Letter to the Los Angles Times writers Randall Roberts and Randy Lewis

Friends ... I'm sure you've received plenty of criticism over your thoughts about Rush and the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, but I wanted share with you my two cents. For me, the crux of the issue comes down to the question over what qualifies a band for inclusion into the Hall of Fame. I think that's where we all get lost. The suggestions you made in your video make sense -- you guys aren't the first to criticize Geddy Lee's voice. And Canada's favourite rock trio has been knocked for being pretentious and for writing complicated melodies and lyrics that many view as inaccessible. However, one thing I've never heard is somebody complaining that Rush music is difficult to dance to -- that's like criticizing Picasso because he's a terrible piano player. I don't care if Rush gets inducted into the Hall of Fame, but it seems to me Rush might qualify for reasons that you didn't talk about. Rush has influenced rock music and musicians in ways that are unique and far reaching. Rush fans adore them for some of the reasons you complained about in your video. The band has always created music that was challenging and intricate -- and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart has similarly challenged listeners with cerebral themes and lyrics not usually found in rock music. These are among the reasons Rush fans adore them. Because of all of this -- or despite it -- musicians from many genres cite Rush as an important influence. For decades, when fans or critics make their lists of musicians known for their talent, popularity and innovation, all three Rush members make the cut. I'm a Rush nut, and even I was stunned at the number of rock stars who worship Peart's drumming, Lee's skill as a bass player and the guitar work of Alex Lifeson. The recent documentary "Beyond The Lighted Stage" didn't just celebrate Rush's popularity, but it also helped put the reasons for the success of Rush into perspective. Perhaps this year offers the best proof that Rush is more important than you appreciate. Even though Rush has sold-out their concerts for decades, its current tour is no exception. Fans are flocking in the thousands to Rush shows across North America. And this is no nostalgia-based, greatest-hits tour many of Rush's contemporaries have undertaken in recent years. Rush's latest record, this summer's Clockwork Angels, is just as relevant as any Rush album released in the previous decade, or material released in the 1990s, the 1980s or the 1970s. For a band whose debut album was released in 1974, Rush is recording and touring in 2012 with remarkable success. This isn't just rare -- it's unheard of. Many Rush fans are silver-haired fans who remember when songs like Closer to the Heart or Spirit of the Radio were on the charts, but the appreciation for Rush continues to deepen. Young fans are still attracted to the unique sound of Rush and discover nuggets from its catalog that includes 19 studio albums over four decades. Last week at a Rush concert in Saskatoon, I sat beside two teenaged Rush shirt-wearing brothers, one of whom bragged about being able to play the 1975 Rush song Fly By Night “almost all the way though" on the guitar. If inclusion into the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame were based on issues surrounding popularity, influence, musicianship, relevance and longevity, then they ought to have been inducted years ago. If Rush is ignored for reasons you talk about and the Hall of Fame doesn't the like the complicated music and Geddy Lee's voice, then that's okay by me. Cheers, Andrew Matte Regina, Sask. CANADA

"I'll treat this as an adventure"

This was published in 2009 on nationalpost.com Andrew Matte: 'I'll treat this as an adventure' nationalpost.com Thu Jan 15 2009 Section: Full Comment Along with the rest of Regina, I've heard plenty about challenges in health care - there are too few nurses, not enough infrastructure and not enough money. I didn't think much of the issue until I was hospitalized last week and learned lots about our health-care system shortcomings. After my whirlwind tour of the General Hospital's emergency ward, I was given bad news. Sure, I was told I'd be admitted for a few days, but the news got worse when I was told there was no bed for me. Instead, I would spend a few nights recovering from asthma complications at Code Burgundy, a large main-floor ward also used by patients who come for a few hours of treatment or assessment during the day. Code Burgundy was established, I was told by hospital staff, because of the nursing shortage - elsewhere, there are nicely decorated rooms and soft beds, but not enough nurses to care for patients. Others told me "there are just no beds." Instead, this makeshift room, which is also referred to "patient overflow," collects patients the hospital can't normally handle and the remaining available nurses are assigned to patients like me. Until last week, I assumed patient overflow was something easily remedied by a bedpan and a little privacy. The number of patients this ward accommodates varies from night to night - some get released, some find that coveted bed "upstairs," and one nice lady during my stay was transferred by ambulance to the Pasqua Hospital, where a regular bed had become available. Members of the unfortunate group that remained, which fluctuated last week between 12 and 20, were left to convalesce in make-do circumstances. Mind you, this is no African refugee field hospital. But my bed was little more than a narrow cart on wheels, and the reassuring gurgle from my intravenous pump was interrupted at night by noises expected at a big room full of sick people and those who care for them. You'd be surprised how often - and how loudly - patients are coaxed from their sleep at 4 a.m. for a some sort of test or treatment, or how often patients call out for help long after the lights are out. And never did I miss my own bed more than when I was handed a half-sized rubber pillow squished flat by a thousand heads before me. I tried to treat this as an adventure. After all, my health was improving and I took solace in the notion I'd be home soon while other patients might not have similar prospects. On the other hand, I was disappointed my tax money wasn't working harder for me. I figured this roomfull of mostly senior taxpayers who were spending their days and nights on stretchers, deserved better. There was also fabulous irony in how I looked forward to leaving the hospital so I could catch up on my rest. I'm 41 and I was at Code Burgundy for only a few days, so I felt bad for older people whose stays were longer than mine. Others deserve better, too, including the patients who were scheduled for day procedures but received pre-dawn phone calls telling them not to come in because new patients like me were using their space. The nurses and doctors are owed more, too - I felt let down by the system, but I was treated well by the men and women who cared for me, all of them energetic and positive despite the conditions. It must frustrate doctors and nurses to see the care of their patients compromised. I wonder what Tommy Douglas would think if he were a hospital patient today. My guess is that he'd be dazzled by the care, but then turn burgundy with frustration over the notion of patient overflow in a booming Saskatchewan in 2009. I don't know why this problem exists, so I have no advice for the politicians and health administrators who should fix it. During my hospital stint, I was reminded of all that I have read about nurse recruitment and the Saskatchewan Party's boasting about what it spends on health-care, neither of which comforted me last week. But I suspect that if the right people spent a night or two at Code Burgundy, I bet they'd start to work as hard as nurses to figure out a way for all hospital patients to have a bed. And then all of us would sleep a little better. Length: 739 words Idnumber: 200901150138 Permalink: network.nationalpost.com...»

