Verb Issue R40 (Aug 10-16, 2012)

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Aug 10–16, 2012 • Pass it on

Verb Guttermouth

Anything Goes With These Punk Rockers P9

Resource Revenues Decline

Symphony Under The Sky

Ukrainian Fall Fest

The Campaign

Gov’t Says Budget Will Balance P2 Dance, Food, Music And More! P6

RSO Kicks Off Season P10

Comedy A Satirical Success P14 Photo: courtesy of the artist

Section Local Page 2

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

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SK Predicts Decline In Resource Revenue Gov’t States Budget Will Still Balance, Experts Believe Situation Will Get Worse Alex J MacPherson

and a $92.2 million decrease in revenue from the sale of crown land.

Regina, SK — Despite declin- Government officials, however, are ing resource revenues, the pro- still predicting a balanced budget. vincial government is confident “I think it’s actually quite typical,” that it can balance the budget Brian Miller, public relations managthis year. er at the Ministry E s t i m a t e s “In the long run … this of Finance, says made at budget is a major concern with of the projection. time are higher a commodity-based “Particularly with than the most an economy that recent forecasts, economy.” does depend to -Doug Elliott some extent on the government’s first quarter financial report states. resource revenue, I think it’s pretty Revenue from non-renewable re- typical. We’re still the only province sources will be $245.8 million less in Canada on track to record a balthan expected. This includes a anced budget this year. I think that’s $159.0 million drop in oil revenue tremendous news, really.”

The decrease will be partially offset by increases in tax revenue ($96.2 million), SLGA income ($19.4 million), and federal transfers ($17.0 million), bringing the total projected decline in revenue to $113.2 million — about one percent of the total revenue stream.

The imbalance will be further offset by a $55 million decrease in spending, to be achieved “through efficiencies and expense management within ministries,” the government states.

“I think this falls within the parameters of what can be managed,” Miller continues, adding that the Ministry of Finance monitors resource price fluctuations and volatility. “I think … people in Saskatchewan … should remain optimistic based on this.”

Miller also notes that the fiscal year is only three months old: “There’s another nine months for it to go the other way, as well,” he explains.

The official opposition is not impressed. Trent Wotherspoon, NDP finance critic, deemed the report “unacceptable.” He says the government should abandon its current accounting method, which focuses on the general revenue fund (GRF), in favour of a “summary perspective, which provides the whole picture.”

“It’s past time Saskatchewan people receive proper accounting from their government,” he declares. “[The GRF model] doesn’t show the whole picture.”

Wotherspoon also criticized the $55 million reduction in spending.

Photo: courtesy of Photo: courtesy of Jimmy Emerson

Describing the response as a “kneejerk,” Wotherspoon questioned why the government allowed itself to be put in the position of having to make more cuts.

“These are pretty good economic times for Saskatchewan, and I think it concerns Saskatchewan people … that their government continued to fail to meet the demands of putting forward a proper, balanced budget,” he says.

Doug Elliott, who publishes Sask Trends Monitor, does not expect the decline in oil prices to stop anytime soon.

“My first impression was that this is not a surprise,” he says of

the report.

“I think this is going to get worse.

The price of oil is continuing to decline.”

Noting the delay between economic changes and shifts in behaviour, and pointing to global economic uncertainty, Elliott says the critical period will be the next six to 18 months.

“In the long run? Yes, this is a major concern with a commoditybased economy,” he states.

“These things go up and down.

You have to prepare in the good time for when they go down, to have money for the bad times.”

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Section Local Page 3

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Page PH

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Issued Building Permits Drop In Province

Photo: courtesy of Jordon Cooper

Construction Still Going Strong, Though Some Suggest Boom Can’t Go On Alex J MacPherson

regina, SK — Despite a slump in the value of building permits issued this spring, the provincial government remains confident in Saskatchewan’s economy.

In June, the most recent month for which data is available, building permits totalled $308.1 million, a significant increase from the $227.1 million posted in June 2011, Statistics Canada reports. On the other hand, the current figure represents a 20.1 percent drop from the $385.7 million issued in May of this year.

“This really is a positive sign for the province,” says Denise Haas, acting associate deputy minister, Ministry of the Economy. “Number

one, it’s creating a whole bunch of have just come up to normal,” she high-paying jobs in the construc- explains. “You have to keep in mind tion industry. Number two, because that May was also a record-setting there are these new buildings being month. That’s the highest May built, obviously there’s economic that’s ever been on record.” growth happening here. It’s an inBetween May and June nondication of a real residential perstrong economy.” “[It will] either crash or mits tumbled by A l t h o u g h else, preferably, level 44 percent, from building permits off…” $221.8 million to are issued by mu$124.7 million.

-Doug Elliott Residential pernicipalities, they are widely used as a measure of mits, on the other hand, rose by economic vitality. Haas says she 12 percent, to $183.4 million. In is not concerned about the drop both cases the 2012 figures were in value between May, pointing significantly higher than the corinstead to significant year-over- responding data from 2011. year growth.

Michael Fougere, president of “It’s not like we were in a reces- the Saskatchewan Construction Assion last year and these numbers sociation, states the drop between

May and June was “a bit of a blip,” something that can be caused by big projects elevating the numbers for a single month.

He thinks the year-over-year analysis offers a clearer picture of the state of construction in Saskatchewan.

“Construction is vibrant, lively, and we’re very busy across the province,” he says, “[but] we do have these peaks and valleys that happen, and this is what we’re seeing here.”

Although Fougere notes that issues like housing and high demand for skilled tradespeople could cause problems in the future, he is confident that growth will continue: “I think the province in general

terms is positioned well, because the world needs a lot of things that we have here,” he says.

Doug Elliott, publisher of Sask Trends Monitor, has a contrary view.

Elliott is beginning to worry, especially when the data are adjusted to avoid seasonal fluctuation.

“These numbers are a little too high to make me comfortable,” he says, suggesting that massive growth in the residential market might equate to “building a bubble.”

“We cannot go on at this rate indefinitely,” he said.

“We can’t even go on for another two years, I’d suggest. [It will] either crash or else, preferably, level off at a nice, sustainable level.”

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Section Global

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Aug 10–16, PH‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Wine Helps Keep Bones Strong adam hawboldt eugene, or — Female wine lovers, rejoice!

Not only is your favourite alcoholic beverage good for your heart in small doses, not only does it delay the aging process and help prevent a host of diseases, but now it turns out that red wine in moderation may also help protect you from thinning bones — especially if you’re an older woman.

A new study out of the University of Oregon says that for women in their 50s and 60s, one to two glasses a day can prevent bone deterioration and osteoporosis.

That’s because moderate alcohol consumptions influences bone turnover. See, our bodies are constantly in the process of remaking bone: bits of bone dissolve and new bones are formed.

During menopause, this rate of dissolving increases, but by drinking one to two glasses of vino a day, you can help slow down the bone turnover rate. Sorry fellas, this only pertains for women.

And while this is good news for

Lying Bad For Your Health

Telling The Truth Leads To Less Physical Issues Adam Hawboldt

female baby boomers, experts caution that those who indulge in daily wine consumption not take it too far. Just because two glasses may be beneficial, three or four a day won’t help your bones any more, and could lead to negative, longterm health issues.

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st. Joseph county, in — Irish playwright Oscar Wilde once quipped that “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

And while that may be true, what he forgot to add is that sometimes the truth is healthy — especially when you’re tempted to lie.

According to a recent “Science of Honesty” study, being truthful when you feel the urge to lie improves both your physical and mental health.

