Link46-12

ITCHY ANSWERS New sexy time adventures ahead!

• pg 11

BCIT Dragon’s 2011hosts CelticFest •Den pg 8 hopefuls • pg 4

March 9th, 2011 • Issue 46-12

Vancouver is Awesome pg 6

2 Editorial

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

Vancouver is Great …But Other Canadian Cities Are Too Brenna Temple Editor

I

’ve heard plenty of people brag about Vancouver as their place of residence: can we really blame them?

Compared to the rest of British Columbia, which predominantly includes small and debatably monotonous towns, Vancouver is a diamond in the rough. Realistically, there aren’t many other places in Canada where you can swim in the ocean, climb a mountain, or bike a seawall after a long day of work.

Vancouver is traditionally recognized as one of the most beautiful places in Canada, but have you ever noticed that it’s people don’t receive the same credit for their attitudes? Of course, there aren’t statistics that measure such, but it’s something we’ve heard here and there when traveling outside of the city.

And of course, we can’t forget last year’s Olympics—it helped Vancouver as a tourist destination, but did it help the reputation of locals? People from all over the world flocked to Vancouver’s streets wondering what our beautiful city has to offer. And how could we blame them? It’s already been more than one year later and some people are still riding out their Olympic highs.

But bloggers, tourists, and journalists from around the world had their own opinions about Vancouver too. One blog based in the United States asked, “Why are Canadians so snobby about hockey?” while an American based Canadian reporter was quoted in an article saying, “Here you go acting like bloody Americans.”

Of course, this isn’t meant to focus solely on the Olympics (I’m sure some people were long ago tired of all the Olympic headlines).

Like I mentioned before, Vancouver’s beauty is obvious and there are statistics to back it up. For example, Vancouver was listed as one of the world’s most livable cities in the 2010 Mercer Quality of Living Survey.

True, Vancouver received gold medals for its beauty and athletic standards, but has it left other noteworthy cities in the dust as a result?

For example, I recently spoke with a colleague who moved to Alberta from Vancouver just a few months ago. He purposely avoids telling his new neighbors and friends that he’s from Vancouver as it usually warrants an “oh, you’re from there” sort of comment.

Perhaps this is part of the new attitude Vancouver has allegedly developed and due to this, we should look at what other places in the country have to offer. Montreal arguably has the tastiest poutine in the country. You can choose from a startling variety of French fries avec tasty cheese curds, which make A&W’s poutine menu item a laughingstock. It may seem silly, but whole songs have been devoted to this superior Montreal food.

But do you hear the Quebecois bragging about it?

In Vancouver you can conveniently find a Starbucks parked on most street corners —but in

SE2 - 281 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC, V5G 3H2 Phone: 604.456.1167 Ads: 604.432.8974 Fax: 604.431.7619 The Link is the student newspaper of the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Published bi-weekly by the BCIT Student Association (BCITSA), The Link circulates 3,000

copies to over 16,000 students, faculty and staff.

Publications Manager: Alicia Agarrabeitia publications@bcitsa.ca 604.456.1167 Editor: Brenna Temple linkeditor@bcitsa.ca AssistantEditor: Chad Klassen linkassistanteditor @bcitsa.ca

many Eastern cities locals like visiting personalized cafes where the coffee is always hot and fresh.

This isn’t to mention the fact that it supports these cities on a local level whereas much of the money pumped into the massive corporation of Starbucks is tunneled back to the U.S. But here in Vancouver we ironically carry our white and green paper cups around like they’re fashion accessories.

And what about Nova Scotia?

Rumor has it that it’s the home to some of the friendliest people in Canada, a place where you can walk into any pub not knowing anybody and still walk out with friends afterwards. Of course this is a stereotype, but it’s certainly funny how word travels fast about attitudes, isn’t it?

And then there’s the snow that Vancouverites ruthlessly scoff at (“what on earth is that white stuff falling from the sky?”) However,

in other areas of the country it’s an essential part of growing up as a kid. In some places snow is actually considered as a vital lesson necessary for the sake of learning how to drive. It’s what makes frozen maple syrup being served as a treat in Ottawa possible. It’s also turned Canadian Goose Jackets into a necessary fashion item in every city that reaches a minimum of -30. If you wore one in Vancouver, locals would struggle to figure it out much like a foreign language.

In Vancouver many will work in miserable jobs for years just to stay in the city (I know lawyers at large firms who have merely faxed papers for the last two years). But job markets in other cities are growing astronomically meaning it’s easier to get a better position quicker. Did you know that Regina and Saskatoon are currently two of the fastest growing cities in

Campus Query What do you think about Vancouver as a city?

Canada according to a recent Statistics Canada report? Cities that Vancourites might tend to criticize are now being viewed as lands of opportunity.

And in contrary to the positives we spinned into our feature article related to Vancouver’s bipolar weather, I'm forced to play the devil's advocate. It may come as a surprise to some Vancouverites that people residing elsewhere can actually trust their weather reports. Unlike us, people in places like Ontario and Saskatchewan can usually expect sun when the weatherwoman calls it.

Of course, this editorial isn’t meant to attack Vancouver. However, let’s just remember that even though our city is beautiful, it’s still a part of Canada. And just because you were born and raised in Canada doesn’t mean you know a whole lot about Canda outside of this West Coast city.

Sarah Fenwick Nursing

We have the mountains and the water. It’s beautiful.

