the online competition. “The contest reached over 90,000 Facebook users during the 72 hours it was running. This totally exceeded our expectations and

showed us that featuring more local artists will prove to be a successful new addition to the festival.”

The winner of this competition — HOURS — will get the opportunity to perform on the main stage on Saturday night with Buckcherry, Dragonette and Age of Days.

SaskTel Summer Invasion 2012 runs from July 6th-8th at Wascana Park. For more information about all the events, check out www.summerinvasion.ca. Tickets can also be purchased at the OffAxis Board Shop.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat

Page 7

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Smelling Your Way To True Love Adam Hawboldt

New Shoe Teaches Dance

Connects To App So You Can Share High Scores Adam Hawboldt

loughborough, england — Do you have two left feet?

When you step out on the dance floor do people give you space in fear you’ll step on their toes?

If so, help is on the way — sort of.

A new concept shoe called The GroundWave Shadow Trainer, created by industrial designer Tom Sykes, was made with built-in sensors that track your every movement, and, in turn, are connected to a smartphone app.

Instead of just logging your important end goal in mind: fightmovements, this app gives you real- ing childhood obesity. time feedback about how you’re “The aim of this project is to doing while dancing. produce a design proposal for a What’s more, product that inby using the app- “[T]his app gives you troduces exercise shoe combo, you real-time feedback about into a child’s life can share high how you’re … dancing.” in an innovative scores via social and exciting way,” -Adam Hawboldt writes Sykes on m e dia, create your own dances and even chal- his website. lenge friends to quantifiable danceThe GroundWave Shadow Trainoffs. er is not yet in production, but may And while this may sound like very well be soon enough. a fun new game, Sykes has a more Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Rock-Paper-Scissors Robot Wins Every Time Adam Hawboldt

tokyo, japan — As a kid, did you ever play rock-paper-scissors to help settle any deadlocked decisions or disputes, assuming it was a fair way to solve things?

Sure you did. Unless, of course, you’re playing against the robotic

hand that scientists at the University of Tokyo recently created.

See, this hand — called the human-machine cooperation system — has never lost a game of rock-paper-scissors, and will never lose a game of rock-paper-scissors.

And it doesn’t use advanced mathematical algorithms or any

kind of high-tech computer magic.

Nope, what the hand does is cheat its way to victory. Using advanced motion sensors, the robot “sees” which of the three hand shapes its rival is about to choose before they actually form the rock, paper or scissor.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

numbered index cards.

After a person found a smell los angeles, ca — Some peo- they liked, they held up the bag, a ple go to bars to find love, others photographer snapped a photo and turn to online dating sites. projected it on a wall so the shirt’s And now, some singles in New owner could meet their odour adYork and Los Anmirer. geles are trying “The T-shirts are …

So was all this to sniff their way smelled by the other just pure luck or is to love at phero- guests, and tada! you pick there a scientific mone parties. explanation beH o w t h e s e a partner…” hind it?

-Adam Hawboldt new get-togethAccording to ers work is simple: each guest is recent research using similar T-shirt asked to bring a slept-in T-shirt to experiments, it’s all simply scienthe party. The T-shirts are taken, tific. In fact, studies have shown that smelled by the other guests, and the smells we prefer are dictated tada! you pick a partner based on by a set of genes that influences their scent. our immune response. This, says Recently, at an art gallery in Los researchers, is nature’s way of preAngeles, singles walked around venting inbreeding and preserving tables covered with plastic freez- genetic adaptations. er bags stuffed with shirts and Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat At A Glance anti- cheating ring — Cheaters, watch out! It used to be that you could go from married to single by simply slipping off your wedding ring, but not anymore. Inappropriate gift company www.thecheeky.com has created a

titanium wedding ring that has the words “I’m Married” backwards on the inside, so when you take it off, your marital status will be imprinted on your finger for all to see. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Music

Page 8

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com brand of country/pop music. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. $5 cover.

Saturday 30

Kevin Costner and Modern West — Star of Bull Durham, Dances with Wolves and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner is more than just an actor. An accomplished musician in his own right, Costner and his band play some smooth country licks. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $85–90, available at http://www.casinoregina.com.

(NEXT WEEK) MOTES AND OATS @ BUSHWAKKER brewpub — Consist-

ing of Melissa McCready (from London, ON) and Shannon Moldenhauer (from Regina), this dynamic duo combines powerful vocal harmonies with mature lyrics to create original jazz/folk songs.

Armed with only a flute, a guitar and

Friday 29

Elliott Brood — — With banjos and acoustic guitars, this alt-country band from Toronto is so good, and put on such a rocking live performance, that you simply have to see them to believe them.7pm, The Artful Dodger.

Tickets TBD.

Nick Faye, Careful Hands, Danny Olliver and Kaeli Eurich — Welcome one local performer back to town (Faye) and bid farewell to some others (Careful Hands) in this night filled with talented musicians. 7:30pm, The Club. $5 at the door.

Propatingz — If you’re into dubstep, then Anthony Traynor (aka PropaTingz) drops some of the most thunderous, uncompromising beats around. 9pm, The Exchange. Tickets $20 at the door.

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

Alain Lalonde — Come check out this dope local DJ/producer as he does his thing and spins the kind of sound that’ll make you wanna dance. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover.

Jack Semple — Feel like seeing a guitar player who will knock your socks

Photo: courtesy of Laura Wilby

some down-to-earth voices, these girls make the kind of music that will bring a smile to your face. And with songs like “Saskatchewan” and “Simple Things,” they’ve opened the heart of prairie living. They’ll be in town playing Bushwakker on July 11th. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

off? Look no further than this guy.

Semple is an incendiary guitar player who has a tendency of leaving audiences speecheless. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5.

Lords Kitchner — Hailing from Moose Jaw, this indie-prog four-piece has a fresh and unique sound that is a testament to melodic and raucous rock music. Redrick Sultan will also be making an appearance. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Marc Labossiere — This musician from Winnipeg put his own unique twist on all your rock favourites and country hits. When Marc hits the stage, things get crazy good. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Wonderland — Come join this local tribute band for a visually stimulating and energetic show as they play “one-hit wonders” from the ‘60s to the present. 9pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance by 6pm.