Ron Petrie

Ron Petrie's column was one of the first things I read when I researched Regina and the Leader-Post before I moved to the Queen City in 2004.

I liked the column because it was written by a smart man who loved to write and share his love for his wife, children and Saskatchewan. I figured that this Prairie province would suit me just fine because Ron proved you could poke a little fun at life in Saskatchewan and embrace it at the same time.

I got lucky six months ago when I was assigned a new job and a desk near Ron's, which meant I got to chat with him more than I ever had.

Ron's best columns focused on his kids. When I was a copy editor and assigned to write a headline over his column on the right side of A3, I concede that I had to walk away from my desk a couple times to keep myself for choking up in front of my colleagues after reading about how much he loved his four children. When it came to his family, he wrote with unmatched passion and clarity.

Looking back on the weekend of Ron's death at just 52, I realize that I liked Ron and his work because he reminds me of my dad -- a talented, funny journalist and passionate father whose life ended much too early because of a cancer, a disease that seems so unfair and cruel.

AM

alcohol delivery

By ANDREW MATTE

REGINA — This darkened bungalow was hidden by a massive, overgrown tree. The tiny house numbers didn’t help. But the rumble from inside was the giveaway — a muffled version of “Honky Tonk Woman” could be heard through an open window, so I was confident I was delivering a 12-pack of Pilsner and a 750ml bottle of Smirnoff to the correct address.
I followed a crumbling sidewalk, noted a tipped-over tricycle and other toys in the front yard and rang the bell. I rang it again and knocked loudly before I called the customer from my cell phone.
A pleasant woman in her 50s wearing a nightgown finally came to the door. She paid me cash for the beer and vodka, the $8.40 delivery charge and an extra toonie for my trouble, which, wasn’t enough for the extra work it took to find her hidden house and roust her from whatever she was doing.
But this was a typical delivery on a Saturday evening working for John Murray, Regina’s first entrepreneur to be licensed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority to deliver alcohol. This spring, “dial-a-bottle” was introduced by the Saskatchewan government, allowing imbibers to order a bottle like they would pizza. It also opened a market to anyone to apply to the commission for a Home Delivery Permit and begin a business where none existed before.
For the six companies operating across the province, the work is simple — take an order over the phone, drive to a liquor store or offsale to buy items on the customer’s behalf and deliver it to their doorstep for a fee.
The rules aren’t different from bars or offsales — customers who appear drunk or are younger than 19 must be refused. Delivery companies can charge whatever they like for their service, but they aren’t allow to inventory their own alcohol, nor are they allowed to put a mark-up on what they buy.
I went to work for John as a casual driver this summer in hopes of making extra money when I wasn’t at my full-time job as a copy editor at the Leader-Post.
I like the money, but I am also drawn to this late-night adventure and the surprise that comes with every delivery.
Some customers are 20-somethings enjoying an evening with a house full of other young people, some are affluent party hosts treating their guests to drinks and others live in unfortunate circumstances: Some count their nickels to pay for a 1 a.m. delivery of a case of high-alcohol beer as toddlers scurry about the house.
As the Yuletide season approaches, alcohol delivery companies are anticipating an upswing in business due to demand from Christmas parties, family dinners and New Year’s Eve bashes.

n n n

John Murray opened his business, aptly named 775-BEER, after receiving his Home Delivery Permit from the authority in April. He and his wife Angela Markel had returned to their hometown of Regina about three years ago after going to school in Edmonton.
Murray had been working as a courier delivering building materials to Regina construction sites when he learned of Saskatchewan’s changing liquor laws. He saw an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new industry.
“I wanted to be first through the gate. And I was,” Murray says.
With the help of his wife and other family members who sometimes take a turn answering phones and making deliveries, Murray proved to himself that there’s potential for growth. He believes that with more advertising and as more residents know of the service, expansion in Regina and beyond is likely. He already accepts orders from Moose Jaw and hopes to someday serve imbibers province wide.
“The growth rate has been steady. I’ve been pleased with it,” Murray says.
“This isn’t a self-employment venture, nor is it a get-rich scheme. This is a fun project. This is something I want to build into something more. That is why I got Moose Jaw on the go. This is where it can be cost effective, which is to have a single call centre for multiple cities,” he says.
“I would love to see it go province-wide. To see it grow into a provincial brand would be just great. I would have a lot of fun building it.”
He said it was important for him to pay his own start-up costs and avoid going into debt. He’s not sure, however, whether spending more on advertising at the beginning would have let him grow faster.
“Sometimes I wonder whether I should have borrowed and done some more aggressive advertising, but I guess I can’t say I’m displeased either,” says Murray, adding he’s avoided borrowing money to launch the business.
Before Murray delivered his first case of beer, he sought advice from the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre. Since Murray was born without a left hand, he qualified for advice from centre, which helped him fine-tune his business plan.

