Spamalot Monty Python Musical OpensP10
Transcription
Spamalot Monty Python Musical OpensP10
Verb Spamalot Saskatoon Nov 12-18, 2010 Free, pass it on Unstoppable Goes Over The Top P13 Photo: UofS Huskies Minimum Monty Python Musical Opens P10 Wage Boost Demanded P4 Photo: Courtesy The Artist Local Page 2 VerbNews.com Daylight Savings Referendum Deadline Nears BONNIE ZINK SASKATOON, SK — Clocks in other areas of the country may have recently been turned back by an hour thanks to daylight saving time, but time is running out for the Saskatchewan government to make a decision on whether to hold referendum on the divisive issue. Premier Brad Wall promised a referendum on the time issue in conjunction with the next provincial election, currently set for November 7th, 2011, but it remains uncertain whether the government shown that modern electricity will actually proceed with the plan. usage patterns have negated the Originally invented in 1895 by original energy-saving benefits of George Hudson as a way to give daylight saving time, and other him more time to studies on purcollect insects af- “…Brad Wall promised a ported decreases ter work before it referendum on the issue in crime and ingot dark, daylight with the next election…“ creases in health saving time was resulting from the -Bonnie Zink twice-yearly clock first widely implemented by Germany in World War switch have also failed to find any I to cut down on daytime coal use, significant correlation. thereby conserving more of the fuel Most of the world’s population for the war effort. does not follow daylight saving However, recent studies have time, and over two dozen countries that once observed the practice have since opted out. With the exception of Lloydminster, Denare Beach and Creighton — who observe the same time as their Alberta or Manitoba neighbours — Saskatchewan has followed one uniform time since 1966. Though there have been sporadic attempts to implement daylight saving time in Saskatchewan, none have gained much traction, and the most divisive issue seems to have been which set time the province should follow. “The observance of one uniform time throughout the year … would work,” notes a special time committee’s report submitted to the province in 1965, “except the people of the province will never agree on whether it should be mountain or central time.” No Daylight Savings Most of Asia, including China, India and Japan Most of South America Nearly all of Africa Photos courtesy of the candidates (l-r) Johnston, Ainsley, Donaeur, Winton-Grey, Cherkewich, Feraro Ward 5 Election Six Running For Council Seat TOBIE HAINSTOCK SASKATOON, SK — Six Saskatoon residents have stepped up to fill the seat being vacated by longtime city councilor Gord Wyant in the November 29th Ward 5 by-election. Rob Johnston, a Saskatoon account manager and small business owner, says his priorities include sustainable growth of new neighbourhoods, getting the Traffic Bridge running again, seeing the River Landing hotel/condo project move forward and pushing for citywide curbside recycling, all through the smart use of tax dollars. Ainsley Robertson is a local business person who plans to address traffic issues by supporting the new North Bridge. Her ideals include encouraging sustainable growth and supporting a mandatory citywide curbside recycling program. Randy Donaeur, a business and church leader, plans to promote responsible local government, support initiatives that promote prosperity and provide responsible stewardship of tax dollars. Ken Winton-Grey is a public relations specialist who also wants to address the traffic flow issue, and suggests the city could sponsor a shuttle service and carpooling program. Winton-Grey also supports affordable housing incentives. Tad Cherkewich is a local businessman and former educator whose priorities include cutting air traffic noise, resolving odour problems at the wastewater treatment plant, expanding Bethany Manor, addressing traffic issues and implementing a recycling program. Paul Feraro is a real estate agent whose goals include improving city services, creating tax incentive opportunities for new businesses and decreasing traffic congestion by planning for a new North Bridge. He is also promising no new taxes for two years. The advance poll is Saturday, November 20th from 9 AM to 5 PM at Lawson Heights School on Redberry Road. Local Page 4 Global Page 5 VerbNews.com VerbNews.com Min. Wage Hike Demand Labour Federation Asks Govt. For 70% Boost DARRELL NOAKES SASKATOON, SK — The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is asking the province to raise the minimum wage to $15.66 and index further increases to inflation. The SFL has recommended to the Minimum Wage Board that the provincial minimum wage be set at 75 percent of the national Average Industrial Wage and indexed to the Consumer Price Index. According to Statistics Canada, the AIW in 2009 was $20.88 per hour. In a brief presented to the wage board, the SFL says it would endorse increasing the minimum wage in increments, to avoid disrupting the economy. “We must have a minimum wage in Saskatchewan that keeps people out of poverty, provides them with a decent living, and allows workers to support their families,” says the group. The SFL is also criticizing a Minimum Wage Board recommendation to allow a training wage of 90 percent of our province’s minimum wage. The organization says the proposal violates workers’ rights and discriminates against minimum wage earners. Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan says such a jump in the minimum wage would actually hurt low-income workers. “There would be thousands of people laid off, because businesses simply could not afford to pay that amount of money,” McLellan said. “The income brought in by that person’s working hours wouldn’t justify it.” McLellan believes the proposal adds that The rules for setting the minimum wage should be as clear New Cell Chip Detects Diseases WINDSOR GENOVA Photo: Stan Gregg Sask Internet Privacy Case May Rewrite Law TOBIE HAINSTOCK SASKATOON, SK — A child pornography case currently before Phone STD Test Photo: Ed Yourdon the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal could end up breaking new legal ground in the area of Internet privacy rights. Last year Saskatoon resident Brian Arnold Trapp, 46, was convicted of three charges related to child pornography. In appealing the decision, Trapp’s defense lawyer Brian Piche says his client’s charter rights were violated when a Saskatoon Police officer used the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to acquire Trapp’s contact information — including his name, phone number, home address and email address — from SaskTel without a warrant. “The term Big Brother comes to mind here,” says Piche, warning of privacy breaches by institutions against individuals. Though current privacy laws require law enforcement officials to obtain a warrant before communications companies will offer up telephone customers’ personal information, no such civil rights protections exist for Internet customers. A judgement in Trapp’s favour could spark new laws to protect Internet users’ identities from warrantless disclosure. Prosecuting the case is Graeme Mitchell, Director of the Constitutional Law Branch of the Saskatchewan Department of Justice, who disagrees with the arguments put forth by Piche. “[This case has] more to do with remaining anonymous on the Internet rather than privacy,” Mitchell contends, insisting that the issue at hand is actually rather limited in scope. The three justices hearing the case have yet to make a decision. LONDON, ENGLAND — Researchers in the U.K. is developing a self-test kit for sexually transmitted diseases that plugs into a user’s cell phone to interpret and display the results. The electronic self-testing kit is similar to pregnancy testing kits, consisting of a small sensor chip upon which where urine or saliva can be placed. The chip is then plugged into a mobile phone or computer, which makes a quick diagnosis of the user’s STD status. Proponents of the project, led by St George’s University of London, hope the privacy of their device will boost testing rates among young people too embarrassed to consult doctors for treatment, and plan to sell the kits for about a dollar each. “Self-testing could lead to quicker diagnosis, fewer STDs and patients gaining greater control of their sexual health, as well as the ability to alert recent sexual partners,” says project manager Dr. Tariq Sadiq. The U.K.’s Health Protection Agency counted 12,000 more STD cases in the country in 2009 than in 2008. AHN© Skin Transformed Into Blood AHN STAFF HAMILTON, ON — Human skin cells have been successfully transformed into human blood cells, thanks to an astonishing medical breakthrough by McMaster University researchers. The technology could soon provide anyone needing blood — such as cancer patients or those undergoing surgery — with a safe and reliable source of blood created from a small piece of their own skin. According to Mick Bhatia, director of the university’s Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, a patch of skin as small as 4 by 3 centimetres would create sufficient blood for most transfusions. Since the tissue would come from the patient’s own body, the risk of rejection is eliminated, a benefit of particular importance to leukemia patients. The researchers say they hope to begin human testing within the next two years. AHN© Global At A Glance SLEEPY DRIVING DEADLY — A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that one in six fatal accidents involve a sleepy driver, much higher than the 2-4% range previously believed. AAA found that 85% of drivers believe it is “completely unacceptable” for the exhausted to drive, but more than a quarter of respondents also admitted to driving recently despite struggling to keep their eyes open. AHN© GOVT. PAYS CRIMINALS — Britain is offering up to $2,500 to jailed criminals who agree to leave the country. The payouts seek to ease overcrowded British jails and avoid costly deportation procedures, and is available to any prisoners with nine months or less remaining in their sentences. The cash is meant to help prisoners integrate into society, though officials admit they are unable to track where it is spent. AHN© Sports Offbeat Page 6 VerbNews.com SASKATOON, SK — The University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ season has ended on a disappointing note thanks to a surprise upset by the Alberta Golden Bears. Hosting the Golden Bears at Griffiths Stadium, the Huskies were poised to claim a win after earning a 9–3 lead at half-time and pulling ahead 30–3 with just 3:50 remaining in the third quarter. Though the home team and their fans had already begun looking forward to the CanWest final, the Golden Bears refused to give up and managed to score a quick touchdown to close the third 30–10. A miraculous catch by receiver Ryley Richardson capped off four consecutive fourth-quarter TDs by Alberta and tied the game, and the extra point by kicker Hugh O’Neill terminated both the Huskies’ five-game winning streak and their hopes of advancing to the next round. The semifinal match was predicted to be an easy win for the Huskies, who were sitting in first place in the Canada West with a 6–2 record. The Golden Bears went 3–5 this season, and were ranked fourth. The last time the Huskies took home the top prize was in 1998. VerbNews.com Granny Tries To Sell Boy Stunning Upset Ends Huskies Football Season ELECIA CHRUNIK Page 7 Woman Asks $75K For Baby, Settles For $30K AYINDE O. CHASE Bull Riding Final Photo: Paul J Everett $1 Million In Winnings At Stake ELECIA CHRUNIK SASKATOON, SK — Saskatoon is saddling up to host bull riders from around the world at the fifth annual Professional Bull Riders Canadian Cup National Finals, November 19th and 20th at Credit Union Centre. With a million dollars in prize money up for grabs, the PBR promises “heart-pounding action pumped by pyrotechnics and rock ‘n’ roll excitement,” with bucking chutes at both ends of the arena. Canada’s current top-ranked rider, 23-year-old Aaron Roy from Yellow Grass, will represent Saskatchewan. Roy was the 2008 National Cup winner and the first Canadian to place in the top five at the World Finals in Las Vegas in 2008. In all, thirty riders from across Canada, the U.S. and Australia have qualified to participate in the first two rounds of competition — scheduled for Friday