Vancouver resident Brian Calvert is a retired molecular biologist and current actor, writer and comedian. Much of his early sketch work was with comedy groups ChurchofJerks.com and VILLAGEiDiOT.ca, both of which he helped create. Village Idiot's comedic photocompositions went on display as the February/March 2009 Artists-in-Residence at The Tipper Restaurant & Review Room. Later that year, their video commercial entry "Man Scouts"; won 1st prize at Big Rock Brewery's 16th Annual Eddie Awards.

The idea for their book America, but Better: The Canada Party Manifesto (D&M, 2012) came from Brian Calvert and Chris Cannon's viral campaign on YouTube where they co-created a satire video, staring Calvert, called "The Canada Party";; a comedic piece containing very strong themes regarding the strength of the Canadian state and the absurdity of the current political situation in America. This manifesto presents solutions to America's problems in a humorous, very Canadian way-with Maple syrup filled pipelines and amendments to The Constitution, so that it includes Hockey issues, taking center stage.

BOOKS:

America, but Better: The Canada Party Manifesto (D&M, 2012) $16.95 978-1-77100-062-8 Co-authored with Chris Cannon(see entry).

[BCBW 2012]