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May 11–17, 2012 • Pass it on
$1.9M To Fight Crime
Program Will Track, Monitor Criminals P4
The Buddy Holly Story
Actor Wood Talks Death Of Legend P10
Dark Shadows
Depp Stellar In Burton Remake P15
Trilingual Vacuum Super Robot Cleans, Chats P7
Counterparts This Five-Piece Plays The Music They Want P9
Photo: courtesy of Double J
Section Local Page 2
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
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Climbers Set Sights On Undefeated Peak SK Foursome Aims To Be First Ever To Conquer Mount Saskatchewan In Yukon Alex J MacPherson
summit a significant challenge. The peak has stubbornly resisted Regina, SK — Four Saskatch- climbers for almost fifty years: three ewan mountain climbers are pre- previous expeditions have tried paring for the expedition of a and failed, their efforts thwarted lifetime: an attempt to conquer by the mountain and the weathone of the last er. Now, Steve unclimbed peaks “We’re planning for the Whittington, Jeff in Canada. worst and hoping for the Dmytrowich, Sam Jutting upward best.” Unger and Wren from the spine of Rabut — all of -Steve Whittington whom are based the Centennial Range in Yukon’s Kluane National in Saskatchewan — are planning Park, Mount Saskatchewan rises to climb it. 11,483 feet above sea level. Snow“The reason for climbing it?” capped and windswept, its flanks muses Whittington. “It’s something are sheathed in near-vertical rock that’s unsummited. That’s a lure for and ice, making any assault on the sure. There’s also the fact that it’s
the last mountain the Centennial Range that is unclimbed. I live in Saskatchewan but I’m not much of a football fan: this is something we can do for Saskatchewan.” Whittington grew up in northern Manitoba, where he spent plenty of time in the wilderness. Ten years ago he was invited to climb Crowsnest Mountain in southwest Alberta, a hulking 9,137-foot pyramid of snowcapped limestone. The trip was a success and he was hooked. Since then Whittington has climbed four of the seven summits — the highest mountain on each of the seven continents — and is scheduled to lead an expedition to Everest next spring. “Adventure,” he says, “is part of my heritage.” What Whittington is proposing now, however, is extraordinarily difficult, even for a team of experienced alpinists. The group will be dropped off 177 kilometres from Haines Junction. To reach the base
Photo: courtesy of Steve Whittington
The team on a training climb they made in the Alberta Rockies. of the mountain, they must cross a climber and president of Mountain glacier riddled with 300-foot deep Madness, a Seattle-based mouncrevasses. Closer to the mountain, taineering and trekking company, avalanches and rockfalls will be- agrees. come a hazard. “If they get in trouble … it could “We’re alone,” says Whitting- be a week before a helicopter can ton. “There’s an isolation factor you fly in,” he says. “They’re way out get sometimes in the Rockies, but there on a limb.” sometimes you still see the reasToo big to climb in a single day suring snakelike bend of a highway yet too small to justify the siege in the distance. We’ll have none tactics used on Everest, Mount Sasof that.” katchewan will be a difficult nut Mark Gunlogson, an experienced to crack. Whittington is planning a hybrid approach: his team will establish a high camp about 1,500 feet below the peak and after a brief nap they will set out for the top. “It’s going to be more of an alpine strike, meaning that it’s going to be technical,” he says. “We don’t have any clear [information] on the mountain [but] we feel like we’re going to be facing a mixed climb: rock and ice.” Whittington will be in good company on the heights. His team has a wide range of experience, from big mountain ascents to extremely difficult rock pitches. He expects that the final 1,000 feet of technical rock and ice will take between 12 and 14 hours to ascend and descend. If the challenges of a first ascent are notable, the rewards are greater, too. A first ascent is mountaineering’s ultimate coup, and Gunlogson says the honour is significant. “It’s definitely a respected achievement, particularly if it’s the first ascent of a mountain,” he notes. “That other people have tried it and failed, that’s a great part of the story for sure.” Whittington and his team will begin their odyssey May 18th, and while he acknowledges the risks, he is nonchalant about it. “We’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” he says. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section
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Section Local Page 4
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
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Gov’t Invests $1.9M To Fight Violent Crime
Program Will Track, Monitor Criminals, Promises To Keep Them From Reoffending Alex J MacPherson
joint venture between the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety Regina, SK — Violent crimi- and Policing, and the Ministry of nals will soon have to contend Justice and Attorney General, the with greater scrutiny and more Serious Violent Offender Response police officers and prosecutors, promises to keep criminals from the Justice Minreoffending, and ister says. “The violent, habitual ensure those who The Saskatch- criminals — those are do are prosecuted ewan Party is in- the ones that we want to properly. vesting $1.9 mil“The violent, lion in a program target.” habitual crimi-Don Morgan nals — those are targeting habitually violent criminals. the ones that we want to target. The money will be spent on These are the people that are putpolice and prosecutorial services ting our society at risk,” says Minisfor tracking, monitoring and han- ter of Justice and Attorney General dling repeat violent offenders. A Don Morgan.
“It’s targeting the extra work and time that a high risk offender would take, and usually those are people who have very serious, very lengthy violent criminal records,” he explains. “They take more work and more attention.” Corrections, Public Safety and Policing is contributing $1.23 million for four new police officers, six probation officers, two support workers, and one clinical director. Justice and Attorney General is investing $700,00 for five additional prosecutors and five support staff. The program will work on two fronts. Police officers will track violent criminals after they are released from jail, enforce release conditions and intervene before they commit another offence. Prosecutors will make sure violent offenders are charged appropriately and if necessary deemed dangerous offenders. According to Morgan the program fulfills an election promise and is based on feedback from people working in justice and corrections: “When you talk to police officers and prosecutors, they say, ‘we know who the people are who are likely to cause problems and we know that if we committed some extra resources to those types of individuals, we think we would be able to get them to fall into line or get them prosecuted and get them off the street,’” he says. Morgan also emphasizes that the
new program is limited to dealing with habitually violent criminals, but adds that the government “has and will continue to have a strong focus on rehabilitation.” NDP MLA Warren McCall, opposition justice critic, thinks targeted crime reduction is a good idea, although he is concerned about the broader implications of the program.