n n n

There was a young mother who, while holding her infant son in her arms, proudly showed me her driver’s licence that proved she had been 19 years-old for three weeks as she accepted two, 2-litre bottles of wine coolers. I also remember a man in his 30s who was standing on his front lawn wearing a bathing suit when I arrived at 2:30 a.m. — he was dripping wet after emerging from his backyard hot tub. I also remember delivering a case of beer well after midnight to a Winnipeg Street house where the front yard was crammed with people, many of whom were huddled around a fire, including pre-schoolers in diapers and children in strollers.

n n n

Regina’s second company to receive its permit is Bottle Runners, a business launched by the Denouden brothers, Kevin and Curtis. Kevin had recently returned from Alberta where he worked as an alcohol delivery driver in Calgary and Curtis had returned from China. Like Murray, the Denoudens saw potential in the new service. Also like Murray, they’re seeing a steady growth as word spreads of their business, as well as a wide variety of customers.
“We probably get calls from three new customers a day. And least one of them will call again. Over 50 per cent of our customers have called more than once,” says Kevin, whose company was granted a delivery permit after 775-BEER because it was forced to appeal after it was turned down in April.
“We deliver in Wascana Estates and in the Core every day.”
But the Denoudens hope to lobby the authority in hopes of loosening the rules, to allow them to take orders until 3 a.m. rather than be forced to refuse calls after 2 a.m. Kevin says they’re missing out on business and he argues the rule is unfair since offsales can stay open until 3 a.m.
“A lot of the times, we’ll answer the phone after 2 a.m. and we’ll educate them a little bit and tell them ‘hey buddy, get your call in before 2 a.m.,” Kevin says.
“The main aspect of the business is to keep drunk drivers off the street. So if you take away that hour, between 2 and 3 a.m., then it sort of defeats the purpose.”
James Rolston hopes to do some lobbying of his own. Rolston operates Living Skies Alcohol Delivery in Saskatoon and believes the authority should be doing more to tell the public that his service, and others, are an option.
“I have had people call me at 6 a.m. ... people think I have better prices than the liquor board stores ... there has been no public education... it’s very frustrating,” says Rolston, who unlike 775-BEER and Bottlerunners, takes orders and makes deliveries himself.
Rolston, who also operates a limousine service in Saskatoon, said he was surprised that so many of his customers want their orders to arrive quickly. He had hoped his customers would order several hours, or even days, in advance.
“I didn’t realize it was going to be as on-call as it is. I was hoping to do more of the business through the website. But how it works is that people don’t order until they’re down to their last beer, and then they want it right now. So that tended to be problematic,” says Rolston.
His website has helped him attract some business, however, including one customer from Taiwan who arranged to have a case of beer delivered to his father in Saskatoon, as well as a company in Toronto that ordered a bottle to an actor debuting at the Persephone Theatre.

n n n

Permission was granted to delivery companies after the authority’s review of Saskatchewan liquor laws, which prompted changes in other areas, including allowing customers to brew beer and wine at businesses that sell equipment and offer advice. Other changes including allowing restaurant-goers take to home a bottle of wine they didn’t finish, as well as increased fines for those who serve alcohol to minors to $10,000 from $2,500.
Authority spokesman David Morris says alcohol delivery was granted because residents of Saskatchewan wanted it. Also, the province had been in the alcohol delivery business itself for the past 25 years, offering services from liquor stores in Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. Available to seniors and others with mobility issues, local courier and cab companies were contracted to deliver alcohol, but usually just once per day.
“What we heard from residents that they wanted an improved delivery service, an on-demand service,” says Morris.
Morris defends charges from detractors who argue the service puts booze in the hands of those who shouldn’t have it or allows minors greater access to alcohol.
“Residents of Saskatchewan already have many outlets available to them where they can purchase beverage alcohol. Home delivery is aimed at customers who maybe can’t get to an SLGA liquor store or offsale,” Morris says.
“A delivery service isn’t an inducement to drink more. This is just another way for people who maybe can’t get to those outlets to buy beverage alcohol.”
The authority isn’t done granting delivery permits. So far, there are six in Saskatchewan — two in Regina, two in Saskatoon, one in Swift Current and another in Lampman. There are three more applications before the authority — one in Regina, another in Saskatoon and another in Melfort.
Morris says there have been no complaints since the permits were issued, and delivery companies say they have only positive reports from customers.
The services also legitimize other firms that could have operated under the law. There is plenty of folklore in the industry that includes stories of companies that operated under the law prior to 2009, delivering marked-up alcohol and even illegal drugs to customers.
Bob Bymoen, president of the Saskatchewan Government Employees’ Union, is among those who think private alcohol delivery is a bad idea, especially since it takes the work out of the hands of union workers at government-run liquor outlets.
“They are all trained in a store. And there is no money incentive when it comes to refusing someone alcohol. They are more likely to keep their job by refusing alcohol than by selling it,” says Bymoen.
Bymoen believes having private companies deliver alcohol makes it more likely for minors or the intoxicated to be served.
“If you are standing on somebody’s doorstep with a bottle, the only way you are going to recoup the price of the bottle and the delivery is to give them the bottle,” says Bymoen.
“If you’re too drunk to get into your car and get a bottle yourself, is it any more responsible to have someone get the bottle for you?”
For others, getting into the business of alcohol delivery remains tempting. It could make sense for offsales that already operate a busy food delivery service to simply add alcohol to the menu.
Kevin Kasha, part owner of the Last Straw Brew Pub on Albert Street, said he and his partners are still studying the issue.
Larry Krulak, owner of the Empire Hotel on McIntyre Street, operates the only offsale in Regina that stays open until 3 a.m., 365 days a year. He considered adding delivery to his business but decided against it out of fear of dealing with headaches.
“It’s too much hassle. There will be problems at the door ... your drivers can get ripped off. And when you get to the door, you will have problems finding someone old enough to accept it,” adding he might have considered it if a delivery permit allowed him to deliver to downtown business and hotel guests.

