The Scope - December 2010

THE SCOPE | st. john’s arts and entertainment magazine | DECEMBER 2010 | Volume 6, Number 6 | Issue 113 | www.thescope.ca

In REVIEW

The month's news in review by Sarah Smellie pulp and paper mill, would like to burn the province’s tire stockpiles, amassed as part of rolled in on a wave of controversy. On the the province’s tire “recycling” program, to morning of the 1st, news broke that Pam power the mill. Almost 100 people concerned Pardy Ghent, a volunteer on the Rural about possible environmental and health Secretariat council, had been canned because effects marched in protest on November 20th. of her Facebook status. In it, she suggested Environment Minister Charlene Johnson will asking Elizabeth Matthews, Danny Williams’ make a decision about it in December. communication director, how big his penis In probably-better-than-burning-tires is. Ghent said she was riffing on journalist energy news, the Lower Craig Westcott’s email to Churchill hydroelectric Matthews, released after he energy project seems one was hired as the Opposition’s step closer to actually communications director, happening. On the 18th, which asked if Williams was Williams and Nova Scotia in the late stages of syphilis. premier Darryl Dexter signed In other medical news, a terms sheet outlining 14 doctors handed in their plans for its development. collective resignation on The strategy is to build an Burning tires? Sounds awesome!

November 4th. They’ve been electricity transmission line negotiating new contracts from Labrador to Newfoundland, jointly paid with the province for over a year, and the for by the Newfoundland and Nova Scotia latest offer was apparently the last straw. energy corporations (Nalcor and Emera), and The doctors say it does nothing relieve their a subsea cable from Newfoundland to Nova unreasonable workload, nor does it bring Scotia, paid for entirely by Emera. The whole their pay up to par with other specialists in shebang will cost $6.2 billion, with Nalcor on the province. Their resignation takes effect the hook for $4.4 billion. on February 4th, 2011. Well, unless the Then, exactly one week later, Danny Newfoundland College of Physicians and Williams stood at a podium in front of Surgeons takes heed of the complaint filed a gold-lettered “Lest We Forget” in the with them by Eastern Health, and makes them Confederation Building and resigned, stay on longer. setting off a flurry of back-slapping and The healthcare system wasn’t the only wet hankerchiefs. He will be handing the thing going up in flames this month. Kruger, provincial leadership off to Kathy Dunderdale the company that owns the Corner Brook as of December 3rd.

Provincial NEWS November

‘‘

Tea is a work of art and needs a master hand to bring out it’s noblest qualities.

– kakuzo okakuro

‘‘

199 Water Street 709-579-9288 www.britanniateas.ca

RANT FARM Got an opinion? Need to vent? We want to hear from you. Submit your anonymous accusation or confession at thescope.ca/rant.

Submissions may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, legal, or obscenity reasons. One submission will be printed each month, but more submissions to Rant Farm can be found at thescope.ca/rant.

Sick and tires I want to know who’s f***ing idea it was to start all these road construction projects at the same time. Kenmount Road is backed up nearly everyday because of the orgy of hate and destruction that is Pippy Place, the East End looks like the f***ing Moon, and Quidi Vidi is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. At this point, I really don’t see how the city is going to get all this fixed before the snow comes. I just want to know who’s responsible for this so I can yell at them as I drive back and forth in

Mer Yul ry e!

front of their house. Also, I would love to know what the point of tearing up a huge square of asphalt then just leaving it unrepaired is. I’m sorry for all the obscenity, but I think the ridiculous condition of the roads in this city warrants it. — My poor tires

Used Books. New Newfoundland Books. Gifts.

245 Duckworth St. 753-4690

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DECEMBER 2010

RICKY KING

CITY NEWS Metrobus drivers walked

off the job on November 4th, and have yet to return. Their newest contract asks that they shell out for half of their benefits package about $140 a month per employee.

Until now, they’ve only been paying 15% of it.

The strike falls in the Public non-transit midst of a city-funded review of the service which hopes to figure out why so few people use Metrobus.

On November 8th, the City of St. John’s voted to allow the development of the Diamond Marsh subdivision, which will include about 200 detached homes off Ruby Line. The whole area comprises about 18 hectares. A group from the area who opposes the development say that some of those hectares are important wetlands and floodplains, and they they shouldn’t be developed.

In other some-think-it's-bad development news, on November 16th, the CBC reported that St. John's Sports and Entertainment, the board that runs Mile One, will be asking the city for a smaller subsidy this year.

According to the report, Councillor Danny Breen says Mile One is almost at the same subsidy level as Memorial Stadium was right before it was shut down and turned into a highly profitable Dominion supermarket.

Mile One and the convention centre are only asking for $1.25 million, which is good news for the cash-strapped city.

thescope DECEMBER 2010

issue 113, volume 6, number 6 Online www.thescope.ca E-mail inbox@thescope.ca Listings listings@thescope.ca Mail The Scope PO Box 1044, St. John’s, NL, A1C 5M3 Phone 709-726-8466

Publisher/Listings/ Distro Manager Bryhanna Greenough publisher@thescope.ca Editor Elling Lien editor@thescope.ca Advertising Sales Elaine Pond (709) 699-7299 elaine@thescope.ca Advertising Sales Lisa Cook (709) 693-5028 lisa@thescope.ca Copy Editor Bryhanna Greenough

Cover illustration by Ricky King.

comments at thescope.ca

Move the capital

Contributors Adam Clarke, Ryan Davis, Andrew Harvey, Shannon Webb-Campbell, Nathan Downey, Lisa Cook, Elaine Pond, Natrix Ma, Angus Woodman, Mark Callanan, Taryn Sheppard, Sarah Smellie, Ricky King, Andrew Wickens, and Rob Brezsny.

And more!

Of all of the ideas we printed in last month's Big Ideas edition, it was Liam Herringshaw's idea to move the provincial capital to the West Coast of the island that got people talking online. "A capital in western Newfoundland would connect the province to its country," he wrote.

Here's what people had to say about the idea...

The Scope is St. John’s arts and entertainment newspaper, published by Scope Media Inc. 22,000 copies of The Scope are printed monthly and distributed throughout the metro area. The Scope seeks to publish a newspaper that will entertain, inform, and foster cultural development in the St. John’s metropolitan area. The Scope claims absolutely no responsibility for Muammar Gaddafi not coming to Newfoundland last year. According to a Wikileak, it was because he was afraid of flying over water: bit.ly/ f0VF7T. All rights reserved. © 2010 Proudly independent and locally owned. Founded in 2006.

Tim Rast: I completely agree with Liam Herringshaw’s proposal to move the capital to the west coast. All of his arguments are spot on – especially the point about the weather.

As National Geographic pointed out, the Avalon Peninsula is a great place to visit, but anyone who spent any time on the Island, from the Basques and Vikings to the Palaeoeskimos and Maritime Archaic Indians, recognized that the West Coast was the place to live. Everybody, except the current inhabitants, that is.

Mike H.: Over my dead body. ummm: Okay sure, build all the infrastructure, figure out how to populate the place so it even qualifies as a city, then get an airport perhaps? (Deer Lake is so pitiful it doesn’t even count!) and then ensure that the ferry actually works and it might be given a chance.

Or just ignore all the historical evidence that shows how St. John’s is a million times better then any place on the West Coast.

Minus Marble and Gros Morne, you have nothing.

Jordan: Corner Brook is a city, as are most places with a population of over 20,000. As well there is lots of instances where aiports aren’t actually located in the major city of a region so Deer Lake is a fine place to have the airport. Canadian air traffic into Deer Lake Airport saw one of the largest increases out of all airports worldwide this year.

Corner Brook will obviously never become the capital, and it wouldn’t have really made sense to be the capital years ago, but it does make a lot of sense now. Hopefully more baymen move into the Corner Brook area.

Liam Herringshaw: Thanks Tim! I don’t for one moment think it will happen, but I think there are a lot of good reasons for changing the orientation of Newfoundland. Here are some more thoughts on it: ­www.bit.ly/­ dNhW8B Jordan: I have also thought that Corner Brook would make a better capital city for the province. They have three large harbours, one for Marine Atlantic, one for industrial

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Back feed

purposes and one to be the commercial downtown area. As well as being closer to the rest of Canada we’d be closer to Labrador, and a fixed link could be economical. The area would need to be built very dense, though, to save the scenery.

A Big Idea I have thought about in the past is to put a large St. John’s sign up on the Southside Hills like the Hollywood sign.

Anonymous: A Hollywood-style sign on the Southside Hills? Now THAT I can agree with! It would be really f***ing cool, and wouldn’t cost very much money.

John Kioti: The logical reasons are there for a West Coast capital, but the recent (500 year) history needed the safe harbour close to the motherland more.

A better solution is to simply build all houses and buildings on large castor wheels.

Not only would that allow us to relocate the capital as society’s requirements change, but it would allow historic areas and industrial parks to grow and shrink as needed. Farmland could be protected with the natural berm of rock one usually finds at the borders of such areas, as that would be difficult to wheel over.

Good luck with that.

Frank Blackwood: I disagree with the idea to move the capital, leave it where it is with Signal Hill, Water Street, Brazil Square, and the Waterfront intact with its sense of heritage and well-being that touches our inner soul with renewed spark when we come back home. You all may get tired of it, but we grew up with it. It’s in our mind and bones like the salt sea.

Liam Herringshaw: I didn’t mean to give the impression I was tired of St John’s. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I think it’s a wonderful city with a fascinating history, and I want to see that conserved and lauded. It’s simply in the wrong location for Newfoundland as it is today—a Canadian ­province—and attempts to expand and develop the city will only require more suburban sprawl, more food miles, and more destruction of its heritage.

Anonymous: I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Aside from the fact that it will never happen, very little would actually change if it did. The arguments may be valid, but St. John’s will always be the cultural and economic center of the province, regardless of where the provincial government is based.

Comment online at www.bit.ly/eA59Xu

Rock House The

on George Street

FRIday dec 3rd

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS BLACK 49 saturday dec 4th

PRE RAPHAELITES EP Release

REPARTEE SAY FIRE THUrsday dec 16th

THE SCOPE'S BEST OF ST. JOHN'S AWARDS FRIday dec 17 TH

MATTHEW HORNELL & THE DIAMOND MINDS SHERMAN DOWNEY sATurday dec 18TH

IN THE FLESH A tribute to Pink Floyd

wednesday dec 22nd

MERCY THE SEXTON CD Release

thursday dec 23rd

BUNG monday dec 27th

GRAMERCY RIFFS digital fine art printing by a photographer for photographers

tuesday dec 28nd

IDLERS wednesday dec 29nd

ABBEY ROAD A tribute to The Beatles

friday dec 31st

7 2 2 9 5 0 5

THE NOVAKS MARK BRAGG & THE BUTCHERS REPARTEE

www.printingrocks.com

DECEMBER 2010

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people thescope.ca/people

A SOUTHERN SHORE MUMMER

The mummering season is fast approaching, but how do you mummer anyway? City-folk like myself may have never done it before. If you plan on mummering this year or heading over to the Mummers Parade on December 18th, this anonymous mummer has the inside scoop.

Who are you?

Who am I? I'm a mummer.

Where are you from?

From around. Up the Shore and that's all you need to know.

Okay, then what's mummering like up the Shore?

It usually starts the day before, when one friend in particular gives a call around to see who's going out in the mummers. So then I get this hodge podge of clothes together, get in the car, and make a run over to my friend's house in Ferryland which is where I go mummering. As you're getting rigged up, you start drinking and planning your route at the same time. By the time you're rigged up and ready to go, you're probably half in the bag. Then we start making our rounds. Some years we'll walk, depending on the weather, some years we'll get a “designated mummer� to drive us around.

What happens when you go to the door?

Someone comes to the door and lets you in. Every house I've ever gone to has welcomed us. We've never been treated nastily, not in the beginning anyway. By the end of the visit, attitudes might have changed a bit. Some of the mummers that go with me are a bit more rambunctious so they usually barge their way through to the kitchen and get up in people's faces. I tend to be a bit more coy about it and I'll probably go over and start feeling people's muscles and feeling their faces. I'll keep doing that until they get totally pissed off. Some people try to haul up your mask but that's totally against mummers etiquette.

They have to guess who we are.

What is mummers etiquette?

Our mummers etiquette is that eventually you have to reveal who you are. And you don't go to someone's house and drink every bit of booze that they have. It's not about that. If they're offering you a social drink, that's great. It's not a way to go out and get a free load in ya', basically, right? I mean, that's a bonus if you get a free load in ya' while you're at it, but it's about getting out and socializing and just havin' a time.

How do you like to mummer?

I just like going in and playing the fool, playing the gatch with people. Getting up in people's faces, probably hauling them out on the floor dancing. When I was growing up, mummers were about coming into the house and doing the gatch bit. Gatch is about taking on the character. That would be gatching around.

What do you do when you get up in people's faces?

You're going around and you're touching 'em. And people start touching you back, that's the other thing. I'm usually dressed up as a woman and the first thing they'll do is go for your chest, men especially, to see if you're a real woman. So there is that bit of sexual tension going on too in the mummers. I've never seen people grab between the legs though.

It's always been the chest that they go for.

Any tips for new mummers?

You gotta pace yourself. Cause it's really hard when you're a dressed as a mummer and you need to go to the bathroom. The more booze that goes in you, the more that's got to come out. My friend who tends to be the one who gets absolutely ossified every year doesn't factor this in at all. She stuffs every part of her disguise with stuffing and practices her kegel exercises all night long to keep everything in.

Interview and photo by Ryan Davis. For more tips on mummering from the Southern Shore Mummer, go to www.thescope.ca

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DECEMBER 2010

store front

Shannon Webb-Campbell brings you some local biznews. shops

End of an auntie era

House Soups is a home-based operation out of Norberg's crimson coloured house in Flatrock.

"Cooking has always been a creative outlook for me and I experiment a lot," says Norberg. "It helps to be fearless in the kitchen.

What's the worst thing that can happen?"

It's a week-long process to make each soup—from the shopping to chopping to simmering of stock to the actual soup making.

Then comes the bottling and delivery.

Put your spoon in a bowl at www.redhousesoups.com

After 33 years in business, Auntie Crae's throws in the towel December 24. The Water Street one-stop specialty food shop, owned and operated by Janet Kelly, is a St. John's fixture. Whether it was a cup of coffee, a fresh loaf of bread, a half dozen of tea biscuits or imported cheese, Auntie Crae's offers a variety of goods for a variety of tastes.

The once uptown business moved downtown over a decade ago, making home in the old Nyle Soper building and breathing life back into Water Street. Kelly describes the SHOPS relocation as an homage to the way things were, downtown a bustling place of shopping AVALON Software and people.

As of December 1, Avalon Software will be The closure of Auntie Crae's isn't a reflecdubbed Avalon Audiotronic. The company tion of lack of business, it's a corner stone in gets a face lift makeover as it is now a part Kelly's life. of a franchise based out of Quebec. When "It's useless to try to explain why I would the store gets done over, they will be adding not be interested in selling my life's work so I home electronics to their product line-up. won't try," says Kelly. "You would have to be me to understand."

RESTAURANTS As usual, Christmas Eve is a special day at Auntie Crae's, with live music, fun and good Raymonds open times. Kelly felt it was the best day to swing A join effort of Jeremy Sonia and Jeremy the open sign to close once and for all.

Charles, Raymond's Restaurant "We always work like is a fine dinning experience and heck for months in advance an homage to their respective to take care of everyone's paternal legacy (a grandfather needs. It's a really big push and a father coincidentally before my staff and I take a named Raymond). Make well deserved rest," she says. your way to Raymond's at "It's the day when everyone, 95 Water Street and prepare both customers and staff are your taste buds for a feast of happy and joyful and proud Raymonds Restaurant at 95 Water local produce, lamb, seafood, to celebrate our relationrabbit and contemporary ships with one another."

Newfoundland cuisine. shops

Tit for tat

While one shop closes, another opens up. The Boobie Trap, located at 120 Water Street, recently opened its pale pink doors at the end of October. The custom-fitting bra shop is a celebration of the women of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Owner Dana Williams, co-owner of Get Stuffed Restaurant on Duckworth Street, found the city was lacking in support for a good bra shop. Out of personal frustration she drafted her business plan.

