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Aug 3–9, 2012 • Pass it on
Verb Timber Timbre Creep On Creepin’ On With Timber Timbre P9
Texting Crackdown
Austra
Folk Festival
Total Recall
Police Mull Harsher Repercussions For Cell Use Behind The Wheel P2 Live Shows And Workshops. Check It Out! P6
Katie Stelmanis Talks Appeal Of Electronic Music P10 Sci-Fi Remake Disappointing P15 Photo: courtesy of Kandle Osborne
Section Local Page 2
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
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Texting Drivers May Face Car Impoundment
Police Eye Significant Repercussions For Habitual Phone Use Behind The Wheel Alex J MacPherson
Regina, SK — Saskatoon police are floating the idea of impounding cars belonging to habitual distracted drivers, an idea that is getting attention across the province. “What you’re seeing right now is an additional tool that we are looking at to once again try to get people to understand that texting and using a cellphone while driving is extremely dangerous,” says Staff Sergeant Grant Obst, Saskatoon Police Service. Despite “aggressive enforcement,” Obst explains, compliance with the law does not
appear to be increasing. “The Saskatoon Police do not The Traffic Safety Act permits take lightly the fact that we may police to seize vehicles driven dan- take somebody’s motor vehicle,” gerously or against the law, but the Obst states. “We understand that provision has not yet been used to the taking of a motor vehicle can target chronic cell cause lifestyle phone users. Obst “The point here is that problems. The thinks stiffer and the use of a cellphone point here is that more immediate can cause life-ending the use of a cellco ns e q u e n ce s phone can cause might increase problems.” life-ending prob-Grant Obst lems. We’re tying compliance. The law, which came into force to weigh one against the other.” in January 2010, prohibits drivers Obst said some drivers have told from using handheld devices. The police that they don’t agree with penalty is a $280 fine and four de- the law and will continue to use merit points. Last year Saskatoon their phones, even if it results in Police issued about 1,300 tickets. a ticket. “We’re not talking about first-time offenders,” he explains. Sergeant Andrew Puglia, who is in charge of traffic at the Regina Police Service, says seizures should be used to limit danger to the public. “It’s about a police officer doing what he feels is in the best interest of public safety,” Puglia explains. “How would a reasonable person look at that situation and make a decision from it?” According to Puglia, Regina Police made 28 Highway Traffic Board seizures in 2011, none of which were related to cell phone use. Explaining that every situation is different, as well as the fact that driving history is important, he says, “I think it comes down to articulation of the danger that the public… face as a result of the driving actions of a motorist.” Officials at the Highway Traffic Board, which determines how long a vehicle is kept in impound, are comfortable with the idea.
Photo: courtesy of Adam Hawboldt
“I have no problem with it,” David Wilton, chair of the Highway Traffic Board, told the StarPhoenix. “Cellphone use [while driving] doesn’t seem to be dropping… Maybe seizing the car will have the impact that’s needed.” Representatives of the Prince Albert Police Service and the Moose Jaw Police Service say that while there are no plans for specific projects targeting cell phone users, they are not opposed to seizing vehicles belonging to dangerous drivers. Kwei Quaye, assistant vice
president of traffic safety services at SGI, says police should be “judicious” in seizing vehicles. “We believe [seizure] should be used more as an exception than the rule,” he explained, adding that the section was designed for instances of “extreme danger” to the public. Quaye suggested that if the act is routinely used to seize vehicles belonging to chronic cell phone users, new legislation specifically targeting those drivers should be enacted. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Local Page 3
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
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SK Weekly Wage Growth Best In Country
Photo: courtesy of Daniel Paquet
Though Earnings Are Increasing, Province Still Faces Issues With Affordability Alex J MacPherson
government official explains, those numbers may be even better than regina, SK — Saskatchewan they seem. workers are riding a wave of aver“It’s linked with inflation,” says age weekly earnings increases, Alastair MacFadden, executive dinew data from Statistics Canada rector labour market policy and shows. program developBetween May “[W]e also know that ment at Saskatch2011 and May there are many expenses ewan Ministry of 2012, average associated with living in th e Eco n o my. weekly earnings “Wage growth is in the province Saskatchewan…” important, but -Cam Broten when a person is swelled by 5.4 percent, to $897.80. Saskatchewan’s getting a paycheque, there is also year-over-year growth tied with cost growth.” Newfoundland and Labrador as According to MacFadden, the the best in the country and eclipsed inflation rate in Saskatchewan was the national rate, just 2.5 percent, 1.5 percent last year, meaning the by a huge margin. However, as a inflation-adjusted increase was 3.9
percent. “We’re staying ahead of inflation,” MacFadden says when asked what the numbers mean for Saskatchewan workers. “The dollar power is being maintained. In fact, it’s even stronger. Your purchasing power as an employee is better than it was a year ago. Not only are you being paid more, but you’ve got more disposable [income].” In raw dollars, Saskatchewan has the fourth-highest average weekly wage in the country, behind Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and the Yukon. In Saskatchewan, the highest wages were found in industries related to mining, quarrying, and oil
and gas extraction, where employees earned an average of $1,940.10 each week in May. And although employees working in accommodation and food services earned a province-wide low of $358.03, their wages rose by 2.4 percent in the last year. Cam Broten, opposition critic for employment, notes that, “when people earn more money, that is a good thing.” However, he is concerned that the statistics do not accurately represent “the gap, which may be growing, between rich and poor.” Pointing to the disparity between high and low wages — a difference of more than $1,500 per
week — Broten states, “we also know that there are many expenses associated with living in Saskatchewan … which continues to be a struggle for people.” Broten suggested that addressing affordability issues … especially tuition, housing and utilities, could be an effective way to close the gap. “In the places where government can have a role in ensuring that life remains as affordable as it can be, I think it’s important to take those steps,” he states. Broten also pointed out that as of September 1st, Saskatchewan will have, at $9.50, the lowest minimum wage in the country. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Global
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Pop Music All Sounds The Same ADAM HAWBOLDT
has narrowed significantly. “[There’s] evidence of a progresMadrid, spain — You’ve prob- sive homogenization of the musical ably heard someone from an older discourse,” Joan Serra, who led the generation saying something along study, tells Reuters. the lines of: “Holy crap, all this mod“The diversity of transitions ern music sounds bet ween note the same!” “[T]he tone, timbre and combinations — Well, as it turns types of sounds being roughly speaking out, they’re right. used … has narrowed…” chords plus meloA study, condies — has consis-Joan Serra tently diminished ducted by the Spanish National Research Council, in the past 50 years.” analyzed an archive known as the The study was also the first to Million Song Dataset, which breaks conduct a large-scale measurement down audio and lyrical content into of “intrinsic loudness” — the voldata, to map the course of pop mu- ume a song is recorded at. sic between 1955 and 2010. The study’s findings support the What they found was that while long-standing claim that the music loudness has increased since the industry is engaged in a “loudness 1950’s, the tone, timbre and types war”. of sounds being used by musicians Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Smiling Good For Heart
‘Grin And Bear It’ Adage Can Help Protect Ticker ADAM HAWBOLDT
kansas city, ks — Don’t forget to smile today. Not only is smiling contagious, not only does it have the ability to change your mood, boost your immune system and lower your blood pressure, but according to recent research, smiling can also reduce stress levels and lower your heart rate — especially when you’re engaged in a difficult task. “Age old adages, such as ‘grin and bear it’ have suggested smiling
“The next time you are stuck in traffic … try to hold your face in a smile…”