n n n

Back at 775-BEER, Murray still goes out on delivery but relies on growing number of drivers. He also shares that uneasy feeling of delivering alcohol to heavy users of alcohol, but says his job is to make sure the laws are followed.
“I am regulated when it comes to the morality of it. I can’t sell to minors, I can’t sell to people who appear intoxicated,” he says.
“The people who I deliver to used to get their alcohol otherwise, like taking a cab or driving themselves to the offsale.”

Home-made background and stand

It began with a wedding job - the client wanted simple pictures, all taken indoors in a living room. I had plans to rent a backdrop and stand but decided to make my own. I found designs online, fiddled with them a little and came up with this.

The first thing I did was use 1 1/2 inch and 2 inch plumbing pipe rather than PVC pipe I found on other sites. A little more expensive but more sturdy and durable.

The feet were the easy part. The vertical lengths are two sections that slide into each other -- two 6-foot sections mean it's expandable to 12-feet. I drilled holes in both and used a 50-cent bracket-pin frmo Princess Auto to hold it in place.

The horizontal sections are two 1 1/2 inch sections with a 2-inch section that holds them in place. Similar holes and bracket-pins hold it all in place.

The elbows - where the vertical section meets the post took a little plumbing. I originally had the 1 1/2 inch secton jammed into the elbow piece. But it wasn't as stable as I wanted. So I plumbed a short 1 1/2 section into the elbow, then added a step-up joiner and then a short 2-inch section thas was long enough to accept a couple of holes. The bracket-pins make it all nice and secure.

The stand cost me about $85 including the pipes and pins.

As for the backdrop, I started with a $35 painter's drop cloth -- it has a seam in it, but you can't see it in any of the pictures I took. A made a second one, ordering a 12'-15' section of muslin from an online fabric place in New England. That cost me about $50. I tie-dyed both backdrops, using ritt dye I found at Michaels. The grey backdrop, which is the painter's drop cloth, is quite a bit heavier. I had my sister-in-law sew a loop in it so the horizontal piece slides right inside of it.

So, this is cheap, sturdy and very portable. It sets up in a snap and it's easy to do for one person. It's expandable to 12-feet high and 15-feet wide.

2003 Toyota Corolla - LE - sport package

Journal de Montreal

There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it could be a train that hits hard and very, very hard.

Quebecor filed a settlement proposal to end the labor dispute at the Journal de Montreal that lasts and lasts from January 24, 2009. The CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau in person, announced this big surprise last week. The mediation process is continuing for a month.

Nothing official filter of this arbitration. Representatives of both sides of this interminable trench warfare respect a total camera. The content of the employer's offer remains as recent secret.

Patience, then. Meanwhile, to better understand the painful exercise that takes place behind lock tight, we can fall back on the proposed regulation that was filed by the owner, an open secret discussed all sides in the media world, but never broadcast date.

According to the preliminary settlement plan, Quebecor would have retained 17 journalists in its new newsroom. Repeat: 17 out of the approximately 66 reporters locked out, making one in four, roughly. In addition, according to this perspective, management would select them one by one, without regard to seniority.

At the start of the lockout, the union representing 253 members multisectoral. The preliminary proposal only saved a total of five, fifty what. In this small lot, there would be twenty clerks, including a dozen positions to classified ads and even then they may decrease in number at the discretion of management, depending on the workload. The new hall would therefore maintain a thirty posts, no cartoonist or editor, but four photographers, a handful of graphic artists and heads of desk, and then the 17 journalists.

These figures are not conditional on confirmed and will not, both parties respecting the lockout informational. The proposals can be changed upward or downward in the proposal filed last week. Maybe or maybe not. In any case, employees may find themselves much less likely to leave the underground where they eke out a living for about 20 months.

This is another very serious potential adverse effect of conflict. A few dozen executives realize Le Journal de Montreal, which sells and distributes as much for some 600 days. The boss seems tempted to reduce its "human resources" accordingly. After all, according to this logic managerial, why hire 253 people for the job if a quarter or half the number do the trick?