The Boobie Trap is a tailored experience, customers come in for their custom bra fitting and leave with a bra that suits their body type. It's a one-on-one service.

As one good turn deserves another, Le Boudoir recently opened further west at 256 Water Street, specializing in lingerie and undergarments. The Boobie Trap and Boudoir carry different lines and work with different suppliers, so competition is friendly.

FOOD

The Season of Soup

With the long winter months ahead certain comforts are required: wool socks, quilts and good soup. Carolyn Norberg's Red House Soups is a simple solution to a delicious way to warm up. With her weekly constantly evolving menu of everything from Apple Turnip and Brie to Moroccan Chicken, Red

FOOD

get WELL NOURISHED

Nourish Newfoundland, a gluten-free bakery, recently opened up shop out in Paradise on 1304 Topsail Road. Their philosophy is simple: nourish your body, your life and your soul.

With gluten-free banana bread, cinnamon raisin bread, flax loaf, artisan loaf, Italian flat bread and hamburger buns, their expertise goes beyond bread. Their dessert list includes strawberry shortcake, cream puffs, pie, ginger cupcakes, cheesecake, tiramisu, butter tarts and more. Eat it up at www. nourishnewfoundland.com SHOPS

zap zip zap

Another interesting Newfoundland business endeavour is Newfoundland E Bikes, an electric scooter shop that just opened a showroom on Prescott Street below Duckworth. The coy names and sharp designs will have locals buzzing around town, whether you fancy 'The Townie', the most popular 'Sherpa' or 'The Mounted Pearl', a flashy red scooter. They say they have a bike for everyone, and no license is required.

Check out www.nlebike.com for more information.

Changing? Moving? Send your hot Storefront tips to storefront@thescope.ca

DECEMBER 2010

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hot tickets

DECEMBER 2010

Some of our picks for the month. Written by Sarah Smellie

photo by ryan davis

MUSIC

THROWING SOUND INTO SILENCE December 3 and 4

Here’s something you may not know: A “prepared piano” is a regular old piano with all kinds of stuff crammed inside it to create a wider variety of sounds. The term and technique were pioneered by legendary wacky composer John Cage, in around 1938, when he was asked to write a piece for a stage whose hulking grand piano didn’t allow room for a percussion group. Unfazed, he stuck a bunch of nuts, bolts, and scraps of rubber between his piano strings and created a percussion section within the piano itself. His most famous prepared piano piece, Sonatas and Interludes, will be performed by Ora Ensemble pianist Krista Vincent, alongside theatrical accompaniment written and directed by GG-winner Robert Chafe in Throwing Sound Into Silence, at The Rabbittown Theatre at 8pm. They’ve also got a paywhat-you-can matinee scheduled for 2:30pm on December 4th. Call 739-8220 to reserve seats.

Part of the table of preparations of John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes.

MUSIC/MADNESS

JACKASS PARTY December 3

No matter what demographic you subscribe to, you’ve probably seen at least one Jackass video. Maybe the one where they skydive with no parachutes? Or the one where Steve-O gets his butt cheeks pierced together? No? Well, one of the guys who started it all, Bam Margera, will be hosting a Jackass party at Headquarters. The former pro-skater be joined by DJ Sina, Ricochet of the Ill Kidz, JoFo, Over the Top, JB Allen, RocketRocketShip, and DJ J Billz. Anything could happen. Keep your pants on.

MUSIC

MERCY, THE SEXTON CD RELEASE December 22

Mercy, The Sexton are about to release a new album. Their debut, Another Month, beat out St. John’s hometown heroes Hey Rosetta! to win the 2008 Atlantis Prize, so expectations are high. Local fans haven’t been treated to their catchy, synthy, skinny-jeaned smirks since the summer, so this’ll be a big show and, if history repeats itself, a big album. Say It Back will be available on iTunes on December 6th, and at Fred’s and CD Plus on December 13th. They will be on stage at the Rock House to celebrate it on December 22nd at 11pm. Cover is ten bucks.

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DECEMBER 2010

PARADE

MUMMERS PARADE December 18

If you’re unaware, mummering is a once-dormant, now-revived Newfoundland tradition in which people get all dressed up in silly clothes and masks and parade around from house to house singing songs, doing dances, and coaxing people to guess who they are. The Mummers Festival has been growing steadily each year and his year, they’ve pretty much taken over the entire pre-Christmas portion of December. In the festival line-up: hobby horse workshops, a mummer’s jam and concert, a few seminars on the history of mummering in Newfoundland, and, of course, the big mummers’ parade. Everyone is invited to participate, especially in the parade. The roster of events and their corresponding details can be found at mummersfestival.ca. The parade begins on December 18th at 2pm at MacPherson Elementary, located at 430 Newtown Road. Show up an hour early to get all suited up with the rest of the crowd.

MUSIC

5th ANNUAL HOLIDAY WASSAIL (CAROL SING) December 19th

The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society put on a pretty spectacular night of carolling each year at around this time. Their 5th Annual Holiday Wassail takes place at the George Street United Church at 2pm, with the great wooden doors opening at 1:30pm. Carollers include Bob Hallett, Matthew Byrne, Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne, and the Anchormen Chorus with Anita Best and Pamela Morgan.

EVEN MORE MUSIC

A FEAST OF COHEN December 27, 28, 29, 30

Some people feast on turkey, or pancakes and bacon and eggs. But some people feast on the sweet and tender Buddhist-basted music of Leonard Cohen, as performed by local musicians. This year’s Feast of Cohen brings Amelia Curran, Matthew Hornell, Colleen Power, Des Walsh, and a smorgasbord of others to the Reid Theatre at MUN to knead and shape Cohen songs as they see fit. All shows start at 8pm and tickets are $50. Be sure to ask your server about appropriate wine pairings.

DECEMBER 2010

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CITY

City Council Report Card

By Andrew Harvey, Sarah Smellie & Elling Lien. Illustrations by Elling Lien.

Comment on this report card at thescope.ca/city/reportcard2010 Read city councillors' responses to our questionnaire at thescope. ca/city/Q2010

Yes indeed, it’s time for the Scope’s Not-So-Annual (And Pretty Much Randomly Occurring) St. John’s City Council Report Card! Last time we did something like this was back in 2008.

We canvassed a bunch of business and arts organizations, city council watchdogs, and general city politics afficianados to ask them how the felt each councillor had performed over the past year.

They gave each council member a letter grade and explained why.

Then we got council members to fill out questionnaires of their own, asking them how they thought they did, what they thought the biggest issues of the past year were, and where their priorities for the future lay.

Taking all that into account, we then poured over the results, searched deep within our own hearts and minds, and assigned the final grades.

The criteria for each grade was, roughly, based on a number of questions: Who tends to lead, and who tends to stay on the sidelines? Who has vision? Who sticks to their guns, and who is inconsistent? Who represents their ward well? Who attends and participates in meetings?

Here's our opinion.

Dennis O'Keefe Mayor 2010 grade: D+ 2008 grade: C+

Shannie Duff deputy Mayor 2010 grade: A 2008 grade: A-

In the wake of Andy Wells, O’Keefe has brought much needed decorum and stability to council. His efforts to make council chambers a more civil, productive place have been well met, but as a chair of council meetings, he can be fairly divisive. A case and point is his conduct during the Fortis proposal and withdrawal. While it is one thing to be in favour of a certain project, it is another thing for a mayor to be all over the media begging Fortis to reconsider and expressing “frustration” over the “events leading up to its withdrawal.” (www.bit.ly/ g9dct9) Dude, from our perspective, the events leading up to the proposal’s withdrawal consisted of citizens and councillors participating in a democracy. That’s the sort of thing a mayor should encourage.

We’re also disappointed in his continued stalling of the review of the city’s municipal plan, especially after he made such a fuss about of the importance of developing a vision for St. John’s during the election.

Say what you will, but we find it hard to criticize Shannie Duff for much. She is one of the most active councillors, and speaks intelligently and knowledgeably on virtually every topic. For someone who is routinely lambasted by sections of the public for being “antidevelopment,” she was leading the charge in the rezoning of Water Street West, which allowed for bonus height and new development in the area. Her many years on council give her a keen sense of when information is being presented in a misleading, or incorrect manner, and she does not hesitate to call people out on it. She is probably the most likely one to get in a racket, but in doing so, she’s usually defending her right to speak, or defending a position she has clearly articulated.

Although she did call Tom Hann a “drama queen” that one time...

Wally Collins ward five

Wally Collins is like the quiet kid at the back of the class who occasionally cracks the hilarious joke. You don’t hear much from Wally Collins in council (for example, he was the only council member not to return our questionnaire, which loses him a few points) though when he does speak, it’s clear that he has his finger on the pulse of Ward 5, and that he’s responsive to constituent concerns. As far as issues outside of his ward, he seems to be a go-with-your-gut kind of guy. And speaking of guts, he ran the Cape to Cabot race this year in just over two hours. We’d like to see more of that moving and shaking from Collins in council chambers, too.

2010 grade: C+ 2008 grade: D+

DANNY BREEN WARD ONE

One of the newcomers to council, Danny Breen is learning the ropes and fitting in well. Breen has taken a fresh approach to the tight budgets he’s been facing, looking for belts to tighten within programs, rather than scrapping said programs outright. He’s also in good contact with his constituents, and often brings their concerns to council. Breen is always respectful and sensible when he talks, and listens to others’ perspectives. This is an excellent characteristic for a productive council member.

He does seem more likely to react to a motion than to make one, but hopefully that will change once he’s had a bit more experience.

2010 grade: B 2008 grade: n/a

Debbie Hanlon WARD FOUR

Debbie Hanlon is a councillor who always speaks her mind, and is smart enough to say when she doesn’t know something. This refreshing honesty makes her many contributions to discussion and debate welcome. She stays well in touch with her constituents through her website, www.ward4report.com, and brings their concerns to council.

And she gets bonus points for her idea for a city-funded position to help artists promote their work locally and abroad to new markets.

Outside-the-box ideas like this are crucial for surviving whatever grim financial times could lay ahead, and we’d love to see more initiative from her to turn these good ideas into motions.

2010 grade: B 2008 grade: n/a

Sad to say, but if there was a councillor you might forget about, it’s Sandy Hickman. When he speaks, he’s sensible, respectful, and concise, but he just doesn’t speak enough. For a councillor-at-large, it would be nice to see Hickman pick up a torch—almost any torch, and really carry it.

SANDY HICKMAN AT LARGE 2010 grade: C2008 grade: C+

Frank Galgay

If there’s one councillor who really lays out—perhaps ad nauseum— why he’s voting a certain way, it’s Frank Galgay. With 13 years on council, Galgay brings a calm, reasonable perspective to the table.

Though he does stick to playing nicey-nice and smiling pretty for the cameras, his recent vote for the development on Signal Hill had many of his constituents pretty miffed. And although his perspective is balanced, it may be too much so for what is probably the city's most radical and creative ward (which includes most of downtown).

WARD TWO 2010 grade: C 2008 grade: B

Gerry COLBERT WARD 3 2010 grade: D2008 grade: F

With over 20 years on council, the often sensible voice of Gerry Colbert is one we wish we heard more. He’s civil, he speaks to the point and his experience lends a valuable perspective. And he’s got a great moustache.

So what’s with the D-? Councillor Colbert is, like, never there. Back in April 2010, just months after his re-election, The Telegram reported that Colbert had already missed 30 per cent of council’s regular meetings on account of his trips to Florida (www.bit.ly/g1g2nv.)

We gave him an F for his lousy attendance last time around. It’s improved a bit since then, so we are bumping his grade to a D-.

i saw you Observations and missed connections in the St. John's area

thescope.ca/isawyou

DECEMBER 2010

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Holiday Wassail

2010 grade: B 2008 grade: n/a

Having been elected with more votes than any other candidate, O’Leary came in with all the expectations of Obama. She has been extremely active in her time on council so far, raising a wide variety of issues, from funding for the arts to advocating for a ban on cosmetic pesticide use. She does do an excellent job of reaching out to the public and makes sure their voices are heard in council chambers.

Gotta say, though, we couldn't help but be disappointed when she took up litter as one of her key issues. Litter? Really? That’s a pretty tame issue for a councillor who really seemed she was going to be a fist-pumping radical who fought for the little guys. We know keeping our city litter free is useful to remind people about environmental stewardship, but jeez.

BRUCE TILLEY

On his second go at council, Bruce Tilley represents Ward 3 with quiet dignity and clearly does a good job of staying in touch with his ward.

He is generally reserved at council meetings, keeping his speeches short and getting right to the point with little explanation. He’s occasionally confused with what point the meeting is at, for which he takes a good ribbing from the other councillors, but he gets bonus points for bringing up safety concerns about the ducks on the road by Bowring Park with a straight face.

5th Annual

(Carol Sing-A-Long)

Doors open 1:30 pm; show starts at 2 George Street United Church Sunday, December 19th www.nlfolk.com

Bob Hallett, Graham Wells, Allan Ricketts, Matthew Byrne, Anchormen Chorus, Anita Best & Pamela Morgan, Jim Payne & Fergus O'Byrne, Ray & Greg Walsh, and more to be added!

Sheilagh o'leary AT LARGE

$10 (advance) or $12 (door) Kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Available at O’Brien’s Music Store (Cash only accepted) tickets

WARD 3 2010 grade: C 2008 grade: n/a

Newfoundland’s Traditional Music Store This season, our shop is jam packed full of Christmas goodies for all ages! We’ve got a huge selection of instruments, musical accessories and books and a full supply of Newfoundland music.

278 Water Street • Ph: (709) 753-8135 E-mail: obriensmusic@nl.rogers.com

www.obriensmusic.com

12

thescope

DECEMBER 2010

TOM HANN AT LARGE 2010 grade: C+ 2008 grade: C+

Another active councillor, Tom Hann is not shy to voice his opinion, and he’s quick to point out inconsistencies in the actions of council. As a result of his questioning, we have seen a review of the city’s policy on sponsoring charity events, leading to a fairer process for dispensing city funds.

On the downside, Hann recently made a comment insinuating that video cameras should not be allowed in the gallery, which has us worried about his commitment to transparency and openness of council.

He also listed a review of the municipal plan as one of his top three priorities to us in the questionnaire we sent him this year, despite voting and speaking against a motion to begin the review several months ago.

atlantis music prize} thescope presents

Colonel Craze & The Hunch

Reptilian Lipstick

The Atlantis Music Prize is a juried award for Newfoundland and Labrador album of the year, judged on artistic merit, without regard to sales or genre.

An independent group of more than 30 journalists, musicians, and people recognized for their love of local music submitted their choices for the best Newfoundland and Labrador album released between November 1, 2009 and October 31, 2010.

The winning album, decided by a group of six judges, will be announced on Thursday, December 16th at the Rock House in St. John's. The winner gets 1,000 bucks to spend however they wish. It'll be awesome. For more information, visit atlantismusicprize.ca

Here is the Atlantis Music Prize Short List for 2010.

Duane Andrews and Dwayne Côté

Duane Andrews & Dwayne Côté

obligatory genre classification: Heavy Rock.

obligatory genre classification: Celtic gypsy jazz

FLAVOURS: Hard, angry and fast. But catchy.

FLAVOURS: Ornate but rootsy. Playful.

Answers by Devon Milley

Answers by Duane Andrews

How did this album come together?

We formed the band, wrote 10 songs and Matt Fudge recorded the whole thing in his living room. If I remember correctly we did drums on a weekend, then bass the weekend after, guitar the next and vocals the next. All except for two songs.

How did this album come together?

Dwayne and I are old friends but hadn't seen each other in about 10 years. I was doing a few shows down around Cape Breton a couple of years ago and he popped into my mind as I knew he was living down there somewhere.

The bass player on the tour was a mutual friend from Sydney and managed to hunt him down. We brought him along on the tour as a special guest and had such a blast we decided to do an album.

Best or worst moments?

I think the best moment or moments is that everything was done in one take. Worst? One song got recorded in 16 bit instead of 24, but I won't tell you what one!

