10) OPINION
thursday, 7 september, 2006
Macleans: tactless tabloid or professional periodical?
Once-classy weekly now caters to lowest common denominator
ADAM GAUMONT
On 14 August, eleven of Canada’s top universi- ties (now 14 and counting), including our own U of A, sent a letter to Maclean’s officially stating that they will no longer provide their academic information for the magazine’s annual univer- sity rankings feature due to flaws inherent in the system—namely, the lack of uniformity among provincial academic standards and thus of com- patibility among university results.
Maclean’s has defended its position, pointing out that the universities are being un-cooperative and giving them few alternatives to work with. Nevertheless, such a public disavowing of'a once widely respected and widely read (if not offi- cial) report is the most recent blow to its rapidly decreasing respectability as a news publication.
The slide started when ex-Edmontonian Kenneth Whyte took over as publisher and editor- in-chief in February 2005. Whyte spearheaded a redesign of Maclean's that saw it divebomb from a sober news weekly to checkout-stand rag prac- tically overnight.
Don’t get me wrong: in the world of news pub- lications, change is good, and redesigns are a vital part of staying current, effective and informative. And if'you ask Rogers Media, owners of the maga- zine since 1994, Maclean’s most recent revamping undoubtedly shot sales up through the roof: With tasteful front-page teasers like “Divorce a friend,” “Mmmm... Flippers: A tasteful defence of the seal hunt,” and “Michael Ignatieff: The first interview with the Liberal heir apparent’ —featured on the 10 April 2006 issue, even though the Liberal lead- ership convention doesn’t even take place until December of this year—it’s no wonder copies are
now flying off the shelves.
Given the general quality of Rogers’ print pub- lications—Chatelaine, Flare and Loulou come to mind—it’s not surprising that the media giant wanted to push Maclean’s in the same direction. And while there’s nothing wrong with such popular fluff per se, when a traditionally repu- table news publication sinks to this level as well, it’s troubling not only for the magazine itself but also the state of journalism in Canada generally.
Most troubling than its layout and design, however, is Maclean’s recent tendency to blur the lines between editorial and advertising content. As pointed out in the March/April 2006 issue of Adbusters, Maclean’s ran features in 2005 on “The New Canadian Establishment” sponsored by Cadillac, breaking the cardinal journalistic tule of keeping advertisements separate from editorial content in the process.
More recently, in its 1 September issue, Maclean’s let aforementioned Liberal “heir appar- ent” Michael Ignatieff take the helm and write himself a self-endorsatorial entitled “What I would do if I were Prime Minister.” Forgetting for a moment the leaders of Canada’s other seated opposition parties, can we assume that Maclean’s will provide an equal number of self-promoting column-inches to the other Liberal leadership candidates? I haven't seen it yet.
Perhaps the magazine’s approximate three million readers won't notice little details like lack of journalism ethics, but they undoubtedly will notice what’s on the front cover. And unlike the classy Maclean’s of old, recent issues blurt out nauseating collages, eye-popping yellow and red banners, and sensationalist headlines.
A quick gander at some of the past few months’ cover jobs says it all. My personal favourite: “What really happens in Hugh Hefner’s bed- room,” an in-depth analysis that came out on 14 August—the same day that the above-men- tioned eleven universities sent their letter shunning the magazine’s popular university ranking system. Coincidence? Probably. Fitting? Definitely.
Redesign resurrects magazine from quagmire of reader apathy
MATT FREHNER
The universities’ decision to pull their support of the annual Maclean's rankings was indeed a blow to the magazine’s integrity, and sent a strong message that the weekly must clean up its ratings procedure. However, this admittedly deserved action by the University of Alberta and others isn’t the final nail in the coffin of the magazine’s credibility that Mr Gaumont suggests. In attack- ing the magazine’s new style, he ignores the question of whether the substance had changed for the better—which it certainly has.
Maclean's went under the knife on its 100th birthday for a number of reasons. Most impor- tantly, it had become one of the worst sellers on the newsstand in Canada, and with a falling sub- scription base, the magazine was in trouble.
Kenneth Whyte unveiled the new Maclean’s to mixed reviews. A custom typeface and expertly tweaked leading allowed them to sneak more words onto the page without sacrificing read- ability, while the photo editing took on a more professional, deliberate look. Detractors claimed that the new design made the magazine nothing more than a trashy tabloid, with its often-irrev- erent content and sensational, sometimes offen-
sive, headlines and teasers.
Whatever your opinion of the new look, it worked. The magazine was awarded “Canada’s magazine of the year” by the 29th Canadian National Magazine Awards. They've also taken readers’ input seriously, as evidenced by their new font size and changes to the “newsmakers” page, as well as their movement from a Monday to a Thursday publishing date.
Granted, some of the magazine’s covers are a
touch inflammatory. Still, this doesn’t speak in any substantive way to the actual quality of the articles, but rather the marketing department’s desire to sell more issues to keep the publication afloat. Proclaiming it to be “WWIII” on your cover may be alarmist, but it gets people to pick up the issue—after which readers are treated to 15 pages that analyze the intricacies of Hezbollah’s presence in the Mideast, from the US’ influence to personal experiences of Lebanese Canadians to discussions by a vast array of diplomats and scholars as to why Israel-Lebanon may in fact be the harbinger of WWIIL
This also applied to the article on the Khadr family, which spends eight pages discussing their history and opinions, and serves to provide a lot of background context to the ongoing saga of Omar Khadr, the Canadian accused of killing an American soldier in Afghanistan during his youth and held in Guantanamo Bay for four years without charge—and who’s often the recipient of dubious (and, depending on who you ask) alleged legal practices like force-feeding and torture.
These examples aren’t the exception, and they do exactly what a good news magazine should: provide context and in-depth analysis of the issues at play in the daily media. If I had to choose between stale content with inoffensive headlines and exemplary analysis with a bit of cheek, I’d go for the latter every time.
Maclean’s also features solid political analysis of writers like Paul Wells, John Geddes and Peter C Newman, who together bring a wealth of expe- rience and opinion unsurpassed by any other Canadian publication and which is certainly on par with content in the Economist et al.
I’s this mix of serious analysis with care- ful impertinence that makes the new Maclean’s a weekly staple of mine. I implore you to look beyond the cheesy facade to the tasty analytical innards. Canadians are well-served by this revi- talized magazine, which provides a much-needed point of departure for political and social discus- sion in this country.
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THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: MIKE OTTO
Clean up your act, dirtbags
ELIZABETH VAIL
Now that you're responsible and intelligent adults attending univer- sity, you may think that your mama’s rules don’t apply to you. In most cases, this is true. I really couldn’t care less if you decided to eat your steak with your fingers, leave your elbows on the table, drink in the afternoon or cut in line while buying your text- books at the bookstore (because in that situation, people stronger and more annoyed than I won't hesitate to beat you to death with their 900-page mechanical engineering textbook). There are some rules, though, that I must implore you to follow.
First of all, for the love of God, don’t give up on showering At the very least, grab a sponge and hog the near- est water fountain if you're strapped for time—or if you’ve watched Psycho too many times to consider a shower stall the safest place to be.
As children we're allowed to run
IfT ran the
iW
There are many members of the spe- cies known as Homo sapiens who love going to zoos in order to observe members of the animal kingdom up close in artificially constructed rec- reations of their natural habitats. But
after my latest visit to the local zoo this summer, I have come to the conclu- sion that I don’t fall into this category of humanoids.
Sure, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has exotic animals that you don’t see everyday, such as elephants, monkeys and prairie gophers, but as I mean- dered around and observed the various smelly, hairy specimens on display, my enthusiasm was quickly deflated.
Tt wasn’t that the monkeys were too hot to throw even a single piece of their own feces in my general direc- tion, or that the zookeepers won't let you take home a free gerbil or a duck.
No, it was the grim reminder at
bare-bottomed through the neigh- bourhood in an effort to evade the detested weekly bath, but now that youre in university, you needn't return to those times of “nakee- nakee!”—nor does it mean that you may do without the use of soap and water. If people have to sit close to you for 60-80 minutes without moving, you should take care not to smell like you just went frolicking through a field of rotten fruit before taking a dip in a river of diaper gravy.
This also applies to strong fra- grances and perfumes. Ignoring the fact that some students are allergic to these—and that Sex Panther has been illegal in Canada since the Anchorman Massacre of ‘75—we must remem- ber that with a student population of around 30 000, it’s highly unlikely that you'll be the only person wearing a strong scent.
While Britney Spears’ Fantasy fra- grance might smell nice on its own, if someone next to you has sprayed herself 20 times with J-Lo’s Glow, the result of the two scents’ diva-style cat- fight for Celebrity-sponsored perfume supremacy is going to be nauseating for every one else in the class.
I’ve also noticed that spitting has become a popular habit for university
students. What is it with your fixation with vandalizing the campus with your bodily fluids? Are you possessed of a subconscious, evolutionary desire to mark your territory? Or do you just get lost easily and think that by leaving a trail of saliva you can find your way back to the Students’ Union Building?
Perhaps you should just try swal- lowing what’s in your mouth. You can’t just unzip your pants and piss on the sidewalk or take a dump in Quad. Spitting, to me, is no less disgusting. Keep whatever’s in your mouth in your mouth, unless you are perform- ing a service, in which case, take it out of your mouth and go get a freakin’ room already.
You're a young adult, yes. You're entitled to be part of adult society, yes. But that doesn’t mean that you have to do away with all of the precepts imposed on you throughout your young life. The reason you have been made, as a child, to bathe and to speak politely and to arrange your knife and fork a certain way is precisely so that you may behave properly in adult society, and so that others are com- fortable dealing with and around you. If you insist on stinking and spitting to your heart’s content, then be prepared to stink and spit by yourself.
zoo... | d close it down
every other exhibit that the animal that you are gawking at is an endangered animal that’s quickly approaching extinction. Loss of habitat, poaching and pollution are mentioned as the usual culprits.
Walking around the zoo, I was con- stantly reminded that humans aren't content to simply wipe out members of their own species; they also feel the need to carry over their genocidal tendencies into whatever’s left of the natural world.
Thus my mood descended into jaded cynicism, and I was glad that I don’t yet have children of my own, as this harsh dose of reality would have completely ruined their day.
“See that beautiful tiger in that pic- ture, kids? It'll soon be completely wiped off the face of the earth because some people think its head looks better hanging over a mantelpiece. Others chop off the testicles of the males to use in the production of chemicals or maybe just to eat as a delicacy. Now, who wants ice cream?”
Not content merely to tell me how the various animals are doing on a scale of “thriving” to “completely fucked,” it seemed that the zoo had some irony in store for me as well. In
my afternoon safari, I came across an indoor section that was set up as an educational exhibit to teach the kids all about animals and nature.
Now, I’m all for education, but even I raised an eyebrow when, upon further inspection, I noticed that the exhibit was sponsored by a major oil company. Call me paranoid, but it made me want to break out into a bout
of depressed, insane laughter before drowning myself in a barrel of crude oil—just after inhaling directly from the exhaust pipe of a running SUV while sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg from an unseen poacher lurk- ing in the parking lot.
However, I did learn one thing from this visit: my next trip to learn about nature will be an overdue return to Drumheller. At the Royal Tyrell Museum, I can walk around com- pletely free of guilt, assured that as an individual and as a member of a larger species, I had absolutely nothing to do with the extinction of the dinosaurs and other prehistoric animal and plant life. Unless the evangelical Christian theory of natural history is correct, in which case | think I'll just pay some- body to slay me with the jawbone of a T-Rex as penance.
OPINION 1{
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12. OPINION
thursday, 7 september, 2006
Pluto: proper planet or undeserving dwarf?
A frozen hunk of ice does not a planet make, Ostad. Let's rid our solar system of such shameful planetary impurity
ANDREW NEWBORN
Mi
NC point I’m brilliant, it’s impossible to deny. It’s easily proven too. For years I’ve been saying that Pluto shouldn’t be considered a planet, and it seems astronomers have finally caught up to my all- encompassing understanding of everything and set the solar system right.
Pluto’s orbit is what NASA scientists refer to as “whacked the fuck out.” You see, it just doesn’t line up with the eight real planets of the solar system. It likes to hang out with other galactic hoodlums, like that gaggle of ice balls in the Kuiper Belt who could never afford a better orbit. Real planets have nice, clean, round orbits close to the sun like Earth and Mars. Sometimes, as with Jupiter, they blow their wealth on a giant body and hang out a little further away. But Pluto never could compete, and scientists have finally shown the little bastard the door.
You see, Kuiper Belt objects, along with their dwarf-planet kin, just don’t understand what it takes to be a planet. They don’t bother clear- ing their orbits of other objects, and sometimes they're so small they can’t even overcome rigid body forces to make themselves round!
Becoming a planet is like joining an exclusive club: there are rules for these sorts of things, and they must be strictly enforced. We need to keep the riff-raff out—otherwise any jackass of a rock could become a planet, and I’d never be able to remember all their names. If Pluto had remained a planet, that would have cleared the way for potentially dozens more planets. It’s a
chilling thought for someone like me, whose overpowered brain couldn't be bothered to actu- ally memorize his multiplication tables.
But mere mortals that they are, astronomers still lag behind the type of super-intelligence that my Arts education has granted me, and their scientific definition of a planet still fails to live up to my rigorous testing The persons respon- sible for deciding this new definition didn’t bother including anything about objects with eccentric orbits. Any real planet ought to have an orbit shaped like a beautiful, perfectly spheri- cal woman. Pluto’s orbit is elliptical, however, and it intercepts with the orbit of Neptune, so it could have just as easily been kicked out by my own, much sexier definition.
If the
scien- tists of the world were all as intel- igent as me, they would have figured
out — interstel-
ar travel by
now, and we'd
know what other
solar systems look
ike. Since they aren’t that smart, and since and they haven’t figured out interstellar travel, very little
is known about other solar sys-
tems. It’s impossible right now to know
if our system is the standard, and I can dig it if the definition of a planet has to keep changing to keep up with new discoveries—l’m just going on what our solar system looks like.
Youre a snob of galactic proportions, Newborn. Discriminating against dwarf planets is so 20th century
RAMIN OSTAD
counter-point
Thave to say Newborn, Iam shocked and appalled
by the things you've just said. As an Arts student,
you should have learned a little something about
equality, decency and respect by
now, but I guess you haven't.
I guess the field of astron-
omy has been taken
over by people like
you—people who
would like noth-
ing more than
to see planets
like Pluto be
excluded from
the privileges
that come
from _ being
a part of our
solar system. In
short, you, sir,
are nothing more than a Planetist.
You base your “sci-
ence” on how “whack”
poor Pluto’s orbit is based
on all of the other planets.
You call it a “hoodlum” simply
because it has no one else but its friends
in the Kuiper Belt. You call them “dwarf” plan-
ets and “ice balls’—discriminatory adjectives
to say the least—and poke fun at their disen-
franchisement simply because they couldn’t
afford large planetary bodies or unobstructed orbits like the other “real” planets could.
Just because a body’s orbit is elliptical—or because it intersects with Neptune’s, or because it’s smaller—doesn’t mean that you have the right to add and remove it from the list of rel- evance whenever you please. These bodies, even the ones that aren’t perfectly curvaceous, have just as much right to be planets as all the others in our solar system. They’re there, they may be square, get used to it.
The problem with people like you, Newborn, is that youre so used to sitting on your high horse of livable planetary existence that you care nothing for all those other planets trying to make something of themselves.
How dare you be so prejudiced towards Pluto just because it’s a little more eccentric than all of the other so-called “real” planets? You should be ashamed of yourself: All you have proven here is that youre afraid of what might happen if we did start adding more “jackass” planets.
There would be dozens of them, Newborn. Dozens of planets that don’t fit your ideal of planets shaped like fat, rich women and have perfect, non-eccentric orbits. Dozens of planets that are jagged, that have elliptical or square or trapezoid orbits.
What would you do then? Would your “supe- rior” intellect suddenly quiver in fear at the prospect of that much memorization? Would it scare you to know that maybe, just maybe, your “perfect” solar system was to be invaded by these “hoodlum” planets who really want nothing more than to belong?
One day, you and your elite Planetist friends will learn their lesson—mark my words. But until that day comes, the poor bodies of the Kuiper Belt will have to find a new system to call home—and I, for one, will gladly help them.