Jessica Moskaluke — A musician from Langenburg, Saskatchewan, this young woman is big on talent and stage presence. With edgy vocals and a stunning voice, Moskaluke has won fans from here to Nashville with her

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. $5 cover.

Alex Runions — This Regina-based urban country rocker’s star is on the rise. In 2009 he released his self-titled debut album and since then things have been certainly been looking up.

In fact, Runions has been nominated for three Saskatchewan Country Music Awards and was a finalist in the 2011 Canadian Radio Star Competition.

Come check out his heartfelt, melody driven version of urban country music.

10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 cover.

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

Sheila Deck — With a brand new album out, this local country artist is getting ready to take the world of contemporary country radio by storm.

Stop by and check out her act. 9pm, Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Wonderland — Come join this local tribute band for a visually stimulating and energetic show as they play “one-hit wonders” from the ‘60s to the present. 9pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance by 6pm.

Jessica Moskaluke — A musician from Langenburg, Saskatchewan, this young woman is big on talent and stage presence. With edgy vocals and a stunning voice, Moskaluke has won fans from here to Nashville with her brand of country/pop music. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. $10 cover.

Photo: courtesy of the artist

(NEXT WEEK) INDIGO JOSEPH @ the GERMAN CLUB — An up-and-coming

changing hands on stage), these guys aim to please and their aim is true.

Come on down to the German Club on July 7th, starting at 8 PM, for the release party of their debut EP, Lillith; tickets $10 in advance (includes free EP download) or $10 at the door. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

and Ontario’s Behold the City are on their cross country tour. It threatens to be loud and awesome. 7pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10.

post-punk, post-pop-punk-core, it’s all on display in this kickass show. 7pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10 at the door.

local band to keep your eye on, this talented quartet plays a high-octane, highly infectious blend of rock/blues meets folk/funk. With a spontaneous approach to music and performing (that, at times, can lead to instruments

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

The Segway Jousters — A local punk synth-pop band that’s all kind of good. Come check them out. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.

Thursday 5

Bed of Roses — Bon Jovi fans, you are in luck. Performing for one night only is the best Bon Jovi tribute band you’ll ever see. With songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” these guys know how to rock a crowd.

8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $20–25, available at www.casinoregina.com Everyone Everywhere, A Perfect Punchline, Silhouette City, Empire Choir — Pop-punk,

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.

Day Trip — Come out and support this up-and-coming local band. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5.

Wildfire — Fronted by local songstress Melissa Mannett, this country/ rock cover band plays songs that get toes tapping and dance floors packed.

The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Chris Henderson — Whether this singer/songwriter is slowing things down with tracks like “Follow the Signs” or speeding it up with rollicking tunes like “I Miss the Old You,” he and his band are always high-energy, consummate country musicians. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. $5 cover.

Want your show listed?

Email layout@verbnews.com!

Monday 2

Blind Witness, Betrayal, Hold Fast, In Darkness, Severed Legion — Blind Witness has decided to call it quits, so they’ve assembled an in-your-face, hard-rocking line-up for a send off. Don’t miss this show. 7pm, The Exchange. Tickets $15 at the door, or $12 in advance (ww.ticketedge.ca)

Tuesday 3

Battleship, Behold the City, Hhogwash, The Man and His Machine, 908 and No Blood, No Foul — Edmonton’s Battleship

(COMING UP) VIDEO GAMES LIVE @ Conexus Arts centre — For all you

Vid Kids out there, this is a show you most definitely do not want to miss.

Video Games Live combines top orchestras and choirs, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, video footage and much, much

Photo: courtesy of Video Games Live

more to bring you musical arrangements from all your favourite video games, from Mario to Mega Man, God of War to Ghost Recon. Video Games Live will be at Conexus November 2nd; tickets $49.25+ (www.admission.com).

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

Arts One

Page 9

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Dragonette Keeps Changing Things Up

Photo: courtesy of Kristin Vicari, Visions of Domino, Conrad Petzsch-Kunze and the artist

This Electro-Pop Group Talks Musical Experimentation And Keeping It Light Alex J MacPherson

regina, sk — Making decisions is hard. Making important decisions is really hard. And making decisions that affect the way thousands of people perceive you is all but impossible. Just ask Martina Sorbara.

“I think it’s ultimately a little bit of a failure to commit to a single sound,” she muses. “Our attraction to so many different kinds of music makes us write songs that go all over the place, and it might even be a bit to our detriment. Maybe it confuses people, but for us it’s about having fun and following wherever a song takes us.”

Sorbara is the lead vocalist in Dragonette, a band from Toronto.

Born from a collaboration between Sorbara and Dan Kurtz, Dragonette has evolved into a staple of the live dance scene — music that blends elements of rock and pop with loops and samples, hallmarks of electro-pop.

But while some have applauded the band for trying new sounds, which invariably results in singles that crackle with energy, Sorbara isn’t sure it’s a great idea.

“I know there are people who work with us, in our peripheries, that subtly or not so subtly are like, ‘maybe you should rein it in a bit,’” she explains. “But I don’t think that’s what we’re good at. We’re not good at committing to one sound and

being like, ‘Okay, here’s our dance can relate to beyond just beats and record.’” synthesizers and pulsing pads.”

And they are richer for it. DragSorbara’s lyrics wander between onette’s sound slides between brash exuberance for living and a high-energy dance pop and gritty deep, nihilistic despair. But while electro, sounds so raw and heavy her songs run the gamut of emothey feel like a kick in the gut. This tion, they are universal enough to approach wouldn’t work for most let listeners paste their own stobands — it’s too ries inside, which fragmented, too “I would hope that people is precisely what unpredictable. are listening to the she wants: B u t S o r b a r a’s content, what’s inside the ‘To me, that’s voice links it all what I like about songs…” together. being in this band -Martina Sorbara — being able to “The bottom line is that there’s one storyteller mix essentially a folky singer-song— my voice and my lyrics are one writer backdrop of lyrics and stories of the constants through it,” she in the more dance-y elements.” says. “You know that it’s all coming And speaking of dancing, Dragfrom the same person. And then onette is a band that should be seen with Dan and Joel [Stouffer], even live. Sorbara, Kurtz and Stouffer if we find ourselves in some other carry their audiences to the edge fantasyland of music, it’s coming of control, that ineffable moment from the same fingertips.” when reason gives way to passion.