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

"Pocket Full of Blades" and "Blueprint" were the last two songs recorded. Waterman wrote them a few days before, showed them to Matt and I seperately on guitar, then one day we recorded our parts in one shot, the first time ever playing the songs together as a band.

Pretty good. Also for the vocal take on "Milk Jar Blues," Waterman was completely wasted off his ass, you can kind of tell if you listen closely.

Best or worst moments?

The best would be getting the finished thing back in hand. There's always so much work from the music to the artwork and the process can seem like it would go on forever. But I always find it really cool when you finally finish and look back through all the insights you've gained throughout the process.

Worst would be the deadlines. We came down to the wire several times but always made it in the end.

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

I like the way we recorded the album. The whole album is just fiddle and guitar and we contemplated adding in a bunch of other instruments to pad up the sound but in the end decided to keep it purely a fiddle and guitar album.

Gramercy Riffs

Idlers

obligatory genre classification: Heartbreak pop with a bit of a twang

obligatory genre classification: Classic reggae ska

FLAVOURS: Urgent. Bitter-sweet. Harmony.

FLAVOURS: Energetic but laid back. ­Infectious groove.

It's Heartbreak

Answers by Lee Hanlon How did this album come together?

We really have to thank Mark Bragg, our producer, for bringing this album together. He helped us fine-tune the songs, apply for funding, and record. We don't know where we'd be without his help and experience. It was completed in two sessions—a week in August and over the Christmas holidays.

Best or worst moments?

Our worst moment in the recording studio turned into the best moment...

Recording in August can be pretty difficult.

It gets very hot very quickly when you lock yourself in a small room with lots of amps and electronics, and are trying to play music all day. We were recording at Stage House Studios in St. Philip's and one particularly hot day, recording wasn't going very well.

We were tired, sweaty and playing poorly, so Bragg made us leave the studio and jump in the ocean. Then we returned to the studio and recorded the take of "Call Me" you hear on the record (some of us may or may not have been in our underwear...)

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

The weirdest circumstance about recording this album was that the band was spread all over the country: Mara lives in Montreal and Lee and Daniel had just moved to Toronto.

It was recorded in short, intense bursts. This makes it a pretty good representation of how the band operated over the first two years of our existence.

Keep Out

Answers by Mark Wilson How did this album come together?

The album was the result of a full band creative explosion. We wrote about 30 songs then narrowed it down. The energy had a lot to do with the album being produced by Bad Brains bassist Daryl Jenifer. Very inspirational process! And taking it all on the road [to Dreamland Studios in New York] gives you the opportunity to weed out the good from the bad in front of a crowd, but working with a producer gave us a lot more insight into arranging for recording.

Best or worst moments?

The four month lead-up was enough to get us worked up over the recording process. Seeing pictures of Dreamland Studios just outside of a recording mecca like Woodstock, NY. These culminated in that edge-of-seat dreaming and anticipation. At night we nestled into the mastering studio where we would sleep, and it was where all the Beastie Boys remastering was done. Getting in the vocal booth where "Love Shack" was sung. Not quite everyday stuff.

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

Keep Out is all about the Idlers moving on, mixing the love for our home, family, friends, and culture in with the world perspective and musical voices that we exude. We thought we would get closer to capturing that live show energy but Jenifer what helped sculpt out of our music was the tight arrangements and subtleties that make us hear ourselves.

DECEMBER 2010

thescope

13

Jake Nicoll

Wild Machines obligatory genre classification: Arty synth pop FLAVOURS: Catchy. Introspective. Dream-like.

How did this album come together?

This album is a result of my seemingly endless urge to record. I had just moved to St. John's after living in Halifax for a year and a half. I was feeling tired of writing slow and winding instrumental pieces and wanted to create an album where the songs felt complete, individual and unique from each other. I also wanted to make songs that were faster and that had more of an emphasis on drums and bass.

Best or worst moments?

The last few weeks were by far the hardest, not only logistically but also emotionally.

Right when I needed to give the final push I found myself swimming in doubt about the whole project. I was about to spend a thousand dollars on CD production and I couldn't help but ask myself what the point was for this entire undertaking. Why was I making an album in the first place? Why was I making an album in the first place?

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

There were some times when I would listen to one of the songs and buzz with excitement, convinced that what I had made was good, really good, and that I was maybe on the cusp of an important transition in life. Those really were bipolar times; I felt completely depressed in one moment and elated in the next.

Matthew Hornell & The Diamond Minds

Matthew Hornell

obligatory genre classification: Instrumental improv

obligatory genre classification: Folk rock

FLAVOURS: Percussive. Progressive. Mathy.

FLAVOURS: Restrained. Sincere and emotional.

How did this album come together?

The album was recorded in September 2009 at Henge Productions with Leo Bruce. Leo, he’s a great person, sound engineer and technician and he makes a mean homebrew, which was helpful. It was a little hazy how some parts of the album came together, to tell the truth. We were working full time that summer and playing several shows a month.

Best or worst moments?

The best was the worst at the same time.

When you’re learning about the recording process it’s really exciting and interesting and full of possibility. It’s also quite humbling to hear back what you’ve created. You can really get into critiquing yourself and analyzing it.

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

When we recorded the album, Josh, our drummer, had only been playing music with us for about a month so he was really just learning some of the songs. Although he was new to the band there was at least two or three tracks he laid down in just one take. So I called him a One Take Wonder. We recorded one song called "Float Away". I was playing the acoustic guitar and I broke a string and the whole guitar went out of tune. I started laughing, but Josh kept on playing. And that’s the take that we used. If there was an MVP prize he’d get it.

THE ELEGANT PANTRY

Offering Locally Made Products, Coronation Street Souvenirs, NFLD Souvenirs & Republic of NL Products, George Street Souvenirs, & Labradorite Jewellery

(Second Level) An Expression of Elegance & Style in Home Decor Great Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

282 Water Street • 579-3655 check us out online at tinyurl.com/elegantpantry

thescope

DECEMBER 2010

Kudos

& The Diamond Minds

ISLAND DESIGNS AND GIFTS

14

McKudo

Answers by Adam Staple How did this album come together?

Myself, Sean [Panting], and Rob [Power] had been playing as McKudo for three or four years, but it wasn't until Josh [Ward] came on board that it really got interesting. All of a sudden there was so much space. When you do mostly improvised tunes, and there's only three of you, you feel like you have to keep playing and fill up every last bit of silence with something... but when there's four of you, you can sit out for a while, which actually means you can stretch even further because not playing becomes a way of playing. So the music started to evolve naturally, and over the course of a few live shows, we realized we had a pretty good thing going.

Best or worst moments?

The best moments from the sessions are the random accidents and short little sound testing blurbs that evolved into little mini-jams of their own, most of which eventually selfdestruct in a spasm of giggling and one-upmanship. I'm not sure anyone else would like to hear those moments, though—it'd be like listening to a recording of someone telling a joke that "you had to be there for."

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

Part of the plan with this record was to spend absolutely no money on it, to put as little effort as possible into promoting it. Oddly, hundreds of listeners have checked it out on our Bandcamp page, and we've even sold a few, all without spending a cent. Our profit margin is, like, 1100 per cent!

Pathological Lovers

Calling All Favours obligatory genre classification: Alternative rock

FLAVOURS: Dynamic. Poppy. Driving.

Answers by Jody Richardson How did this album come together?

We were very fortunate to receive a project grant from MusicNL. We had wanted to document the tunes we had so far and that gave us the coin to set it into motion.

Best or worst moments?

I was saying something to the Cornerbrooker a couple of days ago, and also Justin Simms and I were talking about this: Is it more about the product or the process? Because process seems more important and helps buffer any disappointment when the project doesn't end up changing your life, or the landscape of art, or the planet. So you realize it's primarily about the good times (or tough times) shared.

That said, hanging out in Bay Bulls getting the beds done, eating Dave Rowe's great food and talking music for two weeks straight. That was truly a gold gauntlet. Then working with Grant on the vocals. Pineapple juice and victory cigarettes... Quality and quantity!

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

I guess it's just that all around heightened reality of "10 musicians enter—one album leaves!" Getting together and laying something to tape and being exhilarated (love and fear) that people are going to actually understand what it is you're gettin' on with these days. [We] wanted to go a little farther on this album than all of us have before.

Sherman Downey

Honey For Bees obligatory genre classification: Folk rock

The Subtitles

Quick and Painless obligatory genre classification: Pop

FLAVOURS: Honest. Uplifting. Old timey.

Answers by Sherman Downey How did this album come together?

I’ve been using an old 8-track digital recorder for years now. I was playing in Corner Brook one evening with Louis McDonald of McDonald Brother’s Studio and he mentioned that he’d checked out my page and took a listen.

He thought I should swing by the studio sometime and maybe we could lay down a few tracks and see how things turned out.

Within that same month, we went into the studio and recorded two tracks—“Church Mouse” and “Indifferences Lay Waiting”.

Best or worst moments?

I’d have to say at this point that the recording process in and of itself was simply a great experience. We learned so much from Louis about the “etiquette” of recording. I know it seems silly to think that there may actually be etiquette, but yes, things have to come together just so in order to bring out the best in a song. The fact that it was our first time together in a studio and that we were all learning about the process as a band brought a certain something to the mix, I think.

FLAVOURS: Crisp. Driving. Fun. Answers by Rebecca Cohoe How did this album come together?

The simplest answer is quick and painless...

The most truthful answer? Significantly less than the title implies!

Best or worst moments?

We're pretty cuddly, so it's always nice to get some gang vocal recording on the go. Another great moment was picking up the manufactured CDs in Toronto just hours before hitting the stage at our NXNE gig. We cut it pretty close, but in the end it all worked out.

As for less cheerful moments, there were definitely a few, but we'll never tell.

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

Interesting fact: Geri Coady who did our album art and photography also does design work for the cure, one of our favorite bands (whenever Kirk gets his hair cut he asks for the "Robert Smith").

Any other stories about the album you’d like to share?

I would have ideas about how I wanted things to play out in a song but I really had no clue as to how to get my ideas across to Louis. My not knowing this ‘language of mix’ resulted in crazed demonstrations and gibbering about in the room where we were trying to get this CD finished and out the door. I’m sure at times I was more of a hindrance than a help.

Anyway, Louis quite literally had to decipher what I was saying by trying different things and I felt as though I was playing that game where you say “…warmer….warmer…no, no cold, cold, cold…..warmer…warmer” as he got closer to what it was I was hearing in my head.

ThE ATLANTIS jury Andrew Robinson (The Packet) Ashley Fitzpatrick (The Telegram) Benjy Kean (DJ) Chris Batstone (K-Rock 97.5FM) Darryl Bennett (twitter.com/deebee76) Elling Lien (The Scope) Gabriel Piller (Freds Records) Gary Moore (Radio Nfld/Current) Geoff Younghusband (Musician) Glenn Nuotio (Musician) Heidi Wicks (The Telegram)

Jamie Fitzpatrick (CBC NL) Jonathan Swyers (Musician) Jud Haynes (Mightypop) Kevin Hehir (Freelance) Kevin Kelly (The Herald) Krissy Holmes (Out of the Fog) Leslie Pierce (Author of Folklore MA Thesis on local rock and roll) Mack Furlong (CBC NL/Freelance) Nathan Downey (SignalBlog) Patrick Canning (Musician/Freelance)

Paula Gale (CBC NL) Robert Hiscock (Product of Nfld Blog) Ryan Belbin (The Muse) Stacey Tuttle (2008 Best Local Fan) Stephen Lethbridge (OZ-FM) Tara Bradbury (The Telegram) Tom Cochrane (Cornerbrooker) Tom Power (CBC Radio 2) Tony Murray (The Ship & The Rockhouse) Vanessa Stockley (Granite Studios) Zach Goudie (CBC NL)

DECEMBER 2010

thescope

15

Considering ...Selling your home?

...Buying a new home? ...An investment property?

Call me for a free consultation.

Jason Kearsey

690-7673

weekend music listings

Music events on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more go to thescope.ca/events

Thursday DEC 2 101, $5,Whalen's Pub Carl Peters & Bob Taylor (7pm), Middle Tickle (11pm), Shamrock City Pub Count Down the Clock: With DJ NuRock, The Breezeway Craig Young (solo acoustic) no cover, Fat Cat Blues Bar

email: jasonkearsey@goldstonerealestate.com WEB: www.goldstonerealestate.com

Dave Panting, Erin's Pub Des Gambin, 7pm, West Side Charlie's-Kenmount Rd DJ Big Frank, Konfusion DJ Fox, 12pm-5pm, Liquid NightClub DJ Illz, Loft 709 DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's DJ Mark Power, 11pm, Martini Bar Downstairs Mix Up, Hosted

by Steve Abbott, CBTGs Fergus O'Byrne (7pm); Acoustic Punters (10:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Jerry Stamp, midnight, no cover, Bull & Barrel Karaoke, 10pm, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Karaoke, West Side Charlie's-Torbay Rd Noise Terror, 10pm, $5, Headquarters Oddly Enough, 10pm, The Grapevine Open House: Open mic with Jason LaCour, 9pm, The Brimstone Open Mic, 9pm, The Levee Ron Hynes (solo) 9:30pm, The Ship Steve Maloney, Andrew McCarthy, Adam Baxter, Pete Mills, 10pm, $6, Rose & Thistle The Led Hot Zilli Peppers, Fallen Abbey. Shirt & tie edition, $5, The Levee

The Once (and for all) Christmas Time: With Kim Stockwood & Jonny Harris.

Suitable for all ages, $20/$22, Gower Street United Church Tino Borges & The Incident, 10:30pm, no cover, Martini Bar upstairs Totally Toxic: DJ Fox, 12am, $5, Liquid Night Club Unlisted, Green Sleeves Pub Yung Dumb: The New New, Headquarters

Friday DEC 3 Bridges, Veneers, I was a Skywalker, The Levee Chris Hennessey (5pm); Bill Kelly (8pm), The Bishops (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Chris Kirby & The Marquee (blues) Fat Cat Blues Bar D'arcy Broderick & Ron Kelly (5pm); Barry Kenny, Glen Harvey & Sonny Hogan (8pm); Kilkenny Krew (11pm), Shamrock City Pub Damian Follett, Twelve Mile House, Green Sleeves Pub DJ Fabian, no cover, 11am, Zone 216 DJ Nu Rock, Martini Bardownstairs DJ Scrappy, Turkey Joe's DJ Sina, Konfusion Jackass Party: Hosted by Bam Margera with DJ Sina, Ricochet of the Ill Kidz , JoFo, Over The Top, JB Allen, RocketRocketShip, DJ J Billz, $35, Headquarters Jon Bennett, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar MUN Chamber Orchestra: Back to the Future featuring

some things old and new, 8pm, $10/$15, DF Cook Recital Hall

Scott Conway, Andrew Ledrew, Danika Drover, $5, Whalen's Pub

DJ Yellow, Martini Bardownstairs Hugh Scott (5pm); Bob Taylor, Carl Peters & Pat Moran (8pm); Kilkenny Krew (11pm), Shamrock City Pub

The Dardanelles (folk), Pilot to Bombardier (folk), The Wiles (alternative), 10:30pm, The Ship

Karaoke, Hosted by Murf, Darnell's Pub

The Once (and for all) Christmas Time: With Kim Stockwood & Jonny Harris.