Chad Klassen | Assistant Editor Sean Herczku New Media

Chelsea Smith Chemical Environmental

Alec Morrison New Media

Tyson Kidd Chemical Environmental

I love the sunsets. The mountains used to be really stingy and gross with the pollution.

But now it’s clear and there are spectacular sunsets.

I enjoy going to events at the Commodore and concerts and stuff that happens in the city.

There’s lot to do here. A couple weeks ago, a group of us went to a Giants game. It’s affordable and a fun night out.

Culture Coordinator: Sarah Massah linkcultureeditor @bcitsa.ca Link Writers: Anita Sthankiya Coling Hope Jessica Rivers Matthew J. Van Deventer Contributors: Amy Wilding Luvia Petersen

Mike Aguiar Rachael Radford Sonia Stirling Advertising Sales: Dan Close marketing@bcitsa.ca 604.432.8974

The views in The Link are not necessarily those of BCIT, BCITSA, the Editorial Staff, or the Publications Manager.

It’s too concentrated. For the life I want, I don’t want to be here. I’m here to make money then get out and live my life sustainably.

As a member of Canadian University Press (CUP), The Link adheres to the CUP code of ethics and will not publish any material deemed by the editors to be sexist, racist, homo/ hetero phobic or in poor taste.

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News

News in brief

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

Brenna Temple Editor

Government of Canada Gives Cash to BCIT’s Smart Energy Grid

BCIT Links Up with BC Ferry Services to Provide Marine Training

O

B

BCIT’s Budget is Online but Students Can’t Access It

BCIT First Nations Students Grad from Railway Program

ne of BCIT’s well-known energy projects is getting richer after the Canadian Government decided to donate financial support.

BCIT’s smart energy grid keeps track of energy consumption while adjusting it for high usage times. Supporting science projects like this one will help create jobs according to Minister of State Gary Goodyear.

“Supporting science is the key to Canada’s future economic growth,” said Goodyear. “These Strategic Networks will bring together leading researchers to generate new technology and knowledge that will help improve the lives of Canadians and create jobs.”

B

CIT’s latest budget information has been posted online, but only for the eyes of staff.

BCIT released this information to the public by posting it online on Feb. 21st, but was quick to include in its write up that only staff are able to view it.

“The twelfth in a series of presentations relating to BCIT’s Implementation Plan is now available for viewing on BCIT's 5ive Forward website (staff only, login required),” reads BCIT’s news blog.

The update is part of a series of presentation that aims to explain how BCIT’s 2011/2012 budget will be spent.

CIT’s Marine Campus joined with BC Ferries on February 11th to provide specialized training courses to the company along with Transport Canada.

According to the BCIT website, “This agreement has been a number of years in the making, and will give BCIT the status of being BC Ferries’ main supplier of marine training in BC,” said the website. “It is the only such agreement BC Ferries has signed with a training provider.”

3

Three BCIT Grads Receive Awards at Annual Business in Vancouver Event

T

he recent Business in Vancouver awards dinner rewarded 40 people under 40-years-old for their success in the industry and BCIT students weren’t left out.

Plenty of Fish owner and BCIT grad Markus Frind was honored with distinction this year, along with Marketing grad Catherine Runnals (president of brand.LIVE Management Group) as well as Real Estate grad Robert Tham.

According to the BCIT website, there were over 400 attendees at the event.

F

ive First Nations students have graduated from one of BCIT’s most unique programs—the Railway Conductor program.

The students have already landed jobs in the real world at either Canadian National or the Canadian Pacific Railway. Much of it is in thanks to various supportive organizations according to the BCIT website.

“Students are being sponsored in BCIT’s Railway Conductor program through a ground-breaking initiative supported by the Railway Association of Canada, Assembly of First Nations, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,” it says.

The first-ever all-aboriginal Railway Conductor graduating class.

Photo from www.bcit.ca/update/node/1571

BCIT using Canucks to gain greater exposure The Institute has a new advertising partnership with Sportsnet and the Canucks Chad Klassen Assistant Editor BCIT’s name is about to become a lot more visible, at least to hockey fans.

They’re one of many companies who’ve jumped on board with the Sporstnet’s new digital advertising.

For two home games now, bcit.ca has flashed up on the end glass during Canucks telecasts.

Director of Marketing and Communications at BCIT Randy Friesen says it’s a perfect fit for the Institution.

“There are a lot of Canucks fans out

Photo from www.bcit.ca/update/node/1574 there, it’s a great demographic. A lot of Canucks fans are great prospects for BCIT,” he says. “A lot of our students are Canucks fans, and that tells us prospective students could be watching Canucks games, too. It’s a great connection for us.”

Brands like BCIT have over 400,000 people watching the Canucks, according to Sportsnet producer Greg Shannon, and the ads are seen up to 100 times a game.

American hockey carriers have been taking advantage of this new revenue

source for a few seasons. Now Canadian broadcasters are getting into the game.

Increases in production costs, with all Canucks games in HD and a travelling crew on road trips, have forced Sportsnet to tap into alternative streams.

“We’re always looking to increase revenue, not for us, for the team,” Shannon says. “Our broadcasts are a partnership with the Canucks, and I think are both sides are benefitting.”

But the Canucks aren’t the first Cana-

dian team to dive into digital advertising.

The Ottawa Senators have been running them all season on their home broadcasts.

Friesen wouldn’t comment specifically on how much is being spent on the digital advertising, but he says BCIT just needs to get its name in the mainstream.