This is important because, in They hold them over the edge, many ways, Sorbara and Kurtz work suspended between fantasy and more like staid singer-songwriters reality, their only safety line the than electro-pop dervishes. Their rhythmic pulse of the music. performances are impeccable, of “I think I want them to be maybe course, and Dragonette is dynamic a bit worn out from dancing,” Sorand exciting to watch. But their bara laughs when asked what she songs display a talent absent in so hopes audiences take away from much pop music — a talent that the band’s performances. makes Dragonette appealing to Another thing audiences this so many people. summer will be able to experience “I would hope that people are is a slew of new songs. Sorbara says listening to the content, what’s the band is working on a new reinside the songs, and realize that cord which will echo the themes in there are personal stories,” Sorbara their current single, the fantastically muses, “and hopefully stuff people danceable “Let It Go.”

“There’s a lot of darkness,” she says, “in dance music and in pop music. It’s all about getting crunked up or something, I don’t even know.

I was just thinking a lot about a daytime, sunshine-y, in the meadows version of dance pop music.”

“I’ve had enough of that picture,” she continues.

“I’ve had enough of this dark club scene image that’s being presented everywhere in music. I just felt like this style, this whole genre, can live in different places … taking the dance music out to the meadow

is how I was thinking about it.”

Which is probably why Dragonette is playing a series of open-air festivals this summer — high-energy shows to vast crowds under the blazing summer sun.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Dragonette

Where: Summer Invasion for Wascana

Park

When: July 7 Cost:$59 Weekend; $35 Saturday

The Detroit Cobras Are Rock & Roll All The Way

everyone from Irma Thomas and Art Neville to Leadbelly and Solomon Regina, SK — Rachel Nagy Burke. And they record when they doesn’t have much patience for want to. the radio.

Drawing inspiration from the De“It’s really disgusting,” she says. troit garage rock scene, Nagy and “It’s really discouraging when you her bandmates imbue old songs see this thing, this music, this thing with new life. And though she dethat is so incredible and so power- nies having a mission statement — ful, being co-opted and drained of “that’s not the point!” — Nagy gets any soul. You’ve got generations of excited when people start looking kids growing up that, even with the for the music she loves.

Internet, with all this stuff available, “I love when people do that,” she instead of finding more good stuff says. “When that happens it makes they’re getting fed more garbage.” me so happy because people are And Nagy knows all about soul. digging that stuff up, finding it, In a world saturated with manu- realizing, ‘Oh my God, look what’s factured music and soulless imita- out there, look at all this amazing tions, she and her band, the Detroit sh** I didn’t even know was there.’”

Cobras, are a breath of fresh air.

“To have those people get some Crackling with energy and imbued of the credit that’s due to them is with a healthy dose of F*** You, fantastic,” she continues. “It’s even their songs are fast and loose and better when I have some 16-yearfun. It’s obvious old come up and that Nagy, Mary “Instead of pretending I’m be like, ‘Oh my Ramire z , Jo ey doing something new I’d God, you totally Mazzola, Kenny rather delve backward…” turned me onto Tu d r i c k , a n d Irma Thomas and -Rachel Nagy she’s my favourite Gina Rodriguez are deeply in love with the music now.’ That makes me so happy. they play.

Thank God, one child diverted “That really kind of is the point from Britney Spears and a future for us,” says Nagy about playing of soulless corruption.” balls-to-the-wall rock and roll with Unlike so many of their peers, little concern for convention. “That the Cobras have never comprowas really the point: we were our mised their intention: to have as own jukebox. All that good soul and much fun as possible. And Nagy R & B that you really can’t go see knows the band’s honest approach —you’re really lucky if any of these is appealing. people are still alive and playing.

“Instead of pretending I’m doThat was what we liked, nothing ing something new I’d rather delve too serious behind it.” backward into things that have alMost bands write music and ready been done so incredibly well,” record an album every year or so. she explains. “These songs — a lot The Cobras do neither of these of them never really saw too much things. They play covers, songs by daylight. I’d rather honour that in

ArtsSect &C

Alex J MacPherson

Photo: courtesy of the artist

my own way than make a copy of a copy of a copy and say, ‘Oh, aren’t I clever.’”

And while Nagy’s claims may seem outrageous, she and the rest of the Cobras have the musical credentials to back them up. They have been playing gigs for almost two decades and released four albums and a slew of singles. Which Nagy thinks is astonishing considering that the band’s formation was a happy accident.

“I wasn’t a singer,” she laughs. “I had no experience in a band. But all the music they liked I liked, and I was always hanging around. They had trouble finding someone who was an appropriate singer and they finally got me drunk enough to do it. It continued on from there.”

And while the Detroit Cobras have grown older, their passion for playing has never dimmed. In fact, they’re playing better than they ever have and Nagy is still ready to dispense what she calls Cobra Life Lessons: “If you dance with the pretty girl, you’ll probably get laid.”

If that’s not rock and roll, I don’t know what is.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Event Info

Jordan Cook

Where: Summer Invasion Wascana Park When: July 6 Cost: $59 Weekend Pass, $35 Friday Pass

The Detroit Cobras

Where: The Exchange When: July 8 Cost: $18 @ Ticketedge.ca, advance @ Vintage Vinyl and Madame Yes

Swept Off Our Feet

Where: Regina Performing Arts Centre When: July 10 - 14 Cost: $20-$25 @ RPAC Box Office, 1077 Angus St. Want some coverage for your upcoming event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP!