Suitable for all ages, $20/$22, Gower Street United Church

Kujo (rock), The Pathological Lovers (rock), The Ship

The Living Daylights (acoustic rock), Black 49, Rock House The Quidi Vidi Dirt Band, Martini Bar The Superstars, Club One The Tequila Rockingbirds, 11pm, The Brimstone Throwing Sound into Silence (Ora Ensemble) A performance of sonatas & interludes, John Cage's masterpiece for prepared piano with Krista Vincent & Robert Chafe, 8pm, $20, Rabbittown Theatre Traditional Music Session, 8:30pm, Erin's Pub

Saturday DEC 4 Chris Kirby, Darrell Cooper, Fat Cat Blues Bar Colin Harris, The Bloody Baymen & Matt Carpenter (11pm); Kilkenny Krew (2:30am), $7, Whalen's Pub Cross Cultural Solutions Benefit: Rayfield, The Domestics, The Newish Klezmer Ensemble, 10pm, $7, The Levee

Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar

Pre-Raphaelites (Ep release), Repartee (rock), Say Fire (pop rock), $10, Rock House Rob Cook (4:30pm);Fergus O'Byrne (8pm); The Bishops (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Sexual Saturdays: DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's The Quidi Vidi Dirt Band, Martini Bar The Superstars, Club One The Tequila Rockingbirds, 11pm, The Brimstone Throwing Sound into Silence (Ora Ensemble) A performance of sonatas & interludes, John Cage's masterpiece for prepared piano with Krista Vincent & Robert Chafe, 2:30pm PWYC & 8pm, $20, Rabbittown Theatre Twelve Mile House, Green Sleeves Pub VJ Eric, DJ Fabian, 11pm, $5/$7 after 1:30pm, Zone 216

Thursday DEC 9 Carl Peters & Bob Taylor (7pm), Middle Tickle (11pm), Shamrock City Pub

David Langmead, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub

Craig Young (solo acoustic) no cover, Fat Cat Blues Bar

DJ Big Frank, Konfusion

Dave Panting, Erin's Pub

music venue

directory ARTS & CULTURE CENTRE, Prince Philip Dr, 729-3900 THE ATTIC, 2 George St, 579-9632 BAR NONE, 164 Water St, 579-2110 BELLA VISTA, 26 Torbay Rd, 753-2352 BIANCA'S LOUNGE, 171 Water St 726-9016 BIG BEN'S, 55 Rowan St, 753-8212 THE BREEZEWAY, MUN Campus, 737-4743 BRIDIE MOLLOY'S, 5 George St, 576-5990 BRIMSTONE PUBLIC HOUSE, 17 George, 726-0353 St BULL & BARREL, Holdsworth Court, 579-7077 BULL & FINCH, Torbay Rd, 738-7007 CBTG'S, Holdsworth Court, 722-2284 CHRISTINE'S PLACE, 210 Lemarchant Rd, 722-6400 CLB ARMOURY, 82 Harvey Rd, 722-1737 CLUB ONE, George St, 753-7822 CLUB V, George St CROW'S NEST, 88 Water St (by War Memorial), 753-6927 CORNER STONE SPORTS BAR, 16 Queen St, 754-4263 DARNELL'S PUB, 1570 Topsail Rd 782-2440 DF COOK RECITAL HALL, Memorial University 7374700 DISTORTION, Holdsworth Court, 738-8833/685-1503 DUSK ULTRA LOUNGE, George St ERIN'S PUB, 186 Water St, 722-1916 FAT CAT BLUES BAR, George St 739-5554 FERRY LAST STOP CAFE, 2 Loop Dr-Portugal CV 895-3082 GEORGE STREET BEER MARKET, George St, 753-7822 GEORGETOWN PUB, 754-6151 GREEN SLEEVES PUB, 14 George St, 579-1070 THE GRAPEVINE, Water St, 754-8463 GRUMPY STUMP, Torbay Rd, 753-2337 HEADQUARTERS, 208 Water St, 579-2557 HOLY HEART THEATRE, 55 Bonaventure Ave, 579-4424 KARAOKE KOPS PARTY BAR, 10 George St, 726-8202 KELLY'S PUB, 25 George St, 753-5300 KRUGER'S BAR, Kelligrews THE LAST DROP, 193 Water St, 726-3767 THE LEVEE, Holdsworth Court LIQUID NIGHT CLUB, 186B Water St, 754-5455 LOFT 709, George St 351-2183 LOTTIE'S PLACE, 3 George St, 754-3020 LOWER PATH BAR, 312 Water St 579-1717 LSPU HALL, 3 Victoria St, 753-4531 MAJESTIC THEATRE, 390 Duckworth St MARG'S PLACE, Kelligrews MARTINI BAR, George St 739-9180 MASONIC TEMPLE, 6 Cathedral St, 579-3023 MICKEY QUINN'S, 120 New Gower St, 739-6404 MILE ONE CENTRE, 50 New Gower St, 576-7657 MUN MUSIC, 737-4455 MRS LIDDY'S, Torbay 437-6005 THE OLD MILL, 271 Brookfield Rd, 368-1334 O’REILLY'S IRISH PUB, 15 George St, 722-3735 PEDDLER'S PUB, George St, 739-9180 ON THE ROCKS, 371 Duckworth 351-2183 PETER EASTON PUB, Cookstown Road PETRO-CANADA HALL, Memorial University PLAYERS CUE, 50 Commonwealth Ave-Mt Pearl 368-2500 THE PUMPHOUSE, 371 Duckworth St 351-2183 REPUBLIC, Duckworth St, 753-1012 ROCK HOUSE, George St, 579-6832 ROSE & THISTLE, 208 Water St, 579-6662 SCANLAN'S, 164 Water st 738-0677 SHAMROCK CITY PUB, 340 Water St, 758-5483 SHIP PUB, 265 Duckworth St, 753-3870 SPIN, 2 George St SHARKEY'S PUB, Manuels 834-5636 THE SPROUT, 364 Duckworth St, 579-5485 SS MEIGLE LOUNGE, Seal Cove 744-1212 ST JOHN'S CONVENTION CENTRE, New Gower St 576-7657 STANLEY'S PUB, 26 Torbay Rd, 754-0930 STATION LOUNGE, 7 Hutchings St 722-8576 STAR OF THE SEA, Henry St, 753-8222 STETSON LOUNGE, 260 Water St, 753-8138 SUNDANCE, George St, 753-7822 TOL'S TIME-OUT LOUNGE, 74 Old Placentia Rd 745-8657 TOPSAIL BREEZE TAVERN, Topsail 781-0010 TRAPPER JOHN'S PUB, 2 George St, 579-9630 TRINITY PUB, George St, 579-5558 TRIP IN LOUNGE, Kelligrews 834-4002 THE WELL, 14 George St WHALEN'S PUB, 32 George St 722-4900 WHISKY ON GEORGE, 15 George St, 579-9475 YELLOWBELLY BREWERY, 288 Water St 757-3784 ZONE 216, 216 Water St, 754-2492 Do you host live music or DJs? Joining our directory is free.

E-mail listings@thescope.ca

16

thescope

DECEMBER 2010

Des Gambin, 7pm, West Side Charlie's-Kenmount Rd

O'Reilly's Irish Pub

DJ Big Frank, Konfusion

Jerry Stamp, midnight, no cover, Bull & Barrel

DJ Fox, 12pm-5pm, Liquid NightClub

Karaoke, 10pm, Karaoke Kops Party Bar

DJ Illz, Loft 709 DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's

Karaoke, West Side Charlie's-Torbay Rd

DJ Mark Power, 11pm, Martini Bar

Noise Terror, 10pm, $5, Headquarters

DJ Nu Rock, The Breezeway

Open House: Open mic with Jason LaCour, 9pm, The Brimstone

Downstairs Mix Up, Hosted

by Steve Abbott, CBTGs Fergus O'Byrne (7pm); Acoustic Punters (10:30pm),

dent, 10:30pm, no cover, Martini Bar upstairs Totally Toxic: DJ Fox, 12am, $5, Liquid Night Club Unlisted, Green Sleeves Pub Women in Song at Christmas: Karla Pilgrim, Rose Cousins (Nova Scotia) & Ennis with host Jane Adey, 7:30pm, $10/$25/$30, George St United Church 746-3023

Friday DEC 10 Alert the Medic (Halifax rock) Distortion Beach B'ys: Tribute to The Beach Boys (live video taping), Bay Town Connection, 10pm, $10, Headquarters Bump, Club One

Open Mic, 9pm, The Levee

Chris Hennessey (5pm); Bill Kelly (8pm), Acoustic Punters (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub

Tino Borges & The Inci-

D'arcy Broderick & Ron

Kelly (5pm); Barry Kenny, Glen Harvey & Sonny Hogan (8pm); Dungarvan (11pm), Shamrock City Pub

Juicer (rock) 10pm, The Levee

Damian Follett, Freshly Squeezed, Green Sleeves Pub

Military Road, 11pm, The Brimstone

DJ Fabian, no cover, 11am, Zone 216

Missconduct, Martini Bar

Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar

DJ Nu Rock, Martini Bardownstairs

Mopey Mumble Mouse (art rock), Monsterbator (rock), Local Tough (rock), CBTGs

DJ Scrappy, Turkey Joe's

One Power, Fat Cat Blues Bar

DJ Sina, Konfusion

Traditional Music Session, 8:30pm, Erin's Pub

Janeil Lynch, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub

DJ Big Frank, Konfusion

Saturday DEC 11 A Concert for Village Haiti Health: Bands tba, $10, The Ship Alert the Medic (Halifax rock) Distortion Bump, Club One Danika Drover, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub

DJ Yellow, Martini Bardownstairs Freshly Squeezed, Green Sleeves Pub Hugh Scott (5pm); Bob Taylor, Carl Peters & Pat Moran (8pm); Dungarvan (11pm), Shamrock City Pub John Cossar (Heart on Fire CD release) $20, Private house concert-tix at Fred's Records John Michael Montgomery, Sammy Kershaw &

DECEMBER 2010

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weekend music David Ball, $54.99+, Mile One Centre

Karaoke, Hosted by Murf, Darnell's Pub Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Kujo (rock) Fat Cat Blues Bar Military Road, 11pm, The Brimstone Missconduct, Martini Bar Rob Cook (4:30pm);Fergus O'Byrne (8pm); Acoustic Punters (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Sexual Saturdays: DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's The Need, 10pm, The Levee VJ Eric, DJ Fabian, 11pm, $5/$7 after 1:30pm, Zone 216

continued

Unlisted, Green Sleeves Pub

Friday DEC 17 Adam Harding & Friends, Distortion Beats for Dzogadze: Fundraiser for a tiny village in Ghana featuring music

by Mopaya, Idlers, Dzolali Drum/Dance Ensemble, 9pm, The Ship Chris Hennessey (5pm); Bill Kelly (8pm), The Irish Descendants (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub D'arcy Broderick & Ron Kelly (5pm); Barry Kenny, Glen Harvey & Sonny Hogan (8pm); Arthur, Fred & Paul (11pm), Shamrock City Pub

Thursday DEC 16

Damian Follett, Des Gambin & Barry Davis, Green Sleeves Pub

Atlantis Music Prize: Top 10 shortlisted bands invited to play music showcase (9pm); Best of St John's Awards (8pm), no cover, Rock House

DJ Nu Rock, Martini Bardownstairs

A White Christmas Party: DJ Colette, 9pm, Evolve Carl Peters & Bob Taylor (7pm), Middle Tickle (11pm), Shamrock City Pub Craig Young (solo acoustic) no cover, Fat Cat Blues Bar Dave Panting, Erin's Pub Des Gambin, 7pm, West Side Charlie's-Kenmount Rd DJ Big Frank, Konfusion DJ Fox, 12pm-5pm, Liquid NightClub DJ Illz, Loft 709 DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's DJ Mark Power, 11pm, Martini Bar Downstairs Mix Up, Hosted

by Steve Abbott, CBTGs Fergus O'Byrne (7pm); Acoustic Punters (10:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub

DJ Fabian, no cover, 11am, Zone 216

DJ Scrappy, Turkey Joe's DJ Sina, Konfusion Greg King, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub Hey Rosetta!: All ages show with licensed area, 9pm, $25/$30, Delta Ballroom 579-4424 Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Kelly Ann Evans, Martini Bar Matt Hornell & The Diamond Minds, Sherman Downey, Rock House Pre-Raphaelites (indie pop), Sherman Downey & The Ambiguous Case, Matthew Hornell & The Diamond Minds, 11pm, Rock House Signal Hill, Club One The Baxter Threesome, 10pm, The Levee The Monday Nights, 11pm, The Brimstone

Hey Rosetta!: All ages show with licensed area, 9pm, $25/$30, Delta Ballroom 579-4424

The Sidekicks, Fat Cat Blues Bar

Jerry Stamp, midnight, no cover, Bull & Barrel

Traditional Music Session, 8:30pm, Erin's Pub

The Tequilla Rockingbirds, Trapper John's Pub

Karaoke, 10pm, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Karaoke, West Side Charlie's-Torbay Rd Night Music (Sound Symposium) with anchor band The Pathological Lovers. Improvisers welcome, 9:30pm, $4, The Ship

O Holy Night: Shelley Neville with Jonathan Monro, Darcy Broderick and Peter Halley, Masonic Temple

Des Gambin & Barry Davis, Green Sleeves Pub

Rex Goudie (One Hundred Pages Later CD release) $20, LSPU Hall Signal Hill, Club One Striped White: White Stripes Tribute, 9pm, The Levee The Irish Descendants & The Navigators (A Celtic Christmas CD release) 8pm, $35, Holy Heart Theatre Tino Borges & The Incident, 10:30pm, no cover, Martini Bar upstairs Totally Toxic: DJ Fox, 12am, $5, Liquid Night Club

DECEMBER 2010

Dad Jam, The Levee Denis Parker, Scott Goudie Band, Fat Cat Blues Bar

Open Mic, 9pm, The Levee

thescope

Bob McDonald Band, The Brimstone

Noise Terror, 10pm, $5, Headquarters

Open House: Open mic with Jason LaCour, 9pm, The Brimstone

18

Saturday DEC 18

DJ Big Frank, Konfusion DJ Yellow, Martini Bardownstairs Hugh Scott (5pm); Bob Taylor, Carl Peters & Pat Moran (8pm); Arthur, Fred & Paul (11pm), Shamrock City Pub In the Flesh: A Tribute to Pink Floyd, Rock House Janeil Lynch, 10:30pm, Trinity Pub Karaoke, Hosted by Murf, Darnell's Pub Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Kelly Ann Evans, Martini Bar Night Before Christmas: Featuring Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir, readings by Karl Wells with host Toni Marie Wiseman, 7:30pm,

$15/$20, Wesley United Church-Patrick St

Rob Cook (4:30pm);Fergus O'Byrne (8pm); The Irish Descendants (11:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Sexual Saturdays: DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's Signal Hill, Club One

Thursday DEC 30 Craig Young (solo acoustic) no cover, Fat Cat Blues Bar Dave Panting, Erin's Pub Des Gambin, 7pm, West Side Charlie's-Kenmount Rd DJ Big Frank, Konfusion

The Long Distance Runners (CD release) 11pm, The Ship

DJ Fox, 12pm-5pm, Liquid NightClub

The Tequilla Rockingbirds, Trapper John's Pub

DJ Illz, Loft 709 DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's

VJ Eric, DJ Fabian, 11pm, $5/$7 after 1:30pm, Zone 216

DJ Mark Power, 11pm, Martini Bar Downstairs Mix Up, Hosted

by Steve Abbott, CBTGs

Carl Peters & Bob Taylor (7pm), Middle Tickle (11pm), Shamrock City Pub

Feast of Cohen: Songs of Leonard Cohen sung by Vicky Hynes, Bryan Hennessey, Colleen Power, Sean Panting, Jill Porter, Des Walsh, Jenny Gear, Liz Solo, Amelia Curran, Maggie Meyer, Matthew Hornell, Jody Richardson & The Beautiful Losers, 8pm, $50, Reid Theatre 753-4531

Craig Young (solo acoustic) no cover, Fat Cat Blues Bar

Genetic Angry (Truro) Distortion

Dave Panting, Erin's Pub

Greeley's Reel, O'Reilly's Irish Pub

Thursday DEC 23 Bung, Rock House

Des Gambin, 7pm, West Side Charlie's-Kenmount Rd DJ Big Frank, Konfusion

Jerry Stamp, midnight, no cover, Bull & Barrel

DJ Fox, 12pm-5pm, Liquid NightClub

Karaoke, 10pm, Karaoke Kops Party Bar

DJ Illz, Loft 709

Karaoke, West Side Charlie's-Torbay Rd

DJ JayCee, Turkey Joe's DJ Mark Power, 11pm, Martini Bar DJ Nu Rock, The Breezeway Downstairs Mix Up, Hosted

by Steve Abbott, CBTGs Fergus O'Byrne (7pm); Acoustic Punters (10:30pm), O'Reilly's Irish Pub Jerry Stamp, midnight, no cover, Bull & Barrel Karaoke, 10pm, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Karaoke, West Side Charlie's-Torbay Rd

Middle Tickle (11pm), Shamrock City Pub Noise Terror, 10pm, $5, Headquarters Open House: Open mic with Jason LaCour, 9pm, The Brimstone Open Mic, 9pm, The Levee Tino Borges & The Incident, 10:30pm, no cover, Martini Bar upstairs Totally Toxic: DJ Fox, 12am, $5, Liquid Night Club Unlisted, Green Sleeves Pub

Noise Terror, 10pm, $5, Headquarters Open House: Open mic with Jason LaCour, 9pm, The Brimstone Open Mic, 9pm, The Levee Ships End, Matthew Hornell, Josh Bourden, 10pm, $10, Club One Tino Borges & The Incident, 10:30pm, no cover, Martini Bar upstairs Totally Toxic: DJ Fox, 12am, $5, Liquid Night Club Unlisted, Green Sleeves Pub Y/N (DJ punk funk) Headquarters

Friday DEC 31 A Very Merry Dub-Step New Year, Distortion CCR Tribute, Fat Cat Blues Bar Commoname (metal) Headquarters DJ Fabian, no cover, 11am, Zone 216 DJ Nu Rock, Martini Bardownstairs DJ Rocket Boy, no cover, Lottie's Place DJ Scrappy, Turkey Joe's

Friday DEC 24 It's Christmas Eve! Nothing to see here.