-Sarah Pressman to be not only an important nonverbal indicator of happiness but also wishfully promotes smiling as a panacea for life’s stressful events,” says Tara Kraft, of the University of Kansas. “We wanted to examine whether these adages had scientific merit; whether smiling could have real health-relevant benefits.” To do this, Kraft and fellow researcher Sarah Pressman first broke smiles into two categories — standard and genuine, or Duchenne. In the former, all of the muscles around the mouth are engaged; in the latter muscles around both the mouth and eyes are used. Kraft and Pressman then recruited 169 volunteers and divided them into three groups, asking each to make a different facial expression while holding chopsticks in their mouths to activate the particular muscles without the volunteer knowing. The groups were then asked to work on multi-tasking activities, which were orchestrated to be stress-inducing. The findings revealed that those participants who were instructed to smile — in particular, those that had Duchenne smiles — had lower heart rates after they recovered from the stressful activities, compared to those that were asked to maintain
neutral facial expressions. Pressman, who also worked on the study, says these findings show that smiling can reduce the
Global At A Glance Colosseum tilt — Apparently the
Tower of Pisa isn’t the only building that’s leaning in Italy — Rome’s Colosseum has started to tilt, with its south side now 40 centimetres below the
north. Officials are currently investigating whether it needs urgent repairs. The Colosseum, which hosted gladiator fights, is nearly 2,000 years old. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
intensity of stress on the body and help the heart — regardless of whether a person is happy or not. “The next time you are stuck in traffic or are experiencing some other type of stress you might try to hold your face in a smile for a moment,” says Pressman. “Not only will it help you ‘grin and bear it’ psychologically, but it might actually help your heart health as well.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Global
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Modern Culture 44,000 Years Old Adam Hawboldt
Women Angrier Driving
Ladies Express More Road Rage Than Men Adam Hawboldt
compared to 56 percent of men. The finding highlights what some toronto, on — Next time psychologists have long held to you’re driving down the street be true. and someone starts honk“Women are much more vering their horn, bal than men, screaming or “Women are much … so they’re more giving you the more likely to voice their likely to voice finger, chances frustration.” their frustration,” are it will be a Dr. Sam Klarreich -Sam Klarreich tells Global News. woman. Or at least that’s what new reWhat’s more, the study also search suggests. found that drivers who have lonConducted by Harris Interactive ger commutes often have higher and sponsored by CareerBuilder. stress levels, which, in turn, can lead com, the study of more than 3,800 to more incidents of road rage. So U.S. commuters found that 61 per- much so that nine out of 10 longcent of women admitted to expe- distance commuters admitted to riencing moments of road rage, getting in fights with other drivers.
Global At A Glance Future diet — In 20 years time dung beetles, grasshoppers and caterpillars may all be staples of our diet. Or so says food futurologist Morgaine Gaye. According to Gaye, because of
population increase, food shortages and rising prices, we’ll turn to insects — which will be ground and used in items like burgers. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
The survey also showed that younger driver were more prone to road rage than older, more seasoned drivers. In slightly better (and more seasonal) news, the survey indicates that incidents of road rage then to decrease during the hotter summer months. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
the findings are the earliest known traces of “modern behaviour as we Pretoria, south africa — If know it.” you had to guess, how old would Researchers say the Border you say “modern” culture is? Cave people used the poisoned Five thousand years old? Nope. arrows to hunt wild game and put Fifteen thousand? Wrong again. spiral engravings on their arrowAs it turns out, a group of in- heads to mark ownership. This ternational relatter practice has searchers believe “[M]odern culture … is been preserved in that modern cul- roughly 30,000 years modern-day San ture has been [older] than previously culture. around for over What’s more, a 40,000 years — thought.” chemical analysis -Adam Hawboldt of residue on a which is roughly 30,000 years earlier than previously wooden stick at the site reveals it thought. had been used to hold and carry Recently, 44,000-year-old poi- a poison containing ricinoleic acid son-tipped arrows and jewelry — which is found in castor beans. made of ostrich eggs were un- This finding represents the earliest earthed at Border Cave, close to evidence for the use of poison. South Africa’s northeastern border According to Blackwell, all the with Swaziland. The artifacts are objects were easy to name and believed to be from the San hunter- identify because they have spegatherers. And since descendants cific reasons and uses that we, as of San people still live in southern modern people, can understand: Africa today, researcher Lucinda weapons, jewelry and tools. Blackwell told the Associated Press Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Feature
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Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Folk Festival Brings Great Music To Regina
Enjoy Live Performances Or Check Out A Workshop At Annual Summer Event Sebastien dangerfield
Regina, SK — Rosie and the Riveters don’t make traditional folk music, but it is an element of their sound. As much an element as, say, gospel music, bluegrass or African American spirituals. “Our sound comes from the four of us being from all kinds of different musical backgrounds,” says Kiera Dall’Osto. “We all have solo careers. My music, yeah, I’d classify as folk music. But Alexis [Normand], she’s a French jazz singer, Farideh is kind of more of a soul singer, a spiritual singer, and Melissa [Nygren] is more bluegrassy.” Together, the Saskatoon quartet makes catchy, dance-in-theaisles music that defies definitive categorization. The kind of music that’s sure to win Rosie and the Riveters a few new fans when they play the 2012 Regina Folk Festival on August 11th. “O h my g osh! ” e xclaims
Photo: courtesy of the artist and the Regina Folk Festival
Rosie and the Riveters are one of the many groups that will be performing at this year’s Regina Folk Festival Dall’Osto, when asked if she’s ex- something. Then maybe she’ll invite people who inspire you … that’s Turns out their vision was right cited to be playing at the festival. us on tour with her.” just amazing.” on, because now, after playing Ness “It’s pretty awesome. I’m hoping Dall’Osto is joking, of course. Right she is. And what’s also Creek earlier this year, they’ll be we’re going to meet Emmylou Har- But there’s something real in what amazing — in case you’re wonder- joining more than 30 other musical ris and have, like, tea with her or she says. See, with headliners like ing — is a Rosie and the Riveter’s acts in Regina. Advance weekend Emmylou Harris, live performance. passes to see all the headliners are Jim Cuddy and “You pay for the With a compelling $103 for adults and $93 for students. Arlo Guthrie, the headliners but all the stage presence Individual night tickets range from Regina Folk Fes- workshops and most of and a whole host $48 to $53, but the rest of the festival provides a of humour and tival is free of charge. platform upon the festival is free…” charm, these four “That’s amazing to me,” admits -Kiera Dall’Osto ladies put on a Dall’Osto. “You pay for the headlinwhich up-andcoming acts can meet and perform show that’s fun and vibrant. ers but all the workshops and most alongside some of their favourites. “When we got together, that of the festival is free to the public. “There’s a great band called was the plan,” admits Dall’Osto. Anybody can come. You can reach Pokey Lafarge & The South City “We wanted to be all about our live out to so many more people that Three from St. Louis that I first shows, not necessarily about the way.” heard a couple of years ago,” says albums. We wanted to sing uplifting The 2012 Regina Folk Festival Dall’Osto. “And now we’re actually songs. We wanted people to come runs from August 10th until the 12th. doing a workshop with them! I feel to our shows and leave lighter … For more information visit www. like I’ve made it … [t]hat’s the thing, We had a vision, we wanted to play reginafolkfestival.com. right? Being able to play music with festivals.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Offbeat
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Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Husband Stashes Cash In Oven, Wife ‘Cooks’ It Adam Hawboldt
sydney, australia — Some people store their money in local banks. Others put it in wall safes or in off-shore accounts Then there’s the guy from Sydney, Australia, who stored his cash in the oven. As it turns out, that wasn’t the greatest idea in the world because his wife wound up cooking it.