Five Questions W

This Saskatoon Rocker Talks R Alex J MacPherson Jordan Cook is one of the most exciting guitar player going. His manic playing produces an enormous sound, and while it’s certainly innovative and astonishing, Cook admits that everything he does is derived from the blues. He’s still in love with the same records he wore out as a teenager, records that are about feeling, not thinking. This is reflected in Cook’s latest project, which is both an album and a moniker — Reignwolf. Stemming from two years of relentless touring, Reignwolf highlights Cook’s ability to play guitar and drums at the same time. I caught up with him in Saskatoon to chat about his new identity, playing by feel, and a summer of festival shows.

Alex J MacPherson: Let’s talk a bit about Reignwolf. What’s the new project all about?

Jordan Cook: Reignwolf, it’s just a feeling. I went to Seattle and people started calling me Reignwolf. It was natural, I didn’t plan to have a

name or anything like that. It was a feeling that happened, and now I’m going under it. Honestly, it’s not preconceived at all. But it’s exciting, there’s something so fresh about it. I have been noticing that if anything, it’s causing more hype.

AJM: So is Reignwolf going to lead “Playing drum into another record? same time as It’s been a couple of came honestl years since Seven thing onstage Deadly Sins.

JC: I’m working on another record as we speak, which will be a Reignwolf release.

The thing about Seven Deadly Sins is that I’ve played it with so many different people and it keeps reintroducing itself. It’s one those albums that every time I play it, it still feels fresh, even breaking it down to just me and the kick drum. Those are always going to be the same songs, but different feelings come out of them. I’ve never ever played anything the same way twice. Bands that play with me, it drives them crazy. I just

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, 11 Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Swept Off Our Feet: Exploring Regina’s Cyclone Alex J MacPherson

With Jordan Cook

Photo: courtesy of lavid

Reignwolf And Playing By Feel

won’t play it the way we played it the night before.

AJM: What’s the appeal of playing guitar and drums together, at the same time? Is anyone else doing that?

JC: It seems to be getting hype, and how that kind of came about was from one night ms at the onstage wanting more. It was just me, the guitar ly from that and I was like, I’m going to up this and this e.” is how I’m going to -Jordan Cook do it. It worked out.

Playing drums at the same time as the guitar came honestly from that thing onstage. I never planned to do it, it just happened. And it’s been exciting. I didn’t practice it nor have I. AJM: That reminds me a bit about the blues — feeling and doing, not thinking too much. Can you tell me a bit about your attachment to the blues?

JC: I think I always will lean towards the blues, no matter what, even [when] I move away from anything bluesy. It’s really funny, I

just naturally lean toward the blues no matter what. I could be doing a song that’s completely not blues, but there will be something about it that has that edge to it. But here’s the thing, I don’t ever think that ‘this has got to be more bluesy.’ I just let the idea flow.

AJM: But what you’re playing these days is mostly hard, guitardriven rock. What can people expect to see from you this summer?

JC: I’ve been playing gigs where I usually start it up, and it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger. It’s a growing thing, instead of just hitting everybody with one big bang.

The show is a progression, like I like an album to be. There’s got to be a moment where you breathe for a second so the heavy parts are still heavy. If you don’t ever stop for a second everything ends up being a bunch of racket. It’s kind of like experimenting. I can’t think of any band that doesn’t sound controlled to me right now. Music should be free.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

time,” he says. “Henrietta Crossman was a very famous stage acREGINA, SK — You might remem- tress from New York who was in ber Boris Karloff from his iconic role town, and there was a magician as Frankenstein’s Monster in James called Albini the Great who was in Whale’s Frankenstein, which was a town as part of the Albini-Avolos, an big sensation in eight-act vaude1931. Perhaps you “[I]n addition to Karloff, ville show.” know him as Im- there were actually a Besides offerhotep, a recently- couple people [in town] ing viewers a look resurrected murat show business derous Egyptian who were famous…” in the early 20 th -B.D. Miller priest profiled in century, Swept Off 1932’s The Mummy. But what you Our Feet also examines how the may not have known is that Karl- tornado affected Regina. off (whose real name was William “Regina in 1912, before the Henry Pratt) was in Regina on June tornado, was a really interesting 30, 1912. The same day a tornado place,” Miller says, noting that the flattened most of the city. city was expanding by more than “Not only that,” says B.D. Miller, 10,000 people each year. “And then, who moonlights as an award-win- on June 30th, the afternoon of the ning playwright. “It’s an experience Sunday, it was flattened.” that stayed with him throughout his life. He came back and did an episode of [the CBC’s] Front Page Challenge in 1958. He was the mystery guest associated with that news event.”

Miller recently finished writing Swept Off Our Feet: Boris Karloff and the Regina Cyclone. Blending Karloff’s experiences in Regina with a look at the city in 1912, the play follows events leading up to and immediately following the cyclone.

“I didn’t know about Karloff’s involvement myself,” he says. “The genesis of the project was that [Regina] Summer Stage decided late last year that they wanted to at least investigate doing a project around the Regina Cyclone. I had offered to help them write some historical sketches based on the cyclone, and then they would intersperse some music.”

That plan didn’t last long. Miller soon uncovered a wealth of history, details that cast the project in a new light.

Rather than write a series of sketches, he put Karloff at the centre of a play featuring almost twenty primary characters, all of whom are based on real people.

At the time, he explains, Karloff was not a famous actor. His break — Frankenstein — wouldn’t come for almost two decades. When the tornado hit, he was working with the Jeanne Russell Players, a struggling acting company, and had spent years working various menial jobs across the country. But that’s just the beginning.

“Another thing that fascinated me as I dug deeper into this was that, in addition to Karloff, there were actually a couple people [in town] who were famous at the

Tragedy almost always produces heroes and martyrs, sinners and saints, and the Regina Cyclone created its share of both. But what horrific cataclysms do best is mint stories, immortalizing people who otherwise would have faded into obscurity.

“There are a lot of interesting stories surrounding the cyclone,” Miller explains, “but once I narrowed it down to the Jeanne Russell Players, I started with those eight actors and focused on Karloff as the main character. I gave him a local love interest and made the play his story.”

Karloff’s time here made a deep impression, and even though he became an international star, he never his experiences in Regina.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Food

Page 12

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Dietary laws aren’t something that everyone follows, but for those who do, these restrictions are an exceptionally important way of life. In the Islamic tradition, halal is the term that designates things which are good to eat or drink.