The stalemate in the conflict and this proposal (not confirmed) claiming a sort of collective hara-kiri explain the forces of this flagship of the fleet of Quebecor into the water one by one to save their skins ... before they are almost all scales simultaneously overboard.

Former colleagues of the Journal de Montreal now working in the communications department of a city, relations with the media of a school board, etc.. Many are active for the excellent site RueFrontenac.com, a creature of locked. Some have managed to put in another medium.

This is the case Fabrice de Pierrebourg, one of the best journalists and investigators today. His recruitment by La Presse was announced in July, barely a year after the company had claimed its employees major concessions. This good watchdog was all the more reason to breed also was among the nine 'Leaders' union dismissed after a court decision finding them guilty of contempt of court for having entered the Local JDEM a year earlier, with more than 100 other employees.

At the same time as the hiring of this big keyboard, the daily also announced that regularized the status of supernumerary illico transformed into permanent employees. As luck, providence of unbelievers, makes funny links, the measure has positively contributed 17 journalists, 17 ...

The spokesman Gesca owned by Power Corporation, owner of La Presse, denies a connection between this and that. The spokesman for the union establishes a quite the contrary, since, according to union claims, he must first resolve the fate of supernumerary (some waiting in the wings for four years), before hiring the recruit selection. In short, Mr. de Pierrebourg would shield a little help from 17 posts to qualify for the 18th ... which is better than being in the face.

There is barely a year, La Presse claimed his employees major concessions to save the company. Approximately 17,000 employees of U.S. media have lost their jobs in 2009, a year lockout at Le Journal de Montréal. The deep crisis, and that newspapers in particular, increases the bad and the amazing surprises ...

pix

ssa

Kiss

Hello fans....

Well, there's lots of rumours about concerts in Regina this week, huh? I won't tip my hand -- I'm not in a position to tell anybody anything because, well, I just don't know. But the good thing is that it appears we'll be blessed with some good concerts this summer.

Now, do you think Kiss could come to Regina? Anything is possible -- when I was told a couple of years ago that the Rolling Stones would perform at Taylor Field, I didn't believe it. But look at what happened.

Kiss has an interesting campaign to book concerts in cities where fans contribute to a campaign to get the band to include you on its upcoming tour. There's also talk of a new Kiss album.

To read more, here's a a link ...

http://eventful.com/performers/kiss-/P0-001-000062428-9/competitions

I am a huge Kiss fan -- when I was a kid, I had Kiss posters plastered all over my bedroom walls, and I was such a fan that I didn't understand how any band would dare go on stage without makeup.

Luckily, Kiss reunited, put the makeup on and toured like crazy - and I got to see the whole extravaganza - once in Ottawa in the mid-90s and again in 2000 in Toronto. They were great shows, especially since Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were on board.

It appears the current Kiss lineup features Tommy Thayer in Ace's role, and Eric Singer back where Peter ought to be. Thayer and Singer are great musicians, but still.

I'm sure this modern-day version of Kiss puts on a fine show -- but, unfortunately, since I can head to the afterlife knowing I've seen the original Kiss, I will likely pass on an opportunity to see the current lineup (pictured).

However, for those who want to see "the greatest band in the world," or at least half of the band, here's your chance.

See you later.

A

I've had it with Ticketmaster

Hello friends...

I apologize for taking too long to get this blog rolling again.

If you hadn't heard about Joel Plaskett's show at The Distrikt next month, consider yourself told - one of Canada's best singer-songwriters is performing May 8. I am still listening to his new three-CD offering, so stay tuned to Saturday's Leader-Post for my review.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that I officially think that Ticketmaster sucks. First, I had a helluva time with the site - it kept crashing and/or refusing to accept my credit card information when I tried to buy a couple of Plaskett tickets this week.

So I called the 1-800 number, and was given a couple of different stories about whether I could actually buy them over the phone. One fella gave me another number to call so I could buy them over the phone -- but when I called it, I was told that I could only buy them online. Sure seemed like a lot of trouble.

Anyway, I re-booted my computer and that seemed to do the trick. However, I was stunned at all the charges. We expect a "fee" of some sort, but what I paid seemed outrageous.

I got two tickets at $15 each, and I was charged $4.50 for each ticket for a handling fee. Then, I was charged another $3 delivery fee, even though I chose to pick up the tickets. I'll let you do the math, but the notion that only a portion of what I'm paying is winding up in Plastkett's pocket is a sad thing indeed.

I don't have any grand ideas about loosening Ticketmaster's grip on the ticket industry, but I'd like to hear them - and I'd be happy to support competition to Ticketmaster.

That's it for now -- I need to get to work on reasearching the next Matte's Metal Minute. If you haven't heard, my contribution to Grindhouse, the heavy metal show on The Wolf is becoming more and more fun since it began a few months ago. Last Friday's metal newscast was as close to flawless as I'll ever get. Stay stuned to the upcoming Friday night show (11 p.m.) ... and I may even have an interview or two share in the coming weeks.

Stay real.