night and Saturday morning — and the top 15 athletes will go on to compete in the championship round on Saturday afternoon. An additional five top money earning international riders, including athletes from Brazil and Mexico, have also been invited to compete. The Canadian National Champion will be crowned on Saturday evening, and is decided by calculating the points and dollars earned from the regular bull riding season plus the totals from the three rounds at these national finals. The winner from the Canadian national events counts his points toward the Professional Bull Riding Built Ford Tough series, and the rider with the most points will go on to compete in the Professional Bull Riding World Finals in Las Vegas in 2011. DAYTONA BEACH, FL — A 45-year-old grandmother has been arrested for trying to sell her infant grandson. After a confidential informant in Tampa saw a “baby for sale” ad posted by Patty Bigbee, 42, he contacted authorities and helped them track Bigbee to a parking lot near the Daytona Speedway. Initially Bigbee wanted $75,000 for the baby, but settled for $30,000. Once Bigbee exchanged the baby for money with an undercover cop, police moved in and made the arrest. Bigbee, 42, now faces charges of illegal sale or surrender of a child and communication fraud. The eight-week-old boy was put into the care of the state, as his mother is already in prison on unrelated charges. AHN© NEW YORK, NY — A New York couple has been arrested and charged with fraud after brainwashing a wealthy pianist into paying them $6 million for protection against threats that did not exist. Vickram Bedi, 36, and Helga Invarsdottir, 39, met Roger Davidson, 58, in 2004 when the latter went to the formers’ computer service shop and asked them to get rid of a virus in his laptop. Upon learning that Davidson was heir to a $36 billion oil company fortune, the couple told him that the computer virus was part of an WINDSOR GENOVA PORTLAND, OR — The county of Clackamas has paid a man $4,000 after he was detained by police for giving them the finger. After flipping off some deputies, former tech worker Robert Ekas received a ticket for a lane change “It’s not illegal to be an a**hole.“ -Robert Ekas Attempted baby seller Patty Bigbee $6 Million Brainwashing Scam WINDSOR GENOVA Man Paid For Giving Finger elaborate plot by foreign governments and the Catholic organization Opus Dei to assassinate him and rob him of his wealth. Terrified and believing Bedi and Invarsdottir were trustworthy, highy-skilled computer hackers, Davidson agreed to pay the couple $160,000 per month to protect him. The swindling lasted six years, with the pianist even appointing the couple as trustees to his music charity and making Bedi a trustee to his multimillion-dollar trust fund, ultimately losing $12 million in bad investments made by the con artist. If convicted, the couple faces 8 to 25 years in prison. AHN© Photo: Volusia County Sheriff Offbeat At A Glance 10 TRILLION DEGREES — Scientists have created a miniature Big Bang inside a particle accelerator by smashing lead ions together at near the speed of light. The experiment, carried out at Europe’s Large Hadron Collider, generated subatomic fireballs with temperatures of over 10 trillion degrees, but only for a millionth of a second. Such heat is one million times hotter than the core of the sun, and is the highest temperature ever created by human beings. AHN© violation and improperly displaying his license plates. Viewing the citation as an act of retaliation, Ekas subsequently sued police for interfering with his First Amendment right to free speech. “The middle finger serves a necessary function to preserve the freedom of our society,” explains Ekas. “It’s not illegal to be an a**hole.” Facing a federal lawsuit, the county decided to drop all charges against Ekas and settle out of court instead. AHN© Celeb Celeb Page 8 VerbNews.com LOS ANGELES, CA — Lindsay Lohan has reunited with her estranged father Michael. Sources close to the starlet say she has recently had a change of heart about her ex-drug addict, convicted felon of a dad, whom she has previously blamed for her substance abuse problems. As part of her ongoing therapy at the Betty Ford clinic, Lindsay voluntarily agreed to meet with her dad to try to smooth things over. “It was an emotional reunion… there were hugs, kisses and even a few tears when Michael and Lindsay first saw each other,” a source close to the actress tells RadarOnline. Following their meeting the pair went shopping at a local Palm Desert mall and were seen entering a high-end jewellery store, though given Lindsay’s current financial shape it’s likely they were just window shopping. Michael has refused to comment on the specifics of their meeting, but says he is happier than he’s been in a long time. “I am an incredibly proud father tonight,” says Michael. “My daughter is progressing extraordinarily well.” AHN© Actress Lindsay Lohan Photo: Lindsay Lohan Together Again Simpson Shocked By Ex’s New Engagement ANNE LU LOS ANGELES, CA — On again, off again couple Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen have resumed their relationship after ending their engagement in August. “They’re dating again,” a source close to the actress tells People, a week after Christensen was spotted leaving Bilson’s house in California. The duo, both 29, met on the set of the sci-fi flick Jumper in 2007 and got engaged the following year. It was first reported in June that the two had called it quits, though it was not until August that Bilson’s rep confirmed the news. The cause of the split was rumoured to be the strains of being in a long distance relationship; the former The O.C. actress lives in California, while Christensen, who played young Anakin Skywalker in a couple of Star Wars installments, lives in Canada. AHN© VerbNews.com Jessica Freaks Over Nick Lohan Reunites With Father Bilson, Hayden ANNE LU Page 9 ANNE LU A-Rod, Diaz Split Photo: David Shankbone (Diaz), Keith Allison (A-Rod) Slugger ‘Just Doesn’t Like Her’ ANNE LU LOS ANGELES, CA — Cameron Diaz has split from New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez after almost seven months of dating. “Cameron and A-Rod are no longer dating and have definitely