Halal is Arabic for permis■sible; the opposite, haraam, means forbidden

to Jewish kosher, ■halalSimilar includes the way meat is butchered

Due to stricter guidelines, ■anything halal is kosher, but

not everything kosher is halal

Halal guidelines can be ■difficult to adhere to outside of Muslim countries due to the risk of cross contamination taking place in kitchens between halal and haraam dishes

Authentic Eats At Afghan Cuisine

Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Fresh Dishes, Halal-Butchered Meats At Albert Street Eatery Jessica Bickford

Abdullah Hafizi and his family opened Afghan Cuisine in 2007 to

share their family’s history and food with Regina. Their website says, “with the overwhelming negative images of Afghanistan, we had a dream of sharing with Canadians the positive aspects of our beloved homeland.”

I wasn’t too sure what to expect, as I haven’t exactly had much opportunity to eat Afghani food before, but I was in for a pleasant surprise in the cozy Hafizi family restaurant.

They brought us a selection of traditional dishes from their varied menu, which includes a range of vegetarian options.

We started off with some mento, which is kind of like an Afghan perogie filled with spiced ground beef and onions.

The beautiful little dumplings were topped with homemade yoghurt, a bit of tomato, and split chickpea sauce, which added a bit of tang to the savoury dish.

Next was ghabuli (also spelled which offered a fresh and cooling qabuli) with chicken and shamie counterpoint to the kabob. kabob.

Last up was my favourite — a Qabuli pelowe is an Afghan spe- dessert platter! I can’t say that I was ciality that consists of long-grain expecting such delicious homeseela rice cooked with spices, rai- made pastries, but these are well sins and carrots worth a visit all on to give it a sweet “The Afghan walnut their own. flavour.

The Afghan baklava [had] a hint of The shamie rose water that added a walnut baklava kabob was a perwas dense, with fectly grilled lean delicate … sweetness.” a hint of rose wa-Jessica Bickford ter that added a ground beef mixture that was juicy and flavourful, delicate, fragrant sweetness. and the tikka chicken had great The gluten-free walnut cookies colour and a slight char flavour from were light and fluffy, kind of like the open grill. meringue, and the honey pastries Both were tender, tasty and sim- offered light and airy puff pastry ple, but combined into one great with a sweet honey taste — wonderplate of food. ful! Last up were some coconut pasThe special Afghan Cuisine ka- tries that were satisfyingly sweet. bob featured substantial pieces All of their pastries are made of marinated veal, cooked until from scratch, they do catering, deperfectly juicy. livery and make special occasion This was served with saffron cakes too. rice and a cucumber tomato salad, Not only that, but all the meat used by the chefs at Afghan Cuisine is grown in Saskatchewan and halal butchered.

If you like something a little different, Afghan Cuisine is the place to go, and they have a lunch buffet that gives you the opportunity to try a few different dishes if you aren’t sure what would tickle your taste buds the best.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Afghan Cuisine

Address: 832- 870Albert Street Hours: Monday — Saturday 11:30 AM-

9:00 PM

Reservations: 949-0800

Opinion

Page 13

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

We Think Euthanasia Should Be Legalized

Canada Should Allow Individuals To Have Control Over Their Own Death the Editors of Verb

REGINA, SK — Euthanasia: there’s no subtle way to open that can of worms, so instead we’re going to be upfront.

Remember in 1992 when Sue Rodriguez, who was living in Victoria, B.C. while suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS, told national media: “If I cannot give consent to my own death, whose body is this?

Who owns my life?”

We believe that Rodriguez does.

And that’s why we applaud the recent B.C. ruling that invalidates the law banning assisted suicide.

Not only do we applaud it, but we think Canada, as a nation, should

“[W]e applaud the recent B.C. ruling that invalidates the law banning assisted suicide.”

-Verb’s editors go one step farther and legalize euthanasia from coast to coast.

That’s not to say we want people out there assisting others, willy nilly, in finding an easy, painless, happy death.

Rather, let’s adopt a model similar to the one the Netherlands put into place in 2002. Under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are legal — in very specific cases, and under specific circumstances.

Those circumstances are as follows: 1) The patient’s suffering is unbearable with no prospect of improvement.

2) The patient’s request for euthanasia must be voluntary and persist over time (the request cannot be granted when under the influence of others, psychological illness, or drugs).

3) The patient must be fully aware of his/her condition, prospects and options.

4) There must be consultation with at least one other independent doctor who needs to confirm the conditions mentioned above.

5) The death must be carried out in a medically appropriate fashion by the doctor or patient, in which case the doctor must be present.

6) The patient is at least 12 years old (patients between 12 and 16 years of age require the consent of their parents).

Now, admittedly, 12 may be a tad young, so we’ll have to sit down and discuss a different age restriction.

We will also have to take all objections into consideration and find a way to limit any abuse of the system.

To wit: doctors euthanizing patients without explicit consent, patients being pressured into choosing death, or people getting their mandated second opinion from a pro-euthanasia doctor, etc.

And while these are very serious and real problems with, say, the Netherlands’ system, we can do better here in Canada. How? Well, for starters, in addition

to all the other regulations, we could make it illegal for doctors to propose euthanasia or assisted suicide. And how about providing a panel of screened doctors, with no euthanasia affiliation, to give second opinions?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, but it’s an iceberg at which we have to keep chipping. People like Gloria Taylor — the ALS sufferer who inspired B.C. to change their laws — deserves to have her death be as painless as possible. ALS is a desperate motor neuron disease that is characterized by rapidly progressive muscle atrophy and spasticity, difficulty with speaking

and swallowing, and a decline in the ability to breath. And it is ravaging Taylor.

It’s her body, it’s her life, it’s her choice. She’s not hurting anyone

else, so who are we to tell her what she can and can’t do to her body?

It’s her life, after all, not the government’s.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

JunPH 29–Jul PH–PH, 5, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Raunchy Shock-Comedy Ted A Must-See

Seth MacFarlane’s Talents On Full Display In Hilarious Yet Touching Flick Ted

Runtime: 106 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Quick. Think of the 10 funniest movies you’ve ever seen.