“The bottom line is, we need every seat filled at every university and college in British Columbia, and of course BCIT continued on page 4

4 News

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

...continued on page 4. too,” he notes. “That all helps drive our economy, so it’s good to be out there and for the general public to know that ‘hey, it might be time for me to get over to BCIT and take a program or course.”

But while the extra advertising is aimed at bringing attention to the school, the student experience remains at the top of the list.

“We don’t want to advertise something, and then have students come over here and go ‘wow, that’s not what I expected,’” says Friesen. “BCIT is an Institute of Technology, so we pride ourselves on having all the correct equipment, the up-to-date labs, the high-tech stuff. That’s all part of the BCIT experience.”

Shannon says fans are gradually becom-

ing receptive to the idea of more advertising.

“A lot of people realize that’s what we have to do, and if the alternative is pay-perview they like this a lot better,” he notes.

“Sports is a goldmine. We can advertise like that during the game, and people can’t skip past. That’s why it’s attractive property for advertisers, because I can’t fast for-

ward through that shot of Roberto Luongo with the banner behind him.”

The virtual signage will stay on Sportsnet for the remainder of the Canucks’ home schedule.

As for BCIT, Friesen says it’s just a trial run for now.

With files from Paul Albi.

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BCITSA Info & News

2011-201 2 Student

Executive Nominations

Opens March 14th to 25th Positions: President VP Finance & Administration VP External VP Student Affairs VP Campus Life Chairs: School of Business School of Health Sciences School of Energy School of Computing and Academic Studies School of Transportation, Construction, and the Environment School of Aerospace Technology

Reasons to get involved: -monthly honorarium -office equipped with computer -team building retreats -great leadership experience

Executive Weigh In Message from your VP Finance & Administration: Rachael Radford

S

tudent Executive elections are fast approaching with eleven positions ready to be filled. Whether you’re interested in representing your school or a particular section of the student body, you can find your niche on the executive team and make your next year at BCIT an exceptional one.

Being a part of the Executive team is much more than just an amazing networking opportunity and a chance to gain invaluable experience. Being a part of the executive gives you the chance to guide BCIT toward positive changes for the sake of its customers, the students.

By taking on one of these positions you are able to bring student concerns directly to the President and Vice Presidents of BCIT. In your role you have the opportunity to guide the strategic decisions and affect change within the BCIT Student Association.

We are at BCIT for a brief time and can take from this experience as much or as little as we want. Getting involved is the best way to make memories that aren’t about painful exam writing or frustrating projects. Run for a Student Executive position for the 2011-2012 school year and you can fill your time at BCIT with amazing connections and experience. That’s what you’ll remember, and your future employers will too.

Social media: BCITSA

For more info, email info@bcitsa.ca

* The BCITSA Info & News Page is designed for the BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) to showcase the Association’s projects or events. The advertising on this page does not necessarily reflect the views of the Link or its staff.

6 Feature

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

Making Vancouver Your Playground Take advantage of what this city has to offer Brenna Temple Editor

Sushi

This one’s a no-brainer. Vancouver’s sushi is outstanding and you can find it almost anywhere. The best part?

It’s generally affordable and almost always delicious. You needn’t search for long before finding a sushi place since there’s one on every other corner in Vancouver as well as the Lower Mainland. Chances are you already have your own favorites picked out, but if you’re open to suggestions then may I recommend Shabusen for all you can eat or the Eatery for a Westernized sushi experience. If you’re looking to splurge then try out Shota in Kerrisdale or alternatively, if you’d like to stroll the beach after your Japanese-inspired lunch or dinner then try Tanpopo, which is nestled right by English Bay. Take caution though; Vancouver’s sushi is difficult to match. If possible, stay away from it elsewhere— you’ll only end up being incredibly disappointed!

Grouse Mountain

For those who are too lazy to take a bus to Whistler, Grouse Mountain is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. During winter try taking the gondola to the top of the mountain.

Feel free to sip wine at the Observatory Restaurant while checking out a view of Vancouver that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the clouds. Better yet, check out the view from one of the ski runs. Rent equipment on top of the hill if you don’t have your own and ski/snowboard your heart away! Feeling a little uncomfortable? It’s easy to book a skiing instructor and you’ll quickly be back in the swing again. If you want to jazz up your experience a bit then visit Grouse Mountain in the dark for night skiing— an irresistible choice for those who are stuck in the office during the day. Don’t worry, the hill is lit beautifully so you can see where you’re going!

Whistler

True, Whistler isn’t geographically a part of Vancouver, but it is an integral part of Vancouver’s culture. Sure, it definitely wooed everyone during the Olympics but it offers year round pleasures! That’s right, the best part of Whistler is it doesn’t require you to ski. Many enjoy sitting in the hot tub all day while others might enjoy the zip line, snowshoeing, mountain biking or eating some delicious food. It’s like having a home away from home without having to go far—the only thing you need to make sure of is that you don’t try leaving or going at peak times since the traffic gets terrible. For those whose taste isn’t piqued to the max by Grouse Mountain, Whistler is a surefire way to have a great time and embrace the true Vancouver lifestyle.

Education Options

BCIT might not like that I’m mentioning this but the education choices in Vancouver are incredibly diverse if you want a wide background. Study by the ocean at UBC or seek your mountainous education at SFU. Can’t afford the steep tuition? Langara College is located right by a Canada Line stop and is conveniently nestled in Vancouver.

