Link46-13

Transgendered Beauty Queen • pg 9

ITCHY ANSWERS Does the pill kill libido?

• pg 10

National accreditation for BCIT Civil Engineering pg 11

1970 2011

March 23rd, 2011 • Issue 46-13

2 Editorial

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

The Skinny on Obesity in Canada Do we really need to exercise more?

Brenna Temple Editor

“

I haven’t been to the gym in weeks!” It’s something we constantly hear from our classmates and that we can relate to, but are we really to blame?

Sure, BCIT offers us work out facilities but by the end of our classes we’re so burnt out that driving home seems like a workout in itself.

Still, fitness gurus insist it’s us at lunchtime. It’s not as though men weren’t left out. However, not about having time, it’s about we don’t understand the conse- the largest increase in obesity for making time. And news is that quences; maybe it’s just our stress them occurred from ages 60 to statistics are on their side too. levels that force us to stuff food in 74, far after the college years. But For example, Statistics Canada our mouths. After all, emotional whether we’re talking about the has recently determined that 24 eating is hardly a new idea. near or far future, it’s clear we’re per cent of Canadians were overPerhaps one of the scariest slipping on our exercising prioriweight from 2007 to 2009. parts of the increase in obesity ties.

So what's the reason for our rates is how women are being But let’s spring back to the climbing obesity rates? Well, it’s hit. For example, the study said concept of making time instead hard to say. Ever since a young the age group that experienced of excuses. Maybe fitting in that age many of us particiextra physical exercise pated in physical edu- Statistics Canada has recently means bringing our Nikes cation from elementary determined that 24 per cent of to school so we can work school to high school. Canadians were overweight out during our lunch break Eating right and exercisor between classes. Maybe ing has never been rocket from 2007 to 2009. it means setting our alarm science, but for some reason it the highest increase for woman clocks that extra hour early or still doesn’t come easy for a lot occurred from the ages of 20 to putting aside a little social time so of us.

39—meaning that many of us we can hit the gym after school.

First of all, just look at our col- might meet the wrath of the love Of course, the obesity debate lege diet. Vending machines and handles during our college years. often goes back to the way we French fries easily tempt many of Not to worry though women— were raised as children. While

Check out the Link social media!

The Link Blog

Campus Query What motivates you to get out and exercise around your school schedule?

Chad Klassen | Assistant Editor

www.bcitstudentnewspaper.ca

BCIT Link

bcit_link

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

I don’t really have anything to get me motivated. It’s all school. I want to make time, but the workload we have makes it hard.

Brian Kwan Medical Lab

Josh Taylor Mechanical Engineering

Kjerstin Vaartstra Marketing Management

With mental exertion, you have to match that with physical exertion or else you’ll go crazy. I like the heavy weights.

SE2 - 281 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC, V5G 3H2

Aaron D’Souza Mechanical Engineering

Rob Graham Joinery

All in all, I enjoy being active, so it’s just finding the time to do it. Studying comes first obviously, but it’s definitely important to find time to be active.

Facebook & Twitter

many of us were urged to eat well from a young age, others weren’t as lucky. Luckily, today’s youth might be able to develop better habits. For example, just last week a non-profit organization in Kelowna called the Bridge Youth and Family Services found out it will receive $150,000 for a pilot project aiming to help parents teach their kids healthy habits.

For the rest of us, making healthy choices is something we might need to incorporate into our lives a little quicker—after all, no one wants to graduate college 15 lbs heavier than when they started. That’s why we’ve created a feature full of new workout ideas in this issue. If you’re feeling a little unmotivated it might be just what you need to get off the couch and onto your feet. Just do it!

Culture Coordinator: Sarah Massah linkcultureeditor @bcitsa.ca

Ian Bushfield Luvia Petersen Robyn Travis Tristan Woodworth-Lynas

Link Writers: Caley Ramsay Julia Montague

Advertising Sales: Dan Close marketing@bcitsa.ca 604.432.8974

Contributors: Amy Wilding Arshy Mann Ciara Hamagishi Foaad Soleymany

The views in The Link are not necessarily those of BCIT, BCITSA, the

It’s usually my friends who motivate me. They go to the gym and I just join them. Otherwise I don’t go. There’s too much work.

I really like to be active but the fact you’ve been sitting for the last five months means you’ve lost all your muscle mass... plus the weather...

Editorial Staff, or the Publications Manager.

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.

Canadian University Press Member Paper

National Advertisers Call for Rates 416-966-8811

News in brief Brenna Temple Editor

RCMP inspector addresses BCIT at grad ceremony

BCIT’s radio station celebrates its fifth birthday

I

E

BCIT gets inside look at BC Place

BCIT urges everyone to support Earth Hour

f the convocation ceremony on Feb. 17th was any indication, BCIT grads can learn a lot from RCMP inspector Tim Shields.

Shields graduated with honors from BCIT’s Civil and Structural Engineering Diploma Program.