“Recent evidence indicates that Americans average about 11 lies per week. We wanted to find out if living more honestly can actu-

“[Reducing lies] was associated with … improved health.”

-Anita E. Kelly ally cause better health,” says lead author Anita E. Kelly, professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame.

“We found that the participants could purposefully and dramatically reduce their everyday lies, and that in turn was associated with significantly improved health.”

The honesty experiment was conducted over the course of 10 weeks, using a sample of 110 volunteers ranging in age from 18-71 years old. Half of the volunteers were told to stop telling lies for the entire 10-week period. The other half was a control group that received no instructions.

Compared to the control group, the no-lie group told significantly fewer lies over the 10-week period, and reported fewer mental health complaints (like stress and melancholy), along with less physical complains (such as headaches).

What’s more, participants who told fewer lies also reported improved personal relations.

“Statistical analyses showed that this improvement in relationships significantly accounted for the improvement in health that was associated with less lying,” says

Lijuan Wang, who is a statistician and co-author of the story.

Global At A Glance brand new bird — A new species of

bird has been discovered in the high cloud forest of Peru. Named the Sira barbet (or Capito Fitzpatrick), the bird has rich scarlet markings, and its habitat

appears to be limited to a forest on the east Andes. The discovery was made by a team of four young ornithologists, who have just published their finding.

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At the end of 10 weeks, the nolie group talked about their efforts to keep from lying. Some said they could easily tell the truth instead of exaggerating, others said they simply stopped making false excuses.

Others still said they avoided hard questions and situations that might induce them to lie.

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Section Global

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Aug 10–16, PH‘12 PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Car Exhaust Affects Rhythm Of Heart: Study Adam Hawboldt

Playfulness Cute Trait Appeals To Potential Mates Adam Hawboldt

“Just as birds display bright plumage or colouration, men state college, Pa — On a may attract women by showing scale of one to ten, rate your off expensive cars or clothing. In sense of humour. the same vein, playfulness in a male Finished? Okay. Now, on the may signal to females that he is same scale, rate how playful you non-aggressive and less likely to are. harm them or their offspring.

If you find yourself scoring toA woman’s playfulness, on the wards the high end of both these other hand, may signal her youth scales you’re in luck. Turns out play- and fertility.” ful, funny people are more attracA previous study about what tive and have a better chance of people find desirable in long-term finding a partner, partners didn’t inaccording to a “A woman’s playfulness … clude the “sense new study. may signal her youth and of humour,” “fun A group of fertility.” loving” and “playAmerican acaful” character-Adam Hawboldt istics. This time demics surveyed 250 undergraduate university around, however, when they were students and found that both included in the survey, they were sexes rank “fun loving,” “sense of ranked the second, third and fourth humour” and “playful” as some of most desirable traits that women the most important qualities they’re look for. looking for in a long-term partner.

Number one was “kindness and After examining these results, understanding.” researchers feel these preferences As for men, they ranked “sense may help explain why humans con- of humour” at the top of their list. tinue to play throughout their lives, “Fun loving” was third and “playful” while other animals tend to stop was fifth. “Physical attractiveness” when they reach maturity. in the number nine position.

“Humans and other animals ex“Our results suggest that adult hibit a variety of signals as to their playfulness may result from sexual value as mates,” says professor Gary selection and signal positive qualiChick, lead author and head of the ties to potential long-term mates,” Department of Recreation, Park and says Chick.

Tourism Management at Penn State.

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Global At A Glance Search term power — Internet search terms can be used as economic indicators. According to Google, “washing machine” and “refrigerator” were searched 72 percent more than they were during the recession four years

ago, whereas “used cars” was down approximately 60 percent. While this provides food for thought, how to interpret the data, however, has yet to be determined. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

leeds, england — High blood pressure. Increased risk of sciatica.

More headaches and mood swings.

Those are just a few ways traffic can affect your health.

And now you can now add a disrupted heart rhythm to that list of ills.

Researchers in Leeds, England, have recently discovered that even low levels of carbon monoxide common to heavy traffic may affect the way your heart resets itself after every beat.

This happens because carbon monoxide keeps sodium channels — which helps control your heartbeat — open longer. By disrupting these channels, the gas also disrupts the heart’s rhythm, which can lead to things like cardiac arrhythmia.

But don’t be too worried by this.

Turns out the Leeds research team, working in conjunction with researchers from France, have

found a common angina drug that may reverse these effects; the drug is now being tested on rats.

“It was very exciting for us. When we monitored rats exposed to levels of carbon monoxide similar to heavy pollution, they had the same heart problems and we could reverse them,” professor Chris Peers, of the University of Leeds, tells the

BBC. “At the moment no one knows how to treat this. We’re saying look there’s a drug on the shelf that might be able to help. Of course it needs clinical trials, but we believe it is a great start.”

The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

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Feature

Page 6

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Celebrate At Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest

Dance, Music, Food, Vendors And More At Annual Queen City Cultural Event verb staff

regina, SK — It’s no secret the roots of Ukrainian culture runs deep here in this province.

No surprise at all, especially when you consider the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Saskatchewan in the late 19 th century.

Most came because of the Canadian government’s province of free land — homesteads of 160 acres, to be exact.

So across the ocean they came.

They settled. And they helped build this province in its earliest days.

In 1923, once the government

modified the Immigration Act, And today, well, there are more there was a second wave of Ukrai- than 25,000 people of Ukrainian nian immigration. descent who call Regina home.

And like those who came before, So it only makes sense that once most newcomers a year they hold lived in block set- “On the music side of a festival to celetlements on the things, you have Zhyto brate their culture countryside. and heritage and — a high-energy zabava Then, in the history.

19 4 0 s , t h i n gs band from Calgary.”

And this year -Verb Staff the event — Restarted to change.

Instead of living in rural areas, gina’s Ukrainian Fall Festival — will the Ukrainian population began to take place on August 25th in the move into urban centres in greater Victoria Park area in downtown numbers.

Regina.

In 1921, there were 179 residents And what a festival it is. of Ukrainian origins living in Regina.

On the music side of things, By 1941 there were 1,619. you have Zhyto — a high-energy zabava band from Calgary. In case you were wondering, zabava is the Ukrainian term for party, and boy does this quartet know how to bring it.

Blending pop, rock, dance and classical genres into Ukrainian folk music, this band’s sound is unique and catchy.

Singer/songwriter/dancer Maryka Chabluk will also be on hand. Not only will she be one of this year’s festival emcees, but Chabluk will be putting on a Ukrainian song and dance show that she’s perfected while touring places like Italy, Japan and Australia.

And while music and dance play a big role in the celebrations, they’re not the only reasons to attend the festival.

With cultural displays, demonstrations, a vendor village (which

Photo: courtesy of the Regina Ukrainian Fall Festival

offers a collection of traditional and contemporary items) and loads of

children’s activities, the 2012 Regina Ukrainian Fall Fest has a little something for everyone.

And let’s not forget the grub and libations.

This year the festival will have a larger licensed area that will encompass the entertainment, concession, beer, kiosk and food areas.

As for the food, what’s a Ukrainian festival without pliatsky (fried bread), nalysnyky (crepes with fruit filling) or shyshlyky (kebob)? It’ll all be available again this year.

Speaking of good eats, as part of the festival the “A Taste of Ukraine” Fundraising Gala will provide guests a four-course, gourmet meal inspired by Red Seal Chef Tina Zelinski. Tickets for the Gala are $75 each (call the UCC office at 757-8835).

That includes the dance to follow, which will feature Regina’s newest Ukrainian dance band, The Gypsies.

