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Mar 30–Apr 4, 2012 • Pass it on
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$3.7M Legislative Renos Spark Debate Dome, Garden Upgrades Planned P2
Oh My Darling Country Quartet Talks Style, Serendipity P10
Mirror, Mirror
Colleen Brown
Fairytale Remake Visually Stunning P15
Dog Dials Cops
Choking Hound Phones, Saves Self P7
Folk Singer Dishes On Creating Dirt P9 Photo: courtesy of the artist
Section Local Page 2
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Page PH
PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com
$3.7M For Legislative Renos Sparks Debate Upgrades Planned For Dome, Gardens, But Opposition Declares ‘It’s Not Fair’ Alex J MacPherson
Regina, SK — The provincial government has earmarked $3.7 million in this year’s budget to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Legislative Building, a move that has drawn fire from the opposition. According to Harley Olsen, CEO of the Office of the Provincial Capital Commission, the money will be used to upgrade the building and grounds, and to educate and inform the public. Opposition finance critic Trent Wotherspoon is critical of the budget as a whole, calling it “a story
of misplaced priorities and poor Olsen disagrees, noting that choices … [and] the wrong signal categorizing this expenditure as to send to Saskatchewan people.” “a $4 million party is not correct.” He is skeptical of the govern“That gives us a great opporment’s decision to invest $3.7 tunity to highlight both the vision million in a celof 100 years ago, ebration while “[T]his budget … makes and begin to think “making cuts and choices that aren’t in about what we reductions that the best interest of want this provimpact the lives ince to look like of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan people.” 100 years from -Trent Wotherspoon now,” he explains. people.” The Sask. Party, he continues, is asking people “We have to make our contributo pay more and get less. tions now in terms of maintaining “It’s not fair and consistent with and preserving the integrity of the the priorities of Saskatchewan peo- building and the institution.” ple, but it doesn’t have to be this The Legislative Building was way,” he says. designed by Montreal architects Edward and William S. Maxwell at the turn of the last century. Construction began in 1908; the building was officially opened in 1912 by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, who was then governor general. “After 100 years the dome of the legislature is badly in need of repair,” Olsen says. “What we’ve done is set aside a major chunk of money, and the department of government services is now reviewing all the structural integrity [and] the stonework. We’ve set aside some money … to renovate the dome.” Olsen isn’t sure of exactly how much the renovations will cost, but expects an estimate from Government Services when the review is completed. The budget also includes “about $600,000” to upgrade the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens, Olsen says. Bernadette McIntyre, CEO of Wascana Centre, is enthusiastic about the renovations. “This is something [we have] wanted to do for awhile,” she declares. “There are five million visits a year to Wascana Centre — the
Photo: courtesy of Jordon Cooper
gardens are starting to show some wear and tear. [They need] some refreshing, a facelift.” McIntyre says the first phase of the project will strip away old lighting fixtures and replace them with new, energy efficient units. Subsequent phases will upgrade pathways through the gardens and replace aging benches with 14 Tyndall stone seats. Upgrades to the garden coincide with Wascana Centre’s fiftieth anniversary. The $3.7 million will also pay for an artist-in-residence program, which is intended to produce a number of works for the Legislative Building art collection, a public display of material from the 1909 cornerstone-time capsule, several
educational initiatives and a public ceremony in October. Wotherspoon isn’t impressed. “We certainly believe it is important to celebrate our history and our heritage,” he explains. “That’s something important to the province. But what we’re looking at in this budget is a budget that very much makes choices that aren’t in the best interest of Saskatchewan people.” He is adamant that the budget should have offered more support for other programs, including the controversial film tax subsidy. Only then, he says, would it be permissible to pass “a responsible and reasonable plan [to] celebrate the centennial … at the Legislature.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Local Page 3
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Page PH
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Regina Unveils Community Growth Plan
Photo: courtesy of WaferBoard
Investment In Arts, Sports, Housing Opportunities Among Guiding Principles Alex J MacPherson
sport and recreation; support the availability of diverse housing opRegina, SK — The City of Re- tions; create better ways of getgina has debuted the draft of ting around; promote conservation its community priorities, part and environmental stewardship; of the comprehensive Design achieve financial sustainability; Regina project, following months foster economic prosperity and of deliberation. optimize regional cooperation. Design Regina is a $3.6 million, “We pulled all the themes to25-year plan to guide growth and gether from what we heard from change as the city expands. Con- the input into opportunities and ceived in 2009 as constraints,” says a replacement “The concept of this was Sare. for the city’s ag- to ask the citizens that “That set the ing community put us into the chair to context for develplan, Design Reoping priorities. gina was officially make decisions” Those have since -John Findura b e e n r e f i n e d launched in May, 2011. The final policy document is [into] the draft priorities that will expected to reach city council for be going to council next month.” approval in late 2013. Design Regina gathered infor“What we’re trying to build, es- mation from the public to inform sentially, is an umbrella document,” and guide the process by attendexplains Kim Sare, project manager ing numerous community events, for Design Regina. distributing questionnaires and “We have undertaken an en- asking citizens to contribute their gagement process to get people’s thoughts on the future of the city. feedback on what they think the They also used MetroQuest, an future of Regina should be.” online engagement tool that was, Design Regina has unveiled their until recently, attached to the city list of eight priorities that will help website. inform the growth of the city: emSare says the process was a sucbrace and invest in arts, culture, cess.