“Tim Shields has been featured in more than 7,000 media interviews during his 15 years with the British Columbia RCMP,” states the BCIT website.

“Before joining the force, Shields spent eight years operating a successful business in the construction industry before selling it and heading to the police academy.”

B

CIT's Construction and Environment staff recently got an inside look at the unfinished construction of BC Place.

The exclusive opportunity was due in part to BCIT’s connections to the real world according to the BCIT website. “[The program has] an excellent relationship with the construction industry and its associations, including PCL and Pavco – two key players in the new stadium design and construction,” it said.

Not only this, but BCIT grads are also helping to pull together the new roof of BC Place.

“Tour around the site and you’ll run into grads from carpentry, ironworking, glazing, sheet metal, metal fabrication and welding trades.”

volution 107.9 just got one year older, but not without inviting its friends and fans to celebrate.

Thanks to BCIT’s Media Club, the plan went into motion at a local venue according to the BCIT website.

“Join the birthday concert hosted by the BCIT Media Club on Monday, March 21 at The Biltmore Cabaret,” urged the news release.

“The show will feature local acts Henry and the Nightcrawlers, David Vertesi, and Redbird,” it continued.

Tickets were sold everywhere from Red Cat, Zulu, The Biltmore and even online for the modest price of $12.

News

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

3

BCIT recognized for contributing to the Canadian Forces

B

CIT received an award on Feb. 24th for the purpose of recognizing its support of the Canadian Forces.

The award was received at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Armoury according to a press release.

“The CFLC Employer Support Awards honor employers and educators that have been supportive in granting time off for training and operations or have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said the BCIT website.

BCIT was nominated by its Marine Campus education coordinator Jeff Otto.

T

his Saturday millions will turn their lights off for one hour at 8:30 p.m., and BCIT will be joining in.

And this year, BCIT is hoping its students and faculty will help support the cause according to the BCIT website.

“While BCIT has registered as a participating organization, we need the help of all staff, faculty and students to really make an impact,” the website said.

“We’ve had a lot of practice in turning out our lights recently, from powering down over the holidays to combating wasted light across our campuses with the Light Savers campaign.”

The website also told BCIT students and faculty to turn off the lights in classrooms when leaving school the day before.

Animal testing facility being built at UBC’s Okanagan campus University tight-lipped about project due to safety concerns Arshy Mann & Robyn Travis The Ubyssey (University of British Columbia) VANCOUVER (CUP) — The controversy surrounding the University of British Columbia’s animal testing program is moving east to Kelowna.

Amidst an escalating activist campaign against UBC’s program, a new care centre is under construction at UBC’s Okanagan campus. The In Vivo Research Facility is currently under construction and is scheduled to be open by September.

According to Scott Reid, a professor of biology at the Okanagan campus and the acting facility manager of In Vivo, the university wanted to keep the project low profile in order to protect the safety of the fa-

cility and researchers from those opposed The construction of an animal research to animal research. facility must go through many processes, “The animal care facilities on any re- with all aspects being overlooked by orgasearch campus are designed with a couple nizations such as the Canadian Council on of things in mind; one is to ensure the health Animal Care. and safety of R e i d the animals The Vancouver Sun ran an article detailing said that in the facil- a research project that will see the killing of although it ity and also a number of endangered sea turtles. is not well the health, known, ansafety and security of the people that work imal research is already happening on the in the facility,” he said. “You normally Okanagan campus. would not find such facilities labeled on “We have an existing animal care facilany map, for the protection of both those ity and we have students who work with things.” animals at all levels. We have students who

work with wildlife … animals, just not in the research facility on campus.”

According to Reid, the new facility’s construction is meant to meet the growing needs of this education and research experience.

Scott Macrae, director of UBC public affairs, could not be reached for comment.

This growth of UBC’s animal testing capabilities comes at a time when the university is once again coming under fire for its research programs.

Last week, The Vancouver Sun ran an continued on page 4

4 News

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

continued from page 3 article detailing a research project that will see the killing of a number of endangered sea turtles.

“They were brought in for these experiments [at UBC] and as part of those experiments, it requires harvesting the tissues,” Bill Milsom, head of UBC’s zoology department, told the paper.

“The final experiments require major

surgery,” he said. They are necessary to “help us understand why these animals have such high mortality when caught in trawl nets in warming oceans.”

The turtle experiments have garnered international attention and were featured prominently in The Huffington Post.

Last December, UBC president Stephen Toope told The Ubyssey that he isn’t concerned by the level of media attention UBC’s animal research program is receiv-

ing.

“Top universities around the world, in order to accomplish what they’re trying to [do] in research, sometimes have to use animals,” he said. “UBC is no different than a thousand universities in that respect.

“Frankly, what tends to happen with animal rights activists is they go around and target different institutions at different times,” he added. “It happens to be our time, but universities throughout the U.S.

and U.K. and Europe have all experienced this. Frankly, it’s nothing unusual, and I don’t think the university needs to overreact.