Want cheaper rent? Try a college in Greater Vancouver, like Kwantlen, Capilano, Douglas, or Sprott Shaw. And of course, it’s not likely that you’ve forgotten, but BCIT rocks too. The sky’s the limit!

Stanley Park

I know what you’re thinking. A park? Trust me when I advise you to not knock it until you try it. For some deranged reason it took me four years of living in Vancouver to visit this one, so don’t make the same mistake! Stanley Park offers miles of walking, rollerblading, and biking pathways for those seeking a breath of fresh air. Are you simply in the mood for eating? No fear! Check out the Sequoia Grill for a juicy burger or wander over to the Fish House if you’re craving seafood. If you want to go on a scavenger hunt then try finding Beaver Lake, Siwash Rock, sculptures, Prospect Point, or Lost Lagoon with your buddies. Are you looking for more action? Check out the Vancouver Aquarium (don’t miss a dolphin show!) or check out the Second Beach swimming pool during the summer. Stanley Park also serves as a great place to star gaze, but make sure you bring a date at night since it’s probably not safe to go alone at night.

The Beaches

There’s not much to not like about Vancouver’s wide range of beaches, regardless of the season. About 11 miles of beachfront exist around Vancouver where people choose to snap picturesque photos, walk with friends or exercise year round. During the summer Vancouver’s most popular beaches get incredibly busy and debatably include Kitsilano Beach (popularly coined as “Kits Beach”), English Bay and Jericho Beach. They’re a great place to sun tan or swim with a wide array of good-looking lifeguards watching from the side. If you’re looking for a quieter time then check out Locarno Beach, Spanish Bank or Sunset Beach where music isn’t allowed and you’re guaranteed to find a place to relax with plenty of space. If you’re looking for an, erm… interesting experience then check out Wreck Beach, located by UBC. Just beware that it’s a nudist beach and you might see things you’re not prepared for.

The Canucks

If you don’t identify with the Canucks in Vancouver then you’re missing out on a big part of the Vancouverite lifestyle. Even though season tickets are through the roof, watching the game at a drinking establishment with a “brewsky” in hand guarantees good times. Feel free to watch the testosterone-raging men scream at the television in their Canucks paraphernalia. If you do have a ticket to the game and you’re not much of a hockey fan then no worries, it’s nothing that a few beers can’t fix! You’ll be enjoying yourself in no time. If you are someone who loves the Canucks then you’re already familiar with the drill.

Don’t understand how people aren’t into the Canucks? Try teaching some non-fans a bit about the Canucks. Educating them may result in a few new bandwagon fans and possibly even some new friends! Being a Canucks fan is just a quintessential part of living in Vancouver.

Sports

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

7

Canadian baseball legend shines again Hall-of-Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins is back in the spotlight with new commemorative stamp Anita Sthankiya The Link

F

erguson Jenkins has received numerous accolades for his extraordinary achievements in baseball.

He won a Cy Young award as the National League's top pitcher and become the first Canadian to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame Now the former MLB All-Star has been honoured for his contributions to Canadian black history.

Canada Post honoured Jenkins with a stamp to commemorate his life as a Black Canadian. Jenkins toured the country during the month of February to help spread awareness about Black History Month.

The Link sat down with Jenkins for his thoughts on the honour and find out what he’s been up to.

What does it mean to be immortalized on a stamp?

It’s quite incredible to have a commemorative stamp for Black History Month. You

get blown away from time to time, my kids are pretty proud of the fact that their dad is on a stamp.

What does it mean to be seen as a Canadian hero?

Well you get blown away from a lot of the accolades. I did a lot of things in sports and out of the sporting celebrity part of it all of a sudden you get the Walk of Fame, the Order of Canada, and now the stamp. I’ve been retired almost 30 years so it’s nice to have people still remember what I did as a professional athlete. I enjoyed what I did, I did it for 21 years, so it was fun.

got teammates around you, and the organization you play for. I mean if you’ve got a good talent don’t waste it. If you continue to do it well there’s an opportunity to become a professional athlete.

with Gaylord Perry and Rod Carew, which I think was fantastic. When you know the players you are going in with it makes it more charming because of the fact that you know them.

What advice do you have for upand-coming baseball players?

Just take a look at (Canadian) Joey Votto.

He won the Hank Aaron award, MVP, all within two and a half to three years of being in the big league. All it takes is hard work. You’ve got a natural ability; you’ve

What was it like getting into the MLB Hall of Fame?

I was the first Canadian to win it, you don’t win it alone I had good teammates. To get inducted into the hall of fame that is not something that you can predict. It took me an extra two years but I made it. I went in

Jenkins has finished his Canadian tour and will now participate in Spring Training in Arizona.

By throwing out the first pitch of the games Jenkins will help open the camp.

He's currently lives in Arizona but has never given up his Canadian citizenship.

Canucks boost roster for potential Cup run The Canucks have positioned themselves well with active trade deadline Colin Hope The Link

V

ancouver finally became players in the NHL’s annual Trade Deadline day, and it could be enough to push them over the top.

After weeks of speculation, Canucks GM Mike Gillis finally pulled the trigger on two deals, adding left winger Chris Higgins and centre Maxim Lapierre last week.

It was a terribly kept secret the squad was looking to bring some veteran playoff performers to the fourth line.