After the unnamed man sold his mournfully told NineMSN.com, as Toyota Supra, he figured he’d hide to why he hid the money in the the cash (approximately $15,000) oven. “It was everything I had … in the oven. On That money was Wednesday, his “[She] never used [the supposed to go missus decided oven]. It was everything I towards my mortto pre-heat some had…” gage.” chicken nuggets After the in-Victim of cash burning cident, the man for the couple’s daughters and poof! The savings attempted to deposit the money went up in smoke. at his bank. They refused. “[She] never used it,” the man Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Musician Forgets Priceless Stradivarius On Train
Pray On The Go
Adam Hawboldt
Photo: courteys of Mitja Schneehage
Many Faiths’ Prayers In Booth Adam Hawboldt
free to use, was designed by German artist Oliver Sturm. Manchester, united king“Though the Pray-O-Mat is a bit dom — Getting a little spiritual tongue-in-cheek, there is a serious guidance has gotten even more message to what we’re doing,” says convenient, now that a British project leader and senior architecresearch team ture lecturer Ralf has unveiled a “Successful multi-faith Brand. “Successful new invention spaces do not need to be multi-faith spaces — the Pray-O- flashy or expensive.” do not need to be Mat booth. flashy or expen-Ralf Brand sive.” Picture a photo booth you’d see in the mall, one The booth features choices of the ones with the curtains. Now from Aborigine devotional songs picture that instead of a camera in- to Jewish prayers, so now Chrisside there is a touch screen with 300 tians, Buddhists, Muslims or even pre-recorded prayers and incanta- just curious passers-by can stop by, tions in 65 different languages. touch the screen, draw the curtain If you can imagine all that, you’ll and immerse themselves in private get an idea of what the Pray-O-Mat contemplation. is all about. The machine, which is Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Offbeat At A Glance Medieval thieves — Talk about the perfect robbery outfit. A gang of thieves dressed as knights from the days of old armed themselves with swords and recently robbed a medieval
festival in Bitche, near the French-German border. The appropriately clad group made off with nearly $25,000 dollars. They are still at large. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
bern, switzerland — And here’s yet another reason why you should be careful who you loan things to. Not too long ago, an unnamed musician borrowed a rare Stradivarius violin from a good and trusting friend. Then, just recently, the man boarded a train to Switzerland and — since something more important than, say, taking care of
a near priceless instrument must have come up — he left the violin behind when he stepped off the train in Bern. Lucky for the owner, a fellow passenger turned the instrument into the Bern train station’s lost and found. While the actual value of the instrument has not been released, one thing is for darn sure — it is wildly expensive. See, the Stradivarius violin (named after its creator)
is very rare. Only about 600 of the violins, which were created by Italian Antonio Stradivari, exist today. As for a ballpark price, well, a wellpreserved Stradivarius sold for $15.9 million at an auction in 2011. So you’d think people would be careful about where they leave them. Not so. Apparently in 2008 a New York cabbie found another lost Stradivarius in his cab. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Music
Page 8
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
to pop, classic rock to country, this five-piece puts on a show that aims to pleas. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. Drewski — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night. Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5.
(NEXT WEEK) RICH AUCOIN @ REGINA FOLK FEST — After making a name for
himself on the Halifax music scene, this symphonic-pop maestro puts on a live show that’s simply electric. You’ll be singing and dancing while drenched in confetti. He writes music with an emphasis on the feelings and happiness
Friday 3
Steve Earle and the Dukes — A master storyteller and highly talented musician, this singer/ songwriter from Texas is perhaps best known for his song “Copperhead Road.” But a multitude of his other songs have been covered by the likes of Joan Baez, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Travis Tritt. Earle puts on a show you won’t want to miss. Also appearing on the bill will be the Texan duo, The Mastersons. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $45–50, available at the Show Lounge box office, online atwww.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000. The Brighter Brightest — Playing a brand of pop/rock that’s rooted in punk rock, this quartet from Toronto put on the kind of show you’ll appreciate. Also appearing on the bill will be Edmonton pop-rockers Red Threat. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD. DJ Pat & DJ Kim — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night that are sure to get you on the dance floor. 9pm, Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club. $5 at the door. Alain Lalonde — Come check out this dope local DJ/producer as he does his thing and spins the kind of sound that’ll make you wanna dance. 7pm, The Hookah Lounge. No cover. Tongue Jungle — This local band plays classic rock covers that you all know and love. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5. Electric Angel — This Winnipeg-based cover band can rock the socks off darn near anyone.
Photo: courtesy of Martin Cathrae
that it creates — the kind of music that encourages the breaking of barriers between audience and performer. He’ll be playing the Regina Folk Fest on August 10th. For more information about times and tickets, visit www.reginafolkfestival.com -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Playing everything from top 40 to pop, classic rock to country, this five-piece puts on a show that aims to pleas. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. Albert — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm, Pure Ultra Lounge. Cover $5. Whatever — If you’re into good times and good music, come out and check this local act.10pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance before 6pm.
Saturday 4
Taj Mahal — A prominent figure in late-20th century blues and roots music, this multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Massachusetts has a couple of Grammys and a boatload of great songs under his belt. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $35–40, available at the Show Lounge box office, online at www.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000. 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. Alley 14 — This local five-piece is a classic rock and blues party band that plays music designed to make sure you have a good time. 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5. Electric Angel — This Winnipeg-based cover band can rock the sock of darn near anyone. Playing everything from top 40
Whatever — If you’re into good times and good music, come out and check this local act.10pm, The Sip Nightclub. No cover if in attendance before 6pm. DJ Longhorn — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover TBD.
Sunday 5
Rational Animals — Gritty, raw and in-your-face, these punk rockers from Rochester, NY, know how to entertain a crowd. Come check them out. 8pm, The Exchange. Tickets TBD.
Tuesday 7
Gordie Tentrees — His lyrics are visceral and honest, and his melodies — crafted from guitars, banjos and dobros — are rollicking and infectious. Yesirree, this singer/songwriter from the Yukon plays a gritty brand of raucous country you won’t want to miss. 7pm, Creative City Centre. Cover $20. 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) GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS @ REGINA FOLK FEST — With the swirl
Mulholland, the Great Lake Swimmers have received critical acclaim for their 2009 album, Lost Channels. This talented band will be playing Regina Folk Fest on August 11th. For times and ticket information visit www.reginafolkfestival.com -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
office, online at www.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000.
No cover.
of acoustic guitars, the strum of the banjo, and the brush of snare drums, this “ambient folk” five-piece from Toronto put on one heckuva show. Consisting of Tony Dekker, Erik Arnesen, Greg Millson, Bret Higgins and Miranda
Thursday 9
Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers — Since starting in the business four decades ago, this trio has played Broadway, the White House, won Grammys and topped the country charts. Not too shabby for three brothers from Abilene, Texas. Come see what they’re all about. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $45–50, available at the Show Lounge box office, online at www.casinoregina.com or by calling 565-3000. 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.