“We asked people for their age and where they lived in Regina,” declares Sare. “Not everyone provided that information, but [from] those that did — a great majority did — we got a really good distribution of age, as well as where people were located … which is what we thought was really important.” The group also consulted with various stakeholders, from the University of Regina to a number of citizen groups. Once the engagement process was complete, Design Regina collated the information and drafted a list of 19 opportunities and challenges — broad talking points representing a cross-section of public opinion. These were presented at a forum in October. The next step in the process will be to use the eight community priorities to guide the creation of a comprehensive policy document. City councillor John Findura attended the open meeting at the Artesian on 13th, and is pleased with the results. “I feel very comfortable, [but] is there work to be done? Of course,” he says. Findura wasn’t surprised by the
list of priorities. He was, however, thrilled by the notion that citizens — not politicians — came up with the ideas that have since been distilled into a clear and coherent vision. “The concept of this was to ask the citizens that put us into the chair
to make decisions,” he continues. “It’s always nice to, in such a big plan like this, give the citizens a chance to be involved.” “I want to hear what people have to say,” says Findura. “That’s what’s important.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Global
Page 4Page PH
Mar 30–Apr PH PH–PH, 4, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Global At A Glance
popcorn beats veggies — Scientists
have found that popcorn is good for you and contains more of the healthy antioxidants called “polyphenols” than fruits and veggies, a chemical that’s known to lower cholesterol and help prevent certain types of cancer. What’s
more, researchers discovered that the hulls of popcorn — the part that gets caught in you teeth — has the highest concentration of both polyphenols and fibre. “Those hulls deserve more respect,” says researcher Dr. Joe Vinson. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Stay Slim With Chocolate
Treat Linked To Lower Body Mass Index: Study Adam Hawboldt
san diego, CA — Chocolate lovers rejoice! A new study suggests that eating the delicious treat can actually help you keep the pounds off. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that
“[T]he composition of calories, not just the number of them, matters…”
-Beatrice Golomb people who eat chocolate frequently tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who don’t eat it as often. “Our findings — that more frequent chocolate intake is linked to lower BMI — are intriguing,” writes study author Beatrice Golomb. Golomb and her fellow researchers posed questions that pertained to how often they ate chocolate in a week, their diets and their overall lifestyles, to 1,017 healthy men and women aged 20-85. Researchers then took this information, adjusted their findings for factors like saturated fat content of chocolate, calories and mood,
and came to the conclusion that even though chocolate is loaded with calories, it can lead to lower BMIs. The scientists suspect that antioxidents in cocoa may cause this unexpected benefit. “Our findings appear to add to a body of information suggesting that the composition of calories, not just the number of them, matters for determining their ultimate
impact on weight,” says Golomb. And this sure as heck isn’t the first time scientists have suggested chocolate may be healthy for us. Last summer, a study of more than 100,000 people found chocolate lovers were 39 percent less likely to contract heart disease and 29 percent less likely to have a stroke. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Cause Of Baldness Found, Possible Cure Eyed Adam Hawboldt
Philadelphia, PA — A cure for baldness could be on the horizon. A study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania has found that a protein called prostaglandin D2 appears in abnormal amounts on the scalps of men with male pattern baldness. Scientists have discovered that the protein stops the growth of hair, causing follicles to shrink and produce tiny hairs that
grow shorter. hair loss,” says Dr. George Cotsarelis, By identifying one of the key who led the study. factors in baldness, the researchers Many men start to lose their hair hope to create a around middle topical ointment “Many men start to lose age, and about 80 that can target their hair around middle percent under the the protein. age of 70 experiage…” “Although a ence some form -Adam Hawboldt of male pattern different prostaglandin was known to increase hair baldness during their lifetime. growth, our findings were unexCotsarelis hopes the treatment pected, as prostaglandins haven’t will be out within five years. been thought about in relation to Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Global
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Mar 30–Apr PH PH–PH, 4, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Canadian Brothel Ban Reversed Adam Hawboldt
pimps exploit prostitutes. As it stands, prostitution in and Toronto, on — Banning of itself is not illegal in Canada. brothels is unconstitutional and However, pimping, operating a puts prostitutes at risk, Ontario’s brothel and communicating for top court has ruled. the purpose of selling sex are all The Ontario Court of Appeal has considered criminal acts. decided that two provisions of the So what precisely does the new Criminal Code — one prohibiting ruling mean? common bawdy-houses, another For starters, it gives police in Onthat prohibits livtario the ability to ing off the avails “The world in which prosecute violent of prostitution street prostitutes actually and manipulative — are both un- operate is a … dangerous pimps, while at constitutional in the same time their current form. world…” allowing prosti-The panel of judges tutes to hire drivWhat’s more, the Ontario Court of Appeal recom- ers or bodyguards to protect them. mended that sex workers be alFederal Justice Minister Rob lowed to work safely indoors. The Nicholson and Ontario Attorney case is expected to be appealed. General John Gerretsen both have “The world in which street pros- indicated their departments will be titutes actually operate is a world reviewing the decision. of dark streets and barren, isolated, “As the Prime Minister has said, silent places,” said the five-judge prostitution is bad for society and panel in their ruling. “It is a danger- harmful to communities, women ous world, with always the risk of and vulnerable persons,” Nicholviolence and even death.” son said in a statement released The panel also said that rules by his office. against profiting from prostitution “We are reviewing the decision should only pertain to “circum- and our legal options.” stances of exploitation” in which Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Redheads Feel Pain More
Hair Colour Gene Linked To Natural Painkillers Adam Hawboldt
of 30, anesthetized them and administered small electroshocks to Southampton, England their thighs. The results will be com— Redheads may feel more pain pared to the relative pain threshthan their blonde or brunette olds of blondes and brunettes. counterparts, researchers sugThe trial, which is due to end gest. in September, Scientists at “[Researchers] … was initiated beS o u t h a m p t o n anesthetized [volunteers] cause researchers University Hos- and administered small believe the gene pital in southern which determines En glan d have electroshocks…” if someone has -Adam Hawboldt red hair is also initiated a trial to determine whether pale-skinned, involved in the production of enred-headed people react to pain dorphins — the body’s natural differently than those with darker painkillers hair and darker skin. This isn’t the first time a study To do so, they have recruited has been conducted pertaining to redheaded volunteers over the age redheads and pain.
In 2002, an American study found that women with red hair required 19 percent more painkillers than those with tresses of a different colour. Seven years later, the same U.S. researchers found that not just women, but people with red hair in general were more anxious about going to the dentist and twice as likely to avoid treatment than others. “Redheads experience more pain from a given stimulus and therefore require more anesthesia to alleviate pain,” Dr. Edwin Liem, who led both the U.S. studies, tells The Telegraph. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Global At A Glance smelly food drops weight — The
smellier your food is the less weight you’ll gain, suggests new research from the Netherlands. The rationale behind the discovery states that smelly food
leads to smaller bite sizes, smaller bites require more chewing, the more you chew the sooner you feel full, and the sooner you feel full the less you’ll eat. The researchers came to this conclusion
after conducting a series of tests using a custard-like dessert, which was eaten by volunteers while different scents were presented to the participants’ noses. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Feature
Page 6
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
First Nations Winter Games Bigger, Better
Saskatchewan Athletes ‘Meet And Connect’ In Hockey, Volleyball And More Sebastien Dangerfield
Regina, SK — Sometimes plans change. It’s as simple as that. The universe conspires against you and, no matter how much problem solving you attempt, you end up having to throw Plan A out the window and going an alternative route. Just ask Eugene Arcand. As chairperson for the 2012 Saskatchewan First Nations Winter Games he knows a thing or two about making sudden adjustments. Initially this year’s Games were supposed to be held in North Battleford, but they’ve since been