A.

concert listings

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From: Dunn, Jessica [JessicaDunn@LiveNation.com] Sent: Tue 17/03/2009 14:25
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Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 17, 2009



SASKATCHEWAN CONCERT LISTINGS





Most tickets available through www.livenation.com, Ticketmaster Or Charge by Phone:

Saskatoon 306-938-7800, rest of Saskatchewan 1-800-970-7328
Tickets are subject to applicable service charges and facility fees









RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS





MAR 27 / BEYONCÈ – NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS RELEASED

*March 27, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $115.00, $89.00, $59.00 & $25.00 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 20 / GAVIN ROSSDALE – NEW SUPPORT ADDED

With special guest Suzie McNeil

*April 20, Odeon Events Centre Saskatoon / Doors 7:00pm/ Show 8:00pm

Tickets $30.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

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CONCERT LISTINGS





MAR 20 / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY – SOLD OUT

With special guests Dope and Archer

*March 20, The Odeon, Saskatoon/ Doors 8:00pm / Shows 9:15pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+



MAR 24 / SERENA RYDER – SOLD OUT

With special guest Royal Wood

*March 24, Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

SOLD OUT / GENERAL ADMISSION SEATED



APR 4 / NICKELBACK

With special guests Seether and Saving Abel

*April 4, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm
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APR 11 / NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

With special guests Jabbawockeez

*April 11, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon/ Doors 6:30pm / Shows 7:30pm

Tickets $75.00, $55.00 & $39.50 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

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APR 12 / NO FEAR ENERGY MUSIC TOUR

FEATURING LAMB OF GOD

With special guests Children Of Bodom, As I Lay Dying, Municipal Waste and God Forbid

*April 12, Saskatoon Prairieland Park, Saskatoon / Doors 6:00pm / Show 7:00pm

Tickets $39.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / TICKETMASTER

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APR 20 / NEIL YOUNG

With special guests Everest

*April 20, Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets) $175.00, $89.50, $75.00 & $55.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR / RESERVED STANDS / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW



APR 23 / SUGARLAND

With special guests Billy Currington

*April 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $69.50 & $45.50/ RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 14 / THE STILLS

With special guests Gentleman Reg

*May 14, Louis’ Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $18.00 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 23 / AN EVENING WITH IL DIVO

*May 23, Brandt Centre, Regina / Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm

Tickets $127.05, $91.55 & $57.05 / RESERVED SEATING / TICKETMASTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW



MAY 29 / TV ON THE RADIO

With special guests Dirty Projectors

*May 29, Louis’, Saskatoon / Doors 8:00pm/ Show 9:00pm

Tickets $28.50 / GENERAL ADMISSION / 19+/ TICKETMASTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

***A LIVE NATION & SEALED WITH A KISS CO-PRODUCTION***







NEW SHOWS BEING ADDED WEEKLY

WWW.LIVENATION.COM

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com/investors.





Best Regards,
Jessica Dunn| Media Relations / Western Canada(:: 604.683.4233 / 604.683.4298 fx
8::Jessicadunn@livenation.com
*:: 5th Floor 56 East 2nd Ave, | Vancouver, BC, Canada | V5T 1B1
www.LiveNation.com

Miss ya pal.

One of my favourite guitarists is actually a better photographer than he is an axeman.

Tom Hanson was one of this country's best photographers. But, for me, he was good friend and among group of journalist buddies to attend Friday night poker games at the Ottawa Press Club held on the third Friday of the month. This was a few years ago now -- 1995-97.

I admired him for his creative approach to life - I was jealous of his job - he had one of the best jobs in journalism, helping record the comings and goings of the prime minister of the day for the Canadian Press. I can guarentee you've seen his pictures in newspapers. He's been published regularly in Canadian newspaper for the past two decades.

The last time I saw Tom we were on a plane carrying Jean Chretien -- I was assigned to cover the federal election campaign in 2001 and he was there, as always, to take pictures. We shared some old stories, and he shared some of his wife's baking.

I bring this up because Tom died on Tuesday night -- at 41, Tom collapsed while playing hockey in Ottawa. Needless to say, as a 41-year-old, out-of-shape hockey-playing journalist, this puts an interesting perspective on things.

At any rate, Tom loved the blues - he was a member of an all-media band in Ottawa and he played a smooth Fender Strat. I doubt he liked metal.

But I will always remember his photos, showing up to press conferences on his Harley Davidson and introducing me to fancy scotch over a late night, but spirited, game of cards.

I have been on antibiotics for a couple of weeks, but when they are done, I am going to have a glass, or two, of the Macallan in Tom's honour.

Here's a little more about Tom and his work.

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/thelens/archive/2009/03/11/a-tribute-to-cp-photojournalist-tom-hanson.aspx


http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hGVoyKXFQxS8V0OixzHJjgnK5H7A

You too can miss U2

Hello fans....

Mondays are great, aren't they? My Monday was made extra grim by the news that U2 has announced plans to play shows in Canada. And, of course, on Toronto and Vancouver are on the list. In the story below, the Toronto Sun's Jane Stevenson suggests more Canadian dates could added. Don't hold your breath. There are bigger U2 fans than me, but you won't find me at any of the U2 shows already booked.

Anyway, bigger bands have played here -- so you never know.

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/U/U2/2009/03/09/8676421-sun.html

Candy, radio and a fundraiser

Hello fans....

The weekend is officially upon us -- and that means it's time to let down our hair, enjoy a bunch of adult beverages and head to the clubs. If you need some ideas, see the previous post. My advice is to stay out of the movie theatres -- seeing the movies when they come out on DVD is cheaper anyway. Plus, you can have a beer and enjoy some popcorn that's not overpriced.