Nickeltree — Come out, support a local band and hear good music. What better way to spend a Thursday night? 10pm, McNally’s Tavern. Cover $5. Catie St. Germain — After an impressive debut performance in March, this talented singer/ songwriter from Winnipeg is back for an encore. She’ll be playing a wide array of country/rock covers along with a smattering of original tunes. 10pm, Pump Roadhouse. Cover TBD. DJ Longhorn — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm, Whiskey Saloon. Cover TBD. Want your show listed? Email layout@verbnews.com!
Wednesday 8
Wednesday Night Folk — Featuring Eyeswide, an addictive indie rock act from Barrie, Ontario. 9pm, Bushwakker Brewpub. No cover Bachman and Turner — After decades apart, Randy Bachman and Fred Turner — to two driving musicians behind Bachman Turner Overdrive — have finally reunited, released a new album and are touring again. Don’t miss a chance to see these rock and roll legends in action. 8pm, Casino Regina. Tickets $80–85, available at the Show Lounge box
(COMING UP) BOB DYLAN @ BRANDT CENTRE — Simply put, the man former-
ly known as Robert Allen Zimmerman is one of the most important cultural figures alive, and one of the finest poets of the 20th century. His body of work, which spans five decades, includes classics like “Mr. Tambourine Man,”
Photo: courtesy of Dena Flows
“Like a Rolling Stone,” and “Tangled Up in Blue.” And now he’s heading back on tour to promote his 35th studio album, Tempest. He’ll be playing the Brandt Centre on October 6th; tickets $52.50–135 (www.ticketmaster.ca) -Adam Hawboldt. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Arts One
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Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Creep On Creepin’ On With Timber Timbre
Photo: courtesy of EhBSeasides, brenda_h_lee, Jackman Chiu, Sean Richardson and Jonathan Dy.
This Montreal Three-Piece Talks Writing, Recording And Creating Images Alex J MacPherson
any other instrument you can think of in the Montreal-based group. Regina, SK — “All I need is “We did the Creep On Creepin’ On some sunshine,” Taylor Kirk mur- record, and we just wanted to do murs on “Black Water,” the fourth something that we want to hear. It track on Timber Timbre’s latest turns out that people liked it. Maybe record, Creep On Creepin’ On. there’s a little bit of pressure for the I’m not sure Kirk is telling the next record, but I think we should truth. His band, not care about Timber Timbre, “[I]f you’re listening to that — we should m a k e s m u s i c our songs and you can just continue to that evokes black make your own images … make [music] the nights, barren way we want to landscapes, and I think it’s good.” do it.” -Simon Trottier lonely streetlights Timber Timbre arcing through the fog. The music started as an avenue for Kirk to he makes with Mika Posen and Si- share his expansive musical vision mon Trottier isn’t melancholic, ex- with the world. Trottier and Poactly, but it’s not bright and cheer- sen were occasional collaborators, ful, either. It’s a sort of brooding, jamming when they were in town. nu-gothic film noir vibe that doesn’t But, Trottier explains, he and Posen exactly lend itself to sheets of sun- found Kirk’s talents difficult to reshine and blue skies. What Timber sist — and that their contributions Timbre’s music does lend itself to, made the songs better. on the other hand, is a pair of good “Taylor started the project by headphones. himself, and for the record before “We’ve been lucky,” says Trottier, Creep On, the approach of the live a francophone who plays autoharp, show was more improvising around lap steel, guitar, and pretty much the songs,” he says. “Me and Mika,
our role was more [about] adding texture. But for Creep On we have our parts, we’re playing many instruments…” Creep On Creepin’ On, which was released just over a year ago, has all the stylistic touches of a Kirk album — sparse lyrics, lush instrumentation, and an eerie, ghostly feel. It highlights Kirk’s talent for manipulating words and phrases; his lyrics are heavy on the mind and on the heart. But Creep On Creepin’ On is the band’s best record to date because it was created by a band, not a loose group of individuals working to fill out a singular vision. It’s plain that Posen and Trottier defer to Kirk on some matters, but their contributions are what make Creep On Creepin’ On a good record, and Timber Timbre a good band. Just not a loud band. The record is overflowing with subtleties, artistic flourishes that would be lost without a pair of good headphones. The pop structures are evident in any situation, of course, but listening to the album through
headphones is like attending an archaeological excavation. Layers of complexity exist beneath the surface, waiting to be obliterated by tinny speakers and crap earbuds. Mellow saxophone lines, wavering violins, and atmospheric synthesizers are in abundance, enhancing the mood and supporting Kirk’s often-perplexing lyrics. “We try a lot [of ideas],” laughs Trottier. “We recorded a ton of stuff and just edited at the end, and we made songs with all the elements we had.” And while these adornments might be superfluous on any other record, Trottier says the music is intended to create a collection of images tied together by feeling. “If you can see images in your head while you’re listening to the music, you don’t need images, you can build your own,” he explains. “Making music for film, you have to support the image. When you do a soundtrack the movie is there, so you have to make the music to fit the image…But if you’re listening
to our songs and you can make your own images in your head, I think it’s good.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Creep On Creepin’ On sounds like a film score from the ‘50s. Kirk, Posen, and Trottier scored a French film this winter and have at least one more film project in the works. And this summer Timber Timbre is on the festival circuit. The band shines live, but Trottier admits that big festivals can be difficult, mainly because the wealth of subtleties are difficult to replicate onstage. And because they’re just not that loud. But if you’re quiet, really quiet, Timber Timbre will shoot a ray of sunshine through gloom, right into your heart. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Event Info
Timber Timbre
Where: Regina Folk Festival, Victoria Park When: August 10 Cost: $105 (weekend pass; www. reginafolkfestival.com)
Emmylou Harris On Her Legendary Career
ArtsSect &C
Alex J MacPherson
Regina, SK — Emmylou Harris can’t escape the spectre of Gram Parsons. Or, for that matter, the enduring promise of his musical vision — cosmic American music, the first infusion of folk and rock into his beloved country. Together, Parsons and Harris crafted some of the finest songs ever committed to tape. And while Parsons is long dead, a victim of brash overconfidence and self-destructive habits, Harris endures. She is a survivor. “I had got so inoculated and impassioned with country music through Gram and I really thought that we were just going to continue to write music together,” Harris told Noise11.com last month. “He was my am today.” teacher. I thought we were going to Since the mid-1970s, Harris has be literally on that road for a while.” released 20 studio albums, three It wasn’t to be. Parsons died in live collections, and a big stack of 1973, leaving a jagged gash in coun- compilations. Her towering voice is try music and the shards of Harris’s as expressive and powerful now as it broken heart. “I was back in 1972. really did have to “I really did have to take And her songwrittake what I knew what I knew at that point ing keeps getting at that point and and carry on by myself…” better. Harris’s latcarry on by myest effort, Hard -Emmylou Harris Bargain, which self and just learn what I could,” she said, alluding to was released last year, is as good the feeling of loss that accompanies as anything she’s ever done. every untimely death. “It was put“When I started writing this alting one chord after another and bum I didn’t have a clue,” she said one foot in front of the other, one of “The Road,” a touching eulogy show after the other, and here I for Parsons that kicks off the record.