moved to Saskatoon. the day we had to do it.” “North Battleford didn’t have the And while moving the Games capacity,” explains Arcand. “They created some extra work for orgawon the bid, but we were depend- nizers, the very thought of needing on the new facility — the multi- ing bigger and better venues is purpose facility — for volleyball and almost a welcomed one when you badminton. They consider how far couldn’t make the “[N]ow [the Games] are the Saskatchewan April deadline, building blocks for our First Nations Winplus the rink s community.” ter Games have there don’t really come since their -Eugene Arcand inception. have the capacity to stay open in April because their Founded in the mid-’70s by Chief ice plants aren’t strong enough.” Tony Cote, the Winter Games ini“We had to make a business deci- tially only featured tournaments sion, quick.” says Arcand. “So that’s in hockey, curling and volleyball. what we did. Some people aren’t Since then, they have expanded happy about it, but at the end of to include basketball, broomball and badminton. The Games have changed in other ways as well. Whereas once the competition was based on a reserve-versus-reserve format, they now feature matches between tribal councils — a competition that, this year, is expecting to draw more than 3,500 athletes, coaches, referees and chaperones. “They’ve grown big time,” admits Arcand. “When they first started they were really just very large tournaments. But now they [both the Summer and Winter Games] are building blocks for our community.” Which, according to Arcand, is exactly what the founder of the Games intended. “[Tony Cote] saw a need in our community,” he says. “He saw there had to be a promotion of positive lifestyle through sport, culture and recreation.” What’s more, in the beginning, the Games were meant to open new avenues for the participants. “Long before Facebook and Twitter, these Games are where kids would meet and connect and network and be part of the bigger picture,” says Chief Felix Thomas of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. “They helped cast a wider net of exposure in the world.” Though changing the event did create a hurdle or two at the outset, once the conclusion to shift the event from North Battleford to Saskatoon was reached, things progressed rapidly. “After we made the decision to move them, we did all the rest of the stuff in about a day,” says Arcand. All it took was a few phone calls in regard to facilities, a few more about hotels and accommodations
Photo: courtesy of Eagle Feather News
and soon everything fell into place for the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs, the group responsible for this year’s event. The Saskatchewan First Nations
Winter Games will be running at various venues from April 8th to 13th; see http://batcwintergames. ca/ for more information. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Offbeat
Page 7
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Canoeist Crosses Atlantic Solo Adam Hawboldt
canoe, but for 50 days Rakonczay was completely incommunicado Budapest, Hungary — Gabor because all his communication Rakonczay has become the first equipment, including his satellite person to paddle solo across the tracking system, got damaged. Atlantic. Ye t e ve n The 30-year- “I was very interested in though Rakoncold Hungarian’s discovering what it’s like zay had no way of epic journey be- to be all alone…” communicating gan on December with his family, -Gabor Rakonczay his wife remained 21st in Lagos, Portugal, and he ended the 5,600-kilo- convinced her husband was alright. metre journey 76 days later when As for Rakonczay, he knew his he reached Antigua. family would be going through “I was very interested in discov- rough times while he was incomering what it’s like to be all alone municado and was genuinely on a ship in the ocean,” Rakonczay touched by their faith in him. explains to The Telegraph. “I was positively surprised in “It was my childhood dream.” those at home,” Rakonczay admits Not only was he all alone in his Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Dog Dials Cops For Help Man Busted For Tractor ‘Donuts’ Choking Hound Punches ‘999,’ Saves Own Life Adam Hawboldt
West Yorkshire, England — Some dogs are clumsy, some dogs are lucky. And George, a two-year-old basset hound from West Yorkshire, England, is a little bit of both. When George’s owners — Steve Brown and his daughter Lydia — were out, the curious hound knocked over a phone and got so tangled up in the cord that he began choking. In a panic, George began pawing to free himself and somehow managed to dial 999 — the British equivalent to 911. The emergency operator who received the call became concerned with the heavy breathing on the other end and immediately dispatched police to the empty house. With no one at home and no way in, the officers were preparing to smash the door down when a family friend from a nearby house showed up with a key and let them in.
Offbeat At A Glance tweeting submarine — Talk about putting Twitter to good use: two solarpowered robot submarines that are exploring the Gulf of Mexico are liveupdating where they are by tweeting their location. Tavros 1 and Tavros 2 were developed at the University of South Florida. “This is a really exciting area of machine intelligence,” says David Fries, director of USF’s Marine Systems Technology Group. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
The officers and the neigh- “when the police came into the bour, Paul Walker, then entered room and realized what had hapthe house and searched the rooms. pened they burst out laughing It was Walker who … they thought found the dog in “We still don’t know how someone had colthe living room. he managed it … he’s not lapsed or been at“He was ab- usually very smart.” tacked.” solutely terrified “By the time I -Lydia Brown got back [to the and could not free himself,” Walker tells The Sun. house] the police had gone and “I knew I had to get him free George was looking a little sorry for quickly so I just ripped the wire himself,” Lydia says. “We still don’t out,” he continues. “Incredibly you know how he managed it … he’s could see where his paw print was not usually very smart. He’s really on the phone to ring 999 — he dopey and just likes to chew socks.” literally saved his own life.” George has fully recovered. Walker went on to say that, Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Adam Hawboldt
When authorities finally caught up to him, Sevigny was ripping it up Pembroke, MA — A man has in a dirt parking lot. The police also been charged with driving under found fresh tire marks in the street, the influence after cops busted him which supported the neighbours’ doing “donuts” in the middle of the accounts of the incident. street — in his Bobcat tractor. According to Pembroke police Jeffrey Seviglieutenant Mike ny of Pembroke, “[N]eighbours called … Jenness, operatMassachusetts re- police after they saw ing tractors on ceived the charge [Sevigny] roasting his tires public roads is after residents illegal. Needless saw him driving down the … main roads.” to say, Sevigny -Adam Hawboldt was arrested and in circular maneuvers and leaving skid marks. charged with driving under the According to WCVB Boston influence, as well as driving with a and The Patriot Ledger, neighbours suspended license and negligent called the Pembroke police after driving. they saw the 49-year-old roasting Sevigney is being held on $2,500 his tires down the town’s main bail. roads in his massive tractor. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Music
Page 8
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Saturday 31
Festival Concert — The lineup features Jeff Crowe, a selftaught wizard on the delta slide blues guitar, who plays fiery licks and blistering fingerstylings. Also performing will be Dave West. 7:30pm, Artesian on 13th. Cover $5.
Photo: courtesy of Todd Cooper
(NEXT WEEK) YELAWOLF @ the DISTRIKT — Born Michael Wayne Atha,
of success. With a down‐home gritty flow and songs that shed some light on the dark parts of the dirty South, Yelawolf is well on his way to stardom. This rising star will be playing at The Distrikt on April 8th; tickets are $41, available at ticketedge.ca. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Friday 30
Skull & Lady Art Show & Auction Musical Fiesta — Featuring hard, heavy and hip acts like Digital Doomzday, Psychotic Gardening, Celestial Machine and None Shall Sleep Tonight, this fiesta threatens to be off the chain. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $15 at the door, $10 advance (available at Planet Caravan Tattoo and Vintage Vinyl).
this rapper from Alabama dropped his debut album, Radioactive, in November of last year. It debuted on the Billboard 200 at #27 and since then Yelawolf — who is signed with Eminem’s Shady Records — has been riding a high wave
Outreach with the David West Band — David West will be doing a performance then talking about his life as an Ecuadorian blues artist operating out of Toronto. 2pm, Artesian on 13th. No cover.
Pavlo — Compser, musician, guitarist, recording artist: Pavlo is all of it. Playing an enticing brand of Mediterranean music, Pavlo mixes Flamenco, Latin, classical and Mediterranean guitar into a sound all his own. His album, Fantasia, climbed the charts to the Billboard Top 10 and garnered this Canadian talent his first Juno nomination. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $25–30, available at the box office or online at http://www. admission.com/venue/casino-regina-regina-tickets/CASI/139?l=EN 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. 2
nd
Annual Femme Fatale
Catie St. Germain — Granddaughter of Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Ray St. Germain, this young musician from Winnipeg came by her musical talents honestly. She wrote her first song at the age of 10 and recorded her first tune “Slow Torture” when she was 13. She’ll be playing a mixture of original songs along with your favourite country and rock covers. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10 pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5. Whatever — Come enjoy a great night of music with this local act. 9pm, The Sip. Tickets TBD
Who’s Bad — Come check out the ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band. From “ABC” to “You Rock My World,” no song is left behind in this electrifying act in honour of the King of Pop. With their glitzy jackets, glittery gloves, silky smooth dance steps and spot-on vocals, this American tribute band has sold out shows all over the world. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $40, available at the box office or online at http://www.admission. com/venue/casino-regina-reginatickets/CASI/139?l=EN Glenn Sutter — A gentle but fiery local folk-rocker, Sutter is throwing a CD release party for his new album Sweet Happiness. The show will begin with Sutter doing a short acoustic set. He’ll be followed by David J. Taylor and Rebecca Lascue, who will also do a mini-acoustic set, before they all get on stage and play songs from the new album. 8pm, Creative City Centre. Cover $10. Bahamas — Aka Afie Jurvanen, this talented musician from Toronto will celebrate the launch of his new album, Barchords, with a national tour. His first album Pink Strat was nominated for a 2010 Juno, and his latest effort looks to be headed the same way. Come catch this rising star of the Canadian music scene when he comes to town. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10, available at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes or online at ticketedge.ca
Photo: courtesy of the artist
(NEXT WEEK) CANCER BATS @ The Exchange — If hardcore punk tickles
have been doing their thing since 2004, and maintained a raging, in-your-face sound that’s simply contagious. The Cancer Bats will be taking the stage at The Exchange on April 9th. Tickets are $18, available at ticketedge.ca -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Lounge. Cover $5. Whatever — Come enjoy an awesome night of music with this local act. 9pm, The Sip. Tickets TBD
Pirates, playing psychedelic country rock, blues, folk, bluegrass and doo-wop. 9pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.