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THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
University is your chance to shine—so dont blow it this year
“With so many reasons to achieve, it’s somewhat surprising that students find themselves pulled into a world of slacking, mediocrity and even failure—yet they do it time and time again. To
AMANDA TERMEER
At the beginning of a new semester, many students wake up and have an epiphany. At this point, five simple words are boldly proclaimed: this year will be different.
Reasons for changing can be any- thing from the desire for parental approval to personal perfectionism. Either way, students can choose to stagnate their progress or flourish in the learning environment offered at the University of Alberta.
There are a variety of resolutions that students can have for a new school year. They can be as simple as running a sub-20-minute race or as complex as completing a PhD in molecular genet- ics. However, for the rest of us, one of the most common resolution is to hit the books, study hard and finally pull off a good GPA.
The lofty notion of achieving high marks is so common that tons of seminars are offered to help students achieve their annual goals. Academia thrives on young minds who desper- ately want to improve. Tutors make a living by attempting to teach students
Time for a
MICHAEL SMITH
It’s that time of year ladies and gentle- men: back to the ol’ grind of school! At least, it is for those of us who aren't over-achievers (or desperately trying to complete our degrees)—and who don’t believe in Spring and Summer terms.
I'm faced with the same dilemma at the beginning of every new semes- ter—one that taxes me to the break- ing point. For anyone not entering first year (since they’re too doe-eyed to be this cynical), I’m going to break down this first week for you.
Wednesday, as you have prob- ably already discovered by the time you read this, involved waking up, going to your classes, and receiving many a syllabi. Thursday, same thing: wake up, go to class, receive syllabi. For these first two days, most of us only pay attention to whether or not the final exam will be cumulative. After that, we set off blissfully to the beer gardens to drink ourselves into a stupor and try to forget the small amount of information the professor just attempted to convey.
This is where my personal dilemma comes in. You see, it’s on the almighty Friday that I face my greatest chal- lenge: whether to go to class at all. I’m sure most of you will have faced a similar dilemma as you show up for that 8am class on the third day of school, only to have the profes- sor smite your will to live with the words, “Who hasn’t received their syllabus yet?”
Looking forward to a long weekend,
compensate for such failures, they fall back onto
previous achievements.”
new concepts that will enable them to ace their courses. Week Of Welcome introduces new students to all of the various programs offered to ensure an easy adjustment into university life. University also offers many extra-cur- ricular programs to make achieving excellence possible.
Every group of students has its own reason for high academic achieve- ments. First-years are filled with blind ambitions and assume that university will be as easy as high school. Second- years think that they will understand the system better and therefore be better able to play the game of aca- demia to score killer marks. Third- year students realize their marks suddenly count towards determining whether they will graduate with dis- tinction and make it into grad school. And fourth-years just want to go out with a bang. Overall, everyone has a reason to believe they should strive for excellence.
These great expectations for the new year quickly disintegrate, and inevitably, homework assignments
lesson in Slacking 101
youre instead treated either to a repeat of the first class or to one of those round-table introductions where you learn the name of every person in your class, what their major is and whatever other information I need to know about the people I will secretly loath for the next four months due to their clearly superior intellect.
Of course, if every professor did this, the choice would be an easy one. Some, however, knowing that they have no chance of getting through the syllabus, try anyways. Sometimes, just to be annoying, they may hand out year-end group assignments on the first day, then never mention said group assignments again until you ask them weeks later when such assign- ments will be passed out.
Well of course I should have been there that day, but if 1 was there, how would I have been able to watch the entire first season of the original Star Trek series in my underwear? Beat that logic!
So, based on this dilemma, I’ve devised a new proposal to the University: make Friday a mandatory holiday for all staff and students. It’s really a win-win situation. Those pro- fessors who feel some crazy desire to crush the spirit of their students as soon as possible will have no choice but to delay the end of hope until the following Monday.
This way, the cool profs can spare me the touchy-feely crap about people I will probably want to forget about afterwards anyways, and realize at the same time that they won't get through their syllabus either and start some actual teaching instead.
As for us students, we will enjoy a well-deserved respite from the hard work that proceeded this newly cre- ated long weekend, and I might not feel guilty about skipping class for once. That is, until Monday of course.
remain undone well past their due | dates, sparkling new textbooks remain | unopened and unread, and hours + spent drinking may well outnumber those spent studying.
With so many reasons to achieve, it's somewhat surprising that stu- dents find themselves pulled into a world of slacking, mediocrity and even failure—yet they do it time and time again. To compensate for such failures, they fall back onto previous achievements: and instead of discuss- ing a failing assignment for a tough course, discussions of aced high school diploma exams will dominate the discussion—because reverting to the glories of the past is better than accepting a dismal future.
The problem here is that talk is cheap, so rather than bragging about your potential, you should actually start walking the walk. Rather than slacking, put some effort into your academic life. Strive to exceed poten- tial and expectations—even your own—because after all this year will
be different, right?
n= BURLAP SACK
Now, I'm not usually one to bemoan the loss of material possessions. “Ebb and flow with the tide,” my Zen guru used to say. “Detach yourself from what you own, and happiness will come.” Well, fuck that; because, last night, some Whyte-area hooligan
illed my bike, and, dammit, | really iked that bike. Let me set the stage for you. There
was, enjoying a strawberry-banana milkshake while editing newspa- per copy and watching the season premiere of |= House—blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding on he street below. However, when | went to retrieve my bike a little after am, | found my lock difficult to open.
| quickly realized that said lock had been compacted into my bicycle’s ube, creating a savage, irreparable bend. Its structural integrity comp mised, | walked home, dejected. It was a Schwinn Moab—from back when Schwinn was a reputable company—and had served as my rusty steed for many a grueling and spectacular off-road trail in Banff and Jasper. Without complaint, my Schwinn propelled me through seven Edmonton winters—the most recent of which as my only method of transportation.
This bike served me well, and I'm indeed saddened by its loss; but worse still is that this act of violence gained nothing for anyone. And so, were my sack big enough, | would use it to beat into oblivion all the world’s senseless acts of violence.
MATT FREHNER
OPINION 13
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THE GATEWAY + volume XCVII number 2
FEATURE 15
On the second floor of the Students’ Union Building, the five members of the Students’ Union Executive sit in their offices waiting for action. At the helm is SU President Samantha Power, whose voice repre- sents the entire undergraduate population. Her minions, Vice-President (Academic) Amanda Henry, Vice-President (External) Dave Cournoyer, Vice-President (Operations and Finance) Chris Cunningham and Vice-President (Student Life) Omer Yusuf, work at her side and within the greater body of Students’ Council to make decisions that affect you—whether you notice them or not. Ruling over almost 30 000 undergraduate students, I would like to introduce, your student government.
Samantha Power — President
As VP (External) last year, Samantha Power was neck deep in dealing with off-campus issues, like the provincial government’s postsecondary edu- cation review and working with the municipal government in the hopes of finally achieving a universal bus pass for students. Now President of the SU, she’s taking more of a leadership role, coordinating the members of the Executive and adding cohesion to their many projects—and shifting gears from her usual beat.
“Tt was a little difficult to let them go,” the political science student admits, “But it wasn’t as difficult because there are really good people working on the issues that I was involved in, so it’s really good that we can work together on them.”
As President, Power spends her time looking at the larger picture and focusing on on-campus issues like the SU’s financial troubles with the Powerplant and lobbying the Administration for more student input in academics.
Still, Power’s focus on the postsecondary review last year—which came under question when then-minister of advanced education
David Hancock, who s resigned before the resu the SU narrow in on funding issues and the
pearheaded the review, ts were in—has helped ongoing concerns, like ack of student space at
the University of Alberta.
“Our provincial work hasn’t let up: we've been really active with this new Minister in making sure that the results of the review, as minimal as they were, aren’t really forgotten and that they still need to be implemented,” Power says, pointing to Ralph Klein’s promise for the most affordable tuition policy in the country, which has yet to be announced despite his pending res- ignation.
Ultimately, along with the rest of the Executive,
Power hopes to help improve the quality of teaching at the U of A and promote the growth of student space on campus and in other provin- cial institutions.
“The five of us are students’ advocates to the University and to the provincial and municipal governments: we're talking to those people on a daily basis and trying to change their deci- sions to be more student-friendly, and that has an impact on the quality of teaching that you're getting, how your professor interacts with you on a daily basis and how your student finance works,” Power explains.
Amanda Hendry — VP (Academic)
Amanda Henry was the sole candidate running for VP (Academic), but it certainly wasn’t by luck that she got the job. The fourth-year double major in Political Science and Middle-Eastern and African studies spent a year in training as Associate VP (Academic) and was ready to take over the reigns in May.
“The biggest change is that I don’t have to order pizza anymore,” she says with a laugh. “This job is a lot heavier on policy planning and issues type-things and the other job was more about coordinating volunteers.”
Still, her role as AVPA has made for a smooth transition, and Henry is well versed on the pleth- ora of academic issues that the SU deals with, from information and technology in the class- room to the review of first-year English classes.
Growing up in Hay Lakes, Alberta, Henry spent her spare time debating policy as a teenage politician, and was all too eager to continue on this path in university.
“T was actually involved in my student gov- ernment in high school, as secretary of my high school students’ union. Geek once, geek forever,” said the Wetaskawin Composite High
Written by Chloé Fedio Photos by Josh Nault
School graduate.
And though the SU at the U of A is respon- sible for organizing social events and creating a community for the students it represents—much like high-school student governments—Henry stresses that this aspect is a small part of a much larger organization that takes on the responsibil- ity of student advocacy in the hopes of improv- ing the institution and the quality of education it provides.
“The reason I exist is because a university edu- cation isn’t as regulated as a high school educa- tion; there’s no such things as a diploma exam here, so it’s totally up to the University in terms of what they offer and how they offer it,” Henry says. “My job is to be the student input on those processes.”
Dave Cournoyer — VP (External) Every year, students hold their breath as they wait to hear how much tuition will go up—and how much penny pinching will be necessary to avoid a downward spiral into heavier and heavier debt. And after spending two years researching postsecondary funding and tuition at the SU, VP (External) Dave Cournoyer is launching into these issues with enthusiasm, lobbying the gov- ernment and the Administration to create more student-friendly policies. “The learning curve was still a little steep, moving into this position, but I think I have a bit of an advantage, having that experience in the past,” he says. “I have that kind of background.” Like three other members of this year’s Executive, Cournoyer is a Political Science major, entering his fourth year of studies at the U of A. “T’s the year of the PoliSci student. It’s funny ‘cause last year, there were three engineers in Exec positions and this year there are three polit- ical science students,” he laughs.
Continued Next Page»
16 FEATURE
“The five of us are students’ advocates to the University and
to the provincial and municipal governments’ SAMANTHA POWER, PRESIDENT
“T think most students would be just blown away with
what we actually do accomplish in one year and what we
are responsible for”
Cournoyer is particularly concerned with the province’s passing of Bill 40 in the spring, an unpopular piece of legislation, criticized by students and members of the opposition alike, for taking tuition out of legislation. Despite the promise to make Alberta’s tuition the most affordable in the country, Cournoyer is skeptical that this bill will promote the creation of a more sustainable tuition policy.
“Whatever tuition policy this current gov- ernment brings out, if it’s not in legislation and it’s only in regulation, students have no assur- ance that the policy will even be the same in six months. So it’s important that it gets back into legislation,’ Cournoyer says.
For the past two years, students have been paying the same tuition levels as in 2004/05, but Cournoyer quickly points out that tuition has still been going up every year at each provincial institution.
“Tt was never a rollback: the University was rebated,” he says, explaining that the government has been buffering the cost, but not decreasing the high levels of tuition, despite their promise for the most affordable tuition. “I don’t think keeping the status quo creates the most afford- able anything.”
Chris Cunningham — VP (Operations and Finance)
Chris Cunningham isn’t your average student politician; in fact, before he was voted in as VP (Operations and Finance) last spring, he wasn’t involved in the SU at all. But, despite his lack of practical experience in Council Chambers, Cunningham is adjusting well and is confident in his position.
“T’s been a really great experience,” Cunningham says. “It was pretty much exactly what I thought it would be; it’s been a pretty smooth transition.”
With close to $10 million for an operating budget, Cunningham is aware of the responsibil- ity he has to keep the SU afloat.
“T think most students would be just blown away with what we actually do accomplish in one year and what we're responsible for,” he says, dispelling some misconceptions about the organization. “A lot of people don’t see the
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM, VP (OPERATIONS AND FINANCE)
distinction between the Students’ Union and the University—but they're completely separate entities.”
The Economics student started at the U of A studying molecular genetics, but after three years decided to change gears and made the leap to the Faculty of Arts.
“Tve actually been at this school longer than I'd like to admit,” Cunningham says with a smile.
So far, Cunningham has implemented former VP (operations and finance) Jason Tobias’ pro- posal to save the plummeting Powerplant, which has been operating at a loss for the past six years. Formerly a restaurant and bar all week long, the Plant will function under its traditional model from Thursday—Saturday, while it will be open as a student space from Monday—Wednesday. The Plant will also be sectioned off: what was once Dewey’s, the northernmost part of the building, will be rebranded the “Powerplant coffee shop,” while the easternmost section will provide buffet services.
“Tm really into trying to expand the busi- ness portfolio of the Students’ Union, so there’s still quite a bit of ideas on my radar,” says Cunningham, hinting at future plans the SU has yet to unveil.
Omer Yusuf — VP (Student Life) Hidden behind a giant poster board of a red Transformer, which is trying desperately not to block the door to Omer Yusuf’s office, is a smaller cut-out of Captain Picard. These are just a few props being used across campus in the SU’s Week of Welcome events, whose slogan espouses a humorous ring: “Geeks unite.”
“Tf this year’s Week of Welcome theme hasn’t given it away, I’m a really big nerd,” Yusuf admits.
As VP (Student Life), Yusuf is engaged with planning student events, but he doesn’t want to limit himself to such a narrow scope of respon- sibility. Two major issues that have been taking up his time are the mandatory fees imposed on students by the University, and Aramark’s monopoly on campus food services.
“[My job is] anything that’s non-academic in nature, which is pretty much just a big sack of anything,” he explains.
While Yusuf feels that there’s a sufficient pro-
cess that makes SU fees and dedicated fee units— created by a referendum and stating a specific use for the funds collected—transparent to students, there’s less information about the operation and collection of University fees that are part of stu- dents’ tuition. “We're trying to get mechanisms in place so there’s a better understanding in how those fees are collected just so that students have an input on a fee that basically levied against them for their benefit,” Yusuf says.
Aside from the issue of mandatory fees, the ongoing dissatisfaction with Aramark on campus has brought upon the creation of a committee, comprised of University administrators and members of the SU, with the goal of including more student voice in food services.
Yusuf, who graduated with a degree in Physiology and Developmental Biology last spring, feels kind of like the odd guy out, as the other four members of the Executive are study- ing in the Faculty of Arts.
But his history of involvement in student life—he spent two years as a science councillor and three years working at Orientation—keeps him well-entrenched in the organization and this year’s VPSL is looking forward to working with the SU’s many volunteers.
“Treally do at heart still kind of consider myself a volunteer, and I try to remember all that kind of stuff when I go out planning,” he says.
Students’ Council The five members of the Executive are part of a greater whole in student government: Students’ Council. Every second Tuesday, along with 42 Faculty Councillors, (distributed proportionally based on their population) and the non-voting General Manager and Speaker, Council meets to administer student affairs and manage other stu- dent organizations. From analyzing the wording of referendum questions, put to students to levy extra fees or promote radical change (such as banning the sales and use of tobacco on campus) to debating the effectiveness of SU services, Council spends most of its time bogged down in debate. The future political hopefuls meet in University Hall’s Council Chambers.
thursday, 7 september, 2006
THE GATEWAY + volume XCVII number 2
Rate of the
Union
FEATURE 17
Resident hacks Matt Frehner and Ross Prusakowski dismember
Pei
the SU and feast upon the j
\ 4 / ¥
President Samantha Power
Ross: In the March election, Power obviously ben- efited from running against a weak field, as her campaign lacked vision and major goals. So far she's basically just continued to work as another Vice-President (External), pushing for the U-Pass and discussing how the Conservative Party's upcoming leadership race might affect tuition. There's no real on-campus connection or focus with most of her projects. | think this is particu- larly apparent with respect to the demolition of the Physics building and renovations being undertaken in BioSci. The effect this will have on the quality of our education—an issue and concern that should be a “home-run pitch” for any SU president— hasn't been substantively addressed by Power or the SU. And it's going to be hard for Power to do anything substantive after the summer months because that's the time you can get your big plans started. Once classes resume, the day-to-day business of the SU does too, leaving less time to start new projects.