“We see it as part of the solution, but one part of the solution,: he says. “We think that targeted crime reduction has had a good track record in the province: not just being tough on crime, but being smart on crime.” McCall is worried that putting more criminals in jail will increase the strain on an already-taxed correctional system. “We have concerns about the way that the corrections part of the occasion, already under pretty severe stress, and with the implementation of [federal crime omnibus bill] C-10, what is an overcrowding crisis in the correctional system promises to get that much worse,” he adds. “The corrections facilities that we have in the province are running at or above capacity right now,” agrees Morgan. “We don’t know the impact of Bill C-10 [but] there’s no doubt it’s going to … increase some of the people who are there… We know that we’re going to have to increase our facilities over the next few years.” The program is part of a $3 million, four-year commitment. Morgan expects the remaining funds will be used to keep the program running later this year or in 2013. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Global
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Commuting Bad For Your Health Adam Hawboldt
Facebook Addiction Test Women Have Highest Dependency: Study Adam Hawboldt
insecure. To examine the phenomenon, bergen, norway — Are you the scientists created a questiona Facebook addict? naire, which they then administered Researchers from Norway have to 423 students — 227 female and created a test to answer that ques- 196 male. tion for anyone unsure if their use The participants were asked of the popular social media web- to answer the questions using a site is verging on 1-5 scale; (1) was “[T]his type of obsession. very rarely, while Lead research- dependency … manifests (5) was very often. e r D r. Ce cilie itself in the young…” The six quesS chou Andre tions are “you -Adam Hawboldt spend a lot of assen from the University of Bergen in Norway time thinking about Facebook or explains that an obsession with plan use of Facebook,” “You feel social media — and with that, a an urge to use Facebook more and dependency on Facebook — is a more,” “You use Facebook in order new type of Internet addiction that to forget about personal problems,” has recently emerged. “You have tried to cut down on the Andreassen also notes this type use of Facebook without success,” of dependency often manifests it- “You become restless or troubled self in the young, anxious or socially if you are prohibited from using
Yawning Contagious For Dogs Adam Hawboldt porto, portugal — You know how they say yawning is contagious? Well, apparently that doesn’t apply only to humans. Researchers at the University of Porto in Portugal selected 29 dogs, all of whom had lived with their owners for at least six months. They then recorded the yawn of the owner and played it to the
pet, before playing a recording of a stranger yawning. Nearly half the dogs yawned when they heard someone else doing so, but were five times likelier to do so if it was their owner yawning. Along with people and dogs, contagious yawning has also been observed in gelada baboons, stump-tailed macaques and chimpanzees. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Facebook” and “You use Facebook so much that it has a negative impact on your job/studies.” Andreassen notes that if you answered (4) or (5) to at least four of these questions, you are addicted to Facebook. Interestingly, women were more addicted to Facebook than men. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
of the daily haul, Hoehner and her team examined the medical reSt. Louis, mo — Have you ever cords of nearly 4,300 commuters in heard someone say “Uggh … this Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, Texas. commute is killing me?” Well, turns What they found was that people out, they were who drive more right. “[P]eople who drive long than 16 miles to A c c o r d i n g distances … are likelier to earn a paycheque to a new study, be overweight…” are nine percent people who drive more likely to -Adam Hawboldt be overweight. long distances to work are likelier to be overweight What’s more, commuting can also than their non-commuting coun- have a negative influence on other terparts. aspects of your health. “It could just be a function of “Our study is the first to show having less discretionary time to that long commutes are associated be physically active,” lead author with higher weight, lower fitness Christine Hoehner explains to ABC levels and higher blood pressure,” News. says Hoehner. To figure out the health effects Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Global At A Glance world’s oldest art — The debate
is over: after hashing out for years if the drawings in the Chauvet Cave in France were indeed the oldest cave drawings in the world, researchers
have concluded they are. The images of bears, rhinos and horses are likely between 30,000-32,000 years old, according to recent radiocarbon dating. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Feature
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May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Regina Preps For Cathedral Arts Festival Annual Event Celebrates 21 Years With Visual Media, Live Music, Theatre Sebastien Dangerfield
Regina, SK — Pope John Paul II once said that “a community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people, must give it this soul.” This is the idea, the driving force behind the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. Not only is it a celebration of local artists and the arts in general, the festival was created to give the Cathedral area of Regina a soul and an identity. “When they came up with the idea for this festival, Ken Mitchell and other people on the Cathedral
Photo: courtesy of Cathedral Village Arts Festival
Area Community Association were hoping to encourage people to get outdoors,” explains Margaret Bessai, chairperson of the festival.
“They thought, ‘hey, let’s create something for everyone out there. spaces and ways for people to meet If visual arts are your thing, each other and get to know their you’re in luck. If it’s music you’re neighbours better.’” keen on, they have that too. How That was in 1991. about movies, theatre or dance? Back then, in the festival’s infan- Yes, yes and yes. They even have cy, the whole thing didn’t amount magic shows and Holophon audio to much more than a craft sale and arts, if that’s the kind of stuff you’re a couple of bands. into. But the idea be- “[W]e want to make And best of all hind it, the way sure everyone who is — everything is it reflected the interested can come and free. community and “ W h e n Ke n brought people be a part of this…” came up with the -Margaret Bessai idea for this, he to gether, was infectious, and soon news of the truly wanted it to be about, and for, annual event started to travel by the local people,” explains Bessai. word of mouth. “So we want to make sure everyMore people came, and the fes- one who is interested can come and tival continued to grow. So much be a part of this without having to so that today, 21 years later, the worry about their wallets or breakCathedral Village Arts Festival is ing the bank or anything.” nothing short of enormous and And with the help of more than diverse in its catering. 30 sponsors, this was made posRunning from May 21st until May sible. 26th, the festival has a little bit of However, it isn’t just the
sponsors who helped bring the Cathedral Village Arts Festival into being, it’s also the volunteers. With more than 300 volunteers lending a hand, Bessai — who is a volunteer herself —maintains that without the people who come out and put things together, none of this would be possible. “Absolutely not,” she says. “If you look at how the festival is structured we have one paid employee … some people are contracted out … but the chair, the organizers, the artists, we’re all entirely volunteer.” As a result of all the contributions from volunteers, sponsors and community partnerships, the festival continues to flourish and bring together children, youth and adults from the Cathedral area and beyond. All in the name of community and inclusion. For more information, see http:// www.cathedralartsfestival.ca/ Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Offbeat
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May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
‘Super Cool Bra’ Fights Heat Adam Hawboldt
Bike-Powered Television Green-Friendly Boob Tube At Eco-Chic Lodge Adam Hawboldt
owner, took things a few steps farther and had a bicycle-powered brockenhurst, england television installed. — One bed and breakfast in “I focused on three things when England is takconstructing the ing the concept “I … wanted to show that room: reducing of eco-chic to a being green can also be waste, minimiznew level. ing pollution and exciting and fun…” For the owner using resources -Christina Simons with the lowest of the Cottage Lodge — located in the village of impact possible,” Simons tells the Brockenhurst — having beds made Telegraph. out of sustainable materials or loAnd to that extent, Simons defically felled beech wasn’t enough. nitely succeeded. Constructed form So Christina Simons, the lodge’s local Douglas Fir, the room also
features low-energy lighting, a wood-burning stove, solar panels, a bamboo floor and a water-reducing shower. Still, the bicycle-powered television is, for many, the funky star of the room. “I … wanted to show that being green can also be exciting and fun, and guests love cycling on the bike,” explains Simons. The Cottage Lodge is a five-star B&B that has won numerous awards for its eco-friendly initiatives. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Super Robot Vacuum Trilingual, Chats With You Adam Hawboldt
tokyo, japan — Welcome to the next stage of the vacuum evolution. Created by Sharp Corp., this new circular roaming vacuum is called the Cocorobo (a play on the word “heart” or “kokoro” in Japanese),
and can vacuum, speaks 36 common phrases including “long time, no see” and “hello,” and is trilingual. That’s right: your vacuum can greet you in English, Japanese, and the Kansai dialect of southwestern Japan, which is seen as being funnier than standard Japanese. Even more interesting, the
dinner-plate-sized robot also purifies the air while vacuuming, has a built-in camera that can send pictures to your cell phone, and can help owners find loose change or other missing items. The Cocorobo can also be controlled using a mobile phone app. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
officially walked out as Tyrannosaurus Rex. When asked why he changed his name, he said it was “because the [TRex moniker] is cooler,” according to
official court documents. Judge Alan Gless asked if Gold was hiding from law enforcement or creditors, but Gold said no. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372
Offbeat At A Glance t-rex man — A Tyrannosaurus Rex is on the loose in Nebraska. Well, sort of. Recently, 23-year-old Tyler Gold walked into the York County court room and
offers a soothing aquatic vibe, as each cup is designed to look like a tokyo, japan — Ladies can now miniature fish tank. stay cool — literally and figuratively And to offer refreshing stimu— with the stylish “Super Cool Bra.” lation to the smell and sound Created by senses, each bra i n t e r n a t i o n a l “[T]he bra features built- is topped off with lingerie maker in ice packs, but aims to decorative wind Triumph, the bra produce a cooling feeling chimes and mint features built-in leaves that danice pack s, but for all the senses.” gle between the -Adam Hawboldt breasts. aims to produce a cooling feeling for all the senses. Triumph created the bra to atThe creators achieve this intense tempt to help reduce energy concooling sensation by stuffing each sumption during the hot Japanese cup with special gel packs that re- summers. main soft and supple while frozen. Temperatures in Tokyo average Furthermore, along the supporting 27° C, while the average temperaside of the bra there is a holder for ture in other areas, like more southa mini-fan, which can be used to ern regions such as Kagoshima, waft cool air over one’s face. climb to 32° C. Visually, the Super Cool Bra Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Music
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May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
MondayNight Jazz — Featuring Jeff Mertick, making his solo blues debut. 8pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.