It’s been a season of musical chairs on the bottom line this year, and the Canucks have failed to find a good mix of toughness, speed and skill.

But Gillis might have found the right matches with his two acquisitions.

Lapierre is essentially Alex Burrows circa 2006. He likes to chirp, drives hard to the net, kill penalties, but he also spends his fair share of time in the sin bin.

And he’s done it in the postseason.

Lapierre was a big part of the Canadiens’ unlikely playoff run last year, playing big minutes and getting players like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin off their games with his penchant for hilarious facial expressions.

While the Canucks know what they are getting in Lapierre, Higgins is a mystery

And since they’re both free agents at the end of the year, the Canucks won’t run into any cap issues beyond this spring. pick-up.

Highly touted coming out of Yale back in 2004, Higgins reached the 20-goal plateau in each of his first three seasons.

But he’s battled injuries and inconsistent play bouncing between five teams since 2009.

This season, after struggles with the Rangers and Flames, he’s potted 11 goals

and 23 points in Florida.

The beauty of a player like Higgins is he’s multi-dimensional. The Canucks can fit him anywhere from the second line, where he could between alongside Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson, to the fourth line. Higgins can play in every situation, too.

The real strength of these trades is Mike Gillis picked up two serviceable players without sacrificing the future. Only defenseman Evan Oberg, centre Joel Perrault

and two third-round picks were the price for these Lapierre and Higgins.

And since they’re both free agents at the end of the year, the Canucks won’t run into any cap issues beyond this spring.

As the Canucks make their push towards the playoffs – and ultimately the Stanley Cup – Gillis can sleep easier (although from the looks of it the guy never sleeps) knowing he filled a void in his bottom six with a pair of veteran playoff performers.

8 Culture

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

The Seventh Annual

CELTICFEST

Easy on the ears and the wallet Sarah Massah Culture Editor

S

tudents on a budget who are looking an inexpensive way to have fun in March should take a look at CelticFest.

The festival, which is in its seventh year, has an extensive list of events taking place and many of them are either free or reasonably priced, according to the Executive Producer.

“We have about 50 events of which I believe half are free and a handful of fabulous ticketed events which are concerts, scotch tasting, and a traditional Celtic music session,” said Rita Albano, adding “Our ticketed events are very affordable and we have our feature concert with Spirit of the West and an AfroCeltic Dance Party, which is going to be unbelievable.”

Albano recommends that those who are nineteen and over try the whisky tasting event called A Whisky Kiss on March 16.

Tickets for the event are substantially low-

The Starbirds

er than most whisky tasting events in the city, said Albano, and include five premium scotch/whisky samples and appetizers.

But for students who are on a really tight budget, there are free daily lunchtime concerts starting at noon during the days the festival runs.

During the weekend the festival will be shutting down two blocks of Granville Street for a huge street party called the Celtic Village.

“People can roam around all day Saturday and Sunday and shop for Celtic Art or food and other Celtic treasures,” said Albano. “And there will be a free stage with about eight concerts throughout the whole weekend.”

Speaking of concerts, there will be artists from all over the world coming to perform as well as local bands, including Fiddlin’ Frenzy, a sibling duo who hail from Abbotsford.

And of course, there will be the big St.

Alpha Yaya Diallo

Patrick’s Day parade, which will be taking place on Sunday, March 20 in the morning.

Frugal students can rejoice this March, as CelticFest has a slew of events that will

be sure to peak the interest but not the credit card bill.

For more information, check out www. celticfestvancouver.com

All photos courtesy of CelticFest

Culture

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

Biutiful Movie Review Sonia Stirling The Link

B

iutiful is a visceral and well crafted film that will leave you in a puddle of your own tears.

The movie Biutiful, starring Javier Bardem, is a grim and deeply affecting film that fully deserves it’s best foreign film Oscar nomination, if not the statue itself.

Under the brilliant direction of, Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, the man who gave us the powerful trilogy: Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel; this movie is multilayered and has enough storyline for three movies. At two and a half hours long, the characters with their slightly dubious morality, resonate long after the credits roll.

This Spanish, subtitled film is about Uxbal (Bardem), a poor single Dad living in the ghetto of Barcelona, getting by as a petty criminal who plays a duplicitous role exploiting Chinese and African immigrants as much as he helps look after them.

Uxbal is also a medium who speaks to the spirits of the recently deceased, and makes a bit of money from grieving fam-

ily members. He is faced with his own mortality when he is diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Uxbal realizes he must set his affairs in order, and make peace with his estranged bi-polar wife in hopes that his kids will be looked after when he’s gone.

The man is a deeply flawed and unhappy, who’s only salvation is his children. Bardem plays the character so brilliantly all the way down to his posture and facial expressions; you forget you’re watching an actor.

He really proves his versatility and depth in this film. His credibility is amped up even more thanks to the flawless cinematography of Rodrigo Prieto. The highly emotionally charged acting is emphasized even more by Prieto’s intimate close-ups and muted colors. He captures the beauty of Barcelona’s cityscape, even showing the famous Sagrada Familia, while at the same time showing the ugly under belly of the city, giving a deeper sense of melancholy throughout.

This movie wouldn’t be what it is, however, without such a perfectly balanced cast. Uxbal’s ex-wife Marambra, played

by Maricel Alvarez, was truly convincing in her perpetual manic state, failing miser-

ably at motherhood.