Matt: | agree that her focus remains a bit off- campus, though it's kind of hard to tell, as we're still in the summer months, and people are still getting things together and organized. The Revolutionary Speaker Series lineup looks good this year, to Sam's credit. She has certainly done a fantastic job on the external advocacy side—as good as can be expected anyway, with such an obstinate govern- ment in Alberta. I'm confident that we'll hear more from her about on-campus issues in the coming weeks, though | haven't really heard of any major projects coming down the pipe. However, that's a problem in itself—if the SU and its president are planning anything grandiose, they need to let stu-
uicy entrails within
a ee | A y,
dents know.
Quality of education is more than just attempt- ing to reorganize tuition policy, working with the Council of Alberta University Students, that kind of thing. It’s also affected by what's going on on- campus all the time—things like bookstore line- ups, food services and classroom sizes are at the forefront of most students’ minds. Those are the issues that people actually get pissed off about; however, it’s the big projects—postsecondary policy, government funding, and the like—that will really affect students in the future. It’s important to balance both the immediate concerns of students with long-range advocacy projects.
Vice-President (Operations & Finance) Chris Cunningham
M: In general, the SU's businesses have been doing okay; however, with the Powerplant losing in the vicinity of $170 OOO last year, and RATT turning a profit only because it doesn't have to pay rent, there seems to be a major hole in the SU's business plan. These places just aren't attractive to students anymore, it seems, except through mere convenience. So, how does the ‘Plant's new identity change things? Where did this idea of the buffet and coffee shop come from? | applaud Cunningham and the SU for attempting to revital- ize an ailing business, but I'm still skeptical about its success.
In any case, | remember that Cunningham was very clear in his campaign that students shouldn't have to foot the bill for SU projects, and that SU revenue should come solely from its own busi- nesses, without any fee levied on students. And it doesn't seem to me that what's going on at RATT and at the ‘Plant, which is a huge project to under-
take, is going to make any appreciable difference.
R: | know that the renovation plan for the ‘Plant came from last year’s Council and was basically dumped into Cunningham's lap—something that's symptomatic of most Council projects, in a sense, given the amount of turnover every year. But, like every VPOF candidate for as long as I've been on campus, he pledged to make the ‘Plant profitable, and also wanted to find ways to cut SU fees through other sources of revenue for he organization. For someone who came across as being so profit-oriented during his campaign, I'm disappointed that he hasn't yet made it clear o Council, and to students in general, where the line is with this renovated ‘Plant. | think he needs o clearly articulate just how much money will be too much for the ‘Plant to lose before he says o Council that, “Hey, we need to shut this place down.”
The idea that the SU can create revenue from other sources is something that blew the other candidates out of the race, but now students need to hear some actual plans and projects. Plastering Zoom Media ads everywhere, or having it be the “University of Alberta Students’ Union Presented By Coke,” won't go over well. But, four months into his term we still don’t know what his plans are.
Vice-President (Academic) Amanda Henry
M: Amanda Henry has been doing a fairly good job, except that a lot of her work has flown under the radar. The 24/7 SUB is perhaps the most high- profile of her projects, but the Academic Plan Report was detailed and well done—if insanely dry—and her other projects seems to be moving along as well.
Continued Next Pager
thursday, 7 september, 2006
“The secret, really, in making student politics interesting is not to make them sexy or appealing or anything like that, but to make people aware of the issues and why they matter—to put a bug in each student's ear.”
R: | have to agree. The fact that the VP (Academic) is by nature much more of a long-term planning position means it’s hard to judge Amanda's progress in just four months. Helped by the fact that she was Assistant VP (Academic) last year, she entered the job knowing what was required, and so didn’t spend the first three months of her term getting a handle on what each General Faculties Committee does. Right now it might seem like she's getting an easier ride from us than some of her fellow Exec members, but VPA is definitely a job that’s better evaluated a year or two down the line, so you can see how effective they were at nosing the peanut along and if—for example—their work eventually got add/drop deadline extended in subsequent years.
Vice-President (Student Life) Omer Yusuf
R: At the best of times | have trouble figuring out what it is that the VPSL actually does. As much as | disliked the health plan proposal from 2004/05 VPSL Duncan Taylor, it was at least an ambitious project. Yusuf seems to be all about Orientation, WOW, “From Backpack to Briefcase” and just the general program side of his port- folio. That's okay, but it’s not the only part of the port- folio, and—as much as | criticized Power earlier for not taking the lead on student issues on campus—this is also something that Yusuf definitely needs to pick up on as well.
M: One thing | want to see from both Yusuf and Cunningham is progress on the food service task force that has been struck to evaluate food service on campus, particularly Aramark’s. I'd love to see some real solu- tions that address students’ concerns about price and food quality, but I'm skeptical of anything that's called a “task force.” It sounds like it's really just a bunch of people sitting around, listening closely to each other’s opinions, and then doing absolutely nothing. But these issues are very important to students, especially in Lister, and any progress on this front would be a real break through for Yusuf.
Vice-President (External) Dave Cournoyer
M: VP (External) is a hard portfolio to evaluate, because it’s very difficult to work with such a stubborn provincial government. When you have a minister of advanced education who offers, what, two hours of his time to consult with students—university student-executives included—it's difficult to get a word in. And the rebates the Alberta Government has been offering the last few years haven't been a signal of any progressive policy, but rather an example of what happens when a government falls ass-backwards into heaps of oil and gas revenue. This is because rebate is only a year-to-year deal, leaving students in the dark as to the future of tuition policy in Alberta. The problem is that it doesn’t include any sort of plan. That's what would be frustrating for me, if | was in Cournoyer's shoes: the government says they've done a lot, when really they've just pumped some cash in short term without an eye to the future. In this, the work that Dave and Sam have been doing with CAUS is definitely a step in the right direction, though I’m unsure how effec- tive it'll be.
R: | think Cournoyer had been doing a fairly good job. He knows who to talk to and who to work with—like Liberal Advanced Education Critic Dave Taylor—and he’s also been active in pushing student issues at the Legislature and City Hall. To both his and Power's credit, it looks like the long U-Pass process is slowly drawing to a close, and students will get to vote on it again in the spring, this time with a solid proposal before them. | agree, though, that
with a government as obstinate and distracted with their own leadership concerns as the Conservatives, | think it's hard for a VPX to be as effective as they may otherwise be. | think that Dave has also been a little bit out of the public eye—the I-Heart-Alberta-Funnyhat signs have been noticeable absent from campus.
M: | guess what we would look for from the SU Executive in the next couple of months is a real push, advocacy- wise—someway of getting students, new students in particular, involved in, and caring about, SU initiatives. I've had enough of tuition rallies at which only ten or 15 people show up, and besides, there are more issues on campus than just tuition. I'd really like to see them reach out more than previous executives. Making some sexy “tuition sucks” pins is a good start—l hope they have a lot more ideas in store.
Council
R: For people who decided to pay themselves, Council has shown remarkably little progress on effectively push- ing projects, learning the history behind major issues and even just generally taking the Executive to task. When the entire Executive decided to spend money and attend a student government conference out east, for example— something that VPOFs, VPXs and VPSLs have strongly recommended against in previous years—Council didn’t bat an eyelash. Also, a couple councillors have re-raised issues regarding sunset clauses for dedicated fee units and the elimination of Eugene Brody Fund (an SU fee that that uses students’ money for charitable projects). These topics were settled less than two years ago, but only a handful of councillors in the room had bothered to learn the history behind the issues. The other thing that exas- perated me about this year’s Council is that while their predecessors left them with plenty of loose ends on the structural side—like uncertainness over the powers of the various committees—they’ve devoted an inordinate amount of time to those issues. It would be nice to see them addressing actual student issues again and figuring out other services and business that could benefit their constituents, because providing these is one area where the SU can really excel.
If councillors could actually find the time to talk to “regular” students, then they might actually discover new services people wish were offered. Just as with any other government, when you take money from people, you need to explain what you're doing with it, and invite them to disagree with your choices as a government. Where, precisely, this money goes and what our elected repre- sentatives do is something that | think needs to be articu- lated to students better.
M: Onthe lack of institutional memory, Science Councillor Theresa Chapman recently put forth a motion seeking to hold referendums for dedicated fee recipients every ten years. The fact that this was done without any consulta- tion, and that the issue fell off the map as soon as she was asked to do some actual research, shows that it’s more of an attempt to put together some busy work than to deal with a real situation. If she felt that sunset clauses were something that were important to have for dedicated fees, then she would probably consult with fee recipients before bringing it to Council.
The secret, really, in making student politics interesting isn't to make them sexy or appealing or anything like that, but to make people aware of the issues and why they matter—to put a bug in each student's ear. The reason we care about Gomery or the Conservative leadership campaign isn't because the topics are intrinsically inter- esting—but because they affect us and we're told the issues will have an impact on our lives.
THE GATEWAY * VOUMEXCVII NUMBER2 FEATURE 19
self-serve better than no-serve
; ee Ee le ae a cn cae
The Gateway dines and whines about the ‘Plant's new buffet
a never been the kind of guy to let the words “all heated, and as far as rice goes, about as good as you'll you can eat” slip past my lips without ck yeah" to find. follow, so when the SU decided that a buffet-style restau- For heartier sustenance, we were also offered a rant would be a decent way to try to salvagesomemoney stew, shepherd's pie, perogies, chicken wings and cab- from the dying Powerplant, | was more than happy to bage rolls. Though the lack of heat and overall tin check out what sort of sneeze-guarded, lamp-heated fare er the heat lamps hurt all of these selections, t they had to offer students. pherd’s pie probably takes the cake. Matt on ow, I'm no food expert or anything, but my mom in had the honour, proclaiming it “inoffensive a does make the best chocolate chip cookies in the city. If ealy, wit ty potatoes.” | sampled the stew a you don't believe that, she'll fight you. To make up for my nd it to thing better than sub-par. Them refusal t mayonnaise-based cold salads and vegetar- insid prised me. The award for most ian cuisine, Mike Larocque and Matt Frehner joined me to ish, er, belonged to the cabbage rolls. sample what the Powerplant had on the go. i tt hated them with a passion, describi The decor of the Powerplant remains virtually — t inedible” and “tasting of sweat,” so bewa nchanged this year, with the exception of slightly less ings and the perogies both had potential, b eating where the buffet tables now sit. It should also t etting us down. The wings just did e noted that this new buffet is quite impressive con- taste to them. Mike described them idering the ‘Plant only got it under way a couple days tting a wing off a turkey at Thanksgiving. They do ore our trial run. The three of us doled out our $795 _ taste like bar wings.” The perogies tasted alright, thou nd grabbed some plates. ey lacked a little bit of the spice or sharper tast The usual concerns when dealing with buffet food — that | like in a perogy, and fell victim to too much tim pply here. The cutlery was less than clean, serv- the heat lamps. They had congealed and becom ing utensils had been sitting out all day, the p had more ofaperogy mash than individual perogies. developed a bit of a skin and the food dst tobe The desert table featured your usual array of a deal hotter or colder, depending on ish. Also, the brownies, bars and squares, and most of them were current lack of a fountain pop dispe tothe quite satisfying. We would, however warn against the awkwardness of the meal by forcin [ pour brownie and the coconut cream pie, which had a weird themselves a beverage from a jug i ixie cup. aftertaste. ow, we're assured that the fountain pop machine is Overall, the new ‘Plant did leave much to be desired, on the way in, so this is one problem that could easily — but also showed a lot of potentia room for improve- be remedied, especially wit ddition of real glass- = ment. Fresher food is undoubt t here, but ware, just like we us ; it’s also not a huge stre [ ed to get The food itself put us all through a wide range of | when this was a bar-style restaurant. erstaffed
notions. The starter salads—consisting this day of — service often resulted in cold meals anyways. In that , potato and pasta—were for the most part deli- sense, this is a huge step forward; th ffet allows you s. The lettuce in the garden salad did start to turn, to eat when you're hungry, not 30 minutes later, and it was nothing a healthy dose of Caesar dressing makes for a viable between-class eating option. dn't fix. The potato salad earned the coveted title e most pressing need is that of a fountain drin ood, if unadventuro rom Mike, who worried ine, but there are a few other things we'd like to
d
e
e
a Dp
ittle over its yellow colouring before being assure more complete salad bar would be a good star it was merely a side effect of too much mustard. Th would also help to increase the vegan choices o pasta salad also earned high marks, as Mike re-hit th
: | enu, which were slim—though we were told line for a second helping. that the ‘Plant is dedicated to making sure there are an
he rolls were poorly packaged, many of them f ple supply of vegetarian and vegan options. We'd and lifeless, but tasted just fine, no different from any so like to see an ice cream bar. Nothing fancy, just other roll. They were also soft and fresh, which is a ne sprinkles, chocolate sauce and soft serve. It's good sign. The soup, a cream of broccoli and cheese so encouraging to see that the traditional breakfast, concoction, earned high praise from the entire table. — easily the best food available at the Powerplant, as well Personally, it was the best-tasting part of my meal. as the best early-morning option on campus, is still The side dishes for today were plain white rice and ing ahead. veggie stir-fry. Matt braved the stir-fry, pronouncing it Let's hope that, against all odds, this buffet turns the to taste like “limp vegetables in anon-descript soy-like ‘Plant around, and infuses the SU with some extra rev- sauce.” | enjoyed the rice. It was fluffy and properly — enue this year. Just stay away from the cabbage rolls.
THE GATEWAY
volume XCVII number 2 « the official student newspaper at the university of alberta « www.gateway.ualberta.ca « thursday, 7 september, 2006
University will change your life: Samarasekera
MIKEOTTO
AVAST YE, FOUL FIRST-YEARS Engineering students and part-time pirates storm through Hawrelak Park leading their new swabbies to the annual President's address. Speeches by VP (Student Life) Omar Yusuf, SU President Sam Power and U of A President Indira “Cap'n” Samarasekera welcomed new students aboard.
’Plant illegally sells High hopes for redesigned ’Plant
Buffet meals and new coffeeshop part of plan to salvage bar from depths of deficit
tobacco after ban
NATALIE CLIMENHAGA
Senior News Editor
The Students’ Committee will be
Union — Executive taken before the Discipline, Interpretation and Enforcement (DIE) Board this fall by Audit Committee after a $64 profit was made from illegal tobacco sales in
the Powerplant during May and June.
“When I came to office, SUBMart had already got rid of all of its cigarettes, RATT [had done] the same and so I just naturally assumed everything was taken care of”
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM, VP (OPERATIONS AND FINANCE)
The sales violated an amendment to this year’s SU budget principles that came into effect 1 May, which prohibits
Inside
News 1-7 Opinion 9-13 Feature 15-20 A&E 21-27 Sports 28-31 Comics 32-33
Classifieds 34
the sale of tobacco products in all SU-run businesses such as RATT, the Powerplant and SUBMart.
The amendment was made after students voted 60 per cent in favour of a campus-wide tobacco ban on a non-binding plebiscite question meant to gage student opinion during SU elections last April. However, because Students’ Council has no control over University policy, tobacco products will continue to be sold at privately-owned campus businesses.
But, Vice-President (Operations and Finance) Chris Cunningham had assumed that when the SU executive had its turnover on | May, the removal of all tobacco prod- ucts from SU businesses had already taken place, and he explained that the Powerplant’s illegal tobacco sales weren't brought to his attention by the Audit Committee until mid-June, at which time they were stopped.
“When I came to office, SUBMart had already got rid of all of its ciga- rettes, RATT [had done] the same and so I just naturally assumed everything was taken care of,” Cunningham said.
PLEASE SEE TOBACCO ¢ PAGE 2
A&E, PAGE 21
Getting our Filli-on
He drives a classy spaceship and kills cannibalistic space crazies. Not too bad for a home-grown chap, I say.
SCOTT LILWALL Deputy News Editor
Among the new faces and build- ings that students at the University of Alberta might see at the beginning of the new school year is a new take on one of the best known buildings on campus: the renovation and redesign of the Powerplant on campus.