For more information about the festival, go to www.uccruff.ca.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Offbeat

Page 7

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Anti-Drug Park Bench Folds Up At End Of Day Adam Hawboldt

Brooklyn, NY — Sebert Harper is a problem solver.

Back in the 1990s, the Brooklyn horticulturalist was working at the local Drew Gardens, which were extremely drug-filled.

Sexy Stop Sign

Gran Uses Doll To Slow Traffic adam Hawboldt

near the crosswalk. The sex doll was dressed in skimpy red lace linbeijing, china — Don’t you gerie which is supposed to be racy just hate when drivers speed enough to distract the drivers on through crosswalks without even bikes, who slow down to take a look looking? at the beautiful seductress at the Now pretend for a moment that corner — only to realize the woman crosswalk was is inflatable. near your house. “[D]rivers … slow down And while it What would you to take a look at the is up for debate do? whether distractbeautiful seductress…”

Call the cops? ing male drivers -Adam Hawboldt with sex dolls is a Put up your own makeshift stop or yield sign? safe option, the gimmick has apWell, one unidentified elderly parently worked. woman in China had a different, Reports in Car News China claims more creative, and slightly risque that traffic in the granny’s neighsolution. bourhood has slowed down.

Fed up with vehicles zooming Which goes to show you that past her home, and with local police not only does sex sell, it also helps unwilling to do anything about the prevent motorists from speeding problem, the old lady said to hell through your neighbourhood. with it and tied a sex doll to a tree Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

App Turns Revolving House On adam hawboldt

north rustico, Pei — You have to see Stephanie and Steve Arnold’s summer house to believe it.

Located in North Rustico, Prince Edward Island, the two-story cottage is something of a rarity in the area — or any area for that matter.

That’s because the couple are building a house that rotates.

The house is divided into two platforms, and each platform can rotate 360° around a bearing in the

middle of the floor.

Not only that, but the Arnolds have a smartphone app that turns the power on and makes their residence spin.

Not only will their rotating house give them a 360-degree view of the ocean, it will also have sunshine all day long.

The expected cost of the house when it is fully finished is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1 million .

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Offbeat At A Glance biggest beer year — The world’s production of beer hit a new high last year.

According to a new report, 192.71 million kilolitres (that’s 50.9 million gallons for you imperial folk) were produced

in 2011 — that’s 3.7 percent more than 2010. China was the largest producer for the tenth consecutive year, accounting for about 25 percent of total production. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

“They said you couldn’t even put a bench [in the Gardens] because of all the needles,” Harper tells the New York Post.

So Harper invented a foldable park bench of steel and wood. They are secured with a chain and a lock when in the upright position. To

sit, the bench has to be unlocked, lowered and bolted into position.

Thus, during the day the benches would be unlocked, then locked up at night so that unsavoury characters couldn’t use them under the cloak of darkness.

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Music

Page 8

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Whiteboy Slim — A bluesman from Moose Jaw, Whiteboy Slim blends traditional blues music with current sounds for a genuinely modern music. 8pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10.

Something You Whisper — With huge choruses and catchy hooks, this five-piece alt-rock band from Ontario puts on one helluva show. 8pm, The Club.

Tickets TBD.

(Next Week) OH VILLAGE @ CREATIVE CITY CENTRE — Since forming in 2009,

this quartet from British Columbia has been steadily gaining momentum. In fact, they’ve just released their first full-length studio album, Far Side of the Sea. The album, which mixes guitar, bass and drums with cello and trumpet,

Friday 10

None Shall Sleep Tonight — One thing about this local fivepiece: their music is hard to pigeonhole. Drawing from hip hop, folk, metal, techno, you name it, this band has a sound you won’t forget. 6pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD. DJ Pat & DJ Kim — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor. 9pm, Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club. $5 at the door.

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

Slow Motion Walter — Saskatchewan’s “Official Rock & Roll Party Patrol Machine” is looking to start the new year with a riproarin’ good time. Playing hits from the ‘80s as well as a liberal dose of music from today’s Top 40, SMW puts on a show that has a little something for everyone.

10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

Catie St. Germain — After an impressive debut performance in March, this talented singer/ songwriter from Winnipeg is back for an encore. She’ll be playing a wide array of country/rock covers along with a smattering of original tunes. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing.

Photo: courtesy of afoto.ca

offers a fantastic sound that’s a blend of folk, rock and alt-music. This young quartet has recently embarked on their first cross-Canada tour. They’ll be in Regina at the Creative City Centre on August 17th; tickets are $10 at the door.

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

10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Dangerous Cheese — This party band promises an all-out cheesy 80‘s-wedding-singerlike experience. You’ll be sure to dance the night away. 10pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance before 6pm.

Saturday 11

Yanni — Born Yiannis Hryssomallis in Kalamata, Greece, Yanni is a self-taught pianist, keyboardist and composer whose savvy contemporary/classical/ new age sound has earned him fame, awards and critical acclaim.

8pm, Conexus Arts Centre . Tickets $55.50-$75.50, available at http:// www.admission.com/event/YANNI-tickets/YAN0811 Lunacy — Come check out this local progressive metal band.

Also on the bill will be Electric Mother. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD. DJ Noor — Born in Kuwait and exposed to the international club scene at a young age, this talented DJ knows how to rock a crowd. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge.

Cover $5.

Slow Motion Walter — Saskatchewan’s “Official Rock & Roll Party Patrol Machine” is looking to start the new year with a riproarin’ good time. Playing hits from the ‘80s as well as a liberal dose of music from today’s Top 40, SMW puts on a show that has a little something for everyone.

10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.

(Next Week) GLENN SUTTER @ CREATIVE CITY CENTRE — A fiery folk-rock-

er from right here in Regina, Sutter is a singer/songwriter with a conscience.

His songs often deal with the trials and tribulations of humankind, and it’s serving him well. In 2010, Sutter found himself in the spotlight when his

Catie St. Germain — After an impressive debut performance in March, this talented singer/ songwriter from Winnipeg is back for an encore. She’ll be playing a wide array of country/rock covers along with a smattering of original tunes. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. Drewski — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night. Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.

Dangerous Cheese — This party band promises an all-out cheesy 80‘s-wedding-singerlike experience. You’ll be sure to dance the night away. 10pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance before 6pm.

DJ Longhorn — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover TBD.

Photo: courtesy of Bocados

song “Weight of the World” was chosen as the Saskatchewan song on David Suzuki’s “Playlist for the Planet.” Since then, Sutter has kept on making music that resonates. Sutter will be playing the Creative City Centre on August 18th; tickets are $10. -Adam Hawboldt.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

McNally’s Tavern. No cover.

Wednesday 15

Kelly and the Kellygirls — Fusing ska, swing, mariachi, reggae and flamenco, this band from Toronto puts on a show you won’t forget. They’re currently on their Butch/Femme Club Tour 2012. 8pm, The Artesian on 13.

Tickets $12 at the door or $10 in advance at Mysteria Gallery or online at http://www.picatic. com/kellygirls Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Gunner & Smith with the Young Benjamins, two upand-coming Saskatoon acts playing alt-folk rock. 9pm, Bushwakker Brewpub. No cover.

Down by Law, Atom Age, Cricket — With three excellent bands of this calibre, how can you pass on a show like this? 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD. PS Fresh — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon. They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge.

No cover.

Mejia w/Braindead Romeo — Come out, support a local band and hear some good music. What better way to spend a Thursday night? 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5.

Foxx Worthee — Together Crystal Smith and Nicole Perkins infuse some sass and spunk into the local country scene. Come see what they’re all about. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. DJ Longhorn — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover TBD.