“I actually think the system is not broken, it functions extremely well. It’s very rigorous and we’re meeting all of our obligations, so I would simply say I don’t think there’s any need for further regulation.”

29

95

$

$tudent pricing For just $29.95, walk in with your taxes, walk out with your refund. Instantly.

You’ll also get a free SPC Card to save big at your favourite retailers.*

maximum

refund**

we make taxes easy

free SPC Card

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

hrblock.ca

© 2011 H&R Block Canada, Inc. *$29.95 valid for regular student tax preparation only. Cash back service included. To qualify for student pricing, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during 2010 or (ii) a valid high school identification card. Expires December 31, 2011. Valid only at participating H&R Block locations in Canada.

SPC Card offers valid from 08/01/10 to 07/31/11 at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer loyalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates. **If H&R Block makes any error in the preparation of your tax return that costs you any interest or penalties on additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for the interest and penalties.

BCITSA Info & News

2011-2012 Student

Executive Nominations

Opens March 14th to 25th Positions:

Executive Weigh In

President VP Finance & Administration VP External VP Student Affairs VP Campus Life

Message from your VP External: Ciara Hamagishi

Chairs:

W

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 Other Positions Available Education Council Representative (EdCo) Board of Governors Representative (BoG) Reasons to get involved: -monthly honorarium -office equipped with computer -team building retreats -great leadership experience For more info, email info@bcitsa.ca

www.bcitsa.ca

www.bcit.ca/elections/dates

Social media: BCITSA

elcome back from spring break everyone! You’re in the home stretch; time to hit the books and start the countdown to summer.

Before the BCIT madness sets in, there is an opportunity for you to volunteer for the Toon-In campaign, hosted by the BCITSA and the BCIT Foundation.

From March 28thApril 1st you can collect funds to raise money for BCIT’s bursary program, to help out students in need.

Not only will you be helping out a great cause but there are lots of incentives for you to volunteer. Prizes for this year’s top fundraisers, as well as random draw prizes, include substantial tuition vouchers, a helicopter ride, DAA tickets, and BCIT merchandise.

For clubs, there is also an opportunity to sign up as a club member affiliate and the club that raises the most money will receive a $500 cash prize and the ‘first party of the year’ spot for next September. All you have to do is come by SE2 above Professor Mugs Pub March24th, 25th or 28th to pick up a donation can and you will be eligible for prizes as well as support your fellow BCIT students.

For returning students, it’s time to start thinking about whether you want to get involved at BCIT next year. There are opportunities to be council members, school chairs, or even take on an executive position. You should think about it as not only does a position look great on a resume, but you get to work with a strong group of student leaders and can enhance your skill set before graduation. Nominations are already open and close March 25th.

* 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 23 to Apr 6

Operation Love Handles Your no excuses guide for burning off the winter pounds Brenna Temple Editor

T

he winter semester and losing weight have never gone hand in hand. After Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and New Years, you start the year feeling inspired to work out but end up getting bogged down with long nights of studying fueled by five-cent candies. Finding time to hit the treadmill can get tough. That’s why we’ve designed this no-excuses get fit guide so you can beat the flab and just be fab. Corny, but true. Summer is on the way after all!

Rock Climbing

If you’re not a fan of the conventional gym thing then rock climbing might be a good match for you. It’s best to go with a friend to help you with the ropes, which means climbing will feel like social time instead of exercise. The benefits?

Rock-climbing will help tone your upper body. The days of it being viewed as an extreme sport are long gone. People of all ages are encouraged to go to an indoor venue and give it a try. Looking for a good spot? Try out Cliffhanger in Vancouver at 670 Industrial Ave. The monthly rate is affordable at $50 and the staff is incredibly friendly. You can also find Cliffhanger venues in Coquitlam and Richmond, or even better, try out BCIT’s very own rock-climbing wall.

Swimming

If you’re not scared of water and you want to burn a lot of calories, the pool might be your best bet. One of the greatest parts of an aquatic exercise is the low resistance level. If you have any aches and pains, the water will be easy on the good old joints. More good news: aqua fit and lap swimming have been proven to increase your flexibility and reduce pain. It’s also recommended after going through any sort of surgery but regardless of how physically able you are, water sports are a surefire way to have fun in a fun and encouraging environment. Check out the Eileen Dailly Pool in Burnaby at 240 Willingdon Avenue to test drive an aqua fit class or some lap swimming.

Hot yoga

If you want to feel like you’ve worked yourself to the bone then you’ll love hot yoga. Whether you try traditional Bikram’s Yoga or hot yoga (which uses different poses), you’re guaranteed to sweat buckets since all varieties are

done in a heated room. The best part of all the sweating?

It’s said to help flush gross toxins from your skin. The heat also allows you to stretch your muscles further, but with more ease. The other benefit of working out in a heated room is it kick starts your heart rate which makes your body work harder. Overall you can expect to improve your strength, tone and flexibility. Ready to give it a whirl? Try out Highgate YYoga in Burnaby at 315-7155 Kingsway or Bikram’s Yoga College of India Metrotown located at 3665 Kingsway. Namaste!