parted ways,” a source close to the slugger tells Life & Style. “He just doesn’t like her anymore. That’s honestly the reason they split.” The Charlie’s Angels star was seen leaving a London club last month with a mystery man, while her supposedly then-boyfriend was playing in the biggest game of the season. Days later she was spotted leaving an L.A. nightclub with Glee star Matthew Morrison, while A-Rod was seen partying in Las Vegas without Cameron in the same month. “A-Rod got a table at Haze nightclub [next to] a huge group of Romanian models. A-Rod was chatting up a storm with the girls and spent the night hanging out with them.” Cameron and A-Rod started dating in February, but haven’t been seen together since September 22nd when they partied in New York. AHN© LOS ANGELES, CA — Jessica Simpson is sad that ex-husband Nick Lachey is truly happy with new fiancée Vanessa Minnillo. Jessica, who starred with her then-husband in the MTV reality series Newlyweds, split from Nick in 2006 after three years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized a year later. “Even though Jessica wants to be happy for Nick, this is a very difficult time for her,” explains a source close to the “Irresistible” singer. “Nick was the love of her life, and he was her first, so she will always have a very special place in her heart for him. She’s deeply saddened.” A close friend of Nick’s says the former 98 Degrees singer had a tough time dealing with his divorce from Simpson. “Nick knows what it’s like to lose someone that you love and wasn’t TV Chef Denies Mayer Hookup ANNE LU LOS ANGELES, CA — TV chef Giada De Laurentiis is vehemently denying being involved with serial dater John Mayer. An eyewitness tells Star that the married Italian chef and the 33-yearold Grammy-winner got cozy together at the Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room, and another source saw the pair disappear into a suite together at the nearby Hotel Gansevoort later that same night. “This doesn’t surprise me one bit,” says a source close to Mayer. “He’s always talked about how he was into her.” AHN© Celeb At A Glance FERRELL MOST OVERPAID — For the sec- ond year in a row, Will Ferrell has been named Hollywood’s most overpaid actor by Forbes magazine. The actor, who starred in Land of the Lost — a film that cost $100 million but only grossed $69 million — brings in only $3.35 for every dollar he is paid, putting him at the top of the list. Rounding out the top five are Eddie Murphy ($4.45), Denzel Washington ($5.10), Seth Rogan ($6.75) and Tom Cruise ($7.20). AHN© going to let it happen again. He never thought he would ever get married again after Jessica broke his heart,” says the source. AHN© Underage Miley Seen Drinking ANNE LU beverages category. Cyrus, whose parents Tish and MADRID, SPAIN — Miley Cyrus Billy Ray are in the process of a dihas been spotted with a beer at a vorce, already has a plan on what to club in Madrid, just a few weeks do on her 18th birthday. The singer/ shy of her 18th birthday. actress says she wants to spend the The legal drinking age in Spain day vacationing with her family. is 18, but Spanish “I’m not going authorities speak- “[I just want to] have a fun crazy,” explains ing off the record party…” the pop princess, say enforcing un“[I just want to] -Miley Cyrus have a fun party derage drinking laws is not a top priority for the and then maybe take a vacation country’s police officers. with my family… because that In fact, the authorities say peo- would be really cool. I think we ple as young as 16 are generally need time to all be together.” permitted to consume “certain” “That would be rad if we could beverages in the capital, though all go to the beach or something,” they declined to list exactly the bev- Miley continues. “I’m a water baby; erages to which they were referring. I have to be near the water and I It is unclear whether Miley’s bottle love doing scuba and going out of Corona falls under the “certin” and being on a boat.” AHN© Surprised singer Jessica Simpson Photo: John VanderHaagen Arts & Culture Nude Puppets MEAGEN THOMAS Photo: Courtesy of the artist Monty Python’s Spamalot Coming To TCU MEAGEN THOMAS SASKATOON, SK — Monty Python’s Spamalot, the new musical “lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, brings a song- and dance-filled version of the classic 1975 comedy to TCU Place on November 23rd and 24th. “It’s really a perfect hybrid between the movie everyone knows and loves and a Broadway show,” says Adam Grabau, who plays Sir. Lancelot. “The brilliance of the show is how well it was adapted to the stage by Eric Idle, who wrote the musicals scripts and lyrics.” All the best loved scenes — many lifted word-for-word from the movie — made it into the production, but so did some non-Grail and even non-Python elements. Broadway musical fans will appreciate the pokes at musical theatre, and the show is interspersed with iconic moments from the Python canon including references to The Ministry of Silly Walks, The Lumberjack Song, the Dead Parrot Sketch and the inexplicably hysterical Fish-Slapping Dance. The original Broadway production opened to rave reviews in 2005, and nabbed five Tony Awards, including the Tony for Best Musical. “We’ve had such a great response; people come out in droves and have a great time every night,” says Grabau. “Even people who aren’t that familiar with Python still have a great experience because it is such a well-assembled show.” SASKATOON, SK — Put aside any notions you may have about puppet shows being kids’ stuff. BAM! A Burlesque Show, starring larger-than-life puppet creations by the Flip Side theatre company, is a titillating spoof on burlesque theatre and the third in a trilogy of hit absurdist burlesque shows. Flip Side is the adult-geared counterpart to Wide Open, a Saskatoon youth-focussed theatre company specializing in puppetry. Along with Wide Open playwright Kristi Friday, artistic directors Jacklyn Green and Crispi Lord created Flip Side to produce mature- VerbNews.com 5Qs: Indie Rocker Mangan Polaris Prize Nominee Talks Success With Verb the entire band hit by a train. I pulled the car and trailer over some tracks and was trying to turn it around in a very narrow space. It