Thursday 16

Want your show listed?

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(COMING UP) METRIC @ BRANDT CENTRE — Metric may have been formed

Polaris Music Prize and legions of adoring fans, and earlier this summer they released their fifth album, Synthetica.

They’ll be touring the record, bringing it to the Brandt Centre on November 16th. Tickets $42.50–58.50 (ticktmaster. ca) -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Monday 13

Monday Night Jazz & Blues — Featuring the Matt Taylor Jazz Group, this talented jazz artist returns home for a show. 9pm, Bushwakker Brewpub. No cover.

Tuesday 14

Troubadour Tuesdays — Come check out some live tunes from local talents every week.

9:30pm, Bocados. No cover Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm,

in Toronto, but over the years Emily Haines, James Shaw, Joules Scott-Key and Joshua Winstead have also called Montreal, London, New York and L.A. home. Their unique brand of New Wave indie music has won them Junos, a

Photo: courtesy of Brantley Gutierrez

Arts One

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Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Guttermouth On Why Punk Rock Is Dead Photos: courtesy of the artist

This Hard Core Group Talks Genre, And Why Anything Goes At Their Shows Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — My interview with Guttermouth was slightly delayed, mostly because Alexander Flamsteed wanted to go to the liquor store.

When Flamsteed, who plays drums in the Huntington Beach band, and singer Mark Adkins materialized on my computer screen, I could sense that it was going to be an entertaining half hour. I wasn’t disappointed. Beaming, Flamsteed launches into a story about a recent trip to Florida that more or less exemplifies Guttermouth’s anything goes approach.

“Our guitar player, Dave [Luckett], drinks a lot, and his gag reflex is just hilarious,” Flamsteed cackles. “He’s a little different. We were having a sculling contest, a chugging contest. We’re chugging away and then I sit back down. I count in the next song and Dave just turns around and starts spewing all over my drum kit. I’m hitting the drums, and as the stick hits the drum, the vomit is coming up and hitting me in the face. So I start spewing everywhere, barfing all over some other guy’s drum kit.”

Guttermouth have been playing fast, irreverent punk rock and offending people since 1988. Today, Adkins is the only remaining original member which, given the band’s reputation for debauchery,

isn’t all that surprising. Flamsteed, “Mount Everest” of fried chicken. who is 23, joined the band last year “We put it in a big garbage bag and will undoubtedly be the anchor and set it right next to the drum of the record Adkins expects to kit,” he says, obviously enjoying release next year. himself. “We had Ryan, the old “We’re about to sign a deal with drummer of Guttermouth, with Hopeless Records and we’re really us as well, and he ran up beside the close,” Adkins tells me, acknowl- drums, grabbed a piece of chicken, edging that Guttermouth hasn’t and threw it into the crowd, which released an LP since Shave the World spurred me to have Mark play the came out in 2006. “We’ve demoed drums and me sing a song. I think I six, seven songs that we’re pretty sang “Chicken Box.” I had a garbage happy with, and it’s pretty much as bag of chicken, and I can’t sing. So soon as we’re done with this tour I’m just grabbing these Japanese [we’ll] record it and get it out. You’re guys’ heads and hair and just shovfinally going to ing chicken down get a record.”

“No one is changing the their throats and Guttermouth world through their lyrics. throwing it.” records are usu- There’s nothing really “It reeked like ally well-received, a KFC in there,” but it’s difficult protest-y going on…”

Adkins chimes in.

-Mark Adkins to capture the On the same band’s rapid-fire California punk tour Adkins was hospitalized afand lyrics that range between ter a woman “with long dreads — blatantly offensive and downright Australian, of course” fell off the hilarious. The best way to experi- balcony onto his head. Flamsteed ence Guttermouth is and always laughs as he tells me this. And, to has been in a packed, sweaty club. be fair, so does Adkins.

Adkins and company are known The point is, of course, that anyfor edgy, controversial live perfor- thing can happen when there are mances that blend pure adrena- no rules. And Flamsteed and Adline with outrageous stunts like kins are convinced that anything the aforementioned beer-drinking short of absolute unpredictability contest. is boring.

Beaming again, Flamsteed tells “Every show is completely difme about a particularly greasy show ferent,” Adkins adds. “We don’t in northern Japan. It was an illustra- even make a setlist. We don’t plan tion of how Guttermouth handles on anything, any banter between bad catering — in this case the songs. It just starts and we pretty

much know when the hour is up somehow, and that’s that.

Now, here’s the thing about Guttermouth: their music may seem puerile and noxious and sometimes just ridiculous, but the band’s existence is predicated on the idea that punk rock is dead.

“For me,” Adkins muses, “having a few more miles on me than everyone else in this band, [I think punk] has been dead for a long time. No one is changing the world through their lyrics. There’s nothing really protest-y going on that’s, you know, scratching the surface of anything.”

And when there’s nothing to be gained, the only thing left to do is have fun. Which is why seeing Guttermouth is probably the best time

you can have with your pants on.

Moments before the end of our interview, Flamsteed tells me to wait: “You’ve got to put this in,” he tells me. “I want to screw Dave over somehow. If someone throws a cup of vomit on Dave, our guitar player, on the left hand side, they’ll get a free signed t-shirt.” “ That ’s generous,” Adkins laughs. “Why not just give him seventy-five cents?”

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Event Info

Guttermouth Where: The Exchange When: August 24 Cost: $12 (ticketedge.ca)

RSO Kick Off Season With ‘Smorgasbord’ Concert

ArtsSect &C

Alex J MacPherson

Regina, SK — You can think of Symphony Under the Sky any way you like — as a sampler, a taste test, or even a smorgasbord. What matters is that the annual event offers audiences a wide array of musical delights. Victor Sawa, maestro of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, likens it to a late-night television marathon.

“In essence, it’s like a gigantic infomercial,” Sawa laughs, his enthusiasm palpable. “Variety is very important in these concerts. It’s a little bit of everything for every- I’ve got to wait at least five, six, sevbody. Come for the Lord of the Rings en years before I can do it again,” he and stay for the Dvořák. It’s impor- explains. “I’ve got to make sure that tant — and it’s going to be fun.” it hasn’t been done. And you can’t Symphony Under the Sky, which get esoteric and long-winded.” takes place in Victoria Park, serves This is excellent news for festitwo important purposes. First, it val-goers, who will be treated to highlights what patrons of the ven- Brahms’ Academic Festival Overerable orchestra ture, which Sawa can expect to “It’s a little bit of says is basically hear in the com- everything for a compilation of ing months — se- everybody.”

19th century unilections from the versity drinking -Victor Sawa songs, and secanon, from films, and from right here in Saskatch- lections from Shore’s Lord of the ewan. Second, it provides some Rings score. The one constant is exposure for classical music, which Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, which Sawa, who is one of the great popu- closes the event each year. list conductors, has devoted his life Written to commemorate the to making friendly and accessible. catastrophic failure of Napoleon’s “This stuff is wonderful,” Sawa Russian campaign, Tchaikovsky’s says of the 2012 program, which overture is, at 14 minutes, the lonincludes works by Verdi, Brahms, gest piece on the program. And Jonathan Ward, and Howard Shore. if Sawa has his way, it will also One of the requirements is length be the loudest. If you’re familiar — only two of the pieces run past with the piece, you’ll know that 10 minutes — which, Sawa says, Tchaikovsky’s score calls for several makes selecting pieces agonizing. salvos of cannon fire. This can be “I can’t do the same pieces, so problematic, mainly because most militaries are wary of arming classical musicians with field guns.