Hit the courts

If you haven’t already noticed, BCIT offers a wealth of courts for different sports. Try the gym where recreational teams play volleyball, basketball, and more. Or, try the outside court that can be used for anything from tennis, to basketball to badminton. If you need a great reason to try out a sport like tennis then look no further. Tennis is great for weight loss (bye-bye muffin tops!), bettering your cardio, increasing your coordination and has even been said to improve your self esteem – just in case those exams have gotten you down. It’s even been said to better your selfdiscipline. Maybe that means you’ll be able to keep the candy at bay!

Borrow your friend’s dog

If you already have a dog then give yourself a high-five— chances are that you’re already more active than the general population. According to a Michigan-based study, dog walkers are more likely to get the recommended amount of physical exercise. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a pet then not to worry—just steal a friend’s! You’ll be so enamored by the cute dog that you won’t even feel like

Join us at Boston Pizza for

BCIT Student Program

Where do you go when your pub closes?

Come to BP! Food & drink specials & FREE wireless. Show your valid BCIT student ID and get 10% OFF your bill. We’re here to make you happy.

Like us on Facebook Search for Boston Pizza Brentwood.

4219 Lougheed Hwy Burnaby, BC V5C 3Y6 604.299.7600

Valid only at Lougheed (Brentwood) location. Dine in only. †Registered trademarks of Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license. ©Boston Pizza International Inc. 2011.

you’re doing your body a favor. Sure, it’s only walking but the benefits are undeniable. There’s less resistance on your knees, and your heart rate will force your body into fat burning mode. Just don’t pig out afterwards!

Get Busy with Boot Camp

If you’re one of those people who has trouble pushing yourself then boot camp is the answer. You’ll be forced to workout as much as you can because your trainer won’t give you much of a choice. Plus, you’ll be embarrassed if you don’t because you’ll be surrounded by others who are just as determined to lose the love handles as you are.

Scared you won’t make the cut? Your instructor will be sympathetic to your personal needs so you won’t be… well, completely run into the ground. Check out burnabybootcamp.com where you can find a wide array of classes in various locations. Just make sure you have the cash—it might charge a little more cash then you might be willing to splurge. However, there are reduced rates available for those who are able to commit to six months or more.

Take advantage of Vancouver’s nature

With all that Vancouver has to offer it’s hard to make excuses to not get outside for some exercise. Check out the sea wall downtown and bring your rollerblades along if you don’t feel like going for a plain old run. Better yet, bring your bike to cruise along a little faster! Take a hike up Burnaby Mountain or the ever-popular Grouse Grind.

Check out Cypress Mountain for some skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Or take a drive up to Whistler to use the zip line or some mountain biking. Start training for the closest Sun Run or find an outdoor sports league that can offer you not only fitness, but some new friends.

Sports

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

Malhotra’s eye-opening injury could bury Canucks Cup hopes

7

Absence of third-line centre might put a wrench in Vancouver’s chances Chad Klassen Assistant Editor

T

he Vancouver Canucks are having a magical season. The team’s close to wrapping up top spot in the Western Conference, and winning its first-ever President’s Trophy as the NHL’s best team.

But the loss of third-line centre Manny Malhotra for the rest of the season – including playoffs –has shocked Canucks Nation.

The season-ending eye injury is changing how some fans feel about their team’s chance to win the most important trophy, the Stanley Cup. While Vancouver could very well march through the playoffs without him, their path to the Cup has just been made that much more difficult.

When Malholtra’s eye was hit by a rising shot against Phoenix last Friday, there was a collective sigh at Rogers Arena – and around the province.

And now that he’s been confirmed out for the season, the groans – and concern – are becoming louder and louder as the playoffs near.

Malholtra’s been a staple as the third-line centre that wins the majority of his draws (second in the NHL in face-off percentage).

He’s one of the best defensive forwards out there, alongside his teammate Ryan Kesler.

Needless to say, the 30-year-old grinder will be sorely missed.

We all know how valuable a great third line can be in the playoffs. Just look at the Blackhawks’ checking line from a year ago, how they shut down every team, including the Canucks, and chipped in with big goals.

Malhotra has been the same kind of player for Vancouver during the regular season, scoring 11 goals and adding 19 assists.

It’s no coincidence the Sharks finally

broke through last spring in Malhotra’s only year with the team. After years of postseason failures, he helped San Jose advance to the Western Conference Final centring the third line.

Despite only one goal in the playoffs, Malhotra was tasked with limiting Colorado and Detroit’s top lines in the first two rounds, and he fulfilled his role masterfully.

Malhotra has also shown he can be a difference-maker with the Canucks, more away from the puck than when it’s on his stick.

He puts his body on the line every night, does whatever it takes to win, and his teammates – and fans – have appreciated that effort.

Now in his absense, Alain Vigneault will be forced to shuffle the lines, and all the chemistry that’s built up during the course

of the season is gone.