Tuesday 15
Karaoke Tuesday — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. No cover.
Photo: courtesy of the artist
(Next Week) RYE N’ THE VATS @ THE ARTESIAN on 13 — If it’s eclectic
to include Graeme Mcleod, Holly Grewall, Charity Putman, Alex Wilson and Judd Stachoski. Come on down and check out their CD release party. Rye N’ The Vats will be playing The Artesian on 13th on May 19th. Tickets are TBD. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Friday 11
infectious. Also appearing will be the Preying Saints and Halteras. 9pm, O’Hanlon’s Pub. No cover.
you’re looking for, then here you go: this local seven-piece is made up of eclectic musicians playing a wild mix of styles. Founded in 2010 by Ryley Noble and Greg “Junior” Osmond, the ever-expanding band has now come
David Wilcox — An accomplished singer/songwriter from Montreal, this guy is also one of the hottest guitar players you’ll ever see. With more than 20 years in the business and a handful of gold and platinum records, Wilcox is the consummate professional with a sound you simply can’t or shouldn’t ignore. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $30–35, available at the box office, online at www. casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000.
Gene Watson — For more than 50 years, this country stylist from Texas has been thrilling audiences. With an extensive catalogue of hits like “Paper Rosie,” “Fourteen Carat Mind” and “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” Watson, at 68, still puts on one heckuva show. 7:30pm, Conexus Arts Centre. Tickets $51.50, available at http:// www.conexusartscentre.ca/index. php?id=75&EventID=290 DJ Pat & DJ Kim — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor. 9pm, Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club. $5 at the door. Alain Lalonde — Come check out this dope local DJ/producer as he does his thing and spins the kind of sound that’ll make you wanna dance. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover. JAG — Come check out what this talented local band is all about. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door. The Tinsel Trees — This talented local act plays a downtemp style of music that’s utterly
Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5. Conrad Bigknife — This eclectic singer/songwriter plays a blend of Americana/country/folk rock that is pretty irresistible. 9pm, The Sip. Cover TBD.
Saturday 12
abbamania and Night Fever — WIth an all-Canadian cast of 14 musicians, ABBAmania recreates the performances of the band that brought you songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Mama Mia,” and more. As for the the Bee Gees tribute band Night Fever, they will take you on a tour of the style of one of the biggest bands in pop history. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $25–30, available at the office, online at www.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000.
(Next Week) ZEUS @ THE EXCHANGE —
Touted by Broken Social Scene’s Jason Collett as the “next great Canadian rock band,” this four-piece from Ontario’s star is certainly on the rise. Since dropping their first full-length album, Say Us, in 2010, Zeus has been busy touring and honing its three-part hipster-like
ask for? Currently in the middle of the an 18-day, Western-Canadian acoustic tour, this trio of musicians put on a show that’ll sooth, interest and intoxicate your senses. 8:30pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10 at the door. Mayday 2012 — Where to start? This event, put on by Harvest King Records, will include Bright Black, Withdrawal, Tarantuja, Kleins96, Failed States, Messiahlator, Royal Red Brigade, Knifedogs, The Rhubarbs, Hennessey, Herd of Wasters, Punktured and Bloody Murder. 5pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD. DJ Noor — Born in Kuwait and exposed to the international club scene at a young age, this talented DJ knows how to rock a crowd. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. Cover $5 Sonic Orchid — Consisting of Kristina Gasparic (vocals/keyboard/guitar), Brad Evanochko (guitar/vocals), C.J. Cook (bass/ vocals) and Grant Frew (drums/ vocals), this female-fronted rock band is all kinds of good. From soaring vocals to catchy guitar riffs and driving drums, this local fourpiece has a sound that’s kind of a melodic-pop-rock-metal for the new millennium. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. $5 at the door.
RSO Pops: All You Need Is Love — With all your favorite hits — everything from “Hey Jude” to “Eleanor Rigby” — the RSO teams up with the Classical Mystery Tour to put on another blow-your-hair-back amazing tribute to The Beatles. 8pm, Conexus Arts Centre. Tickets $58–93.50d, available at http://www.admission. com/event/All-You-Need-Is-Lovebillets/POP0512
Thunder Rose — With a vast catalog of country and rock songs, this Saskatoon band — which is making its debut on the Pump stage — will keep the dancefloor packed all night. 9pm, Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.
R ya n M c M aho n , C or y Woodward and Christopher Arruda — Three tremendous singer/songwriters, one stage … what more can you
Drewski — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night. Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.
Photo: courtesy of Pete Nema
harmonies on the road. Consummate musicians, during a show you may see these guys switch instruments or tweak sound levels until everything is perfect. Zeus is playing The Exchange on May 22nd; tickets are $13, available at www. ticketedge.ca. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Conrad Bigknife — This eclectic singer/songwriter plays a blend of Americana/country/folk rock that is pretty irresistible. 9pm, The Sip. Cover TBD.
Sunday 13
Songwriter’s Sunday — Featuring Saskatoon’s Jared Cechanowicz and Kirby Criddle, as well as Cathleen Lesperance of Regina, this monthly event threatens to be all kind of entertaining. 7:30pm, Creative City Centre. Tickets $10 at the door. Big Country Talent Show Finale — The finalists compete for the top prize. 5pm, Pump Roadhouse. Tickets are $35 for dinner and the show, $20 for the show only (which kicks off at 6pm).
Wednesday 16
Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Glenn Chatten, a veteran guitarist folk singer from Vancouver. 8:30pm, Bushwakker Brewing Company. No cover.
Thursday 17
PS Fresh — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski started in Saskatoon. They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover. Redbeard’s Caring for the Cause — This line up will feature a host of bands, each playing a song from one of the last five decades. This event is a fundraiser for MS, so come out and lend a hand. 8pm, McNally’s Tavern. Tickets $5 at the door. Le an n e Pe arso n — This 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Winnipeg has a natural charisma and a sweet, warm voice that takes centre stage. 8pm, The Pump Roadhouse. Tickets TBD.