your fancy, then prepare to be tickled silly when this four-‐ piece from Toronto rolls into town. Consisting of Liam Cormier (vocals), Scott Middleton (guitar), Mike Peters (drums), and Jaye R. Schwarzer (bass), the Cancer Bats
Monday 2
Monday Night Jazz — Featuring Shane Reoch, one of Regina’s most affable and talented bluesmen. 8pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.
Tuesday 3
Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.
Wednesday 4
Thursday 5
Black Thunder, Hacienda — Black Thunder, a hard-rocking local trio, will perform along with Hacienda at the launch party for Gunderson, a new Saskatchewancreated web series. Watch the trailer online at www.gunderson. tv. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets $10. Wildfire — Fronted by Melissa Mannett, this local cover band plays everything from country classics to modern rock hits. 9pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.
Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Kory Istace vs. The Time
Want your show listed? Email layout@verbnews.com!
(Coming Up) RANDY TRAVIS @ CASINO REGINA —Career-wise, what hasn’t
awards, 10 AMA awards and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of the giants of the neotraditonal country movement, Travis is a country legend, and he’ll be playing Casino Regina on June 6th. Tickets $65+, available by calling 565‐3000. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Num — These local rockers will perform all your favourite classic rock and new rock tunes. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door. The Oh Wells — This Vancouverbased band, featuring Sarah Jickling (vocals/piano/keytar), Kirby Bobyk (acoustic guitar/backing vocals), Sam Dick (guitar), Chris King (bass), and Ben Weymouth (drums), plays the kind of catchy indie-pop music you just have to hear. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover. Drewski — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night. Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. Pure Ultra
Randy Travis accomplished? He has appeared in big films alongside the likes of Matt Damon and Nicholas Cage, he’s sold over 25 million records, put out 22 number one hits, six number one albums, six Grammys, nine ACM
Photo: courtesy of Tennessee Wanderer
Arts One
Page 9
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Colleen Brown Dishes On Creating Dirt
Photo: courtesy of the artist
Folk Singer Discusses Her Latest Album, And Being A Woman In The Business Alex J MacPherson
Regina, SK — When expectations don’t align with anticipated results, it can be difficult to carry on. Just ask Colleen Brown. When Brown’s 2008 album Foot in Heart failed to meet her high expectations, the Edmonton-based songwriter chose to reconsider why she was writing and recording music. Concluding that expectations were at best unhelpful, she jettisoned her dreams of critical and commercial success — and then she made the best album of her career. 2011’s Dirt is a stunning accomplishment. Packed with deeply personal lyrics and infectious melodies, Brown’s new record illustrates the notion that the absence of expectation can produce astonishing results. “I had to totally reimagine what my career is,” says Brown. “The only thing I can do is make something that satisfies me as an artist [and] has the love and joy of making music in it. Anything outside and beyond that is, well, it could happen or it might not happen.”
Dirt is the strongest album of “I’m not afraid to call that out.” Brown’s career because it is the “It’s just the idea of letting go [of] most honest — rather than make that expectation of being a woman music for someone else, Brown as a sexual object, a woman as a made music for herself, and cre- good girl while still being feminine ated an album that is at times in- and a woman but finding strength trospective, reflective, angry and in that,” she explains. vengeful, but alBrown admires ways thoughtful. “There’s always a artists like Chrissie “It’s the heavi- measuring stick, Hynde and Joni er stuff, real stuff especially with age and Mitchell, both of that’s important whom are widely for me to talk especially with women…” regarded as art-Colleen Brown ists who happen about,” explains Brown. “Some of it is really personal, to be women, not women who style but it’s important to talk about real themselves as artists. The distincstuff. I really wanted this album to tion may seem trivial, but if Brown come out as a genuine article. I was had to choose, she would take the writing about things that meant artist every time. something to me.” “Pretty much all of the women The standout track on Dirt is that I really admire in the music “Good Girls.” A raucous funk song industry, they are trailblazers,” she driven by Brown’s rolling piano, a says. “They are stylish and cool and spirited electric guitar and a punchy didn’t always pander to the idea of horn section, “Good Girls” is a med- what is attractive. I think sometimes itation on the role of women in it’s easy to forget when you look music, a theme that pervades the at the music industry as a whole record. that there are people who are in “There’s always a measuring the industry who are real artists. stick, especially with age and es- That’s exactly what I’m trying to pecially with women,” says Brown. accomplish.”