The Powerplant, whose restaurant and bar has in recent years become well-known for slow service and bud- gets in the red, has seen a number of changes aimed at bringing the busi- ness back into the black. Last year, the business lost $173 495. The latest incarnation has the ’Plant split into four distinct areas, a plan that Chris Cunningham, Students’ Union Vice- President (Operations and Finance), hopes will foster interest among students.
“We had to address the concerns for students and had to make it a place for students. We just needed to make more space for people, to draw in those that aren’t yet coming to the Plant,” Cunningham said.
The plan has the restaurant, which previously featured table service, turned into a buffet, with students
EDMON ROTEA News Staff
With a great amount of excitement and enthusiasm, first-year students and their orientation leaders gath- ered at the Hawerlak Park Heritage Amphitheatre Tuesday evening for the annual President’s address.
After several faculty cheers, a dance performance by the U of A cheer team, and a personal heartfelt speech from Vice-President (Student Life) Omer Yusuf—who set the precedent for this week’s Week of Welcome by spelling out the letters WOW in his facial hair—both the Students’ Union and University of Alberta presidents delivered speeches to an attentive and enthusiastic audience. Sam Power’s speech discussed how the University is not only a place of discovery, but also an institution where students should learn to push them- selves, and the world around them.
“Challenge the University to deliver the education that you need to con- tribute to the world. Dare them to
deliver the education you need. Challenge the province to deliver the funding and support that you need as a student and challenge them to create a province that every Albertan needs,” Power said.
PLEASE SEE ADDRESS ¢ PAGE 4
MIKEOTTO
EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES WVill new ‘Plant plan draw in the crowds?
paying a flat rate for all-you-can- eat meals. The bar will continue to operate under its traditional model from Thursday to Sunday; however, the rest of the week, liquor won't be served, and the area will be a leisure space for students.. The third area of the building, previous known as Dewey’s Lounge, has been converted
into a coffee shop.
Cunningham explained that part of the reason for the elimination of Dewey’s and the lack of bar service was to make the Powerplant a more distinct place, compared to other places on and around campus.
PLEASE SEE PLANT @ PAGE5 ALSO READ ‘PLANT FEATURE ON PAGE 19
Not-so-Special Teams
The Bears kicking and punting games aren't exactly where they should be, and Ross Prusakowski knows why. SPORTS, PAGE 30
2(Q) FEATURE
thursday, 7 september, 2006
The Orientation Express
A first-hand commentary by a fifth-year student
rriving on campus Monday morning, I was stunned at how things Aue changed since the previous April. Students had abandoned sweatpants and t-shirts for designer jeans and complicated shoes. Kids wandered aimlessly, but were smiling, a far cry from the stressed-out rushing that filled the walkways the previous spring. And people were carrying books, even though class didn’t start for three days! It could only mean one thing: Orientation. My goal: stow away any fifth-year cynicism and tag along for a tour of campus, a few peppy speeches, and hopefully some insight into the first-year experience.
Several minutes later, I was standing in the middle of Tory Atrium, clutching my book bag and looking as legitimately confused as the swarm of freshmen passing by me.
Our group wandered in silence for several minutes. Our Orientation Leader was surprisingly calm and yet impressively resilient at with- standing the awkward quiet emanating from our group. It was a far cry from the boisterous Orientation Leader who guided me around campus four years ago, and even the other leaders captaining the group surrounding us. The real observations, however, were being made elsewhere.
“T haven't seen anyone who fits the typical ‘nerd’ profile yet,” announced a blond, sunglassed first-year walking next to me.
“Yeah, me neither,” I assured him, glancing around to be sure.
It was the first of admittedly few “high school” comments I heard during orientation, but hilarious nonetheless. Being as you all made it to University, you've just become a member of the most concentrated “nerd” population in Edmonton. And the longer you stay here, I think you'll find the typical “nerds” are the ones who are “graduating.”
Coming into Quad, Orientation’s most notable feature gradually began to drown out the Beck playing through loud speakers: faculty- themed chants. Stuck between arts students with spirit and engineers proclaiming superiority, memories of my own cheer-chanting days came flooding back.
“Student’s will start this cheer in the middle of class, and the profs will just stop teaching and wait because they know it’s tradition,” one eager Orientation Leader told me years ago.
Well, naive first-years, here’s another lesson in the ways of our fair campus: nobody ever, ever uses these chants outside of Orientation.
University, while full of books and studying, is still several degrees cooler than having students randomly break into clapping verse during the middle of a lecture—or anywhere, for that matter. I have a required first-year course this term, and so help me if I hear a single round of “Tye got spirit, yes I do!”
Passing through Quad, our still silent Orientation Leader duti- fully lead us to ETLC, where we sat for a presentation on student life. Glancing around, the hall seemed typical of first-year arrivals. A Burberry spotted sea of hot pants and popped collars, it seemed to be a group eagerly waiting to hear where the nearest kegger is being held rather than about wholesome student activities. To the contrary, how- ever, an inspired, Lost-themed presentation on campus life was well- received by attentive freshmen, and, if necessarily over the top, the SU did manage to put on a mostly accurate information session on how to conduct oneself at the U of A.
What may have come off as the lamest bits of advice to the students looking for a Hollywood university experience were also the most sound. Volunteering or joining a student group—as uncool as it may sound—will undoubtedly change your university experience. Aside from meeting new people and padding your resumé, trying your hand at campus activities could very well help you discover a future career, something your undergraduate degree in History doesn’t necessarily prepare you for.
More importantly, however, is to heed the advice to buckle down and study during your first months at the U of A. If 1 can pass on one piece of wisdom I’ve gained during my stay at the U, it’s to leave slacking off
Written by Mike Larocque
the veterans. You're going to be tested differently than you \ Photos by James Leung
were in high school; not only do you need to know the mate- rial, but you have to show you understand it. That means
reading on your own and no more last-minute cram << sessions in attempt to wing your way through a major exam—at least until you learn how to slack off appropri- =
ately. Nothing will ruin your first term at university like getting slapped across the face by a couple of Fs on your first batch of midterms.
But one glaring falsehood seemed to have snuck its way into the pre- sentation. The Powerplant as a great date location? An awesome place for campus socializing? Listen here, newbies, as I can tell you that for quite a while—the whole time I’ve been at the U of A, in fact—the *Plant has not been a happenin’ place to be seen. Cold food and incred- ibly slow service made the best alternatives RATT or a trip to Whyte Ave. To be fair, however, the SU has planned to revitalize the ’Plant this year with a buffet and coffee shop, so take charge and help make it the swinging place it once was—just don’t be surprised if your first visit is a little underwhelming.
Moving on, the rest of the morning consisted of a casual tour and getting ONEcards in the pavilion—pretty tame stuff. It wasn’t until that afternoon’s safe sex seminar that my interest as a faux first-year was once again peaked.
“Cock! Balls!” I blurted as the presenters asked us for some slang terms for our genitals. What | had initially planned to claim was a condescending method to engage students was, as it turned out, pretty fun.
While perhaps necessary to still go over the basics such as unrolling a condom and using proper lubrication, some parts of the presentation were a little out there, 7 nonetheless. Such tidbits as, “Intercourse is just one planet in a vast galaxy of sexual possibili- ties,” and, “You want to make sure you hold onto the base of condom as you pull the penis out of the vagina or wherever it is,” marked some of the presentations cheesier and awk- ward moments, but were still punctuated with good-natured laughter. And, after the initial talk, questions on the birth control shot, Depro provera, and HIV marked a slightly more mature round of information gathering.
Still, after listening to guest speaker Captain Condom of Safesex Airlines and being peppered with numerous stats on pregnancy and STIs, I couldn't help but notice the growing snickers and laughter that was coming from behind me. It wasn’t until I noticed the sideways glances when I got up to leave that my constant note-taking throughout the sex- ed presentation—yes, I was even writing during the masturbation and analingus portions—were causing the giggles from behind me.
The rest of Orientation went off without much of note. Bear bells and lanyards adorned most of the eager new students, and, four years on, I still can’t name the chancellor of the U of A. Student groups filled the pavilion with enticing offers to learn how to bartend just like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, rush for a fraternity, or become a two-bit writer for the campus rag. Four solid years since my Orientation, and it’s still pretty much the same.
In the end, having made my way through orientation twice during the course of acquiring one degree was, surprisingly, not that bad. The picture they paint is, perhaps, all roses, and their methods sometimes come off a little too goofy, but for those arriving on campus for the first time, an exciting and even silly greeting might be just what is needed before the actual work of university starts to impress itself on new and old students alike.
{
21
entertainment @gateway.ualberta.ca ¢ thursday, 7 september, 2006
A Fillion and one reasons
The Gateway caught up with Serenity star Nathan Fillion when he returned home for the Fringe Festival, and we got the scoop on why Edmonton—and the U of A—are the best places to be
SOCIAL INTERCOURSE
Sky Glabush Gallery
Ximena Rossello Gallery 5-23 September
FAB Building
Two new galleries are being presented by U of A Masters students. The Sky Glabush Gallery pro- vides a plethora of paintings for your viewing pleasure, entitled Provisional Structures, while the Rossello Gallery presents a design fora U of A orientation system, which is accessible for users with low vision.
Tupelo Honey
With Drive By Punch, Radioforhelp and The Line Atlantic
Friday, 8 September at 8pm
Dinwoodie Lounge
$13 Advance at Megatunes, Powerplant or SU Info Booths
Edmonton-based Tupelo Honey headlines this Friday, bringing home the hard-rock style that made them a fan-favorite across Alberta.
Bedouin Soundclash
With Radio Vacana
Sunday, 10 September at 7pm
Dinwoodie Lounge
$20 Advance at Powerplant or SU Info Booths
Does anybody remember Snow? You know, that guy who sang “Everybody Wants To Be Like You”? Okay, never mind. Still, Bedouin Soundclash is another reggae-influenced band heralding from Ontario and riding up the charts. Fortunately, they’re more on the rockin’, talented side than on the Canadian-version-of-Vanilla-Ice side.
Who Killed the Electric Car? Directed by Chris Paine
Opens 8 September
Princess Theatre
Directed by Chris Paine, this documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the General Motors’ EVI, one of the first commercially available elec- tric cars on the road before they were all recalled in 2003, only to be compacted and dumped in secret locations.
Hear’s To Your Health
With Jacques Despres, featuring members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Monday, 11 September at 5pm
Bernard Snell Auditorium, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Center
Free and open to the public
U of A faculty member Jacques Despres joins three members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra to perform an all-Mozart concert. So, if all the rock shows are a little too wild for you, or you want to prove to a date that you're cul- tured, enjoy a night of classical music that doesn’t cut into your lunchmeat fund, either.
JONN KMECH A&E Godfather
MEGHAN POTKINS Arts & Entertainment Writer
“Put this in your article: I dropped school and was four months away from graduating Put a bug in the ear of the administration saying that I sure would like my degree.”
Nathan Fillion once wanted to be a teacher. Then he wanted to be an actor. Then, his starring role as Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the short- lived but critically acclaimed series Firefly, which was followed up on the big screen with last fall’s Serenity, ensured Fillion’s success—at least in the acting respect. But, despite all of his big-screen accomplishments, Fillion still has another goal he hasn’t yet conquered: he wants his teaching degree from the University of Alberta.
“Tm not going to go teach or anything, but they could give me an honorary degree of some kind,” Fillion laughs. “I was going to be a high school teacher. I was doing a drama major and an art minor.”
Four months before he was set to graduate, Fillion went to New York to audition for the soap One Life to Live, leaving his teaching practicum incomplete. He was just shy of completing his requirements for his Bachelor of Education.
“The University Administration] was really cool,” Fillion recalls when he approached faculty and administration to ask permission for a leave of absence. “Tasked, ‘Can I puta hold on my spot? I’m going to New York to try this soap opera, but it might not pan out and I might be coming back and picking up where I left off’ They said, “Yeah, go ahead, knock yourself out,’ and they held my spot ... they were very cool to me.”
As it turns out, things ended up just dandy for Fillion on One Life, and before long, he was auditioning in Los Angeles, landing plump roles on television programs like Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and later on, of course, the lead in another Whedon project, Firefly.
Despite his success in LA, though, Fillion hasn't left Edmonton entirely behind him. Since moving to the US, Fillion has returned several times to his hometown in order join the cast of the improvised soap opera Die-Nasty, a hobby he’d spent a good chunk of time on during University years, and this past August, he came back, once again, for the 25th anniversary of the Fringe theatre festival.
“Tm very happy to be back doing improv, doing Die-Nasty. Getting back up there with those guys was very, very important to me,” Fillion says. “They're always so welcoming and supportive, and they're always just so willing to embrace me whenever I come home. It makes me feel great.”
In recent years, Fillion has been one of several homegrown Edmonton improvisers/perform- ers to make the trek south to North America’s entertainment Mecca. Another fame-gaining performer hailing from our fair city is Rapid Fire Alumni Josh Dean, better known for his work on the Fox sitcom Free Ride. And, aside from having similar roots, Fillion also considers Dean to be a close friend.
“We hang out all the time,” Fillion says. “TRight now], he’s house-sitting for me and feeding my cat.”
While Fillion may have fellow Canadians like |
Dean to keep him company, he admits that there are some things about Canada that he misses. Fillion describes how surprised Americans | are at what he considers the common cour- tesy all Canadians extend to strangers.
“Tf I've got a giant shopping cart full of groceries and someone comes behind me with only three items and I let them go ahead rather than wait for me, people are so taken aback. It makes me feel great, but it also kind of disheartens me to know
that someone would be so taken aback when you just [show] common courtesy,” Fillion explains. “Canadians aren’t afraid to be kind. They’re not afraid to be polite. They’re not offended by everything. It just seems to be more relaxed and easygoing.”
Still, Fillion will probably remain in LA for the time being while he pursues new projects. He has just completed work on an independent film called Waitress with actress Keri Russell, and White Noise: The Light, which will be released sometime in January.
Although Fillion enjoys the challenge of taking on new roles, he hasn't forgotten the project that first introduced him to wider audiences, and most importantly, he hasn’t forgotten where he got his start. With a few films under his belt and no end to acting in sight, Fillion will always find the time to return home to Edmonton at least twice a year, whether it means reacquaint- ing himself with the Fringe stage, or drop- ping in to local classrooms to speak about his achievements.
“My best friend from school teaches [in Edmonton]. I go talk to his drama classes all the time when I come back during the school year. My family brings me P back. This is f 7, where I'm from.”
\
22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Hollywood a land bordering truth and fiction
Hollywoodland
Directed By Allen Coulter
Starring Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, Ben Affleck and Bob Hoskins Opens 8 September
Empire Theatres
EDMON ROTEA Arts & Entertainment Staff
Hollywood loves mysteries and con- spiracy theories—especially when a suicide or murder concerns one of its celebrities. And when it comes to the plot of Hollywoodland, that’s what it’s all about: the death of a Hollywood celebrity during the Golden Age of filmmaking.
While the film concerns the events leading up to the 1959 suicide death of George Reeves (Ben Affleck), an actor famous for his iconic television por- trayal of Superman during the 1950s, the film’s interesting plot combines two independent, yet intertwining, narratives.
The first narrative takes place in the
GATEWAY A&E
Do you see Hermione? She has some questions. And not just questions about Arithmancy or Grindylows.
In fact, she's interested in
writing for Gateway A&E, but
she doesn't know how. Really, it's quite simple: meetings are Thursdays at Spm in 3-04 SUB. Like Hermione, you, too, shoul stop by and become more social. You don't want to be teased so you cry like a baby, run to the washroom and
encounter a troll, now, do you?
present tense shortly after Reeves’ death, and the audience is introduced to Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), a pri- vate investigator. Simo is your typi- cal film-noir private investigator: he’s a former detective, he’s broke, he’s divorced, yet he has a strong appetite for the truth—and he'll do just about anything to discover it. While inves- tigating a run-of-the-mill case involv- ing suspected marital infidelity, Simo entangles himself in the suicide case of Reeves. Simo does this as a means of not only gaining attention and media publicity, but also to earn a paycheque from Reeves’ bereaved mother who believes that his son would never kill himself.
Despite the evidence and the police reports, Simo also believes that Reeves didn’t commit suicide. However, the questions of who, how and why Reeves was murdered opens up a Pandora’s box of possibilities, and eventually entices Simo to investigate further. Combined with a list of potential suspects, shad- owy figures and several versions con-
cerning Reeves death, and you've got yourself a modern-day, film-noir style historical drama with a few twists.