They don’t have to be in any particular order or organized by date or anything. Just the first 10 that pop into your head.

Okay. You got ‘em? Good.

Now get ready to bump one of those movies out of your top 10.

Why? Well, because as far as And as funny and irreverent movies go, they don’t get much as those shows are, they all suffer funnier than Ted. from the same thing —the FCC’s, or I mean, how could a film about Federal Communications Commisa teddy bear who hits the bong, sion’s, sanitizing restraints. parties with hookBut here, in his ers, beds pop “[Here], in his first first full-length stars and drops full-length feature, feature, MacFareff-bombs in a MacFarlane is finally lane is finally alBoston accent lowed to let loose. as thick as day- allowed to let loose…”

Finally his genius, -Adam Hawboldt shot-gun style, old chowdah be anything but hilarious? throw-everything-against-the-wall, Oh, and did I mention it was di- pop-cultured sense of humour is rected by Seth MacFarlane. Yes, the allowed to run wild and free. same Seth MacFarlane who created And, boy oh boy, is it a pleasure Family Guy and American Dad and to see.

The Cleveland Show.

Sure, Ted might offend some viewers.

Sure it might be rude, it might be crude, hell, it might even be lewd at times.

But it is also slap-your-knee, piss-your-pants, spew-soda-outof-your-nose funny.

Ted tells the story of John Bennett, a little boy who makes a Christmas wish that his teddy bear would come to life and be his best friend forever.

His wish is granted and, naturally, a stuffed animal brought to life causes a bit of a stir. So much so that Ted becomes a media celebrity who makes an appearance on Johnny Carson.

Fast forward 30 years, the now-grown John (played by the excellent and hilarious Mark Wahlberg) is still hanging out with his furry “Thunder Buddy” (voiced by

Photo: courtesy of Universal Pictures

MacFarlane) — much to the chagrin of John’s long-suffering girlfriend

Lori (Mila Kunis).

Feel free to scoff at the premise all you want.

I mean — for some people — the idea of taking Teddy Ruxpin and turning him into the blondhumping, coke-snorting, pottymouthed companion of a perpetual man-child is simply absurd.

But to heck with those people.

And to heck with the notion that Ted is simply one long bong and fart joke after another. Because it’s not — it’s so much more.

Sure, it is the new gold standard of raucous raunch comedies.

But it’s also a very tender, wellacted, heartwarming story.

Think of it as a film version of that one relative who curses like a sailor, but underneath the crass exterior has a heart of pure, solid gold.

Simply put: Go see Ted. It is, hands down the funniest movie of the year so far. Trust me.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

JunPH 29–Jul PH–PH, 5, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Hysteria A Mostly Charming Period Piece

Photo: courtesy of BIM Distribuzinone

Despite Its Ending, This Funny Film On The Vibrator’s Invention Is Worth Watching Hysteria

Runtime: 95 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Do you think a movie about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England would be: a) Stiff as a British upper lip. b) A high-brow take on low-brow porn. c) A dull documentary. d) None of the above.

If you answered d), you’d be absolutely correct because the invention-of-the-vibrator film in

question is called Hysteria, and trust is sweeping the city, which is basime when I tell you it’s neither stuffy cally just a catch-all diagnosis for nor erotic nor dull (at least not until Victorian ladies who are erotically the end.) No sir, no way, no how. frustrated.

In fact, if nothing else, Hysteria is a In order to remedy this hysteria, charming, clever, physicians give funny little film “Hysteria … deserved a female patients that probably de- lot more attention than it pelvic messages served a lot more has received.” (read: manual attention than it stimulation of -Adam Hawboldt their genitals) has received.

Directed by Tanya Wexler, the until they experienced hysterical movie opens when the words paroxysm (read: orgasm.)

“Based on a true story. Really.” pop One of these physicians is the up on the screen — a cute little indi- handsome and progressive-thinkcation that you probably shouldn’t ing Dr. Mortimer Granville (Hugh take this movie too seriously.

Dancy). Having left his post after arFrom there you’re transported guing in favour of germ theory over to London in the 1880s. A strange the use of leeches, Granville joins epidemic called “female hysteria” the private practice of Dr. Robert

Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce) and finds himself administering pelvic massage after pelvic massage. And sure enough —after pleasuring, oh, about half the city’s women — he develops something akin to Victorian carpal tunnel syndrome.

Which upsets a lot of women in London, but not Dr. Dalrymple’s oldest daughter Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal). See, Charlotte is a buzzkill and a feminist who opposes the concept of the pelvic massage in general. But more on Charlotte in a minute. For now let’s go back to Granville.

With his injured wrist, the good doctor is rendered all but useless.

That is, until his best friend (Rupert Everett), a wealthy and eccentric

inventor, comes to the rescue — by transforming his design for a motorized feather duster into the first electric vibrator. Laughs and screams of “Tallyho!” ensue.

And then, just as the movie is reaching its climax, a terrible thing happens.

Buzzkill Charlotte takes centre stage at a trial, gives a speech and sucks all the fun out of the movie.

Damn you, Charlotte!

Still, even with the terribly boring ending, Hysteria is a pretty good movie. It’s kind of like My Fair Lady with mature content, or Pride and Prejudice with masturbation.

Hysteria is currently being screened at Roxy Theatre.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Texts

Page 16

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: Sask! Connected

Last week we asked what you thought about our city’s free Internet service, Saskatchewan! Connected - here’s what you had to say. Enjoy!

Next week’s topic: see page 13

— what do you think about legalizing euthanasia? 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 As a downtown resident I fullheartedly agree. Saskatchewan!

Connected doesn’t reliably work,

because of this I’m forced to purchase internet individually, even though I live in the very place it is designed to be effective in.

I think it should be scrapped. Everytime i hearth name i just envision all people within range of downtown connected at once. Never reliable might as well connect to the good ol dial up modem which is probably faster!

There are plenty of other wifi hotspots available downtown (mcdonalds,starbucks,. etc.)You might have to walk a block but who cares! R.I.P. sask connected Saskatchewan!