It seems the Thursday night show at the MacKenzie Art Gallery was nothing short of awesome. I wasn't there -- I was stuck at work until late, but I was told by an enthusiastic music lover that the concert was everything it was supposed to be, and then some. The free event featured music from Library Voices (pictured) Rah Rah and We Were Lovers. The evening was catered by Dessart, which meant free candy for the crowd. So, not only was the evening the perfect opportunity to see three good bands for free, the audience was also treated to complimentary Pixie Stix, Razzles, Bottle Caps, Nerds, Tootsie Rolls, Sweet Tarts and Jelly Bellies.

I'll be certain to let you know when the gallery hosts another Thursday evening show.

For those who will be listening to the radio tonight should turn the dial to 106.9 The Wolf. Grindhouse, the station's hour-long show dedicated to heavy metal, will feature another Matte's Metal Minute. I am in full radio mode, which means I think I'm getting better at my delivery and production. I am already working on upcoming Metal Minutes. Tonight's Matte Metal Minute puts a spotlight on the return of the awesome Toronto metal band Piledriver. So, listen in, it only takes a minute. Actually, listen to the whole show. It's great.

And finally, local music fans can help Library Voices make some money to help recoup their losses suffered when some thieves broke into their van in Vancouver and made off with thousands of dollars worth of gear. The fundraising gig is on March 27 at The Exchange. Other performers include Volcanoless In Canada, Andy Shauf and Matt Goud (formerly of Means). Tickets are $15 at the door.

So, there are two reasons to see this spirited group -- they're terrific live and they need our help. They are also accepting donations of music equipment.

Here's a copy of an email I received today. Have a great weekend. See you here on Monday.

A


Library Voices, a ten piece indie pop band from Regina, had their van robbed while on tour in Vancouver last week. The group lost over $10,000 worth of equipment.

After a long winter drive through the mountains and headlining a capacity concert @ The Media Club in Vancouver the band parked the van on a well lit street and headed in for some much needed sleep. The next morning (literally only a few hours later) they discovered that thieves had taken bolt cutters and chopped away all of the metal on their trailer that secured their "unbreakable" padlock. Instruments stolen included a saxophone, a guitar, heads and speaker cabinets, a vintage tom drum, an accordion, about a dozen pieces of percussion, and countless cables, effects pedals, and microphones. In the spirit of rock and roll, the group has rented/borrowed enough equipment to continue touring but the incident has proved to be a giant setback and are hoping the community pulls together to support an evening of live music - which in turn will help them replace a portion of what was stolen.

Library Voices has curated a diverse evening of music, pooling musicians from all over Saskatchewan to join the festivities. Estevan, Carlyle, Yorkton, Balgonie, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon will be represented on stage.

The band prides itself on it's unique and diverse instrumentation - and so at this time they are also bowing their heads, with their tails between their legs and announcing that they will graciously accept any donations of old and unused instruments you may have cluttering up your garage or storage rooms. They solemnly swear that every donation will make an appearance on an upcoming recording. (contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com)

Library Voices was recently featured in Spin Magazine as an "unheard band you NEED to hear now". Since forming in spring of 2008 the band has also toured the country twice, performed at the Western Canadian Music Award, Regina Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Ness Creek, and Calgary's Sled Island Festival. They have also received airplay in the UK on the BBC, won an award from CBC Radio 3, and their debut EP, Hunting Ghosts, charted nationally on college radio and CBC. The group recently wrapped up a full length album to be released in the summer of 2009.

Friday March 27
@ The Exchange (2431 8th ave, Regina, Sk)

A special fundraiser concert featuring:
Library Voices
Volcanoless In Canada
Andy Shauf
Matt Goud (formerly of Means)

Doors at 8:00 PM

Tickets are available at the door for only $15.00

contact: michael@youngsoulrecords.com

CBC Radio 3 posted a plea by the band to the thieves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWQDgEm4RMA



Stories regarding the robbery can be viewed here:

http://exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=129&csid2=844&fid1=36794

This weekend in music

Hello fans...

For those of you who think there's never any decent live music in Regina, I present this weekend in the Queen City. If you can't find anything that interests you this weekend, then I might suggest that you're off your knob.

I picked a great weekend to resume my weekend music rundown duties. I am sorry for missing the last couple of weeks.

My pick for the weekend is the Thursday night show featuring Library Voices, Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. This is part of the gallery's new occasional Thursday night music series. And the best thing is that it's free. Three excellent local bands - for free. You can't beat that.


THURSDAY:
- Library Voices performs with Rah Rah (pictured) and We Were Lovers at the MacKenzie Art Gallery at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event.
- Chris Henderson plays the first of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Kory Istace vs. the Time Pirates and Tabby Grass and the Down Home Boys perform at The Lazy Owl, University of Regina.
- Textbook Tragedy performs with The Holly Springs and Disaster at Centennial Hall in Lumsden.

FRIDAY:
- Arkells and The Walking Eyes perform at The Drink.
- Chris Henderson plays the second of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Women with The Harmoniums perform at The Club. 7:30 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- Rehashed, Blacklisted, Kleins96, Life in Hand, Urindump. - 8 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
- God Made Me Funky at The Distrikt. Doors open at 9 p.m. $8 cover.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- We Were Lovers and Sylvie perform at at O’Hanlons
- Country singers Gord Bamford and Jessie Farrell perform at the Casino Regina Show Lounge.
- Jordan Cook performs the first of two nights at McNally’s.