Trade-deadline acquisition Maxim Lapierre will likely slot in as the new third-line centre, a spot he’s played in before in Montreal.

But it just won’t be the same without the face-off wizard, Malholtra. The depth and stability he gave the third line was invaluable all year, and a big reason why the Canucks have been the best in the regular season.

And when you have a player like Mason Raymond severely underperforming, those holes in the line-up quickly become exposed, especially in a seven-game series.

The Canucks may get past round two for the first time since 1994, but now that Malhotra won’t be apart of the playoff run, this city might be waiting another year to win it all.

Does fighting still have a place in hockey?

With increase in head injuries over the years, NHL has hit a crossroad Tristan Woodworth-Lynas The Muse (Memorial University of Newfoundland) ST. JOHN’S (CUP) — Fighting in the National Hockey League has always been a hot topic for sports analysts. In recent years, the discussion has intensified in the post-lockout era with communication and a new understanding of concussions.

The game of hockey is slowly changing its ways to protect its athletes, with a large emphasis being placed on head injuries. For even longer than the NHL, the junior ranks have been effecting change to prevent trauma to the heads of young athletes.

Only since the NHL lockout during the 2004-05 season have concussions really been accepted as not only a viable injury, but the worst type of injury.

During the ’90s, players competing in the playoffs could take a hit that had obviously concussed them, only to return to the game later because it was the manly and coura-

geous thing to do.

When New Jersey Devils defenceman Scott Stevens floored the then Mighty Ducks of Anaheim forward Paul Kariya in the 2003 Stanley Cup finals, for example, he came back to score the winning goal of the game.

But perhaps this concussion was the reason his career has been derailed ever since.

Stars like Sidney Crosby miss 20 games in a season, with no timetable for a return, all due to concussions that probably would have gone unnoticed, or at least unmentioned, by the players.

With this in mind, the issue of fighting in hockey has hit another level of scrutiny amongst fans and analysts alike.

In the wake of the 2009 death of Don Sanderson, a senior hockey player in Ontario, the question has been posed frequently: Does fighting belong in hockey in this day and age?

There are those who enjoy the heart and the energy that fighting brings to the game, as well as the policing that goes behind the scenes of these teams. On the other side of the coin, there are those who see it as a barbaric ritual that has no place in a sporting event, especially not one where there are no safeguards to prevent serious injury.

Since 2005, fighting majors have skyrocketed from 466 to 714. This year, there have already been 497 fights in the NHL after 60 games. That’s a pace for about 690 fights over the course of the season.

While fighting has decreased in the last two years — albeit minimally — it has otherwise seen an increase year by year since the lockout.

Due to the instigator rule — a rule that penalizes the player who purposely seeks out a fight — there has also been a giant leap in

planned fights that take place right after the whistle.

There are mixed reactions to these fights, as a lot of true-blue hockey fans see them less as a part of the game and more for the sake of getting it over with.

The NHL has come to a crossroads with regards to where fighting stands in the grand scheme of the game. Is it okay to let junior and minor-league players think fighting is the way to deal with problems on the ice? Does it affect someone’s attitude toward adversity off the ice?

Don’t get me wrong; I would be a very sad individual if I couldn’t check out hockeyfights.com for the latest tilt. However, I have a feeling that if it’s not taken out completely, there will soon be big restrictions on the methods of fighting and their place in the game.

T:10”

Like it and WIN it

Grad Contest

T:13”

Choose the 2011 Kia Soul you like at facebook.com/kiacanada for your chance to win.* We Like Grads Receive a $500 instant rebate.

▼

*Must be a member of Facebook to participate in the contest and comply with the contest rules and regulations. To access the contest, entrants must log into their Facebook account and click on the “Like it and Win it” tab on the Kia Canada brand page to access the application. Other restrictions apply. Please visit the Kia Canada Facebook Fan page for more information. ▼Some conditions apply to the $500 Grad Rebate Program. See dealer for details. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of print. KIA is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

K214_10x14_FP4C_BCIT.indd 1

Follow us on

11-03-17 2:49 PM

Culture

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

9

Katie Kennedy: a true beauty queen Transgendered charm pageant possibly coming to Vancouver Sarah Massah Culture Editor

K

atie Kennedy never imagined she would be in a beauty pageant but after November of last year the BCIT alumni added that to her extensive list of achievements.

Kennedy is transgendered and she made the transition nearly two years ago to live as a woman.

After participating in the Miss International Queen pageant, the biggest transgender beauty pageant in the world, in her native Thailand, Kennedy decided it was time to bring something like that here to Vancouver but with a few changes.

“In Canada, I wouldn’t call it a beauty pageant,” said Kennedy. “I would call it a charm pageant because it doesn’t have to be about the beauty on the outside but it can be about the beauty on the inside.”

Kennedy has already approached a pioneer in the transgender community who is a member of the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Pride Society to help bring the pageant here.

Raigen D’Angelo has been living as a transgender woman for thirty years and throughout those three decades, she has seen and continues to see discrimination towards the transgender community.