Monday 14
Want your show listed? Email layout@verbnews.com!
(COMING UP) FUN. @ CONEXUS ARTS CENTRE — Last year, this New York
trio — which consists of Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff — is pumping out some catchy, pared down songs. Check them at Conexus on August 30th; tickets are $29.50, available at http://www.admission.com/event/ FUN-tickets/FUN0830. -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
band’s smash single “We Are Young” — featuring Janelle Monáe — became the first rock/alternative song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” did it in 2008. Now, from “Carry On” to “Why Am I The One” this
Photo: courtesy of the artist
Arts One
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May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Counterparts Makes The Music They Want
Photo: photos courtesy of Mark Luciani, Jeff Filman, and Joel Pilotte.
This Hamilton-Based Hardcore Five-Piece Makes Unapologetic, Honest Tunes Alex J Macpherson
metal-core,” laughs Murphy. “Who cares about that? We’re just goRegina, SK — “We don’t care ing to take the cool ideas from the about anything except playing bands we like and run with it. And music that we can stand behind so we did.” and support,” muses Brendan Their latest record, The Current Murphy, who fronts the Ham- Will Carry Us, was released last year ilton hardcore band Counter- on Victory Records, a prominent parts. “We don’t Chicago lab el care about get- “We’re just going to play that focuses on ting big or mak- music we can go onstage h a r d co r e a n d ing money. Who and … stand behind.” p os t- hard co re cares about goacts. Murphy, who -Brendan Murphy spent the bulk of ing on big tours? We wrote these songs that we his adolescence plumbing the Vicreally like, and we want to play tory catalogue, was thrilled to sign them.” with his favourite label. This statement, more than anyThe Current Will Carry Us marks a thing else, explains the meteoric watershed for the band, the point rise of Murphy’s band. Founded where they stopped looking for a on the idealistic notion that music sound and started finding it. is and always should be its own Compared to Prophets, which reward, Murphy and the rest of was released in 2010, The Current Counterparts have never let the Will Carry Us is ambitious and promise of critical and commercial success pollute their ultimate goal — making honest, entertaining music. “That’s been the basis of the band since day one,” he explains. “I don’t care what’s popular, I don’t care what’s going to get us on a tour bus on the Warped Tour, I just don’t care. We’re just going to play music we can go onstage and actually stand behind.” Counterparts are ostensibly a hardcore band, meaning they play beefed-up punk rock, but this description is fundamentally inadequate. Their music is brimming with the rage and bite of classic punk, of course, but it also displays the sort of sophistication absent from most guitar rock. “I refer to us as a hardcore band, but when I go online, when I go to different forums, there’s always an argument: it’s not hardcore, it’s
adventurous. Because Murphy and his bandmates were uninterested in making money, they felt free to take chances. And it paid off. “With Prophets we were too scared to break away and do our own thing, whereas with the new one we thought, who cares?” he explains. “Like, let’s have a melodic part go right into blackbeats. That’s one of my favourite parts about being in this band: you have hardcore aspects, but we can turn around and have nice ambient post-rock parts,” Murphy continues. “You get a bit of everything. Let’s try everything and if we like it, let’s do it.” The album is packed with surprises; almost nothing is predictable. It blurs genres without ever feeling avant garde and it crosses borders without seeming to trespass. The Current Will Carry Us is
a fun record to listen to because it’s obvious that the band had fun playing it. This attitude bleeds through everything the band does, even mind-numbing stints in the touring van. “I love it,” says Murphy of the road. “When I’m at home I don’t do anything. When we go out on
tour, it’s just fun…kind of an escape from boring home life.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Event Info
Counterparts Where: The Distrikt When: May 19 Cost: TBD
ArtsSect &C
Creatures In Translation Charts Artist Shantz’s Creative Process Alex J MacPherson
collection of mildly iconoclastic sketches titled Creatures in TransRegina, SK — Most artists would lation. Using sketches, and even be horrified by the suggestion that mistakes, allowed Shantz to turn their sketches were good enough to convention on its head, displaying show alongside completed works. the process as the final product, and Not Susan Shantz. asking viewers to consider what But then again Shantz, who is form and technique mean. also a professor of “The project art history at the “I was interested in started by looking University of Sas- how there would be at website images katchewan, is not errors in the attempt to of artifacts in collike most artists. lections of gallerAffable and quick replicate…” ies,” she explains. -Susan Shantz “They’re more acto laugh, she approaches art with studied indiffer- cessible now, through the Internet. ence. She cares deeply about it, of You can see what’s in a collection course, but she doesn’t appear to and there’s a sense that you know take it too seriously. something because of the digital Consider her latest project, a representation of it.” Shantz spent months exploring far away archives and basement vaults with a computer. She looked at thousands of digital prints, all of which purported to show a piece of art, but couldn’t shake the feeling that something was not quite right. “For me as a sculptor, you can’t have three dimensions on the Internet,” she says. “You can get a photographic representation, but you miss a lot of what I like — the physicality of the thing. The somatic sense of things, what they’re like in space.” Wondering whether a satisfactory digital representation was even possible, Shantz cast about for an idea. She found it in an article about three-dimensional printing, a technique used by engineers and architects to transform digital files into solid objects — mockups and prototypes. Shantz soon found that 3-D printing was a fertile test bed. Selecting four animal-shaped teapots — kitschy collectibles — she set about trying to replicate them. Working from photographs and basic measurements, she spent hours
Photo: courtesy of Susan Shantz
Single frog, Badger, Multiple frogs, Digital Image; Susan Shantz learning how to carve virtual blocks look at the processes most artists of clay with virtual knives. The learn- will never reveal. ing curve was steep and mistakes “When I think about it, it’s four began to pile up, but Shantz saw teapots and then riffing off of them, value in every one of her creations. endlessly riffing,” she laughs. “I was interested in how there “Like a jazz riff: you start with would be errors in the attempt to these things and what comes out replicate, because maybe the scale unfolds through my own attempt isn’t quite right, but I was also inter- to remake them.” ested in how the digital technology Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372. breaks down, and how there are things potentially it can’t quite do,” she says, alluding to the idea that her original intention was subvert- Creatures ed by an exploration of technique in Translation and process. Creatures in Translation can be Where: Dunlop Gallery Now ‘til June 14 read as a meditation on the diffuse When: Cost: Free! relationship between culture high and low, a look at the changing Buddy — the Buddy status of things in our society. Holly Story The show can also be regarded Where: Globe Theatre as an amiable look at our collective When: May 23 - July 1 obsession with domesticating wild Cost: $25+ (Globe box office) animals, transforming them into Chris Carlier objects to be hoarded. But the main Where: The Artesian on 13th thrust is plainly the physical mani- When: May 18 festation of Shantz’s thought pro- Cost: $15 in advance at Mysteria Gallery, cess: intentional or not, the show or $20 at the door provides unprecedented access Want some coverage for your upcoming to a respected artist’s studio — a event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP!