And Uxbal’s kids Mateo (Guillermo Mastrella) and Ana (Hanaa Bouchaib) tore your heart out in every scene as hopeful, yet already broken little souls.

Director Innaritu truly understands the human condition in evoking such performances. I dare say he took a risk with so many sub-plots, but the result was a truly unpredictable and original movie. At times it was hard to tell if certain scenes were symbolic of something deeper or just a circumstance of a developing character.

Either way, it doesn’t matter, it all worked.

See for yourself. It is an absolute MUST SEE.

Drive Angry Movie Review

Sonia Stirling The Link

D

rive Angry is a torturous flick full of 3D car chases, bullets and silicone implants.

I had low expectations walking into this film, since Nicholas Cage hasn’t done anything good since Leaving Las Vegas, and seems to be stuck in B movie land. But Drive Angry, left me actually feeling angry for having to sit through that mess for almost two hours, I actually needed a break at one point and left to get candy.

Directed by Canadian Patrick Lussier (My Bloody Valentine), the film in a nutshell is about a man named John Milton (Cage) who escapes hell to come back and rescue his infant granddaughter from a murderous cult, and get revenge for his daughter’s murder. Along the way he rescues Piper (Amber Heard), a tough little blonde, in the middle of a beating from her cheating fiancé. The two make off with the ex-fiancé’s ’69 Dodge Charger, with license plate: ‘Drvagry’.

Milton needs a ride to Louisiana to find and revenge- kill the evil cult leader Jonah King (Billy Burke) before his grand-

daughter ends up a ritual sacrifice. Piper, on her way to Florida to start a new life, decides to help Milton, her new hero, complete his mission.

It seems hell is a difficult place to escape from. A Hell’s minion known as “the Accountant” (William Fichtner) is sent to bring back Milton, and is hot on his trail, disguised as an FBI agent for the entire movie. This is the only real entertaining acting in the movie. The eerily calm and stiff Accountant is dressed in a suit and convinces people with a flick of his coin to tell him anything he needs to know about Milton’s whereabouts. He also has the best line in the movie, which I can’t repeat here. But that gives you an idea of the amount of cursing and quality of dialogue.

The vintage muscle car selection used in the movie added visual appeal to the already amplified 3D car chase scenes.

There was a consistent stream of car and human body parts and bullets seemingly being hurled at you the entire time.

I couldn’t help but think this movie was trying really hard to be a Tarantinoesque Grindhouse movie, but fell way short. At one point I even forgot what the storyline was about because I was so lost

in all the woman beating and flying broken skulls.

I will admit there were some very unique stunts and effects that did not end up looking cartoony like most CGI action sequences, and the slow motion scenes were the most artistic element in the whole movie. But this movie is so predictable and over the top, it almost makes you wish the screen itself would spontaneously combust. I hope Nicholas Cage pays off his debts soon so he doesn’t have to resort to making these films anymore. It seems he’s sold his soul to the Devil and has been stripped of any credibility in Hollywood as a serious, talented actor.

9

10 Culture

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

Dissecting a 1000 Year Old Tree Writing a review for Radiohead’s album is like spinning plates.

Evolving 20 - March 5th, 2011

T

hroughout the decades of varying sounds and musical tastes, there is something that keeps me coming back to Radiohead. The aging band has a mystique, rarity and intelligence that only shines in one in a million.

The King of Limbs continues Radiohead’s blessed tradition of soothing chaos mixed with a haunting admiration.

The album was released on February 18, a day earlier than we all expected. It’s the band’s eighth studio album and the second attempt to feature the online-only debut.

Despite hours of endless listening, I’m still trying to make sense of this beautiful mess.

I usually fear listening to new Radiohead albums because the band has no problem venturing further than the limits of conventional music. Each record boldly goes lightyears beyond the sound of their last album. Every time they release a new record it seems as though it kills the absurdity of their previous work.

There was no need to go through this “normalization

Matthew J. Van Deventer The Link process” this time around.

With only eight songs, the album clocks in at around 37 minutes long. But time is only a suggestion in the world of Radiohead. The King of Limbs is a shape-shifter in the sense that each song is different from the last.

It plays like a broken hazy neon night where both the body and mind have been pushed to the limits. All that remains is your will to disappear and an anchoring voice that keeps you from spinning into the unknown.

I’m not one to run through an album, list off what each song sounds like and say why YOU should like it.

But I will say that Give Up the Ghost is like a clearing in a dystopian wilderness of sound.

I have never been this pleased with one of Radiohead’s latest releases.

But what is the secret here? Radiohead is leaving something out again. There’s a bigger picture here…. …. isn’t there?

1. Henry & The Nightcrawlers - Amberly 2. Aidan Knight - Friendly Fires 3. Sufjan Stevens - I Walked 4. Jonsi - Go Do 5. Rubik - Wasteland 6. Mother Mother - The Stand 7. Steph Macpherson - Listen 8. Free Energy - Bang Pop 9. David Vertesi - Mountainside 10. The Black Keys - She’s Long Gone 11. Hollerado - Americanarama 12. Destroyer - Chinatown 13. We Are The City - Happy New Year 14. Grinderman - Palaces of Montezuma 15. Dead Child Star - This Is Easy 16. Karkwa - L’Acouphene 17. Jets Overhead - Bystander 18. Hey Rosetta! - Welcome 19. Titus Andronicus - Theme From “Cheers” 20. Brasstronaut - Lo Hi Hopes

Artist Spotlight: LCD Soundsystem

Jessica Rivers The Link

I

t’s with a heavy heart that I spotlight the incredibly talented act that is James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem – you see, soon they will be no more. The band recently announced they will be retiring from the game, and holding a farewell concert at Madison Square Gardens in New York City this April. That’s a story in and of itself – when people heard about the show, they went nuts. Tickets sold out in mere minutes and the very morning they went on sale, they were up on resale websites nearing a thousand bucks a pop.