Connected needs to be scrapped. It’s a Huge waste of tax payers $$$. Why should I (we all) pay because someone “needs” to Facebook at Starbucks and is too cheap to buy or use they’re own data plan.

WI FI down town would be GREAT I don’t agree with scrapping sask connected. It’s not intended to replace personal wifi, but merely provide basic services. Sure, perhaps logging on to it isn’t the easiest, and that can certainly be improved upon, but getting rid of it altogether seems like a step in the wrong direction.

Sask conected sucks!

It never lets me log on and is such a waste of cash that we’re all paying for. Get rid of it or improve it, but

leaving it as is is an embarsment.

We shouldn’t get rid of the free wifi in downtown we should make it better. It hsa the potential to be totally useful! Sure, having people log on and use it vs buying their own data or whatever doesn’t make sence but we shouldn’t focus on the negative as much as the potential positive.

Let’s fix this and make it better, not just throw it out because part of it doesn’t work.

FU Sask connect I hate this so much such a waste of cash and a good idea but really needs to get finessed.

Sucks so hard right now Iknow everyone complains about free wifi downtown but I really haven’t had any probs with it. I don’t do too much mind, usually just check email quick and yeah sometimes its hard to log on but mostly its been ok. Know that s not how it is for everyone though.

Suck it sask connect ur crappy n u no it Anyone who defends Saskatchewan! connected is not using it on a Regular basis. It’s not that I expect to be able to do everything using free wifi rather than paying for my own internet, but I can’t even log on to the f****** thing. This needs to get sorted and now. It’s such a piece of crap and works maybe 5 percent of the time.

Free wifi downtown

Texts sounds great why get rid of it why not just fix it

FU Sask connected u work NEVER I HATE U

Off Topic Re: “Put Warning Labels On All Things ‘Bad,’” Opinion page, June 15th issue

Making warning labels on smokes won’t make people quit I say up the price of smokes to like $20/pack!

Re: “Abraham Lincoln Takes Itself Too Seriously,” Movies page, June 22nd issue

Re: Abe Lincoln review…in haven’t seen the movie yet, not have I read the book, but I don’t understand why you were expecting camp/ farce. If the tone of the book was funny I could understand but you didn’t mention that it had such a tone.

If it’s simply the idea of Lincoln fighting vampires, well, a good parallel would be Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The TV series had some amount of humour but was a serious show. If you have a preconceived notion of what the tone of a movie >should< be but have no basis for that outside of your own leaning, then the movie didn’t “fail” …you just have a different take on the material.

It was one year ago on june 21 since my dad past away, i miss him alot, and it has been a month one the 24 since my mom past away and I miss her a log, I miss both my parents!

We are a druggie society. There’s no denying it. Nobody gets to point a finger.

I can’t help wondering how different would

Page 17

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

a “clean” society would be? It was spooky waking up to the caffeine thing.

Realizing nearly everyone including self is addicted to a drug that significantly alters mind and body is scary! If you don’t think caffiene as potent n addictive as heroin or cocaine try quitting for a year (bet your junkie ass can’t) then have a cup of Tim Ho’s. Weeeee!

after so many years of pessimism!

Tornados outside moose Jaw. Be careful!

christians being amazings a load of crap

Holy Sh*t I just saw a funnel cloud start to drop east of the city I have ZERO idea of what Im supposed to do if a tornado actually comes my way. Get in a basement I suppose but I live on the 3rd floor. HELP lol

I started smoking when I was 8 yrs old I’m now 30 and I quit smoking in March I feel much healthier and have more energy. If I can quit you can quit.

Laugh often kiss slowly forgive quickly.

Aw shucks ! I will try again next issue. Have a great weekend enjoy the sunshine and keep smiling ! DAVE..

How do I make friends with people when it seems nobody wants to befriend me?

The RCMP are falling apart. Symptomatic of flaws in all North American cop culture.

The cops are wrong have an inappropriate mentality for modern society!

Ha ha Riders lost again. All the puffed up false ego in Sask puts way too much pressure on the team.

It messes with the team’s game head.

Hahahaha......

Just saw a cop cruise thru a yellow light looking at his phone on 2nd and 22nd wish he hit someone on the other side id say yeah he was on his phone

The constant press on unemployment stats is meaningless to individuals. You either have a job or don’t.

The stats serve the interests of bankers and politicos!

your busdriver is not your source of entertainment..your emotional punching bag..or your therapist. just let us drive without distraction!

Each day that you spend angry at someone is a wasted day. It is a day out of your life that you can never get back.

Smoking is digusting!

Its an outside chance but everyone should have a tornado plan for their home this summer. The big danger is high speed debris. Pick a shelter from such.

I think I’ve been feeling optimistic lately???

More likely its just the way indifference feels

so... all my life ive been told by health officials that HIV is not transmitted by salivia and now u can be tested my a mouth swab!?!?!? wtf Theres some intense weather out there guys be careful.

TRee across from my apartment just split and crashed down and then the wind is whipping it all around.

Nonstop sirens lights out traffic backed up all over the place construction rerouting people driving takes so much longer mugginess generates crazy storms and rolling blackouts Yup summers here guys hah >< Some cute little kid behind me at Brave turned to (who I assume was her mom) and said I wish she was my sister instead of Andrea. Lol, poor andrea - it’s so hard to live up to the Disney princess ideal ;) Congrats J + L on the new addition you guys are going to be amazing parents:) xo A lot more of us out biking now that the weather’s warmer keep an eye out both drivers and bikers we need to work together to keep the roads safe for everyone. Happy commuting. however you get where ur going!

Me so hungy! Pizza pizza in ma belly!

Way to rock Pride everyone it was an amazing and continues to be an amazing and overwhelming amount of support for the LGBTQ and more that

live in our community.

I’m so proud of those of you who came out to show your support, you make this city amazing lol amazing Sometimes yes also means no think about it next time ur hittin on someone whose had 2 much 2 drnk Im trying to get through to you my dear dear dear, why can’t you hear what I’m saying?

Loooong weekend ahead whatre u all doin? Beach? Lake?