Saturday DEC 25 It's Christmas!

DJ Sina, Konfusion Karaoke, Karaoke Kops Party Bar Kilkenny Krew, 11pm, Shamrock City Pub Masterless Men, $25, O'Reilly's Irish Pub Roundelay (psychedlic rock), Dodgeband (alternative), The Levee The Insiders, DJ Slim Macho, 10pm, The Majestic Theatre The Novaks (rock), Mark Bragg & The Butchers (indie rock), Repartee (rock), Rock House Todd Scott & Jeremy Dicks, Green Sleeves Pub Traditional Music Session, 8:30pm, Erin's Pub

DECEMBER 2010

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reader restaurant reviews

Customer-submitted reviews for St. John’s and metro.

piatto Pizzeria and Enocteca 377 Duckworth Street, 726-0909

 Reviewed by Lanie Doe

I visited Piatto for the first time today for lunch. Walking into the place, it felt like a restaurant that had been already established in the city for years. Rustic wooden floors, simple tables, and tasteful mirrors were some of the things that caught my eye. The space is cozy and warm, yet chic and modern at the same time.

My lunch date and I had the salad with cranberries, gorganzola and walnuts. It was extremely fresh, and enough for two of us to enjoy.

We then had the cheese pizza, as my friend is a vegetarian. It arrived in less than 10 minutes, with gorgeous blobs of Gorgonzola, Ricotta, Parm, and a cream base. The wine was served in a regular glass, instead of your typical wine glass, which I very much liked.

Nice to see such a place exist here.

Avg rating

 (based on 14 reviews)

tasting menu and from the fresh oysters to the handmade pasta it was a foodie’s delight.

The decor is simple and elegant—beautifully classic. A very, very special night out.

Avg rating

 (based on 1 review)

THE SPROUT 364 Duckworth Street, 579-5485

 Reviewed by Josh

I love meat, I'm not afraid to say it, and to be honest I was really wary about trying The Sprout but once I went there I couldn’t do anything but love this place. It's cute and cozy and packed with local art, the staff are all friendly and beautiful and more than happy to talk and carry on with you. It really makes you feel like you're at home. The foood! Yum. It is all so tasty and simple and well priced.

I'm a big guy and I can eat a lot, and yes, it doesn’t stuff me, but when I leave I'm full and happy. I eat there a few times a month and will never stop.

Avg rating

 (based on 57 reviews)

Raymonds RESTAURANT 95 Water Street

 Reviewed by Des Ryan

The new standard for decor, service and complex flavours in the city. We had the

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DECEMBER 2010

Disagree? Write your own review at

thescope.ca/scoff

books

A

Informed Speculation Review by Mark Callanan

non’s ne’er-do-well brother-in-law, Major rmed with an honours degree in writes: “Jerm drank too much. He was unfailcultural geography and ecology, ingly cheerful and full of sophomoric quips Shannon Carew, the protagonist that were in need of a locker room to gain of Kevin Major’s latest novel, their full effect. He enjoyed being seen at the has spent years working for the end of a cigar.” (Not hard to imagine “Jerm” national parks system in locations across the cheerfully cracking his rolled-up towel against country, her professional abilities and her the arse of his squash partner in the shower sensitivity to aboriginal issues boosting her stall.) to ever higher positions of responsibility.

But Major’s novel finds its sombre fulcrum At the start of New Under the Sun, she has in the plight of the Beothuks, as recorded just returned to Newfoundland, the island

by William Epps Cormack, founder of the of her birth, in order to (in the bureaucratic “Boeothuck Institute,” the man to whom we language of her job description) “analyze owe much of our records of that civilization’s and make recommendations for expanded language and culture. Shanawdithit, presumed interpretation of the Aboriginal components the last of her people, lived with Cormack for of three sites,” L’Anse aux Meadows, Red Bay, a period while he learned from her what he and L’Anse Amour.

Major’s narrative is split between Shannon’s could.

Cormack is a difficult character. Shanawmodern-day struggle to reacclimatize to the dithit, far from an equal, land she left and reconis treated as his hapless nect with her estranged ward, his “primitive” in family in Conche, and need of protection; their several texts she is readrelationship is less a coling as part of her worklaborative effort than a related research. The scientific study: subject latter, appearing in pieces and observer. interspersed throughout What’s more, he the book, comprise a has a repulsive self-righnovel about the Maritime teousness regarding his Archaic Indians; a collecservices to history: “Who tion of diary entries and will remember them,” he letters by the historiwrites in his journal, “but cal figure William Epps for what I have recorded?

Cormack; and a short But for the drawings I story, ostensibly from have elicited from her an anthology of contemand her words I have porary Basque fiction in put to paper, what will translation. be understood of them?”

Part of Major’s point Still, there’s something seems to be to question New Under the Sun touching in the tenderthe validity of the historiKevin Major ness (infected as it is cal record, or at least to Cormorant Books, 2010 by a nineteenth century assert the parity of story: 398 pages; $32 viewpoint) of his real-life a creative imposition on obituary for Shanawdiwhat we have come to thit, which Major quotes accept as the facts. “Is in part: “There has been a primitive nation, there ever complete certainty about the past?” once claiming rank as a portion of the human Shannon had asked the panel at her job interrace, who have lived, flourished, and become view. This doubt is cast again during a discusextinct in their own orbit.” sion of historical fiction between Shannon’s Of the various sections in Major’s book, nouveau beau, Simon, a Métis school teacher, and Selma Barkham, the real-life “person most those involving the early aboriginal inhabitants of Newfoundland and Labrador are by far responsible for the discovery of the sixteenththe most compelling (the Basques and Norse century Basque connection to Red Bay.” make only short appearances). One can’t “If properly done, it has a place,” Barkham shake the feeling that Shannon’s employsays. “Otherwise it clouds the truth.” When ment—the entire set-up of her life, in fact—is Simon suggests to her that “any theory is a matter of narrative convenience that allows speculation,” Barkham shuts him down: Major to group together all those disparate “Informed speculation. Not a writer letting historical narratives. Though Major wants his mind go to the four winds, without any her to stand for the modern Newfoundlander, evidence to back it up.” Major is poking fun out of touch with her heritage but striving to at himself here: New Under the Sun, according reconnect to traditional ways, Shannon is less to his acknowledgements, “imagines the lives a character than an interpretation centre. Her of historical figures beyond what history has job in the book is her job in the book. recorded.”

There are many other instances of Major’s humour providing levity. Describing ShanComment on this review online at thescope.ca

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DECEMBER 2010

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21

full tilt GERALD SQUIRES, GEORGE HORAN, JULIA PICKARD, SHARON PUDDESTER, ESTHER SQUIRES Landscapes, Portraits, Oils, Watercolours, Drawings, Prints, Sculptures

India Gate Fine Indian Cuisine

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We are known for our quality and consistency.

ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCHEON BUFFET Monday - Friday 11:30 - 2pm

FINE DINING

Monday - Sunday 5pm - 10:30pm

NEW GALLERY HOURS (as of Jan 1st): Weekends 12 – 4 PM Other times by appointment or by chance Gerald Squires Art Gallery 52 Prescott Street, St. John’s 722-2207, 739-4429 229-7578 (studio) squiresgallery@gmail.com

Annual Holiday Celebration with Jack Harris, MP

THE FLUVARIUM Monday, December 20 6 – 9 pm Tickets are $25 (with $17 tax receipt).

Includes complimentary drink, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction To purchase tickets, contact DALE KIRBY at 753–9365 or dalekirby@dalekirby.com

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DECEMBER 2010

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE Telephone: 753.6006 286 Duckworth Street www.indiagate.250x.com

The rejected Harvey Road condominium proposal. Image by Doulgas Hawes RJC Services.

THE BATTLE OF HARVEY ROAD

A

What should the Harvey Road of the future look like?

public debate has arisen over a proposed development at Harvey Road. The proposal for a five storey executive condo and office building has twice been rejected by city hall on the grounds of not meeting heritage regulations. And while the proposed building in question may not appear to be a particularly inspired design, its rejection has forced a discussion over the standards by which we judge new buildings in heritage areas.

I sympathize with both sides of the debate.

On the one hand, the developer feels they should not have to build new architecture to look old, and that it would be a lie to do so. I totally agree with that.

Why should they have to forfeit the opportunity to use new materials and technology?

Why construct a false TARYN SHEPPARD "old" facade? And who taryn@thescope.ca decides that clapboard, white trim, and dormer windows are the most important historical characteristics to reproduce anyhow? From the developers' perspective it seems like city hall is just enforcing its own brand of 1890's commodified vernacular.

City hall's stance, on the other hand, is not really asking that much—but what they are asking for could potentially limit the potential for design: Maintaining the rhythm of the streetscape, an identifiable entranceway, elements of traditional masonry, and other similar qualities of the surrounding heritage buildings are often required by the city.

Is there some way to make modern architecture that respects the heritage of a place without just copying something old? This neighborhood presents an entire palette of materials and a rich history to draw on. In this neighborhood: The Rooms, the Kirk, Big R, Ches's, the new fire station, the rebuilt CLB, and the police station. The Harvey Road area is full of historically potent structures—some of which might not have a physical, material

age that qualifies as heritage, but still shows the neighbourhood's deep history.

Lots of architects have gone the strange and high concept route to find a form that speaks to the history of a place. Pritzker Prize-winning (the 'Oscar' for architects) architect Peter Zumthor designed a church called the Bruder Klaus Chapel for the small town of Wachendorf in Germany. He created a huge coneshaped arrangement out of logs, and then had local masonry workers coat the entire thing in concrete. Then, after the concrete was set, he lit the wood inside on fire. After the fire had burned out all the lumber, what was left was a hollow structure with subtle lace-like impressions in the concrete of the wood and bark, and an open top which let in the light.

While this building is pretty radical, it still reflects the community and its history in its material qualities. It is conceptually compelling, and creates a beautiful and inspiring space to be in, without simply copying an old church.

Contemporary architecture is not, by definition, diametrically opposed to reflecting the history and heritage of a place, nor should a "heritage architecture" be deemed suitable based on its fulfillment of a checklist of preordained features. Maybe we are afraid that, if developers aren't forced to abide by at least the minimal rules of style enforced by heritage guidelines, we might end up with no style at all, or something that actually detracts from the character of the surroundings, like the infamous Atlantic Place. Maybe heritage guidelines are really just a crutch, there to make sure there are no total architectural atrocities. The difficulty is that they can limit potential for design. As a city we can enforce buildings to meet certain standards for heritage but it is another question to enforce something as subjective as taste.

Comment on this article online at

thescope.ca/fulltilt

on display visual art museums

GALLERIES Openings Barb Hunt: Beyond depicting the absurdity of war, Hunt’s nuanced installations of camouflage fabric contemplate the fragility and beauty of the human body, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Opening reception Fri Dec 10 at 7pm / Artist talk Sun Dec 12 at 2pm) Christmas Open Studio: New paintings & variededition prints,Christine Koch Studio-177 Water St (Sat Dec 11 & Sun Dec 12 from 12pm-5pm) Comfort & Joy: Annual juried holiday exhibition of handmade gifts, Craft Council-59 Duckworth St 753-2749 (Opening reception Sat Dec 4 from 1pm-4pm / Ends Dec 19) Dance of Light and Colour: Christmas exhibition featuring all new work by gallery artists, Red Ochre Gallery-96 Duckworth St 7266422 (Opening reception Thu Dec 2 from 5pm - 8pm) Going (to a new) home: A collection of artwork by Jen Vivian (including paintings, prints, photography & drawings) about our transitory nature, endings, the new beginnings and the waiting in between, The Sprout Restaurant (Opens Tue Dec 7)

Long Exposure: Community Youth Arts Program Year End Exhibition, A1C Gallery-8 Clift’s-Baird’s Cove 237-0427 (Opening reception Fri Dec 3 from 5pm-8pm / Ends Dec 15) Page 1: Exhibition featuring a collection of images of Fogo and Change Islands, Art in the Atrium-Mount Pearl City Hall (Opening reception Mon Dec 13 from 2pm-4pm / Ends Dec 17)

Explore the early decades of English colonization in the region using rare original documents and archaeological artifacts that tell the story of Cupids and its settlers, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000

I Saw Three Ships: Artwork

by Cara Kansala and Pam Dorey, Heritage Art Gallery, 2nd Floor-309 Water St

Annual Christmas Show: A rotating exhibit of works by most of our artists, Leyton Gallery-Clift’s-Baird’s Cove 722-7177

Inner Works: Selections from the People’s Collection: Featuring artists such as Anne Meredith Barry, Peter Bell, David Blackwood, Christopher Pratt, Mary Pratt, Helen Parsons Shepherd, Reginald Shepherd, Gerald Squires & Don Wright, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000

Art Exhibit: Art by the 4th year SWGC grads of 2010, First Space Gallery-QEII Library

Metis Carver: Ancient Stories in Stone and Bone – ongoing exhibit by Albert Biles, Wild Things-124 Water St

Coastal Women in Pre-Confederation Newfoundland & Labrador: Documents women’s experiences in outport communities prior to 1949 by interweaving archival photographs & documents, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000

New Works: By Gerald Squires, Esther Squires, George Horan, Julia Pickard, Sharon Puddester, Gerald Squires Gallery-52 Prescott St 722-2207

Continuing Exhibitions

Elena Popova: Still Vortices: Considering the nature of life as an ever-changing process, Popova’s art marks temporary registrations of the physical and spiritual world in a state of flux, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 Here to Stay: Cupids 1610…:

Recent Releases: Evening's Magic, Wild Roses Over Quidi Vidi Village, Summer Afternoon At Old Bowring Park Pool, Peace Above All Else, Limbo, Richard Steele Gallery-63 Harvey Rd 754-6741

Across the Sound II (Bylot Island) linocut print on display at Christine Koch studio Dec 11 & 12. exhibiting artists have created artworks inspired by a letter of the alphabet. 26 tickets will be sold, then drawn, Eastern Edge Gallery-72 Harbour Dr 739-1882 (Ends Dec 11)

Train: New oil paintings by Barara Pratt, Emma Butler Gallery-111 George St W 7397111 (Ends Dec 11)

MUSEUMS A Tour de Fort: Interpretive panels tell the story of Fort Townsend, the 18th century symbol of England’s domination over the fishery, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 Admiralty House Museum: 1915 navy wireless station now communications museum, 23 Old Placentia Rd-Mt Pearl 748-1124

Last Chance A is For Art: For our 26th anniversary fundraiser, 26 past

Connections: This Place and

Its Early Peoples: Polar bears on tundra, carnivorous plants in a bog, seabirds, sea mammals, sea life plus the people who made their lives here, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000

[here]say: A story map of Water Street: Stories and memories shared by people who live here. At each location there is a sign with a telephone number and a unique 3-digit code.