When I asked Sawa about this, he replied, “We’ve contacted the RCMP and the army over in Moose Jaw to see if we can get a howitzer.”

When I asked what their response was, he said, “they said yes! And boy is it loud. You cannot

Photo: courtesy of Merrissa Karmark

believe how loud this thing. It scared the bejeebers out of everyone, so we’re going to have it discretely placed, firing over the lake or something.”

And while the practical difficulties inherent to an outdoor concert remain (countered, perhaps, by the allure of artillery fire), Sawa expects the show to run without a hitch.

“We have thousands … of people who have never been to a concert,” he says. “If they begin to enjoy it, that’s great. They’ll realize it’s not that browbeating, intimidating thing it once was.”

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Event Info Pulse

Where: Mysteria Gallery When: Through September 1 Cost: Free!

Symphony Under the Sky Where: Wascana Park When: August 19 Cost: Free!

Wynonna & the Big Noise

Where: Casino Regina When: August 22 Cost: $70+ @ Casino Regina Box Office Want some coverage for your upcoming event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP!

Roki II, 2012, hand-built ceramic by Jordi Alfaro

Five Questions W

Regina-Based Ceramicist Talks Cr Alex J MacPherson

Jordi Alfaro’s work in ceramics brings together a multitude of disparate threads, from stylized references to the human body to an exploration of the energies we cannot observe. Drawing on the raw beauty of organic shapes and the vast potential of the things we take for granted, Alfaro’s latest exhibition, Pulse, raises questions about how we view the world. I caught up with Alfaro to chat about moving across the world, the appeal of seeds, and why he won’t direct the viewer.

Alex J MacPherson: What brought you from Barcelona to North America?

Jordi Alfaro: In 2000, I was invited to Manitoba by the Ceramics Departments at the School of Art at

the University of Manitoba. There I met my partner, artist Carmela Laganse. Since that time, Carmela and I have followed each other for various professional reasons from Manitoba, back to Barcelona, then Ohio, Manitoba again, Ontario, BC, Quebec, and now to Regina.

AJM: Why did you choose the name “I make work Pulse for your latest intuitive and exhibition? me…”

JA: “Pulse” refers to seeds — many types of which are grown in Saskatchewan, and also to the potential energy that lives within natural objects. My sculptures have always referred to the invisible energies in everyday life — energies that surround us but are beyond our conscious perception, for example, radio frequencies, magnetism, the

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

Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, Aug 10–16, ‘1211

VerbNews.com

Wynnona Judd On Making Music, Being Honest verb staff

Regina, SK — Musicians and singers are like NFL quarterbacks in the sense that their success and durability are notoriously difficult to predict. Longevity in the music business is, it seems, governed by a mysterious equation that staunchly resists qualification. But Wynonna Judd’s career offers some insight into what, exactly, governs success in one of the most fickle industries on the planet.

In more than two decades in the spotlight, Judd has endured every kind of setback imaginable. From a scandalous divorce and family turbulence to a widely-publicized “food addiction,” Judd has remained a vital force in American country music. She has sold millions of albums and played hundreds of sold-out venues. Put simply, Judd is a survivor.

“I think this is a response to seeing how much BS there is in the industry,” Judd told PopMatters,

“I was responding to all of the disease and denial I see in my life and my surroundings…”

Photo: courtesy of the artist

With Jordi Alfaro

reative Process, Unseen Energies power of a spoken word, etc., and, in the case of this project, the potential energy that lies inside all seeds that gives them the power to develop, grow, thrive, create, destroy, live and die.

AJM: Can you shed some light on your creative process?

JA: Because I am that is interested in seeds, natural forms, the natural to human body, etc., I think that, as I make -Jordi Alfaro my work, these ideas influence me subconsciously. I am often more conscious of what I don’t want (the complications, stresses, background noise, injustices, etc. that permeate our daily lives) rather than what I do want; I believe this is what draws me to the simple forms of my work.

AJM: One thread running through

your work is a focus on the human body. Can you explain this?

JA: The references to the human body, I believe, have more to do with scale than with anything else.

My work is large but not monumental; they have a presence but are not imposing. I make work that is intuitive and natural to me, and these often end up at the scale of the human body.

AJM: One word that comes up when considering your work is “sentinel.” What does this mean to you?

JA: This word was used by a gallery when describing my work and I liked it — [a sentinel is] someone that guards or invigilates an event, place, or happening. I don’t feel it is my place to direct the viewer. The forms of my work are a proposition of an experience.

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

-Wynnona Judd speaking about her latest record, Sing: Chapter 1. “I was responding to all of the disease and denial I see in my life and my surroundings in this business. I see a lot of people, bottom line, walking around in absolute delusion. It was my intuition saying I would rather be known in my recovery than isolated in my disease and continue to not be known fully.”

Ultimately, Judd’s ability to stay relevant can be attributed to her authenticity and honesty. “I’ve lived long enough with my career—22 years this year—[that] this album is a reflection of my musical journey,” she said. “I’ve officially reached a place in my life where my voice can represent all these different genres— I’ve lived them.”

At the same time, however, she seems to worry about the state of country music, the idea that boilerplate radio singles are eroding the raw emotion and heart-on-thesleeve honesty on which the genre is founded.

“This next generation is just missing out,” she said. “I was talking to a teenager recently who didn’t know who James Taylor was.

I thought I was going to fall on the floor…I’m sad and I’m also encouraged—all I can do is my part.”

Her part means carrying the

Photo: courtesy of the artist

torch. Although Judd is not the most prolific recording artist around, her records still carry a lot of weight in the industry. Sing: Chapter 1, which was released three years ago, was well-received, and highlights Judd’s vitality after more than two decades on the road.

Maybe it’s this simple: “My hope is that when someone leaves the

performance hall, they feel better about themselves in a very basic, fundamental way,” Wynonna said. “I don’t go out onstage and pretend to wear the rose-coloured glasses and say everything’s perfect. What I do is go out and pretty much speak what I think is the truth, which is we are perfectly imperfect.”

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Food

Page 12

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Thai basil is one of the many varieties of this widely used herb, and it gets its name from the cuisine in which it is used the most. This flavourful herb is often used practically like a vegetable, which leads to some delicious dishes with tasty facts.

Thai basil grows on purple ■stems with purple flowers and narrow green leaves

is another name ■forHorapha Thai basil leaves have a distinc■tive,Thealmost licorice-like aroma basil can withstand ■a lotThaimore heat than regular basil, so it can be added into dishes like stir frys earlier in the cooking process

Thai Basil Offers Asian Favourites

Photos: courtesy of Kendra Kuss

Modern Decor, Classic Dishes Mix In Stockton Street Restaurant Jessica Bickford

I was thrilled to go to Thai Basil, as it is owned by Vieng Mea Chhoeung who also owns Angkor Southeast Asian Delight where

you can find the most delicious classic pan-Asian items and uniquepork dumplings. He opened it ly traditional dishes well balanced in order for his daughter, Cyndi and exciting.

Chung, to have her own restauI started with a couple of apperant and she has certainly given tizers — Thai spring rolls and spicy it her own flair. shrimp cakes. The The interior is “The curry had a good spring rolls had modern and a bit kick of heat that was a great crunch minimalist, with tempered by the … and came with accents of green a yummy sweet that are both cool coconut.” chili sauce, while -Jessica Bickford the shrimp cakes and clean. It is a small place and the atmosphere were thin, golden patties. is already cozy, even though they Keeping on the shrimp theme, have only been open since the be- I tried the Thai shrimp and pineginning of July. apple curry, which featured big, The menu features South-East juicy shrimp and large pieces of Asian food including Vietnamese, sweet pineapple in a broth of coCambodian, some Chinese and, conut milk and spices. of course, Thai. I found the mix of The curry had a good kick of heat

that was tempered by the background creaminess of the coconut.