wasn’t a big deal until we heard the train dinging its bell. There was a moment of very heavy heartbeats. Where I come from, Vancouver, all active train tracks are behind barbed wire or a big fence. Event Info Spamalot Where: TCU Place When: Nov 23 & 24 Cost: $47.50+ (tcutickets.ca) “Whatever happens is acceptable because it is happening to puppets“ -Kristi Friday content shows for adult audiences. With characters Professors Jesus Tuesday and Smooth Duke Professor — the alter egos of Friday and Lord — leading, this set of songs, sketches, dancing and “puppet nudity” bumps, grinds and strips bare the very concept of puppet theatre. “Whatever happens is okay and acceptable because it is happening to puppets; that allows the audience to go with it because what’s going on is so absurd,” explains Friday. BAM! A Burlesque Show completes the outrageous, side-splitting trilogy that began with the hugely successful Bada Boom! and Bada Bing! shows. Pages 10, 11 Wintersleep MEAGEN THOMAS As the title of Dan Mangan’s 2009 release Nice, Nice, Very Nice suggests, all is awesome for this rising Vancouver-based indie star. Mangan tells Verb about the incredible year was, and why he’s not getting a big head any time soon. Meagen Thomas: You won three Western Canada Music Awards (Indie Album/Roots Solo Record/Songwriter of the year), made the Polaris Prize shortlist, were named XM Satellite’s Verge Artist of the year and topped the iTunes Hot Downloads list – how do you feel about the past year? Dan Mangan: It’s been entirely insane, I don’t think it could have been better than it has. When you said it all together like that it sounds good but we haven’t had time to reflect on it. We have had some of the most amazing opportunities come our way this year, it has been a fortunate time. MT: Which of these accolades really blew you away? DM: Being involved with the Polaris Music Prize was an incredible experience…being around all these other bands that I respect and adore, performing at the gala with them, it was a glittering and humbling experience. N i c e , Photo: Courtesy of the artist Nice, Very Nice had come out about a year before the gala; it felt like a summation of all that we’d done. MT: Did Nice, Nice, Very Nice’s success exceed your expectations? DM: I think it exceeded everyone’s! I don’t think anyone at the label or that I was working with expected all that happened to happen. You put everything you have into recording and you hope for all these amazing things to come but you can’t expect that they’re going to. MT: [Vancouver weekly paper] The Georgia Straight crowned you ‘The Next Big Indie King’ last year. How does your throne feel? DM: Well, I have a really hard time believing really positive press. If I did, then I’d have to believe negative press. So far I’ve been fortunate and haven’t had a lot of negative, but the more positive that flies around the more fodder there is for negative. If you dwell on nice things you stop propagating the creativity that brought it on. I’m trying to forget it; I just want to write, keep playing really great gigs and be honest musically. MT: What’s your craziest experience from touring? DM: When we were in Regina last October, I nearly got Where: Louis’ Pub When: Nov 19 Cost: $29.50 (Ticketmaster) Bam! Burlesque Show Where: The Refinery When: Nov 18-21, 25-28 Cost: $17.50-$20 (653-5191) Dan Mangan Where: Broadway Theatre When: Nov 20 Cost: $19.50 (652-6556) Want some coverage for your upcoming event? Email layout@verbnews.com ASAP! Canadian Indie Icons Wintersleep At Louis’ MEAGEN THOMAS SASKATOON, SK — Since the 2007 release of Welcome to the Night Sky, Wintersleep — winners of the 2008 Best New Group Juno and Polaris Music Prize long-list nominees — haven’t had a moment’s peace, and aren’t likely to get one before their November 19th gig at Louis’. Hundreds of shows, an opening slot for Sir Paul McCartney in Canada, a US tour with Wolf Parade and a three-month European tour didn’t leave the band much down time, so every spare minute they could scrape together went straight into working on what would become their fourth release New Inheritors. While not a complete departure, the album is imbued with an intensity that lets it stand apart from their previous releases. “We did about half the song writing on tour and worked on it at sound checks,” says Wintersleep lead singer Paul Murphy. “We’re always trying to write and I guess that seemed like the only time we could do it.” Just back from touring the US with the The Hold Steady, Wintersleep are now about halfway through their Canadian tour and plan to pause before heading overseas in 2011 for a slew of February dates in the UK. “Once the Canadian tour is done, we’re going to take a couple of months off and chill out and work on other songs,” says Murphy. Photo: Courtesy Dustin Rabin Movies Movies Page 12 VerbNews.com World, a museum dedicated to the actor, is set to open in Shanghai, China. “All my props and costumes, I put them there. I want people to go in and see them,” explains Chan. “Everything VerbNews.com Unstoppable Gets Away Movies At A Glance JACKIE CHAN WORLD — Jackie Chan Page 12 I’ve collected — teacups, cars, rocks, spoons — will go in there.” Funding will come from the sale of nearly $80 million worth of Chan’s antique Chinese house collection, which he keeps in pieces in a Hong Kong warehouse. AHN© New Denzel Flick Trades Credibility For Action Unstoppable Runtime: 99 Minutes Rated: PG BILL WINE Morning Glory Mediocre Photo: Paramount Pictures MacAdams, Ford Star In Forgettable Romcom Morning Glory Runtime: 108 Minutes Rated: PG BILL WINE The boob-tube comedy Morning Glory is as empty-caloried and lowest-common-denominator as the broadcasts it’s making fun of. Becky Fuller, a hotshot television news producer played by Rachel MacAdams, is hired by executive Jeff Goldblum at the fictional IBS network to boost the sagging ratings of its failing morning TV “news”cast Daybreak. So she starts thinking of ways that entertainment parading as journalism can trump early-morning news. Harrison Ford plays Mike Pomeroy, the respected old-school broadcast newsman who reluc- appealing MacAdams, who serves tantly agrees to co-anchor the gos- up an overwrought, trying-toosipy morning