Photo: courtesy of wfuv
“I just started with an open-tuned guitar and an old melody I had for a while. That song just sort of fell out. It was almost a stream of consciousness looking back over the years. That’s the way it appears to me. You kind of follow the muse, wherever she takes you.” That muse led Harris back to the nights when she and Parsons sang together under the lights. “The Road” is a testament to her friend and evidence of how much she misses him. Her songs still bear his unmistakable, indelible stamp; her career has carried the torch of his musical vision. And she won’t ever forget it: “But I still think about you, wonder where you are,” she sings on “The Road.” “Can you see me from some place up there among the stars?” But Harris has a lot of life left to live. She remains extremely busy, touring with her band or lending her devastating, stratospheric harmonies to other artists and musicians (her work with Ryan Adams, Parsons’s generation-crossing counterpart, is to die for). And she’s happy to be heading out on the road one more time. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Five Questions Wit
Austra Singer Talks Opera, And T Alex J MacPherson Katie Stelmanis is an unlikely independent success story. Stelmanis trained as an opera singer before swapping the concert hall for the nightclub. Now, she writes and performs a blend of folk, rock and electronic music. Austra, her band, is the place where traditional storytelling and late-night dance music converge. The band’s debut LP, Feel It Break, was released last year and subsequently shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. Now, Stelmanis is gearing up to play her first Canadian festival and thinking about what’s next. I caught up with her to chat about opera, songwriting, and the wide appeal of electronic music. Alex J MacPherson: When you were training to be an opera singer,
did you ever expect that you would be doing something like Austra? Katie Stelmanis: When I was studying opera, probably not. I had one goal in mind and that was to become an opera singer. I started making my own music when I was around 18 or 19, but the reason why I originally got into electronic music was that I was so influenced by the classical music, and I wanted to create orchestral music, and I was using MIDI to do that — synthesized violins and cellos and oboes and making this weird orchestral stuff. It was directly inspired by my classical training, but then instead of going down that route I became very partial to the sounds and ended up making electronic music instead. AJM: Do you see parallels, or do you think of classical and electronic
Culture tion Pages PH, PH PH PH–PH, ‘PH VerbNews.com
Pages 10, 11 Pages 10, 11 Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Singer Serena Ryder Plays Through The Pain Verb Staff
th Katie Stelmanis Photo: courtesy of the artist
The Appeal Of Electronic Music
music as two distinct entities? on to a song. If I’m making a song KS: It’s so different, because the I’ll just sing anything, scratch vocal, music I’m making now, I’m writ- on top of it but I’ll sing fake words — ing it, whereas with classical music syllables in vowels. In that way I’m I’m always performing and playing just subconsciously singing some other people’s music. I don’t nec- kind of part that fits in with the muessarily see them as completely sic in a very specific way, and then different entities because I think trying to fit words in afterword is they have a lot in common. I think kind of hard. That’s just the process. that electronic music in particular AJM: Can you tell me about findhas more in coming balance bemon with classical “The intention with this tween pop strucmusic than a lot record was to make songs ture and, basically, of other folky or we could … play live…” danceability? rootsy types of KS: I think it -Katie Stelmanis happens natupopular music. AJM: Can you elaborate on that? rally, it’s just the music I listen to KS: Electronic music, a lot of the and where I come from. I did a lot time, is instrumental. Feel It Break, in of music as a solo artist and found my opinion, is not a fully electronic it was difficult to translate the murecord, but I think electronic music sic I was doing to a live stage. The in general — a lot of the time it’s intention with this record was to instrumental, so DJs and producers make songs we could actually play become masters of arrangement live, that would translate really well because they have to make up for and be really effective. That meant the fact that they’re not singers. making dance songs, basically, but So much of classical music is about I like the idea of combining worlds. complicated arrangements and I like having a well-written song how the instruments interplay with and turning it into whatever you each other, and that’s what produc- want — any sort of arrangement, ers are doing. anything I think is interesting. Most AJM: Which leads into my next people who make electronic music question. On Feel It Break your vo- don’t start with a song: they start cals emanate from inside the track. with everything else and the song They’re not layered on top. The vocals just happens. I sometimes make are like another instrument. music like that, but I like to start KS: I think that’s just the way with the basic song. Add everything it came out. For me, the vocals — else after the fact. words — are the last thing I’ll put Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
admits that the record was conceived and born in a “very pivotal, Regina, SK — Serena Ryder transforming” time in her life, but may be one of the most important she skirted the parallel traps of young artists playing folk music maudlin self-pity and pure, stingtoday, but that doesn’t mean she ing outrage. hasn’t done her homework. “This record was a very concen“Technically,” she tells ARTIST- trated experience for me,” she says, Direct.com, “Neil Young taught “and the thread that ties it together me how to play was very thick the guitar. That’s “This record was a very because I was cool, right?” concentrated experience feeling really big, Ryder i s for me…” truthful emotions. something of an I wasn’t at a place -Serena Ryder in my mind or my enigma. She is a strong woman in an industry domi- heart to create a cohesive record nated by men, but her influences in that kind of way, but I was very tend to be men. She has a voice blessed in the process to have in that could dominate any genre, fact created that.” yet she chooses to play her own Even though Is It O.K. was a mabrand of quirky folk-rock. She is jor-label debut, studio wizardry and an emblem of the progressive, layers of instruments can’t conceal thoughtful folk music, yet her latest record stemmed from a period of intensely personal turmoil and turbulence. Ultimately, she’s just happy people are listening. “I can look at it now from more of an unbiased perspective,” Ryder says of Is It O.K., her latest full-length offering and first for a major label. “[B]eing outside of what I’ve learned and having incorporated that into my life now saying, ‘That was cool! It actually all made sense! I make sense some times!’” Is It O.K. is in some ways an homage to the records Ryder grew up with. “I’ve always been really inspired and influenced by folk music,” she says, pointing to John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Linda Ronstadt, and, of course, Neil Young. “When I was a kid, I used to steal my parents records from the basement one by one, thinking they wouldn’t notice. I’d slowly bring them up to my room.” These influences, together with a sense of self that is anything but reflexive, converge in her songs. Is It O.K., which won a Juno several years back, treads the line between the personal and the universal. Ryder
Event Info
Austra
Where: Regina Folk Festival When: August 11 Cost: $48 @ Globe Theatre Box Office
Serena Ryder
Where: Regina Folk Festival When: August 11 Cost: $48 @ Globe Theatre Box Office
Emmylou Harris
Where: Regina Folk Festival When: August 12 Cost: $53 @ Globe Theatre Box Office
Want some coverage for your upcoming event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP!