Johnson Geo Centre & Park: See Signal Hill’s 550

million year old geology & specimens of NF rocks, minerals & botanical park, 175 Signal Hill Rd 737-7880

MUN Botanical Garden: Trails, gift shop & tearoom, 306 Mt Scio Rd 737-8590 Railway Coastal Museum: St. John’s Dockyard exhibit of model ship hulls, shipbuilding, dockyard history plus the story of Newfoundland's railway boat service & 1940's train diorama, 495 Water St W 724-5929 Signal Hill National

Historic Site: Military & communications history, meet Signalman, watch film, interactive exhibits, Visitor Centre 772-5367 The Fluvarium: A panoramic water view under the surface of Nagle's Hill Brook. Spot fish, insects & plants in natural habitat plus interactive exhibits, 5 Nagle's Place 754-3474

Send press releases to listings@thescope.ca

hava merry christmas 216 Water Street

DECEMBER 2010

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23

on stage

theatre dance & Performance spoken & written comedy

ON STAGE CALENDAR Send press releases to listings@thescope.ca

Theatre Penning the Carol (Rabbittown Theatre Co) Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol adapted and performed by Aiden Flynn, Rabbittown Theatre-106 Freshwater Rd 739-8220 (Tue Dec 14 - Sun Dec 19 / Tue Dec 21 - Thu Dec 23 -- Repast at 7pm ($30) / Show only 8pm ($20)) The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant Ever (Spirit of Newfoundland) The Herdmans show up at the annual church Christmas pageant tryouts.

They steal, burn down buildings, and terrorize the neighborhood. But in the end they show their community and church what Christmas is all about, Masonic Temple-6 Cathedral St 579-3023 (With dancing on Dec 31 / Ends Jan 6) More Munsch! (c2c Theatre) Six more stories by children's author, Robert Munsch, and adapted for the stage.

Benjamin, Cindy, Sheila & Tyya act out their favorite stories, including The Fire Station, Jonathon Cleaned Up - Then He Heard a Sound & Something Good, $10/$15, Basement Theatre-Arts & Culture Centre 729-3900 (Wed

Dec 1 - Sun Dec 19)

Scrooge (Peter MacDonald Production) $20.50/$22.50, Arts & Culture Centre 7293900 (Thu Dec 2 - Sat Dec 4)

Dance & Performance Feast of Cohen: Songs of Leonard Cohen sung by Vicky Hynes, Bryan Hennessey, Colleen Power, Sean Panting, Jill Porter, Des Walsh, Jenny Gear, Liz Solo, Amelia Curran, Maggie Meyer, Matthew Hornell, Jody Richardson & The Beautiful Losers, 8pm, $50, Reid Theatre 753-4531 The Nutcracker (Kittiwake Dance Theatre) $20.50/$22.50, Arts & Culture Centre 729-3900 (Thu Dec 16 - Sun Dec 19) Latin Tuesdays: Dance to a mixture of Latin rhythms, 8pm, no cover, Bella Vista O Holy Night (Spirit of Newfoundland) Shelley Neville with Jonathan Monro, Darcy Broderick & Peter Halley, Masonic Temple-6 Cathedral St 579-3023 (Wed Dec 15 & Thu Dec 16) Old Fashioned Christmas Concert (St Luke's Home benefit) $17.50, Arts & Culture Centre (Sun Dec 5) Tango On The Edge: A social gathering to dance Argentine Tango, $5, RCA Club-10 Bennett Ave (Thursdays at 8:30pm) The Once (and for all) Christ-

King’s Bridge Service Co. Ltd. Come see Gerry for all your tire needs and services. Wide selection of new and used tires.

69 King’s Bridge Road

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DECEMBER 2010

Tel: 726-3247

mas Time: With Kim Stockwood & Jonny Harris. Suitable for all ages, $20/$22, Gower Street United Church (Thu Dec 2 & Fri Dec 3 at 7:30pm)

Throwing Sound into Silence (Ora Ensemble) A performance of sonatas & interludes, John Cage's masterpiece for prepared piano with Krista Vincent & Robert Chafe, $20, Rabbittown Theatre-106 Freshwater Rd 739-8220 (Fri Dec 3 & Sat Dec 4 at 8pm; PWYC matinee Sat Dec 4 at 2:30pm) VOCM Happy Tree Concert, $25, Arts & Culture Centre 729-3900 (Mon Dec 13 & Tue Dec 14) Women in Song at Christmas: Karla Pilgrim, Rose Cousins (Nova Scotia) & Ennis with host Jane Adey, 7:30pm, $10/$25/$30, George St United Church 746-3023 (Thu Dec 9)

Spoken & Written A Christmas Carol (CBC fundraiser) Dramatic readings

by Jonathan Crowe, Chris O’Neill-Yates, Angela Antle, David Cochrane plus Allan Hawco. Music by Afterglow.

Hosted by Ted Blades, $10, Gower St United Church (Sat Dec 4 at 7pm) Bella’s Tree: Written by local author Janet Russell, illustrated by Jirina Marton, this story about a young girl and her struggle to find the perfect Christmas tree for her Nan is brought to life by actor and musician Jody Richardson. Suitable for children 5+ years, $5, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Sun Dec 5 at 1:30pm) Book Club: Ru written by Kim Thuy, Centre des GrandsVents-65 Ridge Rd 726-4900 (Thu Dec 9 at 8pm) Book Launch: Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life: Making Ocean Life Count by Dr Paul Snelgrove, MUN Arts & Admin-1043 (Thu Dec 2 at 5pm) Book Signing: Danny Williams: The War With Ottawa

by Bill Rowe,Costco (Wed Nov 24 from 6pm-8pm) Book Signing: The Badger Confession by JA Ricketts (Sun Nov 28 from 2pm-4pm at Coles-Avalon Mall & Mon Nov 29 from 10am-12pm at

Costco)

Book Signing: Where Eagles Lie Fallen: The Crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285, Gander, Newfoundland by Gary Collins (Fri Nov 26 from 7pm-9pm at Coles-Avalon Mall; Sat Nov 27 from 1pm-3pm at Chapters & 3:30pm-5:30pm at ColesVillage Mall; Tue Nov 30 from 1pm-3pm at Costco) Human Write (Refugee & Immigrant Advisory Council) Celebration of Writers in Exile featuring play reading of The TAXI Project, guest speaker Dr. Philipe Basabose, and poetry and prose by exiled writers read by you, by donation, Crow's Nest-by Duckworth St War Memorial (Tue Dec 14 from 7pm-9:30pm) Night Before Christmas: Featuring Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir, readings by Karl Wells with host Toni Marie Wiseman, $15/$20, Wesley United Church-Patrick St (Sat Dec 18 at 7:30pm) Traditional Christmas Concert: Music by The Dardanelles & recitations with Hubert Furey, $15/$20, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Wed Dec 8 at 7pm) WANL Holiday Party: 2010 Heritage & History Award winner announced, readings, prizes & potluck, Ship Pub265 Duckworth St (Tue Dec 7 at 7pm)

Comedy Comedy Nite, Trinity Pub (Thu Dec 2 & 16 at 9pm) Heather Dale Foss, Dylan Gott, Steve Coombs: Stand up comedy, Yuk Yuk's-193 Kenmount Rd 726-9857 (Thu Dec 16 - Sat Dec 18) Jackass Party: Hosted by Bam Margera with DJ Sina, Ricochet of the Ill Kidz , JoFo, Over The Top, JB Allen, RocketRocketShip, DJ J Billz, $35, Headquarters Jen Grant, John Hastings, Julien Dionne: Stand up comedy, Yuk Yuk's-193 Kenmount Rd 726-9857 (Thu Dec 2 - Sat Dec 4) Lawrence Morgenstern, Ian Peet, Dylan Gott: Stand up comedy, Yuk Yuk's-193 Kenmount Rd 726-9857 (Thu Dec 9 - Sat Dec 11)

On stage

After afterimage Robert Chafe is the province's latest Governor General Literary Award winner.

By Shannon Webb-Campbell

R

obert Chafe just got back into town after a whirlwind week of press conferences in Montreal and a gala dinner at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Winning the Governor General Award for drama is a carousel ride not meant for the faint of heart.

“This thing is wild, I thought they just gave you a cheque and the leather-bound copy of your book and be done,” he says. “It's a week long series of events that's over the top.”

“I'm well fed and my ego is suitably fluffed and chuffed.”

Based on a short story by Michael Crummey, Chafe's play adaptation of Afterimage relays a story of a woman with special psychic powers she passes on to one of her children.

While Afterimage was originally created for Artistic Fraud, a local theater company shared with Siminovitch Award-winning director/designer Jillian Keiley, it premiered in Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre in 2009.

“I wish I could take credit for this idea,” says Chafe. “It actually all started when Jill met Michael at the Labrador Creative Arts Festival about ten years ago. Michael gifted Jill with some of his books, including the sto-

ry collection Flesh and Blood which includes Afterimage.

“She was taken by the story, inspired to stage it, interested in fully theatrically exploring Michael's use of electricity as a metaphor for human connection so she came to me. I fell in love with the story, too, and away we went.”

Two decades ago when he first started chipping away at writing Chafe never dreamed he would win one of the country's most prestigious literary awards. Even with his first nomination in 2004 for Butler's Marsh and Tempting Providence, the actual award has left the writer somewhat dumbfounded. He finds trusting in the creative process itself is what pulls him through periods of extreme selfdoubt.

“My process varies from project to project,” he says. “Most of my works these days are either adaptations or theatrical retelling of true events. Both for me involve at first a personal exploration and articulation of what exactly it is about the story that moves me, attracts me.”

Originally from the Goulds, Chafe believes it was quite fitting the day he was granted the

Governor General Award was when the province's premier Danny Williams announced he was stepping down.

“What I've noticed is a real change in how we are perceived and talked about as people.

If this was 10 years ago there would be an extraordinary discussion of the place. Partially with the fostering of the William's government the perception of Newfoundland has changed,” he says.

“In the last 10 years it is so normal for a Newfoundland writer, almost an anomaly to not see a Newfoundlander, on the list of the country's major awards. Our reputation has changed.”

With 15 plays to his name plus co-author of another 10, Chafe is as prolific as the day is long. But plays aren't typically bestsellers.

Afterimage and Robert Chafe: Two Plays are the only that made it into published form.

“I'm still shocked that people have read them,” he says. “I thought it was just for mom, dad and me.”

As an artist Chafe travels extensively, working across the globe on various plays, stage productions and teaching at The National Theatre School. It was only when he stopped writing one-man plays, and rooted his productions in the dialogue and landscape of Newfoundland, his work flourished.

When asked why he writes, Chafe seems perplexed.

“Because I'm a control freak? I like inventing and defining worlds and their logical order for myself. Because I hear voices and have to write them down? Because I like observing people and consider myself an amateur psychologist?” he says. “Ultimately it's about that very particular feeling I get when I'm

watching a play of mind when it works, and watching an audience engage with it. I can't really describe it beyond it being an immense sense of pride and self accomplishment.”

DECEMBER 2010

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community

community events lectures & forums kids & teens meetings & classes

EVENTS Annual Holiday Celebration: With MP Jack Harris, $25 includes complimentary drink, hors d’oeuvres & silent auction, The Fluvarium-5 Nagle's Pl 753-9365 (Mon Dec 20 from 6pm-9pm) Arts & Crafts Sale: Nine local artists'll be selling their stuff, The Grapevine-Water St (Sun Dec 5 from 6pm-10pm) Best of St John's Awards & Atlantis Music Prize: Celebrate winners of The Scope's 2010 Readers' Survey (8pm). Music showcase to follow featuring nominees for best album of 2010 (9pm), no cover, Rock House Book Fair (Association Francophone) Centre des GrandsVents-65 Ridge Rd 726-4900 (Thu Dec 2 & Fri Dec 3)

Women in Newfoundland and Labrador have one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the country. A regular pap test can help prevent cervical cancer. Ask your health care provider about getting your pap test or phone Planned Parenthood for more information.

Planned Parenthood offers various medical clinics, including Thursday evening pap clinics.

To book an appointment today, please phone.

Sexual Health Medical Clinics • Birth Control Supplies • Free Condoms • Pregnancy Testing Educational Workshops • Youth Groups • Information

S e x u a l H e a lt h Q u e s t i o n s ? W e H av e A n sw e r s !

579-1009 or 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) | 203 Merrymeeting Road, St. John's info@nlsexualhealthcentre.org

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DECEMBER 2010

Mental Health: Recognize the Signs, Reduce the Stigma: Presentation by renowned healer Dr Effie Chow, Jeremy Bennett & Canadian Mental Health Association, DF Cook Recital Hall (Dec 7 from 7pm-10pm)

Christmas Supper (Association Francophone) $30/$35, Centre des Grands-Vents-65 Ridge Rd 726-4900 (Sat Dec 4) Craft & Bake Sale (Girl Guides fundraiser) $2 admission includes tea/coffee & tasty treats, St David's Presbyterian Church-Elizabeth Ave (Sat Dec 11 from 10am-12pm)

Music, Media & Culture Lecture Series: Panel discussion on Differing National Perspectives on Contemporary Ethnomusicology, free, Arts & Culture Centre-MMaP Gallery (Thu Dec 2 at 7:30pm)

Mummers Parade: Rig Up: Make a disguise from bins of clothing at MacPherson Elementary-40 Newtown Rd (1pm-2pm); Parade begins from school (2pm); Concert & Jam at The Rooms to follow (3pm-5pm); Mummers of all kinds are welcome, Nonperishable food items accepted, 739 7870 (Sat Dec 18; Storm date Sun Dec 19)

Words in Edgewise: MUN Humanities & Eastern Edge Gallery team up to present artists and academics performing, presenting and sharing their work. This month Bruce Johnson reads from his novel Firmament, 72 Harbour Dr 739-1882 (Wed Dec 8 at 8pm)

North America's First New Year: Fireworks at Quidi Vidi Lake (Fri Dec 31)

KIDS & TEENS

Oxfam Unwrapped! Christmas Gala: Silent auction featuring original art (Pick-MeUp Artists Collective), string quartet & music, special guest Bill Hynd-Oxfam Canada's campaigns director, $25, A1C Gallery-8 Clift’s-Baird’s Cove 237-0427 (Sat Dec 18 from 7pm-10pm)

pap clinics

Folklore Seminar Series: Dr Paul Smith presents A Mesmerising Miscellany of Marvellous & Majestic Mummers: The Commodification of a Newfoundland Christmas Tradition, MUN Education Bldg-4036 (Tue Dec 7 at 12:30pm)

Mummers on Trial: Mummering, Violence and the Law in 19th Century Newfoundland with Joy Fraser (MUN Folklore). Followed by Engaging Evenings - Picturing the Past: Representations of Christmas Mummers in Newfoundland, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Wed Dec 15 at 7pm)

Breakfast with Santa, Face painting & colouring for the kids, $7/$3, Topsail United Church (Sat Dec 11 from 8am-11am)

THursday evening

Coffee & Culture: Mummers & Masks: A one-hour documentary by Chris Brookes that examines the ancient Christmas tradition of mummering on both sides of the Atlantic,The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Thu Dec 16 at 2:30pm)

WANL Holiday Party: 2010 Heritage & History Award winner announced, readings, prizes & potluck, Ship Pub265 Duckworth St (Tue Dec 7 at 7pm)

LECTURES & FORUMS Coffee & Culture: Grenfell Cards: Archivist Jessie Chisholm shares historical cards, dating back to 1923 and created in a diversity of media, reflect the varied landscapes and vibrant communities of northern NL, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Thu Dec 2 at 2:30pm) Coffee & Culture: What Santa Used to Bring: Collections Manager Wade Greeley has taken some of his favourite toys out of storage to show & share, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Thu Dec 9 at 2:30pm)

Bella’s Tree: Written by local author Janet Russell, illustrated by Jirina Marton, this story about a young girl and her struggle to find the perfect Christmas tree for her Nan is brought to life by actor and musician Jody Richardson. Suitable for children 5+ years, $5, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Sun Dec 5 at 1:30pm) Big Fun for Little People: Especially for 2-4 year olds, this program includes stories, games and crafts, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Tue Dec 7 at 10:30am) Comic Artist Breakdown: Drop in comic-making welcoming individuals with all levels of cartooning experience, young and old, free, Anna Templeton Centre-278 Duckworth St 739-7623 (Fri Dec 3 from 7pm-9pm) Family Fun: Make traditional Christmas decorations from everyday objects, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Sun Dec 5 & 12 from 2pm-4pm) Giving Back: Families will discover ways to make gift giving more green and how we can give back to the earth during the holidays, The Fluvarium-5 Nagle's Pl 754-3474

(Sat & Sun at 1:30pm / Ends Dec 18)

More Munsch! (c2c Theatre) Six stories by children's author Robert Munsch adapted for the stage. Benjamin, Cindy, Sheila & Tyya act out their favorite stories, including The Fire Station, Jonathon Cleaned Up - Then He Heard a Sound & Something Good, $10/$15, Basement Theatre-Arts & Culture Centre 729-3900 (Wed Dec 1 - Sun Dec 19) Young Musicians, Open mic at Shamrock City Pub (Sundays at 2pm)

MEETINGS & CLASSES

Clubs, Groups, Free Classes & Workshops

Avalon Wesleyan Church: Weekly meet up in a casual atmosphere with coffee & contemporary music, free, Rabbittown Theatre-106 Freshwater Rd 576-6937 (Sundays at 10am) Breastfeeding Support Group (La Leche League) The topic of discussion will be Nutrition and Weaning, babies welcome, free, Sobey's-Torbay Rd 437-5097 (Mon Dec 13 at 7pm) Capital Toastmasters: Improve self-confidence and overall leadership abilities for career and life, free, MUN Inco Centre-2014 687-1031 (Tues Dec 14 from 7-9pm) Caregiver Conversations: A Support Group for Unpaid Caregivers, Seniors Resource Centre-Torbay Rd 726-2370 (Every third Monday) Channal: A peer support group for people with mental illness. We focus on recovery, 120 LeMarchant Rd 753-7710 (Tuesdays at 7pm & Wednesdays at 2pm) Critical Mass: A mass bike ride around downtown to assert cyclists' right to the roads and spread cycling awareness.