Event Info
Five Qs: B
Actor Sef Wood T Alex J MacPherson Music history is brimming with mythological figures — innovators, revolutionaries and icons. Most of them died young, their boundless potential vaporized in an instant. One of the biggest holes was left by rock & roll pioneer Buddy Holly. Although he was just twenty-two when the doomed Beechcraft Bonanza ascended into the gloom, Holly had already left his mark. The story of how a kid from Lubbock, Texas changed rock & roll is on display in Buddy — the Buddy Holly Story, a play by Alan Janes that traces the path of one of the most promising young men to lose his
Culture tion Pages PH, PH PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com
Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, May 11–17, ‘1211
VerbNews.com
Chris Carlier On Making The Music He Wants Alex J MacPherson
Buddy Holly Story Photo: courtesy of Globe Theatre
Talks Death Of Rock & Roll Legend
life chasing rock & roll. Verb tracked to get an idea of who he was, and down Sef Wood, who stars as Buddy I do a bit of research. Mostly what Holly, to chat about Holly’s contri- I’ve done thus far is get an idea of bution to rock, his death, and why who he was and how that applies he hasn’t seen the play performed. to the script — and also get into Alex J MacPherson: Why do you the music, which is mainly what think Buddy Holly is so important? people come to see. Sef Wood: Personally, I think AJM: You say you’ve actually there’s no way he couldn’t be re- never seen this show performed. membered. When Does that make it we think about “[A]ll the other massive harder? the contribution rock bands starting up SW: I think he’s made to mu- at that time were all sometimes not sic — he was rehaving seen a ally only in it for influenced by him…” show can be an -Sef Wood advantage. You eighteen months — it’s impossible to think that get to make your own choices and couldn’t have grown. The Beatles you’re not informed by what other and the Rolling Stones and all the people are doing. Everybody I’ve other massive rock bands starting talked to about the show who’s up at that time were all influenced seen it or been involved in it, they by him, and he was just a kid. And all say it’s a great show and it has the fact that he died so young people on their feet every night. To makes his story interesting. be honest, everybody is in this crazy AJM: And tragic. business for their own reasons, but SW: [In the play] he doesn’t that’s definitely mine at the end of know he’s doomed. He thinks he’s the day. got his whole life ahead of him, and AJM: So I have to ask: what is your that’s what makes it so tragic. He favourite Holly song to sing and play? was just busting out, just moved to SW: For some reason I really New York and was ready to start it love “Peggy Sue Got Married.” It’s in the big business. fun to sing. But it’s hard to pick a AJM: How do you go about pre- favourite because every song is paring for this role? just fun. That’s the thing with rock SW: We haven’t started rehears- & roll. Now it’s sex, drugs and rock als yet, so my heavy preparation of & roll. Then it was just rock & roll getting his voice down and his man- … [m]usic at that time is just fun, nerisms hasn’t really started yet. I’ve that’s all it is. been watching some videos of him Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Regina, SK — “Who on earth is this noisy weirdo?” asks a banner on Chris Carlier’s website. The answer is simple: Carlier is a musician who, sick of playing the same songs over and over again, decided to do something new. Really new. “I got bored,” Carlier laughs. “I got bored of playing the same standard jazz tunes at weddings and McArthur and Jen Yim are both fundraisers and stuff. It’s fine — it music teachers; Zach Appleton is makes money — a pop performer but really, if I play “It’s a cliché but it’s true: and Rob D is a the same stan- no one’s making this bassist extraordard one more sound in Regina.” dinaire. Together, time…” they breathe life -Chris Carlier into Carlier’s comFrustrated, the musician decided to do something positions. radical. He called a bunch of local “I’m pretty selfish,” laughs musicians and asked, “Hey, do you Carlier. “I do write it all myself, but want to do something weird?” A good number of them, presumably feeling the same stagnation, agreed that something weird was precisely what they wanted. Now, Carlier and his band, the Scarletts, make music that he struggles to describe. “I’ve been fumbling with that over the past year or so,” he admits. “It’s really boring to hear, ‘oh, we sound like nothing else.’ Basically, we boiled it down to something that doesn’t really tell you what it is but kind of does at the same time: magic melty creative folk pop music that goes well with wine.” Carlier writes like a classical composer and plays like a jazz musician. Drawing on a range of traditions, from avant garde symphonic music and orchestral pop to jazz and even rock & roll, his compositions straddle the line separating the familiar from the unorthodox. Exotic enough to intrigue yet conventional enough to actually listen to, Carlier’s approach is — more than anything else — original. “It’s a cliché,” he says, “but it’s true: no one’s making this sound in Regina.” Carlier’s sound, which would be equally at home in a concert hall or a dingy club, is a distillation of his wide-ranging interests. Always open to new ideas, he listens to “whatever’s pretty good,” grasping ideas wherever he can find them. “I don’t listen to everything, but I’m close,” he says. “If it sounds good, I like it.” This sounds ambitious, but Carlier and his bandmates have the credentials to back it up. Carlier has played everything from classical to rock on every instrument you can imagine (yes: even the didgeridoo.) Mandy
Photo: courtesy of the artist
then it sounds stale, so I bring it to them and they say, ‘oh, why not do something like this?’ They really have a hand in making it sound like real music.” Carlier may be a self-professed noisy weirdo, but there is something in his music for everyone. “It seems to be going alright,” he laughs. “I think people are liking it.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Food
Page 12
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Hushpuppies are savoury little fritters that are popular in the Southern U.S. Despite the name, they do not contain puppies, but will fill you with love with both their tastiness and their facts.