Brown’s penchant for tackling challenging issues head-on invites categorization, but lumping her in with other introspective female songwriters seems restrictive. Ultimately, Brown’s music is upbeat and powerful. Whether she is performing with a full band or alone at the piano, she wields her voice like a weapon, giving songs like “Good Girls” and the rousing anthem “7 Hours & 15 Days” the dynamic range they deserve, turning Dirt into a vocal tour de force. But records can never be more than a moment in time; Brown knows this, and works hard to keep her music immediate through live performance. “Music is a really great medium for art in that it can keep changing over time and never be exactly the same as it was on the recording,” she states. “I’m different as a human being [now] and my focus has shifted. Maybe I’m not as angry and cynical as I was. Maybe the tone will shift. And maybe it’s a full moon. The energy shifts.” But Brown is reluctant to discuss performing live, if only because
talking about it creates expectations. “That opens a can of worms for me,” she laughs. “As a person and as a musician I’ve been trying to release myself from those expectations, what other people think. I guess I know what I want to do in a performance and what I want to put out is the love of music and the joy of existence.” It’s difficult to imagine Colleen Brown uttering these words in 2008: “I had this idea that by the age of twenty-seven I had to be able to accomplish a certain number of things, and when that didn’t happen it felt like I’d failed,” she says, reflecting on the past. “But when I look at the type of music I’m able to do … I feel like I’ve come so far.” “How can I look at that as a failure?” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Event Info
Collen Brown Where: April 9 When: Artful Dodger Cost: $10 (ticketedge.ca)
Comedian Rae Taking Stand-Up Show On Tour
ArtsSect &C
Alex J MacPherson
Regina, SK — The Winnipeg Comedy Festival has become one of the most important stand-up events in Western Canada. Devised by comedian Al Rae and the CBC’s Tom Anniko, the Festival is now in its eleventh season and has evolved
“To be a road comic … with a bunch of other comics is such a thrill…”
-Al Rae from a mostly underground production into a widely-televised world-class event. And now it’s going on the road. “We had taken the Festival on the road once before, for the Regina Grey Cup in 2003,” says artistic
Photo: courtesy of David Topping
Comedian Seán Cullen will perform at this year’s event. director and comedian Rae. “We worked extensively in television, came to Casino Regina with Brent writing for Little Mosque on the Butt. It worked really well and was Prairie, contributing to CBC Radio, so successful that only eight years and occasionally writing editorials later we’re doing it again.” for the National Post. He toiled for Rae is an accomplished public years on the Canadian stand-up figure. Besides birthing the Win- circuit and has traveled the world nipeg Comedy Festival, he has to make people laugh. Besides Rae’s formidable comic chops, the touring company features Seán Cullen, Big Daddy Tazz and Sherri Sutton. “It’s a big event,” says Rae of the Festival. “I’m still a little bit flummoxed that I’ll speak to people on a regular basis who tell me they’ve never heard of it.” “The biggest interest for me in the touring aspect comes back to the key statement we had initially, to bring comedy to people who never really had access to it,” he continues. “We take comedy to treatment centres, and we’ve been trying for years to get into prisons. I want to make comedy available to everyone.” Although jokes that work in Toronto still sometimes bomb in Saskatchewan, Rae thinks audiences are only getting smarter and more sophisticated, mainly because the Internet can feed a steady diet of comedy to anyone who wants it. “We live in a very diverse and multicultural country,” Rae says. “People are open to various things. When I started in comedy thirty years ago … it was a bit more challenging. People were more rigid.” The road has always been an important component of the standup life, and Rae is eager to see how the event fares in Regina. “One of the selfish reasons I want to do these tours is that I wanted to write some new material and get back on the road,” he laughs. “Given that I’m forty-six years old in a very unforgiving and ageist business I can only hire myself. To be a road comic and go on the road with a bunch of other comics is such a thrill for me.” “I’m really having a big nostalgic thrill,” he adds. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
5 Qs With Oh My
Country Quartet Chats Music, Style Meagen Thomas
With a sweet name and even sweeter sound, Winnipeg’s Oh My Darling conjures up the perfect mix of emotion and elation with their specific brand of country. Lead vocalist Vanessa Kuzina chatted with Verb just ahead of their winter/ spring tour. Meagen Thomas: Where did the urge to go old-school and bluegrass come from? Vanessa Kuzina: We often get pegged as bluegrass but we are far from it in many aspects. It’s definitely in our arrangement, but lyrically, we are talking about subjects that can translate to an older sound but also touch on contemporary things. New ways of arranging old time music is creating something really new. MT: How did you find each other and form the group?
VK: Serendipity, really. Allison De Groot, Marie-Josée Dandeneau and me had played together for a short while and it was Allison’s idea to form an old-time band. But we were missing a key sound — the fiddle. “We often get We found Rosalyn bluegrass but Dennett through a from it in man family connection; Allison’s dad and Rosalyn’s mom had played together in a band in the ‘70s. MT: Have you truly been touring almost non-stop since forming? VK: Yes; we’ve done several tours of Canada, went across the pond to England and are going again this spring. The way the music industry is evolving, live performing has never been more relevant. It’s been instrumental in keeping our career propelling forward and to get the music buzzing around. And it’s super fun! It’s an amazing part
Culture tion Pages PH, PH PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com
Pages 10, 11 Pages 10,4,11 Mar 30–Apr ‘12
VerbNews.com
University BFA Graduates Celebrate With MacKenzie Exhibit Alex J MacPherson
REGINA, SK — Like most people, Jaclyn LaVanway is mildly disturbed by death. But unlike most people, she has taken steps to combat that fear. LaVanway is one of eleven artists whose work is on display at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Part of Hendeca: 11 Sides, an exhibition of work from graduates of the University of Regina BFA program, LaVanway’s ceramic creations address the process of dying, the act of death and our carefully concealed fascination with morbid humour. The show addresses numerous themes, from Sans Souci by Frances Taman; Rice and tissue paper, thread and mixed media the queer experience to the loss of family heritage, but LaVanway is the up with — I drove home that night and vessels as something you kept but my brain referenced dead bodonly graduating artist to approach snickering to myself about how your dead in. A friend had a beauti- ies. That’s a direction I’d like to go.” death with a smile. interesting that concept was. No- ful urn. I knew it contained cookies, Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. “It happened by surprise,” La- body really thinks of death in that Vanway says. “I got into ceramics way. It’s kind of fun to bring that not through liking [the form] but to the table and see how people through liking a certain prof. I de- will react.” cided to carry on with it because LaVanway admits that she has I was pleased with the objects I always been “freaked out” by the could make and how permanent idea of death. Using a concrete they were. About medium to exa year and a half “Nobody really thinks of press that fear ago I made a tiny death in that way. It’s kind has only dulled it, little urn.” not eradicated it of fun…” That urn, now completely. But, -Jaclyn LaVanway she explains, “my inscribed with the phrase “place loved ones here,” pieces bring it back to a more huserved as a catalyst, impelling La- man level for me.” Vanway to create a series of funeral “One of my biggest fears is that vessels. people would … not understand LaVanway’s stroke of insight that I’m just trying to open up a came late one night when she was new way of viewing death and evworking at the university. After de- erything that comes with it,” she facing her own creation, she left for admits. “I don’t want to be insulting. her home in Moose Jaw. To me it’s not an insult; it’s helping “My brain went crazy,” she somebody understand it in a diflaughs. “I realized I had to do ferent way.” more. When you have an idea and LaVanway isn’t sure what, exactit keeps nagging at you … it’s defi- ly, she will do after this exhibition, nitely something you have to follow but thinks it may have something through with. I was lying in bed to do with cookie jars. thinking about new types of urns.” “Cooke jars have always been Funeral vessels have a long and suspicious to me,” she says, quite fascinating history. Used by the earnestly. “I referenced ceramic urns Greeks, the Romans, the AngloSaxons, and the Germanic peoples, funerary urns are one of the longest-lived forms of functional Oh My Darling art. LaVanway’s creations build on Where: The Club tradition by departing from it. When: April 7 Her urns are conventional only Cost: $12 at the door insofar as they are ceramic cre- Hendeca: 11 Sides ations, moulded, shaped and fired. Where: MacKenzie Art Gallery The rest is pure creativity. Some are When: Now ‘til April 8 emblazoned with puns — “some Cost: Free! body,” “occupied” — and others Best of the Winnipeg with helpful gadgets. One has a bell on it, ostensibly for the person Comedy Festival inside to ring if the worst were to Where: Casino Regina When: April 7 happen. Cost: $30/$35 Casino Regina Box Office “I’m going for humour,” she ex- Want some coverage for your upcoming plains. “That first one I had come event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP! Photo: courtesy of the artist
y Darling
Photo: courtesy of Melanie Jane Photography
e And Serendipity
of being musicians. MT: Why did you record your second LP, Sweet Nostalgia, in a straw bale house? VK: We spent a week is Roseisle, Manitoba, where an t pegged as engineer had built a t we are far home and recording out of bales. ny aspects.” studio Surrounded by na-Vanessa Kuzina ture, we were able to leave our worries in the city and immerse ourselves in records. It was a place to be still, have an open mind. MT: How did you manage to showcase each individual’s talents? VK: It’s a fine balance. We started out not knowing each other well and over four years we have gone through so many situations that we’ve become family. We depend on one another musically and as friends, so it’s easy to be sure we each have an opportunity to shine. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Event Info
Food
Page 12
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Tofu is often accused of being the bland meat-alternative that only vegetarians want to eat, but it’s just a bad reputation. There are many reasons why this versatile food is also full of healthy facts.