Lead singer (and the brains and heart behind the whole LCD operation) Murphy took to the band’s website and expressed his outrage over scalpers scooping up all the tickets leaving fans and even personal friends of the band out of luck. He urged fans not to buy scalped tickets and then generously announced that the band would play an additional four shows leading up to the finale so everyone who wanted to would have a chance to see them. That’s just the kind of band LCD Soundsystem is – they’re people you bet you could just hang out and be friends with, and they make it known that they really care about their fans.

Oh yeah, their music. It’s fun electronica with a poppy edge and really smart lyrics. When Murphy sings about love, it’s through the eyes of someone who’s been there enough to have a sarcastic take on the nuances of a relationship. This sarcasm carries over to other topics too, a great example of this is the song “North American Scum”. It’s the first single from 2007’s Sound of Silver, and Murphy’s selfdeprecating “wahoo North America!” is typical of his don’t-take-me-too-seriously style. LCD have released three albums in their career, all featuring Murphy and a rotating group of friends backing him up. The latest (and probably greatest) is 2010’s This is Happening, featuring the party anthem “Drunk Girls”. For a taste of this fantastic, fun, and clever band, check out the Spike Jonze-directed video for “Drunk Girls”. You’ll see why it will truly be a great loss to the music world when LCD leaves it.

Views

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

11

ITCHY ANSWERS Answers to all your burning Sex and Relationship questions Drake Winters & Olivia Starling The Link Is it safe to have sex standing up? I’ve heard that orgasms while standing can cause you to get light-headed and pass out. Is this true?

Well here’s a thought, if you feel dizzy…. Sit down. But seriously, it is perfectly safe to have sex standing up. If the orgasm is mind blowing enough you could end up just as light headed lying on your back!

My boyfriend wants to use butt plugs on himself. It weird’s me out but I want to be a good lover. How can I get over this aversion?

Hmmm strange coincidence… my good friends just bought 2 gerbils and named one of them butt sex. Although, that fact doesn’t really assist you in any way does it?

Okay… Anytime one person wants to try a new sexual act and the other is hesitant communication MUST ensue. Reason being, if you and your partner aren’t enjoying your sexy time, you both lose in the end. Pun intended. So have a sit down over some bunt cake and discuss exactly what “weirds” you out. You can do some online research to clear up any misconceptions, like for instance “If I play with anal toys, I’m going to be in adult diapers when I get old.” This is untrue. Actually, people that don’t experience any kind of anal penetration usually are the ones that end up in adult diapers.

This is because the anus is a muscle. The more you work it, the stronger it will get, just like all the other muscles in your

body. Of course common sense should apply here. If you put a piano up your ass it will stretch out, then no amount of kiegel exercises will rejuvenate your back door! A “good lover” rule of thumb is, try anything twice. If you don’t like it the second time around, throw it out the window. At least you tried, right?

Seriously, I’ve read about fisting, I looked it up on XTube, but I cannot ever get my whole hand into my girlfriend’s vag. She’s totally willing to try, but we can’t make it work. How do we do this? It seems super hot and I want in on the action.

Fisting is like baseball, until you’ve actually played the game it is IMPOSSIBLE to get, on a purely concept bases.

Pun intended. So, you’ve watched “the game” and now you exclaim, “put me in coach!”. First base: you have consent.

Gotta hand it to you, you’re off to a good start. Second base: lube. Like mink oil, it can soften up the pocket. This is as essential as wearing a glove. Oh yah!! Gloves. Third base: Latex gloves will add safety, ease of entry and protect against scrapedge… ouch! Now you are ready to round home base….

She needs to lie down and relax. You may not get to home plate the first time. You can fool around between the bases.

Common sense would dictate, the following, 1 little finger, 2 little fingers, 3, back to 2.5, 3, 3.5, 3.5 ohhhhh, 4, we’re at 4 now, checking in, 4 is good and slowly past the knuckles,

good, good, good. Slip the thumb in, careful now, enough lube and very slowly, ease ‘er in!

Okay, so you made it home, good for you. Don’t think you will be hitting them out of the park every night. Fisting should be a special occasion sort of thing, kind of like anal sex.

We love hearing from you. Email us your scratchy questions at: itchyanswers@hotmail.com

Multitasking has made us dumber The overstimulated and underproductive generation Mike Aguiar The Sputnik (Wilfrid Laurier University - Brantford) BRANTFORD, Ont. (CUP) — One January afternoon this year, my roommate found me reading in the living room. She asked, “Are you studying already?” I responded, “No, I’m just reading.” I’ll never forget the quizzical look on her face.

Yet, statistically speaking, her bewilderment at finding me reading actually makes more sense than my enjoyment of the written word. Our generation simply doesn’t read. The average 15-24 year old spends an average of eight miniscule minutes a day reading.

The culprit for this literary phobia is multitasking. Multitasking has ruined our entire generation’s attention span. These sentiments are mirrored in Mark Bauerlein’s book, The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future.