Photo: courtesy of the artist
the raw emotion that underpins these songs. “Little Bit of Red,” a snarling, biting rock & roll cut, is the standout track, a showcase for Ryder’s smoky voice. And even though Ryder may have gone through some difficult times, she’s back, better than ever. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Food
Page 12
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Licorice is a candy loved all over the world, especially in the UK and the Netherlands. This tasty treat comes in both sweet and salty varieties, and are full of flavourful facts. Most British and North ■American varieties of licorice
contain more aniseed extract than actual licorice root extract
Dried licorice root can be ■chewed and eaten on its own Licorice is a good expec■torant and increases blood pressure
main compound of lico■riceThe(glycyrrhizic acid) can be
toxic to the liver if too much is consumed — so eat candies containing it in moderation
Dessart Will Satisfy Your Cravings
Photos: Courtesy of Kendra Kuss
Enjoy Treats From Around The World At 13th Ave Sweet Shop Jessica Bickford
Is there anything more indulgent or satisfying than candy
and ice cream? I think not, and banana flavoured. my inner child wholeheartedly Within the sherbet coloured agrees. walls of this sugar haven, there is Dessart is a place that I frequent also a million kinds of ice cream. — it’s where I can find the little silver Okay, that is an exaggeration, but cola-flavoured jawbreakers I adore, really, if you are bad at making decinot to mention the insane amounts sions you could be staring at their of other sweets and treats sourced menu for hours. Luckily, Shelley from around the world (even ones Patterson, the candy maven herself you remember and owner of one from your own “The green tea gelato fine Pez dispenser childhood). They (a personal favourite) collection, made really have just was delicate, light, and some choices for about anything me. you could ask for. slightly bitter…” A decadent -Jessica Bickford brownie sundae I started off by being adventurous and trying was up first, with large chunks of three kinds of Dutch licorice. The iced Cathedral Bakery brownies muntendrop was up first and it was topped with whipped cream, hot extremely chewy, slightly sweet fudge, and cherries all melding into with a good amount of saltiness. the thick, rich vanilla soft serve. The schoolkrijt looked like Pure, delicious indulgence! a small piece of chalk, with the Mango yoghurt ice cream was sweet licorice centre coated in a a new one for me, and it was very mint candy shell, an unexpected creamy and sweet, with a delightful combination that was actually quite yoghurt tang to it. pleasant. I also got a bit of lime sherbet — Lastly was some apekoppen, featuring an intense green colour which given the fact they look like and a burst of citrus flavour, this monkey faces, was appropriately item both looked and tasted fresh.
The green tea gelato (a personal favourite) was delicate, light, and slightly bitter, and the dulce de leche gelato was super caramelly. Lastly I tried something very different — cardamom mixed directly into vanilla soft serve. This fragrant, delicate and almost floral creation was simply sublime. It tasted a bit like chai tea, was surprisingly refreshing, and I will certainly be going back for more. With their 45 flavours of soft serve and numerous other concoctions (along with soy options), you are sure to find a cool treat you love, and their candy selection is simply unbeatable. And to sweeten the deal even more (sorry), this summer Dessart has a different flavour special each week, where if you buy any candy or ice cream of that flavour (coffee, for example), you can enter into a draw for a weekly gift bag. Dessart has all the candy you love, enough ice cream to keep you cool all summer, and a friendly staff who will help you pick something tasty, sweet, surprising, or nostalgic. At Dessart you really do feel like a kid in a candy store. And hey, is it your birthday? Bring proof and you get a free birthday ice cream cone. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Dessart Sweets Address: 3036 13th Ave Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:00am 10:30pm
Reservations: 522-2663
Opinion
Page 13
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
SK Should Adopt The Practice Of BYOW
Bringing Your Own Wine To Restaurants Is Good For Customers, The Industry the Editors of Verb Regina, sk — Alberta, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec: what do these five places have in common? Yes, they’re all Canadian provinces and, yes, they all contain bodies of water, trees, cities and buildings. But what else? Well, in all of the aforementioned provinces, it’s legal to bring your own wine into restaurants, pay a corkage fee and have it with your meal. Not a bad idea right? British Columbia didn’t think so. That’s
“[R]estaurants could benefit by making a profit from corking fees while carrying less cost.”
-Verb’s editors why, just last month, their provincial government passed legislation giving restaurants the choice to become BYOW establishments, and we feel the same should be done in Saskatchewan. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying all restaurants in our province should be forced by policy to allow patrons to bring in their own wine. But what we are saying is they should have the choice. In Montreal, the choice to go “Apportez Votre Vin” (Bring Your Own Wine) has made restaurant dining more attractive to many. The same goes for restaurants in the United Kingdom, where The Guardian has described the BYOW movement as a “revolution” of the restaurant industry. Now we’re not insinuating the food industry in Saskatchewan needs to undergo a revolution. Far from it. But a little modernization to bring it into the 21st century wouldn’t hurt. In fact, a BYOW policy could be win-win for all involved. On the one hand, participating restaurants could benefit by making a profit from corking fees while carrying less cost. A BYOW policy could also, like in Montreal and the UK, inspire more people to go out for dinner. And if you ask any restauranteur, the more butts they have in their seats, the better things generally are. On the other hand, you have the customers. For them (for you), a BYOW policy gives you the
opportunity to match your dinner with a more exclusive, nicer bottle of wine at a lower cost. Plus, should you not finish the entire bottle, you’d be able to recork it and take the remains home. In B.C., Ian Tostenson, president of the British Columbia Restaurants and Food Services Association, says the restaurant industry has welcomed the “common sense change” with open arms. And so should we. And since changing legislation, particularly when it comes to liquor, can be a complicated, timeconsuming affair, we think this is something our government should tackle, post-haste. The only question that remains is: how much should the corkage fee be? In other provinces, the going rate is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $10 to $30. We feel Saskatchewan should try to operate somewhere in that range. But instead of having the price set by the government, we should let the market dictate the price. Let the restaurant owners set their fees appropriately to remain
competitive and, eventually, a good, reasonable, mutually beneficial corkage fee will emerge. Not only would a BYOW policy of this nature help restaurant owners create a new type of dining
experience, not only would it give wine lovers more options, but it would also show the voting public that our government is open and willing to change, particularly in an area where it has demonstrated
archaic, heavy-handed behaviour in the past. And by our count, that’s a winwin-win scenario. Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Movies
Page Page 14PH
AugPH 3–9, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
China Heavyweight Mostly Hits The Mark
Director Chang Explores Paradoxes Of Evolving Society In Boxing Documentary China Heavyweight
Runtime: 94 Minutes Rated: G Adam Hawboldt There’s a lot going on in director Yung Chang’s new documentary China Heavyweight. On the surface, it’s about boxing, sacrifice and the quest for Olympic and professional glory. But that’s just the surface. The flotsam.