“There are some in the LGBT community who don’t think transgendered people belong in the community, and I don’t get it, I really don’t understand it,” said D’Angelo.

Both women agree the pageant could be very beneficial to the transgender community and help bring awareness.

“I really like the idea, I wish it was around 30 years ago when I was a young one, I would have ran, I was a size zero back then,” said D’Angelo, adding, “It definitely could take place in this city, I think the city can handle it.”

Kennedy knows how lucky she is to be able to plan a pageant of this kind here in Canada, as D’Angelo’s experience was vastly different.

“I feel a lot better about a lot of things, because back then there was a lot of things that were different, like the support for the community,” said Kennedy. “Back then it was so difficult but now they have everything provided to you with the Internet and Youtube.”

D’Angelo lacked the resources that Kennedy enjoys today. And for a transgender woman living in Canada 30 years ago the idea of going to school and getting an

education like Kennedy was not plausible. As a result, many women, including D’Angelo, ended up in the sex trade.

In 1986 D’Angelo was stabbed 17 times after a client discovered she was transgendered.

“I could just feel the blood pouring and squirting out of my body,” said D’Angelo, who barely escaped her ordeal. “There is a big difference between now and then, a lot has changed.”

But there are no regrets for D’Angelo who has left the sex trade business and now owns a small business in Vancouver.

“I don’t resent whatever happened to me in my life,” said D’Angelo. “Through me and through my sisters in the trans community out there, we were there whenever someone was beating down on someone,

we were there to stand up for their rights.”

Kennedy says she hopes that by having a pageant like this, more woman in the transgender community will feel like they have the support they need and that they can help one another. She wants to bring awareness to a community that can feel like a minority in a minority.

“I want us to help one and another,” said Kennedy. “That’s the most important thing because that’s how we can live happily ever after.”

away from the film, making it tough to take this story seriously, even for a fantasy film.

Mid way through the movie, the town breaks into a bizarre celebration filled with suggestive dance moves. The choreography did not fit the era portrayed whatsoever.

The villagers grind up against one another, drinking, and wearing eccentric animal masks.

Seyfried delivers an average performance. The classic line “Grandmother, what big eyes you have…” is somewhat laughable and doesn’t fit into this version of the story. She did as well as she could

have with the material she was given.

Gary Oldman does by far the best acting in this film. He plays Father Solomon, who is called into the small village to help find and kill the werewolf. His interpretation of the angry, bloodthirsty werewolf chaser is the most compelling piece of this film.

Overall, Red Riding Hood wasn’t as predictable as I first expected. There are a few twists that keep the audience guessing until the end. However, I don’t highly recommend this film. The dull story line combined with mostly mediocre acting makes for a long couple hours.

Red Riding Hood Movie Review

Caley Ramsay The Link

R

ed Riding Hood is a strange adaptation of the beloved children’s story Little Red Riding Hood. Set in medieval times, the village of Daggerhorn has been haunted by a werewolf for years, one that has been appeased by animal offerings. However, the film takes place under a blood moon which only happens every thirty years or something like that. Basically, “under the blood moon, once bitten is a man cursed”: in other words, anyone bitten under the blood moon will become a werewold.

Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is in love with Peter (Shiloh Fernandez) but ar-

ranged to marry Henry (Max Irons). The men fight to gain her love while trying to hunt and kill the werewolf. The film is spent attempting to figure out which villager is human by day, werewolf by night.

Directed by Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, Red Riding Hood has Twilight written all over it. It was full of long, drawn out shots of mountain ranges. The scenery was beautiful, but a bit over shown. The look of the entire film was extremely similar to that of the film Twilight.

Valerie is the only person able to hear and speak to the werewolf, which is just odd. It is not realistic or believable. It takes

10 Views

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

ITCHY ANSWERS Answers to all your burning Sex and Relationship questions Drake Winters & Olivia Starling The Link I have a friend who has started secretly hitting on the recent ex-girlfriend of our mutual friend, but he hasn’t told our friend that he wants to hook up with her. I feel like I’m keeping something that could be hurtful, but I don’t want to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong. Should I tell or stay out of it?

If this were a National Geographic episode we would have English accents. We would also begin with something like: observe the lioness in her natural habitat as she sniff’s out potential mates. What you would NOT hear us say is : notice the friend of the lioness’ ex eyeball her as she checks out the potential “man meat” in the clearing. The friend of the ex is obviously conflicted, will the loyal lion tell his friend or should he continue tearing apart the Gazelle carcass he was enjoying in the jungle sun? Now let’s bring this back to reality (“Oh there goes gravity”). Although Olivia and I enjoy comparing humans to mindless animals that just want to fuck, humans follow certain codes.

Code #1: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Put yourself in your friends shoes. Would you want to know?

Code #2: We try not to date our friends exes, but let’s be realistic, if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t get laid.

We appreciate that you don’t want to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. Have you considered talking to her? You can clear your conscience and get her perspective on the situation.