TV show but refuses hard performance. Like the movie to stoop to doing any of the fluffier itself, she has a case of the cutes, stories, leaving that privilege to his which is especially noticeable when contentedly lightweight but much romantic interest Patrick Wilson is more agreeable and accommo- acting her off the screen. dating co-anchor A close second Co ll e e n Pe ck , “Though the humour in the comingplayed by Diane quotient is spiked several u p - s h o r t d e Keaton. is the times, there are too many partment Of course, script by Aline Pomeroy’s refus- false moments…” Brosh McKenna, -Bill Wine screenwriter of als drive not only his on-air partner but producer The Devil Wears Prada. Even allowMacAdams up the wall, though ing for cinematic licence, little — not the latter feels just a shade less the morning television workplace, hassled because of her budding not the romantic or professional flirtation with “real” broadcast jour- relationships, not the journalistic nalist Patrick Wilson. values or lack thereof on display Roger Michell has a directorial — rings true. resume that includes some pretAnd third place goes to Harrity impressive credits coming in son Ford, who gives it his all as the (Notting Hill, Persuasion, Changing cranky icon this time out but still Lanes), but he falls short of the mark makes it difficult for us to distinthis time out. Most glaringly inad- guish between the part he’s playing equate is his handling of the usually and the critiquing he seems to be dishing out for the so-so movie he’s in. Though the humour quotient is spiked several times with moments of well-choreographed slapstick, there are too many false moments throughout, including what may go down as the most unconvincing job interview in cinema history. Morning Glory is a tepid styleversus-substance romp. What’s the story? Much mourning, little glory. AHN© Unstoppable is, unfortunately, a long way from untoppable. The film is a race-against-time thriller about a runaway freight train — a massive, unmanned, halfmile-long vehicular anaconda — carrying combustible liquids and poisonous gas toward a population center. So, yes, it’s breathless and intermittently exciting, but it’s also essentially one-dimensional. Denzel Washington plays Frank Barnes, a locomotive engineer and widowed father of two who’s about to be forced into retirement. He’s teamed with Chris Pine (Captain Kirk from 2009’s Star Trek) as Will Colson, a young train conductor just starting out. The pair get off to a less than promising start; Frank sees Will not only as an inexpensive replacement for a more experienced employee, but also as someone who got the gig through his nepotistic connections. Together with Rosario Dawson as dispatcher Connie Hooper, the engineers desperately chase the speeding culprit in a separate locomotive in a life-or-death attempt to prevent a toxic-spill disaster as the train hurtles through a string of central Pennsylvania towns. off by adding a trainload of schoolUnstoppable is action director children in life-or-death jeopardy. Tony Scott’s fifth collaboration with The trains do most of the acting, Denzel Washington, the others be- with one serving as the villain. And ing The Taking of Pelham 123, Deja though Washington and Pine offer Vu, Man on Fire and Crimson Tide, up great old school/new school and once again trots out the hle- conflict, these trained actors simply mer’s characterisplay second fiddle tically hyperactive “…the stunts are to the trains. visual style. Many of the spectacular, but a little The screenplay too over-the-top…“ stunts (as op by Mark Bomback p os e d to th e -Bill Wine minimally-used is based on a true story that took place in Ohio in CGI effects) are undeniably spec2001, But Scott amps everything tacular, but even they are occasionup to such larger-than-life propor- ally a little too over-the-top. tions that he sacrifices real-world Unstoppable is a caffeinated credibility in the name of comic- thriller about a runaway train that book escapism. That is, he makes comes dangerously close to becomthe stakes too high — even starting ing a runaway movie. AHN© Photo: 20th Century Fox Movies At A Glance TATTOO DIRECTOR MAD — The Danish director of the first The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo film isn’t happy about the new U.S. version. The Swedish version, released last year to critical acclaim, stars Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace, while the new Hollywood remake will star Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. “The Sony PR machine is trying to make their Lisbeth Salander [character] the lead Lisbeth Salander,” says Niels Arden Oplev. “That’s highly unfair because Noomi has captured this part and it should always be all her.” AHN© Music Food Page 14 VerbNews.com Page 15 VerbNews.com Friday 12 Funk, Soul & Lounge @ 6T welve The Creepshow w/ The Afterbeat & The Great Shakin’ Fevers @ Amigos David Fong @ The Bassment DJ Austen Roadz @ Beily’s Ripper Train @ Buds on Broadway Red Ram w/ The Cold Red @ The Fez on Broadway Joshus Cockerill @ Lydia’s Jon Bailey @ McNally Robinson DJ Big Ayyy & DJ Henchman @ Outlaws Lorne Thomson @ Stan’s Place Dueling Pianos @ Staqatto Yevshan Concert @ TCU Place Saturday 13 Deep and Soulful House DJs @ 6T Real truffles are a special treat. Known for their pungent and earthy flavour, truffles are considered to be the “diamond of the kitchen”. ■ Grown underground, truffles are a fungus similar to wild mushrooms Truffles are prominent in ■French, Spanish, Italian and Greek cuisine trained pigs ■or Specially dogs are used to hunt truffles, as the animals can sniff them out up to three feet underground Truffles are becoming ■harder to find — though in 1890 approximately 2,200 tons of truffles were harvested, now annual hauls amount to less than 150 tons welve Truffles Bistro A Hidden Treasure Family-Run Downtown Eatery Serves Up Fresh Local Produce SYDNEY SMITH SASKATOON, SK — In Truffles, Lee and Jacqueline Helman have created a bistro-style restaurant unique to Saskatoon, full of character and personality. And though it has only been in its downtown location — across the street from Winston’s Pub — for the past three years, the eatery is This week we had the six-course quickly becoming a go-to spot for tasting menu, which is a great way gourmet cuisine. to try a variety of Truffles fare in just “Our whole family is involved”, one visit. We started with a delightsays Chef and owner Lee Helman, ful mini herb crouton with pepper “and our senior staff is like family”. relish and prosciutto, topped with Chef Bill Stea sunny side up venson explains “…ever-changing menus quail’s egg. that everything means there is always Our second is made in-house, something new to try.