This dish was very flavourful, and a great option for seafood lovers who like a bit of spice.

Next up was Thail Basil’s red curry duck, which looked gorgeous in the bowl — a glistening orange broth with coconut milk, studded with eggplant, tomato, green beans, potato and duck meat, all topped with a lime leaf.

The dish had a sweet aroma and a creamy, spicy broth that was incredibly tasty.

The duck was rich, and the consistent heat mixed with the subtle coconut sweetness created a hearty dish with complex flavours.

Lastly I had to have a bubble tea because I’m simply mad for bubble tea! I tried the slushy taro flavour, and the fun, bright purple drink was sweet and fragrant, almost floral, and very refreshing. The tapioca pearls were nice and big — a perfect dessert for me!

Thai Basil has all the usual dishes you would expect, but I highly recommend branching out and trying their more traditional menu items.

Get a couple of your friends or family together, order a few things, and sit down together for a wonderful shared meal because nothing is better than trying new things with the people closest to you (especially when it’s a deliciously authentic Asian meal).

Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.

Thai Basil

Address: 1047 N. Stockton Street Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 10pm Reservations: 586-8899

Opinion

Page 13

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

We Think It’s Time To Update The Olympics

The Playing Field Isn’t Even, Anyway, So Let’s Go For Broke: Mutant Games!

The Editors of Verb Regina, SK — Over the years, there have been myriad Olympians who have gone to extra (and dubious) lengths just to get ahead.

Think Ben Johnson. Think Marion Jones. Think the entire East German women’s swim team from, say, the late 1960s until the early 1980s.

Even this year in London, with the most sophisticated and comprehensive drug testing ever in place, athletes are still trying to take shortcuts to the podium. They’re still injecting steroids and inhaling other stimulants to get a leg up on the competition.

And, if you listen to the experts, things are about to get worse. Soon athletes will be turning to underground “gene doping” to alter their bodies in order to make them run faster, jump higher and lift ungodly

“And if you want to have your body genetically bioengineered with gills … have fun with that…”

-Verb’s editors amounts of weight in their quest for Olympic glory. And for those that don’t dope? Well, thanks to their biological makeup, some of the athletes are lucky enough to have a natural advantage over their competition: think longer reach, for example.

So we say to hell with it. The playing field isn’t even anyways, and some athletes are always going to cheat no matter what, so why not throw the door wide open and have an everything-goes Olympics?

You want to fill your body full of horse steroids and run the 100-metre dash in eight seconds flat? Have at it. You want to alter your genes so you can jump four metres in the air? Go ahead.

And if you want to have your body genetically bioengineered with gills, webbed feet and an aerodynamic head so you can swim faster, well, have fun with that, fishboy. (But don’t be surprised when people stare at you!)

Think about it. How awesome would the 50-metre freestyle be if some of the swimmers were part fish? Goodbye 20-second world record; hello five-second water rocket. And at that point, when

everything goes, who really cares which country wins? It’d be way more fun to see how the competitors would deal with that concrete wall at the end of the pool.

Now we know that some of you may be thinking, “Well, that’s just not fair to athletes who don’t take drugs or alter their bodies.” And you have a point.

So maybe instead of the everything-goes Olympics, we could divide it into the Pure and Innocent Games, and the Mutant/Drug Olympics.

That way we the viewers could watch natural, drug-free athletes win medals and receive their just desserts.

Then, with the flick of the

channel, we could watch some altered athletes with 87-inch reaches and fists like cinderblocks square off in a boxing ring while anabolic steroids, HGH and crack-cocaine course through their systems.

Imagine how high the ratings would be if there was a very real chance one of the boxers may be hit so hard they’d fly out of the ring and

land in the third row? Then, after both sets of Olympics were finished, all the medalists could get together and compete in a comprehensive competition, just for fun.

Just think about how heartwarming and incredible a story it would be if, say, Usain Bolt beat a cheetah/man/horse hybrid.

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Section Movies

Page Page 14PH

AugPH 10–16, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

Hilarious The Campaign A Satirical Success

Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis Deliver In Timely, Stinging Political Comedy The Campaign

Runtime: 86 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Timely.

That’s what Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis’ new movie The Campaign is.

Not only that, but the film is also satirical and sharp and awesome and fall-off-your-chair funny.

Honestly though, with all the cast involved here, what else were

you expecting? will fly before The Campaign takes First, you have Ferrell and Gali- home any serious hardware. fianakis — two giants of modern But as a comedy, it sure as heck movie comedy. Add Jason Sudei- will take your breath away with kis (Horrible Bosses), Dan Aykroyd laughter.

(G h os t b us te r s) Directed by and John Lithgow “[The Campaign is] a Jay Roach (Aus(Third Rock from swift kick to the groin of tin Powers), The the Sun) into the politics in America.”

Campaign tells mix. the story of Cam -Adam Hawboldt Brady (Ferrell), Then, for good measure, throw in amusing cameos a slick-talking congressman who by political pundits like Bill Maher, seems primed for re-election until Dennis Miller, Wolf Blitzer, Chris one day he dials a wrong number Matthews and Piers Morgan, and and instead of telling his mistress all you have a recipe for an award- the naughty, nasty sexual things he winning political comedy. wants to do to her, Brady is caught Okay. Who am I kidding? Pigs on speaker phone talking dirty to a family of devout Christians.

Naturally, Brady’s poll numbers plummet. So in step two power brokers — Glen (Lithgow) and Wade Motch (Aykroyd) — who convince the nerdy, hobbit-like Marty Huggins (Galifianakis) to enter the race.

Bankrolled by the Motch brothers, Huggins gives Brady the fight of his political life. Thanks, in part, to Brady’s penchant for sabotaging his own campaign.

Whether it’s punching babies or getting busted while bumping uglies in a Porta Potty, Brady proves time and time again to be his own worst enemy. Between Brady and Huggins, it’s a nailbiting race — er, bumbling amble? — to the finish line.

Who wins, well you’ll just have to watch to find out. And even if the candidate you didn’t vote for

Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros.

winds up the victor, this hilarious comedy is still worth the price of

admission.

The Campaign offers up a great mix of big laughs and harsh truths.

None quite so harsh or true as when the movie takes aim at the realities of campaign financing and the problem money plays in the American political system.

The satire here is stinging. Mean, even. And that’s one of the best things about The Campaign.

Sure it’s full of raunchy jokes about sex and racism and adultery.

But, at the same time, it’s also a swift kick to the groin of politics in America.

By painting both parties with a brush of greed, the movie shows just how similar and irrelevant both parties are when push really comes to shove.

And given this is an election year down in the States, The Campaign (with its hard-nosed message and barrel of laughs) is the kind of movie everyone should see.

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Section Movies

Page Page 15PH

AugPH 10–16, PH–PH, ‘12‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com

The Bourne Legacy Weakest Of Franchise Photo: courtesy of Universal Pictures

Despite Intriguing Concept, Strong Cast, Action Film Just Can’t Hold Its Own The Bourne Legacy

Runtime: 135 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt For the most part, you have to trust Matt Damon when it come to the roles and movies he chooses.

Sure, he’s appeared in a couple of doozies. But for every Hereafter there are a handful of films like True Grit and Rounders and The Departed.

The kind of films that really blow your hair back.

So when Damon decided not to reprise his role as Jason Bourne and came out publicly deriding Bourne writer Tony Gilroy, well, let’s just say I had my doubts about the fourth installment of the Bourne series.