Tofu is full of protein, iron, ■calcium and amino acids Tofu is made by coagulating ■soymilk and pressing out the water
three main kinds of tofu ■areThe firm, soft and silken is dense and is ■usedFirmin tofu dishes like stir fries Soft and silken tofu are ■much creamier and great for things like dip or smoothies
Simmer Hot Pot: Made Your Way Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss
Broad Street Restaurant Offers Fresh, Authentic Chinese Dishes Jessica Bickford
Hot pot is more than just food, it’s a whole dining experience that brings everyone at the table together. I know that sounds a bit lofty, but how many meals out actually require you to talk with those sitting around you
and participate in the cooking experience? The answer is the fun ones, and Simmer Hot Pot restaurant is certainly that. Daway Yang and Jason Zhao opened Simmer in February, and so far their modernized yet very authentic hot pot has been gaining a large following. Jason says that they wanted to “dispel the common belief that Chinese food has to be deep fried or a buffet,” and that it can be “natural, tasty and healthy.” In fact, most of the food is even gluten-free, a great option for those with more specific dietary needs. The owners really took their time getting everything just the way they wanted, and it shows in the comfortable surroundings that include a gorgeous mural of a historic artwork depicting restaurants
and tea shops in southern China. It covered in toasty sesame seeds, is also why Simmer isn’t open for and there was a hint of cinnamon lunch yet, although that certainly which played really well with the is in the works. flavour of the sesame. If you haven’t had hot pot before, I got to try a bit of everything, inthe idea is you get plates of very cluding shrimp, fish, beef, chicken, thinly sliced raw meat or seafood, enoki mushrooms, tofu, pea shoots, assorted vegetababy corn, verbles and noodles “Everything was so fresh micelli noodles that you cook at and flavourful, and I loved and three kinds your table in the being able to cook it all…” of their specialty individual pots of meatballs. The -Jessica Bickford meatballs come boiling water. Not sure what to order? Simmer’s menu in chicken, shrimp and pork, were is also beautifully photographed to all incredibly tender and moist, and give you a really good idea of what you get to make them the size you you’re getting into. want. Everything was so fresh and I was lucky enough to sit down flavourful, and I loved being able to to a big family meal with Jason and cook it all just to my liking. Daway, along with Daway’s wife and You also get two sauces to dip daughter, and we started with their your cooked food in: one slightly signature Simmer roll. spicy and salty sauce, and the other The roll was warm, fluffy, a power-packed chilli sauce that was delicious, but especially hot. For dessert Simmer has a chilled almond pudding with tinned fruit cocktail on top. Nice and simple, after the heat from the hot pots and the spice of the sauce the pudding is terrifically refreshing. It also isn’t too rich, just smooth and creamy, and is a perfect finish to a hearty meal. Jason says that “eating is more than just the taste,” and he means that the presentation of the dishes and the people that you enjoy your dinner with are just as important to a great meal as the food. As long as you bring the good dining partners, Simmer will certainly provide the rest. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Simmer Hotpot
Address: 2201 Broad Street Hours: Tues — Sat 5:30 PM — 8:30 PM Reservations: 543-0008 (weekdays only)
Opinion
Page 13
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
The SLGA Shouldn’t Regulate Morality Telling Us What We Can Watch While Drinking Is Outdated And Insulting The Editors of Verb
Regina, SK — The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority has been regulating what adults can and cannot do while drinking an alcoholic beverage for years, and we think it’s time they stopped. We think that the regressive mandate endorsed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) — that people cannot consume alcoholic beverage while in the vicinity of someone who is stripping — is outdated, unnecessary and frankly a little insulting. Under the SLGA umbrella falls Saskatchewan’s Alcohol Control regulations. This document con- A recent Chippendales performance in Saskatoon caught the attention of the SLGA; the incident is being investigated tains the narrow-minded Section 63, which prohibits alcohol anyA recent show at the Odeon an attack on anyone’s morals, but while watching hunky men and/or fear of government thugs shutting where there is “any nude activity Events Centre in Saskatoon fea- standing up for our own rights. attractive women lose their clothes, the whole thing down. or entertainment; or any activity tured Vegas’ famous Chippendales And if we want to sip a drink we should be able to — without Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. or entertainment that consists of dancers — buff, muscled men who a striptease performance or wet suggestively remove their clothing clothing contest.” while dancing around to music, This is a clear demonstration of though they never get fully nude. regulating the moral behaviour Even though the show made alteraof the residents of Saskatchewan; tions to accommodate the SLGA’s there is no rarigid rules — the tional purpose “[T]he SLGA has no dancers would behind this re- business determining perform onstage, striction. SLGA in- what … adults can … do then quickly run spectors can visit off and remove an an establishment while consuming alcohol.” article of clothing -Verb’s Editors before returning to ensure all rules are being followed. Should they — the venue could face punishment notice an infraction, the venue can if the SLGA deems they infringed receive a notice of non-compliance, on Section 63. which carries with it the threat of a And this is not an isolated incifine or liquor license suspension. In dent. The SLGA has a long history extreme cases, inspectors can close of issuing reprimands and levelling down a watering hole for good. charges against what they deem inThe absurdity of this arrange- appropriate behaviour. Perhaps the ment is illustrated by the fact that most outrageous of these cases was Saskatchewan is the only place in when morality police inspectors Canada that enforces regulations shut down an aerobic exercise at of this nature. the 1992 Buffalo Days beer garden. What’s worse, our provincial In the Chippendales case, fury government shows no signs of has been heightened by the nature repealing this ridiculous law. Tim of the evening. It wasn’t a pornoMcMillan, an SLGA Minister, took graphic freak party or a swingers’ to John Gormley’s radio program gathering, it was a fundraiser for to say that changing this proclama- breast cancer. tion is not currently a priority of the But let’s be perfectly clear: regovernment. gardless of the hosting event, the To us it’s clear: the SLGA has no fact that the government has given business determining what con- itself the powers to dictate what senting adults can and cannot do grown adults can and cannot obwhile consuming alcohol. You only serve while sipping on an alcoholic have to look at the latest incident of beverage is ridiculous. our provincial government’s needSo we think it’s time to cut the less nannying — the Chippendales’ apron strings and demand our debacle — to see just how ridiculous right to choose. At the end of the this is. day, repealing this idiotic law isn’t Photo: courtesy of CityShake
Section Movies
Page Page 14PH
MarPH 30–Apr PH–PH, 4, ‘PH ‘12 VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Wrath Of The Titans Outstrips Prequel
Great Action Sequences Can’t Salvage Poor Acting In Franchise’s Second Chapter Wrath of the Titans
Runtime: 100 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Sequels are rarely better than the original — especially when it comes to movies. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen. I mean, The Dark Knight was infinitely better than Batman Begins (the first three Batman flicks don’t