are deep fried ■ballsHushpuppies of seasoned cornmeal batter that often contain onions
■originated Their name possibly in the American
Civil War, when soldiers would throw fried cornbread to their dogs to ‘hush’ them
■allyHushpuppies are traditiona side dish for fried fish, especially catfish
■staple Corn breads are a Southern that grew out of the Na-
tive American food tradition of those areas
Smokin’ Okies: Barbecue Heaven Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss
Quance Street Eatery Boasts Fresh, Authentic Southern Cooking Jessica Bickford
There is something you need to know about barbecue: it is not that grill you have out back, it is a food cult like no other with a rich history and a growing following, even here in Regina. Smokin’ Okies BBQ, owned by Eric Johnson, who moved here twenty years ago from Oklahoma, is true Southern barbecue. Smokin’ Okies cooks only with maple wood, so all of their food is
authentic, wood-smoked barbecue, not to mention made from scratch. Eric says that there is a simple rule for finding out if a place serves real barbecue: just “drive around back and see if there’s a wood pile.” I’m pretty sure the fine folks at Smokin’ Okies would have given me one of everything on their menu if they could, but I ended up with a good selection of classic meats, side dishes, plate meals and a couple of desserts. The side dishes were typical Southern fare — sweet and crumbly corn muffins, crunchy steamed vegetables, a loaded baked potato, fresh and simple coleslaw, hearty baked beans, creamy potato salad, and skin-on, fresh cut fries. Everything was tasty, homemade, and great compliments to the meatier items with which they were served. When it comes to barbecue, meat is, of course, the main event. I started out with their beef brisket. Slow smoked for eight hours, it
had a beautiful pink smoke ring nothing else. around the edge, and was incredNext to arrive at the table was ibly tender. I tried it with a bit of fried catfish with hushpuppies. The their signature sauce that, with its catfish, breaded with cornmeal, was vinegary, slightly spicy taste, cut flaky and moist, and the hushpupthrough the richness of the meat. pies, a type of fritter, were crunchy, Next up were some St. Louis- hot, savoury and great with butter. style ribs, which had a deep colour I was feeling stuffed, but was and a wonderful happy to taste bark from the dry “Slow smoked for eight another courub they use. ple items: chili hours, [the brisket] was T h e s e r i b s incredibly tender.” cheese fries, and were moist and sliced chicken on -Jessica Bickford greens. flavourful, along with being rather messy, which The former was amazing: the is definitely a good quality when chili was zesty, and mixing anything it comes to this barbecue staple. with fries and cheese can’t be a bad After that was the chicken-fried thing — these guys were the perfect steak, which I have to admit I was accompaniment to a frosty beer. very excited to try. The latter dish is a great option This dish consisted of tenderized for anyone seeking something a beef steak that was breaded and little lighter: the sliced, smoked deep fried (like fried chicken, hence chicken was fabulous, and the salad, the name), and served smothered in with its fresh greens, cucumber and white gravy with bacon. Talk about tomatoes, all topped with a zesty traditional Southern indulgence! dressing, was delectable. This was unbelievable: crunchy To top everything off, I went and tender, and the gravy was like for a little sweet to go with all that savoury. The pecan slices came with a shortbread base, sticky caramel, and big pecans on top. The buttermilk pie, with its thick custard filling and perfectly flaky crust, was smooth and tangy at the same time. Smokin’ Okies also offers up events like live music a couple times a month. They can also cater for any sized function, either bringing it to you or turning a room at the restaurant into your own private party. Good barbecue is slow food made with care, and Smokin’ Okies takes this fact to heart. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Smokin’ Okies
Address: 2547 Quance Street Hours: Sunday-Wednesday — 11am-
8pm; Thursday-Saturday — 11am-9pm
Reservations: 347-2800
Opinion
Page 13
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
We Need To Rethink Our War On Drugs PM Harper Admits: A Heavy-Handed Approach Isn’t Working For Anyone The Editors of Verb
Portugal, these new laws were initially criticized. This is part one of a three-part series And as in other countries that examining the ineffectiveness and pos- had toyed with the notion of eassible solutions to Canada’s war on drugs. ing drug laws, people said the new This week we are looking at alternatives regulations would exacerbate the to the hard-line our government’s been drug problem, and would turn Portowing in its crackdown on drugs. tugal into a haven for drug tourists. Regina, SK — At the Summit The problem with people who of the Americas in Cartagena, criticize the liberalization of drug Columbia, Prime Minister Ste- policies, however, is that more ofphen Harper openly admitted ten than not their arguments are the war on drugs isn’t working, based more on speculation and and we agree. fear mongering than they are on The heavy-handed, hardline, empirical evidence. throw-the-druggies-in-jail apIn fact, following decriminalizaproach simply does not work, and tion, the country’s lifetime rate of leads to overcrowded prisons, marijuana use in people over 15 where locating drugs isn’t exactly years old fell to 10 percent — the difficult. lowest in the EU. Lifetime heroin use But alternatives do exist. All one among 16–18-year-olds dropped by has to do is shift 28 percent, new their gaze east, “[T]oo often the war on HIV infections in past our national drugs doesn’t concern drug users fell borders, over the itself with the human face by 17 percent in Atlantic and onto the span of three the small country of the issue.” years, and the use -Verb’s Editors of drugs among of Portugal to find an example of how to effectively seventh through ninth graders fell tackle the drug issue. by 25 percent. Back near the turn of the century, And the falling rates of drug the country had some of the high- abuse aren’t the only positive est levels of drug use and abuse in outcome. According to a paper the whole of Europe, so the powers released by the Cato Institute, the that be decided to, in 2011, enact number of people in Portugal seeklaws that allowed Portugal to be- ing treatment for addiction more come the first European country than doubled. to officially abolish all criminal Decriminalizing drug possespenalties for personal possession sion and implementing treatment of drugs. programs worked so well that the Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, you Global Commission on Drug Policy name it — instead of giving people — whose members include past jail time, they offered people found presidents, a former UN Secretary with small amounts of drugs the General and a Nobel laureate — option of treatment and therapy. recently called Portugal “an inDrug trafficking, however, is still ternational model for drug policy prosecuted as a criminal offence. reform.” Naturally, in a conservative, And we believe it’s a model that traditionally Catholic country like Canada should eventually follow.
Not only is it a pragmatic endeavour, but it also humane. Far too often the war on drugs doesn’t concern itself with the human face of the issue. The knee-jerk reaction is, if a person has drugs throw them in jail, but this type of reflexive, reactive thinking harms the public health. Instead of treating addicts and helping them re-integrate into society, we lock them up in overcrowded prisons — where drugs are easy to get your hands on. So maybe it’s time to put people before policy. But don’t get us wrong: we’re not saying decriminalizing will be a cure-all, but walking the same line as Portugal would simply create a framework in our country for implementing policy that will reduce the societal and personal harm created by drug abuse. Nex t week: what are the
preliminary steps we should implement to begin revamping Canada’s
drug policy. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Movies
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May PH11–17, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
The Flowers Of War A Little Overdramatic Christian Bale Excellent In Sentimental, Clichéd Look At Rape Of Nanking The Flowers of War
Runtime: 146 Minutes Rated: 14A Adam Hawboldt Picture it — Nanking, 1937. It’s the early days of the Second Sino-Japanese War, and invading forces have just captured China’s former capital. In the six weeks that follow, a raging Japanese army massacres as