The other interesting narrative con- cerns the life of George Reeves himself, which spans ten years of his personal life. While the story begins with his death, audiences get to learn more about the intimate details of the leg- endary figure, right from his early days as a struggling actor who later woos Toni Mannix (Diane Lane)—the wife of a powerful Hollywood film execu- tive Eddie Mannix (Bob Hoskins) —to his final days as a struggling, washed- up actor whose only other job offer is a professional wrestling gig.
Both narratives are intelligently woven together, using a crime scene investigation style to tell the story of two Hollywoods: the glamour- ous Hollywood portrayed on the silver screen, and the dark and tragic Hollywood with its shady figures and unfortunate histories. Simo continually struggles to find the truth in a town concerned with fiction, while the film
thursday, 7 september, 2006
momentarily switches back and forth to the true story of Reeves’ personal life. Affleck convincingly portrays Reeves, who, by proxy, also does a con- vincing portrayal of the famous iconic superhero. Also worth mentioning is the performance delivered by Brody as the fame-seeking—yet truth-find- ing—private investigator.
The strong performances are com-
plimented by the film’s tight script and characterizations. Reeves is portrayed as the man of steel, and audiences soon discover his human vulnerabilities and weaknesses, characteristics that are shared by Simo’s character.
Ultimately, Hollywoodland is a sat- isfying “whodunit” thriller that will keep moviegoers guessing until the very end—and, perhaps, for days later.
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THE GATEWAY + volume XCVII number 2
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 23
RAPID FIRE THEATRE
Enjoy one FRE E
admission to your favorite improv shows, Theatresports and CHiMPROV,
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Phantom sings success
Harold Prince's production of The Phantom of the Opera draws audiences into its dark, yet saccharine lair, reclaiming every last theatre-loving heart
The Phantom of the Opera Directed by Harold Prince
Starring John Cudia, Jennifer Hope Wills and Adam Monley
Runs until 24 September
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
AMANDA ASH Arts & Entertainment Editor
Like The Sound of Music or Gone With The Wind, The Phantom of the Opera is just one of the many classics we're obliged to see at some point in our lives—and for good reason. These simple, timeless stories, wrapped in elegant ribbons of love and tribula- tion, cast endless drifts of personal associations within our minds, and the elaborate productions, which frame the talents of actors and musi- cians alike, only further enhance our appreciation for the arts.
The Phantom of the Opera, though, is different from all other classics
and from all other operas, for that matter. It’s the longest running show in Broadway history; it has featured such voices as Sarah Brightman; and, for some reason, it still manages to attract audiences to the sight of a crashing chandelier and a halfsmasked man, despite its universally known plot. Whether you're a veteran of the show, ora first-time Phantom-goer, let it be known that this year’s production of Phantom—directed by 20-time Tony Award winner Harold Prince— simply adds another glittering link on the flowing chain of exceptional performances.
The plot centers on the character of
Christine Daaé (Jennifer Hope Wills, who has recently been replaced with Marni Rabb), and her wish to become a singer. One day, after watching a rehearsal, two new opera house man- agers, Monsiers André and Firmin (DC Anderson and Bruce Winant), discover Daaé’s talent, and every- one—including the rest of the cast girls present—wonder how she devel- oped her voice.
A body is hung, a chandelier crashes from the roof and
fire shoots from the Phantom’s walking stick. Throughout the entire performance, incredible events wait in the glittering darkness, keeping eyes mesmerized on the flittering characters onstage.
Her flair for song remains a mystery until we find out the Opera Phantom (John Cudia) has been the one teach- ing her. From there, the story illus- trates Christine’s successes as an opera singer, and envelops itself in an odd love triangle between the illusive Phantom and long-time friend Raoul (Adam Monley).
A body is hung, a chandelier crashes from the roof and fire shoots from the Phantom’s walking stick. Throughout the entire performance, incredible events wait in the glittering dark- ness, keeping eyes mesmerized on the flittering characters onstage. The action and special effects are enough to engross audience members into the Phantom’s secret, yet incredibly sad, world. Everything from the costumes to the lighting bring an emotive effect that parallels the ups and downs of the harrowing story.
The most beautifully shocking aspect of The Phantom of the Opera, though, is the remarkable voices projected from each and every character, especially Christine. Sure, at first, it’s disappoint- ing to know that Sarah Brightman—a former Christine, back in the day— wont be belting out “Think Of Me” or “The Phantom of the Opera,” but really, Wills could easily replace all of Brightman’s grace. Wills is flawless, as are Cuda and Monely, the two men who act as perfect counterparts to her amazing voice. All of the main char- acters emit such accomplished senses of passion, confidence and poise that one can barely soak it all up. They just make it look so easy.
With all of the talent, ornamenta- tion and life put into the performance, there’s a reason why The Phantom of the Opera has been around so long. The bar had been high-set a long time ago, and with each new performance, that measuring stick just keeps getting higher, allowing the show to dazzle and entice even more when the cur- tain goes up.
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DA ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dearly Beloved admires positivity, good looks
Dearly Beloved
With AIDE-DE-CAMP and The Populars
Tuesday, 12 September at 9pm Sidetrack Café
ELIZABETH VAIL Arts & Entertainment Staff
I’s hard to believe, but the joy in Dearly Beloved’s cheerfully rugged debut album, You are the Jaguar, came out of a dark place in bassist Rob Higgins’ life. On 14 May, the former Change of Heart band member lost his father to a long battle with cancer. However, there was a silver lining to the tragedy: a number of punk-rock friendships were ulti- mately born out of the situation.
“During that time, I was spending a lot of time with [my father],” Higgins explains. “And that’s when I made the album, in the evenings after being with him in the hospital. The album is very much framed by that experience, and as difficult as it was, it was really good for me to make the album because it was therapeutic for me; it was a place to put my energy, everyday.”
“ ... don't mean to sound conceited, because I’m not that type of person, but I saw us on TV and was like, ‘Damn, we are good looking!”
ROB HIGGINS
Recognizing his pain, a group of friends, including Niva Chow (vocal- ist), Damon Richardson (guitarist), Alex O’Rielly (drummer) and John Pogue (guitarist), joined together to help create the ultimate kind of musical catharsis.
“Everybody came together to make this record, and it was a generosity of spirit on their part because they knew
I was hurting, they knew I needed to make this record, and they knew I needed some help. I didn’t want to do it all myself—that was an option at one point,” Higgins admits. “I was just going to play all the instruments and do everything myself, [but] I decided it was nicer to have some friends around.”
While it might seem odd to outsid- ers that a guy going through such a painful time in his life would come out with such an upbeat album, Higgins sees it as only natural. He made a deci- sion when his father was sick that he wasn't going to “get fucked up over it.” Instead, he vowed to become a positive contributor to the whole situation. No depressing music was going to come out of Higgins. “I didn’t want to make a mopey, ‘Oh, woe is me’ album,” he says. “I wanted to make a reverent shake-yer-ass album that celebrates life rather than the concept of death.”
Indeed, the whole album ended up becoming a very personal project, but in the end, Higgins believes it’s evolved into something much more universal. “T created Dearly Beloved as a vehicle for myself to make records,” he reveals. “Now we're a band of people that play a ferocious 40-minute set that rips your face off!”
And when Dearly Beloved takes the stage at the Sidetrack on 12 September, you can expect just that. They'll be there with bells on—punk-rock bells, to be specific.
“Well, we look hot, we look so hot,” Higgins says. “We were watching our- selves on MTV yesterday, and I don’t mean to sound conceited, because I’m not that type of person, but I saw us on TV and was like, ‘Damn, we are good looking! Look how good we look’
“When we play shows, we don’t just come out there with T-shirts and jeans on. We dress to show respect for where Dearly Beloved came from because .. the name implies a wedding or a funeral or something formal, right? And when Dearly Beloved performs, we dress appropriately.”
Dearly Beloved You Are The Jaguar Warner Records www.dearlybeloved.ca
ELIZABETH VAIL Arts & Entertainment Staff
With their debut album, You Are the Jaguar, Canadian punk group Dearly Beloved—comprised of five musi- cians borrowed from several other bands—serves up ten songs that provide ideal examples of bombastic gaiety. Loud, fast and happy, every track screeches and wails a rebel sound that’s tempered by a cheer- ful and enthusiastic delivery by lead singer Rob Higgins. This odd mix- ture of happy-punk is pitch-perfect runs right through the album, but exhibits it’s potential in the first gal- loping song, “The Ride.”
A cutesy back-and-forth between male vocals and the female backup singers is used to establish a fresh,
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thursday, 7 september, 2006
balanced fashion, but although it fits in with some of the rougher num- bers like “The Ride,” gleeful stomp “Manifesto” and mellower soft-rock “The Butler Routine,” when wrongly used, it can make a song sound like a particularly spunky jingle for Old Navy (the ditty “Rugged Casual Sport” could sell many pairs of khakis). Generally, though, there’s con- sistent sound and energy through- out the album that makes for some entertaining listening. While rock is oftentimes pigeonholed as an angry, dissatisfied medium, it’s a refresh-
ing change to see that frenetic energy directed towards a more positive sound.
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THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
Peeling back layers of beauty
A New Kind of Beauty Showing: 2-30 September
Opening Reception: 7 September from 5-8pm
The Gallery at Milner, Stanley A Milner Library
EDMON ROTEA Arts & Entertainment Staff
Next to diamonds and pet canines, flowers can be a girl’s best friend: especially for Alexis Robb, an aspiring fourth-year Bachelor of Fine Arts stu- dent who will be hosting her first solo photography exhibit, A New Kind of Beauty.
To the casual observer, her work may, at first, appear to be a showcase of canvas-mounted photographs fea- turing images of different types of flowers. However, the more obser- vant spectators will discover images of flowers ripe with both visual and social meaning—meanings that relate both to the artist’s own personal family his- tory and to the everyday citizen in an increasingly multicultural society.
“People have had this aesthetic response to the images themselves, and that’s important to me. I think that, sometimes, we invest too much mean- ing in things, and sometimes, it’s just the simple colours that can have more meaning than even some of the deeper stuff,’ explains Robb, whose works consist of a composite of floral and botanical images. The photographic effect is achieved by overlaying images of various flower types together to form a single, ambiguous and colourful
i
floral image of a new and unique type of flower—one that may never exist in nature, but perhaps only in her photo- graphic showcase.
Robb’s floral creations also include a variety of names, from a photo of a “Chrysanthisy” (a combination of chrysanthemum and daisy) to a “Tulidago” (a tulip and a yellow soli- dago flower).
Her work is also reflective of her own personal life, including her family history and upbringing as a citizen in an increasingly multi-ethnic Canadian society.
“When I was combining two differ- ent flowers, it felt like I was combin- ing two different ethnic groups,” says Robb, whose own family has a his- tory of multi-racial unions. “Tf people do think about the deeper meanings contained within these images, they don’t necessarily see two separate flow- ers—they see one new flower that’s so
PHILLIP HOFFMAN
ABED OF ROSELIPS Alexis Robb combines flower photographs in her exhibit.
original and has a new meaning of its own that it’s not necessarily definable, but it’s beautiful.
“My nephew is from a Chinese and Caucasian background. You'd see this little boy and you wouldn’t know what cultural background he was from. But you wouldn't be able to say things like, ‘Oh, these traits or features are from this culture and that culture—you wouldn't be able to necessarily see that. There’s ambiguity.”
Yet Robb’s enthusiasm for her inau- gural exhibit is not without trepidation. “Tm quite a sensitive person—when | put my work out to others, it’s like put- ting a little bit of myself out there.”
Despite her concern, the entire event—whether its making press pack- ages or dealing with the media and public—has been a journey for Robb.
“Tt really feels like I’ve learned so much. It’s been such a rich experience for me,” Robb says.
The Protectors all action, no plot
New Tony Jaa film may tell a thin story, but the martial arts sure are meaty
The Protector
Directed by Prachya Pinkaew Starring Tony Jaa, Petchai Wongkamlao
Opens 8 September
Empire Theatres
JONN KMECH Arts & Entertainment Staff
Martial arts movies have never been renowned for harboring deep, thought- provoking structures: the plot’s gener- ally derivative and poorly written, the acting wooden and the dialogue ridic- ulous. The Protector, like Tony Jaa’s breakout hit Ong Bak and thousands of martial arts movies before it, is no different.
The inconsequential plot can be explained in a single sentence. Kham (Tony Jaa) travels from Thailand to Australia to retrieve his sacred pet elephant from a corrupt international exotic food cartel. End. Now that that’s over with, we can get to the part that everyone cares about, the action, which can only be described as com- pletely insane.
Like Ong Bak, Jaa’s Muay Thai-based fight scenes and acrobatics take prece- dence over what would otherwise be a pretty shitty movie. In that respect, the action in Ong Bak seems mundane compared to The Protector. Jaa kicks so much ass in the film, using such inven- tive ways, that you are continually contemplating where his next victim will come from and how far they'll be placed into the world of hurt.
The fight scenes are incredibly realistic, and they're entertaining as hell. Notable scenes—although every battle and chase is an adrenaline tsu- nami—include an artistic combat
with capoeira master Lateef Crowder, a scene where the camera follows Kham as he works his way up several floors of a restaurant, and, of course, the final battle. What ultimately makes this movie worth seeing, though (since the premise is almost the same as Ong Bak), is Jaa’s lack of restraint and mercy. Beat-downs are long, groan-inducing and feature great cinematography. By the end, Kham’s methods are so intense that everyone in the theater is either laughing or gasping at the brutality. I won't ruin the last 20 minutes, but I will say that your limbs will ache.
Beat-downs are
long, groan-inducing and feature great cinematography. By the end, Kham’s methods are so intense that everyone in the theatre is either laughing or gasping at the brutality. I won't ruin the last 20 minutes, but I will say that your limbs will ache.
The Protector was released last year in Asia as Tom Yum Goong. Having seen an English-subtitled version ear- lier in the year, I can say that there were a number of changes made, some good, some bad. The plot was
originally completely incoherent, so several scenes were added, along with some exposition about Thai culture, to explain to Western audi- ences why anyone would travel so far for an elephant.
Unfortunately, what was also added to increase appeal with American audiences was dubbing and horrible slo-mo music. All of the fights, which previously had Thai instrumentals or nothing in the background, were replaced with generic hard rock or hip-hop. This seems to have the oppo- site effect of its intent, making the fighting less intense by covering the agonizing sound effects. Also, I’m not sure why they would name it The Protector, since Jackie Chan also has a movie with the same title.
There’s also a healthy dose of unin- tentional humour in the film, as is stan- dard with many foreign flicks. Some Timberlake-esque music is added to an already ludicrous hot tub scene with Thai girls dancing for rotund business- men. For more laughs, though, watch for a hilariously cheap CGI scene that should have been cut; it looks like it was produced by a starving animation student for five dollars in 1994.
However, the problems with this movie are more frustrations than actual grievances. When it comes down to what matters (the action), The Protector delivers in droves, more than any movie recently released. As Dan Kaszor wisely predicted two years ago in his Ong Bak review, it won't be long before Tony Jaa is playing second banana to Chris Tucker, as he has iron- ically now been approached to be in Rush Hour 3. Hurry to see him now before Hollywood corrupts another promising martial artist.
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A passive-aggressive attack
Mothra may be laid-back about most things, but they've set on promoting female involvement in heavy music—even Godzilla doesnt stand a chance
Mothra
With A Javelin Reign, Better Living, Exit This Side and Snic
Saturday, 9 September at 8pm Velvet Underground
AMANDA ASH Arts & Entertainment Editor
Seeing a girl in an all-male, hardcore band isn’t all that common. Neither is the well-known Godzilla mon- ster, Mothra, for that matter. Luckily, though, metal-loving females and unruly beasts have finally come together to form a pleasant union, all through the medium of music.
For BC-based group Mothra, there’s nothing odd about having a female screemo vocalist around, just as there’s nothing weird about adopting a Japanese creature as your moniker. Worrying about little things like that isn’t in the trio’s mandate; instead, making music until someone stops them seems to be more down their path of thinking.
“[The moniker Mothra] is just something we thought sounded really cool,” says vocalist and synth player Karla Miller. “We found other bands from Poland and Japan and stuff that had the same name, and we like it. Mothra is the moth beast that fights Godzilla—that fights for good.