It’s possible the reason that the sneaky sneak might be happening is to spare his feelings. They probably don’t want to hurt him. The selfish side of it is, they are putting their own animalistic needs before any human considerations.

I’ve heard the pill can affect your libido. Is there a difference between brands or does it just go with the territory?

My sister saw our mom run for the phone butt naked at 3 am and she is pretty sure it scarred her libido, any correlation?

Okay for reals...birth control messes with you chemically whereas seeing your mother naked messes with you emotionally. You may not be able to swap the image of your mother with one that doesn’t make you throw up in your mouth however, you are able to try different types of birth control!

There are many options that you can discuss with your gynocologist and we encourage you to do so. We have come a long loooong way since the oldest known contraceptive was used in Egypt around 1500 BC. The women used a barrier of crocodile dung or honey because it was believed the stickiness of the substance stopped the white fluid from entering the woman. Do not try this at home!

Coupled with you researching your birth control options to save your libido, we recommend you don’t just assume this could be affecting it. A healthy lifestyle including eating right, plenty of sleep, exercise, and mixing it up in the bedroom could be just the kick in the pants your sleepy little libido needs! Just a quick reminder, birth control can stop you from having babies, but it can’t stop you from having herpes and other such STIs. Olivia and I always say, before you hump, wrap your stump!

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

The next big bogus health scare Anti-science attitudes threaten to undo progress in health, technology Ian Bushfield The Peak (Simon Fraser University) BURNABY, B.C. (CUP) — There is a fantastic scene in the classic 1964 film Dr. Strangelove where General Jack D. Ripper outlines his belief that the communists intend to pollute the “precious bodily fluids” of the citizens of the United States.

Ripper’s paranoia was born out of the Cold War, but continues today in many forms.

Earlier this month, a local B.C. politician hosted a public forum on “the effects of wi-fi and cell phone towers." Meanwhile, in Calgary, councillors have voted to remove fluoride from their water after 20 years.

Fear of the unknown is understandably strong, and when the health of your immediate family is potentially at risk, emotions can get understandably heated. But after thousands of years of progress from our stone-age roots, we no longer have to fear the darkness.

Astronomer and skeptic Carl Sagan said that science is akin to a candle in the dark, and so it behooves us to approach these discussions rationally and calmly, bal-

ancing the evidence and weighing the risks.

The fight over water fluoridation has been going on for a long time, and was a part of the fear that Ripper had in Dr. Strangelove, believing the chemical was used as a form of mind control.

The truth is far less exciting, however, as fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in all municipal water supplies, to varying strength.

More is often added to achieve optimum levels to prevent tooth decay, which as a child who grew up on un-fluoridated well water and did not brush enough, I can only wish I had access to. The evidence is very strong for the benefits of fluoridation, with Health Canada, the World Health Organization and most dental associations supporting controlled fluoridation.

European countries that eschew water fluoridation are often used as an argument against the additive; however, many of those countries add fluoride to milk, bread, or other staples, to ensure the strength of their

nation’s teeth.

Meanwhile, as newer technologies begin to permeate our increasingly connected world, technophobia or neo-Luddism is spreading. Many people have begun to believe they have electro-hyper-sensitivity, and suffer from migraines and other generic ill health effects when in the presence of strong electromagnetic sources.

Unfortunately for them, no reputable study has yet confirmed the existence of this condition, and a growing body of well-researched literature continues to support the safety of current wi-fi and cellular telephone technologies. The few studies that show the smallest of effects mostly suffer from irreproducibility or lack of blinding, where either the researcher or, in some cases, the subjects, know the conditions of the experiment.

Many dangerous substances do exist in the modern world, including carcinogenic plastics, terminator crops and chlorofluorocarbons, yet there is little reason to suspect vast conspiracies of government and industry.

Views

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

11

National accreditation for BCIT’s Civil Engineering BCIT joins 43 schools across Canada which offer an accredited Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering.

Foaad Soleymany The Link

O

n my way home the other day I was thinking about how most people don’t realize what goes into bringing tap water to their homes. The complicated design of a filtration plant and the technology involved is unimaginable. I realized this first hand on my recent visit to the new Seymour-Capilano Water Filtration Plant in North Vancouver. The new plant became operational in May 2010 and is the largest of its kind in North America, holding a daily capacity of 1.8 billion litres. Although it’s good to know where drinking water comes from, I guess it’s not a big deal if most people don’t know since a group of civil engineers have it under control.

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of structures like bridges, roads, canals, dams, and buildings.

Alongside military engineering, Civil engineering is the oldest engineering discipline. It was defined as a discipline to distinguish it from military engineering. Civil engineering takes place on all levels: in the public sector from municipal through to national governments, and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.

The BCIT Civil Engineering Program is one of the oldest programs offered at BCIT since its establishment as the first provincial institution dedicated to advanced technical education in BC in 1962. Since then, the Civil Engineering Program has come a long way.