many as 300,000 men, women and He reaches a Catholic cathedral children. Civility collapses. Thou- and finds a 12-year-old boy George sands of women are violated by (Huang Tianyuan), who is trying to Japanese soldiers, many of them protect a dozen school girls. murdered after Taking meabeing violently “[B]y the time the … sure of the situgang raped. climax occurs, the entire a t i o n , M i l l e r T h is is t h e movie is drained of all decides to get backdrop against hammered on which director tension and credulity.” communion wine -Adam Hawboldt and settles down Zhang Yimou’s Oscar-nominated movie The Flowers for some rest in the former priest’s of War is set. bed. Pretty soon, though, 13 prostiIn the opening scene, we see tutes scales the courtyard wall and John Miller (Christian Bale) — a seek refuge in the church. hard-drinking American mortiSo what does Miller do? cian/reprobate — running through He dresses up as a priest to avoid the rubble of war-torn Nanking. capture and assumes responsibility for the both the schoolgirls and the prostitutes — who, at first, he considers to be his own harem. What happens from there is supposed to be a redemption, of sorts, for Miller. And, of course, the redemption comes. But the thing is, it’s hard to swallow. Sure, Bale does an excellent job in the lead role (he always does), but under the not-so-subtle direction of Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) the movie seems stilted, forced, and too melodramatic. I mean, it’s the Rape of Nanking: there’s no need for overstatement, no need to inject even more drama. The event has more than enough of that to go around. And honestly, when Yimou sticks to the combat and gruesome rape sequences he does the kind of job that some might consider Spielbergesque. The handheld cinematography he employs to capture the Chinese girls’ panic when the army storms into a room is pitch perfect. And with a $100-million budget — reportedly the largest ever in China — Yimou makes the battle scenes so visually stunning they’ll take your breath away. But for all the beautiful shots, for all the amazing images and ambitious intentions, Yimou smothers the movie with over-the-top sentimental poppycock. He bogs it down in long, meaningful glances and in whispered proclamations of love and faith, so much so that by the time the clichéd and claustrophobic climax occurs, the entire movie is drained of all tension and credulity. Which is a shame because Bale really shines in his role. He plays the alcoholic mortician perfectly,
Photo: courtesy of EDKO Film
and breathes life and credibility into the character. Too bad the movie, which was based on Geling Yan’s novel 13 Flowers of Nanjing, was so long and slow that it overshadowed
and otherwise good performance. The Flowers of War will be screened at the Regina Public Library; see http://www.reginalibrary. ca/ for show times. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Movies
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May PH11–17, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Burton’s Dark Shadows A Mostly Fun Trip
Photo: courtesy of Warner Bros
Depp Is Excellent, As Always, In Adequate Adaptation Of Gothic Soap Opera
pretty damn good job of it. But, like every film he’s made since 1995, Dark Shadows doesn’t quite measure up to Burton’s origiRuntime: 113 Minutes nal stuff. Rated: PG For that he will catch a lot of flak from critics. He’ll also be panned Adam Hawboldt for a couple of other shortcoming in this film, but more on that later. Is it just me, or does anyone Right now, let’s talk about the nuts else miss the old Tim Burton? and bolts of Dark Shadows. You know who I’m talking about: Plotwise, the story is about the twisted, brilliant director who Barnabas Collins (played by Johnny — during a stretch in the late-’80s Depp), an 18th century aristocrat/ and early-’90s — playboy who gave us classic “Sometimes serious, hooks up with films like Beetle- sometimes funny, the this girl named juice, Ed Wood, screenplay seems to Angelique (Eva Batman and EdGreen), one of ward Scissorhands. meander…” the maids at Col-Adam Hawboldt linwood, his parYeah, that guy. I sure as heck wish he’d come out of ent’s estate. Problem with this is, hiding, because lately it seems like Barnabas is in love with Josette all Burton is doing is taking other (Bella Heathcote) and he spurns all people’s ideas and putting his own ensuing advances by Angelique. strange spin on them. First it was Turns out, Angelique is a witch, Washington Irving’s The Legend of and an unhappy witch at that. Sleepy Hollow. Then Daniel WalFollowing the age-old adage lace’s Big Fish and Roald Dahl’s Willy that “hell hath no fury like a woman Wonka and the Chocolate Factory scorned,” Angelique kills Barnabas’ and Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures parents, causes Josette to commit in Wonderland. suicide and turns Barnabas into a In his latest movie, the esteemed vampire — who is buried alive by director opts to Burtonize a cult- unruly villagers. favourite gothic soap opera from Leap forward to 1971. Barnabas the late-60’s called Dark Shadows. emerges into a world he no longer And, if you ask me, he did a recognizes, sups on the blood of a
Dark Shadows
nearby workman and makes his way to Collinwood. There he meets his descendants: matriarch Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer), her rebellious daughter Carolyn (Chloë Mortez), Elizabeth’s brother Roger (Jonny Lee Miller), his haunted son David (Gulliver McGrath) and the boy’s besotted shrink Dr. Hoffman (Helen Bonham Carter.) He also meets Angelique, who is still alive and still extraordinarily pissed at him. Horror hijinx ensue. Kind of. Remember those shortcomings I
mentioned before? Well, one of the biggest of the bunch is the lack of narrative focus in this film. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, the screenplay seems to meander without purpose without a tone ever truly being set. What’s more, sometimes the film gets weighed down with too much dialogue. However, all that being said, I still really enjoyed this flick. Burton on his bad days is better than most on a lot of their best days, and Johnny Depp, well, let’s
just say that yet again he puts in another bizarre, mannered and sublime performance. Looking quite at home in claws and heavy eye shadow, Depp plays Barnabas with an out-of-water, blood-thirsty panache that is borderline perfect. Depp is so good, in fact, that it’s him and him alone that takes an otherwise pedestrian movie and turns it into something watchable. Heck, even something enjoyable. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Texts
Page 16
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
This Week: Religious Expression
Last week we asked what you thought about making civic events secular — here’s what you had to say. Enjoy the responses! Next week’s topic: see page 13 — what do you think about
changing how Canada approaches its war on drugs? Text FEEDBACK and your thoughts about the topic (or anything else) to 306–881-VERB (8372) and you could see your text printed in next week’s issue!
On Topic Not being able to say a simple prayer without criticism is a joke. For everything people condemn christians
for, they can’t even allow us to be gratefull for out food? Comeone It’s funny when your editors wrote”including appropriate prayers to acknowledge every religion out there is a nice idea but impractical” when u guys want religion left out of everything. It’s like Obama condemning those burnings of the Holy Quran but has no problem burning Christian bibles. This WAS a Christian country, now we slowly watch our rights being taken away, like many countries. Make up your mind Verb. Oh so verb doesn’t want us to have any sort of moral compass to guide our politics by. Take away religion and you take away what makes people do the right thing. Why would you ever want to do anything else? I agree respectfully secular is the way to go. Mike Nemeth Totally agree. Events that are for the members of the public, and are not private religious ceremonies, should be respectful of everyone in attendance. I’m christian, but wouldn’t dream of pushing my views on someone else. You want to hear grace? Come over for supper :) Fine make civic events secular but it seems like this whole thing is being blown incredibly out of proportion. It wasn’t intended to offend and I think everyone maybe
should just move on and deal with it. is the verb neutral or a political platform? ‘we at the verb’ support abolishing prayer and advovate prostitution. pretty political stances Re: I agree completely I respect you for being a christain and you should respect Me for not being one. It makes people uncomfortable when People insist on praying out loud at events. Its 2012 and religion shouldn’t be pushed on anyone. Ha i bet you get tons of people freaking out that you’re promoting a secular theme to civic events. Well done, but cue the crazies. Absolutely our civic events should be secular, it makes logical sense and seems the easiest way to be respectful without being exclusionary. Kind of surprising this still happens. Check ur facts the kid in middle lake broke his own window. Ur as bad as the star Editors’ response
You’re right! We were working off older source material, before Nantau corrected the story. Thanks, and we apologize for the error. If spiritual implications are banned from events then tupac’s hologram will be looking for new employment. Sometimes it seems like hardcore atheists are just as oppressive
Texts with their views as hardcore religious people. Why can’t you just let people do what they want, provided they’re not harming themselves or others, or promoting hate in some overt way?