“ course was Bouilfrom sauces and labaisse with mus-Sydney Smith sels, prawns and soups to fresh baked brioche bread to home- tasty pike that soaked up the delimade sorbets, pastries and other cate saffron and fennel flavours. Up desserts. “We buy all of our food next was a tomato salad, artistically locally whenever possible,” says prepared with fresh red and yellow Helman, noting that his menus even tomatoes, smoked asiago cheese list which farms and other local and a white balsamic vinegar rebusinesses supply the restaurant’s duction. The salad’s flavours were food. These mouth-watering menus explosive, combining the smoky change constantly, depending on cheese flavour with the sweet and what locally-grown ingredients are syrupy balsamic reduction. in season, as does the wine list. The palate-cleansing lychee sorbet was phenomenal, and was followed by our main course: a beef tenderloin medallion with foie gras butter on top, dauphinoise potatoes (a classy take on scalloped) and fresh carrots served in truffle demi-glace. Everything on the plate blended nicely, and using demiglace instead of heavier gravy balanced out the richness of the foie gras butter on the beef tenderloin and added an earthy, mushroom flavour (the demi-glace is also used as an alternative to gravy on their lunch-menu poutine. Try it. You’ll thank me). For dessert, we had a chevre cheesecake topped with raspberry ice-cream, a lovely way to finish the meal. The six-course option is great for special occasions, but the bistro also offers fantastic anytime fare for lunch, brunch and supper, and ever-changing menus means there is always something new to try. (NEXT WEEK) SMALL SINS @ AMIGOS CANTINA — Along with Regina rock- ers Rah Rah and Edmonton folk-rock outfit Wool on Wolves, Amigos hosts the electronic-flavoured indie rock of Toronto’s Small Sins on November 20th. Usually a creative hermit, band founder Thomas D’Arcy opted for collaboration Photo: Courtesy the artist for Small Sins’ 2010 release Pot Calls Kettle Black — indie superproducer John McEntire mans the boards, Canadian rapper K-OS guests and D’Arcy’s own bandmates contribute plenty of material — and the resulting effort is garnering warm critical reception. Doors are at 10 PM, tickets are $10. -Madeline Kotzer Woodhands w/ Maylee Todd @ Amigos Don Griffith @ The Bassment DJ Austen Roadz @ Beily’s Johnny Grit @ Buds on Broadway F.N.A. w/ 10th Avenue @ The Fez on Broadway Old Joe & The Truth Hurts w/ Joel Fafard @ Lydia’s Nickeltree @ McNally Robinson DJ Big Ayyy & DJ Henchman @ Outlaws Lorne Thomson @ Stan’s Place Dueling Pianos @ Staqatto Sunday 14 Slick Idiot ft. Mona Mur w/ Guests @ A migos DJ Sugar Daddy @ Beily’s John McDermott @ The Broadway Theatre Sunday Jam @ Vangelis Monday 15B Roger Marin @ B uds on roadway Tuesday 16 Hollerado, Free Energy & The Reason @ A Roger Marin @ Buds on Broadway Open Stage presented by Verb @ Lydia’s Live Jazz @ Staqatto migos Wednesday 17 John McDermott @ T B he roadway Theatre 7 Straight @ Buds on Broadway Open Mic presented by Verb and Mother’s Music @ The Fez on Broadway DJ Dr. J Souled Out @ Lydia’s DJ Henchman & DJ Austen Roadz @ Outlaws Dueling Pianos @ Staqatto (NEXT WEEK) RA RA RIOT @ LOUIS’ PUB — Syracuse, New York ensemble Ra Ra Riot showcase their eccentric, melodic sound with an opening spot for fellow indie rockers Wintersleep at Louis’ on November 19th. The sextet first made a name for themselves by playing house parties around Syracuse, standing out Photo: Doron Gild from the crowd by incorporating cello and violin along with the usual bass and drums. Following a recent North American tour with Tokyo Police Club, the group released their second album The Orchard this year to wide critical acclaim. Doors are at 7 PM and tickets are $29.50 (Ticketmaster). -Madeline Kotzer Thursday 18 Autopilot, 12th Street Pilgrims & Brain Sauce @ Amigos Unplugged Thursdays with Lounge Pistol @ Beily’s John McDermott @ The Broadway Theatre 7 Straight @ Buds on Broadway Brian McAreavey & Warren Rutherford @ Crackers Techno-Electronic Dance Party @ The Fez on Broadway City Sirens & Lois Mullin @ Lydia’s (COMING UP) FINGER ELEVEN @ THE ODEON EVENTS CENTRE — Originally known as the Rainbow Butt Monkeys, Canadian rockers Finger Eleven are ready to put the pedal to the (alt) metal when they play The Odeon on February 3rd. Together since high school, the band developed a devoted Canadian Photo: Courtesy the artist following before their self-titled 2003 release sparked mainstream success with the sleeper hit “One Thing”. Now, with their sixth studio album Life Turns Electric, the band reinvents their sound with a new energetic rock rhythm. Doors are at 6:30 PM, tickets are $41.50 (Ticketmaster). -Madeline Kotzer Nightlife Page 16 VerbNews.com Saturday @ Outlaws Nightlife Venue Playing on Arrival Playing on Arrival “She’s a Hottie” by Toby Keith Music Vibe Country & Rock Regular Gig Ladies’ Night Fridays Popular Drinks Bottles of Coors Light, Vodka Sevens, Rye & Cokes, Bottlecap shots Food of Choice Vern’s Pizza served inside the bar Something New Everything — new, modern renovations mean the only holdover from its predecessor The Overdrive is the wicked dance floor in the centre of the bar VerbNews.com Friday @ Lydia’s Pub Venue Outlaws Country Rock Bar on Saturday, November 6th Page 17 Lydia’s Pub on Friday, November 5th “Back in the City”, a live original by Paul Kuzbik Music Vibe Indie rock, blues, dance music Regular Gigs Open Stage on Tuesday nights; Souled Out DJ night with Dr. J on Wednesdays; live bands often on Thursday, Friday, Saturday; Tonight It’s Poetry live poetry readings most Sunday nights Feature Deal Pints of Keiths Pale, Red or White for $4.75 Popular Drink Pints of Rickard’s Red Wing