At its core, China Heavyweight is more and more popular in China. about a lot more than just pugilist What’s more, in a socialist country, dreams. It’s about change. It’s about boxing stands out as a stark and Westernization clashing with tradi- fiercely individualistic sport. tionalism. But mainly it’s about the It is these paradoxes, these isparadoxes in an sues, that Chang evolving society. “[W]hen they’re … deals with headSee, boxing is a dealing with generational o n i n C h i n a foreign sport that conflicts … the film really Heavyweight. was once banned Shot over the in China, yet these works.” course of a two-Adam Hawboldt year period, this days it exists as one of the many avenues used by cinema-verite style doc follows a China to cement its global sports pair of 17-year-old amateur boxers, standing. Its brutality and inherent Miao Yunfei and He Zongli. Both are violence stand in direct opposition peasants from the mountainous to the teachings of Buddha and Sichuan province and, in the beginConfucius, yet boxing is becoming ning, both dream of following in the footsteps of Zou Shiming, Zhang Zhilei and Hanati Silamu — three compatriots who medalled at the 2008 Summer Olympics. They are trained by coach Qi Moxiang, a former Olympic hopeful who is tempted to step back in the ring at the advanced age of 38. But Moxiang’s decision about his own fighting future is pushed aside (for a while) as he pours his energy into training his two up-and-coming charges. Most of China Heavyweight is set in small, dirty farming villages where the local youths’ options are limited. They can stay at home and work the land. They can move to a city and work construction. Or maybe — just maybe — they can fight their way to riches and fame in a boxing ring. Of course, both Yunfei and
Photo: courtesy of Eye Steel Films
Zongli opt for the latter. This decision is particularly upsetting for Yunfei’s mother, who wonders why in the hell her son would risk his health boxing when he could stay
at home, work the tobacco fields and contribute to the economy. And it’s at these times — when they’re in the countryside dealing with generational conflicts and the Westernization of the Chinese mentality — that the film really works. When it goes into the gym, however, the documentary seems to sputter. The endless montages of training and amateur boxing don’t really pack the necessary punch. They’re too repetitive, too tedious. That’s not to say China Heavyweight is a boring documentary. The thing is, though, it’s nowhere near as engaging or entertaining as Chang’s previous doc — the stunning Up the Yangtze. Still, China Heavyweight is a thoughtful and perceptive piece of filmmaking. Emotional, intimate, vital and real, the film may not be the best documentary you’ll ever see. But it most certainly worth a watch. China Heavyweight will be opening at the Regina Public Library on August 9th Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Section Movies
Page Page 15PH
AugPH 3–9, PH–PH, ‘12 ‘PH VerbNews.com VerbNews.com
Remake Of Total Recall Disappointing
Photo: courtesy of Sony Pictures
Colin Farrell, Cool Special Effects Can’t Save Warmed Up Replay Of 1990 Film Total Recall
Runtime: 118 Minutes Rated: PG Adam Hawboldt In 1966, the American sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick penned the excellent, award-winning short story called “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale.” In it, an ordinary everyman named Douglas Quail wants to go to Mars. Problem is, he can’t afford it. So Quail goes to a company called REKAL Inc. to get fake memories of Mars implanted in his mind. During the implant process it’s revealed that Quail is actually an undercover government assassin with a head full of dangerous secrets. “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” is a brilliant piece of scifi that was thought to be unfilmable because most of the story takes place in the character’s head. Then, in 1990, along came director Paul Verhoeven, who turned Dick’s short story into a movie called Total Recall. And, if we’re being honest here, he did a pretty darn good job of it. When the movie came out, its star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was nearing the height of his popularity. Verhoeven understood this and gave Arnold the go-ahead to act, well, like Arnold. Which meant as the secret assassin Douglas Quaid (notice the subtle name change!) he kicked copious amounts of ass and dropped one-liners like they were hot. The movie went on to gross more than $250 million worldwide and was well-received by fans and critics alike. Fast forward 22 years, and for
some unknown, ungodly, unfath- day, Quaid goes to Rekall (just like omable reason, director Len Wise- in previous versions) to have happy man (Underworld) decided it’d be memories implanted in order to get a good idea to put his own spin on some relief. Total Recall. Quaid (and others) come to realThis time around Quaid is ize there’s more in his head than played by Colin Farrell (Tigerland, just dreams and, well, if you saw the In Bruges). And Schwarzenegger while the whole “[I]f you have seen the flick, you have an implant/real vs. first Total Recall, you idea of where the fake memories/ probably might want to story goes from unknown ashere. sassin angle still skip the remake…” A n d i f yo u -Adam Hawboldt have seen the first remains, the biggest difference between Wiseman’s Total Recall, you probably might Total Recall and the story that Dick want to skip the remake — unless, and Verhoeven told is that in the of course, you like disappointment. 2012 there is no Mars. Sure, the special effects are coolInstead, the remake of Total Re- er in the new installment, and yes call takes place in a future where the Colin Farrell is a much better actor Earth is nearly uninhabitable. The than Arnold ever dreamt of being. only “livable” places left are Great But when you get past all that, Britain and the “Colony” — better the new Total Recall is nothing more known to you as Australia. than a warmed up replay of the Quaid, a worker in the Colony, original. is plagued by a reoccurring dream What’s more, it suffers from in which his life is in peril. So, one a lack of Arnold and his cheesy,
perfectly timed one liners. I can’t believe I just wrote that, but it’s true. Okay, maybe that’s a tad harsh.
But, by and large, the new Total Recall isn’t what you’d call a “good” movie.” Feedback? Text it to 306-881-8372.
Texts
Page 16
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
This Week: Trades For Teens Last week we asked what you thought about teens leaving high school early to enter the trades, and here’s what you had to say. Next week’s topic: see page 13 — do you think Saskatchewan
On Topic Letting students opt out of a high school diploma seems ridiculous. It’s hard to do anything without having a high school diploma these days. Is it really a big deal if they stick around for an extra couple years, then go to trade school? Nope! Ur opinion is way off base. I don’t agree with much of what the Verb
should adopt a Bring Your Own Wine policy? 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! has to say. But I do agree with the high school change. I think we would even see less drop outs. Giving kids the option to opt out of a traditional education is smart and would be better for everyone involved. Totally disagree. Keeping kids in school until Grade 12 is the best thing for them. How many teens would
beg off school but not go on to do something else? You’re giving them a way out where they don’t have to do anything. It’s irresponsible.
Off Topic Re: “City Eyes Intoxicating Pigeons, Deporting Them,” Offbeat page, July 27th issue
Deporting Pigeons: LOL, have they ever heard that pigeons are used to deliver messages over large distances, because they always find the way home?! They might need a day longer though, because of the headache after the vine consumption! Re: “Flying In Canada Costs Way Too
Much,” Opinion page, July 20th issue
to people that fly.until canada has population of 200 million to keep cost down.just suffer paying more and get a brain Re: “Flying In Canada Costs Way Too Much,” Opinion page, July 20th issue
Stop complaining about airport fees already. It would be cheaper if you stayed home. Things are more costly these days. It’s just a sign of the times. Re: “Regina, Province Push On With Stadium,” Local page, July 27th issue
put the money of new stadium into roads for cars and bikes.and into housing. Re: “Regina, Province Push On With Stadium,” Local page, July 27th issue
How about road repair before The Wall Fiacco Domeless The public should be allowed to calling people that text while driving. At least their license plates could be registered as people that violate the law. I realize that the police have to see them texting to issue a ticket but it really pisses me off when I see drivers on the wrong side of the road because of texting while driving. Every person has a purpose in life, they just have to find it, it may take years to do so but they will find it, I discovered my
purpose, my purpose is to take care of my pets, to help the animals that need help and to love all creatures great and small. To care about the environment and recycle that can be recycled and to hope for a better future for this world we live in. We just need a lot more people to care for these things as much as I do. Think before you throw that paper in the garbage and that tin, plastick and other things that can be recycled and care for the animals that are not even your pet. I hope this message gets through to people! YB My pay as you go cell phone saved my life a few years ago when I was homeless. Found a job found a place to stay with it. DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND SPRAY CHEESE? I’VE LOOKED EVERYWHERE. IF YOU KNOW LET ME KNOW THANKS! :-) Society should go back to having a day of rest. Seems like there is less and less time for people to spend with their families or taking time for themselves. We don’t always have to be so busy.
Texts Having no winter this year sure screwed up the summer. It’s hotter than the lowest level of hell. Horroscopes suck for everyone this week... even the news paper rack at the airport fell apart. It’s a sign. Looking for a place. Looked at some suites in a 100 yr old building. Tiny! People didn’t have as much didn’t need as much a 100 yrs ago. RE: “I seen so many grammer and spelling mistakes in the feedback section. Their driving me crazy!” Totally makes me laugh at the silly person who sent that in last week. It should say “they’re” maybe he/she should figure out his/her grammer before complaining. Also, to everyone so “fed up” with poor g&s so what! Freedom of speech however anyone wants to express it. I’m tired of seeing commercials about nurses and how they can’t be in a profession without a passion for it. If it didn’t pay as well as it does, how many nurses would still be doing it because of their ‘passion’ for it? It’s mostly about the money. I don’t think you would deny that fact. Olympics are totally overrated. Billions spent to bring them just seems like an enormous waste of resources that could be used elsewhere. Could you imagine that amount of money
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being spent to support the arts? Yeah right.