“We haven't had any [copyright issues] at this point, but I guess we'll see what happens,” Miller continues. “We haven’t encountered any prob- lems from Sony Pictures or whoever owns the rights to Godzilla. We get that question a lot, people asking if we've been in any lawsuits or any- thing, but we're like, ‘Hmm, not yet.
T guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Not about to sit back and take it easy, Mothra didn’t waste any time putting out their first album—in fact, when the band recorded, they had been together for only two months. Gaining momentum and energy from being in the present, and not from dwelling on anything for too long, Mothra managed to fuel their musi- cal passions, and by taking different approaches to their songwriting via complex time signatures and lengthy songs, they've separated themselves from the typical radio structure of bands like Alexisonfire.
“Judging from the turnout at shows, specifically all-ages shows, there are more and more girls coming out to see hardcore bands, which is awesome, and I think it would be really cool if they took it upon themselves to start bands that played heavy music.”
KARLA MILLER
According to Miller, a University of Alberta graduate in Honors Psychology, growing up listening to
punk rock influenced her decision to be a part of the group, but it was only recently that she became more exposed to the heavier stuff, mainly thanks to her drummer husband Al. Still, though, it’s not everyday that you encounter females doing some- thing other than singing in a baby voice while strumming lightly on an acoustic guitar.
“T think it’s rare, I guess, but there are a lot of girls that like heavier music,” Miller says. “I haven’t really come across many bands that are heavy and have girls in them, but we've played with a couple. I don’t really think about it, to be honest; it doesn’t really phase me. I don’t think it has any limitations.”
Holding back isn’t Miller’s strong point, but from her perspective, changing the field of music for women who are genuinely into hard- core music for the sake of music—not for the moshing or sense of rebel- liousness—is something she hopes to accomplish with all of Mothra’s shows, and, of course, with their record.
“T think, because it has that aggres- sive edge to it, it’s almost natural that they wouldn’t be into it,” Miller says. “I’ve only come into it recently, because I’ve been exposed to it more, but it wasn’t something that I was naturally into.
‘Judging from the turnout at shows, specifically all-ages shows, there are more and more girls coming out to see hardcore bands, which is awesome, and I think it would be really cool if they took it upon them- selves to start bands that played heavy music.”
THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
FEEDSACK
‘DISSVUNe
Jurassic 5 Feedback
Universal Records www, Jjurassic5.com
MATT FREHNER Editor-in-Chief
Graham Coxon
Love Travels At Illegal Speeds Parlophone www.grahamcoxon.uk
TARA STIEGLITZ Arts & Entertainment Staff
2154176 6
ye JONGS Are abou ypu «.
Nizlopi
Half These Songs Are About You FDM Records
www.nizlopi.com
RENATO PAGNANI Arts & Entertainment Writer
Hellogoodbye Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
EMI Music Canada www.hellogoodbye.net
ELIZABETH VAIL Arts & Entertainment Staff
Hey, J5, want some Feedback? Stop pretending to be summery, California rappers and go back to writing lyrics that are interesting. Jurassic 5’s latest release holds interest momentarily, but few tracks warrant more than one listen. There are shadows of early J5 in the unconventional (with regards to rap, at least) background constructions, but most of the lyrics have become typical pop-rap fair—in other words, they're not offensive, but they unfortunately lack the play- fulness of their first major release, Quality Control, or the profundity of Powers in Numbers.
The overarching beats are often repetitive and dull, something you would expect to be spun by an unen-
Love Travels At Illegal Speeds is the most recent solo album by former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon. By nature, he’s a multi-tasker: not only did Coxon write and perform all thirteen songs on the CD, but he designed the cover art as well. Coxon, undoubtedly, seems to have a few talents hidden up his sleeve, but when it comes to recording his own music without the help of others, all he ends up with is a conglomer- ate of songs fairly typical of indie rock—lots guitar and lots of drums, with not much else to add variation to the alternating fast and slow paces that are lightly sprinkled with melan- choly overtones.
Capturing the “is’-ness (a phrase which can be attributed to the rapper Common rather than the actor Owen Wilson) of a live performance is a feat of which few artists are capable. Edmonton hipsters Shout Out Out Out Out found this out on their recent debut, where the energy of their legendary live shows didn’t fully translate to wax. However, Shout Out aren’t alone with their problem: Luke Concannon and John Parker— together known as Nizlopi—suffer from this same inability.
When the duo appeared on MuchMusic and performed their minor hit “JCB Song,” it found poignancy in Concannon’s wavering vocals and
As suggested by the whimsical album title, the latest CD from electronic group Hellogoodbye is as gleeful, infectious and entertaining Even though prehistoric lizards, extrater- restrials and the undead barely figure into the actual songs, the fantasti- cal numbers are catchy, bouncy and excellently arranged, framing the plethora of wispy lyrics that can sound a little too cute at times, but are easily ignored.
Despite the fact that they rest nicely within the category of electronica, Hellogoodbye’s better songs are the ones that make use of at least some sort of physical instrument and natu- ral vocals. Beeping, processed songs like “All Of Your Love,” “Touchdown
thused DJ at the Funky Buddha as the sober few awkwardly stand next to the dance floor. Jurassic 5 seems to be trying to maintain their old flavour, but at the same time, they’re attempt- ing to appeal to a general club full of pre-teen sentiment.
The highlight of this mediocre album is the first track, which dupes you into thinking that the rest is worth listening to. The real icing on this inedible cake, though, is a track featur- ing Dave Matthews Band, a nostalgic, summery pile of goop that’s remi- niscent of Len’s “Steal My Sunshine” rather than J5’s classic hit, “Concrete Schoolyard.” This is the kind of banal rap that makes one yearn for the days of the Hot Boys or Kris Kross.
Love Travels At Illegal Speeds is certainly not a daring album, and there’s nothing unique or edgy about it. In fact, one could easily mis- take a Graham Coxon song for any number of tunes that reverberate in a Beatles-like manner. Coxon’s style also closely resembles early material by the Kinks, as demonstrated by his laid-back singing style.
As a whole, though, the album is fairly cohesive; much of it features a consistent focus, that is, one leaning towards love. Depth and uniqueness are definitely sacrificed for silkiness, but in the end, Love Travels At Illegal Speeds ends up being a smooth and comfortable musical ride.
Parker's beat-boxing. Really, “JCB Song” isn't spectacular by any means— but beat-boxing on what is essentially a nerdy, albeit well-intentioned, pop song? That’s atypical, to say the very least, and it’s just too bad that this beat- boxing appears nowhere on Half'These Songs Are About You..., because it could have added some much-needed texture to the duo’s by-the-numbers songs.
And it wouldn’t hurt if Concannon could actually sing—well, maybe he can, but he hides behind the same melodies all record long, and so by the time you get to the album-closer “Worry,” you begin to do just that, thinking you've already heard the song before. Eleven times before.
Turnaround” and “All Time Lows” are creative in their own right, and illus- trate how lead singer Forrest Kline’s dreamy voice is better suited when it’s not sent through the techno-robot wringer.
The musical mixture of man and machine is best displayed in delightful bubblegum love songs like “Baby, It’s Fact,” “Oh, ItIs Love,” “Homewrecker” (a thumping rock-infused track) and “T Saw It On Your Keyboard.” In fact, the title of Hellogoodbye’s album is so completely misleading: rather than being a Gothic favorite, Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! would be, undoubtedly, an excellent addi- tion to the soundtrack ofa starry-eyed romantic’s life.
JACKSON HINTON
ARTIS & ENTERTAINMENT 27
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SPORTS
Nationals-hosting Bears open \ season against provincial rivals
A more experienced Golden Bears hopes to open the season on the right foot, as they host Lethbridge and Calgary this weekend
4
VERONICA DOLEMAN Sports Writer
The Bears soccer team has a lot to look forward to this season. As hosts of the CIS National Championships, they have an automatic spot in the playoffs, and, with the return of many fifth-year play- ers, last season’s inexperienced team has evolved into one that’s capable of win- ning the tournament. And, they’ll take their first steps towards that this week- end, with games against the Lethbridge Pronghorns and Calgary Dinos.
“Both [Lethbridge and Calgary] are improving programs—they’re always competitive. It’s going to be a case of: can we get our act together and play with some conviction—particularly in an attacking sense—and get the results against two tough teams,” said Bears head coach Len Vickery, whose team was bolstered with the return of Mike Kennedy and Junior Castrillon, both of whom were on the Bears team
that won nationals in 2003. Castrillon scored the winning goal.
“Tryouts went very well. We spent a lot of time this year recruiting, and we're particularly pleased that a number of players who were lost to injury or took a year off because they had graduated are now return- ing,’ Vickery said. “It’s encouraging
we've got these experienced players returning, but just as encouraging is the development of a good group of third- and fourth-year players.”
The Bears finished 6-4-2 in the 2005 season, but started very slowly, a development Vickery attributed to a lack of experience. The Bears only had one fifth-year player last season, and he went down to injury early in the year. But they rebounded well, defeat- ing UBC and Trinity Western towards the end of the season—the gold and bronze medalists at nationals, respec- tively—and finishing third in the Canada West conference.
“Tt’s encouraging we've got these experienced players returning.”
LEN VICKERY BEARS HEAD COACH
A change of policy has made it so the team that holds first place at the end of the season will host the Canada West playoffs, which has the Bears look- ing forward in hopes of hosting two straight weeks of playoffs. Vickery admitted that there were many players
at tryouts who talked of playing for a national championship this season.
“T think the highlight of the season will probably be coming in my first year and playing at the actual national championships,” said first-year Bear Harman Braich, a member of the youth national squad. “Hopefully I can be a big presence in the back and step up to the level of play on the team.”
Despite the home-field advantage, the Bears will still need to get past TWU and UBC, the two teams that finished ahead of them the previous season.
“[Having the Nationals on Bears’ turf] is definitely an advantage; it’s still going to be a difficult tournament being that there’s going to be an extra west-coast team involved because we get the bye,” Kennedy said.
Along with reigning CW MVP Mark Korthius, both Kennedy and Castrillon will be counted on to provide a lead- ing role on the pitch.
“Tr hope to] provide some leadership; try to help out as much as I can with the younger guys.—hopefully motivate the older guys also. It’s mostly a team goal I have for this season,” Castrillon said.
The Bears hit the field against Lethbridge at 4:15pm on Friday and return to it to take on Calgary at 2:15pm on Sunday. Both games go at Foote Field.
sports@gateway.ualberta.ca « thursday, 7 september, 2006
Morning WEEKDAYS
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BOTTOM: WEIYANG LIU
THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
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a sat prarek Shane
ANDREW SPEARIN, THE SHEAF
SPORTS DO
eiGateway Sports
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JOZZ-LED Runningback Tendayi Jozzy is gang-tackled by a bunch of Huskies Saturday in Saskatoon. Jozzy gained 172 yards on the ground in his first CIS game. The Golden Bears lost 27-6 to Saskatchewan to start the 2006 season.
Bears dig for “W" in Calgary
A season-starting loss in Saskatoon raised a lot of questions for the Golden Bears football team, which will look for answers this weekend in Cowtown
ROSS PRUSAKOWSKI Sports Staff
While most eyes looking for a battle of Alberta this weekend will be turned toward the northern part of the prov- ince, there’s likely a more meaningful edition taking to the turf down south. That’s because while the hapless Eskimos are languishing in last place, the Canada West football season is just getting rolling.
However, while both the teams and fans know what they’ll be get- ting from the Stamps and Eskimos on Friday, question marks surround each CIS team this early in the year, as both the Golden Bears (0-1) and Dinos (0-1) dropped their first game of the season. According to Bears head coach Jerry Friesen, though, the overhaul of Calgary and their installation of a new head coach make the Dinos especially difficult to figure out.
“Their offence has changed signifi- cantly and their defence has already changed as well,” said Friesen. “[Dinos head coach] Blake Nill has already instilled some of the team characteris- tics that made him so successful in the Atlantic conference and helped Saint Mary’s capture two titles.”
“They're a team that’s rebuilding and I don’t know what to expect from them,” added Bears linebacker/place- kicker Scott Stevenson. “I think that itll be a good game, but | think that our defence is really strong, and that we'll be able to handle their offence. We've got a really good secondary and
linebackers.”
The Bears will need their experi- ence on defence—where they have six of twelve starters back from last season—to figure out Nill’s playbook. Add in Dalin Tollestrup, the Dinos rookie quarterback from the football factory of Raymond, Alberta, and this is acompletely different Calgary squad than the one that missed the playoffs two of the last three seasons.
“We're not at all hesitant to put Cam Linke in, and between him and Quade Armstrong, we've got two distinct, quality quarterbacks that both bring different thing to the table.”
JERRY FRIESEN HEAD COACH GOLDEN BEARS FOOTBALL
However, while the Dinos have a new look, so do the Bears, who are fielding entirely new sets of run- ning backs, kickers and also starting a rookie quarterback—though that’s hardly unique in Canada West this year.
“Canada West has gone through a transition at quarterback with four of
the seven teams having a new one,” Friesen said. “Everyone’s going to be having some growing pains, but it's whoever’s quarterback that gets up that learning curve the quickest that’s going to give their team the best opportunity to win.”
While it’s still too early to tell which team will round into form the quick- est, the Bears are confident that their rookies will step up and provide a better, more complete effort than was evident against Saskatchewan last week, when they dropped a 27-6 decision. But, if some of the rookies do struggle, the Bears are prepared to go with other options.
“We're not at all hesitant to put Cam Linke in, and between him and Quade Armstrong, we've got two distinct, quality quarterbacks that both bring different things to the table and we've just got to make sure that we use them smartly,” Friesen said.
“We've got a rookie quarterback— Armstrong—who showed a lot of posi- tives in our game against Saskatchewan, but he also showed that it was his first game, too,” said Stevenson, Tollestrup’s neighbour in Raymond. “Mostly, I think what Quade showed us was posi- tive, and showed that he’s going to be an excellent quarterback for us.”
Kick-off time for the CIS version of the battle of Alberta is noon on Saturday, at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. All the action can be heard live on the TEAM 1260 with Bob Stauffer and Blake Dermott doing the calls.
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thursday, 7 september, 2006
Lack of tobacco sales hurts SU finances: Cunningham
TOBACCO ¢ CONTINUED FROM PAGE1
After hearing of the illegal ciga- rette sales, Steve Kirkham, who sat on Students’ Council last year as a science councillor, and is adamantly in favor of the ban, sent a letter to Cunningham. In the letter, he explained his disappoint- ment in learning that the Powerplant had been ignoring the budget princi- ples, and has asked that the money be donated towards the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission’s memo- rial trust fund.
However, Cunningham doesn’t condone the Powerplant going against the budget principles, he pointed out that this year’s financial losses as a result of the ban far exceed the total illegal profit made.
“We only made $64 ... it wasn’t a lot [of money] and currently we're losing $38 000 in profit because of the ban,” Cunningham said.
“That’s a fair chunk of money that
while
we're losing—that’s a service. mean, Safewalk’s operating budget is around $40 000,” Cunningham added. “And who’s going to benefit? It’s not going to prevent anybody from smoking.”
But, according to Audit Committee Chairwoman Theresa Chapman, the ban had more to do with an ethical choice of deciding where SU money came from rather than trying to stop students from smoking.
“T think the main thing is there’s this moral idea that was very much
championed by Kirkham and a few others that, morally, we shouldn't be selling tobacco—we shouldn’t be deriving our profit from a product that kills students,” she said.
Kirkham explained his moral rea- soning, comparing selling tobacco products to promoting gambling on campus.
“The same argument could be made for the reason that we don’t have VLTs in the Powerplant and RATT to fund student services,’ Kirkham said.
“T think that a loss of $38 000 is an acceptable loss for the eventual gain we'll get from [the ban],” Kirkham added.
But, along with the estimated financial losses from tobacco sales, the SU expected to lose out on sales that are incidental to selling tobacco products.
“We'll also lose money from col- lateral costs because [when] some- one comes in they buy tobacco and they also buy a stick of gum,” Chapman said. “It was estimated at around $15 000 for the year on col- lateral costs.”
SUBMart has replaced cigarette sales with various other items, such as phone cards and Tylenol, to offset the added losses while the Powerplant and RATT have yet to find a substitute.
Chapman, though supportive of stu- dents’ vote for a campus-wide tobacco ban, noted that as long as University
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: JENNY FROGNER
GOING UP IN SMOKE Some argue the tobacco ban is going to drain SU coffers.
policy allows tobacco sales on campus, only SU businesses will suffer from financial losses.