In June 2010, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) granted national accreditation to BCIT's Civil Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Program. The program has joined 43 schools across Canada which offer an accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. BCIT is only the third non-university institution that offers the accredited program alongside Royal Military College of Canada Located in Kingston, Ontario and Ecole Polytechnique located in Montreal, Quebec.

The mastermind behind the bachelor program at BCIT is Dr. Bryan Folz, PhD, who graduated from the program in 1977 and who has been an instructor at BCIT since 1993.

Left: Cover of the May 20, 1970 Link Newspaper. Posted by SW1-1080 in a glass display board.

Right: Civil Engineering students, March 2011.

“The idea [of accreditation] is to ensure that across the country students who graduate from accredited programs have met a certain standard with respect to the education and the support that the institution provides to the students during their educational studies; so in us receiving the favourable accreditation decision, that says that the delivery of our material is at least the minimum standard if not higher,” states Folz.

I certainly agree with Bryan in that the program offered here is at the same level or even better than that of other leading schools across Canada. I have experience working with graduates of other schools and I always feel confident about my level of knowledge and training.

The most important factor in choosing a career is to be happy about what you do day in and day out. From my experience, I can’t see myself having studies any other field other than civil engineering. I developed a passion for building and modifying structures when I started my first construction job as a framer in 2001. I carried that passion and interest into the Civil Engineering Program at BCIT in 2006. Since then I have been incredibly satisfied with my choice to enrol in the program.

Ann Simonen, a second year civil engineering student, shares the same sentiments.

“I built a pasta bridge in grade 11 and I really liked that because although my bridge didn’t look very good, it was the strongest in the class,” she states.

At first, Ann found the heavy course load, eight courses per semester, a bit challenging.

“It was a big adjustment to get used to since I came straight from high school, but I think [the heavy course load] teaches you how to effectively manage your time.”

Like many other BCIT programs, the Civil Engineering Program teaches you how to be efficient and effective: priceless skills.

Besides acquiring a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, students can also get involved in related student clubs such as the BCIT Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Student Club and BCIT Engineers Without Borders Chapter Initiative. Being part of a student club at BCIT provides students

with a richer experience during their post-secondary education.

On a personal level, my biggest highlights during my time at BCIT were the trips I made to Los Angeles and New Orleans, as part of a team from the Civil Engineering Program, to take part in the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Design Competition.

Another great asset of the BCIT Civil Engineering Program is instructor and program coordinator Dr. Rishi Gupta, PhD. Gupta has been involved in extended studies involving fibre reinforced concrete and is the main force for the involvement of BCIT in the international ACI Design Competitions.

“These are some very exciting competitions. From the concrete bowling ball which has to be light weight and has to have fibres in it to a simple egg protection device which has an egg under it which you are trying to protect under impact loading, I think it is a great opportunity not only for the students to learn about concrete but I think the best benefit the students could actually have is going out to the conference, meeting other students that might come from 10 or 12 different countries, different states in the US, or Canada, so I think that experience is very useful for the students,” comments Gupta.

The most exciting part of being involved in these competitions is the experience of networking and meeting students from all over the world who have the same ambitions and goals.

I am almost done my studies at BCIT and cannot be more satisfied with my learning experience here. Of course, there have been periods when I haven’t wanted to be here or where I felt overwhelmed with work, but that’s life. Over all, I strongly believe that enrolling in the BCIT Civil Engineering Program was a smart and worthy decision. Although a great deal of hard work and dedication is involved and you might not always have the best teachers or groups, at the end of it all, it’ll all be worth it. After four years, I cannot feel more satisfied and proud of my education here and I will never forget the impact that BCIT or my instructors have had on me.

12 Fun

BCIT Link • Mar 23 to Apr 6

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

25 2011-2012 Student Executive Nominations Close

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

24

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

MARCH

23 Link 46-13 on stands!

27 Telekinesis @ The Media Club

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

29

30

31 Another Home Invasion @ Revue Stage

Vancouver Canucks vs LA Kings

1 Content deadline for Link 46-14

APRIL

2 Peter Yorn @ the Commodore

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Sporting Kansas City

3

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4 Student Council Meeting @530pm Council Chambers Volbeat @ Commodore

5

6 7 Link 46-14 Vancouver Canucks on stands! vs Minnesota Wild

Vancouver Whitecaps vs New England Revolution

8 Voting Begins for 2011-2012 Student Elections mybcit.ca

9 George Lopez @ The Centre Cirque du Soleil: Quidam (to Mar 13)

10 Ellie Goulding @ Venue Foals @ the Commodore

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11 Ice Cube @ the Commodore

SUDOKU

12

13

14 Content deadline for Link 46-15 The Graducate @ Granville Island Stage (to May 14)

15 Voting Ends for 2011-2012 Student Elections mybcit.ca

16 Fefe Dobson @ the Vogue Vancouver Whitecaps vs Chivas USA

17

Use your logic to fill in the boxes, rows and columns with the numbers 1-9.

Puzzle must be accompanied by the copyright notice.

bcitstudentnewspaper.ca