What do you guys look like?
To the person who texted humans are the only species who kill their own...get out from under your rock! Maybe watch some Nat Geo Wild! Jeeze
I can’t believe dollerama already has halloween stuff it’s only Augest
HUMAN ARE ONLY SPIECIES TO HURT THIER OWN. This is not true many primates and other animals kill thier own read a book! Many animals hurt their own kind, not just humans. Don’t black widow spiders eat their mates? Plus occasionally a parent may reject one of their young, particularly if the baby is ill or has something wrong with it. It may seem sad to us, but it’s perfectly natural to them. The writing in the verb is getting a bit contradictory and too biased. Think I’ll give the Metro a try. Lana c+trevor I Forever Moving with shopping carts is DOWNtown! Things will be great when you’re there! Hey YB sorry to hear about your dog talk to the vet about medication it can take to stop/ease the seizures as a pet owner I feel your pain. Two kinds of Gov’nt BS!! We here in this province Affordable housing and Safety in Uranium Mining!! How about selling shares to raise funds Give a SK income tax credit to buyers
I love reading St. Joseph’s church signs! Keep it up!
a fantastic film, please everyone don’t miss it! So so so so good!
Give peas a chance. Moonrise Kingdom is
The opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily Verb’s.
Nightlife
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Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com
Friday @ Bushwakker Venue
Bushwakker Brewpub on Friday, July 27th
Venue
2206 Dewdney Avenue
Playing on Arrival
U2’s “Sweetest Thing”
Music Vibe
Beginning August 4th, all background tunes will be Saskatchewan music
Regular Gigs
Live jazz and blues on Mondays, and live folk on Wednesdays
Feature Deals
The Classic Friday Happy Hour: Bushwakker pints and barshots available at a reduced price from 4:30–6:30 PM
Popular Drink
All specialty imported beers
Food of Choice
Nachos, which come topped with tomato, green pepper, black olives, onion, jalapeño and cheese, and any of the gourmet personal pizzas
Wing Notes
Photos courtesy of Jeff Hamon Photography (feedback@ verbnews.com
A pound of wings and a pint of Bushwakker beer for $12.95 on Mondays and Wednesdays; of the 10 available flavours, medium hot is the most popular
Something New
Saskatchewan artists, bring your tunes — all music will be from Saskatchewan, and the Redbeard Radio at The Bushwakker Library now sports over 3,000 songs
Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20)
If you find yourself at odds with family or friends this week, dear Virgo, please keep in mind what the Dalai Lama once said. “In disagreements with loved ones,” he advised, “deal with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.” That’s some darn solid advice worth thinking about. Always focus on the here-andnow; bringing up old news won’t solve anything. If nothing else, it could make the situation much, much worse.
According to the Dali Lama, “if you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Sounds pretty simple, no? Compassion is the secret to a good life. That’s what you should strive for. So try to be more compassionate than usual this week, dear Pisces. You might be surprised at how good it makes you and others around you feel. Go ahead. Give it a try. What do you have to lose?
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Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22)
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“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” That’s one of the staples of the Dalai Lama’s philosophy and maybe he’s on to something. So for this coming week, dear Aquarius, try to live by his words. Try to help others. Try to be a part of the solution because, if you’re not, chances are you’re part of the problem. And no matter what, nobody should strive to be part of the problem. Nobody.
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Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19)
Have you been busier than a onelegged man in an arse-kicking contest lately, Leo? Burning the candle at both ends? Feeling a bit burnt out? If so, take the Dalai Lama’s advice and “spend some time alone every day.” Lock your door, draw the blinds and shut the world out. Completely. Even if it’s for just a few minutes a day, this solitude will go a long way towards recharging your battery and bettering your mind. What you do in that “alone” time is up to you.
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Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
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People define success in many ways, so if you find yourself thinking about how successful you are this week, remember to “judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” That’s the Dalai Lama’s advice. And he’s right — because, whether you realize it or not, our greatest successes are the things we’ve had to work hardest for. The things we’ve sacrificed the most for. Sometimes, the things that come easy aren’t always the best. Think about it.
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Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
“Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.” A very simple, true and pertinent message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This week opportunities will arise and change will be ushered in — if you let it. My advice is let it, but don’t let that change change you. Be yourself. Don’t compromise what you believe in. But be ready, willing and open-minded enough to accept new things in your life. It’s a delicate balance to find. But have faith, Cancer. You’ll find it.
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Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)
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Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, no matter how much work you put in, nothing seems to be working lately? The effort is there, but the opportunity isn’t? Well, here’s the thing about a lucky break — sometimes it just doesn’t come around. But don’t worry: if opportunity isn’t knocking, it’s time to make your own opportunities, dear Sagittarius. What those may be, only you know. Have faith in your intuition — it will steer you straight.
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Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21)
Some of the best advice you’ll get this week is this, dear Gemini: “When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.” That pearl comes from the incomparable Dalai Lama. And he’s right. This week you’re destined to make a mistake. What it is, when it will happen, it’s hard to say. But I do know it would be prudent of you to fix it as soon as you realize it’s occurred. That way you limit the damage and can work towards getting things right.
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Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” That’s a hint from the Dalai Lama that can help you find happiness. So why not take this week, Scorpio, and go somewhere new? It doesn’t have to be extravagant. I mean, after all, we all can’t afford to fly to Tokyo or Cape Town at the drop of a hat. So maybe that “somewhere” could be near you right now. It might be a section of the city you’ve never seen, a restaurant you’ve never eaten at — anything.
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Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22)
The Dalai Lama once said something to the effect that people should “remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” If that be the case, dear Taurus, then you should have some luck this week. At first, sure, it may suck because something you’ve been longing for or chasing after has eluded you. But on the brighter side, because you didn’t get what you want you’ll learn a very valuable lesson. And maybe a new, better door will open.
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Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
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8
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Here is something to keep in mind this week: “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” The Dalai Lama said that, Libra, and you should probably keep it in mind this coming week. Don’t sabotage yourself or place yourself in situations that will disturb you and make you angry. Instead, do things that will make you happy. Do things that will put a smile on your face, as well as on the face of others. Life is a lot easier when we’re content.
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Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23)
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“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” That’s advice straight from the mouth of the Dalai Lama, dear Aries. And you might want to heed his words this week. You might want to step outside your comfort zone and dare to be great. Before you do that, ask yourself “What is it that I truly want?” When you have an answer, it’s time to leap into action. It’s time to take risks and chase after your dreams. Don’t just sit around — do things!
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Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)
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Horoscopes
Aug 3–9, ‘12 VerbNews.com 6 1 7 3 2 5 4 9 8
Time Out
Page 19
Sudoku
Directions: Fill each box with a digit from 1-9, following these conditions: - Each row must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each column must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once. - Each of the nine 3x3 boxes must contain every digit from 1-9 once and only once.
2 5 6
3 2 1 7 6 1 7 8 4 1 8 2 2 9 4 9
8 9
7 3 2 5
7 1 4 5
6 2 5 4 8 4 8 9 9 3 7 5 2 6 1 3 8 7 3 6 1 2 4 6 9 1