“People are going to not buy stuff in the Students’ Union Building because they can’t get cigarettes here—they’re going to go to HUB and buy cigarettes there,” Chapman said.
But, while the current budget prin- ciples are set until the end of April, Council could theoretically amend the budget for next year to reintroduce the sale of tobacco products.
“This year’s setting a standard, but that standard can be changed,” Chapman said.
Aviva Forget- Manson Arts |
Finding my way around is the worst part. | just started late, my first class was at two, if | had been here earlier maybe | would have had a better time, but I’m sure it will come along later in the day.
il
8101 - 103 St. Whyte Ave
STREETERS
Wednesday, 6 September marked the start of classes and the return of U of A students to campus.
=" Katie Garnham
Arts Ill
That guy, the sunglasses guy asking how my day was. | don’t know, that idiotic question, “Do you need to buy the text- book?” That's a pretty bad question right there. “Um, could we change this exam to a take home exam?” That was prob- ably the worst part of my day, the idiotic first-day questions.
What was the best/worst part of your first day back?
Sheelah Griffith Masters Forestry II
Best part is the ice cream.
Compiled and photographed by Mike Otto and Phil Head
IRON HORSE KICKS ASS
Graeme Andrews Arts |
Best part of school is coming back and getting to know what you're going to be doing for the next year, sorting out the details. The worst part is knowing that the summer's coming to an end-now you have to get back to the real world.
thursday, 7 september, 2006
PHIL HEAD
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Punter Adam Fragomeni works on getting his kicks away after fumbling on one attempt and having another blocked in last weekend's loss to the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Controversy surrounds Golden Bear kickers
The startling departure of projected kicker/punter Stephen Wozmirsky left the Bears scrambling to find suitable replacements
ROSS PRUSAKOWSKI Sports Staff
Waiting for the results of a jury ver- dict, parole application or paternity test are all exceptions to the notion that no news is good news. But if youre the Golden Bears Football coaching staff after this off-season, youre also likely to include, “hearing from your starting kicker” to that list of exceptions.
After counting on the return of kicker Stephen Wozmirsky to handle the team’s place-kicking and punting duties—and not hearing anything to contradict that from him—the Bears were shocked when he departed the
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees
Representing employees in public education in Alberta
mel
program just a day into training camp. The team was left with no time to recruit a replacement and scrambling to find a feasible arrangement for this season.
“T have no idea why he left it so late. I'd actually talked to him the week before about classes and nothing was mentioned,” said Bears head coach Jerry Friesen, who was left with few options as replacements. “Our concern was in finding a punter. | was happy with the guys that we had, [linebacker Scott Stevenson and slotback Damon Fraietta,] but it just taxes two of our key players with one more responsibility.
“Both of those guys are key play- ers in our offensive and defensive
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schemes, and both would have been playing 60 snaps a game regardless. So to add onto that the responsibility of the kicking game would’ve been a lot,” he added.
While the Bears did manage to poach punter Adam Fragomeni from the Alberta Junior Football League’s Edmonton Huskies to fill one of their needs, Stevenson has still been forced to handle the place-kicking duties this season. It’s a duty that the third-year linebacker doesn’t mind handling, though he’ll need to shake off some rust since he hasn’t kicked regularly since high school.
“Obviously I didn’t have the time that most kickers get to prepare for
All workshops located at:
the season, but I feel confident in my abilities and that I'll get better as the season progresses,” said Stevenson, who kicked 31- and 32-yard field goals after missing his first attempt from 20 yards in last weekend’s loss to Saskatchewan.
“Tm probably the most dressed up—equipment wise—looking kicker in the conference,” Stevenson laughed. “But I don’t think kicking and playing on the defence is that different from guys who are on the offence and also
on the kicking team.”
Though Stevenson had a relatively successful debut in his new role last weekend, Fragomeni was touched up for 14 points thanks to a fumbled snap
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and blocked punt. However, the third- year education student believes that things will improve over the course of the season as he adjusts to life as a starter on a CIS team.
“The level of football is something that’s really different for me; because even though I’d been with the Huskies I didn’t get any real game experi- ence,” said Fragomeni, who was the Huskies backup kicker and stayed in Edmonton when the team went on road trips. “I’m glad I got a couple of good kicks off [in Saskatchewan] and even though we had the punt blocked and the fumble, it was a learning experience, and things can only get better from here.”
Attention all Graduate and 4th year Undergraduate Students
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
i+ Tuesday Sept 19, 2006 9:00-11:00 am
Council Chambers
2-1 University Hall (south of SUB)
—sponsored by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
Pandas hope for a quick start
hosting Lethbridge and Calgary a
Alberta wants to avoid “dropping points” by eliminating ties early in the year
PAUL OWEN Sports Editor
When they opened last season with three straight ties, the Pandas soccer team tied their own noose on a 6-5-5 season that saw them miss the playoffs by two points. This year, the Pandas are determined to get off to a quicker start as they host the Lethbridge Pronghorns and Calgary Dinos this weekend.
“When we look at the start of the season the last two years, one of our problems is that we drop points in the beginning. Taking six points from this weekend will set us up that much better for the playoffs. Right off the bat we really need to be focused and understand how much every game counts,” Liz Jepsen said. “We can’t continue to drop points by tying games we should win. We can’t settle for that complacency.”
“We have a sense of urgency,” striker Alix Strap added. “The season is so short, and we need to win a lot more games: no more ties.”
The Pandas avoided the tie while downing Lethbridge 3-1 Calgary 1-0 in a pre-season tourna- ment thanks in large part to Strap and fellow strikers Claire Thomas
Pandas head coach
and
and Amy Ciezki. The Pandas scored
twelve goals in four games in the weekend tournament in Lethbridge.
“The nice thing about the 4-3-3 is that you can attack well with it, but it adapts to handle what you're opponents’ attack is like,” Jepsen explained. “So I think that going at them with an attacking system is the way to go. The best thing about our system is that it lets us make the game unpredictable. We need to make sure that we have a lot of diversity.
“We really need to be focused and understand how much every game counts. We can't continue to drop points by tying games we should win. We cant settle for that complacency.”
LIZ JEPSEN PANDAS HEAD COACH
“Amy Ciezki ran through people in the flanks, and we scored a ton of goals in the same way, but team swill be more prepared for that and
we need to develop different ways of scoring.”
The Pandas’ offensive abilities will help against Calgary, who recently graduated their all-star keeper, but may run into a roadblock with the Pronghorns’ back line.
“Tm sure that [the Pronghorns] will be well organized. They have a very strong keeper; I think that will be our biggest challenge: getting through their system and then actually being able to capitalize on our opportuni- ties,” said Jepsen.
While their offence has remained as potent as ever, the Pandas have also shown renewed focus on the defen- sive side of the ball, recording three shutouts.
“We're all more comfortable play- ing with each other, so we have more confidence and know each other’s tendencies,” sweeper Natalie Swain said.
The Pandas rebounded from their disappointing showing to make the most of their automatic bye into nationals by placing fifth, and the resilient result is still fresh in the Pandas’ minds as they prepare for the new season.
“We know we could have done a lot better last season, so this year we're looking to play off nationals and get back there again,” Strap said.
ry
SPORTS BI
FILE PHOTO: LEANNE FONG HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE Striker Amy Ciezki scored ten goals last year.
Field hockey team prepares to defend national title
PAUL OWEN Sports Editor
For the Pandas field hockey team, last year’s national championship doubled asa statement to the field hockey world that they were ready to be a perennial powerhouse. Thanks to a very talented recruiting class and a positive ripple effect on the field hockey community, they just might be ready to back it up. “We have a really good crop of rookies,
and were excited about
their talent,’ said head coach Carla Somerville, last year’s CIS coach of the year. “I think we're a more talented team, but that in our approach to the game, we're a little bit inexperienced. We're not playing at home, which is always a bit of a negative, but we've overcome the biggest challenge: we know how to win. Before we always stumbled with the challenge of win- ning, so we should be confident to
start the year.”
“Anytime another team or more teams win, it gives creedence to your sport.”
CARLA SOMERVILLE PANDAS HEAD COACH
The inexperience is due to the graduation of a pair of all-stars— Diana Hughes and AJ Johnson— who Somerville described as very demanding and intense _ players. Despite these losses, the Pandas still have goaltender Sarah Houlihan; last year’s playoff hero, she’s now enter- ing her fifth year and will be heavily relied on if the Pandas have any hope of repeating.
atte cea Shean eae
KRYSTINA SULATYCKI
THOSE DON'T LOOK LIKE LEGAL CURVES The Pandas should field another strong team after spending the summer trying to grow field hockey in Edmonton.
“As big of a challenge as winning a national championship was, it’s going to be harder to defend it,’ Somerville said. “We're always going to have rebuilding years and challenges, but we're at a point now where we think we can establish ourselves as one of the best programs in the country, year in and year out.”
While the Pandas championship has
been good for the sport in Edmonton, it’s also been good for midfielder Erin Mason, who scored the Pandas’ lone goal in the CIS final. Mason gained notice at the national finals and was picked up by the national team.
Over the summer, the Pandas refused to rest on their laurels, instead donning the Green and Gold, along with a shiny, new, national cham-
pionship ring, and promoting field hockey in the Edmonton area. Field hockey was almost axed as a CIS sport in the spring of 2005, and Somerville sees their championship as a way to help ensure that field hockey remains in CIS.
“Tt just shows that any program can put together a good run and become a good program. But, anytime another
team or more teams win, it gives more credence to your sport,” she said. “We're trying to grow the sport. We have a couple of Edmonton play- ers coming out of the junior leagues who look like will be coming into the University program. They're excited about making the team and enter- ing the program, and it just generates from level to level.”
2 COMIS te ere 2008
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THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2 COMICS 33 BITTEN by Robin Sissons
ANNA by Megan Simko
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CLASSIFIEDS
To place a classified ad, please go to www.campusclassifieds.ca
FOR RENT
M/F young roommate wanted to share new townhouse in Ellerslie Crossing. $600 per month includes everything. Call 267-9475 Onebedroom basement suite. Some furnishings. New house in Pleasantview. $800/month incl utilities. E-mail jerry@kiriak.com
Brand new 4plex available for shared accomodation. Must be quiet student or professional. Pets OK. South side, $500/ month. 450-8628
2 Bedroom condo. Kitchen with major appliances, washer/dryer. Park underground. 2 minute walk from campus. No pets/smoking. From Sept 1. Call 265-6925 or 430-6925. hrajani@ualberta.ca
FOR SALE
Sofa and love seat. Classic, off-white, great condition. $450. 416-2412
6 drawer wooden desk $25, blue floral sofa and chair, excellent condition $40, sewing table $15. 433-3782 1992 Honda Accord Ex-R, 2-Dr, 5-spd stndrd, air, cruise, alarm, remote start, 2 sets rims and tires, dealer-serviced, $4,900 obo. Call Adam 482-4067. Parking pass for sale one block east of campus. $400 for one full year. Stu 708-6631
Beautiful girl’s bedroom furniture, white and wood, excellent condition. $950 obo. 433-8418
SERVICES
“An Introduction to Islam," a course offered at the Canadian Islamic Centre (Al-Rashid Mosque) every Sunday. For more info, please contact (780) 451-6694 or e-mail: alrashid @interbaun.com
www.edmontoncanoe.com weekend paddle between Genesee, Devon & Edm. We supply canoes and transportation. 470-5352 info@edmontoncanoe.com
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASL Sign Language Class Level One begins 19 September, 2006 for twelve weeks: Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm. Contact Specialized Support and Disability Services, U of A, 492-3381, 2-800 SUB for more information.
EMPLOYMENT - FULL TIME
In search for an organized, outgoing personality, who has a passion for skiing/snowboard to head up reception, reservations and our office support. Joining Downhill Riders comes with some perks within the ski/snowboard industry. Conputers and good communication a must!
EMPLOYMENT - PART TIME
issara Fashions Downtown P/T~ sales or two days a week. Teresa 424-8787 or issara@compusmart.ab.ca $10/hr.
f you are looking for a part time position hat will work around your class schedule hat offers an excellent wage, gratuities and incentives, why not become a banquet server/bartender for A Cappella Catering. Valid drivers licence is required. Apply to im @acappella.ab.ca or fax 454-2748
P/T Receptionist required. University area Sports Chiropractic Clinic looking for energetic individual to fill immediate opening. Position offers convenient campus location, flexible ours and competitive wages. Applicant must possess excellent communication and customer service skills. A background in Phys Ed or Kinesiology and previous reception experience are assets, but not required. E- mail cover letter and resumé to kristens@riv ervalleyhealth.com
We are currently seeking a part-time (15 hrs/ week, Thursdays and Saturdays) receptionist for our busy health clinic. Applicant must be energetic, flexible, reliable, motivated, organised and knowledge in Chiropractic would be an asset. Please send resumé Attn: Saara to 5846-111st Edmonton, AB T6H 3G1, via fax 780-433-1890 or e-mail at health@telus.net. The Perfect Student Job Hughes Car Wash /Gas Station is hiring Flexible Weekend and Weekday Station Attendants at our various ocations in Edmonton. We are the industries best paying employer. Apply at any location, or e-mail resumé to hr@hughespetroleum. com. www.hughespetroleum.com
Edmonton YMCA Child Care Services requires
The “RAD ical Sale For
part-time program staff to work with children ages 5-12 years in various city locations. Hours available are 7-9 AM (M-F) and 2-6 PMCT,Th). Free YMCA membership. $9-$11/hr. E-mail resumé or questions to cabel@edmonton.ymca.ca
Alta Care Resources is looking — for compassionate people to work with kids in Edmonton. Hiring for multiple positions: crisis, youth work and group care. Shifts are flexible or caseload, great experience, free training and diverse clients. Please contact Brandi Smith 451-6040 ext230 or brandis@telus. net
Scona Pool is looking for Cashier/Lifeguard/ Instructors. Please email resumé to office@parksandrecplus.com or call 496-8758
Want a great way to jumpstart your nonprofit career? Just looking for part-time work? Public Outreach is hiring part time and full time staff, starting wage is $12/hour, and you get to work with some of the world’s most respected human rights and environmental organizations, inadynaric, fun, and professional atmosphere. Just call 436-9896.
SoulFitnessiscurrentlylooking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for fitness to provide motivational and creative programs for women offenders. Candidates must be currently completing a certification or degree which relates to this position. This is a part- time contract position consisting of evening, weekend and holiday hours. Interested individuals should send their resumé with covering letter to soulfitness@shaw.ca. or 8 Kelso Court, St Albert, AB, T8N 6W5. Deadline:September 20, 2006.
Weekend Personal Care Aide required for male quadreplegic. Semi-flexible hours, plenty of free time, no experience required will train. Contact mholitzki@shaw.ca to apply or for more information.
Sales help reqd in wine & beer making supply store. Some exp an asset but would train. Flex p.m. & w/end shifts. Decent wage, discounts & great envirnmt. Bring resumé to: Southside Brew Crew 5718-111 St Edmonton.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Would you like to meet interesting people from all over the globe? Cultural Connections Institute is looking for volunteers to teach English as a Second Language to adult newcomers to Canada. Orientation and training provided. Morning or afternoon shifts available. Call 944- 0792 today!
Change a girl's life. Girl Guide leaders urgently needed. 435-5068.
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THE GATEWAY + volume XCVII number 2
TUESDAY
Orientation Afterparty, WOW Kick Off Party All Ages/Licensed Powerplant
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week of welcome 2006
THURSDAY
Pancake Breakfast 7:30AM — 9:30AM Celebration Plaza
Clubs Fair 9:00AM — 4:30PM Quad
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Beer Gardens 12:00AM — 6:00PM Performances by DJ Allan Suarez, Bebop Cortez with The Subatomics and guests. No minors
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ONCE UPON ATIME After a year-and-a-half, Klein's promise for the most affordable PSE in Canada remains unfulfilled. i a e G A Tearnine Alberta WOR cw 980 U says A Learning Alberta oounnsdean-
9 : with Robin Hunter, and Christian Hansen | final report doesnt deliver [Eevee ne) ee
Report's recommendations should go further in increasing affordability, critics argue
NATALIE CLIMENHAGA
Senior News Editor
When Premier Ralph Klein promised in February 2005 to make Alberta’s postsecondary education system the most affordable in Canada, student representatives vowed to hold him to his word, and then-minister of advanced education Dave Hancock launched the A Learning Alberta review to explore how this pledge could be achieved.