Notes One pound and a pint of beer for $6.50, plenty of flavours Photos taken by Robby Davis (feedback@verbnews.com) Photos taken by Patrick Carley (feedback@verbnews.com) CHECK OUT ALL OF VERB’S PAST NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Fri - Sun: 12:40, 12:50, 13:20, 15:50, 16:20, 19:20 Mon - Thu: 19:20 Morning Glory Fri - Sun: 12:10, 15:10, 18:40, 21:30 Mon - Thu: 18:40, 21:30 For parents with babies: Wed: 13:00 Paranormal Activity 2 Fri - Sun: 13:30, 19:50, 22:10 Mon - Thu: 19:50, 22:10 Alpha and Omega (in 3-D) Fri - Thu: 14:00, 18:40 The American Fri - Thu: 13:40, 16:25, 19:15, 21:30 Despicable Me (in 3-D) Fri - Thu: 13:15, 16:05, 19:05, 21:20 Devil Fri - Thu: 22:00 Eat Pray Love Fri - Thu: 15:50, 18:50, 21:45 You Again Fri - Thu: 13:10, 16:10, 19:10, 21:50 Roxy Animal Kingdom Fri: 21:00 Sat, Sun: 15:00, 21:00 Mon - Thu: 21:00 Force of Nature Fri: 19:00 Sat, Sun: 13:30, 19:00 Mon - Thu: 19:00 Howl Fri: 21:10 Sat, Sun: 15:30, 21:10 Mon - Thu: 21:10 Lovely Still Fri: 19:10 Sat, Sun: 13:00, 19:10 Mon - Thu: 19:10 Changing the world One number at a time. Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22) Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19) Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22) Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 19) Virgo (Aug 23–Sept 22) Pisces (Feb 20–Mar 20) Your attitudes towards money, investments, and the things you value are undergoing changes, and if you push things a bit, you can overcome troubles quickly. Take advantage of the opportunity. AHN© Be extremely careful when engaging in physical activities this week, as you are more prone to injury at the moment. Try to stick to light activities, and take it all very slowly. AHN© This week you find that a friend is somehow at odds with your family, or vice versa, and you feel caught in the middle of their drama. It’s best to wait them out. Let them sort out their own mess. AHN© Don’t be too afraid to say what’s on your mind, but be prepared to listen as well. What starts out as an argument could clear the air and make for a better and more open relationship. AHN© You have had your own challenges of late, but this week compassion for someone else’s woes will take your mind off your worries. Become an angel to someone in emotional distress. AHN© A loved one is coming across as needy and demanding right now, and it’s bringing you down. Do what you can in order to make them feel secure if you want to help turn their mood around. AHN© If you want to be a leader, especially among your inner circle, do so by deeds and not by words. Actions speak loudest, especially to those whose unhealthy lifestyles you would like to see change. AHN© 5 2 1 8 9 6 4 7 3 Megamind (in 3-D) Rainbow Fri - Thu: 13:30, 16:30, 19:20 Sagittarius (Nov 23–Dec 21) Try to steer clear of others’ romantic problems. Those looking for advice may actually be trying to put someone else in the middle and take pressure off themselves, whether they realize it or not. AHN© 6 8 7 3 4 2 9 1 5 Fri - Sun: 12:20, 15:20, 18:30, 21:20 Mon - Thu: 18:30, 21:20 Fri - Sun: 12:30, 15:30, 19:00, 21:50 Mon - Thu: 19:00, 21:50 For parents with babies: Wed: 13:00 Toy Story 3 (in 2-D) Gemini (May 21–Jun 20) 2 4 8 9 1 3 6 5 7 4 3 9 5 7 1 2 8 6 Megamind (in 2-D) Unstoppable Fri - Wed: 16:20, 21:55 You may encounter one of those dream-come true opportunities this week, but don’t be fooled. Some aspect will not be what it seems at first, and there is likely a steep price to pay. AHN© 1 9 6 7 3 8 5 2 4 Fri, Sat: 12:00, 14:50, 18:20, 21:10 Sun: 12:00, 18:20, 21:10 Mon - Thu: 18:20, 21:10 The Other Guys Scorpio (Oct 24–Nov 22) Your intuition will not be sharp this week, and you could be tempted to act impulsively on matters of the heart. Be careful before making any changes to long-term plans. AHN© 9 6 5 4 8 7 1 3 2 8 7 4 2 5 9 3 6 1 Life as We Know It Fri, Sun: 12:15, 15:15, 18:45, 21:45 Sat: 15:30, 18:45, 21:45 Mon - Thu: 18:45, 21:45 Fri - Thu: 16:15, 21:10 Taurus (Apr 20–May 20) 3 5 2 1 6 4 7 9 8 Fri - Sun: 15:20, 18:50, 21:40, 22:15 Mon - Thu: 18:50, 21:40, 22:15 The Social Network Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole You may find yourself struggling with what to say about the poor decisions a friend is making, but now is not the best time to speak up. You could be wrong about the causes of the problem. AHN© 7 1 3 6 2 5 8 4 9 7 1 3 6 2 5 8 4 9 Jackass (in 3-D) Fri - Sun: 13:10, 16:10, 19:40, 22:30 Mon - Thu: 19:40, 22:30 Fri - Thu: 21:40 Libra (Sept 23–Oct 23) You are in a deconstruction phase at the moment, and your moods and thoughts are challenging to your friends. Don’t let upheaval scare you right now, you may find change beneficial. AHN© 9 6 5 4 8 7 1 3 2 Fri - Sun: 13:00, 15:40, 19:10, 22:00 Mon - Thu: 19:10, 22:00 Skyline The Last Exorcism Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19) 2 4 8 9 1 3 6 5 7 Fri - Sun: 13:40, 16:40, 19:20, 22:00 Mon - Wed: 19:20, 22:00 Due Date Fri - Thu: 13:00, 16:00, 19:00 3 5 2 1 6 4 7 9 8 7 3 1 6 9 5 2 4 8 Fri - Sun: 14:00, 16:30, 18:50, 21:20 RED Galaxy Fri - Sun: 16:30, 20:00, 22:40 Mon, Tue, Thu: 20:00, 22:40 Wed: 22:40 Inception Horoscopes 8 7 4 2 5 9 3 6 1 5 6 4 7 8 2 9 1 3 Easy A Fri - Sun: 13:10, 16:00, 18:30, 21:10 Mon - Wed: 18:30, 21:10 Fri - Sun: 13:30, 16:20, 19:10, 21:50 Mon - Thu: 19:10, 21:50 Fri - Thu: 13:20, 19:30 2 8 9 4 1 3 6 7 5 Fri - Sun: 13:50, 16:50, 19:30, 22:10 Mon - Wed: 19:30, 22:10 Megamind Saw (in 3-D) Grown Ups 1 9 6 7 3 8 5 2 4 6 9 7 5 2 1 3 8 4 Conviction The Town Fri - Sun: 12:45, 16:00, 19:30, 22:20 Mon - Thu: 19:30, 22:20 VerbNews.com 4 5 3 8 7 9 1 6 2 Centre Fri - Sun: 13:00, 15:50, 18:40, 21:30 Mon - Thu: 18:40, 21:30 RED Fri - Sun: 13:20, 16:10, 19:00, 21:40 Mon - Thu: 19:00, 21:40 Page 19 4 3 9 5 7 1 2 8 6 1 2 8 3 4 6 5 9 7 Mon: 19:00 Hereafter Secretariat Time Out 9 7 6 2 5 4 8 3 1 Molière Mon - Thu: 18:50, 21:20 VerbNews.com 6 8 7 3 4 2 9 1 5 3 4 5 1 6 8 7 2 9 Broadway Page 18 8 1 2 9 3 7 4 5 6 Movie Times 5 2 1 8 9 6 4 7 3 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. 8 1 2 9 3 7 4 5 6 3 4 5 1 6 8 7 2 9 9 7 6 2 5 4 8 3 1 1 2 8 3 4 6 5 9 7 4 5 3 8 7 9 1 6 2 6 9 7 5 2 1 3 8 4 2 8 9 4 1 3 6 7 5 5 6 4 7 8 2 9 1 3 7 3 1 6 9 5 2 4 8
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