Working - happy canada DAY! Happy birthday Mary!

Girls weekend coming up campin and drinkin Faye Hot summer tunes I need ‘em what you got you guys? Txt me!

You guys need a relationship advice column I could really use some help The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.

Nightlife

Page 18

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Saturday @ Earls Venue

Earls on Saturday, June 23rd

Location

1875 Victoria Avenue East

Playing on Arrival

LMFAO’s “I’m Sexy and I Know It”

Music Vibe

Lounge and top 40

Popular Drinks

Mojitos and blended margaritas

Food of Choice

The Bronx Burger — topped with beer-battered onion rings, roasted garlic aioli, red pepper relish, aged white cheddar and greens

Wing Notes

Wednesdays from 3pm ‘til close, with hot the most popular of the available flavours

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

2 9 7 1 4 3 6 5 8

5 6 1 9 8 2 7 4 3

If, later this week, you get the feeling that you simply cannot do something, stop for a moment. Breathe deep. And remember what 16-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps said: “You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.” So instead of feeling limited this week, dare to dream big. And what’s more, instead of admitting defeat, start laying the foundational plans that will help you track down and capture that dream.

8 3 4 5 6 7 1 9 2

Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

Sometimes no matter what you do or how hard you try, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. And sorry to say, dear Virgo, but there may be a few metaphorical knuckleballs coming your way in the next few days. But try not to worry too much — even if you swing and miss, it’s no reason to give up. When the going gets tough, Virgos get tougher. So if you experience bumpy patches over the next couple days, just dig in and keep swinging. Eventually you’ll succeed.

7 4 3 6 5 1 2 8 9

Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

A lot of times, dear Aquarius, we get wrapped up in what other people are doing. Not this week, though. Instead of giving a hoot about others in the days ahead, keep in mind what Olympic skier A.J. Kitt once said: “You have no control over what the other guy does. You only have control over what you do.” Good advice, dear Aquarius, so try for the next little bit to focus on you. Concentrate on making yourself better and achieving what you want.

1 2 8 4 3 9 5 6 7

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

Here’s a little ditty to keep in mind this week: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” Future basketball Hall of Famer Tim Duncan said that, dear Leo. And it’s something to think seriously about in the upcoming days. Sure, you’re the centre of attention, but that doesn’t mean you’re perfect. Everybody needs improvement, so why not take some time out this week and work on yourself? Push yourself to be a better person.

6 5 9 2 7 8 3 1 4

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

Sometimes it’s skill that wins the day, other times it’s smarts. But this week, dear Capricorn, it’s neither. This week, it’s what you have inside that counts. Former college football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant believed “there’s no substitute for guts.”

And he was right — especially when it comes to how you behave over the next couple days. Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. Sometimes it’s best just to put your head down, banish all thought, and run at what you want.

4 8 2 7 1 5 9 3 6

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

Satchel Paige was one of the greatest baseball pitchers of all time. He was also a pretty wise cat. Case in point: Paige once advised, “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.” Keep that in mind this week, dear Cancer. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in the past; instead, keep looking to the future and chasing your dreams. Far too often, we allow the past to weigh us down like a bag of bricks. But the things is, sometimes all you have to do is put that bag down.

1

9 1 6 3 2 4 8 7 5

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

Very few athletes in the history of sports are as quotable as Muhammad Ali. And one of the Hall of Fame boxer’s more honest quotes runs something like: “It’s the lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself.” Remember that, dear Sagittarius, in the days and weeks to come. Should you find your confidence waning or your doubts growing, have faith. Anything you set your mind to, you can achieve, Sagittarius.

3 7 5 8 9 6 4 2 1

Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

Fact: Michael Jordan missed more than 9,000 shots in his career and lost more than 300 games. Fact: Michael Jordan missed a couple of dozen gamewinning shots in his career. Fact: Michaeal Jordan never gave up, even though he stumbled from time to time. And in his own words, “that’s why I succeed.” You should strive to be like MJ this week, dear Gemini. If you get something wrong or experience failure, don’t let it bother you.

Brush it off and keep trying.

6 4

2 6 8 4 5 7 1 9 3

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

8

1 5 3 8 2 9 6 4 7

“If you don’t do what’s best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end.” Basketball legend Julius Erving said that, dear Scorpio. Your body is, after all, a temple. So why not start treating it accordingly? There are myriad of ways you can try to improve, and I’m not talking strictly physical betterment.

Never forget that your mental well-being and emotional well-being are just as important. It’s all about balance, so get on it. You’ll be glad that you did.

9 4 7 6 1 3 8 2 5

Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

3 7

4 2 5 3 9 8 7 1 6

Have you been feeling criticized lately, Taurus? Does it seem that certain people are unjustifiably holding you under the microscope, nit picking your faults? If so, remember what the great college basketball coach Bobby Knight once said: “When my time on Earth is gone, and my activities here are past, I want them to bury me upside down, and my critics can kiss my ass.” That should be your motto this week: by not giving a damn, you will find peace and happiness.

Remember Wayne Gretzky, Libra?

Sure you do. The guy is, after all, somewhat of a national treasure. He was also a fairly deep dude, once saying: “Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases, and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” Do you want to be happy, Libra? Do you want to be successful? So stop putting things off until tomorrow and start chasing your dreams today. Small or big, silly or rational, all of your goals are important.

6 7 1 2 4 5 3 8 9

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

3 8 9 1 7 6 4 5 2

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once quipped that, “Leader’s aren’t born, they are made.” So if you want people to follow your lead, dear Aries, it’s time to start putting in the work. In everything you do, push yourself harder and harder. And when you feel as though you’re going to give up, push yourself some more. It doesn’t sound like much fun, I know, but how else are you going to stop being a follower and become a leader?

7 1 4 9 3 2 5 6 8

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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

8 3 2 5 6 4 9 7 1

Horoscopes

Jun 29–Jul 5, ‘12 VerbNews.com 5 9 6 7 8 1 2 3 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 7 3 8 6 9 1 8 3 1 4 9 5 7 5 4

4 9

2 5 6

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

Section

Page PH

PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com