really count), Mad Max 2: The Road But that’s not really saying much. Warrior outshone Mad Max, The I mean, even though the 2010 verEmpire Strikes Back far exceeded Star sion grossed something like $493 Wars, and some would even say The million worldwide, let’s face it — it Godfather Part II was better than the was all kinds of terrible. first installment (though I disagree So Wrath of the Titans didn’t have with that). to reach too far to Those, how- “[A]s in the first film, star be an improveever, are unusual Sam Worthington just ment. And that’s cases. For the doesn’t feel right in the the problem: new most part, sequels director Jonathan pale in compari- role of Perseus.” Liebesman (The -Adam Hawboldt Killing Room, Batson. So that’s why I was surprised tle: Los Angeles) reaches far enough with Wrath of the Titans. A sequel to be better than the original, but to 2010’s Clash of the Titans, this not far enough for his movie to movie was certainly better than actually be considered good. its predecessor. When the film opens we find Perseus (Sam Worthington) — whom we last saw in Clash of the Titans slaying the evil sea monster, the Kraken — retired from his gig as hero, demi-god and son of Zeus, living the simple life as a fisherman caring for his young son. Things are good for ol’ Perseus. That is, until his dad (Liam Neeson) gets kidnapped by the evil god of the underworld, Hades (Ralph Fiennes). See, Hades wants to steal his brother Zeus’ power and give it to their father, Kronos. This is bad news and it puts the entire universe in peril. So what does Perseus do about this? He leaps into action, of course, and along with few key allies plunges into the fiery depths of hell to rescue dear old dad. Wrath of the Titans’ screenplay by Dan Mazeau and David Leslie Johnson is superior to the original,* and avoids the pitfall of getting heavily bogged down in Greek mythology. The story is streamlined and simple and, dare I say, entertaining. What’s more, this time around the production design, CGI effects and action sequences are infinitely better, and Liebesman uses 3D quite well. However, much like the first installment, Wrath of the Titans fizzles anytime anyone opens their mouths (except for the quirky Hephaestus, played by Bill Nighy … he’s pretty funny). Also, as in the first film, star Sam Worthington just doesn’t feel right in the role of Perseus. Maybe it’s his accent, maybe it’s his mullet, maybe it’s the downto-earth vibe he gives off. I didn’t buy him as a demi-god in Clash of the Titans, and I still don’t buy him
Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures
as one now. I guess the best way to end this is to say that if you enjoy cool action sequences, you might enjoy this movie. If it’s a deep, compelling story and good acting you’re looking for — look somewhere else. Anywhere else. *Author’s note: when I say the
“original” I, in no way, shape or form, mean the 1981 film Clash of the Titans starring Laurence Olivier and Honey Ryder, err, I mean, Ursula Andress. That version of the Perseus myth was miles better than the 2010 installment and Wrath — put together. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Movies
Page Page 15PH
MarPH 30–Apr PH–PH, 4, ‘PH ‘12 VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Magical Mirror, Mirror Visually Stunning Photo: courtesy of Relativity Media
Fairytale Remake’s Special Effects Wow In Sweet Retelling Of Childhood Classic Mirror, Mirror
Runtime: 106 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt There are two movies about Snow White coming out this year. One — slated to open this summer — takes the original Grimm story, tosses it in the fire, adds a bit of gas, and portrays Snow White as an armour-wearing badass who leads armies and fights like a sword-swinging demoness out of hell. The other one —the one being released this week — is much truer to the original. And by “much truer” I mean it’s almost exactly like the original, at least plot-wise. Which means, with a few exceptions, Mirror, Mirror doesn’t surprise too much in the way of what’s going to happen. Directed by Tarsem Singh (who brought you such mind-bending movies as The Fall and The Cell), Mirror, Mirror tells the tale of Snow White (Lily Collins), a princess who has been locked up in a castle by her evil stepmother, Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts). While trapped, Snow White blossoms into the fairest beauty in all
the land. So beautiful, in fact, that Wallack and Jason Keller does conshe catches the eye of the hand- tain some differences. some Prince Andrew (Armie HamTake, for instance, the seven mer), who is staying at the castle. dwarves. In the original story The thing is, Clementianna their “occupation was to dig unwants Andrew to herself, so she derground among the mountains.” tells her tortured In this version, footman Brighton “Mirror, Mirror does they’re a band of (Nathan Lane) to stay fairly close to the renegade crimitake her porce- original’s storyline…” nals with a social lain-skinned stepconscience. -Adam Hawboldt daughter out into Then there’s the wilderness and leave her there the entire feel of the movie. That’s for dead. Brighton does what he’s changed too. told, Snow White doesn’t die, she Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, meets seven dwarves, etc., etc., etc. which was put out by Disney in And while Mirror, Mirror does 1937, was dark and at times fairly stay fairly close to the original’s creepy. If you think I’m kidding storyline, the screenplay by Melissa watch it again, and imagine seeing
it through a five-year-old’s eyes. As for Mirror, Mirror, though, it’s decidedly not creepy. In fact, propelled by the nutso vision of Singh, the film is a sweet, uncynical, lyrical retelling of a well-known legend. What’s more, the visual effects are amazing, and like other Singh movies, the images on the screen flat-out sing. It’s easily the best part of Mirror, Mirror. The worst part? Well, there are a few. First off, there must have been some serious miscommunication going on during the meetings where the actors all agreed on which accent to use. You’ll see what I’m saying when you watch
the movie. Another off-putting aspect of the film is the narrative itself. Wallack (Meet Bill) and Keller (Machine Gun Preacher) infuse the world of fairytale with a modern perspective of sorts, which doesn’t really work. Neither, for me, did the ending, which they changed. Still though, Mirror, Mirror is well worth a watch even if only for the special effects, art direction, costume design and decent acting. Younger kids are going to gobble this up. The next Snow White movie … you might want to leave them at home. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Texts
Page 16
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
This Week: Bye To The Queen? Last week we asked if you thought we should cut our ties to the Queen and the monarchy — here’s what you had to say! Next week’s topic: see page 13 — do you think the SLGA should
stop dictating what people can do when they drink? 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 Canada should cut its ties to the Queen and become an independent country, this make sense.
We don’t need the Queen its usuless its just more money but if we get rid of her I wanna see the tax break of not havin her in my tax return otherwise government will spend the $50M it cost to have her wave her hand in Canada I just read your article and it is simply stupid and outrageous. If not for the Queen and Canada’s ties with UK, we would be a third world country by now. I am hapilly paying taxes for what we are and who is Canada in the world. Shame on you and your publisher. Daniel Saraolu The Monarchy is an outdated relic of Colonial past. If we are to move forward as an independent, democratic, nationstate we must completely sever our ties to it. Grow up Canada. We don’t need a Queen any more for our country to survive. It costs of millions of dollars to host the monarchy when they visit Canada. They are all spoiled and are a poor example of how citizens should behave. Let’s focus our attention on the governor general who needs to earn respect to fulfill that position.
Cut the ties to the Queen? Isn’t that just what the USA did? Now they’re a militarized state run by unchecked warlords. The monarchy is a final check on wannabe dictators passing unchallenged edicts. That said, the Saskparty & NDP have several times bypassed royal assent & passed edicts in Sask’s legislature in under two minutes flatUnchecked Prorogue? Ha! … not even close to Saskparty/NDP abuses! That economic analysis is a little suspect. How much more expensive is the monarchy compared to a non-royal head of state? Casting Obama to ceremonial functions costs plenty but the US isn’t ditching the Prez. I believe Canada should cut it’s ties with the queen i’m sick of hearing about her birthday or seeing her on our money she’s not even Canadian! Come on the queen is awesome and though she may be old she’s smart. Besides remember when she came 2 Saskatoon in 2005? Everyone went crazy 4 her! God save the Queen!