Off Topic Re: “City Seeks $200M For Stadium Funding,” Local page, May 4th issue
Why in the hell is our government slashing the film tax credit but forking over millions for a stupid stadium get your f**king priorities straight wall. You guys need to go. Hey to whoever mentioned the fact that bicycles should be insured and registered. That isn’t right. We don’t have engines on there or a roof over our head. And honestly its not worth being on the road when most of the drivers are trying to run you off the road. Maybe you should wear a helmet while driving I studied fatal accidents for Highways. Sad stupid shit most of the time. Everybody’s a great driver until there’s an accident. Unfortunately its usually not the selfcentered idiot driver who pays the price for speeding. Anybody who bitches about slow traffic should be just shot dead for the sake of the children! Yes everyone has one we are entitled to our own. In the beginning they come from our Mom and if we don’t take care of them they can be full of crud. The new jacobin club
Page 17
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
is a very fun band. Go see them! F**k Facebook and all that other online masturbation social network crap. Get a life ya losers! Go out and meet interact with people face to face ya cowards! RIP Adam ‘’MCA’’ Yauch. You will be forever missed Adam. No! MCA i grew up listening to you guys man, so sad though you were sick for a long time so maybe it’s for the best. peace bro Getting awful tired of all these 37 hrs a week people who bitch/ complain/brag about how hard they work. 37 hrs a week is daycare compared to real work! Here’s an appeal to readers. Texting is an extraordinary everyday tool for sharing literacy skills. Those of you who are good make an extra effort. It works! Thanks i try to be funny but i Dont b*tch about slow drivers they just need to learn that like to fast is bad to slow is worse May the fourth be with you, lol! Finaly starting to feel like summer again it’s patio season! Its been a long time comin but were ready to go right boys :D So Obama came out pro gay marriage guess he can kiss reelection goodbye. We actually do have the solutions to our environmental
problems in hand. But people don’t like them because it means an end to the high energy high speed life!
If we raise the corporate income tax the corporations just pass it on to the consumer no?
About the pet slaves text: just because a person keeps their animals indoors doesn’t make them a “slave owner” Some animals have to be kept inside due to certain health issues, while other people may live in areas where it is unsuitable or irresponsible to let a creature roam free (i.e. apartments).
“Affordable” housing isn’t addressing the housing crisis. “Cheap” and “Low Cost” housing is whats needed with the current min wage and welfare rates!
It seems like everyone has been going back and forth a lot about speeding and school zones and bikes. Can’t we all just agree: saskatchewan drivers suuuck LOL!
I love the warm sultry nights...
Moso fest comin soon to saskatoon but
Goodbye Maurice! Thanks for The Wild Things!
worth makin the trip up for three days of incredible music and art! Yeah avengers was as good as the hype check it out! I just wanted to say how much I enjoy the thoughtful responses of texters who take the time to articulate their responses in a coherent and respectful manner. Well done! I hate it when websites play music when you enter them so annoying The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.
Nightlife
Page 18
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Sunday @ The Pump Venue
The Pump Roadhouse on Sunday, May 6th
Location
641 Victoria Avenue East
Playing on Arrival
Live performance by Big Wreck, presented by 104.9 The Wolf
Music Vibe Country
Popular Drink
Molson Bohemian, and spiced rum
Food of Choice Taco in a bag
Wing Notes Photos courtesy of Klein Photography (feeback@verbnews.com)
$5 for a bucket on Wednesdays, of the 9 available flavours, electric honey is the most popular
Coming up
The Bellamy Brothers will perform on June 13th, and two passes to Craven are given away every Friday night
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When you speak, you want others to listen. That’s natural — nobody likes to be ignored. But the thing is, dear Pisces, if we want others to listen, we also have to pay them the same respect. Not just hear what they’re saying, but actually and actively listen. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that if you want people to be receptive to your point of view this week, be receptive to what they’re saying in return. Bringing a mutual respect to conversations will ease things.
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Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)
You might want to keep your cards close to your chest this week, dear Virgo. If you reveal too much of yourself, certain people out there may take advantage of the situation. So, for the next few days, try not to give any of your secrets away. If you do open up too much, you run the risk of dealing with an emotional matter that is sensitive and may affect you in a not-so-good way. By the end of the week though, feel free to share whatever you feel like with others.
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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)
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This should be a very creative week for you, dear Aquarius. Friends interested in things like arts and crafts or music may want to get together and go over a few ideas. Don’t pass up the chance — once you get going, inspiration will take hold and you’ll certainly have a lot to contribute. In fact, any group activity you are involved in this week will be satisfying and productive — particularly activities that involve helping the less fortunate. Let your creative juices flow.
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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)
Don’t hold back when it comes to important discussions this week, dear Leo. Your input is not only wanted, but it’s also valued, so step up and pitch your two cents into the pile when the opportunity arises. And don’t worry about what others think: far too often our best ideas are the strangest ones, but because they seem a tad outlandish we keep them to ourselves. Not this week, Leo. No matter how foolish or whacked out a notion may be, toss it out there into the ether.
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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
Do you often find yourself planning for the future? Are you wrapped up in, or worried about, what’s going to happen down the road? If so, this week would be a good time to give yourself a break, dear Capricorn. A lot of really awesome stuff is passing you by. Sometimes the present slips past when we look too far ahead, but don’t let it slip any more than it already has. Seize the day. And while it’s not as easy as it sounds, you’ll be happy you switched your focus to reality.
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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
When’s the last time you kicked back, locked the door, closed the blinds and lost yourself in the pages of a good book? If it’s been a really long time, you might want to give it a try this week. Think of it as a vacation from reality. Sure, getting out there and living life to the max is great, but every now and then you need an escape. What better way to get it than in a imaginative voyage? But hey, if reading isn’t your thing, there are myriad other ways to escape reality — have fun.
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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)
The best way to make all your relationships harmonious, dear Sagittarius, is to first be in harmony with yourself. This can be achieved by looking deep into yourself. Explore your motivations, what drives you, what you want out of life. Once you figure that and come to terms with who you are and what you want, harmony will be your middle name, and you will feel a million times better about yourself, which will in turn improve your relations with others.
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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it this week, dear Gemini. Yes, you’re strong and independent and can do things just fine on your own, but every now and then stuff comes up that might be a tad too big for you to handle. If something of that nature presents itself in the next few days, don’t hesitate to seek a helping hand. Not only will it make your life easier, but you could very well form a closer, lasting bond with the person that comes to your aid.
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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)
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You should really put some thought into things you do or say this week. If you don’t, you run the risk of offending someone, and that’s never a good thing. That’s not to say you have to walk on eggshells out of fear of offending someone, but if you can, try to take other people into consideration before you do or say something that might be taken the wrong way. It could help lay the foundations for a fruitful relationship, and that positive energy will be reflected on you.
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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)
Taurus, if you’re the type of person who needs an explanation for everything, you might want to let go of that habit this week. Unpredictable, inexplicable things could be coming your way. And no matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to make heads nor tails of anything. It’s okay — you don’t always need the answers. Sometimes it’s best to just sit back and not drive yourself mad with the who, what and whys of the matter. Mysteries aren’t always a bad thing.
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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
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This is not a good week to act like a sheep, dear Libra. Instead, have the courage to walk your own life path. Dance to your own beat. March to your own drummer, and all those other clichés. If you find yourself joining the crowd this week, exit stage right — immediately. By doing so, you’ll enjoy life so much more. Not only that, you’ll also open up doors you never thought could be opened and maybe, just maybe, gain some valuable insights into human nature.
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Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)
This may prove to be an up and down week for you, dear Aries. One minute you’ll be feeling on top of the world, the next you’ll be down in the dumps. Be careful not to get swept away in the waves of emotion, though. Instead, when you’re feeling low, keep in mind that things will soon get better. And when you’re riding the crest of that high and beautiful wave of happiness, remember that pretty soon the wave will break and you’ll come falling back down to Earth.
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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)
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Horoscopes
May 11–17, ‘12 VerbNews.com 2 3 8 1 6 9 4 7 5
Time Out
Page 19
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Sudoku
Directions: Fill each box with a digit from 1-9, following these conditions: - Each row must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each column must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each of the nine 3x3 boxes must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.
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