Meet at Colonial Building (Fri Dec 31 at 6pm) Family Garden Program (FEASt) Parents come with their children and work on the garden, and learn about growing organic vegetables, #5 Mount Scio Rd www.feastnl.ca (Sundays at 1pm) For the Love of Learning: Free workshops in art, writing, film, theatre, journalism & yoga for anyone aged 15-35, Gower St United Church-basement 722-8848 (Weekdays from 12pm-6pm) Free Hot Lunch: Mondays & Fridays feature a vegetarian meal. Tuesdays & Thursdays offer soup and fresh bread.

Young adults aged 15-35 can come to Gower St United Church basement-99 Queen's Rd (2pm) French Friday: Welcome everyone, Franklin Hotel 7264900 (Every Friday) Green Drinks: An informal get together for those who work, volunteer or have an interest in environment & conservation related issues, 7pm-9pm, no cover, The Ship (Last Wednesday of month) Hobby Horse Workshops: With wandering bottle cap eyes and nails for teeth, hobby horse is a most

peculiar breed. Make a hobby horse and gallop over to the Mummers Parade. For all ages, Victoria Park Poolhouse (Sun Dec 5 & 12 from 1pm-5pm; Wed Dec 8 from 6pm-9pm)

Knit Wits: Drop in knitting social with help to get you started, free, Anna Templeton Centre-278 Duckworth St (Last Sunday of month from 7pm-9pm) Nar-Anon Family Group: Weekly meetings for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation due to the addiction problem of someone close to them, 726-6191 Newfoundland Horticultural Society: Monthly meet up, St David's Church Hall-Elizabeth Av (First Tuesday of month at 8pm) NL Horticulture Society: Where gardeners meet and grow together, St David's Church Hall-Elizabeth Ave (Tue Dec 7 at 8pm) Ornament Making Workshop: Create a festive felt ornament to brighten up your Christmas tree. Free but space limited, AC Hunter LibraryArts & Culture Centre 7373950 (Wed Dec 1 at 7pm) Overeaters Anonymous: Help is available and it’s free, no strings attached. Weekly meetings in the metro area, 738-1742 Seniors Bridging Cultures: Tea, guest speakers & conversation, Seniors Resource Centre 737-2333 Shambhala Meditation Group: Free introduction to meditation, Billy Rahl Fieldhouse-rear Elizabeth Towers 576-4727 (Wednesdays 7:30pm & Sundays 10am) Sing Barbershop: The Anchormen Chorus is seeking new members, Arts & Culture Centre-Rm B rick_e_young@ hotmail.com (Mondays at 7pm) St John’s City Council Meeting: Refer to Council Agenda at www.stjohns.ca (posted Friday afternoon), Public welcome, City HallCouncil Chambers, 4th fl (Mondays at 4:30pm) Tenacious String Orchestra: Amateur community orchestra welcomes new members motivated by the pure enjoyment of playing together alison@ nf.sympatico.ca The Pottle Centre: A social & recreation centre for consumers of mental health services, 323 Hamilton Ave 753-2143 The Rooms: Free admission, 9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 (Wednesdays 6pm-9pm) Trivia Night (Rose & Thistle on Tuesdays); (Lower Path on Wednesdays at 9pm); (Bitters on Thursdays at 8pm) Walk on Water: Get fit, meet people & learn the history of downtown, everyone welcome, free, Auntie Crae’s (Saturdays at 10am, rain or shine) Women's Accordion Circle: Women of all ages can perform, experiment & share stories about making music, Arts & Culture Centre2nd Fl, Old Gallery 746-2399 (Mondays at 7:30pm)

DECEMBER 2010

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ON SCREEN More at thescope.ca/onscreen

Cogito Ergo Film THIS YEAR AT LIVING ROOMS

PROMISES TO BE

THE BEST EVER The Christmas settings are stunning and the potential for great gifts for everybody is right here.

As you enter the store, you are bowled over by richness, by style, by choice. Mummers dance in the air, an old-fashioned, winged pig ornament glitters, night lights shine, red berries & poinsettias accent trees and garland.

Living Rooms is just full of grace notes… The café offers coffee as it ought to be, Gloria’s terrific lunches, salads, soups, desserts—plus a catering menu to assist with your Christmas parties.

Murray Premises (709) 753-2099 livingrooms2001@yahoo.com Terrace In The Square (709) 753-7666 livingrooms2@hotmail.com

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Adam Clarke is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, not unlike the documentary films Exit Through The Gift Shop (MUN Cinema, Dec. 2) and A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures (DVD, Dec. 15).

M

uch of the publicity and reviews surrounding newly-released documentaries stems from the possibility that the film might be, gasp, a fake! What's that, you cry? Why would a movie dare lie to us, the viewers? Audiences are used to a lot of things in the cinema, but a fictional narrative is not one of them!

Allow me to blow a raspberry in your general direction if you subscribe to this line of thinking. We should have different expectations for film than we do for The NTV Evening News Hour. One presents a story crafted by a team of artists and the other lets you know if anyone has spotted a dolphin being buried on a public beach. The mixing of truth and fiction in film can be found anywhere from propaganda to Orson Welles' masterful F For Fake. Story is more important than truth for the medium.

One documentary scrutinized as a hoax is Exit Through The Gift Shop. Purportedly assembled by celebrated street artist Banksy and his editors from a mix of interviews with famed street artists and a large amount of footage shot over the past decade showing its subjects in action.

According to the film, the latter footage was shot by the naive Thierry Guetta, who filmed various street artists under the guise of making a documentary about them. As it turns out, Guetta had no actual project, nor seemingly any contacts to anyone in the film industry. He simply shot the footage because he thought he could. Cogito ergo film.

Banksy, whose face and voice were digitally touched up to preserve his identity, reaches greater fame as time elapses and sells many of his pieces for ludicrously high prices to an eager public. As street art becomes a hot commodity, Banksy urges Guetta to complete the documentary, but the pseudo-filmmaker has other plans. Guetta uses his connections and seemingly unlimited funds to become L.A.'s hot new artist, Mr. Brainwash, whose exhibition can kindly be described as derivative.

While Thierry Guetta successfully enters the world of art, the documentary footage is appropriated by Banksy, resulting in Exit. The film offers a none-too-subtle critique of street

art becoming the next hot commodity to sell and the artists cashing in. Guetta creates success for himself by ripping off others and showing up at the right time. Whether he's real or a creation of the film is not important. Banksy, whose voice has been modulated so heavily that he sounds like a sad Dr. Claw, once urged everyone to create art. After the Mr. Brainwash episode, he says he doesn't do that anymore.

Exit shows how street art has lost its luster by becoming just another product.

Another film to mess with all sense of truth is A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures. Yet another documentary that is more interested in making a star of its director/subject than telling a story (like Super Size Me and My Date With Drew), Failures is all about its director, Christopher Waitt. Waitt has been dumped by every woman he's ever went out with and, now psychologically broken, tracks his exes down to discuss why these relationships failed.

That's a great concept for a documentary, but the whole film's a joke. Waitt is a caricature of a slacker and is presented as so utterly loathsome that it's impossible to watch the film and not to get taken out of the narrative.

He swallows seven Viagra and runs down the street asking passers-by to have sex with him.

He gets beat up by a dominatrix in the hopes of finding love, but apparently didn't have a safe word. He films his failed first dates, including a disastrous one-night stand, and everyone grins like they're in on the joke.

A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures is as much a documentary as The Office, but that's not the problem. Its fatal flaw is that, unlike Exit Through The Gift Shop, Waitt botches its premise. What could have been a fascinating exploration of the mechanics of relationships ends up being a sometimes funny cartoon.

While both documentaries are likely hoaxes, knowing that they're fiction does rob them of any power. Both films are acceptable uses of the medium. If the idea of them being hoaxes offends you, please watch them within acceptable distance of a fainting couch.

Comment on this review online at thescope.ca

MOVIE DESCRIPTIONS LIMITED RUN Wednesday Dec 1 at 7pm Art & Animation Club Premier: See new work by young artists, The Rooms-9 Bonaventure Ave 757-8000 Thursday Dec 2 at 7pm Exit Through the Gift Shop (MUN Cinema) When an aspiring documentary filmmaker attempts to locate the infamous graffiti artist known as Banksy, the resulting footage reveals more about the filmmaker than the artist.

Directed by Banksy (USA/UK 2010) Avalon Mall Tuesday Dec 7 at 7pm Noodle (Global Cinema Series) When a twice-widowed flight attendant discovers an abandoned Chinese boy, she proves that not just celebrities can adopt cute, foreign children. From the producerdirector of Zmani. Directed

by Ayelet Menahemi (ISR 2007). Facilitator: Katherine Side (Women’s Studies) Inco Innovation Centre Thursday Dec 9 at 7pm Howl (MUN Cinema) Referencing one of Allen Ginsburg's best-known collections, Howl is a biopic that centers around a 1957 obscenity trial against Ginsberg (James Franco) that ultimately set precedent regarding the First Amendment. Directed by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman (USA 2010) Avalon Mall Saturday Dec 18 at 10am Cinéma Jeunesse: The Polar Express 3-D (USA 2008), Centre des Grands-Vents-65 Ridge Rd 726-4900

DAILY SHOWINGS Call or check online for times and prices.

Avalon mall empire studios 12: 722-5775 Mount pearl empire cinemas: 722-5775 www.empiretheatres.com

Burlesque: Cryptkeeper lookalike and burlesque icon(!) Cher teaches fish-outof-water Christina Aguilera the magic of sassy dancing.

(Dec 1) Gulliver's Travels: Lovable loser washes up on an island and becomes a god to tiny, tiny people. I'll wager this contains approximately 2 per cent of Jonathan Swift's novel. (Dec 22) Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Our heroes prepare for the final battle with Voldemort. Since there's little battling, this mostly consists of standing around like they're in an L.L. Bean catalogue. (Dec 1) How Do You Know?: Fallen corporate exec Paul Rudd battles Owen Wilson for Reese Witherspoon's heart.

Remember, if your prospects are someone who has lost everything and Owen Wilson,

you're doing something wrong. (Dec 17)

Little Fockers: Fockin' your way into theatres again, Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman all grimace their way through gags about hand mutilation. (Dec 22)

Rabbit Hole: After a hitand-run death claims their son, Aaron Eckhart and Nicole Kidman struggle to come to terms with the loss. Based on the award-winning play.

(Dec 17) Ron Hynes - The Man of a Thousand Songs: A documentary that looks back on the life of the man who penned “Sonny's Dream” and is immortalized by a nifty statue. (Dec 2) Tangled: Rapunzel, her iguana sidekick and a gentleman thief team up to fight crime. Also, there's a witch. It wouldn't be Disney without a witch. (Dec 1) The Chronicles of Narnia The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The third Narnia outing has the Pevensies joined by their odious comic relief cousin as they face another magical threat. (Dec 10) The Company Men: Ben Affleck plays a game of snakes and corporate ladders, but ends up on the wrong square and is downsized. Roll the dice again, Ben! (Dec 10)

we cater to

Friday 'Primer' Party

How To Find Us?

Available for weddings, retirement, birthday, anniversary, Xmas, office parties, etc. **Up to 150 people** ***Catering Available***

Dec 3: Dave Reardon 6pm; Wayne Shortall 9pm Dec 10: Duncan Cameron 6pm; Bev Greeley 9pm Dec 17: Christmas Customer Appreciation Party Entertainment by Dave Reardon 7pm

7 Hutchings Street Phone: 722-8576 5 minute walk or $4 cab ride to George Street

**2 Beer or Drinks for $5.75 from 6pm to 12am** ***Bring this ad to us and enjoy your first beer or drink on us...limit one per customer; applies to Friday Primer Party only for December.***

Look for us where the overpass crosses over Water Street... across from the Railway Museum

Private Parties

Love and Other Drugs: Viagra strikes again, as pharmaceutical rep Jake Gyllenhaal hawks the drug, but finds Anne Hathaway to be the little blue pill... for his heart! (Dec 1)

Call: 722-8576 Ask for Ruth or Keith

7 Hutchings Street (across from railway station)

Wishlist dear santa, Head to East Rider for riding apparel and accessories.

Leather, jackets, vest, chaps, boots, pants, belts, t-shirts, gloves, wallets, glasses, kids' wear, helmets, riding accessories, gifts, and lots of chrome.

Merry Christmas from

East Rider inc!

205 NEW GOWER ST. 738-3278

The Next Tree Days: When a teacher's wife is placed behind bars, he goes CharlesBronson-crazy and schemes to free her. (Dec 1) The Tempest: Star-studded retelling of Shakespeare's romantic play by Julie Taymor (who has also directed a Broadway production of Spiderman) and starring Helen Mirren as “Prospera”.

(Dec 10) The Fighter: Biopic of boxer Micky Ward, who became a blue collar legend in Massachusetts. Ward is played by acclaimed star of M. Night Shyamalan's, Mark Wahlberg.

(Dec 17) The Tourist: Johnny Depp is pursued by the CIA after flirting with a stranger (Angelina Jolie). This misunderstanding is cleared up with extensive paperwork, not explosions and chase scenes. (Dec 10) The Warrior's Way: A lone warrior and some Western cowpokes (played by authentic Texans like Geoffrey Rush) fight a ninja army. Finally, a historical that gets its facts from a nine year old! (Dec 3) Tron – Legacy: Hacker extraordinaire Jeff Bridges is trapped in a computer world ordered by feats of strength and deadly discs. Something we can all relate to after hours of Kirby's Epic Yarn.

(Dec 17) True Grit: In this latest offering by the Coen Bros' Jeff Bridges plays an alcoholic gunslinger persuaded by a young girl to catch her father's killer. (Dec 22) Yogi Bear: In this CGI update of the old cartoons will Yogi Bear finally do the downward dog? (Dec 17) Descriptions by Adam Clarke.

DECEMBER 2010

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WHA?

questions and answers about life in st. john's

Keeping calm...