However, after a year and a half of extended deadlines, a ministerial change, deregulation of tuition policy and continuous debate, the A Learning Alberta review ended with little media attention on 5 June.
“From my standpoint, the review started off with a bang and ended with a whimper,” Liberal Official Advanced Education Critic Dave Taylor said.
Students’ Union President Sam Power credited the review for having sparked ample debate on the province’s postsecondary issues, but expressed her disappointment at its lack of con- crete results.
“Tm actually very scared for where postsecondary stands right now; because, I think, in the eyes of the government and in the eyes of some of the public, they believe that the issue of affordable tuition and quality education have been solved because of this review—and that’s far from the case,” Power said.
According to Power, no headway has been made in solving the issues
CAMPUS CRIME BEAT
Compiled by Scott Lilwall
THAT'S MY BIKE YOU'RE STEALING
On 31 August, at around Tlpm, Campus Security Services received a report tha someone caught two males who were attempting to steal his bike. The pair o would-be bike thieves were promptly caught and arrested by CSS members. They were charged with counts o attempted theft and assault. The two troublemakers were eventually released into the custody of the Edmonton Police Service.
that were under constant debate during the review process.
“There’s been no increased dedi- cation of funding to institutions, nor has there been a solution to increasing tuition fees for students and solving the affordability problems,” she said.
However, Albertas Advanced Education Minister Denis Herard assured the recommendations raised by the review were being taken into account.
“All of that is currently being sum- marized and put into a report for me,” Herard explained. “Essentially, stu- dents will be very pleased with what it is we're doing because most of the problems that were identified to us by students are being worked on.”
According to SU Vice-President (External) Dave Cournoyer, student representatives were told in a private meeting with the Minister last week to anticipate an announcement prior to the leadership changeover on a new regulated tuition policy.
However, Cournoyer remained adamant that the SU would continue to lobby to have tuition policy placed back into legislation, regardless of how appeasing the new policy appears.
“There's no accountability to Albertans that this new policy that the Minister will announce in the next couple months will stay the same in six months from now when the new premier takes over,’ Cournoyer said, noting the deregulation of tuition policy allows for changes to be made to it without debate in the legislature.
DRIVE-BY PURSE SNATCHING FOILED On 4 September, at around 8am, a truck containing three females pulled a U- urn on 87 Avenue and drove up along- side a fernale student. While one of the emales in the truck distracted the lone woman by asking for directions around campus, one of the others grabbed he pedestrian’s purse and pulled it into the truck. The victim quickly went o the CSS office, sans purse, and eported the incident.
Campus Security Services located he suspects in the area of 109 Street a short time later at which point the EPS was called to the scene. Two female youths were arrested and charged with several offences, it was also determined that the truck had been reported stolen.
Aware of students’ concerns, Herard has promoted regulated poli- cies for their flexibility and is encour- aging students to first participate in this process prior to deciding on its effectiveness.
“If you put something in regula- §
tion, then you have the ability for con- tinuous improvement, and so if some part of this doesn’t work quite right for students, then we can change the regulation quite easily to accommo- date their needs,” Herard said, adding he would be open to re-evaluating the relegislation of tuition policy after first attempting a regulated system.
“Tf in the end it doesn’t appear that it’s going to result in agreement, then we can look at putting it back into legislation.”
But Cournoyer wasn’t convinced this new policy would make up for the loss of the high-energy momentum that came out of the forum a year and a half ago, nor did he expect it would fulfill the review’s founding prom- ise of creating the most affordable postsecondary system in Canada.
“[Considering] the amount of effort that so many stakeholders put into this review and the trust they put into pursuing this review, it’s underwhelming, it’s unvisionary and disappointing,” he said. “It’s 24 pages of vague recommendations set with timelines for 2025. If Albertans were looking for a true A Learning Alberta, or a true best postsecondary educa- tion system in the country, this is not going to deliver on it.”
Most of the complainant's property was recovered.
CAMPUS FIREBUGS STILL AT LARGE CSS received a call on 5 September at around 3:30pm_ informing them that three males had just started a fire in the field just west of the Campus Saint-Jean. But before CSS could apprehend the suspects, the fire starters fled and ran down into the river valley and evading capture. Upon further investigation, it appears that the budding pyromaniacs had attempted to start multiple fires in the field. Anyone with information on the two suspects is asked to contact CSS at 492-5050.
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4 NEWS
thursday, 7 september, 2006
President's address emphasizes personal and social growth
ADDRESS ¢ CONTINUED FROM PAGE1 Power then recited a quote from playwright George Bernard Shaw. “He said that, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world. The unreason- able one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all prog- ress depends on the unreasonable.’ I’m asking you to become unreasonable with me to create progress. Don’t lose your belief in what the world should be. Find that one thing that you want to change in the world,” Power said. Afterwards, likearock star emerging before a jubilant crowd, the President of the University of Alberta, Indira Samarasekera, delivered her brief yet motivating speech, reaffirming her pride in the U of A and its students. She also emphasized how university is a great catalyst for lifelong change. “The University of Alberta is going to change your life and you. Every single one of you are going to change the lives of everyone around you—so take a good look at everyone around you,” Samarasekera said. “Find them
after four years. Ask them, ‘Did you
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Meetings Fridays at 3:00pm Room 3-04, SUB
change their lives and did they change your life?”
President | Samarasekera humourously polled the audience. “I can see bright students. Raise your hand, bright students! I can see happy students. Raise your hand, happy stu- dents! I can see energetic students. Raise your hand! I can see bored stu- dents. Raise your hand!”
“T can see tomorrow’s leaders in pol- itics, in science, in arts and business!
even
Now I see students who know how to think,” Samarasekera said.
She concluded by offering advice to the audience about getting the most out of their postsecondary experience.
“First, the classroom, the laboratory or the library, this is where you will gain an enormous amount of know!- edge. You will be challenged to look at things in new ways. You will develop your critical thinking skills and your problem solving.”
“Number two, your peers—see them asan outlet,” said Samarasekera, who emphasized how U of A stu- dents, despite their diverse back-
YMCA U of A students wave their hands i
grounds and differences, can still learn a lot from each other.
“T want you, for the years that you are here at the University of Alberta, to learn about each other. I want you to find out what makes each other tick. I want you to pick up new friendships, I want you to join new groups, and I
want you to have new experiences— because they will serve you for the rest of your life.”
“Finally, the third area, and per- haps the most daunting: you are here to learn about yourself. Out of my heart, I will continue to work to ensure that you have the best profes-
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The President and the crowd roared, “We are the University of Alberta!”
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THE GATEWAY + volume XCVII number 2
wa
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: MIKEOTTO AND PHIL HEAD
THE LITTLE PLANET THAT COULDN'T Now kids will have to just recall ‘My Very Educated Mother Just Sent Us Nine...
Pluto left out in the cold
A new classification system has demoted the body to “dwarf planet” status, but some say the debate over the Pluto's place in the heavens is far from over
DEREK LARSON
Pluto, though struck from the league of planets on 24 August by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), may still hold its place in the heavens for many—at least for now.
The IAU voted to reclassify Pluto as a “dwarf planet,” a week after the IAU executive committee proposed a new definition of what constitutes a planet, which would have resulted in the addition of three new planets, bring- ing the total to twelve.
The new definition, the first “official” definition ofa planet since the early days of astronomy in ancient Greece, has the clout of being agreed upon internation- ally by experts in the field.
“TThe vote] is a healthy process,” says Dr Fred Clark, faculty lecturer for Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and past instructor of a course on the geology of the solar system. “It forces a crystallizing of the debate at some point; otherwise we can dither end- lessly.”
However, according to Dr Chris Herd, professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, the debate surrounding the decision to demote Pluto may not be over yet.
“At this point, it just becomes a
matter of politics in the [[AU],” Herd said.
Meanwhile, Tony Whyte, author of The Planet Pluto, suggested that other motives may have triggered the push to oust Pluto.
“Tt mucks up the beautiful computer simulations to have a bunch of smaller objects suddenly appear,” Whyte said. “Maybe it was a plot by some plan- etary astronomers to demote [Pluto], and then they can ignore [it].”
“Some of the astronomers [in the IAU]... can’t tell a planet from a Mars bar.’
TONY WHYTE AUTHOR, THE PLANET PLUTO
The new definition of a planet was met with considerable outcry from the public, and left many research- ers scratching their heads. Many have questioned the most telling point of the definition, that a planet must “have cleared its orbit” and are now checking to make sure the defini- tion holds up for the remaining eight planets.
“Some of the astronomers [in the
TAU] ...can’t tell a planet from a Mars Bar,” Whyte said.
That there is a distinct difference between Pluto and the other four outer planets is undisputed—the argu- ment lies primarily with the defini- tion excluding Pluto as a true planet. “Td say there is a good case for making Pluto an honorary planet,” Whyte said.
Herd disagreed, though, and sees Pluto as part of the Kuiper Belt, a wide stretch of objects made up of rocks and ice that sits at the edge of the solar system.
“[Phuto is] a king of the Kuiper Belt, as opposed to an actual planet,” he argued.
Herd went on to explain that the classification of Pluto as a non-planet would actually aid in the process of teaching about the formation of the solar system.
“Tf we realize that Pluto and these other objects [can be grouped] together with the Kuiper Belt objects, then we can start to understand why they’re there,” Herd explained.
Though our understanding of Pluto’s place in the solar system is changing, this argument is far from resolved, and it may be many years before consensus is finally reached and it’s decided once and for all where in our solar system Pluto belongs.
YN
New Plant still work-in-progress
DFROR
P T ¢ CONTINUED FROM PAGE
“The guys like me who enjoyed going to the "Plant for a beer after a lecture on Wednesday after- noon can still go up to RATT. That hasn’t changed. We're just offering something different,” Cunningham explained.
While excited about the changes to the Powerplant, Cunningham did admit that the plan was still taking off, and that there were a few growing pains to work through.
“With every new project, there are hurdles in the path. But all-in-all, I think things are going smoothly,” he said.
Warren Marco, a cook who works at the Powerplant, noted the same. “We were hoping to have this open last month. Unfortunately that wasn’t
possible due to construction issues. We don’t have a deep-freeze back there, and our ice cream machine isn’t working at the moment. But, we're trying, and we're asking for advice from students,“ Marco said. “TBut] I’m quite excited about it. It’s a good change.”
As for the response among students, it has been fairly positive, although with the caveat that there are still some kinks to be worked out.
“T’s kind of sad that they’re not going to have bar service there at all. But on the whole, it’s nice to see some changes,” Sharon O’Hoyan commented after finishing a meal at the buffet on Monday.
“Tf they got rid of the cabbage rolls, and put better labels and lighting on it, I'd come back, definitely,” she added.
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thursday, 7 september, 2006
Risqué Girl Guide ads a tough cookie to swallow
ABBAS SOMIJI The Underground
SCARBOROUGH (CUP)—In a bid to boost recruitment figures, the Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) have kicked off a new advertising campaign that has come under public scrutiny in recent weeks.
The campaign, which made its debut mid-summer, features a series of risqué, graphic images that critics say come in stark contrast to the wholesome cookie- vending Girl Guide persona.
One particular ad depicts “Candi,” a fictitious pre-teen songstress, posing provocatively for the camera, with a list of overtly sexual album tracks, such as “Taste Me” and “Naughty Girl” printed on a side tab. At the bottom of the ad, a strategically placed cartoon girl looks on, and points at the tagline that reads, “Why girls need guides.”
“The idea behind this campaign is just to turn the mirror back on society and say: ‘If this is what your daughter is being exposed to on a daily basis, wouldn’t it make sense to put her into Girl Guides?” explained Angus Tucker, creative director of John St Advertising, who designed the ads.
Another ad is a web banner for cel- lulite cream, urging young girls to use it to prevent cellulite before it starts. While one final ad looks like a maga- zine cover called “Modern Girl” with titles of articles, such as “Make His Interests Your Interests—it’s okay to pretend!” splashed across the front.
But at least one former Guide is not fond of the new ad campaign. Ashley Chin, a second-year Queen’s University student, said the new Girl Guides ad campaign uses an inappropriate and misleading recruitment strategy.
“TIs Girl Guides] a means of preven- tative action? Or is it really an organiza- tion that offers an opportunity for girls to foster teamwork, leadership skills, and to learn and grow?”
Shauna Klein, marketing development manager of Girl Guides
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Canada, said the campaign has been successful at bringing the Guides back into the public eye and that the gen- eral public has responded positively to the advertising campaign.
“The GGC program has always been about leadership development, self esteem, taking risks, making friends and having fun in a safe environ- ment,” Klein stressed.
Klein said the goal of the ad cam- paign is to make parents realize that impressionable young girls are now, more than ever, in need of strong mentors to direct them through the barrage of negative messages trans- mitted through the media.
Another reason for this new mar- keting tactic is a steady 20-year decline in GGC membership, due to competi- tion from other organizations, clubs or community centres that offer rec- reational programs or activities.
Klein said she expects an increase in membership during the fall Guide registration because of the eye-catch- ing advertising campaign.
According to Klein, the placement of the various ads—all at discounted rates—cost GGC $500 000. The cre- ative portion of the campaign was donated by John St Advertising, as part of their pro bono work with not-for- profit organizations.
Lakehead U mocks Bush
New “Yale Shmale” campaign hopes to attract students by poking fun at US President, but some say the advertisment could damage University’s reputation
DOUG DIACZUK The Argus
THUNDER BAY (CUP)—lLakehead University in Thunder Bay set out to grab the attention of potential students in southern Ontario with a new, edgy marketing campaign, but what they got was worldwide attention.
The campaign, unveiled by Lakehead on 25 August, depicted US President George W Bush and the slogan “Yale Shmale” followed by the statement, “Just because you go an Ivy League school doesn’t necessarily mean you're smart.” The campaign created a story that was picked up by major networks worldwide, including CBC, CNN and BBC.
“We have generated media attention that we couldn’t possibly buy in the next ten years,” Lakehead Director of Communications Eleanor Abaya stated.
But not everyone sees the attention as a positive thing.
Isabelle Poniatowski, President of the Lakehead’s Student Union,
described her reaction to the ad cam- paign as “one of repugnance.”
“This ad is so lowbrow that it is embarrassing,” she said.
She also said that the Student Union has been flooded with e-mails and calls from people who don’t believe the ad campaign was in good taste.
“T received a lot of support from stu- dents, faculty and staff from Lakehead that also find it embarrassing. There are so many great things about Lakehead ... [but] I haven't seen the ads that say we have clean air. That we have trees,” Poniatowski said.
“Yale does not condone the use of its logo by other institutions,” Dorie Baker, Yale University’s Director of Public Affairs, said.
“T don’t even want to comment on it. It’s too silly for me to comment on,” she said, when asked to com- ment further.
The decision to use such a campaign was made because other, safer cam- paigns have been exhausted and elicit little response, Lakehead President Fred
Gilbert said.
“Tf students or faculty felt truly offended by the campaign, then I’m sorry. I do believe the campaign has served its purpose,” Gilbert went on to say.
Gilbert believes some view the cam- paign as negative because they see it as a political statement. However Gilbert says this wasn’t the intention, and using the image of Bush was based on his iconic status.
“If we showed young people a pic- ture of Stephen Harper, they wouldn’t know who it was and wouldn't
intrigue them to take the next step to go to the website.”
Gilbert stressed that it was sup- posed to be “tongue-in-cheek,” and expressed confidence that Lakehead’s credibility will not be negatively affected by the campaign.
According to Abaya, morethan 95 per cent of the targeted market described the ad as “cool and awesome.”
“Only time will tell [if credibility has been damaged],” she said.
THE GATEWAY ¢ volume XCVII number 2
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SQUARING OFF The unsuccessful bid to kill Bill 40 drew the Opposition and student representatives together last May.
SUMMER lf the Cabinet responsible for the tuition on campus were considered to be e e e policy would provide no accountability non-profit, as any money made was By-Election Nominations
web: wwwsuuaertace/printcentre
REVIEW and would offer no voice to students. put towards funding student services. : , : r Students’ Union President Samantha However, in both 2005 and 2006, the We are now accepting nominations for the Students’ Union Compiled by Scott Lilwall Powers and