Off Topic
Texts
Re: “STC Costs Too Much Money And It Needs To Go,” Opinion page, March 2nd issue
The opinion article about STC was very misleading and lacked research. There is definitely a case for Crown transport services - which other provinces across our country have seen. You focus on Greyhound which is only surviving because of govt subsidization. SOS Crowns Re: “Musician, Artist Ace Massive Reveals His Drive,” Arts & Culture, March 23rd issue
Loved the article on ace massive. Great to see young artists using their voice for something positive. Especially with hip hop - usually it’s drugs
Page 17
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
and strippers but we all listen cuz the beats r catchy. Now we got catchy and clean. Dope I watched Shout Sister at the Globe Theatre and i must say that was a phenomenal show. Renewed my love for music and theatre God Bless and watch over all the min wage clerks working the night shift. Its a damn tough job. People have no idea! Big up to my homies at Kleins Food Mart! Text is a legitimate form of communication
nowadays, but it’s embarrassing to read some of the comments people write on this page. If you don’t spell or punctuate properly, how are people ever going to take your comments seriously? -Scott S (Math Major)
Dear person with no manners, Please do your part to alleviate the cost of healthcare in Canada. Cover your mouth when you cough. Sincerely, The Guy you’ve just coughed on.
You guys should really look into editing your stories I have read a lot of spelling mistakes... just saying. I would like to laugh The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.
Nightlife
Page 18
Mar 30–Apr 4, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Thursday @ La Bodega Venue
La Bodega Tapas Bar & Grill on Thursday, March 8th
Location
2228 Albert Street
Playing on Arrival Satellite radio
Feature Deals
Pitchers of red wine sangria for $25, or glasses for $6.50
Popular Drink Pints of beer
Food of Choice Photos courtesy of Klein Photography (feedback@verbnews.com)
Parisian Spring Bouillabaisse — mussels, clams, scallops, lobster, crab, prawns, calamari and cod in a white wine and tomato saffron bouillon; the bouillabaise comes served with a Focaccia sponge
Something New
The new Fresh Sheet menu celebrates the building turning 100 years old; as well, La Bodega is commemorating a dozen years in business by offering their steak tartare and oysters on special this spring
Check out all of Verb’s past nightlife photos on our facebook page
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Don’t be afraid to dream a little dream, dear Pisces. In fact, don’t be afraid to go for the gusto and make it a reality. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but with a little effort, elbow grease and sticktoitiveness anything is possible. So be creative and follow the path you’ve always wanted to follow. And if, while reaching for the stars, you happen to fall and find yourself on the ground, just dust yourself off. It will work out eventually.
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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t get upset over trivial matters. Don’t worry, be happy. Blah, blah, blah. Sure, all that may seem somewhat clichéd (okay, who are we kidding, “really” clichéd), but this week it all holds true, dear Virgo. Denying your feelings could cause more harm than good, so let’s try to keep things light over the next couple of days. Let’s keep things positive. If you can do this, you may be rewarded with an unexpected and wildly pleasant surprise.
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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)
It’s fine if you want to dwell on the past, it’s cool if you want to focus on the passing present. But this week you’d be doing yourself a favour by looking to the future. By formulating ideas of what you want to do, where you want to go and how you’re going to accomplish it all, you’ll be laying the foundations of tomorrow. It never hurts to make plans for the future, but remember to be flexible. The future, after all, is what you make it. Dare to make it great.
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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)
“Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” George S. Patton said that, and he was certainly onto something. So go forth this week, dear Leo, and accept all the challenges that come your way. But remember, when taking on a new challenge don’t run into the fray like a frothy-mouthed berserker. Instead, make a game plan — or as George W. Bush would say, “use strategery” — and you’ll be much better off.
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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
Feel free to match your striped pants with your plaid shirt and neon green kicks this week, dear Capricorn. Okay, maybe that’s a little overboard and tacky, but the message is fairly simple: embrace your inner oddball and be yourself this week. It can be tiring trying to be someone you’re not, so don’t bother. If you feel like dressing foolish, do it. If you feel like acting silly, go ahead. If you feel like being zany, it’s okay. If there was ever a week to let loose, this is it. Enjoy!
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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
Be careful of hurting others’ feelings this week. Even if it seems as though people have turned against you and they’ve suddenly lost interest in what you have to say, don’t lash out in anger. Maybe you’re correct and people have turned on you, or maybe you’re just being hyper-sensitive. Regardless, keep your cutting remarks to yourself and you’ll be rewarded. Sometimes it’s best to let things slide, dear Cancer. Now say it with me: “I. Should. Let. Things. Slide.”
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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)
This is not a good week to be guessing, dear Sagittarius. I mean, if you’re watching Jeopardy and don’t know an answer, by all means, guess away. But when it comes to making decisions and acting, you’ll be better served this week if you are absolutely sure before you make a move. How can you be certain? Rely on previous experiences. If you don’t have the experience necessary to make a decision, don’t worry — do some research in order to eliminate any guesswork.
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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)
Confidence — that’s the word of the week, dear Gemini. If you tackle things in a confident manner, not only will you succeed but others will believe in your efforts and follow your lead. So be bold, and mighty forces may very well come to your aid. And whatever you do, don’t let others slow you down. Size up your situation and keep going forwards at your own pace and on your own terms. The influence you have and the confidence you radiate will carry the day.
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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)
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Ever have one of those times when it feels as though your creative juices are flowing like the mighty Amazon? If so, you know how inspiring it can be. While you ready to revel in that inventiveness this week, dear Scorpio, remember the Greek philosopher Epictetus once wrote, “no great thing is created suddenly.” If you envision something, don’t just make it and leave it be. Or if you don’t finish, keep on keeping on — even when the motivation and inspiration ebb.
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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)
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It would be wise to avoid conflict as best you can this week. Sure, at times it’s all good and well to butt heads with someone you feel is in the wrong, but this might not be the best course of action right now. Remember: when you choose your battles wisely, you tend to win more than you lose. So be wise this week, dear Taurus. Even if you feel like facing conflict head on, don’t. Step back, take a breath and reassess the situation. Sometimes it’s best to just turn a cheek.
It has been said that compromise is the art of dividing the pie so that everyone believes they have the largest piece. You might want to remember that, dear Libra, because this week will be one of meeting others in the middle. There will be a lot of give and take going on, so what you have to do is find the right balance in order to make everyone content. Try not to let your personal dilemmas or feelings stand in the way of what you’re trying to accomplish.
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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)
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Churchill was once attributed with quipping that “there’s nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” Keep this in mind in the upcoming week, dear Aries, because you never know what’s going to happen. Let your instincts guide you — rationalizing it or letting your emotions guide you may muddy waters here. Things will turn out if you just trust what the tiny person perched on your shoulder is whispering in your ear.
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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)
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Horoscopes
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Time Out
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Sudoku
Directions: Fill each box with a digit from 1-9, following these conditions: - Each row must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each column must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each of the nine 3x3 boxes must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.
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