Life can be stressful, and, holy crap, is this a stressful time of year.

In November at thescope.ca/wha we had our readers ask our special guest expert Dr. Lynda Younghusband to answert your questions about stress and mental health. Dr. Younghusband is presently an assistant professor in the Student Counselling Centre at Memorial University. She is an accredited Canadian counsellor (CCC) and is the Chair of the CCA Ethics Committee.

Here are some of the questions and answers.

How can I wind down at night? I often try to sedate myself by overeating and drinking alcohol. In the morning I only drink one cup of coffee and I exercise. I feel overstimulated by work and I own my own business. How can I cope? —ANONYMOUS DR. YOUNGHUSBAND: Please try reducing the both the over-eating and your alcohol intake.

Exercise is a very good idea and I would try to get some of that in after your work day to help you unwind. If I understand correctly you are doing this first thing in the morning, which is good too, but at the end of your day it would help if you got outdoors and walked or ran for a while if you can. Join a walking or running group. The Running Room at Churchill Square is one idea which will give you some social contact as well. Any group sport (tai kwan do, karate, etc), volunteer group, book club (free at the library), and the like helps relieve the stress of your work day. Reading or listening to music also helps us wind down. Yoga classes are very good relaxation and there are many offered in town. You can probably try one free before you sign up.

If you can afford it, book a couple of sessions with a counsellor. Look in the Yellow Pages under psychologists.

I have a 15 month old child. It was an unplanned pregnancy. Through the course of my pregnancy, my social circle essentially dropped off the face of the planet and began to do really hurtful things behind my back.

I’ve dealt with that, but I still feel very alone.

My baby’s father and I just broke up. Not because I don’t love him but because our values are completely different and I have developed quite a bit of anger and resentment towards him. I actually have a lot of anger and resentment for a lot of people in my life, for not being there, for not understanding, for having things so much easier then me.

My entire life has changed and I don’t like the way it is. I don’t have resentment for my child however, but sometimes I feel things would be a lot better if I had never had

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him.

I have gone and talked to a couple people about what I'm feeling but the only things they are concerned with is that I’m not suicidal and I don’t want to harm my baby. I don’t have any thoughts of harming myself or my son, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t need help!

I don’t know how to move forward. I don’t know how to stay strong. I need to get my life back to where I want it to be. I need to learn how to be okay with all these changes—to accept them and move on. —ANONYMOUS DR. YOUNGHUSBAND: Becoming a parent, even with long-term planning, can be overwhelming. In your case you have handled this very much on your own, it seems, and your life has changed greatly. I think counselling would benefit you in many ways and thus your son as well so ask your supervisor or union representative if your place of work has an Employee Assistance Program ( E A P ) .

These prothescope.ca/wha grams provide confidential counselling for employees. There is no record at your workplace and no one knows your reasons for requesting counselling. The counsellor does not contact your work place so you can be very sure that your sessions with him/her are confidential. Usually the employer pays 80 per cent of the cost.

If there is not an EAP prpogramme available, then call The Lantern on 35 Barnes Road 753-8760. If you cannot afford to pay their very minimal fee then they will accept a small donation. They have accredited counsellors who can offer you help.

After hours if ever you feel the need to speak with a counsellor there is a free 24 hour crisis line service at 777-3200 or if you are out of town the toll free number is 1-888-737-4668.

wha?

Other questions asked online: Where can I find free therapy or counselling in St. John’s? Any for anxiety or depression? bit.ly/i9Yr56 What is the best strategy for coming off of anti-depressants? bit.ly/ibRF8K Many thanks to Dr. Younghusband for answering these questions.

DIY

regi n a spektor LIVE IN LONDON CD+DVD or CD+Blu-ray See Regina up close as she performs fan favorites like Us, Fidelity, Samson and Eet, along with backstage footage, inside peaks at sound check and more. Includes three new songs.

In Stores Now!

I’m Dreaming of a Recycled Christmas The only thing better than Christmas is more Christmas. The only thing better than gifts is more gifts. The only thing better than money is more money. Here’s how to get all three. By Morgan Murray

C

hristmas might be the happiest day of the year but when the supermarket near my house started to put out their obnoxious Christmas signage and roll out the novelty nail clipper stocking stuffers, my heart sank. So begins the annual descent into fist fighting for Tickle-Me-Elmos. There must be a way to enjoy the friends, family, food, drink, merriment, and gifts, without having to set foot in the mall or Wal-Mart or any other place that resembles Dante’s fourth ring of hell from mid-October until the new year.

There is. It’s called Recycled Christmas.

For many years my extended family has tried various attempts to make Christmas gift giving manageable, affordable, and pleasant. We’ve set price limits, drawn names, and have tried many variations of the Gift Exchange (such as, everyone throws a couple pairs of novelty nail clippers, or their equivalent, into a pile and lots are drawn for who gets first pick from the pile, or amongst the things already opened.)

These were usually failures. There was always a waffle maker or a bucket of pucks that stood out amongst the jigsaw puzzle and wool sock junk and someone’s feelings would inevitably be hurt.

Last year, however, was different. Thanks to long voyages home that sucked our wallets dry, my family decided that Christmas 2009 would be a Recycled Christmas.

It turned out to be the best Christmas ever.

The rules were simple: all the gifts you give must be something you already own or something you made. You could buy materials.

Money would be saved, and the world would be spared several more pairs of novelty nail clippers.

At first, this idea sounded terrible. Worse than the Christmas my parents told us Santa would be delivering our gifts to mudslide victims in South America. There is a stigma attached to recycled gifts—sometimes called "garbage"—and homemade gifts—sometimes called “garbage glued together” by my girlfriend. No one was really sure what this plan would amount to.

The result, however, was 20-odd people brought 20-odd gifts, which meant two hours of flat-out unwrapping Armageddon.

The highlights of the recycled gifts included gently used sports equipment and clothes; previously loved books, video games, movies, and board games; various electronics—like that free iPod they gave you for opening that

new bank account; and craft supplies from the person whose best intentions got the better of them.

The real highlights though, were the made gifts. These included: • A professionally printed book of funny things my sister’s kids say copied off of her Facebook profile (blurb.com, an on-demand book printer with their own free user-friendly layout software, prints books for as little as $5 each) • Professionally bound photo books and calendars (can be made almost anywhere that prints photos, or many places online.)

• Children’s art in a nice frame or on canvas; • Wood working projects (simple things like cutting boards, recipe boxes, etc.)

• Love Jugs (jars containing the dry ingredients from a recipe for cookies, brownies, soups, etc., arranged in layers to look all pretty.)

• Homemade pyjamas.

• Stuffed animals for children based on their own drawings (the oddest looking pig and cow you have ever seen.)

• Knitted mittens, scarves, toques, socks, etc.

• Original Christmas music recorded by the talented musicians in the family.

• Leather wallets and belts (my dad recently developed an addiction to leather craft.)

• Jams, pickles, relishes, and other preserves.

• Christmas candy and baked good stocking stuffers (cookies, peanut brittle, and chocolate bark, which is made by melting chocolate pellets (from Bulk Barn) into a bar and sprinkling smashed up candy canes on top.)

• A variety of frozen meals for the family member with special dietary needs.

Sure, there was the odd board game with pieces missing, but the gifts overall were more thoughtful and plentiful than they would have been otherwise. Not to mention all of the extra time over the holidays that we spent eating, drinking, making, playing, visiting, and having a belching contest—easily won by my charming sister (Sorry fellas, she’s taken.) And all of this rather than standing in a checkout line somewhere in the fourth ring of hell to buy yet another pair of novelty nail clippers with money we didn’t have for someone who didn’t need them.

It was so good we’re doing it again this year.

You should try it too!

reginaspektor.com

rhinorecords.ca

For more recycled Christmas ideas see thescope.ca

DECEMBER 2010

thescope

31

100% local

COMICS

Free Fall Fight by Ricky King

Bleak by Alexander Evan Bridger

Rhymes With Understand by Emily Deming

Mr. Pickles by Quinn Whalen

Nothing Special About Words by Michael Young

meantoons by John Meaney

behold!! by P.N. Grata

32

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Perfect Sunday by Michael Butler

DECEMBER 2010

Dec 9, 2010 George Street United Church Doors open 7 pm; show begins 7:30

Presenting Sponsor

tickets O'Brien's Music Store, Fred's Records, or call 746-3023 www.milestonepromotions.com adults $25 (advance) $30 (door) children 12 and under $10 *all prices include taxes

free will astrology by rob brezsny

for december 2010

∑

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote a book called Ecce Homo: How One Becomes What One Is. I'd love it if in the next few weeks you would think a lot about how you are on your way to becoming what you were born to be. Current astrological omens suggest you will have special insight into that theme. For inspiration, you might want to borrow some of Nietzsche's chapter titles, including the following: "Why I Am So Wise," "Why I Am So Clever," and "Why I Am

‹

a Destiny."

an aid to our mental and spiritual health

the mostly-intact remainder. May I suggest

-- it's a prerequisite. That'll be especially

you consider a comparable editing of your

true for you Aries in the coming weeks.

efforts, Aquarius? Your main object right

∫

now is to win friends and influence people.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) In the waters off the southwest

coast of Africa, the small fish known as the bearded goby has always been preyed upon by jellyfish -- until recently. Now this formerly mild-mannered species, whose diet used to consist of phytoplankton, has overthrown the ancient status quo: It is feasting on the jellyfish that once feasted

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) During some of her concerts, Cap-

ricorn singer Hayley Williams (lead vocalist of Paramore) has worn a tank top that bears the phrase "Brand New Eyes." I encourage you to consider making that your own guiding principle for a while. By pointedly declaring your intention to view the world with refreshed vision, you will be able to tune in to sights that have been invisible to you. You will discover secrets hidden in plain view and maybe even carve out a window where

π

pages in question and gave my loved ones

before there had been a thick, blank wall.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Much of my recent book, Pronoia

Is the Antidote for Paranoia, is rated PG. Some is R. But there's one story that's X. Not in the same way that porn is. While it's uninhibited in its rendering of ecstatic eroticism, it's a feminist meditation on spiritual intimacy, not a heap of vulgar stereotypes.

Still, when the book came out, I couldn't bear the thought of sending copies to certain relatives of mine who are a bit prudish.

So I came to an honorable compromise: Using a razor blade, I sliced out the nine

on it. Scientists aren't sure why. I foresee a metaphorically comparable development in your life, Pisces. How it will play out exactly, I'm not sure. Maybe you'll gain an advantage over someone or something that has always had an advantage over you. Maybe you will become the topdog in a place where you've been the underdog. Or maybe you'll begin drawing energy from a source

†

that has in the past sucked your energy.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Physicist Stephen Hawking

‡

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

"At times, although one is perfectly in the right, one's legs tremble," wrote philosopher V.V. Rozanov. "At other times, although one is completely in the wrong, birds sing in one's soul."

That may have been the case for you last month, Taurus, but these days it's the exact reverse. If your knees are wobbly, you're off-center, missing the mark, or far from the heart of the matter. If, on the other, birds are singing in your soul, it's because you're united with the beautiful truth. There are a couple of caveats, though: The beautiful truth won't be simple and bright; it'll be dense, convoluted, and kaleidoscopic.

And the birds' songs will sound more like a philharmonic orchestra pounding out Beethoven's Fifth Symphony than a single flute playing a quaint folk song.

Ω

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20) Are there any actors who have

believes it would be dangerous to get in

impersonated as many different types of

touch with extraterrestrial creatures. "If

characters as Gemini chameleon Johnny

aliens visit us," he says, "the outcome would

Depp? From rogue agent to chocolatier,

be much as when Columbus landed in

from psychotic barber to astronaut, he is a

America, which didn't turn out well for the

model of inconsistency -- a master of not

Native Americans." Those who've studied

imitating himself. (To glimpse 24 of his

the teeming evidence for UFOs would say

various personas, go here: http://bit.ly/

that Hawking's warning is too late. Some

GeminiActor.) According to my reading of

mysterious non-human intelligence has

the omens, you now have a poetic license

been here for a long time, and the fact that

to follow his lead. There have been few

we are still around proves they're no Span-

times in the last two years when you've had

ish conquistadors. Aside from that, though,

this much freedom and permission to be so

let's marvel at the stupidity of Hawking's

multiple, mercurial, and mutant.

lame advice. As any mildly wise person

≤

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22) A tattoo now adorns the neck of

pop star Rihanna. It says "rebelle fleur," which is a French phrase meaning "rebel flower." The grammar police protested her new body art. They wished she would have rendered it correctly -- as "fleur rebelle" -- since in French, adjectives are supposed to follow, not precede, the nouns they refer to. But I'm guessing Rihanna knew that.

In reversing the order, she was doubleasserting her right to commit breezy acts of insurrection. Let's make "rebelle fleur" your keynote in the coming days, Cancerian.

Break taboos, buck tradition, and overthrow conventional wisdom -- always with blithe

™

grace and jaunty charm.

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22) Research by German

psychologists suggests that positive superstitions may be helpful. Reporting in the journal Psychological Science, they discovered that people who think they are in possession of good luck charms outperform people who don't.

"Superstition-induced confidence" seems to act in ways akin to how placebos work to heal sick people: It can provide a mysterious boost. (More here: tinyurl.com/ LuckCharm.) Just for the fun of it, Leo -- and in accordance with the astrological omens -- put this finding to the test. Get yourself a magical object that stimulates your power

‘

to achieve success.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Psychologist Carl Jung said that

we are all connected to each other via the collective unconscious. Your psyche and my psyche have taproots that sink deep into the memories and capacities of the entire

knows, exploring the unknown is not only

best st. john's

human race. According to my reading of the omens, your taproots are now functioning more vigorously than they have in a long time. You're in more intimate contact than usual with the primal pool of possibilities.

And what good is that, you may ask? Well, it means you have the power to draw on mojo that transcends your personal abilities. Could you make use of some liquid

AWARDS PARTY!

A celebration of some of the people, places & things that make St. John’s Metro Area great.

Free and open to all (19+) THE ROCK HOUSE Thursday, December 16 Awards show at 8pm Atlantis Music Prize live music showcase to follow.

Sponsored by

34

thescope

DECEMBER 2010

thescope

Happy birthday to Tim Aucoin, Kelly Davis, Stephen Quinlan, Jon Montes, Andrew Wickens, Michelle Bush, Kym Greeley, Amy Anthony, Aiden Flynn, and Matthew Hornell.

lightning, ambrosial dreams, or healing balm

µ

from the beginning of time?

Send birthday info to birthday@thescope.ca

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22) If you want to get a gallon of

milk directly from the source, you have to squeeze a cow's udder over 300 times. I recommend you use that as a metaphor for your task in the days to come. It's going to take a lot of squirts or tugs or tweaks to get the totality of what you want. Be patient and precise as you fill your cup little by little.

There's no way you can hurry the process by

≠

skipping some steps.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21) "Blessed are the meek, for they

shall inherit the earth," says the Bible. That doesn't mean what most people think it does. The word translated as "meek" is the Greek word praus, which in ancient times didn't mean "weak-willed, passive, mild."

Rather, it referred to great power that was under rigorous control. For example, soldiers' warhorses were considered praus.

They heeded the commands of their riders, but were fierce warriors that fought with tireless fervor. In this spirit, Scorpio, I'm predicting you're about to get very "meek": offering your tremendous force of will and intelligence in disciplined service to a noble cause. (Thanks to Merlin Hawk for the info I used in this 'scope.)

the Scope's FIFth Annual

OF

Birthdays this month

The City of St. John’s Grants to Artists and Art Organizations Fund will receive applications from the arts community for projects commencing in 2011.

Applications must be received at our offices at 348 water street on or before monday, january 31st, 2011 at 4:00 pm.

Application forms and guidelines can be found at

http://www.stjohns.ca in the forms and permits section or at the department of economic development, tourism, and culture, 348 water st.

For more information please contact: Rhonda Rose-Colbert at 576-8394 or rcolbert@stjohns.ca

Homework What if you didn't feel compelled to have an opinion about every hot-button issue?

Try living opinion-free for a week. Report results by going to Freewillastrology.com and clicking "Email Rob."