SATURDAY:
- Num performs at The Drink.
- Sisters for Sisters, a benefit concert for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, featuring Brittany Kraus, Louisiana Jane and the Zydeco Hurricane, Bev Zizzy, Little Miss Higgins at Regina Performing Arts Centre. Advanced tickets available through Performing Arts Centre box office.
- Big Nothing performs at the Gaslight Saloon.
- Chris Henderson plays the third of three nights at The Pump Roadhouse.
- Jordan Cook performs the second of two nights at McNally’s.
- Conrad Bigknife performs at The Whistle Stop (Casino Regina - Coffee Shop Series).
- Regina Symphony Orchestra’s Mosaic Masterworks Concert Series presents: Tickling the Ivories - with guest artist Angela Cheng (piano) at Conexus Arts Centre, 8 p.m.

Create your own band

Hello there fans....

I totally had fun with this today while I watched TSN's hockey trade coverage. And I also stole this from Regina's Skip Taylor. I am certain he won't mind me spreading this fun little project.

You will see that I am excited about Capra's debut album "In Honour of a Critic."

Here's how you do it... with thanks to Skip.

I urge you to email me your projects. If you need some Photoshop help, please send me your details and if I have time, I'll put together what I can.

HERE'S WATCHA DO!

And seriously.. Don't cheat.. that's what makes this so dope!!

1 - Go to "wikipedia." Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to "Random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.

CD releases today

Hey fans...

I read somewhere that the temperature in Regina was going to rise above the freezing mark today, which cetainly is enough to give all Reginans a reminder that winter doesn't last forever. Anything to hang on to is a blessed thing -- we'll be basking in the sun and mowing our lawns in no time.

Today marks the long-awaited release of "No Line On the Horizon" from U2. I've always thought U2 was overrated, but I usually lose any sort of argument I have with serious fans of Bono and The Edge, so I won't bother mount a similar argument here. The band is playing every night on the Letterman show this week. I caught Monday night's show and the song and performance were a tad yawn-inducing. We'll see of they pick things up later in the week.

And it seems even the rock Gods that make up U2 understand that adding value to their product is the best weapon in the battle of cyber-pirating. Fans can buy a plain CD release of "No Line on the Horizon" or they can get one of the other four packages. There's the limited box set that includes a DVD and hardcover book, the "digipack" edition with a fold-out poster and rights to download a U2 film, the 60-page magazine version and the limited-issue vinyl double LP.

U2, "No Line On the Horizon", (Interscope)

Various artists"Watchmen: Music From the Motion Picture", (Reprise)

Neko Case, "Middle Cyclone", (Anti)

Raul Malo, "Lucky One",(Fantasy)

Rush, "Retrospective 3",(Atlantic)

Boston Spaceships, "Planets Are Blasted" (Guided by Voices)

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, "The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem In Person at Carnegie Hall: The Complete 1963 Concert" (Sony)

Justin Townes Earle, "Midnight at the Movies" (Bloodshot)

Bela Fleck, "Throw Down Your Heart, Tales from the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3: Africa Sessions" (Rounder)

Ian McLagan and Bump Band, "Never Say Never" (R.E.D.)

Buddy and Julie Miller, "Written in Chalk" (New West)

Nashville Pussy, "From Hell to Texas" (Steamhammer)

Alan Parsons Project, "Vulture Culture: Original Recording Remastered" (Sony)

Arvo Part, "In Principio" (ECM)

Prodigy, "Invaders Must Die" (R.E.D.)

Tierney Sutton, "Desire" (Telarc)

Thin Lizzy, "Still Dangerous: Live at the Tower Theater Philadelphia" (VH1)

Various Artists, "The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 11B: 1971" (Hip-O)

Soundtracks and scores:

"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" (Lakeshore)

"Watchmen: Original Motion Picture Score" (Reprise)

Video Killed The Radio Star

Hello friends.....

Well, I won't say that I'm exactly surprised, but I'm pleased to learn that so many people listen to The Wolf. It makes sense that the station does pretty well in the ratings, but it would be interesting to learn how many people listen to The Grindhouse, the station's hour-long show dedicated to heavy metal.

The show's host, Evan Baran, has been great to work with -- Matte's Metal Minute was christened a few weeks ago and it's been really fun contributing to the show. On Friday, I urged listeners to call local movie theatres in hopes they might host the April premiere of Flight 666, the Iron Maiden documentary produced my Sam Dunn. I did some calling around and learned there are no plans afoot to show the film, so perhaps they could be enoucouraged if they knew there was a demand. So, consider yourself similarly encouraged.

This week is a good one for metal fans. At the Exchange on Friday night, Rehashed, Blacklisted, Kleins96, Life in Hand and Urindump share the stage in what will be a very loud evening.

That's it for now - check back tomorrow, will ya?

A

BNL turns the Page

So, Steven Page is out as a member of the Barenaked Ladies. I'm not sure what the band's chances are without him, but we wish everyone the best of luck. From what the band has posted on its website, there is plenty to read between the lines.

http://www.bnlmusic.com/