Bauerlein, an English professor at Atlanta’s Emory University, argues that the in-

stantaneous nature of technology has all but ruined this generation’s ability for serious, contemplative, linear thought. The result is a “brazen disregard for books and reading.”

In theory, the Internet provides a seemingly endless resource for education, learning and political action, yet that is precisely the opposite of what we usually use the web for.

“The ignorance is hard to believe,” writes Bauerlein. “It isn't enough to say that these young people are uninterested in world realities. They are actively cut off from them.”

It appears that most university professors would side with Bauerlein. A study conducted in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education found that only six per cent of university professors say students today enter their classrooms “wellprepared” in writing. Well, no shit! Writing requires serious, contemplative, linear thought. It requires the ability to think about

a topic and then expand that thought into a logical argument.

What professors see in the essays of today’s university students are a series of disjointed paragraphs without any coherent flow. This is because once a student has completed a paragraph, they’re compelled to log onto Facebook and “like” a picture of their friend flexing his muscles in a “Tapout” tee.

Certain friends of mine write all of their essays in groups of four or five while sitting together at a table. These essays are written while instant messaging, looking at pictures on Facebook and gossiping amongst themselves. Group writing didn’t work for the American Constitution, and it doesn't work for essays.

Still, I used to think that multitasking was a talent that they possessed and I simply did not. After all, this very rant you’re reading was composed while I was locked in my

bedroom for two hours with three cups of coffee. In reality, my friends at the “essay round table” probably don’t possess powers of multitasking either.

According to the online journal, Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 2.5 per cent of people can multitask without performing worse at either task. This 2.5 per cent have been dubbed “supertaskers.” I doubt the average student that simultaneously uses her laptop to both take notes and look at pictures of celebrities without their makeup falls into this slender minority.

Nowhere are the disturbing realities of the multitasking generation more prevalent than in the classroom. Specifically, that dreaded silence when a professor asks a simple question and all the students' eyes are glued to their own computer screens.

We are a generation whose drug of choice is multitasking and we refuse to kick the habit.

12 Fun

BCIT Link • Mar 9 to Mar 23

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

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Spring Break Beach Party @ Prof. Mugs

12 Civil Twilight @ the Media Club

Vancouver Giants vs Chilliwack Bruins

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11 2011-2012 Student Executive Nominations Begin

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Vancouver Giants vs Chilliwack Bruins

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MARCH

9 Link 46-12 on stands!

13 Daylight Savings Ends

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14 Spring Break (to March 18th) Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild

15

16 Vancouver Canucks vs Colorado Avalanche

17 St. Patricks Day! The Philanderer @ Stanley Theatre (to April 17)

18 Content deadline for Link 46-13 Vancouver Canucks vs Phoenix Coyotes

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20

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21 Student Council Meeting @530pm Council Chambers

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23 Link 46-13 on stands!

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25 2011-2012 Student Executive Nominations Close

26 Bon Jovi @ Rogers Arena Earth Hour @ 8:30pm

27 Telekinesis @ The Media Club

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28 BCIT Careers Fair 10am to 3:30pm Toon In Campaign Begins!

29

CROSSWORD

30

1 31 Another Home Content deadline for Link 46-14 Invasion @ Revue Stae

APRIL

2 My Chemical Romance @ The Centre Peter Yorn @ the Commodore

3 Easter Sunday

Puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http://www.bestcrosswords.com).

Used with permission Across 1- A long time; 5- Grows in Brooklyn; 10- Sleeps briefly; 14- German sausage; 15- Burlap; 16- Brio; 17- Roseanne, once; 18- Delight; 19- New Rochelle college; 20- Apportions; 22- Use lavishly; 24- Fuji rival; 26- Breathe in; 27- Sister of Venus; 30- Bert's buddy; 32- Corpulent; 33- Corner; 34- Monetary unit of South Africa; 38- de mer; 39- Name given to the fox; 42Plaything; 43- "Orinoco Flow" singer; 45- Timetable, for short; 46- Oscar de la ; 48- Swiss city on the Rhine; 50- Resembling a cyma; 51- Former French colony of North America; 54- Leash; 56- Foul-smelling, poisonous oil; 58- Pertaining to the love of sensation; 62- Egg; 63- Ancient region of Asia Minor; 65- Baylor's city; 66- Bog; 67- Begin; 68- Biblical garden; 69- King of comedy; 70- Name; 71- Describes a gently cooked steak; Down 1- "Dancing Queen" group; 2- Mardi ; 3- "‌countrymen, lend me your _"; 4- Hits; 5- Plan; 6Oklahoma city; 7- Genetic material; 8- Tolkien tree creatures; 9- Cosmetic applied on the lids; 10- Nor's partner; 11- Hawaiian greeting; 12- Cartoon part; 13- Animal trap; 21- Dead duck; 23- Black bird; 25- Edible seed parts; 27- A bit; 28- Abba of Israel; 29- Bank (on); 31- Interpret; 33- Little one; 35- extra cost; 36- Words of denial; 37- Group of two; 40- Editorial writer; 41- Wood nymph; 44- Belly; 47- Enable; 49- Help; 50- Bring into being; 51- Pueblo Indian village; 52- Trivial objection; 53- Legend maker; 55- Pierce; 57- Monetary unit of Lesotho; 59Zilch; 60- Bakery worker; 61- Circle at bottom, point at top; 64- Writer Hentoff;

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