Turns out, those doubts were well founded because The Bourne Legacy is nowhere near as good as the previous three films.

Sure, it starts out promisingly

enough with a gritty prologue in planning to see it. which we’re introduced to a new As for the film itself, let’s just say off-the-grid field agent named that on the surface The Bourne LegAaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), who acy is a cool idea. Instead of trying is undergoing training in the wilds to do an origin movie or something of Alaska as a part of Operation Out- of that sort, director Gilroy (who come. And this guy Cross is good. wrote all the Bourne films) rewinds He can run, jump, shoot, climb and things to the last movie, The Bourne anticipate danger every bit as well Ultimatum, and weaves Cross’ story as Jason Bourne. around previous B u t t h e r e ’s “[Renner] doesn’t have events and old a catch. Unlike the on-screen charisma characters.

Bourne, who is that Damon oozes…”

E s s e n t i a l l y, a naturally awewhile the CIA is -Adam Hawboldt hunting and trysome spy (albeit rather addle-brained), Cross is a ing to eliminate Cross, Jason Bourne genetically modified operative. is still on the loose. Pretty cool conMeaning, he’s controlled by two cept, right? Problem is, Gilroy isn’t pills: the blue ones boost brain an action director. power; the green ones improve Yes, he did a good job with physical performance.

Michael Clayton and Duplicity, but Eventually CIA manager Eric Byer when it comes to tension and fast(Edward Norton) decides to elimi- paced chase scenes, it seems like nate all the Outcome operatives Gilroy is in over his head. And, as and sends a drone to kill Cross. It a result, The Bourne Legacy winds doesn’t work. And so begins the up being the least exciting film in hunt for Cross, as well as Cross’ the franchise. hunt for more drugs. Eventually What’s more, Jeremy Renner, he tracks down a scientist who has while a damn fine actor, just isn’t what he needs, Dr. Marta Shearling Matt Damon. He may have the act(Rachel Weisz) and, well, to say any ing chops and he’s pretty good more would ruin it for those of you as special agent Cross, but in the

end he simply doesn’t have the onscreen charisma that Damon oozes — and the film suffers (slightly) because of it.

Now that’s not to say The Bourne

Legacy is a bad movie. It’s just that with a different director and with Matt Damon back as Jason Bourne it would’ve been better.

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Texts

Page 16

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

This Week: Bring Your Own Wine Last week we asked what you thought about introducing BYOW — here’s what you had to say.

Next week’s topic: see page 13 — what do you think about our suggestion of mutant Olympics,

On Topic Why not bring your own wine in? It would be cheaper and it would make the night more ideal drinking something you want to drink rather than pay 30 bucks for something you may not even finish or struggle to finish BYOW? Really? You people must be on the good drugs! While you’re at it you may as well pack up your own baby back ribs for the restaurant.

BYOW would kill the service industry.

Guess what: your servers work for tips, they make min wage otherwise. Usually ona bill alcohol accounts for about half and you want to take that away from people who put up with crap from the public all the time so they get smaller tips?

Hell no BYOW sounds like a great to me! The mark up on wine in restaurants is crazy & I can have whatever wine I want. On the other side, I would be concerned for all the idiots who are obnoxious & idiots..

I can see other people taking this too far and trying to BYOB in whatever establishment they are in.

BYOW would just make it easier for people to get drunk at

or what changes would you like to see to the games? 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! restaurants, and then when they leave it’s still the responsibility of the establishment that they don’t drink and drive even though they didn’t serve them booze. Won’t work.

Yes! Way to go BC, we should definitely follow suit. I loved that when I visited Montreal a couple years ago: show up with the wine I want (not at a hideously marked up price) and then take whatever is left over.

Doubt the SLGA will go for it though.

I’d love it if SK allowed us to bring in wine. I dont’ think restaurants would lose out to much either they could just stock nicer or more exclusive stuff that maybe you can’t get at the liquore store. Good for patrons, good for businesses.

Off Topic Re: “Texting Drivers May Face Car Impoundment,” Local page, August 3rd issue

If the authorities were serious about the text and driving. they would legislate phone companies to program phones to disable themselves when the Gps tracks over 5mph unless connected to a blue tooth device and text to voice enabled Re: “Texting Drivers May Face Car Impoundment,” Local page, August 3rd issue

No matter what the police do to the public on cell phone use noone will listen or care until they hit

someone or hurt themselves cause of their cellphone use while driving police take away people’s car’s for alcohol related offences why not I say also less traffic on our already highly congested streets Re: “Texting Drivers May Face Car Impoundment,” Local page, August 3rd issue

People who text and drive are nuts! Not only are you a hazard to yourself, but to everyone else on the road with you!

Stop thinking only of yourself & pay attention!

Re: “Texting Drivers May Face Car Impoundment,” Local page, August 3rd issue

What about the police on their computers while driving but thats alright for them There are no good sitcoms on tv anymore. I remember great sitcoms like Beverly Hillbillies, I Love Lucy, Married With Children and Three’s Company, just to name a few.

Classic sitcoms and so well written. It’s hard to laugh at any new sitcoms these days.

Yawn.

empty spaces. I had to be out by 12 PM and couldn’t move in til 6 PM the next day. Didn’t sleep for two days while moving. That was just too hard on an old guy like me!

No summer is not hotter than the lowest level of hell. That is not an accurate comparison.

Dear Verb the “Opinion” section in your paper has to go. I truely feel that you aren’t doing your paper any favours.

Metro is the way to go This nanotech the hardware types are getting all excited about already exists.

Its called biochemistry and biology. Duh! Billions of years of R&D too.

If you can press your horn you can press your brakes. Never ever use your horn without damn good reason! It distracts too many other drivers in heavy traffic.

Close your eyes AND ILL kiss you tomorrow ill miss you Remember youll always be B00

I cannot believe how many stories are on the news these days about people being shot or killed other ways. Do people really have so much rage in themselves that it should end in the taking of people’s lives? We need to respect each other. We need to start having empathy towards each other. Empathy works. Revenge only escalates things even further.

Man with the rental crisis moving is tough.

No slack with no

God is our only hope.

Without God we are hopeless.

Re the text breaking down the bad grammar/spelling - I think the original text was intended as a joke. That’s why the person also misspelled “grammar.” Which the outraged responder also did :)

People who clip their fingernails on the bus is disgusting! Do it at home!

Who txt that idle hands are the devils workshop? DEVILS got a job 2 do too!

Love conquers all.

I love you pookie!

Mackenzie N + Kayley K Forever &’ Always Humans are the only “civilized” species that kills their own. Get out from under your rock!!! Humans know better animals don’t!

Even know humans know better they some still kill their own!

Civilized! My ass!

Long climb from DOWNtown to the burbs. Looonnnggg climb! Most don’t make it.

Even if you’re poor you can still be rich in spirit.

Not related to the crappiness of the movie which looks pretty horrible but Colin Farrell is hella hot. That is all.

If FedEx and UPS merged would it be called Fed Up? Going on a drive with my elderly grandparents in their enormous boat with no AC is like hell on wheels. I love ‘em, but it’s a sweatbox in there. Plus we go under speed limit so takes way longer to get there. LOL love them tho Public buses are scent

Texts free. Please keep it that way. These includes smokers drunk and even cultures.

To the lady who flashed me a peace sign when I stopped so you could cross the crosswalk you are a total badass and that made my day :) Just noticed sombody hit the sign on 5th ave and 24th ouch! Looks preatty bad hope nobody was hurt Bad feeling at 10 yrs old knowing your teachers are too ignorant too childish to prepare you for the world thats developing. You ignore them. Educate yourself.

Summer is spud nuts.

2 3 4 tell the people what she wore.

It was an itsy bitsy teeny weenie yellow polka dot bikini that she wore for the first time today.

Older drivers are not necessarily better seasoned drivers.

They have just had more years to develop bad habits.

EX is going 2 b amazing Olympics coverage is way too much not the actual sports, but the news coverage after. They make it so dramatic like people are catty or jealous. Guess what: sometimes they’re just athletes not some fascinating person.

Stop trying to make them into something they’re not.

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Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

That one swimmer admitted to cheating to doing extra dolphin kicks while under water! How the hell can he say something like that and get away with it? Like this is a little bit of cheating so not too serious? WTF August already leaving in a few weeks to go back to uni. Sad my time back home is almost over, it’s always hard to say goodbye :( Generalizations don’t prove anything. If you want to sound intelligent and prove a point, then research

your facts. Don’t just whitewash everything as “this is how it is.” You undermine yourself that way.

My dog passed away this week. I got her from the SPCA almost 14 years ago, and she’s been in my life more than she’s not.

I just wanted to say if you need a pet, check out the SPCA or other humane groups that take in animals that need care. I understand getting a purebred animal can be desirable, but they don’t need homes as much as street pups

do. Thanks.

I ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO FIND PUMP CHEESE! Pump cheese at 711 for nachos does that help?

Can’t see the forest for the trees makes no sense. The trees r the forrest dummy. Ur looking at it! How cant u see it Gorgantic should be a word why isn’t it? It should definitely be a word.

Barbequing is the best love summer for it. I mean my neighbours bbq and i just show up and eat, HA Babysitting neice whose 5 watched cartoons with her and WTF is this crap?

Weird Franklin and other stuff all crazy colours and baloony cartoony faces. Creepy if you ask me. Now bring back Loony Toons! That pervy skunk was definately kids appropriate :D The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.

Nightlife

Page 18

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com

Saturday @ The Tap Venue

The Tap on Saturday, August 4th

Location

4245 Rochdale Avenue

Playing on Arrival

“Gift Shop” by The Tragically Hip

Music Vibe

Top 40 and classic rock

Feature Deal

Buy one appy and get the second half price, and $5 Paralyzers

Popular Drink

Caesars and Bellinis

Food of Choice Wings

Wing Notes

$6 a pound every night after 10pm, or all day on Thursdays, with Buffalo ranch the most popular flavour

Something New

All new food and drink menu recently launched

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

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You gotta love the moment in Star Wars when Princess Leia says to Han Solo, “Into the garbage chute, flyboy.”

You also have to realize that, every now and then, you too have to go into the garbage chute, Pisces. Metaphorically speaking, of course. This may be one of those weeks — the kind where you have to roll up your sleeves and get dirty in order to get anything done. And while it may not be overly fun, it’ll most certainly be worth it in the long run.

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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)

One of the best scenes in The Empire Strikes Back happens when Han Solo is about to be frozen in carbonate and Leia says she loves him. To which Han simply replies, “I know.” That’s the epitome of cool. And why not trying to be cool like Han this week, Virgo? If you find yourself in a stressful situation, don’t let the pressure get to you. Instead, act with grace, keep your head, and handle it. The more clearly you think at crunch time, the better the results tend to be.

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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)

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“Watch your mouth kid, or you’ll find yourself floating home.” That’s how Han Solo responds to Luke criticizing the speed of the Millennium Falcon. And that’s the attitude you should have with naysayers this week, dear Aquarius. Don’t take any guff from the doubters. Instead, tell them to bugger off and go about your business as usual. It’s not worth your energy. Instead, keep your eye on the prize and keep pushing to whatever goal you’re presently pursuing.

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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)

One of Han Solo’s many memorable lines comes in A New Hope when, while going up against a wave of TIE fighters with Luke, he says “Great, kid. Don’t get cocky.” That’s sound advice for you this week, dear Leo. And yes, we know you like to be the centre of attention and all that jazz. But don’t let your pride get the better of you in the days to come.

Be humble. Keep things in perspective.

And above all else, don’t get caught up in your own awesomeness.

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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

At one point in The Phantom Menace, Yoda says “Ahh, hard to see, the Dark Side is.” Hard indeed. But you have to keep your eyes peeled this week, Capricorn.

Not for the Star Warsian Dark Side, so to speak, but for people who are out to get you. Not everyone operates with others’ best intentions in mind, and sometimes it’s hard to tell between friend and foe.

So be wary of people you suspect may do you wrong this week. Trust your gut.

Often, it’s a better judge than your eyes.

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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

There’s a scene in Revenge of the Sith where Count Dooku says to Anakin Skywalker “I sense great fear in you, Skywalker. You have hate, you have anger, but you don’t use them.” Keep that in mind, Cancer. Because if you have hate or anger bubbling inside, whatever you do, don’t use them. Not this week. Should you let your negative feelings boil over, not only will you upset people close to you, but you’ll also find yourself in a situation with no positive outcome.

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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

“Size matters not,” says Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back. “Look at me. Judge me by my size do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not.” Right he is, dear Sagittarius. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the clichéd size of the fight in the dog. Keep that in mind this week, Sagittarius. Don’t underestimate something merely because of how it looks. That’s how major mistakes are made. So instead, try to have a healthy respect for everything you encounter.

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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)

“There’s always a bigger fish.” That’s a Qui-Gon Jinn quote from The Phantom Menace and, Gemini, it’s the kind of quote that oozes simple, hard-spun wisdom.

Remember that this week. Remember that no matter what you think you’ve accomplished, there’s always a bigger challenge just around the corner. If you want to be successful in life, you’ll have to keep going after a bigger fish. If you don’t, you’ll wind up being just another scruffy-looking nerf herder.

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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

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You may feel like you need Jedi mind tricks to help you convince people this week, Scorpio. No matter how hard you try, it might prove difficult to convince others to see things your way. And yes, it would be great if, like Obi-Wan, you could wave a hand, say something like “You don’t need to see his identification,” and presto! you got your way. But unfortunately that’s not the way it works, so don’t get frustrated if people don’t listen this week.

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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)

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When that image of Princess Leia pops out of R2-D2 and pleads “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope,” you just know that Luke and Obi-Wan are going to help her. And this week, dear Taurus, if you find yourself in a bind don’t be afraid to follow Leia’s lead and ask for help. Yes, we know you’re independent and capable of handling things yourself.

But sometimes things get too big for any one person to deal with, and help is the only answer.

“If there’s a bright centre to the universe, you’re on the planet that’s farthest from it.” That’s how Luke Skywalker described the planet Tatooine, dear Libra.

But it may also encapsulate how you’ll feel this week — cold and distant. That’s not your normal disposition, we know, but don’t worry. You’ll be back to your old, cheery self in no time. And in the mean time, use the distance you feel to do some solitary activities. A little bit of alone time goes a long way.

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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)

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Remember when Darth Vader chokes Admiral Motti in Star Wars IV: A New Hope, and says, “I find your lack of faith disturbing?” Well, don’t be Motti this week, dear Aries. Have faith. Try to find the good in things and focus on that. By concentrating your energies on the positive, good things will happen. It all boils down to your outlook. If you think things will be fine and dandy this week, they will. If you see the dark side of things (pun intended), than your week will be rather glum.

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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

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Horoscopes

Aug 10–16, ‘12 VerbNews.com 9 4 5 3 1 8 2 6 7

Time Out

Page 19

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.

9

6

9 7 8 4

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